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**Wolf Beast** · 02-28-2008, 03:57 PM

First off, WM - Hotter than Hell. I. Dont. Believe. It. Sorta like it, but really hate it, and soon enough you'll see why

Surely Jericho would say 'all the Jerichoholics'rather than just 'the fans' when he was talking about what he lost. Wasnt too keen on Jericho playing the suck up, he just seemed to get a little too kissy with the fans, but you rescued the promo with Palumbo, who was awesome here. I guess a star could be made out of this little scenario, and a side feud between Palumbo and Jericho. I'll look forward to seeing more of this develop, but less of Jericho being a little bitch please

.

Good. That appears to be a firm answer on the possibility of Maria feuding with Victoria over the title. I sense a Trish Stratus return approaching to stop the evil champion. Maybe.

Enjoyed the interview with the tag champs. Sorry, the next tag champs

. Has to happen imo. Fresh and exciting duo on Raw imo, and they need to freshen the division pronto. Could've done without the corny now at the end. Aint no stoppin us was good enough

.

I'd say if Cryme Tyme are your second to top face team, then your face side of the division needs rebuilt immediately to compliment your next champions

. Faces win this one, and I guess Flair and Haas needed it after the last couple of weeks.

Decent promo from Heyman, and I like Sandman getting the nod tonight, as it would;ve been too obvious had it been Sabu. Any word on ECW getting places in the Rumble match??

Test continues to slide down the roster again

. No Christmas presents for you. Carlito advances to the Rumble, and hopefully this qualification process quickens up, as the matches have been predictable.

Raw needs a GM with a bit of backbone :@. I'm pleased to see plenty of focus - but not overexposure of the ECW brand on Raw.

Enjoyed the tag match, with all four guys already in the Rumble, with Cena and HHH genuine contenders. Looking for those two to be in the final four - at least - come Rumble time.

Cheesy old man HBK pisses me off. Do something with him please. Not just a corny nice guy.

No shocks, and Michaels is heading to the Rumble. Trevor Murdoch never stood a chance.

Change your WM tag ... now. ~_~

Would've preferred the tag match to be the main event to give the Rumble contenders proper spotlight, rather than the undercard title match. Regardless, a different little main event, and no surprises that Orton wins, but the DQ was a shock. Sandman made to look impressive, as the ECW bandwagon marches on.

Really awesome finish to the show with the 5 Star through the table to Orton, sending an extreme message to the champion. Makes sense now why that was the main event.

By the numbers Raw, as you motor towards Royal Rumble. The RR Qualifiers have been a little dull though and took away from this show too.

**The Notorious K.O.P** · 02-28-2008, 10:44 PM

Thanks for the two reviews. Better than getting twenty imo. Anyways I'll drop some comments to explain stuff better.

The Jericho thing is kind of confusing but will be dragged out over the next few weeks. He is not a face right now. Mainly the reasoning for Jericho "apologizing" is that he is coming to a reality that he misses the fans and he misses what it felt like mainly because of being with Fozzy. Just stay tuned over the next few Raws.

The tag team division I've worked on for a bit the past few months and I really think it's going to get better after WrestleMania. Or I'd like to think that. Haha. But either way I think it's going to be good. And yes Reney the current teams on Raw right now are listed here...

Benjamin and Burke, Flair and Haas, Highlanders, Cade and Murdoch, Cryme Tyme, and MNM.

(BTW all of this is on the first page and the first post of the thread as I update that post fairly often. So go check it out if you haven't)

ECW is not going to have any parts in the Rumble match Wolfy. It's mainly because of their focus on the WWE title match and trying to help RVD win. Well actually I take that back Sabu is in the match haha. And he's on the ECW roster but I think I billed him as a Raw superstar in the match.

I like Test. Despite what it has been shown in the past few weeks. But please bare with me. You'll see what happens.

LMAO. Wolfy I guess I have your WM tagline. I MIGHT consider changing it. Doubt it tho. Haha.

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Ok look in here tomorrow for the Smackdown Preview and then a little bit of news and notes (maybe but not much)

Good news concerning the Royal Rumble. I've got three matches done already (US, Tag Titles, and the Royal Rumble match in itself) so this means of course only two remain. Therefore I am setting a tentative prediction for the Royal Rumble to go up and I'd like it up around Sunday March 9th. Most likely I'll have Smackdown up this week (in full) and then I'll probably just recap Raw and Smackdown in the last week before the Royal Rumble. That way I can focus on getting the last two matches done. So I'm aiming to get the Rumble up come one week from this Sunday. We'll see how it goes but I think it's very achievable.

