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WWE: A Strong Response

542K views 2K replies 175 participants last post by  Nige™ 
#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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#743 ·
Thanks man, to answer your question about who Michael Shane is, he is Matt Bentley and used both names in TNA. He is Shawn Michaels' cousin in real life and it was mentioned when he came in to the thread. And the reason Sydal was watching because he, Shane and Chavo were in a promo with Dykstra the week before

Also, Shelton attacked Jeff not Matt, and is feuding with the older Hardy brother, not the less talented one

Thanks for the great review too man, means a lot!
 
#745 ·
Double Post :$

Jamie1 Presents Nige with a Smackdown review :D

Well Nige, as promised here is your Smackdown review. Took me a while but here it is anyway ;).

Edge and Shawn Michaels: We are well and truly on the road to Wrestlemania so there really isn’t a better way too start the weekly show with the two men competing in the main-event for the title, is there? No I don’t think so. Anyway, I have noticed for ages now you always seem to kick off the show with a segment. Not saying anything wrong with that and it probably suit’s the show better than starting with a match but maybe a few times you should freshen it up. No doubt after me saying that in the past few weeks you have probably changed it :lmao. Anyway, enough talking and onto the actual segment…. Like I have already said it was good to see these two men come out and really just build up this feud. I really like these two men going at it at Wrestlemania for one being Mr Wrestlemania really and the other being undefeated. Edge and HBK were in character and I thought it was very in character from Edge to tell Shawn he was once Mr Wrestlemania but not anymore. The sweet chin music was a must at the end and should be done at the end of any Shawn Michaels segment really when its involving a feud. Great way to kick off the show.

Opening Match: No surprise with this match really and the four guys are good to there own degree. Obviously John Morrison and The Miz you would say are the best talents but it could be a good match if done correctly. The match flowed well etc… and was a good, fast-paced way for the first match of the night. John Morrison and The Miz getting the win, I doubt anyone who reads will be too surprised if I am honest. It was the aftermath that interested me with John Morrison and The Miz looking like they are no longer Smackdown superstars. This is interesting!

Back-Stage with Edge etc: This was a very good segment here and there was a bit of intensity which I liked. I also liked Edge bringing up he doesn’t think many people would have the guts to do what Dykstra done to Batista because its true and its very like what Edge would say. Dykstra going on to more a less slate Shane McMahon and it looked like there could have been a fight breaking out if Edge didn’t step in. I don’t know but I have a slight feeling Shane may screw Dykstra and Edge basically tonight.

Finlay and William Regal: Just a filler here really and nothing to say about it. Although, nice way to get a match on the card for tonight.

Michael Shane v Chavo Guerrero: This was a good match and I think was better than your first. I don’t really know why you had Sydal come out and stand at the top of the ramp as he really didn’t have an influence in the match at all. Anyway, I like how you made Michael Shane win this match and it was smart booking in my eyes as it didn’t make Chavo look that weak in the process and once against pushes Michael.

UK Pack Interview: Not really much to say except from the usual. The interview was pretty solid and just really builds up this feud a little more. Seems to be getting a little personal which leads to it being far more intense. Also that line was good but I think you get that now since everyone has said it :p

Finlay v Chris Harris: I would say this is probably match of the night so far just because of the ending with Honrswoggle. It was great too see them basically not listening to the rules and still using the weapon to win the match. It really is Finlay’s trademark and he wouldn’t be the same without it. You booked this well Nige!

Tazz and Masters segment: I named it after they two because it was basically all about them. I hope you don’t split up the commentary that you already have as I think its better with a face and a heel type partnership even though The King and JR are excellent I just like two different ones. I don’t believe you will replace them and I can see this feud developing. Tazz is a pretty tough guy and it may be harder than he expects to lock in the master lock.

MVP and Flair: Another match made from a segment. Its good but I don’t know if you should do this many. It does add to the match later on and this was a good feud IRL so I don’t see why you can’t make a good match between MVP and Ric Flair. Three men seemed in character TBH so nothing to moan about there.

Harry Smith v Jamie Noble: These are the kind of matches that Smackdown produce each week and wrestling wise they really help the show. Having the two partners at the ring certainly keeps the match more interesting with the thought of someone interfering and it helps build the feud more and more between all four men. I liked how you got the two men outside the ring to get involved in the match as there would be no point having them there if you done otherwise. The match itself flowed well and you done well not to make one tag team look much stronger than the other. Nice way for Noble to get another victory.

The master lock challenge: Before I talk about what happened in this actual segment. I just want to say I like you using Chris Masters and it’s like he is having a decent enough push in this thread and is always an active superstar on Smackdown. Anyway, it was a great way to start with him talking about Tazz. Over your time in this BTB you have added more and more too it which I love and one thing is being more comedy involved and this was shown here. I was also interested like I think everyone was about how Tazz would do and I was a little annoyed at what happened but I totally understand why you done it and my thoughts of Tazz being a wrestler instead of commentator, is coming true I think.

Shelton, Umaga and Benjamin: Like everyone else has said I enjoyed this because you were able to build up two feuds in the one segment. It was booked very well Nige, well done.

Shawn Michaels v Dykstra: This was a very well booked and fun to read match as you would expect from one of the top storylines you have going in the BTB at this minute. Michael Shane and Edge coming down to the ring with Dykstra was smart and a realistic thing to do. The match was actually a very good one to read and you certainly didn’t disappoint with it. Shane tripped Dykstra, all be it by mistake was golden and just adds to this feud that looks like more and more it may be happening. Shawn Michaels goes over once again but the rest don’t look very weak which just really helps everyone overall… Edge got payback after the match and hitting a spear was great too see. As D-K-L said I would have liked to see him pulling his hair as he does that nearly all the time.

MVP v Ric Flair: Really don’t think this was smart booking and I am surprised I am saying that too you Nige seriously. To have this match higher up in the card and to main-event the show over what is the top storyline of the show and to be higher on the card than the two superstars who are competing in the main-event at Wrestlemania. Didn’t like this too much. Ignoring the un positives I have just said though.. It was actually a great read and probably came close to being as good as the previous match. The aftermath was awesome and Batista being locked away was a very smart move and added an entertaining value to the match and I think even made it more fun to read. Ric Flair got a beating and McMahon gave him a real threatening little chat. Typical McMahon like and I enjoyed that. McMahon and his family certainly come out looking the strongest in this feud but it is certainly a good one. Great way to end the show.

Overall: Overall, the show was solid. I wouldn’t say it was one of your top shows you have produced, maybe not close too it but it was still solid and that is a compliment because that tells you how good your shows usually are and how well you usually deliver them. I like the feuds you have got going and I am certainly looking forward to reading more and more of this thread. Wrestlemania is coming soon and I am already excited :D
 
#746 ·
WWE.com - Television - Raw (Preview - 25th February 2008)

^^^Thanks Jay, i knew i had a decision to make with how to end the show, HBK/Dykstra or Flair/MVP. Had i not had the McMahon's appearing and attacking Flair, it would have been HBK/Dykstra in the main event. But with The McMahon's making their point to Evolution and laying them out, that had to end the show as the HBK/Dykstra match wouldn't have had the same effect as it did had it happen after the beatdown on Flair. I don't see it as that big a deal as you're making out anyway, but i can see why you have that opinion.^^^


RAW Preview
25th February 2008

Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, Michigan




THE McMAHON’S STRIKE BACK AT EVOLUTION

It would be an understatement to say that the sight of Batista & Ric Flair on Raw last Monday night came as one big shock. After helping Triple H fight off Vince McMahon and his two sons, Shane and JBL, we saw the three former members of Evolution reunite in the middle of the ring. It was a pleasant surprise for wrestling fans across the world, but not so for The Men of the McMahon family. We were all waiting to see what response we would get this coming week, however it was The McMahon’s that shocked us all this past Friday on Smackdown. With Batista & Flair still being Smackdown superstars, it gave The McMahon’s the unforeseen opportunity to get even, and they sure did that.

After enlisting the help of MVP to trap them in challenging Flair to a match and ensuring Batista stayed in his locker room, the plan unfolded in front of our very eyes. After getting himself counted out the week before against The Animal, MVP tried the same tactic as he walked towards the back, only this time, he had company as The Nature Boy followed him up the ramp. However, they soon had more company as The McMahon’s struck with JBL driving his boot viciously in to Flair’s head and sending him back down the ramp. With Flair then being introduced to the steel steps, Vince treated us to video footage of Batista’s locker room being barricaded by a forklift. The Animal was clearly heard demanding to be let out, but it wasn’t to be as The McMahon’s decimated Flair, only stopping after Shane pulled out a trashcan and hit the Coast to Coast.

So when Raw returns to the US this Monday, it’ll be a response from Evolution that we all await, as well as hoping that Triple H announces what match he has in plan for The McMahon’s at Wrestlemania? You simply can’t afford to miss what happens this Monday night.

FROM GOOD TO BAD FOR ORTON!
Randy Orton certainly proved a point last week as he followed up on his promise to add something new to his locker in the attempt to make John Cena tap out at Wrestlemania. The WWE Champion went in to his match with Val Venis having never previously won a match by submission, however that all changed. The Legend Killer forced Val to tap to his version of The Camel Clutch in front of a watching John Cena. Having made his point, Orton left the ring, only to be confronted by his other Wrestlemania opponent, The Big Red Machine, Kane. Orton’s night went from good to bad in an instant as Kane chokeslammed him on to the steel stage. Paul Bearer quickly joined his son and left a message for Cena too, with the fellow challenger looking uncharacteristically concerned.

After such a successful night before Kane’s brutal assault, will we see the WWE Champion in a mixed mood this week, or will we see the predictable anger and frustration?

JEFF IS BACK AND GUNNING FOR PUNK
Ever since CM Punk stabbed Jeff Hardy in the back last November, we’ve seen him rack up a fair number of enemies, but adding the Raw Head of Authority to that list wasn’t the smartest decision by the Intercontinental Champion. Having exchanged their views of each other in recent weeks, Eric Bischoff made it a night to forget for Punk last Monday as he set Punk and Sunny up for trying to manipulate his nephew Eugene. As Sunny tried to manipulate him once again, she and Punk were in for one hell of a shock as Jeff Hardy made an unexpected return to scupper their plans and beat down his bitter rival.

It was clear that Bischoff was the mastermind behind the set up, so just what can we expect to see when Jeff comes to Raw this Monday night? And how will Punk react to being set up by his boss?

Y2J MAKING ENEMIES?
Chris Jericho has never been one to worry about making friends, but he’s certainly making life difficult for himself at the moment. We were all made aware of his and Mr. Kennedy’s desire to win the Money in the Bank Ladder match at Wrestlemania this year, but Bobby Lashley has certainly been the wild card in the pack as of late. After upsetting them both three weeks ago in a triple threat match, Jericho responded by organising a match between Lashley and Kennedy that took place last week, with Jericho being the special referee. Moments before the match, Lashley told Jericho not to do anything stupid, however being Y2J, he was unable to resist as he struck Lashley with a steel chair, helping Kennedy pick up a big win. However it didn’t end there as Jericho soon sent Kennedy crashing back to earth as he too felt the impact of chair shot to the skull.

With not just one but two people searching for retribution, maybe Jericho would be best staying in Europe this week, but word has it all three men will be in attendance. What’s in store for Jericho?

A CHANCE FOR PAYBACK
After being screwed out of the Womens Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event by Natalya Neidhart, Victoria has had a rough ride with Beth Phoenix and her new partner in crime taking any chance to further the damage already inflicted. Last week and true to form, the Womens Champion and Natalya bullied and roughed up Michelle McCool before defeating Victoria & Mickie James in tag team action. However, this Monday night will see Victoria’s opportunity at revenge as she is scheduled to go one on one with Natalya.

In what will be Natalya’s debut singles match, will she regret having tangled with the dangerous Victoria? You can guarantee however that The Glamazon will not be too far away.

THE COLON’S CALL IN THE HELP
It’s fair to say that The Colon Brothers have had their fair share of difficulty with Cody Rhodes & Kofi Kingston recently, no more so than two weeks ago when they lost to the young duo in tag team action. Last week however, they had the chance, well at least Eddie Colon did as he went head to head with Cody in singles action. In what was a very entertaining and even match, Eddie was able to pick up his first singles victory due to the help of interference from one of his and Carlito’s apparent friends. The trio revelled in the success and even put a hurting on Kofi as Cody’s girlfriend, Kelly Kelly could only watch on in horror.

Just who was it that helped Eddie pick up the all important victory. Word has it we’ll find out this week.

SMACKDOWN STARS JUMPING SHIP
We saw back at Saturday Night’s Main Event just over two weeks ago, the unhappy duo of John Morrison & The Miz been given the opportunity of joining Raw by Eric Bischoff. The Raw Head of Authority discussed the possibility of them taking advantage of the Open House Rules if they so wish, and after being taking time to think about it, they gave the Smackdown audience their answer this past Friday night. Having just overcome Jimmy Wang Yang & Super Crazy, the arrogant pair revealed that that match would in fact be their last on Smackdown as they would be taking up Bischoff’s offer to come to Raw.

With that said, can we expect to see The Chick Magnet & The Shaman of Sexy this Monday in Grand Rapids?

PLUS
MVP decided to show his face on Raw last Monday after revealing himself to be Rey Mysterio’s attacker the weeks before. Having been put in a tag team match last week that saw him join forces in a losing effort with Elijah Burke against Mysterio and John Cena, as well as helping The McMahon’s set up Ric Flair last Friday, one has to wonder if The Franchise Player has the audacity to show his face yet again. Will the Michigan faithful be greeted with his presence, or will we see him take the safe option and stay away?

Last Monday night was one to forget for Santino Marella & Melina as they were humiliated by Cryme Time & Ron Killings. Early on in the night, Killings & Cryme Time set about distracting them in order to raid their locker room, in what proved to be a successful job. And later on when Killings met Santino one on one after some problems in previous weeks, Shad & JTG made their way down to the ring, auctioning items belonging to both Santino & Melina. These included an Italian thong, one of Melina’s bra and Santino’s penis pump. The distraction was enough to give Killings the chance to pick up the victory and give Santino & Melina some embarrassment they are likely to get over in a hurry. Santino & Melina aren’t ones to lie down easily, so it will be interesting to see just what happens this Monday night when they walk in to the Van Andel Arena.

Since losing the World Tag Team Championship, Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch have been unsuccessful in their attempts to regain the gold. It also seems that tension has been brewing between them, with Cade walking away from Murdoch after a losing effort to Cryme Time two weeks ago. This week, Cade gets a shot at singles action as he goes up against one of Raw’s brightest young stars in the shape of Kofi Kingston. Will luck befall Cade, or will it be a similar outcome to what he has experienced in tag team competition lately?


CONFIRMED FOR RAW THIS WEEK

Victoria vs. Natalya Neidhart

Kofi Kingston vs. Lance Cade



 
#748 ·
WWE.com - HOMEPAGE (Raw Results - 25th February 2008)

RAW Results
25th February 2008

Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, Michigan



***VIDEO RECAP***

From Last Week
  • Sunny entering Eugene’s locker room and switching the light off after plotting with CM Punk on the outside
  • Punk listening on the outside as Sunny screams, then going in to see the lights on and Jeff Hardy stood there with Eugene as Sunny continues to scream
  • Jeff & Punk brawling with Eugene holding Sunny back from getting involved
  • Triple H at the top of the show, saying he’s not sure about who he wants to face at Wrestlemania out of The McMahon’s but wants all three tonight
  • The start of the handicap match with all 3 McMahon’s beating Triple H down until Batista & Ric Flair charge down to clean house
From Smackdown
  • MVP talking Ric Flair in to a match with the condition that Batista stays in the back, Flair agrees
  • MVP calling someone and telling them it’s all gone to plan
  • The end of the match with Flair and MVP brawling at the top of the ramp and getting counted out
  • The McMahon Men attacking Flair and Vince McMahon revealing on the tron that Batista’s locker room door was barricaded
  • JBL tossing him in to the steps, hitting a Clothesline from Wall Street and the Coast to Coast from Shane McMahon
  • Vince warning Flair that if Triple H wants a war, he’s got one and that he and his boys will take out Evolution one by one

***OPENING VIDEO***
“Wanna Be Loved”


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


“The Game”
blasts out inside the arena for five seconds until it cuts and then “Line in the Sand” plays instead, getting a huge pop as Triple H, Batista & a bruised Ric Flair, the collective known as Evolution walk down the ramp in suits. It’s a reminder of the old days as they make their way down to the ring, but they don’t look happy at all. Triple H takes the lead on the stick and says that as great as it is to be back home and to be stood alongside two of his best friends, tonight is not the night it should have been. He says that tonight should have been one of the biggest nights in Raw history, but thanks to The McMahon’s, that’s not the case. He paces back and forth across the ring as he speaks, saying that two weeks ago he won the right to get even with Vince and his two bastard sons and make any match he wanted for them at Wrestlemania. He said that he talked it through with Steph as to what the best thing was to do, and she hit it right on the money. Since he won’t allow Steph to be put in danger by bringing her to Raw, she said that he had to even up the numbers, and that’s when it dawned him, he needed his family around him.

