SmackDown;
May 5th; Trenton:
No opening video, no pyro, instead…
We jump inside the Sovereign Bank Arena, where SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long is standing inside the ring.
Theodore Long: Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to introduce to you… the NEWEST MEMBA’ of the SMACKDOWN ROSTAH! She HAILS… from TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA! And playas, she is the WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION… GIVE IT UP… FA’ TRISH – STRATUS!
***TIME TO ROCK & ROLL***
A surreal scene is painted in the opening moments of the broadcast, as the WWE Women’s Champ is here! Trish Stratus, decked out in boots, jeans, and the blue ‘TERROR OF TORONTO’ t-shirt she donned this past Sunday at Backlash, enters the fray and proudly hoists her title belt above her head.
Michael Cole: Do not adjust your television sets! This isn’t a Monday Night RAW production. This is Thursday night’s hottest television show! This is SmackDown! And SmackDown has reeled one of the biggest fish in the sea!
Tazz: I gotta give ALL the credit in da’ WORLD to Teddy Long, man. I knew Trish was impressed when she saw our show at The Garden two weeks ago. But I neva’ in my wildest dreams could have eva’ envisioned her showin’ up RIGHT HERE on SmackDown! This is crazy!
Trish climbs into the ring and shakes Teddy’s hand with a smile on her face, as she stands to the right of Long and is graciously handed the mic from a crewmember at ringside.
Theodore Long: Trish, on behalf of the entire SmackDown team, it’s an hona’ and a privilege to OFFICIALLY welcome you to the best wrestlin’ brand in the world!
Stratus smiles as she’s greeted by a warm reception by the crowd.
Trish Stratus: Thank you. Thank you, Teddy. It certainly feels… a lot better to be treated with respect around here…
More cheers from the crowd.
Trish Stratus: And not just by you either, Teddy. I mean, it doesn’t take much to be better than my previous employer (boos). But all around today – whether it was you, or the boys and girls in the locker room, the makeup people, the sound crew, these crewmembers at ringside. I mean, Michael, Tazz, you both are great. Really great. (Smile from Trish and a thumbs up is given) You as well, Tony I mean…
‘TRISH!’ chants are brought out from the crowd.
Trish Stratus: Even this crowd is showing me respect. It’s not usually what I’m used to amongst crowds but… I’m really just… really overwhelmed right now and it’s a pleasure to be here tonight and it’s a pleasure to be on SmackDown for the foreseeable future.
Applause from the crowd rings out as Trish keeps her smile on.
Theodore Long: Well Trish, I know that you’re starvin’ for some competition and I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve got just that.
Intrigued and excited, Trish nods and looks on.
Theodore Long: Ya’see, in seventeen days SmackDown’s producin’ a little Pay-Per-View called Judgment Day. And at Judgment Day, Trish, you are goin’ to be defendin’ that WWE Women’s Championship. And it ain’t gonna be a gauntlet match. And I ain’t gonna fool you or mislead you as to how many opponents you’re goin’ to have like the man who runs the ‘B’ show. Ya’ feel me?
BURN~!
Theodore Long: I want SmackDown! to be the best it can be. So I’m going to get the best talent that there is. I courted and I recruited you to SmackDown, and now you’re here. But there’s anotha’ young lady that I was attempting to reel in as well.
Trish Stratus: Oh really now?
T-Lo nods.
Theodore Long: That’s right! It’s somebody who, just like you Trish, has had their fair share of problems with the way that your former employer treated her. She’s been a free agent for a few months, and I’m proud to announce right now that I’ve reeled her in too!
A bit of a buzz begins to mount…
Theodore Long: Trish, at Judgment Day on May the 22nd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, you will defend the WWE Women’s Championship… when you go one-on-one… … …
Teddy cracks a smile.
Theodore Long: …with GAIL KIM!
Tazz: Whoa!
Michael Cole: Wow!
Seemingly enthused, Trish nods with approval behind it.
Theodore Long: How’s that sound, Trish?
Trish Stratus: Y’know… Y’know it sounds gr—
***MY TIME IS NOW***
?!?!?!
The attention inside Sovereign Bank Arena shifts to the stage as the WWE Champion John Cena makes his entrance!
Michael Cole: Well this wasn’t part of the program but—
Tazz: The CHAMP is HERE!
Cena, dressed in jean shorts, a Drazen Petrovic New Jersey Nets jersey, black wristbands and a black Chain Gang hat, motors down the ramp with the gold on his shoulder. The Franchise leaps up onto the apron, takes a gander inside, particularly at the WWE Women’s Champion… who, too, looks on with a grin on her face, and then climbs into the fray.
John Cena: ‘Scuse the interruption… … … …
Cena puts his palm out.
John Cena: But The CHAMP is HERE in TRENTON, NEW JERSEY!
A huuuuuuge pop rattles out. Trish, meanwhile, giggles a little bit.
Trish Stratus: Hey, hey, hey.
Trish garners John’s attention, and brandishes the Women’s Title.
Trish Stratus: You’re right, John. She is. (Holds up the belt; “OOOHHHHH”) Thanks for the introduction, babe but… I don’t need another.