Check back tomorrow.

**Legend** · 02-29-2008, 12:00 PM

Raw Feedback

JERICHO~!! It was gutting to see him job to the inferior Shawn Michaels last week, but at least out of all the Rumble participants thus far, Y2J has seemed to get the most hype. Very, very interesting segment from him though, as he (or so it would appear) begins to turn face. I'm always a little wary of these kind of face turns, as it makes it appear as though Jericho has been possessed by some kind of evil demon for this past year. I think it might have been better had you hinted at him growing envious of HBK's crowd support or something like that. I hope he doesn't turn completely face though, as he is so much better at playing the kind of cocky jackass that the fans hate so much they love him. This the first time Palumbo has actually spoken in this thread?

Ha ha, he's nothing special on the mic, but his anger towards his boss adds a little spice to his character. The split is clearly coming, but I hope this doesn't become a proper feud, as Jericho is a WWE title contender and Palumbo is only just an IC title one. Still, I can definately see them getting into a scuffle during the Rumble match. Just make sure Chuck is in it.

I think I speak for the sane world when I say thank God that you didn't develop Victoria/Maria into a proper feud for the title. Victoria has been awesome in her reign thus far and Maria is a jobber for life. I wonder who Vicky will take on at WM though? Mickie has had her fued, and so has Trish. Hmmmm....

I love the tag team of Burke and Benjamin already. Great idea to put these two together. They should really take the belts at the Rumble so Haas and Flair can go back to singles competition. Burke owning the mic is the way forward; he's going to make this team great from an entertainment standpoint. One thing though, didn't Flair actually beat Shelton last week?

Like others have said, this next eight-man tag match highlights the growing strength in the division. Highlanders and C&M too make for a good mix, especially since I can't see Flair and Haas sticking together for much longer. Just don't job any of them out

Benjy suffers another loss to Naitch? Dayum, I can definately see Shelton getting the pin on Flair at the Rumble now.

Short but sweet segment from the ECW boyos. I can't ever really like Paul E. as a face, so I think it would be awesome if he turned on RVD soon. Sandman is a smart choice for tonight I reckon, since he is a more scary name than Sabu or Dreamer, and will obviously go down swinging. Clean victory for The Champ though plz.

Test jobbing again? No ratings for what has become of him and his manager Striker. I actually like Test when he is pushed as a monster heel, and with the greatness of Matt Striker as his manager ... endless possibilities. Carlito is the man though, and if he doesn't make to at least the Final Four at the Rumble I will hunt you down. He's under 30. Book it

LMAO Coach is awesome. I mark for chicken shit GM's. McMahon is always a bonus too. The idea of Heyman being allowed to draft whoever he wants is nice, but I would think it's fairly obvious that he's going to pick Van Dam. Bad move for RVD there, since he is THE TOP FACE on Raw right now, and on ECW he'll just be amongst a load of washed up ECW Originals. Ugh

A Main Event calibre match up next. Four great workers in the ring together working pretty seamlessly. Like Wolfy said, Cena and Hunter are definite contenders for the Rumble, although either of them winning would suck in my opinion. It'd be a case of been there, done that. Hardy could do well, but I actually expect Umaga to be the MVP of the Rumble, as he should just dominate the holy hell out of everyone until The Undertaker makes some kind of grand return.

Not really sure what the point of this RVD/HBK segment was. Pretty bland stuff it seemed. I guess it hints at Michaels helping Van Dam out in some way, but honestly I have no idea.

No surprises there then. HBK polishes off Murdoch easily {no marks for jobbing out the Wrecking Crew} and will probably put in another solid Rumble showing. Carlito to throw him out plz.

Come on, of all the great taglines you were given in the BT, you go with "Hotter Than Hell"? Only an American would use such a poor line

You want a good one, ask us Brits...

Solid interview from Orton, even though I prefer him as the sociopath he is now, it's still easier to write when he's cocky. The Main Event was a little disappointing, as I reckon Randy should have taken Sandman down relatively easily. Wild aftermath though with RVD putting Orton through the table. This is shaping up like the recent feud Randy had with Jeff Hardy, as Orton was owned every week until the actual event when he won. He had better win.

Overall I have to agree with Wolfy and Reney when they that all of these RR Qualifiers have made the run up to the Rumble rather tedious. Thankfully, solid work from Jericho, and two great Main Event feuds have sustained me. Good job

**The Notorious K.O.P** · 02-29-2008, 11:52 PM

Friday Night Smackdown Preview
Friday January 19, 2007
Little Rock, Arkansas

Wrestling Machine Stopped?

