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WWE: A Strong Response

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#1 · (Edited)
WWE: A STRONG RESPONSE
The Backstory​

Following No Mercy last night and after a difficult year with ratings and pay-per-view buys taking a downward turn, the steroids and Chris Benoit scandal, the WWE have been forced to take the company in a different direction, starting immediately.

Stephanie McMahon has been joined by Shane McMahon and Nigel Smith to head up the creative team that will see Smith take charge of writing both Raw and Smackdown. Vince McMahon has decided that wrestling and competition must become the main focus of the shows ahead of over the top storylines that have left viewers frustrated and fed up with WWE programming. It must be noted that the McMahon’s may still make appearances on television as Vince in particular sees himself as a top ratings puller.

If things couldn’t have been going much worse for the company, their top star John Cena was injured last week and will be out injured for around 7 to 12 months. With Cena pulling in a lot of ratings and being by far the top seller in regards to merchandise, it is expected that he may have some kind of role in the television shows, but that is only being discussed at the moment.

With regards to the low PPV buys, the WWE have decided that only five pay-per-views will remain in place for the next calendar year at bigger arena’s with the Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, King of the Ring making its return, Summerslam and Survivor Series being the five to add importance to the shows that were lacking in meaning and were rushed like the shows that have been in place this year. With this in mind, Saturday Nights Main Event will return in March and August, but we will also see the show at the end of December too, which will start at the end of this year. By doing this, the WWE are trying to make the TV shows seem more important and to add some more credibility to them and the company in the process.

Another one of several major decisions has seen ECW scrapped immediately due to its poor ratings and feedback from agents. This was seen to be coming for a long time and with its small roster, they have been split between both Raw and Smackdown rosters, which have also seen some changes between them, but none of any major note this far.

However, several workers have been removed from the rosters on WWE.com with Ric Flair and King Booker along with his wife Queen Sharmell apparently leaving the company after lots of speculation around their current situations. This is not seen as a big surprise as Flair and Booker had made themselves very unpopular with management in the build up to their disappearance from television tapings. It must be noted that it has NOT been confirmed by either parties that they have indeed left the company. The other main departure sees Vickie Guerrero leave her role as General Manager of Smackdown, but this is due mainly to family reasons with Vickie missing her children and vice versa. No replacement has been announced yet but Teddy Long will not be making a return to television in the near future. The Major Brothers have been removed from the roster but remain in Ohio Valley Wrestling since their disastrous debut on Smackdown after leaving ECW. Mike Knox has also been released from his WWE contract while ECW General Manager Armando Alejandro Estrada’s profile is no longer on the WWE website, but he has not been released, this is the same situation that Tazz, Joey Styles, Kelly Kelly, Layla and Brooke find themselves in since ECW’s demise.

On the injury front, John Cena as we know is out for the considerable future, Edge is recovering well and is set to return in the next 4 to 6 weeks. Bobby Lashley is pushing for a return at the end of the year and Gregory Helms is the only other long term absentee with a severe neck injury that will see him out until around June next year. Shawn Michaels remains on the sidelines at home following knee surgery several months ago, but there is no word on whether he is ready to return just yet.

On the TNA front, Bound For Glory takes place in six days time boosted by the news that they have signed former WWE superstars Rob Conway and Rob Van Dam. Any WWE return for Van Dam has officially gone out of the window now. However, the Chris Jericho debate continues to go on with neither Jericho or the WWE confirming that he has indeed signed a contract following the cryptic messages that have been displayed on Raw over the last few weeks.





Head of Authority: Eric Bischoff
Announce Team: Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler
Ring Announcer: Lilian Garcia
Backstage Interviewers: Todd Grisham & Leticia Cline

~The Hall of Champions~


***Defeated Edge to win the vacant title at Backlash (27/4/09)***
PREVIOUS CHAMPION: Shawn Michaels (4)


***Won a fatal four-way on Raw (22/9/08)***
PREVIOUS CHAMPION: Ted DiBiase (1)


***Defeated Rey Mysterio & Mystico (1) on Raw (19/1/09)***


***Defeated Beth Phoenix (4) & O.D.B. at Extreme Rules (26/4/09)***


Carlito
Cesaro
Chris Jericho
Christopher Daniels
Cody Rhodes
Eddie Colon
Edge
Eugene
Ezekiel Jackson
Finlay
Goldust
Gregory Helms
Hardcore Holly
Jack Swagger
Joe Hennig
John Cena
John Morrison
JTG
Justin Gabriel
Kaval
Kofi Kingston
Matt Hardy
Mystico
Orlando Jordan
Rey Mysterio
Rob Van Dam
Shad Gaspard
Shannon Moore
Sheamus
The Miz
Zack Ryder

Divas
Angel Love
Brie Bella
Gail Kim
Kelly Kelly
Melina
Mia Rain
Nikki Bella
Queen Kong
Talia Sky

Tag Teams/Stables
Cryme Time
Eugene & Goldust
J'n'J (John Morrison & Justin Gabriel)
Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky)
Rey Mysterio & Mystico
Team Omega (Matt Hardy, Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore)
The Bella Twins (Brie & Nikki)
The Colon Brothers
The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval)
The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig)




General Manager(s): Mr. McMahon & Stephanie McMahon
Announce Team: Michael Cole & Matt Striker
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Backstage Interviewers: Josh Matthews & Maria

~The Hall of Champions~


***Defeated CM Punk (1) at Wrestlemania (29/3/09)***


***Defeated Matt Sydal (1) at the Royal Rumble (18/1/09)***


***Defeated The Empire (Wade Barrett & Drew McIntyre) (1) on Smackdown (9/1/09)***


***Defeated Johnny Jeter (1) on Smackdown 14/11/08)***


***Defeated Beth Phoenix (4) & O.D.B. at Extreme Rules (26/4/09)***






Alberto Del Rio
Bobby Lashley
Brian Kendrick
Bryan Danielson
Charlie Haas
Chavo Guerrero
Chris Masters
Christian
CM Punk
Dolph Ziggler
Drew McIntyre
Elijah Burke
Harry Smith
Homicide
J-Red
Jamie Noble
Jay Lethal
Jimmy Yang
Johnny Devine
Johnny Jeter
Kid Kash
Matt Sydal
Michael Shane
Montel Vontavious Porter
Paul Burchill
Paul London
Petey Williams
Randy Orton
Ron Killings
Santino Marella
Shelton Benjamin
Sonjay Dutt
Super Crazy
Ted DiBiase
TJ Wilson
Wade Barrett
William Regal
Yoshi Tatsu

Divas
Beth Phoenix
Jillian Hall
Katie Lee – Valet & Member of The Empire
Layla
Maria – Also a Backstage Interviewer
'The Million Dollar Woman' Maryse – Valet & Girlfriend of Ted DiBiase
Michelle McCool
Mickie James
Natalya Neidhart – Valet & Girlfriend of TJ Wilson
O.D.B.
Stepahnie McMahon – Executive Vice-President

Tag Teams/Stables
CM Punk & Homicide
Jimmy Yang & Sonjay Dutt
M.V.P. & Ron Killings
Paul London & Brian Kendrick
Power & Perfection (Bobby Lashley & Charlie Haas)
The Empire (Drew McIntyre, Wade Barrett, William Regal & Katie Lee)
The Pitbulls (Jamie Noble & Kid Kash)
The UK Pack (Paul Burchill & Harry Smith)




FCW Heavyweight Champion
Ryback

FCW Tag Team Champions
The Rotundas

FCW Women's Champion
Nikki Roxx

FCW Television Champion
Damien Sandow


Alex Riley (Kevin Kiley)
'The Intellectual Saviour' Damien Sandow (Aaron Haddad)
Darren Young (Frederick Rosser)
'The Valedictorian' David Otunga
'The Maniacal Genius' Dean Ambrose (Jonathan Good)
Fandango (Jonathan Curtis)
'The Beast' G-Rilla (George Murdoch)
'The One Man Band' Heath Slater (Heath Miller)
The Mexican Assassin' Hunico (Jorge Arias)
Jay Uso (Joshua Fatu)
Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu)
'The Human Wrecking Ball' Ryback (Ryan Reeves)
Taylor Rotunda
Tito Colon (Orlando Colon)
'The Ultimate Daredevil' Tyler Black (Colby Lopez)
Windham Rotunda
'The King of Charisma' Xavier Woods (Austin Watson)

Tag Teams/Stables
Alex Riley & Darren Young
Samoan Fury (Jimmy & Jay Uso)
The Harvard Alumni (David Otunga, Damien Sandow, Dean Ambrose & Alicia Fox)
The Rotundas (Taylor & Windham)

Female Performers
'The New Jersey Princess' AJ Lee (April Jeanette)
'The Complete Woman' Alicia Fox (Victoria Crawford)
'The Fearless Angel' Nikki Roxx (Nicole Raczynski)
'Queen Bitch' Rosa Mendes (Milena Roucka)
Serena Deeb
'The Girl Nextdoor' Shantelle Taylor (Shantelle Malawski)
Tamina Snuka (Sarona Reiher)

________


If anyone didn’t catch the No Mercy results from last night, here they are:

Triple H defeated Randy Orton to win the WWE Championship (11:15)

Mr. Kennedy and Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated Jeff Hardy, Paul London and Brian Kendrick (8:06)

CM Punk defeated Big Daddy V (w/Matt Striker) by disqualification to retain the ECW Championship (1:37)

Triple H defeated Umaga to retain the WWE Championship (6:33)

Finlay fought Rey Mysterio to a no-contest (9:08)

Beth Phoenix defeated Candice Michelle to win the WWE Women's Championship (4:32)

Batista defeated The Great Khali (w/Ranjin Singh) in a Punjabi Prison match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (14:47)

Randy Orton defeated Triple H in a Last Man Standing match to win the WWE Championship (20:25)


PAY-PER-VIEW SCHEDULE 2009

RAW & SMACKDOWN PRESENT:
King of the Ring (4 Hours)
Sunday 31st May
From The Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

RAW PRESENTS:
Vengeance (3 Hours)
Sunday 14th June
From The Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

SMACKDOWN PRESENTS:
The Great American Bash (3 Hours)
Sunday 5th July
From The Scottrade Arena in St. Louis, Missouri

RAW & SMACKDOWN PRESENT:
SummerSlam (4 Hours)
Sunday 23rd August
From The Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)


OVERSEAS TELEVISION SCHEDULE 2009
(To be recorded due to time difference)

APRIL
Friday 3rd – Smackdown
(To be recorded on Tuesday 31st March)
The Sheffield Arena
Sheffield, England

Monday 6th – Raw
Adriatic Arena
Pesaro, Italy

Friday 10th – Smackdown
(To be recorded on Tuesday 7th April)
Olympiahalle
Munich, Germany


*Pay-Per-View History & Links*

Cyber Sunday 2007
2007 Survivor Series
2007 Year Ending Saturday Night's Main Event
2008 Royal Rumble
Pre-Wrestlemania Saturday Night's Main Event
Wrestlemania 24
Backlash 2008
Judgment Day 2008
2008 King of the Ring
Vengeance 2008
The Great American Bash 2008
Summerslam 2008
Unforgiven 2008
No Mercy 2008
2008 Survivor Series
Night of Champions 2008
2009 Royal Rumble (20th Annual)
No Way Out 2009
Wrestlemania 25 Pre-Show
Wrestlemania 25
Backlash 2009
Extreme Rules 2009


 
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#1,112 ·
WWE Judgment Day 2008
Sunday May 25, 2008
The Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky




*The Preview*





World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker
Two of the greatest ever to compete inside a squared circle will compete for the richest prize in the industry in one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in recent times.

Rewind to just under two months ago, and Shawn Michaels had just retained the World Heavyweight Championship after a gruelling WrestleMania main event against Edge while The Undertaker extended his legendary WrestleMania winning streak. And just five days later, their immediate futures were changed. The Undertaker overcame Michaels’ WrestleMania opponent to earn himself a shot at the world title, meaning The Heartbreak Kid would once again lock horns with the most feared superstar in the history of the WWE. The two men that contested the first ever Hell in a Cell match, the only two men that remain in the WWE since it’s first Raw television appearance, two true wrestling icons were set on their path to Judgment Day.

It was clear that both men had mutual respect for each other, but when so much lies at stake, even respect isn’t enough to prevent desire and reward. Speculation began to mount that The Heartbreak Kid feared the challenger to his throne, something that the World Champion was keen to deny, calling it respect and not fear. Tension eventually began to mount amid a chair shot from Chris Masters to The Undertaker looked to have been the responsibility of Michaels in the eyes of The Undertaker. From that moment on, the mutual trust evaporated, but that was just the beginning. Looking to make amends, Shawn came to the rescue during a two on one beat down of The Undertaker to fight off Chris Masters & Charlie Haas. The show stopper robbed Masters of a steal chair and inadvertently laid out the man he must beat to remain World Champion this Sunday. The remorse was clear for all to see to everyone but The Undertaker, who sent the one man he has failed to beat throughout his illustrious career a chilling message a week later, telling him he will rest in peace.

This past Friday night saw Shawn Michaels attempt to put the record straight, once again describing his respect for the legendary phenom while stating his hunger to beat him. The two opponents this weekend were then thrust in to tag team action to resolve their differences with Masters & Haas, two men who have well and truly set the cat amongst the pigeons for the vital World Championship match at Judgment Day. The tension threatened to spill over, and it did just that with The Undertaker giving Michaels a possible preview of their upcoming match by chokeslamming him down to the mat and costing them the match. We then saw the gritty World Champion pour water over the rumours he fears the dead man as he went face to face him after the match, but it could be a decision he will live to regret as The Undertaker stood tall, laying Michaels out with a tombstone piledriver. There remains no doubt that if the World Champion falls victim to the tombstone once more, he will be the World Champion no more.

So many questions need to be answered, but there is only one outcome that is vital. Who will leave Judgment Day as the World Heavyweight Champion? Shawn Michaels or The Undertaker? Only one of these legends can be World Champion, and make sure you watch Judgment Day to find out which one it will be.




WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

It is said that when someone is backed against a wall, we find out just how resilient they are, and that couldn’t be truer of Shelton Benjamin and the challenge he faces at Judgment Day.

The United States Champion won’t be just defending his title against one man, but four in the first ever scramble match. The rules of the match are very simple with any fall throughout the 15 minute duration resulting in that person becoming the United States Champion. The person who wins the final fall of the match will leave Kentucky with gold strapped firmly around his waist. The Gold Standard demanded a challenge from Tazz, and he certainly has one.

In recent weeks, his confidence appears to have dropped, and when facing Bobby Lashley just over a week ago, he had to resort to getting himself disqualified. Maybe his over confidence along with the pressure he is facing is beginning to get the better of him. It shouldn’t be surprising as not only does he face the challenge of coping with Lashley, he must get the better of a former United States Champion in Orlando Jordan as well as two men who really can’t get along.

We saw Chavo Guerrero show his true colours after tasting consecutive defeats several weeks back when Ron Killings only tried to reassure him. That led to a confrontation that has led to Chavo trying to get his rival fired and Killings understandably wanting revenge. Chavo seems to be under the impression that someone with Killings’ background shouldn’t be allowed to compete alongside some of a Guerrero’s reputation, and he even went to WWE headquarters in his attempts to see Killings lose his position on the Smackdown roster. Needless to say he was unsuccessful and Killings was full of fury. Tomorrow night will allow Killings the opportunity to settle the score and become the United States Champion at the same time.

With so much at stake in one match, who will cope with the pressure and tension to emerge victorious as the United States Champion?




WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat
Whether you like The Masters of the Mat or not, they certainly have made a name for themselves over the past month or so. They have the opportunity to go one step further and become the WWE Tag Team Champions when they collide with The UK Pack for the gold tomorrow night at Judgment Day.

However, as we saw Friday night on Smackdown, they have gone a long way to helping themselves by injuring one half of the champions in Paul Burchill. As Burchill along with his partner, Harry Smith pulled up in the parking lot, they were pounced on by the duo looking to steal the tag titles this weekend. Masters set upon Burchill and slammed a car door shut on the Englishman’s right arm, breaking his wrist in the process as we were to find out later on in the evening. It’s cast doubt on whether Burchill will be able to compete in the scheduled match, and even if he does, his condition indicates that The Masters of the Mat may well be half way to taking the gold away from their British counterparts.

Harry Smith surprised everyone, and mostly Tazz as he returned to the arena after leaving the hospital his partner was taken to following the assault earlier in the day. Smith was looking to get retribution for Burchill, but Tazz wasn’t about to allow him to walk in to a two on one altercation. He told Smith to look at the bigger picture that is this Sunday night where he can get his revenge instead of putting himself at risk of joining Burchill in the hospital. They were words that Smith wisely took onboard as he left the arena while Chris Masters & Charlie Haas took advantage of the problems between Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker to earn themselves a huge victory just days before their date with destiny.

Have The Masters of the Mat completed half the task, or is their world going to come crashing down on them at Judgment Day? Only time will tell.




WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash
With Jamie Noble on the shelf due to an injury he suffered at Wrestlemania, his partner in crime has moved on to give the Cruiserweight Champion an incredibly tough time.

Kid Kash doesn’t seem to be missing the other half of The Pitbulls as he looks to become a two time Cruiserweight Champion tomorrow night. Judging by the way the things have developed over the last few weeks, no one would be surprised if The Notorious K.I.D. succeeds in getting the better of Michael Shane. The cousin of Shawn Michaels has had it tough ever since surprising everyone by walking out of WrestleMania as the Cruiserweight Champion, but he has failed to impress his toughest critic in Kash. It’s looked as if Kash has been testing Shane, and it also appears that up until Friday night, Shane was failing to deal with his Judgement Day opponent.

Kash successfully got under the skin of Shane with several put downs and telling him that he’s what a real Cruiserweight Champion should be. If he wasn’t getting to Shane emotionally, he would do it physically like he did just over a week ago, attacking him while he was being interviewed. That seems to have shook Shane in to life, and after Kash defeated “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan on Smackdown last night, Shane had a message for him. He made it very clear that he wasn’t going to be pushed around anymore, and that he was going to show not just Kash but the entire wrestling world what Michael Shane is all about.

Has Kash pushed Shane too far? We’ll find out tomorrow night when they collide head on in Lexington.




Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs CM Punk vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP)
Two personal rivalries have developed further over the course of the past month, leading to this huge fatal fourway match with the Money in the Bank contract at stake.

Montel Vontavious Porter, or MVP as he likes to be known thought his future was going to skyrocket having climbed higher than five others at WrestleMania to claim the Money in the Bank briefcase, but here he stands just 24 hours away from losing it all. And if he does, he need look no further than himself for someone to blame following the events of Smackdown last night. When it looked as if we were going to have ourselves an impromptu tag team match, he put pay to that by hitting Matt Hardy, Elijah Burke & CM Punk with the much craved briefcase containing the contract that those four superstars will be competing for tomorrow night.

MVP’s problems with Burke pin back to WrestleMania where the current holder of the prize at stake told his then friend that he wasn’t at his level and capable of winning the Money in the Bank ladder match. Those words clearly had an effect on Burke, and he wasted no time in cutting MVP’s party short after being drafted to Smackdown from Raw. He turned up on his first Smackdown appearance and told MVP exactly what he thought of him before giving him an example of why he used to be a professional boxer.

However, his problems don’t just lie with Burke. The other two men he will face are chomping at the bit to get their hands on each other, and after being laid out by MVP last night, it’s safe to say they’ll be setting their sights on him too. Just like Burke, CM Punk was drafted to Smackdown the night after WrestleMania where he lost the Intercontinental Championship thanks to Matt Hardy and an altercation they had earlier in the night. Everyone is aware of what Punk’s put Matt’s brother, Jeff through, and Matt was able to gain some retribution for both him and Jeff by removing Punk of the same title he retained by beating Jeff to a bloody pulp 24 hours earlier. Once on Smackdown, Punk didn’t waste any time in getting even as he completed his first act on the blue brand in costing Matt the United States Championship in a WrestleMania rematch with Shelton Benjamin. Ever since, Punk has had no problem in rubbing Matt’s face in it and reminding him of what he did to Jeff, but Matt has managed to rub Punk up the wrong way, not going away and becoming a pest for him too.

Matt’s problems with MVP are well documented, and it was only at Saturday Night’s Main Event last December that he defeated MVP for the United States Championship inside a steel cage. Will he be able to repeat that tomorrow night, or will the growing animosity between Punk & MVP give The Straight Edge Superstar more motivation to take away the Money in the Bank briefcase? Elijah Burke mightn’t be so happy to have had his one on one shot at MVP taken away from him, but now that he faces the prospect of being able to take away the contract that could change his life, will that spur him on even more? The possibilities are endless, and you can’t afford to miss it!




Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Jealousy got the better of Johnny Jeter when he decided to turn on his friend several weeks back, but judging by the response he got from Matt Sydal last night, he might now be regretting plunging the knife in his back all those weeks ago.

Both men entered the WWE at the same time late last year, and their friendship looked unbreakable. However, as Sydal fought his way on to the WrestleMania card in earning a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship, Jeter could only sit back and watch on, envious of his buddy getting the opportunity he’d dreamed of. As it happened, Sydal fell short, but another opportunity was just around the corner. It was an opportunity too far however that Jeter simply couldn’t handle, and instead of supporting his friend in his attempt to earn championship gold, he took another route and ensured that if he couldn’t win the title, neither could Sydal, costing him the match against Michael Shane and the possibility of making up for his WrestleMania shortcomings.

Jeter took a great deal of satisfaction in seeing his former friend taste defeat and halt the “bandwagon” as he put it. He reeked of jealousy and envy as he continued to twist the knife, knowing he would have to face the inevitable head to head match up with the man who achieved more than Jeter ever anticipated. The match was set, and as Sydal made his way down to the ring to take on the man he once trusted, Jeter shocked us all he plunged to new depths, attacking Sydal and ensuring their match up didn’t take place by injuring his ribs. However, it was just delaying the inevitable as we found out with Tazz ensuring they will square off tomorrow night, and Jeter found out that Sydal is baying for his blood as he returned to Smackdown last night. After defeating Super Crazy, Jeter was confronted by an edgier Matt Sydal than we are used to seeing, as he removed the shell shocked Jeter from the ring.

Has Jeter pushed Sydal too far, or will he push the knife further in and inflict a damaging wound on his former friend’s career?




Mickie James vs Mia Rain
Once upon a time, Mickie James was a woman who entered the WWE with an aura of mystery and intrigue, just like the woman she will face tomorrow night.

Mia Rain’s arrival on Smackdown has left us all with many questions, but Mickie will be asking her some of her own tomorrow night as she puts Smackdown’s newest diva through her paces. Around a month ago, Mickie was in action against Beth Phoenix after the two of them were drafted to the blue brand when Rain jumped the barricade and attacked Michelle McCool at ringside. That distracted Mickie and allowed Beth to pick up a big win. A week later and with memories of the week before at the forefront of their mind, Mickie & Maria accompanied McCool to ringside for her match with The Glamazon, worried that this mystery woman would strike again, and she did. As Beth earned her second straight victory, Rain emerged from the crowd and jumped Mickie before taking care of Maria with the curious Glamazon watching closely.

Ten days ago, Mickie & Co wanted answers, and they got them from Tazz. He told them that he had given this woman a job and that she would be teaming with Beth to face Mickie & McCool later on in the evening. Rain was very impressive and equally as intimidating and dominating as The Glamazon as they picked off Mickie & McCool. Beth still wasn’t sure of what to make of Mia, and neither was Mickie as she went to Tazz this past week to ask for a one on one match with her. She got it and now she must lock horns with Rain after she swept her way past McCool in singles action last night with the still curious Beth Phoenix watching on from ringside.