Another ‘oooooooh’ from the crowd as Cena wipes his jaw after that one.
John Cena: Trish Stratus, Trish Stratus… kickin’ ass, takin’ names, and goin’ right after The Franchise on ya’ first night on the show. You’ve got a lot of guts. You know that?
Trish Stratus: Oh please, babe. You act like you’re shocked that the most dominant female this company’s ever seen isn’t starry-eyed at your presence in the ring.
Cena cocks his head as Trish smirks.
Trish Stratus: I’ll go after whomever I want… whenever I want. (Walks up to Cena) So since I’m gonna be around here for a while now… (Plucks Cena’s collar) You better get used to it.
Stratus smiles again and saunters outside the ring, as she’s certainly left an impression on the biggest dog in the yard. Cena looks on, as does Long, and the WWE Champion turns his attention back to the GM.
John Cena: Alright, Teddy. I didn’t come out here just to break the ice with the new kid on the block. I came out here for one reason and one reason only.
Cena marches up to the GM.
John Cena: Two weeks ago The Undertaker stared me down. Last week, he did the same and he ate an F-U for his troubles. Now I’m about one-THOUSAND percent certain that Deadman is just WAITIN’ to pounce on me again tonight. I know what he wants. YOU know what he wants. EVERYONE knows what The Undertaker desires and as my adage goes, if you WANT some, come GET some.
The Franchise’s eyes light up with burning intensity.
John Cena: So if you’re out here makin’ matches for Judgment Day, here’s a pitch from me: (makes marquee with hands) John Cena… VERSUS… The Undertaker… for the W – W – E – Championship!
The crowd responds thunderously to Cena’s persuasion as Teddy looks him in the eyes.
Theodore Long: That’s what you want, playa?
John Cena: (Nods) Damn right.
Theodore Long: Well… it’s on then!
Another huge pop from the crowd.
Theodore Long: The main event of Judgment Day will be John Cena defendin’ the WWE Championship against none otha’… than THE UNDERTAKER!
Cena nods again, feeling confident in his daring maneuver. Long exits the ring to his music and walks up the ramp as our announce team begins to spar about this mega-match…
…
Suddenly—
THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
A huge reaction reverberates around the arena...
“Ceeeennnnnnnaaaaaaaa…”
The decibel volume goes up even FURTHER as the unmistakable voice of The Undertaker is heard!
“Beeeee careful… what you wish forrrrrrr…”
…
…
…
…
…
Commercial Break
SHANNON MOORE already waits in the ring…
***KASH MONEY*** The crowd watches on as there’s some sparse cheers for Kid Kash who steps out onto the stage. He glances around at the arena around him before continuing onto the ring.
Michael Cole: Last week Kid Kash was in the crowd in Birmingham, but this week he’s going to try his luck in the ring. He’s one of the many new acquisitions here on SmackDown, joining the likes of Trish Stratus and Gail Kim, and Tazz you know quite a lot about this guy don’t you?
Tazz: He’s a forma’ ECW Television Champion. I neva’ went toe-to-toe with this guy but he always impressed me no matta’ what he was doin’. SmackDown’s gonna enjoy havin’ him around, I’ll tell ya that.
1 – Singles Match
Shannon Moore vs. Kid Kash
The newest addition to the SmackDown Cruiserweight Division shows off his skills in a high-octane affair with the punk rocker Moore who more than holds his own in this fun showcase match. He hangs with Kash, who is put over by the commentators early and often, and displays his high-flying types of maneuvers.
Towards the end of the match, Kash goes for Bankruptcy, but Moore counters the move, and hits an Exploder Suplex! The Cameron, North Carolina native then climbs up to the top rope and goes for the HALO… AND CONNECTS! NEAR FALL!
Kash tosses his shoulder up at 2 ½, as Moore certainly thought he had him down for the count. The Trenton crowd did as well, as the Garden State watches on as Moore pulls Kash up and attacks with his forearm. He backs him into the ropes, before whipping him across. No! Kash counters mid-swing, and pulls Moore in.
DEAD LEVEL TO MOORE!
1! 2!! 3!!!
Winner: Kid Kash via pin fall at 8:01.
Kash gets up as the referee raises his hand. The new cruiserweight into the fold celebrates the win by heading up to the corner and slapping his chest. He then gets off the second rope as he looks over and sees Moore getting up.
The Notorious K.I.D. stands still as Moore reaches his feet a few seconds later.
Then, Moore extends his hand, offering respect as we’ve seen often from much, if not all of the cruiserweight division.
Kash scowls, and walks up to Moore.
“I won. I don’t need to shake your hand,” Kash yells, before smacking Shannon’s hand away and he exits the ring to heat
Michael Cole: What the hell? What was that for?
Tazz: I guess Kash doesn’t think he owes anybody any respect, Cole. He always seemed to beat to his own drum in ECW and apparently that’s transcended here to WWE.
Michael Cole: That’s what the Cruiserweight Division’s all about though, Tazz. It’s about respect. Kash didn’t seem to want any part of it. I’m disappointed…
We leap backstage to find the United States Champion Carlito Caribbean Cool chatting up Joy Giovanni, getting his mack on.
