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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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14
#354 · (Edited)
WWE.com - HOMEPAGE (Smackdown Results)

Smackdown Results
7th December 2007

Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, Michigan




***OPENING VIDEO***
“Rise Up”


***VIDEO RECAP***
From last week

• William Regal announcing that Shawn Michaels will face Edge (last week), and The Undertaker will face Umaga (tonight) with the two winners meeting for the chance to face Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event
• Michaels beating Edge in the main event


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


“Metalingus” blasts out & Edge walks out to the ring in casual clothes with a face like thunder

***HEAT***

Edge:
You people need to shut your stinkin mouths right now cos I’m not gonna wait to say what I have to. . . What happened last week just sums up the crap I’ve had to go through ever since I came back to Smackdown. Every single time I get close to taking back my World title, someone SCREWS me out of it, and the list is endless. We’ve had Batista at the Survivor Series, Umaga two weeks ago and last week, Shawn Michaels jumps right to the top of the list I call, look which jackass got in my way and wants his ass kicked by the greatest World Champion of all time. . .

***HEAT***

Edge:
It doesn’t matter what order they’re in, but you better believe me when I say that the Rated R Superstar is going to take them all apart, only after I get what I deserve. . . It’s pretty obvious that after the amount of times I’ve been robbed, and I mean robbed of my title, at the very least I should be given a one on one shot right here tonight before some other unworthy son of a bitch decides it’s their turn to screw me over

***POP***

Edge:
Oh you think that’s funny huh? You wanna see me screwed again huh? Well at least I’ve been screwed less times than every single one of your little sisters you Grand Rapids losers

***HEAT***

Edge just smirks

Edge: So come on Regal, all you’ve got to do is come out here and tell me the match is on. Come on Regal, all I need is one shot with no one else getting in my damn way and I will do what everyone back there is afraid of. And that’s me winning back my title because they all know that once I get my hands back on it, there’ll be no taking it away from me because I am the single greatest thing on this damn show. . . Come on Regal before I come back there and beat it out of ya. . .

“I Walk Alone” blasts out & Batista walks down to the ring in his casual gear

***HUGE POP***


Batista has a confused look on his face while Edge looks pissed by him coming out

Edge: Just what the hell do you think you’re doin out here huh? I’m waiting for my answer Batista, now get the. . .

Batista: . . . Woah, let me stop you right there Edge. What makes you think you’re going to get the answer you want? See the way I see it is you lost at the Survivor Series, two weeks ago and last week. It’s getting kind of a habit now don’t you think? What on earth do you think gives you the right to get a title shot?

Edge: Hey, it’s got nothing to do with you Batista, now just. . .

Batista: . . . It’s got everything to do with me, because Edge it’s my title you think you’ve got some kind of right to, and I have to come here every week and listen to you come out here and try to come up with some kind of excuse. . . Let me tell you something Edge. I’m sick of it. You want a shot tonight, then if that’s what it takes to shut you up, then I accept

“Sexy Boy” hits and the crowd go crazy as Shawn Michaels makes his way down to the ring

***MASSIVE POP***

Shawn Michaels:
Woah, let’s get back to sense of normality guys huh, come on! . . . Am I the only one with some kind of brain activity in this ring right now, cos what I heard back there is just one hundred percent pure trash

***POP***

Shawn Michaels:
See the way it goes is like this Edge, I bust my ass last week, beating you I might add to get a chance at what you want right now. But this is the part I think you need to listen to Edge cos you’re just making yourself look like even more dumb than you already are. . . I’d give you a little reminder myself, but hey this is 2007, nearly 2008 and we’ve got the technology, so let’s use it. Guys if you will

The finish of last weeks match between Michaels and Edge is shown on the tron

***POP***

Shawn Michaels:
Now Edge, can you explain to me how me beating you fair and square with absolutely no one else in sight translates to you being screwed and makes you, NOT ME deserving of a title shot?

Edge:
Wel. . .

Shawn Michaels: . . . No Edge, you can’t do it cos there’s nothing you can say to back up all the crap you’ve fed every single one of us here tonight. So this is how it’s gonna go, so listen carefully so you don’t get confused again alright. . . You’re not going to get a title shot, me and Dave are gonna kick back later on and watch The Undertaker and Umaga battle it out to see who faces me, ultimately leading to whoever gets the title shot against Big Dave at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Does that sound about right to you Dave?

Edge: Are you quite done Shawn? Because I’m about done listenin to ya old timer

***HEAT***

Edge:
You know what Dave, do you really think you’re gonna sit back there with Shawn Michaels tonight, kick back and watch a match with him? Everyone knows his rep, everyone knows that he’ll stab you in the back the first chance he gets. You know it’s true Dave, you better watch yourself

Batista and Michaels look at each other for a second, seeming not to acknowledge Edge’s comments

Batista: Look, Shawn’s history is something is we’re all aware of Edge, but that’s for me to worry about, not you

Edge: Oh I’m not worried big man, I’m just trying to do you a favour and let you know what you’re in for because I guarantee when you’re least expecting it, good old HBK over there will take your head off without even thinking about it

Batista shakes his head and stares at Edge, as does Michaels. They both stare right at him as Edge looks on with a satisfied smile on his face when. . .

John Morrison & The Miz, Edge’s associates run down the aisle, sneak inside the ring and attack Batista and Michaels from behind, clubbing them across the back and then stomping on them as Edge then joins in. William Regal then appears on the tron from his office

William Regal: Gentleman, stop that this instant

Edge tells them to back off, which they all do

William Regal: Edge, I don’t know what it’s going to take to make you understand, but I’m going to put it as bluntly as I possibly can for you. . . You will not receive a title shot as long as Batista is World Champion, as per the contracted stipulation from your match two weeks ago

***POP***

William Regal:
But seeing as you’re hell bent on getting some kind of personal retribution on Batista and Shawn Michaels, then tonight you will have a match. . . Right here tonight it is going to be you and your two little friends there facing both Batista and Shawn Michaels in a handicap match

***POP***

Edge, Miz & Morrison look at each other in the ring, not sure what to make of it as the tron blacks out and “Metalingus” hits again


***VIDEO PROMO***
A series of still images appear, telling us that tonight we will see. . .

• The contract signing for Matt Hardy’s United States title shot against MVP inside the steel cage at Saturday Night’s Main Event
• The Undertaker one on one against Umaga with the winner facing Shawn Michaels to determine the number one contender for the World Championship


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***



“Slam Smack” hits & Jamie Noble walks down to the ring in his ring gear

***HEAT***

Jamie Noble:
Last week I did what I did best and beat the livin crap out of that border crawler Super Crazy, and after the match I find out that him and his ******* wannabe buddy wanna challenge me, Jamie Noble to a tag team match. . . Ya know, they did let me choose my own team mate, and it’s a good thing they did, let me tell ya cos have I got a surprise for y’all. . . I want y’all to stand up and give this guy the respect he deserves. I went out and got myself the best partner. He’s a pit bull just like me, give it up for the Notorious K.I.D. . . Kid Kash

***HEAT***

Kid Kash’s music hits as he makes his way down to the ring, slapping hands with Noble when he gets there as they wait for their opponents


***MATCH #1***

Jimmy Wang Yang & Super Crazy vs. The Pitbulls (Jamie Noble & Kid Kash)

SUMMARY:
A really great opener with lots of quick action. With Noble taking a lot of offence following a Super Crazy comeback, he was eventually able to reverse an irish whip and connect with the tilt a whirl backbreaker, but dropped to the mat too as he felt the effects of the previous attacks. After several seconds, both men crawled to their corners and were able to make the tag to their respective corners. Yang came in to a pop and ducked under a right hand from Kash, then hit him with a stiff kick to the chest, knocking Kash off balance as he then ran back into the ropes, came back and hit a spinning heel kick. Kash was able to get up after a couple of seconds as Yang then ran to the corner and climbed to the top rope. As Kash then turned round, Yang came off the top with a moonsault, but Kash sidestepped it, but Yang landed on his feet. Kash then drove his knee into Yang’s chest and planted him with a brain buster DDT (The Dead Level), then dropped for the cover as Noble ran in and across the apron, knocking Crazy off the apron as the ref counted to three.

