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**DriveByLeo** · 05-31-2008, 01:50 PM

THE ROYAL RUMBLE Predictions

WWE Championship
TLC Match
John Cena vs. Randy Orton
I hope that the age of Orton continues because I think that Orton can have great matches with almost everybody that he is in the ring with.

World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. Shawn Michaels (c) vs. Edge
I think Shawn should retain the title and go against The Undertaker! It would be like old times!

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy (c) vs. CM Punk
CM Punk would be a great Champion. This would give Punk the big chance that he needs.

Cruiserweight Championship
Chavo Guerrero vs. Kenny Dykstra (c)
Chavo should win but on the other hand I think that Kenny could do with having a longer reign. I don't know who should win! Both have good reasons.

The Royal Rumble Match
RAW
Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Kofi Kingston, Carlito, CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, Cody Rhodes, Mr. Kennedy, Elijah Burke, Triple H, Shane McMahon, JBL, Chris Jericho, Santino Marella & Ron Killings

SMACKDOWN
Paul Burchill, Harry Smith, Finlay, The Undertaker, Umaga, Matt Hardy, Ric Flair, Chris Harris, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Masters, Chavo Guerrero, Kenny Dykstra

The Undertaker and Triple H are the last two men left. The Undertaker wins the rumble by chockslamming Triple H out of the ring, after they both come close to being thrown out of the ring.

**Nige™** · 05-31-2008, 07:04 PM

Nige™ Presents. . .

THE 2008 WWE ROYAL RUMBLE

Sunday 27th January 2008
Madison Square Garden
New York City

***OPENING VIDEO***

CLIPS OF THE FOLLOWING PLAY TO THE VOICEOVER BELOW
• The history of the Royal Rumble match with all the previous endings being shown
• Location shots of Triple H, The Undertaker, Chris Jericho, Ric Flair, JBL, Mr. Kennedy, MVP, Umaga & CM Punk in a deserted and dark warehouse all posing
• Jeff Hardy hitting a swanton bomb on CM Punk off the stage from Raw last Monday
• Kenny Dykstra and Chavo Guerrero being pulled away from each other by security from last Friday night
• Edge spearing Batista from Smackdown just gone and Shawn Michaels coming to the ring with the stare down that ended the show
• John Cena’s return and the announcement of their match being a TLC Match
• Cena FU’ing Randy Orton the announce table from last week’s Raw
• Shots of The Citrus Bowl with a Wrestlemania 24 sign

VOICEOVER
Tonight 30 superstars all share one dream. . .

The dream to follow in the footsteps of legends. . .

The dream of competing at the biggest stage of them all. . .

Triple H: Wrestlemania

The Undertaker: Wrestlemania

Chris Jericho: Wrestlemania

Ric Flair: Wrestlemania

JBL: Wrestlemania

Mr. Kennedy: Wrestlemania

MVP: Wrestlemania

CM Punk: Wrestlemania

But to get there, they have to. . .

Beat 29 other men. . .

Overcome all obstacles placed in front of them. . .

Forget about friendships. . .

Find the inner strength to do whatever it takes to become the last man standing. . .

All for one dream. . .

Triple H: Playing the game at the biggest stage. . .

The dream of competing at Wrestlemania. . .

Ric Flair: WOOOO!

***CUT TO THE ARENA***

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

"Stand Up For Rock 'N' Roll" plays by Airbourne

***CUT TO THE SMACKDOWN ANNOUNCE TABLE***

Michael Cole: Welcome everybody to the 2008 WWE Royal Rumble. . . Tonight we come to you live from the world’s most famous arena. . . Madison Square Garden in New York City. . . It really doesn’t get any bigger than this

The Coach: That’s right Michael, it certainly doesn’t. . . But tonight will be big for one man, the one man that walks down to that ring tonight and outlasts twenty nine others to get the prize of a lifetime. . . a guaranteed spot in the main event of Wrestlemania

Michael Cole: The Road to Wrestlemania does indeed start right here tonight folks, but it’s not all about the Royal Rumble match, as tonight you will see no fewer than four titles on the line including the World Heavyweight Championship when Shawn Michaels defends against both Batista and “The Rated R Superstar” Edge. . . But for now, lets hand you over to our colleagues from Raw, JR and The King

***CUT TO THE RAW ANNOUNCE TABLE***

JR: Thanks Michael. There is no underestimating just how big of an event this is tonight. But as Michael Cole just pointed out, it’s not all about the Royal Rumble match, as right here tonight, Randy Orton will be in for the fight of his life when he defends the WWE Championship in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match against John Cena. . .

“This Fire Burns” hits as a very focused CM Punk walks out to a ton of heat from the MSG crowd

JR: And we kick off tonight with this deeply disturbing individual CM Punk. . . For over two months, this man has sunk to depths I never even knew existed, making some incredibly disrespectful and personal comments about his opponent, Jeff Hardy

The King: JR, after what we witnessed last Monday night on Raw, it looks like CM Punk is in good enough shape to compete tonight

JR: If you missed it folks, here’s what happened Monday night

***VIDEO RECAP***
We see CM Punk high tailing it up the ramp after the six man tag match on Raw with Jeff Hardy’s Intercontinental Championship with Jeff then following behind him. It then shows the fight that saw Jeff toss Punk off the stage to a row of tables down below and then diving off the stage with a swanton bomb before getting medical attention with Sunny looking on worried with the title belt in her hands

***CUT BACK TO THE ARENA***

CM Punk looks angry as he stares down awaiting Jeff’s entrance

The King: I can’t believe he’s able to stand JR. . .

