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**DH-Star** · 03-22-2008, 09:57 PM

It's incredibly sad to see The Rock go. We had such a great partnership going, and our thread was really starting to get pretty good. The Rock and I are still friends, and I'm pleased to say that since he's a great guy. However, the thread must go on, and I will be taking over SmackDown!, meaning that I will be doing both Raw and SmackDown! in this thread. I will be recapping what really went down for SD! at No Way Out and the past two weeks.

***

SmackDown! still showcased three matches at the No Way Out Pay-Per-View, and the delivery level was about the same. The Main Event from SmackDown! saw Batista defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Finlay. After thirteen solid minutes of brutality and sheer force, Batista managed to put away The Fighting Irishman with a Batista Bomb to retain his gold. However, Finlay put up one hell of a fight, and even got the respect of some fans in the audience that night.

In another high stakes match, we saw Edge battle the Undertaker. However, this wasn't just any ordinary match as Edge's WrestleMania Main Event spot was up for grabs. After about eleven minutes of wrestling, Edge connected with a low blow behind the referee's back, before putting Undertaker away with the Spear.

SmackDown!'s third and final match was another huge one, and it saw Matt Hardy defending his United States Championship against MVP.. IN A LADDER MATCH!! The two put on a tremendous match with several huge moves, but after twenty-one minutes of non-stop action, MVP knocked Matt off the ladder with a kick from the top of the ladder, and then reached up to become the NEW United States Championship.
***

The SmackDown! following No Way Out saw Edge kick things off by talking about his amazing roll as of late. First, winning the Royal Rumble Match, and second, knocking off the Undertaker himself. Batista came out and the two got in an argument. Before anything else could be done, the NEW WWE Champion Shawn Michaels from Raw made his presence known and that he wants an answer from Edge right there on who he would be facing at WrestleMania. Edge seemed to back off a bit, but he finally announced that he would be facing Batista at WrestleMania 24 for the World Heavyweight Championship. However, when it looked like Edge was ready to leave, Batista stuck his hand out for a handshake. Edge looked at Batista's hand, and then in Batista's eyes, but exited the ring without shaking Batista's hand. This got a tremendous amount of heat from the crowd.

JBL and Rey Mysterio's rivalry had been in tact ever since the Royal Rumble, and it continued on this edition of SmackDown! as JBL cost Rey Mysterio a match against MVP, which was to qualify for the Money in the Bank Match at WrestleMania. Following costing Mysterio the win, JBL beheaded him with a Clothesline From Hell, and then talked smack to him on the microphone, before challenging him to a match at WrestleMania 24.

A video package played following our opening segment that promoted the team of America's Most Wanted, Chris Harris and James Storm, would make their tag team debut to SmackDown! just next week.

A big announcement occurred, which saw Teddy Long announcing that the Hardcore Championship is no more, but the Cruiserweight Championship will make its return. Teddy then announced that at WrestleMania, a Triple Threat Match for the Cruiserweight Championship would take place, with a three qualifying matches taking place over the next couple of weeks to determine who would compete in the match at WrestleMania. Immediately following this announcement, we saw Shannon Moore taking on Jamie Noble in a qualifying match. After about seven minutes of good action, Noble put Moore away to qualify for the match at WrestleMania.

In tag team action, the WWE Tag Team Champions, Deuce and Domino with Cherry, knocked off a couple of jobbers very quickly. Deuce and Domino put the entire locker room on notice that they are the greatest WWE Tag Team Champions to ever grace Friday Night SmackDown! They also mentioned that America's Most Wanted are set to debut next week. D&D went on to say that since they're so generous, they are letting AMW face the Tag Champions themselves in their debut match next week.

In some other minor action, we saw Elijah Burke and Tommy Dreamer go at it in singles competition. After about six minutes, Dreamer rolled Burke up for the three count and the sneak victory that irritated Burke to a certain degree.

Josh Matthews interviewed Finlay about having to go one-on-one with the Undertaker in the Main Event. Finlay gave a decent interview, and finished things off with saying the Deadman would finally be dead.

Another backstage promo featured Teddy Long and Edge. Long told Edge that since he didn't shake Batista's hand here tonight, there would be an official hand shaking between the two of them next week. This obviously infuriated the Rated R Superstar, who stormed out of Long's office.