Then, Hardcore Holly buts in.
Hardcore Holly: Hey, jackass.
Carlito, taken back, looks over.
Carlito Caribbean Cool: ‘Da hell do ju want? Cant’chu see I’m busy?
Hardcore Holly: I don’t give a damn, Carly.
Visibly offended, Carlito does his best to politely shoo Joy away and she cooperates.
Hardcore Holly: You make me sick, y’know that?
Carlito Caribbean Cool: If ‘dat were the case, Carlito would be happy. ‘Den he wouldn’t have to see your ugly mug around here.
Fed up, Holly pushes his forearm into Carlito’s throat, backing him against the wall!
Hardcore Holly: Look, you punk. I don’t appreciate the way that you butt into the United States Championship match two weeks ago. You youngsters, all you want to do is jump into every opportunity like it’s yours to take. You’ve got to earn it, boy.
Carlito breaks free and shoves Holly away.
Carlito Caribbean Cool: Get ‘da hell of me! Crazy ass.
Holly rares back and SMACKS CARLITO ACROSS THE FACE! The United States Champion is brought down to a knee as Holly leers down at him.
Hardcore Holly: Watch your mouth, punk. Next time it won’t be a slap.
Holly marches off as Carlito checks his mouth for blood, angrily looking at the veteran down the hall as we hear his footsteps.
Commercial Break
Kid Kash is seen walking in the lower concourse of the arena, wiping his face off with a towel.
Then, Josh Matthews walks up to him.
Josh Matthews: Kid Kash, you’re just a few moments removed from winning your first match here on SmackDown. Could you talk about what that means to you?
Kash tosses the towel away.
Kid Kash: What it means to me is that it confirmed that I’m better than that punk rock goofball that I wrestled tonight, boy.
Josh Matthews: (Stammering) Um, alright. Do you think you could take us through your mindset after the match when you decided not to shake Shannon Moore’s hand?
The cruiserweight scoffs.
Kid Kash: What the hell did I need to do that for? Doggone it, I don’t need to respect anybody ‘round here ‘cept one person. And that’s me.
Kash points to himself.
Kid Kash: I was better than that goofy-looking idiot that I faced tonight. I knew it going in, and I know it now walking out. Why should I respect someboday that’s below me? ‘Cause a’ some code ‘round here? Is that why?
Matthews looks at Kash nervously, and the cruiserweight shakes his head.
Kid Kash: You know what? This discussion’s over. And do me a favor next time, boy. Come up with s’more detailed questions and not the lazy crap that just spewed outta yer’ mouth.
Kash bolts off screen…
Back to ringside.
***RAP SHEET*** Booker T walks into the arena to a large ovation from the New Jersey crowd. Going through his pre-match routine, Booker sets fire off on the stage before trotting down to the ring for one-on-one action again.
***CHAVITO ARDIENTE*** The former multi-time Cruiserweight Champ Chavo Guerrero strolls into the venue looking sharply focused, knowing he’s got a grand opportunity at his disposal.
Michael Cole: Guerrero looks intense and ready to go here tonight.
Tazz: No kiddin’, Cole. Who can blame him eitha’? Booka’ T beat the white-hot Kurt Angle last week in the main event. Chavo’s got a chance to knock off a guy with that kind’a victory at his disposal? I’d be blockin’ out EVERYTHING!
2 – Singles Match
Booker T vs. Chavo Guerrero
Chavo is hungry from the jump, wrestling with a burst of energy as he looks to knock off the red-hot Booker T who has won as many matches (4) as he has had in as many weeks (4). The two former WCW competitors square off – for the very first time under the WWE umbrella in a one-on-one match as our esteemed announce team points out.
Booker goes for a Harlem Sidekick, but Chavo ducks it and runs over to the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Booker ducks that and on the rebound, Guerrero lunges at Booker, who grabs him and hoists him up, before thrusting him back down to the mat with the 110th Street Slam! A two count follows much to the dismay of The Book Man, who then heads up to the top rope.
As Chavo gets up, Booker launches off… going for the Heat Seeker, but Guerrero rolls out of the way! Booker crashes and burns and Chavo pounces, rolling into an inside cradle! 1! 2!! Kick out from Booker! Chavo punches Booker a few times out of the cradle and backs him into the ropes, and looks to Irish whip him across. But Booker counters, and looks for another 110th Street Slam… but Chavo counters and lands on his feet!
Chavo then underhooks Booker and hits a Tiger Suplex! Guerrero then pulls Booker up and sets up for the Gory Bomb… No! Booker fights out and hits the Book End! Booker gets up to go for the pin—
“AH!”
BAM!
BOOKER’S WAFFLED BY A FOREARM SHOT TO THE BACK—
IT’S KURT ANGLE!
Winner: Booker T via disqualification at 7:31.
Michael Cole: What the hell’s Kurt Angle doing here?!
Tazz: Is there really any doubt, Cole?
Angle then has his attention diverted over to Tony Chimel.