“Loaded” blasts out as a serious looking Jeff Hardy walks out into the arena alongside Sunny, setting his pyro off with Punk just glaring at him

JR: King, we’ve seen Jeff Hardy put his body on the line throughout his carer. However I believe that his match tonight with that man right there is the most personal of his career bar none. . . CM Punk has subjected Jeff to some of the most despicable actions I have ever seen during my time on Raw, and I just see Jeff not being able to control his own actions here tonight in Madison Square Garden

The King: Well it looks like Sunny is doing a good job of keeping him back for now

We see Sunny holding onto Jeff’s arm as he just looks ready to explode before walking up the steps and into the ring, then charges at Punk as Chad Patton calls for the bell to start the match

***OPENING MATCH***

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Jeff Hardy (c) w/Sunny vs. CM Punk

The action starts off quickly as both men charge at each other. Punk throws a right and then kicks Jeff in the mid section, grabs him by the arm and then whips him hard into the ropes. As Jeff comes back, The Rainbow Haired Warrior ducks underneath an outstretched arm of his challenger, stops himself and shifts behind Punk and sends him crashing down to the mat with a ONE ARM SLEEPER SLAM. . . . . The crowd and Sunny show their happiness at that one as both men make their way back up to their feet. Jeff is up first, looking in good shape and Punk tries to shake off the effects as Jeff then runs past him and into the corner, then jumps up to the top rope, then leaps right off, connecting with the WHISPER IN THE WIND. . . . . A big pop breaks out for that one as Jeff then shifts for position on the mat as he grabs Punk’s legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Punk got his shoulder up in time as Jeff pulls himself back to his knees with Punk then turning onto his chest and crawling towards the corner. Jeff makes his way back up to his feet slowly and takes a couple of steps back as Punk uses the ropes to himself back up to a vertical base in the corner. The moment he’s back up, Jeff runs at him and connects with a clothesline across the upper chest, sending Punk down to his ass, sitting up against the bottom corner pads. Jeff looks into the crowd for a quick second before grabbing the top rope and lifting himself up into the air before coming back down and driving his feet into the chest of Punk for the corner aided dropkick.

The impact forces Punk to slump down on to his side as Jeff now tries to follow up, grabbing Punk and dragging him away from the corner by his arm. Jeff then walks back over to the corner and climbs to the second rope. Getting a big pop from the crowd, he takes a couple of seconds before leaping off and going for a diving leg drop, but as he gets close to landing, Punk rolls to the side and away from Jeff, who lands on the canvas leg first. It takes both men a good ten seconds before they are able to stand back up, both look groggy as Jeff makes the first move, going for a stomp to the chest, but Punk is able to hold onto Jeff’s left boot, only for Jeff to jump up and swing for an ENZIGURI. . . . .

Punk though ducks his head and lets go of the left boot as Jeff drops to the mat. But Jeff isn’t staying down for long as he immediately picks himself back up, but into a hard kick to the chest from Punk, followed up with a martial arts kick to the side of Jeff’s head, knocking him down to the mat, towards the corner. Punk looks to get some momentum as he walks over to the corner, holds onto the top rope with Jeff laid out behind him before hitting a SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT. . . . . The nervousness of the crowd is obvious as Punk then looks to wrap it up right now, lifting Jeff’s legs up for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Punk stands back up straight away, not looking too surprised that Jeff got his shoulder up. The desire on Punk’s face is obvious as he walks towards the opposite corner, lying in wait for Jeff, who starts to squirm around on the mat. Punk then sees the opportunity as he charges across the mat and throws himself feet first at Jeff for the SHINING WIZARD. . . . . Jeff ducks underneath the boot, reaches forward and then leans forward, grabs Punk by the tights and rolls him back for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Punk powers out of that one, pushing Jeff off with his legs. Both men try to get on with it quickly as they rush back up to their feet, but as Jeff turns round to face Punk, he walks right into a big SUPER KICK. . . . . Punk seems to slump to the mat instead of dropping himself as he casually holds onto Jeff’s right leg as Chad Patton makes the count. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Punk sits back up in shock, staring at Patton as Sunny claps on the outside, looking very happy as Punk looks over disapprovingly. The Straight Edge Superstar makes his way back up, looking very intense as he urges Jeff back up. Jeff looks very groggy as he very slowly turns onto his knees, and as he tries to stand up, Punk walks over and doesn’t give him the chance to as he stomps Jeff in the gut, places Jeff’s head under his arm, hooks both the arms and then lifts him above his right shoulder before bringing him down painfully onto an outstretched knee for the DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACK BREAKER. . . . . That one looked bad for Jeff, and with Punk already on his knees, he reaches forward and hooks both legs for another pin attempt. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Huge cheers come from the crowd, looking amazed that Jeff is still in this thing. Punk again looks shocked, and turns his head to Patton, then tells him to count quicker with the ref re-enforcing the fact it was a fair two count. Punk then gets on with business as he makes his way back up, and then walks over to the ropes. He climbs through them onto the apron and waits patiently as Jeff slowly but surely is able to pick himself back up. The moment Jeff is back on his feet and turns round, Punk springboards off the top rope, looking to hit the AIR PUNK. . . . . BUT NO! . . . . . Before Punk lands, Jeff stomps him in the gut, reaches forward and plants him out of nowhere with a SIT DOWN JAWBREAKER. . . . . The crowd are going wild as Jeff frantically turns Punk over onto his back and goes for the cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

3 – NO!

Jeff looks amazed, but is still groggy as he lets go of Punk’s leg and drops back onto his back, exhausted from the action. It only takes him a few seconds before he is able to make his way back up to his feet, with Punk only starting to come round. Jeff is still looking a little out of sorts as he sees Punk rolling over onto his knees and then makes his way over. He grabs Punk by the head and tries to help him up to his feet, but Punk pushes him away. Jeff then walks back as Punk stands back up and throws a loose right hand towards Jeff, who is able to duck it and then stomps him in the chest. He then reacts quickly as he grabs Punk’s head, pulls it under his arm and plants him with the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . The roof just came off MSG as Jeff now looks within touching distance, but he is unable to take full advantage straight away. With Sunny urging him on from the outside, after about five seconds, Jeff crawls across and places his arm across Punk’s chest with Patton counting the shoulders. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

THREE. . . . . NO!