Rain sure has got a lot of people taking interest, but will she make Mickie regret showing hers to Tazz? We’ll find out tomorrow night.



The Cutting Edge

We received a bolt of the blue last night as we witnessed the return of “The Rated R Superstar” Edge. Interrupting Shawn Michaels’ interview with Michael Cole, he announced that he too will be at Judgment Day to host the biggest ever edition of The Cutting Edge where he promises he has a big surprise in store. He was adamant he wasn’t going to let it slip, but you have to wonder what it is that he has up his sleeve.

Tune in tomorrow night to find out just what this surprise is. It’s safe to say Edge usually delivers, and if he does live at Judgment Day, we could be in for quite a shock.



PREDICTIONS TEMPLATE
1,000,000,000 points for the winner


World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match

Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)

Which match will open the show?

How many title changes will there be, if any?

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?​


*Show to be posted Saturday or Sunday.

 
#1,113 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)
Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker? maybe?
Which match will open the show?
Sydal vs. Jeter
How many title changes will there be, if any?
3
Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
No
Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
Nope
 
#1,114 ·
Hey man, I haven't dropped any comments in this BTB before, but just want to let you know that I've been a fan of your work since your other WWE BTB, and I'm enjoying this BTB very much. Looking forward to Judgment Day, and here are my predictions.

World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this): MICKIE JAMES VS MIA RAIN! No, really though, HBK/Undertaker is going to be the main event.

Which match will open the show?
Jeter vs. Sydal

How many title changes will there be, if any?
One, not counting the MITB contract.

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
Yeah

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
Hmm, no, I don't think so.
 
#1,115 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

: After you've put Taker over so much on SmackDown, I can't help but think you'll have HBK win here and do the impossible. This could easily run until Summerslam and to do that I feel HBK needs to win clean and look strong from here on in.

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

: There's a lot to be said for Killings or Lashley winning the title here, but it makes no sense in the long term as if Benjamin is ever going to be seen as a major player he has to be seen over coming odds such as these and coming out on top.

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

: If this doesn't happen I'll be amazed, especially with Burchil on the injured list after SmackDown.


WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

: After his promo on Smackdown, i believed that this match means everything to Shane and if he looses here, what does that say about him going forward. he tried his best, yet he couldn't beat Kash, who IMO is not on his level.

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

: I'd rather see CM Punk win here, but it makes more sense to have MVP win.

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain

: Both jeter and Rain have to win in order to continue making some noise on Smackdown. If they lost it would kill their momentum going forward.


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)
LOL. Taker and HBK.

Which match will open the show?
US TM

How many title changes will there be, if any?
1.

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
Yes, but he'll cost them the title.

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
Only unless you want to go with the Ground Zero 1997 finish again for HBK, Taker. Other than that I'd say no.
 
#1,116 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

Seems so much like it set up for HBK to squeeze his way out but I think you might have Taker win and have Michaels go heel and chase.

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

Shelton just won the title at WrestleMania and he should be set up for a healthy run. Lashley would be my second choice.

WWE Tag Team Championship

The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

These two have been on a role and add that Burchill is injured then it all points to you keeping them on that role.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Shane seems logical as it will enhance his reign.


Money in the Bank Contract On The Line

Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

I am kind of dissappointed that these were merged as it would have been a great couple of matches and seems like a way to include the cutting Edge. However this match should be great. MVP to win as having the MITB guy lose the briefcase seems pointless.

PLUS
Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Tough one, you are fan of his so why not

Mickie James vs Mia Rain

Is new and would put her over.

Questions

Which match will be the main event?
(I can’t believe I’m even including this)
I was going to for Sydal/Jeter but Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker just pips it

Which match will open the show? The United States Championship Scramble

How many title changes will there be, if any?
Two

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match? Yes but it will be costly

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests? Hopefully not and I have faith so no.​
 
#1,117 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

I'm seeing Shawn retain, with some funny business.

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

Shelton retains, and moves on to a singles feud with Lashley as Killings and Chavo continue their deal.

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

Hard to call, but the Masters have momentum on their side, so I'm thinking they win the titles, or by DQ.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Shane'll win this one.

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

Don't see MVP losing the briefcase.

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Matt's winning cleanly, or Jeter gets DQ'ed.

Mickie James vs Mia Rain

Mia needs this one, but it'll be a hell of a match.

Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)

World Heavyweight Championship

Which match will open the show?

Cruiserweight Championship

How many title changes will there be, if any?

1

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?

I've got a feeling he'll be involved in some capacity

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?

Sydal vs. Jeter and the WWE Tag Team Championships are candidates.

Preview was awesome, Nige, and I'm definitely looking forward to the show.
 
#1,118 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match

Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)
Trick question? I'll say MVP vs. Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship because after a phenomenal match with a great effort from both men, HBK will retain, only to lose it to MVP who will cash in MITB

Which match will open the show?
The Fatal 4-Way for the MITB - MVP will need to rest for later

How many title changes will there be, if any?
One

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
Yes

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
No
 
#1,119 · (Edited)
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this) World Heavyweight Championship match

Which match will open the show?
Mia Rain vs. Mickie James
How many title changes will there be, if any?
2(Tag Twam and United States)
Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
yes
Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
yes,in the cruiserweight title match as Kash will cheat to win
 
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#1,120 ·
Sorry if I haven't dropped a review in a while, but I have been following along though.

World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match

Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin vs Orlando Jordan vs Chavo Guerrero

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs CM Punk vs MVP vs Matt Hardy

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain

Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)

World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker (Without questi
on)

Which match will open the show?
So much choices, but I'm going with the Cruiserweight Championship match as the opener

How many title changes will there be, if any?
1 (At least)

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
Yes

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
Nope.
 
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#1,121 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

- With Taker having the momentum going in and Shawn having the big "can he do it without outside interferance?" chip on his shoulder, I'm expecting an HBK win here. I think there may be some interferance though, which could cause this feud to continue.

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

- You haven't booked him as an awesome, for lack of better term, "chickensh*t" heel for him to lose here. I see him retaining by some heelish, opportunistic means.

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

- The Masters of the Mat NEED to win here, there's just no way around it. They have unbelievable momentum going into this thing, one of their opponents has a broken wrist, and they're basically the top heels of the show. If they don't win with all that on their side, then their cred may never be fully built back up.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

- Kash has been a good heel going into this thing, but Shane seems to think he has something to prove here. If not for the promo on the last Smackdown from Shane about needing to prove that he's not just someone in Michaels' family tree, I may have picked Kash. However, with a champion making a statement like that, I think you will have him perform at his best and get the win here.

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

- I was going with MVP up until I read where you said the thing about combining these two feuds and how it had been your plan the entire time. My thought before I read that was, "Why would he give MVP the MITB case just to have him drop it a month later?". My thought after I read that was, "Because Punk was involved in a big feud with Jeff Hardy, so he couldn't be in the MITB match."


Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? Taker/HBK

Which match will open the show? Sydal/Jeter

How many title changes will there be, if any? If MITB counts as a title, 2. If not, 1.

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match? Yes, with a broken wrist that the Masters will exploit for all it's worth.

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests? Hope not.
 
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#1,122 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Mickie James vs Mia Rain


Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)
Michaels/Taker.

Which match will open the show?
Shane and Kash.

How many title changes will there be, if any?

One.

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
Yes.

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?

I can see the main event ending in a No Contest, I really could. I predicted the safe bet though.
 
#1,123 ·
World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker

- Although it's not popular for a PPV main event I can see this ending a DQ or No Contest. I know it's been built up for HBK to finally win clean or Taker to finally beat him, but I can see the PPV ending with a shock and it could be a useful way of keeping both men looking reasonably strong. Perhaps Edge might get involved, or maybe even an early Jericho return with him turning. There is also a chance that we could see the MITB cashed in as well. I can't wait to see what you do with this as there are so many possibilities.

WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

- It's still quite early in Benjamin's title reign so I think you'll keep the belt on him for a little longer. I expect it will look like he'll lose in the the closing seconds though, but I expect him to hang on to it. As I said am hoping for a big incident between him and Lashley for a feud in the coming weeks.

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat

- This one isn't as easy to predict as you'd think after the push Masters and Haas have recieved as The UK Pack would look incredibly good if they managed to hold on to the titles here. I reckon they'll put up a good fight, but Masters and Haas have looked really strong recently and they have to win really.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash

- Probably the easiet one to predict on the card and I don't expect a shock here. Shane needs to win this to further establish himself as CW Champ, and I just don't a title change after the work you've done bulding up Shane.

Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke vs Matt Hardy vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) vs CM Punk

- I see Punk taking the briefcase here as I simply think that he has really impressed in this BTB, and I think he has more of a chance of becoming a really strong Champion in your thread. It's unlikely since you gave MVP the case in the first place but thats what i'm going for, and with the way this match was put together it would work well for MVP to complain about Tazz's decision.

PLUS

Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

- I think the feud will continue for a while after the PPV with Sydal eventually coming out on top, but I reckon Jeter will take this one.

Mickie James vs Mia Rain

- Rain needs this win more with her being new, so I think she'll get the win with Phoenix and McCool possibly involved.

Questions

Which match will be the main event? (I can’t believe I’m even including this)
Michaels vs Taker

Which match will open the show?
Sydal vs Jeter

How many title changes will there be, if any?
One.

Will Paul Burchill be able to compete in the WWE Tag Team Championship match?
Yes.

Finally, will there be any DQ’s or No Contests?
I'm going to be brave and say No Contest for the main event, I'm not totally sure how but I think it will.
 
#1,124 ·
<There are a couple of controversial moments in the show that you will see for yourself, but I want to point out that I planned this show and the storylines going in to them several months ago as some of you will know thanks to my strong belief in planning. You will know what they are when you read them, but I’ll address them afterwards to avoid giving anything away now.>


WWE JUDGMENT DAY 2008
Sunday May 25, 2008
Live from The Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky




*Opening Video*

Images: Shawn Michaels’ and then The Undertaker’s celebrations from Wrestlemania. Shawn Michaels’ Hell in a Cell spot from Bad Blood ’97 and getting his arm raised at the end of the match. Last Friday’s Smackdown with Taker chokeslamming and then tomb stoning Michaels. The face to face confrontation from three weeks ago on Smackdown between the phenom and the show stopper.

Narrator: There comes a time when giants collide. . . There is a time when only man can stand tall, and that time has come. . . Two legends will collide for the richest prize in their industry to determine who shall stand tall and proud amongst their peers. . . These legends will sacrifice everything their body has to offer to emerge victorious on this day. . . their Judgment Day.


*Cut to Ringside*

*Pyro*
*Pyro*
*Pyro*
*Pyro*



*Theme Song*
“Take It All” by Zididada


Michael Cole: Welcome everyone to Judgment Day, and what a night it promises to be as Shawn Michaels defends the World Heavyweight Championship against the phenom, The Undertaker in the main event in what should be a match for the ages.


“Time to Shine” hits as Johnny Jeter makes his way down to the ring looking very confident despite the jeers from the crowd.


*Video Recap*

  • Three weeks ago on Smackdown – Matt Sydal walking down to the ring for his match with Johnny Jeter, but Jeter attacking him from behind on the ramp and injuring Sydal’s ribs.
  • A week later with Tazz informing Jeter in his office that the match with Sydal will go ahead at Judgment Day.
  • Last Friday on Smackdown with Jeter telling Maria how he’s visualised what he wants to do to Sydal, and then running Sydal down off after his victory over Super Crazy with Sydal returning, racing down to the ring and clotheslining Jeter to the outside.
*Cut to Ringside*​

“Axeman” plays as a very focused Matt Sydal walks down to the ring, not taking his eyes off of the now more serious Jeter.


***The Opening Match***​



Matt Sydal vs Johnny Jeter

Sydal started the match very aggressively and out of character for him with Jeter trying to slow it down where he could, leaving the ring for brief spells to dodge the bullet.

ENDING: Now in control of the match, Jeter urges his former friend back up, goading Sydal as he slowly makes his way back up to his feet. The moment he’s up, Jeter pounces on him and whips him in to the ropes, but as Sydal hits the ropes, he grabs hold of them and grinds to a halt. Jeter looks angered and races right at him with Sydal fighting for survival, reacting by lifting his boot up in to Jeter’s face, sending him back pedalling across the mat. Sydal takes a mini breather before climbing through the ropes to stand on the apron (halfway across) as Jeter is sent back holding his jaw. As Jeter then turns round, Sydal springboards off the top rope and nails the man who stabbed him in the back with a clothesline. That gets a pop from the crowd as the very determined Sydal stands back up quickly, followed by Jeter who turns round in to his former partner. The high flyer grabs him around the upper chest with both arms before hitting an incredible belly to belly moonsault slam, THE CYCLORAMA. . . . . The fans cheer like crazy for that as their boy Sydal follows up straight away to go for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No, Jeter just lifts his shoulder up with Sydal sitting back up and sinking his head in to his hands. The frustration and disappointment is clear to see as he thought he had it won there and then. He shakes it off and stands back up to pull Jeter across to the corner, putting him in place for the SHOOTING STAR PRESS. . . . . The fans cheer and rise to their feet as Sydal climbs all the way to the top rope, but Jeter starts to come round and grabs the bottom rope, clutching it tight and then pulling himself on to the apron and out of the danger. Sydal grimaces before jumping down off the top and pulling Jeter away from the ropes, but Jeter sits up and pushes him chest first in to the pads, reacting quickly to then crawl up behind him and roll him in to a pinning combination. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Kick out! Jeter stares at the referee as he gets back up, but he doesn’t have time to argue as Sydal gets back to his feet. Jeter grabs Sydal by the arm as he turns round and tries for an irish whip in to the opposite corner only for Sydal to reverse it with Jeter hitting the pads instead. Sydal doesn’t waste a second as he rushes in with serious intent, but as he gets close to his target, Jeter steps out of the corner with Sydal running chest first in to the pads. The impact takes its toll as he turns round and staggers out of the corner with Jeter capitalising instantly by kicking the fan’s favourite in the gut and planting him with a thunderous TORNADO DDT. . . . . Sydal’s head bounces off the mat with Jeter hurrying to turn him on to his back to hook both legs with the referee making the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Sydal gets his shoulder up and Jeter can’t believe it as he sits up in absolute shock, gazing in disbelief at his opponent lying across the mat. He yells at the referee and stands up to make his point, lifting three fingers in to the ref’s face, but the ref makes it clear it was only a two count. With Sydal showing no real sign of movement, the furious Jeter walks in to the corner and climbs up to the top rope with the fans booing him. He doesn’t mess about and jumps off for a double leg drop, but Sydal rolls on to his side with Jeter crash landing on the mat to the obvious delight of the cheering Kentucky crowd. They try to encourage Sydal once again by chanting his name and clapping, and it has an effect as he gets to his knees, but Jeter is also making his way back up. They manage to stand up at the same time several feet apart with Sydal turning round to see Jeter racing at him, but Sydal stuns him with an enziguri in to a head scissors takedown. The fans love it as Sydal picks apart Jeter again, and he races back up to his feet before connecting with a standing moonsault, landing right on top of Jeter before hooking the leg for a pin attempt. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No, shoulder up from Jeter. Sydal doesn’t dwell on the kick out as he rises to his feet right away with Jeter rolling over and crawling the short distance towards the ropes. Sydal goes right after him and reaches down to grab him by his right leg, but Jeter turns over to drive his left leg in to Sydal’s face and push him back and down to the mat. Both men then pick themselves back up with Sydal walking in to a kick to the gut from Jeter who follows up with an irish whip. And as Sydal comes back off the ropes, Jeter jumps up and turns in the air to nail him with a back elbow smash. They both fall to the mat, and as Jeter sits up, the fatigue is obvious as he takes a deep breath before he struggles back to his feet. He then runs in to the ropes and looks to hit a springboard moonsault, but Sydal lifts his knees up in to Jeter’s stomach.

That brings a pop from the crowd as Jeter falls to the mat clutching his chest with the fans then cheering Sydal’s name again, willing him on. It takes him several seconds to stand back up while Jeter also struggles to get up again, and it’s Jeter who looks to strike first with a right hand, but Sydal blocks it and kicks him in the gut. He then pulls Jeter in to his body and quickly plants him with a PUMP HANDLE HALF NELSON DRIVER. . . . . A big roar rings round the arena as Sydal races back up to his feet and drags the motionless Jeter towards the corner. He then climbs up the ropes at quite a speed to then leap off and connect with the SHOOTING STAR PRESS. . . . . It’s deafening inside The Rupp Arena as Sydal lands on top of Jeter and holds on for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Matt Sydal by pinfall @ 10.28.

AFTERMATH: “Axeman” hits to a big pop as Sydal stands up and throws his arms up in to the air with absolute delight and relief. The ref then grabs his left arm to signal the victory with Sydal then walking in to one of corners to celebrate his win, punching the air in front of his equally ecstatic fans. He then climbs down and does the same in the opposite corner before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp satisfied while a frustrated Jeter sits up on the mat holding his stomach.


*Video Promo*
From Earlier Today

Ron Killings talking to a worker in the back when he is jumped by Chavo Guerrero. The Mexican clubbed him across the back and tossed him in to a wall before grabbing him once again and tossing him head first in to a locker room door. Killings dropped to the floor where he clutched his head while Chavo smiled at the attack with the worker going to get help before Chavo turned round and walked away, satisfied by his work.


*Cut to Ringside*​

Michael Cole: We’re being told that due to that cowardly attack by Chavo Guerrero earlier on today that Ron Killings is being checked over to see if he will be able to compete in the scramble match later on tonight. . . But right now, Josh Matthews is standing by.


*Cut Backstage*​

Josh Matthews: Joining me at this time are the men that will tonight defend the WWE Tag Team Championship, Paul Burchill and Harry Smith, The UK Pack.

The camera zooms in to reveal them standing there looking very serious indeed while the tag titles resting on their shoulders with Burchill wearing a cast on his right arm.

Josh Matthews: Paul I have to ask you just how you’re going to be able to compete tonight with a broken wrist after what Chris Masters did to you Friday night.

Paul Burchill: It’s very simple Josh. . . payback. . . After Masters attacked me in the parking lot last Friday night, I’ve been waiting and waiting what seems like a couple of weeks, not days for tonight to come. And now it has. . . As for my wrist, I knew it was broken the moment I felt the heavy car door slam against it, but the doctors told me, albeit reluctantly, I would be able to wrestle tonight as long as I wear this cast. (He lifts his arm up for a close up) Granted, it’s not ideal but I have permission from Tazz also, because nothing is stopping me from getting my hands on Chris Masters tonight.

Josh Matthews: But there must be a lot of risk involved even with the cast.

Paul Burchill: Of course, but like I told the doctors, I either wrestle with the cast or without it. It doesn’t matter what it takes to get me out there tonight because there is no way Harry and I are going to forfeit the match and our titles to that thug and little accomplice of his.

Harry Smith: Josh, you have to understand what Paul said, we had two options. Either we give up the titles and walk away from being the tag team champions or we do what we’ve done from the moment we won them, and that’s fight tooth and nail to hold on to them. . . We beat the odds at Wrestlemania and we’ll do the same tonight.

Josh Matthews: Harry, are you not the slightest bit concerned that your partner’s injury could ultimately cost you the tag titles here tonight?

Smith looks at Burchill and smiles.

Harry Smith: His mind is made up and that’s it. I can’t stop him going out there, and quite frankly I wouldn’t. We’re a team and we’re going to do what it takes as a team to keep these titles away from the two men that are going to pay for what they did Friday night. And believe me, they are going to pay. You can quote me on that.

Josh Matthews: Thanks fellas. Good luck.

Smith & Burchill turn round and walk out of the shot.


*Video Recap*​
  • Four weeks ago on Smackdown with Mia Rain coming out of the crowd and attacking Michelle McCool, distracting Mickie James and costing her the match against Beth Phoenix.
  • Seven days later and Rain coming out of the crowd again, attacking Mickie & Maria after The Glamazon defeated McCool.
  • Last Friday night with Rain picking up her first singles win by beating McCool and Mickie asking Tazz to face Rain at Judgment Day.
***Match #2***​



Mickie James vs Mia Rain
Rain has been aggressive since the get go, looking very aggressive and intimidating despite Mickie coming back at her on a number of occasions and posing a real threat.

ENDING: The intense looking Rain calmly approaches the wriggling Mickie as she remains on the mat. Mia reaches down and drags her back up to level her with a vicious forearm shot, following up with an irish whip. But as Mickie comes flying back off the ropes, she dives at her Mia and takes her opponent down with a LOU THESZ PRESS. . . . . The fans in Lexington really get behind Mickie, cheering loudly as she pummels Rain with a series of shots to the skull until the ref steps in. Mickie doesn’t want to stop but she reluctantly pulls herself off of Rain with both divas making their way up to their feet as Mickie looks to get herself in to the match, and she does just that by pouncing on the groggy Rain and planting her with a SWINGING REVERSE DDT. . . . . A big pop echoes around the arena as Mickie frantically scurries across the mat and hooks both Rain’s legs with the referee making the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Shoulder up! Mickie sits up in disappointment as she sees Rain turn on to her side. James doesn’t let the disappointment get to her as she stands back up and drags Mia up from her knees, pulling Rain’s head under her arm before sending her crashing back courtesy of a LEG HOOK SUPLEX. . . . . With the leg hooked and Rain flat on her back, the ref hits the mat again to count her shoulders. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Rain lifts her shoulder up off the mat to prevent a defeat. Mickie takes it on the chin and looks fired up with the belief that she can win the match as she hurries to her feet and urges Rain up. It doesn’t take too long as the tough diva also picks herself back up, turning right round in to Mickie’s grasp with the former Women’s Champion kicking her in the gut and pulling her in to place for the IMPLANT DDT. . . . . Mickie lifts her arm in to the air to get the crowd going, but it gives Mia the chance to react, slipping out of Mickie’s claws and slipping behind her to push her forward in to the ropes with desperation. And as Mickie comes back, Mia grabs her around the waist and sends James crashing down to the mat with a devastating spinning back breaker after a heavy collision with Rain’s knee first. That could be the end as a sadistic looking Rain grins before reaching across and going for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Mickie fights on, kicking out and leaving Rain somewhat bemused. It seems to anger her as she then stands back up, dragging Mickie up with her before sending her right back down again with a neckbreaker. Rain tries to end it with Mickie looking in danger as her legs are hooked once again with the ref dropping to his knees to count the fall. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Cheers ring out as Mickie shows her resilience once again by somehow lifting her shoulder up off the mat. Rain looks absolutely stunned as she sits back up and stares down at Mickie slowly rolling on to her side. Mia becomes crazed as she slowly stands back up without taking her eyes off of Mickie, looking totally focused on hurting her. She then reaches down as Mickie gets up to her knees, but as Mia tries to help her up, Mickie stuns her by rolling in to a small package. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Rain just kicked out, but she rushes back up with Mickie still feeling the effects of the match so far. As Rain pulls her back up, Mickie responds once again with a spin kick to the gut, completely taking Rain by surprise. Mickie regains her composure before grabbing Rain by the head and signalling for some STRATUS FACTION. . . . . The crowd cheer like crazy as she then runs towards the ropes with Rain gripped tight, but evidently not tight enough as Mia tosses Mickie down to the mat after hitting the ropes for the springboard. Rain looks slightly human now as she takes a couple of seconds to herself as Mickie picks herself back up. Rain waits calmly for Mickie to turn round before charging at her and taking her down with a hard falling clothesline. Mia immediately gets back up and walks round to Mickie’s legs, shifting her in to place to lock in an INVERTED STF. . . . . The pain is written all over Mickie’s face as Rain’s determination to make her tap is just as evident, but with the fans willing her on, Mickie starts fighting the hold.