Our Main Event saw Finlay take on the Undertaker. The two put on a great match, but after seventeen minutes, Undertaker pinned Finlay following the grueling Tombstone Piledriver. The show ended with Undertaker pointing at the WrestleMania 24 sign.

***

Next week's SmackDown! started off with JBL coming down to the ring and talking even more smack about Rey Mysterio. JBL explained why he attacked Rey Mysterio in the Royal Rumble Match, and ultimately eliminated him. JBL said he's tired of people like Rey Mysterio getting all of this attention for doing nothing, and that he's going to put an end to it. JBL babbled on some more, but was cut off by none-other than Rey Mysterio himself. Rey said he's got attention in his career because he's earned it, unlike JBL. Rey got a few more comments in, but not much as JBL cut him off and said this is the problem. He said Rey adds nothing to the business, and quite frankly, shouldn't even be there. After a heated verbal debate, Rey finally accepted to face JBL at WrestleMania to a decent pop from the crowd.

Edge went into Teddy's Long office and said that he wasn't going to shake Batista's hand tonight. Long told Edge that he had two options. He could shake Batista's hand, or he could go one on one with Batista. Edge decided to stick with the handshake, but he wasn't very happy about it.

America's Most Wanted, Chris Harris and James Storm, came down to the ring for their debut. They went one on one with WWE Tag Team Champions Deuce & Domino, which saw some good back and forth action take place. However, Cherry on the outside distracted the referee while Domino nailed Harris in the head with one of the title belts, which allowed Deuce to crawl over and get the three count.

In other action, Jimmy Wang Yang took on Kenny Dykstra, who was announced at the weight of 214 pounds, meaning he's a Cruiserweight. In some wonderful and exciting action, it was Yang who got the pinfall with a Moonsault off of the top rope at about the eight minute mark. Yang has now qualified for the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania for the Cruiserweight Title that also features Jamie Noble.

Edge was seen backstage late in the show frantically trying to find someone to help him get out of shaking Batista's hand, but he wasn't successful and got extremely angry.

Maryse conducted an interview with MVP about qualifying for the Money in the Bank Match at WrestleMania. MVP had one of his greatest interviews by talking about his career thus far, and how it would be be the icing on the cake when he wins the Money in the Bank Contract and goes on to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

Speaking of the Money in the Bank Match, we had a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. It saw CM Punk going one on one with Elijah Burke. These two formal rivals had an amazing match, but after sixteen minutes, CM Punk took advantage of a dazed Burke and put him away with the GTS for the win and to qualify for the Money in the Bank Match.

We finally got to our Main Event that already had Teddy Long in the ring when we got back from the Commercial Break. Edge came out and said that he's no longer disappointed about having to shake Batista's hand, because he'll get to do it in front of the entire locker room. Teddy Long looked confused, but the entire locker room that didn't compete strolled down to ringside where they surrounded the ring.... except for Batista. Edge went on to talk trash about Batista, and said that he's going to walk away at WrestleMania with the World Heavyweight Championship. Batista finally came out and told Edge that he's the World Champion because he knows how to defend it, and because he knows how to fend the lions off. Eventually we got down to the handshake, but Edge resisted. He eventually shook Batista's hand, but it turned out to be costly as Batista quickly pulled him forward and planted him with a Spinebuster! We went off the air with Batista standing over top of Edge while holding the World Title high in the air.

***

The next SmackDown! (March 7) will be posted in about a week or so. Shows will take longer now that I will be doing Raw and SmackDown! I know it's confusing that I've gone back to No Way Out, but try and bare with me. I don't have a lot of time on my hands, and this was easier to plan, tbh. This sounds a little weak, but I really want to keep the thread going, so I'm trying my best to do so. Here is the SNME and WrestleMania Cards now.

