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WWE: A Strong Response

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#1 · (Edited)
WWE: A STRONG RESPONSE
The Backstory​

Following No Mercy last night and after a difficult year with ratings and pay-per-view buys taking a downward turn, the steroids and Chris Benoit scandal, the WWE have been forced to take the company in a different direction, starting immediately.

Stephanie McMahon has been joined by Shane McMahon and Nigel Smith to head up the creative team that will see Smith take charge of writing both Raw and Smackdown. Vince McMahon has decided that wrestling and competition must become the main focus of the shows ahead of over the top storylines that have left viewers frustrated and fed up with WWE programming. It must be noted that the McMahon’s may still make appearances on television as Vince in particular sees himself as a top ratings puller.

If things couldn’t have been going much worse for the company, their top star John Cena was injured last week and will be out injured for around 7 to 12 months. With Cena pulling in a lot of ratings and being by far the top seller in regards to merchandise, it is expected that he may have some kind of role in the television shows, but that is only being discussed at the moment.

With regards to the low PPV buys, the WWE have decided that only five pay-per-views will remain in place for the next calendar year at bigger arena’s with the Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, King of the Ring making its return, Summerslam and Survivor Series being the five to add importance to the shows that were lacking in meaning and were rushed like the shows that have been in place this year. With this in mind, Saturday Nights Main Event will return in March and August, but we will also see the show at the end of December too, which will start at the end of this year. By doing this, the WWE are trying to make the TV shows seem more important and to add some more credibility to them and the company in the process.

Another one of several major decisions has seen ECW scrapped immediately due to its poor ratings and feedback from agents. This was seen to be coming for a long time and with its small roster, they have been split between both Raw and Smackdown rosters, which have also seen some changes between them, but none of any major note this far.

However, several workers have been removed from the rosters on WWE.com with Ric Flair and King Booker along with his wife Queen Sharmell apparently leaving the company after lots of speculation around their current situations. This is not seen as a big surprise as Flair and Booker had made themselves very unpopular with management in the build up to their disappearance from television tapings. It must be noted that it has NOT been confirmed by either parties that they have indeed left the company. The other main departure sees Vickie Guerrero leave her role as General Manager of Smackdown, but this is due mainly to family reasons with Vickie missing her children and vice versa. No replacement has been announced yet but Teddy Long will not be making a return to television in the near future. The Major Brothers have been removed from the roster but remain in Ohio Valley Wrestling since their disastrous debut on Smackdown after leaving ECW. Mike Knox has also been released from his WWE contract while ECW General Manager Armando Alejandro Estrada’s profile is no longer on the WWE website, but he has not been released, this is the same situation that Tazz, Joey Styles, Kelly Kelly, Layla and Brooke find themselves in since ECW’s demise.

On the injury front, John Cena as we know is out for the considerable future, Edge is recovering well and is set to return in the next 4 to 6 weeks. Bobby Lashley is pushing for a return at the end of the year and Gregory Helms is the only other long term absentee with a severe neck injury that will see him out until around June next year. Shawn Michaels remains on the sidelines at home following knee surgery several months ago, but there is no word on whether he is ready to return just yet.

On the TNA front, Bound For Glory takes place in six days time boosted by the news that they have signed former WWE superstars Rob Conway and Rob Van Dam. Any WWE return for Van Dam has officially gone out of the window now. However, the Chris Jericho debate continues to go on with neither Jericho or the WWE confirming that he has indeed signed a contract following the cryptic messages that have been displayed on Raw over the last few weeks.





Head of Authority: Eric Bischoff
Announce Team: Jim Ross & Jerry 'The King' Lawler
Ring Announcer: Lilian Garcia
Backstage Interviewers: Todd Grisham & Leticia Cline

~The Hall of Champions~


***Defeated Edge to win the vacant title at Backlash (27/4/09)***
PREVIOUS CHAMPION: Shawn Michaels (4)


***Won a fatal four-way on Raw (22/9/08)***
PREVIOUS CHAMPION: Ted DiBiase (1)


***Defeated Rey Mysterio & Mystico (1) on Raw (19/1/09)***


***Defeated Beth Phoenix (4) & O.D.B. at Extreme Rules (26/4/09)***


Carlito
Cesaro
Chris Jericho
Christopher Daniels
Cody Rhodes
Eddie Colon
Edge
Eugene
Ezekiel Jackson
Finlay
Goldust
Gregory Helms
Hardcore Holly
Jack Swagger
Joe Hennig
John Cena
John Morrison
JTG
Justin Gabriel
Kaval
Kofi Kingston
Matt Hardy
Mystico
Orlando Jordan
Rey Mysterio
Rob Van Dam
Shad Gaspard
Shannon Moore
Sheamus
The Miz
Zack Ryder

Divas
Angel Love
Brie Bella
Gail Kim
Kelly Kelly
Melina
Mia Rain
Nikki Bella
Queen Kong
Talia Sky

Tag Teams/Stables
Cryme Time
Eugene & Goldust
J'n'J (John Morrison & Justin Gabriel)
Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky)
Rey Mysterio & Mystico
Team Omega (Matt Hardy, Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore)
The Bella Twins (Brie & Nikki)
The Colon Brothers
The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval)
The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig)




General Manager(s): Mr. McMahon & Stephanie McMahon
Announce Team: Michael Cole & Matt Striker
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Backstage Interviewers: Josh Matthews & Maria

~The Hall of Champions~


***Defeated CM Punk (1) at Wrestlemania (29/3/09)***


***Defeated Matt Sydal (1) at the Royal Rumble (18/1/09)***


***Defeated The Empire (Wade Barrett & Drew McIntyre) (1) on Smackdown (9/1/09)***


***Defeated Johnny Jeter (1) on Smackdown 14/11/08)***


***Defeated Beth Phoenix (4) & O.D.B. at Extreme Rules (26/4/09)***






Alberto Del Rio
Bobby Lashley
Brian Kendrick
Bryan Danielson
Charlie Haas
Chavo Guerrero
Chris Masters
Christian
CM Punk
Dolph Ziggler
Drew McIntyre
Elijah Burke
Harry Smith
Homicide
J-Red
Jamie Noble
Jay Lethal
Jimmy Yang
Johnny Devine
Johnny Jeter
Kid Kash
Matt Sydal
Michael Shane
Montel Vontavious Porter
Paul Burchill
Paul London
Petey Williams
Randy Orton
Ron Killings
Santino Marella
Shelton Benjamin
Sonjay Dutt
Super Crazy
Ted DiBiase
TJ Wilson
Wade Barrett
William Regal
Yoshi Tatsu

Divas
Beth Phoenix
Jillian Hall
Katie Lee – Valet & Member of The Empire
Layla
Maria – Also a Backstage Interviewer
'The Million Dollar Woman' Maryse – Valet & Girlfriend of Ted DiBiase
Michelle McCool
Mickie James
Natalya Neidhart – Valet & Girlfriend of TJ Wilson
O.D.B.
Stepahnie McMahon – Executive Vice-President

Tag Teams/Stables
CM Punk & Homicide
Jimmy Yang & Sonjay Dutt
M.V.P. & Ron Killings
Paul London & Brian Kendrick
Power & Perfection (Bobby Lashley & Charlie Haas)
The Empire (Drew McIntyre, Wade Barrett, William Regal & Katie Lee)
The Pitbulls (Jamie Noble & Kid Kash)
The UK Pack (Paul Burchill & Harry Smith)




FCW Heavyweight Champion
Ryback

FCW Tag Team Champions
The Rotundas

FCW Women's Champion
Nikki Roxx

FCW Television Champion
Damien Sandow


Alex Riley (Kevin Kiley)
'The Intellectual Saviour' Damien Sandow (Aaron Haddad)
Darren Young (Frederick Rosser)
'The Valedictorian' David Otunga
'The Maniacal Genius' Dean Ambrose (Jonathan Good)
Fandango (Jonathan Curtis)
'The Beast' G-Rilla (George Murdoch)
'The One Man Band' Heath Slater (Heath Miller)
The Mexican Assassin' Hunico (Jorge Arias)
Jay Uso (Joshua Fatu)
Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu)
'The Human Wrecking Ball' Ryback (Ryan Reeves)
Taylor Rotunda
Tito Colon (Orlando Colon)
'The Ultimate Daredevil' Tyler Black (Colby Lopez)
Windham Rotunda
'The King of Charisma' Xavier Woods (Austin Watson)

Tag Teams/Stables
Alex Riley & Darren Young
Samoan Fury (Jimmy & Jay Uso)
The Harvard Alumni (David Otunga, Damien Sandow, Dean Ambrose & Alicia Fox)
The Rotundas (Taylor & Windham)

Female Performers
'The New Jersey Princess' AJ Lee (April Jeanette)
'The Complete Woman' Alicia Fox (Victoria Crawford)
'The Fearless Angel' Nikki Roxx (Nicole Raczynski)
'Queen Bitch' Rosa Mendes (Milena Roucka)
Serena Deeb
'The Girl Nextdoor' Shantelle Taylor (Shantelle Malawski)
Tamina Snuka (Sarona Reiher)

________


If anyone didn’t catch the No Mercy results from last night, here they are:

Triple H defeated Randy Orton to win the WWE Championship (11:15)

Mr. Kennedy and Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated Jeff Hardy, Paul London and Brian Kendrick (8:06)

CM Punk defeated Big Daddy V (w/Matt Striker) by disqualification to retain the ECW Championship (1:37)

Triple H defeated Umaga to retain the WWE Championship (6:33)

Finlay fought Rey Mysterio to a no-contest (9:08)

Beth Phoenix defeated Candice Michelle to win the WWE Women's Championship (4:32)

Batista defeated The Great Khali (w/Ranjin Singh) in a Punjabi Prison match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (14:47)

Randy Orton defeated Triple H in a Last Man Standing match to win the WWE Championship (20:25)


PAY-PER-VIEW SCHEDULE 2009

RAW & SMACKDOWN PRESENT:
King of the Ring (4 Hours)
Sunday 31st May
From The Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

RAW PRESENTS:
Vengeance (3 Hours)
Sunday 14th June
From The Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

SMACKDOWN PRESENTS:
The Great American Bash (3 Hours)
Sunday 5th July
From The Scottrade Arena in St. Louis, Missouri

RAW & SMACKDOWN PRESENT:
SummerSlam (4 Hours)
Sunday 23rd August
From The Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)


OVERSEAS TELEVISION SCHEDULE 2009
(To be recorded due to time difference)

APRIL
Friday 3rd – Smackdown
(To be recorded on Tuesday 31st March)
The Sheffield Arena
Sheffield, England

Monday 6th – Raw
Adriatic Arena
Pesaro, Italy

Friday 10th – Smackdown
(To be recorded on Tuesday 7th April)
Olympiahalle
Munich, Germany


*Pay-Per-View History & Links*

Cyber Sunday 2007
2007 Survivor Series
2007 Year Ending Saturday Night's Main Event
2008 Royal Rumble
Pre-Wrestlemania Saturday Night's Main Event
Wrestlemania 24
Backlash 2008
Judgment Day 2008
2008 King of the Ring
Vengeance 2008
The Great American Bash 2008
Summerslam 2008
Unforgiven 2008
No Mercy 2008
2008 Survivor Series
Night of Champions 2008
2009 Royal Rumble (20th Annual)
No Way Out 2009
Wrestlemania 25 Pre-Show
Wrestlemania 25
Backlash 2009
Extreme Rules 2009


 
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#1,850 ·



>Backlash<



>RVD Returns, Heading To Backlash With Kofi!<


Eric Bischoff told The Miz he had a surprise for him last week heading into Raw tonight, and it was a surprise everyone bar The Miz in Philadelphia enjoyed, with Rob Van Dam making a shock return to the WWE.

Mr. Monday Night was given a hero's welcome in Philly, and he gave the fans more to cheer about when he defeated The Miz to book his place in the WWE Championship tournament at Backlash in two weeks. He'll be joined by Kofi Kingston after The Jamaican Sensation controversially defeated Chris Jericho with Jericho's foot clearly on the bottom rope as the referee counted to three. The referee missed it and awarded Kofi the win, a huge win for him as he now attempts to win his first WWE Championship at Backlash. Will there be a backlash from Jericho next week when he realises how the match ended?

There was also controversy with another qualifying match when Triple H was scheduled to take on Smackdown's Bryan Danielson. Last week, The King of Kings asked for a match with Danielson after hearing some comments from Shawn Michaels' protégé that he didn't like. The match was made and moments before the scheduled match, Danielson spoke to Leticia Cline, again saying some things that angered Triple H, who clearly heard every word, stood within hearing distance, unknown to Danielson. As Danielson was then making his entrance moments later, he was brutally attacked by The King of Kings to the extent that the match couldn't take place and Danielson was taken to a local medical facility with an injury to his arm. We await an update on that, and Triple H may well be in trouble after a furious Eric Bischoff kicked him out of the arena, promising to deal with his further aggressive actions. Could The Game be walking the tightrope? What happens to the sixth spot in the WWE Championship tournament at Backlash now?

It leaves us with RVD, Kofi, Rey Mysterio, John Cena & Edge fighting for the title vacated by the now retired 'Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels. With just one more Raw to go, surely we'll be in for an eventful night next Monday!



>A Real Diva Battle Is On!<

Earlier we saw O.D.B. & Queen Kong battle it out after trying to tear each other apart the last few weeks, but it didn't go to plan. With the Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix watching, unsurprisingly all hell broke loose on the outside, leading to Eric Bischoff announcing that the two divas will have to meet again in two weeks at Backlash in a match where they can happily destroy each other, a Falls Count Anywhere match.

The two divas are both intent on getting a shot at Beth Phoenix and the Diva's Championship, and the winner of this will surely be close to that. Just which one of them will it be when they meet in Rochester, New York?



>Perfect Pay-Per-View Debut?<

Angel Love & Talia Sky, Picture Perfect haven't been shy of criticising the Raw divas since coming to Raw last week, and after shamelessly attacking Kelly Kelly last week, earlier tonight they turned their attention to Melina, who came to Kelly's aid last Monday.

Melina got the same treatment as Kelly, and moments ago we learnt that Picture Perfect will make their pay-per-view debut at Backlash in 13 nights when they take on the team of Melina & Kelly Kelly. Will they be able to back up their claims of being superior to Raw's divas?


 
#1,851 ·



Friday Night Smackdown
Friday April 17th 2009
Live from the Blue Cross Arena
Rochester, New York

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Out came Linda McMahon flanked by the 10 security guards, all joining her in the ring, and she didn't waste any time in stating that the Board of Directors called a meeting to discuss CM Punk's actions last week in attacking Vince, the Chairman of the Board and that they had made a decision which she was there to announce. She called Punk down to the ring and out came CM Punk, the man who lost the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania with Homicide, but he stopped & told him to go back. Linda was firm in telling him that his threats weren't going to affect the decision already made, that his actions last week especially were heinous and that he clearly had no remorse, explaining that most importantly they went well beyond gross misconduct, leaving her with no choice. Everyone knew what was coming, especially Punk, but "Voices" blasted out all of a sudden and the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton walked out into the arena to a big pop. He stayed on the stage with a microphone in hand and The Viper told Linda to listen to what he had to say before she makes any decision, then reminded us of how he too was attacked by Punk last week but that he had a different idea of what punishment he should get.

The World Champion told Linda that she had every right to fire Punk but that no one, especially him wants that and suggested he could be the one to inflict Punk's punishment by letting him have his rematch. Linda didn't look convinced but Orton and the fans were. Orton wasn't done and told Linda that Punk's entitled to a rematch and that he should get that chance so that he can prove to Punk that he deserves to be World Champion, going on to say that he has just the idea given that Extreme Rules is their next pay-per-view in four weeks. He said it was the perfect place to make Punk suffer, saying that there will be no excuses this time when he kicks Punk's head off with a kick to the skull in a Last Man Standing match. Orton told Linda that if she agreed he guaranteed Punk wouldn't be a problem by the time he's done with him. Linda really wasn't sure now and cracked, agreeing to give the fans what they wanted, that Punk would keep his job under a final warning and that he will get his rematch at Extreme Rules in a Last Man Standing match against Randy Orton. A massive pop broke out and Orton looked down at Punk, clearly looking forward to punishing him as the show came to a close.​
Michael Cole was standing in the ring and told the crowd that Mr. McMahon will be back on Smackdown tonight, getting a big pop from the crowd, and Cole then said he was about to speak to the World Heavyweight Champion, and he then introduced Randy Orton to a big pop from the Rochester crowd. The World Champion, in his trunks and a T-shirt walked down to the ring with his title over his shoulder looking calm & composed but very serious too, and once in the ring, Cole said it was The Viper's first night as World Champion back in the United States since defeating CM Punk at Wrestlemania. He quickly moved on to ask Orton about the ending to last week's show and why he saved CM Punk's job when he was all set to be fired by Linda McMahon in asking for Punk to be given his rematch, a Last Man Standing match. Cole even asked Orton if it could be seen as naive and Orton said he could understand why people questioned why he didn't stand back and let Punk get fired but what they need to realise is that he's not afraid of a challenge like Punk and that Punk's in for a world of trouble at Extreme Rules.

The Viper talked about how he's going to make Punk pay for attacking him from behind like a coward two weeks ago and that there's nothing wrong with him wanting to be the one to deal with Punk and that he'll do just that when he's the Last Man Standing in three weeks. Cole seemed to understand that and asked Orton if Punk's claims of how he should still be World Champion due to Mr. McMahon putting his (Orton's) foot on the rope at Wrestlemania after the GTS. CM Punk then came up on the tron, 'live via satellite' and he congratulated Cole on the first good question he's asked in an age before saying that it's ridiculous he was banned from the building all because Vince will be back. He also said that it was ridiculous people have been saying how grateful he should be for Randy saving his job last week but that he'll play by the rules, all because he knows how it's all going to pan out, and it's not what Randy claims. The Straight-Edge Superstar said that Orton's going to regret his heroic act like last week and stated that it's not heroic, calling it "ego", claiming that Orton knows he can't beat him and stupidly wants to try & prove he can.

Punk then said that the only person who should be grateful is Randy for Mr. McMahon putting his foot on the rope when he had him beat after the GTS, calling it the only reason Orton's World Champion right now, but that he won't be for long. Orton cut in and told Punk all that was is opinion and spoke about how Punk bragged about kicking out of an RKO in midair, claiming that no one expected it and that he too could've kicked out of the GTS but no one knows if he would or not. The World Champion then said that at Extreme Rules there will be no doubt, no speculation as there has to be one man left standing, telling Punk there can't be any excuses this time and that it'll end the same way their Wrestlemania match did with a punt to the head. Punk wasn't intimidated and told Orton to get real and that he despises him more than John Cena because he was plucked out of nowhere as 'Vince's guy' and won a world title he doesn't deserve despite trying to make out he does. Punk said that he can change that and will at Extreme Rules when he will be 'extreme', even more extreme than he was two weeks ago to him & Vince.

Orton looked up at the tron, listening to every word Punk had to say, and the former champion told Randy to enjoy the next three weeks holding what should still be his (Punk's) title, because after Extreme Rules he's going to take the world title back like the last time a McMahon thought they'd taken it from him. Punk said this time was no different and that as much as listening to Randy talking him to sleep, he will put Randy to sleep at Extreme Rules and take back the World Heavyweight Championship. Cole then asked Randy for his reaction to what Punk just said, and The Viper said that Punk can believe what he wants but that's just his opinion, and that the only way they're going to find out who should be the World Champion is who will be the last man standing in three weeks at Extreme Rules. Orton walked towards the ropes, lifted his title defiantly up into the air and said that the world title is his and said there's nothing Punk can do to change that while Punk watched, not at all worried. "Voices" hit and the fans cheered as Orton shook hands with Cole before leaving the ring.

*Commercial Break*

A limo pulled up in the arena and the driver got up to open the door, and out stepped Mr. McMahon, and then Stephanie McMahon too. They were quickly approached by Josh Matthews who said he was surprised to see Stephanie, then asked them both how they were, reminding us they've not been seen since both their respective incidents with CM Punk. Vince said they were both fine, thanked Josh for asking and told him that as of now it was business as usual. Josh then asked him for his thoughts on his wife's decision last week to go against the board's wishes and not fire Punk. Both Vince & Steph didn't seem to be happy at being reminded of that, remaining coy, but Vince did say that they didn't have to deal with Punk tonight and that they both have faith in Randy Orton being the last man standing in their rematch at Extreme Rules. Josh thanked them for their time and told them it was good to see them back, and after thanking him they both walked out of the shot, heading back to work.​

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Michael Shane vs Johnny Jeter
The two previous champions to J-Red both came close on a couple of occasions to getting the win, and when a very weary Shane made his back up with Jeter looking for another devastating kick to the face, Shane managed to duck it and this time connect out of nowhere to hit the super kick and earn a hard fought victory. Shane celebrated his win, standing back up with battle scars to show before going to the corner to climb the ropes. As he stepped down, like last week, Jay Lethal was there, but Shane stopped him in his tracks this time. He was ready for him and Lethal froze, just staring at Shane, who stared back, not intimidated at all. The Cruiserweight Champion, J-Red then walked out to the stage and looked down at the two men vying for a shot at his title, and they too looked up at him, tension all around.
*The Opening Match*
Yoshi Tatsu vs Jay Lethal
The Cruiserweight Champion, J-Red came to get a closer look, sitting on a foldout chair at ringside, not causing much concern for the determined Lethal on his in-ring Smackdown debut. Tatsu had the crowd on his side and challenged Lethal, but it was Lethal who came out on top after hitting the Lethal Injection, a side suplex lift into an elevated neckbreaker to get the win. He got his arm raised and walked over to the apron, looking down at Red, who stood up holding his cruiserweight title. Lethal pointed to it, gesturing it was going to be his, not that it concerned the champion, and then some cheers came from the crowd. Lethal was confused and turned round, seeing Michael Shane there in the ring, and Shane levelled him with sweet chin music to a pop from the fans. He stood over Lethal and looked over at Red himself, a marked man it would seem.

Winner: Jay Lethal by pinfall.



Mickie James was talking to Elijah Burke in the back, saying that Layla's been a completely different person since what she did to him a couple of weeks ago and that he's better off without her. He agreed and said he's glad he's done with her when Layla walked into the shot. That caused some tension but she remained the same carefree bitch she's been since Wrestlemania and asked Mickie where Matt (Sydal) was, teasing something between her & Burke. Mickie just shook her head, embarrassed for her before telling Layla that Matt's injured and that she (Layla) too will be by the time O.D.B.'s done with her later. Layla looked shocked and asked Mickie what she was talking about, and Mickie took great pleasure in jokingly saying she (Layla) clearly hadn't heard about her match later. Mickie then joked about wishing her luck but told her that she's going to get what's coming to her, chuckling before walking past her with Burke following, giving the now very worried Layla a dirty look.

*Commercial Break*

*Match #2*

Non-Title Match
Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs Petey Williams & Johnny Devine
The WWE Tag Team Champions were supported massively by the fans and the support was helpful as their Canadian opponents were out to cause somewhat of an upset. London & Kendrick though were up to the challenge and Devine found himself there for the taking. Petey tried to save the day after Kendrick hit the Sliced Bread, but Kendrick jumped up and helped Petey on his way over the top rope and down to the floor. He then tagged in London to seal the deal, hitting the shooting star press on Devine to secure the win, greeted by big cheers from the fans, all happy as they watched the champions celebrate another victory.

Winners: Paul London & Brian Kendrick by pinfall.



The UK Pack (Paul Burchill & Harry Smith) were interviewed in the back by Josh Matthews and asked about changing their minds last week about putting their title shot on the line against The Empire. Burchill told Josh that it was a simple decision because they didn't need to put it on the line and that they let the rivalry they have with The Empire get the better of them, admitted that they goaded Harry into it before he could think about what he was agreeing to. He then said that they talked about it and agreed that what they had to focus on was getting back the titles they had for a year but lost only thanks to The Empire taking Harry out of action. Burchill let us know that he & Harry are back together and better than ever, backed up by their win over The Empire last week and that they're going to show why they were champions for a year and why no one could beat them. Smith agreed and said that the last few months have been the worst of his career, having to sit back and watch The Empire rob them of what he & Burchill worked so hard for, but said that was all over now and that they plan to get their titles back very soon. Josh then asked them about the champions who they just saw notch up another impressive victory, and Smith agreed that they are very impressive, one of the best tag teams Smackdown and the WWE has seen in a long time, also having a long title reign as he & Burchill have too. He then said that London & Kendrick are a very different team to he & Burchill, and as good as they know the champions are, he & Burchill are confident they can defeat them and become tag team champions again. Josh said that it's a match he's sure the fans would love to see and hoped to see it so soon, thanking The UK Pack for time and wished them luck.


The Empire (Wade Barrett, Drew McIntyre, William Regal & Katie Lee) were backstage in their locker room, all dressed for action with the incredibly serious looking Barrett giving them a strong pep talk. He told his fellow Brits that the defeat last week was unacceptable and that they've set a standard for themselves, telling them they can't sit back on their win at Wrestlemania. McIntyre, Regal & Katie were all listening carefully as Barrett continued, letting them know that they need to get back on the winning track and that he'd arranged this eight person tag team match coming up next for them to do just that. He told them they must win and that he won't accept failure again, then asked them if they understood. They all said they did and Barrett told them they better before leading them out of the locker room meaning business.

*Commercial Break*



>1 Week!<



Mr. Money in the Bank, Christian was pacing through the halls of the arena and came to the office of the McMahons, and he burst right in with Mr. McMahon & Stephanie McMahon sat on their leather sofa. They didn't look too happy to be interrupted but stood up to hear what the clearly frustrated Canadian had to say. Captain Charisma apologised for bursting in, said that he knew what they've been through lately but unsurprisingly told them that he wanted to get his hands on Dolph Ziggler and get his Money in the Bank contract back, demanding a match later on with the United States Champion. Vince said he understood Christian's frustration but regrettably told him that Ziggler already had a match later. The Chairman of the Board then let Christian know that he felt Ziggler has a point about Money in the Bank, explaining that he thought it would be interesting for everyone to see him put it on the line against the United States Champion, calling Ziggler someone who's caught their attention for the right reasons over the last few months. Christian didn't look at all convinced and Vince picked up on it, and he tried to reassure Christian by saying that Ziggler too would have to put his United States title on the line.

Stephanie though stood up for Christian and told her father that Christian shouldn't have to put his briefcase on the line even though she agreed it would be a match that people would want to see. Christian agreed emphatically with Stephanie but Vince asked Christian if he didn't think he could beat Ziggler, and Christian firmly said he could. Vince then asked him if that's the case, what Christian's problem was and made the match there & then for Extreme Rules, a one fall match for both for the Money in the Bank contract and the United States Championship. Christian looked more stunned than angry and was asked again if he felt he could beat Ziggler, and he replied that not only does he believe he can, he will, saying he has to now. The Canadian turned round and walked out, not too happy but taking it well with Stephanie somewhat surprised by her father's decision to make that match, calling it harsh, but Vince told her it's just business and a great idea. She shrugged her shoulders and grudgingly accepted it as the camera zoomed in on Mr. McMahon's stern face.


*Match #3*
M.V.P., Ron Killings, Elijah Burke & Mickie James vs The Empire
We saw a real battle with The Empire, Barrett in particular meaning business. He was shouting instructions at his teammates throughout, and they had a real challenge from their opponents. It looked like the Brits were about to fall short like last week until Barrett made a blind tag, slapping Regal's back as he was fired into the ropes by Killings. It was seen by the referee but not Killings, and Regal was taken down with a spinebuster, but as Killings stood back up, Barrett took his head off with a massive boot to the face. It floored him and Barrett went into the opposition corner, hammering Burke, setting off a brawl as everyone bar Killings & Regal stormed the ring. It filtered to the outside, leaving Barrett the chance to hit the Wasteland on the groggy Killings to pick up the win for The Empire, and as his teammates rejoined him in the ring, he shook all their hands before they raised their arms in victory with Katie waving the Union Jack flag. They looked an imposing sight, all back on track and desperate to keep it that way.

Winners: The Empire by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Alberto Del Rio made his way down to the ring ready for action to heat from the German crowd, and he took the microphone from Justin Roberts to answer criticism from last week for what happened between him & Chavo Guerrero. The Mexican said that people have been telling him he needs to apologise for his actions last week but he defiantly said he didn't owe anyone an apology. He then said that he came to America and the WWE to win championships and blamed Chavo for them not winning the tag team championship at Wrestlemania, saying it was all Chavo's fault, letting down Mexico too. He carried on by saying it was all Chavo's fault they lost last week and that he doesn't accept failure, that he never has and he never will, which is why he doesn't need to say sorry to Chavo or anyone. He handed the microphone back to boos and looked up at the stage waiting for his opponent when "Chavo Ardiente" hit and Chavo Guerrero emerged from the back to a pop from the crowd. Del Rio clearly wasn't expecting to see Chavo, a very angry Chavo. He was shocked and Chavo slowly but surely walked down to the ring, staring intently at the still stunned Del Rio.

