08004571

Feedback-
First of all I would like to give you a compliment on the way you put Triple H as one of the most hated heels on Raw. Orton/Triple H opening is fine as it is what you would expect. The way you put Edge over as a good contender is good. Edge goading Triple H into his number one contendership is fantastic. What I can see happening is Triple H now taking a step back in the Championship scene and instead you pushing Edge and others into this scene.

Edge’s interview was average but I think this interview should have been later on in the show instead this early. Obviously you wanted to put him over as much as you could and I don’t mind that.

Benjamin in the Rumble just = Ratings. Jericho vs Benjamin at the Rumble should be good and hopefully you show us how Athletic these men are. Somehow though I see you turning one of them at the rumble or in the lead upto the rumble. Tomko and Christian in the rumble I like. I See them been the dark horse’s of this match and I think you will make them last till the last 10 men. Good booking with the woman’s match.

The split up of evolution is coming soon. I think that if tista wins the Qualifier match he will end up chucking out Ric Flair or Triple H(IF HE LOSES) setting up a match between Triple H or Ric Flair and Batista at Wrestlemania 21!!!!

Good news about HBK returning to the Ring and I don’t see him loosing his qualifier!!!!!Batista winning the Qualifier match is exactly what I said. I see Tista leaving Evolution and having a match with either Trips or Flair at Wrestlemania so this is what I expected!

Great main event and Orton screwing HHH out of the Championship scene is great. Great booking descion here. Cant wait for Edge and Orton at the Rumble but I see you turning one of them a Heel.

Overall a average raw show but as you said they will get better. Cant wait for Smackdown!!

JBWinner

Thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated.

JayDeeSpur

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New American Wrestling BTB

RDX

RDX Reviews RAW

Of course, since Orton won the World Title at NYR, he’s gonna have a promo to open the show, so no surprises here. Ok, so this promo started out in character pretty good, you really had Orton sounding like Orton.

“Randy Orton: I am better than I was. I have become a lot smarter, and a whole lot more clever. I know every trick you’ve got, so if you wanna piece of me and this title, why don’t you come to the ring now, and fight me!”

This line right here confused me. I really don’t understand why Orton would randomly call out The Game for a fight. So HHH comes out and they set up a good main event for the Rumble.

Next is one of many things involving Edge in this show, and there was a bit too much of him. Good main event announced, but for some reason I think no matter who wins the Title Match will be a Triple Threat.

Since it’s Rumble Time, we have qualifying matches. No surprises here with the Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin beating Snitsky to qualify. Surprise little appearance here by Y2J. Benjamin & Y2J matches are all ways good, and I’m glad to see this match on the Rumble card. LOL @ “agayneeeee.”

Once again there’s another qualifying match with no surprises. Of course the Tag Champs are going to beat Maven & Dean. (I like Tomko & Christian as Tag Champs BTW.)

Here’s Edge again, good hype for the main event.

Stratus and Victoria are two great women’s wrestlers. I didn’t “thunk” they would keep the crowd interested though :P. Good way to have Trish keep good heel status by cheating to win.

Batista is showing signs that he’s pissed at Evolution, and his face turn soon is inevitable. Orton/Keibler relationship starting I can see.

Michaels is now down for a promo. Since I read ahead, it’s too bad that the Michaels/Edge feud doesn’t look like it’s continuing. After Michaels wins next week, I wonder what will be done with him from there.

Batista showing no remorse on Venis after he qualifies for the Rumble. I was thinking Batista may have turned on Flair there, but he doesn’t. Even more hints of his face turn after talking about him taking the World Title no matter whose waist it is on.

Main event time. This would have been a pretty good TV match. This was pretty entertaining for what you described. The finish was good. Ref bump followed by Orton screwing Triple H. I guess there won’t be a Triple Threat Match. It’s good to see an Orton vs. Edge main event at the Rumble. I expect HHH to go far in the Rumble.

Overall, this was a decent show. Not bad; this was good, but not too special. I thought that you didn't use enough superstars, and your segments were lacking some originality. Other than that, I liked they way you got things going here, and I expect great things from you in the future as you have shown in the past. Good luck with all of your upcoming shows, which I will read and review.