He then says that last week he set a trap for Vince and his bastards, a trap they fell in to when Dave and Ric here shocked the world and came to even up the numbers by taking out The McMahon Men. With the crowd cheering, The Game says that he thought that was it, he could sit back, relax and wait for this night to come, but it hasn’t quite worked out like that. He then says that Vince had other ideas, an idea that involved setting a trap of his own to batter and bloody The Nature Boy last Friday night. He says it was a trap he wasn’t expecting, a trap that Dave and Ric weren’t expecting either, but it’s a trap that will come back to haunt them right here tonight. The crowd cheer again as Triple H then says that tonight was going to see him officially announce just what was in store for The McMahon’s at Wrestlemania, but he says that instead, he, well he, Dave & Ric want all of them, Vince, Shane, JBL out here right now. A huge pop rings out, but there’s no sign of them until we see the tron cut to another shot. It shows The McMahon’s on a satellite link from the WWE headquarters. Triple H shakes his head while the crowd boo in sheer frustration.

Vince says he’s very sorry he couldn’t be there tonight, but he and his sons have some other business to attend to. He then says that he knew that Triple H would be disappointed, but says that this business was planned a long time ago and it couldn’t be helped, then sends his apologies to all the fans who just boo even louder. Ric takes the microphone from Triple H and tells Vince that the only business they have is hiding like a set of cowards, making sure they don’t get their asses kicked like they should after what they did to him last Friday. The McMahon’s smile on the tron as Flair then tells them that they can laugh all they want, but when he gets his hands on them, he’ll wipe the smug smile off each of their damn faces, one by one. Triple H takes the mic off Flair with Shane then telling Ric to listen to Hunter, he knows what’s best, like leaving him to deal with his own problems. Evolution look pissed in the ring as Shane says Hunter knows deep down that they weren’t going to lie down after what happened last week, and whether they’re on business tonight or not, it’s not Evolution’s business.

He says that the difference between them is that they’re smart, they have the ability to outthink Triple H, Batista & Flair, and that’s something no one can change. JBL then says that what happened last Friday night was a simple returning of a favour, and that as much as they would like to repeat that favour tonight, they are otherwise engaged and tell Evolution they should get over it because there’s nothing they can do about it. Triple H takes a few seconds to compose himself before saying that he accepts that they are in important business tonight and says that they can hide away for as long as they want, but there’s one night that they won’t be able to hide, and that’s Wrestlemania. He then tells Vince that it might not come as the biggest surprise you’ll ever see since Dave and Ric are stood alongside him, but at Wrestlemania, him and his sons don’t just have to deal with The Game, they will be taking on the most dominant group you have ever seen on Raw, Evolution. A huge pop breaks out, and after it dies down, Triple H says that when they finally got their hands on The McMahon’s, it will be the first and last time, because at Wrestlemania, once Evolution are through, it will be the end of The McMahon’s. “Line in the Sand” hits to a huge pop in the arena as Evolution as well as Vince, Shane & JBL all remain very serious.


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


MVP is stood watching a monitor in the back with Elijah Burke & Layla. MVP is laughing and tells Burke that The McMahon’s did the right thing asking him to help set up Batista and Ric Flair Friday night on Smackdown. He says that Ric Flair getting his ass handed to him like that was all down to him, but Burke & Layla look shocked with MVP then asking them what’s wrong. He turns round and sees Eric Bischoff standing there. Bischoff sarcastically says it’s such a pleasure to have MVP’s company for a second straight week on Raw. MVP agrees, not seeing the sarcasm and says to Bischoff that ratings must have hit the roof last week with The Franchise Player coming to Monday nights. Bischoff says that Raw did well last week, and the most viewed segment was when John Cena & Rey Mysterio beat the two of them. Burke, MVP & Layla don’t look happy and Burke says that Bischoff should be careful who he’s talking to.

Bischoff cuts in and says the only ones who should be concerned about who they’re talking to is them. He says that since MVP is on his show tonight, he’s going to use him as how he sees fit and he’ll let him know once he’s decided. He starts to walk away but turns round straight away and says he has it. Since they helped Raw pick up some ratings last week and that MVP is so proud of himself for what happened last Friday on Smackdown and that The McMahon’s aren’t here, he says that he thinks Evolution might just need to blow off some steam. MVP & Burke look worried as hell with Bischoff then saying that tonight it will be the two of them the main event tonight in tag team action, against Batista and Triple H. Their jaws just drop as Bischoff grins a little and walks off with the camera catching MVP & Burke looking gobsmacked as we go to a commercial.


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***VIDEO PROMO***



***CUT TO THE ARENA***



John Morrison & The Miz’s music hits as they make their way down to the ring to some heat from the crowd. The duo look very happy to be there. Miz collects a microphone from Lilian and says it’s great to finally be on the number one show, but he looks surprised to be booed. He says that the Raw fans are so lucky with the fact that from now on, they will get to see The Chick Magnet every single week, again getting heat. Miz looks shocked that he’s not liked and Morrison offers to take over. He says that unlike his good friend here, he is fully aware of just how unappreciative the Raw fans are. Again they boo, but he says that they’ve not come here to please the fans, they’ve come to Raw because it’s where they deserve to be, and it’s about time Paul London and Brian Kendrick had worthy challengers. He then says that tonight they’re going to prove just that, they are worthy of getting a shot at the World Tag Team titles by offering an open challenge to any team in the back. They wait several seconds and look at each as if to say, no one will challenge us, when “Bringin Da Hood to You” hits to a big pop from the crowd as Cryme Time, accompanied by Ron Killings make their way down the ramp. Morrison & Miz have a good chuckle about their opponents and remove their jackets to get ready for competition.


***THE OPENING MATCH***

Cryme Time w/Ron Killings vs. John Morrison & The Miz

ENDING:
Paul London & Brian Kendrick came out to watch from the top of the ramp in the early going. With an even match coming to its close, Shad & The Miz both get back up to their feet with Miz kicking him in the gut and running back in to the ropes. As he comes back though, Shad drives his boot right in to The Miz’s face and immediately drops to the mat to go for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Miz gets his shoulder up just in time, but Shad doesn’t look to mess about as he stands back up and pulls The Miz right back up, but The Miz stuns him as he rolls him to an inside cradle 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Shad powers out as both men get back up, but Miz reacts first and hits him with a discus punch. As Shad drops to the mat, Miz turns round and makes the tag to Morrison. The Shaman of Sexy steps through the ropes and sizes Shad up as he gets back to a vertical base, and as he then turns round, Morrison steps forward and goes for a SUPER KICK. . . . . Shad though grabs Morrison by the foot, lets go and then whips him in to the ropes, hitting him as he comes back with a SAMOAN DROP. . . . .

The crowd cheer as he looks to finish the match by going for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Morrison just gets his shoulder up as Shad then makes the tag to JTG, who climbs to the top rope instead of stepping through the ropes. With Morrison standing back up, JTG then leaps off for a DIVING CROSS BODY. . . . . He gets it and holds on for the cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Morrison rolls through for a cover of his own 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kick out from JTG! . . . . . Both men get back up and JTG grabs Morrison by the arm, then whips him in to the ropes, nailing him with a diving leg lariat as he comes back. JTG stands back up but sees Santino Marella walking down the ramp, past a confused looking London & Kendrick. Shad remains unaware, as does Killings as Santino walks up to the apron. JTG walks over to the ropes and asks him what he’s doing here and we can clearly hear Santino say “Penis Pump” after last week. JTG smiles as Killings then walks round the apron, but Morrison approaches behind JTG and rolls him in to a SCHOOLBOY. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: Shad drops off the apron but Santino jumps the barricade and runs through the crowd with Killings and Shad, and then JTG chasing him as he slides out of the ring. Miz joins Morrison in the ring as they point towards London and Kendrick at the top of the ramp. The two teams have a good look at each other with Morrison & Miz looking very smug indeed.

WINNERS: John Morrison & The Miz by pinfall @ 7.20


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


Eric Bischoff is walking through the corridor and then stops at his office to step inside. As soon as the door opens, he sees the Intercontinental Champion, CM Punk and Sunny, who get a lot of heat from the fans in the arena. Punk looks pissed and asks Bischoff just what the hell he thought he was doing last week, setting them up like that and that he has every right to report Bischoff for putting Sunny in danger. Bischoff looks very serious and tells Punk that what happened last week was a long time coming. He says that for months, Punk has walked in to Raw and done what ever the hell he likes, whether it’s abusing fans, running his mouth about things that shouldn’t be said, and attacking anybody he takes a dislike to. He then says that when Punk attacked Eugene, that’s where he really crossed the line, and that Punk forced him to action. He says that he was backstage at the Royal Rumble and he saw what happened with Punk, Sunny and Jeff Hardy, so he thought since Jeff had been reluctant to come back to Raw, he’d make him a deal he couldn’t turn down. Punk looks curious and asks Bischoff what kind of deal he’s talking about. Bischoff smirks and tells Punk that he’s the one who runs things around here, not him and since Jeff hasn’t had the chance to reclaim his title just yet, he offered Jeff the chance for a rematch against Punk, at Wrestlemania. A huge cheer can be heard coming from the arena as Punk goes ballistic. He’s about to reply but Bischoff cuts him off and says that’s far from the being all.

He says that not only will Jeff Hardy be getting a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship at Wrestlemania, it’s not going to be just any old match, it’s going to be an I Quit Match. The huge pop breaks out again as Punk and Sunny just look amazed. He then says that there was something else too, and that since Sunny screwed Jeff out of the title at the Rumble, he agreed to give Jeff a chance to exact some payback on her. Punk and Sunny look up at Bischoff as he tells them that he could quite easily have made a match between Jeff and Sunny tonight, but he’s not going to do that. He says that instead, it’s going to be Jeff teaming up with Eugene to take on Sunny and CM Punk. The Intercontinental Champion goes crazy and grabs Bischoff’s jacket with two hands, but Bischoff tells him to be very careful because if he does something stupid, he won’t just take the title off Punk, he’ll take his job too. Punk breathes heavily and looks like he’s going to hit Bischoff when Bobby Lashley walks in the room. Lashley pulls Punk off of Bischoff and tells him to get out, which he and Sunny do. Punk tells Bischoff as he’s leaving that he’s going to be sorry. Bischoff straightens up his tie and thanks Lashley before asking him what he wants. Lashley says that it’s quite simple, he wants one thing, Chris Jericho. Bischoff grins and says he thought that he might have to deal with that tonight. He says he saw Jericho abuse his power last week and that it’s only right that tonight we see Lashley one on one with Y2J. Lashley smiles and thanks Bischoff before leaving. The Raw Head of Authority shakes his head and breathes in as the camera fades out.


***VIDEO PROMO***
From Last Week

The culmination of Eddie Colon’s match with Cody Rhodes as a mystery man came down and cost Cody the match, then beat down Kofi Kingston too


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #2***

Kofi Kingston w/Cody Rhodes & Kelly vs. Lance Cade w/Trevor Murdoch

ENDING:
Cade pulls Kofi back up to his feet and throws a right hand, but Kofi blocks it and turns round to run the ropes. But as he comes back, Cade steps forward and clotheslines him down to the mat. Kofi picks himself back up but looks a little dazed while Cade runs past him and comes back off the ropes to hit Kofi with a knee lift to the back. Kofi falls to the mat and Cade then drops down to turn Kofi on to his back and go for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Easy kick out from Kofi, but Cade doesn’t look impressed as he stands back up and urges Kofi to do the same. Standing close by the corner, Cade watches on as Kofi picks himself up, and as Kofi turns round, Cade charges at him and goes for a lariat, but Kofi ducks underneath it and runs through in to the ropes. As he comes back off the ropes, he takes Cade down with a HIGH ANGLE REVERSE ELBOW SMASH. . . . .

The crowd cheer that as Kofi then follows up by getting back to his feet and hitting Cade with a double leg drop to the chest. Kofi stands back up and gets the crowd going, which doesn’t go down well with Murdoch as he stands up on the apron while Kofi reaches down to pull Cade up. Before he gets Cade to his knees, Kofi sees Murdoch and immediately lets go of Cade and walks towards Murdoch, but Cade stands up straight away and runs at Kofi. However, Murdoch sees it coming and his eyes give Kofi the hint to step to the side as Cade runs right in to Murdoch, knocking him off the apron. Cade looks real pissed as he looks down at his partner for a couple of seconds before turning round and running at Kofi and in to a 540 KICK. . . . . A big pop meets that as he then scurries over and goes for the cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: “SOS” hits to a big pop from the crowd. After getting his arm raised, Kofi leaves and joins Cody on the outside as Murdoch enters the ring and helps Cade up. As Kofi, Cody and Kelly walk up the ramp, the music stops as Cade yells at Murdoch for costing him the match. Murdoch tries to explain himself but Cade just shoves him away and turns to leave the ring, walking closer to the ropes. Just as it looks like he’s about to climb through the ropes, he turns round and runs at Murdoch, then takes his head off with a thunderous lariat. Cade stares down at him for a couple of seconds before turning round to leave the ring and pace up the ramp, not looking very happy.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston by pinfall @ 5.13


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***VIDEO PROMO***


Vote for the Class of 2008 WWE Hall of Fame
Click here for details on how to vote!


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


“Voices” hits and Randy Orton walks down to the ring to his new music. Dressed casually, he is walking a little slowly following the chokeslam on the stage from Kane last week. Once in the ring, he says that he’s damn lucky to be here, but by standing in the ring, it proves to everyone that he isn’t scared of Kane. He says that last week, despite being the monster that he claims to be, Kane, The Big Red Machine, had to attack him from behind, proving that Kane is the one who is scared of facing him. “Burned” hits and Kane’s pyro goes off, but after about ten seconds, the music stops and “My Time is Now” plays as John Cena walks out to the stage with a microphone and a big smile on his face while Orton looks pissed in the ring. Orton yells at Cena, asking him if he thought that was funny. Cena tells Orton that since he mentioned it, it was the funniest thing he’s seen since last week when a certain Legend Killer almost killed by a big red monster. Orton tells Cena that it’s not funny and he could have Kane dealt with, but says the only person who’s going to deal with Kane is the man who will leave Wrestlemania, still the WWE Champion, the greatest WWE Champion of all time, Randy Orton. Cena says he has to admire Orton’s confidence, or is it thanks to a big bang to the head that he got last week. Orton cuts Cena off and says that he needs to shut the hell up and listen to him because he backed up his words last week when he came down to this ring and made Val Venis tap the hell out.

He says that he told Cena he’s going to make his tap out at Wrestlemania and he proved last week that he’s more than capable of doing it, so maybe Cena should start taking him seriously and realise that he just can’t beat The Legend Killer. Cena looks a little more serious and then says that he is taking Wrestlemania very seriously since he wants the chance to get his title back, the title he didn’t lose, thanks to Orton. He then says that he saw Orton make Val tap last week, but says he can forget about making him tap at Wrestlemania, because the only person who’ll be tapping like a bitch will be the soon to be former WWE Champion. Orton tells him to forget about it because it’s just not going to happen, and that he guarantees to make Cena tap out at Wrestlemania, he guarantees it. Cena smirks a little and says Orton’s living in a dream world and to prove that to him, how about they don’t wait until Wrestlemania to find out, how about they go head to head tonight in a Submission Match right here on Raw. Orton stops and thinks about it before saying he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, but tonight he will make sure everyone realises that at Wrestlemania, no one will stop him from making John Cena tap out. Cena stares back at him as “Voices” hits and Orton raises his belt in the air.