Chavo got to the bottom of the ramp and ran to slide inside under the bottom rope to slug it out with his fellow Mexican and former tag team partner to the delight of the crowd. They were loving it, but it was Del Rio who took control of it after a whip to the ropes and a release back body drop. He helped him back up and grabbed his arm, ready to go for the cross armbreaker when Chavo slipped behind and caught him with a side suplex, and then The Three Amigo's to a big roar from the Munich fans. He then left the ring with a plan in mind, grabbing a steel chair from ringside and heading right back inside. As Del Rio was sitting back up, he saw Chavo with the chair and managed to scarper away out of the ring before Chavo could get near him, pissing the crowd and Chavo off no end, and he threw the chair down, staring intensely at the relieved Del Rio backtracking from the ring as Chavo's music hit again. The fans cheered as Chavo threw some verbal threats up at Del Rio, who threw some right back at his fellow Mexican with war threatening to break out between these two.​
Chavo Guerrero made his way down to the ring to a pop from the New York crowd, but he wasn't in the party spirit, going straight for a microphone. Dressed in casual clothes he said he wanted to talk about his former tag team partner, Alberto Del Rio and how his fellow Mexican has been crying for the last week about how he supposedly blindsided him a week ago. Chavo explained that everyone just saw the footage that showed he walked on down to the ring, giving Del Rio all the time in the world but how it proves how full of crap Alberto is. He carried on, calling Del Rio deluded and a complainer, thinking he's the best thing to come out of Mexico when the fact is he's not and a nobody in America. Chavo also said that it's just typical that Del Rio blames him for not winning the tag team titles at Wrestlemania, but he then had a challenge for Del Rio to put his money where his mouth is, that if Del Rio actually believes he is the weak link, to accept a challenge to match with him.

The fans cheered, wanting to see it, and Chavo directed a message backstage for Del Rio to listen to them, to accept the match, and he will if he's as amazing as he thinks he is. That brought out Alberto Del Rio, staying on the stage in his expensive looking suit, not appearing to be too happy with Chavo's comments or the boos from the crowd. He told Chavo that he doesn't have to do anything Chavo says or wants, and he won't, then moved on to tell Chavo that the reason he's not been successful in America is because he's only just come across the border and he's chosen the wrong people to team with. He went on to say that's all changed now and then taunted Chavo, asking him what his excuse was for achieving nothing the whole time he's been in America, then claiming that he will. Chavo jumped right on that and told Del Rio to prove it and accept his challenge to a match. Del Rio again told Chavo that he doesn't have to do anything Chavo says, but then Mr. McMahon walked out to the stage with Stephanie McMahon, standing just feet away from a sheepish Del Rio.

The McMahons got a big cheer from the crowd and Vince told Del Rio that as much as he doesn't have to do what Chavo says, he will have to do what he & Stephanie say. That again brought a pop from the crowd and Vince said that earlier he made a match that Stephanie didn't agree with but now Stephanie has come up with a couple of matches that may interest him. Both Mexicans gave the McMahons their attention and Stephanie said that she and her father were back and taking control. She said that she didn't need to remind anyone of CM Punk's actions towards them but that Punk will be dealt with by Randy Orton at Extreme Rules, and given how successful Del Rio believes he can be, she was going to give him a challenge later by facing Randy Orton in the main event. The crowd liked the sound of that and Stephanie wasn't done, telling Del Rio that he will face Chavo in three weeks at Extreme Rules in a Mexico City Streetfight. The fans of course, and Chavo loved that, unlike Del Rio himself, staring at the McMahons and shouting at them as "I'm All Grown Up Now" hit, and they didn't want to hear it, turning to walk to the back, leaving Chavo to mock the angry Del Rio.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Ted DiBiase & Maryse were in the back in the middle of a glamorous photoshoot, strutting their arrogant poses for the cameraman when TJ Wilson & Natalya Nedihart walked close by, stopping to take a look. They started chuckling, catching the attention of DiBiase, and he wasn't amused and excused himself from the shoot for a second, telling TJ & Nattie that WWE.com was doing a big spread on him & Maryse, the glamour couple of the WWE, calling them the next headliner of the WWE and The Million Dollar Woman. He then explained that it wasn't about some Canadian midget and a million pound buffalo. TJ wasn't at all impressed at the insults and squared up to DiBiase, daring him to say that again, but Natalya was cool, not letting it bother her as she tried to calm TJ down, telling him not to rise to it, saying DiBiase's not worth it. Ted corrected her, saying he was in fact worth a hell of a lot but TJ told him that no one speaks to Natalya like that, again not bothering DiBiase at all as he told TJ he just did. TJ slowly shook his head, trying not to get angry but he did and nailed DiBiase with a hard right hand, knocking him to the floor. Maryse panicked and hot footed across to check on her boyfriend as an angry TJ just stared down at him, then he looked at the cameraman and said that Ted might need some help redoing his makeup before walking off with Nattie trying not to laugh. DiBiase sat up in his plush suit glaring furiously at TJ as he walked away, as did Maryse, and the cameraman said that it was best they scrap the shoot, pissing Ted off even more, saying that TJ's going to be very sorry.

***

Non-Title Match
Elijah Burke vs Dolph Ziggler
The United States Champion brought out Christian's Money in the Bank contract as he took on a former rival. Ziggler was on fine form but had to fight through some tough moments, including a lifting spinning spinebuster, just getting his shoulder up to deny an upset for Burke. Dolph dodged the Elijah Express though and hit the Zig Zag to secure the win, amusing Layla enough to turn around and walk to the back with a big smile on her face. Burke rolled out of the ring as Ziggler got his arm raised and was passed his United States title, and he went to the corner, bending down to pick up the Money in the Bank briefcase when a big pop broke out. Ziggler turned round and saw Christian slide in the ring. Captain Charisma shocked Dolph and ran at him, but Ziggler slipped out to safety, out of the ring to a ton of heat, pissing Christian off as he grabbed the top rope and then kicked the bottom rope in frustration. Ziggler backed up towards the ramp as Christian turned round and demanded a microphone with Dolph slipping away with his Money in the Bank briefcase, and the Canadian told Dolph he won't get away from him forever, warning him that when he does get his hands on him, saying it'll be real soon, Ziggler's in for the beating of his life and he's taking back his Money in the Bank. Christian threw down the stick as "Just Close Your Eyes" played to a big pop from the crowd with Christian staring furiously up at an also furious United States Champion holding his briefcase.
TJ Wilson & Natalya Neidhart made their way to the ring to cheers from the crowd and then his opponent, the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler walked out into the arena holding Christian's Money in the Bank briefcase too, and before the match could start he borrowed a microphone from Justin Roberts. The United States Champion was in fine spirits and directed a message at Christian, saying that in three weeks at Extreme Rules, not only will he retain his United States title but he'll take Christian's Money in the Bank briefcase too. He then told everyone to take a close look at him, holding up Money in the Bank, because soon it'll be his and they & Christian better get used to what they see. The fans booed the hell out of him, and TJ & Natalya didn't look too impressed either in the corner, but then Mr. McMahon appeared on the tron backstage in his office. Ziggler was taken by surprise and The Chairman of the Board said that earlier on he made the match between Christian & Ziggler for Extreme Rules and that he's had a bit more time to think about it with Stephanie bending his ear about it. Ziggler was looking worried but Vince told him not to panic as the match will still go ahead, but in the spirit of Extreme Rules it would now be a 30 minute iron man match, drawing a cheer from the crowd. Ziggler seemed pretty happy with that and Vince wished him luck before the tron switched back to the ring.

*Match #4*
Non-Title Match
TJ Wilson w/Natalya Neidhart vs Dolph Ziggler
TJ & Dolph put on quite the show, and the crowd were into it, cheering on the Canadian. He came close to the upset when Dolph missed with a leg drop bulldog, quickly being rolled up, only for Ziggler to just kick out in time. The match went on and when Dolph did manage to hit the leg drop bulldog, Wilson just got his shoulder up. Dolph was getting hot & bothered and was stalking TJ for the Zig Zag, causing concern for Natalya on the outside when a big pop broke out and Christian ran out down the ramp. He grabbed his Money in the Bank briefcase from the apron, and Ziggler turned to see it, pissing the United States Champion off no end. He walked over to the apron and started shouting at Christian to get off it, who just pointed out it was his as TJ then sneaked up behind Dolph and rolled him up to get the win to a big pop. TJ slipped out of the ring and joined Natalya, getting his arm raised by the ref on the floor with a very angry Ziggler watching on his hands & knees, absolutely livid with Christian smirking back at him, lifting his briefcase up with the fans still cheering.

Winner: TJ Wilson by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*


TJ Wilson & Natalya Neidhart were all smiles as they walked back from the ring with TJ saying "that's what I'm talking about" when he was jumped by Ted DiBiase, knocking him forward on to his knees. Natalya screamed at him, asking what he was doing, but with Maryse appearing alongside her boyfriend, who put the boots to the Canadian. Natalya tried to get him to stop, and when he did he just told Natalya that her boyfriend doesn't look so good himself, referring to last week when TJ nailed Ted with a right hand during a photoshoot for WWE magazine. The remorseless DiBiase then turned & walked out of the shot with Maryse as Natalya knelt down to check on her boyfriend who was squirming around on the floor.​

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Mickie James vs Queen Kong
O.D.B. joined Michael Cole & Matt Striker at the announce table, staring up at Kong every chance she got, ready for the battle that'll take place on Raw Monday night between them. To her credit Mickie dragged herself back up as quickly as she could, but stood up into a devastating running lariat from Kong that turned her inside out. The Implant Buster was then enough for Kong to get the win with an unimpressed and not at all intimidated looking O.D.B. looking on. Kong walked over to the apron, setting her sights on O.D.B., and her fellow contender to Beth's throne stood up, unfazed as a seriously pissed Layla stomped down to the ring, climbing inside to kneel over Mickie, smirking at seeing her struggling to sit up. Layla wasn't looking so smug when Kong then turned her and gave her a menacing look, and boy was Layla scared. Kong started to walk slowly towards her, worrying Layla even more as she stood up begging for mercy. The crowd then cheered as O.D.B. slid in the ring behind Kong and took her down with a shot to the back and a spinning neckbreaker. The fans liked that and Layla breathed a sigh of relief, thanking O.D.B., but O.D.B. didn't want thanking and scooped her off her feet for a fireman's carry into a facebuster to a big pop.
*Match #5*
O.D.B. vs Layla
O.D.B. had Layla worrying from the moment she nervously walked out into the arena. She barely offered anything to make it a contest, but when she was about to be lifted up to be finished off, she slipped down her opponent's back and fled the ring. She was looking for the count out as O.D.B. stood there watching, not impressed, but Mickie James emerged from the back to a pop from the crowd. Layla was stunned as she turned round to see her there, and Mickie walked closer towards her, getting Layla backpedalling. O.D.B. slid out of the ring and hammered Layla across the back before tossing her back in the ring. Layla sat up begging for mercy as the intimidating looking O.D.B. slowly walked across the mat and then lifted her up off the mat on to her shoulders with Layla screaming. She couldn't wriggle free this time and O.D.B. hit the fireman's carry into a facebuster as she did last week, only this time in action and secured the win heading into her Falls Count Anywhere match with Queen Kong in just over a week at Backlash, and Layla sure enjoyed seeing Layla get her just desserts before turning to walk to the back.

Winner: O.D.B. by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*



>3 Weeks!<


*The Main Event*

Non-Title Match
Randy Orton vs Alberto Del Rio
Chavo Guerrero came out to watch Del Rio at the announce table as the World Champion took it to Del Rio. Both Orton & Del Rio were pumped for the match and went all out with the fans firmly behind The Viper. The Mexican stepped up though and tested Orton, and when he dodged an RKO he quickly applied the cross armbreaker to the shock of the fans. He was screaming at Orton to tap as Chavo leaned forward at the announce table, watching closely as Orton had to fight to hold on, and he did, dragging himself to the ropes. Del Rio was pissed and watched as Orton used the ropes to help get back on his feet, and when he was up, the Mexican ran at him. The Viper though helped him over the top rope, held on to his head and pulled him through the ropes to drill him with a spike DDT. Orton was fired-up and the crowd were on their feet as the intense champion turned himself over and pounded the mat, stalking the Mexican again for the RKO, and this time he hit it to get the three count and a hard fought victory rolling into Extreme Rules and the Last Man Standing match with CM Punk. "Voices" hit and Orton got his arm raised, celebrating with his world title in the corner as a smiling Chavo looked on, watching Del Rio slowly coming round on the mat but with Orton standing tall as the show came to a close.

Winner: Randy Orton by pinfall.


*End of Show*
Jay Lethal defeated Yoshi Tatsu
Paul London & Brian Kendrick defeated Petey Williams & Johnny Devine
The Empire defeated M.V.P., Ron Killings, Elijah Burke & Mickie James
TJ Wilson defeated Dolph Ziggler
O.D.B. defeated Layla
Randy Orton defeated Alberto Del Rio

>Superstars Tapings<
Power & Perfection defeated The Pitbulls

>Dark Match (Pre-Show)<
Tyler Black defeated Shelton Benjamin
>Confirmed for EXtreme Rules<
(3 Weeks)

World Heavyweight Championship
Last Man Standing

Randy Orton (c) vs CM Punk

Money in the Bank & United States Championship
30 Minute Ironman Match

Christian (MITB) vs Dolph Ziggler (c)

Mexico City Streetfight
Chavo Guerrero vs Alberto Del Rio


 
#1,852 ·
- Orton vs Punk Last Man Standing at Extreme Rules, their feud has become more personal and not to mention this match has so many stakes because not only is this for the World Heavyweight Championship but at the same time this is probably the final encounter between these 2 men because Last Man Standing is a perfect way for these 2 to end their rivalry because it needs to end one way or another

- Stephanie and Vince are back, I am so happy because maybe with them back then they can finally take back control but at the same time I just love seeing the father/daughter team in charge

- Del Rio vs Chavo at Backlash in a Mexico City Street Fight, I am actually looking forward to that because these 2 will tear each other apart and maybe just maybe we will find out just which Mexican is better considering they are both from Mexico's greatest wrestling families with Chavo being a 3rd-generation superstar and Del Rio being a 2nd generation superstar but at the same time they both grew up essentially in this business but Del Rio he is on the rise while Chavo on the other hand he is just done

- Christian vs Ziggler at Backlash with the MITB briefcase on the line I can't wait
 
#1,853 ·



>EXtreme Rules<



>Huge Stakes!!<


Last night on Smackdown we learnt that in three weeks at Extreme Rules, 'Captain Charisma' Christian will have to defend his Money in the Bank contract against the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler.

However, despite making the match earlier in the evening, Mr. McMahon then felt the need to add another dimension to it after being told by his daughter, Stephanie it was harsh on Christian to have to defend the precious contract he won at Wrestlemania that guarantees him a shot at either world title whenever he so desires. The Chairman of the Board's response was to put Ziggler's United States title on the line too, and he made it a 30 minute ironman match.

There's so much at stake when these two rivals collide in Montreal. Just who will walk out with all the prizes?



>Battle of Mexico!<

A fierce rivalry has developed in the last few weeks since Chavo Guerrero & Alberto Del Rio failed to take the tag team titles to Mexico at Wrestlemania, and now they'll meet in a Mexico City Streetfight in three week.

Del Rio pointed the finger of blame at Chavo for their failure in claiming the titles, but Chavo stood up for himself, fighting back at his fellow Mexican, and last night he challenged Del Rio to put his money where his mouth was by accepting a match with him. Del Rio refused but his hand was forced by Stephanie McMahon, who made the streetfight for Extreme Rules, and it will now be The Battle of Mexico three weeks from now in Canada!


 
#1,854 ·



Monday Night 'RAW'
Monday April 20th 2009
Live from the Charleston Civic Center
Charleston, West Virginia

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


WWE Championship Qualifying Match for Backlash
Kofi Kingston vs Chris Jericho
Kofi though got his knees up, lifting them into Jericho's stomach, and as both men picked themselves back up and turned to face each other, Kofi caught him with the Trouble In Paradise again to a huge pop. Jericho hit the deck and rolled over towards the ropes and on to his stomach with Kofi crawling after him on his hands & knees, turning him over to hook then near leg, getting the three count to the delight of the crowd. His music hit and he stood up with the ref raising his hand, both oblivious to Jericho's foot being on the bottom rope, and the replay showed it was there before the count got to three. Jericho was still in a bad way and rolled out of the ring, unable to see Kofi celebrating with no one other than JR & King having noticed the foot on the rope. The fans carried on cheering the thrilled Kofi as he celebrated on the ropes and then back up the ramp, throwing both his arms up in the air on the stage at the end of the show with a groggy Jericho sitting up on the floor baffled as to what happened.
*The Opening Match*
Kofi Kingston vs Orlando Jordan
The Jamaican Sensation was on a massive high after his victory last week and going into Backlash and his chance of becoming the WWE Champion. He had the full support of the crowd and they were cheering his name loudly throughout, and it didn't take him too long to fight off a solid effort from Jordan, sealing the win with the Trouble In Paradise, rolling into Sunday with another win under his belt. The former Intercontinental Champion was lapping up the reaction from the crowd, clearly full of belief he can pull out a shock at Backlash as he hit the ropes, looking into the stands.

Winner: Kofi Kingston by pinfall.


He was then interrupted however by Chris Jericho, and it wasn't a happy Jericho to say the least as he stared down at him from the stage. Kofi jumped down off the ropes, confused by Jericho's presence, and the Canadian let rip, telling Kofi that everyone knows Kofi cheated him last week. Jericho said everyone's seen by now that in their last match week, he had his foot on the rope and it's clear that he should be the one who is competing for the chance to become WWE Champion Sunday night at Backlash. The self proclaimed best in the world at what he does called it a miscarriage of justice and called for the referee to be terminated, and that brought out Eric Bischoff. The Head of Authority walked out towards Jericho with Kofi watching intently, listening as Bischoff agreed that Jericho had a point, and he apologised to Jericho for what was a mistake by the referee. He also told Jericho that he had spoken with the referee in question and the matter was dealt with, but that he was unable to reverse the decision.

He looked down at Kofi and told him that his place at Backlash was safe, and given how there is still one spot left in the final six for the WWE Championship tournament, Jericho would have the chance to win it later on in a elimination match with the other contenders who missed out. That meant Jericho, along with Mystico, Sheamus, The Miz & Jack Swagger would compete in a five man elimination match to join Kofi, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Rob Van Dam & Edge in challenging for the WWE title at Backlash. It settled Jericho down slightly, and Bsichoff wasn't done, saying that the other participants would all be in action with John Cena & Rey Mysterio teaming up to take on the World Tag Team Champions, Christopher Daniels & Kaval. The main event was then announced as being 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge going one-on-one with the superstar who returned to Raw last week, Rob Van Dam. The crowd popped big at that announcement as "Back In Black" played with Bischoff turning to walk to the back and the angry Jericho staring down at a determined Kofi, the WWE Championship very much in mind for both.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


"Ride of the Valkyries" hit and Bryan Danielson walked out into the arena, getting a big pop from the Philadelphia crowd, looking very calm but focused too, getting a lift from the fans as he headed off down the ramp. They were right behind The American Dragon as he made his way down towards the ring, gaining in confidence with every step, but then we saw a vengeful Triple H run up behind him and nail him in the back. Danielson fell forward on to his hands & knees and his music stopped, and the boos came flooding in, getting louder as The King of Kings put the boots to Danielson. He was like a man possessed and he dragged Danielson up to send him crashing into the security wall to more heat, and the sadistic Triple H stopped to look into the crowd, showing no remorse whatsoever as the referee jumped out of the ring to check on Danielson. Trips ignored him and carried on with the unprovoked attack, this time dragging Danielson up to send him into the steep steps to yet more furious heat from the Philly fans. The top step came off and Trips saw an opportunity, looking at the steps and turning back to the helpless Danielson. The Game picked the steel step up, turning back with it to Danielson with his arms stretched out on the base. The referee pleaded with Trips not to do it but he didn't listen and even kicked the ref in the gut. The ref fell to his knees and Triple H brushed his boot into the ref's face to focus on Danielson again.

The fans looked on so worried and tried to warn Danielson as Trips raised the steel up above Danielson's right arm, then brought it crashing down on to the arm. Danielson screamed out in agony, and that to hurt, understandably. Triple H dropped the steel but the crowd were fuming, booing the crap out of the remorseless son of a bitch. EMT's came racing down to ringside to help Danielson, immediately looking at his am, with Triple H watching, standing back without an ounce of regret. He was just watching as Danielson was helped to sit up, holding his arm looking in a great deal of pain, caring only about his arm and not the man that caused it. He was then helped up to his feet to take him to the back, but The Game struck again from the side with a shot to the side of the head. It put Danielson back down and the boos got even louder for the despicable Triple H as he stomped all over the injured arm, holding off the EMT's attempts to stop him. Danielson was screaming again and finally Triple H relented with the arena full of contempt for him as the medics again rushed to attend to the injured Danielson, and The King of Kings gazed into the crowd, not the least bit sorry for his heinous actions.

***

Eric Bischoff was shown confronting Triple H as The Game walked remorselessly back from the ring, and Raw's Head of Authority was absolutely raging, screaming at him in asking him why he did what he did and that he's just ruined a match he arranged especially. The King of Kings' only response was that Danielson got what he deserved for running his mouth but Bischoff said it wasn't an excuse and that he's now a man down for Backlash, and he then let Triple H know that he can sure as hell forget about getting a chance at becoming WWE Champion at Backlash. That infuriated The Game but he was told it was all his fault and Bischoff let him know if he forgot that he put his hands on the referee too. Bischoff was enraged and said he didn't want to deal with him tonight and told the security that appeared to get him out of his sight and out of the arena. Trips tried & failed to argue his case as Bischoff just ignored him and told security just to throw him out, and they did, leaving an angry Bischoff behind. He turned round to see Bryan Danielson, still supporting his right arm being helped back by the medics and he went to see how he was, and the medics told him they need to get him to hospital. Bischoff told them to take him and he apologised to Danielson and told him he'd deal with Triple H, and Danielson said that he would too even when Bischoff's done with him. As Danielson then walked out of the shot with the medics, Bischoff said that he (Danielson) might not get the chance.​
Footage from earlier in the day was shown when Eric Bischoff arrived in the building, greeted by Leticia Cline, who asked him about the rumours that Triple H could be in trouble for his actions last week. Raw's Head of Authority told her that he couldn't go into much detail because he was still talking to the Board of Directors about what action to take but what he could say was that Bryan Danielson suffered a suspected fractured elbow in that attack and that he can assure everyone Triple H would not be there tonight but he will be dealt with hopefully next week, and to make no mistake about it. Bischoff walked off up the halls of the arena leaving Leticia contemplating what fate could befall The King of Kings next week.


The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig) were in the back looking on edge when they were approached by Eric Bischoff, walking back from the ring. He too didn't look happy at seeing them, walking right towards them, asking them if it was true they planned to boycott their match at Backlash against John Morrison & Justin Gabriel. They both said he'd heard right and that there was no way they were stepping one foot in the ring with Gabriel, let alone letting him put his hands on them. Bischoff shook his head in disgust and told them they're not only being ridiculous but extremely homophobic, and that his threat of firing anyone for discrimination stands. That toned down the expressions of Cody & Joe, realising Bischoff was serious, and he was, going on to tell them that he'd give them something else to think about, to think about how if they don't go ahead with the match, it puts them at the back of the line of becoming World Tag Team Champions, and that a win over Morrison & Gabriel would give them a great chance of getting themselves a shot at the tag team titles. That registered with them and Bischoff gave them more to think about, accusing them of actually being worried about losing to J'n'J and to think about whether they want to be on the scrap heap or potential tag team champions. He also told them that if Triple H has put them up to it because he was told not to turn up, they should ignore him because he might not be around for them much longer, leaving that with them, and they sure had something to ponder, taking in all Bischoff told them.​

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


The World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence were shown pacing through the halls of the arena with their titles, leaving it to go outside where Cryme Time were heading back in empty handed. Christopher Daniels & Kaval demanded to know where their stuff was that Shad & JTG took from their locker rooms before but were told that it was gone, not that they could sell what they called crap so it was thrown in the trash. Daniels said he couldn't believe they would throw their clothes & possessions away, and he then called Shad & JTG trash and a disgrace, then he shoved JTG. It didn't go down well with the number one contenders, and they looked at each other with JTG telling Daniels he shouldn't have done that but they'll wait until Backlash to take the only things they have that aren't crap, the gold they're carrying which he said he & Shad will take & keep for themselves when they beat their asses.

The World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval) made their way out to the ring for action, and Daniels had something to say. He said that he & Kaval objected to having to defend their tag team titles against a couple of criminals but that it was appropriate that Cryme Time would literally have to steal their titles from them if they wanted to get their hands on them and it was criminal they were allowed to challenge them in the first place. He then sent them a message, telling them that he & Kaval were about to make a statement of their excellence by defeating two of the men challenging for the WWE Championship at Backlash.

*Match #2*
Non-Title Match
John Cena & Rey Mysterio vs The Epitome of Excellence
Cena & Rey settled well as a team, causing the champions trouble from the bell. Daniels & Kaval were rattled, but they settled into it and ended up targeting Mysterio, coming so close to the win when Rey was looking to make a desperate saving tag to Cena. Daniels entered the ring, distracting Rey, allowing Kaval to get back up and catch him with a super kick, only to get a two count. The tide turned ironically when Rey ducked a Tidal Wave and caught Kaval with an enzuigiri before crawling across to tag Cena. Kaval tagged Daniels at the same time and they burst into the ring at each other, and after gaining control, Cena looked to finish it. He had Daniels up on his shoulders for the F-U when Kaval flew back into the ring, but Cena swing Daniels round, hitting Kaval with Daniels' legs. It put Kaval down momentarily as Cena then hit the F-U with Mysterio surging back in to take both him & Kaval over the top with a clothesline. Cena didn't make a cover, turning over to apply the STFU and make Daniels tap despite his best attempts to escape. Rey re-entered the ring and celebrated with Cena, still copping some heat from the fans as he has in previous weeks since ending The Undertaker's streak three weeks ago.

Winners: John Cena & Rey Mysterio by pinfall.



The Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus was getting into it in the back with Team Omega (Matt Hardy, Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore). He was desperately trying to get at Matt, being held back by Moore & Helms with Matt goading him, just firing the Irishman up more. He had to resort to only telling Matt he was going to pay for what he did last week before sucker punching Moore and walking away, leaving Helms & Matt pissed, staring at him as Moore sat up on the floor.

*Commercial Break*

John Cena & Rey Mysterio were interviewed together by Leticia Cline, congratulated on their win earlier and were asked about how they were feeling going into Sunday night and the chance to become WWE Champion. Rey said he couldn't wait, calling it the opportunity he's been waiting for and he was going to take it, jokingly apologising to Cena, making out Cena doesn't have a chance. Cena told Rey he was fine to think that, but that personally he thinks Rey's the one who's going to be disappointed. He then mentioned it's been 18 months since he's been the WWE Champion and his time is now, but then turned to Rey and wished him luck, both shaking hands.


Back to the arena, the music of the dangerous Cesaro hit and the very serious Swiss former military man walked down to the ring, not fazed one iota by the heat from the crowd. Once in the ring, he wasted no time in demanding a microphone, and when he had it in hand, he cut right to the chase. He mentioned how in his debut match he defeated two men who couldn't compete with him, and that he wasn't satisfied by the lack of competition he's had & seen. He then said that he earlier demanded a match with someone who will challenge him, a worthy opponent who will give him a real fight, and he was told he would get it. He turned to look up the stage and dropped the microphone, waiting to see who it would be, and out came Finlay, looking more than up for the fight, but he didn't unnerve the Swiss at all.

*Match #3*
Finlay vs Cesaro
Finlay did cause Cesaro some troubles, but his fellow European was more than up to the challenge and everything the Irishman threw at him. The knockout blow, literally was a devastating uppercut from a release back body drop. Finlay was helpless, there for the taking as the scarily strong Swiss, kneeled down and lifted him up off the mat with ease, staring into the crowd while doing so to let them know just how strong he is. It was effortless for him, pulling him into place for the Neutralizer, and hit it to gain another comfortable victory. He didn't smile getting his arm raised, just staring menacingly into the crowd again, and then down at the fallen Finlay writhing around before kicking him to the ropes and under the bottom rope down to the floor, obviously not impressed by the challenge posed from the Irishman.

Winner: Cesaro by pinfall.


That wasn't all though and he again called for a microphone, saying that if that's all the competition there is, there isn't going to be anyone capable of stopping him dominate everyone. He dropped the stick again and gave the crowd the eyes again, meaning business for sure.


Angel Love & Talia Sky (Picture Perfect - Angelina Love & Velvet Sky) were in the back, leaving their locker room in their ring gear with Angel saying it's time to show the 'divas' what they're all about before they embarrass the two tramps on Sunday. Talia then asked Angel if she was worried about having to team with Kong, saying they'd be standing next to someone so hideous, reckoning it'll make them look bad. Angel told her not to be ridiculous though and said she was going to enjoy watching Kong squash the tramps, and Talia agreed, saying it would be fun, and off they went laughing up the hall.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Picture Perfect, Angel (Angelina Love) & Talia (Velvet Sky) went on to taunt the crowd, saying that it was about time they had females who were more than just something to look at, only that no one in Philadelphia had a chance with either of them. The crowd booed again and then "Paparazzi" hit with Melina making her way out into the arena, not looking impressed at all with Angel or Talia. Melina was cheered as her music stopped and she let rip at them, telling them they're no different to any of the divas in the back and all they're doing is being controversial to make a name for themselves. She called them obvious and that everyone will figure them out soon like she has if they haven't already, and she then told them that as far as being picture perfect, she couldn't see it, saying they didn't look at all special to her. That really pissed Angel & Talia off no end, looking stunned to be told they're nothing special. Melina carried on, calling them bullies for what they did to Kelly Jelly last week and that Kelly didn't deserve that, but Angel cut in and told Melina that Kelly was a message to every so called diva. Angel then told Melina that like Kelly, Melina has a reputation they're already aware of.