AFTERMATH: Noble walked back over towards Kash, but the Notorious K.I.D. stood back and stomped Yang’s body across the mat and off the apron to the outside, looking extremely sadistic.


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


We see Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas with their WWE Tag Team title belts over their shoulders, stood with Chris Masters in the backstage area

***HEAT***

Shelton Benjamin:
Charlie look, you know how important tonight is right? You can’t lose to either of those guys, and after last week, you better make sure you don’t

Charlie Haas: Oh yeah, what’s that supposed to mean Shelton?

Shelton Benjamin: Hey, don’t get all hot with me Charlie it was you who lost us the match last week. Meaning it’s your fault you got us in this mess tonight with this damn match

Charlie Haas: What do you mean us? It’s alright for you, you’re not even in the DAMN match

Shelton Benjamin: Yeah and that’s because I’m not the one who cost us the match last week. And if you lose again tonight against either one of them, you just know what will happen next. We’ll have to defend these titles against them, and if that happens Charlie, I don’t know if I can carry your ass one more time. . . Now since we’re all barred from ringside tonight, you go out there and make sure that we don’t have to defend our titles, ya hear me?

Charlie Haas (Looking pissed): Yeah, I hear ya Shelton

Shelton turns round and walks off while Haas looks angry and Masters looks shocked

Chris Masters: Look Charlie, don’t worry about him. You know you can beat that British joker and whatever his name is, just go out there, prove Shelton wrong and all this goes away

Haas stares past Masters, gets himself focused and puts his hood up on his top, turns round and walks off


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


William Regal is in his office when Kenny Dykstra walks in wearing casual clothes with his Cruiserweight title over his shoulder

***HEAT***

Kenny Dykstra:
Regal, how’s it goin man?

William Regal: I beg your pardon. Don’t speak to me like that sunshine

Kenny Dykstra: Woah, calm down chief, no need to get all heavy like that man. Take it easy

William Regal: Oh kind of like you, you mean. I’ve seen your antics the last couple of weeks, taking it easy as you put it to avoid actually defending that title of yours, and quite frankly I don’t approve, especially after what you did to Chavo last week

Kenny Dykstra: Look man, Chavo got what he deserved and I dare anyone who thinks different to say so, but it’s kind of why I came to see you. . . See I was thinking about Chavo when I got here tonight and I thought that maybe Chavo could go some way to making up for what he said about me last week and you could put him in a match tonight

William Regal: Let me get this straight young man. You want me to put Chavo Guerrero in a match because he talked you in to attacking him like you did last week? . . . If anybody should be in a match tonight, it’s not Chavo, it’s you

***POP***

Kenny Dykstra:
Hey, before you get carried away, I’d love to get in that ring tonight and show Michigan what a real star looks like, but I think I put my back out last week when I. . . well you know, in my match

William Regal: Or when you threw Chavo into those poles you mean? . . . Well I’ll tell you what I am going to do Kenneth despite the fact I’d bet bloody good money on nothing being wrong with your back, I am going to let Chavo Guerrero compete here tonight, but you can bet that arse of yours that you won’t be going anywhere near him tonight because next week you will be facing him one on one right here on Smackdown

***POP***

William Regal:
Oh and that’s not all young man, make sure you bring that shiny belt with you too because you will be defending that title against Chavo. . . in a no disqualification match

***POP***

Kenny Dykstra:
Are you out of your damn mind Regal? You can’t make me face Chavo with no disqualifications, I’ve got rights as the Cruiserweight Champion

William Regal: The only bloody right you have is to get out of here right now before I strip you of that bloody title of yours

Dykstra is livid as he turns around and storms out of the room as Regal smiles slightly


***VIDEO RECAP***
From the last two weeks

• Paul Burchill & Harry Smith defeating The World’s Greatest Tag Team two weeks ago
• Last week and Matt Sydal & Johnny Jeter beating The World’s Greatest Tag Team


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #2***

Paul Burchill vs. Johnny Jeter vs. Charlie Haas

SUMMARY:
A real good match with lots of back and forth action given the triple threat rules. Haas took most of the battering as both Burchill and Jeter both went for him. As we came to the close, Jeter was on the outside and Burchill picked Haas up to his feet, then hit him with a northern lights suplex, only getting a two count. That was close as Burchill then stands back up, but at the same time, Jeter climbs back on the apron and to the top rope. He then leaps off and hits a missile dropkick on Burchill, gets back up and then hits a springboard moonsault on Haas, but again Haas just kicks out. Jeter sits up and holds his head in his hands as Burchill starts to get back up behind him. As Jeter then stands up, so does Burchill and Jeter turns round into an overhead belly to belly suplex, sending Jeter across the mat and off the apron to the outside. Burchill then gets back up to see Haas squirming, walks over and pulls him back up to his feet and then nails him with the C4 to get the victory.

AFTERMATH: “Britannia” hits as Burchill gets back up to his feet and gets his arm raised by the referee. Harry Smith and Drew McIntyre make their way down the aisle and into the ring to congratulate Burchill


***VIDEO PROMO***
A highlight reel of the biggest moments in the history of Raw is shown, featuring Stonecold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, The Undertaker, Sunny & Trish Stratus

NARRATOR: For fifteen years, superstars have come and gone. For fifteen years, superstars have put their bodies and lives on the line. For fifteen years, superstars have performed on the most successful show on cable television. . . Monday Night Raw. . . And to celebrate this landmark achievement, those superstars will once again perform in a celebration like no other. . . It’s going to get Raw

The clips cut to a graphic showing “Next Week. . . 3 Hour Raw, 15th Anniversary Celebration. . . Only on USA”



***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***VIDEO PROMO***

We see a guy dressed in traditional blue jeans, a white shirt and a cowboy hat sat down at a bar, drinking a bottle of beer when a fight breaks out in the background at a pool table. One of the two guys hits the other with a pool cue and tosses the cue away, landing at the foot of the guy drinking the beer at the bar. He looks down and sees the cue, picks it up and walks over calmly, asks the guy whose cue it is and puts it back on the table. He asks if there’s any trouble, when the guy who was fighting tells him to get lost, which gets a response of “I can’t do that” and then results in punches being thrown at the guy who threw the cue, who then falls to the floor after being smashed in the face with a beer bottle. The guy in the white shirt then walks back over to the bar and orders another beer and the barman says he’s sure handy with his fists and asks him what his name is, to which the guy replies, “It’s Chris, Chris Harris”. The barman gets him a bottle of beer and tells him it’s on the house for beating that trouble maker up to which Harris replies “It’s what I do”.

It freezes to a still image of Harris drinking when it changes to a black screen, saying Chris Harris - Coming Soon to Smackdown!


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


Josh Matthews is standing by

Josh Matthews:
Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest at this time. . . the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista

***POP***

Josh Matthews:
Batista, tonight you and Shawn Michaels team up to face Edge, John Morrison and The Miz in a handicap match. And after what Edge said earlier on about you being able to trust Shawn Michaels, has he put any kind of doubt in your mind about where Shawn’s intentions lie tonight?