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***VIDEO PROMO***








***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #3***


Victoria vs. Natalya Neidhart w/Beth Phoenix

ENDING:
Victoria whips Natalya in to the corner, then runs in at her, but Natalya steps out of the corner and to the side as Victoria runs in to the pads. She turns round and staggers out in to a kick to the gut from Natalya who then pulls Victoria’s head under her arm and plants her with a snap suplex. She turns over and goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Victoria kicks out comfortably with Natalya standing right back up as she then drags Victoria back up and tries to pull her in to a gut wrench position. But before she can, Victoria is able to slip behind her and runs back in to the ropes. As she comes back, Natalya turns round and hits Victoria with a BACK BREAKER. . . . . That looked like it had to hurt and again Natalya goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Victoria just gets her shoulder up, leaving Natalya looking a little frustrated. After a couple of seconds, she stands back up and urges Victoria up too, and as Victoria stands back up, Natalya runs at her, but in to a SAVOTE KICK. . . . .

Natalya took that right on the chin, and Victoria drops to the mat and hooks the leg 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . This time it’s Natalya who just gets the shoulder up. Victoria doesn’t look too disappointed as she stands back up and then does her crazy little body shake before going for a STANDING MOONSAULT. . . . . Natalya though lifts her knees up with Victoria landing chest first right on to the knees. She falls to the mat clutching her stomach. It takes a few seconds before Natalya is able to stand back up, and she immediately grabs Victoria by the legs and locks in the SHARPSHOOTER. . . . . The fans cheer Victoria on as Natalya turns up the pressure on her opponent. Victoria does her best to fight it and drags herself towards the ropes, staring at Beth Phoenix as Natalya tries desperately tries to prevent it, but after a hard struggle, Victoria gets within touching distance of the ropes. Beth sees the danger on the outside and reaches in to the ring and hits Victoria with a right hand. The referee sees it and calls for the bell.


AFTERMATH: Beth gets in the ring and stomps on the back of Victoria as Natalya keeps the hold locked in. We then see Mickie James run down the aisle and come to Victoria’s rescue as Beth slips out of the ring, followed by Natalya after she lets the hold go. Mickie drops to her knees to check on Victoria as Beth and Natalya smile as they walk round the outside of the ring with Mickie shaking her head disapprovingly.

WINNER: Victoria by DQ @ 6.38


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


Todd Grisham is standing by with The Colon Brother’s and the mystery man from last week who helped Eddie beat Cody Rhodes. Todd says first off we’re going to take a look at what happened last week when Eddie Colon went one on one with Cody Rhodes.

***VIDEO PROMO***
From Last Week

The culmination of Eddie Colon’s match with Cody Rhodes as the mystery man made his debut and cost Cody the match, then beat down Kofi Kingston too


Todd asks Carlito just who this guy is who helped Eddie last week. Carlito says if it was Todd’s business, he would say before laughing and saying he’s joking. He tells Todd that his name is Eric Perez, a friend of the family, someone who saw how Cody and Kofi Kingston were showing them no disrespect. He says that he and Eddie are part of the most important wrestling family ever to come from Puerto Rico, and that Perez knows that too as he too is from Puerto Rico. He says that Perez saw the disrespect being shown by Cody and Kofi and decided that he wanted to teach those two young punks a lesson in respect, and last week he did that, and it was cool. Todd then asks Carlito why Perez is here again, but Carlito stares intensely at him for a couple of seconds before answering. He says that they’re not done with Cody and Kofi just yet, and that next week they want to prove to them that they can beat them to shut all the morons up once and for all. He looks at Eddie and Perez before saying that will be cool. They all share a laugh before walking out of the shot leaving an unimpressed Grisham standing there.


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***MATCH #4***

Jeff Hardy & Eugene vs. CM Punk & Sunny

ENDING:
Punk hits Eugene in the chest with a succession of martial arts kicks. With Eugene looking a little worse for wear, Punk then grabs him by the arm and goes for an irish whip, but it’s reversed as Eugene whips Punk in to the ropes and lifts him overhead with a back body drop. The crowd cheer that, and they cheer even more as Punk gets up and Eugene lifts him on to his shoulders and gives Punk an aeroplane spin before dropping him on the mat. Eugene looks a little dizzy for a couple of seconds before dropping down and going for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . An easy kick out from Punk as Eugene looks a little sad but gets on with things and pulls Punk back as he too stands back up. He shifts behind Punk and grabs him around the waist, but Punk drives his elbow back in to the side of Eugene, forcing him to let the grip go. Punk turns round quickly to face Eugene, kicks him in the gut and then pulls his head down before planting him with a DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACK BREAKER. . . . . That looked like it had to hurt as Punk then follows up for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Punk looks a little frustrated before he then takes it on the chin and stands back up.

He then walks over to the ropes and steps through on to the apron, waiting patiently as Eugene slowly makes his way back up. As Eugene stands back up and turns round, Punk SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE FOR THE AIR PUNK. . . . . But just before Punk comes out of the sky, Eugene kicks him in the chest and then as Punk’s feet hit the mat, EUGENE HITS HIM WITH A STUNNER. . . . . Eugene remains on the mat too for a couple of seconds before he is able to recover and turn round to go for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . The crowd boo as Punk just kicks out, with Eugene looking very upset as the referee signals it was just a two count. Eugene though looks round and walks over to make the tag to Jeff, who gets a huge pop as he steps through the ropes, just as Punk sits back up. Jeff looks like he’s about to explode as he waits for Punk to stand back up, and when he does, Jeff charges at him and knocks him down with a clothesline. Punk is right back up and he is hit by another clothesline from Jeff. As Punk gets up this time, Jeff runs past him and in to the corner as he jumps up to the top rope and comes down with a WHISPER IN THE WIND. . . . . Jeff turns over and goes for the cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Punk gets the shoulder up, but Jeff is right back up on his feet and urges Punk up, who slowly gets to his knees. Jeff the grabs him by the head and pulls him in to position for the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . With the crowd cheering, Punk soon disappoints them as he escapes from the grip and slips behind Jeff, then lifts him up and falls back to the mat with a side suplex. Both men remain on the mat for several seconds with Punk feeling the effects. Jeff crawls to the ropes and helps himself up there, but as Punk stands back up, he sees Jeff by the ropes and runs at him, but Jeff turns to the side and lifts his elbow in to Punk’s face, knocking him back towards the centre of the ring. Sunny walks across the apron and looks concerned as Jeff then walks out and whips Punk in to the ropes by Sunny and they collide with Sunny dropping to the apron. Punk turns round and looks down in shock, but he then turns back round and runs at Jeff, but into a kick to the gut with Jeff then planting him straight away with THE TWIST OF FATE. . . . . The crowd goes crazy as Jeff then stands back up and runs to the corner. He climbs to the top rope and then leaps off, connecting with THE SWANTON BOMB. . . . . He got all of it and goes for the cover, hooking both legs 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: “Loaded” blasts out as Jeff stands back up and gets his arm raised. Eugene runs in and hugs Jeff, who quickly calms him down and stares at Sunny as she looks on from the outside. Jeff walks to the corner and climbs to the second rope to pose for the crowd with Eugene clapping as Sunny looks up at Jeff and shouts at him with Jeff shrugging it off and enjoying the acclaim.

WINNERS: Jeff Hardy & Eugene by pinfall @ 8.18


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


Chris Jericho walks through the back looking very focused as he makes his towards the ring, but we then hear someone clapping. It catches Jericho’s attention as he turns to the side and sees Mr. Kennedy stood up against the wall. The fans boo Kennedy in the arena as he tells Jericho he did a great job last week hitting both him and Lashley with that steel chair. Jericho smirks and tells Kennedy he thought he might like it. Kennedy too gives a sarcastic little grin before getting right in Jericho’s face. He tells him that Jericho might think he’s the greatest thing ever to have walked the earth, but he says that they both know it’s not true. They stare at each other very intensely and Kennedy tells Jericho he has a little reminder for him, he hates his guts and he’ll do whatever it takes to wipe that stupid freakin smirk off his face because he can, because he’s MR. KENNEDYYYY. . . . . KENNEDY! Jericho doesn’t budge and tells Kennedy he better do more than that to worry him before turning away and walking off through the back as Kennedy looks on with evil intentions.


***VIDEO PROMO***








***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***VIDEO PROMO***
From Last Week

Chris Jericho acting as referee last week in Bobby Lashley’s match with Mr. Kennedy and hitting him with the steel chair and counting his shoulders for the loss


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #5***

Bobby Lashley vs. Chris Jericho

ENDING:
Lashley pulls Jericho back up to his feet and whips him in to the ropes, but Jericho holds on to the top rope. Lashley runs at him straight away, but Jericho lifts his boot up in to Lashley’s face, knocking him back across the ring. Jericho then runs across to the corner and climbs to the top rope with Lashley turning round as Jericho then leaps off and connects with a MISSILE DROPKICK. . . . . The crowd cheer as he then stands back up, runs in to the ropes and SPRINGBOARDS FOR THE LIONSAULT. . . . . He hit it perfectly and grabs Lashley’s leg, going for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Lashley gets his shoulder up in time, but Jericho doesn’t look too down hearted as he gets back up to a vertical base and shifts round to Lashley’s legs and lifts them up, trying to go for THE WALLS OF JERICHO. . . . . With the crowd cheering, Lashley is able to use his power to his advantage as he pushes Jericho back and down to the mat. Both men take a few seconds before they are able to stand back up, but it’s Jericho who reacts first as he runs at Lashley, but in to a T BONE SUPLEX. . . . . A mixed response meets that, but Lashley gets on with things as he goes for the cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Lashley isn’t in any mood to mess around as he stands right back up straight away and drags Jericho up too, scooping him up on to his shoulder. He then walks in to the corner and then turns back round before charging across the ring for a RUNNING POWERSLAM. . . . . Just as Lashley gets past half way, Jericho slips off his shoulder and pushes him forward in to the pads. He then steps up behind him and rolls him back in to a SCHOOLBOY. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Lashley powers out and both men get back to their feet, but Jericho runs behind Lashley, comes back off the ropes and takes him down with a ONE ARM BULLDOG. . . . . As Jericho makes his way back up to his feet, Mr. Kennedy runs down the ramp and climbs on to the apron. Jericho runs at him, but Kennedy jumps back down and laughs at Y2J. They exchange words for several seconds until Jericho turns back round as LASHLEY CHARGES AT HIM AND POUNCES WITH A HUGE SPEAR. . . . . Again there’s a mixed response from the crowd as Lashley then goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: “Hell Will be Callin Your Name” hits as Lashley stands back up and gets his arm raised. He turns and looks at Kennedy, not taking his eyes off of him. Kennedy just smiles and turns round to walk up the ramp, getting booed as he makes his way to the back while Lashley poses for the crowd.

WINNER: Bobby Lashley by pinfall @ 9.19


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


Maria is standing by and then introduces us to her guest, Paul Bearer. He appears in the shot and gets booed from the fans in the arena. Maria asks him where Kane is. Bearer says that she shouldn’t worry about where Kane is, only Randy Orton and John Cena should worry. He says straight after that its crystal clear that Kane has got inside the head of both of them, and that they don’t know how to deal with him. Maria asks Bearer how they do deal with him, but Bearer says they can’t. He says that there is nothing either of them can do, putting on an act isn’t fooling anyone, everyone saw what Kane did to Randy Orton and last week, and the fear that was in John Cena’s eyes as he saw just how unstoppable Kane is. He then says that as much as they like to make out they aren’t intimidated, they are because they know the truth, the truth that everyone around the world knows, no one can stop Kane, no one can stop Kane from becoming the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania. He stops and looks in to the camera before directing the same message to Orton and then Cena, you can’t stop him, no one can stop his monster from becoming champion with an “Oh Yessss” and a menacing look in to the camera to end it.


***VIDEO PROMO***






***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***MATCH #6***


Triple H & Batista w/Ric Flair vs. MVP & Elijah Burke w/Layla

ENDING:
With Rey Mysterio sat at the announce table, it makes MVP & Burke even more tense. Batista and MVP are the legal men, and it’s Batista who is in charge as he grabs MVP by the arm and whips him in to the ropes. As MVP comes back off the ropes though, he slides through The Animal’s legs, stands back up and takes Batista down to the mat with a SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP. . . . . MVP rushes as he crawls over and hooks the leg for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Batista kicks out comfortably, but MVP stands back up and walks over to his corner, making the tag to Elijah Burke. He steps through the ropes and watches on as Batista stands back up. Just as The Animal is back up, Burke charges at him and goes for a clothesline, but Batista sees him coming and plants him with a SPINEBUSTER. . . . . The crowd go nuts as The Animal readjusts his position on the mat and goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . MVP makes the save at the last second with a stomp to Batista’s back. Triple H doesn’t look happy and steps through the ropes as the referee stands by the ropes with MVP and tells him to get back on the apron. The Game though, charges at MVP and takes him over the top with a clothesline.

The crowd enjoyed that one as MVP hits the floor in front of the announce table and Rey Mysterio. The ref then tells The Game to leave the ring, which he does. As he steps back on the apron, The Animal walks over to the corner and teases a tag to Triple H, which gets a huge pop from the crowd, and he then makes the tag to the crowd’s delight. With Burke getting back up to his feet, Triple H steps through the ropes and enters the ring. He then runs at The Guiding Light and sends him crashing down to the mat with a RUNNING SPINNING NECKBREAKER. . . . . MVP gets back on his feet on the outside and is about to slide back in the ring, but Rey Mysterio gets up from the announce table and pulls MVP out by his feet, and then whips him in to the ring post. Triple H watches on with a grin on his face as Burke then makes his way slowly back up to his feet in front of The Game who just kicks him in the stomach and then pulls him in to position for THE PEDIGREE. . . . . Triple H keeps him there for a second before bringing Burke’s head crashing down to the mat, and then turns Burke over and goes for the cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: “Line in the Sand” hits to a huge pop as Batista joins Triple H in the ring to get their arms raised. Ric then climbs in to the ring as they all then have their guy hugs and pose for the crowd as Layla looks disappointed on the outside while Rey smiles as he walks back up the ramp. Triple H then walks over and asks for a microphone. He says that there’s not going to be a repeat of what happened last Friday on Smackdown this week, because he says that if The McMahon’s try anything like last week, The Game will be there too. He tosses the microphone down as Evolution’s music hits once again as MVP & Burke sit up.

WINNERS: Triple H & Batista by pinfall @ 10.24


***VIDEO PROMO***




***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


Eric Bischoff is in his office when Todd Grisham walks in. Grisham says that he heard Bischoff wanted to see him and Bischoff says that’s right. He then says that he’s been watching everything tonight and he’s decided that he has had some important decisions to make. Grisham asks him what those decisions are with Bischoff saying that earlier on we saw the Womens Champion, Beth Phoenix and Natalya throw their weight around again but says it’s not going to happen next week, because in a rematch from Saturday Night’s Main Event, Beth Phoenix will defend her title against Victoria and Natalya will be banned from ringside. Grisham seems to appreciate the decision and then asks if that was all, but Bischoff says not at all. He then says that he’s had to deal with MVP and Rey Mysterio, the whole situation with Lashley, Chris Jericho and Mr. Kennedy the last few weeks, but says he has come up with one hell of an idea. He says that at Wrestlemania, he was going to make a triple threat match and a one on one match between Rey Mysterio and MVP, but he thought of a better idea. He says you have five big stars and says that if you put them all together in one match, you have a mega match on your hands, especially when that match will be the Money in the Bank Ladder match. You can hear the cheers from the crowd as Grisham asks Bischoff if those five men will be joining Elijah Burke in that match, and Bischoff tells him that’s exactly right. Bischoff tells Grisham that’s all and he smiles as Grisham leaves the room.


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***THE MAIN EVENT***

NON TITLE SUBMISSION MATCH
John Cena vs. Randy Orton

“Voices”
hits as Randy Orton makes his entrance to the ring with a smile on his face. As “My Time is Now” plays to a huge pop with John Cena making his way down to the ring, Orton leaves the ring and stands by the announce table and timekeeper’s table. As Cena gets in the ring and poses for the crowd, Orton stares at him with Cena looking back before turning round, walking to the corner and climbing to the top rope to pose for the crowd. We then see Orton grab a steel chair away from the timekeeper and slide in the ring as Cena then steps down off the ropes. Orton shoves the ref down with one arm and with the crowd trying to warn Cena, he is unaware as he then turns round in to an almighty shot to the head from the chair by The Legend Killer. He drops the chair immediately as Cena falls flat to the mat on his chest. Orton then drags him away from the corner and sees the referee standing back up. He walks over and RKO’s him to a ton of heat. He then walks back over to Cena and applies The Camel Clutch.