Kurt Angle took a huge step back this past week on Smackdown after he was suplexed right through a table during the Contract Signing. Angle however will be at Smackdown this week as only nine days remain until the I Quit Match at the Royal Rumble. Angle is going to be a guest this week on the Cutting Edge which is of course appropriately the talk show of his opponent at the Royal Rumble, Edge! What will go down when the Rated R Superstar and the Wrestling Machine get back into the ring together once again?

Hard Knocks

Matt Hardy has been on a roll as of recent and it has shown in 2007 as he has two wins already over the United States Champion Mr. Kennedy! One is in a singles match and the other is in a tag match last week where the Hardy's reunited to take on Kennedy and Chavo Guerrero. This week Matt finds himself in one on one action against Chavo Guerrero. Chavo has been certainly looking to make his name known around here on Smackdown in the past few weeks but has fell short recently. Can Chavo get that big win needed or will Mr. Kennedy have something to say about it?

One Year Anniversary

Friday January 20, 2006 was the night that Jamie Noble defeated then Cruiserweight Champion Juventud of the Mexicools to win the title. Fast forward a year to Friday January 19, 2007 and Jamie Noble still has the title around his waist. He has become the longest Cruiserweight champion and the current longest reigning champion in the WWE. Noble has run roughshed through the division but tonight he must defend the title against one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London! London is a former Cruiserweight champion himself and he'd like nothing more than to win that title back again. Will Noble's reign continue and make the one year mark or will London end it and become a two-time champion?

-----------------

Expect Smackdown up this week. Maybe even tomorrow. Then I'd like to get some news and notes up Sunday about some stuff in Raw and Smackdown. Shortly after that I'd like to get Raw and SD recapped up about Tuesday or Wednesday. I've still got those two matches to do in the Royal Rumble but I'd love to get it up by Sunday March 8th. I've never really set a date for a show but I'm just ready to get it over with and pretty much roll into NWO and then go into WrestleMania. So look for a busy week in the thread. There will be a lot of updates next week with the preview plus backstage news and notes for the show and a lot more.

**The Notorious K.O.P** · 03-01-2008, 11:06 PM

Friday Night Smackdown
Friday January 19, 2007
Little Rock, Arkansas

Rise Up by Drowning Pool hits across the arena as the Smackdown video package plays before ending with Edge having the World-Heavyweight title around his waist.

Michael Cole: Hello everybody once again and welcome to Friday Night Smackdown as we are now only nine days away from the Royal Rumble.

Tazz: Nine days until the official road to WrestleMania gets kicked off and I can promise you that we are going to be in for one big night.

Michael Cole: We’ve got some big matches tonight but first off to kick the show off Edge will be out here for the Cutting Edge!

Tazz: His guest certainly is going to want to talk because his guest will be the man he will meet at the Royal Rumble in nine days…Kurt Angle!!!

Metalingus rings throughout the arena, as the first man to step out onto the stage tonight is the World-Heavyweight Champion Edge! Edge makes his way down the ramp carrying his title with him as he throws it onto his shoulders and slides into the ring. Edge climbs the turnbuckles holding his title in the air before he gets down and walks over to take a seat.

Edge: Welcome to the Cutting Edge.

The crowd boos Edge as he shows a weird smile.

Edge: This is not like the Highlight Reel where we have some little sissy break down and cry because of the fact that he “lost” the fans. This isn’t like Carlito’s Cabana because well hell, where has he been at on Raw anyways recently?

The crowd boos the fact that Edge is taunting Jericho and Carlito.

Edge: And this show is most definitely not some little cheap version called MizTV because we all really deep down inside know that Miz sucks.

The crowd gives a small pop for Miz but not much.

Edge: But this is the Cutting Edge! Where we get right down to things. I’m not going to beat around the questions. I’m going to come straightforward and hit my guests hard with the questions. It’s called the Cutting Edge for a reason because what I am doing is cutting edge. I’m not only walking the walk but I am talking the talk. I’ve had this title since October. Four months and there is not a damn soul back there that will take this title from me.

The crowd boos Edge as he laughs at them.

Edge: Oh really? Who do you think is going to take my title?

The crowd starts a big Angle chant, as Edge can’t help but laugh.

Edge: Kurt Angle? Please. Need we less look at last week.

Edge points to the screens as the clips come on of Edge attacking Angle after the Contract Signing. Edge then drops Angle through the table with a Suplex as Smackdown ends with Angle down in the ring in a pile of rubble.

Edge: Brilliant! That was great!

Edge is clapping his hands as the fans boo him.