Batista: I know where Shawn’s intentions lie Josh, the same place my attentions lie. In fact the same place everyone else on Smackdown’s lie, and that is on what is around my waist and not theirs. . . the World Heavyweight Championship. . . I’m the World Heavyweight Champion Josh, part of the job carrying this title is having eyes in the back of your head. . . Does that mean I don’t trust Shawn Michaels going in to our match tonight? . . . Yeah Josh it does. See I wouldn’t respect Shawn or anyone of they didn’t take any chance they had to help themselves become the World Champion, it’s what this business is all about. Hell I’ve been there myself with Triple H and even the great Eddie Guerrero, but I’ve learnt to deal with it. That means going out there and looking out for number one, and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing tonight when me and Shawn team up to shut Edge up as well as that big mouth of his

***POP***

Josh Matthews:
Do you think Edge deliberately stirred the pot between you and Shawn earlier on in order to try and get you two mad at each other and not him?

Batista: Josh, there’s no doubt about that. Edge is just holding on to any little hope he has of getting a shot at the World title. He’s so obsessed that he’s completely seen past the fact that it might not even be Shawn Michaels I defend my title against at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Josh Matthews: That’s right, because later on tonight we will find out who will face Shawn Michaels for the right to be number one contender when The Undertaker goes one on one with Umaga. . . And Batista, out of those three men, who would you most like to defend your title against at Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Batista: Josh, all I care about right now is going out there and doing the world a favour, and that is beating the living hell out of Edge and his little followers. Saturday Night’s Main Event isn’t important until we find out who my opponent is, but we all know it’s not Edge

***POP***

Batista then turns round and walks out of the shot as we then see a still image that also appears on the tron, reminding everyone that later on tonight The Undertaker faces Umaga for the second semi final match in the right to become the number one contender


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #3***

Chavo Guerrero vs. Finlay

SUMMARY:
Finlay took the match to Chavo early on, but was surprised by Chavo’s determination. Finlay looked in control after ducking a right hand from Chavo and hitting him with a vicious short arm clothesline. He went on to lock in a modified indian death lock, but Chavo used all he had in him to get to the ropes. Finlay argued with the referee before walking back over to Chavo and trying to pull him away from the ropes, but was shocked as Chavo rolled him into a small package, only to kick out at two. As both men got back up to their feet, Chavo ducked a right hand from Finlay, then connected with the three amigo’s. The crowd quickly got behind Chavo as he slowly made his way back up to his feet and walked over to the corner, then climbed to the top rope. Pointing to the ceiling, Chavo then leaped off for the Frog Splash, but Finlay had enough time to roll to the side. As both men lay on the mat, Hornswoggle then appeared from under the ring and was spotted by the referee who walked over to the ropes and told him not to get involved as Finlay got back up, walked across to the corner and picked up the chalily. Chavo then started to stand back up as Hornswoggle grabbed the referee’s foot, who then tried to pull it back. With the distraction set, Finlay walked across and as Chavo turned, Finlay smashed him across the skull with the chalily. Finlay then tossed it out of the ring as Hornswoggle then let go of the ref’s boot, allowing the ref to go over and count the fall.

AFTERMATH: “Lambleg” hits and Finlay gets some heat as he gets his arm raised. He quickly lets go and leaves the ring, lifting the apron up for Hornswoggle to crawl back out as they leave to the back, with Hornswoggle getting a small pop


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


Lena Yada is standing by

Lena Yada:
Please welcome my guests, The Samoan Bulldozer Umaga and his manager, Armando Alejandro Estrada

The camera zooms out to show them in the shot

***HEAT***

Lena Yada:
Later on tonight, Umaga has the chance to move one step closer to a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship when he meets The Undertaker. Your thoughts

Armando Alejandro Estrada (In his Cuban accent): Lena, my thoughts go something like dis. . . Tonight, my Samoan Bulldozer Umaga will not just beat The Undertaker, but he will destroy The Undertaker bit by bit and make him how you would say, a real dead man

***HEAT***

Armando Alejandro Estrada (In his Cuban accent):
There is a-nothing anybody including The Undertaker can do to stop him, Umaga is a machine and once he is done with the dead man, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels is next, and not even Shawn Michaels will be able to stop Umaga from being the number one con-ten-der for the World title. And when Umaga gets his hands on Batista at Saturday Night’s Main Event, there will be a new World Heavyweight Champion, I guarantee it

Estrada laughs as Umaga looks all intense behind him before the camera fades out


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #4***

2 ON 3 HANDICAP MATCH
Batista & Shawn Michaels vs. Edge, John Morrison & The Miz

SUMMARY:
As the match gets towards the end, Morrison and Batista are on the mat after Morrison was able to duck under a clothesline from The Animal and hit him with an enziguri. With Batista looking out of it, Edge was screaming at Morrison to tag him in. The Shaman of Sexy slowly made his way across the ring and was just about able to tag Edge as Batista crawled closer to Michaels in the opposite corner. Edge ran in at speed, trying to make sure Batista didn’t make the tag and grabbed The Animal’s foot. Edge smiled with delight, but as he took his eye off the ball, Batista turned himself over and pushed Edge off with a powerful kick. Edge was knocked back across the ring, towards the centre as Batista then made the tag to Michaels. Edge stood back up as Michaels then charged at him and knocked him down with a right hand. Edge was right back up again and was the victim of another right hand, but this time Michaels followed up with a second and whipped Edge into the ropes. Edge though was able to hold onto the top rope, and with Michaels in a foul mood, he ran at Edge, but the Rated R Superstar lifted his boot up into Michaels’ face. As Michaels then staggered away, Edge followed him out and hit him with a half nelson bulldog, only getting a two count.

Edge then walked back over to his corner to tag in The Miz, who immediately made his way over to Michaels, lifting him up to his feet and set him up for a DDT. Miz posed for a couple of seconds, which cost him as Michaels escaped the grip and slipped behind before hitting a side suplex. With the crowd firmly behind him, Michaels flipped back up, pulled Miz back up to his feet and scoop slammed him right back down to the mat. Michaels then walked over to the corner and climbed to the top rope, but Morrison walked across the apron to distract him. Michaels though saw it coming and kicked out at Morrison, who fell off the apron and hit the barricade on the way down. HBK was then quick to leap off the top and connect with an elbow drop on The Miz. The Heartbreak Kid stood back up as the crowd went crazy at the sight of Michaels then tuning up the band for some Sweet Chin Music. Edge then entered the ring and charged at Michaels, but HBK ducked under Edge’s outstretched arm and hit him with the Super Kick, sending him over the top rope. Michaels then turned back round after a funny shrug of the shoulders, then continued tuning up the band, before taking Miz’s head off with the Super Kick, then getting the cover.

AFTERMATH: “Sexy Boy” blasts out as Michaels stands back up to get his arm raised by Micky Henson. Batista climbs through the ropes and walks over to Michaels, offers him his hand, which Michaels accepts. The duo then walk over to opposite corners and celebrate for the crowd when Edge slides back in the ring, and as Michaels steps down off the ropes and turns round, Edge charges at him and hits him with a Spear. The music cuts and Batista steps down off the ropes, sees Edge as they stare at each other with Batista looking confused and Edge smiling


***VIDEO PROMO***
A still image appears, telling us that up next is the contract signing with Matt Hardy and MVP


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***



***VIDEO PROMO***
A brief history of Saturday Night’s Main Event

NARRATOR: It has a place in WWE history. . . It has a place in the history of sports entertainment. . . but it also has a place in its future. . . For Christmas will not be the same this year for the stars of Raw and Smackdown as Saturday Night’s Main Event makes its return. . . Live on NBC!