She’s not going anywhere right now, but with the crowd’s encouragement getting louder, Mickie responds by giving it everything she’s got to drag herself across the mat, gradually getting closer and closer to the bottom rope. Rain tries not to panic but she turns back to see that Mickie is within touching distance of the rope, and with one last throw of the dice, Mickie reaches out and grabs hold of the bottom rope to the delight of the crowd. Rain seems infuriated as she eventually lets the hold go and glares at Mickie, who looks exhausted. Rain stands up very slowly with evil intentions written all over her face as she drags a screaming Mickie away from the ropes and back up to her feet, where she then scoops her up on to her shoulder. Mickie starts wriggling around, desperately fighting to stay in the match, and she manages to slip down Mia’s back only for Rain to fight back straight away by swinging her elbow back in to the side of James’ head. Mickie falls to her knees momentarily as Rain then turns round and roughly woman-handles Mickie to lift her up in to the air for THE ACID RAIN (Bridging Strait Jacket Electric Chair Drop). . . . . Rain nails it and Mickie’s lights are well and truly out as Mia follows up to go for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Mia Rain by pinfall @ 8.33.

AFTERMATH: “Let It Fall” hits to heat from the crowd as the smirking Mia Rain stands back up to get her arm raised by the referee. She looks slightly more relaxed now the match is over as she then walks to the ropes and climbs through them to walk to the back as Mickie remains laid out on the mat.


*Cut Backstage*​

Tazz is walking through the back and walks up to a door that has the sign “Medic” on it. He doesn’t knock and just walks in with a medic shining a light in both of Ron Killings’ eyes as he sits on the table.

Tazz: How’s he doin’ doc?

The medic turns his instrument off and turns to Tazz.

Medic: To be honest, I’m not sure it’s such a good idea he competes tonight. There’s no real damage but he took quite a bang to the head. (Turns back to Killings) I’d advise you to forget about wrestling tonight just incase you suffer a concussion.

Ron Killings: No way man, I’m wrestlin’ tonight and nothin’ ya can say is gonna stop me.

Tazz: Whoa, listen to the doc. There ain’t no need to do yourself any damage tonight.

Killings stands up looking very serious.

Medic: I’m wrestlin’. If I get a concussion, so be it. I’m goin’ through wit’ the match and I’m gonna make Chavo wish he weren’t born.

Tazz holds his hands up and turns to the medic.

Tazz: You heard him. (Turns back to Killings) Well I guess I better wish you good luck since you might need it.

Ron Killings: It ain’t me who needs the luck boss, it’s Chavo. You better make sure there’s an ambulance ready for him after the match, ‘cos he’s sure as hell gonna need it when I’m through wit’ ‘im.

Killings walks over to the door and can’t leave quick enough with Tazz then turning back to the medic.

Tazz: You’re here all night right?

Medic: That’s right.

Tazz: Good. You could be a very busy man. . . Check ya later doc.

Tazz walks out as the camera fades out.


*Video Promo*
Image: Josh Hayger working out inside a wrestling ring in an empty building.

Narrator: The time is nearly here. The birth of a new sensation is just days away. . . He will show the entire population his talent is unlimited as he takes the WWE by storm. . . His name is Josh Hayger.




*Cut to Ringside*


***Match #3***



WWE United States Championship
15 Minute Scramble Match
Bobby Lashley vs Ron Killings vs Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Chavo Guerrero vs Orlando Jordan

Lashley has looked dominating while Shelton Benjamin & Orlando Jordan have gone about the match in a sneaky fashion, trying to stay out of trouble with Ron Killings gunning for a reluctant Chavo Guerrero. Shelton currently holds on to his championship having just pinned Chavo following an axe kick from Killings and tossing him shoulder first in to the ringpost.

ENDING: Shelton stands up with a big smile on his face while Chavo rolls out of the ring to recover on the outside, and as The Gold Standard raises his arms up in to the air celebrating the fall, he remains oblivious to the fact that Bobby Lashley is back up on his feet and stalking him. With the crowd cheering, Shelton seems concerned, and as he turns round, Lashley charges right at him and rips him in half with one hell of a SPEAR. . . . . That brings an almighty cheer from the Lexington faithful as Lashley mops up to make the cover on the current champion with the ref right there to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. . . . .

Lashley hasn’t just pinned the United States Champion, he’s just become the United States Champion for the time being. He doesn’t seem all that pleased as he stands up, still looking as intense as ever, but sneaking up behind him is the cowardly Orlando Jordan who rolls him up. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Lashley kicks out with force, pushing him away and down to the mat, albeit temporarily. Lashley is right back up and he immediately grabs hold of Jordan and whips him in to the ropes, planting him with a monstrous spinebuster. Jordan rolls around in agony, selling the big impact move from the current champion who’s still not showing any signs of satisfaction. Killings makes his way back up, but so does Chavo on the outside, and the scheming Mexican reaches inside the ring and drags Killings under the bottom rope to the outside. The surprised Killings is helpless as Chavo then whips him right in to the nearby steel steps, creating a deafening thud inside The Rupp Arena. A crafty smile emerges on the face of Guerrero as he looks down at Killings lying on the floor. Chavo then climbs up on to the apron with Lashley totally oblivious as he stands back up after the spinebuster on Jordan, and as he turns round, Chavo flies through the air and sends the big man down to the mat with a MISSILE DROPKICK. . . . . Chavo scurries back across the mat as he looks to pin Lashley. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! An emphatic kick out from Lashley keeps the title on him for now as he races back up to see Jordan squirming. Chavo looks to use the situation to his advantage, dragging him up and levelling him with a BRAINBUSTER. . . . . Jordan looks out of it as Chavo rushes to cover him. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Shelton Benjamin dives across in the knick of time to stop the cover. Both he and Chavo slowly make their way back up alongside each other, but Lashley is also back on his feet, and as Shelton & Chavo turn round, Lashley charges at them and takes them both down to the mat with a double clothesline. That gets a pop from the sell out crowd as Lashley then pulls Shelton up from his knees and plants him with a T-BONE SUPLEX. . . . . Shelton wriggles around in pain as Lashley continues to bring the pain, turning his attention to Chavo as he gets to his feet. Lashley grabs him around the waist from behind and sends him flying back with a FLIPPING RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX. . . . . The current United States Champion looks to be in total control, and as he spots Jordan slowly getting to his knees, he decides to give OJ a helping hand. He walks over to him and lifts him up in to a MILITARY PRESS. . . . .

Lashley then walks over to the ropes and dumps him on the arena floor. The crowd cheer as Lashley turns back to see the devastation he’s left behind. With both Chavo & Benjamin starting to stir, Lashley has a decision to make as he sets himself up to wreak more havoc, and with Shelton showing more rapid signs of movement, Lashley locks in on him. Shelton doesn’t seem to be totally aware of where he is, and as he turns round, he’s on the receiving end of another spear from the oncoming Bobby Lashley. The crowd seem to be enjoying the sight of The Gold Standard rolling around the canvas clutching his stomach, and as Lashley stands back up, Chavo is doing the same with the aid of the ropes. He then runs right at Chavo, but the quick thinking of Guerrero helps him as he ducks down and pulls the bottom ropes down to send Lashley over the top and down to the floor below. With Benjamin helpless on the mat, Chavo spots his opportunity and he runs in to the corner to climb up all the way to the top. He looks down and grins for a second before leaping through the sky to connect with a FROG SPLASH. . . . . A chorus of boos ring out as Chavo comes crashing down on Shelton’s chest and follows up to hook both legs for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. . . . .

Chavo Guerrero is the United States Champion for the time being! He sure does look happy with himself as he stands back up and walks over to the ropes, gesturing to the crowd and talking smack while Killings slips back in the ring at the opposite side with Shelton rolling in to the corner. As he stands up, Chavo backs away from the ropes smiling, not having a clue about Killings who takes him by surprise, spinning him round and nailing him with a hard right hand. It knocks Chavo off balance and enables Killings to whip him in to the ropes, and he nails him as he comes back with a CORKSCREW ELBOW SMASH. . . . . That goes down well with the fans as Killings gets back up, followed by Chavo who is met with a hard kick to the gut with Killings turning to the side, running the ropes and coming back to level him with a SCISSOR KICK. . . . . Chavo drops to the mat with Killings following him to make the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. . . . .

Ron Killings takes the title of United States Champion for the remaining minute or so of the match. As Killings stands back up and stomps Chavo to the apron, Lashley & Killings get back up on the outside with Lashley blocking a right hand from OJ and whipping him in to the ringpost. The focused Lashley then climbs back in to the ring with Killings spotting him and staring at him, not showing any fear at all and looking very determined. The two of them walk towards each other in the centre of the ring with Lashley blocking a right hand and connecting with a couple of his own to put Killings on the back foot. With Killings slightly dazed, Lashley grabs him around the upper chest with both arms and sends him flying back with an OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX. . . . . With time coming down to around 30 seconds, Lashley realises he doesn’t have time to waste, so he bends down and drags Killings back up, setting him up for THE DOMINATOR. . . . .

As Lashley lifts him up on to his shoulder, Killings shows the desperation to hold on to the title as he wriggles down Lashley’s back to safety and quickly takes him down with a SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP. . . . . Killings is getting closer and closer and as Chavo looks to be coming round on the apron, he runs towards him and baseball slides him off the apron to the floor below. Killings’ attention switches away from the match for a moment as he looks down with contempt at Chavo while Lashley picks himself back up behind him, and as Killings turns round and steps away from the ropes, Lashley charges at him and tears him in a half with a RIP ROARING SPEAR. . . . . Killings is out of it, but as Lashley is about to make the count, Benjamin races out of the corner and levels him with a sit down dropkick before readjusting his position to cover Killings himself. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. . . . . Shelton regains the United States Championship with seconds to spare. He quickly slips out of the ring and walks round to pick up his belt as the clock runs out.


WINNER: And still the WWE United States Champion, Shelton Benjamin @ 15.00.

AFTERMATH: “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me” hits to heat from the crowd as Benjamin grabs the United States Championship from the timekeeper and raises it up in to the air. He looks delighted with himself and brings it down to hold close to his chest, holding on to it for dear life. He then raises it back up in to the air with a big smile on his face as he walks round to the ramp as the ref then joins him on the outside and raises his arm as the winner. He looks back to see Lashley sitting up in absolute frustration, but Shelton just laughs at him, which doesn’t go down well, met with a scowl from the intense Lashley. Nothing is putting a downer on Benjamin’s night as he just back tracks with a big smile on his face, raising his title up in to the air for all to see.


*Video Promo*
From Earlier Today
Shawn Michaels, the World Heavyweight Champion & Michael Shane, the Cruiserweight Champion are shown arriving in the arena with the travel bags in toe as Maria tries to catch up with them.

Maria: Shawn, have you got a minute?

Michaels looks very focused and carries on walking, seeming as if he’s not even heard Maria, but Shane hears her behind him and turns to Shawn.

Michael Shane: I’ll catch you up in a sec’ cous’.

HBK nods his head and carries on walking as Shane then turns back with Maria walking up to him.

Maria: How is Shawn after The Undertaker tomb stoned him Friday night on Smackdown?

Michael Shane: He’s doin’ fine Maria, he’s just preparing himself emotionally for his match tonight. You’ve got nothin’ to worry about, he’ll be ready for The Undertaker, and not only will he be ready for him, he’ll beat The Undertaker. . . He knows what he’s up against after what happened Friday night, but this is The Heartbreak Kid we’re talkin’ about. Once he gets in that ring tonight and the bell rings. . . BOOM! The show stopper’s gonna take it to The Undertaker and walk out just like he walked in, the World Heavyweight Champion.

Maria: What about your match tonight?

Michael Shane: Maria, just like my cousin, I’m walkin’ in as a champion, and I’m walkin’ out as a champion. It’s that simple toots. . . You have a good night now you hear.

Shane smiles at a glowing Maria before walking back down the hall with his travel bag trailing behind.


*Cut to Ringside*


***Match #4***




WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Michael Shane (c) vs Kid Kash
Michael Shane has looked very impressive, but The Notorious K.I.D. has managed to cheat his way back in to the match.

ENDING: With Shane now on his back, the cocky Kash slowly walks across to him and pulls him back up to his feet. He then whips the Cruiserweight Champion in to the corner and takes a second before running in at him, but he’s in for a shock as Shane fights back by lifting his elbow in to Kash’s face. It sends Kash staggering out of the corner while Shane decides to climb to the top rope with the fans supporting him. Lying in wait for Kash, Shane sees him turn round and dives off for the top to land on to of his opponent with a CROSS BODY. . . . . The ref rushes across and drops to his knees as he counts the fall. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Kash pushes Shane off with both men quickly returning to their feet. Kash runs right at Shane and in to an arm drag takedown, landing by the ropes. As he stands back up against the ropes, Shane runs right at him and clotheslines him over the top to the outside, resulting in a pop from the Lexington fans. It doesn’t take long however for Kash to make his way back up, but Shane is ready and waiting as he turns back to run the ropes, races back and throws himself through them to connect with a SUICIDE DIVE. . . . . Both men hit the floor as the crowd cheer for the fearless Cruiserweight Champion. Shane is first to come round as the ref’s count gets to four, and as he stands back up, he pulls Kash up too and tosses him back in to the ring. He then slips back in himself and walks over to the opposite side of the ring while Kash struggles to his feet.

As he does so, Shane senses the end could be near as he starts to tune up the band with the crowd getting right behind him. Kash looks dazed as he manages to pick himself back up, and once he turns round, Shane explodes out of the corner looking to hit the SWEET SHANE MUSIC. . . . . Kash sees it coming though and ducks his head, and as Shane stops dead and turns back round, Kash stomps him in the gut and pulls Shane’s head under his arm, setting him up for the BRAINBUSTER DDT. . . . . It could be lights out for the Cruiserweight Champion, but as Kash lifts him vertically up in to the air, Shane counters straight away, slipping down the back of Kash and grabbing him around the waist to plant him with a BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX. . . . . Shane holds on tight as the ref hurries across to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Kash just gets his shoulder up to keep his title hopes alive, and there’s a slight hint of frustration on Shane’s face as he sits up and looks disappointedly at the referee. He shrugs it off as he stands back up and runs in to the corner while Kash remains flat on his back. There’s no sign of any flies on Shane as he makes his way up top before then leaping off for a DIVING ELBOW DROP. . . . . As Shane comes down out of the sky with his elbow reaching out, Kash comes alive and rolls to the side with Shane crash landing on the canvas. Now both men are down and the crowd try to will Shane on, clapping and stomping their feet. They both start to make their way back up at the same time while looking groggy, and as they turn to face each other, Kash throws a right hand at the champion, but Shane blocks it and follows up with a hard kick to the gut. He then turns back to run the ropes, but as he runs back, Kash shoots back to life by jumping up in to the air and connecting with a HURRICANRANA. . . . . It takes both Shane and the crowd by surprise with Kash looking to take advantage with the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Shane just kicks out with Kash looking shell shocked. He turns to the referee and starts yelling at him, but the ref stands his ground as they both stand up and get in each other’s face. Kash is livid, but as he sees Shane getting to his knees, he turns his attention back to the match and drives his boot viciously in to the ribcage of the Cruiserweight Champion, putting Shane’s recovery on hold. The ruthless challenger now shifts round to Shane’s legs and turns him over on to his back, allowing him to lock in an elevated Boston crab, KASH ON DELIVERY. . . . . Shane’s face tells the story as he winces in pain as Kash puts him through some serious torture while the fans try to encourage Shane by clapping continuously.

The resilient champion starts to put up a real fight, trying to drag himself across the mat as Kash holds on for dear life with a look of utter determination on his face. The crowd get louder as Shane pulls himself closer and closer to the bottom rope and safety with Kash starting to panic, and with one brave push, Shane throws his arm forward to grab hold of the bottom rope. A big pop echoes around The Rupp Arena as the ref tells Kash to let the hold go, which he only does at the count of four with utter frustration. Shane looks relieved and tired as he drags the rest of his body closer to the apron. Kash tries to pull him back, but Shane clutches on to the rope for dear life and eventually kicks him away with force, pushing him back and down to the mat.

That doesn’t go down well with the clearly irate Kash as he stands back up and walks across to Shane. The champ uses the ropes to help himself back up, and as Kash walks up to him, Shane drives his boot in to Kash’s chest, sending him back pedalling once again. Shane takes a brief breather before running at Kash, but he ducks Shane’s outstretched arm and spins him round in to a kick to the stomach. Kash then sets him up for a pump handle, but once he lifts Shane up, the champion slides down to safety and lands on his knees a couple of feet away. Kash is shocked, and just as he turns round, Shane rises up and reacts by nailing him with the SWEET SHANE MUSIC. . . . . Kash just collapses to the mat with Shane falling on top of him for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: By pinfall, and still the Cruiserweight Champion, Michael Shane @ 10.37.

AFTERMATH: Shane’s music hits to a pop from the crowd as he slowly gets back up to his feet to get his arm raised by the referee as well as being passed his Cruiserweight Championship belt after a hard fought victory. He walks in to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, lifting the belt up to pose and celebrate for the appreciative crowd. He turns and steps down while breathing heavily and showing the effects of the match as he leaves the ring and walks up the ramp, still the Cruiserweight Champion.


*Cut Backstage*​

A very focused MVP is lacing up his boots in his locker room with the Money in the Bank briefcase sitting right alongside him on the bench when we hear the door open and close. MVP doesn’t look too happy as we then see a smug looking CM Punk walk towards him, causing MVP to stand up as boos ring out in the arena.

CM Punk: Hey, how you doin’? I just thought I’d stop by and see how you’re feelin’ ‘bout losin’ that briefcase tonight you worked so hard for at Wrestlemania.

MVP has contempt in his eyes as the smug Punk just looks back at him without a care in the world.

CM Punk: I bet you’re feelin’ pretty bad about yourself now for hittin’ Matt, Burke and even me with that (looking at the briefcase) now huh? . . . I’ll tell you what though, you shouldn’t worry about them takin’ that from ya tonight, you should worry about the one man who can and will steal it away from ya. . . me, CM Punk. You can forget all about those two clowns, but I’ll tell you what, I’ll give ya some credit. You’re a smart guy, and since you look like you ain’t slept for two nights, you probably know that I’m the one you have to watch out for tonight. You and everyone else know that I’m on a whole other level to not just Matt Hardy and Elijah Burke, but everyone else in this company. That’s why you’re powerless to stop what’s gonna go down tonight. (Looks towards the briefcase again) I’m gonna take that contract and prove to the entire world that CM Punk is the future of this business, and you know what I like even more about all this? With that contract in my possession, no one and I mean no one will be able to deny it.

MVP is clearly full of rage and it comes out despite trying to keep it in.

MVP: Yeah? You wanna know what you’re takin’ tonight? . . . Nothin’. You ain’t takin’ nothin’ but another shot to the head with the briefcase I’ll be holdin’ on to thank you very much. (He picks up the case) Ain’t you or anyone takin’ this away from me. You got that? It’s mine an’ I’m holdin’ on to it, an’ soon enough, you’re gonna be lookin’ at Montel Vontavious Porter, the World Heavyweight Champion.

MVP pushes his way past Punk, but The Straight Edge Superstar just smirks, reeking of self confidence.


*Video Recap*​
Last Friday night on Smackdown and CM Punk walking to the ring to stop The VIP Lounge with MVP then coming out and arguing with CM Punk before Matt Hardy & Elijah Burke came out to join in, leading to a tag match being agreed only for MVP to level Matt, Burke and then Punk with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Tazz then coming out to the stage and informing everyone that the two singles matches between Burke & MVP, Matt & Punk will be put together in a fatal fourway for the Money in the Bank briefcase at Judgment Day, making MVP very unhappy.


*Cut to Ringside*


***Match #5***




Money in the Bank Contract On The Line
Elijah Burke w/Layla vs Matt Hardy vs CM Punk vs Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP)
Matt Hardy & Elijah Burke have worked well together while CM Punk & MVP fail to get along altogether.

ENDING: With Matt on the outside and CM Punk still down on the mat, Burke & MVP make their way up to a vertical base with Burke unloading with a couple of hard right hands, putting MVP on the back foot. He then grabs Porter by the wrist and whips him in to the ropes, and as MVP comes back off, he runs right in to a LIFTING SPINNING SIT DOWN SPINEBUSTER. . . . . That gets quite a pop from the fans as well as an enthusiastic applause from Layla on the outside as Burke holds on for the cover attempt. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Punk dives across just in time to stop the count, landing on top of Burke and forcing him on to his side. It takes them a short time before they are able to stand up, and it’s Punk who strikes first with a series of martial arts kicks. He then switches gears and tries for an irish whip, but it’s reversed by Burke who nails Punk as he comes back with a perfect standing dropkick that is met with a pop from the crowd. Both men are back up fairly quickly with Burke up first and turning back to run the ropes, and as he runs back, he sends Punk right back down again with a flying shoulder tackle. Burke is on a role, and as he stands up looking very focused with Punk following, he grabs his opponent by the arm and whips him hard in to the corner with Punk hitting the pads chest first. The Straight Edge Superstar remains slumped against them as Burke turns to the crowd and smiles, sensing an opportunity.

He then pulls his knee pads down to his ankles before charging at Punk and jumping up at his back, driving his knees in to his spine for THE ELIJAH EXPRESS. . . . . As Burke back tracks out of the corner, Punk falls to the mat, but Burke’s in for a shock as Layla fails in trying to warn him that MVP is right back up and approaching right behind him. The oblivious Burke is then spun round by Mr. Money in the Bank who kicks him in the gut and sets him up for THE PLAYMAKER. . . . . Porter takes his time, looking smugly in to the crowd as Matt Hardy re-enters the ring to MVP’s left. Matt pulls him away from Burke and in to place for the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . The crowd go nuts, and Matt doesn’t mess about like MVP and drives him down face first in to the canvas. A massive pop breaks out as Matt turns over and hooks both legs. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Burke breaks it up by pulling Matt off of MVP by his feet. Matt stands up and stares right at Burke, asking him what he was doing despite it being painfully obvious. Burke points at the briefcase and makes his point clear, but Matt’s obviously annoyed his chance to win the contract was taken away from him and shoves Burke with the ever appealing Layla looking worried on the outside. The former boxer shakes his head, pointing out Matt shouldn’t have done that before levelling him with a vicious right hand, but Matt fights back with one of his own as they start to exchange blows. Burke comes out on top, landing three in a row before trying for an irish whip, but Matt reverses the whip and pulls Burke right in to him. He swiftly kicks him in the stomach and plants him with a SIDE EFFECT. . . . . The fans cheer as Matt rushes back up to his feet and runs in to the corner, where he climbs up to the second rope. With Burke at his mercy, he dives off and connects with a leg drop. That also gets a pop from the crowd as Matt looks to go for the cover straight away with the ref rushing to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No, Burke gets his shoulder up to the relief of Layla. As Matt stands back up, he sees Punk is making an attempt to do the same in the opposite corner. Punk is struggling slightly and he stares intensely right at Matt with the bitter rivals then glaring at each other. Matt’s feeling pretty good as he charges at Punk and nails him with a clothesline, holding on to his head as he then turns himself round and runs out of the corner to take Punk down with a bulldog. The crowd continue to cheer Matt as he puts a hurting on Punk. Matt picks himself right back up on his feet and urges Punk up, and boy does Matt look pumped. He’s ready to explode as Punk gets to his knees, totally unaware of the fate awaiting him, and as he stands up straight, Matt levels him with a kick to the gut and pulls him in to place for the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . Matt roars in to the crowd, but as he spins round, Punk slips out of his grasp. Matt panics and turns round in to a desperate Punk who nails him with a thunderous ENZIGURI. . . . . Both men hit the deck with Punk crawling across the mat to turn Matt on to his back and try for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Shoulder up! A massive cheer breaks out as Matt lifts his shoulder up to the absolute shock of CM Punk. He looks utterly gobsmacked as he sits up and stares down with utter contempt for Matt. He eventually stands up with evil intentions in mind, but as he bends down to pull Matt up, he sees MVP getting to his knees. Punk switches targets and lets go of Matt, leaving him flat out on the canvas, walking instead to MVP and pulling him up from his knees. Looking totally focused, Punk attempts to lift him on to his shoulder for the GO TO SLEEP. . . . . MVP doesn’t let that happen as he slips down Punk’s back straight away, and as both men turn round to face each other, Porter hits him with a capoeira kick.

