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WWE: A Strong Response

542K views 2K replies 175 participants last post by  Nige™ 
#1 · (Edited)
WWE: A STRONG RESPONSE
The Backstory​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

~The Hall of Champions~


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


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


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


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


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

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

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




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

~The Hall of Champions~


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


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


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


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


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






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

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

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




FCW Heavyweight Champion
Ryback

FCW Tag Team Champions
The Rotundas

FCW Women's Champion
Nikki Roxx

FCW Television Champion
Damien Sandow


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

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

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

________


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


PAY-PER-VIEW SCHEDULE 2009

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

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

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

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


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

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

Monday 6th – Raw
Adriatic Arena
Pesaro, Italy

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


*Pay-Per-View History & Links*

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


 
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14
#1,138 ·
RAW Feedback

Awesome opening promo. JBL was fantastic. No other word for it, he was fantastic. The self-grandeous use of big words was right on for him. Show was also good, and I'm glad you kept Kozlov quiet. I didn't really like Triple H here, though, mostly since he sort of felt like DX Triple H, which isn't the persona to use here. I also noticed how he threw Ric under the bus when he was accused of taking out Vince, and as it was pointed out, how there was a lack of Batista. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how these two parties will clash again during the night, as I'm sure they will.

Normally, I prefer short matches like this one, but I feel this one should've been longer. It was just the straight-forward ending, which was good, and I'm very glad Jeff's advancing, maybe he'll be able to go all the way and start a main-event push. I was also surprised that this was the opening match of the night, could've easily been the main event. Good show of respect between the two afterwards, good stuff.

Strong words from Cody, great stuff all around. You know I'm huge on this angle, and while I'm expecting the two to have a great match, I really hope it doesn't end tonight. These two deserve a good spot on PPV, but I'm fairly sure it'll come to be that way. Also liked how Leticia didn't like doing this interview, nice touch.

Awesome segment between Bearer and Jeff. Bearer was brilliant, just brilliant, and I like how Jeff remained silent. Worked just as much as if he'd had a few lines, and again, Kane stays immoving. Wonder if he'll ever snap out of it. Anyway, if this is any sort of indication, it does seem like it'll be Jeff that gets the shot at KOTR, which should be awesome.

Decent match that made good use of the outnumbered factor. What I enjoyed more was the promo by Miz and Morrison, mostly Morrison. Lot of good lines there, especially the concerned champions bit. They've been pretty unoccupied since they won the Tag Titles, and I can see the program between The Colons and Cryme Tyme coming to a close soon to give them something to do. Unless, you decide to pair up to guys and let them have at it.

Interesting segment here between Hunter and Flair. The disappearance of Big Dave is a little suspicious, but I'm smelling a swerve. Either way, it seems like the Dirtiest Player in the Game's looking to keep his rep intact. Looking forward to seeing what he's got planned.

The match saw Finlay take on Lance Cade, but the heading above it says "Finlay vs. Hardcore Holly". Anyway, not the best match, but alright win for Finlay. The aftermath was much more interesting, especially since Hornswoggle got what he deserved in that glorious beating. DiBiase deserves to destroy Finlay at KOTR just for that. No, not really, but it was just great. I didn't really like Finlay recovering from the shot so quickly, since it was to the back of the head by a legit gold belt, but details. Looking forward to their match even more now if it means Horny getting more punishment.

Great Kennedy interview. I'm glad it seems that he's 100%, and his match with Show and feud with Orton got some very good hype here. I found what he said about his scenario with Orton a little confusing, though, but once I re-read it and got it, it was solid stuff. Orton was also very good here, and I'm surprised you didn't bag on Todd here like normal. Good stuff all around.

Awesome segment here. Santino was great all throughout, but his first line was hilarious. I'm looking forward to the No. 1 Contender's Match next week, I'm expecting some sort of ending that'll lead to both ladies getting the shot at Victoria in a Triple Threat, and I also had a laugh at Regal using the teapot not in its intended use. Also looking forward to seeing how he'll sabotage Bischoff out of his GM spot, awesome job here, Nige.

Decent match, but this wasn't really about the wrestling here, more to continue the dissent between the former partners, and build to their feud. I'm looking forward to it, as the two should be able to put on great matches. Solid win for Kenny, he might have a good run in the KOTR tournament, but I don't see him taking it. Quick question, will there be SD! Superstars involved in it, or is it a RAW-only party?

Good post-match segment between Rey and Kenny, if not a little confusing. Maybe I missed something, but what did Kenny mean "drown your sorros again"? Did Rey ever get drunk during the show or something once? Maybe I'm looking too much into things. Good arrogance from Kenny, but again, I don't see him winning the KOTR.

Decent match that put Kennedy over strong against Show, even if he did have some help in taking him down. The two things big things going on in my mind right now are: 1) Jeff or Kennedy have huge opportunities ahead of them, and both would benefit greatly from winning the tournament, and 2) what'll Bischoff do to Evolution for what they did tonight. One thing I noted, though, and it's totally unimportant, is that both Jeff and Kennedy used a senton bomb to get to the finals. Poetic, but rather unimportant. Looking forward to night week's finals.

Well, seems that The Corporation took it upon themselves to act against Evolution. Anyway, I thought that was a good beatdown to have them come out on top, but I didn't really like JBL's dialogue here. He's very proper, except when he was mad, which was the case here. And when the guy's mad, he's more APA Bradshaw than JBL. And after looking at what you addressed on this segment, I agree that Evolution not backing down was the right move. I also thought it was a little funny that they were arguing across a parking lot for some reason. And forgive my ignorance here, but what's a car bonnet? I'm not a big car enthusiast, but I've never heard the term before. Is it British?

The IC Title Match as the main event? Definitely wasn't expecting it, and I'm not really sure what to think of it. On one hand, it certainly delivered in putting on a great match and continuing the awesome program with Kelly's return to cost Cody, but on the other hand, neither of these guys are what you'd call top players for the brand, even if they have arguably the best program going right now. It's not as likely that you'd let two guys in their position on the card main-event a show on RAW, it could work better on SD!. But regardless, like I said, good match, and I'm very glad it won't end here. Should be totally awesome to see what else happens between the three, pumped for it.

This week's show was very good, but next week's looks totally awesome. So much to look forward to. The finals between Jeff and Kennedy, the No. 1 Contender's Match for the Women's Title, more from Evolution/Corporation and Kofi/Cody. I'm glad you kept the matches relatively short but still good for this edition, let me read it faster, and as per usual, the segments and promos kicked ass. Great job with this one, Nige, and not only am I looking forward to the next RAW, but SD! should also be amazing after what happened at Judgment Day. 8.5/10.
 
#1,139 ·
Raw Review

I liked the opening promo, you obviously chose the right person from The Corporation to do the talking as JBL was great, very in character and I liked the criticism of the crowd as well, as them talking about getting their revenge for a brutal attack could make them appear like the babyface group. Big Show was decent enough on the stick too, and although the breakfast line came off well I don't know if he would say that, as it's kinda admitting he's fat. The line about Triple H beating up a sixty year-old man again makes Evolution look more like the heels as that would probably get a negative reaction from some, but I guess that's how effective their words have been. The way Triple H shifted the blame onto Flair straight away was quite odd however you fixed it immediatley by having him say he wanted to as well, although HHH was perhaps a little too light-hearted considering what's been happening recently, but again I'm kind of looking for problems now. Flair on the mic was great and totally raised the intensity, and Batista missing is interesting as well so i'm looking forward to his reasoning. Having Bischoff come out and sort it out is the perfect way to end it and save the trouble for later on, while showing how in control he is once again which is good for a GM. Great start to the show.

I'm surprised by how little detail you gave us in this one, these two guys could put on a great match and I thought you liked writing more for these sorts of matches. But oh well, the focus is clearly on promos as it should for TV's. This is a great match to kick off the action I really liked the smooth finish with the kick from Jeff as Rey came off the top, such a little thing yet it would set up for the Twist of Fate so well. Interesting to see Jeff go over clean, no problem with it and it's better than another interference. I'm happy though as although I'm not a fan I could see Jeff putting on a good match against Kane, if he gets there that is.

Loved the Cody Rhodes interview, he is such a great heel in this thread and you wrote his promo really well once again. Loved the arrogance and him putting the attention onto himself, and him not being able to wait to get his hands on Kofi is good rather than him being a cowardly sort of chcracter. He certainly seems confident but I don't see him taking the title tonight. I would still rather them have their big match on a PPV though, but I'm sure they will be having a rematch.

This next segment was brilliant. Bearer was just great here and he talked up Kane so well, and Kane almost needed it too after not getting as much attention as a Champ usually does. Loved the line about the flames and Hardy getting burned in particular. He talked up Kane so well that it makes it look like Jeff stands no chance if he faces him, which I assume he will now. Whether or not Jeff would stay silent like that or not I don't know as you would think he would speak up for himself, but at least it shows that even Jeff himself isn't too confident around Kane.

Decent enough match between the Colons and Cryme Time, I think the right team won as they have more of a chance of being a success in this thread in the future. The promo after the match was pretty good too, nice lines from Miz and Morrison as usual and it sets it up well for the other teams to try and impress in the coming weeks. If this is about other teams competing to impress and get a shot I hope Miz and Morrison remain heavily involved though, which i'm sure they will anyway.

Nice segment to show the growing trouble between Batista and Triple H. I still don't think they'll split though and I reckon Evolution will end up even stronger, as you don't seem like one to repeat too many past feuds. But Evolution look outnumbered as it stands which seems like the point. It'll be interesting to see what they have in mind for later on.

I didn't exactly like this next match but it was useful to put over Finlay a little bit more as a big threat to DiBiase's title reign, and it was more about the aftermath really. His win is pretty much forgotten once he got attacked from DiBiase but it's such a heel move to attack him from behind and it worked well. What followed would work so well to gain DiBiase a lot of heat and I don't like Hornswoggle so it would be good to see, should add a little more intensity to this feud as well which is good to make it more than just DiBiase establishing himself.

I liked the confrontation between Kennedy and Orton, but wouldn't Kennedy attack Orton after last week? Obviously that wouldn't be as entertaining as the promo though which was very good once again. I liked what Kennedy had to say and I liked how you mentioned the tournament as well as Orton with there still being a chance he can win it, as it could've been easy to have him just talk about Orton knowing that he probably won't be winning. Orton was good too, the win win situation line made a lot of sense and the good luck line would come off really well, leaving us wondering whether or not he really will stay away.

Next segment was good again, nice mix of comedy and seriousness and I guess you need some comedy with the other things going on. Melina is a good talker when I've seen her and we all know about Santino, so I can imagine it pulling off. nice set up for the match next week as well and hopefully it will lead to a proper one-on-one feud with Victoria, whose reign has been a slight dissapointment so far tbh. I'm looking forward to how Regal goes about taking Bischoff's job, I assume that's what he wants to do. The teapot thing was funny and set up Regal to be angry at Bischoff. I know I'm English so I should like him but I've never really been that much of a fan of Regal, hopefully this can change that.

Solid win for Kenny Dykstra, he's been doing pretty well on Raw and every win makes him look more impressive. I'm glad you didn't go for another Rey Mysterio interference and let Kenny have his moment as well. It's a shame to see London pretty much jobbing as he's got a lot of talent, but I'm liking the slow progression of this London/Kendrick feud, which could be brilliant.

It made sense to have this here with Kenny walking to the back and it was needed to progress the Kenny/Rey feud. I loved the arrogance from Doane and you did well to show how strong he is mentally as well by getting into Rey's head. I'm looking forward to this continuing.

Evolution's plan worked well then, it was a sneaky tactic but one I could see them using, and it works well as neither Kennedy or Show could really afford a clean loss. Kennedy in the final against Jeff Hardy should be a good match, and maybe Orton will leave it until the final to screw Kennedy over. The Corporation will be mad so it will be interesting to see how they react to this, I have a feeling it won't be good for Evolution.

Well I didn't expect to see the fallout from the previous result happen tonight. I liked what happened, very intense and a very brutal attack with nice use of the cars, and I like that The Corporation showed what they are capable of, but it kills Evolution's momentum when they just got one over on The Corporation once again. I imagine HHH and Flair will be even angrier at Batista now which should be very interesting, and I wonder if they'll even make it next week.

Well I'm surprised that this is the main event, it's a big call but it's great for Kofi and Rhodes, and also good for the IC title as well to have a main event spot on Raw. It was a good match and I liked the way the ending played out with the surprise return of Kelly Kelly, and a finish like this works well to keep it going and gives Rhodes a reason for a rematch. Kelly also returning makes this even more interesting as I'm not sure what you have planned for her now, whether or not she joins up with Kofi I don't know. So next week should be great. Good ending to a great show as usual.
 
#1,140 ·
Smackdown Preview - Friday 30th May 2008
Live From Colisée Pepsi
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada







WE HAVE A NEW WORLD CHAMPION. . . AND IT’S NOT THE UNDERTAKER
The entire wrestling world was eagerly anticipating the World Championship match between two of the greatest ever to enter the squared circle this past Sunday night at Judgment Day. Everyone was looking forward to the prospect of a match for the ages, and they got it when Shawn Michaels outfought The Undertaker to retain the world title. However, that achievement paled in to insignificance when CM Punk turned Shawn Michaels’ night on its head. Punk won the Money in the Bank contract in a fatal fourway match less than an hour earlier before deciding to cash it in and take advantage of the weakened state of The Heartbreak Kid to become the World Champion for the first time.

It’s something that it isn’t going to bode well with a lot of people, especially the former World Champion you would think. Just how will Punk be welcomed as the new King of Smackdown?

BROTHERS AT WAR!​
Edge did tell us he had a major surprise in store at Judgment Day in The Cutting Edge, but there was a big surprise for him too. He welcomed back his brother Christian as his special guest, but no one could believe what followed. Christian made it clear to his brother that he wouldn’t be come back to help Edge win the World Championship as he said he has firmly sights set on that target himself. With both brothers then trying to outwit the other, it was Christian that struck the fatal blow when taking his brother down to reality with the Killswitch in the middle of the ring.

How is Edge going to react to his baby brother upstaging him? Find out this Friday.

MASTERS OF THEIR OWN DOWNFALL!​
Chris Masters & Charlie Haas might well call themselves The Masters of the Mat, but they’ve looked to have masterminded their own failure to win the WWE Tag Team titles this past Sunday. Just two days earlier, they attacked the champions, Paul Burchill & Harry Smith as they arrived in the parking lot to give themselves an advantage going in to Judgment Day, breaking Burchill’s wrist in the process. However, the resilient Burchill decided to try and get back at them by competing with a cast, and it was the cast that earned him and Smith the victory that saw them hold on to their titles.

If Masters hadn’t have broken Burchill’s wrist last Friday night, the outcome might have been different. And you have to think that won’t settle well with him or Haas.

SHELTON SCRAMBLES TO RETAIN THE GOLD​
Shelton Benjamin asked for a challenge after becoming the United States Champion, and he got just that with Tazz making the first ever scramble match. The Gold Standard only just escaped with the title following a last gasp pinfall in what was a very exciting match at Judgment Day. Beforehand, Ron Killings decided to compete despite being attacked earlier in the day by his bitter rival, Chavo Guerrero.

It looks as if there’s unfinished business between those two, but what lies in store for Benjamin’s next challenge?

SYDAL FIRES BACK​
Matt Sydal came out firing at Judgment Day having sent Johnny Jeter a strong reminder of what he would face last Friday night on Smackdown. Sydal was attacked by Jeter several weeks back as he made his way to the ring when they were due to go head to head after Jeter stabbed his former friend in the back. It was Sydal who came up trumps in a very personal battle, defeating Jeter with the shooting star press.

With a massive victory under his belt, what lies ahead for this very talented young star?

SHANE’S UP TO THE CHALLENGE​
Kid Kash made it no secret that he didn’t see anything special in Michael Shane and that he was living off of Shawn Michaels’ reputation. Shane put that to the test as well as putting his Cruiserweight Championship on the line at Judgment Day, and he had the last laugh as he saw off Kash to retain the title and show him that he is more than just Shawn Michaels’ cousin.

Will that victory remind everyone else what this youngster is capable of doing inside the squared circle?

MICKIE DOESN’T LIKE THE RAIN​
Mickie James might not remember it was her that asked for the match with Mia Rain this past Sunday at Judgment Day. In what was a very competitive match, it was the impressive newcomer that came out on top and beat Mickie in the middle of the ring.

Rain has made an impressive start to her Smackdown career, and you have to wonder just how long it will continue. Based on her performance Sunday night, you would have to say a long time.

JERICHO & HAYGER COMING THIS WEEK​
Chris Jericho will make his return to Smackdown this week having been drafted after WrestleMania. Now he’s shaken off an injury he suffered in the Money in the Bank ladder match, Y2J will head back to the blue brand in his home country of Canada this Friday night.

Whereas Jericho is returning, Josh Hayger will be making his debut. For weeks we have seen vignettes of this very talented young superstar, but this week we will see him in the flesh? Will he live up to the hype? There’s only one way to find out!