Caydemiester

This is sweet, anything with Orton as WHC is f-ing awesome in my eyes lol

Wolf Beast

Raw

Orton kicking off the show is the natural way to go, given he's the new champion and all. Bit odd for him to act the perfect gent, kissing Lillians hand, I dont think that'd really go over well with the 18/34 demographic of males watching this good looking chap with all the ladies swooning over him. If he is to remain a face, that aspect of his character needs to be refined a little to make him more likeable.

Bit of a wishy washy promo from Orton (which means it was pretty much in character), although again, his words just dont seem to be very fan friendly. He doesnt have an electric persona like say, The Rock, to carry off an arrogance and still get cheered imo. Triple H announcing a title match at the Royal Rumble is fine. Means they can get their issue perhaps over and done with, before Orton moves on.

... Or not as it were. Bischoff changing his mind and signing a #1 Contender match leads me to think that perhaps, Edge will instead be the one to face Orton at the Rumble. I cant see the #1 Contender thing coming up AFTER a title announcement for any other reason.

No shocks to see Benjamin beating Snitsky for a spot in the Rumble. Given this was a time when Benjamin was looking like a future top star, it'll be interesting to say the least how you push him. Hopefully you do something to give the guy a chance to shine.

Great interaction from Jericho, and hopefully a tease of a heel turn. Benjamin vs Jericho sounds awesome - and makes sense too - for RR. I mark out for double duty at Royal Rumble . Kudos.

Christian & Tomko as tag champions at least gives the two guys a place on the show, but whether it is to be a short term deal to keep Christian busy, or whether you've decided he's best suited as a tag teamer, or just to boost the tag division remains to be seen. 2005 was certainly the time to push Christian in the WWE, it just never got started. I'll be looking out to see how Captain Charisma fares in this thread, along with Benjamin - two guys who could've had it all, but in around this time period, got the shove from potential greatness.

Consequences for Michaels?? Empty threat from Edge?? Or does he really have a wicked plan up his sleeve?? Two segments featuring Edge on this show so far, which would have me thinking - he is certainly going to be pushed as hard - if not harder than in the real world. Not a huge Edge fan, but he was at his hottest in terms of character, at this very point.

Womens division certainly needed a shake up at this point. All the matches and feuds had been done countless times, and as good as matches between Trish & Victoria were, after three years, it certainly loses its spark. A debut for the likes of Melina and Mickie shouldnt be too far off I reckon.

The Batista break away looks like it'll be coming. Glad you've decided to keep this tease of Evolution imploding, as it was the making of Batista. How you go about it will certainly take a different spin methinks. Batista to remain heel perhaps and turn The Game face?? Who knows, but it'll be worth waiting to find out - especially if Batista and The Game end up in the ring at the same time at the Rumble.

Again, Orton getting attention from the ladies is unlikely to endear him to any fans any time soon. At least, that's my opinion, I could be wrong

Michaels promo time . Short, but to the point. The issue with him and Edge is certainly far from over, and it is one I could see potential come to a climax at WrestleMania. It would certainly be a fitting stage for the two to settle their issues. Michaels is surely a lock for gaining entry into the Rumble.

Batista vs Val Venis. Wonder what the outcome will be there . The Animal is off to his Rumble match. Excellent quick sentence from Batista, making sure there is no doubt over what he plans to do once the Rumble is done. Intensity personified from Batista. I could certainly see Flair caught right in the middle of a HHH - Batista angle.

Strange turn of events in the main event. Orton screwing HHH to help Edge is a thinker, and I'm stumped as to why he'd interfere. I have a real feeling that Orton is set for a heel turn. His actions on this show certainly havent been that of a conventional face. Edge vs Orton @ RR will tell a story methinks, and could be a real barn burner. As to where this Michaels - Edge / Edge - Orton / Orton - HHH / HHH - Batista quagmire goes is anyones guess for now. The five sorta seem to be inter connected in some way right now, and it's anyone guess as to where they all end up in the long term.

Interesting first show. Slotted in well with a general weekly Raw feeling, which I would argue was a good thing, rather than pulling out all the stops just because it was the first Raw in this thread. Foundations have been set for what could well be an excellent thread.