Edge: Kurt Angle stands no chance at the Royal Rumble. Why? Well it’s because I said so.

The crowd boos Edge as they await Angle to come out.

Edge: Kurt Angle is a fluke. He is the biggest fluke to happen to not only Smackdown but to the WWE in the past 50 years. Why you cheer this moron is beyond me? The fa…

Medal hits across the arena as out steps the challenger for the title Kurt Angle! Angle makes his way down the ramp after his pyro goes off. Angle gets into the ring and stares down Edge before he climbs the turnbuckles and holds his hands high. Angle gets down off the turnbuckles and walks over to grab a mic.

Edge: Just what in the hell do you think you are doing? I didn…

Kurt Angle: Shut up!

Edge: What the he…

Angle interrupts him again.

Kurt Angle: I’m only here on the Cutting Edge for one reason. And that reason is simple. To kick your ass!

The crowd pops as Edge stands up and we have a stare down between the champion and the challenger.

Kurt Angle: I’m tired of hearing all your damn rambling on about how you can’t be stopped and all of that is crap. Sure you’ve beaten people like Rey Mysterio and Kane to keep your title but there is one person you’ve never beaten to keep your title and you’re looking at him right now!

The crowd pops as Angle and Edge get into one another’s face.

Edge: Kurt sure I’ve never defended my title and kept it against you but things will change at the Royal Rumble. You see I got JBL to make this an I Quit Match so I could further prove to not only your fans but also the entire world that you are nothing more than a little bitch.

The crowd boos Edge as he steps back as Angle looks further pissed off.

Edge: Kurt I knew all along that you were going to be the one that was going to have to say I Quit. I didn’t have to hesitate to ask JBL to bring this match back because there is no doubt in my mind that you will h..

Kurt Angle: I’m tired of hearing you run your mouth every week. It’s the same damn thing every week about how you’re going to make me say I Quit and all this crap. Well that’s bullcrap because once I get you in that ring or outside of it. Whatever the circumstances I’ll be sure to break your ankle and you won’t be able to walk. I don’t think you know just HOW MUCH I want this title back in my hands. How much I’d love to walk into WrestleMania again like I did last year as a champion. I’ll do damn near anything and trust me breaking your ankle will not concern me. In fact I’ll snap that bitch in half and you’ll never walk again!

The crowd pops, as Angle gets further into the face of Edge.

Edge: You are no concern of mine Kurt. I’ve got this match in the bag. Just trust me. You’re just one more stepping stone on my path to greatness. I’ll walk into WrestleMania and I have no doubt in my m…

Kurt Angle: Stepping-stone? Edge maybe you don’t realize what I’ve done in my career. The number of ankles that I’ve threatened to break and have broken. The number of times that I’ve been a champion out doubles yours. And can you say that you won a Gold Medal with a broken frickin’ neck. I don’t think so Edge. Face the facts Edge. I AM BETTER THAN YOU! I’ve proved that since I came back to Smackdown last summer already and if I have to do that again at the Royal Rumble I will. You fail to realize that I’ll do damn near anything to wear that title once again. No matter what it takes Edge I will come out on top this Sunday.

Edge takes a long look at Angle.

Edge: Are you sure about that?

Angle looks at Edge as if he is serious.

Kurt Angle: Oh I’m positive.

Edge laughs at Angle for a moment. Angle asks Edge what does he think is so funny. Edge then looks Angle straight in the eyes.

Edge: Let’s ask a friend of mine what he thinks about that.

Angle is blindsided from behind. Edge goes on the attack with this friend of his who is wearing a black mask showing only his eyes and mouth. Edge tells the man to pick Angle up as the man drops Angle in the ring with a Spinning Neckbreaker. Edge proceeds to order the rather large man to get Angle up once more. Edge charges across the ring and connects with a big Spear to Angle as the man looks down at Angle. The man in the mask pulls the mask off and it is revealed to be…

PAUL BURCHILL?

Burchill throws the mask down as he looks at Angle and picks Angle up before dropping him with the C-4! The fans boo Burchill as he has turned his back on the fans once again after a short face run. Burchill picks Angle up and locks in the Royal Mutilation. Burchill lets go after a bit as Angle is yelling out in pain. Edge walks over and holds Burchill’s hand high.

Edge: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome the “British Nightmare” Paul Burchill!

Edge and Burchill both make their way out of the arena to loud boos as they are shown exiting the arena as we head to a commercial break.

Michael Cole: What has gotten into Paul Burchill?

Tazz: It’s simple Cole. Burchill knows that Edge is big and if Edge is big than Edge can make Burchill a big name here on Smackdown as well.