Tony Chimel: The winner of this match as a result of a disqualification… Booker T!
The Olympian’s eyes light up in a fit of rage, and then Angle plucks Booker T off the mat by his waist and throws him backwards with a devastating German Suplex!
Michael Cole: Oh, come on now!
Tazz: Angle’s pissed off at Booka’ fa’ beatin’ him last week, Cole and he isn’t goin’ to let him fa’get about it.
Kurt reaches down for the Houston resident again by his waist and tosses him backwards for another German Suplex!
“NOBODY BEATS ME! NOBODY!”
After bellowing out this remark again, the Olympic Gold Medalist grabs Booker by the waist, one more time, from a go-behind, and hurls him back for a German Suplex that turns him inside out as he lands on his face!
Tazz: GEEZ!
Michael Cole: Somebody needs to get out here and stop this!
Tazz: You wanna go in there ya’self and save the day, Mighty Mouse?
Meanwhile, Angle’s now applied the Ankle Lock! Booker is screaming out in pain as the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native is apparently hell bent on snapping his adversary’s ankle into bits and pieces. Then, referees and agents flood the ring to try and pry Kurt off and he eventually relents and throws down the boot of Booker T before raising his arms up in celebration.
Kurt shouts at him again, “NOBODY BEATS KURT ANGLE! NO ONE!” before the intense wrestler makes his way out of the ring with the escorts of officials and agents. He keeps his fists up in the air as he’s booed on his way up the ramp.
Michael Cole: And this guy’s proud of this. He’s better than this, Tazz. He’s so much better than this.
Tazz: The guy was white-hot afta’ beatin’ Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania, Cole. That’s a helluvan accomplishment. Then he beats Paul London and Lance Storm. You’re tellin’ me you can’t undastand why he’s so pissed off that he lost last week?
Michael Cole: There’s other ways of dealing with this. Kurt Angle is being nothing but a sore loser right now and he’s proud of it.
Tazz: Oh will you knock it off, Michael? Geez.
“Nobody beats me. Nobody…”
Commercial Break
After the break, we get a replay of the events that occurred before it, with Kurt Angle destroying Booker T with three consecutive German Suplexes and then applied his Ankle Lock submission hold.
Michael Cole: And we can tell you now that Kurt Angle has left the building. After what was obviously a premeditated attack on Booker T – whose status right now is unknown at this time – Kurt Angle, the Olympic Gold Medalist in 1996, has left the building.
Tazz: He came, he saw, and he conquered, Cole. He was a man with a plan and I don’t have one stinkin’ problem with it.
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
Michael Cole: Oh, great.
PAUL HEYMAN is seen walking through the curtain, microphone in hand.
Paul Heyman: …of Trenton, New Jersey, the capital of this Garden State, my name… in case you have forgotten… is Paulllll Heyman.
A smattering of cheers.
Paul Heyman: The last two weeks have been quite an adventure. I made my return here to SmackDown – a show that I ran not too long ago, and along with me came the greatest living tag team in the world, Bubba Ray and D-Von – THE DUDLEY BOYZ!
Another smattering of cheers unearths itself.
Paul Heyman: While there are two posers walking around with the title belts that belong to this great team, it must be said that I will recognize the fact that those two imposters in the tag team division are two of the greatest wrestlers to ever set foot in North America.
Heyman nods.
Paul Heyman: But the caveat of that very distinction is ever so omnipresent, isn’t it? It’s interesting to note that the ones who hold the WWE Tag Team Championships right now are anything BUT a team at this distinction. They don’t have the history that Bubba Ray and D-Von possess. They don’t maintain the pedigree to tag team wrestling that Bubba Ray and D-Von have. And sure, sure. Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio have—
The cheers for the mentions of the two superstars cut off Heyman.
Paul Heyman: It’s certainly true that Mysterio and Guerrero both have had their successes in tag team wrestling. Guerrero? For a long time with his nephew, Chavo, they ruled this division. Rey? He only worked with one of the best young stars in this company – Edge – and won the gold almost three years ago, as well as one of MY favorites of all time… Rob… Van… Dam.
The crowd says his name along with the mastermind, who grins, but turns away.
Paul Heyman: But we all know what they’re best at. We all know that this is just a charade, and the two actors putting this show on for all to see couldn’t be more of pretenders if they tried to be. And this show isn’t going to have a happy ending, I can promise you that…
Some boos from the crowd.
Paul Heyman: Oh, I know. I hear your groans. I hear your cries. I hear your discontent and your pain right now and it sickens me too. Right to the pit of my stomach. But it’s obvious to me, and it should be obvious to all of you that Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, deep down inside… DESPISE one another.
More and more boos from the Trenton crowd.
Paul Heyman: And why’s that? Why do they loathe one another? Because they’re guilty of a sin committed by many just like them. They’re competitors. They yearn to be the best at their craft. Unlike The Dudley Boyz, who remain committed to being the best TAG TEAM, the best TANDEM in wrestling today, Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio aspire for something different. For something that could be even greater than being the best team in wrestling history. Instead, Eddie and Rey? They fight because they want to be the best LUCHADORES in wrestling history.