***

Current Card for Saturday Night's Main Event
Date: Saturday March 15th, 2008
Location: AT&T Centre; San Antonio, Texas
Event Music: Saturday Night's Alright; Nickelback ft. Kid Rock

---

WrestleMania Raw and SmackDown! Main Events Collide
Shawn Michaels & Undertaker vs. Batista & Edge

Beer Drinking Contest
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin vs. Randy Orton

World Tag Team Championship
Paul London & Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

6 Man Tag Team Match
JBL, Carlito & John Morrison vs. Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy

Singles Match
Jamie Noble vs. Jimmy Wang Yang

Triple H reveals his WrestleMania Tag Team Partner

The Peep Show with all six Money in the Bank competitors

***

Current Card for WrestleMania 24
Date: March 30th, 2008
Location: Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Florida
Event Music:Snow (Hey Oh); Red Hot Chili Peppers
Take Me Away; Lifehouse

---

World Heavyweight Championship
'The Animal' Batista (c) vs. 2008 Royal Rumble Winner 'The Rated R Superstar' Edge

WWE Championship
'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels (c) vs. 'The Phenom' Undertaker

---

Legend vs. Legend Killer
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin vs. 'The Legend Killer' Randy Orton

One on One
'The Wrestling God' JBL vs. 'The Master of the 619' Rey Mysterio

Last Man Standing
'The Saviour' Chris Jericho vs. 'The Big Red Machine' Kane

Tag Team Match
'The Upstart' Mr. Kennedy & Shane McMahon w/Vince McMahon & Stephanie McMahon vs. 'The Game Triple H & ???

---

WWE Women's Championship
Mickie James (c) vs. 'The Paparazzi Princess' Melina

Cruiserweight Championship; Triple Threat
'The Pitbull' Jamie Noble vs. 'The Resident Redneck' Jimmy Wang Yang vs. ???

Six Man Money in the Bank Match
Bobby Lashley vs. MVP vs. Christian vs. CM Punk vs. Umaga vs. ???

**Mr.Edge™** · 03-22-2008, 10:16 PM

Its sucks to see The Rock go. Good luck to you DH. BTW, the Wrestlemania and Saturday's Night Main event cards both look fantastic.

hbknsting · 03-22-2008, 10:21 PM

I didn't talk to the Rock much outside of reviews but he always seemed like a great guy. This is one my favorite threads DH so please don't end it. I remember a few months ago when Rock was gone for...a snowstrom I think? and you kept going and you did good. Can't wait for your WM to be posted sometime within the next 2 months or so. I'm a little confsued though, so you are compleltley changing up SD recent weeks results and all that, right?

Bradley · 03-23-2008, 07:04 AM

It's always a shame to see a partner leave for tests etc and I have been lax recently with reviewing this thread so I wish DH6 some luck and I will review your next full show. 'Mania looks great BTW.

**The Notorious K.O.P** · 03-24-2008, 11:46 AM

Well since you kindly gave me a review I thought I'd come and check out your thread. I'll just look at your recapped Smackdown's and leave comments.

First off at No Way Out. Good to see that you had something different with Finlay main eventing here. I'm guessing he's heel but it seems since he gained the respect of fans he might have a face run in him. I personally think he's bland as a face because he doesn't have that same edge as he does when he's a heel.

Overall it's also different to see Edge and 'Taker not fighting at WrestleMania like everybody else had at the real WrestleMania taking place. So at least you did something different and Undertaker losing his spot is intriguing. I definently could see a Triple Threat at WM but I'm not so sure.

I personally thought their blown off match between MVP and Hardy should be at WrestleMania instead of NWO since it's a bigger PPV. But I guess you have bigger things for both men so who knows.

----------

Looking at the SD after NWO now. Easy but fundamental way to get the Edge/Batista feud kicked off as it still has a lot of weeks before the match. All fingers point to Batista winning but I'm not so sure on that one. I'd like to see Edge take it off but Batista has had one hell of a run apparently in your thread so really he might win.

JBL rarely finds himself in a big match at WrestleMania anymore in BTB. That's when he is being used to wrestle. It mainly depends on how big Mysterio is in your thread I guess but um I could see Rey Rey getting the upset victory at WM if the match does take place.

WOOT! Cruiserweight Division is back. My favorite division to use and it's a shame WWE got rid of it. Glad to see you get rid of the Hardcore title and throw it out. Cruiserweigths are much more effective and will help Smackdown. That's if you use them right but they should!

Ew. Very WWE-esque booking with a forced handshake. I've seen it before but hey at least we know it's going to break into a big ass brawl. Well I certainly hope so.

Um...not really much left to comment on here as the rest is just nit-picking. I'll move on to the next Smackdown now.

-----------

JBL's promo sounded a lot like him when he was on the commentating team with Michael Cole. He started attacking wrestlers verbally a lot back then and I remember some of his comments he had on Mysterio. I really think you could get an exciting match out of these two but it's how long you can make the match go will be interesting. We all know JBL is limited in the ring to a degree so it'll be interesting to see what you can do with it.