Cena is just about conscious as Orton just looks sadistic as hell as he does his best to make Cena suffer. Cena tries to fight it, but he doesn’t look like breaking it until “Burned” blasts out and Kane’s pyro sets off. The Big Red Machine slowly walks down to the ring with Paul Bearer. Orton turns and sees him coming, but only lets go of the hold on Cena as Kane steps on to the apron. The WWE Champion then slips under the bottom rope and grabs a microphone and his belt as Kane walks in to the middle of the ring, not taking his eyes off of Orton. The Legend Killer walks round to the ramp with the microphone and says that Cena just stared his fate right in the face for Wrestlemania. He then says that he’s more ready than he’s ever been, and at Wrestlemania, it doesn’t matter if it’s Cena or even the big red freak, one of them will tap out, because they can’t change destiny, and the destiny is that Randy Orton will leave Wrestlemania as still the WWE Champion. Orton takes the microphone away from his mouth as “Voices” hits again to a lot of heat as he and Kane stare each other down to end the show.


RESULT: No Contest


***END OF SHOW***


QUICK RESULTS

John Morrison & The Miz df. Cryme Time
Kofi Kingston df. Lance Cade
Victoria df. Natalya Neidhart
Jeff Hardy & Eugene df. CM Punk & Sunny
Bobby Lashley df. Chris Jericho
Triple H & Batista df. MVP & Elijah Burke


HEAT RESULTS
Candice Michelle & Michelle McCool df. Melina & Jillian Hall
Santino Marella df. Val Venis
Ron Killings df. Orlando Jordan



CONFIRMED FOR WRESTLEMANIA XXIV



Official Theme Song

Fall Out Boy Thanks For The Memories

To view the amazing video, click here!

WWE Championship
John Cena vs Kane vs Randy Orton (c)

World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs Edge

The Ultimate Grudge Match
Evolution vs The McMahon Men

Intercontinental Championship
I Quit Match
Jeff Hardy vs CM Punk (c)

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Chris Jericho vs Bobby Lashley vs Rey Mysterio
vs Mr. Kennedy vs Elijah Burke vs MVP



 
#749 ·
Evolution Promo: HHH and Flair sounded in character here, and the McMahon's chickening out is a good way to get heat against them. Evolution vs the McMahon's doesn't really surprise me, and it should be a great match.

MVP/Bischoff Segment: MVP was braggadocios as always, which fits his character. Bischoff making the tag match was a good continuation of the beat-down from Smackdown.

Tag Match/MNM Promo: Morrison and Miz were in character, and them being surprised by the boos was a nice touch. You are a great match writer, and the match was a good read. The finish was a good way to keep MNM looking strong while having Cryme Tyme further their feud with Santino.

Punk/Bischoff Segment: You wrote Bischoff well, and I could almost hear Punk, your writing was so realistic. The I-Quit Match should be a classic. Punk getting in Bischoff's face was a good way to get even more heat on him.

Kofi/Cade: A good match, but I question the decision to have no interference from the Colons. Cade and Murdoch breaking-up makes me somewhat unhappy, simply because there aren't that many tag-teams in the WWE.

Cena/Orton promo: Orton was in character and sounded like the real Orton, but Cena wasn't written as well. Where is the blatant sucking-up we're all so used to? However, the Cena/Orton match should be a great way to further their feud.

Women's Match: Well written match that made both divas look strong. The DQ finish was expected, but it did make Natalya and Beth look like the dominant divas, so I can't complain.

Colons Promo: Can't say alot about this one. It did its job introducing the mystery man, but it wasn't anything special. At least Carlito was in character, and thats cool.

Tag match: Eugene actually looked strong, which was a good thing, and Hardy did as well. However, Punk seemed like he got very little offense, which made him look weak. I was hoping for more involvement from Sunny, but thats OK. But as I said earlier, the I-Quit match should be a classic.

Kennedy/Jericho promo: Ken was very much in character and came off as someone who really bugs you. Jericho was also in character.

Lashley/Jericho: Yet another good match from you. You even made Lashley look non-repetitive, which is very hard to do. Kennedy costing Jericho was a great way to further their feud, while Lashley looked strong as well.

Paul Bearer interview: Bearer sounded in-character, and Kane still looks like a monster from the promo.

Tag-Match: This is a good way to continue over the events from SD. You did a good job keeping MVP and Burke looking strong even though they lost.

Bischoff Promo: Both of the announced matches should be fun to read, but I think this segment should have been before the two main-events.

Orton/Cena: That was a really short "match", but I still advanced the feud. Cena looked kinda weak, but at least he was felled by a cheap-shot. I am surprised we didn't see a brawl between Orton and Kane, but it does build suspense to not have them brawl.

Overall: Another almost-perfect show from you on the road to Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania should be one of the greatest PPVs in BTB history
 
#750 ·
Evolution/McMahon Promo: Evolution are bound to be pissed after SmackDown and they are and you wrote HHH and Flair very well, the McMahons appearing via satellite was good as it shows they are scared to face Evolution, I have a feeling that they will turn up, Batista didn’t say anything, which I don’t mind really but it stood out when everybody else did.

MVP/Bischoff Segment: MVP was really good here, as was Bischoff, and the match made really fits in with MVP and Flair from SmackDown.

Tag Match/MNM Promo: I really liked this match, I think Miz and Morrison should be singles guys in the future but for now are great as a team, Miz being surprised at being booed was funny, the match was entertaining and it was great booking as the new team wins, Cryme Tyme don’t look weak and continues the feud with Santino.

Punk/Bischoff Segment: On paper Bischoff as a face sounds awful but you really write him well and CM Punk vs. Hardy at Mania in an I Quit match will be great, the match later on however is a bit odd but I guess Hardy is going to get his hands on Sunny sometime. Lashley -Jericho should be cool especially after last week.

Kofi/Cade: I liked this match but no appearance from The Colons was weird, Cade turning on Murdoch I am on the fence about as there are not a lot of teams on Raw, but I do like Cade so I just want to see what you do with them, please don’t give Murdoch the singing gimmick.
Please!!! That was awful.

Cena/Orton promo: Orton was written well here, the Kane Pyro I feel was unnecessary, but Cena was OK here, he is not the Cena we are used to as The Dealer said but I like it and the whole submission angle is interesting. (Orton to win)

Women's Match: Good women’s match but the DQ was a bit obvious but I love Beth & Natalya and they look really strong which I like, hopefully they feud in the future.

Colons Promo: Eric Perez, he is Eddie Colons Tag partner IRL right? Anyway a nice little stable forming here, not much to say on the promo, here just to introduce the new guy.

Tag match: Well I have to admit this match came off better than I thought it would Eugene look pretty good here, not a fan of his condition... Hardy pinning Punk was odd, I would have Punk go over pinning Eugene as Punk came out of this match looking a bit weak.

Kennedy/Jericho promo: Kennedy was good here not much to say really except hyping the Jericho – Lashley match. Kennedy will probably get involved later on.

Lashley/Jericho: I love this three way feud and Kennedy interrupting really continued, I think you will have them in MITB but I would love to see the triple threat at Mania.

Paul Bearer interview: He gets booed??? I thought Kane was a face, maybe he is but Bearer isn’t but I am a bit confused, anyway Bearer was in character but also this promo could have been really effective if Kane had been standing next to him.

HHH/Batista vs.MVP/Burke: Another good match and I like that Burke and MVP looked not terrible here which could have happened going up against HHH and ‘Tista, continues on from everything, no McMahons? Maybe they were actually on business...

Bischoff Promo: Two good matches made here, I thought that you would put Kennedy – Jericho – Lashley in there but I thought MVP – Mysterio would have their own match, anyway MVP to win please.

Orton/Cena: This was really short but it worked, Cena looked kind of weak but I am sure you will have him look stronger going into Mania, I actually preferred that you had them stare down as it leaves us in suspense for next week. I hope everything Orton said was true lol.

Overall: It was another great show and it really hyped WrestleMania which is looking great with the additions of Punk/Hardy and MITB.
 
#751 · (Edited)

.com

THREE MORE MATCHES ANNOUNCED FOR WRESTLEMANIA


Following Raw last night, we learnt that three more matches have been announced for the upcoming Wrestlemania. They are:







TALENT RELEASED​

We can confirm that earlier today, the WWE terminated the contracts of developmental stars The Major Brothers & Steve Lewington. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.


PLUS: Thanks for the Raw reviews, just to answer some questions you had and to clear things up

The Cena/Orton promo was more intense to lead up to the match later on, that didn’t start by the way, that’s why it was short! The intense nature of the promo took away Cena’s comedy side, that was done purposely. The match itself never got started as Orton used the chair as Cena posed for the crowd, showing his aggressive side and getting one up on Cena after last week. Being attacked from behind and so brutally was also done to prevent Cena from looking too weak as it was all done with the chair

Yes, Eric Perez is Eddie Colon’s tag team partner in FCW. The reason The Colon’s didn’t interfere is because they beat Cody last week and were happy to introduce Perez, then make the challenge for next week. There was no real reason to interfere in that one

Kane is a heel, but with the nature of triple threat matches, he will obviously have a few altercations with another heel, in this case Orton, inadvertently teasing that he’s a face. He wasn’t in the promo because I like to keep that air of mystery about him, although I debated putting him alongside Paul Bearer there

CM Punk did the job and wasn’t made to look too weak as he was basically down to a 2 on 1 handicap with Sunny, and he had the spot with bumping in to Sunny that led to him losing the match. Jeff picking up the win was necessary, and it was done so that Punk wouldn’t look too weak. The bump and the handicap were done to stop it from being perfectly clean
 
#753 ·
Three Great matches. i think the MITB ladder match will be awesome, after all you've got Jericho and Mysterio in there. I'd never of put Jeff & Punk in an I quit match, sure is interesting. I'm always happy to see shane in the ring and i'm sure he along with the others will bring their best at the biggest PPV of the year.
 
#754 ·
D-K-L's Raw Review

I'm glad you started the show with a promo from Evolution and it was the right thing to do after what happened last week. I liked what Triple H had to say at the start, he was really honest when he said that they set a trap that they didn't expect but the line about it coming back to haunt them was a real good line to show their anger. The McMahons appearing via sattelite was a brilliant idea, it was a typical heel thing to do and it keeps Evolution looking for revenge a little longer which does a lot for the fued. The McMahons made a good point when they said that they out thought Evolution and it shows just how dominant they are. It's good to hear that Evolution vs. The McMahons has been made official, that should be one hell of a match. Good promo and this feud continues to impress.

It's good seeing MVP on Raw again and I like these segments with him and Elijah Burke, they make a good team. All their characters were spot on, MVP's arrogance escpecially and it was funny when he didn't notice the sarcasm. Great match announcement too, should be a good match.

The pre-match promo was pretty good, just what you would expect from Morrison and Miz. The match seemed like a good match, it looks like Miz and Morrison will be going straight into a fued with London and Kendrick since they were watching on. The interference from Santino Marrella was kinda expected after what happened last week but it worked well as it allowed M+M to get the win without Cryme Tyme looking too weak. It would be funny seeing him getting chased by them three though.

Three big match announcements here, Jeff Hardy against Punk in an I Quit match at Mania should be great! This was a really well written promo again just like all of your segments with CM Punk. I liked Bobby Lashley chucking Punk out of the room, that would be funny to see. The tag match and Y2J against Lashley should be great.

The match between Kofi and Cade seemed pretty good although it was all about the aftermath tbh. I am quite suprised that you had Cade turn on Murdoch to be honest, it seems that moving Miz and Morrison to Raw was to replace this team as well. Lance Cade is a talented guy an he should do well on his own, although I think he could've done with staying in this team for the time being.

This was a good promo to create the main event tonight. John Cena playing Kane's music to scare Orton was funny, although Cena should realise that it means Orton isn't afriad of him Lol. The promo was well written again, a little short but that is expected due to there being an opening promo and six matches, and the match announcement was great again. This helps develop the three way feud even more.

A DQ was a good decision for thsi match as none of these women could afford to lose really. Phoenix and Natalya going for teh beat down was good and Mickie was the right person to save Victoria as she has been involved in this recently. This developed the situation nicely and I expect another tag match next week.

Should've known it was Perez really, I know of him from FCW where he and Colon are the Puerto Rican Nightmares. The interview was good and I look forward to the feud with Kofi and Rhodes continuing next week. This is cool little stable with these three guys.

The tag match seemed like a very good match, best so far for sure. You gave us a little more deatil in this one and it was very entertaining. The ending was cool with Punk knocking into Sunny off the apron. Jeff picking up the win over CM Punk is huge for him and he is looking strong heading into Mania.

This segment would come off really well I think, Kennedy was in character and it leaves us wondering if Kennedy will get involved in Y2J's match.

This is another huge match for Raw and it was another entertaining ending. Bobby Lashley is really looking strong in this three way feud with the big triple threat victory and now this win. The ending was good with Kennedy distratcing Y2J allowing Lashley to hit the spear.

The interview from Bearer was okay, nothing special but it served its purpose of building Kane up further.

Big win for Evolution here. I don't like MVP and Burke losing again but there was no other option here with the McMahon's being away. Having Rey Mysterio take out MVP was good as it gives them a little bit of an excuse for losing. Triple H on Smackdown should be good too, I like how you are taking the feud over to Smackdown as well as it helps develop the feud even more.

More great match announcements from Eric Bischoff, the womens title match next week should be great although I thought you would save it for Mania. I thought we would have MVP against Rey at Mania too but I guess not, but I like what you have done with the Money in the Bank this year, by having the guys involved in feuds it makes the match feel more personal and more anticpated rather than just chucking loads of guys together.

A bit of a let down with this main event but that is totally understandable with the Mania WWE Title match, you need to save matches between these guys for Mania plus we have already seen Cena against Orton a couple of times. I always enjoy seeing Cena getting his ass kicked anyway so I don't mind. Kane coming down was cool and I am glad Orton has escaped Kane this time. I liked what Orton had to say and I do think he will retain at 'Mania. Cena is looking quite weak at the moment but I guess one of them has to, its about time one of them took Kane down though.

Overall Nige another solid show on the road to Wrestlemania. Nothing I didn't like really and more quality matches and promos.
 
#756 · (Edited)
24 HOURS TO DECIDE!


Everyone at the WWE would like to thank each and everyone of you for nominating the individuals you feel deserve to be inducted in to the class of the 2008 WWE Hall of Fame. We have received more nominations than we could have possibly anticipated, and with that said, YOU JUST HAVE ONE MORE DAY to pick the superstars you wish to be inducted in this years Hall of Fame. This is the shortlist in alphabetical order, the candidates voted by you the fans:

  • "Stonecold" Steve Austin
  • "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
  • "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair
  • Owen Hart
  • Rocky Johnson
  • Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart
  • The Road Warriors
  • Jake "The Snake" Roberts
  • The Rock
  • "The Ravishing" Rick Rude
  • "The Macho Man" Randy Savage
  • "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith
  • Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
  • The Ultimate Warrior
With the sheer amount of votes received, we limited the shortlist down to 14, with only a maximum of 8 (dependant on number of votes) to be selected by again, yourselves for the final vote. It will be the case for some of you that you will not see some of your nominations. There were a total of 19 individuals who were also nominated but only received one nomination, with the remaining candidates receiving more to make a more consistent shortlist.

You now have just over 24 gours (00:00 Thursday 21st August – REAL TIME!) to vote for the final inductees you believe deserve to be included in to this years Hall of Fame class the night before Wrestlemania 24.

If you wish to vote, all votes will be sent by PM and you can use this template:


My Hall of Fame Final Votes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.


Thanks for your support in this guys, I can’t thank you enough, Nige.

 
#758 ·
Raw Review

Starting the promo with Evolution was pretty obvious, and was the right thing to do after what happened last week. Triple H’s speech to start off was very good and intense, which you wrote very well, and having the McMahons “away” was good booking as they would know that Evolution would want revenge for Smackdown. The McMahons speech was very good aswell and it’s good to hear that the Evolution v McMahon match has been made official, and should be a hell of a match. Overall good promo to continue the feud, and it will be interesting what the McMahons will have in store at Mania as looking at the match there should be no way that the McMahons will win.

MVP on Raw is good to see, but I never like Raw and Smackdown superstars coming over to the other shows every week and I liked it better when a Smackdown or Raw superstar appearing on the other show was a big thing. Main event should be great but hoping MVP and Burke don’t get jobbed out again, so hopefully the McMahons get involved but since it is the wrestling return of Evolution I don’t expect it to happen.