Paul pushes another nod down.
Paul Heyman: And since the last time that Eddie Guerrero defeated Rey Mysterio – that being when Mister Guerrero was the WWE Champion – he has done nothing but LOSE to Rey Mysterio! And that has visibly eaten away at the very FIBER of Eddie Guerrero!
Groans and boos reverberate around the Sovereign Bank Arena.
Paul Heyman: What happened on January 4th on this very show? Eddie Guerrero LOST to Rey Mysterio. What happened at WrestleMania? What happened on the grandest stage of all at WRESTLE-FREAKIN’-MANIA? Eddie Guerrero LOST to REY MYSTERIO! And what would happen if Eddie Guerrero faced Rey Mysterio again?
Heyman sneers.
Paul Heyman: Do I even need to say it again?
Jeers.
Paul Heyman: So Eddie… Rey… I have a proposition for you to save yourselves of the inevitable in the future. I want you to listen very carefully as well because I know that the two of you are not here tonight (Groans and boos, disappointedly so). Next week… when we’re in Reading, Pennsylvania… I want you to drop this charade.
Heyman smirks.
Paul Heyman: As well… as the Tag – Team - Titles.
More boooooooos from the crowd as Heyman smiles again.
Paul Heyman: Because this charade needs to end not only for the sake of tag team wrestling… but it needs to end before the two of you hurt one another beyond allll repair.
Paul nods as the groans around the arena get louder.
Paul Heyman: Gentlemen, we’ll see you next week.
Heyman then exits the ring after dropping the mic. With the ultimatum issued loudly and clearly, the WWE Tag Team Champions now will likely face their apparent omnipresent issues head on next week in the ring…
…
…
Commercial Break
***DO IT BIG*** After commercials, we jump into the arena again as Orlando Jordan, the former WWE United States Champion makes his entrance.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to SmackDown ladies and gentlemen and here comes the FORMER United States Champion.
Tazz: One of the most talented young men we’ve got in this company, Cole. Gifted and athletic are just two of the superlatives for Orlando Jordan.
Michael Cole: And of course later on tonight Jordan’s fellow Chief of Staff member Danny Basham is going to go one-on-one with Rob Van Dam after the confrontation that Mister Thursday Night had with John Bradshaw Layfield in the ring last week.
***HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?*** Accompanied by Charlie Haas, Hardcore Holly stomps down the ramp with his eyes locked onto OJ who readies himself inside the ring.
Michael Cole: Hardcore Holly’s still in a foul mood after his confrontation earlier tonight with the United States Champion, Carlito and that doesn’t look like it’s going to bode well for Orlando Jordan tonight.
Tazz: There’s a small list a guys you don’t wanna cheese off in that locka’room and Hardcore Holly might be at the top a the list.
3 – Singles Match
Orlando Jordan vs. Hardcore Holly w/ Charlie Haas
Holly is aggressive from the beginning, blowing off a bit of steam after the heated interaction with the U.S. Champ earlier in the broadcast. Jordan weathers the storm though and stuns Holly with a left hook and seizes control thereafter. Jordan connects with the Johnson Shuffle a few minutes later, and then goes for the Orlando Magic, but Holly shoves him away…
RIGHT INTO THE REFEREE!
The referee collapses and Holly goes for the Alabama Slam, but Jordan slithers out and hits a dropkick! Charlie Haas, meanwhile, senses this as an opportunity and climbs into the ring. Haas sizes up Jordan and charges forward, looking to clothesline him—
BUT OJ DUCKS, AND HAAS INSTEAD KNOCKS HOLLY DOWN!
Haas puts his hands on his head, realizing the critical mistake, and Jordan then tosses him out of the ring. OJ then turns his attention back to Holly and drills him with the Blackout! The referee is back to his senses at this point.
1! … 2!! … 3!!!
Winner: Orlando Jordan via pin fall at 7:07.
Michael Cole: And it’s over! Orlando Jordan has won the match, but thanks in large part to a big mistake by Charlie Haas.
Tazz: Now how do we know if it’s a mistake Cole? Haas and Holly have both been fightin’ lately for the United States Championship. Perhaps Haas was tryin’ to get a leg up on him.
Michael Cole: You’re quite the contrarian tonight, Tazz.
In the ring, with Jordan having left, Haas gets in and apologizes to Hardcore Holly, who’s just getting up to his feet.
Haas puts his hand on Holly’s shoulder but Holly swipes it away!
Chuck gets on the defensive, and again tries to assure Holly it was nothing more than an accident but Holly argues back with him.
Holly looks away as Haas continues on…
WHAM! HARDCORE HOLLY GIVES HAAS A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN!
Michael Cole: Hey!
Tazz: Chuck is getting’ nothin’ more than a taste of his own medicine.
Michael Cole: Aw, c’mon! He said he was sorry!
Tazz: He cost him the match, Cole! Accident or not that’s the way it went.
Holly walks up the ramp and gets to the stage and looks on at Haas, who woozily gets up and looks on with bitterness in his eyes. Holly badmouths him a little bit and turns around—
WHAM!