Um well Edge not shaking Batista's hand will probably happen. But the ending was confusing. If you don't shake his hand you will go one on one with him. First off teasing the WM main event was good but why would Edge be "afraid" somewhat to face Batista if he is going to face him at WrestleMania. Maybe a typo but it makes Edge look like a bitch.

Well AMW debuts and loses. Normally I'd have a problem with this but since it seems you are throwing them into a feud automatically with Deuce and Domino then I'm cool with it. The thing is they immediately got thrown into it when msot fans don't even know who AMW is! The typical fans that is.

Um interesting for the part of the handshake. I don't really see what the purpose of the entire roster being out there was imo. It didn't really do much unless a big brawl would have broken out and they could have broke it up. But really they weren't needed at all if you look at it really. Spinebuster on Edge was good and gives Edge a dose of his medicine so good call on that. I still hope Edge wins at 'Mania.

I know it wasn't much but I didn't want to leave you hanging so I thought I'd drop comments on these shows. They looked fairly decent booking wise. Good luck with your thread now that your partner is gone.

**DH-Star** · 03-24-2008, 02:15 PM

News & Notes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrestling Observer

It was just announced that the Road to WrestleMania will get even bigger on the March 17th edition of Monday Night Raw. This night will be a 3 hour spectacle that will be known as 'WrestleMania Rewind Night'. Many matches on this night will feature superstars that went at it from past WrestleMania's going at it one more time.

Many matches have already been announced for the show. One huge one is a rematch from last year's WrestleMania, as it will feature Batista going one on one with arch-rival, the Undertaker. Another match announced will be what might possibly be that 'one last match'. It will see Mickie James taking on WrestleMania 22 opponent, Trish Stratus. Trish will make her in-ring return for just one night only, but the result could be the same.

Check back to wwe.com or here on the Wrestling Observer as more matches are announced.

***

Friday Night SmackDown Preview; March 7th, 2008; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This week SmackDown! rolls into Oklahoma City for another intense stop as the Road to WrestleMania continues.

Batista and Edge managed to shake hands last week, but it was short lived as immediately following the handshake, Batista planted his WrestleMania opponent with a vicious Spinebuster. Batista has sent a message to The Rated R Superstar, but what will go down this week? Will there be an implosion among this heated rivalry?

Speaking of intense rivalries, Rey Mysterio's and JBL's is just that. Mysterio has accepted JBL's invitation to go one on one with him at the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania. These two have been at each other's throats ever since the Royal Rumble, and you can assure that the situation won't get any better. What will happen this week between these two men that have a grudge with one another?

SmackDown's Cruiserweight Division has been picking up lately, making it red hot. It was just announced a few weeks ago that the Cruiserweight Title would return at WrestleMania in a Triple Threat Match. Jamie Noble and Jimmy Wang Yang have already qualified, but who will be the third to qualify this week?

Another division that's been picking up is the Tag Team Division. America's Most Wanted made their debut last week against WWE Tag Team Champions, Deuce and Domino, only for the champions to sneak out with the win. This week will see a rematch between the teams, which was requested by America's Most Wanted. Will the newcomers make a name for themselves? Or will Deuce and Domino continue to show why they're champions?

Look for all of this and more by tuning into SmackDown this Friday Night on the CW Network at 8/7 CT.

***

I'm currently writing SmackDown! at a steady tempo, as well as trying to squeeze in some reviews. I'm aiming to have it posted by next weekend, but I can't guarantee anything at this point in time.

**DH-Star** · 03-29-2008, 09:48 PM

I thought I would inform all of you that I will be taking a break from this thread. The reason is that the BTB Cup is starting up, which is where I want to put in a lot of effort. I also am being pummeled with school work, which leaves me not a lot of time to be working on my shows. However, I will be back in a couple of weeks, probably two, so I'll see you then with the March 7th Edition of SmackDown.

**MasterKames23** · 03-30-2008, 09:22 AM

It will suck not to see this thread around, and as you told me, School and life are way more important than BTB, and even this forum. Good luck with your school work and everything else, and can't wait to see you back, and read that WrestleMania!