---Commercial---

Match #1
Matt Hardy vs. Chavo Guerrero

Match Overview: Smackdown kicks off with a match that gets a good decent bit of time tonight to start the show off with. Kennedy is at ringside watching the match as he knows that he has a big match in nine days at the Royal Rumble. Chavo was able to take advantage on Hardy after he was able to reverse a Vertical Suplex and drop Hardy with a neck breaker. Chavo then proceeded to hit the Three Amigos on Hardy before heading to the top rope. Chavo looked down at Matt Hardy and then leapt off the top rope trying for the Frog Splash but Chavo ended up crashing and burning. Matt then got back onto his feet as he pulled Chavo back up. Chavo attempted a DDT on Hardy but Matt shoved Chavo off into the ropes. Mr. Kennedy got on the apron but Chavo ended up hitting Kennedy. Chavo turns back around right into the Twist of Fate from Hardy as Hardy covers and gets the big win tonight.

Winner: Matt Hardy

Hardy celebrates in the ring as Kennedy pulls himself back up holding his US title on his shoulder. Kennedy gives Hardy a brief stare straight to his face. Kennedy then makes his way back up the ramp as Hardy continues to celebrate with the fans.

Michael Cole: A big win tonight for Matt Hardy as he gets ready to roll into the Royal Rumble in just nine days.

Tazz: Hardy has a tough task against him as he has been having on and off problems with Mr. Kennedy for nearly a year so he looks to end it at the Rumble in nine days.

---Commercial---

We head backstage to see Kenny Dykstra walking around before he coincidentally bumps into Ashley Massaro again.

Kenny Dykstra: Ashley listen. I wanted to ask you som..

Kenny notices that Ashley was talking to another lady as he turns around.

Ashley: Oh hey Kenny!

Kenny Dykstra: Well I was wanting to see if well you’d want to um…

Ashley: Well…

Kenny Dykstra: If you’d come to the ring with me next week?

The crowd boos Dykstra as they try and get Ashley not to give in.

Ashley: Well um…

Ashley thinks about it for a bit.

Ashley: Sure I’ll go with you next week.

Dykstra pumps his fist.

Ashley: What was that all about? Are you trying to use me or something?

Kenny Dykstra: NO! Not at all! That’s not it I’m just happy that you’re going to be going with me next week. That is it!

Ashley looks at Kenny wondering why he pumped his fist still.

Kenny Dykstra: (Changing the subject) So hey well I’ll come and get you next week. Is that fine?

Ashley: Sounds like a plan.

Kenny leans toward Ashley but Ashley steps back.

Ashley: Um…

Dykstra looks completely embarrassed as the crowd laughs at him.

Ashley: I’ve got to go!

Ashley walks off as Kenny is left standing there. The crowd boos “The Ladies Man” as he stands there knowing he got what he wanted tonight. He lets out a big yes before we head back into the arena.

Michael Cole: Well coming up right now we’ve got one big Cruiserweight match and probably one of the biggest in Smackdown history.

Tazz: So much is riding on the line tonight as Jamie Noble has been champion for 364 days but his goal is to make it to 365 days. Can he do that tonight?

Michael Cole: Let’s go back and take a look at how Noble won the title.

Clips of Jamie Noble vs. Juventud on Smackdown a year ago are shown. In Noble’s return match to television he was able to capture the Cruiserweight championship. Juventud missed a big 450 Splash to which Noble capitalized and hit the Tiger Bomb to win the title. Some more clips are shown of Noble having defended the title since then in his successful matches against Kid Kash, Jimmy Wang Yang, Psicosis, Super Crazy, and many many more!

Match #2
Cruiserweight Championship
Jamie Noble (c) vs. Paul London

Match Overview: A big match with so much riding on the line. Appropriately WWE puts this match the second one on the card just like when Noble won the title on last year’s Smackdown a year ago. Noble and London both put up a physical contest as Kash and Kendrick are at ringside cheering them on. Kash gets kicked out a bit halfway through the match after tripping London up face first into the mat. So now it’s left to Kendrick at ringside. London turns the tide in the match after he hits a big missile dropkick off the turnbuckles sending Noble down onto the mat. London hits a Standing Shooting Star Press but only gets a two count. London gets back up and springs off the ropes but Noble trips him up face first. Noble picks London back up off the mat trying to hit the Tiger Bomb but London slides off the shoulders into a cover. London springs back up onto his feet as he hits a big Hurricanrana sending Noble into the middle of the ring. London makes his way onto the top rope as we see Kid Kash run back down the ramp. The referee has to try and restrain Kash as London is on the top rope trying for the London Calling but two men (wearing plain white t-shirts and black pants) come down and push London off the ropes. London collides with the mat as Noble gets back up and throws London between his legs to hit the big Tiger Bomb to get the win.