She also said it proves they are different to her because unlike Melina & Kelly for example, they've not slept with almost the entire locker room whether it be to get ahead or just because they were easy. Melina didn't seem too surprised or bothered by the insult, but Angel looked pleased with herself, and she & Talia were smirking at each other, thinking they'd made a point. Melina though asked if that was "all they got" as she's heard that so many times before and that it's not even true. Angel said she thinks Melina is the whore they think she is and that Melina shouldn't want to know or see "what else they got" unless she wanted to end up like the bimbo last week. Melina wasn't intimidated though and said that from where she was standing, they didn't have very much. Angel & Talia looked at each other, shaking their heads, and they attacked, tackling Melina down to the mat and pummelling her with right hands to heat from the crowd. They stepped back, watching & laughing as Melina crawled towards the ropes, trying to help get back up when Kelly Kelly ran down the ramp towards the ring, pulling Melina to safety, just as Picture Perfect went back after her. They didn't look at all happy as Kelly & Melina backed away from the ring with "Holla" playing, and they stared back angrily at the equally angry Angel & Talia.



***

O.D.B. vs Queen Kong
The Unified Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix was watching from the stage as the two contenders for her title battled it out, and it was a real battle. It wasn't at all pretty, and it ended up spiralling outside after Kong held the ropes to send an onrushing O.D.B. over them and down to the floor. Kong joined her and a brawl ensued on the floor with O.D.B. fighting back, catching Kong and the fans by surprise. It got heavy though with Kong sent into the steps, and O.D.B. lost it, ignoring the referee's count to keep stomping away at Kong, and the count got to ten, meaning it ended in a double count out. O.D.B. didn't seem bothered at all, like she'd shut herself off to it.


Eric Bischoff then walked out to the stage, standing alongside Beth, getting O.D.B.'s attention, telling her to stop. She did so reluctantly, and Bischoff said that clearly she & Kong need to resolve their problems in a different way, announcing that they will meet again in two weeks at Backlash in a Falls Count Anywhere match. The crowd sounded happy with that and cheered, and even O.D.B. cracked a wry smile with Beth not sure how to react. O.D.B. took another look down at Kong by the steps looking like she was looking forward to Backlash.

*Match #4*
O.D.B., Melina & Kelly Kelly
vs Queen Kong & Picture Perfect
Angel & Talia stayed on the apron as much as they could, only going into the action when Kong had their opponents down. The two divas making their in-ring debuts took great pleasure in standing over their beaten opponents too, getting great heat from the fans and vengeful looks from the opposing corner. It almost backfired on them too when the complacent Sky taunted Melina, shouting at her to get up, and when she did, she nailed Talia with a roundhouse kick. Love came to her partner's rescue, and when it came down to it, Kong made a blind tag to come in and finish off Kelly, hitting the implant buster to get the win with chaos on the outside and O.D.B. unable to get back in the ring in time to break it up. She & Kong stared intently at each other ahead of their Falls Count Anywhere match with Beth Phoenix, the Diva's Champion shown watching in the back. Picture Perfect entered the ring to get their arms raised and took great pleasure in mocking Melina and the hurt Kelly, but it'll be a different match Sunday without Kong.

Winners: Queen Kong & Picture Perfect by pinfall.



John Morrison & Justin Gabriel (J'n'J) were shown in the back with Gabriel thanking Morrison for his support through all this the last few weeks, saying it's helped him a lot knowing he can count on him. Morrison told his tag team partner not to mention it and that it's no big deal, not like what they're going to do to Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig at Backlash. He told Gabriel that he's never wanted to win a match or beat someone up as bad more than he does in six nights, but then, in walked 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge. The Canadian clearly didn't want to show them his support, joking they made a cute couple and telling them that no one cares if they win or not at Backlash, because the only thing anyone cares about is who leaves as the WWE Champion. He said he was going to spoil it for them, saying it will be him before telling them to get a room before walking out of the shot, getting some very disapproving, and rightfully so looks from J'n'J. Morrison turned back to Gabriel and told him to ignore crap like that, and Gabriel said he intends to before asking his tag partner who he thinks will be the new WWE Champion. Morrison just said that after that, he doesn't care as long as it's not Edge, and Gabriel smirked & agreed.

*Commercial Break*

*Match #5*

Elimination Qualifying Match for the WWE Championship Tournament at Backlash
Mystico vs Sheamus
vs Chris Jericho vs The Miz vs Jack Swagger
These five all came out fired-up, desperate to get the last spot in the tournament to crown the new WWE Champion at Backlash. Sheamus was dominating early, and the Intercontinental Champion looked all set to hit the Brogue Kick on Mystico until Team Omega ran down to the ring with Matt Hardy jumping on the apron. Sheamus was distracted, turning his back on Mystico to run at Matt, who jumped down off the apron, and when Sheamus turned back round, he walked into a super kick from Mystico who covered him to eliminate the Irishman. Mystico barely had time to celebrate, unlike Team Omega who backed away laughing, but Mystico wasn't laughing when Jericho spun him into a Codebreaker to eliminate the Mexican. Sheamus sat up furious, staring up at the Carolina crew laughing back at him, only pissing the IC Champ off even more, and he stomped back up the ramp after The Omega Boys had gone backstage.

It left Jericho with Miz & Swagger, and Swagger had the fans cheering when he applied the ankle lock to Jericho, but the Canadian fought his way to the ropes when it looked like he may tap. Miz looked to take advantage of the disappointed Swagger, sneaking up behind for The Skull Crushing Finale, but Swagger swung his elbow back into the side of Miz's head, then planted him with a spin-out powerbomb, getting the three count to eliminate the groggy Miz. He & Jericho then went at it with Miz on lying on the apron, and The All-American American had the support of the crowd, and when he looked to apply the ankle lock again, Jericho turned himself over and kicked up at Swagger. It sent him crashing back into Miz as he was getting back up, knocking Swagger off balance, turning back in a spin into the Codebreaker, and Jericho made the cover in a flash, getting the three and winning the match to win the sixth spot in the race to be WWE Champion Sunday, and boy was he relieved as he stood up, getting his arm raised looking like a man determined to be champion.

Winner: Chris Jericho.

*Commercial Break*

Footage from during the break was shown where the Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus & Matt Hardy were held apart by officials and Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore. Sheamus was absolutely furious but reluctantly was pushed back away by the officials.




J.R. announced that had just been confirmed that Matt Hardy & Sheamus will meet on a special pre-show match Sunday night at Backlash for the Intercontinental Championship.

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


The Philadelphia crowd went nuts and Miz's jaw dropped as Rob Van Dam made his shocking return to Raw, hitting the stage to a huge ovation looking happy to be back with Miz still stunned in the ring. RVD made his way down and slapped hands with the fans on the way, entering the ring to another massive pop from the fans, getting them shouting his initials doing his 'RVD' taunt, not going down well with Miz, fuming in the corner, desperately appealing with the referee for whatever reason.

WWE Championship Qualifying Match for Backlash
Rob Van Dam vs The Miz
The crowd were electric throughout for the return of RVD, popping hard for Rolling Thunder especially. Miz might've been shocked beyond belief before the match but he reacted well, getting his knees up when Mr. Monday Night when for a split-legged moonsault. He really took it hard to RVD, showing real intensity & determination to get to Backlash, but RVD was up to the fight. He slipped out of a Skull Crushing Finale attempt and fought his way into control, getting Miz in place for the Five Star Frog Splash to another enormous response from the Philadelphia 'ECW' crowd as RVD jumped up to the top rope. Miz was there for the taking and RVD hit it to another massive pop, securing the win on his return to the WWE having booked himself a semi final spot at Backlash in the hunt for the WWE Championship. He enjoyed it too, celebrating with his adoring fans, glad to be back.


***

Rob Van Dam was shown walking backstage from the ring all smiles, being welcomed back by superstars & officials alike, and then he bumped into 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge. The mood changed and the smile disappeared off RVD's face and Edge wasn't impressed by his return to the company, sarcastically clapping him. RVD just stood there and asked Edge if there was something he wanted to say, and there was. Edge asked RVD if he was meant to be impressed or worried that he's back, then if RVD remembered the last time they fought for the WWE Championship, reminding RVD he won it from him right there on Raw, telling him not to get his hopes up for Backlash. RVD wasn't impressed or fazed by Edge and just said "whatever dude" before walking away, and that didn't set well with Edge as he turned to watch him walking away from him.​
Rob Van Dam was interviewed in the back by Leticia Cline, asked what it's like to be back in the WWE and on Raw. RVD was clearly happy in being back on Raw, saying that after all, he is 'Mr. Monday Night' and the reaction he got from the fans last week was crazy. Leticia then asked him about his match with Edge tonight as well as the chance of leaving Backlash as the WWE Champion Sunday night. Van Dam said it was great to be back competing for the WWE Championship and in the main event of Raw, saying that's what it's all about. He then talked about how winning the WWE title three years ago was the biggest win and best moment of his career and winning it again at Backlash will be just as good. He said he was going to give it everything he's got, starting later on against Edge and showing everyone what they can expect at Backlash, saying they won't be surprised when the new WWE Champion's announced as "Rob Van Dam". The crowd joined in, as you could hear coming from the arena as RVD walked out of the shot smiling, looking & feeling confident.


"Out To Kill" hit and The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig) reluctantly walked out into the arena for their match, but Cody had some talking to do before. He grabbed the microphone from Lilian Garcia and said that he & Hennig felt threatened by Bischoff that they had no choice but to go ahead with the match at Backlash against John Morrison & Justin Gabriel even though they're uncomfortable with it. He said that it wasn't homophobic as Bischoff put it, just that they're naturally uneasy with it, which is normal he claimed. He then though stated that they will go ahead with the match, only because they want & deserve a shot at the tag team titles in the future. He made it crystal clear to Bischoff that they didn't appreciate being put in this position, getting a massive amount of heat, but then "Ain't No Make Believe" hit to a big pop and Justin Gabriel & John Morrison (J'n'J) walked out to the stage with Morrison holding a microphone. He told Rhodes & Hennig to listen to how pathetic they sound, telling them they need to realise they're the only ones who have a problem about Gabriel being gay. The Monday Night Delight then said that regardless of how they feel about it, he supports his partner 100%, just as he will at Backlash on Sunday, saying that he can't wait to beat some sense into them and they need it, but for now he & Gabriel will be just happy watching another team do it too. Off they walked down to the ring, joining JR & The King at the announce table, much to the annoyance of Rhodes & Hennig, clearly not happy to have their rivals ringside for their match, and their opponents, Cryme Time flew out to the stage all pumped and ready to go, days before their rematch for the tag team titles.

*Match #6*
Cryme Time vs The King's Men
J'n'J sat at the announce table throughout with J.R. & King telling Gabriel he was brave for being brave enough to admit he's gay in a tough environment, and they told Morrison how impressed they were with the way he's supported him. Together they watched their rivals closely, not getting involved, but their presence was an unwanted distraction for Cody & Joe. They had the fans against them too, and the support for Shad & JTG spurred them on. Eventually The King's Men used their initiative to get into the match, and that too didn't go down well with the fans. When Shad got a hot tag though, the match turned in the favour of Cryme Time, rattling Rhodes & Hennig. Joe was circling the drain and Cody was sent off the apron with a big boot, hitting the floor to a pop from the fans. When he got back up though, he brought a steel chair with him, right in front of the announce table and J'n'J. Gabriel stood up, threw off his headset and grabbed the steel chair, pissing Cody off no end. The ref watched what was going on as Gabriel tossed the chair down to the floor, getting into it with Cody as Shad was hit from behind by Hennig, but he reversed an irish whip and connected with a massive big boot to the face. Rhodes was oblivious as he got in Gabriel's face, but the South African wasn't intimidated and stared right back at him as Shad & JTG hit the G9 to get the win, surprising Cody as he turned round. Gabriel & Morrison were very amused, and Morrison stood up, taunting the pissed Rhodes, turning to see Cryme Time celebrating their win before heading back up the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans on the way back. Cody dived back in the ring, getting away from J'n'J, who enjoyed seeing their rivals pissed in the ring, but as Cryme Time were turning back to pose for the crowd, The Epitome of Excellence emerged from the back and attacked from behind, with shots to the back with their title belts. Boos rang out as Christopher Daniels & Kaval stared down at them, lifting their titles up as Cody, Hennig and the unimpressed Morrison & Gabriel looked on, all four teams ready for battle at Backlash.

Winners: Cryme Time by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*



*6 Men... 1 Goal... 3 Matches... 1 New WWE Champion*

>This Sunday!<

J.R. & The King ran through the matches they could expect to see at Backlash.



They started with the pre-show match, speculating whether the anger Sheamus has built up over the last week as well as the numbers game will favour Matt Hardy, having Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore in his corner as Matt looks to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career. Rightly they said that Sheamus has overcome some big challenges, including beating Rey Mysterio at Wrestlemania last month, and if Matt is to win, it'll take a big effort on his part, and maybe from his friends.



On to the main show and the Falls Count Anywhere match between the two ferocious women. J.R. talked about how Kong's not been able to forget how O.D.B. cost her the chance to beat Beth Phoenix to become the Unified Diva's Champion at Wrestlemania as well as how O.D.B. has been after revenge for Kong doing the same to her at No Way Out and for putting her on the shelf. They said it wouldn't be pretty, a real fight, and that the winner would be a step closer to a shot at the Unified Divas Championship they both want.



Next up was the divas tag team match between the newcomers, Angel Long & Talia Sky, and the 'divas' they've set their sights on, Melina & Kelly Kelly. King said he was looking forward to it for obvious reasons but that even he wanted to see Melina & Kelly Kelly put Picture Perfect in their place after the things they've said & done since their debut.



Cryme Time's rematch for the tag team titles was the next under the microscope, and J.R. reminded us how Shad & JTG had to forfeit the titles due to Shad's injury last September, how they weren't beaten for the title and that they're unbeaten the last few weeks since Shad returned. They both said that the champions showed that might be worrying them judging from the attack before the break and that it should, speculating that Cryme Time could soon be champions again come Sunday night.



The fierce rivalry between J'n'J & The King's Men was discussed then with both JR & King emphatic in saying that if there was any justice in the world, John Morrison & Justin Gabriel would come out on top against Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig, but that it doesn't always work out like that, hoping it would though as Rhodes & Hennig deserve to get their asses kicked more than anyone they've seen in a long time for the way they've dealt with the whole situation, calling them despicable.



Then of course it came down to the tournament to crown the new WWE Champion when the six superstars who've qualified to compete in two triple threat matches with the winners then battling it out one-on-one. Neither J.R. or King could pick a winner, not knowing who would be facing who yet in the semi finals, but that they were both so excited to see the six superstars giving it everything they have to become the new WWE Champion.

*The Main Event*
Rob Van Dam vs Edge
Once JR & King handed over to Lilian Garcia, she introduced both RVD & Edge to vastly opposite reactions. RVD was over massively and Edge was booed heavily by the crowd, and we saw a few different shots from the back of fellow title contenders watching. John Cena & Rey Mysterio were watching together and Chris Jericho was watching in a locker room, as was Kofi Kingston as RVD & Edge went all out to get a huge win heading into Backlash. It looked like it was going to be Edge when he got his knees up when RVD came off the top for the Five Star Frog Splash, and when they were both back up, Edge exploded out of the corner to hit a spear, but Van Dam got his foot on the rope to surprise everyone. Only Edge was disappointed in the surprise, and the frustration began to show even more when he went looking for another spear, only to be helped over the top by RVD. Edge hit the floor and crawled across it to grab a steel chair before crawling back in the ring with it, but as he stood up with it and ran at RVD, he ran into an purely instinctive Van Daminator, and it got RVD DQ'd to a ton of heat. He pleaded his case but initially gave in, seeing Edge down on the mat, headed up top and this time hit a Five Star Frog Splash to a big pop with "One Of A Kind" blasting out with shots of the other contenders again shown from the back, all looking very serious about the challenge they face in six nights. The shot went back to the ring and ended with RVD standing up in the middle of the ring, getting the crowd to shout "Rob... Van... Dam" one more time, definitely confident of his chances with Edge sitting up looking pissed to bring the curtain down on the last Raw without a WWE Champion.

Winner: Edge by DQ.

*End of Show*
Kofi Kingston defeated Orlando Jordan
John Cena & Rey Mysterio defeated The Epitome of Excellence
Cesaro defeated Finlay
Queen Kong & Picture Perfect defeated O.D.B., Melina & Kelly Kelly
Chris Jericho won an elimination match to advance to Backlash
Cryme Time defeated The King's Men
Edge defeated Rob Van Dam

>Superstars Tapings<
Jack Swagger defeated Goldust
Matt Hardy defeated Ezekiel Jackson

>Dark Match<
Gregory Helms defeated Dean Ambrose

>Confirmed for 'Championship' Backlash<
(This Sunday)

WWE Championship Tournament
Participants:
Edge, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Rob Van Dam, Kofi Kingston & Chris Jericho

World Tag Team Championship
Cryme Time vs The Epitome of Excellence (c)

Falls Count Anywhere
O.D.B. vs Queen Kong

>Plus<

J'n'J vs Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig

Melina & Kelly Kelly vs Picture Perfect

>Pre-Show<

Intercontinental Championship
Matt Hardy vs Sheamus (c)


 
#1,855 ·
Either way I can't wait until Backlash and why? Because it is this Sunday and not to mention any one of the 6 men Edge, RVD, Mysterio, Cena, Kofi and Jericho could be WWE Champion but I am so happy that Triple H is not getting another title shot and quite frankly Triple H has had enough title shots at the WWE Championship and the fact that he is not getting another title shot makes me happy because Triple H did this to himself and now he has to go to the back of the line, the end of the line for Triple H but it will be interesting to see what Triple H does as far as Backlash goes

But Matt Hardy vs Sheamus for the WWE Intercontinental Championship I am really looking forward to it because Sheamus/Hardy should steal the show that's for sure

Picture Perfect I just love them each and every week because these 2 divas in the divas division either one of them could be WWE Unified Divas Champion but I could see them beating Melina and Kelly Kelly
 
#1,856 ·



>BACKLASH<



>The Six Are Set!<


We went into Raw last night wondering what would happen to the sixth spot in the tournament to crown a new WWE Champion at Backlash after Triple H attacked Bryan Danielson before their qualifying match last week. There was also controversy surrounding Chris Jericho's defeat to Kofi Kingston last week too that saw Kofi book his spot at Backlash and a shot at the WWE title. However, last night it was all cleared up.

Jericho was understandably furious after the referee counted to three the previous week when his foot was clearly on the bottom rope, and Eric Bischoff agreed, but he was unable to reverse the decision. Instead he made an elimination match between all five of the contenders who lost their qualifying matches, and it was Jericho who prevailed, eliminating Jack Swagger to ensure he goes to Backlash this weekend to challenge for the WWE Championship.

He joins Kofi, John Cena, Rob Van Dam, Rey Mysterio & Edge in battling it out to take the title vacated by Shawn Michaels. Only one of them can win the title. Just who will that be?



>Pre-Show Match for the IC Title!<

The anger from last week spilled over into this week with the Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus, desperate to get his hands on Matt Hardy, and after allowing Matt to distract him from getting to Backlash in the elimination match for the last spot at the WWE title tournament, Sheamus will be even more eager to get his hands on him.

Last week, Sheamus issued a challenge to anyone in the locker room, still angry after losing to Rey Mysterio the week before in their qualifying match for Backlash. The Irishman's anger got the better of him and he was quickly disqualified, and when he went after Matt's buddies at ringside, Matt caught him by surprise with a Twist of Fate. Last night Sheamus went looking for him backstage and he sucker punched Shannon Moore. Matt then went looking for revenge and distracted Sheamus, who fell victim to a super kick from Mystico was eliminated. Sheamus went after him after the match and they were kept apart, but that won't be the case this Sunday in East Rutherford.

Will Sheamus's anger get the better of him again? Can Matt take advantage of him and take the Intercontinental title?


 
#1,857 ·
As for the World Tag Team Championship, Cryme Tyme vs The Epitome of Excellence (c), I can see this match opening up the show but then afterwards I can see J n J facing The King's Men as the 2nd match of the PPV and then after that the 3rd match ends up being for the WWE Intercontinental Championship and then the 4th match ends up being the first Triple-Threat (Kofi vs Rey vs RVD) and the 5th match ends up being Melina & Kelly Kelly vs Picture Perfect and then the 6th match ends up being the 2nd Triple Threat (Cena vs Jericho vs Edge)

But as for the main event it ends up being the winner of the first Triple Threat to take on the winner of the 2nd Triple Threat to close the show, to determine the new WWE Champion

But either way I can't wait until Backlash this Sunday
 
#1,858 · (Edited)



Friday Night Smackdown
Friday April 24th 2009
Live from the B-Lo Center, Greenville
South Carolina

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


A limo pulled up in the arena and the driver got up to open the door, and out stepped Mr. McMahon, and then Stephanie McMahon too. They were quickly approached by Josh Matthews who said he was surprised to see Stephanie, then asked them both how they were, reminding us they've not been seen since both their respective incidents with CM Punk. Vince said they were both fine, thanked Josh for asking and told him that as of now it was business as usual. Josh then asked him for his thoughts on his wife's decision last week to go against the board's wishes and not fire Punk. Both Vince & Steph didn't seem to be happy at being reminded of that, remaining coy, but Vince did say that they didn't have to deal with Punk tonight and that they both have faith in Randy Orton being the last man standing in their rematch at Extreme Rules.

***

Michael Cole was standing in the ring and told the crowd that he was about to speak to the World Heavyweight Champion, and he then introduced Randy Orton to a big pop from the Rochester crowd. The World Champion, in his trunks and a T-shirt walked down to the ring with his title over his shoulder looking calm & composed but very serious too, and Cole asked Orton about the ending to last week's show and why he saved CM Punk's job when he was all set to be fired by Linda McMahon in asking for Punk to be given his rematch, a Last Man Standing match. Cole even asked Orton if it could be seen as naive and Orton said he could understand why people questioned why he didn't stand back and let Punk get fired but what they need to realise is that he's not afraid of a challenge like Punk and that Punk's in for a world of trouble at Extreme Rules. The Viper talked about how he's going to make Punk pay for attacking him from behind like a coward two weeks ago and that there's nothing wrong with him wanting to be the one to deal with Punk and that he'll do just that when he's the Last Man Standing in three weeks. Cole seemed to understand that and asked Orton if Punk's claims of how he should still be World Champion due to Mr. McMahon putting his (Orton's) foot on the rope at Wrestlemania after the GTS.

CM Punk then came up on the tron, 'live via satellite' and he said that it's ridiculous people have been saying how grateful he should be for Randy saving his job last week and that the only person who should be grateful is Randy for Mr. McMahon putting his foot on the rope when he had him beat after the GTS, calling it the only reason Orton's World Champion right now, but that he won't be for long. Orton cut in and told Punk all that was is opinion and spoke about how Punk bragged about kicking out of an RKO in midair, claiming that no one expected it and that he too could've kicked out of the GTS but no one knows if he would or not. The World Champion then said that at Extreme Rules there will be no doubt, no speculation as there has to be one man left standing, telling Punk there can't be any excuses this time and that it'll end the same way their Wrestlemania match did with a punt to the head. Punk wasn't intimidated and told Orton at Extreme Rules he will be 'extreme', even more extreme than he was two weeks ago to him & Vince. Orton looked up at the tron, listening to every word Punk had to say, and the former champion told Randy to enjoy the next three weeks holding what should still be his (Punk's) title, because after Extreme Rules he's going to take the world title back like the last time a McMahon thought they'd taken it from him. Punk said this time was no different and that as much as listening to Randy talking him to sleep, he will put Randy to sleep at Extreme Rules and take back the World Heavyweight Championship.

"This Fire Burns" blasted its way through the speakers of the B-Lo Center in Greenville, and CM Punk made his first live appearance on Smackdown in three weeks with Homicide by his side as ever. The former World Heavyweight Champion didn't get a great response from the crowd, nor did he care, even for some cheers he did get. He wasn't in much of a mood and said that as happy as he's told he should be that he has a rematch, it's a mere entitlement that any former champion should have, let alone one that was robbed of his title, emphasising the word "again". He told the crowd it was important that he used that word and showed evidence to back it up on the tron. We were shown reminders of Stephanie McMahon's quick count after the F-U from John Cena on Punk at Night of Champions, and then Mr. McMahon putting Randy Orton's foot on the rope at Wrestlemania four weeks ago after the GTS, leaving Punk fuming. The shot went back to the ring and Punk continued, saying that in all the anger & controversy of what happened at Wrestlemania and since then, he failed to realise that his rematch with Randy Orton at Extreme Rules will take place in all of places, Montreal. The word drew some cheers from the crowd and Punk speculated that this is all just another conspiracy as it was at Wrestlemania to screw him over, and he showed more footage for those oblivious to what he's referring to in Montreal.

The finish from the infamous Montreal Screwjob at the 1997 Survivor Series between Shawn Michaels & Bret Hart was shown where Mr. McMahon called for the bell, costing Bret the then WWF Championship, resulting in him spitting on Vince. We again were taken back to the ring and Punk said that what happened in Montreal 12 years ago is still synonymous with everyone associated with the business and is the night that changed wrestling forever, stating that it was the night that made Vince McMahon the monster he is today. Punk spoke of how that was the night Vince decided he could just meddle in anything he wanted but sent him a warning that if there was so much of a hint of a repeat of what happened that night in Montreal, the least of his worries will be being spat on. Punk said that Bret might've been known as 'The Hitman', but he promised to be more of a hitman than Bret was if he doesn't walk out of Extreme Rules with the world title that everyone knows should still be his. It drew mostly heat from the crowd, and then "No Chance In A Hell" hit, and out into the arena walked Mr. McMahon and his daughter, Stephanie McMahon. They were mostly cheered by the fans as they slowly walked down to the ring, followed by a handful of security officers. They were told to hang fire outside the ring by Vince, and once inside, there was a real tense staredown between Vince, Stephanie, Punk & Homicide.

Stephanie then went to get a microphone and said that Punk ought to be careful making threats like he just did, but he jumped right in and told Stephanie to shut up. He wasn't in the mood to be dictated to and told Stephanie that his threats are well warranted, as they both know, but he also said that as extreme as he can be, he can be sensible too. He then offered them the chance to avoid another potential Montreal incident by adding a stipulation to his match with Orton, in that if they so much as get involved in that match, he automatically becomes World Heavyweight Champion again. That wasn't popular with the majority of the crowd, and Punk claimed that it was the very least that he deserves. Vince clearly wasn't in agreement and told Punk emphatically that he should be damn lucky he still has a job, and if it wasn't for his wife or Randy Orton, he wouldn't be. Stephanie though was calmer than her father, and she stepped in to calm him down before telling Punk that he was in no position to issue threats, especially considering the thin ice he's on. She then told him however, that she's had time to reflect on it all and has come to the realisation that she needs to take a step back, and as much as he doesn't show it, so does her dad, and that Punk has both her & her dad's word that neither of them will interfere in his match at Extreme Rules.

Punk laughed though and asked if she was serious, asking if he was seriously meant to just accept their word for it given everything they've done already, and not just to him. He couldn't believe it and told her that he's not easy to manipulate and they should realise that he's not going to be grateful for just having a job and take whatever crap's thrown at him. Stephanie stayed calm, but had to cool her dad down again before reassuring Punk that they have both come to realise their past mistakes and that they can't get themselves involved in the manner they have, meaning that she promises to officially add Punk's stipulation to the contract for the rematch with Randy Orton ay Extreme Rules. That took Punk by surprise but Stephanie said that as much as she promised to do that, it didn't mean he was just going to get his way, and she let him know that he'll be going man-to-man with Randy Orton later on, reminding him how angry Randy was three weeks ago when Punk jumped him and then attacked her dad. She announced the main event would see Punk teaming up with Homicide to take on the World Heavyweight Champion and Mr. Money in the Bank, Christian, getting a huge pop from the Greenville crowd, and "I'm All Grown Up Now" hit with tension still there in the ring before Stephanie turned to leave with Vince still raging inside, reluctantly being told to join her with Punk & Homicide watching their every step.