The clip cut to a graphic showing "Saturday 22nd December. . . Shaking Up Saturday Night. . . Live on NBC"











***CUT TO THE ARENA***


William Regal is in the ring, which is set up for a contract signing as “I’m Comin” hits and MVP walks down to the ring in a suit with his United States title around his waist

***HEAT***


MVP looks serious as he takes his belt off, then places it on the table and sits down

“Live for the Moment” blasts out as Matt Hardy makes his way down into the ring to a huge pop from the crowd

As Matt gets in the ring, he stares at MVP and then the title belt

William Regal: Now gentleman, shall we proceed with the formalities

Matt remains on his feet and continues to stare at MVP, who then reaches forward and picks up a microphone before standing up

Montel Vontavious Porter:
You not hear him Matt, sit your ass down and let’s get this over and done with

Matt smirks for a couple of seconds before sitting down, followed by MVP

William Regal: Now for those of you who are not aware of what is about to take place, in just over fourteen days at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Matt Hardy will be challenging the WWE United States Champion, Montel Vontavious Porter inside a twenty foot high steel cage

***POP***

Matt and MVP continue to stare at each other intensely

William Regal: And right here I have the contract that both men will sign to accept this match for Saturday Night’s Main Event. . . MVP, if you don’t mind, as champion will you please sign the contract first

Regal places the contract on the table and puts a pen alongside it. MVP takes about five seconds, still staring at Matt before leaning forward and picking up the pin. He looks at where to sign, places the pen there and looks back up at Matt as he signs his name, then drops the pen and tosses the contract across the table

William Regal: Matt, it’s your turn if you would

Matt looks across at an intense MVP for almost five seconds before he leans forward to pick up the contract, but before he can sign it, MVP stands up with the microphone in hand

Montel Vontavious Porter: Matt, before you sign that, I want you to be absolutely clear about what you’re getting yourself into. . . If you sign that contract, you’re letting yourself in for the single most dangerous match of your life. You’re not just stepping inside a twenty foot high cage made of solid steel, you’re setting yourself up to go up against the greatest ever United States Champion of all time

***HEAT***

Montel Vontavious Porter:
Ignore the haters Matt cos they’re just like you, jealous of me because I’m better than all of you, every last person in that crowd and in the arena tonight. I was brought to Smackdown to do a job, and that job was to dominate this show. And Matt, that’s exactly what I’ve done from the very first day I walked through the door as the highest paid star in the history of this show. And you know what makes it even better Matt, I’ve backed up every last word that’s come out of my mouth, every last one. So take a little time Matt before you put your low value signature on that contract and think about what will happen when you get inside that cage in two weeks at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Not only will I embarrass you Matt, I will ruin your career in one foul swoop

***HEAT***

Montel Vontavious Porter:
So go ahead Matt, think about it. Do you wanna make the biggest mistake of your life and face the greatest star on the planet?

***Chants of “Sign it” are heard from the crowd***

Montel Vontavious Porter:
Go on Matt, listen to what these people have to say. They don’t care about you Matt, they’re just blood thirsty and selfish, all they care about is seeing you bleed, because you will Matt if you sign that contract

Matt stands up and looks up into MVP’s eyes before reaching down to pick up the contract and pen

Montel Vontavious Porter: Go on Matt, do it. After you disrespected me last week, I can’t wait to make you suffer like you’ve never suffered before. All those TLC matches you’ve been in will be nothing compared to the pain and suffering you will feel at the hands of the only person who could ever rightly claim to be half man, half amazing, M V P

***HEAT***

Matt just grins at MVP, then looks down and signs the contract before passing it to Regal

***POP***

William Regal:
Ladies and gentleman, it is official. At Saturday Night’s Main Event, it will be. . .

Matt picks up his microphone from the table

Matt Hardy: I’m sorry to cut you off Regal, but what’s official is that in just two short weeks, MVP, the so called greatest star in the history of Smackdown is going to lose that United States title of his and get the long overdue ass kicking he’s been crying out for the last few months

Montel Vontavious Porter: Yeah, you think so Matt? I don’t. . . You feel so confident about it huh? How about you put your money where your mouth is? . . . If you feel so confident, what would you say if I told you, if you lose at Saturday Night’s Main Event, you will never, never get another title shot as long as I am champion? . . . But and it’s the biggest but you will ever hear spoken, cos if I by some great miracle am to actually lose to you, I will give up my right as champion for a rematch. . . What do you say Matt?

***POP***

Matt Hardy:
Simple. . . I ACCEPT

MVP nods his head as he tosses his microphone to the mat as Hardy stares at the smug looking champion as “Live for the Moment” plays once again to a big pop. They continue to stare at each other until the camera fades out


***VIDEO PROMO***
A still image appears, telling us that up next is The Undertaker against Umaga


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***MAIN EVENT***

NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS SEMI FINAL MATCH
The Undertaker vs. Umaga w/Armando Alejandro Estrada

SUMMARY:
A really enthralling match with both men going at it hell for leather. Umaga was able to handle most of what Taker threw at him, and countered a chokeslam attempt by using his sheer power to pull Taker into his chest and then hit him with a belly to belly suplex. Estrada was clearly delighted on the outside as Umaga stood back up and then pulled Taker back up to his feet, whipped him into the ropes and planted him with a huge Samoan Drop. With Taker looking in pain on the mat, the crowd’s dismay was evident as Umaga then pulled a motionless Taker towards the corner, setting him up against the bottom rope. The Samoan Bulldozer then backed up into the opposite corner, then ran at Taker, connecting with the Samoan Wrecking Ball. Umaga looked in total control as he then dragged Taker out of the corner and into the middle of the ring before dragging the lifeless dead man back up to his feet for the Samoan Spike. But as he was getting ready to drive the spike into Taker’s throat, Estrada gestured at him to go to the top rope. Umaga looked confused but then dropped Taker, who just dropped flat to the mat. Umaga looked back at Estrada for a couple of seconds before going over to the corner and climbing to the top rope. But before he got to the top, Taker sat up to a huge pop and then stood right back up, then walked over to the corner and grabbed Umaga around the throat.

With the crowd going crazy, Taker then planted him with a chokeslam, with Umaga crashing from the top rope down to the mat. Taker still felt the effects before he was able to go for a cover, but Umaga was able to kick out at the very last split second. Estrada looked close to a stroke on the outside and after calming down, he walked round to the timekeeper’s table and dragged a steel chair away from Justin Roberts. As he walked back towards the ring, he slid inside as Taker stood back up with his back to Estrada. Estrada entered the ring, and it was then that Micky Henson saw him and went straight over, demanding him to drop the chair, which he wouldn’t do. Taker turned round and glared at Estrada who then swung the chair at Taker, but Taker ducked it as the chair dropped from Estrada’s clutches. Henson then yelled at Estrada to leave the ring as Umaga started to sit up. Taker turned his attention back to his opponent and pulled him up to his feet, then wrapped his arm around his throat again and planting him with a chokeslam, with Umaga landing back first on the steel chair. Estrada pleased with Henson to turn round as Taker then pulled the chair from under Umaga and tossed it out of the ring. He then walked over to Estrada and knocked him down with a right hand before going to cover Umaga for the three count.