Winner and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble

The two mysterious men are making their way up the ramp as Noble has no clue who these two are. Kash slides into the ring to help Noble back up as he hands him his title. Kendrick pulls London to the outside as Kendrick tries to console London after a big match and losing the match. Kendrick helps London to the back as Noble celebrates in the ring after having held the title for a year starting tomorrow.

Michael Cole: Well I’ll be damned Tazz. Paul London came oh so close and those two men had to interfere and we don’t even know who they are!

Tazz: I hope we get an explanation and quick because right now Noble is still the champion and it can be credited to those two random guys.

---Commercial---

We head backstage to see Kristal Marshall running up to the two men in the white t-shirts and the black jeans. Apparently they have a woman with them as she rolls over on roller blades.

Kristal: Hi I’m Kristal. First off guys you two randomly interfered in the Cruiserweight title match costing Paul London his shot at the Cruiserweight title. First off who are you two.

Random Guy #1: OOO! First off I’m Domino…

Domino looks over at the other guy and the girl.

Domino: He’s DEUCE!!!…And that is my sister and Deuce’s girlfriend Cherry!

Deuce and Cherry share a quick kiss.

Domino: We’ve been watching and waiting because we’ noticed somethin’. We noticed that London and Kendrick have seemed to forget that they are the Tag Team Champions but we’re going to change that for them.

Domino and Deuce give each other a quick high five.

Domino: Next week Deuce and myself will be in the ring and if somebody happens to even look at my sister the wrong way then you are in for a big surprise.

Deuce: If any of you think that you are going to mess with my girl then you are all in for a big wake up.

Domino: Nobody and I mean a’ nobody messes with my sister.

Deuce: …Or I’ll have to crack ‘em in da’ mouth!

Domino: OOOH!!!

Deuce and Cherry walk off (well Cherry skates off) as Domino walks beside them. We head backstage to see JBL’s office as in walks Edge and Paul Burchill.

JBL: Edge listen I’m glad that you’ve found some help in Paul Burchill and that’s nice and all but Kurt Angle has told me that he wants you next week before the Royal Rumble.

Edge looks at JBL as if he is serious.

Edge: Are you serious?

JBL: As serious as I could be. But I’ve got an idea for you. How about you throw your new backup in there against him?

Edge looks at Burchill as Burchill nods.

Edge: That’s fine. Listen I’ve got another favor I need to ask of you. I think you’re really going to like it since it’s coming from the mind of the Rated R Superstar himself.

Edge tells JBL something secretly as Burchill stands back to make sure nobody comes in.

JBL: How do…

Suddenly in comes Kurt Angle! Angle ambushes Burchill throwing him into the door as Angle goes right after Edge. Angle spears Edge down onto the ground, as JBL has to pull Angle off of Edge. Security comes running down as Angle and Edge are separated, as JBL looks ultra pissed.

JBL: DAMN IT! Damn it to hell. There is not a damn thing I can do between you two to keep you apart from one another so here is what I am going to do. Whoever loses this Sunday at the Royal Rumble WILL NOT get another title shot at the champion as long as he is the champion. Is that understood?

Edge nods as Angle looks ready to break free but security holds him back.

JBL: And Mr. Angle we were just talking about you. You’re going to be in action next week whenever you take on “The British Nightmare” Paul Burchill. So good luck and oh it’s true…it’s damn true!

The crowd boos JBL mocking Angle as security takes Angle out first as JBL tells security to let Edge go. JBL keeps Edge calm as they laugh at Angle being taken away. Edge helps Burchill back up as they both regain their composure.

Michael Cole: A big match has been signed for next week’s main event because Kurt Angle is going to meet the British Nightmare one on one in the ring!

Tazz: That’s going to be one big rocket buster. Angle vs. Burchill!

---Commercial---

Match #3
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match
Batista vs. Stevie Richards

Match Overview: Batista takes on Stevie Richards (who will be heading to ECW soon) in a quick match that is of course pretty much just to get Batista into the Royal Rumble match. Richards never really got into the match that much because of the fact that Batista pretty much manhandled him throughout most of the match. Batista was able to drop Richards with a big Spear sending Richards down onto the mat. Batista then picked Richards back up and dropped him with the Batista Bomb that shakes the ring with power. Batista throws Richards over on his side hooking the leg and moving onto the Royal Rumble!