PLUS​
King of the Ring qualifying started Monday night on Raw, and we will see Smackdown’s stars start their journey on Friday night in Quebec. Elijah Burke & Kid Kash both tasted defeat at Judgment Day, and they will be looking to put that behind them as they compete for a spot in the last eight of the King of the Ring tournament and the chance to become a star in just over two weeks’ time when those eight men battle for survival and a whole lot more at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Who will take that chance out of these two men? Make sure you catch Smackdown this Friday to find out.


CONFIRMED FOR SMACKDOWN THIS FRIDAY

King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Elijah Burke vs Kid Kash​


<I just wanted to say that since it was commented on following the Raw show, my matches were shorter than usual. That was done for a couple of reasons. 1)I was burned out after writing Judgment Day, and 2)I want my TV shows to be about the promos now. There will still be some long matches on TV like the main event of this show, but I felt I had to explain why they were shorter, especially the Jeff Hardy/Rey Mysterio match.>

 
#1,141 ·
Nearly two weeks since you last posted a show, I was starting to worry. LOL. Granted that's half the time it takes me, but let's not talk about that. I'm sure Punk will find himself in a world of trouble going forward. HBK and Taker are both going be after him. Can't wait to see where you take Edge and Christian. Slow build please and try to do something that won't be too obvious.

Jericho and Hayger both debuting on the show, that's pretty epic. They're both money IMO, but obviously they can't both start out on top. Jericho obviously will get a mega push, but Hayger is green and need a good 12 months wrestling mid card guys.

It's unusual for you to announce just one match up in advance of a show. This show may have a lot less wrestling and a lot more talking, seems that way to me from the preview. Looking forward to it. PM me when it's up.
 
#1,142 ·
Been looking forward to this show for awhile now, Nige, and it looks top-notch.

Punk cashing in was brilliant, and I'm anxious to see what's going to be said and done by everyone affected, including Punk, Shawn, MVP, etc. Looks to be awesome.

Edge and Christian is a money feud, and there's no doubt in my mind that you'll make it deliver. Should be great to see Edge's reaction to what Christian did.

Like it was suggested, the Masters of the Mat aren't looking to quit their hunt for the Tag Titles, and with the cast, it introduces a new dynamic, so this also looks to head in a new direction.

The Scramble Match was a great way to put Shelton over, and also give us a taste of Chavo/Killings. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for Shelton, and the Chavo/Killings program.

Sydal certainly has a lot of momentum after his big win, and I'm thinking he'll be next to step up against Michael Shane for the CW Title, who's also riding a wave of momentum himself. It'd also produce some great matches.

Loved the title for this, and I hope to see more from both Mia and Mickie. There's also something going on with Beth, and I'm looking forward to seeing how all this ties together.

Jericho' and Hayger's debuts look to be huge, they've been built up big time, and I'm certain they'll deliver. Elijah/Kash for a spot in the KOTR also sounds like a great match.

I could've said "looking forward to it" in basically every segment, and I would've too had that not sounded redundant. Show looks absolutely huge, I'll definitely be checking it out.
 
#1,143 ·
Looks like a stellar episode coming our way. I've been waiting for the Judgment Day fallout since I read the PPV and, judging by the preview, I won't be disappointed. I will be reading and reviewing.
 
#1,146 ·
SMACKDOWN REVIEW
BY SC2004>>>


>>> Oh now I get it, you went with the same main event as I did on RAW. LOL. I actually expected this to be honest, the confrontation between these two that is. I didn’t however expect you to book the match for tonight. You know how I hate giving away big matches on TV, but this is a PPV match. Still, looking forward to the match up immensely. As for the content of the promo, it was spot on for the most part. Punk trying to claim what he done was right, when it clearly wasn’t, was typical heel tactics. The line about convenient faith” and the survivor Series mentions were fun, though with a hostile Canadian crowd I believe those reference may have gotten HBK heat tonight, not what a booker wants going into a world title matches. The SS 97 references are fine, but they seem to get used in Canada all to often. Overall this was a great way to start what should be a killer show.

>>> Kash goes out. This was a fine way to start the wrestling portion of the show. I’, always amazed how a tournament can make the most ordinary of matches seem important. Great for bookers. Not much else to say here really.

>>> Very solid promo here with Mia and Beth. I sense something was being planned between these two on the last show. They’re both heels however, so turning Beth I guess could be an option. Judging by the segment as a whole, I think you may just want a good TV match that makes Mia look even better and then leave it at that. If you want go long term with this, obviously turning beth will have to done, something I‘m all for. Her character is stale. “Bev, is it?” FUNNY!

>>> Didn’t you knock me a few months back when I brought in Hayger as Jack swagger? I think you did, but granted I could be wrong. The way you did it seems like you changed your mind at the last minute having aired promos with the “Josh Hayger” name on them… So if felt a little silly that a debuting wrestler would change his actual name on TV, I mean who is he, prince? The squash was fine, it’s either have him do that or get a big win on his debut. The squash root works well.

>>> Tazz is growing on me with each passing show. His breezing, no BS attitude is a welcome relief. The fact he has beef with Benjamin, stems from his hate of cocky, arrogant types and by challenging Benjamin, he may actually grow to respect him somewhat. Benjamin, Sydal should be class. I sense an upset, given the way you had Benjamin react. You transitioned between Benjamin and the Masters of the Mat well. TBH I see no reason why Tazz couldn’t of signed a no DQ rematch for the belts, but your way drags out the feud more, so either way it works really.

>>> Now this surprised me. Mia gets the pin, that part was obvious, but the aftermath was very surprising indeed with Beth coming to Mia Rains aid. I didn’t see you booking it this way and now that you have, it’s brilliant. In the end it was Beth showing Mia how impressive she was and to not disrespect her. Maybe these two will join forces now instead of feuding, who knows.

>>> Why the WWE refuse to use Killings real life past to change up the character is beyond me. The same goes for MVP. I’m liking Chavo being painted as a moral crusader who believes it’s OK for him to do bad things in order to punish bad people as it were. Very right to censor…

>>> I think Edge and Christian are going to steal the show for many weeks to come on SmackDown. This was just a great promo. The reference to Bret and Shawn etc. brought a sense of realism to the promo. Edge trying to put down his brother, yet Christian seems the happier of the two and we found out why . Edge is no longer welcomed by his family, that could go a long way to explaining his erratic behaviour. I was worried when you had Christian issue the challenge so early on, but luckily Edge had a decent excuse. I want to see this build and build for several months before we get the payoff match. Tomko, wow, I mean how stacked is SD now. Jericho, Tomko, Christian, Swagger…… who’s going to fall in order to allow these to rise???

>>> The UK Pack segment fell flat, mainly because it followed the Edge/christian promo and also because it was mostly filler. I like the UK Pack, but I question Tazz’s decision to make an injured man wrestle two matches back to back within 24 hours.

>>> I called it, Sydal gets the upset victory. This screamed Razor Ramon and the 123 Kid. It worked very well and the finish was fluky. I think you constructed the match in such a way that Benjamin remains strong and Sydal seems lucky, yet competent. This is obviously not over between these two and I think a long term feud could be a whole lot of fun.

>>> Again much like the UK Pack segment did earlier, this HBK, Michael Shane segment was a little flat. I don’t want to call it filler, because it shed further light on Shawn, how he’s feeling and what’s motivating him and I’ve continued to enjoy this family relationship. An OK segment I guess.

>>> I always feel that when you book a match up such as this, with the stipulation being that a team must win to get a rematch and a title shot, that you’re almost giving away the outcome before the match up starts. This was a great match and you’re playing up the Burchill injury well and how effected the team are by it. If anything I come out of this match question Burchill’s intelligence. He has an injury, he doesn’t have to put himself in this situation. I’m guessing they drop the belts next week.

>>> With Christian, Swagger and a world title match up on this show, Jericho got lost in the scuffle somewhat. I would of waited until after the KOTR to bring him back as tonight there is just to much going down for this to stand out as it should. I’m guessing you brought him back now, so you could get a start on his storyline with Taker before the WWE starts there’s IRL. I liked the heel turn, but Taker looked like an idiot, standing there so long, taking so much shit and doing fuck all about it. I’m excited about this, but I felt it didn’t stand out as much as it should have done, given the amount of stuff going on.

>>> It would seem as if MVP, Punk and to a certain extent Jericho have stepped up to the detriment of HBK and The Undertaker. Punk’s win signals to the world that he is the best, better than HBK and Taker. MVP however ends the show looking like the man, undoing some of what was achieved when CM Punk pinned HBK. There’s just much happening on SD and this show in particular, it’s so exciting. What next for HBK though as it would seem that Punk is going on to compete with MVP.

OVERALL: You weren’t lying when you said this was full of promos. It’s like one of my shows, jammed packed and pushing the two hour limit. Whilst everything was done brilliantly, I question you willingness to have so much happen so soon, on one show, coming off a PPV. Did we really need Jericho tonight? I don’t think so. His promo with Taker would have been perfect post KOTR and allowed it to build to a match at SummerSlam. CM Punk was the man tonight. He looked so strong. MVP obviously is going to get a further push. Undertaker looked weak tonight after the Jericho promo and HbK loosing to Punk. Swagger is on his way as is Sydal. All in all, probably the best show in some time.
 
#1,149 ·
Didn’t you knock me a few months back when I brought in Hayger as Jack swagger? I think you did, but granted I could be wrong. The way you did it seems like you changed your mind at the last minute having aired promos with the “Josh Hayger” name on them…
I think I might have said something about his name, but I’m positive I did knock you for the storyline you brought him in to as a character instead of a wrestler as that’s what I feel he is. Anyways, I did change my mind on his name after getting used to it from real life. It does suit him, and I realise that now. I thought it would also give him something extra when he debuted.

Tazz is growing on me with each passing show. His breezing, no BS attitude is a welcome relief. TBH I see no reason why Tazz couldn’t of signed a no DQ rematch for the belts, but your way drags out the feud more, so either way it works really.
Good. I’m trying hard with Tazz to make him exactly the way you described. It is designed to drag it out for a while.

If anything I come out of this match question Burchill’s intelligence. He has an injury, he doesn’t have to put himself in this situation. I’m guessing they drop the belts next week.
The earlier promo summed up why he was competing, to try and get The Masters of the Mat for good. A win here would have done that, but unfortunately it didn’t and the feud continues.

Now this surprised me. Mia gets the pin, that part was obvious, but the aftermath was very surprising indeed with Beth coming to Mia Rains aid. I didn’t see you booking it this way and now that you have, it’s brilliant. In the end it was Beth showing Mia how impressive she was and to not disrespect her. Maybe these two will join forces now instead of feuding, who knows.
Beth has competition, that’s all I can say. I’m glad it’s intriguing you somewhat as the Smackdown divas division will pick up very shortly with these two at the heart of it.

I would of waited until after the KOTR to bring him back as tonight there is just to much going down for this to stand out as it should. I’m guessing you brought him back now, so you could get a start on his storyline with Taker before the WWE starts there’s IRL. I liked the heel turn, but Taker looked like an idiot, standing there so long, taking so much shit and doing fuck all about it. I’m excited about this, but I felt it didn’t stand out as much as it should have done, given the amount of stuff going on.
The reason I went with it here wasn’t because of any plans the WWE might have to book a program between them but because of the timing of The Undertaker’s lack of desire to win the title at Judgment Day, and his decline. I couldn’t of held off until the King of the Ring as the Judgment Day match was the main focus of Jericho’s argument. The reason I had Taker stand there and listen was because Jericho was trying to get him to listen like he asked him to, and Taker was realising that there was something to it. That’s why I didn’t have him go ballistic.

I didn't really like Rain backing away as if she's afraid though, although I'm focussing on a tiny detail here, as she was only just disrespecting the most dominant Diva in the WWE earlier and now she was acting a little scared of Mickie and McCool. Nitpicking as I said, and there were two of them I guess.
It was only because there two of them and they were trying to intimidate her. With their backs to Beth, it would set up what was going to follow with both Rain & Beth destroying one each for the staredown.

I'm shocked you had Punk kick out of the Superkick though, didn't you say in a review that you hate wrestlers kicking out of finishers?
I do, that's why i had the delay in Michaels crawling over after a short delay, giving Punk some time to recover.

I'm not sure what to make of the Jericho/Taker segment. A feud between these two would be epic, IRL or in BTB, I'm just not sure this was the right way to kick it off. Jericho gave a great promo, but it was sorta random for him to just call out The Undertaker's lackluster Judgment Day performace, especially if Jericho was supposed to be a face. Had he been the heel, dictionary-loving douchebag Jericho from TV, I would have no question.
I can see why you thought it was random, and as for the Jericho character, it’s the beginning of a heel turn. I was trying to make the transition from his face character.

Thanks for the reviews guys, much appreciated. Here are some notes that might help as well.




Backstage WWE News
Following the events of the past week at Judgment Day and Smackdown, we’ve learnt that Shawn Michaels will be taking some time off. That explains why he had his rematch with CM Punk so soon, but there is the distinct possibility that they could pick up from where they left off when Michaels does return. We’ve been told that Michaels has been pretty beat up for a while now having worked non stop since the Survivor Series. We all know that his body isn’t anywhere near what it used to be, and he’ll be given time to regroup in time to be 100% for SummerSlam.

It was believed by some that Bobby Lashley would go in to a singles feud with Shelton Benjamin after Judgment Day, but it appears that is not the case. A separate storyline was devised for Lashley that will begin to unfold very soon, while it seems that Benjamin will be starting a program with Matt Sydal after their match on Smackdown this week. Based on that, Sydal’s victory over Johnny Jeter brings the curtain down on their feud. Creative remain positive on Jeter’s future as well as Sydal’s, and we’re being told that there are strong plans in place for him too.

Christian’s return took many by surprise, and it won’t come as a surprise that he will be feuding with Edge throughout the summer. We also hear that the introduction of Tomko to their program won’t be the last, so keep an eye on developments there.

Chris Jericho will be turning heel now he has debuted on Smackdown, and a feud with The Undertaker is all but confirmed following their promo on Smackdown. While Jericho turned heel Friday night, MVP went the other way and began a face turn when he came to Shawn Michaels’ aid, fighting off CM Punk. It looks to be the case that he will be challenging Punk while Michaels takes some time off.

Matt Hardy picked up a minor elbow injury at Judgment Day that kept him off television this week, and he might be out of action for a little while longer.


 
#1,147 ·
Smackdown Review

As I said in the Judgment Day review I am really looking forward to HBK/Punk feud, it has the potential to be fantastic and this was a nice start to their feud. Loved CM Punk in this and I liked how he focussed on the fact that he was opportunistic rather than cowardly, and I liked the line about him deciding to it when someone asked him who'd win Taker/HBK. HBK was always going to come out and he didn't dissapoint, I liked what he had to say, typical face move by wanting to get the rematch straight away but maybe Tazz should've come out and stopped it. Like I've said numerous times in my Raw reviews I'm not big on having huge matches on TV rather than a PPV, especially when it's such a new and exciting feud like this one so I don't really agree with that. Liked Punk bringing up SS '97 and trying to make HBK out to be the bad guy and the last part especially was brilliant and he made hismelf look so strong by making all those big statements, especially the last line. On another night some Sweet Chin Music would've been a perfect end to this with Punk getting in his head, but tonight is Punk's night so I'm glad it ended with Punk getting the last word. Great promo.

Decent enough match, although it's not exactly best to open the show with a squash, which it seems like it was, it had two good wrestlers so I reckon it could be good enough. It seems like Kash is going to be going downhill from here after being built up in order to put Michael Shane over well, I hope you bring Noble back now for the return of the Pitbulls. Elijah Burke I like so I'm glad to see him qualify, and he hit his two big moves which I like also.

Very good yet quite odd segment here. Rain said that Phoenix has the wrong impression and so do I, as I was also under the impression that she was trying to impress Phoenix. I'm interested to see where you go with this now, a feud between the two would be great as they're both very talented and dominant Divas, but I wouldn't rule out an alliance between them yet. This did lots for Rain as well, really showed how mentally tough she isn't afriad of The Glamazon.

I liked the debut of Jack Swagger, it seems like you changed your mind and changed his name again. It's the right decision to be honest as he's already in our heads as Jack Swagger and it suits him really, and it gave him a reason to have the introduction again which would probably get his name sticking in people's heads. Keeping matches short is good for TVs with the focus on promos, but the only problem with it is that you can't showcase the skills of a debutant as well with so little detail, which kinda happened here. I'm sure he'll have lots of promo and match time in the future though and it was a good little squash for him tonight, so I can see him doing well in this thread. Perhaps he'd be forgotten as well with everything going on tonight, but I think it's wise to start everything after a PPV to mark the start of a new era on SD.

Nice way of hyping two diifferent matches in one segment. Bejamin against Sydal should be a very good match and hopefully it'lllead to Sydal rising to the US Title division. The bit with Haas and Masters was also pretty good, they were understandably angry and a No DQ match should be great, although the fact that it's non-title puts the odds in the favour of Haas and Masters. I don't understand why he said he couldn't make the tag title match though? I win for them would be good, it'd regain them some momentum after looking so good only to lose at JD.