AFTERMATH: “Deadman’s Symphony” hits as Taker stands back up. The lights go out and a purple spotlight shines down on him as he does his signature taunt on one knee, before standing back up and gesturing that he will be the next World Heavyweight Champion as Smackdown goes off the air


***END OF SHOW***


QUICK RESULTS
The Pitbulls df. Jimmy Wang Yang & Super Crazy
Paul Burchill df. Charlie Haas & Johnny Jeter
Finlay df. Chavo Guerrero
Batista & Shawn Michaels df. Edge, John Morrison & The Miz
The Undertaker df. Umaga


DARK MATCH
Jake Hager & Ron Killings df. Michael Shane & TJ Wilson


CONFIRMED FOR NEXT WEEK

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH
Chavo Guerrero vs. Kenny Dykstra (c)



CONFIRMED FOR SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT

WWE Championship
Triple H vs. Randy Orton (c)

World Heavyweight Championship
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker OR Shawn Michaels

WWE United States Championship
Steel Cage Match
Matt Hardy vs. Montel Vontavious Porter (c)

Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy



 
#355 ·
Nige’s Smackdown Review from KF4E

Okay so I must apologize if there are any comments that seem weird, because as you know. I’m not very up to date on the Smackdown side of this thread. However I intend to be after tonight. So here goes….

Okay I have to say the opening promo was both fantastic and weird at the same time. I loved the way you had Edge cause some kind of friction between Batista and Shawn Michaels. That was really nicely booked and the writing was good too. That was what made this promo great. However I didn’t understand how Edge’s associates could sneak attack Batista and Michaels because like you said they ran down the ramp, so surely Michaels and Batista would have seen them. However your run of the mill match announced and I’m looking forward to it. Good job here.

The opening match was pretty nice. It’s good what you have going on here with all these cruiserweights. A nice way to end the match with the Dead Level. I always liked that move. However something tells me he is going to have a big role on Smackdown from now on.

I’m not too sure if I liked this backstage segment between Haas, Benjamin and Masters. For one Masters seemed a lot of key tonight. It sounded as if you had given him an all new character or something. However the friction and the tension between Benjamin and Haas is great to see. Let’s just hope you book this one well.

Lol everytime I see William Regal in a promo of yours I mark. You have his character and characteristics spot on in my personal opinion. I mean just the things you have him say are brilliant. A nice little announcement you have got here too which should be a ‘bloody’ good match.

It was very good to see Birchill win the match. I mean I pretty much knew that Haas was not going to win after his little segment earlier in the night with his tag team partner Benjamin. However this match was an entertaining one too and I was really enjoying it.

Decent hype for the 15th anniversary show. As you know from numerous MSN conversations, I am really, really looking forward to it. So I hope you don’t dissapoint:p

Ohhhh you’ve got me excited now with Chris Harris coming. Was it me or did you keep this one quiet, you sunabitch! Lol I’m joking, but yeah this was a very nicely written and though out promo here. Good job on this.

I kind of liked Batista’s interview. You actually gave Batista some sort of personality which boded well with the kind of ma he is. You’re really making the main event scene great, I just wish we saw a little bit more if it from time to time.

Finlay beating Chavo just didn’t do it for me. I mean after earliers announcement about Chavo facing Dykstra next week, you really should have made Chavo look string by winning. However I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt here, because after all it was a distraction that caused it so he didn’t lose all credibility I guess.

Estrada was jus his usual self in the interview with Lena. I would have liked to see Umaga screaming or something. However it adds hype and tension to tonight’s main event which I’m really excited about.

I liked seeing Shawn Michaels win the match for his team here, because it really gives him a lot of momentum going into his number one contenders match. The aftermath was a bit confusing though. The spear on Michaels was fair enough but then why was Batista looking confused at Edge. Maybe it was because Edge is scared of Batista. I don’t know I guess I’ll wait and see. Good match and great ending none the less hyping up the World Title Scene.

Saturday Night’s Main Event Promo was the norm and again added more hype which is needed to be honest.

The contract signing was very nice. Both men were superbly in character. I would have liked to see them come to blows however, but the way you booked it actually makes sense after thinking about it because it is still not clear which one has the upper hand so well done on second thoughts.

Main Event time man. I must say I have been looking forward to this all night and since out talk on MSN of course. I knew Undertaker was going to win the match. Not because it was obvious but just because he is the bigger star of the two and at a big event I can only see Undertaker there. This also sets up a fantastic match betweek Shawn Michaels and Undertaker for the number one contendership. The match itself was the match of the night by sure and I really enjoyed it. It just didn’t get boring. Probably because it had so much at stake.

Overall I am beginning to like Smackdown Nige. Tonight’s show may have swayed me over. It has me looking forward to next week’s show and Saturday Night’s Main Event. You showed some good booking skills tonight and I give you propps for entertaining me:)
 
#356 · (Edited)
sirdilznik's Smackdown review

Pretty good, long opening promo. I thought the players were fairly in character. I would have had Miz & Morrison sneak through the crowd, but that's a minor point. A little weird making a handicap match (in Edge's favor) to punish Edge even if it is against Batista and HBK. I like how you had Edge try to plant the seeds of doubt in Batista's head.

Pretty nice opening match. I liked the ending sequence with the missed moonsault. That was well done.

Decent WGTT promo. Shelton is really givin' it to Haas.

I love your William Regal. You pull him off as face about as well as can be done. He's really in character. I can tell you enjoy writing him. Kenny is doing a heel version of RVD sort of.

Man, Haas is jobbing out hardcore right now. Looks like WGTT will have to defend those belts. I have a sneaking suspicion that they will sneak away with the belts though.

Nice promo. Dang, the 15th Anny show has got me pumped. I can't wait for that.

I kind of like Harris doin' the ol' James Storm beer bottle smashin' He's doing a face version of the "Cowboy" gimmick to some degree, which was always the better gimmick of the two. I can't wait to see him in the ring. He should probably lay off the beers to lose the gut, lol.

Nice Batista promo. Serious, to the point. Hyped up the tag match and Saturday Night's Main Event. Good job there.

I liked the Finlay/Chavo match a lot with the classic Hornswoggle distraction/dirty finish. Good clash of styles. It's spelled "shillelagh" not chalily, lol.

I love your Armando. Why oh why did the WWE split him and Umaga up? Great stuff here.

Good tag match. HBK looked really strong at the end fighting everybody off by himself. The superkick sequence was nice too. Edge taking out HBK, but not Batista... Interesting. I like how Edge planted the seeds of doubt in Batista's mind, then went after HBK. Devious.

I'm glad you're making the US Title seem important by having this contract signing. It's sad that the US and IC belts are meaningless in the real WWE right now, I'm glad they're important in your BTB. Great stuff from MVP. Really well done. Really good way to have an intense confrontation without actually having a fight break out. Well done.

No surprise that Taker takes the victory. Good match. Kind of weird how Armando may have cost Umaga the win when he stopped the Samoan Spike, but it's a good way to have taker get the win and still have Umaga looking strong.

Really fun show on the overall. I have to say I'm definitely more into Raw recently, but I still found this show to be pretty entertaining. My favorite match was the Handicap match with HBK cleaning house at the end and Edge laying HBK out after the match. My favorite part was the contract signing. Really well done. I'm glad you take the US belt seriously. Nice video packages throughout the show. The no DQ match for the CW title next week sounds good. Some minor spelling mistakes, but nothing major.

Overall 8/10
 
#357 ·
WWE.com - HEADLINES



NUMBER ONE CONTENDER SHOWDOWN SET!

Following Smackdown last night, we discovered the superstar who would meet The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels for a chance to meet Batista and get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night's Main Event. That superstar was the phenom that is The Undertaker. He defeated Umaga to book his place against Michaels after the show stopper beat Edge last week.

With these two set to go at it, will The Animal be looking over his shoulder. He will be if he knows what's good for him.