The crowd are stunned, and so is Sunny who turns round to look at the crowd. Jeff sits back up and holds his head in his hands, he thought he had it won right there. He then snaps out of it, realising the time to finish it off is now as he quickly stands right back up and charges into the corner. And with Punk still on the mat, Jeff then climbs up to the top rope, but at the same time, Punk sits up. With Patton standing close by, Punk grabs him by the waist and pushes him into the ropes, causing Jeff to crash and burn as he falls from the top rope back down to the mat. Punk looks over and smirks at a clearly frustrated Sunny before picking himself right back up, where he then walks over to the ropes and again climbs through them to the apron. With Jeff pulling himself back up to a vertical base, Punk is already lying in wait, and this time doesn’t waste any time as he springboards off the top rope and takes Jeff down with the clothesline, connecting with the AIR PUNK. . . . . Boos ring out as Punk reaches over and hooks both legs with Patton counting. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Jeff gets his shoulder up, bringing a huge cheer from the sell out New York Crowd and an air punch from a delighted Sunny on the outside. Punk sits back up not looking too frustrated, but seems eager to get on with things as he stands back up and then drags Jeff up to his feet. He holds him by the arm and whips him into the corner. Punk takes a couple of seconds before he then charges and drives his knee right into the face of Jeff, and grabs him by the head. He holds onto the head as he then turns himself round and runs out of the corner with Jeff’s head under his arm and then drives him down to the mat with a bulldog. The impact itself turns Jeff over onto his back and Punk looks to capitalise as he again hooks both legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Punk looks slightly frustrated, but again gets on with business, as with his game face on, he stands back up and reaches down straight away to drag Jeff back up. Punk doesn’t waste a second as he immediately lifts Jeff onto his shoulders for the GO TO SLEEP. . . . . With the crowd booing Punk, Jeff turns them into cheers as he starts to wriggle on Punk’s shoulders. Punk tries to hold him up there, but Jeff is able to fight it and drives his elbow into the side of Punk’s head and is able to slip down the back of The Straight Edge Superstar. But as Jeff lands on the mat, back to back with Punk, he turns round into a stomp to the gut from Punk, who then grabs Jeff around the upper chest before planting him with the ROCK BOTTOM. . . . .

He holds on too as he locks in the ANACONDA VICE. . . . . The fans shout out in encouragement for Jeff with Sunny frantically slapping her hands against the apron. Punk really applies the pressure hard on Jeff who is trying so hard to fight it, holding his left arm up in front of him. Jeff tries to pull himself towards the ropes, but Punk holds on firmly as Jeff isn’t able to move that far. Jeff seems to tire as Punk takes the pressure down a little, but then we see one last push from Jeff as he gives it everything he has, dragging himself gradually against the mat.

Punk looks stunned and does everything he can to hold on, but Jeff uses every last ounce of energy he has left as he is able to move closer and closer to the ropes, and finally gets there as he reaches his left arm to grab the bottom rope. The crowd erupts with huge cheers as Punk looks mad as hell, keeping the hold locked in until the count of four from Patton, who forces Punk to break the hold. Punk stands back up and gets right in Patton’s face, yelling at him out of sheer frustration. With Jeff trying to sit up using the ropes, Punk turns his attention back to his opponent as he walks over to Jeff, grabs his legs and pulls him away from the ropes. Before Punk can do anything else, Jeff sits up and rolls Punk into an inside cradle. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Punk kicks out and both men are quickly back up on their feet and it’s Jeff who reacts first, pummelling Punk with hard right hands and forcing Punk onto his back foot. Jeff then steps forward, grabs Punk by the arm and whips him hard into the corner. He then charges in and hits him with a clothesline, then stands to the side as Punk staggers out of the corner. Jeff then follows behind him, grabs him around the neck and then drives him back, setting him up for a side russian leg sweep but instead rolls him into a double leg roll up, THE CAPACITOR CLUTCH. . . . . More cheers ring out from the crowd as Chad Patton races down to the mat to count the fall. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO. . . . . SO CLOSE!

Punk manages to get his shoulder up, and as Jeff lets the grip go, both men race back up to their feet with Punk turning round to face Jeff and receive a stomp to the gut. Jeff steps forward and grabs Punk’s head, then pulls it under his arm, setting him up for the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . The crowd cheer like crazy, but Punk escapes the hold quickly and slips behind Jeff. He grabs Jeff’s jeans and rolls him up, holding onto the top of the jeans with Patton unable to see as he counts Jeff’s shoulders. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Jeff gets the shoulder up, but just! Both men are back up quickly again, and Punk runs back into the ropes, but as he runs back, Jeff feeds his left leg into Punk before absolutely nailing him on the side of the head with a LEG FEED ENZIGURI. . . . . Punk falls flat down to the mat, hitting face first as Jeff scurries across the mat. He turns Punk over onto his back and hooks both legs with Patton hurrying down to make the count. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO. . . . . UNBELIEVABLE!

Jeff sits up in absolute shock as Sunny stares in utter disbelief that Punk kicked out of that one. Jeff looks into the crowd, still with a look of shock on his face. With Punk not showing any signs of coming round, Jeff hops up to his feet, rushes to the corner and then climbs up to the top rope. With the crowd cheering, he then leaps off the top for the SWANTON BOMB. . . . . But no, Punk gets the knees up. Jeff holds his chest as he lands and rolls over on the mat. Both men remain on the mat for just over ten seconds before they slowly drag themselves up, with Punk using the ropes the opposite side to Sunny to help himself up. Jeff walks over to him, but is caught short by a chop across the chest from Punk who then grabs Jeff’s arm and goes for an irish whip, but turns it into a hammerlock clothesline.

Punk reaches down straight away and drags Jeff back up onto his shoulders for the GO TO SLEEP. . . . . With Chad Patton right next to them, Jeff’s foot accidentally hits the referee on the side of the head, sending Patton down to the mat. Punk lets go of Jeff as he then sees Patton laid out. He looks pissed, and then the camera follows Sunny as she runs round on the outside to the timekeepers table, where she picks up the Intercontinental Championship belt. She sees Jeff getting to his knees and slides it in the ring, but it slides too far and goes past him. It lands just centre meters away from Punk’s feet, who looks down in shock to see the belt there. Punk then sees Jeff getting back up, so he bends down and picks the belt up, then lies and wait for Jeff to turn round.

But Sunny panics and slides into the ring, running towards Punk and past Jeff. She grabs the title belt off of Punk as Jeff gets back up behind her. She yells at Punk for a couple of seconds before he nods at her, as she then turns round and smashes Jeff in the face with the belt. The crowd crap all over that as Sunny tosses the belt towards the apron and then goes over to Chad Patton and shakes him to life. He comes round slowly and then crawls across the mat as Punk drops down with a wide grin on his face and covers Jeff. Patton crawls a little closer as Sunny climbs through the ropes to the apron, with Patton then slowly bringing his arm down for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . . . . . . .

2 . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . 3.

. . . . DING DING DING!