I like the progression of this Rain/Phoenix situation, looks like they will be forming some sort of alliance after all. Another squash for Rain as well is good, she looks very impressive at the moment. I didn't really like Rain backing away as if she's afraid though, although I'm focussing on a tiny detail here, as she was only just disrespecting the most dominant Diva in the WWE earlier and now she was acting a little scared of Mickie and McCool. Nitpicking as I said, and there were two of them I guess.

The Chavo interview was written really well, came off great. I'm really liking Chavo's aim with Killings as it has a serious story behind it by bringing up his past all the time. I hope this is just about putting Killings over in a big way though, as Chavo doesn't have that much to offer long term IMO.

The promo with Christian and Edge was just brilliant. This was such a strong return for Christian, he talked himself up well, made some good points as to why he's come back and also put down Edge so well. I liked how you brought their family life into it as well by mentioning how Edge isn't loved anymore, really personal and very effective. I also loved the line about Christian prefering to have no titles than... and so on. Edge coming down was great, really liked what he had to say as well and I lol'd at the Disneyland comment. I'm glad to see Tomko back with Christian as well, they work well together and Tomko has improved so much since his last stint in WWE. I like Christian challenging him now and leaving it in the hands of Edge, should lead to some more great promos in the future. Really strong SD debut from Christian as I said, and this promo was as good if not better than their great promo at JD.

The UK Pack segment was okay I guess, it didn't do much for me but it was decent enough to add more hype to the tag match, which could slip to the back of people's minds with eevrything else going on. The focus on the cast was probably needed as well, raising the question as to whether he'll use it again or whether it'll end up costing them. Anything would struggle after Christian/Edge though.

So it does look like Sydal is stepping up to the US division then, this feud would deliver some great matches although not the best promos. The way you ended it was great, loved the smooth finish with teh rollup after the attempted splash, better a rollup than the SSP as well to make it even more surprising. Nice start to this feud which could be very good.

I'm not overly keen on these segments with HBK and Shane, but thats partly because I can't work out your reasoning! At the moment it does just seem like your doing it to bring them together, but I don't know what that really does, apart from give Shane a little more credibility. That's why I think this may eventually lead to a family betreyal way down the line when Shane is capable enough. This was good though to give us an idea as to what HBK is thinking, and you certainly showed how focussed he is to win the title back tonight. I guess you needed to give HBK some extra mic time as well to try and convince us he has a chance. Decent enough segment.

The tag match played out pretty well with an impressive win for Masters and Haas as I expected, and it makes sense to have them go over tonight to get them right back in the hunt for the titles. They needed this as well, as I said, after losing at JD. But I hope they don't end up taking the belts now, as if they are going to win them they should've done at JD. I like what you did with the cast as well, creates a very interestign situation as surely he won't be up to competing this time.

Jericho's return was great and I love that you have started a feud between he and The Undertaker, that's something I really want to see and has the potential to be epic. I like the heel turn also,as he has shown IRL once again just how awesome heel Jericho is. There were some great parts in this, liked the line about there only being one legend in the JD match as it set up his criticism of Taker so well, and I LOVED the part about Jericho's son asking him what's special about Undertaker with him not being able to give him an answer.
It was perhaps questionable that he started to talk about The Undertaker rather than just himslef, and also perhaps questionable that The Undertaker would just stand there without trying to Chokeslam him or whatever, but I'm trying to find some problems there. Very nice start to Jericho on Smackdown.

The result wasn't surprising but this seemed like a very good title match, with Punk doing very well in his first title defence. I'm glad that Punk retained and although a clean win would've done wonders for him, a dirty win works well with his heel persona and leaves HBK wanting revenge. I'm shocked you had Punk kick out of the Superkick though, didn't you say in a review that you hate wrestlers kicking out of finishers? The aftermatch was very good as well as MVP looked great making the save. A MVP/Punk feud would be interesting to say the least, whether or not MVP is quite ready to be in the top feud I don't know, so maybe HBK should stay involved for now until you build MVP up a little more. It would seem you are also going to turn MVP face, I loved him as a heel but I guess a change is good, but then again if HBK stays involved for a triple threat MVP could stay heel. Very good ending.

Overall it was a brilliant show and one of your best in a while IMO in terms of promos. It was great to see Christian debut on Smackdown and his promo with Edge was the highlight of the night for me. Also great to see Jericho come to SD and I am so happy that it looks like we're getting Y2J/Undertaker. The title situation looks very interesting as well and I'm looking forward to MVP being involved around the title. Great show mate.
 
#1,148 ·
The "CRUNK IN YO SYSTEM" Review:

~ Matt Striker on commentary FTW. Punk as Champion FTW. Hayger, Jericho, and Christian debuting FTW. This is the most I've looked forward to any BTB show in a long time. Let's get into it!

~ All I can say about the opening segment is 'wow'. VERY strong promo work between Punk and Michaels. Both were very in character and Punk played his heel role as great as he would have IRL. I loved him bringing up Survivor Series 97 when questioned about his actions at Judgment Day, I loved him bringing up HBK's faith, I loved his 'I got two word for you'. Everything about this opening promo was awesome. This is he first time I have officially marked out over a BTB.

~ Sort of a squash match for Elijah Burke, but the right person went over. It will be great to see Burke compete alongside Dykstra and, what I'm assuming will be, a lot of other young, hungry guys waiting to be pushed up the card.

~ Good interaction between The Glamazon and Rain. This was bound to happen somewhere down the like, and it got started off right. I love how Mia was not intimidated in the least, putting "Bev" in her place pretty well. Good segment, good start to the feud.

~ Strong debut for Jack Swagger. I'm surprised you had him change his name in a promo, but I see where it may add a tad more arrogance to the character by making the announcer re-announce him under a different name. Anyhow, it's good to see Swagger in your BTB, I know you will do him justice.

~ Good backstage segment here with Benjamin and the Masters talking to Tazz. Benjamin/Sydal should be a great one, and hopefully it leads to a solid feud. Benjamin's reaction to the match was great too. The Masters were their typical awesome heel selves, especicially when Tazz pointed out that they basically cost themselves the match. Great setup for later matches, and great interraction.

~ Wow, there have been squashes aplenty tonight. I was not surprised in the least to see Rain go over here, or to see Mickie and McCool stand up to her after the match, but Beth's run-in on Rain's behalf was certanly eyebrow-raising. It'll be interesting to hear Beth's reasoning for all this, and even more interesting to see where things go. Good stuff.

~ Strong Chavo promo. It continued the feud and promoted a match for next week, no complaints here.

~ Very strong promo between Edge and Christian. Almost as awesome as the HBK/Punk one from earlier. I loved Edge being his usual cocky self, calling Christian the Anvil and Marty Jannetty of the team and even going as far as pointing out that Edge comes first in Edge & Christian, and then refusing the match. I also liked Christian bringing the holidays into it, adding the personal effect. There were only two downsides IMO, one was the overuse of bro, and the other was Tomko’s return seemed kinda lost in the shuffle compared to everything that was already going on. Other than that this was gold.

~ The UK Pack segment was just kinda there. I don't really know its purpose other than more emphasis on the cast.

~ I kinda expected teh Sydal win here. The prospect of a long program between these two is enough to keep my attention. Both are gold in the ring, and I think you just wanted to wet our appetites here with a mere portion of the awesomeness to come.

~ I'm not sure the point of the Shane/Michaels segment other than to show how focussed Michaels is. If that was all, mission accomplished.

~ The Masters/UK Pack match was nto really as action packed as I had hoped. The No DQ stipulation could have been played up a lot more, but for a free TV match it was fine. However I didn't really see why so much emphasis was placed on tagging in and out when it was a no DQ match. Other than that small detail, this was a solid match that continued a solid program.

~ I'm not sure what to make of the Jericho/Taker segment. A feud between these two would be epic, IRL or in BTB, I'm just not sure this was the right way to kick it off. Jericho gave a great promo, but it was sorta random for him to just call out The Undertaker's lackluster Judgment Day performace, especially if Jericho was supposed to be a face. Had he been the heel, dictionary-loving douchebag Jericho from TV, I would have no question. Overall I'm excited about the feud, and the story behind it will probably take a backseat to the action eventually anyway.

~ Wow, what a main event! Punk looked like a real fighting champion here, kicking out of the flying elbow and the super kick, and at the same time he looked like a great heel, using a low blow to ultimately pick up the win. It was nice to see an MVP run-in at the end of the match, especially since Punk won the MITB breifcase from MVP. A title program between these two should be great, maybe not quite Jericho/Taker or Edge/Christian levels, but nevertheless it should be a fun read. I expect Michaels to take some time off as much as you played up his physical condition in the match, but if not it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

OVERALL: Incredible show Nige. I don't know if I've ever used that word in a review, but I'll have to here. This show is the kind of show that inspires other people to start BTBs. Your main promos were fantastic, especially Punk/HBK and Edge/Christian. Your action was solid; you had a great main event with a solid undercard. There was not much at all wrong with this show, I'd rank the Judgment Day fallout episode almost as good as Judgment Day itself.
 
#1,151 · (Edited)


.com

>HEADLINES<

The WWE is proud to announce that one of its all time most popular television shows “Superstars” is making a come back.

Yes it’s true. As of Saturday June 21st 2008, “WWE Superstars” will hit your screens via WGN America at 5pm Central, replayed on Sunday and Wednesday nights at 9pm Central. The show will be 60 minutes long featuring stars of both Raw & Smackdown, as well as the stars of tomorrow each and every week.

Just six days after the King of the Ring makes its return to pay-per-view, “Superstars” will also make a return to your screens. Everyone involved in both the WWE and WGN America couldn’t be happier and is very much looking forward to its return.

The show has also secured a theme song titled “Invincible” by Adelitas Way. Make sure you tune in three weeks from tonight when “Superstars” makes its big return to television.


 
#1,154 ·
I'm doing Superstars for mine and it's acutally not that hard to write, it's basically three or four matches with a promo for one maineventer. It really doesn't take long at all.
 
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#1,158 ·



FCW RESULTS (31st May)


Dusty Rhodes started the show in the ring and announced that Reid Flair was injured and he wouldn’t be able to compete in his match with Nic Nemeth for the FCW Television Champion. He said that he had a found a replacement to challenge Nemeth, announcing CJ Red to the ring.

CJ Red defeated “The Natural” Nic Nemeth to become the new FCW Television Champion. Nemeth was stunned after as he could only watch in shock as Red left the ring celebrating with the title.

Commercial Break

Nemeth was walking through the back and saw Red being congratulated by The Badstreet Boys & Jay Bradley. Nemeth didn’t look happy and thought better of doing anything stupid, opting to leave him alone. Joe Hennig then walked up to them and congratulated Red, then told JJ Matthews & Cameron York that he’d chosen them to be his partners tonight against James Reiher and The DiBiase Brothers. They thanked him and told him he wouldn’t regret it.

Nikki Roxx defeated Roucka in her debut match, looking very aggressive. The crowd took to her very well, and despite being aggressive in the match, she was delighted at the bell.

Commercial Break

Ryback defeated Jesse comfortably and looked to continue the attack afterwards, but Festus pulled him out of harms way with Ryback glaring at Festus.

Shantelle Taylor, the FCW Women’s Champion was interviewed by Lena Yada and was asked how she felt about the couple of new divas who have debuted in the last few weeks. Taylor said she welcomes competition and has no problem putting her title on the line at any time or place. Amber O’Neal walked in to the shot and introduced herself to Taylor before walking off straight away but looking back, leaving Taylor confused.

Commercial Break

Joe Hennig & The Badstreet Boys (JJ Matthews & Cameron York) defeated James Reiher & The DiBiase Brothers. Hennig stunned Reiher by pinning him with a Perfect Plex while Matthews, York and the DiBiase’s fought on the outside. Hennig signalled the strap would be around his waist very soon as a worried Reiher sat back up, clinging on to the FCW Championship passed to him by the referee.

Commercial Break

The Empire defeated TJ Wilson & Teddy Hart to retain the FCW Tag Team Championship in a Lumberjack Match. Hade Vansen slipped in to the ring and helped them as the referee dealt with other lumberjacks. Wilson was pissed at the end as The Empire left the ring grinning with the title belts in their hands.


BREAKING NEWS: Flair Fired​
After the show, we got word that the reason Reid Flair didn’t get his rematch was because he was fired and not injured. Apparently, Reid was released from his contract due to gross misconduct. The rumour going round is that drugs may be have been involved. Nic Nemeth is moving up to the main roster very soon and the decision was made to put the title on CJ Red at the last minute for the shock factor too.


 
#1,159 ·
5 shows you got going on! Wow, VERY IMPRESSIVE! I wonder why you fired Flair. He could have been a nice call up to the main roster one day with the possibility of Natch coming up and managing him.

As for Superstars, it will be interesting to see what you do with it. Im pumped to see how you can push The Hart Dynasty. Best of luck, im getting into this BTB
 
#1,160 ·
SmackDown! Feedback

Wow. Now that was a seriously, totally phenominal opening between Punk and Shawn. Punk was absolutely brilliant, because he played his role perfectly, the heel that's completely right, but you hate him for it. I loved it, and how he threw Montreal back in Shawn's face, great move there, especially since they're in Canada. Shawn was also great here, and also right about how Punk disrespected the classic he had with 'Taker. Everything that these guys said was true, whether the other would want to admit it or not, and the main event to this show sounds phenominal. Definitely looking forward to it, even more after this tremendous promo. Gold. Pure gold.

Straight-forward ending. We didn't see Kash come back at all during what we got, but it's alright, I'm guessing now that his program with Shane's over, his time in the spotlight's through. Anyway, great win for Burke, getting back on track, seems like he might have a great showing in the KOTR tournament.

Great segment between the two Divas, and awesome line at the end by Mia. The first time we've heard her speak, I believe, and she's definitely witty and edgy. Definitely sparked more interest in her, a great thing, and I'm looking forward to what becomes of her and Beth, should be fun.

Huh. Definitely a unique way to change his name, one that I never really was a big fan of, but I'm not sure if I liked it. For one, I never liked the name "Jack Swagger" either, and second, it made sense, but still left you scratching your head. I think maybe it would've been best just to introduce him as Swagger, retconning ever calling him "Josh Hayger". As for the match, well, made for Swagger to look impressive. Would've left a better impression if it was more than just two noticeable moves he hit, but I get it. Looking forward to what you do with this guy, as it's evident you've got plans for him.

More Taz being a hard-ass. He was the most reasonable I've seen him here, sympathizing with the Masters for what Burchill did, and I'm definitely looking forward to both matches made here. I was expecting Sydal to get into the CW Title picture, but I can see him jumping to the US Title, which would be a great move. Both guys have got momentum for it, and the talent to make it a great one. The No DQ Match maybe should've been reserved as the closer to the feud, but I read your address about questions, and I can understand wanting to drag out a feud until the big payoff. Good stuff here.

Another quick finish demonstrating Mia's abilities. She's been booked very impressively, and I love how she got off her own pin when she could've easily won, good heel tactics. I didn't like that Mickie and Michelle were going to double-team Rain, it's not in Mickie's character (but well within Michelle's bitch character; she's a bitch as a face too, but enough about Michelle McBitch), but Beth coming down for the save was great. If the two are forming some sort of alliance, I'm all for it. Should be awesome stuff.

Intense interview from Chavo, and great, too. I don't agree with what he's doing, but he certainly makes a very strong case, or at least words things very well. Great job here, and their match next week for the KOTR spot should be just as intense. Great stuff here, and I'm expecting the same out of this program next week.

I wasn't sure if you'd be able to top the awesome promo at the start of the show, but this came damn close to doing it. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I loved Christian and what he said about turning his back on the friendship formed with the Hardys, and about how Edge's the disgrace in the family. Edge was awesome, as well, especially about Christian winning titles at Disneyland, great way to mask TNA in Universal Studios, and how he was the Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels of his team. I also loved how Tomko was introduced, great way to bring him in. The one thing that I have a question about is that, Edge was referred to as a 2-time WWE Champ, and while that's true for the time period, why wouldn't he include his World Title? It was acknowledged when Christian said he pulled a Punk twice (although you could better argue that Punk pulled an Edge). But anyway, more gold. This show's been rich with it, and it seems like it's just going to get even better. Definitely looking forward to whenever Edge and Christian will throw down.

Good stuff between the Tag Champs. Intense speech to start us off, and cooled down nicely into a feel-good ending. I can understand them wanting to get rid of the Masters of the Mat, as they've been huge thorns in their side, and provided to their big No DQ Match later on. Looking forward to it.

Very solid match here, I liked that it was more than just the ending like before. Some fast-paced moves and the huge win for Sydal left more to be desired from these two, and I'm very glad that you're giving the guy a good push. Looking forward to this continuing, should make for an awesome PPV match if you decide to go in that direction.