Punk slumps down slightly while clutching his chest, but MVP doesn’t let him recover, grabbing him around the upper chest and tossing him behind instantly with a SNAP OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX. . . . . That brings a mixed reception from the crowd, but with Burke squirming, MVP sets his sights on him, also looking very focused on the job in hand. Burke is able to make his own way up to his knees with MVP standing by, ready to strike. And as Burke just about gets to his feet, MVP kicks him in the gut and sets him up for THE PLAYMAKER. . . . . And this time he hits it. Burke is out of it, and MVP thinks the time is now as he hooks the leg for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Matt Hardy comes to the rescue, diving across on top of MVP. The relief in the crowd and Layla’s face is there for all to see as all four men remain down and out, completely exhausted from the back and forth match. MVP & Matt are the first two men to stir, and as MVP gets to his feet, he looks down in complete anger at Matt for costing him the chance to win moments ago and reaches down to grab him, but Matt catches him off guard by pulling him in to a SMALL PACKAGE. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Kick out! MVP just escapes there, and as he and Matt get back up to their feet reasonably quickly, Matt ducks a wild right hand from Mr. Money in the Bank and whips him hard in to the corner with MVP’s back crashing in to the pads. He then staggers out of the corner in obvious pain with Matt taking advantage, kicking him in the stomach and planting him with the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . For the second time in the match, Matt connects with his finisher on MVP, but before he can go for the cover, Punk has come back to life, sneaking his way up behind Matt. Punk takes him by surprise as he then pulls him up to his feet and connects with the GTS. . . . . Matt’s head just got dropped on to Punk’s knee, and The Straight Edge Superstar goes for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: CM Punk by pinfall @ 16.29.

AFTERMATH: “This Fire Burns” hits to heat from the crowd as the smug CM Punk stands back up and gets his arm raised by the referee. He then turns to see the Money in the Bank briefcase resting on the apron and walks over to collect his new possession. He bends down and picks it up, staring at it with a smug smile on his face for several seconds before lifting it up in to the air to a ton of heat from the Kentucky crowd. He just shrugs it off and climbs through the ropes as Layla slips inside to check on Burke as he comes round, not totally sure of where he is. Punk walks up the ramp with a massive smile on his face as he continues to look at the briefcase.


*Cut Backstage*​

Shawn Michaels is walking down the hall, still looking very low key as he holds on to a bottle of water. As he turns a corner, he bumps in to “The Rated R Superstar” Edge. It looks as if Christmas Day has come early for Edge judging by his expression.

Edge: Whoa Shawn, you’re here. I’ve gotta say I’m impressed. After I saw what The Undertaker did to you Friday night, I thought you’d have chickened your way out of this one, but I’ll give you credit, you’re gonna tough it out the hard way before you lose the world title tonight.

Michaels just stares blankly at Edge, keeping very cool.

Edge: What’s wrong Shawn? Cat got your tongue, or could it be the pain you’re feeling thanks to The Undertaker driving you in to the canvas the other night? . . . See I know how that feels, but you know that. You know I’ve been on the shelf ever since he sent me crashing through the announce table and got the chance I desperately wanted to face you here tonight to take back what’s mine. . . But you know what Shawn? My time will come just like your time has come to an end. I’m gonna get my shot whether you’re champ or not, and between you and me, I think we both know your luck has run out. . . There’s no need to look so down on yourself Shawn because there is something you can look forward to tonight, and that’s the return of The Cutting Edge, and trust me, I have a huge surprise in store for the whole world. But once you’ve seen my surprise come to life in front of your very eyes, lost your title to The Undertaker, packed your bags and gone home crying to your wife and kids, I’m gonna enjoy the moment. And you wanna know why Shawn? . . . I’m never gonna forget how you embarrassed me at Wrestlemania, beating me on the big stage, and that’s why I can’t wait to see your career come to an end tonight, ‘cos once you’ve lost the World Heavyweight Championship, you career is effectively over. I mean what else have you got left to do around here apart from hog the limelight some more? . . .

Shawn just explodes with fury.

Shawn Michaels: ARE YOU DONE? YOU WANNA GET ANYTHIN’ ELSE OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM? . . . Go on, let’s hear it. I bet it’s nothin’ I’ve not already heard a thousand times before.

Edge looks slightly shocked by the outburst.

Shawn Michaels: You wanna talk about Mania? Lets. . . I gave it everything I had that night to keep the world championship around my waist, and as god as my witness I’m gonna do the exact same thing tonight to do whatever it takes to beat The Undertaker and walk out on out of here as the World Champion. I beat you at Mania and I’m gonna beat The Undertaker tonight. But if you want one more piece of HBK, then I’ll happily kick your head off that scrawny body of yours one more time.

Edge tries to act cool as Michaels glares at him before walking out of the shot, but it’s clear that Edge isn’t as cool as he makes out.


*Video Recap*​
Last Friday night and The UK Pack being jumped in the parking lot as they arrived with Chris Masters slamming the car door on Burchill’s arm. Later on in the night and Harry Smith storming in to the arena, only for Tazz to tell him to wait for Judgment Day when his partner is there.


*Cut to Ringside*


***Match #6***




WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (c) vs The Masters of the Mat
The UK Pack have let their anger get to them with The Masters of the Mat taking advantage of their over enthusiasm while using some cheap double team antics on several occasions.

ENDING: The Masterpiece has been working on Burchill’s right arm for a while now, applying an arm bar with Burchill lying on the mat. Masters has even driven his knee in to it on a couple of occasions to put a real hurting on one half of the champions. With the arm bar locked in, Masters shows no signs of letting up as Burchill appears to be in agony, screaming out occasionally as Masters adds more pressure, but with Smith and the crowd getting behind him, Burchill starts to use every last bit of energy he has to escape the hold. He manages to get up to his knees and then his feet as the crowd increase their encouragement, leading to Burchill freeing himself by sending Masters down with a hip toss. That clearly hurts Burchill as he shakes his right arm that is supported with a cast.

Masters is right back up though, but he walks in to a weaker left hand from Burchill who follows up with a kick to the midsection that sends The Masterpiece down to his knees. The tough Brit then shows his anger towards Masters by driving his huge boot in to Masters’ face, knocking him down to the mat before turning round and walking in to his corner to tag in Harry Smith. The son of the legendary British Bulldog enters the ring to a big pop as Masters sits up looking dazed following the big boot. Smith picks him right back up before sending him right back down again with a hard scoop slam. Masters sits up straight away due to the pain in his back with the pain written all over his face. Smith grins at the sight of Masters in agony before kicking him in the chest to force him on to his back.

He then continues the attack by dropping a stern elbow in to Masters’ chest, and as Smith stands back up, he yells down at Smith, urging him to get up. There’s a definite intensity in The UK Pack tonight that we’ve not seen from them before as Burchill watches on from the apron, and it’s clear he’s not totally comfortable while Haas looks concerned. Smith reaches down and pulls Masters up from his knees and places the head of The Masterpiece under his arm before lifting him up in the air for a DELAYED VERTICAL SUPLEX. . . . . The strength of Smith is evident as he keeps the big man up there for almost ten seconds before falling back and bringing Masters crashing down to earth with a bang. Smith turns himself round on the mat as he then looks to cover his opponent. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Haas enters the ring and pulls Smith off of his partner by his feet, but as Smith stands back up, he walks right at Haas with the referee trying to get between them straight away to prevent any trouble. Smith stares angrily at Haas while the referee ushers Haas back to the apron, but as Smith then back tracks, Masters gets to his knees and stands back up to club him across the back, sending Smith to his knees momentarily. The Masterpiece then pulls him back up and plants him with a FULL NELSON SLAM. . . . . He then makes the short walk to his corner to tag in the mat technician, Charlie Haas. He races through the ropes to make a cover on Smith as the ref makes the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

It’s a relatively comfortable kick out for Smith, but Haas means business, sitting Smith up before levelling him with a stiff kick across the spine. Smith screams from that one, and gasps are heard from the concerned Lexington fans. Haas drops to his knees and sits Smith up again to apply a chin lock, trying to keep the big guy grounded for a while and suck the energy out of him. The fans again get behind the champions and try to encourage a response, and they get it. Smith raises his right arm up on to the air with Haas starting to panic, and he has every right to do so as Smith manages to pull himself up to his knees and then his feet before falling back and planting him with a side suplex. Both men then struggle to their feet with Haas walking right in to Smith’s grasp and a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX. . . . . With Smith holding on for a cover, the ref shifts himself and rushes across to make a count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Haas turns to the side and gets his shoulder off the mat to stop the count, but Smith picks himself back up looking very intense and focused as he reaches down and pulls Haas back up. He scoops him on to his shoulder and turns round to run across the ring for the RUNNING POWERSLAM. . . . . But as he gets halfway across the ring, Haas slips down to safety, and as Smith manages to hit the breaks, Haas plants him out of nowhere with the OLYMPIC SLAM. . . . . This one could be over, and Burchill looks concerned as Haas scurries back across to the mat to hook Smith’s leg for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Smith just got his shoulder up, and the fans are relieved, as is Burchill who breathes a huge sigh of relief on the apron with Masters shell shocked on the opposite side. He’s not as shocked as Haas however as he pulls himself back up to his knees and stares at the referee in amazement. He shakes his head and doesn’t seem to know what to do before standing back up and walking round to Smith’s legs. He then grabs them and lifts them up to try to turn him over, but Smith fights back and uses the power in his legs to push Haas back and down to the mat. That gets a big cheer from the crowd, and both men slowly pick themselves back up with Haas turning in to a kick to the gut from Smith. Haas slumps down slightly with Smith then pulling Haas’s head between his legs and lifting him up above his head before bringing him crashing down to the mat with a SIT DOWN POWERBOMB. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Haas stuns Smith this time by getting his shoulder up to the relief of Masters. Smith is clearly disappointed, but he makes his way back up and urges Haas to do the same, but Masters doesn’t allow him to do any further damage as he climbs through the ropes while Haas gets to his knees. Smith takes his eyes off of Haas and walks across to The Masterpiece, squaring up to him with the referee walking over and trying to get Masters to leave the ring, which he does. But with the ref’s back turned, Smith turns round in to a low blow from Haas that sends the Brit down to the mat with one of the worst feelings imaginable.

Haas grins as he picks himself back up and walks in to his corner to tag in the smug Masters. The man with the chiselled body climbs through the ropes looking extremely confident as he takes his time in strutting across and behind the squirming Smith. As Smith tries to pick himself up in front of his opponent, Masters gets ready to apply his deadly submission move, THE MASTERLOCK. . . . . The fans boo and then try to warn Smith, as does Burchill, shouting across the ring, but it’s futile as Masters pounces on him. However, before he can get it fully locked in, Smith uses his strength to fight back, doing everything he can to prevent Masters getting all of it. A battle of strength ensues, and Smith seems to be winning it.

He manages to push his weight back and powers back with Masters being rammed in to the corner with Smith able to free himself. With the fans cheering as Smith walks out of the corner, he then turns round as Masters runs out of the corner in to a back body drop. Smith falls to his knees with fatigue playing its part, but he is able to pick himself back up and get to his corner to tag in Burchill. He climbs through the ropes to a big pop as Masters makes his way back up. Burchill runs at him with Masters trying to hit a clothesline, but Burchill ducks it and takes him down with a JUMPING NECKBREAKER. . . . . Burchill rushes across to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Boos ring out as Haas makes the save, racing in to the ring and pulling Burchill off his partner at the last second. The ref isn’t happy at all, and neither is Smith as he gets back in the ring and walks across to Haas with the ref trying to get between them as Burchill looks on as Masters coming round. Burchill walks over and tries to get at Haas too, but as he then turns back, Masters pulls himself back up and tries to kick Burchill in the groin, but the Englishman grabs his foot. Masters looks worried as Burchill then spins him round and lets go, and as Masters spins back to face him, Burchill SMASHES HIM IN THE FACE WITH HIS CAST. . . . . Masters just falls in a heap as Haas tries to point it out to the referee with Burchill shaking his arm before dropping to his knees, and as the ref turns round to count the fall, Smith prevents Haas stopping the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNERS: By pinfall, and still the WWE Tag Team Champions, The UK Pack @ 14.30.

AFTERMATH: “Britannia” hits to a big pop from the fans as Haas continues his protest. While Smith goes to congratulate Burchill with a guy hug and share their relief, Haas tries to tell the referee what happened, but he has none of it as he walks over to the ropes to collect the tag titles. He continues to ignore Haas and walks back to hand The UK Pack their belts as well as raising their arms in the air. Haas is pissed as Smith & Burchill just grin back at him as they turn round and leave the ring laughing with the fans. Masters isn’t moving as Haas checks on his partner while shaking his head.


***Video Promo***

Clips of classic King of the Ring moments are shown, such as Bret Hart winning the first tournament in 1993, followed by Owen Hart in ’94 and being crowned. It then shows Stonecold Steve Austin’s famous 3:16 quote from 1996, Triple H winning a year later and Kurt Angle’s victory in 2000, and ending with Edge’s in 2001.

Voiceover: For years, there have been only memories. . . For years, we have seen superstars grow in front of our eyes. . . Many of these moments stem from one glorious night. . . The King of the Ring. . . However, once again, this special night will create memories, champions and hall of famers. . . The King of the Ring returns to the WWE calendar very soon.




*Cut to Ringside*​

“Metalingus” blasts out as “The Rated R Superstar” Edge walks down to the ring looking very pleased with himself, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with the ring set up for The Cutting Edge, getting a lot of heat from the fans. He gets in to the ring and picks up a microphone left one of the two stools.

Edge: Ladies and gentleman, as of now The Rated R Superstar is officially back.

*Heat*

Edge: Oh no. I promise you, you are going to love this. When I said I had a huge surprise in store, I wasn’t kiddin’, and quite frankly people I’m a little disappointed that you still show me the same disrespect despite the fact I have promised you the biggest ever edition of The Cutting Edge. . . See, I know that this isn’t just going to be the highlight of your night, it’s gonna be the highlight of every single one of your crappy, worthless, meaningless lives. I always pride myself on never disappointing, and I guarantee you I won’t be disappointing anyone tonight, unlike Shawn Michaels when he loses more than his marbles like he did earlier on.

*Heat*

Edge: Don’t get your hopes up because deep down we all know that there’s no chance he’s leaving this hole the World Champion tonight. There’s more chance of you people finally realising that your father and grandfather are the same person.

*Heat*

Edge: Anyway, back to the business in hand, and for the last six weeks or so I’ve been laid up at home recovering from an injury I got thanks to The Undertaker, and despite the fact I could do next to nothing, I received a very interesting phone call. I got a call that’s gonna change the landscape of Smackdown as we know it. It doesn’t matter who’s the World Champion when tonight’s all said and done because I guarantee that they won’t be at the top of the tree for very long. . . See the person who called me told me something very interesting, and the moment he told me his news, I realised just how big this was going to be. I knew that this was going to be the biggest moment in Smackdown history, the moment all of you turn to the person standing next to you in ten years time and ask “do you remember where you were the night Edge pulled that out of the bag?”. . . I assure you that you won’t need reminding where you were or what you saw because as of tonight, Smackdown will never be the same again. You can forget all this crap about how Chris Jericho is coming back to Smackdown this week and whoever else, because I, The Rated R Superstar have arranged the most shocking return the WWE will ever see. You’re about to witness the long overdue return of the greatest double act this business has and will ever see. You’re about to witness the return of the man who alongside yours truly, dominated the tag team division for years and years and made the TLC match famous. Ladies and gentleman, I give to you, the latest addition to the Smackdown roster. . . MY BROTHER, CHRISTIAN.

*Big Pop*

“If You Close Your Eyes” hits to a very strong pop as Christian walks down to the ring with a big smile on his face, dressed in jeans and a shirt. He climbs up the steps then the apron and grins in to the welcoming crowd before climbing through the ropes and hugging his brother, which doesn’t go down that well. He then picks up the other microphone before getting himself comfortable on the other stool.

Edge: Bro, it’s great to see ya back in a WWE ring.

Christian: What can I say? It’s great to be back.

Edge: Now before you all get excited, I think it’s best to let you know right away that there’s not going to be a five second pose or anything like that. We’re way past that crap now, we’re stars and we don’t need to please the likes of you anymore.

*Heat*

Christian: Ouch.

Edge: I know that there’s so much you all want to know about my little brother and what he’s been up to, but due to my creative control here, it’ll be me asking the questions and no one else. So I suggest you sit down and listen up. . . So Christian, for the benefit of these people, can you tell us just what you’ve been up to since you left the WWE two and a half years ago?

Christian: (Jokingly) I don’t know. I’m sure they remember I’m a little shy.

Edge chuckles.

Christian: Oh what the hell. . . Well it might interest you to know that I’ve been in a couple of movies. . .

Edge: . . . Starred!

Christian: Sorry, starred in a couple of movies. . . I’ve travelled the world wrestling for different companies, and even won a few big titles, not that I wanna toot my own horn or anythin’ like that.

Edge: You hear that folks? My little brother has won title after title just like me while he’s been away. . . So I assume you’ve been watching the WWE and your big brother rise to the top of the ladder?

Christian: (Jokingly) Weren’t we supposed to be talking about me?

Edge: Well we’ve got plenty of time for that, but what I think everyone wants to know is just what brings back you back to the homeland of the WWE?

Christian: An easy one, thanks bro. . . Well that’s pretty easy. I’ve come back to do what I was about to before I took some time out, and that’s join you at the top of the ladder. . .

Edge: . . . That’s what I wanna hear. Me and my baby brother together once again with him helping me become the World Heavyweight Champion one more time. . . See I told you all that I’d be the world. . .

Christian looks confused.

Christian: . . . Hold up. That’s why you thought I’ve come back, to help you win the World Heavyweight Championship?

Edge: Well what else did you expect?

Christian stands up.

Christian: I hate to disappoint you bro, but that’s not it at all. . . Let me get this straight, you really think I came back to stand next to you and hold your belt again like all those years ago? ‘Cos I gotta say bro, that ain’t happ’nin’.

Edge is confused and a little angry as he stands up.

Edge: What you talkin’ bout? I brought you back so you could help me. . .

Christian: . . . Well maybe that’s somethin’ you should have told me, ‘cos with no disrespect Adam, I’ve come back here to be a world champion myself not do your dirty work. I’ve been all the way across the globe as a world champion the last couple of years, and I’ve not come back here to bend down and kiss anyone’s ass. . . If anything bro, you should be the one to step aside and let nature take its course, ‘cos whether you like it or not, I will become the World Heavyweight Champion.

*Big Pop*

Edge: You know what? I forgot how funny you were. That cracked me up.

Christian: Well to me, it looks like the joke’s on you ‘cos I’m not bluffin’. I will be the World Champion with or without your support.

Edge: You’re serious? You think where you’ve been even comes to close to what this is all about? Let me tell you somethin’ C, you might have been a world champion in that two bit company you’ve been workin’ for, but this is the big leagues. This is where the real heavy hitters play, and the reason you left is because you’re weren’t up to it. And from where I’m standin’, nothin’s changed.

Christian: Oh but it has Adam. Things have changed. I’m not a pushover anymore. I’m not known as Edge’s brother. I’m not the man who sleeps with his best friend’s girlfriend. I’m not the man who celebrated a win by sleepin’ with a hooker on live television, and I’m sure as hell not what you’ve become. . . a selfish jackass. I’m an individual, a better person while you’ve become everything I hate in a human being. I’ve had to sit back and watch while you turn in to someone I despise, and I don’t need your approval anymore. You might think I’m not up to the test, but I guarantee you that I’m back and better than ever before. I will climb to the top of this company even if that means nudging by big brother off the ladder to get there.

*Pop*

Edge: YOU SELFISH SON OF A BITCH. I’D NEVER BETRAY MY BROTHER. . .

Christian: . . . Whoa, calm down, I’m only playin’ around like the good old days. You should see your face.

Edge barely grins as he doesn’t look too convinced, and Christian doesn’t look convincing himself.

Christian: Hey come on, give your brother a hug.

There’s some clear tension between them but they hug tentatively hug, but Edge pulls back and kicks Christian in the gut. Christian drops to his knees and holds his chest with both men dropping their microphones as Edge backs up in to the corner, stalking his brother for the spear. As Christian stands back up, Edge charges at him, but Christian sidesteps it with Edge stopping himself and turning round with Christian then planting him with The Killswitch. A huge pop breaks out as Christian looks down in disgust at his brother with “If You Just Close Your Eyes” playing once again. After a good ten seconds of looking down at his brother, Christian walks over to the ropes and poses for the crowd before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp. He turns round and looks in to the crowd as Edge starts to come round, and he doesn’t look happy as he stares angrily at his brother, who just grins back at him.


*Video Promo*




*Video Recap*
  • The Undertaker beating Edge by count out following a chokeslam through the announce table on the first Smackdown after Wrestlemania to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
  • Four weeks ago with The Undertaker teaming up with Shawn Michaels to take on The Masters of the Mat, ending in Masters hitting the dead man from behind with a steel chair, leading to Taker thinking it was Michaels before chokeslamming the World Champion.
  • A week later with Michaels explaining himself and Taker confronting him only for Tazz to come out and make a match between Taker & Masters for later on.
  • The match between Taker & Masters with Michaels rushing down to help Taker from being blasted with a steel chair, only to steal it and hit Taker after Masters ducked the shot.
  • Last Friday and Michaels telling everyone how he respects The Undertaker but he wants to beat him more than anything.
  • The main event from Friday with Michaels being pushed in to Taker and then being chokeslammed, costing them the match.
    The aftermath with Michaels confronting Taker, only to be on the receiving end of a tombstone with Taker then posing at the end of the show.
*Cut to Ringside*​

***The Main Event***



World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs The Undertaker
The Undertaker has been on top of his game, taking the match to Michaels, who has been fighting for his life, giving it everything he has got.

ENDING: With Taker in control of the match, the phenom makes his way over to the fallen, battered body of Shawn Michaels. He reaches down and pulls the worn out looking World Champion up to his feet, but as he throws a right hand at him, Michaels shows his resilience and blocks it before firing back at the dead man with a series of jabs to the jaw. He then tries for an irish whip, but Taker reverses it easily and sends Michaels running in to the ropes. As HBK comes back though, he throws himself at his challenger and takes him down with a LOU THESZ PRESS. . . . .