Pre match promo by Miz and Morrison was pretty good, nothing special but did what it needed to and introduce themselves to the Raw fans. The match itself seemed pretty good, was confused about Santino coming down to the ring but eventually remembered what happened on the previous Raw. Looks like a Londrick/Morrison and Miz feud is on the verge which should make for a pretty good tag team feud.

Wow huge match announced for Wrestlemania. Didn’t particularly expect a Hardy/Punk match to be a gimmick, and thought that might happen after Mania but good to see you putting the IC Title in high regard, with it being an I Quit Match. Liking the Tag Match and Lashley/Jericho match aswell, expect Punk and Sunny to somehow win their match and Kennedy to get involved with Lashley/Jericho.

Kofi/Cade seemed to be a decent match, little surprised that there was no sign of Carlito and Eddie Colon though. Little surprised but pleased to see you split Cade and Murdoch up, as Cade can make a good singles wrestler. Looks like you brought Miz and Morrison over to replace Cade and Murdoch.

Orton/Cena was a very strong promo, and interesting main event made for tonight. Pretty sure we are going to be left disappointed and end in a no contest, as no way will one tap out before WM. You got Orton’s character and spot on, and Cena seemed much more entertaining than he would IRL, with him scaring the hell out of Orton with Kane’s Titantron

Victoria v Natalya would be a mega divas match, and a DQ finish was smart booking as it keeps them both looking strong. Good traditional booking after the match with Mickie making the save for Victoria. Gonna put £10 on a tag team match with Vickie and Mickie v Beth and Natalya next week :)

Never heard of Eric Perez, but seems pretty obvious that you know your OVW, FCW or whatever the hell it is nowadays stuff. Got Carlito in character throughout the promo, and this Puerto Rican stable should be good.

Very good tag match, probably made better by the fact that the match seemed to be more detailed. Expected to see more of Sunny in the ring than just the bump at the end. Hardy getting the wins gives him a lot of momentum going into Mania and keeps him looking very strong. Ugh at you making Eugene look strong in this match, never liked his character.

Kennedy/Jericho segment came off very well, and you wrote Ken Kennedy’s character very well and it leaves it looking like Kennedy will get involved in Y2J’s match.

Another very good match, and you wrote the ending very well. Kept both men looking strong with Kennedy distracting Y2J allowing Lashley to win. As DKL said you are making Lashley look very strong in this three way feud

Bearer interview was ok nothing special, but always lol’d at the way he says “oh yessss” for some reason.

Another good tag match to continue the feud, and Evolution taking the win was no surprise as them losing would make them look weak on their return. Was wondering why you bothered having MVP appear on Raw, but having Mysterio at ringside and then attacking him explained why. Will be interesting to see if the McMahons make an appearance on Smackdown.

More big WM announcements from Bischoff, not too surprised to see you having a MITB, but surprised to see MVP and Mysterio involved as thought they would face off in a singles match to finish off their feud.

Main event was disappointing, but overall was good booking as having Cena or Orton tap out would make them look very weak. Ending made Orton look very strong to what we have been used to in previous shows with Kane kicking everyone’s ass.

Overall was a great show, with some big matches being announced for Mania. Promos and matches were good as always and nothing I didn’t like really which I have been getting used to saying after pretty much all of your shows which is annoying (One Crap show for once please?:D Just kidding lol)
 
#759 ·


VOTING CLOSED

Thanks for all the votes I received, it was awesome to get the amount of votes that I did, as I never expected to get that many. It was also brilliant that it worked out the way it did with the last votes giving a clear 8 inductees as I wanted beforehand, lucky! It was so close between the people with two superstars just missing out by 1 vote to tie with the two that each got 10 votes. Looking at the final eight, it’s a good class for sure, although only half of the guys I voted for are in there!

Anyways, I thought about posting them here, but I think I’ll be doing what the WWE do and revealing it in my shows, starting with Smackdown which should be posted on Saturday.

Thanks again for voting guys, I really appreciate it,
Nige!

 
#760 ·
Hey Nige,

I haven't got time for a full review right now but I just wanted to comment on Raw.

As you know, a few Raw's ago I said that the Cena/Orton/Kane feud seemed more like Cena/Orton with Kane as an extra. Two shows later, I still feel the same. I think the Paul Bearer interview being separated from the Cena/Orton promo is a good example of this. Why for example couldn't Bearer have come out during the Cena/Orton promo, making this feud seem more like a 3-way?

The only thing that Kane did was come out and scare Orton...again. I'm loving the build to WrestleMania mate, but it's getting a bit repetitive now for Kane to just come out every week and scare/Chokeslam someone. I feel like as the challenger heading into the biggest event of the year, something more needs to be done with him. When was the last time he was in a match?

Anyway, hope that helps
TKOW.
 
#763 ·
WWE.com - Television - Smackdown (Preview - 29th February 2008)

Smackdown Preview
29th February 2008

Spokane Arena
Spokane, Washington




THE GAME IS COMING TO SMACKDOWN – MVP TO PAY THE PRICE?

We witnessed a shocking conclusion to Smackdown last Friday night when The McMahon Men came over from Raw to deliver a clear message to Evolution by singling out Ric Flair, leaving him a bloody mess while preventing Batista from rescuing his mentor. This past Monday we saw Evolution respond to the clinical attack as Triple H announced that at Wrestlemania, they would be taking on Vince McMahon and his two sons, Shane & JBL in a six man tag team match. To The Game’s frustration, The McMahon’s stayed away all night but appeared via satellite. However The Game made it clear that what happened last week won’t happen again this week as he would be joining Batista & Flair on Smackdown this week to make sure there’s no repeat of last week.

It was MVP who helped The McMahon’s set Batista & Flair up last week, and despite facing the consequences this past Monday night when he teamed up with Elijah Burke to face Triple H and Batista, Smackdown GM, William Regal has made a match between The Franchise Player & The Animal. It seems that MVP could be in for a rough ride this Friday in Spokane.

EDGE TAKES DOWN THE CHAMP, BUT THERE’S TROUBLE BREWING
After exchanging some extremely strong comments with his Wrestlemania opponent and World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels last week, “The Rated R Superstar” Edge was able to persuade the Cruiserweight Champion, Kenny Dykstra to face The Heartbreak Kid later on. It was however an awkward conversation that also involved Michaels’ cousin, Michael Shane as he assumed Edge would have picked him instead. There was clear tension between Shane & Dykstra following Shane’s comments about the cruiserweight division the week before, and that spilled over as we saw Shane & Dykstra pulled apart by Edge. When it came down to it, Dykstra put up a great fight against Michaels and only lost out when Shane made an error that cost Dykstra a huge win. Edge wasn’t pleased to see Michaels pick up the win and reacted instantly by spearing him in the middle of the ring.

Earlier in the night, Shane faced Dykstra’s biggest rival, Chavo Guerrero and was able to upset The Mexican Warrior as Matt Sydal watched on from the top of the ramp. Sydal had also spoken of his desire to become the Cruiserweight Champion the week before along with Chavo & Shane, and he certainly got a good look at the competition. This week it will be his turn to compete as he takes on the Cruiserweight Champion, Dykstra in non title action. How will Kenny react to Shane’s error last week, and what response will we get from Shawn Michaels this coming Friday?

MATT’S LOOKING FOR PAYBACK
A few weeks ago it was Matt Hardy, the United States Champion that was a thorn in Shelton Benjamin’s side, defeating The Gold Standard on a couple of occasions. However last week it was a different story as they clashed backstage, resulting in Matt punching Shelton to the floor. Shelton sure took the punch on the chin, but he wasn’t going to let Matt get away with it. Matt responded to an open challenge from Umaga later on in the night, but before he could walk down to the ring, Shelton jumped him from behind and left him laying on the stage after a stiff kick to the head. Matt’s long time friend, Shannon Moore came to check on him as Shelton left with a smile on his face.

If it wasn’t for Shelton’s attack, Matt would have had to face Umaga, but this week, he will. William Regal has made a tag team match for this week with Shelton teaming up with Umaga to take on the long time friends Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore. After Umaga brutally attacked The Undertaker two weeks back, his manager Armando Estrada claimed last week that The Samoan Bulldozer has ended the career of the dead man. Is that the case?

PITBULLS BITE THE CHAMPS!
The Pitbulls vow to take matters in to their own hands seems to have worked in their favour. After their controversial WWE Tag Team Championship match at Saturday Night’s Main Event nearly three weeks ago which saw The UK Pack lose by disqualification, Jamie Noble & Kid Kash have been on a mission. And last week, their mission certainly took a turn for the better as Noble was able to defeat one half of the champions, Harry Smith. Noble & Kash were clearly delighted after as they moved a step closer to a rematch for the gold. Will they extend their fortunes this week at the expense of Smith & Paul Burchill? There’s only one way to find out.

REGAL TO DEAL WITH FINLAY?
It seems that Finlay had the luck of the Irish on his side last week as he was finally able to overcome his nemesis Chris Harris. It wasn’t without controversy however, as William Regal confiscated Finlay’s shillelagh after the Irishman’s repeated use of the deadly weapon. With that in mind, we assumed we would see a fair match, but it wasn’t to be as Finlay’s little partner in crime Hornswoggle who returned to help Finlay finally come out on top over Harris. Despite Finlay losing his shillelagh, it appeared that Hornswoggle was still armed and dangerous as he appeared from under the ring with a shillelagh of his own. Passing it to Finlay, Harris was soon struck across the skull and then tasted defeat. We hear that Regal has some kind of plan in place to deal with this situation. Just what will that be?

THE MASTERS LEAVE TAZZ ON THE MAT
Smackdown was visited by a past friend last Friday when Tazz came to ask William Regal for a position on the show, touting his old commentators spot. Regal told Tazz he was more than happy with Michael Cole & Tazz, but they were soon interrupted by Smackdown’s newest team on the block, The Masters of the Mat, Charlie Haas & Chris Masters. Tazz & Masters got off on the wrong foot very quickly, leading to Tazz accepting to take The Masterlock Challenge. However, Tazz wasn’t given the chance to fight the hold as Masters, and then Haas viciously attacked him. Masters knocked Tazz out with a steel chair before Haas applied The Haas of Pain, which looked like it did some serious damage to Tazz’s left leg. Word has it that Tazz was taken to a local medical facility in Florence, Italy and was flown home at the weekend. Will we get an update on Tazz’s condition, and will there be any consequences for Masters & Haas?

PLUS
The first inductee of the 2008 Hall of Fame class will be revealed.



CONFIRMED FOR SMACKDOWN THIS WEEK

Batista
vs. MVP

NON TITLE MATCH
Shawn Michaels
vs. Michael Shane

NON TITLE MATCH
Matt Sydal
vs. Kenny Dykstra

Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore
vs. Umaga & Shelton Benjamin



 
#764 · (Edited)
WWE.com - HOMEPAGE (Smackdown Results - 29th February 2008)

Smackdown Results
29th February 2008

Spokane Arena
Spokane, Washington




***VIDEO RECAP***

FROM LAST WEEK
  • Batista & Ric Flair entering the building and Flair being talked in to a match with MVP on the condition that Batista stays in the back
  • MVP back tracking up the ramp for a count out with Flair following, only for The McMahon’s to attack him and showing Batista’s locker room to be barricaded
  • Flair being tossed in to the steps, getting hit by a Clothesline From Hell and the Coast to Coast

FROM MONDAY NIGHT ON RAW
  • Evolution in the ring on Raw with The McMahon’s on a satellite link saying they’re not going to be there with Triple H saying that at Wrestlemania it will Evolution vs The McMahon Men
  • MVP bragging backstage to Elijah Burke about setting up Batista & Ric Flair last week with Eric Bischoff appearing behind MVP and making Triple H & Batista vs MVP & Burke for later on
  • Triple H & Batista winning the match with a Pedigree on Burke after Rey Mysterio whipped MVP in to the ringpost on the outside

***OPENING VIDEO***
“Rise Up”


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



***VIDEO PROMO***








***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***THE OPENING MATCH***

Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore
vs. Umaga w/Armando A. Estrada & Shelton Benjamin

ENDING:
Matt races in after a tag from Moore and runs at Umaga, hitting him with a clothesline. Umaga barely moves as Matt then runs back in to the ropes and then comes back hitting Umaga with another clothesline across the top of the chest with Umaga hardly feeling the effect. Matt then looks unsure of what to do before hastily throwing a right hand at him. Umaga looks very intense and it seems like he’s going to explode as he goes for an uppercut thrust on, but Matt ducks underneath the arm, slipping behind Umaga and then taking him down to the mat with a Side Russian Leg Sweep. A big pop meets that from the crowd as get right behind Matt, but Umaga is staying down long, getting right up straight away. Matt though is up before him and slips behind Umaga, grabbing his head and bringing him down to the canvas with a REVERSE DDT. . . . . Again the crowd cheer as Matt rushes as he stands up to run over to the corner, and then climbs up to the second rope as Shelton looks on nervously. Matt then jumps off and hits Umaga with a DIVING LEG DROP. . . . .

A big cheer breaks out as Matt then shimmies round on the canvas and goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Umaga powers out with Matt being pushed away. Both men make their way back up to their feet with Umaga standing close by the corner as Matt looks to keep the pace going by running at him, but Umaga sidesteps as Matt runs through in to the pads. He turns round as Umaga then backs up to the centre of the ring and charges at Matt, connecting with a BIG SPLASH. . . . . Matt just drops forward, face first down to the canvas, with Shelton applauding on the apron as Umaga takes a few seconds to look menacingly in to the crowd. He then reaches down and pulls Matt up, then whips him in to the ropes, planting Matt as he comes back with a SAMOAN DROP. . . . . The impact looked bad on that and the crowd’s disappointment is clear with Umaga then going for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Matt just gets his shoulder up, causing the crowd to cheer loudly once again. Moore punches the air on the apron while Shelton looks very frustrated on the opposite side.

Umaga too doesn’t look too happy as he stands back up and drags Matt’s body by his arm to his and Shelton’s corner, sitting him up against the pads. He then turns round and walks across the ring before charging back and going for THE SAMOAN WRECKING BALL. . . . . Matt shifts to the side as Umaga hits the pads, but Shelton slaps Umaga’s back with the referee signalling the tag. Matt doesn’t see it as he focuses on Umaga as The Samoan Bulldozer staggers out of the corner. Matt kicks him in the gut and sets him up for THE TWIST OF FATE. . . . . Umaga pushes Matt back in to the ropes, and as Matt comes back, he runs right in to a SPINNING SIDE SLAM. . . . . The referee tells Umaga to get out of the ring, but he looks confused until Shelton comes in and tells him it’s cool and points for him to go on the apron. Shelton then runs at Moore and knocks him off the apron with a hard forearm shot. He then waits patiently as Matt slowly sits up and then stands up, with Shelton then charging at him and nailing him with THE GOLDEN STORM (CHARGING SPIKE REVERSE STO). . . . . Shelton then turns himself round and hooks both Matt’s legs as the referee makes the count.


AFTERMATH: “Ain’t No Stoppin Me” hits as Shelton stands back up with a big smile on his face. Umaga stands there too, not showing any real emotion as Shelton walks to the ropes to taunt the crowd, gesturing that the United States will be around his waist very soon.

WINNERS: Umaga & Shelton Benjamin by pinfall @ 8.51


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


We see Edge in his locker room along with Michael Shane and a pissed looking Cruiserweight Champion, Kenny Dykstra. Kenny is taping his wrists furiously as Shane just sits down with a smug smile on his face as a deadly serious Edge then tells them they have to forget what happened last week and that mistakes happen. He tells Kenny that he knows Shane would never have intentionally cost him his match against Shawn Michaels and that tonight they all need to stick together if they’re going to. . . but Dykstra cuts him off right there. He says that he ain’t getting involved in anything to do with Shane, calling him selfish . Shane just sni-ggers, but Edge asks him to explain. Kenny says that two weeks ago Shane walked down to the ring while he was dealing with Chavo and that Shane made it crystal clear he wants the Cruiserweight Championship, and then low and behold, guess who costs him his match last week. . . Shane. Edge tells Dykstra quite intensely that it was an accident and to get past it, with Shane then standing up and telling Kenny that Edge is right, he didn’t mean to do it, and if he did, he’d know about it. Dykstra gets right in Shane’s face and asks him what that’s supposed to mean.