 
#359 ·
This is your lucky day because your review is my 1000th post. Lol at the fact it took three years to do so. Anyway onto your Smackdown Review

Smackdown Review

Strong promo to start off the show, I liked the way that you got Edge to cause friction between the two men. Edge’s part of the promo was very on and off tbh, as there were things which I could not imagine him saying. Promo however picked up from when Batista came down, and all three men sounded on character. Nice match announced for tonight, and I have got a feeling that HBK or Batista will turn on the other man in that match.

Good to see you bring Kash in to team with Noble, as it makes a very good addition to the tag Division. The match itself looked to be pretty solid, and the Pitbulls winning were no surprise as it was their first match back together. Hopefully you give these guys a tag team title run in the future.

Bit of tension between WGTT means that a split is on the horizon?

Decent promo here, loved how you wrote Regal in this promo. Kenny/Chavo should be good, but seeing the push you are giving Dykstra I expect him to retain the title.

Good victory for Burchill, expected Haas to lose after that promo earlier on in the night and should put some tension between him and Benjamin.

Lol you wrote the Harris promo very well, and should be interesting to see him being used as a face in this thread.

Batista promo was very good, short and straight to the point. Nice hype for the main event and SNME

Finlay/Chavo seemed to be a very good match, and good booking to have Finlay cheat to win as it keeps Chavo looking relatively strong. However bit surprised that you got Chavo doing the job, as it is pretty obvious that he is going to job to Dykstra so would have been better if he gone in with a win.

Armando promo seemed alright, bit too short for someone as awesome as Armando however :).

Very well written Handicap Match, good to see Michaels getting the victory as it gives him some momentum going into his number one contender match. Was surprised a bit however so see that HBK or Batista didn’t turn on one another. Don’t know why Batista would be looking confused at Edge for spearing HBK though after the match.

MVP/Hardy promo was by far the best promo of the night, you showed MVP’s intensity and cockiness off very well during the promo. Added stipulation makes it seem that Hardy is going to win at SNME, otherwise the stipulation wouldn’t of been added.

Great main event, looked to be a very entertaining match. Was hoping Umaga got the victory, but not surprised to see Taker win. And Taker v HBK in number one contender match should be one hell of a match and look forward to see it.

Overall tonight’s Smackdown was very good, your matches were all very strong and your promos were pretty good too especially the MVP/Hardy segment.
 
#360 ·
PWInsider.com

BIG SHOW NOT COMING BACK!

Rumours have been rampant over the last couple of weeks regarding the possible return of The Big Show, and with the 15th Anniversary episode of Raw this Monday night, it was expected that he could be returning there. However, we have learnt from sources within the WWE that there was contact between both parties, but it appears that it was instigated by Paul Wight and not the WWE. Apparantly creative are reluctant to bring him back into the company due to his lack of in ring ability and are not pursuing him at all.

It has been confirmed that Chris Harris will be debuting soon on Smackdown following the promotional video that was broadcast on Friday's show. Kid Kash also made his return and Ron Killings is expected to make his return early in the New Year, but there is still no word on the status of Ric Flair.

 
#361 ·
Big Show has no in-ring ability? He is one of the best big man out there, along with Giant Bernard. That is blasphemous talk. I know it is not directly from you, but how you can bring that overrated piece of crap Killings in, and not Big Show, well I don't know. It would certainly make sense considering your relatively weak main event and midcard scene.
 
#362 ·
It does seem incredibly odd (see, laughable) that you're not bringing in the Big Show for talent reasons. He's in his best shape in almost 10 years, one of the best big men workers around, works his gimmick to a tee, has charisma, and has no problems putting people over. Yet, you're ready to bring in Chris Harris, a tag team wrestler who has zero charisma, and Ron Killings, a terrible wrestler who botches moves repeatedly.

I truly don't understand that logic at all. Big Show's not coming in because of his in-ring ability, but Ron Killings is?? Explain the logic plz.
 
#366 ·
I hope you realize how hypocritical it is for you to say that, let alone how incredibly senseless it is, too... especially in this thread, where, no offense to Nige, but he has ridiculed and made his opinion abundtly clear on other bookers bringing in certain wrestlers and doing certain feuds.

This is a public forum, where a writer/booker presents his work to said public. And if said public don't agree with what the booker is doing, then they don't have the right to question it? Wow, that's a new level of idiotic. I realize Nige is your favorite booker and you want his body, but other people at this forum will disagree with what he's doing and criticize his explanations. It's not to take a stab at him, it's because that's how they see it, and rightfully so. You have done exactly what myself and DC did, as well as the other kid whose name wasn't important enough to remember, as has Nige. And all of us will continue to do so in the future. Hopefully that's the end of you trying to defend your boy, because you're only going to keep looking like a hypocritical fool and attempt to start something that shouldn't be. Good day.
 
#367 ·
The two posts before Nicky's were wrong on so many levels.

It is equivalent to saying Incest is illegal, but fucking your sister anyway. It is equivalent to saying it is not 'Rape', it is 'Surprise Sex'. It is like saying it is not gay because he stuck his dick in your vagina.

Get what I'm saying? What I'm saying is that you can't go around dimissing things, and then doing the same thing, or similar. Good night and good luck.
 
#368 ·
It's time to draw a line under the whole Big Show controversy. I can understand and accept all the comments made, everyone is entitled to the opinion and i appreciate that Szumi & DC were being honest and up front about it as it keeps me on my toes as far as booking my show goes, but it has gone too far now
 
#369 ·
WWE.com - Television (Raw Preview)

RAW 15th ANNIVERSARY
3 HOUR SPECIAL – PREVIEW

10th December 2007
Gund Arena
Cleveland, Ohio





TIME TO CELEBRATE
The stars from the past and present will be travelling to Cleveland for Raw tomorrow night as the superstars of Raw and Smackdown, along with the fans together celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of sports entertainment most successful television show of all time. With Stonecold Steve Austin amongst former Raw stars returning to join the party, will some of your other favourites return too?

THE BOSS IS BACK
We found out last week courtesy of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley that her father, the chairman of the board will be making his first appearance on Raw since being hospitalised at the hands of his son-in-law following their Streetfight at the Survivor Series. Just what is in store for the dysfunctional family when the creator of Monday Night Raw returns tomorrow night?

RAW’S GREATEST EVER DIVAS IS. . .?
Over the last week, the fans of the WWE have been voting for who they think should be crowned the greatest diva in the history of Raw. Tomorrow night, we will find out just who that diva is and with Trish Stratus and Sunny already confirmed to be at the Gund Arena with the current crop of Raw divas, we could be in store for one hell of a celebration.


Whatever you do, don’t miss this special celebration when Raw comes to you live tomorrow evening!

 
#370 ·
Great preview. Looking forward to Austin and all the other legends that will surely show up. As you know I'm really, really looking forward to seeing Mr. McMahon back because h eis just the real fucking deal. You should have actually let us (The fans) vote for the diva thing, that would have been pretty cool and fun.

Anyway I'll be reading because this sounds brilliant. The preview ws a little short though wasn't it?:$
 
#371 ·
Nice preview. I'm really psyched for the 15th Anny show. Should be great to see how you write up some of the stars of the past making cameos and stuff. I can't wait to find out what kind of retribution Vinny Mac will have planned. I can see the possibility of a major power trip coming. I think it's pretty obvious who the fans will vote for as the greatest Diva of all time.

I can't wait to see how you handle such a momentous occasion.
 
#373 ·
WWE.com - HOMEPAGE

MAYHEM ON RAW​

On a night of surprises, we saw the return of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair as he shocked us all after being off our screens for months. The sixteen time World Champion told us all that he is back and will be doing what he does best, getting back in the ring, and he will be at Smackdown this Friday night, saying that before he and Stonecold Steve Austin drank a couple of beers to celebrate the occasion.