WINNER: By pinfall, and new Intercontinental Champion, CM Punk

JR: I don’t believe it King. Why would Sunny screw Jeff Hardy out of the Intercontinental Championship? . . . I just don’t understand

The King: I don’t think anyone does right now JR, with the exception of CM Punk and Sunny, but I sure would love to find out

AFTERMATH: “This Fire Burns” blasts out and Sunny walks up the steps and into the ring with a sly smile on her face as she then picks the belt back up as the new Intercontinental Champion rises to his feet. Sunny walks over to Punk and they make out for a few seconds before she then passes the belt to him. He lifts it up in the air with both arms, standing right next to Jeff’s body with Sunny clapping passionately. He walks over to the ropes and then lifts it aloft with one arm and taunts the crowd before walking over to the corner and climbing to the second rope to do the exact same thing, celebrating his victory. He then jumps down off the rope and walks back over to Sunny as they hug and then leave the ring by the ring steps as the crowd crap all over them both. As they walk back towards the aisle, Jeff starts to sit up and turns his head to see both Punk and Sunny as they turn round and laugh right back at him, leaving Jeff looking furious

***CUT BACKSTAGE***

Edge and Michael Shane are walking through the hallway to a lot of heat coming from inside the arena. They stop at a locker room door and then walk inside. The camera follows them in as we then see Randy Orton stand up from the bench he was sitting on, in his casual clothes, holding onto the WWE Championship

***HEAT***

Edge: Randy, long time no see man. You ready for your match tonight?

Randy Orton: Edge, you know that I was born ready for a night like this. It’s the big match occasion that I revel in, the occasion that I have excelled at for the entirety of my reign as WWE Champion, and tonight it’s the biggest challenge I’ve had to date. . . It’s the challenge I’ve looked forward to since the very night I put John Cena on the shelf, and I am going to do what I said I always could. . . I’m going to beat John Cena

***HEAT with some cheers***

Edge: Randy, we all know that you have what it takes to beat Cena tonight, we all know that. But you gotta be careful. I’ve been in the only TLC match John Cena has ever competed in, and you need to watch out Randy in case the same disaster happens again tonight. . . You gotta keep your eyes peeled at all times, because Cena cheated that night to take my title in my home town. It’s a night that will haunt me for the rest of my days, and I wanted to come here and make sure that the very same doesn’t happen to you tonight. . . You have my full support, and when it comes to Wrestlemania, it will be the way it should be, Rated RKO going in as the two defending World Champions

***HEAT***

Edge shakes hands with Orton and then looks back at Shane

Edge: Randy, let me introduce you to Michael Shane. He’s Shawn Michaels’ cousin

Michael Shane: Hey. . . I know we’ve not met before, but I just had to come by and say I thought it was great when you destroyed my cousin at the Survivor Series last year, as well as wish you luck for tonight against Cena

Randy Orton: Thanks guys. I appreciate you stopping by and giving me advice, but I’m more than ready to not just beat Cena tonight, but finish his career once and for all. . . No one, not even New York City wants John Cena to win the WWE Championship tonight, least all of me. I’ve got destiny on my side, and I am going to main event Wrestlemania against whoever wins the Royal Rumble tonight. It can be a Raw or Smackdown star, it doesn’t matter who wins because they don’t have a chance. . . This is the Orton era, and for John Cena tonight, he has the misfortune of finding out first hand why no one is capable of beating The Legend Killer

***HEAT***

Edge: You know I’m behind you tonight man. . . good luck

Randy Orton: Thanks

Edge and Shane then walk out of the room with the camera facing them. They stop once outside and the door has shut

Michael Shane: What was wrong with him?

Edge: Don’t worry about that, it’s just New York Mikey. It turns everyone crazy

***MAJOR HEAT***

Edge: Anyway, look. I know Regal has banned you from ringside for my match tonight, but I promise you that I will make your idiot of a cousin pay for all he did to you. . . And just like Friday night, Batista is going to get speared too. Only this time it will be me who makes the cover and walks out with my World Heavyweight Championship back around my waist

Edge smiles as the camera zooms in on his grin with a ton of heat coming from the arena

***CUT ACROSS THE BACK***

Batista & “The Nature Boy” Flair are walking through the parking lot with their travel bags, getting a huge pop from inside the arena. As they get to the entrance to the building, Flair stops, causing Batista to halt to as The Nature Boy turns to him

Ric Flair: Are you ready Dave? . . . This is the night. . . thee night when The Nature Boy wins the Royal Rumble for one last trip of a lifetime to Wrestlemania baby. . . WOOOOO

***BIG POP***

Ric Flair: But you know what Dave, it gets better than that big man, because tonight is also the night when you, big Dave Batista get your hands back on the World Heavyweight title

***MIXED REACTION***

Ric Flair: And you know the best thing about it Dave. . . the chances are it will be the two of us styling and profiling all the way into the main event of Wrestlemania. . . WOOOOOO

***BIG POP***

Batista: Ric, it would the greatest honour of my career to face you on the biggest stage imaginable. But before I can even begin to think about that, I have to get a job done tonight. . . A job that involves me beating the crap out of Edge, and wiping that smug look off of Shawn Michaels’ face. . . Then and only then will I begin to think about Wrestlemania

Ric Flair: Dave, forget about all the hate. Go out there and kick ass tonight the way only The Animal can. You’re bigger than Edge and Michaels put together and you’re stronger than them both put together. . . You keep your head tonight big man and you’ll leave here the World Champion, and you’ll be leaving with the winner of the Royal Rumble, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair for the biggest party New York City has ever seen. . . WOOOOO

***BIG POP***

Flair and Batista have a little guy hug before Batista opens the door for Flair, then follows him inside

***CUT TO THE ARENA***

Michael Cole: How amazing would that be Coach? . . . Batista and The Nature Boy himself in the main event of Wrestlemania!

The Coach: It sure would Michael, but I think a lot of other guys in the back would have something to say about that. . .