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... BEING THE BOOKER ...Is Coming Back, Again, and again ... and againSMACKDOWN HAS BEEN POSTED
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PatMan

Raw Review

No other way to start the show, expect with Randy Orton and it is good that you started that way. I am kinda surprised that you had him win last night but I guess he deserved it, he was on fire in late 2004/early 2005. Good speech and I actually like his promos better as a face than a heel. Triple H coming out was not a shock and it looks like we will see them square off at the Rumble. Good promo that did its job but I didn’t like how Orton didn’t even respond to a word Triple H said to close the promo.

Another Triple H segment? This came off kinda weird but I am glad that Edge and Triple H are wrestling tonight, even though I say Triple H keeps the shot.

Shelton over Snitsky is obvious but it was good to see the match get a decent amount of time. Shelton needs to beat guys like Snitsky to further cement his legacy and I was glad to see him qualify for the RR, should go far in the match.

Jericho coming out was a nice surprise and I am glad that we now have Y2J vs. Shelton for the IC Title at the RR. I hope that this feud continues for a while, with Jericho maybe making a heel turn in the process.

Christian and Tomko as World Tag Champs owns, imo. No doubt that they would beat Dean and Maven and I like how you had them qualify together, making me think they will be by each other’s side for a while. I like Tomko as the bodyguard and they could also make a good face tandem.

Another segment with Edge? Seems a little early, imo. Good promo from Edge and I think that HBK may screw him again tonight. The ending of the promo came a little early, imo but it did its job nonetheless.

I like the heel Trish Statrus as the Women’s Champ and Victoria is really the only contender left now that Lita is injured. Decent contest but there was really no doubt that Trish was retaining. Good heel move for her and maybe we will see Trish vs. Victoria in the future, possibly at WM21?

Nice interaction between Flair and Batista and it looks like Batista will be looking to branch out of Evolution, just like in real life. I hope that he gets a good push as a tweener before becoming a full-blown face.

Gotta love the romance in the WWE. Orton has got EVERYTHING going for him right now.

The promo from HBK seemed a little short but I guess you got the point across. There is no way that the feud with Edge is over and I see these two getting into another brawl at the Royal Rumble. Good to hear that HBK has a qualifying match next week and I guess it goes without saying that he will be in RR.

Batista squashing Val was OK and Batista is gonna dominate the Rumble, imo. Good speech after by both men and I feel we may see Triple H vs. Batista very, very, soon.

Main Event time baby! Very solid contest and I couldn’t believe that Triple H kicked out of the spear. Triple H moves the ref into the line of fire! I guess there are no rules as long as Earl is down and I was surprised to see that Triple H didn’t use the sledgehammer right away. Now the weapon comes into play but Orton’s out here!! RKO!! Edge beats Triple H thanks to Orton!! Very good ending to the main event and I was sure Triple H was getting a shot at the RR.

Overall, a decent show. I like the World Title situation and I am intrigued as to where that will go following the RR. Orton as champ owns and I hope he keeps it until at least WM 21, which is see happening. Not really much time to get other feuds going, what with the RR approaching, but I am sure we will see more next week. Good job, 7.5/10.

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AS LONG AS IT MAY TAKE ... NOT REMOVING UNTIL
THE CHICAGO CUBS WIN THE WORLD SERIES

JBWinner

08004571

Cant wait for smackdown. Looks good and your going ahead with the triple threat which should be good. Hope you build it up differntley though!!

JBWinner

I'm headed to RAW tomorrow night, and I doubt I'll have posting time. So, here it is. Enjoy. Leave feedback, all that stuff.

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WWE SmackDown!
January 13, 2005
Tampa, FL

Recap of Last Week's Events

Opening Video

PYRO
Michael Cole: 17 days away from the Royal Rumble, we come to you from Tampa, Florida with one of the most explosive editions of SmackDown! in history! Good evening I’m Michael Cole alongside Tazz here at ringside, and partner tonight we’ve got a HUGE main event!

Tazz: You are damn right Cole. After the events of last week, General Manager Theodore Long has made a triple threat match for the WWE Championship!! JBL defending against Kurt Angle and The Big Show!!

Michael Cole: And that match could be an early contender for match of the year, but also Tazz we’ve got a load of Royal Rumble qualifying matches, and a whole lot more! But it looks to me like we’re kicking off the show, with the Olympic Gold Medalist!

*Medal*

Kurt Angle walks down to the ring to the famous ‘You Suck’ chants which he seems to be ignoring. Angle, ready for tonight’s triple threat match gets into the ring rather quickly, alongside Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak, the Angle Alliance.