Again Shane seems to revel in the champion getting wound up. Kenny says that he’s got a match with Matt Sydal any minute and the last thing he needs is a jealous, selfish, deluded brat like Shane getting on his back. Edge steps between them and tells them both to calm down. He says to Kenny that he should channel his aggression, go out there right now and show Sydal why he’s the Cruiserweight Champion and Sydal’s not. Dykstra looks very focused and says that’s exactly what he plans to do with Edge telling him to go do it right now. Dykstra looks a little taken aback before walking out of the locker room. Edge makes sure the door is shut before turning to Shane and saying that he’s a little worried about Kenny tonight and tells Shane to go make sure Dykstra wins his match by standing in his corner tonight. Shane shakes his head and says he’s more than happy to beat his own cousin for Edge tonight but he ain’t doing any favours for Dykstra. Edge tells him to count it as a favour to him, and since Shane owes him for bringing him to Smackdown, he knows what the answer is going to be. Shane reluctantly agrees but tells Edge not to blame him if it doesn’t all go to plan. Shane leaves the locker room as Edge looks a little concerned.


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


Shelton Benjamin is walking through the back, further ahead of Umaga & Armando Estrada. He looks back and tells them he’ll see them later and turns back with the camera in front of him. He walks off with the camera following in front of him and he says to himself that now Matt Hardy knows not to mess with him and soon the United States Championship will be his baby. The camera stops as Shelton then walks past it with a big smile on his face and we see Umaga & Estrada again. They walk in to a corridor away from the staging area and the lights start to flicker. They look around and Estrada looks a little concerned, and then the lights go off for five seconds and we hear some kind of commotion. The lights come back on and we see them both on the floor with a storage box by their feet. They are okay but look around again with Estrada saying he knows what’s going on and who’s behind it, but then shouts out that it’s going to take more than that to get to The Samoan Bulldozer, saying that he hopes The Undertaker is listening. Umaga stands back up along with Estrada and they then walk down the hall with serious expressions on their faces.


***VIDEO PROMO***




***COMMERCIAL BREAK***



Josh Matthews is standing by and then introduces us to his guest, the World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels. Michaels gets a big pop from everyone in the arena as Josh then brings up that Shawn came away with a victory over Kenny Dykstra last week despite Edge’s best efforts, only for his Wrestlemania opponent to spear him right after the bell. He then says that tonight Shawn goes one on one with his cousin and the man Edge brought to Smackdown in the hope that it would get inside Michaels’ head, Michael Shane. Michaels just smirks as Josh then asks him how he feels about facing his cousin tonight with Edge guaranteed to be watching on yet again. Michaels says that he’s ready for any kind of challenge, and proved that last week by overcoming the numbers game, but tonight he’s going up his own cousin for the second time. He says the outcome isn’t going to be any different, he’ll be the one getting his hand raised, not Michael Shane and there’s not a damn thing Edge can do about it. He then acts a bit more serious and says that it’s going to be a preview of Wrestlemania for Edge because there’s nothing he can do except look on and accept the fact that Shawn Michaels will be victorious tonight and at Wrestlemania. He turns round and walks out of the shot to a big pop, and a few seconds later we see Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore walking slowly up the hall. Hardy looks a little sore and Josh stops to ask him if he’s okay. Matt says he’s fine and then says it’s going to take a lot more for Shelton Benjamin to keep him down. Moore then says that if Shelton wants to prove he’s some tough guy, he can face him next week. Matt & Josh look a little surprised before Matt & Shannon then carry on walking through the back.


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***MATCH #2***

NON TITLE MATCH
Matt Sydal
vs. Kenny Dykstra w/Michael Shane

ENDING:
Dykstra doesn’t look happy with Shane’s arrival and standing outside the ring as well as having Chavo sitting at the announce table. He carries on with the match and pulls Sydal up to his feet, then throws a right at him, but Sydal blocks it. He then follows up by kicking Kenny in the stomach and then turns back to run the ropes, only to run back in to a standing dropkick from the Cruiserweight Champion. Dykstra stands back up and walks over to the corner, then climbs to the second rope as Sydal makes his way back up to his feet. As Sydal turns round, Kenny dives at him with a DIVING CLOTHESLINE. . . . . Sydal falls right back down to the mat as Kenny then tries to finish the match off by going for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Sydal kicks out and leaves Kenny frustrated as he then looks round at Chavo and then Sydal. He then makes his way back up to a vertical base and urges Sydal back up too, and he isn’t far behind. Dykstra pounces straight away, grabbing Sydal by the head and pulling it in to his body, but Sydal manages to duck his head and slip behind Kenny. He then hits him with a spin kick to the chest, turns round and connects with a FEINT ENZIGURI IN TO A HEAD SCISSORS TAKE DOWN. . . . .

The crowd like that one as Sydal races back up to his feet and runs in to the corner, dragging Kenny closer and then climbs to the top rope. With the crowd cheering as he reaches the top, he takes a second before leaping off for a SHOOTING STAR PRESS. . . . . But Kenny rolls closer to the corner as Sydal crashes in to the mat and rolls closer to the centre of the ring. Kenny reaches up and grabs hold of the ropes, then uses them to pick himself back up to his feet. Seeing Sydal struggling, he then climbs up to the top rope with Michael Shane deciding to stand up on the apron. Dykstra looks confused as Shane urges him to finish Sydal off. Dykstra asks him what he’s doing, but Shane just points at Sydal and shouts at him to end it. With a little time wasted, the chance seems to go to waste as the referee walks over to tell Shane to get down while Sydal starts to stand back up. Dykstra looks pissed as he stares down at Shane before jumping down to the mat and running at Sydal, who sidesteps Kenny, but as the champion turns round, Sydal leaps up and hits Kenny with a HURRICANRANA. . . . . With Sydal holding on to Kenny’s legs, the ref makes the count 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: Sydal’s music hits to a big pop. He stands back up to get his arm raised as Shane chuckles on the outside before sliding in the ring to check on Dykstra. He chuckles again for a split second as he helps Kenny come round and Sydal finishes posing for the crowd, then leaves the ring. Shane then helps Dykstra up to his feet, but Kenny looks pissed and shoves him away, with Shane then shoving him back. Dykstra looks really pissed as he turns to the side for a second before turning back, catching Shane off guard by kicking him in the gut and following up with a Rolling Cutter. He looks down with sheer anger before demanding his title belt back from the referee who gets it for him. Dykstra snatches it back and storms off with the camera showing Chavo enjoying what he’s seeing before going back to show a pissed off Dykstra walk up the ramp.

WINNER: Matt Sydal by pinfall @ 7.39


***VIDEO PROMO***






***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


We see Evolution in the parking lot. Triple H has a sledgehammer in hand as he waits by the entrance to the building with Ric Flair (wearing a suit) and Batista (in jeans and an Evolution T shirt). Ric asks Triple H if it’s such a good idea he stays there tonight in case The McMahon’s do turn up. Trips says that he’s got it covered and that there’s no chance in hell of a repeat of last week happening again, because if he even gets a sniff of them, he’ll introduce them one by one to his good friend, staring right at his sledgehammer. He tells Batista that all he should focus on tonight is his match and tearing MVP apart for setting them up last week. Flair tells The Game that they’ll be staying here with him until the match, and then Big Dave can go take care of MVP. Triple H then says that he thinks it’s best if Ric goes with Dave and makes sure MVP doesn’t try anything. Ric looks at Batista who says that he doesn’t mind either way and that a little back up would make sense since Hunter’s got everything else covered, saying that not even The McMahon’s would want a piece of the sledgehammer. Ric agrees, but then we see Kenny Dykstra in his ring gear still and shoving his jeans, trainers and T shirt in to his bag, storming right through the door, completely obvious of Evolution. Triple H tells him to mind where he’s going as Dykstra turns round to see Edge barge through the door, yelling at him to come back and help Michael Shane out later on.

Dykstra shouts back and says that Shane’s screwed him over three weeks in a row now and it that ain’t a damn coincidence, then says that he ain’t helping Shane with shit and then storms over to a car, tosses his bag in the back and then drives off. Edge holds his head in his hands and then becomes all too aware of the fact he’s surrounded by Evolution. He tries to play down the situation and tells them not to anything stupid as they circle him. Triple H says that he saw what happened last week with Ric and Dave, but he also saw what Edge did to his good buddy, Shawn Michaels. Edge holds his hands up and says that it was no big deal, but Triple H disagrees and says that if The McMahon’s don’t show up tonight, and Edge decides to screw around again, he might just find Evolution coming after him. Edge looks round at all three before saying they don’t scare him, he’s going to be the next World Heavyweight Champion and that they should worry about getting their asses kicked at Wrestlemania by The McMahon’s. They move closer in to Edge who then points past them and gives them the idea that The McMahon’s here. Evolution turn round as Edge escapes back in to the building with all three looking pissed as they don’t see The McMahon’s anywhere. Triple H then looks at both Ric and Batista, then says that if they do come tonight, they won’t make it to Wrestlemania.


***VIDEO RECAP***

FROM LAST WEEK

We see footage of Tazz in William Regal’s office, asking for a chance to come back to Smackdown when Chris Masters & Charlie Haas (The Masters of the Mat) walk in. It shows Masters mocking Tazz, leading to Tazz accepting to take part on The Masterlock Challenge. We then see Tazz about to be put in the hold before being viciously assaulted by both Haas and Masters, who hit Tazz across the back with the steel chair several times before Haas locked him in The Haas of Pain until EMT’s came to the rescue.



***CUT TO THE ARENA***


“Masterpiece” hits as The Masters of the Mat make their way down to the ring looking very smug and laughing at the footage from just moments before. Once in the ring and having collected a microphone, Masters says that he hoped the crowd enjoyed that footage as much as he and Charlie did. With the crowd booing, he then says that some people have said that what they did was out of line, and some people even went as far to say it was downright disgraceful, but says he and Charlie disagree. He says that they did what they had to do, and that was take out a washed up piece of trash. He says Tazz had no business being here last week, and he certainly had no right getting involved in theirs. He then says that Smackdown doesn’t need guys like Tazz walking round trashing the future stars of the show, it needs the future stars to step up and take out the trash, like they did last week and will do again to anybody who gets in their way of becoming the next WWE Tag Team Champions. Just then, Tazz’s music hits as he hobbles out to the top of the ramp on crutches with a microphone as Masters and Haas just laugh. Tazz says if he could, he would walk down there right now and shut Masters big mouth once for all. He then says that he thought Charlie Haas was better than this, but he was proved wrong and that everyone else proved to be right, Charlie is nothing more than Masters’ bitch.

Haas looks pissed but Tazz says that all we’ve ever seen is Hass do whatever it is he’s told, and that if Charlie ever wants to make a name for himself, he’s got to stand up for himself. Haas grabs Masters’ mic and tells Tazz that he’s no one’s bitch, and says that Tazz better be careful what he says unless he wants his right leg to get the same treatment as his left one last week. Tazz says like he said before he would love nothing but to get in that ring and teach them what real bullying is, but says he had a little think and came up with a solution. He then says that since he took up their challenge last week, he asks them about taking up his tonight. The crowd cheer and Masters asks him just what the hell he’s on about, and Tazz responds by saying that he’s got two special guys in the back who are ready to find out if the so called Masters of the Mat can live up to their name or not. Masters says they don’t need to beat Tazz’s Brooklyn buddies to prove it to anyone, especially Tazz. But Tazz says he expected that to be the answer, so he went to William Regal earlier on and asked for a match to be made for tonight that would see Masters & Haas go up against two guys he knows real well, you could even say he knows them EXTREMELY well. Tommy Dreamer’s music hits as he and Stevie Richards walk out to the stage and join Tazz before walking down to the ring as The Masters of the Mat get ready for action.


***MATCH #3***

Tommy Dreamer & Stevie Richards w/Tazz
vs. The Masters of The Mat (Charlie Haas & Chris Masters)

ENDING:
Haas tries for an irish whip on Dreamer but The ECW Original reverses it, and as Haas comes back off the ropes, Dreamer catches Haas diving at him and tosses him back with a FALLAWAY SLAM. . . . . Dreamer turns over on the mat and hooks the leg 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Haas gets his shoulder up as Dreamer then stands back up and walks over to his corner, then makes the tag to Stevie. He climbs through the ropes as Haas sits up. Stevie walks over to Haas and pulls him up to his feet, then proceeds to unload with a series of stiff kicks to the chest before whipping him in to the ropes, and as Haas comes back, Stevie lifts him overhead with a BACK BODY DROP. . . . . Haas lands on his back and sells it by holding it as he sits up. Stevie isn’t wasting any time as he walks over and pulls Haas up to his feet, then plants him with a SINGLE ARM DDT. . . . . A pop meets that as Stevie then turns Haas over and goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Masters makes the save by entering the ring and stomping on the back of Stevie’s head.

The ref is quick to get up and tells Masters to get back on the apron, which he does as he smirks at Tazz on the outside. It takes several seconds before Haas and Stevie get back up, and it’s Stevie who’s up first and pulls Haas up to his feet. He tries to whip Haas in to the ropes, but it’s blocked and Haas spins Stevie’s arm round and pulls him back in to a stomp to the gut followed up with a DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX. . . . . Haas immediately turns himself round on the mat as he makes a cover attempt 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Stevie just gets his shoulder up with Haas then seeing Masters asking for the tag. Haas stands up and walks over to his corner, making the tag to Masters, who steps through the ropes as Stevie rolls on to his side. As soon as Stevie gets up, Masters runs at him and goes for a Double Axe Handle shot to the chest but Stevie ducks under Masters’ arms. As Masters then turns back round, Stevie goes for THE STEVIE KICK. . . . . Masters though grabs hold of Stevie’s foot and spins him round straight away, then nails him with a WHEELBARROW SUPLEX. . . . .

That one had to hurt! Masters doesn’t look to mess about as he too goes for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Stevie just kicks out, leaving Masters a little frustrated, but as he stands back up, he shifts behind Stevie and stalks him for THE MASTERLOCK. . . . . Masters though turns round for a second and pushes Dreamer off the apron, but only gently. The crowd try to warn Stevie, but as he stands up, Masters is able to pull him in to the hold. Seeing this from the outside, Dreamer looks under the ring and pulls out a SINGAPORE CANE. . . . . The crowd cheer like crazy as Masters tries to make Stevie give it up, totally unaware of Dreamer. Haas though catches his attention and tells him to turn round, which he does after letting go of Richards. He sees Dreamer at the right time as the extremist climbs through the ropes and swings the cane at him, but Masters ducks it. The cane drops to the mat with Masters picking it up and then smasheing it across Dreamer’s head with the ref then calling for the bell.


AFTERMATH: Masters argues with the referee and says that it was Dreamer who brought in, but he then sees Richards standing back up. The Masterpiece stalks him as he slowly gets up with Masters then walking over to him and swinging the cane right at Richards’ head, sending him down to the mat. He drops the cane and then sees Dreamer getting back up. He looks at Haas and instructs him to take care of Richards, which he does, walking over and applying The Haas of Pain with Masters stepping behind Dreamer and locking in The Masterlock. The crowd boo like crazy as The Masters of the Mat put a hurting on The Extremists while Tazz watches on helplessly. After watching on for nearly twenty seconds, Tazz hobbles up onto the apron, using his crutch to help him climb up. Masters watches on with a grin as Tazz then is able to climb through the ropes, but Haas sees it and lets go of Richards. He charges at Tazz and chop blocks him to the mat. He then drags Tazz away from the ropes and locks in The Haas of Pain, on the same leg as last week, making Tazz scream like hell. Masters grins as he lets go of a now out cold Dreamer and looks on, but EMT’s rush down the ramp and urge Haas to let go which he only does after a struggle. The crowd boo Haas & Masters like crazy as they then leave the ring with big smiles on their faces.

WINNERS: Tommy Dreamer & Stevie Richards by DQ @ 6.10


***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


William Regal is sat in his office along with Chris Harris. Harris looks to be agitated and asks Regal what he’s waiting for, but Regal just tells him to be patient. Just a few seconds later, Finlay walks in with his shillelagh in hand, resulting in Harris standing up and the two men squaring up. Regal immediately tells them to settle down and this is exactly why he summonsed them so that he could deal with this out of hand predicament he finds himself in. Finlay and Harris settle down and step away from each other as Regal then says that over the last few weeks, things have got completely out of control, and that as of right now he’s putting an end to it. Harris looks pissed and tells Regal to blame Finlay, not him, saying it’s Finlay who’s caused all this. Regal says he agrees and looks at Finlay. He tells him that last week he told him not to use the shillelagh, but he did and he says that it was a rebellious act. Finlay smiles as he says that Regal took his shillelagh off of him, but Regal responds angrily.