The World Champion shows his spirit and desire as he drives his fist repeatedly in to the skull of The Undertaker with the fans cheering The Heartbreak Kid on. As he stands back up, closely followed by the dead man, Michaels picks him up and drops him down with an inverted atomic drop. As Taker hobbles around for a couple of seconds, Michaels turns back and keeps the pace going as he runs the ropes, but as he comes back at the dead man, he runs right in to a SIDEWALK SLAM. . . . . Taker took Michaels down with force there with his back being slammed down viciously in to the mat, and with Michaels looking in pain, the challenger decides to go for a cover, hooking the right leg as the ref then makes the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Michaels lifts his shoulder up but is clearly suffering as he rolls on to his side with the challenger closely checking his condition. The Undertaker makes his way back up to his feet and bends back down to drag the ailing champion back up to his before whipping him in to the corner. Michaels hits the pads hard and back first with Taker then following to nail him with a hard clothesline. He then whips Shawn in to the opposite corner and follows in to connect with another vicious clothesline. Taker backs out of the corner with Shawn then staggering out, leading to Taker turning back and running in to the ropes. And as he comes back, he looks to drive his huge boot down the champion’s throat, but Michaels ducks it with Taker then turning round in to a SUPER KICK OUT OF NOWHERE. . . . . A massive cheer breaks out as Taker falls to the mat by the ropes with the tired Heartbreak Kid following, dropping down thanks to sheer exhaustion. Michaels isn’t all there as he hooks Taker’s closest leg with the ref counting the fall. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Taker lifts his right foot on to the bottom rope to prevent defeat. It takes a couple of seconds for Michaels to sit up, and the clearly exhausted champion crawls towards the middle of the ring as Taker picks himself up by the ropes and the corner. As both men stand up, Taker turns with his back to the corner while Michaels gives it everything he can by charging at the dead man and hitting a STINGER SPLASH. . . . . The World Champion then climbs up to the second rope and starts unloading with some weary right hands to Taker’s head as the fans count the punches out loud. But as he gets to six, Taker responds and grabs Shawn around the top of the legs as he walks out of the corner with Michaels hoisted high in the air before being sent crashing down to earth with THE LAST RIDE. . . . . Michaels is motionless on the mat as Taker drops to his knees and shimmies across to go for a pin attempt with the ref rushing to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Michaels fights on by just lifting his shoulder up. The crowd go crazy as the stunned challenger sits up and gazes down at the beaten up body of Shawn Michaels. The phenom then stands back up, sensing the end is near as he brings his arm across his neck, signalling for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER. . . . . That gets a mixed reception with the crowd split between both men, but Michaels looks to be in real trouble as he valiantly tries to stand up, struggling to keep his balance as he makes it to his feet. With the phenom waiting right behind him, the oblivious World Champion turns round to face his challenger who then scoops him up on to his shoulder, but as Taker tries to bring him down his chest, Michaels wriggles free and slips down his back, sweeping Taker’s feet in the process. The desperate champion then grabs hold of Taker’s legs again and turns him on to his back to try and lock in the SHARPSHOOTER. . . . .

A big pop with some boos breaks out as Shawn desperately tries to stitch in the hold, but Taker fights back and powers out, kicking Michaels back and down by the ropes. Both men then make their way back up to their feet, and as Shawn gets up by the ropes, the dead man runs at him looking to clothesline him over the top, but he ducks and holds the rope down with Taker falling to the outside. With the crowd cheering, Michaels spends several seconds leaning against the ropes to get his breath back, but he doesn’t have long as Taker starts to rise once again. Michaels watches on and holds on to the top rope, and as Taker gets to his feet, HBK comes to life and goes for a SLINGSHOT CROSS BODY. . . . . As Michaels comes through the air, Taker reaches out and catches the champion, then turns round and runs at the ringpost, driving Michaels’ spine in to the solid steel. The impact is heard as well as a brief outpouring of pain from the beat up World Champion.

The Undertaker takes a couple of steps back as he lets go of Michaels and drops him on to the floor for another hard bump for HBK to take. The camera zooms in on the utter anguish the show stopper is feeling, but the dead man has no sympathy whatsoever as he lifts him back up and places him on the apron, lying him across it as he then climbs back up and walks across it, getting ready for a GUILLOTINE LEG DROP. . . . . Michaels isn’t in much of a position to defend himself as Taker sets off across the apron and connects with the leg drop. Michaels just falls back down to the floor, and there’s no significant sign of life from him as Taker sits on the apron and takes a moment to recharge his batteries while looking in to the crowd and then back down at the battered body of The Heartbreak Kid. The refreshed dead man (funny!) decides to get back on with the match as he lowers his feet to the floor and drags Michaels back up and rests him on the apron before pushing him back inside. Shawn then crawls across the ring of his own accord as Taker climbs back up on to the apron and then through the ropes.

He walks over to Michaels, who turns round and slowly drags himself up Taker’s legs, and the dead man signals for the end once again. As he then tries to scoop Michaels up, the resilience of the show stopper shines through as he jumps down to his feet and runs back in to the ropes, races back and connects with a FLYING FOREARM. . . . . It’s enough to send the big man down, albeit temporarily as Michaels then flips back up to a massive roar from the Kentucky fans. With Taker also on his feet, the World Champion fights through the pain and drills Taker with a LEG FEED ENZIGURI. . . . . The phenom is sent back down to the mat with Michaels gaining some much needed confidence as he picks himself back up and walks in to the corner. The pain is there for all to see as he fights his way to the top rope and leaps up for a DIVING ELBOW DROP. . . . . Another big pop echoes around the Rupp Arena. Shawn drives his elbow into his challenger’s chest and looks to test the damage by hooking both legs as the ref counts Taker’s shoulders . . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Taker gets his shoulder up with time to spare, and despite looking disappointed, there’s no real expression of surprise on the face of The Heartbreak Kid as he sits back up. Sensing this could be his time, Michaels stands back up and retreats in to the corner as Taker starts to make his own back up. Shawn starts to tune up the band with the crowd stomping their feet and clapping in tandem, and the determination is written all over Michaels’ face as he gets ready to take the dead man’s head off. Taker gets to his feet quite comfortably, and as he turns round, Michaels explodes out of the corner and looks to drill him with the SWEET CHIN MUSIC. . . . . But no! Taker grabs Shawn’s foot. He quickly drops it and spins Michaels on a 360 spin, then whips him in to the ropes. Taker too runs back in to the ropes, and as they meet in the middle of the ring, The Undertaker turns the tide with an earth shattering RUNNING DDT. . . . . Michaels hits the mat head first and is flat on his back, motionless as Taker once again shifts across to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! There’s still fight left in the World Champion, and even Taker is shocked as he pulls himself back up to his knees, staring down at Michaels, who rolls on to his side once again with his eyes slightly glazed over, not seeming to know where he is. Taker stands back up and lifts his right arm in to the air, preparing for a CHOKESLAM. . . . . It takes what looks like an age for Shawn to pick himself back up, looking unsteady as he stands back up and turns round to face The Undertaker. The phenom grabs him around the throat, but as he lifts him up off his feet, Michaels manages to escape and jump back down, shocking the dead man. Taker throws a wild right at him, but Shawn ducks the blow with Taker falling forward slightly. As the dead man turns back round, Michaels reacts by leaning back and connecting with a SUPER KICK. . . . . A huge cheer rings round the arena as Michaels just collapses on top of Taker and hooks a leg. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3. He did it! Michaels overcame The Undertaker and retained the World Heavyweight Championship.


WINNER: By pinfall, and still the World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels @ 22.17.

AFTERMATH: “Sexy Boy” blasts out to a huge pop from the sell-out crowd in Lexington with the referee walking over to the ropes to collect the World Championship while Michaels slowly pulls himself off of The Undertaker and sits up on the mat looking slightly surprised. HBK then struggles to his feet as the ref presents him with the belt and lifts his arm up in the air, declaring him the winner despite Shawn clearly being in absolute agony. Shawn drops to his knees clutching the title, but as he stands back up, Taker rises to his feet too. Michaels turns round to face him, and he is obviously nervous as an intense Taker stares right at him for several seconds before nodding his head with a sign of respect. Shawn grins ever so slightly with Taker then turning round and leaving the ring, allowing Michaels to revel in his success. He walks over to the ropes and raises the belt up in the air, looking very emotional as Taker turns round for one last look from the stage before walking to the back.

HBK then walks across to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, forgetting about his condition as he rests the title over his shoulder to take the time to applaud the fans. He spends a good ten seconds there, but we then hear some anxiousness, and Shawn’s not sure what’s going on. He turns round and sees CM Punk in the ring behind him, holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. As Shawn steps off the ropes, Punk steps forward and smashes him in the face with the briefcase. Michaels’ music stops and there’s a ton of heat ringing around the Rupp Arena as Punk stares down with the same sadistic grin he displayed earlier on. He ten drops the case and drags Michaels back up, lifts him on to his shoulder and nails him with the GO TO SLEEP. . . . . The heat is deafening as Punk just smirks at the sight of Michaels completely out of it on the mat. The ref races back down the ramp and desperately checks on Michaels, but Punk pulls him up after picking his briefcase and seemingly tells him he’s cashing it in. The ref shakes his head, not happy at all, but Punk shoves him to the ropes where the ref calls Justin Roberts over and whispers in his ear.


Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, CM Punk is cashing in the Money in the Bank contract as of this moment.

*Major Heat*


***Match #8***​



World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs CM Punk
The bell rings and Punk walks back over to the squirming Michaels, picking up and lifting him on to his shoulders to plant him with another GTS. . . . . Michaels looks completely helpless as Punk drops to his knees and makes the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: By pinfall, and the new World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk @ 0.13.

AFTERMATH: “This Fire Burns” blasts out to a barrage of heat from the fans. Punk stands up with a huge grin on his face as he is passed the World Heavyweight Championship. He demands the referee raise his hand, and he does so before leaving the ring looking disgusted. Punk shrugs it off and smiles through it as he walks over to the ropes and lifts his first major World Championship in to the air with the fans continuing to boo. He turns round and continues to smile as he looks down at Michaels with no remorse whatsoever before leaving the ring and resting the title on his shoulder as he walks up the ramp. As he gets to the top, he takes the belt off his shoulder and raises it up in to the air once again with a massive grin still written all over his face as the show comes to a close.


{End of Show}​






<So you’ll be pretty clear now of what I was referring to at the top of the show when I said that there would be some controversial events.

The first one was the ending to the tag team title match and the use of the cast from Burchill. That was something I have had planned for a while to keep this feud going. It was so long ago that I can’t even remember the timescale, but we’re talking at least 3 months (hand on heart). When I saw Matt Hardy turn up on Raw with the cast a month back, I was pissed and immediately looked at changing this angle, but with the storyline going in to the match and what follows, it was the right thing to do. A simple belt or chair shot wouldn’t cut it. You’ll be able to figure out the exact angle behind it I’m sure without me telling you, but it will become clear on the next Smackdown if you don’t see it. I was slightly concerned by the comments in the predictions about how they had to win. Hopefully you’ll be able to see why this ending occured to keep the feud going.

The main one was of course what happened after the Shawn Michaels/Undertaker match. You can imagine my frustration when I woke up today (Monday morning) after Extreme Rules to see CM Punk had cashed in the Money in the Bank. I was absolutely livid as it would totally no sell what I had planned here, but with storylines in place until SummerSlam and despite reviewing them, I decided to go ahead with it as I would have to have had Punk cash in cheaply at some point anyway, and this was the best time to do it with the storyline I have planned in the first place.

I hope that explains the decisions I made, and I hope you can see the reasoning behind them.

Also, like a couple of people said after Smackdown, things look to be picking up with Edge, Chris Jericho and Jack Swagger (Josh Hayger) returning or debuting this week. You can now add Christian to that, and I wanted to say that I’m really excited about what’s going to be happening on Smackdown in its next chapter.

I also want to thank everyone for all the comments, predictions and the general support I’ve received in getting the number 2 spot in the Mega Standings.

Thanks everyone,
Nige.>



:ns Don’t be an idiot and post one line spoilers or any spam.​

 
#1,125 ·
I’m scared of you ominous warning at the beginning haha. I can’t wait to see what that’s all about. Anyway, onto the review.

The CRUNK IN YOU SYSTEM Review:

~ Lots of back and forth action here between Jeter and Sydal. I really like how you gave them the ball and, with the way you’re writing it, they ran with it. I like how it wasn’t a spotfest, which it easily could have been with Sydal. This is exactly what an opening match should be, two guys going out and giving their all to make the crowd get involved.

~ I didn’t see the Chavo attack coming, good surprise there. It adds a little bit of intrigue to the US title scramble match. The UK Pack gave a decent promo, but I’m still not buying them as having a chance. They did the typical face thing though, which is compete through an injury, so props for actually giving the reader a match where you very easily could have pulled it and given The Masters the titles.

~ Really good divas match here. Although it was pretty obvious that Rain had to win, you still had Mickie look like a champ against her. Yet another example of how you make someone look great in loss. Good to see Rain continue her diva dominance, hopefully leading to a clash with The Glamazon.

~ Good to see Killings keep his fighting spirit. I can’t help but think this has something to do with the controversy you were talking about in the beginning.

~ I really loved the fast paced action of the US Title Scramble match. Your midcard is looking great, especially with these 4 men leading it. One complaint I had in mid-read was Shelton breaking Chavo’s pin on OJ. Shelton breaking the pin was pretty pointless, but at the same we can chalk it up to the newness of the match. Good stuff here. I thought Chavo and Killings could have had more interaction, but it was good for what it was, especially Killings pinning Chavo for the title. I feel really proud of my predictions, especially my prediction about Shelton just barely pulling this one out.

~ Shane seemed focused in his interview with Maria…let’s see if he can back it up. Really good match going on here. Reading something like this really makes me miss the CW division. Solid back and forth action, and Shane looks great here by doing what he said he was gonna do. Not to mention the finish was really cool too with the Sweet Shane Music coming out of nowhere.

~ As I said about the Scramble match, I loved the fast and furious action of this four-man match as well. There was plenty of back and forth action, and it was basically anybody’s ballgame for most of the match. It would be great if these men continued their separate feuds with each other.

~ Michaels seems really on edge (no pun intended), but I guess I would be too if I was facing The Undertaker…

~ I have to say, if you were going for surprises, you sure pulled a HUGE one here with the UK Pack retaining the titles. I made a lot of predictions leading up to this thing, but the Masters winning was the one I felt the most confident about. I really liked the way things went down though with their heelish tactic of breaking Burchill’s hand coming back to haunt them when he used his cast to get the win.

~ SWEET! Christian is BACK! I subtly hinted to this in my last review, but I wasn’t a hundred percent sure it was gonna happen. This was a great segment, from Edge downing the crowd to Christian’s lines about what Edge has become. This was just, from top to bottom, great. This was great interaction, great characterization, great writing, and a great return for Captain Charisma.

~ Awesome main event here between Taker and HBK, as if anything else was expected. These two have top notch ring chemistry, and that really came across here. It wasn’t as good as their IRL encounter at Wrestlemania, but I’m not sure a written match could be. The show of respect from Taker at the end was great to see too.

~ I know I’ve mentioned a couple times in this review some things I didn’t see coming…well…the Punk cash in should be added to that list. Like the real life Punk cash in, I’m gonna wait until we’re a few shows into his title reign before I make a judgment. However, I will say that the timing could not have been better. Punk is just coming off a huge fatal four way win, and he seems to be in the prime of a singles push, so I have no complaints whatsoever with the execution.

OVERALL: I think this has been my first time reviewing one of your PPVS, and I must say you've outdone yourself. This was a top-notch show from top to bottom. It was a really fun read, never boring, never overdone. It was also a can't miss show in terms of storyline development, which is what you want in a PPV. There were surprises aplenty, and an overall fantastic effort. 9.5/10
 
#1,126 ·


.com

>SMACKDOWN<



We have a new World Champion!

In a night full of surprises, the biggest of them all came after CM Punk had already won the Money in the Bank earlier in the evening, cashed it in moments after Shawn Michaels dug deep to overcome The Undertaker in an incredible and draining match for the now former World Heavyweight Champion.

Punk emerged victorious from the fatal fourway match that saw him take the Money in the Bank briefcase from MVP, but his night got better as he went on to win the World Championship for the first time in his career. There was no shortage of fans showing their disapproval, and you have to wonder what The Heartbreak Kid’s reaction is going to be this Friday night on Smackdown, live from Quebec City.


Captain Charisma Is Back!​
Edge warned us that his special edition of The Cutting Edge at Judgment Day would be the biggest ever, and it certainly was, however there was one more surprise than he bargained for. Despite it seeming the brothers were united, it didn’t take long for Edge to alienate his younger sibling. When Christian was told Edge had only brought him back to help him become the World Champion once again, Christian quickly made it clear that’s not why he came back, stressing he wanted the title himself. The tension spilled over and ended in Christian leaving his brother lying in the middle of the ring.

It’s doubtful that’s the surprise Edge had in mind, but with the news coming out that Christian has indeed signed a contract to come to Smackdown, Edge may be looking to teach his little brother a lesson.


Umaga Released​
The WWE has reluctantly terminated the contracts of the currently injured Smackdown superstar, Umaga, and his manager, Armando Alejandro Estrada. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.​


A change at the Announce Table​
WWE.com learnt earlier today that The Coach has resigned from the WWE after his contract expired. We have also been advised that current Smackdown superstar, Matt Striker will be taking over his role as of this week.​


A new look Smackdown!

With a new World Champion, Christian’s return to the company, Edge & Chris Jericho’s return from injury, as well as the debut of Josh Hayger this week, the landscape of Smackdown will change dramatically. It promises to be one hell of a night when Smackdown comes to you live from Quebec City, Quebec this coming Friday night. You can’t afford to miss it!​

_____________________________________________


Judgment Day Prediction Results
CM Crunk - Matches 6/7 Questions 5/5 = Total 11/12

TKOW - Matches 5/7 Questions 3.5/5 = Total 8.5/12

ruderrocket - Matches 3/7 Questions 5/5 = Total 8/12
sc2004 - Matches 4/7 Questions 4/5 = Total 8/12
Rated-R Champ - Matches 5/7 Questions 3/5 = Total 8/12
J-Coke - Matches 4/7 Questions 4/5 = Total 8/12
Stojy Freak - Matches 4/7 Questions 4/5 = Total 8/12
D-K-L - Matches 4/7 Questions 4/5 = Total 8/12

The+King_of_Kings - Matches 4/7 Questions 3/5 = Total 7/12
Adeezy62 - Matches 5/7 Questions 2/5 = Total 7/12

jman619hbk - Matches 3/7 Questions 3/5 = Total 6/12

Congrats to Crunk, who only failed to pick out The UK Pack to win the tag title match. I have to give credit to Oz, Stoj & ruderocket for picking them to retain as many thought it was a formality. Well done though Crunk, I’ll send your points through right away son.

Just to let you know, TKOW got half a point as he guessed the Money in the Bank would be cashed in, and he said that would be the main event. I classed the HBK/Taker match as the main event as I don’t think you can call the cashing in the main event, but I gave him half. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway as Crunk is a genius apparently.

Thanks to all those that voted. I love you all!:D

 
#1,127 ·
D-K-L's Judgment Day Review

Well this was a good choice to open the show with two talented wrestlers. I liked how you said Sydal was very aggressive and out of character in the quick summary as this feud has been built on anger and revenge, and it wouldn't be right if they went about it like a normal wrestling match. The match seemed to flow well and it was some exciting back and forth action with some good moves as well, such as the Cyclorama. Jeter played the heel well in this match, avoiding the finishing move, criticising the referee's counting and looking to catch Sydal out with roll ups, and having him avoid the SSP worked well to make it even more special if he hit it later on. I liked the counter from Sydal to the moonsault and it set up the finish well, I'm not too familiar with the move Sydal used before the SSP so I'll have to look it up, but finishing it with the fantastic Shooting Star Press would be great to see. The match was exciting and certainly a good opener, but I am a little surprised to see Sydal win even though I know you like him, as I kind of think that Jeter needed the win more. I assume this will be continuing, and I think it could've been better for Jeter to grab a sneaky win and continue his impressive run, only for Sydal to come out on top in the end. But at least you are going down a different route, and Sydal at least has his revenge early. Anyway good match.

Chavo attacking Killings backstage worked quite well to build up the Scramble a bit more, and the way you are building up Chavo as the cowardly yet dangerous Chavo makes him an outside contender to take away the US title later on. Plus it progresses his feud with Killings a bit more and if none of them win the US title later, which I doubt they will, this means their feud will continue with just as much intensity as before.

The interview with the UK Pack was very good and it certianly builds up the anticipation for the match later on. It's good to see Burchill at the show and it looks like he will be competing after all as expected, but the focus on the cast could mean that it'll cost them. The way they talked about the odds being against them I liked as it made me think that if they overcome the odds again later they would look really good, so it's not as clear cut as I thought.

The match between Mickie James and Mia Rain was an interesting one and Mia looked very strong in this match. Mickie did look a threat but Rain was pretty much in control apart from a few moves, and Rain did some good counters which showed how she was really on her game. I liked Rain taking advantage of Mickie trying to get the crowd going and also the reversal of the Stratusfaction and the elbow right before the finish really showed how she was a step ahead. You also booked Rain really well by having her using a submission as it showed she is dangerous on all levels, and even the roll-up attempt from Mickie showed how much of a threat Rain is, as despite being so new a former multiple Champ is having to resort to rollups against her. I liked the finish and it does so much for Rain with her getting a clean win over Mickie James on her first PPV. So yeah this was a decent match and it was a very impressive PPV debut for Rain.

Decent segment here to show Killings' anger towards Chavo. There was a little mistake though, as according to that the medic is wrestling tonight LOL, but no big deal obviously. I am interested to see what happens between him and Chavo now. Maybe you should've mentioned the US title though as the way he was talking was more about Chavo than the title, but on the other hand that could be a good point as it shows that he cares more about hurting Chavo that winning the title.

The US Title match was great, the best match so far. There is a danger in this type of match to switch the title around a little too much, but from what you wrote it seemed to be around the right amount. Lashley was awesome in this match and I was hoping he would win it, a lot of people don't like him but I think he's entertaining in the ring. Lashley dominated for ages and after he got the pin he looked even better, but you took him out of the match smartly. For a while there I thought Chavo was taking the title! But Killings took it off of him which was good, as it's almost the ultimate revenge for him to take the title off of Chavo. The last couple of minutes seemed really excting as I wasn't sure whether or not Killings could hang on to the title. I was happy to see Lashley take out Killings with the Spear, but damn, Shelton walks out with the title! I'm a little annoyed, but that shows your good booking by having the sneaky, cowardly Champ sneaking the win in the last few seconds. Whether or not this cowardly image is good for Shelton I don't know as he can be far more impressive that he looked in this match, but it worked well to have him sneak the win. I got what I wanted in this match too, we got some good trouble between Chavo and Killings with a title change between the two, Lashley will be angry with Shelton hopefully leading to a feud, and Jordon got nowhere near the title! Good match once again.

The quick interview with Shane was pretty good again, nothing special but its more time on the mic for Shane which is good for his character. He showed a bit of personality in this which I liked and he talked up both his match and HBK's match, Taker/HBK builds itself up though tbh. More attention on the cousin's relationship as well which is good for Shane.

The match itself was very good again, Kash provided a tough test for Shane and The Champ looked impressive in retaining the title. These aren't exactly the two most high flying crusierweights but it worked at a good pace and you included some impressive moves, and I loved the dive from Shane. It was interesting to see Shane attempt both the superkick and the elbow drop, shows again how much he respects his cousin, yet he missed them both at first. I liked how Kash tested his resiliance with the submission again as it can make someone look quite tough by taking the pain and escaping. The finish was good just because it happened quite fast and he took his chance when he got it, which is how the superkick is normally used. Good match and an impressive win for Shane.

I really liked the interaction between Punk and MVP in the back, as I have said before you write these two men well together and it will be interesting to see if you go with a feud between the two following this PPV, whatever the result. I am standing by my prediction for Punk to win it even more after this, he just seemed so confident and it almost sets it up for a Punk win, although if MVP won there will be a lot of gloating from him to Punk. And as I said you write Punk really well and I think he would be better as a Champ than MVP in this thread, and the MITB holder will obviously end up winning the belt.