*Commercial Break*



>2 Weeks!<

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


Yoshi Tatsu vs Jay Lethal
The Cruiserweight Champion, J-Red came to get a closer look, sitting on a foldout chair at ringside, not causing much concern for the determined Lethal on his in-ring Smackdown debut. Tatsu had the crowd on his side and challenged Lethal, but it was Lethal who came out on top after hitting the Lethal Injection, a side suplex lift into an elevated neckbreaker to get the win. He got his arm raised and walked over to the apron, looking down at Red, who stood up holding his cruiserweight title. Lethal pointed to it, gesturing it was going to be his, not that it concerned the champion, and then some cheers came from the crowd. Lethal was confused and turned round, seeing Michael Shane there in the ring, and Shane levelled him with sweet chin music to a pop from the fans. He stood over Lethal and looked over at Red himself, a marked man it would seem.
*The Opening Match*
Non-Title Match
J-Red vs Kid Kash w/Jamie Noble
Jay Lethal was watching at the announce table, casting an eye over the Cruiserweight Champion as he battled it out with a very determined Kid Kash. Red was given a real beatdown by Kash, and Lethal told Michael Cole & Matt Striker that he intends to do the same to the Cruiserweight Champion and take his title in the near future, but the spirit that's defined Red shone through yet again, fighting to the ropes when Kash had him locked in the Kash On Delivery, an elevated Boston crab. It left Kash shocked, but mostly furious. He was told to hang back from the ropes as Red used them to get back on his feet, infuriating Noble in his partner's corner almost as much. Kash eventually ran into a raised boot, but Red could only then run into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. It was only enough for a two count, leaving Kash absolutely shell-shocked. He couldn't believe Red kicked out, and when he went for the deadly spike brainbuster, Red wriggled down to safety at the last second. Kash was stunned and turned round, into an enzuigiri that delighted the crowd. Red clawed his way back up and Noble jumped up on to the apron, attempting to help his partner, but Red ran at him, dropkicking him off the apron to another big pop. Red then stepped through the ropes on to the apron and steadied himself holding the top rope as Kash dragged himself back up. The fans were willing Red on, and the Cruiserweight Champion sprung into life, hitting the Red Alert, a diving swinging reverse STO to secure a hard fought win. The fans loved it and cheered their resilient champion on as he got his arm raised, lifting his title up into the air with Lethal watching, not sure how to react. Red looked at him, and then walked over to the apron and called for a microphone as Kash rolled out of the ring to join Noble.

Winner: J-Red by pinfall.


The Cruiserweight Champion looked back down at Lethal at the announce table and said that he knows there are a lot of people who want a shot at his title, but like he just showed, he'll take on anyone, any time any place. Another small cheer broke out and Red turned back to the crowd, saying that anyone in the back or even sat at ringside who wants his title need to know that he plans on keeping it for a long long time to come. He dropped the microphone and his music hit, and he walked into the corner, climbing up on to the second rope and looking down at Lethal while lifting the cruiserweight title up in the air with the fans cheering Red again, all while Lethal was telling Cole & Striker that Red better believe he's ready because he was coming for him & his title.

*Commercial Break*

Natalya Neidhart was shown backstage in one of the locker rooms, greeted by TJ Wilson, who walked in looking very pleased with himself. Natalya picked up on it and asked what made him so happy, and he told his girlfriend that he'd just got the match he wanted for later on with Ted DiBiase, also saying that Vince (McMahon) was in one foul mood but Stephanie was okay, giving him what he wanted. Natalya told him she was pleased he got the match but told him to be careful, saying they both know what he's like. TJ though was relaxed about it and said he'd be fine as he'd have her in his corner to take care of 'The Million Dollar Princess' if need be. A little grin appeared on Natalya's face and she said she liked the sound of that. TJ told her he thought she would and then went about getting ready for his match with DiBiase later, very much looking forward to it.​

*Video Promo*

"Chavo Ardiente" hit and out walked Chavo Guerrero to a pop from the crowd, and after stepping down off the second rope, he borrowed the microphone from Justin Roberts. The Mexican said that in just over two weeks he'll get the chance to show Alberto Del Rio that he's no weak link, that the legacy the Guerrero family has will continue when they meet in the Mexico City Streetfight. He went on to say that the Guerrero family weren't just great technical wrestlers but that they liked a good fight too, and Del Rio's going to find that out for himself in two weeks. Chavo handed the microphone back over and then his opponent, Shelton Benjamin made his way out into the arena looking like ready for a fight himself.

*Match #2*
Chavo Guerrero vs Shelton Benjamin
Chavo was fired-up for this one and had the crowd behind him too, but Shelton wasn't there to make it easy for him. It looked like Chavo was about to get the win when he ducked a roundhouse kick and hit The Three Amigo's, then headed up top, feeling froggy. The fans were cheering him on, standing up out of their seats, but Benjamin brought his knees up into Chavo's gut. The crowd were disappointed, and when both men made their way back up, Chavo ran out at Shelton, into a Samoan drop. It wasn't enough for a three, pissing Shelton off, and when he stood up he begged Chavo to do the same. He eventually helped him up from his knees and fired him into the corner, then ran in for a stinger splash, but Chavo stepped out, ducking under Shelton's arm. Benjamin hit the pads and then staggered out with the fans cheering, and Chavo reacted in a flash to kick him in the gut and hit a brainbuster. He went to the dizzy heights of the top rope again with Benjamin flat out beneath him, and this time he hit the frog splash to a big pop from the fans, made the cover and picked up the win.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero by pinfall.


As soon as Chavo was back on his feet and his music hit, he was jumped by Alberto Del Rio, who stomped all over his former tag team partner to a ton of heat from the crowd. He was relentless, and when he had Chavo down with no resistance, he locked in the cross armbreaker to even more boos as Chavo started to scream out in pain, tapping but with Del Rio refusing to let go. He didn't keep it locked in for long and did let go, standing up but still staring down with fury at Chavo. He then turned to the side and walked over to the apron, demanding a microphone. He walked back over with it to Chavo and kneeled down as the referee checked on Chavo. The remorseless Del Rio told Chavo to remember it was him (Chavo) who wanted the match at Extreme Rules, and that in their streetfight Chavo won't be so lucky because he promised that time he will break his arm. Del Rio dropped the microphone and stood back up as "Realeza" played to more heat from the crowd with Chavo sitting up, not looking too hurt, glaring at Del Rio as his fellow Mexican left the ring, smirking at the livid Chavo.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


The United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler walked out into the arena holding Christian's Money in the Bank briefcase too, and before the match could start he borrowed a microphone from Justin Roberts. The United States Champion was in fine spirits and directed a message at Christian, saying that in three weeks at Extreme Rules, not only will he retain his United States title but he'll take Christian's Money in the Bank briefcase too. He then told everyone to take a close look at him, holding up Money in the Bank, because soon it'll be his and they & Christian better get used to what they see. The fans booed the hell out of him, and TJ & Natalya didn't look too impressed either in the corner, but then Mr. McMahon appeared on the tron backstage in his office. Ziggler was taken by surprise and The Chairman of the Board said that earlier on he made the match between Christian & Ziggler for Extreme Rules and that he's had a bit more time to think about it with Stephanie bending his ear about it. Ziggler was looking worried but Vince told him not to panic as the match will still go ahead, but in the spirit of Extreme Rules it would now be a 30 minute iron man match, drawing a cheer from the crowd. Ziggler seemed pretty happy with that and Vince wished him luck before the tron switched back to the ring.

Non-Title Match
TJ Wilson w/Natalya Neidhart vs Dolph Ziggler
Dolph was getting hot & bothered and was stalking TJ for the Zig Zag, causing concern for Natalya on the outside when a big pop broke out and Christian ran out down the ramp. He grabbed his Money in the Bank briefcase from the apron, and Ziggler turned to see it, pissing the United States Champion off no end. He walked over to the apron and started shouting at Christian to get off it, who just pointed out it was his as TJ then sneaked up behind Dolph and rolled him up to get the win to a big pop. TJ slipped out of the ring and joined Natalya, getting his arm raised by the ref on the floor with a very angry Ziggler watching on his hands & knees, absolutely livid with Christian smirking back at him, lifting his briefcase up with the fans still cheering.


We were shown video footage from earlier in the day when 'Mr. Money in the Bank' Christian and the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler spoke about their 30 minute ironman match for both the United States title and the Money in the Bank contract at Extreme Rules. First up was Ziggler, and he said that he doesn't care what people think, it was the right decision to have the Money in the Bank contract on the line because he's more of a 'star' than Christian ever has been or will be. He said there was nothing remotely special about Christian and that in two weeks 'Captain No Charisma' can say goodbye to his chances of being a world champion because he's taking the briefcase at Extreme Rules. Christian's promo was next and said that as much as he doesn't like being forced to defend Money in the Bank, he wasn't going to bitch about it. He then said that all he can do now is beat Dolph Ziggler and shut that big mouth of his, which is exactly what he will do when he not just keeps Money in the Bank but becomes the new United States Champion too.


*Match #3*
Paul London, Brian Kendrick & Michael Shane
vs Petey Williams, Johnny Devine & Johnny Jeter
The WWE Tag Team Champions were joined by Michael Shane, and H.B.K.'s cousin looked very comfortable alongside one of his cousin's trainees & London. The fans were behind them from the start, and all three were really up for putting on a show for them. The Canadians & Jeter struggled to make an impact early on, but as it went on, Petey looked like he might score the win, all until Shane countered an attempt for the Canadian Destroyer with a back body drop. As they both then dragged themselves back up, Shane caught him with the sweet chin music, allowing him to crawl across the mat a few seconds later to a fired-up Kendrick. He flew over the top rope after getting the tag, worrying Petey's partners, who both stormed the ring to stop Kendrick getting at the struggling Williams. That brought London in too, and he & Kendrick quickly dealt with Jeter & Devine, sending them out of the ring. London hit a suicide dive to take them both down too on the floor. Petey though rolled a distracted Kendrick up, but Kendrick kicked out at two. They both flew up and Kendrick ducked a wild right hand, then caught Petey with a spin kick, grabbed him by the head, ran to the corner and hit the Sliced Bread, getting the win for his team, met with strong approval from the fans with the winning trio all celebrating on the ropes.

Winners: Paul London, Brian Kendrick & Michael Shane by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*


The World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton was shown taping up his wrists strongly, looking incredibly determined to get his hands on CM Punk later in the main event. There was a knock at the door and a tentative Josh Matthews walked in. The Viper turned his head and Josh approached him, asking Randy if he could ask him about his match with CM Punk & Homicide later. Orton ripped the tape from the roll and stood up telling Josh that he's waited three weeks to get his hands on Punk for attacking him like a coward, and that later on he was going to fight like a real man, like a champion, in the ring face-to-face, and that it would end like it did at Wrestlemania, with a punt to the head. Josh then asked him how he felt about what CM Punk said earlier about another Montreal screwjob and the stipulation added by Stephanie McMahon. Randy clearly had no problem with the clause and said he would prove to Punk at Extreme Rules that he deserves to be World Heavyweight Champion, and after he's the last man standing, Punk will have no excuses. The camera zoomed in on Orton's face, meaning every word as he prepared to meet Punk later on.


The WWE Tag Team Champions, Paul London & Kendrick were walking back from the ring, saying their goodbyes to their partner in their win, Michael Shane, and as they continued walked through the hallway, they bumped into The UK Pack (Harry Smith & Paul Burchill). The Brits congratulated them on their win earlier, thanked by the champions, no tension at all between them, and then Burchill told them that it was only fair they know they plan on using their rematch for the tag team titles very soon. Burchill explained that they wanted to tell them to their face as they respect them a great deal, but the fact is he & Harry desperately want the titles back after the way they lost them. Kendrick said that they understood and thanked them for telling him & London to their faces, then told Burchill & Smith that as far as he's concerned they can have a title shot whenever they want, it's no problem to them. There was more mutual appreciation between them and Kendrick then wished Harry luck later on against Wade Barrett before they went their separate ways.​

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


TJ Wilson & Natalya Neidhart were all smiles as they walked back from the ring with TJ saying "that's what I'm talking about" when he was jumped by Ted DiBiase, knocking him forward on to his knees. Natalya screamed at him, asking what he was doing, but with Maryse appearing alongside her boyfriend, who put the boots to the Canadian. Natalya tried to get him to stop, and when he did he just told Natalya that her boyfriend doesn't look so good himself, referring to last week when TJ nailed Ted with a right hand during a photoshoot for WWE magazine. The remorseless DiBiase then turned & walked out of the shot with Maryse as Natalya knelt down to check on her boyfriend who was squirming around on the floor.​
*Match #4*
TJ Wilson w/Natalya Neidhart vs Ted DiBiase w/Maryse
TJ was really up for getting his hands on DiBiase, but the same couldn't be said for Ted Jr. He didn't shy away from it though, but within three minutes, TJ gained the upper hand and had DiBiase down & struggling. He was circling Ted on the mat and Maryse got up on the apron to try & help her boyfriend. TJ walked towards her and told her to get down, but as he turned round and grabbed DiBiase by the feet, Ted kicked up at him, sending him back into Maryse, knocking her off the apron and down to the floor in a heap. She hit it hard and the ref immediately went to check on her with TJ turning round looking on in shock. He was worried, and as Ted sat up, he saw something wasn't right and left the ring too to see how she was. The referee called for help from the back, and Maryse was starting to move with TJ & Natalya looking on, both worried about her. She was eventually helped up, looking shaky and was helped to the back by Ted and the medic with DiBiase turning back staring furiously at Wilson, who did look very sorry for what happened.

Result: No Contest.



We went to the back and The Empire were all looking very serious in & around the production area. Wade Barrett was dressed for action, surrounded by Drew McIntyre, William Regal & Katie Lee. He told them that their win last week was more like it and that he was about to continue the good work by beating Harry Smith, leading as he should by example. They all gave him their support and headed off for the ring with Barrett definitely up for the fight against his long running rival.

*Commercial Break*

Maryse was shown in the back with the medic & Ted DiBiase, and the medic told them she was going to be okay and just to take it easy for the rest of the night. She was relieved but didn't look too comfortable with the medic touching her neck, and as she stepped off the table, DiBiase told her 'that Canadian midget' is going to pay for what he did to her the next time he sees him.


We cut across the back and to a catfight between Mickie James & Layla. Layla was on top of Mickie and was hitting her across the face, then she stood up and pulled off her belt to use that as a weapon, hitting Mickie with it until Elijah Burke arrived on the scene to break it up. He dragged his ex-fiancée off Mickie, asking Layla what the hell got into her, and he got a slap for his troubles from her as Mickie stood up. She told Layla to fight her properly, in a match if she dared get in the ring with her. Layla told her to get lost and walked off, belt in hand with a shocked & angry Burke & Mickie watching her walk away.


*Match #5*
Harry Smith w/Paul Burchill
vs Wade Barrett w/Drew McIntyre, William Regal & Katie Lee
Smith & Barrett went at it hell for leather, and it was a real even battle. Both wanted, and did beat the crap out of each other, but the tide turned in the favour of Smith when he ducked a big boot from Barrett and hit the delayed vertical suplex. Barrett kicked out at two, but Smith was looking to go for the running powerslam, panicking the rest of The Empire on the outside, and Regal & McIntyre flew into the ring to tackle Harry down to the mat, getting Wade DQ'd. Burchill hit the ring to try save his partner, but he got beat down by the numbers game. It was looking bad for The UK Pack with Barrett about to hit The Wasteland on Smith when Paul London & Brian Kendrick came running down to the ring. They dived under the bottom rope and a shocked Barrett reluctantly let go of Smith with the champions ready to take on The Empire, but Barrett called down his men and they left the ring, leaving The UK Pack down. Smith & Burchill began to sit up as The Empire backed away, not too happy, booed by the crowd with London & Kendrick standing alongside the number one contenders.

Winner: Harry Smith by DQ.

*Commercial Break*




*6 Men... 1 Goal... 3 Matches... 1 New WWE Champion*

>Sunday Night!<



The Unified Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix was interviewed backstage by Josh Matthews, asked about the Falls Count Anywhere match between O.D.B. & Queen Kong in what could look like an unofficial number one contender match for a shot at her title. The Glamazon's ribs weren't taped up for the first time in a month and she said that having been in the ring with them both fairly recently, she knows how tough they both are and is glad she isn't involved because she thinks it will be brutal, especially with no rules. She also said she was looking forward to watching it like the rest of the fans and that she would be at Backlash to watch it up close. She then said that she believes both of them deserve a title shot, and that she will gladly fight the winner if that's what happens. Beth was then asked by Josh about her ribs and how they were healing, if we'd see her back in the ring soon. The Glamazon told Josh that she's almost there and will be back in the ring sooner rather than later, and Josh said he hoped so and thanked her for her time.




We went to the arena and Michael Cole announced that during the break he learned that at Extreme Rules, the WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line when Paul London & Brian Kendrick defend them against the former champions owed a rematch after Harry Smith was unable to defend them with Paul Burchill at Night of Champions due to the injury he sustained at the hands of The Empire. Cole said that it will be an intriguing contest when London & Kendrick take on The Empire, who were champions for a year before Smith had to forfeit the title with TJ Wilson defending it for him when the Canadian & Burchill were controversially beaten by The Empire last December. Matt Striker said that it would be one of the greatest tag team matches in a long time when two of the best teams & champions Smackdown has seen meet in two weeks.



Cole then announced that news had been passed to him that given the problems we've seen between Mickie James & Layla since Wrestlemania, the two of them will compete at Extreme Rules in a strap match, and that after what happened earlier, Layla will legally be allowed to strap the diva who would've been her maid of honour.


*The Main Event*
Randy Orton & Christian
vs CM Punk & Homicide
All four men were pumped for this and it was a real fighting contest. Orton & Punk hadn't got their hands on each other, but that all changed when Christian ducked a roundhouse kick and drilled him with a reverse DDT. It gave him the chance to crawl across the mat and eventually tag the World Heavyweight Champion, just as Punk was sitting up, and he didn't look at all pleased to see The Viper menacingly step through the ropes, eyes locked on his bitter rival. Orton let him stand up before charging at him and taking it to him, taking care of Homicide too as he tried to come to his partner's aid. Orton was on fire, and he was all set to drill him with the spike DDT off the ropes until he got distracted by Homicide getting back up, giving Punk the chance to regroup and take his head off as he turned back with a roundhouse kick. As the match went on it was even, and Punk came close after a springboard tornado DDT on Christian, but Captain Charisma just got his shoulder up to deny the frustrated Punk. Punk then stood up and signalled for the GTS, but as he got Mr. Money in the Bank up on to his shoulders, Christian wriggled down and pushed Punk into the ropes. As soon as Punk bounced off them, Christian ran out at him, taking him down with a spear, and with the fans cheering he made the cover, only for Punk to get his foot on the rope before the ref could count to three. Christian was gutted but quickly shook off the disappointment to stalk Punk for the Killswitch when Homicide again burst into the ring, but Christian saw him coming and sent him on his way over the top rope and down to the floor.

Christian turned back to Punk, who was still not back up after the spear, and Dolph Ziggler came stomping down the aisle to grab Christian's Money in the Bank briefcase. He was seen by The Viper, who jumped down off the apron, spun Ziggler round and hit an RKO on the floor to a huge pop from the crowd. Ziggler lay there flat out with the World Champion staring down intensely at him. Christian turned to look what was going on, taking his eye off Punk, and the former World Champion capitalised, shooting up and spinning Christian round into the GTS to get the three count and pick up the win to the shock of Orton as he looked back in the ring, not a happy man at seeing a smug Punk getting his arm raised by the referee, as did Homicide as he joined him in the ring, and Punk taunted him, laughing at Orton. The Viper though slid back in the ring, showing no fear in walking towards them, squaring up to Punk to a massive roar from the crowd, and Punk's music cut with the fans cheering as Orton & Punk butted heads, and it went off with Orton nailing Punk, but Punk & Homicide responded, using their numbers advantage to beat him down to a chorus of boos from the Greenville crowd. Orton fought back though, getting the fans even louder, but he quickly got put down again by a kick to the groin from Punk, met by a chorus of boos. Just as the smug Punk was then going to go for the GTS on the helpless Viper, Christian made it back up and tackled Homicide down before going for Punk, and Punk quickly hit the GTS before slipping away to safety, looking back in the ring with his arms raised, gloating with Christian staring back at him and Orton face down in the ring and Ziggler coming round on the outside as the show came to a close with Punk's smug smile.

Winners: CM Punk & Homicide by pinfall.


*End of Show*
J-Red defeated Kid Kash
Chavo Guerrero defeated Shelton Benjamin
Paul London, Brian Kendrick & Michael Shane defeated Petey Williams, Johnny Devine & Johnny Jeter
TJ Wilson & Ted DiBiase ended as a No Contest
Harry Smith defeated Wade Barrett
CM Punk & Homicide defeated Randy Orton & Christian

>Superstars Tapings<
Power & Perfection defeated Drew McIntyre & William Regal

>Dark Match (Pre-Show)<
M.V.P. defeated Damien Sandow
>Confirmed for EXtreme Rules<
(2 Weeks)

World Heavyweight Championship
Last Man Standing

Randy Orton (c) vs CM Punk

Money in the Bank & United States Championship
30 Minute Ironman Match

Christian (MITB) vs Dolph Ziggler (c)

WWE Tag Team Championship
Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c) vs The UK Pack

Mexico City Streetfight
Chavo Guerrero vs Alberto Del Rio

Strap Match
Mickie James vs Layla

 
#1,859 ·
CM Punk vs Randy Orton at Extreme Rules for the World Heavyweight Championship and in Montreal of all places where the "Montreal Screwjob" happened, imagine the irony there the symmetry when you think about it, but Punk warning the McMahons that if they try to screw him like how they screwed Bret that he would do far worse, I believe Punk because lately all he has done is draw the ire of the McMahon family and he has gotten away with it too certainly enough that he has become sort of like an anti-hero anti-authority type and Punk losing the title at Mania I could honestly see him winning the title back at Extreme Rules becoming a 4-time World Heavyweight Champion considering he has won the title in your diary here 3 times I think so if he wins it back he will win the title for the 4th time then in that case I can actually see it happening but I love the added stipulation too that if any of the McMahons try to interfere in his match that he automatically becomes the champion again, that is smart on Punk's part

Main event with CM Punk & Homicide teaming up to take on the team of the World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and Mr. Money in the Bank Christian, that should be a slobberknocker

J-Red beating Yoshi Tatsu with Kofi Kingston's little brother Jay Lethal on commentary for this match I loved it because of the fact of Jay Lethal's rivalry with J-Red and with the Cruiserweight Championship in the mix it ups the stakes when you think about it but will Jay Lethal manage to break out of his older brother Kofi's shadow by becoming a champion here in WWE? I honestly think he could but with J-Red ever since becoming WWE Cruiserweight Champion he has taken on all comers and he has managed to beat whoever has been placed in front of him, but could Jay Lethal get it done by becoming the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion? I think so

Seeing TJ and Natalya backstage, now this right here is a couple but seeing the both of them feud with DiBiase and Maryse another couple, I actually like it because TJ Wilson and Ted DiBiase are probably 2 of Smackdown's most youngest and brightest stars that are on the rise and or soon will be but also Maryse and Natalya are probably 2 of Smackdown's most talented divas hands down

Chavo Guerrero now that he is a babyface I can actually see him going places because of the fact that he is a 3rd-generation superstar the son of Chavo Classic, the nephew of the late great WWE Hall of Famer Latino Heat Eddie Guerrero and he is the grandson of Mexican legend Gory Guerrero so to see Chavo come into his own now as a face I can honestly see Chavo reaching his Uncle Eddie's level as far as being a potential future main event calibre guy here on Smackdown but seeing Chavo feud with Alberto Del Rio a 2nd generation superstar the son of Dos Caras Sr. and the nephew of Mexican legend Mil Mascaras, he is also destined for great things too but at the same time both of these men Chavo and Del Rio come from great wrestling families in this business but at the same time just who is better? Chavo beating Shelton Benjamin in what I thought was a great match for Chavo anyway because it gives him momentum heading into Extreme Rules in that Mexico City Street Fight with Del Rio but I honestly don't see him beating Del Rio but then again I could be surprised

Christian and Dolph Ziggler's feud over the Money in the Bank briefcase and with the WWE United States Championship all in the mix, it is all or nothing for Christian when you really think about it because check this out because if Christian loses his Money in the Bank briefcase to Ziggler then he will become only the 2nd man in WWE history to win a Money in the Bank briefcase only to lose it to another superstar because the first person that ever did that was Mr. Kennedy when he won Money in the Bank and he had the briefcase only to lose it to Edge when he put it on the line so I wonder if history is really repeating itself here? As for Ziggler he doesn't really lose much if he loses this match yes sure he will lose the opportunity to be Mr. Money in the Bank and he will lose the WWE United States Championship but even so Ziggler is on his way to being a main event calibre guy anyway here on Smackdown so there is always that

London, Kendrick and HBK's cousin Michael Shane beating the team of Petey Williams, Johnny Jeter and Johnny Devine, now this match right here just proves that HBK's cousin Michael Shane should be on the rise here in the WWE and why I feel Michael Shane is destined for bigger and better things meaning moving out of the WWE Cruiserweight division and moving up to heavyweight even if he happens to be a small guy but still his cousin WWE Hall of Famer HBK he was a small guy and in his day no one thought that he would become one of the greats of all time and he managed to do just that so Michael Shane could follow in his cousin's footsteps becoming one of the greats here on Smackdown perhaps in the whole WWE because he has a bright future but at the same time London and Kendrick I have a feeling these 2 will be back in the WWE Tag Team Championship picture soon enough

I really hope Maryse is going to be okay especially after the spill that she took during TJ & DiBiase's match and DiBiase showing concern for his girlfriend you can bet Ted is hot right now and rightfully so and I could see him making TJ pay for this

As for Mickie James & Layla's rivalry their rivalry has gotten extremely personal really fast and the fact that these 2 divas are going at it at Extreme Rules in a Strap Match that should be really physical, that much I can't wait for but at the same time Layla keeps crossing paths with her ex-boyfriend Elijah Burke well her ex-fiance so I wonder if all signs point to a future reunion between those 2 because their paths always seem to cross which is not that much of a coincidence but at the same time what would be sweet revenge is if Elijah hooked up with Mickie as a way to get back at Layla but Mickie she is still with Matt Sydal so there is always that but at the same time I hope Mickie James kicks Layla's ass

But as for the main event, Punk and Homicide beating Orton and Christian now that I didn't even see coming to be quite honest because I actually thought Orton and Christian would get the job done but seeing Ziggler get involved now that didn't surprise me but what did was the end result of it all because this gives Punk such a huge advantage heading into Extreme Rules in 2 weeks
 
#1,860 ·



WWE Backstage News
Coming off of Smackdown last night, two more matches were added to the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in two weeks. They'll see Paul London & Brian Kendrick defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against The UK Pack, and Mickie James will face Layla in a strap match. It's expected that there will be another two matches made before the show that'll take place in Montreal.

It's Raw's pay-per-view tomorrow night, and a new WWE Champion will be crowned. What we have been made aware of is that this coming Monday night on Raw, there will be some very significant developments & angles. One of which is said to be regarding Triple H's punishment, but the other angles are being kept very quiet. It's understood there is likely to be a one very big angle that will be a huge surprise.


 
#1,862 ·



>BACKLASH<

We're just 24 hours away from crowning a new WWE Champion when six of Raw's top superstars battle it out for the chance to win the WWE Championship vacated by Shawn Michaels, some for the first time in East Rutherford, New Jersey tomorrow night.

The Izod Center will host Backlash and the tournament that could see Rey Mysterio add to the World Heavyweight Championship he won three years ago. Chris Jericho is no stranger to winning a championship tournament as he often likes to remind us. Can he repeat that amazing feat of 2001 when he defeated The Rock & 'Stonecold' Steve Austin in the same night to become the first Undisputed Champion?

Will Rob Van Dam win his second WWE title, or will John Cena or Edge be the one to add to their multiple reigns as WWE Champion? Can Kofi Kingston cause a giant upset, replicating Jericho's achievement over seven years ago? We don't have long to find out now!


The World Tag Team titles will be on the line too when The Epitome of Excellence defend them against the former champions, Cryme Time. Shad & JTG had to forfeit them last year when Shad broke his ankle. They weren't defeated for the titles, and it'll be a challenge for the men who will have to likely have to prove they are the epitome of excellence if they are to do what no one could do last year in beating Cryme Time to be the champions.


Two dangerous women will collide in a Falls Count Anywhere match when O.D.B. comes face-to-face with Queen Kong. They've both interfered in each other's title matches with Beth Phoenix, costing them the opportunity to be Diva's Champion, and they'll both be fighting for the possibility of getting another crack at Beth's title.


There'll be a lot of people hoping that Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig get what's coming to them for their attitude towards Justin Gabriel's sexuality. Gabriel and his tag team partner, John Morrison let them know they're hell bent on doing just that in New Jersey, but will they give the beating we all hope Rhodes & Hennig deserve?


Raw's two newest divas, Angel Love & Talia Sky, who call themselves Picture Perfect will be hoping for a perfect pay-per-view debut when they take on Melina & Kelly Kelly. They believe that there is a problem with the diva culture on Raw and plan to show the Raw fans that they're superior, but will they?


Also, on the pre-show, Sheamus will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Matt Hardy. Hardy has left Sheamus livid the past two weeks on Raw. Can he leave him even angrier tomorrow night by taking his Intercontinental title?


WWE Championship Tournament
Participants:
Edge, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Rob Van Dam, Kofi Kingston & Chris Jericho

World Tag Team Championship
Cryme Time vs The Epitome of Excellence (c)

Falls Count Anywhere
O.D.B. vs Queen Kong

>Plus<

J'n'J vs Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig

Melina & Kelly Kelly vs Picture Perfect

>Pre-Show<

Intercontinental Championship
Matt Hardy vs Sheamus (c)

Feel free to leave predictions!
 