I've always enjoyed the interaction between the cousins. They have a very down-to-earth feel to them, like a normal family. It's good stuff. I'm liking Shane's thought process, but you can't help but admire Shawn's determination for wanting back the gold. The match should be fantastic, can't wait for it.

Good match, although I confused myself at points. I was expecting this to be pretty disorganized, with everyone to be in the ring at the same time, so I was sort of confused when it turned out to be more or less controlled and tags were made. Anywho, very brutal moment with Masters crushing Burchill's wrist with that chair, very heelish move, too. Big win for the Masters, and I'm thinking that their next title match will more than likely be where the Masters pick up the belts and close the feud.

The Empire, huh? Looks to be another good team to add to the division.

Another brilliant promo to complete the trifecta, the hat trick. Jericho was absolutely awesome. He wasn't the grandiose Y2J, he wasn't the guy that reads the dictionary to find new insults, I could feel that he was being genuine about wanting to drive 'Taker back to his old self. The thing that I loved the most about this promo (and I loved all of it) was the part about his son asking what was so great about 'Taker. Phenominal line, pun intended. This clearly sets up a program between the two, and I said that purposely because I have a feeling that this won't be a feud, just a series of matches for Jericho to get 'Taker back into the swing of things. Definitely looking forward to more from these two.

Good and exciting match to close out the show. I could tell that you were holding stuff back for when these two face off at a PPV, but it was still a damn good match. I was fine with Punk kicking out of the superkick, especially since there was time between it and the pin, and I liked the ending, too. Kept Punk as a great heel, but also as a rather credible and crafty champ. I wasn't exactly surprised at MVP coming out, but I was surprised that he seems to be in for a face turn. Makes sense, and I'm definitely looking forward to it as the two have had great segments in the past, but I wasn't expecting a face turn. I just hope you keep MVP true to his character, not like what WWE did, and use Matt Hardy at some point as well, sad to hear that he's out for a bit. But in any case, great main event, and great stuff.

You said that you put a lot of effort into the promos, and it was definitely noticeable. The three big promos of the show were some of the best I've ever read, and the whole show in general was probably the best I've read from you, all around brilliant stuff. The fallout to Judgment Day throughout the whole show was fantastic, and this show seriously left me wanting more, more, and even more than that. Amazing job here, Nige, you should be proud of yourself for this awesome show. 9.5/10.
 
#1,161 ·
RAW Preview – Monday 2nd June 2008
Live From the New Haven Coliseum
New Haven, Connecticut





THE QUEST DRAWS TO A CLOSE
By the time Raw comes to a close this Monday night, so will the Quest to be Champion tournament, and then we will learn who will challenge the WWE Champion, Kane at the King of the Ring in just less than two weeks.

The two men that have found their way through to the final are Mr. Kennedy and Jeff Hardy. Kennedy competed in the first match of the tournament by defeating the former champion, Randy Orton, and last week he overcame The Big Show to advance to the final. The Green Bay native had a minor confrontation with Orton, his fierce rival once again last week, and The Legend Killer fulfilled his promise to stay out of Kennedy’s business with a title shot at stake if Kennedy does become the WWE Champion at the King of the Ring. Will Kennedy be the man to face Kane and then be able to give Orton the title shot he’s promised him?

Jeff Hardy has been hot ever since his return to Raw, and he took that step further last week with an impressive victory over Rey Mysterio having already knocked off JBL in a gruelling first round match. Will Jeff have to watch out for Randy Orton, or will his return get even better and lead him to a shot at the gold at the King of the Ring?

EVOLUTION FEELS THE COST OF RETRIBUTION. . . EXCEPT BATISTA!​
The Corporation, mainly JBL have vowed to get revenge on Evolution for the assault that left Vince and Shane McMahon in hospital several weeks ago, and last week, they returned the favour. With Triple H & Ric Flair deciding to add fuel to the fire by not only reminding but joking about their role in the attack, they further angered the hostile trio by costing The Big Show his Quest to be Champion semi final with Mr. Kennedy. That was one step too far, and Show made sure he got retribution by leaving them both laid out in the parking lot with help from JBL and Vladimir Kozlov.

While Batista was conspicuous by his absence, the numbers game proved too much for The Game and The Nature Boy, and with many people asking just where The Animal was, will we get an answer from the man himself this week?

KELLY RETURNS TO SHATTER CODY’S TITLE DREAM​
Cody Rhodes believed last week would finally be the moment he became the Intercontinental Champion. However he was denied once again by the woman he blames for getting in his way of the title, Kelly Kelly. It was only a few weeks back that he DDT’d his ex-girlfriend in front of the world, and maybe the cocky youngster is regretting that now as Kelly stormed down to the ring and stole the title belt away from Rhodes as he looked to use it to his advantage in his own quest to see off Kofi Kingston once and for all. Kelly came to the rescue of the man Cody thought she was cheating on him with, allowing Kofi to pull out the all important victory and retain his title.

There’s no doubting Cody is never short of something to say, but you have to assume he’s got a whole lot to get off his chest this week.

THE KING TO COME FROM RAW?​
The King of the Ring is back and just around the corner. Last week saw the first qualifying matches for the eight man tournament that will take place in just one night at The Staples Center, and Kenny Dykstra became the first Raw superstar to qualify, beating Paul London. Elijah Burke joined him after he defeated fellow Smackdown superstar, Kid Kash on Friday night. We have been advised by Eric Bischoff that all three remaining qualifying matches for the Raw stars to impress will take place this week in an all action edition of Monday Night Raw.

A MILLION DOLLAR BEAT DOWN​
It looks like the fire has emerged from within Ted DiBiase at last, and Hornswoggle was the unfortunate recipient of the Million Dollar Champion’s vicious outburst of violence. After Finlay picked up a victory heading towards his title match with DiBiase at the King of the Ring, the youngster stormed the ring and laid Finlay out with the title belt they will compete for before turning his attention to Hornswoggle. He then locked the leprechaun in the Million Dollar Dream for as long as he could, until Finlay began to come round.

Despite showing he means his business at last, has DiBiase made a fatal mistake in going after Finlay’s little buddy?

NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO BE DECIDED THIS WEEK​
Tension has been growing between fellow divas Melina and Natalya Neidhart as of late and it’s threatened to spill over, but now the two of them will compete for the right to face Victoria for the WWE Women’s Championship. Eric Bischoff made the decision last week, and Melina appears to be very focused after seeming to have kicked Santino Marella to the curb. Natalya’s focus has never been questioned, and the ferocious diva is going to be a tough challenge for Melina and possibly for Victoria down the road.

Which diva wants it more? Find out this Monday night live on Raw.

TAG CHAMPS LAYING DOWN THE LAW​
Cryme Time and The Colon Brothers have had their problems for some time now, and last week they tried to settle it when Eric Perez joined Carlito & Eddie to take on Shad & JTG in a handicap match after Carlito’s challenge was accepted. The three Puerto Rican’s emerged with the victory to the bemusement and frustration of the World Tag Team Champions, John Morrison & The Miz. After the match, the champs made their way to the stage and despite praising themselves like they always do, they reminded everyone that tag team wrestling revolves around two men and not three.

Are they worried about the competition? Only time well tell.


CONFIRMED FOR RAW THIS WEEK

Quest To Be Champion Final
Mr. Kennedy vs Jeff Hardy

Number One Contendership Match
Melina vs Natalya Neidhart

Plus
3 King of the Ring Qualifying Matches


 
#1,162 ·
Raw looks great, Nige.

Kennedy/Jeff Hardy is an awesome main event, and with the stakes so high, I'm definitely intruiged to see who will win and face Kane at KOTR. I'm hoping that it's Kennedy, tbh, I think he would be the better option.

Melina/Natalya = Another good match, I expect the two of them could put on a decent showing IRL, so hopefully you use them well. My money's on Natalya.

Definitely excited for what will happen with Batista, hopefully he'll address his absence, and something good will come out of it.

Rhodes can hopefully get some mic time too. His last promo was fantastic, and hopefully if he gets on the stick on this show, it'll be just as good, and this time he's got a lot to talk about, after coming so close to taking the Intercontinental Championship from Kofi Kingston.

Show looks great, can't wait for it, Nige :)
 
#1,163 ·
This show has a big act to follow, given how immense SD was. as always I'm looking forward to the Kelly Kelly, Cody and Kofi storyline. Obviously Cpdy is going to be out for revenge, given how Kelly ruined the biggest night of his life last week.

RAW has been tournament heavy and tournament driven for a while now. 3 KOTR qualifying matches seems like a lot, but I'm sure you'll use the matches to further current angles. What I'm saying is that they won't be filler matches.

Obviously the main draw of the show has to be the Kennedy, Jeff hardy match up which will redoubtably top the show. I'm conflicted however. Following the Paul Bearer, Jeff Hardy promo last week, I want Jeff to win, yet it would seem as if Kennedy is receiving the bigger push. I'm at a loss really, who'll win? I have no idea.

The Evolution, Corporation angle is waning IMO and I'm ready for you to go ahead and give us the Batista, HHH feud we all want. As a booker however, you'll probably want to keep their match up for SS, so I don't see it happening anytime soon. going forward, I would like to see conflict within the corporation.

Anyway, show looks great. PM me when it's up.
 
#1,164 ·
Bradley's Smackdown Review:

Now, I haven't reviewed a while but I have been following somewhat and I know where most of the feuds seem to be heading etc.

Nice to see you are now covering full length promos as you seem to have taken a long break from that so I hope you are not rusty. I loved it when you wrote Punk as a heel against Jeff Hardy so him taking a step up to the World Heavyweight Championship whilst being an arrogant SOB pleases me immensely. A few grammar errors in the first paragraph but it set the promo up nicely and you got straight to the point instead of wading through a load of crap. The show being in Canada brings with it a lot of variables but I have to seriously question whether Punk would honestly get booed. Sure there would be a few marks in the crowd booing he hell out of him but people in Canada hate Michaels. I know Montreal shit over him the most but I feel people would be cheering Punk like Canada would probably cheer Jericho now. I feel a few more words rather than just *heat* over and over would be adequate and maybe you could cut up a few of the paragraphs because nothing is more uninviting than a massive wall of text in a promo as I have learnt. I loved Punk bringing up '97 as he seems like the only character who pretty much would seeing as how he has this 'edgy' persona about him. 'You remember that it was CM Punk that struck the final nail in the coffin of The Heartbreak Kid’s career.' A lovely last line from Punk but I felt it ended as soon as it began because HBK didn't get a lot to say but I am guessing this is because you want the spotlight shifted to Punk which is understandable. A decent opening promo but it could have been so much more.

Burke seems a little two-dimensional in this thread and he seems to be stagnating but he seemed impressive enough and I love your KOTR events as the last one you did was one of my favourite ever PPV's and you can push 5-6 people with this tournament and I hope Burke goes to the semi's but I doubt he will win.

Mia seemed a little clunky in this promo but, mentioning Judgement Day, I feel you put her over extremely well and this could be one of the best women's pushes in a long time if you play your cards right. I expect Phoenix/Rain at Summerslam as that could be an epic match and you could really make something out of the women's division.

Hayger is here after... what, 3 months or so of build up? I remember him being hyped in a debut promo around September I am sure of that. Hayger changing his name to Swagger in that way was incredibly lame but I guess you have been forced in to a corner by real life here and that was the get out clause. Swagger looked impressive in his debut but a bigger opponent could have done him the world of good and maybe an attack on the winner of the KOTR could be the catalyst for him because it was a bit of a dull spark tbh after the months of build up I had expected him to attack The Undertaker or something like that.

This Benjamin/Tazz mini-feud you have going on here is being built really well and nice and slowly. I don't expect Tazz to get in the ring (though that would be epic) I expect him to bring someone else in. Benjamin can easily main event a PPV in this thread soon because he is being build perfectly. Nice and slowly with a good amount of exposure but at the same time not being forced down our throats. A fantastic example of pushing a wrestler. A nice match set up between The Master of the Mat and the UK Pack but I feel a mutiny coming on and soon enough 'the inmates should be running the asylum' because that could be an epic story arc.

Rain was always going to one but it is a shame there has been 3 squashes pretty much but I am sure that is in order to get some serious time for HBK/Punk. Nice to see some exposure, again, to Rain's signature moves and the crowd interaction and description only added to the match. Phoenix helping out (a tweener?) Rain is certainly interesting and I feel Phoenix will try and play everyone against Rain and then attack her when the time is right. Just don't turn her in to a freakin' lesbian :side: :p but don't rush this feud and it could be money.

Meh promo to be honest but the premise is good. It seems you have a lot of feuds in progress or beginning but not many reaching its climax. Chavo taking on the 'convict' is a good way for Chavo to get over because the best heels are always right. Italics look horrible in Tahoma btw.

I'm surprised you haven't hyped up Christian's return to no end but that's fine. Using the name Adam gives the promo it's Edge straight away and you are great at setting up promos like these but sometimes when you 'knock them down' it can lead to mixed results and a sour taste in the mouth, let's hope this delivers. You write Edge brilliantly as a cynicist. Edge's sly comments were simply brilliant and it seems like you had a great time writing this promo and taking a few jabs at some legends only adds to his character. The Disneyland line, whilst clever, was too corny for my liking and it seems like too much of an inside joke. Christian's retort was one of the most emotionally affecting lines I have seen in BTB 'cos it paints Edge as a real human being but it made me feel sorry for Edge which was the opposite of what you were intending. Tomko re-debuting was all well and good but some fans may not remember Tomko and the odds are stacked in Christian's favour (unless Tomko turns heel) which doesn't make for a great feud is Christian has the upper hand. I don't know where the two go from here but my head says a slow build to Summerslam.

Generic filler from the UK Pack but I fully expect them to get the win but I hope Burchill uses the cast again because there seems to be some tension between Smith and Burchill and I envision Burchill turning heel.

I remember the good ol' days where you wrote absolute barnstormers every show and this certainly reminds me of it, even if it is in condensed form. Nice to see you highlighting Sydal's high flying ability and Benjamin's willingness to put Sydal away. Benjamin losing was the perfect step forward because Benjamin will be annoyed at Tazz but he didn't look weak in the slightest and Sydal gets massive momentum as he hopefully heads in to a marquee feud. I must say you have 6-7 guys who could make the step up to the upper mid card/main event and it's nice to see you are not rushing it but you have still the talent there being built up. One of your best traits is definitely building up wrestlers and fully functioning characters instead of bringing in big names and instead you give this BTB some elbow grease.

That promo's main purpose was to give Michaels an excuse if he doesn't win and you achieved that. Shane to turn on Michaels soon enough after not being involved enough. I have seen enough subtle hints to think that match will happen soon but probably not Summerslam which is what you are building to.

Nice heelish tactics in this match from Masters of the Mat because they were being outmaneouvered so they grabbed a steel chair to gain the advantage. No DQ match or not you made them look like great heels because the UK Pack didn't resort to weapons. The Masters of the Mat have a bright future ahead of them and I loved the methodical beat down of the UK Pack, especially Burchill. That broken wrist being attacked further paves the way for Masters of the Mat to gain the title and then, probably, a final blow off match.

Jericho returning was a nice surprise and I was surprised to see him first as a face and it was a nice little backstory being woven in to this which made the promo extra special. Jericho mentioning how his kid didn't think The Undertaker was all that special was one, if not the line of the night. This is good ol' heel Jericho and, as others have pointed out, he doesn't need all of those big words to get over as a heel. Jericho just needs to be as convincing as hell and, boy, did he convince me. The lines were very well thought out and articulate without going in to overblown scholar mode. A lot of great imagery being used by Jericho but my only gripe would be Jericho using the word 'chill' in a serious promo because it stuck out like a sore thumb and the pun afterwards was weak. Nice to see Jericho being absolutely awesome as this was definitely the promo of the night and Undertaker can change character now. I doubt he will 'return' as ABA but I see him turning in to his 'final form' and paying homage to various movies and comics.

Straight away highlighting HBK's injuries and the such makes Michaels look that much stronger as he battles away at the champion. Obviously you have something planned for HBK in the future but this match would be much better suited to KOTR. The crowd interaction was utilised in such a way that I could feel the momentum of the match slipping from Michaels I feel you have laid out such an epic story epitomised by the overuse of Super Kicks. I can feel Michaels' desperation and the fact that this could be his last legitimate shot at a world title. Not a lot of substance (basic moves and the like) but it was damn exciting and I am sure that is what you were aiming for but you missed a big opportunity with Punk trying to pull out the Sharpshooter which would have been the icing on the cake to me. I'm surprised Punk got a clean win but in an essence it's not really clean. I see HBK is going to rest a few niggling injuries until his next feud. I see Shane/Michaels coming soon then possibly a retirement angle which is something I'd like to see you follow through with. MVP turning face is something I'm not exactly for and against. The whole reasoning of giving MVP and Punk MITB seems a little wasted now they are going to feud anyway.