“Chavo Ardiente” blasts its way out through the speakers of Madison Square Garden as Chavo Guerrero, looks pretty relaxed as he makes his way down to the ring, getting a good reaction from the New York faithful

Michael Cole: Maybe, just maybe Coach, Chavo Guerrero might be one of those superstars who has something to say about that. . . Not only will he be competing in the Royal Rumble match later on tonight, right now he has the chance to become the Cruiserweight Champion

The Coach: Michael, with all respect, I don’t think even Chavo believes he has a shot of winning the Royal Rumble. . . Hell, he doesn’t even stand a chance against Kenny Dykstra right here right now

Michael Cole: Oh I disagree Coach, Chavo has been on fire since he returned to Smackdown at the start of the year after suffering that horrific concussion at the hands of the Cruiserweight Champion over six weeks ago. And over the last couple of weeks Coach, you have to admit that even the usually confident Kenny Dykstra has looked rattled

“Superstar Fallin” hits as a serious looking Kenny Dykstra makes his way in to the arena getting a lot of heat

The Coach: Do you really think that man looks rattled Michael? . . . Take a look Michael, that is the definition of confidence. . . There’s not a chance in hell for Chavo tonight. . . Not in the Royal Rumble and not in this match

Michael Cole: Coach, I have to admit. . . Well I can hardly deny the unbelievable talent that Kenny Dykstra possesses. . . I just have a feeling that Dykstra’s ego might just have given Chavo that extra incentive having been pushed too far by the current Cruiserweight Champion

***MATCH #2***

Cruiserweight Championship
Chavo Guerrero vs. Kenny Dykstra (c)

Chavo makes his way over to Kenny and throws a right hand at him, then follows up with a series of European uppercuts. He grabs Kenny by the arm and goes for an irish whips, but it’s reversed by Dykstra as Chavo comes back off the ropes, he turns himself round and drives his elbow into the face of Kenny. With the champion knocked off balance, Chavo then jumps into the air and takes Kenny down with a SPINNING HEAD TAKEDOWN. . . . .

The crowd cheer straight away as Chavo remains on fire. Kenny isn’t on the mat for long as he makes his way back up to his feet. Chavo though is already ready and waiting as he pounces on Dykstra, shimmies into position and plants him with an OVERHEAD GUT WRENCH BACK BREAKER. . . . . Again the crowd cheer him, and this time Chavo looks to go for a cover as he turns over on the mat, crawls over and hooks Dykstra’s leg as Charles Robinson makes the count. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Chavo doesn’t look too disappointed as he looks to get on with things. Getting back up, he reaches down and pulls Dykstra up to his feet, then shifts behind him as he grabs the cocky champion around the waist. He clubs him across the back twice and then tosses him back for a GERMAN SUPLEX. . . . . As Kenny hits the mat, Chavo keeps hold of the grip as he picks himself back up, along with Dykstra before planting him with another german. Again he keeps hold of the champion as he picks himself back up and tosses him overhead for the third time. With the crowd really getting behind him, Chavo looks towards the corner and then makes his way over.

As Guerrero climbs to the top rope, Dykstra starts to stir on the mat. Seeing this, Chavo leaps off straight away, but sees Kenny stand up and instead rolls through, past Dykstra. Chavo races back up to his feet and turns round into a stomp to the gut from Kenny, who then smashes Chavo with a right hand to the face. For the first time in the match, Dykstra looks to take serious momentum as he grabs hold of Chavo’s arm and whips him into the ropes. As Chavo comes back though, he ducks underneath the outstretched arm and runs through, but then runs back at Dykstra.

Both men collide though and they fall to the mat with a double clothesline. The crowd chant Chavo’s name as both men eventually make their way back up to a vertical base. It’s Kenny who is up first, and as Chavo walks towards him, Kenny strikes straight away with a stomp to the gut, and then pulls Chavo into place for a belly to back suplex. As he lifts Chavo in the air, he stops and then plants him with a DELAYED ELEVATED NECKBREAKER. . . . . The impact looked hard for Chavo, but Dykstra is all serious as he tries to wrap the match up as he hooks both legs with Robinson counting. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Chavo gets the shoulder up, much to Dykstra’s frustration. He sits up in total amazement and stares over at Robinson, signalling it should have been a three count as Chavo lifts his head up for a second. Dykstra continues to protest with the ref, but gives it up as he sees Chavo sitting up. After standing back up to his feet, Kenny reaches down and drags Chavo right back up too. He goes for a right hand, but it’s blocked by Chavo, who then whips Dykstra into the ropes, and as Kenny comes back, Chavo tosses him overhead with a back body drop. Kenny looks a little sore, but is back up quickly as he walks over to Chavo and into two hard right hands.

Chavo follows it up with a stomp to the gut and then pulls Dykstra’s head under his arm. He then lifts him up into the air for a suplex and falls back to the mat. But instead of letting go, Chavo keeps hold of Dykstra’s tights and twists his hips to a huge pop from the crowd. Once back on his feet, the challenger then sends Dykstra back down to the mat for a second suplex before a second twist of the hips and then completing the third suplex for the THREE AMIGO’S. . . . . The crowd go nuts for Chavo, but they quickly quieten down as they watch on with Chavo turning over on the mat and going for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

A lot of heat meets Dykstra as he gets his shoulder up to stop the count. Chavo doesn’t look surprised and quickly gets on with things as he picks himself back up, reaches down to pull Dykstra up too, and then whips him into the corner. Chavo takes a couple of seconds before charging in and splashing Kenny. As the champion then staggers out of the corner, Chavo turns round and runs into the ropes, runs back and hits Kenny with a back elbow smash, knocking him right back down to the mat.

Chavo then steps away from the corner and urges Kenny to get back up to his feet, which he does, but slowly. As Kenny is just able to stand up, Chavo walks straight back in and kicks him in the gut before grabbing Dykstra’s head and placing it under his arm. He then runs into the corner and up the ropes before planting him with a TORNADO DDT. . . . . The crowd are on their feet, they think this one is over. Chavo scurries back over to Kenny and hooks the closest leg as Robinson counts the fall. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Dykstra gets his foot on the rope. Chavo thinks he has it as Robinson stops the count. He then turns round and sees Dykstra’s foot on the rope, then shakes his head in frustration for a split second before pulling him away from the ropes and going for another cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Dykstra kicks out this time to leave Chavo frustrated yet again. Chavo holds his head in his hands, clearly frustrated. When he removes his hands, he sees Kenny starting to come round, but Guerrero takes his time as he picks himself back up. He waits coolly for Dykstra as he slowly gets back up to his knees, looking very dazed. Chavo then walks over to him, but Kenny pushes him away.

Chavo then walks back, but Kenny stands up fully and stomps Chavo in the stomach and takes Chavo down with a WHIPLASH. . . . . Kenny looks down at Chavo with a real focused expression as he then walks over to the corner, and looks disapprovingly into the crowd before he climbs to the top rope. Dykstra stares down at Chavo for a second before leaping off and connecting with a DIVING ELBOW DROP. . . . . Kenny’s face still remains serious as he turns over and goes for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Shoulder up from Chavo, getting a pop from the crowd. Dykstra sits up looking frustrated yet again as he glares over at Charles Robinson, who just signals it was a two count. Dykstra then responds as Chavo starts to move by standing back up and stalking his challenger. With the crowd trying to warn Chavo, it looks like it’s too late as he turns round. Kenny grabs him by the head and sets him up for the ROLLING CUTTER. . . . . Just when it looks like Kenny is going to follow it through, Chavo is able to react and pushes Kenny away and into the ropes. As Kenny comes back, Chavo kicks him in the gut, grabs him by the head and pulls it under his arm before planting him with the BRAIN BUSTER. . . . .