#1,863 ·
WWE Championship Tournament Predictions as far as the Triple Threat Match goes for Kofi, RVD and Rey Mysterio, my pick in that match would definitely be Rob Van Dam but as for who he will pin in this match I see him pinning Kofi with Rey being the one who doesn't get pinned but as for the 2nd Triple Threat Match my pick in that match would definitely be John Cena with it setting up RVD vs Cena in the finals to crown a new WWE Champion with Cena becoming the new WWE Champion

World Tag Team Championship, The Epitome of Excellence (c) vs Cryme Tyme, I am calling it Cryme Tyme will win the World Tag Team Championship beating Daniels and Kaval

Falls Count Anywhere, ODB vs Queen Kong, I am calling it Queen Kong wins to basically become the new #1 Contender for the WWE Unified Divas Championship facing Beth again

J n J vs Rhodes & Hennig The King's Men I am calling it, Rhodes and Hennig will beat Morrison and Gabriel

Melina and Kelly Kelly vs Picture Perfect, as for who wins here, I am calling it Melina and Kelly Kelly will win this match

And as far as the pre-show goes, for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Sheamus (c) vs Matt Hardy, I am calling it Sheamus retains his WWE Intercontinental Championship beating Matt Hardy
 
#1,864 ·

The WWE Presents:



~The Pre-Show~



Intercontinental Championship

Matt Hardy w/Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore vs Sheamus (c)
The fans really got behind Matt Hardy from the get-go, and it was clear to see that Sheamus was still hell bent on hurting him. His anger put him in trouble early on, giving Matt an advantage, and with a fast start he got the Intercontinental Champion even more rattled. As the match went on though, The Celtic Warrior came fighting back, causing some concern for Matt's Team Omega buddies on the outside. Helms & Moore were looking worried, but Matt showed some serious resolve to test Sheamus's. The Irishman had to dig deep to kick out of the Side Effect after Matt elbowed his way out of the Irish Curse backbreaker. Matt was feeling it and sent Sheamus firing into the corner, following in for a clothesline before turning out of the corner to take him down with a bulldog. The crowd were loving it, cheering for the challenger as he went back to the corner, pulling himself up to the second rope, where he jumped off, connecting with a double leg drop. The cheers got louder, but Sheamus stopped them when he kicked out before the ref could count to three. Matt was still in the driving seat and was urging Sheamus to get up for the Twist of Fate, and the fans were thinking a title change was moments away. It wasn't though as Sheamus used his strength advantage, shoving Matt back into the ropes and hitting the Irish Curse backbreaker this time. Control was his, and despite a mini fight-back from Hardy, Sheamus prevailed, again powering out of a Twist of fate attempt by lifting Matt up and running into the corner to drive his back into the pads. Sheamus then fired him hard into the corner and ran out at him as Matt came staggering out, right into the Brogue Kick, and it was lights out for the plucky challenger with Sheamus retaining his Intercontinental title yet again, and he celebrated emphatically, without a smile on his face, showing he means business.

Winner: By pinfall, and still the Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus.


~The Main Show~

*The Opening Match*



WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #1

Kofi Kingston vs John Cena vs Chris Jericho
We saw a real battle between three men determined to give themselves a shot later on in the main event for the WWE Championship. Kofi was the real fan favourite, and he set the tone in the first few minutes, stalking Cena for the Trouble In Paradise. Cena dodged it though but he knew Kofi was a threat from there, and he didn't take him lightly, unlike Jericho. The Canadian thought he had the match in the palm of his hand with Cena on the outside and Kofi flat on his back in front of him. Jericho ran into the ropes for the Lionsault, only for Kofi to get his knees up to a big pop from the crowd. As both men then made their way back up, Jericho turned round into an instinctive Trouble In Paradise from Kofi. The fans were on their feet as Kofi threw himself on top of Jericho to make the cover, but this time, not like on Raw two weeks ago, the referee saw Jericho get his foot on the bottom rope. The crowd were deflated, as was Kofi, and as he was sitting back up, Cena was crawling back in the ring. Kofi had to get back up, and as he then ran towards him, Cena took him down with a drop toe hold, pulled him away from the ropes and locked in the STFU.

The majority of the crowd booed and tried to help Kofi fight the hold, and despite being in incredible pain, The Jamaican Sensation held on for dear life. Jericho was coming round on the other side of the ring, still on dream street after the Trouble In Paradise. The fans chanted Kofi's name and it helped as he dragged himself towards the ropes, only for Cena to then stand up and drag him back. Kofi was in deep trouble, but once he'd shaken off the cobwebs, Jericho panicked to see what was going on and dived across the mat to break up the hold by jumping on Cena's back. Jericho dragged Cena back by the feet and threw himself down on top of Kofi to make a cover, but it was only a two to the relief of the crowd. Cena though was waiting for Jericho and sent him into the ropes, ducking his head though, giving Jericho the chance to come back and kick him square in the head. Cena's head snapped back up and Jericho went for his legs, sweeping them to lock in the Walls of Jericho, turning him over to mostly cheers from the crowd. Kofi was still down in a bad way as Cena this time had to fight to survive with Jericho beyond desperate to make him tap.

There was no quit in Cena and he eventually fought to the ropes, getting a lot of boos from the crowd as well as some cheers. Jericho was pissed and stalked him as he stood back up, getting ready for the Codebreaker, but Kofi made his way back up, distracting Jericho who ran at him, into another Trouble In Paradise from Kofi. Jericho rolled out of the ring as the Jamaican then turned round, Cena was back on his feet and away from the ropes. Kofi panicked and ran at him, into an F-U with Cena turning him over on to his front to again apply the STFU. The crowd again tried to help Kofi, but to no avail this time as he was eventually left with no choice but to tap out. Cena stood up to get his arm raised, not a popular figure, not that it seemed to bother him as he got his arm raised by the referee, now one win away from becoming the WWE Champion once again, leaving Jericho fuming as he sat up on the outside. He stared inside, absolutely livid, and Kofi was disappointed as he sat up having made a real impact against them. Cena left the ring, heading back up the aisle, slapping the hands of some fans in the front row before turning back, lifting both arms up into the air again. It made Jericho angrier as he looked on, and Cena then turned to walk backstage, leaving Jericho full of rage staring towards the back as a disappointed Kofi also started to stir.

Winner: John Cena by submission.



Rob Van Dam was getting himself warmed up in the production area for his upcoming match, clearly not too far from the ring as a heavy breathing John Cena walked back from the arena. Cena said it was his first chance to welcome him back to the WWE and did so. RVD joked that having just heard the boos, he guessed that Cena had won and congratulated him on it. Cena cracked a smile and thanked him, then wished him luck for his match, teasing that it could come down to them later on for the WWE title. RVD said it could and asked Cena if he remembered the last time they met for the WWE title. Cena again smirked and said he did, saying it was a night he'll never forget in front of that 'friendly' ECW crowd. RVD said it sure was but Cena let him know that RVD might've got the better of him that night, it might just be different this time. This time RVD cracked a wry smile and they shook hands before Cena went back on his way to the locker room with a title shot waiting for him in the main event.


Across the back, the newest divas on the block, Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky) were interviewed by Leticia Cline, after they'd given her a disapproving look up & down. Leticia wasn't too comfortable to say the least, and after telling her that she was just like the two talentless tramps they were going to face tonight, Angel & Talia said it was time for the 'divas' to find out they're all about. They also said it was time for the fans to see what they're about, that they're not talentless tramps in the ring simply because of the way they look, not that they don't look good, perfect in fact they said, but that they were going to embarrass these pretty little divas who aren't in their league in terms of looks or talent. Angel finished by telling Leticia to watch them too as she could learn a few things before she walked off laughing with Talia, not impressing Leticia at all.


*Match #2*



WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #2

Rob Van Dam vs Rey Mysterio vs Edge
We had another three superstars desperate to win themselves a shot at the WWE Championship and a match with John Cena. They all came out firing, and the fans were showing their support for both Mysterio & RVD. They unsurprisingly joined forces in the early going against The Rated-R Superstar, only making him more angry & determined. He was well up for the fight and took great pleasure in silencing the crowd. The frustration started to build though as the match went on, and when Rey kicked out of an electric chair drop, the Canadian wasn't impressed. Rey was struggling though, in a bad way on the mat, and Edge smelt blood. He stood back up hoping to finish the job when RVD stepped back up on the apron. Edge ran at him and sent him back down to the floor as Rey stood back up, and when Edge turned back round, he saw Rey on his feet and stormed across the mat at him. Rey though caught him with a drop toe hold, putting him on the middle rope, and the crowd erupted as Mysterio dialled up for the 619. It was deafening and Rey hit the ropes, burst across the ring and swung through the ropes, nailing Edge with the 619 to an almighty roar.

Edge fell back and was easy prey for Rey as he steadied himself on the apron, holding on to the top rope as he then hit a springboard, coming down and dropping the dime on Edge. He was at Rey's mercy and the fans were counting along with the referee until RVD crawled back in the ring and dived on top of Rey to break up the cover, surprising the crowd. RVD then had the momentum, and the crowd thought he might have had it won when he hit the rolling thunder on Rey, but this time Edge broke it up. RVD & Edge slugged it out with Rey down, and when RVD dodged a spear, Edge ran crashing into the pads, quickly rolled up by RVD for a cover, but Edge kicked out. They rushed their way back up and a rattled Edge turned into a roundhouse kick to the head that floored him, leaving him flat on his back. RVD jumped up to the top rope, feeling the match was his for the taking, and the fans were on their feet shouting "R-V-D", and he jumped off the top into the New Jersey sky for the Five Star Frog Splash, and he got it. It was over, and he turned himself round, still hurting himself as he eventually made the cover, but Rey this time broke it up at the last second, leaving the crowd stunned.

It was RVD & Rey who then went at it with Edge by the ropes, and the control of the match went back in Van Dam's favour when he dodged a springboard reverse cross body. As Rey then picked himself back up, he turned round, right into a back kick to the head that just sent him falling back on to the mat. He was all but out, and up to the top went RVD once more with the crowd willing him up. Rey was out of it, completely helpless, and RVD leapt through the sky again, coming down for the Five Star Frog Splash. It was crazy loud again too with the fans cheering, but Edge was back on his feet and he ran across the mat to grab & toss RVD out of the ring before covering Rey, picking up the three count to win the match and a shot at Cena and the WWE title later on, much to the disgust of the crowd. He stood up looking so smug as RVD sat up on the outside, so frustrated. He slammed his hand into the padded floor as an amused Edge looked on, turning round getting his arm raised having stole the win from RVD, not that The Rated-R Superstar cared one bit, laughing all the way back up the aisle with RVD clearly so disappointed.

Winner: Edge by pinfall.



We were taken backstage where Chris Jericho was having a hissy fit, throwing foldout chairs around. He stopped and said to himself that he's absolutely sick of Cena, that he can't let him become WWE champion, and that he won't let it happen, that no way in hell is he letting Cena leave champion. The camera zoomed in on him, and there's no doubt Jericho meant every word as he grabbed & threw another chair across the floor.


*Match #3*



Melina & Kelly were really up for this, standing their ground and wanting to put Angel & Talia in their place. They came close too when Melina hit the Sunset Split on Angel, but Talia stormed the ring to break up the cover. Kelly then flew into the ring and all hell broke loose. The referee couldn't control them and Kelly & Melina took care of Sky. She ended up in the corner and Kelly ran across the ring for a Bronco Buster, and hit it. Angel was back on her feet though and pushed Melina into Kelly before rolling Melina up for a two count. As they both made their way back up, they hit each other with a double clothesline. All four divas then made their way back up with Talia tossing Kelly out of the ring. Melina went for her but Sky ducked a right hand, grabbed her and set her up for a Russian leg-sweep with Angel running at Melina, hitting the Botox Injection for their finisher, a bicycle super kick, also known as the Makeover, then covered Melina to get the win for Picture Perfect, and they sure enjoyed it, posing for the crowd on the ropes.

Winners: Picture Perfect by pinfall.



'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge was in his locker room, rubbing a towel across his face with Leticia Cline standing next to him, congratulating him on his win earlier on. He threw the towel down and he was asked how confident he was of going all the way against John Cena and becoming the new WWE Champion. The cocky Canadian said there was no doubt and brought up something he said four weeks ago after beating The Rock at Wrestlemania, that everyone was talking about how big an achievement it was for Cena beating The Undertaker that they forgot he beat The Great One. He then said that they might not have been talking about his win a month ago but they sure as hell would be later on after his win over John Cena and becoming the new WWE Champion. The camera zoomed in on the serious Canadian's face, very confident he'll be leaving New Jersey with the WWE title.


*Match #4*



World Tag Team Championship

Cryme Time vs The Epitome of Excellence (c)
The champions appeared to be slightly complacent in the early going, and it gave the fans even more encouragement to get behind Cryme Time. The challengers didn't need more encouragement though. They were pumped from the moment they walked out into the arena, and they had the champions were rattled, big time. Daniels & Kaval regrouped through, but they still had a real battle. Daniels stole a march for the champions though, dominating JTG, and he thought he had the match won when he hit the BME (Best Moonsault Ever). JTG kicked out at two, surprising Daniels, but he didn't take it well. He dragged JTG back up and into the corner, sitting on the top and pulling JTG up on to the second rope, jumping off with him for a release side slam. Daniels signalled that was it with Shad looking on nervously as the overconfident Daniels made another cover, but JTG got his shoulder up to a big pop from the New Jersey crowd. Just like Kaval on the apron, Daniels was stunned, questioning the referee's count. He couldn't believe it, and he didn't pay attention to JTG crawling closer to his corner, and by the time he did turn round, it was too late and Shad came in all guns blazing. He took Daniels apart and Kaval broke up a cover after big boot, and he found himself in the ring with Shad himself moments later. He fought hard and jumped his way down from a power-bomb attempt, and when Shad turned round, Kaval ran into the ropes with Shad following.

The big man right into The Tidal Wave, a springboard roundhouse kick, leaving him down & out, or so it seemed, and he just managed to get his shoulder up. Neither Kaval or Daniels could believe it, and when it came down to it, it was Daniels & JTG battling it out. Daniels went up top for a moonsault but missed, and when he was helped back up, JTG struck with a springboard tornado DDT. The fans were cheering, thinking that was it, but this time Daniels kicked out to deny the challengers. Daniels was in on the brink and Kaval realised it. He flew into the ring, going for JTG, and that brought in Shad. Kaval was knocked down by the ropes, and as he made his way back up, Shad ran at him to clothesline him over the top, but Kaval ducked and Shad went tumbling down to the floor. He then went for JTG, but JTG ducked a clothesline and took him down with a leg lariat. As JTG then jumped back up, Daniels was already up and JTG was spun into a kick to the gut in a flash, and then fell victim to The Angel's Wings and Daniels made the cover, getting the three to retain the title for him & Kaval. Shad sat up on the floor looking confused and then disappointed as the champions were then handed their titles and got their arms raised, taking great pleasure in showing their titles off before leaving the ring, posing with them in the aisle again as Shad & JTG looked on disappointed still in the ring.

Winner: By pinfall, and still the World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence.



Raw's Head of Authority, Eric Bischoff was shown walking the halls of the arena, going straight into the locker room of The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig). They were changing, thankfully with jeans on when Bischoff walked in, and they weren't looking too happy. Bischoff was though and said he was glad to see they saw sense and will be going ahead with their match later on against J'n'J. Rhodes though said that they weren't happy in the least bit about it but that they agreed they'd do what they had to become World Tag Team Champions, and if that means stepping in to the ring and beating the two lover boys then that's what they'll do. Bischoff told him to grow up for the last comment but that he was happy they've seen sense, and even wished them luck, but as he turned to walk away, Cody stopped him and asked him what was going to happen to Triple H. Clearly concerned about their mentor, and maybe hassled to find out information by him, they were told by Bischoff, that like everyone else they'd find out tomorrow night on Raw. Bischoff then turned & left the room, leaving The King's Men still not in the best of moods.


Elsewhere in the back, Leticia Cline caught the World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval) walking back from the ring with the titles gleaming over their shoulders. She congratulated them on their win but Daniels cut her off right away, saying that the only thing that needed to be said was that they once again proved they are The Epitome of Excellence, that it cannot be denied and that every team in the locker room should be very very worried as they're only just getting started. Kaval then stared at Leticia and let her know in no uncertain terms that there is no team in the locker room that can or will beat them, or take their titles, and after staring at her and watching her let it sink in, the champions walked off down the halls of the arena very assured of themselves.


*Match #5*



Falls Count Anywhere

O.D.B. vs Queen Kong
O.D.B. & Kong were on a mission to beat each other, and the Unified Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix joined J.R. & The King at the announce table to watch the two wannabe contenders go at it. They sure did go at it and it looked like the fiercely determined O.D.B. looked all set to lift her Kong on to her shoulders for the fireman's carry driver into a cutter, but she couldn't manage it and Kong dropped to her feet, hitting the Implant Buster, but O.D.B. got her shoulder up to the shock of Kong. She couldn't believe it and left the ring, grabbing a table and slid it in the ring, and just as she was about to climb back on the apron, she turned her head and stared back at Beth. She turned round on the floor and walked the short distance to the announce table, staring right at the Diva's Champion, and The Glamazon stood her ground, standing up and taking off her headset, then walking round the table, getting right in Kong's face. The behemoth became filled with rage and hammered Beth, then drove her head into the announce table to heat from the crowd. She showed no remorse with Beth down rolling around on the floor, and she headed back in the ring as O.D.B. stood back up, greeting her with a kick to the gut and following it up with a DDT.

Kong kicked out of a cover and used the ropes to help get back up on her feet, and Beth crawled to the apron as O.D.B. set her sights on Kong again. Beth though swept Kong's feet from under her and slid back in the ring to pummel her, to the surprise of O.D.B. and the referee. They tried to stop her, but The Glamazon ignored then and stood up, grabbing the table and setting it up to a big pop from the fans. She then called for O.D.B.'s help despite the referee telling Beth to get out of there, but she wouldn't and pulled Kong into place for a suplex by the table, calling for O.D.B. to help her, and she did. Again the referee warned Beth, and as they then suplexed Kong through the table to a big roar inside the arena, the referee called for the bell and threw the match out, confusing everyone until Lilian Garcia announced that due to outside interference, he was ruling it a no contest getting a ton of heat from the fans. O.D.B. wasn't happy at all and questioned both the referee and the unrepentant Diva's Champion, who spent most of her time staring at Kong writhing around amongst the wreckage, unaware of the fury on the face of O.D.B.

Result: No Contest.



J'n'J (John Morrison & Justin Gabriel) were shown leaving their locker room, ready for action when The Bella Twins, Brie & Nikki ran up behind them, telling them to wait. The twins walked up to them and told Gabriel that they really should've been more supportive of him and they wanted to be there for them both for their big match, if they agreed. Morrison & Gabriel were happy and hugged the twins, and Brie & Nikki both told them to give the two jerks what they deserve, and off they all walked together, headed for the ring.


*Match #6*



It was a contrast between the two teams with Morrison & Gabriel so determined to give Rhodes & Hennig what's been coming to them, and The King's Men were very hesitant in the early going. Neither looked too comfortable at the start, and Morrison had to start the match with neither Rhodes nor Hennig wanting to start it with Gabriel, causing some boos from the crowd and disgust from J.R. & The King, and the Bellas too. Cody first entered when Morrison was in there, but when he desperately tried to stop him tagging Gabriel, he couldn't and the South African hit the ring to a huge pop. Cody had to stand up and Gabriel flew at him, exploding with rage and the crowd loved seeing him beat the hell out of Cody. When the tide turned though, Cody took great pleasure in beating the crap out of him. He taunted the crowd too, but as the match was drawing to a close, he was looking to put Gabriel away after failing to do with the Alabama Slam. He went looking for Cross Rhodes but Gabriel pulled back and sent him into the ropes, then nailed him with an enzuigiri. Cody fell flat on his face and Hennig stormed the ring as Gabriel got up, but Gabriel ducked a clothesline.

Hennig ran into the ropes and Gabriel ran in at him to clothesline him over the top, getting the fans going even more, and then Gabriel turned back to Cody, who was spark out on the mat. He walked towards him and pulled him closer to the corner, then stepped through the ropes to climb up to the top rope, getting set for the 450 splash. The fans were going nuts, all standing up with Cody coming round, but Hennig stood up on the outside and pulled Cody out of the ring out of harm's way. He then backed away from the ring with Cody as Gabriel jumped down off the ropes on to the mat with Morrison looking on in shell shocked with the ref counting Cody & Joe out. J'n'J couldn't believe their eyes, and the crowd were booing like mad, and it was deafening with boos as the count got to ten. Morrison & Gabriel were disgusted, shaking their heads with Morrison in the ring with his tag partner, staring furiously up at the backtracking duo in the aisle who knew they had a lucky escape. They then turned round to walk to the back, leaving their angry opponents behind in the ring, still shaking their heads in disbelief & frustration.

Winners: J'n'J by count out.



There was a minor row in the back between the Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix & O.D.B. O.D.B. was asking her what the hell she was doing but Beth apologised while saying that it wasn't anything that hadn't already happened to her, bringing up Wrestlemania when O.D.B. got involved in her match with Kong. O.D.B. though said that Beth won that match while she had hers called a no contest and Beth told O.D.B. that Kong just attacked her at ringside, asking what she was supposed to do when Eric Bischoff walked into the shot holding the WWE title, and he wasn't too happy by what happened earlier. He told Beth he understood why she snapped but that she couldn't get involved in matches like that, especially after what happened at Wrestlemania and as the Diva's Champion, she should be setting an example. O.D.B. was told that she can't really argue given her role in what happened at Wrestlemania but that he'd just spoken to Vince McMahon and they'd come to a solution. Both women were listening intently, and Bischoff told them that along with Kong they will all meet in a triple threat match at Extreme Rules for the Diva's Championship and that after what happened just now it will be an elimination table match. He left them with that, walking away as they disgusted the information, looking awkwardly at each other.




>2 Weeks!<


We went back into the arena and "Back In Black" played with Eric Bischoff eventually walking out with the WWE Championship still over his shoulder. Once he got to the ring he said that it was time for them to crown a new WWE Champion, but before that he had something big to announce. He told the crowd that he'd just spoken with Vince and they've agreed that they want both Raw & Smackdown to be the best shows they can be, therefore in two weeks after Extreme Rules, as was the case before Wrestlemania, the superstars from both shows will be able to appear on both shows. The crowd liked that but he clarified that it didn't mean the brand split would be no more, it just meant superstars from each show could appear on the other and that there would still be exclusive Raw & Smackdown pay-per-views. He did quickly want to move on and announced it was time to find out who would be the new WWE Champion, John Cena or Edge, and he set the title up on a pedestal at ringside before leaving ringside.

*The Main Event*



WWE Championship Tournament Final

John Cena vs Edge
The fans were really split throughout, both being booed & cheered from one minute to the next. Cena & Edge gave it absolutely everything to become the new WWE Champion with the title on display at ringside. Their eyes were swayed to it on numerous occasions, and after Edge countered an Irish whip and hit a flapjack, he had the title in his line of sight. He kept looking at it, smirking at the crowd as Cena climbed up on to his knees, and when Edge eventually turned round, he got caught with a drop toe hold and Cena locked in the STFU. The crowd exploded as Cena tore away at Edge with the Canadian having to fight like mad to hold on, holding on for dear life. Cena put him through hell, torturing him, but Edge fought with everything he had to make it to the ropes, just managing to get there, and it was met with a strong mix of cheers & boos. Cena was gutted and reluctantly let the hold go and stood back up. Edge looked spent, all over the shop as he used the ropes to help get back up, and when he managed to get up, he staggered out into the waiting arms of Cena, and the F-U. It looked all over and Cena made the cover with some of the fans counting along with the referee, but Edge hung on in there again, getting the shoulder up just before the referee's hand came down the third time.

Cena sat up with a smirk on his face, seemingly impressed by Edge's resilience. It didn't last long though and he stood up, going to Edge's legs, and he tried to turn him over for another STFU, but Edge reacted sharply and pushed him back into the ropes with his feet. Cena held on to them as Edge stood up, and they stared right at each other with Cena running back at him, and Edge missed with a right hand. Cena planted him in a flash with a spinning release side suplex, and then stood up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He gave Edge the "You can't see me" treatment and stepped back into the ropes, but Edge rolled out of the way of it. It was met by another mixed response, and when they made their way back up, Edge went for an Irish whip, but it was reversed by Cena and Edge was fired into the ropes. He grabbed on to them and held on with Cena then running in at him. Edge lifted his boot up, driving it down Cena's throat, sending him staggering away from the ropes. As soon as Cena turned in a spin, Edge ran out at him, taking him down with a spear to a big pop with some boos too. Edge wasted no time throwing himself on top of Cena for the cover, but Cena was the one to get his shoulder up this time, and Edge was pissed. He smacked the mat, and he didn't want to believe it.

He questioned the ref, getting told it was two, and it looked like he was then going to try putting Cena in the Sharpshooter, but Cena blocked it and kicked back at Edge, sending Edge crashing back into the referee, putting the ref down. Edge stood back up looking at the ref, taking his eye off Cena, who stood up and hit the F-U to put Edge back down with no ref to make the count. The arena was full of more cheers & boos with Cena surveying the scene, but then the crowd came to life again and we saw Chris Jericho run down the aisle and slide into the ring. Cena turned round, confused, and Jericho ran at him, ducking an instinctive right hand from Cena, and he dropped to his knees to low blow Cena to another bag of cheers & boos. Jericho stood up staring down furiously at Cena, and then left the ring, grabbing a steel chair and sliding back in with it as Cena was clawing his way back up. Jericho was like a man possessed, desperate to take Cena's head off. With the ref down and Edge stirring, Cena looked in real trouble as Jericho lined him up. Cena made it up and Jericho charged at him, swinging the chair at his head, but Cena ducked it and Edge walked right into it, leaving Jericho stunned. Cena then spun him round, lifted him off his feet and planted him with the F-U, and the arena was engulfed with noise.

Cena kicked out the chair and Jericho rolled over to the apron and out of the ring as Edge struggled back on to his knees, absolutely all over the place with Cena turning to see it. Cena looked half guilty as Edge then just managed to make it back up, walking right into an F-U as the referee came round. Cena saw it and made the cover with the referee crawling across to make a slow count, but it got to three, making Cena a four time WWE Champion, and a lot of the crowd did not like it. Cena showed his emotions as he stood up, taking in the reaction, taking the boos badly as the referee shook off the cobwebs and crawled over to the apron, and the title was handed to him. He stood up, still groggy as he walked towards the emotional Cena, who when passed the title, didn't take his eyes off it, feeling good about himself and threw it up into the air emphatically, not caring about the boos then with the title back in his hands for the first time in 18 months. Jericho was pissed as he looked up from the floor, seeing Cena there not holding back in showing off his fourth WWE title and 5th world title as Edge too started to stir. Cena then left the ring, turning back in the aisle to throw the title up with both hands with Edge gutted and Jericho pissed as the show then drew to a close with the new WWE Champion taking centre stage, delighted to be champion and showing his title off again despite a lot of boos from the New Jersey crowd.

Winner: By pinfall, and the new WWE Champion, John Cena.


(Pre-Show) Sheamus defeated Matt Hardy to retain the Intercontinental Championship
John Cena defeated Kofi Kingston & Chris Jericho to advance to the WWE Championship tournament final
Edge defeated Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam to advance to the WWE Championship tournament final
Picture Perfect defeated Melina & Kelly Kelly
The Epitome of Excellence defeated Cryme Time to retain the World Tag Team Championship
O.D.B. & Queen Kong fought to a No Contest
J'n'J defeated The King's Men by Count Out
John Cena defeated Edge to become the new WWE Champion

 
#1,865 ·
Backlash

John Cena becoming the new WWE Champion after a long, gruelling tournament, I guess I can honestly say that Cena winning this tournament I am not really surprised considering the roll Cena has been on as of late especially after being the one to end Undertaker's 16-0 WrestleMania undefeated streak seemingly ending Taker, and Cena walking away champion he is going to become even more hated now than what he was before

Cena beating Edge in the WWE Championship tournament final, I even have to admit was a great match but at the same time I was hoping Edge would walk out WWE Champion considering Jericho's involvement but since it clearly backfired and now Cena is champion, Cena is going to become a marked man here on RAW now because everyone is going to be gunning for him now everyone including Edge, RVD, Jericho, Triple H, etc.

ODB and Kong's match going to a No Contest, I honestly saw that coming from a mile away but what I didn't see coming was that these 3 divas would be going at it for the WWE Unified Divas Championship at Extreme Rules especially in a Triple Threat Elimination Tables Match, now that is extreme especially with the divas

As for Sheamus still the WWE Intercontinental Champion retaining his WWE Intercontinental Championship, I wonder just how long Sheamus has been WWE Intercontinental Champion now? Because Sheamus he has had one of the longest title reigns with the IC Title in recent memory so he has been on a rather awesome run as IC Champion taking on all comers and beating all comers, realistically Sheamus at this point he doesn't really even need the IC Title anymore and he should even be main eventing
 
#1,866 ·



>HEADLINES<

>The Champ Is... Cena!<


Six superstars went into Backlash tonight looking to win the vacant WWE Championship, and after two draining matches, it was John Cena who emerged victorious against Edge to win his fourth WWE Championship, now making him a five time world champion.

He first overcame Chris Jericho and a spirited effort from Kofi Kingston in the first semi final of the night, eventually making Kofi tap out to the STFU. His opponent for the massive title clash, Edge, then came up against Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam in an highly entertaining match with all three superstars having chances to win. It was The Rated-R Superstar however who came out on top after taking advantage of a Five Star Frog Splash on Mysterio, leaving RVD absolutely devastated to miss out.

Jericho was devastated too, more angry really, having a meltdown backstage, vowing to deny Cena the chance to leave New Jersey as the WWE Champion. He certainly tried, but it backfired and he ended up costing Edge the title when he went to blast Cena in the head with a steel chair, only for Cena to duck and Edge to feel the force.