**DH-Star** · 04-26-2008, 08:53 PM

Friday Night SmackDown!; March 7th, 2008; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

There are no fireworks or music, but as soon as we cut to the arena... **Metalingus** Heat begins to pour from the rafters as the stage fills with smoke. The Rated R Superstar, Edge, walks out from the smoke and onto the stage where he raises his hands in the air. Fireworks blast everywhere as The Rated R Superstar rips off his shades to show angry eyes.

Michael Cole: Hello and welcome to Friday Night SmackDown, and uh, we're not wasting any time as Edge is already on his way out here, Tazz.

Tazz: Edge does not look like a happy camper, Cole, and I can't blame him after Batista planted him with a Spinebuster last week!

Michael Cole: That Spinebuster last week delivered by the World Heavyweight Champion shook the ring, and I think it may have shaken Edge's anger level.

Edge quickly enters the ring after quickly walking down to the ring. Edge snatches the microphone out of Tony Chimel's hand, who is intimidated by Edge, so he leaves.

Edge: I'm done playing games, I'm done being used, I'm done being toyed around with. And quite frankly, I'm done with Batista!

Huge mixed reaction at this comment

Edge: I'm through with the childish games he plays... I'm absolutely sick of it. He thinks he can stroll around this place just because he's the World Heavyweight Champion. That's not gonna happen, because from now on, this show is Rated R!

Enormous amount of heat

Edge: This is my show, it's The Rated R Era, it's where I shine.

Edge pauses and puts on a half grin

Edge: And if I have to, I will do whatever it takes to prove it. I will go to any and all limits necessary just to put Batista away and show exactly who I am!

Another large amount of heat

Edge: I've said it many times, but I'm gonna say it again just to make it clear to you, Batista. The Rated R Era is not a catchphrase.. it's a fact!!

Huge amount of heat

Edge: The Rated R Era is here, it's live, and it's gonna make it's path of destruction at WrestleMania when I plow right through The Animal... ... ... Batista!

Large pop at the mention of Batista

Edge: Y'see, going into WrestleMania, I'm not the slightest bit scared of Batista, or The Animal he calls himself. No, instead, I'm going into WrestleMania mad, angry, and furious. And do y'know why?

Edge looks around the arena gesturing for answers

Edge: It's because of your (air quote) 'hero'... Batista.

Another good pop at the mention of Batista

Edge (calming down): Batista's actions sicken me, but only to an extent, because Batista's very own actions that he pulled himself are gonna come back to bite him in the ass at WrestleMania. All that Batista had to do last week was shake my hand. Yeah, that's right, all he had to do was give me some respect, even a little bit of respect... ... but he didn't. Instead... instead, Batista threw all of that away for one thing.. (Edge gets right up in the camera) pleasure.

A small mixed reaction fills the arena, but many fans are confused at Edge's statement

Edge: It became completely obvious to me last week that Batista is here for himself, and no one else but himself. He had a chance to gain the respect of The Rated R Superstar, but that meant nothing to him. He doesn't care about me, any other superstar, or even any of you.

Large heat at this comment as the fans disagree

Edge: Batista wanted pleasure, and oh, he got pleasure when he Spinebustered me in the center (points down at the ring while talking) of this very ring.

The fans explode into a pop as they are remembering the Spinebuster to Edge from last week

Edge: Batista got what he wanted, pleasure, but I can guarantee you that it will all come to an end on March 30th when I defeat Batista and reclaim my World... Heavyweight... Championship.

An enormous amount of heat engulfs the arena

Edge: The clock's ticking, and come WrestleMania... it's going to strike midnight.

A large amount of heat is heard throughout the arena, but it's changed to a pop when suddenly... **I Walk Alone** The crowd goes crazy as the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, races out onto the stage. Batista goes down to the top of the ramp and does his signature actions as fireworks go everywhere off of the stage.

Michael Cole: Batista has obviously heard enough of Edge's smart remarks!

Tazz: Oh-ho, Edge is in for it now, Cole! I can feel it!

Batista walks down the ramp and into the ring, where he grabs a microphone and looks directly at The Rated R Superstar with a smile spread from ear to ear.

Batista (sort of laughing): Wow, you need a round of applause Edge for that wonderful statement about me wanting pleasure, and you, well, taking my World Heavyweight Championship. But, let me be the first to tell you that... it's not gonna happen.

Huge pop

Batista: You're right Edge, I do want pleasure, and planting you with a Spinebuster last week gave me more pleasure than I could ever ask for.

Small pop for The Animal