A huge pop meets that one as Chavo then gets back up to his feet and walks over to the corner. He climbs to the top rope and points to the sky, drawing an even bigger pop from the fans before he then leaps off for the FROG SPLASH. . . . . Chavo’s coming down on Kenny, but no! Dykstra rolls to the side and Chavo connects with the mat, chest first. The sighs of disappointment can be heard throughout Madison Square Garden as both men remain almost motionless on the mat. It takes both men a good twenty seconds before they are able to get back up, and Chavo strikes first as he kicks Kenny in the gut. But the champion is able to hold onto the boot, before then letting go and spinning Chavo round 360 into an inside cradle. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Chavo pushes his weight up to escape that one at two. Instantly, both men race back up to their feet and as Kenny throws a right hand, Chavo ducks it and again reacts so quickly as he grabs Dykstra and tosses him back, holding on for a cover with a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Dykstra is just able to get his shoulder up as Chavo looks a little downbeat. He takes a few seconds before he picks himself back, and as Dykstra stands back up, Chavo then runs to the side and into the ropes, but as he comes back, Kenny jumps into the air and connects with a perfectly executed dropkick. Chavo just dropped flat to the mat from that one. It takes Kenny a couple of seconds before he is able to get back up, and when he does, he walks into the corner and climbs to the top rope again.

With Chavo barely showing signs of movement, Kenny then leaps off and looks to hit the GUILLOTINE LEG DROP. . . . . As he comes towards landing, it’s Chavo this time who is able to dodge the bullet at the last second, rolling to the side. The crowd show Chavo support, chanting his name and clapping as both men slowly start to come round with Chavo crawling towards the corner. He uses the ropes to help himself up and then turns to see Kenny just starting to get back to a vertical base.

Chavo decides to climb the ropes, but as he gets to the top, Dykstra looks up at the right time and runs into the ropes, causing Chavo to crash right back down to the mat. Dykstra doesn’t look to waste a second as he walks over to Chavo and drags him back up to his feet, slips behind him, grabs him around the waist and then tosses him back, holding on with a BRIDGING BACK SUPLEX. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Kenny flips out as he sits up and then gets to his feet to yell at Robinson, who tells him it was a clear two count. Chavo starts to come round and slowly makes his way back up to his feet in front of Dykstra who sees him over the referee’s shoulder. As Chavo walks towards Dykstra, Kenny grabs Robinson, who has his back to Chavo by the shoulders and pushes him to the side. And with Robinson not able to see behind him, Dykstra takes a wild swing of the boot and kicks Chavo in the groin.

Chavo looks like he’s about to drop to his knees until Dykstra strikes quickly, pulling Chavo upright by the head and then planting him with the ROLLING CUTTER. . . . . Dykstra grins sadistically as Robinson looks on a little confused. Kenny decides to go to the corner and climbs up to the top rope, still smiling as he then leaps off the top and connects with the GUILLOTINE LEG DROP. . . . . He’s still smiling as he lands on the mat and hooks Chavo’s leg for the cover

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

3 . . . . IT’S ALL OVER!

WINNER: By pinfall, and still Cruiserweight Champion, Kenny Dykstra

The Coach: I hate to say I told you so Michael, but. . .

Michael Cole: . . . Alright, alright. Kenny won here tonight, but you have to admit it was in somewhat controversial fashion Coach

The Coach: Come on Michael, get off your high horse. Just admit that the better man won, and that he is leaving here tonight with the Cruiserweight Championship and maybe even a possible main event spot at Wrestlemania

Michael Cole: Well we’ll have to wait and see Coach, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up if I were you

AFTERMATH: “Superstar Fallin” plays again as Dykstra rolls to the outside and raises his arms in the air with sheer relief. Charles Robinson follows him shortly after and raises his arm, passing him the championship belt too. Dykstra grabs the belt and lifts it up in the air as he stands in the aisle facing the ring as Chavo starts to sit up in the ring. Dykstra then backs up the aisle with a wide smile on his face as Chavo turns his head and looks towards him disappointedly

***CUT BACKSTAGE***

Josh Matthews is standing by

Josh Matthews: Please welcome my guest at this time. . . he is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. . . “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels

Shawn walks into the shot with his ring gear on and the world title over his shoulder to a huge ovation from the crowd in the arena

Josh Matthews: Shawn, in just a matter of moments you will be defending your World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match against Batista and Edge. . . Your thoughts

Shawn Michaels: Josh, I’m not gonna stand here and lie in front of the world like I could. . . I could stand here quite easily and tell the entire world that I’m walking in tonight as the World Champion, and that I’m walking out with the gold too. . . But Josh, it’s not as straight forward as that. . . I know I’ve got a fight on my hands tonight. I know that Edge is gonna try and pull out every last trick in the book. I know Batista is bigger and stronger than I am. . . But you know one thing Josh?

Josh Matthews: What’s that?

Shawn Michaels: I might be up against an animal and one of the dirtiest players in the game, but I can look up to the lord right now and truthfully say that I have the biggest heart. . . I’ve battled back from a career ending injury to get my hands on the richest prize in the industry that says I am the best. And I’m sure as hell not going to give it up without a fight

***POP***

Josh Matthews: Shawn, what are your thoughts on William Regal banning your cousin Michael Shane from ringside tonight?

Shawn Michaels: Josh, that can only be a good thing for sure, but I’ve got enough to worry about tonight with my beloved cousin trying to screw me out of my title again. . . And you know Josh, not even Batista can screw things up for me tonight like he did a couple of weeks ago. . . But big man, I know you have your doubts about me, but you need to know I do respect you. . . However Dave, tonight is just like Saturday Night’s Main Event. . . it’s all business, and you’ve gotta know, the show stopper is coming to tear the house down. . .