It was a bad night for Jericho & Edge but certainly a good one for our new WWE Champion, who it has to be said didn't look too comfortable with the continued negative reaction from the fans that's only increased since his incredible victory over The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. It looks like the hostility could now be getting to Cena. Is this the case? Maybe we'll get an indication of that on Raw tomorrow night live from Memphis, Tennessee.


 
#1,867 ·
Here is hoping John Cena turns heel because I mean it is inevitable that he is set to turn heel I mean the hostility has been getting to Cena and it got worse at WrestleMania when he ended The Undertaker's career by ending the streak becoming the most hated man in the WWE being booed everywhere he goes every time he wrestles a match hell even the children and women are starting to boo Cena a bit, I know the male audience they have hated Cena from time and their hate has grown even more exponentially so if Cena turns heel then all I will say is that it is about time
 
#1,868 ·

Monday Night 'RAW' Preview
Monday April 27th 2009
Live from the Sommet Center
Memphis, Tennessee



Tonight on Raw, live from Memphis, we'll hear from the new WWE Champion, John Cena. It's been an incredible month for the more controversial than ever Cena, and having got the phenomenal win over The Undertaker at Wrestlemania four weeks ago, he followed it up by emerging from Backlash victorious to win his 4th WWE title. Just what does the future hold for the champ, and will it be a happy champion we see tonight when he speaks about his latest triumph? Will this be more popular than his win over The Undertaker?

We will also discover what punishment Triple H will face for the attack on Bryan Danielson, as well as the incident with the official in that attack. Eric Bischoff announced last week that the Board of Directors were discussing what action to take. What fate will befall The King of Kings tonight in Memphis?

There's bound to be two very unhappy superstars with John Cena's WWE Championship victory last night in Chris Jericho & Edge. Jericho vowed to do whatever he had to to stop Cena getting his hands on the title, but he ended up playing a big part in Cena's victory when he accidentally hit Edge instead with a steel chair during the clash between Cena & Edge for the gold. Maybe Edge will be even angrier than Jericho that Cena was the one to win the vacant WWE title. Surely we'll find out later on this evening.

It's bound to be an eventful night from the Sommet Center in Music City. Make sure you join us as it's bound to be a show you won't want to miss!

 
#1,869 · (Edited)



Monday Night 'RAW'
Monday April 27th 2009
Live from the Sommet Center
Memphis, Tennessee
*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!



WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #1

Kofi Kingston vs John Cena vs Chris Jericho
Jericho was pissed and stalked him as he stood back up, getting ready for the Codebreaker, but Kofi made his way back up, distracting Jericho who ran at him, into another Trouble In Paradise from Kofi. Jericho rolled out of the ring as the Jamaican then turned round, Cena was back on his feet and away from the ropes. Kofi panicked and ran at him, into an F-U with Cena turning him over on to his front to again apply the STFU. The crowd again tried to help Kofi, but to no avail this time as he was eventually left with no choice but to tap out. Cena stood up to get his arm raised, not a popular figure, not that it seemed to bother him as he got his arm raised by the referee, now one win away from becoming the WWE Champion once again, leaving Jericho fuming as he sat up on the outside.


***



WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #2

Rob Van Dam vs Rey Mysterio vs Edge
It was RVD & Rey who then went at it with Edge by the ropes, and the control of the match went back in Van Dam's favour when he dodged a springboard reverse cross body. As Rey then picked himself back up, he turned round, right into a back kick to the head that just sent him falling back on to the mat. He was all but out, and up to the top went RVD once more with the crowd willing him up. Rey was out of it, completely helpless, and RVD leapt through the sky again, coming down for the Five Star Frog Splash. It was crazy loud again too with the fans cheering, but Edge was back on his feet and he ran across the mat to grab & toss RVD out of the ring before covering Rey, picking up the three count to win the match and a shot at Cena and the WWE title later on, much to the disgust of the crowd. He stood up looking so smug as RVD sat up on the outside, so frustrated.


***

We were taken backstage where Chris Jericho was having a hissy fit, throwing foldout chairs around. He stopped and said to himself that he's absolutely sick of Cena, that he can't let him become WWE champion, and that he won't let it happen, that no way in hell is he letting Cena leave champion. The camera zoomed in on him, and there's no doubt Jericho meant every word as he grabbed & threw another chair across the floor.



WWE Championship Tournament Final

John Cena vs Edge
When they made their way back up, Edge went for an Irish whip, but it was reversed by Cena and Edge was fired into the ropes. He grabbed on to them and held on with Cena then running in at him. Edge lifted his boot up, driving it down Cena's throat, sending him staggering away from the ropes. As soon as Cena turned in a spin, Edge ran out at him, taking him down with a spear to a big pop with some boos too. Edge wasted no time throwing himself on top of Cena for the cover, but Cena was the one to get his shoulder up this time, and Edge was pissed. He smacked the mat, and he didn't want to believe it. He questioned the ref, getting told it was two, and it looked like he was then going to try putting Cena in the Sharpshooter, but Cena blocked it and kicked back at Edge, sending Edge crashing back into the referee, putting the ref down. Edge stood back up looking at the ref, taking his eye off Cena, who stood up and hit the F-U to put Edge back down with no ref to make the count. The arena was full of more cheers & boos with Cena surveying the scene, but then the crowd came to life again and we saw Chris Jericho run down the aisle and slide into the ring. Cena turned round, confused, and Jericho ran at him, ducking an instinctive right hand from Cena, and he dropped to his knees to low blow Cena to another bag of cheers & boos. Jericho stood up staring down furiously at Cena, and then left the ring, grabbing a steel chair and sliding back in with it as Cena was clawing his way back up.

Jericho was like a man possessed, desperate to take Cena's head off. With the ref down and Edge stirring, Cena looked in real trouble as Jericho lined him up. Cena made it up and Jericho charged at him, swinging the chair at his head, but Cena ducked it and Edge walked right into it, leaving Jericho stunned. Cena then spun him round, lifted him off his feet and planted him with the F-U, and the arena was engulfed with noise. Cena kicked out the chair and Jericho rolled over to the apron and out of the ring as Edge struggled back on to his knees, absolutely all over the place with Cena turning to see it. Cena looked half guilty as Edge then just managed to make it back up, walking right into an F-U as the referee came round. Cena saw it and made the cover with the referee crawling across to make a slow count, but it got to three, making Cena a four time WWE Champion, and a lot of the crowd did not like it. Cena showed his emotions as he stood up, taking in the reaction, taking the boos badly as the referee shook off the cobwebs and crawled over to the apron, and the title was handed to him. He stood up, still groggy as he walked towards the emotional Cena, who when passed the title, didn't take his eyes off it, feeling good about himself and threw it up into the air emphatically, not caring about the boos then with the title back in his hands for the first time in 18 months. Jericho was pissed as he looked up from the floor, seeing Cena there not holding back in showing off his fourth WWE title and 5th world title as Edge too started to stir.
We were told by Jim Ross that we would hear from the new WWE Champion, John Cena and that Triple H will find out what from Eric Bischoff what punishment he will face with rumours spreading like wildfire that he could will lose his job later on.

*Video Recap*
From Two Weeks Ago!

WWE Championship Qualifying Match for Backlash
Kofi Kingston vs Chris Jericho

Kofi though got his knees up, lifting them into Jericho's stomach, and as both men picked themselves back up and turned to face each other, Kofi caught him with the Trouble In Paradise again to a huge pop. Jericho hit the deck and rolled over towards the ropes and on to his stomach with Kofi crawling after him on his hands & knees, turning him over to hook then near leg, getting the three count to the delight of the crowd. His music hit and he stood up with the ref raising his hand, both oblivious to Jericho's foot being on the bottom rope, and the replay showed it was there before the count got to three. Jericho was still in a bad way and rolled out of the ring, unable to see Kofi celebrating with no one other than JR & King having noticed the foot on the rope. The fans carried on cheering the thrilled Kofi as he celebrated on the ropes and then back up the ramp, throwing both his arms up in the air on the stage at the end of the show with a groggy Jericho sitting up on the floor baffled as to what happened.
*The Opening Match*
Kofi Kingston vs Chris Jericho

Kofi had the chance to beat Jericho after the controversy of their match two weeks ago, and Jericho was in such a foul mood that his concentration wasn't there in the beginning. Kofi took full advantage to dominate the early parts of the match, but Jericho's aggression built up after the slow start, and he took his frustration out on Kofi, pummelling the poor Jamaican. That didn't end Kofi's challenge, and they both came close to getting the win, and Jericho was livid when Kofi got his foot on the rope after the Codebreaker. He was especially angry that the referee saw it after the ending to their match two weeks ago. He then tried to lock in the Walls of Jericho, dragging him away from the ropes, but Kofi kicked up at him, sending Jericho back across the mat. As they then both made their way back up, Jericho ran at Kofi, missed with a wild clothesline and Kofi exploded with the Trouble In Paradise. Jericho though grabbed Kofi's boot, then dropped down to grab his other foot to turn him over and this time lock in the Walls of Jericho. The fans did all they could to encourage Kofi, and he responded by fighting to the ropes with Jericho desperately trying to keep him from them, but he couldn't and Kofi eventually got there to a big pop.

Jericho was fuming at having to let the hold go and he looked like he was going to snap, turning in a flash to leave the ring and grab a steel chair. More boos came from the crowd and he slid back in the ring gunning for Kofi, who was coming round when "Metalingus" blasted out and 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge (in jeans and a T-shirt) emerged from the back with a face like thunder, glaring down at the ring and the man who blasted him with a steel chair last night, albeit accidentally in his WWE Championship match with John Cena last night. Most of the stunned crowd cheered Edge, anticipating what he was about to do. Jericho was stunned too and just looked up at the raging Rated-R Superstar, and then Edge burst down the ramp and dived under the bottom rope to a huge cheer. Usually the villain, Edge ducked as Jericho ran at him swinging the chair, then ran through into the ropes, came back off to spear Jericho out of his boots, and the fans loved it as he then continued pummelling Jericho with eight hands to the head. The ref had already called for the bell as Kofi stood up, completely shocked by what was happening, and when Edge stood up they looked at each other awkwardly, and Kofi then left the ring.

The Rated-R Superstar, with the fans unusually cheering him, looked down to see the chair Jericho brought in the ring, and with Jericho down, Edge picked it up and placed the chair under Jericho's head, then left the ring to get another chair. The fans knew what was coming, and they were loving it as the incredibly pissed off Canadian climbed back in the ring with the other chair, but Jericho rolled out of the ring, out of harm's way, or so he thought. Edge dropped the chair and ran towards the ropes Jericho just rolled out under, then hit a baseball slide to send the unsuspecting Jericho in the back and into the security wall. The fans were cheering still as Edge, looking like a man possessed slid outside and pulled Jericho back up to his feet and then sent him crashing into the steel steps. Officials then ran down the ramp and blocked him off from Jericho, setting off a chorus of boos inside the arena. "Metalingus" then hit again and the incensed Edge reluctantly had to back away from the ring with Jericho writhing around on the floor with officials checking on him.

Winner: Chris Jericho by DQ.

*Commercial Break*



>5 Weeks!<


We were shown footage of what went down before the break with the incensed Edge attacking Chris Jericho until he was held back by officials.


Edge was then shown walking through the back and was approached by Todd Grisham, who asked Edge why he just attacked Chris Jericho like that. The Rated-R Superstar looked at him like he was stupid and said it was simple, that last night Chris Jericho cost him the chance to be the WWE Champion for whatever reason he got involved. Edge was clearly still angry about it and said that he was desperate to win the WWE title and that he let Jericho know just how much he wanted it and how much he blames Jericho for costing him the chance to win it. He then told Todd that he doesn't think he's got it all out of his system yet and to go tell Jericho that when he's able to get up that he's damn lucky someone stepped in to save him because next time he might not be so lucky. Todd looked slightly taken aback by Edge's intensity as the Canadian then walked out of the shot having sent everyone a message on this night.


We went back into the arena where Jerry 'The King' Lawler was in the ring, microphone in hand with his music playing, and the Memphis crowd cheered him and chanted "Jerry" over & over. The King was feeling sentimental and told them all how great it was to be in Memphis, the city closest to his heart which holds probably the best memories of his life. He told the fans he wanted to thank them for all the appreciation they've shown him over the years and said that he was eternally grateful, and then "Written In My Face" played and the Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus walked out to the stage, looking totally unimpressed. The King didn't know what was going on and stood there watching as Sheamus headed down the ramp into the ring. The Celtic Warrior said that he was backstage and heard all this sentimental garbage and he felt the need to walk out and tell King that no one cares what happened such a long time ago. King obviously wasn't happy, and neither were the fans, not that Sheamus cared one bit. He then told Lawler that no one wanted to hear about his stories and that no one wanted to see him in the ring anymore, telling him he doesn't belong in it anymore and that he should leave it for his own sake unless he wants to be hurt, and hurt badly.

There were emphatic chants of "Jerry" and he stood his ground, and Sheamus joked that the old dog's got balls but if he had a brain he'd get the hell out of the ring before he embarrassed him in the disgusting city he loves so much. That just drew even more heat from the Memphis crowd and King was defiant, telling Sheamus that he wasn't going anywhere, so it must mean Sheamus would have to make him. Sheamus cracked a smile and looked impressed by King's guts, then told everyone that he didn't have the heart to do it and that he didn't want to disappoint the people of Memphis anymore than they already are just by having to live in the dump he can't wait to get out of, which he was just about to do. He told King to enjoy his little moment while he's headed to the airport, and then he dropped the microphone and turned to walk back across the ring. He went to step through the ropes but quickly stood back up and dropped his title to charge across the ring and take the unsuspecting King's head off with the Brogue Kick to an absolute barrage of boos from the Memphis fans. Sheamus just stood over him with a smirk on his face, no regrets at all and his music played again, then he did leave, smirking back up the ramp as an EMT ran down to check on The King, who was flat out on the mat with concerned fans and Jim Ross looking on.

*Commercial Break*

We got a recap of what went down before the break where Sheamus feigned leave the ring to turn back and hit Jerry 'The King' Lawler with the Brogue Kick.


Todd Grisham was shown catching up with Sheamus in the back during the break, and he asked the Intercontinental Champion whether he was sorry for leaving the Hall of Famer flat on his back in the middle of the ring for absolutely no reason. Sheamus showed no remorse and asked Todd why he should be sorry. He told him that King's had his time, that it's his time now and that after being relegated to the pre-show of Backlash last night having beaten Rey Mysterio at Wrestlemania, he felt the need to go out there and remind everyone who he is and that he's without question the most dominant Intercontinental Champion in history, and will be for a long time to come. He meant every word and then walked away, leaving Todd unimpressed by his attitude.

We then got footage of a very weary Jerry 'The King' Lawler being taken to the medic's office, but the door was shut by the medic after he said that he couldn't give any kind of update until he'd a proper look at The King but he felt he would be fine.​

*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!




Melina & Kelly were really up for this, standing their ground and wanting to put Angel & Talia in their place. They came close too when Melina hit the Sunset Split on Angel, but Talia stormed the ring to break up the cover. Kelly then flew into the ring and all hell broke loose. The referee couldn't control them and Kelly & Melina took care of Sky. She ended up in the corner and Kelly ran across the ring for a Bronco Buster, and hit it. Angel was back on her feet though and pushed Melina into Kelly before rolling Melina up for a two count. As they both made their way back up, they hit each other with a double clothesline. All four divas then made their way back up with Talia tossing Kelly out of the ring. Melina went for her but Sky ducked a right hand, grabbed her and set her up for a Russian leg-sweep with Angel running at Melina, hitting the Botox Injection for their finisher, a bicycle super kick, also known as the Makeover, then covered Melina to get the win for Picture Perfect, and they sure enjoyed it, posing for the crowd on the ropes.
Todd Grisham joined Jim Ross at the announce table, just after Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky) made their way down to the ring having taken yet another self satisfying look in the mirrors placed at the top of the stage for their entrance. Once in the ring, Angel let the crowd know that even after she & Talia beat the two tramps (Melina & Kelly Kelly) 24 hours earlier at Backlash, one of them, namely Melina had asked for a match with her earlier in the day. Love & Sky were laughing amongst themselves, and Love then said that if Melina was happy being embarrassed again that's her problem, but after she's beat Melina again, Melina won't want to be anywhere near them this time. She wrapped up by saying that if there was any doubt at all, once she's done beating Melina for the second time in 24 hours, maybe everyone will realise just how perfect she & Talia are. She & Sky really were cocky, and Melina walked out from the back with Kelly Kelly, and the multi-time Women's Champion looked like she was gunning for them and to wipe the smiles of their faces.

*Match #2*
Melina w/Kelly Kelly vs Angel Love w/Talia Sky

Melina had the support of the fans as well as Kelly, and when Angel took control of the match, her & Sky's arrogance showed. It nearly came back to haunt her when Melina came fighting back thanks to Love's complacency. She was then looking all set to finish Angel off when Talia jumped up on the apron, distracting Melina, who was intent on finishing the job. She shifted towards Talia, who was then pulled down by Kelly to a pop from the crowd. Talia reacted by slapping her and they went at it on the floor when Melina turned round into a Botox Injection, a bicycle super kick. Melina was floored and Angel dragged her right back up with no resistance as Talia sent Kelly crashing into the security wall. Sky then watched on as Angel set Melina up for the Love Bite as JR called it, previously known as "Break A Bitch", an inverted facelock transitioned into a double knee backbreaker. Melina couldn't kick out and Angel secured the win, much to her & Sky's delight, and they soaked up the heat with smug smiles of satisfaction with Kelly & Melina left to endure the pain inflicted on them.

Winner: Angel Love by pinfall.



Triple H was shown arriving in the arena looking somewhat tentative, conscious that he was going to be punished for his actions of two weeks ago. He was jumped on by Leticia Cline, who was awaiting his arrival, and she asked him if he was at all nervous about what fate may befall him with rumours circulating that he could lose his job later on. That clearly hit a nerve and he stared right at Leticia, and he told her that Eric Bischoff wouldn't dare fire Triple H, but if he tries, we'd all see what happens.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!




Cody went looking for Cross Rhodes but Gabriel pulled back and sent him into the ropes, then nailed him with an enzuigiri. Cody fell flat on his face and Hennig stormed the ring as Gabriel got up, but Gabriel ducked a clothesline. Hennig ran into the ropes and Gabriel ran in at him to clothesline him over the top, getting the fans going even more, and then Gabriel turned back to Cody, who was spark out on the mat. He walked towards him and pulled him closer to the corner, then stepped through the ropes to climb up to the top rope, getting set for the 450 splash. The fans were going nuts, all standing up with Cody coming round, but Hennig stood up on the outside and pulled Cody out of the ring out of harm's way. He then backed away from the ring with Cody as Gabriel jumped down off the ropes on to the mat with Morrison looking on in shell shocked with the ref counting Cody & Joe out. J'n'J couldn't believe their eyes, and the crowd were booing like mad, and it was deafening with boos as the count got to ten. Morrison & Gabriel were disgusted, shaking their heads with Morrison in the ring with his tag partner, staring furiously up at the backtracking duo in the aisle who knew they had a lucky escape. They then turned round to walk to the back, leaving their angry opponents behind in the ring, still shaking their heads in disbelief & frustration.
After that footage we were told on a voiceover by J.R. that J'n'J will meet The King's Men in a rematch next week live on Raw, and then we were shown comments from earlier in the day from both teams, starting with The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig). Cody said that he didn't care if they were being called cowards because the truth is that it was a match they never wanted to be in, were uncomfortable with and forced into. With all that said, he claimed it was smart as they technically weren't beaten, but as for next week, the only thing they were concerned about was what happens to Triple H later on.

John Morrison & Justin Gabriel's comments were then shown, and Morrison called them cowards, saying Rhodes & Hennig knew they were about to lose so they ran away. He then said it was only going to be a matter of time he & Gabriel got their hands on them again and had the chance to beat them like they would've at Backlash, and that next week they were going to do just that.


"I Came To Play" was playing in the arena with The Miz (in his ring gear) standing in the middle of the ring, not looking very happy and holding a microphone. When his music cut he complained about how much of a travesty it was he wasn't on the card at Wrestlemania, but to not even be at Backlash was a joke. He claimed he was a readymade star and that he should be in matches like the ones last night to crown a new WWE Champion instead of nobodies like Kofi Kingston for example. That drew heat from the crowd and he continued, telling everyone that he was taking matters into his own hands, and he issued a challenge to anyone in the back to a match so he could prove he's the breakout star waiting to happen. He handed the microphone back to Lilian Garcia and removed his T-shirt, awaiting a response, and he got an emphatic one when "One Of A Kind" hit to a huge pop with Rob Van Dam walking out to the stage. Miz didn't look too happy, and after RVD beat him a couple of weeks ago for a spot in last night's tournament, it wasn't a big surprise. Van Dam walked down to the ring with purpose, showing obvious disappointment he didn't win the WWE title 24 hours earlier.

*Match #3*
Rob Van Dam vs The Miz

Both men were up for this one and the fans were right behind RVD the whole way. Miz though was out to prove a point, and made a good show of himself. He took great pleasure when in control of the match, but it didn't stay that way. Van Dam came back at him, getting the crowd going even more. The Miz couldn't cope with him and after a back kick to the head, he fell back on to the mat and Van Dam went to the corner and jumped up to the top rope. He was feeling froggy but Miz sat up and rolled out of harm's way before RVD could steady himself on the top rope. Miz rolled under the bottom rope and was heading to the back with a disgusted RVD watching after jumping down off the top. The boos then turned into cheers when Kofi Kingston walked out from the back behind The Miz, and Miz turned to see him there, and it looked like Kofi didn't take too kindly to Miz's words before. Miz backed up and turned back to look at the ring, and Kofi tossed him back in, pissing Miz off as he stood back up, shouting angrily at Kofi on the outside. Kofi just looked totally unimpressed, and when Miz eventually turned round, he walked into a roundhouse kick from Van Dam. The crowd went crazy for RVD as he again hit the dizzy heights of the top rope, and this time he hit the Five Star Frog Splash to pick up the win with Kofi smiling on the outside before turning to walk back up the ramp, leaving RVD to celebrate his win in front of the cheering crowd.

Winner: Rob Van Dam by pinfall.



Eric Bischoff, Raw's Head of Authority was then shown walking through the back, seemingly headed to the ring looking very serious indeed and surrounded by a group of 10 security officers.

*Commercial Break*

Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky)
were shown walking in the back, and they came across The Bella Twins, Brie & Nikki. Angel & Talia were clearly amused to see the twins and made jokes at their expense, calling them the girls who aren't pretty enough to be in the WWE by themselves. Talia then joked to Angel that one of them even turned one of the guys gay, and they were laughing amongst themselves, and Brie had to hold a furious Nikki back. Angel then told them that not everyone could be as perfect as her & Talia and it's normal to be jealous of them, just like everyone else is, and off they walked, leaving the angry & unimpressed Bellas behind.


"Back In Black" played and out to the stage walked Eric Bischoff, followed by a group of 10 security officers, and he walked on down to the ring with security joining him in there. He collected a microphone and the fans were cheering as he, taking things very seriously, said that he was sure everyone knew why he was there and what he was about to deal with, but for those who may not, he'd show them what he was talking about.​
*Video Recap*
From Two Weeks Ago!


"Ride of the Valkyries" hit and Bryan Danielson walked out into the arena, getting a big pop from the Philadelphia crowd, looking very calm but focused too, getting a lift from the fans as he headed off down the ramp. They were right behind The American Dragon as he made his way down towards the ring, gaining in confidence with every step, but then we saw a vengeful Triple H run up behind him and nail him in the back. Danielson fell forward on to his hands & knees and his music stopped, and the boos came flooding in, getting louder as The King of Kings put the boots to Danielson. He was like a man possessed and he dragged Danielson up to send him crashing into the security wall to more heat, and the sadistic Triple H stopped to look into the crowd, showing no remorse whatsoever as the referee jumped out of the ring to check on Danielson. Trips ignored him and carried on with the unprovoked attack, this time dragging Danielson up to send him into the steep steps to yet more furious heat from the Philly fans. The top step came off and Trips saw an opportunity, looking at the steps and turning back to the helpless Danielson. The Game picked the steel step up, turning back with it to Danielson with his arms stretched out on the base. The referee pleaded with Trips not to do it but he didn't listen and even kicked the ref in the gut. The ref fell to his knees and Triple H brushed his boot into the ref's face to focus on Danielson again.

The fans looked on so worried and tried to warn Danielson as Trips raised the steel up above Danielson's right arm, then brought it crashing down on to the arm. Danielson screamed out in agony, and that to hurt, understandably. Triple H dropped the steel but the crowd were fuming, booing the crap out of the remorseless son of a bitch. EMT's came racing down to ringside to help Danielson, immediately looking at his am, with Triple H watching, standing back without an ounce of regret. He was just watching as Danielson was helped to sit up, holding his arm looking in a great deal of pain, caring only about his arm and not the man that caused it. He was then helped up to his feet to take him to the back, but The Game struck again from the side with a shot to the side of the head. It put Danielson back down and the boos got even louder for the despicable Triple H as he stomped all over the injured arm, holding off the EMT's attempts to stop him. Danielson was screaming again and finally Triple H relented with the arena full of contempt for him as the medics again rushed to attend to the injured Danielson, and The King of Kings gazed into the crowd, not the least bit sorry for his heinous actions.

***

Eric Bischoff was shown confronting Triple H as The Game walked remorselessly back from the ring, and Raw's Head of Authority was absolutely raging, screaming at him in asking him why he did what he did and that he's just ruined a match he arranged especially. The King of Kings' only response was that Danielson got what he deserved for running his mouth but Bischoff said it wasn't an excuse and that he's now a man down for Backlash, and he then let Triple H know that he can sure as hell forget about getting a chance at becoming WWE Champion at Backlash. That infuriated The Game but he was told it was all his fault and Bischoff let him know if he forgot that he put his hands on the referee too. Bischoff was enraged and said he didn't want to deal with him tonight and told the security that appeared to get him out of his sight and out of the arena. Trips tried & failed to argue his case as Bischoff just ignored him and told security just to throw him out, and they did, leaving an angry Bischoff behind. He turned round to see Bryan Danielson, still supporting his right arm being helped back by the medics and he went to see how he was, and the medics told him they need to get him to hospital. Bischoff told them to take him and he apologised to Danielson and told him he'd deal with Triple H, and Danielson said that he would too even when Bischoff's done with him. As Danielson then walked out of the shot with the medics, Bischoff said that he (Danielson) might not get the chance.​
Back to the ring and Bischoff said that was just the latest incident involving Triple H where he's put his hands on an official, not to mention what he did to Bryan Danielson and how it affected the WWE Championship tournament, leaving them one man short. He then announced that the new champion, John Cena would be in the ring later on as he apparently has a message for the fans, but quickly went back to Triple H and said that after almost two weeks of discussions with the board of directors about what punishment to take against him, a decision had finally been made. He then invited Triple H down to the ring, and it didn't take too long for "King of Kings" to play and 'The King of Kings' himself, Triple H walked out into the arena to a chorus of boos, very serious indeed. He stepped in the ring and took a look at the security shifting in & around Bischoff, and the first thing Trips said was asking Bischoff if the security was really that necessary, and that if Eric did plan on firing him, they wouldn't stop him getting his hands on him.

Bischoff just smirked and said that's exactly where the problem lies, Triple H's attitude & arrogance in believing he can do whatever he wants, having no respect whatsoever for authority. He told Trips that no matter what punishment he's given him in the past, it's not stopped Triple H attacking whoever he saw fit, stating that it had to be dealt with now once & for all. The King of Kings wanted to add his say and told Bischoff that whatever he did, he had a reason, and that Bischoff was the one abusing his position to make him defend the WWE Championship in the Royal Rumble, and then make him the number one entrant. Bischoff cut in and told Trips that they've been through it before but he was happy to again, saying that putting him in the Rumble was a business decision and that making him number one in the Rumble was a way of punishing him when he could've easily fired him since it wasn't the first time he put his hands on an official. Bischoff let him know that it wasn't just any official, it was him, and that Trips should consider himself very lucky he was even allowed to defend & participate in the Rumble after that.

He then moved on to say that was all water under the bridge as far as he was concerned until Triple H acted in the way he did two weeks ago, attacking Danielson without reason and AGAIN putting his hands on an official. Bischoff said that was the issue, that Triple H has on several occasions attacked officials without remorse and not once learnt from it, something which is totally unacceptable, and he told Trips that it could've lost him his a job a long time ago. The Game spoke out and said that what Bischoff needed to realise was that he's the man that made Raw what it is, that for the last ten years Raw has been his show and sometimes these things happen. Bischoff told him that he was wrong and that officials don't deserve to be attacked, no matter how big someone's ego may be or who they were married to, but thankfully he said the latter wasn't an issue anymore. He insinuated that Triple H had this coming but clarified that Stephanie had no say in this decision, not that it particularly mattered if she did. Triple H was looking more worried and Bischoff said that what Triple H had to know was that the decision that has been made was emphatic, that it wasn't taken lightly and his status as one of Raw's top stars was taken into account.