Kurt Angle: You know I thought that Florida sucked in general, but GOD does Tampa suck even more!!

Crowd boos

Kurt Angle: Seriously people, what would make you wanna live in a city, where the baseball team hasn’t even gotten out of last place since they came to exist!!?

Crowd boos again, even though they probably all realize that the Devil Rays suck

Kurt Angle: ANYWAY, tonight is a very historic night for your favorite Olympic Gold Medalist. Because tonight is the night that I become a five time WWE Champion, ohhhh it’s true!!

Mixed reaction, as some would like Angle to take the title from JBL

Kurt Angle: And I think it’s damn well about time that SOMEBODY takes the WWE Title, from that stuck up billionaire John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield!

Crowd cheers

Kurt Angle: I can’t think of a champion that’s gotten out of more troublesome situations with the help of his ‘Cabinet,’ than any other champion I recent memory, besides JBL. And JBL, tonight your luck runs out. [Crowd pops] Because I’m gonna be the one to take the WWE Championship back to where it belongs, around the waist of the greatest athlete to ever step foot in a WWE ring. And that’s true!

Crowd cheers again, as Angle seems to be in a tweener role

Kurt Angle: Did I tell you people to cheer me? Shut the hell up!

Crowd boos, as that tweener role once again shows its heel factors

Kurt Angle: And if any of you think that I’m worried about that 500-pound Sasquatch named Big Show… then you must be the biggest idiots since the people who cheered for the Tampa Bay Lightning two years ago – because hockey sucks!

Crowd boos again, as Angle is really inciting this crowd

Kurt Angle: Big Show isn’t even in my damn rear view, which I’m surprised at by the way, because of the way he’s been looking. But the fact is, my mind is set on one thing, and that’s the gold baby. And your Olympic hero is going to make all of your dreams come true. WOOO!

Crowd boos, as suddenly *Longhorn* hits and JBL’s stretch limo begins to pull out from the side of the arena. The chauffeur comes out of the driver’s seat, and opens the back door, as the WWE Champion John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield comes out to a TON of heat, as there are no JBL fans in attendance here tonight. JBL walks up to the ring, but doesn’t go inside. He instead walks back over to his limo, and has a mic in his pocket, which he takes out.

The fans do not let him speak at first, as the boos are raining down

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Will you people sit down and shut up, and let a REAL champion talk?

Crowd boos

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Kurt was right. You damn idiots don’t know a real champion from a farce. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a worse excuse for a champion, then the Tampa Bay Lightning were a few years ago. And that is a fact. The only real champion, to ever step foot in this hell hole of a city, is the man speaking right now, the greatest WWE Champion in history, J…B…L…!

Crowd boos

Kurt Angle: JBL, thanks for that. As if we haven’t heard that a thousand times.

Crowd cheers

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: You call yourself an Olympian? Have some damn respect! Know your damn place Kurt, you aren’t in my league.

Crowd boos, as Angle looks taken aback from the words

Kurt Angle: Not in your league…? John… the last time I checked, I’m the best amateur wrestler in this business’ history. What are you? Some guy who got in bar fights and worked a sham of a protection agency a few years ago? And I’m not in your league!? I think you’ve got things mixed up BUCKO.

Crowd pops

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Don’t you DARE call me a degrading name, like ‘bucko’ again, or you’re gonna be eating canvas for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kurt Angle: Whatever you say… … … … …bucko.

Crowd pops, as JBL is livid

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Do you want me to come down to that ring!?

Kurt talks to Reigns and Jindrak, who soon leave the ring, and Kurt gets back on the mic

Kurt Angle: Don’t just sing it… bring it, bucko.

Kurt drops the mic, as JBL takes his cowboy hat and suit jacket off, and then runs into the ring, where Angle meets him with rights and lefts! JBL also socks him with rights and lefts of his own, and Reigns and Jindrak step in now and begin clubbing on the back of the WWE Champion. Soon, the Cabinet comes down to the ring in full force, and a brawl is on!!