Shawn’s eyes wander as the camera zooms out to reveal Josh’s shock too with John Cena standing in front of them

***MIXED REACTION***

John Cena: Shawn, you’re not the only one who’s gonna be storming out there and tearing the house down tonight. . . What you’re gonna see right here tonight is John Cena putting on the kind of performance only I can and blow the roof off of this ****t. . . the most famous arena on the face of this planet, Madison Square Garden

***POP***

John Cena: Shawn, I know you’ve got your hands full with Batista and Edge tonight, but everyone here in N Y C believes in H B K, cos along with John Cena, we will be walking all the way to Wrestlemania. You with the world title and me with the WWE title

***POP***

John Cena: Tonight the show stopper, the main event, the icon wins his match, and Randy Orton, The Legend Killer gets what’s coming to him. . . the ass kicking of a lifetime

***POP with some boos***

John Cena: I’ve waited long enough to get my hands on him, but when I’m through climbing that ladder, I’ll be walking out of The Big Apple, the new WWE Champion

***POP with boos again***

Cena has a real serious look on his face as he and Shawn look at each other before the shot fades out

***CUT ACROSS THE BACK***

William Regal is standing in his office along with Michelle McCool and Maria as they stand by the all important tumbler of balls, when Mr. Kennedy walks in

***HEAT***

Mr. Kennedy: Willy, Willy, Willy. . . did I ever say how much of a shame it was to see you leave Raw all that time ago?

Kennedy laughs a little, looking so arrogant

William Regal: Yes, well Kennedy, I must say it is such a pleasure to work without ignorant people such as yourself. . . So if you don’t mind moving on with the formalities, we are rather busy tonight

Mr. Kennedy: It will be my pleasure Willy

Kennedy walks over to the tumbler as Maria and McCool spin it round and then stop for Kennedy to pick his number out

Mr. Kennedy: This better be the one ladies

Kennedy opens it up and smiles widely

Mr. Kennedy: Pack your bags people for what will be the biggest Wrestlemania of all time, because the man who will main event is standing right in front of your very eyes. . . the one, the only, MISTERRRR. KENNEDYY. . .

***HEAT***

With the camera zoomed in on Kennedy with his eyes shut, he opens them and looks shocked. The camera zooms out and we see Chris Jericho right in front of him

***BIG POP***

Chris Jericho: Are you done screaming down my ear motor mouth? Because a former Wrestlemania main event and undisputed champion wants to pick out his key to the stage that I belong, and certainly where an ass clown like you, the last victim of the sexy beast doesn’t

***POP***

Mr. Kennedy: What the hell makes you think you’re goin to Wrestlemania? . . . You’ve had your time, and just like your pathetic old manly hair extensions, it’s gone too. It’s my time to step up to the big time, you’ve got no hope Jericho. . . no hope

Chris Jericho: Huh. . . Maybe you wanna ask the thousands of Jericholic’s out there if they agree with ya

***POP***

Chris Jericho: They’ve seen Y2J in big matches before. They’ve seen me with gold and main event Wrestlemania. . . What’ve they seen you do Kennedy Kennedy? . . . Take some snow, urinate on it and super glue it to your head

***POP***

Kennedy doesn’t seem to mind and grins

Mr. Kennedy: You know Chris, I’m glad you’re so confident, but I’ve got a little newsflash for ya. . . Main eventing Wrestlemania once and losing means squat. . . Tonight marks the start of greatness for one superstar in this arena tonight. . . but it’s not you. . . it’s me. . . Remember that when your land on your ass outside the ring, and the name of who put you there. . . MISTERRRR. KENNEDYYY. . . KENNEDYY!

***HEAT***

Kennedy looks right into Jericho’s eyes with both men looking as intense as hell. Kennedy then shrugs past Jericho after a couple of seconds. Jericho grins and then goes to collect his number, opens it up and smiles

Chris Jericho: Ladies, it looks like Wrestlemania’s gonna have a new name. . . Wrestlemania IS JERICHOOOOO!

Jericho then leaves the room to a big pop

***VIDEO PROMO***
Clips of the following play with the PPV theme playing

• Shawn Michaels hitting Edge with the super kick on the last Smackdown before Saturday Night’s Main Event
• Edge at Saturday Night’s Main Event backstage, telling Josh Matthews he is going to make Michaels pay for Friday night
• Highlights of the World Championship match from Saturday Night’s Main Event with Batista defending against Shawn Michaels, ending with Edge accidentally taking Batista down with a spear instead of Michaels, giving Michaels the win
• Batista on Smackdown after Saturday Night’s Main Event and demanding his rematch, but not getting an answer from William Regal
• Shawn Michaels’ Victory Celebration with Edge spearing him after coming through the crowd
• Edge getting himself disqualified the week later in a tag team match against Batista and Michaels, then spearing Batista and looking down at Michaels on the outside
• Edge and Michaels arguing in Canada, leading to Regal announcing they would meet for the World Championship that night
• The ending of that match with Batista coming to Michaels’ rescue, taking out Michael Shane and Edge, leading to a DQ and then Regal coming out and making the triple threat match for the Rumble
• From Smackdown Friday night, Michaels telling Batista he doesn’t need his help and then Regal coming out at the right time, then announcing that all three men will be competing in Pick Your Poison matches that night
• Michaels beating Shane, then telling Batista he will face Umaga and insisting it’s not personal, just business
• Edge beating Ric Flair and then spearing Batista out of nowhere during The Animal’s match with Umaga, costing him the win
• Michaels racing down to the ring and scaring off Edge, leading to all three men staring at each other at the end of the show

***CUT TO THE ARENA***

“Metalingus” blasts out as a very intense looking Edge walks down to the ring getting a ton of heat from the sell out MSG crowd

The Coach: Here he comes Michael, the next World Heavyweight Champion. . . mark my words

Michael Cole: Well if you say so Coach. . . I have to admit I don’t often stick up for Edge, but in recent weeks, he has looked at the top of his game since returning from the torn pectoral muscle injury he suffered last year, which cost him to forfeit the very title he challenges for once again here tonight

The Coach: Michael, you’re exactly right. He and John Cena both suffered the same injury, and they both had to forfeit their respective titles. . . Do you not find it a bit too much of a co-incidence that they both get a return match on the same night? . . . In my opinion Michael, we’re looking at the first of two new World Champions right here tonight

“I Walk Alone” tests the strength of the speakers as a focused looking Batista makes his way to the ring as he gets a mainly positive response from the fans, with a small number of boos being heard

Michael Cole: Well just hold back a second Coach, because The Animal is coming to play tonight too. . . It’s barely a month ago since he lost the World Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event. . . And who was that down to Coach? . . . Edge

The Coach: You don’t need to put words in my mouth Michael, I do remember what happened. The simple fact is that ever since, Edge has owned Batista and Shawn Michaels

Michael Cole: It’s a different ball game tonight however Coach, because Batista has something that neither Edge or the World Champion has, and that’s pure strength. . . That is what I think separates Batista from them both tonight, and why I see him leaving MSG tonight as the new World Heavyweight Champion. . .