He wasn’t the only superstar to return as Rey Mysterio made his comeback after suffering a concussion at the hands of Finlay at Cyber Sunday back in October. Not only did he come back and defeat the fighting Irishman, it was announced that he will be switching to the Raw brand as part of the open house rules. What happens now as the 619 comes to Monday Night Raw?

The biggest news of the night came when Shawn Michaels defeated The Undertaker to book himself a World Heavyweight Championship match with Batista at Saturday Night’s Main Event in under two weeks time. However, it was The Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga who cost the dead man the match after he brutally assaulted the man who cost him the chance to get the much coveted title shot. What response will we get from the dead man?

Despite all the shocks, nothing came anything more of a surprise as when Mr. McMahon returned and announced that he wanted to put the past behind him and accept the family he has, including his son-in-law, Triple H. It seems that neither The Game nor Shane McMahon is that convinced while Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley looked to be quite relieved. Are Vince’s intentions honourable?

We also saw Trish Stratus pip Sunny to the title of Raw’s greatest ever divas in a fans poll, but the current Womens Champion, Beth Phoenix was quick to get involved. After insults rebounded back and forth, Trish laid down a challenge that The Glamazon couldn’t turn down. At Saturday Night’s Main Event, Trish will return for one night only unless she can defeat Phoenix and take her Womens title, and if that happens, Raw’s greatest ever divas will make a full time return to Raw with the title in hand.

With two more matches, set for a week on Saturday’s blockbuster end of year show, it sure promises to be a hell of a finish to 2007

ADDED TO SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT






 
#374 · (Edited)
sirdilznik's 15th Anniversary Raw review

Opening with McMahon. Very fitting for an anniversary show. Vinny Mac trying to play the face. Niiiiiiice. I wonder what he's buttering the people up for? Wow McMahon is really laying the "face turn" on thick. I like it. Great opening promo. Everybody was in character, especially Orton. Gotta love the Vinny Mac "face turn". I wonder if he'll keep it going all show long? I like the idea of all the Raw vs. Smackdown matches. Makes this feel more like a company-wide celebration.

Good opening tag match. My only problem with it is I'm not sure London is a big enough guy to take down both members of WGTT with a Cross Body, but I'm just nitpicking. Nice ending with London on fire then winning with a Sunset Flip.

I really liked the Orton/Kennedy promo. That was great how they were both completely ignoring the other. Great stuff. My only complaint is that I would have finished Kennedy's rant with "Mr. Kennedy!... ... ... ...Kennedy!" , but you're probably just saving that for later on in the show.

Oh shit! Gillberg.... Gillberg.... Gillberg.... Gillberg

[sarcasm]A squash against the great Gillberg? Wow, Kenny is on fire![/sarcasm] Good stuff! Great stuff from Chavo afterwards too.

Trish Stratus wins, surprise, surprise, not really. I would have had The King bring out the ladies myself, but having Coach do it is OK. Trish coming back at Saturday Night's Mani Event. I knew it was leading to that. Nice! My only problem with this part of the show was that Sunny was basiclly just an afterthought. I wish she could have gotten at least a little mic time.

Good Finlay vs. Rey match. I like the clash of styles. Good classic Rey finish. I like the baseball slide under Finlay. Classic.

Very respectful promo for The Showstopper.

Edge vs. Gangrel. This brings back memories of The Brood. If only Christian was there too... Nice little match. I really like the finishing rebounding off the ropes/Spear sequence. Gotta love the Conchairto (single man or whatever). I can never get enough Conchairto action!

Nice, you have Sunny in the next promo. This makes up for her lack of mic time earlier. Well done. The Legend Thriller getting some action from Sunny! Why do I feel a heel turn coming on? Maybe it's just me...

Punk, you dirty devil you. I like heel punk. The "Summer of Punk" is one of my favorite periods in ROH. Punk makes a good heel. Again I love Punk using his "Straight Edge" lifestyle to get heel heat. That's good stuff!

Too bad the Y2J promo was so short, but you got in a good "Ass Clown" so I'm happy :D Wow,a cattle prod! Good stuff. Love the dirty finish. I like Jericho, but I like to watch him suffer too. The only thing that match was missing was a good Facewash sequence from Kennedy... Kennedy.

This is great. Vinny Mac just seems so darn geuine. Awesome stuff. I wonder how long you will keep this going until the inevitable heel swerve. I would go a month or two myself to sucker the people in but good, then *bam* Major heel swerve!

Great Legend Killer/Animal match. The ending was spot on with Orton taking out the ref then going in for the kill before Trips makes the save. Classic stuff.

Damn, Punk is really beating the shit out of Jeff. I must say I like it. I wonder if this is a one off thing with Sunny or if she will continue to be on the show. I hope she stays on the show and has a heel turn maybe ending up with Punk, revealing that she's been setting Jeff up. Either way, you beat Jeff up but good, which makes me a happy man.

Natch! Wooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome classic mic work form Natch. Just totally dead on! The SCSA stuff is great too as is your Elijah
You even look older than ain’t no face paintin, death waitin son of a bitch here
:lmao

Great Main Event. Awesome work with the Superkick/delayed cover sequence. Perfectly done. Only someone like Taker would kick out of SCM even after 8 seconds. Nice finish. Umaga is one of the very few stars that could have pulled off the screw job on the Phenom like that just dismantling him. Since it was U-Manga it was very believable. Plus I wanted HBK to win and I got my wish :D

Great show with great matches, but here is where my problem lies. You had way too much wrestling (Did i just really say that?) and not nearly enough other stuff for an anniversary show. In my mind 8 matches in 2 too many. I would have done way more promos and skits and incorporated way more classic stars. I mean you had Trish, Sunny, SCSA, Natch, Gangrel, Quebecers and Gillberg. That's your entire list of old timers for the 15th anniversary show? IMHO you needed at least cameo (or longer) appearances by at least 6 more from the following list:

Hogan
Rock
Sgt. Slaughter
Iron Sheik
IRS
Repo Man
Marty Jannety
One Man Gang
Kimala
Bushwhackers
Nasty Boys
Doink
Million Dollar Man
Lita
Ivory
Molly Holly
Sable
Ron Simmons (You didn't include me? ... ... Damn!)
Arn Anderson
etc...

It was a really well written show with great matches and really good promos, but this just felt like an extended regular Raw with a little extra star power. I would have had WAY more cameos and appearances on such a special show. I wish I could give you a higher rating because your matches were excellent and it was a great show, just not what I was looking for in an anniversary show. The lack of old timers really killed it for me.

7/10
 
#375 ·
Yeah i understand your comments about there not being enough of the former guys in the show. I had it planned it that way, but after writing some short segments, they seemed very pointless when i could bring some more meaningful returns back and write a more entertaining show with some former superstars and an inter-promotional based show
 
#377 ·
PWInsider.com

WWE Talent Update​

Following the 15th Anniversary of Raw on Monday night, we have some updates to clarify some situations that we have been emailed about regarding the rosters.

We have it on good authority that Sunny has indeed signed a deal with the WWE, although we have no firm details on how long the deal is but from what we hear, you can expect to see her up until Wrestlemania at the very least. It is not thought she will be getting in the ring however, just for those who are curious.

Trish Stratus’s return on Raw may well be a temporary one as we have not got clarification on if she will be coming back full time after her match at Saturday Night’s Main Event with Beth Phoenix. At this point it is tough to speculate as the details are sketchy as to who will win that match. Obviously if Trish does and takes the title, she will back on TV full time, which can only be a good thing. Trish and Sunny on Raw at the same time? Brings on a HD, and we’re not talking High Definition! Both divas profiles are now on WWE.com.