Winner: Batista

Michael Cole: Batista has just shown just why he is going to be such a force come the Royal Rumble match in nine days!

Tazz: There definitely is no reason to rule Batista out from becoming a two time Royal Rumble winner whether the fans like him or not.

Michael Cole: We’ve still got one big match to come up later tonight as Kane goes one on one with Mark Henry and much more still left to come.

We head backstage to see Rey Mysterio standing by with Maryse.

Maryse: Rey in nine days you get a chance to win the Royal Rumble and become the lightest superstar ever to win. Are you feeling good heading into the Royal Rumble.

Rey Mysterio: Yes I am. I know that I am the lightest superstar that is going to be in the match but I’ve won many battles before in my career. I’ve never been the World-Heavyweight champion but now is my time to show the world what I am made of. I will not let my size get in my way of having my dreams come true.

Maryse: Rey you entered last year at number two and went the distance for a bit but found yourself out later on in the match. Where do you see yourself at in this year’s match?

Rey Mysterio: Anything can happen Maryse and that is my motto. Size doesn’t matter anymore and I’ve shown that in the past. I might be the underdog but it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. I’ve got more heart than just about anybody in the WWE and I will walk out of the Royal Rumble as the winner.

Maryse: Rey, finally one more thing. You’re at such a disadvantage at only being one hundred sixty five pounds so it’s very easy to throw you over. What are you going to do to try to avoid being thrown over?

Rey Mysterio: I can’t use the ropes to my advantage of course Maryse but I’ve got to go out there and give it my all. I know that when I am at my best I am one of the best here on Smackdown. I’ve never given up and I won’t do that to my fans come the Royal Rumble. Believe in your dreams and they will come true is all I can say. My dreams are to be the World-Heavyweight Champion and that is exactly what I will be come WrestleMania 23.

Mysterio walks off as we head to another commercial break.

---Commercial---

A black screen comes across before the WrestleMania 23 logo flashes across the screen. After the logo disappears we see shots of Rob Van Dam leaping off the top ropes of the turnbuckle.

Narrator: The desire to compete and win…

Shots of superstars hitting their maneuvers and having their hands held high.

Narrator: The burning desire and feeling inside of you that wants out…

Shots of superstars doing their trademark taunt moves.

Narrator: The need to know that you are the best in this business…

Shots of past champions holding their titles in the air such as Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and many others.

Narrator: The fact that you are willing to lay it all on the line…

Shots of great matches in WrestleMania history such as Jericho vs. HBK, Warrior vs. Hogan, Hart vs. Michaels, and many others.

Narrator: For that one night that comes only once a year…

Shots of each WrestleMania are briefly shown as they start to speed up.

Narrator: For the chance that your name could become embarked in the archives of history…

Shots of legends such as Hogan, Savage, Hart, DiBiase and many more are shown.

Narrator: Or the chance that you get to wrestle on the biggest stage of them all…

Shots of up and comers are shown with a few having wrestled at last year’s WrestleMania.

Narrator: WrestleMania 23 “Hotter than Hell”

The WrestleMania 23 logo comes back across

Narrator: Live Sunday April 1, 2007 from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida!

We head back into the arena to the commentating team at ringside.

Michael Cole: WrestleMania 23 is coming up very soon and I get this feeling that it might just be one of the biggest WrestleMania’s yet!

Tazz: We look forward to that one night every year and I am confident that this year’s will be just as good as the first 22 that took place before it!

Michael Cole: Well right now we’re about to see one of Smackdown’s newest superstars CM Punk once again in action!

Tazz: Punk has impressed me a lot in the past weeks and I have a feeling that it will continue right into the Royal Rumble if he can get into the match.

Match #4
CM Punk vs. Dave Taylor

Match Overview: This is certainly not a squash match as Taylor gives Punk his first real tough match here in the WWE. Punk gets taken down a bit early in the match as the veteran skills of Taylor shine through as he works over the arm of Punk. Taylor throws the arm into the turnbuckles as he then grabs Punk and hits a Belly-to-Belly Suplex. Taylor covers but Punk kicks out. Taylor drags Punk back onto his feet but Punk replies with a knee to the face. Punk proceeds to throw Taylor into the corner as he charges off into the corner and hits the running knee to the face. Punk is back on the mat as he grabs Taylor and tries for the Running Bulldog but Taylor pushes him off. Taylor runs at Punk with a clothesline but CM Punk ducks underneath the clothesline and then hits the GTS! Punk doesn’t cover but instead locks in the Anaconda Vice as he forces Taylor to tap out as CM Punk is victorious here tonight once again.