A surprising way to end the show but it was still nice to see MVP pushed higher up the card. A few promos were absolutely brilliant on this show whilst others were off. I suggest you cut the paragraphs up in your promos up a little bit more unless a monologue promo is being cut and some promos ended as soon as they could have exploded which was a shame but I understand you keeping some things back as it seems you have one eye on Summerslam as you have laid the foundation for quite a few feuds on this show. Keep up the great work 8/10
 
#1,165 ·
RAW looks big, Nige. I'd be content with either Kennedy or Jeff going to KOTR to compete for the World Title, as both can be great World Champs, but I can see this going into the way of a Triple Threat for the belt. Whichever way it unfolds, I'm sure it'll be a great match.

Where was Batista last week? I can see him showing up this week, but not all that fired up about what happened to Evolution last week. Evolution seems to be falling apart, and I can see another piece of the puzzle added to that (or taken away, if that's how you're looking at it). Wonder what rule Bischoff will instate this episode that won't be followed?

More Cody/Kofi/Kelly goodness. Definitely looking forward to this, and whatever he was to say this time. Should be nothing short of awesome.

Three KOTR qualifyers and not one of those six Superstars mentioned? Interesting. I'll be looking out for that, should be great.

No, DiBiase hasn't made a mistake in attacking Horny; in fact, he made the right move. More from fire-under-ass DiBiase destroying Finlay and that little bastard. Beat him out of RAW, Ted!

Wait, Melina dumped Santino? I don't recall, but I'll check back. In any case, that should be a good match, and I'm hoping Santino does something to try to get his woman back. Also, we need more Victoria, she hasn't been prominently featured in awhile.

Now that the Tag Champs have seemingly gotten involved with Cryme Tyme and The Colons, it should make the feud a little more interesting, as it hasn't exactly set my world ablaze just yet.

Show looks very good, Nige, especially the main event and KOTR qualifyers, and as always the IC Title saga. I'll be checking it out for sure.
 
#1,167 ·
RAW Results – Monday 2nd June 2008
Live From the New Haven Coliseum
New Haven, Connecticut





***Video Recap***
From Last Week

Cody Rhodes about to hit Kofi Kingston with the Intercontinental Championship belt during their title match when Kelly Kelly ran down and stole it from him, leading to Kofi retaining the title by using the belt himself.

Jeff Hardy defeating Rey Mysterio to advance to the final of the Quest to be Champion tournament, and then being warned by Paul Bearer that Kane would destroy him at the King of the Ring should Jeff win the tournament.

Mr. Kennedy’s backstage confrontation with Randy Orton, and Orton telling him he wasn’t going to cost him his place in the Quest to be Champion later on as he will get a title shot if Kennedy becomes the WWE Champion.

Triple H & Ric Flair in their locker room, ringing Batista to see why he isn’t there.

The Big Show taking on Kennedy in the second semi final with Triple H & Ric distracting him and costing him the match, meaning Jeff Hardy will face Mr. Kennedy for a WWE Championship match at the King of the Ring with Randy Orton smiling in the back as he watches on a monitor.

The Corporation attacking Triple H & Flair in the parking lot with Show chokeslamming both men on to two different cars.


***Opening Video***
“Wanna Be Loved”


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



***Video Promo***​






{Cut to Ringside}

“Out To Kill” hits with Cody Rhodes walking out to the stage, and he doesn’t look happy at all. With the crowd booing him as he makes his way down the ramp and in to the ring, the angry Cody goes over to ask for a microphone.

Cody Rhodes: There have been many, many travesties in recent times, but I’m out here to talk about just one of them, the greatest travesty of them all that occurred right here in this ring on Raw last week. . . After I was finally given what I’ve been asking for for months, yet again, a certain selfish, vengeful woman once again cost me the chance to become the Intercontinental Champion. . . And that woman goes by the name of Kelly Kelly.

*Pop*

Cody Rhodes: Yeah I bet you enjoyed it didn’t ya?

*Big Pop*

Cody Rhodes: I thought so, but you won’t be laughing at my expense for much longer as I’ve come here to this hell hole tonight for just one reason, and that is to get what I am owed. And what I am owed is another opportunity to beat Kofi Kingston and become the Intercontinental Champion.

*Heat*

Cody Rhodes: No one, and I mean one can tell me that I don’t deserve it. . . On no less than two occasions, I have had Kofi beat in the middle of this ring when that good for nothing cheap slut deliberately stopped me in my path, and I’m not gonna leave this ring until I get what I deserve.

*Heat*

“I’m Back” hits to a big pop with Eric Bischoff walking out in to the stage with a microphone in hand.

Eric Bischoff: Cody, just let me set the record straight alright. I did see what happened at the end of your match last week with Kofi Kingston, and I agree that it was unfortunate.

Cody Rhodes: UNFORTUNATE? THAT’S HOW YOU SEE IT? . . . Unfortunate is not the word. The word you’re looking for is. . .

Eric Bischoff: . . . Cody, let me explain. . . As I was saying, I saw what happened, but that was only after we went off the air. . . See when your match was going on, I was in the parking lot after Triple H and Ric Flair were attacked by The Corporation. That’s why I couldn’t do anything, not because I didn’t want to do anything. You see that now right?

Cody Rhodes: Okay, I get that, but what I wanna know is what you’re gonna do about it right now.

Eric Bischoff: Well I’m glad you asked as I think you’re going to be very happy with what I’ve come up with. You are going to get you rematch with Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Championship, but that’s not gonna happen tonight as both you and Kofi will be in action later on, in King of the Ring qualifying matches. . .

Cody Rhodes: . . . Bischoff, I couldn’t care less about the King of the Ring. The only thing I care about it is. . .

Eric Bischoff: . . . Is the Intercontinental Championship, I got that, but if you’d have let me finish, I was getting right to that. . . Like I said, your rematch won’t happen tonight, it’s going to take place at Vengeance. . . in a steel cage match.

*Big Pop*

Cody grins.

Eric Bischoff: That way no one else can get involved, Kelly in particular. But I hope you realise Cody that this is your last chance. Once Vengeance is over, if you’re not the Intercontinental Champion. . . it’s over. You’ll get no more chances as long as Kofi is the champion. You have to get the job done in the steel cage, but if you don’t, you’ll only have yourself to blame.

Cody still looks quite happy at the announcement.

Cody Rhodes: Trust me Bischoff, you don’t have to worry about that. All you have to worry about is the condition I leave Kofi in once I’m through beating the crap out of him inside that steel cage. . . It might be my last chance, but it’s the only chance I need, and I’m gonna take it, I promise you that. . . Once Vengeance is through, I won’t just have Kofi and Kelly out of my lives once and for all, I will be the Intercontinental Champion.

Cody smiles back up at the camera as “Out To Kill” then plays once again as Bischoff turns round and leaves the stage with Cody standing in the ring in a good mood for a change.


***Video Promo***






{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***






{Cut to Ringside}

“La Vittoria é Mia” hits as Santino Marella walks down to the ring with a big smile on his face despite being booed by the fans, and as he gets in the ring, he collects the microphone from Lilian Garcia.

Santino Marella: If I can-a have your attention for-a couple of the seconds, I have-a major announcement to-a make. . . Over the last week, I Santino Marella have received millions of the emails from women across the world asking me if it is-a true that I, the handsomest man on the planet is back on the market. And I can confirm to the world that I am-a officially back on the market. . . That’s right, I kicked Melina to-a the pavement last week. And why you ask because Melina is-a very pretty woman. . . No doubt she is-a very pretty woman, but she is-a also a very clingy woman, but more importantly, she couldn’t handle my, how you say. . . manhood.

*Heat*

Santino Marella: It is-a true, I promise you. But after I win-a my match tonight and become the King of all the rings, I’m going to need-a new Queen. . . So girls, you sit-a back and-a watch, then I, Santino Marella will choose who will be that lucky lady. Thank you.

Santino hands back the microphone to Lilian and takes his shirt off, getting ready for his match as Lilian then introduces Jimmy Wang Yang. He walks down to the ring to a pop from the crowd.


***The Opening Match***

King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Jimmy Wang Yang vs Santino Marella
ENDING: Santino struggles to his feet with Yang calmly waiting, and the high flier pounces straight away, striking him in the midsection with a vicious martial arts kick. Santino leans forward clutching his stomach allowing Yang to then turn round and run back in to the ropes, and as he comes back, he sends the Italian back down to the canvas courtesy of a beautifully executed SPINNING WHEEL KICK. . . . . Marella isn’t down for long as he picks himself back up after crawling in to the corner, but as he turns round, Yang runs right at him with Santino’s back against the pads and takes him by surprise, hitting a CORNER BACK FLIP DROPKICK. . . . . A pop breaks out as Yang lands on his feet with Santino staggering out in to his grasp and the ******* quickly takes him down with an ENZIGURI. . . . . Santino just collapses in a heap, close by the ropes and looks to be out of it as Yang scurries across and hooks the near leg for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! Santino puts his right foot on the bottom rope to the disappointment of Yang and the fans. Yang sits up in absolute amazement as he sees the foot on the rope. He looks at the referee as if to expect he’s imagined it, but he hasn’t. After several seconds, he slowly makes his way back up and drags Santino away from the ropes before walking in to the corner and climbing up to the top rope. With Santino slowly stirring, Yang waits patiently, and as Santino turns round to face him, Yang comes flying through the air for a CROSS BODY. . . . . Santino somehow manages to duck his head with Yang crash landing on the mat. As Santino turns round, he sees Yang getting to his knees, and the Italian Stallion reacts quickly to race across the mat and roll Yang up from behind, leaning on top of him as the referee makes the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Santino Marella by pinfall @ 4.41.

AFTERMATH: “La Vittoria é Mia” plays to a pop as Santino quickly slips under the bottom rope to the outside, going hysterical as he drops to his knees and holds his head in his hands. He then stands back up as the referee joins him on the outside to raise his hand, and Santino looks like he’s going to cry as Yang sits up and looks on from the ring in disappointment.


{Cut Backstage}​

Eric Bischoff is sat down in his office at his desk when there’s a knock at the door.

Eric Bischoff: Come in.

We’re then greeted by the presence of Mr. Kennedy, which gets a big pop from the fans inside the arena. Bischoff stands up to welcome him.

Eric Bischoff: What I can do for ya? . . . Hang on. Randy Orton right?

Mr. Kennedy: Orton? No. . . Last week when he looked me right in the eye and told me he wasn’t gonna get involved in my match, you know what I saw? I saw the words of an honest man. He wants a shot at the WWE title as much as I do, and he knows that I’m his best chance of gettin’ one when I beat Kane at the King of the Ring and become the new WWE Champion.

Eric Bischoff: You don’t think your gettin’ slightly ahead of yourself? I mean, you do have to face Jeff Hardy tonight to get that title shot you’re talkin’ about?

Mr. Kennedy: I know it’s not gonna be easy, but I’m relaxed, chilled, focused and most important, I don’t have to worry about Randy Orton. I wasn’t worried last week and he showed me that he does actually have somethin’ in that tiny head of his when he stayed away from my match, and I’ve got no doubt he’ll do the same again tonight.

Eric Bischoff: Usually I would disagree with you, because lets face it, it’s Orton, but I called him earlier when he didn’t show up and he said he wouldn’t be here tonight ‘cause he has some kind of family emergency, so there really is no need to look over your shoulder. I guess that’s a weight off your mind right?

Mr. Kennedy: Nah, I was pretty certain anyway, but I ain’t gonna lie to y’Bischoff, it helps.

Eric Bischoff: Good, I’m glad. I want the best match possible tonight between you and Jeff. I want you guys to represent Raw and show everyone what Raw’s all about. Smackdown stepped it up a notch last week, and we can’t afford to let them get all the headlines. Raw’s the number one show, let’s keep it that way.

Mr. Kennedy: Don’t you worry ‘bout that. Everyone’s gonna see just what their new WWE Champion’s all about. . . I’ll catch y’later

Bischoff cracks a smile as Kennedy then turns round and walks out of the room, but as he steps away from the door, he walks right in to the WWE Champion, Kane with Paul Bearer standing by the side of him.

Mr. Kennedy: What the hell?

The shocked Kennedy tries to stay cool and looks right in to Kane’s eyes as Bearer steps forward.

Paul Bearer: Hell’s exactly right my friend. That’s what you’ll be walking in to if you draw the short straw and win your match tonight. . . See it’s clear to me that all these people here tonight believe that whoever wins the right to face my son Kane at the King of the Ring will be rewarded, but let me tell you something. . . that’s not true at all. In reality you’re both competing for the chance to walk right in to hell, because that’s what’s waiting for one of you. You might have the opportunity to claim the prize everyone dreams of, but that’s all you can do. . . dream. Stepping in to the ring with Kane is not a prize or a dream, it’s an experience that will scar you for the remainder of the precious time you have left on this earth, and the sooner you realise that, the better. . . We see you have had problems with a certain Randy Orton, just like we did, but there’s only one person you should worry about tonight, and that’s Kane. . . Come on son, let’s leave him be.

Kane steps back with Kennedy staring at the both of them.

Paul Bearer: I suppose we should wish you luck. . . We look forward to the King of the Ring. You shouldn’t. . . That’s if you get there that is.

Bearer laughs out loud as he and Kane then walk up the hall, but Kennedy doesn’t seem all that fazed.

Mr. Kennedy: We’ll see about that freako.


***Video Promo***




{Commercial Break}​


***Video Promo***

Clips of John Cena, The Undertaker, CM Punk, Kane, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Batista, Jeff Hardy, Edge & Rey Mysterio hitting their finishers are shown.

Voiceover: The superstars of Raw and Smackdown will collide upon the return of one of wrestling’s most historic shows. . . WWE Superstars. . . Superstars will return to your television screens with some of the biggest names in sports entertainment today. . . Superstars will premiere Saturday 21st June on WGN America at 5pm Eastern. Replayed Sunday and Wednesday nights at 9pm. . . Whatever you do, don’t miss the return of WWE Superstars, only on WGN America.





{Cut Backstage}


Rey Mysterio is getting ready in his locker room, putting his elbow pads on when Kenny Dykstra walks in. Rey stands up straight away with boos coming from the arena.

Kenny Dykstra: Well, well, well, look who’s come back for more. . . When are you gonna give it up Rey? You lost to Jeff Hardy last week, why don’t you just get the message that it’s not just meant to be? . . . See I’m going to the King of the Ring to become the King of the Ring, and with that said Rey, it means your chances are at zero, no less, no higher. Can’t you see it’s written in the stars that I’ll become the King, Rey Rey? And that begs the question of why you’re even bothering trying to qualify tonight. Even if you do manage to pull another one out of the bag like when you won the world title, all that’s gonna happen is you’ll fall from grace yet again if we cross paths at the King of the Ring.

Rey Mysterio: What’s wrong with you huh? You always talk ‘bout me gettin’ lucky and fallin’ from grace as you put it, but what’ve you done huh? . . . I’ll tell you what you’ve done. . . Nothin’. . . You wanna run me down week after week? Well how about you do somethin’ and then you can say what you want. . . As for the King of the Ring, I am gonna qualify tonight, and y’know what I’m gonna do then? . . . I’m gonna hope and prey I get the chance to face you along the way and shut that big mouth of yours once and for all.

Kenny Dykstra: Alright. Since I’m in a good mood tonight, I’ll yet you have that one, but when you lose your match later on, I’ll remember what you said. . . Good luck homes.

The serious Dykstra turns round and walks out while the angry Rey sits back down and punches the bench.


{Cut to Ringside}


***Match #2***

King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Kofi Kingston w/Kelly Kelly vs Brian Kendrick
ENDING: Kofi & Kendrick get back up at the same time after a mid air collision with Kelly encouraging Kofi from the outside. Kofi strikes first with a kick to the stomach, then turns back to run the ropes, and as he comes back at his opponent, he nails him with a HIGH ANGLE REVERSE ELBOW SMASH. . . . . That gets the crowd going, and as Kofi picks himself back up with the support of the crowd, he runs back in to the ropes, and as he comes back this time, he connects with a DOUBLE LEG DROP TO THE CHEST OF KENDRICK. . . . . Kofi’s taking it up a notch here as he then looks to hook both legs and go for the cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kendrick fights for his life and it looks like he uses all his energy to throw his arm and shoulder up off the mat. Kofi leans back on to his knees and then starts to stand back up as Kendrick rolls on to his side, trying to pull himself back up. Kofi looks to give him a helping hand and then whips him in to the ropes, but as Kendrick hits them, he grabs the top rope and holds on to it for dear life. Kofi doesn’t look to waste a second and charges right at his opponent, but Kendrick lifts his boot right up in to Kofi’s face, sending the Intercontinental Champion backpedalling across the mat holding his face. As Kofi then turns round with Kelly looking concerned, Kendrick races towards him and explodes with a SUPER KICK. . . . . Kofi falls down to the mat in a split second as the desperate Kendrick follows and looks to make a cover and cause a big upset as the referee makes the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . .

No! Kofi just gets his shoulder up, leading to a big pop inside the arena. Kendrick can’t believe it as he sits back up and turns to look at the referee in total disbelief. Kofi starts to come round while the frustrated Kendrick panics and rushes in to action, standing up and stomping Kofi across the chest before walking in to the corner and climbing up all the way to the top rope. He rushes once again and jumps off, connecting with a DOUBLE FOOT STOMP. . . . . Kofi remains flat on his back as Kendrick follows up for a desperate cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kick Out! The Intercontinental Champion shows his resilient streak as he once again gets his shoulder up at the last second. Kendrick can’t believe it once more and hurries back up to a vertical base, then reaches down and drags Kofi up. He then sets the Jamaican Sensation up for the SLICED BREAD. . . . . The fans boo as Kendrick takes a second with smug look on his face as he realises Kofi isn’t showing any signs of countering. Kendrick then runs in to the corner with Kofi in his grasp, but Kingston takes him by surprise, shoving him in to the pads chest first. Kofi falls to his knees after a forceful shove, and as Kendrick then turns round in anger, he runs right at Kofi, but Kingston leaps up to his feet and nails him with the TROUBLE IN PARADISE. . . . . It looks to be all over as both men hit the deck with Kofi rushing across the mat to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Kofi Kingston by pinfall @ 5.58.

AFTERMATH: “SOS” hits to a big pop as Kofi stands back up to get his arm raised with the referee also passing him the Intercontinental Championship while Kelly claps on the outside with a big smile on her face. She just watches as Kofi walks in to the corner and climbs up to the second rope, posing for the crowd as Paul London walks out to the stage. Kofi then climbs down and walks in to the opposite corner to do the same as Kendrick sits up, still dazed as he spots London at the top of the stage clapping with a grin on his face. It clearly angers Kendrick while Kofi steps down off the ropes and joins Kelly on the outside, high fiving her while London and Kendrick continue to stare at each other.


***Video Promo***








{Commercial Break}


***Match #3***

Number One Contendership Match
Melina vs Natalya Neidhart​
ENDING: Natalya stands back up after being caught off guard by a single arm DDT. Melina also makes her way back up to her feet after being unable to capitalise with the big move, and as both divas turn to face each other, Melina explodes with a ROUNDHOUSE KICK. . . . . But Natalya ducks it with the referee standing right behind her taking the full force of the kick. Melina looks down in absolute shock, but Neidhart isn’t as concerned with the referee as she is with her own chances. She quickly grabs her fellow aspiring contender around the waist and plants her with a thunderous BACKBREAKER. . . . . Melina looks to be in some pain as Natalya then really looks to take advantage by standing up, walking round to Melina’s legs and applying the SHARPSHOOTER. . . . . The ref is still out of it as Natalya applies the pressure to Melina’s lower back, but with the fans cheering on, Melina fights the hold with all she’s got, and the frustration clearly gets to Natalya. Melina tries to crawl across to the ropes, and as she gets closer, the panic grows on Neidhart’s face, and with one last push, Melina manages to grab hold of the bottom rope.

However the referee is still out of it, lying across the mat himself as Natalya keeps the hold locked in while the fans boo very loudly. Melina screams out in agony as she clutches on to the bottom rope, but Natalya’s frustration gets the better of her as she lets the hold go and stands back up to stomp across her opponent’s back before dragging her slowly back up. With the referee slowly coming back round, another runs down the ramp as Natalya then tries for an irish whip to the corner, only for Melina to reverse it. As Melina then runs in, Natalya turns to the side and lifts her elbow up in to the diva’s face, sending her slowly staggering out of the corner. Natalya acts straight away as she steps out of the corner and shifts behind the groggy Melina, spinning her around and grabbing her around the waist. She then tosses her back with a BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX. . . . . The new referee drops to his knees and counts Melina’s shoulders while the original ref crawls across and appears to be counting Natalya’s. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Melina & Natalya Neidhart by pinfall @ 6.47.

AFTERMATH: Both ref’s call for the bell with the original ref pulling himself up to his knees. The second ref looks surprised and walks over to him as he stands up with the crowd totally confused of what’s going on. Both divas stand up and question the referees as to what happened while they argue, but William Regal quickly makes his way out to the stage.

William Regal: Excuse me ladies and gentleman, but it’s abundantly clear that we have ourselves a problematic situation here. . . However, there is a relatively straight forward solution. That is that at Raw’s next pay-per-view, Vengeance. . . it will be Victoria defending the WWE Women’s Championship against both women you see before you in that ring right now, Natalya Neidhart and Melina in a triple threat match. . . Thank you.

*Pop*

Regal then turns round and walks to the back with Melina and Natalya looking right at each other before turning to look at Victoria, still at the announce table.

Jim Ross: What do you think of that champ?

Victoria: You know what I say JR? . . . The more the merrier. . . When I won the women’s title at WrestleMania, it meant I had to defend it against all comers. It doesn’t matter if it’s one, two or ten challengers, I have to give it all I’ve got to make sure I keep the title around my waist, and that’s what I’m going to do at Vengeance.

The Women’s Champion then stands up and takes off the headset, staring at both her challengers come Vengeance.


{Cut Backstage}​

Eric Bischoff is watching a television in his office of what just happened, and he doesn’t look happy.

Eric Bischoff: What the hell does he think he’s doin’ makin’ that match without askin’ me first?

We hear the door open and slammed shut with Finlay walking in to the room, and he is just as angry as the GM with Bischoff turning round to face him.

Finlay: HEY BISCHOFF. I want DiBiase, and I want him tonight.

Eric Bischoff: You need to calm down.

Finlay: CALM DOWN? ARE YOU SERIOUS? DID Y'NOT SEE WHAT HE DID TO HORNSWOGGLE LAST WEEK?

Eric Bischoff: Yeah I saw what happened, but the match is already signed for the King of the Ring. You can take it out on him then.

Finlay: Is that it? That’s all you’re gonna do.

Eric Bischoff: You know, I have other things to deal with besides your problems. . . Anyway he’s not even here tonight, and quite frankly Hornswoggle isn’t my concern. . . he’s yours. You’re the one who’s supposed to be looking after him, not me. . . Now, you’ve got your title match in two weeks, and if you’re really that bothered about what happened last week, I suggest you take greater care of the little fella if you’re gonna take him down to the ring with ya. Because you know as well as I do that this isn’t a playground, people get hurt, and if he can’t handle that, he shouldn’t be here in the first place.

Finlay looks on the verge of exploding and instead of snapping at Bischoff, he turns round and slams the door on his way out with the frustrated Bischoff sitting down on the sofa. After a couple of seconds, William Regal walks in to the room.

William Regal: What the bloody hell happened there? Whatever it was, it sounded a tad harsh.

Bischoff just stares fiercely at Regal for a couple of seconds before standing back up.

Eric Bischoff: Let me ask you a question Regal? Who’s in charge around here, me or you?

William Regal: Well we both are.

Eric Bischoff: Alright let me put it another way, who’s the General Manager of Raw me or you?

William Regal: That would be you.

Eric Bischoff: Correct. That means I have the power around here and I can be as harsh as I want. . . Now, would you care to enlighten me in to why you just made that match without consulting me first?

William Regal: I didn’t think you would mind. It seemed like the right decision given the circumstances.

Eric Bischoff: IT DOESN’T MATTER IF IT WAS RIGHT OR NOT, THE FACT IS YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO RUN ANY DECISION YOU MAKE BY ME LIKE WE AGREED WHEN I HIRED YOU, ESPECIALLY A TITLE MATCH FOR A DAMN PAY-PER-VIEW.

Bischoff steps back and tries to calm down with Regal looking stunned.

Eric Bischoff: You know what? Just get out.

William Regal: But. . .

Eric Bischoff: GO.

Regal turns round, but Bischoff appears to have a change of heart.

Eric Bischoff: Hold on a second.

Regal turns back round.

Eric Bischoff: You know, I have a better idea. I have an idea that takes care of two problems I have. . . I think Finlay needs a way to let all that anger out, and I think the best way to deal with that is by making a match, just like you did before. . . So to show you just who’s the boss around here, you’re gonna have a match with Finlay later on tonight. . . In fact, I think we’ll have that match take place next instead.

William Regal: But I’m not a wrestler anymore. I don’t have any ring attire.

Eric Bischoff: And that’s my problem how?

William Regal: But. . .

Eric Bischoff: Now you can get out.

Regal shakes his head at the deadly serious Bischoff before turning round and leaving the room with Bischoff sitting back down on the leather sofa once again, sinking right back in to it.


{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***

Clips of classic King of the Ring moments are shown, such as Bret Hart winning the first tournament in 1993, followed by Owen Hart in ’94 and being crowned. It then shows Stonecold Steve Austin’s famous 3:16 quote from 1996, Triple H winning a year later and Kurt Angle’s victory in 2000, and ending with Edge’s in 2001.

Voiceover: For years, there have been only memories. . . For years, we have seen superstars grow in front of our eyes. . . Many of these moments stem from one glorious night. . . The King of the Ring. . . However, once again, this special night will create memories, champions and hall of famers. . . The King of the Ring returns to the WWE calendar very soon.





{Cut Backstage}

The Corporation are shown arriving in the arena. Both JBL & The Big Show look very pleased with themselves while Vladimir Kozlov remains as serious as ever while all three men walk through the hallway.

JBL: Last week was another success gentleman. I know you might disagree with me Show, but what you did to both Triple H and Ric Flair was for the greater good, gaining retribution on two of the men that are responsible for the state my brother is in and my father remains in.

Show stops walking, leading to both JBL & Kozlov doing the same.

The Big Show: You know, seeing Triple H and Flair lying there lifeless more than made up for it. I enjoyed seeing them there completely helpless, and from what I hear, Flair’s gonna need yet another hip replacement.

JBL: I heard Triple H will be having another operation on that inexplicable nose of his, but I’ll tell you what is just as satisfying as seeing the pain on their faces. . . Tonight, Batista is apparently going to address the fans in attendance to apologise for not being here last week. . . I for one cannot wait to hear what the big dumb animal has to say. It might even be as satisfying last week, although I doubt anything could match that.

The Big Show laughs, as does JBL as they then continue to walk down the hall with the still intense Kozlov.


{Cut to Ringside}


***Match #4***

Finlay vs William Regal​
ENDING: The angry face of Finlay lies in wait in the ring as Regal climbs up the steps and hesitantly steps in to the ring, still in his suit. He removes his jacket and places it on the top rope before unbuttoning his shirt sleeves and then rolling the sleeves up. The ref calls for the bell, but as Regal turns round, he sees the intensity on Finlay’s face as the Irishman walks in to the middle of the ring. Regal doesn’t look like he wants any part of him whatsoever and picks his jacket back up off the ropes and steps back through them to jump down to the floor below. The fans boo him intensely as Finlay watches on while the referee just looks on for a couple of seconds before starting a ten count. Finlay remains angry as Regal trudges up the ramp and to the back as the ref counts to 10.


WINNER: Finlay by count out @ 0:21.

AFTERMATH: Boos ring out, and Finlay isn’t pleased either as he walks over to the ropes and asks for a microphone.

Finlay: REGAL. . . YOU’RE A COWARD, JUST LIKE DIBIASE. . . I know you’re watchin’ somewhere kid and. . .

“It’s All About The Money” hits to a pretty strong mixed reception as “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase makes his way down to the ring with a microphone in hand. As he gets in the ring and stands opposite Finlay, the music stops.

Ted DiBiase Sr: Finlay, you’re bound to be angry after what my son did last week, and I wanna let you know that I don’t blame you one bit. However, I’m the reason my son isn’t here tonight. . . I too was disgusted with his actions here on Raw last week, and not that I have to, I’m out here man to man to tell you that I want to apologise on his behalf.

*Heat*

Ted DiBiase Sr: I don’t expect you to accept that, and that’s fine. I probably wouldn’t either, but as a father too, I came to tell you that I had strong words with Ted. I told him what he did was way out of line, and it’s not really a surprise he’s been acting the way he has since he’s pretty much got what he’s wanted all his life, but I’m trying to change that and make him see the error of his ways now he’s in the WWE. . . I do respect that you have to do what you have to at the King of the Ring, but Ted’s my son and I had to protect him tonight by keeping him away. Had I not, you probably would have beaten him in to such a state that your match at the King of the Ring would have to be cancelled, and I don’t think you want that for a second. You should settle all this then in the middle of the ring, not in a moment of madness.

DiBiase’s words seem to be registering with Finlay.

Ted DiBiase Sr: I’ve said all I came here to say, so thanks for hearing me out.

DiBiase turns round, but Finlay grabs his arm and pulls him back.

*Pop*

Finlay: Y’know somethin’ DiBiase, normally I’d send someone like your son a message by beatin’ the crap out of you right now. . . but that’s not gonna happen. See unlike your son, I do respect you for havin’ the guts to come out here, but since you’re here I want you to pass on a message verbally. . . Tell him there’s nowhere to hide at the King of the Ring, and there are no ifs or buts about it Teddy, I will make him sorry one way or another.

DiBiase nods his head and turns round to leave with Finlay seemingly calming down, watching on as DiBiase walks back up the ramp.


{Cut Backstage}​

John Morrison & Miz, the World Tag Team Champions are stood in the production area with Candice Michelle.

The Miz: You see our problem don’t y’tuts? . . . We’re the tag team champs here on Raw right, and ‘cause it’s so obvious to everyone else that they’re no competition for us, they’re tryin’ to get round the rules. . . It’s like, HELLO, you can’t have three men in one team. . . The rules of tag team wrestling clearly state that a tag team is made up of two people, not three. There’s only two of us and we’re doin’ just fine as it is. There ain’t a chance in hell we’re defending these titles against any more than two men.

Candice doesn’t look that interested at all.

John Morrison: What he’s trying to say is that despite the blindingly oblivious disregard of the tag team rulebook last week, and even though the entire wrestling world knows we could beat however many men are put in front of us, we’re not going to stand by and allow this ignorance of the rules to impose on our title reign. There might be a lack of competition for us, but that’s hardly our fault that we’ve set such a high standard is it? The so called challengers supposedly here on Raw should try and reach that standard we’ve set, and not resort to dragging someone off the street to help them. Is that really too much to ask? . . . I don’t think so.

Candice Michelle: I don’t know John, and to be honest, I don’t really care either. . . I guess I’ll see you guys around.

Morrison & Miz look stunned as Candice walks out of the shot, but as they turn back round, they’re greeted by Cryme Time. Cheers can be heard coming from the arena with the champs a little surprised to see Shad & JTG.

Shad Gaspard: ‘sup fellas? . . . You let another one get away huh? If you didn’t have your heads up each other’s ass all the time, maybe you’d get to hang with more hunnies like that.

The Miz: Maybe if you weren’t losers from the street, maybe you’d have a shot. . .

JTG: . . . WHOA. Don’t go there!

The Miz: Yeah? . . . What you gonna do huh? . . . Loser.

JTG’s about to go for The Miz when Carlito, Eddie Colon & Eric Perez jump both members of Cryme Time. Morrison & Miz stand back as The Colon Brothers & Perez club Shad & JTG across the back, sending them to their knees before stomping all over them until they can’t defend themselves. Morrison & Miz look on in shock as Carlito, Eddie & Perez stare right at them.

Carlito: Guess what? . . . You guys are next.

Carlito remains serious, as does Perez with Eddie sni-ggering before turning round and walking out of the shot with the champs still shocked while Shad & JTG squirm around on the floor.


***Video Promo***




{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***




{Cut to Ringside}


***Match #5***

King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Rey Mysterio vs Cody Rhodes​
ENDING: Rey makes his way back up slowly with Cody standing by, ready to explode. As Rey makes it to his feet, Cody runs right at him, looking to nail him with a clothesline, but Rey ducks under the outstretched arm. Cody puts the brakes on and quickly turns back to face his opponent, and Rey dropkicks him in the knee, sending Rhodes down to his knees. Rey then runs back in to the ropes, races back and connects with a dropkick to the chest. Cody falls back to the mat with Rey then reacting at speed to go for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Cody kicks out comfortably, and as Rey makes his way back up to his feet, Cody isn’t far behind with Mysterio checking his opponent’s progress, and the Mexican runs forward in to the ropes, hitting a SPRINGBOARD REVERSE CROSS BODY. . . . . The stunned Cody falls back to the mat with Rey on top of him as the referee rushes to his knees to make the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! Cody lifts Rey off of him in time to stop the count, and as both men try and get to their feet as fast as they can, Rey has the edge and tries for an irish whip to the corner. It’s reversed though as Cody tamely whips Rey in to the pads and charges right at him, looking for a shoulder thrust, but Rey pulls himself up the ropes and lifts his legs up so Cody runs through with his shoulder hitting the ringpost. Rey looks to take advantage straight away by dropping his legs back down and flipping forward to roll Cody up in to a pinning combination. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kick Out!