Rey Mysterio’s profile has now been switched to the Raw section too following his move over to Raw on Monday night, and also “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s profile is back up too and on the Smackdown page. It looks like we will be seeing Naitch back on Friday nights.

It should also be brought to your attention that Chuck Palumbo and Dave Taylor have been removed from the Smackdown roster. Palumbo has been moved to OVW while creative decide if they wish to call him back up in the future, while Taylor is working with FCW in Florida to help develop the young talent there. With the UK Pack now settled on TV, Taylor’s services on screen are no longer needed. He was last seen to have suffered a knee injury at the hands of The World’s Greatest Tag Team and Chris Masters.

 
#378 ·
Raw Review

Fitting to open the 15th anniversary with Vince. Vince sounded very face like in this promo, which means he’s either face now or your just playing with us. Will be interesting to see if Vince stays face from now or it just Vince making HHH feel he is better. Huge main event announced for tonight, and I expect HHH to get involved in some way.

Good tag team match, was a shame that WWE didn’t put on a Tag Feud between these two teams in real life as they would of made awesome matches. Good match and good to see Londrick get the win.

Orton/Kennedy promo was very good, and was in character as I could imagine both Orton and Kennedy caring about their own issues more than the others.

LMAO GILLBERG! Not liking the amount of disrespect you are showing Gillberg by making him lose to that Jobber Kenny Dykstra. The aftermath was nice hoping Dykstra and Chavo’s match on Smackdown.

Trish wins over Sunny? Should be a recount tbh. Trish/Beth segment was very good and look forward to their match at SNME, a win for Beth over Trish would make her look very good.

Rey on Raw is good to see, as he has been on Smackdown his entire WWE career so good for a change. Yeah it was a good match, not really surprised to see Rey win, as it was comeback match.

HBK interview was good, only problem I have is that I believe this is the first time HBK and Taker have faced since HBK came in 2002, and would be much better to see this match saved for a PPV. Nitpicking aside, HBK sounded in character and all was fine.

Edge/Gangrel gives me good memories of the Brood, their entrance was pretty damn awesome. Edge win was not surprising, aftermath was very good and made Edge look like a Badass with the Con Chair Co.

Entertaining promo here with The Hardy’s mixing with Sunny. Fuck Jeff Hardy for getting to kiss Sunny lol.

Really good tag team match, and since this was a reuniting of the Hardy’s I was surprised they didn’t get the win. Good traditional heelish stuff by Punk to win the match. Promo afterwards was very good and I liked Punk’s line about “Crack ridden head”. CM Punk is a lot better as a heel.

LOL THE QUEBECORS! This moment alone has made this show better than Wrestlemania 17 tbh. Loved the ending with Kennedy using the Cattle Prod on Jericho but please bring the Quebecors back for good and put the titles on them

Lol at Vince making Stephanie and Shane look like fools. Expecting Vince to steal his grandkids of Shane and Stephanie any time soon.

Surprised that this is on before HBK/Taker, but I can see why however. Keeping this match as a no contest was the smart thing to do, ending was spot on in character for Orton attacking the referee. Nice aftermath with HHH making the save for Batista

A lot of attention has been put on the CM Punk/Jeff Hardy feud tonight which is good to see. CM Punk attack on Hardy was brutal and I am liking this physical side of CM Punk. Good booking

Very enjoyable promo here was probably the best of the night. Liked the interaction between all three men, and I thought Elijah’s lines on Flair and Austin were very funny. Bit surprised at the lack of past talent on the show, yes there was a few like Austin, Flair, Trish, Sunny and a few jobbers but honestly thought there would be more.

Fantastic main event which you wrote very well. Throughout the match had no clue who was going to get the win. Ending to the match was well booked with HBK getting the win but only thanks to Umaga which keeps both men looking strong. Liking HBK as Number 1 Contender as Batista/Taker has been done far too many times, and HBK/Batista is something fresh and hopefully we will see a new Champion come out of it.

Again Nige was a very enjoyable show. Some great matches and a couple of great promos as ever and looking forward for SNME which is building up to be a hell of a PPV.
 
#379 · (Edited)
WWE.com - Television - Smackdown (Preview)

Smackdown Preview
14th December 2007

The Palace of Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, Michigan





HBK TO CHALLENGE THE ANIMAL
We found out Monday night on Raw’s 15th Anniversary show that it will be “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels who will be challenging Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship in just over a week’s time at Saturday Night’s Main Event. After defeating Edge two weeks ago, Michaels met The Undertaker on Monday night and came away victorious in more than controversial fashion to say the least. Now that The Animal knows his opponent, what response will we get this Friday night? And with Edge trying to manipulate Batista as to Michaels’ intentions, will The Animal be concerned?

UMAGA LOOKING INTO THE EYES OF THE DEAD
Last Friday night, The Undertaker defeated Umaga to book his place in the number one contender’s match with Shawn Michaels, but it is a victory that the dead man may now be regretting as The Samoan Bulldozer showed just how vicious he could be against possibly the most feared superstar in the history of the WWE. Just as it looked like the phenom could be heading to Saturday Night’s Main Event for a shot at the World Title, Umaga made his presence strongly felt as he entered the ring and dismantled The Undertaker, leading to Shawn Michaels winning the contender’s spot instead. With The Undertaker suffering such a brutal attack a few days ago, will he be able to appear this Friday night?

THE NATURE BOY IS BACK
One of the biggest surprises we saw on Raw this past Monday night was the return of the legendary Ric Flair, and he announced that he will be making his return to Smackdown this week. And we have now learnt that The Nature Boy will be the special guest on The V.I.P. Lounge this Friday. What will one of the legendary names in the history of the business have to say to the United States Champion?

TWO TITLES ON THE LINE THIS WEEK
Both the WWE Tag Team Champions and the Cruiserweight Champion will be defending their titles this Friday in Pontiac. Ever since The World’s Greatest Tag Team laid eyes on The UK Pack, they have suffered numerous defeats to both Paul Burchill and Harry Smith either in tag team action or in singles matches. Last week with a warning from Shelton Benjamin ringing in his ears, Charlie Haas suffered a defeat to Burchill in a triple threat match that also included Johnny Jeter. After the show went off the air, William Regal told WWE.com that this coming Friday, Benjamin and Haas will have to defend their titles against Burchill and Smith. Will the champions be able to finally get one over on their rivals, or will complacency catch up with them yet again?

But there rivalry is nowhere near as personal as it has got between Chavo Guerrero and the Cruiserweight Champion Kenny Dykstra. The cocky champion took exception to some blunt comments from Chavo several weeks ago and assaulted him backstage. And with Dykstra showing Chavo noting but disrespect over the last couple of weeks, Smackdown GM William Regal stepped in and made a title match for this week, and also made it a No Disqualification match. Dykstra was obviously angry at the decision, and with Chavo desperate to get his hands on the young star, what fireworks can we expect to see this week when these two collide?

PLUS
Kid Kash’s return last week caught everyone off guard as he and Jamie Noble overcame Jimmy Wang Yang and Super Crazy. We have been told that this Friday will see the singles return of the former Cruiserweight Champion when The Notorious K.I.D. goes one on one with Super Crazy. With The Pitbulls now reunited, will the Mexican high flyer be able to stop the aggressiveness of Kash?


CONFIRMED FOR THIS WEEK

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The UK Pack (Paul Burchill & Harry Smith)
vs. The World’s Greatest Tag Team (c)

CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
No Disqualification Match
Chavo Guerrero
vs. Kenny Dykstra (c)

Super Crazy
vs. Kid Kash

PLUS

The V.I.P. Lounge
With “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair



 
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