“Sexy Boy” hits as Shawn Michaels and his game face walk slowly down to the ring to a huge ovation

Michael Cole: . . . But here comes The Heartbreak Kid

The Coach: Michael, how do you think Shawn Michaels is going to feel tonight after he loses the World title? . . . I mean he’s only been the champion for a month, it’s bound to have some kind of impact on him

Michael Cole: Coach, you really are an idiot some times. . . Yes, Shawn has his back against the wall tonight, but if anyone can overcome the odds it’s “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. . . Out of all three superstars, Shawn has the big match experience and the all important know how to get the job done. But I can’t deny it’s going to be a tough task here tonight against two tough challengers like Edge and Batista

***MATCH #3***

World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. Shawn Michaels (c) vs. Edge

Edge and Batista stare right at each other with The Animal then charging right at Edge, but The Rated R Superstar ducks his head and holds the bottom rope down as Batista goes over the top to the outside. Edge then turns round and sees Michaels right in his face as they exchange right hands. Michaels looks to be getting on top, connecting with three in a row, but Edge reacts with a hard stomp to the chest.

He then slips behind Michaels, clubs him across the back before grabbing him around the neck and hitting him with a side russian leg sweep. Edge thinks about going for a cover but sees Batista slide back in the ring, under the bottom rope. As both men stand up, Batista charges at Edge, but the Canadian Hero is able to duck underneath Batista’s arm. He pulls Batista’s head under his arm and brings him down to the mat with a REVERSE DDT. . . . . Spotting the opportunity, Edge reaches further across to hooks Batista’s legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Batista gets his shoulder up, but Edge doesn’t seem fazed as he picks himself straight back up, this time turning his attention to Michaels. He walks over to HBK, who is already on his knees until Edge drags him right back up, grabs his arm and whips him into the ropes. As Michaels comes back off the ropes, Edge lifts his boot up and drives it right into the face of the World Champion. Edge drops down to the mat again, hooking Michaels’ leg as Micky Henson counts the pin attempt. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Edge again doesn’t look to waste a single second as he hops up to his feet straight away and then drags Michaels up too, then throws a right hand at him. Michaels though is able to block it and then hits Edge with a hard backhand chop to the chest, and then follows up with another, and then another, sending Edge back against the ropes. HBK then takes a step back before stepping forward again to clothesline Edge over the top to the outside. Edge doesn’t land too hard on the floor below, and it only takes him a few seconds before he picks himself back up. Michaels though is more than ready as he holds onto the top rope and then leaps over the top to the outside, hitting Edge with a SLING SHOT CROSS BODY. . . . .

The crowd cheer that spot as both men hit the deck, but with Michaels landing on top of Edge. As he picks himself back up after a couple of seconds, he sees Batista on the inside getting back up too. The show stopper then slides back inside and makes his way over to The Animal. Batista strikes first, hitting HBK with a right hand, but Michaels fights back with a couple of rights of his own before hitting him with a couple of hard jabs to the jaw. With Batista slightly knocked off balanced, HBK looks to take the advantage, grabbing him by the arm and whipping him into the ropes. The Animal though is too strong and reverses it, but as Michaels comes back off the ropes, he dives at his challenger with a cross body and holds on for a cover attempt. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Batista powers out, pushing Michaels off, but Michaels doesn’t land hard and is back up almost instantly. He charges over to the corner as Batista makes his way back up to his feet. HBK climbs up to the top rope with his back to the ring with Batista following in behind him as Michaels then comes off the top for an ASAI MOONSAULT. . . . . Batista though is able to catch Michaels on his shoulder. The worry can be seen on Michaels’ face as Batista turns round and runs out of the corner, planting Michaels with a hard RUNNING POWERSLAM. . . . . Michaels back hits the mat hard as Batista then reaches over to hook Michaels’ closest leg with Henson counting the fall. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

From the outside, Edge puts Michaels’ left foot on the bottom rope. Henson spots the boot after and stops the count, then tells Batista, who looks round and sees Edge climbing back on the apron. The Animal hops right up and before Edge can get through the ropes, Batista sends him back to the outside with a shoulder block to the chest. With Michaels starting to sit up as Batista turns back round, The Animal tries to pull him back up to his feet, but Michaels is playing possum as he sweeps The Animal’s legs. HBK then sets him up for the SHARPSHOOTER. . . . .

The crowd cheer like crazy as Michaels then turns Batista over onto his chest and locks in the deadly submission hold. The determination is clear to see Michaels as he pulls hard on Batista’s legs as The Animal tries to fight the hold, keeping his right arm up off the mat as Henson asks him if he wants to give up. Batista really starts to fight the hold as he tries to pull himself towards the ropes, but Michaels isn’t making it easy for him as he holds on tight. Slowly but surely though, Batista drags himself towards the ropes, but just as he is about to reach out and grab the bottom rope, Michaels is able to drag him back to the centre of the ring, to a huge pop.

Batista screams out and looks to be waning when we see Edge rush back into the ring, running over to Michaels and driving his knee into the side of HBK’s head, breaking up the hold. The crowd boo loudly as Edge grins sadistically and then stomps all over the back of HBK. He then pulls him back up to his feet, but knocks him straight back down with a hard right hand. Michaels though isn’t looking to take things easy as he picks himself back up slowly at the same time as Edge walks over to the corner and climbs to the top rope. As Michaels is able to stand back up, Edge leaps off the top rope and connects with a MISSILE DROPKICK. . . . . Edge turns round quickly on the mat and crawls over to Michaels’ body and hooks both legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Michaels gets his shoulder up, and for the first time, we see Edge looking a little frustrated as he then gets back up and urges Michaels to stand up too. It doesn’t take long as HBK rolls onto his side and up to his knees, but Edge shifts behind him just before Michaels gets up. And as Shawn is able to stand up fully, Edge grabs the back of his neck and pulls him down to the mat for the EDGE-O-MATIC. . . . . Holding on to Michaels’ legs for the cover, Henson drops down to the mat and counts the fall. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Batista dives across and breaks it up with an axe handle to the back of Edg