The Angle Alliance and The Cabinet are going at it in the center of the ring, and now all around it as some of the action has spilled to the outside. Suddenly, *WELL IT’S THE BIG SHOW* hits and the crowd becomes electric as The Big Show walks down to the ring!!! Everyone soon stops fighting and turns their attention to him, as Orlando then races to Show, who grabs him by his neck and throws him into the limousine!!!

He chops down on Doug and Danny’s heads, who came charging at him. Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns then come charging, and give Show his biggest fight so far, but Show shoves Reigns into the steel steps, and clutches Jindrak by his neck, and lifts him up high in the air, AND SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH THE CHOKESLAM ON THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!!

The crowd is buzzing as Show turns his attention to Angle and JBL in the ring, who look at each other from opposite directions in the ring. Kurt decides to show the balls as Big Show steps over the top rope, and Angle darts forward – BUT BIG SHOW GRABS HIM BY THE NECK!!! He lifts him up in the air, with JBL looking on, and SLAMS him down with another chokeslam!! The crowd is roaring, as all that’s left is JBL, who is cornered now.

John tries to run away, but The Big Show halts him in his tracks. He tries to go into the other direction, but Big Show again stops him!!! The crowd is getting ecstatic, as JBL once again tries to get away, but Big Show stops him AGAIN and clutches his neck!! CHOKESLAM IS COMING!! NO~!! Danny Basham comes in and chop blocks The Big Show, and the champ gets away!

The Bashams recuperate with JBL on the outside as Big Show looks on at JBL and the other members of the Cabinet, and roars as he walks forward to the edge of the ring and shoots his hand up, as his music begins playing, as the Bashams help Jordan to his feet and look on. Layfield looks rather nervous, knowing tonight there’s no way of hiding or any ways out, as Big Show gestures in the ring that the title will be around his waist by the end of the night.

Michael Cole: Well JBL might’ve gotten away this time, but come tonight, there won’t be any running or hiding from the 7-foot monster known as The Big Show, as well as Kurt Angle.

Commercial Break

Quick replay of the events that had just transpired before the break plays through.

*Viva La Raza*

Eddie Guerrero rides out in his low rider, set for Rumble qualifying action, as he looks pumped up and ready to go.

Michael Cole: Well last year Tazz Eddie Guerrero was not involved in the Royal Rumble match, but instead went up against his nephew Chavo in an emotional contest. This year however, Eddie looks to once again be in the main event of WrestleMania. That is if he can get past the qualifying match tonight.

Tazz: That’s right Cole. You can’t count your chickens before they hatch, and you can’t say you’re gonna win the Rumble match before you actually get in it. Let’s see if Eddie can do it here tonight.

Match 1 ~ Royal Rumble Qualifying Match
Kenzo Suzuki w/ Hiroko vs. Eddie Guerrero Fairly decent match rather than most would’ve expected, with Kenzo putting up a fight no one really thought he would against the former WWE Champion. Hiroko was a bit of a factor in the beginning of the match, but the referee eventually threw her out of the match to the back!! The crowd cheered a bit afterwards and this set Eddie up to get the advantage that he needed. Guerrero ran on all cylinders for the ending tail of this match, and after hitting the Three Amigos, headed up to the top rope, and hit the Frog Splash to “launch himself” into the Rumble match!!
Winner and Now in the Royal Rumble Match: Eddie Guerrero @ 6:14

Michael Cole: There it is! Eddie wins! Eddie’s in the Rumble!

Tazz: Well it was a harder fight then he probably thought it was gonna be, but Eddie gets the job done and now he’s got the chance to be in the main event of WrestleMania.

Backstage, we see John Cena the United States Champion, walking around. The crowd pops for the initial sight of the rising star on SmackDown!, as they also pop for the fact that he’s wearing a Tampa Bay Lightning jersey, along with his ‘Ruck Fules’ hat.

Cena continues walking, when he bumps into JBL, who was coming out of his locker room. The crowd lets out an ‘OOOOO’ as the two stare one another down.

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield: Just who in the hell do you think you are walking around here like you own the place? Do you know who I am?

John Cena: I know exactly… who you are JBL… you’re a coward…

Crowd pops, as JBL’s eyes widen

John Cena: You see I’ve been watching you in your title defenses. And in every single one of them, you’ve proven that you can’t get the job done by yourself. You’ve proven that you’re nothing more than a man who gets the job done with outside interference. You got a lot a talk JBL. But me? I don’t just talk about it… I be about it. I fight for myself, I fight for these people that have brought me to the dance, and I fight to keep this around my waist.