Cody just about saves himself by kicking Rey in the face to stop a three count. It takes Rey a little while longer to stand back up with Cody also struggling to his feet, and as Rey tries to pull Cody out of the corner, Cody ducks his head and shifts behind Rey to take him down to the mat with a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP. . . . . Cody still isn’t fully recovered as it takes him a couple of seconds before he is able to go for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! Rey kicks out quite comfortably, but as Cody stands back up, it’s clear he’s not keen to mess about now. He reaches down and drags Rey back up, whipping him in to the ropes and nailing him as he gets back with one hell of a STANDING DROPKICK. . . . . The intense look on Cody’s face says it all as he urges Mysterio to get back up, and he slowly does, walking right in to a snap scoop powerslam. Rhodes follows up by walking back in to the ropes and coming back to hit a POINTED KNEE DROP. . . . . Cody drove his knee right in to Rey’s chest and the pain is there for all to see as Cody once again tries for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kick Out! The Master of the 619 gets his shoulder up yet again, and Cody isn’t happy as he sits up and then rises to his feet with Rey getting to his knees. Cody just watches on menacingly while the dazed Mysterio tries to steady himself, and as he then turns round to face Cody, the second generation superstar pulls him in to place and plants him with THE SILVER SPOON DDT. . . . .

The impact was hard as Rey’s head was driven in to the mat, with Rey rolling off centre of the ring and rolling back on to his chest. Cody then rolls him further away by turning him on to his back to allow him to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . No! Rey gets his foot on the rope, and Cody can’t believe it. The crowd go nuts as Cody just stares at the referee in total frustration. It’s just about enough as Cody can take as he stands back up and walks across to the other side of the ring. He then climbs through the ropes and picks up a steel chair before sliding it in to the ring. The referee sees it too while Rey starts to come round by the ropes. As Cody slides back in the ring, the referee picks up the chair that he slid in, angering Cody further. The ref makes it very clear to Cody that he can’t use it and tosses it back outside. Cody shakes his head in frustration again, and he then sees Rey helping himself up by the ropes. Cody runs right at him, but Mysterio counters with a drop toe hold as Cody then lands on the middle rope. The crowd cheer like crazy as Rey dials up then runs back in to the ropes, races back across the ring and connects with the 619. . . . . The crowd are on their feet as Cody falls back to the mat while Rey steadies himself on the apron before DROPPING THE DIME. . . . . . With the crowd counting along, the referee makes the count too. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Rey Mysterio by pinfall @ 7.39.

AFTERMATH: “Booyaka 619” blasts out to a huge pop as Rey Mysterio stands back up to get his arm raised before walking in to the corner and celebrating his win with the crowd. As Cody begins to come round, Rey leaves the ring to walk up the ramp, slapping fan’s hands in the process. Cody sits up and he doesn’t look happy at all, staring back up at the ramp in anger.


***Video Promo***​
Jeff Hardy is shown in his locker room, psyching himself up for his match with Mr. Kennedy later on in the Quest to be Champion tournament final.


{Cut Outside the Arena}​

A very expensive looking and shiny white Lamborghini enters the parking lot at quite a speed and then parks up with Batista getting out of it. The Animal looks deadly serious as he closes the door and locks it, walking towards the arena when Carlito, Eddie Colon & Eric Perez walk by and stop to look at the car.

Carlito: Now dat’s some cool wheels right there. . . That yours Dave?

Batista stops and stares at them with a menacing look.

Batista: Yeah, but I suggest you get the hell away from it before I, not the car runs you over.

Carlito: Whoa chill big man, no need to be like dat.

Batista’s menacing stare remains before he turns away and walks in to the building, slamming the door in the process.

Eddie Colon: What’s his problem?

The Colon’s & Perez turn to look at the car as they walk away with the camera fading out.


{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***




{Cut to Ringside}​

“I Walk Alone” blasts out to a big pop with a sombre looking Batista walking down to the ring in jeans and a T-shirt to a huge pop with a very small number of boos mixed in. As he collects a microphone and his music cuts, The Animal looks in to the crowd for several seconds with the small number of boos just about being heard.

Batista: You know, I expected a lot of people to be angry at me tonight, and quite frankly, I don’t blame those of you that are. . . Last week, in my absence, Ric Flair and Triple H were attacked in the parking lot as they were about to leave the arena by The Corporation.

*Heat*

Batista: And because of the injuries that they sustained, they were taken to a local medical facility. That’s why they’re not here tonight, but as I told them privately, I felt I owed it to all of you too to explain why I wasn’t here last week. . . You can’t imagine just how sorry I am that Ric. . . and Hunter were left on their own, and by no means is this an excuse to get me off the hook so to speak, but the reason I wasn’t here last Monday night was because my daughter was ill all weekend. She lives with me and I had to take care of her all by myself. I had to take her to the hospital on Monday when she got worse, and I totally lost track of everything else. I can assure you I’m not out here for forgiveness, I just thought it was only right that you as well as Ric and Hunter knew what happened, and that I did not in any circumstances conspire with. . .

“Longhorn” hits with the white limousine entering the arena to a ton of heat by the stage. Batista turns and watches on with absolute distain in his eyes as The Big Show, Vladimir Kozlov, and then JBL step out of the limousine and make their way down to the ring with Show & JBL looking very smug. Batista doesn’t take his eyes off of them as they climb in to the ring with JBL collecting a microphone.

JBL: Dave, many have accused me of being insincere in the past, but let me reassure you that I mean it when I say that it is a distinct pleasure to see you tonight.

*Heat*

Batista stares a hole right through the smug JBL.

JBL: It truly is an honour to see you Dave as I’m sure it would have been for Triple H and The Nature Boy had you been by their side last week when they. . . Well it’s clear I don’t need to tell you do I Dave? . .. Conspicuous by your absence, they were savagely beaten just like my father and my brother were three weeks ago. I then stood in this ring and made our intent clear, that each member of Evolution would suffer for what they did to my family, and Dave it appears that you’re the only one left standing, standing there all by yourself with no help whatsoever. That’s just how your friends felt last week before they felt the bitter taste of retribution, and now Dave, it’s your turn.

Show & Kozlov step forward, but JBL puts his arms out and holds them back with Batista getting ready to go. JBL then pulls his arms down.

JBL: Dave, we could easily get revenge in the same manner we did last week, but it’s evident you’ve already suffered. . . See you have to live with the knowledge that you were responsible for what happened to Triple H and Ric Flair. You have to look at yourself in the mirror knowing that had you been there, they wouldn’t have suffered the horrific beating they received at our hands, and now you have to wake up every morning knowing full well that you presented us with that opportunity Dave. You might as well have done it yourself, and by that miserable expression on your face, you already know that don’t you? You know you have their blood on your hands and it won’t wash off will it? The guilt that you’ve felt all week is your gift to us, and it’s a gift we happily accept.

*Heat*

Batista drops his microphone to the mat and rips his shirt off, and JBL smirks.

JBL: Dave, you don’t want to do this, and I’m not going to allow it. . .

?: No, actually I’m not going to allow it.

Eric Bischoff walks out to the stage, followed by a dozen security officers.

Eric Bischoff: I’m in charge around here John, and I’m the one who’s not going to allow a repeat of last week. And you wanna know how I’m gonna make sure that happens? . . . As of right now, you and your two buddies right there are suspended for two weeks, without pay.

*Big Pop*

Eric Bischoff: That’s right, I don’t want to see you until then, and right now my own group of friends here are going to escort you out of the building.

*Massive Pop*

Batista watches on, still dead serious, and The Corporation are just the same now as security walk down the ramp.

JBL: You can’t do this Bischoff. I’ll have you removed from your job quicker than you can say WCW, and look what happened to that piece of crap.

Eric Bischoff: You go ahead, and we’ll see how far you get with that.

Security enter the ring and try to reason with Show, JBL & Kozlov.

JBL: Fine. We’ll leave, but I promise you Bischoff, you have just made the biggest mistake of your life.

Eric Bischoff: Is that so? . . . I guess we’ll soon see about that.

Batista just stands there and watches as JBL drops the microphone in anger with the rest of The Corporation following as security usher them up the ramp. As they walk past Bischoff, they exchange extremely focused glares.


***Video Promo***




{Commercial Break}


***Video Promo***
During The Commercial Break​
The Corporation are shown being escorted out of the arena by security. JBL, The Big Show and the ever frowning Vladimir Kozlov are clearly very angry as the door is slammed shut on them, and stood several feet away from them is William Regal. He too isn’t in the best of moods, and JBL quickly spots him.

JBL: Did you have any part in this Regal? Because if you did. . .

William Regal: . . . I had nothing to bloody do with it. It was that ignorant cretin. . .

JBL: . . . You’re talking about Bischoff right?

William Regal: Who else? He needs to be put in his place, and the bloody sooner the better. No one treats me this way and gets away with it. . . I assure you he’s going to regret the moment he crossed William Regal.

JBL smiles and turns back to Show & Kozlov. Show grins as he appears to see what JBL’s thinking.

JBL: You know Regal, I think we can help you out with that. . . How about you come with us and we’ll have a little talk about Mister Bischoff?

William Regal: Okay.

JBL puts his arm round Regal and leads him to his limousine with Show smiling behind alongside Kozlov following JBL & Regal.


{Cut to Ringside}


***The Main Event***

Quest To Be Champion Final
Mr. Kennedy vs Jeff Hardy​
ENDING: Both men struggle to their feet after a double clothesline, and Kennedy looks to strike the first blow, but Jeff blocks a right hand and kicks him in the gut. He then tries to follow up with an irish whip, but Kennedy reverses it with Jeff being thrown in to the ropes. As he comes back however, he runs past Kennedy to take him down to the mat with a ONE ARM SLEEPER SLAM. . . . . That gets a pop from the crowd who have been cheering for both men throughout, and as Kennedy starts to stand back up straight away, it forces Jeff in to action too. With Kennedy all but up, Jeff runs the short distance in to the corner and comes flying off to send the Green Bay native right back down with the WHISPER IN THE WIND. . . . . The crowd cheer once again as Jeff looks to wrap the match up by going for a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Kennedy kicks out with relative ease, and it doesn’t take them long for them to get back to their feet, but it’s Jeff who’s up first, and he turns back to run the ropes and comes back looking to hit a SPINNING WHEEL KICK. . . . . Kennedy ducks his head though and steps to the side as Jeff then falls through the sky and hits the deck. Kennedy doesn’t mess about in wasting any time as he drags Jeff up straight away and whips him hard in to the corner, charges in and drives his elbow right in to Hardy’s face. With Jeff still leaning against the pads, Kennedy turns round and runs back across the ring before turning back and charging right back at Jeff to give him a FACEWASH. . . . . Jeff slumps down the pads, but Kennedy pulls him back up straight away and drags him out of the corner.

He then grabs Jeff by the head, turns him round and plants him with a NECKBREAKER. . . . . It looked a little stiff as Jeff plummets to the canvas, and the white haired star from Green Bay hooks the leg as the ref drops to his knees and makes the count. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Jeff gets his shoulder up, and it’s met by a pop from the crowd. Jeff barely squirms around, still feeling the full effects of the neckbreaker as Kennedy then stands up and walks in to the corner. He climbs through the ropes and all the way up to the top before leaping off, looking to hit the KENTON BOMB. . . . . BUT NO. . . . . Jeff rolls to the side, and Kennedy crash lands in a big way. The crowd try to encourage both men, and they start to respond, slowly making their way up to a vertical base. Kennedy runs at Jeff, but Hardy kicks him in the gut and reacts quickly to plant him with a SIT OUT JAWBREAKER. . . . . That looked painful, and Jeff thinks he has a chance to wrap it up as he rushes to make a cover. . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . . . Shoulder Up! Kennedy barely lifts his shoulder up off the mat, but Jeff isn’t in the mood to let time go by either as he hurries on up to his feet and lifts both of Kennedy’s legs up before hitting a double leg drop to the groin. Kennedy rolls around in pain after that one, but Jeff looks to strike while the iron’s hot as he stands back up and brings Kennedy with him, pulling him in to place for the TWIST OF FATE. . . . . He looks in to the crowd for a couple of seconds, and that gives Kennedy time to counter and shove Jeff forward in to the ropes. Jeff holds on to the ropes as he gets there, and Kennedy takes a second before running at him.

Jeff lifts his boot up in to Kennedy’s face, sending him back pedalling in to the centre of the ring, and as he turns round, Jeff runs out at him and goes for a clothesline, but Kennedy ducks it with the referee taking the full force instead. Jeff looks stunned, but as he turns round, Kennedy kicks him in the stomach and plants him with THE MIC CHECK. . . . . He crawls over and hooks both of Jeff’s legs, seemingly unaware of what happened to the ref. Kennedy turns to the side and sees the ref is barely moving. He lets go of the hold and crawls across to try and help the ref when all of a sudden, Randy Orton jumps the barricade at ringside and slips in to the ring unnoticed by Kennedy. The Legend Killer sneaks up behind Kennedy, urging him to turn round, and as Kennedy does then stand up and turn round, Orton plants him with a thunderous RKO. . . . . Boos ring out as Orton stands back up and stares down at Kennedy totally laid out for several seconds before leaving the ring to a ton of heat. He then climbs back over the barricade and watches on as both Jeff and the ref come round, and Jeff looks suprised to see Kennedy on his back, not knowing what’s happened. After he’s able to stand up, he slowly walks in to the corner and climbs all the way up to the summit as Kennedy lies their motionless with Orton watching on intently with security all around him. Jeff then leaps off the top and hits the SWANTON BOMB. . . . . It gets a big pop from most of the fans as he then hooks both legs as the ref slowly crawls across and makes the count. . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . 3.


WINNER: Jeff Hardy by pinfall @ 12.50.

AFTERMATH: “No More Words” hits to a big pop despite some boos for Orton’s role as Jeff Hardy slowly picks himself back up with the referee raising his hand. Orton watches on with a sadistic smile on his face as the camera zooms in on Kennedy lying there out of it. Jeff walks over to the corner and climbs up to the second rope to pose for his delighted fans. Orton then turns round and walks back through the crowd while Kennedy rolls over to the apron as “Burned” then blasts out with Kane walking down to the ring. Paul Bearer is with him, holding on to the WWE Championship while Jeff steps down off the ropes in shock. He stands still as Kane then climbs on to the apron and then over the top rope, but Jeff fights fire with fire and runs at his King of the Ring opponent. He takes Kane off guard and nails him with a succession of right hands, but Kane then fights back and shoves him away with Jeff falling to the mat. He races back up and runs back at Kane, unloading again, then tries for an irish whip to the corner.

Kane reverses it though, but as Hardy approaches the pads, he jumps up to the second rope and takes Kane by surprise once again, this time with the Whisper in the Wind. The crowd go crazy, and Bearer looks shocked as Jeff stands back up, closely followed by Kane, and the number one contender for the WWE Championship kicks him in the gut to set him up for the Twist of Fate. With cheers echoing around the arena, Jeff looks to hit it, but Kane counters and pushes him back in to the ropes, and as Jeff comes back, Kane grabs him around the throat and quickly sends him crashing down to the mat with a Chokeslam. The fans aren’t cheering anymore as the WWE Champion then reaches down and drags Jeff’s lifeless body up, scoops him on to his shoulder and drills him with a Tombstone Piledriver. The camera switches to show Bearer laughing away before quickly going back to show the menacing sight of Kane standing back up and then lifting his arms up. He then brings them crashing down, setting off his pyro in all four corners of the ring as “Burned” hits once again with The Big Red Machine just staring down at Jeff as the show comes to a close.


{End of Show}


QUICK RESULTS

Santino Marella df. Jimmy Wang Yang
Kofi Kingston df. Brian Kendrick
Natalya DRAW Melina
Finlay df. William Regal
Rey Mysterio df. Cody Rhodes
Jeff Hardy df. Mr. Kennedy

CONFIRMED FOR THE KING OF THE RING



WWE Championship
Jeff Hardy vs Kane (c)

Million Dollar Championship
Finlay vs Ted DiBiase Jr (c)

The King of the Ring Tournament
Qualified So Far
From Raw: Kenny Dykstra, Santino Marella, Kofi Kingston & Rey Mysterio
From Smackdown: Elijah Burke



 
#1,169 ·
RAW REVIEW
BY SC2004 >>>


>>> Nice change of pace, opting to cut straight to the chase and ignore the usual theatrics that we tend to expect at the start of the show. You also left out the commentators, which was unusual, but perfectly acceptable. Now last week you had Cody and Kofi main event and this week you have Rhodes open the show. It’s different, but you have got to ask the question, “Id Rhodes a big enough star to grab viewers attention at the top of a two hour show and more importantly make them care and stop them from tuning out?” I don’t think so. This was a good opener as the angle is smoking hot and it’s my favourite by far. You successfully conveyed Cody’s frustration, want for revenge and desire to be champion. Putting them in the KOTR qualifying matches works on all levels and announcing the cage match so far in advance was a stroke of genius. This is going to build and build and who knows, in a few more shows maybe I’ll be expecting Cody Rhodes to open the show….

>>> Santino is back on the market, women everywhere can rejoice. Melina looks smoking hot in that graphic, very natural and not to made up. I like it when the divas don’t look like transvestites. Well the only way Santino was advancing in the KOTR was if he was pitted against a jobber like Jimmy, Yang, Wang. Although I like seeing Santino used more in the ring, I question him advancing and taking that spot from a more deserving superstar. He’s nowhere near being a contender this year, but maybe next year he will be.