So the match is here then, I didn't think you liked having a promo with the same wrestlers right before a match. Anyway I loved this match as it was full of drama and excitment. There were some great moments in this match and some good moves. I was glad to see the tension between Burke and Hardy after they were so freindly on Smackdown, and the action between Punk and Hardy was great too. You could say that Layla, as hot as she is, was mentioned a little too much, but I guess it's the same as mentioning the crowd's reaction. I loved all the close calls and the counters to the finishers, really added to the drama, and I thought MVP had it after the Playmaker. The finish was really well done with Punk sneaking up behind his big enemy, and wow, Punk wins! Yes! I'm happy that he's won, I can see him going really far now. I expect he'll be finishing his feud with Hardy and then you'll keep building him right up. Very good match once again, every match has delivered so far for me.

I would've prefered a little more attention on the WHC match from HBK, but as I said, it doesn't really need building up. It was great to see Edge though and I liked how he tried to get into HBK's head. HBK responded well though, I can imagine him coming out with an outburst like that, but it shows that he's very intense tonight. if the Cutting Edge wasn't on tonight I would be thinking that this sets up an Edge interference, but I am thinking that he'll be too busy to get involved. Good hype for the match and the Cutting Edge here though, and shows there is still trouble between Edge and HBK.

I liked the tag match and the cast situation made it even more interesting. I expected a little more dominance from Masters and Haas with all the wrist trouble, but The UK Pack fought bravely and did pretty well. I was expecting Masters and Haas to eventually come out on top, but the finish shocked me as I really expected Haas and Masters to take the titles. I'm not sure about the finish really, in one way it's great to see Birchill and Smith overcome the odds and use the cast to their advantage instead of it being a weakness, but on the other hand it's quite heel-ish and something you wouldn't expect from a babyface team. Masters and Haas have been built up really well recently as well, and I wouldn't exactly call it a waste, but if there was a time for them to take the titles it was now. Still though i like the UK Pack and it was great to see them come out on top, this win really gets them over even further, and a shock on a PPV is always good. It is also a good way of keeping this feud going as Masters and Haas now have something to really complain about.

Holy shit, Christian is back! This promo was excellent, it's great to have Edge back also and you wrote him really well in this. I liked how you had Edge mention HBK and Undertaker too considering he was involved in the title when he got injured, and the way he was insulting the fans was good too, and typical Edge. The promo really got great when Christian returned. It moved a bit quickly and I would've thought you would let the tension between them build over a few weeks, but I guess its better to have the big moment on his return. You would think they would discuss their intentions for the future before he came as well, but that wouldn't be as fun LOL. I liked how you showed Edge's selfishness by having him talk about himself instead, and the comment about Christian helping himw win the title set it up perfectly. Christian talked himself up well and I liked his insults towards Edge. I was expecting Christian to start the brawl but Edge's ego was obviously hurt a bit so he wanted to take out his brother, but Christian turning it around was the right decision. Christian has made a huge impact on his return by hitting his brother with the Killswitch, and I can't wait to see more from this as it has the potential to be an amazing feud.

So here it is, the main event. Once again it was a very good match, lots of great action and drama, and lots of near falls and the usual signature moves from both guys. The kick outs from both the Last Ride and the Sweet Chin Music were used well to show how tough both men are and how much they both want the win, and I liked how it just flowed so well, and I also like how well you describe the emotions of them following moves. The Sharpshooter was a good move in the match and I loved the counter to teh crossbody, and I can just see how well that could come off. The last few minutes were great and I liked the counter to the SCM and then the DDT, really made me think Taker could walk out with the title. HBK pulled through though and the finish was nicely done, once again with the Sweet Chin Music almost coming out of nowhere. I am slighlty surprised that HBK did it cleanly , expected some sort of interference or something, but he's got the clean win which is great. But oh wait, another holy shit moment, Punk is here!

Obviously it would be a bit more of a shock if he didn't just do it IRL, but I'm sure you plan out your storylines well in advance. Punk pretty much had no problems in doing so after the two GTS's, maybe a slight fightback would've made HBK look a little better, but Punk looks really impressive after this. I thought you might leave it a while and build Punk up some more before he cashed in, but he was looking good following his win earlier so I guess it's a good time, and i'm sure you'll be booking Punk really well as Champ. So HBK finally got that clean win, only to lose to Punk after it! I like this shock though and it's sure to cause a lot of problems on Smackdown. I guess his Hardy feud is dead now, and i'm looking forward to seeing you book Punk as Champ now. A Punk/HBK feud would be awesome, so fresh and it also has the potential to be an amazing feud.

Overall it was a brilliant PPV, every match was good and there were some excellent shocks like Christian returning and Punk cashing in. Punk's cashing in would've been so much better if it wasn't for him doing it a few weeks ago IRL so I feel a bit dissapointed for you for that, but it was still great. There was nothing I didn't like really either, you threw me with The UK Pack retaining but I regret saying it would be a waste if the Masters or the Mat didn't win, as it makes The UK Pack look really strong. Smackdown looks like it's going to be fantastic now with all these stars coming in and after these huge results, so I can't wait for the upcoming shows.
 
#1,128 ·



Backstage WWE News & Rumours
Many were shocked by the decision to switch the Money in the Bank briefcase from MVP to CM Punk at Judgment Day, and even more so when Punk cashed it in later on in the night. The original plan was to put the title on MVP in the same circumstances, gaining him so much more heat that he dared cash it in after Shawn Michaels wrestled The Undertaker. The change was made a while ago in fact as creative believed that Punk was gaining more of a response from the audience. With the additional heat now on his shoulders, Punk will be given the ball to run with. Creative are said to be very high on Punk and have total confidence in him to lead the Smackdown brand.

Christian’s return was another surprise last night, and we are led to believe he signed a contract after the Royal Rumble. Creative stuck to the original plan of having him feud with Edge and kept him off screen until Edge had completed his program with Shawn Michaels. This is said to be one of several feuds that will run for several months.

Those storylines that are set to run are being kept close to the writers’ chests. It seems that CM Punk/Shawn Michaels, Christian/Edge, UK Pack/Masters of the Mat and Ron Killings/Chavo Guerrero are no brainers, but with Chris Jericho due back along with the scheduled debut of Josh Hayger this week, things really are going to pick up on Smackdown. We are led to believe that some previously speculated ideas may not come to fruition as the writers have moved forward with different plans, ending some current feuds.

Umaga’s release came as a massive shock to many within the business, and no more so to the man himself. We have been told that creative hold him in high regard, but with his injury and other storylines in place, they struggled to find him something worthwhile and meaningful upon his return. The Raw brand was also out of the question as SummerSlam plans have been completed for some time. The Smackdown side has changed frequently, but it is now set in stone.

Speaking of Raw, the WWE have released the poster for their next pay-per-view, Vengeance.





 
#1,129 ·
Good notes, Nige, I respect you for making the decision to release Umaga as you had nothing for him, I didn't really see him fitting back into Smackdown anyway. Can't wait to see how Punk does as Champion on the brand, and the Vengeance poster looks pretty cool too, I must say. Keep it up, man.
 
#1,130 ·
Judgment Day Review:

Sydal/Jeter: What a match to open the show. Two very similar styles putting on a great opener. Everything seemed to be there in terms of flow, ring psychology, and wrestling. Sydal getting the win made sense as it was a good way to open the show.

UK Pack Interview: Burchill seems intent on competing despite wearing a cast. Should be a good match nonetheless.

Mickie/Rain: Not surprised to see Rain get the win in her first PPV match. I see this feud going well, and since she's a heel this works real well that she gets the early big win. On a side note the way you wrote the end of the match was great.

Tazz/Medic/Ron Segment: RK seems like he's going through with the match regardless what! As far as Tazz's line about the medic having a busy night, that might be true with the remaining matches on the card.

Josh Hager Video: Hopefully you change his name to Jack Swagger, cause that =Ratings! Won't be surprised to see him recieve a huge push in this thread.

Scramble Match for the US Title: Great way of getting all of the wrestlers involved, and having multiple title changes throughout the match. For a moment I thought that Killings would leave as the champ, but with his fued with Chavo it wouldn't make sense. I see Shelton vs. Lashley continuing for the next couple of weeks.

Cruiserweight Championship: Great match with a lot of back and forth action. Good way of showing that the match could go either way. Shane retaining was a surprise though as I thought that Kash would get the win.

Punk/MVP Promo: Even though Punk is a face or tweener, I think MVP should've got in a little bit more of a response to him.

Fatal 4 Way: Still am a little surprised that MVP lost this match, as I was sure that MVP was destined to remain MITB in this thread until cashing in.

Michaels/Edge Promo: Edge started out really well but Michaels completely OWNED HIM at the end of the segment!

WWE Tag Team Championships: Decent match with a decent story told. The champs retaining and the way retained the titles was a given, but still a good way to put heat on them. Depending on how long you plan to continue this feud, this can be a real good one over the next couple of months.

Cutting Edge: Not surprised that Christian was revealed as the guest. Should be interesting to read your version of an Edge vs. Christian feud, as I'm currently doing one in my thread as well. The buildup to the turn from Edge though was well done though.

World Heavyweight Championship: This match did not disappoint. Both men went above and beyond to give a MOTN. Michaels at many times looked like he might now win, but was able to get the win anyway...BUT WAIT A MINUTE IT'S CM PUNK...AND PUNK IS NOW THE NEW CHAMPION! I've read what you said in the post PPV comments and I understand your reasons for giving Punk the belt so soon. However I'm still surprised that it happened so quickly. As far as the News and Rumors go, it looks like this thread will really be rolling the next couple of monhts with the return of KOTR and then the road to Summerslam! Looking forward to it man! Great PPV!
 
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#1,131 ·
Judgment Day Feedback

Solid and fast-paced match to kick things off. There were a few spots I didn't really get in the beginning, like what Sydal did to Jeter as he climbed through the ropes, and sent Jeter back. I also didn't get what Jeter did as Sydal went for his first SSP, the wording was a little confusing there. But aside from that, very good stuff. Jeter looked very good and I was thinking he might have a chance, but I'm glad Sydal pulled out the win. This is a very big one and he's got a lot of momentum right now, although I can see this program going for a little more. Great stuff overall here.

Chavo attacking Killings doesn't really surprise me, and I'm fairly certain Killings'll still compete in the Scramble. Still, this adds a lot more to the feud, and I'm really wanting to see how Killings'll get his payback.

Pretty intense stuff from Burchill. Really shows that he wants to go, and I also liked what Smith said at the end. I'm not sure how these two got together as a team, and I haven't really seen any team moments between them, but this was a good one, really showed that the two have a partnership. Good stuff, wonder if/how the cast'll come into play for the match.

Good match between the two lovely ladies. I'm glad there was some effort here, and that both women were strong here. Very good win for Mia to put her over, although I really don't think this program is over, there hasn't been enough done yet. Mickie's sure to want a rematch, and there's still that thing going on between Beth and Mia. But anyway, good Divas match, and I'm looking forward to more from them.

Decent segment with Killings and Tazz, although I didn't really like the "I'll make him wish he weren't born" line. Still, I'm glad we'll still see The Truth compete, and I really liked Tazz's line at the end, very funny.

Awesome match here, best of the night so far. Lots of hectic action, with lots of pinfalls. Like I was thinking, Jordan didn't do anything, Killings and Chavo went at it and it seemed as if Killings was the one with the last laugh in his own feud, and Shelton and Lashley seem to be heading into a singles program. The psychology here was well done in keeping guys out of the match for a bit, and the only thing I didn't like was that it didn't have any big multi-man spots. Aside from that, awesome stuff here, great opportunistic win for Shelton. Great job here.

Good segment here with Maria and the cousin champions. Shane built up Shawn's match well, and kept it basic for his own, which was good. Not much else to say here, other than that I'm really looking forward to both matches.

Another very good match here, fast-paced and exciting. Kash looked very impressive, and we didn't really see much his cheating during the match. Lots of good reversals from both men, and I liked how the only slow part of the match was the submission, which was to be expected. Shane definitely proved himself as champ, a very good win for the guy. One thing that I found a little odd, though, is that we saw Shane arriving right before this match. That's one cousin retaining, we'll see what happens next. Looking forward to seeing if this program'll continue, wouldn't mind if it did.

Not the best Punk/MVP segment we've seen, but still good. I liked Punk and his very self-grandiose attitude, and I also liked MVP firing back. I'd really like to see these two guys feud, but it doesn't seem all that likely since they've got their own stuff to settle, and I'm hoping the combined match isn't the end, still a lot can be done with them.

Fantastic match here, the new MOTN. You seem to be very good at writing multi-man matches, as this was another very good example. Everyone here looked impressive, getting to hit their finishers, and that ending was built up tremendously, with all the finishers getting hit and counts being broken. Again, the only thing that this seemed to be missing was a big multi-man spot, but it did great without it. Punk winning was unexpected, and I'm looking forward to the fall-out to this match, lots of things can be done.

Great segment here between Shawn and Edge. Shawn's definitely on edge for his match (no pun intended), and I'm pumped for it. Edge was really good here, and I'm seriously looking forward to the Cutting Edge and the surprise.

Decent match here, I felt it could've been better. The action was solid, although the ending wasn't really all that exciting. The breakdown didn't exactly get me pumped, although I liked Burchill using the cast to knock Masters out, poetic justice at its best. I don't see this program ending with this one, though, as I see the Masters with the Tag Titles soon enough. Good match, but again, felt it could've been better.

Awesome promo here by Edge. Christian's return was everything it should've been. Reliving the past, going on about what Christian was doing without naming names, and setting up a big-time feud between brothers. The wording was awesome, especially how Christian talked about he wasn't like Edge and done being second-fiddle. I also liked that Christian was calling him Adam, even though we've never heard that from him before, was a nice touch to cement their relationship that WWE seems to have retconned. Definitely looking forward to this feud, should be nothing short of brilliant. Great job here.

Now that, that was a phenominal match. So many twists and turns there, both men playing their roles as weary competitors starving for the World Title perfectly. The spots themselves were pretty basic, nothing we haven't seen, but the timing for them was spot on, and made this match the best of the night. Very exciting, the people go their money's worth here. I also loved the after-match, with 'Taker getting up and giving Shawn props.

Wait a sec... Punk cashes in? Totally didn't see that one coming. He just won the MITB about an hour ago, and he's going for it? Phenominal stuff. I understand that you'd be upset that the same happened in real life, I'd be a little pissed, too, but this still has that same shock value.

Overall, great show, one of the best I've read from you, or anyone in general. Delivered on all fronts. You promised major surprises, and didn't disappoint. You gave us great matches, made this a great read. And just like a good show should, it gave us plenty to look forward to on the next edition of SmackDown!. Awesome from the opener to the close, great job here, man, 9.5/10.
 
#1,132 ·
RAW Preview – Monday 26th May 2008
Live From the Norfolk Spoke
Norfolk, Virginia



THE QUEST CONTINUES​
As the King of the Ring draws closer and closer, four men will battle it out this week to determine who will move to within one step of facing Kane for a shot at the WWE Championship when the King of the Ring returns to pay-per-view.

After defeating JBL last week, Jeff Hardy will look to extend his winning return when he takes on Rey Mysterio this week. Rey was able to knock off Kenny Dykstra to advance to the semi final stage, but only one of them being able to book a place in the final next week, who will go that extra mile to pull out a massive victory?

The other semi final will see the first two men who advanced go head to head with Mr. Kennedy facing The Big Show. Kennedy surprised many by overcoming his arch nemesis, Randy Orton four weeks ago, and The Big Show picked up a very controversial victory over Triple H a week later. Kennedy was attacked before last week’s main event by Orton, leaving him in a bad way. Just what condition is he in? Will Kennedy be able to overcome the odds again here, or is he in line for a BIG fall?

Make sure you tune in to Raw this week to find out which two men will compete next week for a shot at Kane and the WWE Championship come the King of the Ring.

THE CORPORATION STRIKE BACK​
Two weeks ago, we saw Evolution destroy Vince & Shane McMahon, hospitalising them both. We found out from JBL last week that his father and half brother were left in a bad way, leading to him vow retribution on the men responsible. His fellow Corporation members, The Big Show & Vladimir Kozlov received an opportunity to do just that as they were placed in an eight man tag team falls count anywhere match that pitted them against with Evolution and Mr. Kennedy, with Kane and Randy Orton as their partners. Thanks to Orton’s earlier attack on Kennedy, it became a four on three handicap match with Kane giving them victory after defeating Ric Flair.

Are The Corporation satisfied with this one victory or not? We’ll have to wait and see how they feel, and for an update on the condition of Vince & Shane.

TIME FOR TALKING IS OVER​
Cody Rhodes’ public apology didn’t exactly go as we expected with the arrogant young superstar protesting he wasn’t sorry at all for what he did to Kelly Kelly two weeks ago. He made it clear that with her out of the way, he is setting his sights on Kofi Kingston and the Intercontinental Championship. Cody is adamant he deserves the title Kofi won two months ago, and he has been given the chance to put that right in his mind this week by William Regal. It looked like Cody & Kofi were going to tear each other apart last week until Regal stepped in after telling Eric Bischoff to take the rest of the night off. The Executive Assistant made sure there was no brawl and announced they would go at it this week in a match with the title at stake.

Will Cody finally get what he wants? Time will only tell, but you can’t afford to miss out when these two meet head on live on the USA Network this week.

SEARCHING FOR A KING​
In just under three weeks, a new King of the Ring will be crowned, and qualifying starts this week. Kenny Dykstra wasn’t happy at losing out on a shot at the WWE Championship to Rey Mysterio two weeks back, but he has the chance to make a name for himself as he takes on Paul London in a rematch from last week. It looked as if Dykstra was heading for the win over his surprisingly low key opponent when Mysterio raced down to the ring. The bitter rivals fought to the back after the referee was left with no option but to award Kenny the win by disqualification. That brought out Brian Kendrick, London’s former tag team partner. The tension was clear, but London was more than ready to fight if Kendrick went for him. Fortunately that didn’t happen with Kendrick backing off.

We need a winner this week, and with a place in the King of the Ring tournament at stake, who will be that lucky winner?

DIBIASE’S NOT FEELING LIKE A MILLION BUCKS​
The way he acts, you would have thought that nothing would ever trouble Ted DiBiase Jr, but we found out last week that there is fire in that belly of his. Despite admitting his problems with complacency several weeks back in addition to a stern father son discussion, the Million Dollar Champion appeared to be slipping back in to his old ways.

However, after falling victim to Finlay and his shillelagh last Monday night, he wanted something to be done and went to Eric Bischoff. He was emphatically told however that he would have to do something about it, and he will have to do just that as he will be defending his Million Dollar Championship against the fighting Irishman at the King of the Ring. It was obvious that he was uncharacteristically rattled up by Bischoff’s announcement.

Will we see the Million Dollar Champion step up his game? If he’s to keep his title out of the hands of Finlay, he’ll have to buck his ideas up.

VICTORIA’S LOOKING OVER HER SHOULDER​
Victoria witnessed first hand last week that two divas are desperate to take the Women’s Championship from her. Melina & Natalya Neidhart might not be best friends, but they share the same goal in stripping Victoria of the title, and last week they worked together to send her a very clear statement of intent. They teamed up to take on Victoria & Candice Michelle, and it was Neidhart that made Candice tap out to the sharpshooter.

A tense exchange of glances was shared between the two partners, and it looks like Victoria has a fight on her hands if she wishes to hold on to the women’s title.

FIGHTING THE NUMBERS GAME​
The Colon Brothers didn’t react to well to Shad Gaspard’s victory over Eddie last week, and we were advised that after the show went off the air, the Puerto Rican double act extended a challenge to both Shad & JTG for this week. It was an offer that they accepted and that will see them take on not just Carlito & Eddie, but their close friend, Eric Perez in a 3 on 2 handicap match.

Can Cryme Time overcome the numbers game? Tune in to find out!


CONFIRMED FOR THIS WEEK ON RAW

Quest To Be Champion Semi Finals
Rey Mysterio vs Jeff Hardy
& Mr. Kennedy vs The Big Show

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kofi Kingston (c) vs Cody Rhodes

King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Paul London vs Kenny Dykstra

Handicap Match
Cryme Time vs The Colon Brothers & Eric Perez​


 
#1,133 ·
Great preview. As I've said before, the Cody Rhodes, Kelly Kelly & Kofi storyline is one of my favorites in all of BTB at the moment. Your clearly very focused on the KOTR and that's exciting. I know your a big fan of the event as am I so I'm expecting something special from the tournament as a whole. You pretty much covered all the bases with this preview, with the Colon Brothers & Victoria mention as well as the continued focus on the Corporation, Evolution. The show should be jam packed, looking forward to it.
 
#1,134 ·
Jeff vs. Mysterio should be an epic match, makes the show a must-read already. Show/Kennedy isn't a match I'm completely looking forward to, since there's a lot of negatives there (Show, first and foremost, and Kennedy probably won't be able to go %100), but I'm still looking forward to what might happen.

The Corporation/Evolution feud is the biggest on RAW (and my second-favorite behind Kofi/Cody), and I'm looking forward as to what rounds will be fired off between the two. Can't be pretty, but it'll sure as hell be entertaining.

And here's my favorite feud. I'm expecting the match to be awesome, but don't just have the match, give them time to talk. Kofi hasn't had much of a speaking role, which is alright, but Cody's been gold. Totally amped for what'll go down for this story.

Kenny/London should be a good match, as long as we keep it clean, and save the fireworks for afterwards. I'm glad things are kicking into gear for the King of the Ring tournament, should be great, and I'm looking forward as to who else can and will qualify.

I've been a little iffy with DiBiase's role. I get that it's going somewhere, and somewhere big, but it hasn't been my favorite story. Hoping he turns things around soon.

Divas. Love 'em, and their usage here has been very good. The interaction between Melina and Natalya (as well as Santino) has been very intruiging, and I'm hoping we get something from Victoria, as well. I'm hoping for a Triple Threat Match down the line.

I haven't really been feeling the feud between The Colons and Cryme Tyme much either, but it's started to pick up. The 3-on-2 Handicap Match should provide with some interesting results.

Show looks very good, Nige, looking forward to it.
 
#1,135 · (Edited)
RAW Results – Monday 26th May 2008
Live From the Norfolk Spoke
Norfolk, Virginia





***Video Recap***
From Last Week

Cody Rhodes’ unsympathetic apology to Kelly Kelly, resulting in William Regal preventing a brawl between Cody & Kofi and making an Intercontinental Championship match for this week.

Randy Orton & JBL whinging about Eric Bischoff & Evolution respectively, leading to Bischoff making an 8 man falls count anywhere match with Evolution & Mr. Kennedy facing Randy Orton, Kane, The Big Show & Vladimir Kozlov.

Mr. Kennedy being attacked by Randy Orton in the back just moments before the match.

Mr. Kennedy painfully making his way down the ramp towards the end of the match to get at Orton but getting beat down again while Kane beat Flair for the victory.


***Opening Video***
“Wanna Be Loved”


***PYRO***
***PYRO***
***PYRO***


***Video Promo***










{Cut To Ringside}

“Longhorn” hits to heat from the crowd as a white limousine enters the arena by the side of the stage. The driver then steps out and opens the rear passenger door with JBL stepping out and two more members of The Corporation following, The Big Show & Vladimir Kozlov. JBL has a wry grin on his face as he walks towards the ring with Show also looking in good form while Kozlov remains as serious as ever. After collecting a microphone and walking back in to the centre of the ring dressed in a suit, the relaxed JBL prepares to address the crowd.

JBL: Just seven days ago, we stood before you in this ring as three men on a crusade to gain immeasurable retribution for the downright despicable acts of violence inflicted upon both my father and brother by the collective known as Evolution.

*Big Pop*

JBL: That’s exactly my point. We stood here and made our intent perfectly clear, yet you decided to write us off, and look what happened. The two men standing either side of me went in to battle with those no good thugs and gave them the treatment they deserved for what they did to my family fourteen days ago. And as of right now, in front of a worldwide audience, I am putting Evolution on notice that our quest for retribution has barely even begun. Last Monday night was just the initial step gentleman, you will be made to suffer the consequences of the deplorable assault that has left both my father and brother scarred for life.