Cena spins the United States Title’s faceplate

John Cena: So yeah JBL… I do know exactly who you are… but the real question is… do you know who I am…?

Cena walks away, as JBL looks on, almost furious

Commercial Break

Royal Rumble Moment – Chris Benoit goes coast to coast, winning the Royal Rumble last year en route to become the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania XX

We’re back, and we’re at the commentator’s table.

Michael Cole: Well Tazz a very tension filled atmosphere backstage as we just saw with JBL and the United States Champion, John Cena.

Tazz: Cole JBL looked like he wanted to tear Cena apart with the things he said. But Cena’s a fighter Cole, and I think it’s smart that JBL didn’t do anything, and risk having the title being lost by getting into a brawl with John Cena. Because as we’ve seen in the past, Cena’s a guy you don’t wanna mess with.

Michael Cole: And speak of the devil, because here comes the United States Champion himself!!

*Basic Thuganomics*

John Cena comes out to a HUGE echoing pop from the crowd, as he’s set for one on one action with his United States Title on the line. A Royal Rumble spot is not on the line however, so this match has a little bit of meaning to it for Cena, enough to where he obviously wants to keep the title around his waist.

Tazz: Well Cole Cena right now may not be qualifying for a Royal Rumble spot, but I’m sure he wants to keep the United States Championship around his waist.

Michael Cole: I’m sure he does Tazz, but he’s gonna have to do it against a man he knows very well.

*Final Force*

Rene Dupree, a man Cena rivaled with last year after WrestleMania, comes down to the ring to loads of heat from the crowd. Rene cracks his knuckles, as we see Cena toss his hat into the crowd, as well as his Lightning jersey, and then bends down in the ring, inching for Dupree to step inside.

Match 2 ~ United States Championship Match
John Cena © vs. Rene Dupree
Another decent match here, nothing really spectacular due to the contrast in styles of the two competitors. Cena opened things up early with wild rights and lefts and some of his signature moves, but Dupree found his way into it and kept the momentum on his side for the middle portion of the match. Hitting numerous near falls, Dupree was getting very angry at himself, as well as the fans. He mouthed off to them often, which only made Cena stronger. ‘The French Phenom’ was losing it as the clock was ticking towards the seven minute mark, and Cena found himself back in the driver’s seat, after hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena threw his hands up, as the crowd did as well, as he pumped up his Reeboks, and then lifted Rene on his shoulders, and planted him with the F-U, leading to the three count to retain the United States Championship!!!
Winner and STILL United States Champion: John Cena @ 7:31

Cena hoists the title in the air as he receives it, and then asks for a mic. He spins the title, as he begins talking

John Cena: Tampa lemme hear you make some noiiiiisee!!

Crowd roars

John Cena: First of all, it feels damn good to still be the champ!

Crowd cheers

John Cena: [Breathing heavily] Secondly…

*Do What I Want To*

The music of Orlando Jordan hits, and a seemingly recovered Orlando Jordan makes his way down to the ring. Cena looks very confused, as do Michael Cole and Tazz and the crowd, but Jordan seems to have business on his mind.

Orlando Jordan: Cena.

YOU SUCK chants

Orlando Jordan: Shut up!

Crowd boos, and continues to chant it

Orlando Jordan: Cena. Let me tell you one thing you gotta know. Don’t you EVER, punk out the WWE Champion, like you did a few minutes ago, ever again. JBL has an important match tonight, and the last thing he needs is a distraction like you John Cena, to ruin his chances of still being the greatest WWE Champion in history. Do I make myself clear?

The crowd boos, as Cena’s facial expressions tell his mood

John Cena: Orlando… the only thing you’ve made clear is that you’re more of an asshole than I thought you were a few minutes ago.

Crowd cheers

John Cena: Second of all I couldn’t give a crap about what John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield has to say, because like I said – he’s a coward. And sending you out here, makes that even more clearer. So Orlando, before you leave, I’ve got a little message for you to send back to JBL.

Cena drops the mic, and puts his hand up. He holds five fingers up, drops one, two, three, four, and leaves his middle one up, and does the ‘you can’t see me’ motion with it to the crowd’s delight, and then kicks Orlando in the gut!!! He then vaults him up on his shoulders, going for an F-U – WHAM!! JBL COMES IN AND KICKS CENA IN THE HEAD!!!