>>> Did Kennedy have a reason to go into Bischoff’s office? If he did, it wasn’t made clear. Again Bearer was on the money and he’s been a great talker for Kane, putting him over more than he ever could of done himself. I still would like to see Kane become less of a silent monster and more aggressive. In 1997 he attacked and beat people up for kicks, he needs to be doing that again, just to demonstrate how destructive he really is.

>>> Interesting little snippet. Mysterio is the perfect choice of opponent for Dykstra and they should work very well together in the ring. What I like most about Dykstra is the fact he thinks his unbeatable, the best wrestler in the company and yet he hasn’t exactly backed it up. Mysterio ought to be his stepping stone to that next level.

>>> I’m glad you opted to keep Cody out of Kofi’s match up with Kendrick and hopefully the same will ring through later on tonight. A clean win, no surprised really apart from London looking on from the stage. Pretty standard and effective. Not much more to say really.

>>> I applaud you for not burying Melina here, which would of crossed my mind. Actually no it wouldn’t, I worship the woman. LOL. No but seriously, this was a classy piece of booking, by keeping both women looking strong, you strengthen the division as a whole. The triple threat match is set for Vengeance. It’s odd to be booking two PPV events at once, but with the KOTR being the type of show that it is, I guess it makes sense.

>>> I’ve waited weeks for you to flip the switch on a Regal, Bischoff feud and without being to harsh, it fell on it’s ass. It was slowly building and then wham! You jumped the gun. Bischoff over reacted. He wouldn’t of been that upset over Regal’s logical booking decision. The opening line of the promo was enough to carry the simmering animosity for another week, but instead you opted to bring Regal in. Bischoff blows a lid, Regal looks like a candy ass and the match up tonight was unnecessary IMO. Wasn’t subtle and it was subtlety that made this angle work up to this point.

>>> Is it fair that I think it’s off you mention the fact Batista is addressing the fans this late in the show without any hype of mention of it this far. The Corporation, Evolution feud has taken a back seat tonight and I found it to be a good thing. An angle that has been running this long can become stale due to overexposure and repetition. Anyway, now that I know about Batista addressing the fans, I don’t know whether I care as his boring promo skills may make it a tad painful. See what happens…

>>> Well now that was a whole lot better than I expected. You booke dit well, Regal running away. It made sense as he is no longer a wrestler, due presumably to injury, so for him to wrestle, well it would have been unrealistic. The million dollar man, is it a coincidence to find him on your show just days after he appeared on RAW IRL? Or was it planned all along?

>>> It seems odd to me that all six men involved in this backstage promo would be flown to the show for two minutes of screen time. LOL. That’s just be delving to far into things. This was clearly put together to shed light on the tag team division and attempt to make it look competitive, which I guess it is.

>>> Kofi wins, Cody doesn’t… I wonder why you went that route? Were you afraid to have Rey put Cody over here, because it could have worked. The loss doesn’t make Cody look weak, but the fact that he has attempted to cheat using the belt last week and a chair this week and still lost makes him look a little dumb. He can’t even cheat right! LOL. The next logical step here will be for Cody to go out of his way in order to eliminate Kofi from the tournament, which should be fun.

>>> Did you see the episode of cribs with Batista and the white Lamborghini also? Nice touch. I’m such a car freak, but I hate white cars. Yuck!

>>> Is Eric turning face, from that promo it would seem so and also hi interrupting Cody at the start of the show. He’s been walking a fine line between heel and face of late and I think it would be great if he aligned himself with Evolution. A counter puncher to Vince if you will. I’m impressed by the suspension decision and I hope it sticks. I say this because as I said earlier, the angle is long running and having the corporation off of TV for 2 weeks would help inject some like into the feud on their return.

>>> Regal came across like a scorned school boy, sulking after the principle punished him. That being said, the short segment was effective and planted the seeds for a power struggle. The Corporation will want to push Eric out and put regal in the GM chair.

>>> A great main event. The right man won in Hardy, as now Kennedy can move onto his feud with Randy Orton. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Kane is not the top superstar on RAW, in fact he’s about fifth or sixth on the list and yet he’s world champion and one would imagine still will be after the KOTR. I don’t know whether it’s how sparingly you use him, or the fact that he really doesn’t do a whole lot and gets very little camera time as a result. Yes he’s a monster, but only when paired with Hardy. If it were Batista, Triple H, Big Show or even Orton set to face Kane at the KOTR, he wouldn’t look nearly as impressive and if he were scheduled to face any of those men, one would automatically consider him the underdog IMO.

OVERALL: Not much else to say really. You cleverly took the focus off of the Evolution/ Corporation feud to a certain extent and what you did showcase tonight worked very well. Cody is shinning, even in defeat. The same can be said for Kofi and DiBiase. Lots going on as ever. A slower paced, more laid back and wrestling orientated show that last week, but it still delivered entertainment in abundance.
 
#1,170 ·


.com


>RAW<
>News<


Last night on Raw, we saw the culmination of the Quest to be Champion tournament with Jeff Hardy prevailing in a controversial victory over Mr. Kennedy. In what was an extremely competitive match, Randy Orton shocked everyone by jumping the barricade and costing his rival, Kennedy the match, having earlier called Eric Bischoff earlier in the day to say he had a family emergency and would be missing the show.

That now means that Jeff will advance to the King of the Ring in just under two weeks to take on “The Big Red Machine” Kane for the WWE Championship. The Charismatic Enigma got a taste of the challenge he faces just moments after his victory as The Big Red Machine stormed the ring and attacked him, leaving Jeff lying there totally helpless.

Will it be a familiar picture come the King of the Ring?



Cody Rhodes was a man on a mission once again last night as he demanded action following the controversial finish to his match with Kofi Kingston last week on Raw. Eric Bischoff decided that he needed to act, and he did just that, making an Intercontinental Championship match between Rhodes and Kofi Kingston at Vengeance in a Steel Cage match to ensure no one else can get involved.

Cody was also informed this would be his last opportunity at the title as long as Kofi is the champion, but will he be able to take it?



Another championship match was set for Vengeance last night when Melina & Natalya Neidhart went at it for the chance to face Victoria for the Women’s Championship in less than four weeks. The match had a controversial ending as the referee was knocked down, leading to another coming out to officiate. After a german suplex from Natalya, both referees counted different women’s shoulders, creating confusion as to who actually won the match.

Eric Bischoff’s Executive Assistant, William Regal quickly cleared the confusion up and announced that both divas will challenge Victoria for the title in a triple threat match. Victoria’s odds of retaining the title have dropped considerably, but she will defy them to remain the WWE Women’s Champion once Vengeance has been settled?



>Raw Now Has Four Wannabe Kings<
Kenny Dykstra became the first Raw superstar to qualify for the King of the Ring, but he was joined there last night by the Intercontinental Champion, Kofi Kingston who overcame Brian Kendrick, while Rey Mysterio & Santino Marella defeated Cody Rhodes & Jimmy Wang Yang respectively.

Elijah Burke is the only Smackdown superstar to qualify so far, and we have it on good authority that the final three qualifiers will be decided this Friday night to complete the make up of the eight man elimination tournament.



________________________________________________________​

Putting them in the KOTR qualifying matches works on all levels and announcing the cage match so far in advance was a stroke of genius. This is going to build and build and who knows, in a few more shows maybe I’ll be expecting Cody Rhodes to open the show….
There’s only 3 more Raw shows before Vengeance and one before King of the Ring. Vengeance is only two weeks after the King of the Ring my brother.

The million dollar man, is it a coincidence to find him on your show just days after he appeared on RAW IRL? Or was it planned all along?
Planned for a while. You know I’m like you for planning, I do it well in advance. If you remember, he was on a few weeks back in BTB time, but a month or more IRL time. It's part of the direction I’ve taking Ted Jr in, in terms of his attitude and complacency, but it will become clearer soon enough if it isn't enough so at the moment.

Kofi wins, Cody doesn’t… I wonder why you went that route? Were you afraid to have Rey put Cody over here, because it could have worked.
Maybe a little bit, but I don't want to have too many rivals in the King of the Ring tournament and overshadow it. Rey's a big name and a threat to win it, and I didn't want Rey/Dykstra & Kofi/Cody in the same tournament with Vengeance coming up too. That's why Killings & Chavo are in a qualifier on Smackdown. Plus I wanted to have Cody get angry as he’s better that way and it gives him more to whinge about and act on.

Thanks for the review Sean.
 
#1,171 ·
D-K-L's Raw Review

Well it was good for Cody Rhodes to open the show, gives him and the IC title feud a lot of attention. In BTB you don't have to worry about things like ratings and whether or not he could keep hold of an audience which might be a problem IRL, but I think you've made him an interesting enough character anyway. Your promos are top quality although they could go a little longer, mainly before another guy comes out, as happened here. You don't seem to mess about and you get straight to the point, I don't know if I like it, as on one hand you get straight to the point and include all the important things, but if effects things like length and also the time they have as the centre of attention. Anyway the promo was very good, I liked how well you showed his anger and he almost convinced me that his loss last week didn't matter which is great, and the capitals is so simple but adds so much intensity. You keep writing great promos for Cody but I don't know if he could pull it off as well IRL, but again that's another issue you don't have to worry about. I like the Steel Cage match, would've preferred if they hadn't fought last week though as it's something we've already seen, and you know that I'm not keen on giving away PPV matches on big feud on TV's. But it's a different and exciting stip and the result last week set it up well which I get too. Although it's early in Kofi's reign I'd quite like Cody Rhodes to win the title, and I'm thinking you possibly had the match last week so that Kingston had another successful title defence before the PPV. If he ended up winning it would also be useful for continuing it after Vengeance, but the Cage seems like a fitting end. This feud is the best on Raw at the moment and there's so much to comment on with this.

Liked the little promo with Santino before his match, the comments about Melina were funny. So Marrella back on the market LOL, is this an actual storyline you're going to be doing or just a comment to end his relationship with Melina? It'd make for some funny promos if he actually interviewed potential girlfriends and that kind of stuff. The match was decent enough although I don't like Santino in the ring, and if you want to make him a credible wrestler I think you should give him a finisher instead of just rollups. If this is the start of a push I hope he doesn't win the KOTR, but I don't think you'd do that despite the comedy it would bring, as you seem like a fan of the PPV and he isn't good enough in the ring to win it.

Nice little segment here. I liked how you created this kind of "will he, won't he" thing with Randy Orton, as despite you saying he's away family problems, you've fooled us with that before. Kennedy came off a little naive saying that Orton is a man of his word and all that, but for storyline purposes it would would work well for Orton to end up turning up and screwing Kennedy over. Kane coming in was great, as to me Jeff Hardy is the favourite, but you're covering all possibilities by having Kane confront Kennedy and Hardy which keeps us guessing as to who he'll be facing. I was watching a DVD the other day with Kane and Bearer of years back, and I was thinking how hard it must be to recreate the type of reputation and character he had back then, but you're doing a good job of it with Bearer delivering some top promos. Loved the "what the hell" line as well BTW, set up what Bearer said so well.

I haven't commented on the return of Superstars yet. You must have a big workload now with three shows and FCW as well, but I've seen what you've said and I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. It should be good to see what you have in mind for it, there should be some good matches and should give you opportunities to progress some feuds further.

I liked the next little segment, Doane's arrogance came off well and he had some strong words about the KOTR, it would be great if he managed to win it and it makes sense to have an up-and-comer win it. Rey stood up for himself well too and you showed the dislike they have for each other well, loved the last line, or word, too.

Seemed like an exciting little match here, although I'm surprised you kept Cody Rhodes away from it totally despite all the anger he has towards Kofi. The right man won and although I haven't particularly enjoyed London and Kendrick jobbing the past weeks, the fact that they are starting a feud somehow makes us forget about it. The clapping and grin was a little odd, a little too heelish for my liking with Kendrick presumably going to be the heel, but I see what you're doing by showing they both now dislike each other.

This seemed like a decent match too and the finish was very nicely done, I've seen that finish a few times before and although it's a little cheesy, it works well to get them both in on the PPV, which they both deserve I think. The Triple Threat should be good, three divas who can wrestle well, I'm just wondering if you're going to take the title off Victoria now.

I'm shocked that the tension between Regal and Bischoff boiled over this early, but I like it. It has been building for a while and although they've fallen out, I expect it'll still be a while before they properly clash over the power of Raw. I'm not sure about him putting Regal in a match though, isn't that taking it a little far? He's almost changed to a heel in an instant, I guess the point that you're trying to get over is that Bischoff really doesn't like to share power. Still it should be interesting to see what happens. I didn't really like the part with Finlay though, as although it was a success in showing how angry he is about DiBiase, I just don't think he'd talk to an angry Finlay like that and not get a shillelagh shot to the face LOL. I know you mentioned how instead of lashing out he slammed the door, but Finlay doesn't strike me as one to take that when he’s angry. Good segment on the whole though, and this sort of drama creates a lot of interest.

I'm surprised it's taken this long before we got a promo on the Corporation/McMahon's feud, which is really your headline feud on Raw, but it's had so much attention in recent months that it doesn't matter. I'm liking the Corporation's little period without the McMahon's so far, they seem a lot less cowardly and more dangerous. The little digs on Evolution made me laugh, big nose especially! Should be interesting to see what Batista - or the big dumb animal as JBL called him - has to say later.

Well the next match played out well with Regal just walking away, I like it as it means that Bischoff's plan to get him in a match failed, which will only heat things up further. I liked Ted DiBiase coming out as well which was a nice surprise, and I also liked the fact that you had Finlay say he'd normally beat him up to send a message to his son, but isn't on this occasion, as I was ready to question why Finlay didn't beat him up instead. This storyline you've got going is interesting but I can't work out what it's all about, you seem to be focussing on the fact that he's incredibly arrogant and over-confident so maybe you'll have his Dad change him to a face, but he hasn't been here long enough for that IMO so I hope you don't. As you know one of your strengths is the focus you give to your midcard, and I'm surprised by the intensity in this feud so far, thought it was just a short and unimportant rivalry to put DiBiase over some more.

Funny seeing Morrison and Miz talking to anyone who will listen. I quite liked this as it did a good job of putting some attention on the tag division and the situation you've got going on now. I'd like to see Cryme Tyme get a shot at the tag titles, I like them. The Colon's could've just taken Miz and Morrison right there if they plan on getting them too, so I don't know why they didn't. It seems like you want The Colons to get a title shot but you have Cryme Tyme included too to avoid two heel teams against each other, so I can see a three-way.

Cody and Mysterio put on a good match, but I question the decision to have Rhodes lose clean during his big push, as although he's not the Champ he is getting a push, and especially after losing last week as well. Along with PPV matches on TV's and wrestlers appearing on other brands all the time, one of the things I don't like is wrestlers losing clean while they're being pushed, as they look so much stronger when they've got a great record. Everyone who is supposed to look strong seem to get pinned IRL now though, and I know Rey is a main eventer so it doesn't hurt Cody that much, but this is where a DQ or coutnout would've been useful. Maybe you chose not to due to the result of the last match.

The little video showing Batista entering was very good, very realistic and something which would work to keep hold of the audience after the break. It's an interesting decision to have The Corporation banned for two weeks, I don't know why you've done it really. Maybe with the King of the Ring coming up you want to focus more on that, and this has been running for so long that a break won't hurt it. I'm looking forward to Triple H's reaction to Batista not being there, and whether he'll accept Batista's excuse. The promo was good, liked what Batista said and JBL was great as usual as well.

Interesting segment, looks like Regal is going heel and siding with the Corporation. I thought that after earlier on Bischoff looked more like the heel. I guess they're planning a way to get Bischoff out of power and get Regal control of Raw. Looking forward to this, very interesting.

Main event was great and you handled it perfectly. As I've said for weeks a Hardy/Kane match appeals to me a lot more than Kennedy/Kane, so it should be a great match. Having Orton get involved and cost Kennedy the match was a smart move as well, meaning Kennedy has a reason for his loss and also leaves him wanting revenge. Leaving it until the final of the tourney for Orton to cost him was great too, as you had Kennedy wrongly believe that Orton was a man of his word after he didn't get involved last week. The aftermath wasn't entirely needed, as Jeff Hardy has just won the tournament that you've been running for weeks and he didn't have chance to have his time and look strong after winning it. I can see why you did it though as you gave us a taste of what's in store between them, and Kane looks dominant which is good for him.

Overall it was a very good as show as usual, as I say every week. The things I didn't like are mostly minor things that I am focussing on, and on the whole you booked it very well. I liked the Regal/Bischoff thing progressing and you've created an interesting situation by bringing The Corporation into the equation. The King of the Ring is also shaping up well and now the QTBC thing has ended I expect a lot more focus on it, and although I would've prefered Cody Rhodes to qualify instead of Santino Marrella, I understand the decision. Hopefully now with the challengers set we'll see a lot more of people like Kane and Victoria, whose reigns haven't quite lived up to expectations yet. Good job.
 
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