*Pop*

JBL: That is why you people disgust me. . . In fact, you make me sick to my stomach. The fact you people get off on the misfortune of those better off than yourselves is typical of what this world has become. The fact my family were beaten to a bloody pulp yet the men responsible remain unpunished and are idolised by people like you identifies what is wrong with today’s society. . . Well let me tell you people something. You may idolise Evolution and despise my family, but let it be said that there will only be one winner out of all this, and I assure you it won’t be those thugs. . . Oh no, they are going to regret their heinous crimes until the very moment they draw their final breath as I am making it my soul duty to rid this world of Evolution.

*Heat*

JBL: And despite my participation in the quest to become the WWE Champion coming to an abrupt end last week only due to outside distraction, the remainder of The Corporation will continue to support The Big Show as he moves one step closer to the promised land this evening. And I would like to point out to all of you that it was The Big Show that ensured Triple H’s quest ground to a stern halt. That is just one of many reasons why he will prevail in this so called quest and defeat Kane at the King of the Ring to become the WWE Champion, and once that is out of the way, along with myself and the Moscow Mauler, we will continue our own quest to remove Evolution once and for all, dedicating our achievements to my father, Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

*Major Heat*

Show smirks as he stands next to JBL, who seems very happy in pissing the crowd off, passing the microphone to Show in the process with Kozlov remaining stone faced.

The Big Show: You people need to show JBL and the rest of us the respect that we deserve.

*Heat*

The Big Show: Alright have it your way, ‘cause when we’re done with Evolution, there’ll be no Triple H for you to cheer anymore. . . There’ll be no Batista either, and there’ll certainly be no “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. WE’RE GONNA MAKE SURE OF IT.

*Heat*

The Big Show: Vince McMahon brought me back to the WWE, and I’m not gonna stand by and let them get away with what they did to him. . . Triple H, you think you’re tough ‘cause you beat up a sixty year old man? Maybe you should worry about me instead and the damage I am capable of. . . I could eat you for breakfast and still have room the rest of the day. . .

“Line in the Sand” blasts out with Triple H & Ric Flair (but no sign of Batista) walking out to the stage in their casual clothes, looking fairly relaxed.

Triple H: Erm, Show. . . you might have a big appetite, but I think it’s affecting your memory. It wasn’t me that beat up Vince or Shane. . . it was Ric.

The Game turns to Flair who grins down and waves at the not so thrilled Corporation members.

Triple H: Hey, it’s not that I didn’t want to, it was just the easiest way to go about it. It made it easier when you two dummies fell in to the trap and let Dave and Ric right at ‘em. . . Thinkin’ about it, if anything, you really should look at blaming yourselves, not us. But since I’m out here fellas, I heard that the big guy has a big match tonight, and I was back there thinkin’, hey, maybe I should go out there and wish him luck, ‘cause it sure would be a shame if you were unlucky tonight like I was, when funnily enough you guys screwed me over.

The Big Show doesn’t look happy at all and JBL takes the microphone back.

JBL: Did you not hear what we had to say or is your memory evading you too? See when I said we’re not going to rest until we destroy each and every single member of Evolution. . .

JBL pauses and looks confused.

JBL: . . . In fact. Is it me or are you a man down tonight? . . . Has Dave let you down again? It looks like he’s got a habit of putting you two in the firing line, and since you’re teetering on the edge of the lion’s den already, maybe you should step back while you can. And since you’re outnumbered gentleman, I would suggest you. . .

Ric Flair: . . . YOU SUGGEST WHAT? . . . Y’KNOW WHAT I SUGGEST TOUGH GUY? . . . I SUGGEST YOU SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE FOR ONCE BEFORE I DO IT FOR YA.

*Big Pop*

Ric Flair: I AM SICK. . . SICK AN’ TIRED OF HEARIN’ YOUR VOICE WEEK IN WEEK OUT, AND OUTNUMBERED OR NOT, SOMEONE NEEDS TO SHUT YOU UP, AN’ I’M JUST THE MAN TO DO IT. . . WOOOOOO!

*Big Pop* (With Woo’s also)

JBL: Well if that’s the way you feel, then don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Flair turns to Triple H and nods before dropping the microphone. They both roll their sleeves up with The Corporation doing the same, but as they get half way down the ramp, a dozen security guys run down the ramp and get in their way.

???: HOLD IT RIGHT THERE.

A very serious looking Eric Bischoff walks out to the stage as Flair & Triple H give up the battle with security.

Eric Bischoff: If you think I’m gonna let you tear each other apart tonight, you are very mistaken. . . Gentleman, escort them to the back. There’s not gonna be any trouble tonight you hear?

*Heat*

Bischoff stands to the side as security walk behind Triple H & Flair as they make their way back up the ramp and to the back with JBL & Big Show smirking in the ring. Kozlov stands there with no emotion on his face at all. As security see Triple H & Flair to the back, Bischoff turns back to face the ring.

Eric Bischoff: That goes for you too. I don’t want any trouble tonight alright?

JBL: Mr. Bischoff, you have my word.

Bischoff sn-iggers, not reassured at all as “Longhorn” hits with JBL grinning alongside the also smiling Big Show.


***Video Promo***






{Commercial Break}


***Video Recap***
From Last Week

Jeff Hardy beating JBL with the Swanton Bomb to advance to the semi final to take on Rey Mysterio tonight.


{Cut To Ringside}



***The Opening Match***

Quest To Be Champion Semi Final
Rey Mysterio vs Jeff Hardy

ENDING:
With both men tiring after a fast paced match, they’re slow to stand back up after a double clothesline. The fans are willing them both on, but it’s Jeff who’s up first with Rey still on his knees. Jeff turns to the side and runs the ropes, but as he comes back, Rey stands up and takes Jeff by surprise as he then sends him back down to the mat thanks to TILT-A-WHIRL HEAD SCISSORS. . . . . That gets a big pop from the crowd, and both men get up as quickly as they can with Rey back pedalling towards the ropes. Jeff runs right at him and is taken down on to the middle rope by a drop toe hold from Mysterio. The crowd go nuts as Rey stands back up and dials up for the 619. . . . . The fans are on their feet as Rey turns back to run the ropes, races back across the ring and swings through the ropes to kick Jeff in the face with both feet. Jeff is sent back to the mat as he rolls away from the ropes and towards the centre of the ring with Rey composing himself for the next piece of the jigsaw. Jeff struggles back to his feet, and as he turns round, Rey springboards off the top rope looking to hit the WEST COAST POP. . . . . Jeff sees it coming though and steps back before kicking Rey in the gut as he comes down through the air. The Charismatic Enigma follows up by planting Rey almost instantly with a TWIST OF FATE. . . . . Most of the crowd cheer that counter, and Jeff hurries back up to his feet, runs in to the corner and climbs up to the top rope. With the all fans on their feet, Jeff then leaps off the top and connects with the SWANTON BOMB. . . . . He got all of it as he lands on Rey’s chest and then rushes to make the cover with the referee making the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Jeff Hardy by pinfall @ 11.45.

AFTERMATH: “No More Words” blasts out to a big pop as Jeff stands back up to a standing ovation. The ref raises his hand before Jeff walks in to the corner and climbs to the top rope, posing for the ecstatic fans. He steps down off the ropes and does the same in the opposite corner. As he stands down this time, Rey is back on his feet, and they both look at each other for several seconds before Jeff walks up to him and shakes his hand. Rey then claps and leaves the ring as Jeff soaks up the reaction of the crowd.


{Cut Backstage}

Leticia Cline is standing by.

Leticia Cline: Please welcome my guest at this time. . . Cody Rhodes.

Boos can be heard coming from the arena as the very confident looking Cody walks in to the shot alongside Leticia, who doesn’t look too happy to be around him.

Leticia Cline: Cody, tonight you will be taking on your former friend, Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Championship. What are your thoughts?

Cody Rhodes: Well I happen to have a lot of thoughts about both Kofi Kingston and Kelly Kelly as you know, but I managed to get most of ‘em out of my system last week when I sent Kelly my must humble apologies. . . But tonight isn’t about Kelly, it’s about me, Cody Rhodes finally getting what I deserve. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Kofi?

Leticia just shrugs her shoulders.

Cody Rhodes: Well it’s seemed like an age since Backlash let me tell you. That night just defined how my life was with Kelly getting in the way all the time. But now she’s out of the picture, I’m not just getting my hands on Kofi tonight. . . Tonight, I will finally get my hands on the Intercontinental Championship.

Cody smirks and turns to look right in to the camera.

Cody Rhodes: There’s no way round it Kofi. Kelly’s not here to protect you anymore, and William Regal won’t be helping you out either last week. You’re just gonna have to face up to it. . . Once I take the Intercontinental title from you tonight, you’ll be left with nothing, and I won’t be sorry one bit.

Cody smirks again before walking out of the shot with Leticia shaking her head in disgust.


***Video Promo***




{Commercial Break}

Jeff Hardy is walking in the curtain area, but he looks up and grinds to a halt, looking a little concerned as the camera then pans to reveal the WWE Champion, Kane & Paul Bearer standing by a wall.

Paul Bearer: Well I suppose I should offer you our congratulations. You must be extremely satisfied round about now, but you shouldn’t be. Take a good look at him Jeffrey and ask yourself how much bigger he is than the man you just defeated.

Bearer smiles as Jeff looks at the fearsome sight of Kane standing there dead still with the WWE Championship draped over his shoulder.

Paul Bearer: He’s a different specimen entirely to Rey Mysterio. He’s a monster who tortures souls and does unspeakable things to those who venture in to his path, like the man unfortunate enough to face him at the King of the Ring.

Jeff is still breathing heavily after his match as he keeps his eyes locked on Kane.

Paul Bearer: Let me ask you something young man. Do you feel lucky now at the prospect of having to face Kane? . . . Do you feel you stand any chance whatsoever of beating this monster, my monster should you win next week? . . . You can’t trouble him Jeff, no one can, and I suspect deep down you know that don’t you? . . . When you get home tonight, take a second to imagine how you’re going to be able to overcome him. . . But I’ll let you in on a little secret Jeff, it can’t be done. Not by you or whoever has the misfortune to walk through the flames, because you will get burned, I promise you that much. . . Now you go home and think about Jeff, because we will.

Jeff doesn’t know what to say and just stares at Kane for several seconds before walking past both of them with Bearer laughing.

Paul Bearer: That’s right my son. Nobody is taking this beautiful championship belt away from you, nobody. You’ll be the champion for a long time to come. Oh yesssssssssssss!

The camera zooms on Kane’s mask and face as Bearer continues laughing.


***Video Recap***
From Last Week

Shad Gaspard’s victory over Eddie Colon with JTG playing his part by distracting Carlito & Eric Perez on the outside.

VOICEOVER
Jim Ross:
After we went off the air last week, Carlito extended a challenge on behalf of him, his brother and Eric Perez to Cryme Time for a three on two handicap match here tonight, and they accepted, setting up this match we’re about to see.


{Cut To Ringside}


***Match #2***

Handicap Match
Cryme Time vs The Colon Brothers & Eric Perez
ENDING: Having made a hot tag, JTG has taken control, knocking Eddie off the apron and bringing Perez in to the ring to allow him to rake Carlito in the eyes, following up with a NECKBREAKER. Perez gets back on the apron as JTG makes his way to the corner and then the top rope. With the fans cheering on JTG, the oblivious Carlito stands back up and turns round in to a MISSILE DROPKICK. . . . . JTG scurries back across to make the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! Carlito gets his shoulder up to the relief of Perez on the apron, and Eddie picks himself back up on the outside and slides in to the ring, immediately getting both JTG and the referee’s attention. The ref walks over to him immediately and tries to get him out, allowing Perez to slip in unnoticed and plant JTG with a TWISTING BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX. . . . . As he stands back up, Shad does the same on the apron with Perez then running at him and knocking down to the floor by driving his knee in to his gut. Carlito picks himself back up as Perez walks back in to his corner and steps back through the ropes, as does Eddie. The ref turns round to see Carlito help the slow moving JTG back up before nailing him with the BACKSTABBER. . . . . It’s elementary as Carlito shifts round to hook both legs with the ref making the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNERS: The Colon Brothers & Eric Perez by pinfall @ 5.39.

AFTERMATH: “Cool” hits to heat as Eddie & Perez join Carlito in the ring, laughing at the fallen duo of Shad & JTG. They then turn round and leave the ring with big smiles on their faces as they back up the ramp while Shad joins JTG as he sits up in the ring. They look up angrily at the smug Puerto Rican trio grinning back at them when “Ain’t No Make Believe” hits with John Morrison & The Miz looking as goofy as ever walk out to the stage with microphones in hand as the tag titles rest on their shoulders.

The Miz: Whoa, cut the cool music. . . How do we put this John in terms these guys will understand? . . . See, the thing about tag team wrestling is that what we call a team is made up of well, two people, not three. . . Now I know myself and John are the World Tag Team Champions and it must feel like you’re up against three men when you’re in the ring with us, but guys at the end of the day, three men in one team is cheatin’ plain and simple.

Miz looks happy with himself as he turns to Morrison.

John Morrison: As my very wise partner pointed out, we are the champions of the tag team division here on Raw, whether three men make up a team or not. . . Now quite frankly, we’re concerned champions. We’re concerned because the way we see things, we have no realistic challengers to these titles we represent better than any of the teams that preceded us. And having just watched your match, we turned to each other and said that the only way either of you will ever be a threat to us if you have at least three men to your respective team, and yet even then, that might not be enough to compete at the standard we’ve set. . . So gentleman, if you want to impress the modern day measuring stick of tag team wrestling, you’re gonna have to do more. . . a lot more.

“Ain’t No Make Believe” plays once again as both Cryme Time & The Colon Brothers with Eric Perez look up with slight anger and frustration at the smug tag champs.


{Cut Backstage}

Triple H & “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair are shown in their locker room with The Game pacing up and down with his cell phone in hand.

Triple H: Dave didn’t mention anythin’ to you ‘bout not bein’ here tonight?

Ric Flair: Nope, not a word. I don’t know where he could be, it’s not like him at all.

A seemingly angry Triple H sni-ggers, remembering full well what happened a few weeks back and decides to make another call.

Triple H: Voicemail again. . . I don’t know what you’re playin’ at Dave, but me an’ Ric are wonderin’ where the hell you are. Call me back when you get this message.

He flips his cell shut again and turns back to face Flair.

Ric Flair: I don’t know what he’s playin’ at.

Triple H: You and me both. We might as well just forget about Dave tonight.

Ric Flair: Why? What y’got in mind?

Triple H turns to Flair with a sly grin on his face, making Flair smile too.


{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***

Clips of classic King of the Ring moments are shown, such as Bret Hart winning the first tournament in 1993, followed by Owen Hart in ’94 and being crowned. It then shows Stonecold Steve Austin’s famous 3:16 quote from 1996, Triple H winning a year later and Kurt Angle’s victory in 2000, and ending with Edge’s in 2001.

Voiceover: For years, there have been only memories. . . For years, we have seen superstars grow in front of our eyes. . . Many of these moments stem from one glorious night. . . The King of the Ring. . . However, once again, this special night will create memories, champions and hall of famers. . . The King of the Ring returns to the WWE calendar very soon.





***Video Recap***
From Last Week

Finlay’s win over Ted DiBiase Jr thanks to the shot with the shillelagh. Later on and DiBiase going to Bischoff with Maryse, demanding that he does something about Finlay, leading to Bischoff making Finlay versus DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship at the King of the Ring.


{Cut To Ringside}


***Match #3***

Finlay w/Hornswoggle vs Lance Cade

ENDING: With Ted DiBiase Jr & Maryse watching on keenly from the announce table, Cade hammers away at Finlay in the corner until the referee backs him up. Hornswoggle urges Finlay on, and as Cade steps back in to the corner, the Irishman fights back with a couple of chops, forcing Cade back in to the ring. Finlay then nails him with a european uppercut before taking him down with a snap mare and following up with a vicious kick to the back. Finlay drops to his knees straight away and shoves Cade’s back by the chest as he tries for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Cade kicks out quite comfortably as DiBiase practically stares a hole through Finlay with the Irishman staring right back at him as he makes his way back up to his feet. With Cade getting to his knees, Finlay tries to give him a helping hand back up, but having taken his eye off the ball temporarily, Cade takes full advantage by throwing a right hand in to Finlay’s gut. The Irishman clutches his stomach as he leans forward with Cade standing up and whipping him in to the ropes, ducking his head in the process, and as Finlay comes back, he swings his boot up in to the face of Cade. The *******’s head snaps back up with Finlay lifting him up and planting him with THE CELTIC CROSS. . . . . A big pop breaks out as he readjusts his position on the mat to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Finlay by pinfall @ 5.11.

AFTERMATH: “Lambeg” hits to a pop, but it cuts quickly as DiBiase slips inside the ring behind Finlay and smashes him in the back of the head with the Million Dollar Championship belt. Boos echo around the arena as DiBiase stares down at Finlay with a smug smile on his face. Hornswoggle looks on from the outside with horror on his face as Finlay lies out cold on the mat. DiBiase looks up and sees the poor little guy’s face, and he takes pleasure in that too. He then backs away from Finlay and is about to climb through the ropes and drops his belt on the apron when Hornswoggle slides in the ring to check on Finlay. With one leg resting on the apron, DiBiase stops and steps back in to the ring, walking across to Hornswoggle as Maryse looks on. Hornswoggle looks up and sees the danger he’s in, then begs DiBiase not to hurt him, but the Million Dollar Champion shows no compassion at all as he kicks him right in the head. That gets even more heat from the Tennessee fans as they let DiBiase know exactly what they think of him. Finlay starts to come round, and DiBiase sees that, but he walks over to the leprechaun and picks him up, lifting him up off the ground with a cobra clutch grip locked in, applying the Million Dollar Dream. The intense champion filters out the boos coming from the crowd and Hornswoggle’s screams as Finlay starts squirming on the mat. As Finlay sits up and sees what’s going on, he stands up as quickly as he can with DiBiase just letting go of Hornswoggle and racing to safety on the outside to join Maryse, picking up his belt in the process. Finlay rushes to the little guy’s aid as DiBiase and Maryse back up laughing, but Finlay stands back up and walks over to the ropes, gesturing at DiBiase and yelling that he’s going to be sorry.


{Cut Backstage}

Todd Grisham is standing by.

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest at this time. . . Mister Kennedy.

Kennedy walks in to the shot with a big smile on his face as the fans cheers filter through from the arena.

Todd Grisham: Later on this evening you will be taking on The Big Show for a place in the final of the Quest to be Champion tournament. How are you feeling about your chances of facing Jeff Hardy next week for a shot at the WWE Championship come the King of the Ring?

Mr. Kennedy: Todd, Todd, Todd, I feel. . . I feel GREAT. Tonight is indeed the night Mr. Kennedy puts the last eighteen months behind him and throws himself firmly where he should be. . . competing against and beating the best. . . Everyone knows what I’ve been through with the injuries, but I can tell you right now Todd, that’s all in the past and I’ve got one solitary thought in mind going round and round inside my head. . . BECOMING THE NEXT WWE CHAMPION.

The cheers filter through in to the back as Todd smiles.

Todd Grisham: It’s fitting you spoke about the injuries you’ve previously suffered, and I have to ask you how you’re feeling after Randy Orton attacked you last week and took you out of the main event.

Mr. Kennedy: You know on a night like this, I was hopin’ I wouldn’t have to talk about Randy Orton, but such is life huh Todd? . . . As far as I was concerned, once I beat him and got revenge for puntin’ me in the head after Wrestlemania, it was all in the past, but it appears he doesn’t feel the same. But after what he did last week, jumpin’ me like the coward that he is, well let’s just say he’s got my attention back. . . See I know he’s more than capable of doin’ the same tonight and costin’ me my shot at the title since I repaid the favour at Backlash, and quite frankly the guy’s obsessed. Not that I can blame anyone for bein’ obsessed with Mr. Kennedy, but he has to see the full picture. That’s why I gave him first refusal on a title shot when I beat Kane at the King of the Ring and become the WWE Champion. . . See I’m gonna play Randy at his own game, and I know he wants to be the champ just as much as me, and surely even he’s not that stupid to screw himself over in gettin’ back at me. . . The best thing he can do is sit back and watch me beat The Big Show tonight, Jeff Hardy next week and Kane at the King of the Ring, because then it’s on. . . If he wants a piece of Mr. Kennedy, he can. . .

Kennedy starts chuckling.

Mr. Kennedy: . . . Well what d’y’know?

A very serious Randy Orton walks in to the shot and stands right in front of Kennedy as the camera zooms out.

Mr. Kennedy: You come to wish me luck Randy, ‘cos I do without it if it’s all the same to you.

Randy Orton: You’re gonna need more than luck if you’re gonna beat The Big Show tonight, but you’re right about one thing. I am gonna sit back and watch. I’m gonna watch you realise you’re out of your depth. . . But like you said, there’s no reason for me to get involved, because if somehow you do get lucky tonight like you did against me, it’s not just you that gets closer to the WWE Championship, so do I. It’s a win win situation, but if you lose like everyone expects, I’ll be just as happy watchin’ The Big Show tear you limb from limb, because that’s exactly what’ll happen if you win the title and defend it against me. You can count on it.

Orton gets right in Kennedy’s face.

Randy Orton: Good luck.

Orton remains very serious as he backs away and walks out of the shot with Kennedy’s good mood well and truly out of the way as he storms out of the shot in the opposite direction with Grisham looking a little shocked.


***Video Promo***








{Commercial Break}

Eric Bischoff is in his office talking to William Regal. Bischoff is sat down at his desk with Regal standing by the side of him.

Eric Bischoff: There’s no way I’m letting things get out of control after what happened to Vince an’ Shane, and to Kennedy last week. Oh and thanks for letting me know about that by the way.

William Regal: Quite honestly Eric, I didn’t think it was that big of an issue, and I dealt with it in the correct manner. If you want me to keep you informed of every insignificant incident, I would have been calling you every bloody minute.

Eric Bischoff: Alright, alright. It’s just that with Vince injured, I’ve had the board of directors on my back, telling me to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Otherwise, I could find myself in hot water.

William Regal: Oh, we certainly can’t have that.

Regal’s insincerity is fairly obvious, but not to Bischoff, and there’s a knock on the door.

Eric Bischoff: Come in.

We are greeted by the presence of Melina and her boyfriend, Santino Marella.

Eric Bischoff: So, what’ve I done to deserve this pleasure?

Santino Marella: No-a offence Mister Bischoff, but the only-a pleasure Melina gives out is to me. . . Santino Marella.

Melina: Santino, will you let me talk for a second?

Santino Marella: Oh I’m-a sorry miss thing. You take-a the floor why don’t you.

Melina just shakes her head and ignores him.

Melina: Eric, you said you’d give me a shot at Victoria if we beat her last week, and we did. I just wanted to know. . .

Eric Bischoff: . . .Whoa, that’s not what I said at all. And anyway, if I remember rightly, Victoria didn’t lose the match did she? Natalya beat Candice right?

Melina: Well. . .

Eric Bischoff: . . . Well it’s hard to see why I should give you a title match for doing pretty much nothing if we’re being honest with each other. . . But I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do. . . I propose we resolve this sensibly, and that means next week right here on Raw we have ourselves a number one contendership match between you and Natalya Neidhart. How’s that sound?

Santino Marella: I don’t know, Natalie’s a dangerous woman. You could almost call her a man t’ing. You really-a think you can take her?

Melina doesn’t appear to be pleased with Santino.

Melina: Of course I can.