He’s knocked right between the eyes—
IT’S CARLITO CARIBBEAN COOL!
Tazz: Whoa!
Michael Cole: Carlito has struck with the United States Title!
“‘DAS WHAT’CHU GET’CHU CRAZY ASS LAME!”
Carlito laughs as he holds up the title, but his eyes widen as he soon realizes that Haas is in hot pursuit!
Michael Cole: And look at Haas! He’s going after Carlito!
CCC sprints through the curtain as Haas chases right after him!
Commercial Break
We get a video of what happened during commercials with a ‘During the Break’ tagline attached.
***
Carlito Caribbean Cool, the WWE U.S. Champion, is seen scrappily sprinting away from Charlie Haas who is in hot pursuit.
CCC turns a corner and finds Orlando Jordan, the former U.S. Champ!
Jordan goes for a right hook after a momentary standoff, but CCC ducks it and connects with a left-handed swing! Jordan is momentarily stunned and Haas chases after the champ, who is making a beeline for the exit.
OJ joins in with Haas’ hunt, and we see Carlito bolt through a set of double doors!
The United States Champion makes his way to his car and climbs in, and starts it up and begins to drive away but stops as Haas and Jordan are right there!
CCC jolts and turns right around as Haas and Jordan both slap onto the trunk and try to chase after, but the car burns them and he gets away!
The frustration is evident in Haas and Jordan as they look on, disgusted with themselves and the cowardly tactics of the United States Champion.
***
***ONE OF A KIND*** Rob Van Dam gets a very warm welcome by the Trenton crowd after making his entrance into the arena. RVD does his signature thumb taunt as he confidently walks down the ramp to the ring.
Michael Cole: Listen to this ovation for Rob Van Dam!
Tazz: It’s hard to not dig this guy, Cole. Unless, of course, you’re JBL.
***LONGHORN*** And… a 180 is done as heat fills the arena. JBL makes his grand entrance in his white limousine, with Danny Basham joining him. Basham marches ahead of Layfield who keeps a sharp glare bestowed upon Van Dam who is bouncing in the ring.
As Layfield and Basham get to the ring, the official climbs outside of the ring and orders that JBL leave the premises!
Tazz: Whoa, what!?
Michael Cole: JBL is being sent packing! And he is BESIDE HIMSELF!
Protesting vehemently, JBL makes a case, but the referee’s set in his ways.
Michael Cole: That’s a great job by referee Jimmy Korderas to have the foresight to suspect that JBL might get involved in this matchup.
Tazz: I mean who says he’s going to, Cole? JBL might just be spectating.
Michael Cole: Oh, stop it. JBL has an obvious vendetta against Rob Van Dam. He kicked him in the face last week!
4 – Singles Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Danny Basham
With JBL’s plans foiled Danny Basham is forced to scramble with his match strategy against RVD. Basham unloads on RVD to start the match off but is quickly taken off his feet and put on the ground by Mr. Thursday Night.
The Cabinet member is purely overmatched by RVD, who is playing at or even above his usual ability level tonight, decisively having the upper hand over Danny.
Following a tremendous pinning heel kick – just like the one he gave to Layfield last week – RVD leaps off the top rope and connects with the FIVE-STAR FROG SPLASH! After that, it’s simply academic, and Van Dam gets the VERY impressive victory.
Winner: Rob Van Dam via pin fall at 5:08.
Michael Cole: And Rob Van Dam wins it! I don’t know how long past five minutes that match was, but RVD just got the job done in about a blink of an eye!
Tazz: Basham couldn’t compensate for the loss of JBL at ringside … that was an impressive showing by Van Dam but man, oh man. I think it might’a been different if JBL was around.
JBL is seen in the back throwing his ten-gallon hat down on the floor as he watches Van Dam celebrate in the corner on a monitor in the backstage area.
???: Uh, excuse me, JBL?
Layfield turns around as we see Steve Romero walking up.
John Bradshaw Layfield: The Sam hell do you want?
Steve Romero: Do you, by chance have a response to what’s occurred here in the last few minutes?
JBL glares down at Romero.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah… I’ve got a response. I’ve got one, alright. Next week, there’s gonna be hell to pay for that man right there (points to Rob Van Dam). I guaran-damn-tee it.
The Wrestling God walks off in a huff…
Commercial Break
A split-screen is shown of our two champion combatants, who are prepping for the much-anticipated main event that’s yet to come tonight.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to SmackDown! It’s been a brilliant night here in Trenton, New Jersey and still to come later on tonight – John Cena, the WWE Champion, is going to go head-to-head with the Cruiserweight Champion of the World, Paul London!
Tazz: London had himself a hell of an outing a couple weeks ago against Kurt Angle. Can you imagine if he knocks off “The Franchise” tonight?
Michael Cole: It would be one of the biggest upsets in WWE history and perhaps a career-defining moment for the Cruiserweight Champion.
***YOU CAN RUN*** Billy Kidman marches out, set for tag team action as Nunzio walks out alongside him and the pair of cruiserweights strides down the ramp towards the ring.