Winner via submission: CM Punk

CM Punk has his hand raised to the fans as he receives a decent pop from the crowd. William Regal pulls Dave Taylor to the outside as Regal helps Taylor back up. Punk looks at Regal and Taylor as they leave the arena but Punk is simply relishing his victory here tonight.

Michael Cole: A big win here tonight for the Straight Edge Superstar CM Punk garnering a win over the veteran Dave Taylor!

Tazz: What not a better way to make an impact on Smackdown than beating a seasoned veteran and Punk is making himself known here.

Michael Cole: I definitely see gold in his future but the question is what title would it be if he ever gets a shot?

Tazz: I think he might be a future World champion but anything is possible. Well when we come back our main event will take place. Mark Henry meets Kane! That’s next!

---Commercial---

We head backstage to see Mark Henry standing in front of the interview area.

Mark Henry: In just nine days I will be taking my spot atop the jungle of Smackdown. I will show each and everyone of you just why I am the most dominant force to be reckoned with not only here on Smackdown but in the WWE. Many giants have came before me such as Andre the Giant, Yokozuna, and many others but none of them were called “The World’s Strongest Man” and for good reason.

Henry throws his hair back as water goes everywhere.

Mark Henry: I’ve done a lot in my career here in the WWE but I’ve never held a World title. That’s why at the Royal Rumble I will be the one that will walk out of San Antonio in my home state the winner of the Royal Rumble. I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since SummerSlam whenever I was robbed of my title shot.

The crowd boos knowing Henry is lying and that he lost in a fair match.

Mark Henry: Tonight is the wrong night for you Kane. You picked the wrong person to mess with tonight. Tonight I prove to each and every one of the fans including you Kane just why I am the Silverback of the Smackdown Jungle and that I will not only beat you tonight but that I will win at the Royal Rumble.

The crowd boos as Henry sucks chants start.

Mark Henry: Kane you’ll find out tonight just why they call me the World’s Strongest Man. I’ll show you that it’s not just a moniker to add to my name but that it is true. I’ve man handled many a men before you and I will do just the same to you tonight.

Henry walks off heading into the arena as we head to the commentating team.

Michael Cole: Mark Henry is all business tonight and you can tell that he really wants to win the Royal Rumble.

Tazz: Well of course he wants to win it. All thirty men that are going to be in it are going to want to win it. Come on Cole that was retarted on your part.

Michael Cole: Oh never mind!

Match #5
Mark Henry vs. Kane

Match Overview: In a battle of two monsters that have already qualified for the Royal Rumble these two get a decent bit of time. This is mainly to mix things up and showcase a bit of the other talent on Smackdown in the main event. Henry and Kane both get even amounts of domination during the match and towards the end it seems Henry has a bit of it going for him. Henry was able to lock in a big Bear Hug onto Kane. Henry picked Kane up looking for the World’s Strongest Slam but Kane was able to prevent that. Kane hit Henry with a big European Uppercut before dropping the World’s Strongest Man with a series of clotheslines finally getting him down onto the mat. Kane then heads to the top rope as he looks down at Henry and leaps off connecting with the Flying Clothesline knocking Henry down. Kane gets back up and goes to guzzle Henry for the chokeslam but Henry blocks it by elbowing Kane in the head. Henry turns around to grab Kane once again but Kane grabs him by the throat this time and connects with a Chokeslam. Kane wasn’t able to get Henry very high up but the chokeslam shakes the ring as Kane covers and gets the win.

Winner: Kane

Kane celebrates his win as he sets his pyro off around the ring. Kane makes his way out of the arena as the camera looks at Henry down on the mat before it focuses once more on Kane.

Michael Cole: Kane was able to stop the World’s Strongest Man here tonight and he is looking good heading into the Royal Rumble.

Tazz: Tune into Smackdown here next week because we have one big rocket buster of a main event for you.

Michael Cole: Kurt Angle will be going one on one with none other than “The British Nightmare” Paul Burchill

Tazz: It’s been a wild and long night but good night everybody from Little Rock, Arkansas!

--------------

WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 28, 2007
San Antonio, Texas

The Royal Rumble Match
Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Umaga, John Cena, Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, Carlito, Shawn Michaels, Kane, Mark Henry, Kenny Dykstra, MVP, Rey Mysterio, Batista

WWE Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs. Rob Van Dam

World-Heavyweight Championship
I Quit Match
Edge (c) vs. Kurt Angle

United States Championship
Mr. Kennedy (c) vs. Matt Hardy

World Tag Team Championships
Ric Flair and Charlie Haas (c's) vs. Shelton Benjamin and Elijah Burke