He says that it was Finlay who deliberately went against his instructions, and with the aid of that bloody troll under the ring, used another shillelagh to cheat to win the match. Finlay smiles as Harris and Regal look pissed. Regal then says that he has no choice but to make a decision to end all this, and that is that next week on Smackdown, they will meet for one last match, but it will be a No Holds Barred match. The crowd can be heard cheering as both men take the news well. Regal then tells them that he doesn’t want any trouble and orders them both to leave the arena right now, otherwise he will suspend them both right away. Harris & Finlay both stare at each other for several seconds before Harris leaves the room. Finlay turns to Regal and grins before saying he’s more than happy to fight anyone, any place any time, then says Regal has played right in to his hands. Regal looks pissed still and just tells him to leave, which he does with a big grin on his face.


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


Lena Yada is standing by and introduces her guests, MVP, Elijah Burke & Layla. They get heat as they are shown in shot. Lena asks MVP how he feels about facing Batista later on tonight. He doesn’t look happy and asks Lena how she’d feel if she had to face a mad, angry, crazy three hundred pounder like Batista tonight. She’s about to respond when MVP tells her, just like everyone at home, he doesn’t give a rats ass what she thinks. He says that it’s total BS that he has to face Batista tonight in the mood The Animal’s in, no one should have to, and then says that just four nights ago on Raw, he and Elijah Burke were forced to fight both Batista and Triple H. He then says that all the haters are circling in on him just because they are jealous of the star that he is. Lena looks very unimpressed and then says that’s it’s probably something to do with the fact that he set Ric Flair and Batista up last week. MVP stares a hole through her and says that whatever happened last week is history.

He says he helped The McMahon’s out because they knew if they wanted a job done, he’s the man to do it. He then says he did his time Monday night, and that it’s a disgrace that someone of his and Burke’s talent are being treated like common people. Lena cuts in and asks him why Burke is here, with MVP offering Burke the chance to explain. He says that it’s clear, like MVP said, people in high places are jealous of their talents, and that it’s real simple why he’s here, to cover MVP’s back in case the haters make their presence felt tonight. He then says that they shouldn’t have to worry about banning people from the building like they have had to with Rey Mysterio tonight, when MVP cuts in and says that it’s for Rey’s own good tonight because if it wasn’t for him, he and Burke would have made fools of Evolution Monday night like they will tonight with or without The McMahon’s. He and Burke turn round and walk out of the shot while Layla stares at Lena for a couple of seconds before following.


***CUT TO THE ARENA***


“Slam Smack” plays as Jamie Noble & Kid Kash, The Pitbulls make their way down to the ring, looking as stern as ever to heat from the crowd. Once in the ring, Noble walks over and demands a microphone, getting one from Justin Roberts. Noble says he’s cutting right to the chase, that after being robbed of winning the tag titles three weeks ago, he and Kash said that if they didn’t get what they wanted, they’d do it their way, and he says they have done just that. He then says that last week, he beat one of the British boys and now he wants what they’ve been asking for, a rematch for the tag titles. He then asks for Paul Burchill & Harry Smith, The UK Pack to come out and give them the answer they want or they’ll go back and find them, just stomp the crap out of them again. They wait and there’s still no response at five seconds with Noble getting angry and shouting for them to hurry the hell up. We then hear “Britannia” hit inside the arena as the laid back WWE Tag Team Champions make their way in to the stage. Burchill has a microphone and tells Noble that getting all worked up and flustered won’t do him any good, then tells him to sit back and listen to what he has to say because he has a pleasant surprise for them both.

Noble & Kash look confused as Burchill, standing alongside a very cool looking Harry Smith says that after all this fighting over the last few weeks, they should take a break from all the hostility and spend some time getting to know America. The crowd cheer as The Pitbulls look even more confused. Burchill acknowledges that and says that he and Harry still don’t know too much about America and that since they’ve just come back from Europe, it would be nice to get to know the country they now live in. They get cheered yet again as Burchill then says he thinks it’ll do Noble & Kash some good too, just to relax them a little. He then says that he and Harry will give them a title shot very soon, but tonight they have something else for them that they think they will like. Burchill & Smith then walk towards the side of the stage and climb down the steps as Noble & Kash watch on frustratingly. We then see some workers bring out a trailer from behind the curtain as Burchill & Smith walk over to it and smile. Burchill says that it’s top of the range and it’s fitted perfectly for Noble & Kash, saying it has just the one bed. The crowd laugh as Noble & Kash look on very angry. Noble says he and Kash are partners, then panics and corrects himself by saying not that kind of partners but tag team partners. Burchill says whatever they do in the privacy of their own trailer is their own business and says it has tinted windows so they can go wild.

Noble says there’s only one thing they want to do right now and that’s beat the crap out of the two of them. Burchill laughs and says he didn’t expect any thanks, but if they want a fight, it’s up to the fans to decide. The crowd cheers like crazy with Burchill then saying it looks like a fight it is as he and Smith then walk back up to the stage, but as they’re about to walk down the ramp, six security guys walk out and step in front of The UK Pack, who just look confused as The Pitbulls wait for them in the ring. We then see William Regal appear on the tron as he stands in his office. He says that considering the frame of mind that The Pitbulls are in, he can’t allow any kind of fight here tonight, getting boos from the arena. He does say that is best for everyone concerned that we don’t see any kind of fighting whatsoever between them as next week Paul Burchill will go one on one with Kid Kash. He then says that if either Noble or Kash step out of line between now and then they can forget about the match he is about to make, because he says he has decided that the two teams will meet for the tag team titles at Wrestlemania. Noble & Kash’s expression changes from angry as hell to delighted as The UK Pack take it on the chin. Regal reinforces the warning to The Pitbulls and says that if anything untoward takes place before next week, they can forget about Wrestlemania. The tron cuts away from Regal as the two teams stare at each other.


***VIDEO PROMO***






***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***MATCH #4***

NON TITLE MATCH
Shawn Michaels
vs. Michael Shane w/Edge

ENDING:
Michaels fights a sleeper from his cousin and is able to escape by driving his elbow back in to Shane’s gut. With the crowd now cheering their hero on, Michaels runs forward in to the ropes and comes back, ducking under an outstretched arm from Shane and then coming back to hit him with a flying forearm. The crowd cheer even louder as they then see Michaels flip up, which doesn’t sit well with Edge on the outside. HBK then walks over to the corner and climbs up to the top rope as he and Edge exchange a few glances before Michaels then leaps off for THE HEARTBREAK ELBOW. . . . . As he comes down to land, Shane rolls to the side as Michaels then crash lands on the mat. It takes both men a while to stand back up as Edge tries his best to encourage Shane, and it is the younger cousin who is up first and backs up in to the corner where he seems to be getting ready for some Sweet Chin Music as he tunes up the band. The crowd boo loudly but Edge loves it as he urges Michaels to stand up from the outside. But as Shane advances out of the corner and lifts his boot towards Michaels’ face, HBK ducks it and spins Shane back round, then connects with an INVERTED ATOMIC DROP. . . . . Shane hobbles round in front of Michaels for a couple of seconds before Michaels then nails him with a LEG FEED ENZIGURI. . . . .

The crowd cheer like nuts as Michaels then reaches across, turns Shane on to his back and hooks both legs for a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Shane just gets his shoulder up, leaving Michaels a little shocked as Edge punches the air with relief. Michaels sees Edge on the outside and then stands back up, walks over to the corner and starts tuning up the band to a huge pop from the crowd as they join in by clapping and stamping their feet. Edge shouts at Shane as he comes round, and Shane seems to take note and asks the referee to check if there’s something in his eye, backing up to the opposite corner of Michaels. The ref turns his back on Michaels and looks in Shane’s eyes as Michaels looks on confused with Edge then slipping in under the bottom rope. Michaels sees him and charges at him, but Edge ducks underneath, runs through off the ropes and takes Michaels down with a SPEAR. . . . . The crowd boo like crazy as Edge slips back to the outside as the ref tells Shane there’s nothing there, but Shane scurries across and hooks Michaels’ legs for a cover. The ref looks around and seems to ponder what happened as Shane yells at him to make the count, which he does 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


AFTERMATH: Shane’s music hits as he pulls himself up to his knees and holds his head in his hands, over selling his victory to the max as Edge slides inside the ring. Edge goes over to Shane and pulls him up to his feet, then lifts his hand in the air with Michaels lying by their feet. Edge & Shane revel in the win as they laugh at the fallen Michaels before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp, turning round at halfway as Edge raises Shane’s hand aloft again to a ton of heat.

WINNER: Michael Shane by pinfall @ 8.02


***CUT BACKSTAGE***


William Regal is shown walking through the back and walks up to the entrance to the parking lot and then opening the door. We then see Evolution standing there, still waiting to see if The McMahon’s are going to grace us with their presence. Regal tells Dave that his match is up next and that he should be heading inside. Batista tells Triple H to be careful and asks him if he’s going to be okay by himself, to which The Game says he will be fine and tells him not to worry. Flair pats Trips on the back before saying he’ll see him after the match as he and Batista walk inside. Regal walks up to Triple H and says that he understands he’s angry at The McMahon’s, but he doesn’t want any trouble here tonight, and since he’s on his own, he can call on the security he has at his disposal so that Triple H won’t face a three on one situation should The McMahon’s show up. The Game stares at Regal and lifts his sledgehammer off his shoulder, making Regal very worried. The Smackdown GM then steps back and tells Triple H that the offer still stands if he wishes to change his mind. The Game just turns round and intensely focuses on the entrance to the parking lot as Regal concedes and walks back inside.


***VIDEO PROMO***




***COMMERCIAL BREAK***


***VIDEO PROMO***

We see a video clip showing the highlights of the career of Owen Hart.



2008 INDUCTEE: Owen Hart




***CUT TO THE ARENA***


***THE MAIN EVENT***

Batista w/Ric Flair
vs. MVP w/Elijah Burke & Layla

ENDING:
Batista reaches down and pulls MVP up to his feet. He then whips him in to the ropes, but as MVP hits them, he holds on to the top rope. Batista is in no mood to mess about as he then runs at MVP, who lifts his boot up in to The Animal’s face, knocking him back towards the middle of the ring holding his face. With Batista’s back still to him, MVP walks over to him, turns him round and plants him with a SIT DOWN SIDE POWERSLAM. . . . . MVP yells at the referee to count as he hooks Batista’s leg 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . The Animal kicks out quite comfortably, but MVP seems to be enjoying the spotlight as he then stands back up and taunts Batista for THE BALLIN ELBOW. . . . . But as MVP drops it, Batista rolls to the side with MVP hitting the mat to a pop from the crowd. Batista is back up straight away and seeing MVP making his way back up, he turns to run the ropes, charges back and EXPLODES WITH A SPEAR ON THE FRANCHISE PLAYER. . . . . The Animal nearly ripped him in two, sending MVP crashing towards the ropes, and with the crowd roaring him on, Batista goes for the cover with MVP’s nearest leg as the ref makes the count 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . NO!. . . . .

Elijah Burke puts MVP’s foot on the bottom rope to stop the count. Batista looks real angry as he sees Burke there playing the innocent, but he soon gives him a scare. The Animal slips under the bottom rope and gives chase as Burke runs for his life, but as he runs round the ring, Flair cuts him off and Batista stands right behind him. Batista and Flair seem to be deciding who gets to be the lucky one, and Flair strikes with a chop across the chest, spinning Burke round in to a hard right hand that knocks him down to the floor from The Animal. Layla rushes round to check on Burke as Batista then climbs back in the ring, MVP is sitting up by the ropes. Batista then walks over towards his opponent, but MVP kicks at his knees, pushing him away. The Animal walks back over and tries to pull MVP up, but The Franchise Player reaches up and rolls him in to an INSIDE CRADLE. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

Batista kicks out and both men stand back up with MVP hitting a SPINNING CAPOEIRA KICK (THE MALICIOUS INTENT). . . . . Batitsa is knocked off balance with MVP following up with a DDT. . . . . The nervousness from the crowd is clear as MVP follows up with a cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kick out from Batista! . . . . . MVP looks stunned and questions the referee’s call, telling him to count again, which he does 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . It’s to no avail as Batista kicks out again. We then see some activity on the tron as Triple H stands in the parking lot with JBL’s limousine pulling up in to the car park. The Game immediately walks up towards it with his sledgehammer. Flair watches on and runs up the ramp to join Triple H outside. We then see Triple H walk up to the driver’s door and opening it, then dragging the driver out and dumping him on the floor. He then tries to open the door at the back, but it’s locked and won’t open. Triple H gets real angry and starts trying other doors, but they are locked too.

He shouts at the driver, asking him where Vince is, but he just runs off as Triple H then smashes the sledgehammer through the one of the windows. Back in the ring, MVP smiles and urges Batista back up to his feet. As The Animal stands back up, MVP runs at him, but he runs right in to a SPINEBUSTER. . . . . A huge pop breaks out as Batista then walks over to the ropes and shakes them in a frenzy before walking back to the middle of the ring, lifting his thumbs up and then bringing them down to a huge roar from the crowd. He then pulls MVP back up to his feet and positions him between his legs, then lifts him up in the air above his head, then brings him crashing down with THE BATISTA BOMB. . . . . Batista shimmies across and makes the cover 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . NO! . . . . . Burke enters the ring and breaks up the cover with a kick to the back of Batista, causing the ref to ring for the bell.


AFTERMATH: Burke knocks the ref down with a right hand and then stomps away on The Animal several times and then pulls him up. He tries for an irish whip, but Batista reverses it and hits him with a Spinebuster. We then see JBL & Shane McMahon walking down the steps from the crowd, getting a ton of heat. Batista notices them and urges them to join him in the ring. They get down to the front and climb over the barricade as MVP then gets up behind Batista and clubs him across the back. Batista turns round and knocks him down with a right hand. Spotting the opportunity as Batista stares down at MVP, JBL slips under the bottom rope and then runs at Batista who turns round in to a Clothesline From Wall Street. JBL smiles for a second before putting the boots to him with Shane then joining in. On the outside, Burke walks round to the timekeeper’s table and grabs a chair, then slides in to the ring with it and passes it to Shane. Burke helps MVP up to his feet with Layla then joining them in the ring as they watch JBL pull The Animal up to his feet. Batista looks groggy as Shane steps forward and swings the chair at him, but Batista kicks Shane in the gut and forces him to drop the chair. Batista also swings his leg back and drives it in to JBL’s groin. MVP & Burke panic and run at Batista, but in to a double clothesline. Shane gets back up but runs in to a Spinebuster.

The crowd go crazy with MVP & Burke then getting up as Batista then runs at MVP and takes him down with a Spear. He then pulls Burke in to position for a Batista Bomb and sends him crashing down to the mat, but as he turns round, JBL has the chair in his possession, who then smashes it in to the skull of Batista. Batista just collapses on to the mat while Layla checks on Burke. JBL stares down at him as we see some activity in the parking lot on the tron. Triple H has smashed the limo windows and looks pissed as Flair looks inside too and they see no one in there as another limo pulls up just behind and to the side of JBL’s. We see the back window slide down with Vince McMahon sitting there. Triple H & Flair look pissed and move towards him, but they’re still a mild distance away from him as Vince tells them they might want to go inside and check Batista’s not hurt too bad. They look real pissed as they turn and run back inside the arena as JBL laughs as he watches on the tron. He then helps Shane up to his feet as we then see Triple H & Flair charging down the ramp, and then JBL & Shane make their escape from the ring, then climb over the barricade as The Game & Naitch slide straight in the ring and check on Batista. JBL & Shane raise their arms in the air to the end show with Evolution cursing them.

WINNER: Batista by DQ @ 9.16


***END OF SHOW***


QUICK RESULTS

Umaga & Shelton Benjamin df. Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore
Matt Sydal df. Kenny Dykstra
Tommy Dreamer & Stevie Richards df. Charlie Haas & Chris Masters
Michael Shane df. Shawn Michaels
Batista df. MVP

DARK MATCHES
Marcus Cor Von df. Shawn Spears
Jimmy Wang Yang df. Nic Nemeth



CONFIRMED FOR WRESTLEMANIA XXIV



Official Theme Song
Fall Out Boy Thanks For The Memories

To view the amazing video, click here!