Santino Marella: I’m not-a so sure. . . (Turns to Bischoff) She-a needs me you see for lots of reasons. . . She’s-a very demanding on Santino if you-a know what I mean.

Melina slaps him across the face with cheers being heard from inside the arena.

Melina: You’re wrong Santino, I don’t need you, not for anything.

Melina turns round and storms out with Santino looking shocked and panicking, going after her.

Santino Marella: MELINA. . . COME-A BACK HERE.

Bischoff has a little chuckle, as does Regal.

Eric Bischoff: Looks like she could be back on the market very soon. Maybe you should go and give her a shoulder to cry on if you know what I mean.

William Regal: Oh, I don’t think so. I mean she’s a lot younger than I am, it would be wrong. . . So very wrong.

Regal is clearly thinking about Melina in a way that’s getting him flustered, and he picks a teapot up off the desk to cover his groin area, looking very embarrassed with Bischoff laughing.

Eric Bischoff: You gonna pour that or just let it hang there?

William Regal: Not just yet thank you.

Eric Bischoff: Well I’ll erm. . . leave you to it.

Bischoff stands up and leaves the room grinning with the embarrassed and angry Regal looking down.

William Regal: How dare you laugh at me. (He puts the teapot back down on the desk) We’ll soon see who has the last laugh Mister General Manager.


***Video Recap***
From Last Week

The ending to Paul London’s match with Kenny Dykstra as Rey Mysterio ran down to the ring and pulled Kenny down to the floor, fighting all the way to the back. Brian Kendrick then coming out with London willing him to go at him, but Kendrick backing down.


{Cut To Ringside}


***Match #4***

King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Paul London vs Kenny Dykstra
ENDING: London’s looked slightly low key again, but not as bad as last week as Dykstra whips him in to the corner. He takes a couple of seconds before running in as he turns to the crowd and grins, but as he runs at his opponent, London lifts both his feet off the mat and drives them in to Kenny’s face. The cocky Dykstra staggers out of the corner as London pulls himself up to the second rope, and as Kenny turns back round, London dives off the top for a cross body, but Kenny reacts very quickly by dropkicking him in the chest. Sitting up and looking in to the crowd with a smile on his face, it takes Kenny a few seconds before he goes to make a cover, hooking both legs as the ref counts London’s shoulder. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . London just lifts his shoulder up off the mat and rolls on to his side, and as he does so, his former tag team partner, Brian Kendrick walks out to the stage to observe with the fans booing his arrival. Kenny stands back up and drags London up with him, noticing Kendrick and looking slightly confused before whipping London in to the ropes, but as London comes back, he slides through Kenny’s legs and races back up to his feet with Kenny turning round in to a JUMPING HEEL KICK ENZIGURI. . . . . That gets a pop from the crowd, but as London stands up, he spots Kendrick standing at the top of the stage. He stops and stares right at his partner, who glares right back at him. After several seconds, London walks the short distance in to the corner and climbs to the top rope with Dykstra lying close by. London takes a second look at Kendrick before going for a SHOOTING STAR PRESS. . . . . With valuable time wasted on his former partner, London’s opponent is able to roll closer to the corner as London crash lands on the mat, bringing a wry smile to Kendrick’s face. It takes him a while to get back up, but London is up first with Kenny using the ropes to help him up, but with London distracted as he tentatively reaches out to his opponent, Kenny ducks the grip and pulls London in to position for a ROLLING CUTTER. . . . . He drags him further away from the ropes before sending London crashing down to the mat. Kenny sits up smirking again before going for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Kenny Dykstra by pinfall @ 6.22.

AFTERMATH: “Superstar Fallin’” hits with the crowd booing Dykstra as he stands back up to get his arm raised. As he walks over to the ropes and talks smack to the people in the front row, Kendrick turns round and walks to the back with a smile on his face.


***Video Promo***

Kofi Kingston is shown getting ready in his dressing room. He’s sat down on the bench putting his knee pads on with the Intercontinental Championship attached to a rail behind him.


***Video Promo***





{Commercial Break}


Kenny Dykstra is walking down the hall when he bumps in to Rey Mysterio walking up the hall with his travel bag in hand.

Kenny Dykstra: Well look who it is. . . Unlucky tonight Rey. I don’t know if you saw my match, but unlike you, I’m goin’ to the King of the Ring. . . You know what? Scratch that, I’m gonna be the King of the Ring.

Rey Mysterio: You think I’m impressed? . . . You wanna impress me mister big shot, show me what y’got.

Dykstra just grins back at Rey with Rey dropping his bag.

Rey Mysterio: Come on homes, what’s wrong? You got a problem pickin’ on the small guy now huh?

Rey shoves Kenny, but Dykstra just laughs it off with Rey standing there pissed and ready to go.

Kenny Dykstra: Not at all. It’s just we both know what’d happen if I fought back. And since I’m in a good mood tonight, I’m not gonna make your night any worse by sendin’ you to the hospital. But if you wanna come join the party, feel free. Although you’d probably be drownin’ your sorrows again huh Rey? . . . I’ll catch ya later.

Dykstra brushes his way past Rey laughing with Mysterio left there seething, and he gives his bag one hell of a kick before picking it up, still staring down the hall.


***Video Promo***




{Cut to Ringside}


***Match #5***

Quest To Be Champion Semi Final
Mr. Kennedy vs The Big Show w/JBL & Vladimir Kozlov
ENDING: With Show seeming to be in control of the match, he pulls Kennedy back up and whips him in to the ropes, but the Green Bay native grabs and holds on to them as he comes in to contact them. He then urges Show to come at him, and the angry giant does just that, running right at him, but Kennedy lifts his boot up in to Show’s face. The fans cheer as Show staggers away from the ropes and back in to the centre of the ring, and as he turns round, Kennedy runs right at him, but the giant takes control of the match right back as he plants him with a SIDEWALK SLAM. . . . . Kennedy’s back is driven hard in to the canvas with Show looking to take full advantage as he shimmies round to cover his opponent as the ref drops to his knees and makes the all important count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kennedy gets his shoulder up to the relief of the crowd with JBL and Kozlov watching their fellow Corporation member from ringside. Show doesn’t look that surprised, but as he gets back up, he decides to go for an elbow drop, but as he falls dangerously close towards Kennedy’s chest, Kennedy rolls to the side at the last second with Show elbowing the canvas and the canvas only. The fans cheer and encourage Kennedy, who crawls towards the ropes and uses them to help himself back up to his feet. As Show gets back up, Kennedy walks over and nails him with a succession of right hands, taking him off guard. Kennedy then turns back and runs the ropes, but as he comes back, Show cuts short his momentum once again by driving his huge boot down Kennedy’s throat.

He grins at JBL and the ever frowning Kozlov. The Big Show then lifts his right arm in the air, signalling for the CHOKESLAM. . . . . The fans boo, but they quickly turn to huge cheers, confusing the hell out of The Corporation. We then see the camera switch to a shot of Ric Flair walking down the ramp, and Show’s face turns in an instant with absolute anger written all over it. JBL & Kozlov walk round to the ramp and block him off with the ref then walking over to the ropes to try and deal with the situation with Show now laughing at Flair, but unbeknown to him, Triple H has jumped the barricade and slipped in to the ring behind him. With Kennedy getting to his knees, Show focuses back on him, but as he turns round, he sees The Game and is met with a swift kick to the groin before he can react. Before Show falls to his knees, Triple H kicks him in the gut and plants him with the PEDIGREE. . . . . The crowd are going nuts while JBL, Kozlov and the referee remain oblivious as the tron has a close up of Flair taunting Show’s buddies. The Game stands back up and sn-iggers before leaving the ring with Kennedy standing up, looking totally stunned to see him. He just stands by and watches The Game leave the ring and jump back over the barricade while Flair continues to distract JBL & Kozlov. Kennedy shrugs his shoulders and decides to climb up to the top rope where he then leaps off and hits the KENTON BOMB. . . . . Cheers ring out as he then scurries back across to make the count, shouting at the ref who turns round and rushes to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Mr. Kennedy by pinfall @ 10.17.

AFTERMATH: “Turn Up The Treble” hits as Mr. Kennedy stands back up and leaves the ring with a big smile on his face with the camera quickly cutting to Randy Orton watching in the back with no emotion on his face before cutting right back to the arena. As JBL & Kozlov turn back and get back in to the ring, the ref joins Kennedy on the outside to raise his arm before Kennedy walks round to the ramp and makes his way to the back, grinning in to the crowd while The Big Show looks furious as he sits up. Triple H is watching on in the crowd, surrounded by four security workers with The Corporation spotting him and not looking pleased one bit.


***Video Promo***






{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***
During The Break


Triple H & Ric Flair are shown in the parking lot, loading up their car when The Corporation storm through the door with an almighty thud as it’s thrust in to the wall.

The Big Show: TRIPLE H, YOU’RE A DEADMAN.

The Game & Flair slam the boot and look over at the irate trio of Show, JBL & Vladimir Kozlov. Triple H has a grin on his face with The Corporation standing by the door, around 30 yards away from them.

Triple H: (Sarcastically) Is there some sort of problem?

Show steps forward, but JBL holds his arm out to stop him.

JBL: I told you Hunter that you would have to deal with the consequences of what you did to my father, but you just made things a whole lot worse for yourself.

Triple H: (Sarcastically) Is that right? Well if it makes you feel better, I’m very sorry.

He just smirks back with JBL not at all happy with the sarcasm of The Game.

JBL: I did warn you Hunter. I made myself as clear as I could be, but since you chose to disregard my warning, you will suffer the consequences.

JBL pulls his arm back with Show and then both JBL & Kozlov stepping forward. The Game’s face becomes very serious, as does Flair’s while The Corporation walk closer towards them, and being outnumbered, Flair & Triple H realise they’re in trouble, and if they have any chance, they have to take the fight to The Corporation. They shift forward and meet all three men with Flair going for Kozlov, chopping him across the chest and then firing at him with right hands as JBL & Show fight off the desperate onslaught of The Game. The numbers game takes its toll as they beat him to the floor with Kozlov shoving Flair to the ground close by. JBL & Show put the boots to The Game as Kozlov does the same to Flair until both men can’t fight back. Show & JBL take a step back while Kozlov continues to stomp away at Flair.

JBL: Pick him up.

Show drags Triple H back up with JBL pointing at the car bonnet, and Show grabs The Game by the throat, then chokeslams him down on to the bonnet. JBL & Show stand there smiling sadistically at the sight of HHH on the bonnet, completely out of it. Show then grabs him and drags him down to the floor before turning round and walking over to Flair.

The Big Show: I’ll take it from here.

Kozlov steps back with Show then picking Flair up and dragging him to another car right next to them. He then chokeslams The Nature Boy down on to the hood of the car with JBL & Kozlov watching on with great satisfaction. Show just stares down menacingly as Flair’s lies on the floor, totally out of it with his shirt torn. After about five seconds, Show steps back and turns round to walk back inside, followed by Kozlov and a grinning JBL as the camera zooms in on Flair and then Triple H as they lie on the floor completely helpless.

We then see the scene a minute later with EMT's coming to the scene and checking over Flair & Triple H with both men slowly showing signs of movement.


{Cut To Ringside}

Jim Ross: Folks, we’ve had no update on the condition on Triple H and Ric Flair after the events we just witnessed, but when we hear something, we’ll be sure to let you know. But the show must go on, and right now, it’s time for our main event for the Intercontinental Championship.


***The Main Event***

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kofi Kingston (c) vs Cody Rhodes
ENDING: Kofi started the match on fire, but Cody has managed to gain the initiative with some dirty tactics. Cody is smiling and looking very confident as he pulls Kofi up to his feet and whips him in to the ropes, but as Kofi comes back, he sends Cody down to the mat with a high angle reverse elbow smash. That gets the crowd going as both men make their way back up as Kofi explodes with a whip to the corner. Cody hits the pads back first, and Kofi runs in right away to connect with a splash. The crowd cheer, but Kofi’s not done as he then sends Cody back to the centre of the ring courtesy of a MONKEY FLIP. . . . . The fans continue to cheer as Kofi then stands back up and runs at Cody before hitting him with a double leg drop to the chest. The champion hurries as he hooks both legs for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Cody kicks out somewhat comfortably, and it’s no surprise to Kofi as he gets right back up to a vertical base. With Cody also getting to his knees while clutching his chest, Kofi steps behind him and looks to set him up for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP. . . . . Cody manages to slip away and behind Kofi before clubbing him across the back. He then grabs Kofi around the head and runs across the ring to plant him with a bulldog.

Cody rushes to turn him over for a cover as the ref makes his way over to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kofi gets his shoulder up, and Cody looks frustrated. He stands back up with a look of real intensity and determination on his face as Kofi gets to his knees, Cody looks to strike straight away, grabbing Kofi by the head, but Kofi reacts and slips behind him. He then grabs Cody by the arm and spins him round, but Cody blocks it and tries for an irish whip, and as Kofi is thrust forward, he is sent crashing in to the referee. The ref just falls to the mat as Kofi falls to his knees. He looks down in shock and concern, but Cody isn’t showing any as he tries to take advantage of the situation, stalking Kofi, and as the Jamaican stands up and turns round, Cody plants him with THE SILVER SPOON DDT (Flowing Snap DDT). . . . . Kofi is out of it, but the referee’s out of it. Cody doesn’t look happy and tries to shake the referee back in to life, but he’s not responding. Cody stands up and turns to the crowd, looking absolutely pissed. He then turns to the side and sees the Intercontinental Championship resting by Lilian Garcia. He smirks and walks over to the ropes, climbing through them to jump to the floor below, where he snatches it off of the table and slips back in the ring as Kofi open his eyes, still lying across the canvas.

Cody walks over to him and circles his body with the title belt in his hand. He then steps back with his back to the ramp and urges Kofi to get up, ready to finish the job as he clutches on to the belt until a big pop breaks out. Cody shuts it out as we then see Kelly Kelly running down the ramp and slipping in the ring under the bottom rope. She walks up behind Cody and grabs hold of the belt, trying to wrestle it from him. Cody looks shocked to see her and tries to hold on to it, but as they fight over it, he pushes her down to the mat with the belt falling out of his hands too. He doesn’t seem to care as he stares down at Kelly in anger and stands over her with her begging him not to hurt her. The fans will Kofi back up, and as he sits up, he sees the belt on the mat and picks it up. He stands up and sees Kelly in danger with Kelly then looking behind Cody and smiling to see Kofi’s up. Cody senses something’s wrong and turns round in to a shot to the face with the belt. The crowd cheer as Kofi tosses the belt back across the mat to the apron with Kelly dragging herself to the apron too and to the outside, away from danger as Kofi looks over to check she’s okay . He then drops to the mat and hooks Cody’s right leg with the referee slowly coming round and crawling across to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . 3.


WINNER: By pinfall, and still the Intercontinental Champion, Kofi Kingston @ 12.10.

AFTERMATH: “S.O.S” hits to a big pop as Kelly watches on from the bottom of the ramp. She smiles at Kofi as he stands up before turning round and walking back up the ramp. The groggy ref then struggles to his feet and collects the title belt from the arpon before passing it to Kofi and raising his arm in victory. He turns to see Kelly walk through the curtain, then walks in to the corner and poses for the crowd with his title belt raised high in the air as Raw comes to a close.


{End of Show}


QUICK RESULTS

Jeff Hardy df. Rey Mysterio
The Colon Brothers & Eric Perez df. Cryme Time
Finlay df. Lance Cade
Kenny Dykstra df. Paul London
Mr. Kennedy df. The Big Show
Kofi Kingston df. Cody Rhodes


CONFIRMED FOR NEXT WEEK

Quest To Be Champion Final
Mr. Kennedy vs Jeff Hardy

Number One Contendership Match
Melina vs Natalya Neidhart

CONFIRMED FOR THE KING OF THE RING



WWE Championship
Mr. Kennedy or Jeff Hardy vs Kane (c)

Million Dollar Championship
Finlay vs Ted DiBiase Jr (c)



 
#1,136 ·
RAW REVIEW
BY SC2004 >>>

>>> JBL must of swallowed a dictionary before he came to the ring. LOL. I’m all for intelligent dialogue and JBL is an intelligent guy, but at certain points during his opening speech his word choice seemed odd. Not out of character, just odd. I totally got into JBL and his speech about morals within modern society. He was spot on, honest and insightful. Odd that, as he is a heel, but it worked well. The Big Show’s lines were kept to a minimum. I liked the line about eating HHH for breakfast. Koslov did nothing in the promo, though I’m sure he would of added to the visual. Flair stole the show with two lines. It’s amazing how the use of capitals can put over emotion. Batista not being there and JBL’S not so subtle attempt to stir the pot was nicely done. The hatred factor was played to the max here and it came across on both sides. Bischoff spoils the fun, but it was the right booking move. All in all a nice opener that adds to tonight’s show and takes this angle another step forward.

>>> I know this may sound off coming from me, but I expected more from this match up. Rey vs. Jeff hardy as an opening match to a TV show rocks, but I expected you to do more with it, instead we got just one paragraph. It’s not a big deal. Jeff goes over clean and they have a little mutual respect, bonding session after the bell. All in all it was nicely done, with the future main event player going forward.

>>> I find it ironic that a Ted DiBiase promo followed Cody’s promo, as in my opinion, Rhodes is money! The promo was subtle. Lets face it, Rhodes could just of easily gone off the deep end in recent weeks and who’s to say he won’t, but right here, he was held it all back. The lines about finally getting his hands on Kofi added to the intensity of the promo and the anticipation for the match itself.

>>> Paul Bearer, I mean the man can do no wrong and anybody who fails to utilize him in BTB are idiots in my opinion. This was so brilliantly done. Subtle undertones of evil menace. Paul comparing Rey and Kane was also a nice touch. This promo didn’t so much effect Hardy, although it painted him as the underdog nicely. No, this was about Kane and you feeling the need to push the champion as it were, to make us believe in him. This helped me buy him as champion, though I still have my doubts.

>>> The tag team match up itself was forgettable as was the promo that followed by The Miz and John Morrison, but none of that really matters. The whole point of the match and the promo was to place the spotlight on the tag team division as a whole and to make us realize that there are several teams gunning to be the best on Raw. The match and the promo screamed “competition” and making the tag team division completive is important, something the WWE has forgotten.

>>> Although the Flair, HHH promo only last a few lines, it established a lot. Flair is oblivious to the growing animosity between Batista and HHH. HHH is starting to resent Batista for not being there for him when he’s needed and most importantly, HHH has a plan tonight in order to get revenge for last week. All in all, a smart promo.

>>> Finlay against Holly won’t ever set the world alight, but at least you kept it short. This was all about the aftermath. DiBiase attacking Finlay and then destroying Hornswaggle in front of his dad. Well I saw it coming and it reminded me a lot of the JBL, Finlay storyline that happened in the WWE. It was unoriginal and I dislike the feud overall, It just does absolutely nothing for me. I’m all for placing focus on the under card and I can see that your using Finlay, a veteran, to get DiBiase over and that’s great booking, but I still dislike the storyline overall.

>>> I’ve never been too high up on Kennedy, having felt from the early days that he was over rated and stick by that here. I just dislike the guy. However this promo was very nicely done. Although I don’t see Kennedy getting through tonight, I liked Orton,s line about being in a win, win situation. That being if Kennedy wins the gold, he gets the first shot at it. Both men are exceptional talkers and I see great in ring promos with these two down the line. Kennedy’s future right now is in a feud with Orton, not in a match up with Kane for the title at the KOTR.

>>> A fun backstage segment here. For weeks I’ve predicted dissention between Regal and Bischoff and it looks like something may finally be happening. With Eric in trouble with the board, it’s the perfect time for Regal to try and steal the GM role for himself. Melina slapping Santino and storming out surprised me. I think they’ll stay together, until Santino screws up next. Nice to see you continuing to focus on the women’s division, making that title seem important is a good idea. Melina vs. Natalya is a great match on paper.

>>> There’s not much to comment on in relation to Dykstra advancing, only that it was the right booking move. What I liked however was him segment with Rey. Rey has been shown in poor light tonight and this was another example. I’m not sure whether or not this was about laying the foundations for a future feud, if so, I look forward to it.

>>> I must admit, I was surprised by the fact you choose to book The Show, Kennedy match second last, but I’ll talk more about that in a moment. HHH & Flair’s big plan, well it wasn’t all that big and it made the corporation look like idiots, especially because JBL should of seen HHH on the big screen. Oh well, it advances the feud. Kennedy going through had to happen, given the fact this was booked around The Corporation and Evolution and not his feud with Orton.

>>> Now while the corporation looked liked idiots during the match, it was HHH and Flair who looked like idiots during this backstage segment. With their car loaded up and ready to go after achieving their aims and getting revenge, instead of leaving they opt to fight, outnumbered by the Corporation and get their asses handed to them. It makes no sense. The only thing you must have been thinking was that if HHH and Flair run they’ll look like cowards, but that’s not how they would of looked, they would of looked smart!

>>> Back to the match order and your decision to close with this match. BRAVE!!! In BTB you can get away with it, but in real life, this just couldn’t of happened. The Show versus Kennedy match up was the bigger match up and would of pulled a better rating. As for the match up, it was great. I liked the fact that even though Kofi won by pinfall, you can still say that had it not been for Kelly, the outcome may have been a lot different. Also, because of the ending I feel that this feud is far from finished.

OVERALL: This was a solid and entertaining show as always. I think I went into detail enough throughout the review, so I won’t go on to much here. Out of everything, The Paul Bearer promo was the highlight of the night. Not into The Finlay, DiBiase storyline. Evolution and The Corporation both looked like fool, all be it at different times. In saying all of that, it was still a great read mate
 
#1,137 · (Edited)
HHH & Flair’s big plan, well it wasn’t all that big and it made the corporation look like idiots, especially because JBL should of seen HHH on the big screen.
I made sure that wouldn't be the case.

Nige™;7383982 said:
The fans boo, but they quickly turn to huge cheers, confusing the hell out of The Corporation. We then see the camera switch to a shot of Ric Flair walking down the ramp, and Show’s face turns in an instant with absolute anger written all over it. JBL & Kozlov walk round to the ramp and block him off with the ref then walking over to the ropes to try and deal with the situation with Show now laughing at Flair, but unbeknown to him, Triple H has jumped the barricade and slipped in to the ring behind him. With Kennedy getting to his knees, Show focuses back on him, but as he turns round, he sees The Game and is met with a swift kick to the groin before he can react. Before Show falls to his knees, Triple H kicks him in the gut and plants him with the PEDIGREE. . . . . The crowd are going nuts while JBL, Kozlov and the referee remain oblivious as the tron has a close up of Flair taunting Show’s buddies.

Now while the corporation looked liked idiots during the match, it was HHH and Flair who looked like idiots during this backstage segment. With their car loaded up and ready to go after achieving their aims and getting revenge, instead of leaving they opt to fight, outnumbered by the Corporation and get their asses handed to them. It makes no sense. The only thing you must have been thinking was that if HHH and Flair run they’ll look like cowards, but that’s not how they would of looked, they would of looked smart!
In real life, i believe that they wouldn't run. It paves the way for the next step of this storyline, and it was very crucial. I can see what you mean by allowing themselves to get beat up, but i do believe with things being so personal, they wouldn't back away. How many times has Triple H gone after Legacy in real life? I see your point, but i'm happy with how i booked it.

Solid win for Kenny, he might have a good run in the KOTR tournament, but I don't see him taking it. Quick question, will there be SD! Superstars involved in it, or is it a RAW-only party?
It's inter-promotional. Qualifiers will start this week on Smackdown.

And forgive my ignorance here, but what's a car bonnet? I'm not a big car enthusiast, but I've never heard the term before. Is it British?
It is British, and i believe you call it the hood in the States.
 
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