Before he could announce the decision, Trips said that he wanted to explain what happened two weeks ago, that Danielson ran his mouth, but Bischoff didn't have any of it and said it was no excuse, and if it was Raw would be chaos if superstars were attacked for having an unpopular opinion. He then told The Game that he can have no excuse, no defence for what he's consistently done, which is why he and the board have come to the decision they have. There was a brief pause with the crowd waiting impatiently, and then Bischoff announced that the decision is, effectively immediately, Triple H is fired! The crowd erupted with cheers but the rage was coming over Trips's face, and the security workers all shifted in front of Bischoff, and Raw's Head of Authority suggested that Triple H leave the ring & arena with no fuss unless he wanted to be thrown out. You could see he was ready to erupt, his face scrunched up, but he had no way of getting past security, and he clearly was thinking about it, glaring fiercely at Bischoff. They eventually ushered him out of the ring. The unsympathetic crowd started singing the "hey hey hey goodbye" song at him as Bischoff watched from the ring with the furious & fired Triple H being ushered back up the ramp and to the back.

*Commercial Break*

In the back, Triple H was being shown the door, and he had The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig) with him, trying to argue his case. Security had them outnumbered over three to one and they were left with no choice, and as angry as he was, The King of Kings had to walk through the door to the parking lot with Eric Bischoff overseeing his removal. The Game stared right at him, and with his parting shot, he told Bischoff that he hadn't heard the last of it. Rhodes & Hennig followed, much to the sweet satisfaction on the look of Bischoff's face, and he told security to make sure he left and didn't come back. They did as they were told, and as Bischoff turned round, he was treated to the company of the new WWE Champion, John Cena. Given his title win last night, he wasn't looking like a man who'd won the WWE title. Nonetheless, Bischoff congratulated him on his victory and Cena thanked him for it, then told him he did a brave thing getting rid of Triple H but that it was the right thing. Bischoff agreed he had no choice and that Raw would be a better place from now on without him, but Cena then told Bischoff that he might think differently later on because he plans on being brave & bold when he speaks to the fans later too. Bischoff was confused and asked Cena what he was talking about, but the WWE Champion simply told him that he'd have to wait to hear what he has to say. Off then walked Cena with Bischoff incredibly intrigued about what Cena planned to say later on.


With Gregory Helms in the ring awaiting his opponent, the now unmistakable music of Cesaro, the dominant Swiss superstar hit and he walked out to the stage with a microphone. He was met by boos and said that after a month being in the WWE he is still to receive any competition whatsoever, that he's disappointed by the lack of desire or courage shown by true fighters. He looked down at Helms and said that he hoped his opponent would give him his first real challenge or it might make him even angrier, but that Helms really didn't want that. He put the microphone down and then carried on walking down to the ring with Helms showing signs of being slightly intimidated.

*Match #4*
Gregory Helms w/Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore vs Cesaro

Cesaro started off as dominant as he has been, but when he urged Helms to get up, he got more than he bargained before. Helms rallied and threw everything he had at the unbeaten Swiss warrior, catching him well & truly by surprise. Hardy & Moore were willing him on outside the ring as he started to rattle Cesaro. He couldn't put him down until he had him teetering after a dropkick, and then went up top to hit a missile dropkick. Down went Cesaro, but he kicked out easily before the count of two. Helms had to think fast and go right back to work, and he went back to the top rope. This time he came jumping off for a diving cross body, but Cesaro caught him in midair, then showed off his incredible strength by throwing him up in the air, on to his shoulder and planted him with a powerslam. Helms was in serious trouble and Hardy & Moore knew it. They could only look on as Cesaro then reached down to drag him back up. He fired Helms hard into the corner, and he staggered out wincing, right into Cesaro who lifted him off his feet, shooting him up into the air and he nailed Helms as he came back down with the devastating forearm smash to the face. Helms looked like he was knocked out cold, and Cesaro could've won the match there, but instead he dragged him right back up for the Neutralizer, and with no resistance from Helms, Cesaro hit it and picked up yet another victory to keep his impressive reign of dominance going. Hardy & Moore looked shocked by the relative ease of the win, but again Cesaro didn't look too pleased at coasting to a victory as he got his arm raised and looked out into the crowd.

Winner: Cesaro by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!




Falls Count Anywhere[/B]
O.D.B. vs Queen Kong
O.D.B. & Kong were on a mission to beat each other, and the Unified Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix joined J.R. & The King at the announce table to watch the two wannabe contenders go at it. Kong left the ring, grabbing a table and slid it in the ring, and just as she was about to climb back on the apron, she turned her head and stared back at Beth. She turned round on the floor and walked the short distance to the announce table, staring right at the Diva's Champion, and The Glamazon stood her ground, standing up and taking off her headset, then walking round the table, getting right in Kong's face. The behemoth became filled with rage and hammered Beth, then drove her head into the announce table to heat from the crowd. She showed no remorse with Beth down rolling around on the floor, and she headed back in the ring as O.D.B. stood back up, greeting her with a kick to the gut and following it up with a DDT. Kong kicked out of a cover and used the ropes to help get back up on her feet, and Beth crawled to the apron as O.D.B. set her sights on Kong again.

Beth though swept Kong's feet from under her and slid back in the ring to pummel her, to the surprise of O.D.B. and the referee. They tried to stop her, but The Glamazon ignored then and stood up, grabbing the table and setting it up to a big pop from the fans. She then called for O.D.B.'s help despite the referee telling Beth to get out of there, but she wouldn't and pulled Kong into place for a suplex by the table, calling for O.D.B. to help her, and she did. Again the referee warned Beth, and as they then suplexed Kong through the table to a big roar inside the arena, the referee called for the bell and threw the match out, confusing everyone until Lilian Garcia announced that due to outside interference, he was ruling it a no contest getting a ton of heat from the fans. O.D.B. wasn't happy at all and questioned both the referee and the unrepentant Diva's Champion, who spent most of her time staring at Kong writhing around amongst the wreckage, unaware of the fury on the face of O.D.B.


***

There was a minor row in the back between the Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix & O.D.B. O.D.B. was asking her what the hell she was doing but Beth apologised while saying that it wasn't anything that hadn't already happened to her, bringing up Wrestlemania when O.D.B. got involved in her match with Kong. O.D.B. though said that Beth won that match while she had hers called a no contest and Beth told O.D.B. that Kong just attacked her at ringside, asking what she was supposed to do when Eric Bischoff walked into the shot holding the WWE title, and he wasn't too happy by what happened earlier. He told Beth he understood why she snapped but that she couldn't get involved in matches like that, especially after what happened at Wrestlemania and as the Diva's Champion, she should be setting an example. O.D.B. was told that she can't really argue given her role in what happened at Wrestlemania but that he'd just spoken to Vince McMahon and they'd come to a solution. Both women were listening intently, and Bischoff told them that along with Kong they will all meet in a triple threat match at Extreme Rules for the Diva's Championship and that after what happened just now it will be an elimination table match. He left them with that, walking away as they disgusted the information, looking awkwardly at each other.



*Match #5*
Non-Title Match
Beth Phoenix vs Mia Rain

The Glamazon was making her first ring appearance since becoming the Unified Diva's Champion at Wrestlemania last month, and with her ribs healed up, she looked back to her old self. Rain though, the woman she beat last summer to become the first Diva's Champion didn't make it easy for her. There was still some needle there on Rain's side, and she looked to get some long overdue payback. Sensibly she targeted Beth's ribs, and Beth had to fight to hang on. She was up for the fight though, and she had to be, just getting her shoulder up after a double knee backbreaker transitioned into a falling gutbuster. Rain could smell blood and was stalking Beth for the Rain Drop, a falling reverse DDT, and the fans were looking worried, rightly so. Beth though responded by pulling back and shoving Rain into the ropes, nailing her as she bounced back with a double axe-handle shot to the chest. Rain tried to get right back up, and Beth was on her, kicking her in the gut before scooping her off her feet and into the air for a gorilla press, then dropped her on to the mat. Rain was hurt by the strong impact, and she was there for the taking. Beth helped her up from the knees and hit The Grand Slam to a big pop from the fans, and she got the three count after a real fight.

As soon as she stood up and got her arm raised, the ominous music of Queen Kong hit, and the very angry behemoth came down the ramp looking more menacing than ever. The Glamazon was rightfully concerned. Kong entered the ring and ran right at Beth, and they went at it. Beth defended herself but Kong quickly had her at her mercy, firing her into the corner and running in for a splash. Beth fell flat on her face and Kong then left the ring to grab a table from under the ring to a mixed response from the crowd. Some were happy at the sight of a table, but a lot were concerned for Beth. Kong slid it in the ring and climbed back in to set it up as the Diva's Champion made it up to her knees. All of a sudden a pop came from the crowd and O.D.B. ran down to the ring. Kong's other rival, and opponent last night nailed her from behind as Beth clawed her way back up to her feet to see O.D.B. taking it to Kong. The fans cheered as O.D.B. slugged it out with her, and just as Kong looked like getting the upper hand, Beth joined in to help O.D.B., overpowering Kong, and then like last night, together they suplexed her through the table to a big pop from the fans. With Kong lying in the wreckage, Beth & O.D.B. had a very awkward look at each other as Beth's music played with the Diva's Champion in a combustible situation heading into Extreme Rules in two weeks.

Winner: Beth Phoenix by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*


The unpopular World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval) walked out into the arena looking as confident as ever, and once they stepped into the ring, Daniels went to borrow the microphone from Lilian Garcia. He told the crowd that last night they again backed up just how good he & Kaval are, how deserving they are of the world tag team titles by beating the team that weren't beaten when they lost the titles. Daniels continued, saying that the outcome was never in doubt as he & Kaval simple are pure excellence individually, and even more so as a team, but he conceded that words don't always mean everything. He said that he was aware of their critics, as wrong as they are he pointed out, that they're not as excellent as he & Kaval make out. He admitted that actions speak louder than words, which was why earlier in the evening they asked to defend their titles against any team Eric Bischoff felt appropriate, and Daniels said that Bischoff made the best decision he could have, because their imminent opponents were going to be the team they 'controversially' defeated for the titles three months ago in Rey Mysterio & Mystico. The crowd got excited and Daniels told them they should be excited as they were going to witness a tremendous contest, but a contest he & Kaval would win to put an end to any doubt they are without question the rightful & deserving World Tag Team Champions. That drew some heat from the fans, and after he handed the microphone back to Lilian, "Booyaka 619" hit and Rey Mysterio & Mystico came flying out to the stage from the back, ready for action and a chance to regain their titles they've yet to claim their rematch for. Daniels & Kaval unstrapped their titles and watched their determined opponents coming down the ramp, anticipating a battle to hang on to their titles.

*The Main Event*
World Tag Team Championship
Rey Mysterio & Mystico w/Shannon Moore
vs The Epitome of Excellence (c)

The fans were treated to a great contest for the tag team titles, and the Mexican duo certainly were ready to give it everything to reclaim the titles they lost three months ago. The champions though were prepared to fight like their lives depended on it to keep them, and they had to fight hard. With the fans on the side of Rey & Mystico, they spurred them on no end, and Kaval had to show some serious resolve when Mystico was firing on all cylinders. Kaval only just kicked out after a springboard moonsault, and then a high angle crossbody with Mystico feeling the momentum. The Mexican helped him up from his knees and ran into the ropes for a springboard DDT, but Kaval threw him off his shoulders into the mat. Kaval watched him closely, staring intently at him as he got up to his knees, and Kaval ran past him into the ropes for the Tidal Wave (springboard roundhouse), but Mystico ducked it and exploded with a super kick. The fans were out of their seats as Mystico threw himself on to Kaval to make a cover, and to the relief of Daniels in his partner's corner, Kaval just managed to get his shoulder up to keep the champions in it. Rey thought it was over and looked so disappointed on the apron, but he had the chance to do something about it himself.

Rey looked to finish the job, and after getting the tag from Mystico he climbed up to the top rope as the groggy Kaval dragged himself up on to his feet. Rey was all set to strike, and as Kaval turned his way, he dived on to his shoulders for hurricanrana, but again Kaval kicked out. He was rattled though as he made his way up, and Rey took full advantage to catch him with a drop toe hold on to the second rope, and the crowd went nuts. Rey dialled up and the fans were back on their feet in the stands. They watched on as he turned back into the ropes, stormed across the mat and connected with the 619. The champs were in deep deep trouble, and as Rey stood back up on the apron, Daniels panicked and hit the ring, but he was cut off by a springboard clothesline by Mystico. Kaval was struggling back up with Rey all set to end it, and when he came through the air for the West Cast Pop, Kaval sidestepped it, grabbed Rey and sent him crashing shoulder first into the ringpost. The crowd fell flat but Kaval halted the momentum right there to keep the titles for him & Daniels. Minutes later he brought a determined Daniels into the match to carry on taking it to Mysterio, but Rey showed serious guts, kicking out of the BME and a sidewalk slam off the top rope. Daniels' frustration was starting to boil over, and he set Rey up for the Angel's Wings.

The fans were panicking but Rey countered at the last second with a back body drop. He made it to his corner and tagged Mystico, and the Mexican jumped over the ropes to come firing at Daniels. The Mexican went all out, but Daniels tried to respond, able to reverse an Irish whip, only to duck his head and see Mystico somersault over him for a sunset flip. Daniels kicked out though, but he was rattled now, and when he made it back up, Mystico was this time able to hit the springboard DDT. The fans thought that was it but couldn't believe their eyes when Daniels just, and only just got his shoulder up to deny the Mexican duo. Rey again was gutted, but Mystico went to the apron, looking to end it, going for a slingshot corkscrew crossbody, but Daniels rolled out of the way of it. He managed to crawl across to his corner and tag Kaval, who flew into the ring, pulled Mystico up to his knees and planted him with a double underhook suplex. Kaval wasted no time going for the cover but Mystico was the one who got his shoulder up this time. The frustration was really beginning to show on Kaval's face. He continued and failed to finish Mystico, and it looked like Mystico had it after a leg trap sunset flip powerbomb, but Kaval kicked out again. Mystico went up top, looking for a senton bomb, and he got it, but Daniels stormed the ring to break up the cover with a light stamp to the back of the Mexican's head. Rey was livid and he flew into the ring and at Daniels.

The fans were cheering again, and as Daniels got up by the ropes, Rey ran at him and took both of them over the top with a high momentum clothesline. They both remained down on the floor as Mystico & Kaval clawed their way back up on the inside, where Mystico reversed a whip to the corner, sending Kaval hard into the pads. Kaval hit them hard and staggered out in pain with Mystico then running at him for a clothesline, but Kaval went all Matrix, ducking it, and when they both turned round, he caught Mystico with a lifting reverse STO. Rey was making his way back up and climbed back on to the apron, but Daniels dragged him down hard with Rey landing on the floor. Mystico looked to seize the advantage, stalking the groggy Mystico as he struggled back up to his feet, and Kaval surged past him into the ropes, hitting the springboard and then the roundhouse kick to the head for lights out. Mystico was done and Kaval made the cover, hooking both legs and getting the three count to secure a very impressive and hard fought victory for the champions, and boy did they look pleased with themselves, lifting their titles up into the air as they were passed to them by the referee with a disappointed Mysterio looking on as he sat up on the floor. The champions left the ring all smiles and turned back on the stage to pose with the gold one more time before walking to the back after arguably their best victory to date.

Winners: By pinfall, and still the World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence.



We then got a glimpse of the very serious new WWE Champion, John Cena walking through the back, headed it would seem for the ring with the promise of some brave & bold words to come.

*Commercial Break*



>2 Weeks!<



"My Time Is Now"
blasted out through the speakers of the arena to a very mixed and deafening response and the new WWE Champion, John Cena walked out to the stage, not showing the enthusiasm you would expect from the new WWE Champion. He did his trademark salute before walking down to the ring, taking the time before entering the ring, and he walked over to the ropes to lift the WWE title up into the air, getting more boos this time. He then turned to go get a microphone, and when his music cut, the boos were more clear, but there was still the usual cheers too for the controversial figure. The champ then said it's been a long 18 months since the last time he could say that "the champ was here", drawing more heat from the anti-Cena sections of the crowd. He took it in his stride, not smiling through it, keeping more than a straight face, and it looked like he was very bothered about something. Clearly he had something on his mind and Cena said that he expected the boos he gets everywhere, especially since the added "hate" he's had after he ended The Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania. He then said that it's something he's had to deal with for over three years now and not once has he complained about it, but claimed that now it's become disrespectful. It drew more boos from some of the crowd and Cena carried on to say that no matter what he's done, who he's beat, he walks out to boos every night, but even though he said it was fine for fans to like whoever they want, what's happened since Wrestlemania is more than that.

He said that he's being blamed for The Undertaker leaving, for ending the streak, which isn't fair in his opinion and considering what he's achieved, now including becoming the WWE Champion again, he should be respected not vilified. That wound up the anti-Cena sections even more, but Cena was adamant that he's done nothing wrong, and it's only because he's John Cena that he's being treated with a blatant lack of disrespect for nothing other than doing his job and doing it damn well despite not receiving an ounce of credit from the majority of the fans. The majority of the crowd were on his back but there were some cheers, and he wanted to clear up that throughout the years he's had support from his loyal fans who he appreciates more than they could imagine and respects them enormously and will continue to do so, but that it's come to the point where no matter what he does, no matter who he beats, he will never change the opinion of the majority. He then said that he's been naive all these years for thinking differently, and when he won the WWE Championship at Backlash 24 hours earlier, it finally dawned on him that he will never be respected. The fans were heavily split, some cheering Cena's name and a lot chanting "Cena Sucks". Cena let them have their say before continuing, saying that if some fans don't like seeing him as champion, beating the streak then that's there issue as he's never going to apologise for being successful and he sure as hell won't give up. He suggested to them that there's only one thing they can do if they don't like him or the idea of him being champion is to just accept it and deal with it as he's the WWE Champion and intends to keep it that way.

The crowd let him have it, all throwing their opinions at him while he stood there taking it in, not letting the heat bother him, then "Booyaka 619" hit with a now changed Rey Mysterio walking out to the stage and down to the ring. Everyone was shocked to see him, and when in the ring he looked surprised by Cena's words while walking past him to get a microphone. First, Mysterio congratulated him on becoming the WWE Champion and then explained that he'd just come out of the shower and saw what was going on on the TV in his locker room, claiming he felt the need to go out there. Cena listened to what his friend had to say and Rey told him he gets what he's saying but like Cena's said for years, the fans are entitled to cheer & boo whoever they want, and then brought up a talk they had in Chicago three years after they both got booed out of the building at Wrestlemania. Rey reminded us of that night when he won the World Heavyweight Championship and that the only thing he could do was ignore it but said that the fans are entitled to their opinion and it's just part of the business, which he said Cena knew and why he's confused by what Cena's said. Cena responded by telling Rey that he only had it for one night, but for him it's been his life ever since, and even before, and that night at Wrestlemania they were chanting things that he couldn't even repeat at this hour. Rey rushed back in to say that he gets that Cena feels responsible for ending Taker's career but regardless of what happens in the ring, that what he has to respect is that like everyone in life, the fans are entitled to their opinion, to say what they want, to cheer & boo who they want, and without them there wouldn't even be a ring for them to stand in.

The fans cheered Rey and some chanted his name, but Cena didn't look too happy with Rey's well meant words. Cena told Rey that he knew he meant well but he couldn't understand the situation he's coming from, that things he accomplishes like beating The Undertaker or winning the WWE title at Backlash aren't respected where they would be if it was someone else, claiming that's he's being vilified unfairly and unfairly disrespected, and that's been the case for three long years, stating that he's had enough of it because he knows he doesn't deserve it and the time has come where he should be shown the respect that he does deserve and he's earned. That just wound the haters up even more and they chanted more disrespectful slurs at him that the USA Network would be hoping weren't picked up at home. Rey clearly felt bad for Cena and told him that he's sure because he's just won the WWE title, the emotion's just getting to him and that Cena would feel differently in a few days, and that bought a wry smirk to Cena's face. He told Rey that he didn't appreciate being patronised by him, and then told Rey that he couldn't possibly understand his predicament given that he's hasn't accomplished what he has. Rey reassured him he was just trying to help out a friend, but Cena told him that he knows his own mind and doesn't need Rey telling him how he shouldn't feel when he can't understand what it's like to be the top dog, let alone the hate that he gets. He then told Rey that he felt that if he, the ultimate underdog beat The Undertaker instead of him, then the fans wouldn't be anywhere near as disrespectful as they have been with him.

He was blaming the fans who hate him for being nothing but narrow minded, disrespectful & pathetic, pointing out it's not his loyal fans that he reiterated he respected. Rey shook his head, saying he wasn't sure he knew who he was in the ring with, and he gave up, saying that he was going to leave but told Cena that he needs to wise up soon before he ends up acting like a jerk on a regular basis. There were some gasps from the crowd, some fans surprised he said that, and as Rey dropped his microphone and turned away to leave the ring, Cena dropped his too and grabbed Rey's arm to turn him back round. He stared right at Rey, letting him know that he wasn't messing around, he felt strongly about what was he saying. Rey though tried to pull away and asked Cena what the hell he was doing and to stop being a jerk, and at that point Cena had heard enough and lifted Rey off his feet and tossed him into the mat with the F-U! The crowd were shocked as Cena stared down at Rey flat out at the side of him with boos being thrown at him from the crowd, and some of his fans were shown looking on in shock. Cena shook his head to the side, showing that he had some regret in him, and he took in the reaction for a few seconds before reaching down to pick up the microphone. The fans wouldn't let him speak though for a bit, but when they did he said that he wanted to point out that he wasn't proud of what he just did but said that it was Rey's fault for pushing him. The fans didn't buy it and he dropped the microphone, not caring what the crowd thought, just looking down at Rey still on his back as Raw came to a close, zooming in on the fairly unapologetic face of the WWE Champion.

*End of Show*

Chris Jericho defeated Kofi Kingston by DQ
Angel Love defeated Melina
Rob Van Dam defeated The Miz
Cesaro defeated Gregory Helms
Beth Phoenix defeated Mia Rain
The Epitome of Excellence defeated Rey Mysterio & Mystico

>Superstars Tapings<
Jack Swagger defeated Mystico
J'n'J defeated Orlando Jordan & Ezekiel Jackson

>Dark Match<
Damien Sandow & Dean Ambrose defeated Goldust & Eugene
 
#1,870 ·
Triple H gets fired, I love it, I honestly love it but since Triple H has been fired by Bischoff I wonder what will happen? I can see Triple H going to the Board of Directors to try to get his job back but if that doesn't happen then I could see Triple H somehow being re-hired but he ends up on Smackdown but Triple H he is off RAW and that makes me happy so glad that Bischoff did what had to be done

But Cena attacking Rey like that, if that wasn't a heel turn from John Cena then I do not know what is to be perfectly honest

But what Sheamus did to Jerry Lawler especially in King's hometown, wow what a way to get heat on Sheamus and if anything Sheamus just continues to prove to me just why he should be a main eventer
 
#1,871 ·



>RAW!<

>Cena Snaps!<


We were left shocked moments ago when the new WWE Champion, John Cena, after a briefly heated exchange with his friend, Rey Mysterio, F-U'd him in the middle of the ring in front of a stunned crowd in Memphis.

Cena was in no mood to celebrate his WWE Championship victory the night before, instead telling everyone about how he feels he's being unfairly disrespected & vilified for his success, including ending the streak at Wrestlemania last month. Rey decided to try to reason with Cena, telling him the fans were entitled to their opinion, but Cena didn't want to hear it anymore, saying he's had enough abuse for no reason, and when Rey called him a jerk for the second time, he snapped and gave Rey a taste of the F-U. No one could believe it. The capacity crowd was in shock.

What can we expect next week? Will there be an apology from Cena?



>The Game's Up For Triple H!<

We knew going into Raw this evening that there was a chance Triple H would be fired with The Board of Director's decision looming over his head, and we found out it was more than just a chance with The Game being fired by Eric Bischoff.

The King of Kings could have little defence, and after being told his contract was being terminated, he was given no chance of putting his hands on another official with security standing in his way of getting to Bischoff. What is Raw going to be like now without Triple H? We'll find out next week.



>Edge Loses It!<

24 hours ago we saw Chris Jericho fail to cost John Cena the WWE Championship as he wanted, instead hitting Edge with a steel chair to help Cena defeat The Rated-R Superstar and win the title Edge wanted badly.

At the start of tonight's show, Edge let his fellow Canadian know just how badly he wanted it when he made his way down to the ring just as Jericho was about to use a steel chair again, this time on Kofi Kingston. Edge was gunning for Jericho, and he this time ducked the chair shot and came back off the ropes to take him down with a spear. The crowd who usually boo Edge were cheering him, and he wasn't done there. He grabbed the chair, and then another, looking for the con-chair-to. Jericho though got out of the way of that one, but Edge wasn't done and continued with a vicious attack on the outside until officials got in his way.

Is Edge done making Jericho pay, or is there more coming Jericho's way?





If you missed last night's explosive episode of Raw, click here to read the full results.
 
#1,872 ·
Cena I do not see him apologizing for what he did to Rey but even if he tries to apologize the crowd will still shit on him for it and not to mention Rey won't accept his apology either

But as for Triple H I don't see this being the last of him and that he is going to show up on RAW and attack Bischoff

Edge/Jericho feud I love it especially if Edge turns face in the process
 
#1,873 · (Edited)



Friday Night Smackdown
Friday May 1st 2009
Live from the Bramlage Coliseum
Manhattan, Kansas

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


"This Fire Burns" blasted its way through the speakers of the B-Lo Center in Greenville, and CM Punk made his first live appearance on Smackdown in three weeks with Homicide by his side as ever. The former World Heavyweight Champion said that in all the anger & controversy of what happened at Wrestlemania and since then, he failed to realise that his rematch with Randy Orton at Extreme Rules will take place in all of places, Montreal. The word drew some cheers from the crowd and Punk speculated that this is all just another conspiracy as it was at Wrestlemania to screw him over. Punk said that what happened in Montreal 12 years ago is still synonymous with everyone associated with the business and is the night that changed wrestling forever, stating that it was the night that made Vince McMahon the monster he is today. Punk spoke of how that was the night Vince decided he could just meddle in anything he wanted but sent him a warning that if there was so much of a hint of a repeat of what happened that night in Montreal, the least of his worries will be being spat on. It drew mostly heat from the crowd, and then "No Chance In A Hell" hit, and out into the arena walked Mr. McMahon and his daughter, Stephanie McMahon.

They were mostly cheered by the fans as they slowly walked down to the ring, followed by a handful of security officers. They were told to hang fire outside the ring by Vince, and once inside, there was a real tense staredown between Vince, Stephanie, Punk & Homicide. Stephanie then went to get a microphone and said that Punk ought to be careful making threats like he just did, but he jumped right in and told Stephanie to shut up. He wasn't in the mood to be dictated to and told Stephanie that his threats are well warranted, as they both know, but he also said that as extreme as he can be, he can be sensible too. He then offered them the chance to avoid another potential Montreal incident by adding a stipulation to his match with Orton, in that if they so much as get involved in that match, he automatically becomes World Heavyweight Champion again. That wasn't popular with the majority of the crowd, and Punk claimed that it was the very least that he deserves. Vince clearly wasn't in agreement and told Punk emphatically that he should be damn lucky he still has a job, and if it wasn't for his wife or Randy Orton, he wouldn't be.

Stephanie though was calmer than her father, and she stepped in to calm him down before telling Punk that he was in no position to issue threats, especially considering the thin ice he's on. She then told him however, that she's had time to reflect on it all and has come to the realisation that she needs to take a step back, and as much as he doesn't show it, so does her dad, and that Punk has both her & her dad's word that neither of them will interfere in his match at Extreme Rules. Punk laughed though and asked if she was serious, asking if he was seriously meant to just accept their word for it given everything they've done already, and not just to him. He couldn't believe it and told her that he's not easy to manipulate and they should realise that he's not going to be grateful for just having a job and take whatever crap's thrown at him. Stephanie stayed calm, but had to cool her dad down again before reassuring Punk that they have both come to realise their past mistakes and that they can't get themselves involved in the manner they have, meaning that she promises to officially add Punk's stipulation to the contract for the rematch with Randy Orton at Extreme Rules.

***

Randy Orton & Christian
vs CM Punk & Homicide

Punk then stood up and signalled for the GTS, but as he got Mr. Money in the Bank up on to his shoulders, Christian wriggled down and pushed Punk into the ropes. As soon as Punk bounced off them, Christian ran out at him, taking him down with a spear, and with the fans cheering he made the cover, only for Punk to get his foot on the rope before the ref could count to three. Christian was gutted but quickly shook off the disappointment to stalk Punk for the Killswitch when Homicide again burst into the ring, but Christian saw him coming and sent him on his way over the top rope and down to the floor. Christian turned back to Punk, who was still not back up after the spear, and Dolph Ziggler came stomping down the aisle to grab Christian's Money in the Bank briefcase. He was seen by The Viper, who jumped down off the apron, spun Ziggler round and hit an RKO on the floor to a huge pop from the crowd. Ziggler lay there flat out with the World Champion staring down intensely at him. Christian turned to look what was going on, taking his eye off Punk, and the former World Champion capitalised, shooting up and spinning Christian round into the GTS to get the three count and pick up the win to the shock of Orton as he looked back in the ring.

He was not a happy man at seeing a smug Punk getting his arm raised by the referee, as did Homicide as he joined him in the ring, and Punk taunted him, laughing at Orton. The Viper though slid back in the ring, showing no fear in walking towards them, squaring up to Punk to a massive roar from the crowd, and Punk's music cut with the fans cheering as Orton & Punk butted heads, and it went off with Orton nailing Punk, but Punk & Homicide responded, using their numbers advantage to beat him down to a chorus of boos from the Greenville crowd. Orton fought back though, getting the fans even louder, but he quickly got put down again by a kick to the groin from Punk, met by a chorus of boos. Just as the smug Punk was then going to go for the GTS on the helpless Viper, Christian made it back up and tackled Homicide down before going for Punk, and Punk quickly hit the GTS before slipping away to safety, looking back in the ring with his arms raised, gloating with Christian staring back at him and Orton face down in the ring and Ziggler coming round on the outside as the show came to a close with Punk's smug smile.