WWE Championship
John Cena vs Kane vs Randy Orton (c)

World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels (c) vs Edge

The Ultimate Grudge Match
Evolution vs The McMahon Men

Intercontinental Championship
I Quit Match
Jeff Hardy vs CM Punk (c)

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Chris Jericho vs Bobby Lashley vs Rey Mysterio
vs Mr. Kennedy vs Elijah Burke vs MVP

WWE Tag Team Championship
The UK Pack (Paul Burchill & Harry Smith) (c) vs The Pitbulls (Jamie Noble & Kid Kash)


 
#765 ·
Bradley's Smackdown Review: Not as in depth this week. (Sorry)

Moore and Hardy the new jobber team? They didn't get too much offense in from the looks of things, although you can't tell from a recap. The first paragraph was good but it went downhill. I have missed the last Smackdown so why was Umaga in this random pairing? He was sticking out like a sore thumb in this match but I can see WHY you did it. To make him look dominant heading in to 'Mania and Benjamin gets the win heading in to his inevitable match with Hardy. Your prospective 'Mania card looks phenomenal from where I am standing. I noticed a slight mistake, you said Benjamin tagged MVP's back instead of Umaga's back.

Dykstra trusting no-one is a good move because I remember a few editions ago everyone was gunning for him and the interaction between Shane and Dykstra but Edge is only out for himself which is obviously a good move and he always does things for himself, even if it means breaking up friendships and alliances.

We all know Benjamin/Hardy is coming so you are doing well to hype that up. That was very subtle and a good clue which many may have missed with the light flickering. I would have left it at the subtle light flickering myself, it would add more impact.

A good promo from Shawn Michaels, he should have played on the ol' Mr. Wrestlemania stuff like he normally does as I'm a sucker for that kind of thing. I Lol'ed at Matt being surprised that Shannon could talk, let alone do something!

Sydal for World Champ!!! OK, a little overboard but he is very entertaining and the match was a good little read. The ending was a little clichéd and I can see a big implosion happening soon. I expected those two to break in to fisticuffs as it would have made more sense. Chavo should have been involved a little more as it would help the build towards the match (if it's going to be a fatal 4 way) because, like TKOW said about Kane, you seem to be pushing Chavo away from it all.

I am making a big prediction, Kenny for Evolution. It would make perfect sense as the 4th man, the rising star like Orton was all those years ago. Edge seemed a little childish pointing behind Evolution. I don't see the McMahons interrupting tonight unless they have a good plan.

Loved the Tazz promo, it would have been really good in full and a welcome return, in my eyes, for a great tag team. Was their last appearance at your Cyber Sunday event way back? Anyway this should be a good match up which I wasn't expecting and it could equal greatness. Awful pun though :side: A very solid match, in fact a seriously solid match, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and it is turning in to a great storyline at the moment. I was a little confused about the ending though, Dreamer hit Dreamer or did Haas hit Dreamer? I am kind of unsure but it was an awesome ending and the heels look even more dominant by taking out Tazz. Will there be a 'Mania match? I'll say no unless it's a hardcore match but we very rarely see more than 2 gimmick matches from you so it's a definite no.

Actually, we might see that match because I was sure we'd see Harris/Finlay at 'Mania in a Belfast Brawl. It's a good way to end but I'm not so sure it will actually end because I know you want to push Harris and getting on the 'Mania card would be a good way to do it. It's also a good way to utilise Finlay as someone who can put people over.

MVP is going in to unchartered territory, the main event. He is getting involved with Evolution so either he wins MITB or gets a big push after 'Mania. I can see Burke and MVP getting in each other's way in MITB and I am surprised Lena didn't ask that question as that is what is playing on my mind...

A very funny promo from the UK Pack, kind of reminds me of DX circa 1998 aka the epitome of cool. The one bed joke was funny as was Noble and Kash tripping over their words. I was sincerely expecting a brawl but the 'Mania match is just as good. The match could be like the tag match we witnessed earlier which was a great read and I have high hopes for this match. I have never truly liked the tandem of the Pitbulls but they are starting to grow one me.

A very good story here. I would have liked to have seen some sympathy from HBK but I guess he isn't in that kind of mood. Simple story, Shane couldn't get the job done but maybe it was his plan all along? A very unique way instead of the old referee gets knocked out routine.

Triple H won't get owned, surely not? It seems as though he is next to take a beating after Flair which would be a great sight to see as it will intensify the feud even further.

OWEN! OWEN!

Probably the best TV match I have read in a long time, it was back and forth and it was a very good length and either man really could have won it. I would have marked for a 24 style moment with Hunter breaking the window in split screen with Batista hitting the spinebuster on MVP. It was a terrific plan fro the McMahons, I wouldn't have guessed that the old switcharoo would occur and the two McMahon boys decimating Batista was an amazing move and I just want to see where it goes from here. Surely it has to be a street fight now? It's getting so damn personal but a terrific end to a terrific show.

Not a lot of low points, a few grammar errors here and there but you are still on the top of your game. I loved the ending and the Tazz situation so much I can't describe it. Your 'Mania will be my most anticipated show ever and it will be an awesome read.

If you are intending to review me, review sc2004 as he deserves a few reviews for the amount of effort he puts in to his shows and I'll be writing Smackdown with him soon anyway.
 
#766 · (Edited)
Thanks for the feedback man, i'll be looking to do some feedback tomoro since i was in Sheffield yesterday to watch North End

The Chavo pushing out comment was a little strange to see, and i'm not too sure why you think that. He was at the announce table to commentate on the match when i could have just left him with doing nothing. With the big brawl at the end, i didn't want another full scale war either with the cruiserweights

I'm glad you're liking the Tazz/Masters/Haas angle as it's something different i'm trying. Tazz won't be making a wrestling return though i don't expect, but it's cool to see you're appreciating what i'm trying to do with these guys. Also i'll correct the typos, cheers for pointing that out
 
#768 ·
D-K-L's Smackdown Review

So it' straight into a match this week, this was a big match to kick off the show. I liked how you set up this tag match last week by having Moore check on Hardy and having Umaga involved too, it stopped it looking like you just threw random people together. The match was well written and was quite exciting, Hardy trying to beat Umaga was quite interesting, I wish you would let Umaga hit the wrecking ball for once though! Although it is a great way to turn a match. Benjamin getting the win over Hardy was a bit of a suprise, I expected Shannon Moore to take the loss tbh but this was a good decision as it makes Benjamin look pretty strong. Good match and I expect Hardy v Benjamin to be added to Mania soon.

This was a good little segment, there is obviously a lot of tension between Dykstra and Shane and I like the way you are building this rivalry with Edge in the middle trying to make sure they both help him. Sooner or later they are going to come to blows which will be good as this would be a good, fresh feud. I expect Shane might cost Dykstra again tonight.

I didn't really like this segment if i'm honest. The Benjamin thing was fine and the lights flickering was great, that would come off really well, but don't get why they were on the floor when the lights came back on but they weren't hurt? Did Undertaker knock them over or something? I just can't picture Umaga being on the floor like that tbh. Just the lights flickering would've been good with Umaga and Estrada just being confused.

Nice to hear from HBK. The interview was good and it was good getting some attention on this feud early in the show. I liked what HBK had to say, and while some people would be really angry after getting speared by Edge you got HBK's character spot on by having him being fairly calm knowing he will get his revenge eventually. The little thing with Hardy and Moore was interesting and it was a good way to set up a match next week. Moore will obviously lose although I hope it isn't a squash, I like Moore and I think he has a lot of talent as you know from my thread.

Now this would be a good match to watch, two very talented youngsters here so it was going to be an entertaining match. The match was good and I expected Dykstra to wrap it up after the missed SSP but Shane costing Dykstra was great and it allowed Sydal to get the big win without Kenny looking too weak. The aftermath was cool with Dykstra hitting Shane with the Cutter, Shane isn't chuckling now. I can't tell if you are building up to a fatal four way or just Shane vs. Dykstra, but either way it is interesting. It would be good if you made Kenny team with Shane next week against Sydal and Chavo.

Good segment here, its good seeing Triple H on Smackdown and I just loved the seriousness from Triple H. This feud is brilliant and by bringing it over to Smackdown it is adding so much to it. The Edge thing was good, I have noticed that a lot of feuds seem to be crossing over at the moment in backstage segments. I loved him escaping by pretending the McMahons were there, childish yes, but something that Edge would do and something which would be funny to see.

The pre match promo from Haas and Masters was good, these little promos they keep getting are really adding to their characters. Tazz appearing again was cool and I liked what he had to say, Dreamer and Richards was the perfect team for Tazz to get to face Masters and Haas. The match was good again, the ending was slightly confusing but I got it in the end. A DQ win was good but I think it should've been the other way tbh but it doesn' really matter. The aftermath was great with them attacking Tazz again, this is doing wonders for their push as it is establishing them as real top heels.

No Holds Barred next week should be great, its just the type of match these two guys need. I expect Harris to come out on top but with Mania approaching I wouldn't rule out some sort of no contest to set up a final match. The segment was good with all guys in character and the suspension thing was good as they would've brawled right there without that threat.

Very good interview segment from MVP, I just love it when he goes on a rant like this. MVP was typical MVP here, complaining about his match and so on so you got his character spot on. Burke with MVP again is great. I liked the Mysterio mention too, having him banned was a good way to hold off their feud until Raw.

Another quality promo between these two teams, you very rarely see promos between tag teams so it was great to read another promo from them as it is doing a lot for this feud. As funny as Noble is I like that you have him and Kash playing the deadly serious and aggressive team. The jokes from the UK pack were hilarous, very creative from you too for thinking of these things. Nice to hear that the match is official, this is one great tag team rivalry man.

Wow, this is a massive win for Shane despite the interference, I bet he will be gloating for weeks about getting the win over his cousin. The spear from Edge was done very well and it was a different way of doing things. HBK is bound to be angry now and I just look forward to how HBK goes about getting his revenge.

The Triple H segment was pretty good, I imagine this would come off well on TV. I am sure there is another entrance to the arena though Lol.

Owen Hart in the Hall of Fame is well overdue IMO and I am glad he has been inducted now for this thread . BTW will you be giving some sort of recap of the Hall of Fame or something? I would be interested to see what would be said about some of these guys, and I wonder if Bret would induct Owen.

The main event was great, a very entertaining match and with the backstage stuff added to it it made it even more exciting. The limo pulling up was just a brilliant idea and that would come off really well. A DQ ending was the right decision for sure. The whole aftermath was just great, Batista put up a good fight but he was never going to come out on top with all those guys after him. Vince pulling up with that comment was fantastic too. Just a brilliant ending Nige, really great. I can't wait until Raw now for the aftermath!

Overall Nige it was a fantastic show as usual. Again some very good promos and some very good matches, topped off by the brilliant ending.
 
#769 · (Edited)
^^^Thanks Dan. Your Hall of Fame question is something i wish i could answer. I won't be writing a recap for it, but i'm toying with what i will be doing at Wrestlemania with the inductees and who inducts them. i might do something more than just bringing them out to the stage and have them wave in to the Florida sky for a while^^^


From PWInsider.com


FCW TV Results
(Saturday 1st March)


Dusty Rhodes went down to the ring and talked up the importance of the night, being FCW’s first ever TV show. He announced that he has been appointed to be the sheriff in town and that he intends to crown some champions, starting tonight. He said that a Womens Championship match will take place in addition to the start of an eight man tournament to find the FCW Heavyweight Champion. He told everyone to enjoy the show and the first match of the championship tournament as he left to a pop.

Match 1: FCW Heavyweight Championship Tournament – Quarter Final Match
Hade Vansen vs Vladimir Kozlov

Kozlov picked up the win after a fairly even match that swung in Kozlov’s favour in the later stages. Kozlov looked impressive, using a gut wrench to pick up the win.

Winner: Vladimir Kozlov

**Commercial Break**

After the break, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase made a surprise appearance, introducing his three sons, Ted Jr, Mike & Brett (Ted Jr is accompanied by Maryse). He said that he is the proudest dad in the world because he knows they will go on to be successful like he was, starting here in FCW. He then hyped the upcoming match by saying they are taking on two very tough opponents, straight out of The Stampede Nation of Calgary, Alberta, The Second Generation Hart Foundation. Both teams got a good reception from the crowd.

Match 2: Teddy Hart & TJ Wilson vs Ted DiBiase Jr & Mike DiBiase
A very good technical match that also saw Teddy Hart mix it up with his high risk style got the crowd involved quickly. It was Ted Jr that picked up the win for his team after interference from Brett gave Ted Jr the chance to slip The Million Dollar Dream on to an unsuspecting TJ. Ted Sr got in the ring and raised his sons arms proudly.

Winners: The DiBiase Brothers

Just as The DiBiase family left the arena, we saw “The Natural” Nic Nemeth walk down and demand a microphone. He announced that he would be in the FCW Championship tournament with his first round match being next week against a guy who even at the early stage in his career is over rated, Jake Hager. Nemeth ran him down before talking himself up, getting a lot of heat from the intense crowd. He said that they might not like him, but they will have no choice but to respect him when he becomes the FCW Heavyweight Champion. Hager came down and confronted him at that point, and told Nemeth that if he wanted to show him just how big a deal he is, he should prove it right here right now against someone who doesn’t know what it’s like to lose, telling everyone about his undefeated record. He told Nemeth that he’s been called a lot of things in his time, but never over rated, not just because it’s not true but he can do special things. Nemeth made the mistake of asking him what things, with Hager knocking him down with a right hand. He pulled him up and continued to pummel him in the corner and then dragging Nemeth up and hitting him with a Tilt A Whirl Slam, which he calls The Hager-Meister. It appears that Hager is going to get a face run from now on as he left the ring to a good reception.

**Commercial Break**

Match 3: FCW Heavyweight Championship Tournament – Quarter Final Match
Arran Banderas vs James Curtis

After leaving TNA, the WWE signed Judas Mesias up and he made his FCW debut here as Arran Banderas, getting a good reception. Banderas looked impressive and never really looked in too much trouble, picking up a pretty straight forward win with a Samoan Drop followed up by a Cradle Piledriver. He was over with the crowd too, as they seemed to take to him.

Winner: Arran Banderas

As Banderas was posing for the crowd, the announce team of Steve Keirn & Dr. Tom Prichard talked up the two contenders for the FCW Womens Championship later on, Shantelle Taylor & Cherry.

**Commercial Break**

Two angry guys went to see Dusty Rhodes and demanded to know why they aren’t involved in the Heavyweight Championship tournament. We found out they were Shawn Spears & Mike Kruel, with Kruel being accompanied by Roucka. Dusty explained there were only 8 places, but he said there’ll be more opportunities down the road very soon, and that he regards them highly. Spears & Kruel told him that they are exactly what FCW is all about, talent and aggression, and that Dusty better had treat them like the stars that they are before walking off.

**Commercial Break**

Match 4: FCW Womens Championship
Shantelle Taylor vs Cherry

Taylor looked solid throughout. Cherry didn’t look to have too much about her in the WWE but she was able to get on top here, only for Deuce to walk down to the ring, distracting Cherry. Deuce was dressed in blue and a white vest, differing slightly from his Smackdown gimmick Cherry looked down as he stood by the apron and looked puzzled as to why he was there. As she was arguing, Taylor walked up behind her and won the match with a Bridging German Suplex to become the FCW Womens Champion. She looked delighted as she was passed the title.

Winner: Shantelle Taylor, the new FCW Womens Champion

She quickly left the ring and high fived fans at ringside as Deuce got in the ring and demanded a microphone. As Cherry stood up, Deuce said that everyone thinks they know who he is, but the fact is he’s not some moron who dresses like an idiot and acts like he’s from the damn 60’s. He said all that crap with Deuce & Domino is dead and that his actual name is James Reiher. Cherry looked puzzled as Reiher told her that he blamed her for all the shit he went through, but from now on he’s all business. He then shoved her with her one arm and told her that despite being made to look like a fool, he will become the next FCW Heavyweight Champion. He continued to bully her until Jay Bradley slid in the ring and the two quickly exchanged blows. Bradley hit a couple of clotheslines before Reiher drove his knee in to his gut and hit a Cutter. He waited for Bradley to sit up before running at him and smashing him in the face with his boot for the Crack ‘em in Da Mouth. Bradley just dropped back to the mat. Reiher just smirked before leaving the ring. He stopped at the announce table and took a headset to say the viewers are looking at the first ever FCW Heavyweight Champion as the show came to an end.

**End of Show**

Confirmed For Next Week

FCW Heavyweight Championship Tournament – Quarter Final Matches

Jake Hager vs “The Natural” Nic Nemeth
Jay Bradley vs James Reiher

 
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