Michael Cole: Well hopefully the end result of this match is a little bit better than the cruiserweight contest we caught earlier today.
Tazz: Y’know, I’d say somethin’ to that but I’m getting’ a little tired a pushin’ your buttons tonight, Cole.
***U LOOK FLY 2 DAY*** Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki walk through the tunnel to a pop from the Trenton crowd, who certainly have no trouble in getting behind the face tandem.
5 – Tag Team Match
Billy Kidman and Nunzio vs. Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki
The pacing of this penultimate matchup on the broadcast helps its cause as it starts off frenetically, netting the attention of the crowd and livening them up quite a bit. The heels take advantage at first, but the Trenton crowd still gives them sparse cheers after both Kidman and Nunzio hit some high-flying maneuvers.
Midway through the matchup, Scotty counters an Irish whip from Nunzio and sends him back the other way and over the top rope! Scotty then runs ahead and leaps high over the top rope and falls down onto Nunzio with a somersault plancha! Scotty gets a series of chants in his favor after the high-flying move and continues the attack on Nunzio for the next few moments.
The two teams trade advantages over the next few minutes, but in the end, Scotty jives up the crowd before connecting with the Worm on Nunzio! Afterwards, he drops down and hooks both legs, and wins the match for his team!
Winner: Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki via pin fall at 7:16.
Providing a stark contrast from earlier tonight, the two sets of tandems hug it out after the match and show a sign of respect as all four hands are raised up.
Michael Cole: That’s what I’m talking about.
Tazz: Of fa’ heaven’s sake…
Michael Cole: These four understand what this brand is all about. Kid Kash could learn a thing or two from these guys.
We cut backstage to see Paul London – the Cruiserweight Champion – sauntering through a corridor on his way to the ring for what could turn out to be a defining moment in the young man’s career.
On the way, Kid Kash impedes Paul London’s path!
Kash doesn’t take his eyes off the title that London proudly possesses as London eventually brushes past, eyes set on the ring and the big-time match that’s set to commence.
Commercial Break
***STAY IN SHADOW*** The Trenton crowd bursts into cheers as Paul London races out of the chute and into the ring at lightning-quick speed, showing he’s primed and prepared for this main event bout.
***MY TIME IS NOW*** The roof’s blown off yet again as John Cena, the WWE Champion, strolls out with the coveted prize slung on his shoulder. He enters the fray as our announce team hypes up the match.
Tony Chimel: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is a “Champion versus Champion Special Attraction! Introducing first. From Austin, Texas, weighing in at 180 pounds, he is the Cruiserweight Champion of the World… PAULLLLL LONDON!
HUGE pop.
Tony Chimel: And his opponent. From West Newbury, Massachusetts, weighing in at 251 pounds, he is the WWE Champion… “The Franchise,” JOHNNNNNN CENAAAAA!!!
Another rim-rattling pop echoes throughout the arena.
Tazz: It’s gut-check time, baby.
Michael Cole: Fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen. THIS is going to be one hell of a spectacle.
6 – Main Event;
Champion vs. Champion Special Attraction
WWE CHAMPION John Cena vs. CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION Paul London
The match kicks off with a stare down between the two combatants as Cena gives a bit of a reminder to him that he’s no cruiserweight and that he’s ‘The Franchise,’ but London doesn’t seem fazed at all as he takes it right to the champion from the jump.
London goes for a variety of pin attempts at the beginning to catch Cena off guard as he attempts to and gets to slither out of the ring. Eventually, the WWE Champ weathers the storm and takes hold of control after grabbing London mid-air and throwing him down to the mat back-first.
Cena flashes some intensity, perhaps sending a message to his Judgment Day opponent who could be watching on from damn near anywhere in the building. He overwhelms the Cruiserweight Champion with his embrace of a physical style of combating, and connects with a series of shoulder blocks and dusts his hands off after whilst admiring his work.
Cena slaps on a sleeper hold, with his tremendously large biceps crushing the throat of the Cruiserweight Champion of the World. London aims to fight out of it, but John keeps this attempt at bay. The Trenton, New Jersey crowd then rallies behind London, who eventually gets up to two feet and pries away, trying to elbow free. After an ONSLAUGHT of elbows, London does in fact elbow his way out of Cena’s grip!
With his opponent stunned for the moment, Paul pounces, hitting the ropes and launching with a great sense of ferocity at the WWE Champion—
Who has since recollected, and he pops London up in the air, and POWERBOMBS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT!
“Oh my LORD!”
“Cena jus’ propelled Paul London right in the air and powa’bombed him! I have NEVA’ seen somethin’ like that before!”
A replay is shown of this tremendous maneuver as Cena recollects himself before grabbing London by the head. He hammers away at him in the corner before charging forward – splash! London staggers and Cena hits him with the Spin Out Powerbomb! He shoots up, stands over London, and bends over…
“YOU CAN’T SEE MEEEEEE!”
FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!1! 2!! LONDON KICKS OUT! Despite the sleeper hold, the astounding powerbomb and the Five Knuckle Shuffle, London survives the trio of tremendous maneuvers and lives on to fight another day. He pulls London out with him to the outside, and the referee follows in heavy pursuit of the two and chooses to not count the two out. Cena goes to send him into the ringpost, but London blocks it with his foot! He does it again, and knees Cena in the abdomen, and puts his hands on his back and shoves Cena shoulder first into the ringpost!
The WWE Champion clutches onto his shoulder as London buys some time to try and reset after the desperate attempt to do just that worked out perfectly. Paul targets John and then sprints forward—
AND DIVES THROUGH THE MIDDLE AND BOTTOM TURNBUCKLES AND ROPES, CATCHING AND SPLASHING ONTO CENA!
“Gotta be KIDDIN’ ME!”
“Tazz, we’d NEVER seen a move like what Cena did to Paul London a few moments ago and Paul London just one-upped the WWE Champion. I’ve NEVER SEEN someone take that kind of angle to attack another wrestler.”
“What a freakin’ rocket-BUSTA’ this match is, Cole!”
Commercial Break
After the final break of the night, we come back to see London TAKING IT to the WWE Champion as he gained a big advantage over him after the incredible dive through the ropes before the break. Lighting him up with a frenetic series of kicks, London runs off the ropes and connects with a front dropkick to Cena’s head! He then scatters over and grabs him by the ankles and bridges into a pin. 1! 2! KICK OUT from Cena. London then takes aim for the corner, and runs over to it after Cena gets up, props up onto the middle rope, top rope, and LEAPS OFF AND SCORES WITH A MOONSAULT ONTO CENA! He hooks the leg.
1! 2! KICK OUT from Cena again. London grabs Cena by the head after being quick to languish in the near fall again and smashes his elbow into it. He does so again… and again… and again, and again, and again, and again! London then backs away and runs forward, hitting a diving crossbody! He rolls through, and hits another crossbody, and Cena swings at London, who ducks, and kicks at Cena’s ankle, tripping him up, and London leaps up and hits the MUSHROOM STOMP! Cena is down on the mat and London goes for the cover again. 1! 2!! SHOULDER UP FROM CENA!
London holds his head in grief and walks back up to his feet moments later. He connects with a few series of rights into Cena’s face, backing him against the ropes, and goes for another, but the WWE Champion blocks it! He rattles a few home, and goes for a right again, but London ducks, kicks Cena in the gut, and goes for a Legsweep DDT, but Cena counters, and tosses London onto his shoulders! F-U coming—LONDON FALLS ONTO HIS FEET!
London slaps on a chickenwing—WAFFLE FACE TO THE WWE CHAMPION!
The crowd is on their feet as London then looks over at the corner of the ring. With what could be the biggest moment of his career just a three count away, London shies away from making the cover and decides to try and go for broke. A gutsy move indeed, London climbs up to the top rope. Perched up high, London goes for the 450 SPLASH…
CENA CURLS UP, AND LONDON’S RIBS HIT HIS SHINS!
“OHHHHHH!” goes the crowd as London gasps for air and clutches onto his damaged rib cages after the WWE Champion’s resilient maneuver to avoid further pain. The Franchise rolls away and pushes himself to his feet and stalks London who gets up and walks in. Cena bends down and picks London up and onto his shoulders.
F-U TO PAUL LONDON!
1! 2!! 3!!!
Winner: John Cena via pin fall at 18:37.
Michael Cole: AND JOHN CENA WINS! What a MATCH that was!
Tazz: Unbelievable from start to finish, Cole. I can’t believe it. Paul London pushed Cena to the limit, and he did what any otha’ man in his position would do. He went for it all. He gambled. I tip my cap to that young man even if he didn’t come out on the winnin’ end of it. He deserves EVERY BIT of respect that he’s earned tonight.
Michael Cole: Absolutely right, Tazz. Absolutely right. Paul London , when he eventually does it, he’s going to get a big win over a main-eventer. When he does, it’s going to be a tremendous moment. But for now – the CHAMP is still here and STILL reigns supreme.
Cena celebrates the win inside the ring, and salutes his resilient adversary. He bumps his fist as London gasps and climbs out of the ring.
John beats his chest and holds up the WWE Title and wears a glimmering smile.
Suddenly…
THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
…
…
…
They come back on—
THE UNDERTAKER IS IN THE RING!
‘Taker has his mammoth hand clutching the WWE Champion by the throat, and unlike last week, the West Newbury native doesn’t get the chance to fight back.
AS HE FALLS VICTIM TO A CHOKESLAM!
The Deadman looks down at The Franchise, and then down at the gold. He plucks the title belt off the ground, and with Cena now out of the ring, The Phenom drops down to a knee and raises the title up in the air, eyes rolled back into his head and tongue out, possibly giving us a glimpse into the not so distant future…
…
…
…
END OF SHOW
***
Current Card for WWE Judgment Day:
May 22, 2005 // Target Center // Minneapolis, Minnesota
WWE Championship Match
‘The Franchise’ John Cena © vs. ‘The Phenom’ The Undertaker
WWE Women’s Championship Match
‘The Terror of Toronto’ Trish Stratus © vs. Gail Kim