Michael Cole & Matt Striker welcomed everyone and announced that the main event would see the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton go one-on-one with the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler in a Champion vs Champion match.

*The Opening Match*
'Mr. Money in the Bank' Christian vs Homicide

While Christian went at it with Homicide, CM Punk joined Michael Cole & Matt Striker at the announce table, talking about how he proved last week that Randy Orton's out of his depth and how he would reclaim the world title in just over a week's time at Extreme Rules when he will be the last man standing. Christian had the support of the crowd but he had a fight on his hands against Homicide. Punk's ally showed how tough an opponent he is, and Punk enjoyed watching him taking it to Mr. Money in the Bank. The Canadian showed his resilience though and toughed it out, hitting a pendulum kick counter before following up with a reverse DDT. It wasn't enough for the three, but he went looking for the Killswitch, but Homicide countered and pushed him into the ropes. Christian hit them but held on to them, pissing him right off. Homicide charged right at him, right into a raised boot that sent him staggering away, and Mr. Money in the Bank followed him right out. With Homicide in a spin, Christian took full advantage and pulled him into place for the Killswitch, and he hit it this time, drilling Homicide's face into the mat to a big pop from the crowd. They counted to three along with the ref and cheered Captain Charisma as he stood up to get his arm raised after a hard fought win, leaving Punk fairly unimpressed at the announce table, having to look on as Christian climbed on to the second rope and lifted his Money in the Bank briefcase up in the air with a big smile on his face.

Winner: Christian by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*


An angry looking Ted DiBiase & Maryse walked out into the arena and down to the ring, and DiBiase went straight after a microphone. He said that what he had to say should be fairly obvious, but if it wasn't he'd show everyone why he & Maryse were absolutely furious.​
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!

TJ Wilson w/Natalya Neidhart vs Ted DiBiase w/Maryse

TJ was really up for getting his hands on DiBiase, but the same couldn't be said for Ted Jr. He didn't shy away from it though, but within three minutes, TJ gained the upper hand and had DiBiase down & struggling. He was circling Ted on the mat and Maryse got up on the apron to try & help her boyfriend. TJ walked towards her and told her to get down, but as he turned round and grabbed DiBiase by the feet, Ted kicked up at him, sending him back into Maryse, knocking her off the apron and down to the floor in a heap. She hit it hard and the ref immediately went to check on her with TJ turning round looking on in shock. He was worried, and as Ted sat up, he saw something wasn't right and left the ring too to see how she was. The referee called for help from the back, and Maryse was starting to move with TJ & Natalya looking on, both worried about her. She was eventually helped up, looking shaky and was helped to the back by Ted and the medic with DiBiase turning back staring furiously at Wilson, who did look very sorry for what happened.

Back to the arena and DiBiase said that thanks to the incredibly small Canadian, his beautiful & innocent girlfriend was hurt, and he said it was unacceptable that as far as he was aware, TJ Wilson hasn't been punished for injuring a woman. The crowd didn't have too much sympathy for them, only angering them more, and DiBiase then demanded that the first thing he wanted was an apology from the shameless Wilson, and should he get one, they may consider not taking legal action against him. That got more heat from the crowd as Ted then invited TJ out to issue an apology to the innocent and apparently lucky not to be seriously hurt Maryse. He didn't have to wait too long for a response and out came TJ Wilson along with his girlfriend, Natalya Nedihart. The Canadian couple made their way down to the ring with TJ looking like he was still genuinely sorry for what happened last week, and he said as much when he got in the ring. Ted though said sorry wasn't enough and asked him why he & Maryse shouldn't sue him for putting his hands on a woman, and TJ looked like he didn't know what to say, clearly guilty for what happened.

Natalya though took the microphone off her boyfriend and wasn't as sympathetic as he was. She told Ted to get real and that they couldn't sue TJ for what happened because it was a complete accident and nowhere near as serious as they're making out, pointing out accidents like that have happened countless times. She then told them both that TJ had apologised and they should be grateful for that, but it didn't do down at all well with the now even angrier DiBiase and his Million Dollar Woman. Ted looked too angry to speak, and Maryse took the microphone to respond, doing so her in beautiful accent that was booed by the crowd when she told Natalya it had nothing to do with her. She then dared to suggest that Natalya should spend more time dealing with her weight than other people's problems. The crowd were taken aback but Natalya was seething, and she slapped the hell out of Maryse to a big pop from the crowd. DiBiase was furious and immediately asked his girlfriend how she was, but she responded to Natalya by slapping her right back. Natalya though tackled her down to the mat and started to pummel her in the head.

Ted tried to pull Natalya off her, but TJ pulled him away and got in his face for putting his hands on Natalya, and then it all kicked off between them too. The crowd cheered, enjoying seeing them go at it, but Stephanie McMahon obviously didn't as she walked out to the stage, shouting to get their attention. She did just that and they all slowly stood back up, staring at each other before looking up to listen to what Stephanie had to say. She told them that things between them are clearly getting out of hand as of late, and given that Maryse appears to be okay after what happened last week she feels the best course of action is to make a tag team match between them. The fans liked that, as did all four in the ring, but Stephanie said she was going to make sure that Maryse was fine, just to be sure, so the match will take place in just over a week's time at Extreme Rules. The fans were less happy to hear they wouldn't get to see it there & then, but as "I'm All Grown Up Now" played and Stephanie walked to the back, all four in the ring were eying each other up, definitely looking forward to the thought of getting their hands on each other at Extreme Rules.


Josh Matthews was standing by backstage and he was joined by both the WWE Tag Team Champions, Paul London & Brian Kendrick, as well as their opponents come Extreme Rules, The UK Pack (Harry Smith & Paul Burchill). Things were very relaxed between the two teams who we heard would join forces later on in an eight-man tag team match. Josh's introduction described how in the past both teams have had yearlong reigns as WWE Tag Team Champions and how their match next weekend is one of the most highly anticipated tag title matches in Smackdown history because of the success they've both had. With that in mind, he then asked both teams how they felt about teaming up together later on. The challengers answered first with Burchill saying that as he & Harry did last week, he wanted to reiterate the respect they had for the champions and how they wanted to go about their rematch clause due to that respect, and because of that respect, they have absolutely no problem being team mates, and that they were in fact looking forward to it, against a team they both don't like in The Empire. Kendrick backed up what Burchill said about respecting their opponents, also saying that he & London treat every match the same, and now that they're back together and stronger than ever, they want to remain champions for a year again like they did a few years ago. He then said he didn't want to disappoint their partners for the night but that's what they plan to do and beat them at Extreme Rules, knowing though it's going to be a tough match, probably the toughest they've had, and he signed off by saying he hoped that the best team wins and they all win together too later on. Burchill & Smith agreed with him and they were happy title rivals as the camera faded out.

*Commercial Break*

Michael Shane & Jay Lethal
were shown looking awkwardly at each other in the office of Mr. McMahon and his daughter, Stephanie McMahon. Shane made his case for a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship, but Lethal too said he felt he deserved an opportunity, telling them all that he know he's been impressive since coming to Smackdown and saying that he's not been beaten. Stephanie agreed with Shane and told him that he's certainly worthy, given that he's a former Cruiserweight Champion and that he's looked very good since returning from the nasty injury he had. Vince then weighed in and said that he felt Lethal too had a legitimate case and that he was right, that he has been very impressive, not just since coming to Smackdown, bringing up his time on Raw too and victory over his brother, Kofi Kingston at the Royal Rumble. Stephanie then asked her dad what to suggest, and the Chairman of the Board said that they were both deserving of a title match but that there's plenty more cruiserweights in the locker room who could fall into that category as well. His decision was to make a battle royal next week with the winner becoming the number one contender. Shane seemed fine with that and Lethal said he was too, pleasing everyone. The two men hoping to be number one contender then left the room and the McMahons sat down with Vince asking his daughter how she feels about Triple H being fired. A wry smile appeared on her face and she joked that it was such a shame, and they ended up laughing between themselves on the leather sofa.


*Match #2*
Non-Title Match
J-Red vs Jamie Noble w/Kid Kash

After beating Kash last week, the Cruiserweight Champion went up against his partner this week in Jamie Noble. The title might not have been on the line but Red didn't let that stop him going all out to get the win. Noble had to make him work for it, and it looked like he might get a surprise win after Red only just managed to get to the ropes in the Trailer Hitch, a modified figure four leglock. Noble wasn't happy at all and dragged him away from the ropes when Red made it back up, setting the Cruiserweight Champion up for a sitout double underhook powerbomb. Red though countered with a back body drop, and when Noble made it up and they turned to face each other, he tried for an Irish whip but it was reversed by Noble. As Red came bouncing back, he surprised Noble with tilt-a-whirl headscissors but twisted it into a satellite DDT. Noble was down & out and Red crawled across the mat to the apron with the crowd cheering.

He climbed through the ropes as Kash watched nervously for his partner, fearing the worst as the groggy Noble started to sit back up, not knowing where he was as Red stood back up on the apron. He held on to the top rope and was ready to strike, and when Noble made it back up, the champion sprung to life, hitting the springboard and then the diving swinging reverse STO, the Red Alert to get the win to a big pop from the crowd. As soon as he was back on his feet to get his arm raised, Red was jumped by Kash, who put the boots to him to heat from the fans. Michael Shane then ran down the ramp to a big pop from the crowd, coming to Red's aid, pissing Kash off, who ran at Shane for a clothesline. Shane though ducked it and exploded with a super kick to floor Kash, met by more cheers from the fans, and Shane then went to help up Red, and it was appreciated by the Cruiserweight Champion with mutual respect certainly there between the champ and the hopeful challenger.

Winner: J-Red by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*


The Empire (Wade Barrett, William Regal, Drew McIntyre & Katie Lee)
walked out from the back, not in the best of moods to say the least, and they were joined by 'The Masterpiece' Chris Masters. They walked down to the ring with all four of the men in their ring gear and Katie carrying the Union Jack flag as always, and Barrett wanted the microphone. He said that they were disgusted that they won't be part of the tag team title match at Extreme Rules, claiming they're better than both teams and that they certainly proved they're better than The UK Pack when they beat them at Wrestlemania. Barrett claimed both teams knew it too and feared them, and so they should he said, which is why The UK Pack backed out of the match for the title shot a few weeks ago. There wasn't any sympathy from the crowd but Barrett was defiant, and he told everyone that earlier in the day he asked for a match against both teams in an eight man tag team match, which is why they had Masters there to join them. The Masterpiece looked motivated for the match and Barrett then said that together they were going to prove who the real champions are, getting more heat as they awaited their opponents.

*Match #3*
Paul London, Brian Kendrick & The UK Pack
vs The Empire & Chris Masters

The champions and their challengers worked together just fine, surprising & angering their opponents. Barrett in particular was raging, and he watched from the apron for most of the match letting his anger build. The fans sure enjoyed seeing the two teams who'll battle it out for the titles next weekend gel as a four man team, and they secured the win after Smith hit a running powerslam on Masters and he made a tag to London. London climbed up to the top rope, prompting chaos in the ring, but Kendrick, Smith & Burchill cleared out The Empire, leaving London to leap up into the sky and hit the shooting star press to pick up the win. The fans were happy, as were the victors, shaking hands after the bell, making very uncomfortable viewing for the now incensed Barrett on the outside who gave the steel steps a strong kick.

Winner: Paul London, Brian Kendrick & The UK Pack by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*


There was a surprise for the fans as "Ride of the Valkyries" hit and Bryan Danielson walked out into the arena to a decent pop, and he didn't look at all happy as he made his way down to the ring having been off screen for the last two weeks due to the assault at the hands of the now fired Triple H. He was in his casual clothes and spoke about what happened on Raw two weeks ago, about how he was going to get the chance to compete for the WWE Championship this past Sunday at Backlash when he was attacked from behind by Triple H for no reason other than that he's a pathetic, self obsessed egomaniac. He was furious he missed out on the biggest opportunity of his career, to follow in his mentor, Shawn Michael's footsteps by winning the title he vacated after beating Triple H at Wrestlemania, all because he told the truth about how pathetic Triple H is. The fans clearly agreed, cheering Danielson, and he continued, saying that in the two weeks he was sat at home letting his arm heal, all he thought about was coming back and getting his revenge, but now that wasn't going to happen, because if they've not heard, Triple H was fired. That brought cheers from the crowd but Danielson wasn't one of those happy about it, saying that even though Triple H had it coming there's nothing he wants more than the chance to get in the ring and kick his ass.

That got some cheers too, and then Stephanie McMahon walked out to the stage, again cheered by the fans. She said she was sympathetic to Danielson's frustration and she understood why he was angry, but the bottom line was Triple H's contract has been terminated and there's no chance Danielson will be able to get his revenge against him in a WWE ring. Danielson though was adamant he wanted that opportunity and told Stephanie that she could make it happen, just a one night deal if need be, and he asked the fans if they wanted to see him get the chance to kick Triple H's ass. The response was emphatic. They did, but Stephanie was emphatic too in telling Danielson that it regrettably wasn't going to happen. Her response was booed by the fans but Stephanie said that she was glad to see Danielson back, that his injury wasn't as serious as first thought and that she was going to let him into a conversation she had with Shawn Michaels after he informed her he was retiring. She told the crowd that Shawn sang his protégé's praises, and that if anyone had what it takes to fill his shoes, it's Danielson. He seemed impressed learning that, and Stephanie told him that she and her father listen to feedback like that and that he should focus his energy on living up to his mentor's opinion of him.

She then told him that if he wants to be successful like she & Shawn believe he can, he needs to forget about Triple H and getting the revenge he wants, but she did tell him she was going to give him the opportunity to do just that by putting him in a qualifying match for the King of the Ring when he's officially cleared to compete again. The fans were happy with that response and she said that she was sorry he was attacked as he was and that he missed out on the chance to compete for the WWE title but that the right decision was made regarding Triple H. She hoped that this chance to compete to be the 2009 King of the Ring would help make up for it and get his focus off of Triple H. Danielson looked calmer and thanked her for the opportunity, saying he was grateful and he will give it everything he has to win the King of the Ring but that it still won't change his mind about wanting revenge against Triple H. Steph let him know that he was going to be disappointed in that regard but wished him luck nonetheless in his quest to become King of the Ring before turning to walk to the back. Danielson's music hit and he soaked up the cheers, hoping to qualify for the King of the Ring when he's good to go.


We were taken backstage where Josh Matthews was standing by, and he was waiting to interview the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler. The United States Champion was asked how he felt about facing Randy Orton later on in the Champion vs Champion clash and he was in game mood. He said he felt fine and rhetorically asked Josh why he shouldn't, saying that there is no one more talented than him in the whole company, and that even though Randy won the world title at Wrestlemania, no one has had a better start to 2009 than him, and that if there was any doubt, he'd prove it later on. He was so sure of himself and said that not only would he beat Randy later on, he'd beat him again if of course Randy's still the World Champion after Extreme Rules because when he beats Christian to win the Money in the Bank contract next weekend, he's not going to wait to cash it in, promising to be the World Heavyweight Champion very soon and that Orton will get his warning in an hour's time. He was so adamant and said he hoped Christian was watching too to see what he's in for next Sunday, and he then walked out of the shot confident he would beat the World Champion in the main event.

*Commercial Break*



>4 Weeks!<

*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


We cut across the back and to a catfight between Mickie James & Layla. Layla was on top of Mickie and was hitting her across the face, then she stood up and pulled off her belt to use that as a weapon, hitting Mickie with it until Elijah Burke arrived on the scene to break it up. He dragged his ex-fiancée off Mickie, asking Layla what the hell got into her, and he got a slap for his troubles from her as Mickie stood up. She told Layla to fight her properly, in a match if she dared get in the ring with her. Layla told her to get lost and walked off, belt in hand with a shocked & angry Burke & Mickie watching her walk away.


*Match #4*
Mickie James vs Michelle McCool

Mickie renewed an old rivalry with McCool, and after tasting defeat to her at No Mercy last year, she had a better night this time around and prevailed when she ducked a roundhouse kick from McCool to kick her in the gut and hit the Stratusfaction. That gave her the chance to finish McCool off with the Implant DDT to a pop from the fans, and she stood up with a big smile on her face, ready for Extreme Rules and the strap match with Layla next weekend.

Winner: Mickie James by pinfall.


Mickie hit the ropes to celebrate, but when she stepped down, she was taken down out of nowhere by Layla. Mickie fought back though, turning the boos into cheers, and when she forced Layla back, she took off her belt and got ready to use it, getting an even louder pop from the crowd. Layla panicked too as she sat up, realising she was fighting a losing battle, and she skulked away, getting a chorus of boos as she backed away from the ring. Mickie turned back, calling for a microphone, and she told Layla to get back in the ring, but she wouldn't. She was having none of it, and Mickie called her a coward and told Layla that at Extreme Rules there'll be nowhere to go and she can't wait. "Obsession" hit and Mickie smiled at the worried Layla, and it was crystal clear Mickie can't wait for Extreme Rules next weekend.


We saw the McMahons, Vince & Stephanie walking in the back, going into the locker room of the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton. The Viper was getting ready for his match with Dolph Ziggler later, taping up his wrists, surprised to see the McMahons enter. He looked up briefly but didn't take too much notice, focusing on his preparation. Vince & Steph looked serious, and Vince told Randy that with his match against CM Punk at Extreme Rules next weekend, he needs to be careful, especially after last week when he let himself get beaten down by Punk & Homicide, telling him not to put himself in that situation again when he's outnumbered. He told Randy it's exactly the situation Punk wants going into their title match and that he can't afford to let Punk take the title from him. Orton though didn't look too pleased at having to be told what to do, and he turned his head to Vince, letting him know that he's not afraid of Punk and he won't ever back down from a fight. Stephanie piped up and said that they don't expect him to back out of fights, just to be sensible and not walk right into a mugging like last week. She said that he could've been seriously injured and that it could've cost him the world title, telling him to think about that for his sake, not hers or her dad's. Orton obviously wasn't happy about being told what to do but it looked like he knew they were right as the camera zoomed in on his very serious expression.

*Commercial Break*
*Video Recap*
From Last Week!


"Chavo Ardiente" hit and out walked Chavo Guerrero to a pop from the crowd, and after stepping down off the second rope, he borrowed the microphone from Justin Roberts. The Mexican said that in just over two weeks he'll get the chance to show Alberto Del Rio that he's no weak link, that the legacy the Guerrero family has will continue when they meet in the Mexico City Streetfight. He went on to say that the Guerrero family weren't just great technical wrestlers but that they liked a good fight too, and Del Rio's going to find that out for himself in two weeks. Chavo handed the microphone back over and then his opponent, Shelton Benjamin made his way out into the arena looking like ready for a fight himself.

Chavo Guerrero vs Shelton Benjamin
Chavo was fired-up for this one and had the crowd behind him too, but Shelton wasn't there to make it easy for him. It looked like Chavo was about to get the win when he ducked a roundhouse kick and hit The Three Amigo's, then headed up top, feeling froggy. The fans were cheering him on, standing up out of their seats, but Benjamin brought his knees up into Chavo's gut. The crowd were disappointed, and when both men made their way back up, Chavo ran out at Shelton, into a Samoan drop. It wasn't enough for a three, pissing Shelton off, and when he stood up he begged Chavo to do the same. He eventually helped him up from his knees and fired him into the corner, then ran in for a stinger splash, but Chavo stepped out, ducking under Shelton's arm. Benjamin hit the pads and then staggered out with the fans cheering, and Chavo reacted in a flash to kick him in the gut and hit a brainbuster. He went to the dizzy heights of the top rope again with Benjamin flat out beneath him, and this time he hit the frog splash to a big pop from the fans, made the cover and picked up the win.

As soon as Chavo was back on his feet and his music hit, he was jumped by Alberto Del Rio, who stomped all over his former tag team partner to a ton of heat from the crowd. He was relentless, and when he had Chavo down with no resistance, he locked in the cross armbreaker to even more boos as Chavo started to scream out in pain, tapping but with Del Rio refusing to let go. He didn't keep it locked in for long and did let go, standing up but still staring down with fury at Chavo. He then turned to the side and walked over to the apron, demanding a microphone. He walked back over with it to Chavo and kneeled down as the referee checked on Chavo. The remorseless Del Rio told Chavo to remember it was him (Chavo) who wanted the match at Extreme Rules, and that in their streetfight Chavo won't be so lucky because he promised that time he will break his arm. Del Rio dropped the microphone and stood back up as "Realeza" played to more heat from the crowd with Chavo sitting up, not looking too hurt, glaring at Del Rio as his fellow Mexican left the ring, smirking at the livid Chavo.



After a determined Elijah Burke made his way down to the ring, Alberto Del Rio walked out to a lot of heat from the fans, not that he was bothered. He showed them his contempt with filthy looks, and when he got to the ring he had something he wanted to say. He directed a message to Chavo Guerrero, promising that at Extreme Rules he will break Chavo's arm, claiming he could've done it last week but he wanted to embarrass Chavo in their Mexico City Streetfight instead. He then turned to the unimpressed Burke and told him he was unlucky because he was about to be a message he sends to Chavo by breaking his arm and that there was nothing he could do to stop it, not that Burke looked too worried.

*Match #5*
Elijah Burke vs Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio was aggressive from the get go, but after dominating early he got complacent and took Burke for granted. Burke came back fighting and fighting hard, getting the crowd right on side. He took the Mexican close and had him where he wanted him in the corner for the Elijah Express, but Del Rio dodged it, and as Burke then staggered out of the corner, Del Rio pounced. After failing to lock in the cross armbreaker earlier, he did this time and Burke had to show serious fight to hold on, but he couldn't. The pain was too much and he tapped, not that Del Rio let the hold go, getting heat from the crowd for keeping it locked in and making Burke scream out in agony. The ref counted and eventually had to disqualify Del Rio for not letting the hold go. The fans were booing like mad but they turned to cheers when Chavo Guerrero came running down the ramp.

Del Rio realised and tried to get up in time, but he was taken down by a clothesline from Chavo. The fans were loving it, and Chavo caught him with a snap suplex, then held on to hit two more suplexes for The Three Amigo's. It was getting seriously loud in the arena as the fired-up Chavo went up to the top with Del Rio down & out beneath him. Guerrero pointed up to the sky and then leaped off the top, going for the frog splash, but Del Rio rolled out of the way of it and out of the ring, getting to safety to heat from the fans. The referee was already calling for help for Burke and an EMT came running down to attend to him as Chavo got up on his knees, holding his stomach, staring outside at Del Rio, pissed he missed the frog splash with Del Rio knowing he dodged a bullet. "Chavo Ardiente" hit as he & Del Rio stared intensely at each other with Burke looking in a lot of pain, clutching his arm with no remorse at all from Del Rio, nodding his head at Chavo to let him know he could be next, not that Chavo was intimidated.

Winner: Elijah Burke by DQ.

*Commercial Break*




>9 Days!<


*The Main Event*
Non-Title Match
Champion vs Champion
Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler

We were treated to one hell of a main event with both champions bang up for this one. Ziggler saw it as an opportunity to make a statement, and he did that, putting on arguably his best performance to date. He came so close to pinning the World Champion too, pulling back from the RKO before drilling Orton with a snap DDT. The Viper was laid out but somehow just managed to get his shoulder up before the ref could count to three. Ziggler was shocked, but he stood up stalking Randy for the Zig Zag, and this time Orton dodged it, and when they turned to face each other, Orton took him down with a snap powerslam. Dolph showed guts to get back on his feet, but Orton took him down with a side headlock backbreaker.

The Viper was getting the momentum back in his favour and he stepped back into the corner, stalking Ziggler for the punt to the head. The fans were cheering, but when Orton burst out of the corner, Dolph dodged it, shot up and kicked a turning Orton in the gut before hitting the leg drop bulldog. It wasn't enough for the three and Ziggler was losing it, driving his hands into the canvas. He then helped up a groggy Orton up from his knees and sent him into the ropes, grabbing him for a sleeper when he came back. Orton tried to fight it and did, but Ziggler pushed him back into the ropes again. He went for another sleeper but Orton ducked underneath and then exploded with the RKO as Ziggler turned into his path. It was lights out and Orton got the win to a big pop from the crowd.

Winner: Randy Orton by pinfall.


Just as Orton stood back up though, Ziggler rolled out of the ring and with "Voices" playing, CM Punk dived in the ring and spun Randy round into the GTS, bringing a barrage of heat from the crowd. Punk stood there smirking, soaking it up without a care in the world. Homicide was alongside him and Punk went to get a microphone, then kneeled down alongside Orton on the mat. The Viper was very groggy, not moving but his eyes flickering as Punk told him that he needed a reality check, claiming that Orton is living in ignorance about deserving to be World Heavyweight Champion, but come Extreme Rules he was going to put everything right again. He said that Orton will no longer be living in denial, and then "Just Close Your Eyes" hit to a massive pop inside the arena as 'Mr. Money in the Bank' Christian emerged from the back, and he had his briefcase with him. Punk was stunned, as were the fans, sensing a cash in from Christian. Punk was not happy at all and stood up with Homicide by his side to stand directly in front of Orton on the mat, laying a roadblock in Christian's path if he was attempting to cash in. The crowd were on their feet, going crazy, wondering if they were about to see the briefcase cashed in and a new World Champion. Mr. Money in the Bank got to the ring and stopped to think things through, and then he climbed in the ring to a huge roar, accessing the situation with the crowd still going nuts.

He then walked towards Punk, staring right at him with Punk raging inside, not wanting to see Christian cash in with his own title shot next Sunday against Orton. Punk stared right at Christian, and Captain Charisma stared back, not showing too much fear with Orton sitting up, unaware of what was going on. Then though, Ziggler slid back in the ring with his United States title and ran at Christian, nailing him in the head from the side to an absolute bombardment of heat. Christian was out and Ziggler stared down at him having saved himself a shot at the contract next Sunday with Punk grinning, having dodged a bullet himself. He looked at Ziggler, smirking and nodding his head at him, not that Ziggler cared. Punk then knelt down alongside Christian, who was face down on the mat, and Punk sent him a warning that if he tried to cash in Money in the Bank before his own title match with Randy next weekend, he'd make sure Christian wouldn't be in any condition to cash it in for the time that he has to do so. The fans were booing the hell out of Punk and he stood back up without a care in the world, then he shook Ziggler's hand, both with their own agenda to stop Christian cashing in as Smackdown came to a close after a chaotic end to the show.

*End of Show*
Christian defeated Homicide
J-Red defeated Jamie Noble
Paul London, Brian Kendrick & The UK Pack defeated The Empire & Chris Masters
Mickie James defeated Michelle McCool
Elijah Burke defeated Alberto Del Rio (DQ)
Randy Orton defeated Dolph Ziggler

>Superstars Tapings<
Jay Lethal defeated Santino Marella

>Dark Match (Pre-Show)<
Tyler Black defeated Johnny Jeter
>Confirmed for EXtreme Rules<
(9 Days!)

World Heavyweight Championship
Last Man Standing

Randy Orton (c) vs CM Punk

Money in the Bank & United States Championship
30 Minute Ironman Match

Christian (MITB) vs Dolph Ziggler (c)

WWE Tag Team Championship
Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c) vs The UK Pack

Unified Diva's Championship
Elimination Table Match

Beth Phoenix (c) vs O.D.B. vs Queen Kong

Mexico City Streetfight
Chavo Guerrero vs Alberto Del Rio

Strap Match
Mickie James vs Layla

Mixed Tag Team Match
TJ Wilson & Natalya Neidhart vs Ted DiBiase & Maryse


 
#1,874 ·



>SMACKDOWN!<

>Cash In Attempt Foiled!!<


Earlier tonight we saw 'Mr. Money In The Bank' Christian seemingly attempt to cash in his contract on Randy Orton, after the World Heavyweight Champion had been put to sleep by CM Punk, the man who will challenge Orton for the title next Sunday night at Extreme Rules.

Understandably Punk wasn't going to let Christian cash in and prevent him from challenging for the title next weekend, and he & Homicide put a roadblock in Christian's way, making Captain Charisma think twice. That delay gave Dolph Ziggler time to slip back in the ring after his match with Orton and knock Christian out with his United States Championship that will be on the line along with the Money in the Bank contract in Montreal in nine nights. Like Punk, Ziggler wasn't going to let Christian cash in and make him miss out on the chance to be World Champion either.

After an explosive end to tonight's show, will we be in for another unpredictable night just 48 hours before Extreme Rules, and will Christian again attempt to cash in Money in the Bank while he still has it?



>Mixed Tag Match Set for Extreme Rules!<

Ted DiBiase tonight was looking for an apology from TJ Wilson for inadvertently inuring his girlfriend, Maryse last week, and he got more than he bargained for.

TJ himself was apologetic, but it was TJ's girlfriend, Natalya Neidhart who wasn't as sorry. She told DiBiase it was an accident and not even close to being a big deal, leading to a very unflattering response from Maryse that resulted in a not so inadvertent response from Natalya. All hell broke loose until Stephanie McMahon arrived on the scene and made a mixed tag team match between the four of them for next weekend in Montreal at Extreme Rules.

Will DiBiase & Maryse make TJ & Natalya sorry themselves in their opponents' home country?


 
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