The crowd boos as JBL helps Orlando up off his feet and gets him out of the ring, while we see Cena holding his head in pain, looking up at the two of them.

Commercial Break

We’re back and we’re inside Theodore Long’s office, as he’s talking with Joy Giovanni.

Theodore Long: Well Joy, I’d like to thank you for helping me with that decision.

Joy Giovanni: No problem Teddy, I have to go back to Big Show now, but thanks for asking me for my opinion.

Theodore Long: Anytime.

Joy leaves, as Teddy shuffles his hands together.

Tazz: Decision? Cole what was that about?

Michael Cole: I’m not really sure Tazz, but what I do know for sure is that later on tonight, a triple threat match for the WWE Championship will take place, as the WWE Champion John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield will take on The Big Show, and the Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle.

Tazz: But now Cole is the second of our qualifying matches.

Match 3 ~ Royal Rumble Qualifying Match
Rey Mysterio w/ Rob Van Dam vs. Bubba Ray Dudley w/ D-Von Dudley Another decent one here, not lasting as long as the past two matches however. Rey quickened the pace from the outright and it slowed down Bubba Ray big time as the effects took their toll. Mysterio looked to hit the 619, but Bubba moved out of the way and went for the Bubba Bomb, but Mysterio countered that into a Hurricanranna and rolled him up afterwards and got the quick victory!!!
Winner and Now in the Royal Rumble Match: Rey Mysterio @ 4:57

Mysterio quickly gets up and runs to the other side of the ring in jubilance, but D-Von behind him comes in and clubs him on the back. RVD comes in immediately and throws a few rights at him, but Bubba then comes in and clubs Van Dam’s back. He tosses him out of the ring and RVD crashes and burns on the bottom floor HARD. Bubba and D-Von then stand in the middle of the ring, waiting for Mysterio to reach his feet, and when he does so, D-Von lifts him up and Bubba brings him down for the 3-D!!!

Michael Cole: A 3-D onto Mysterio! What the hell is this about?

Tazz: I think it’s pretty clear Cole. I think they want the Tag Team Titles.

Michael Cole: Well if that’s what they’re trying to prove then the Tag Team Titles might not be around Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam’s waists for much longer.

Backstage, Kurt Angle is standing backstage with his alliance.

Kurt Angle: Guys, focus here. There isn’t a damn way that I’m leaving Tampa without the WWE Title around my waist. You guys need to do everything in your power to make sure that I am the winner of the triple threat match tonight, do I make myself clear?

Jindrak and Reigns: Yes Kurt.

Kurt Angle: Alright, so…

The three men get in a huddle, and begin discussing plans…

Commercial Break

We are on a beach…

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Ladies and gentlemen, remember me? I’m Carlito. The coolest guy, to ever step inside of a SmackDown! ring. And about a month ago, I was injured, on the hands of John Cena. And dat… das not cool.

Carlito shakes his head and throws up his apple

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Y’see Carlito thought that he was gonna be out of action for a long, long time. Until after WrestleMania. And that would not have been cool at all. But Carlito’s doctor, was able to repair the damage a lot quicker than initially thought.

Crowd seems to boo, but of course he can’t hear that

Carlito Caribbean Cool: So Carlito has an announcement to make, and that is in seventeen days… Carlito will be returning to action… in the Royal Rumble match.

Carlito smiles and nods his head

Carlito Caribbean Cool: And dat…

Carlito bites a chunk out of his apple, and begins chewing

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Dat’s cool…

Carlito continues to chew, before his face turns sour, and spits the apple into the camera, and laughs

Back to ringside

Michael Cole: Well that’s a hell of an announcement Tazz. Carlito is back at the Rumble. I’m sure you weren’t expecting that.

Tazz: I sure as hell wasn’t Cole, his injury was supposed to be severe, but obviously he has recovered, and he could be very dangerous. Remember, he won the United States Title, his first night here on SmackDown! last year.

Michael Cole: That’s right Tazz and speaking of championships, once again we are going to remind you that later on tonight, a triple threat match for the WWE Championship will be taking place, as John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield will be defending his title against Kurt Angle and the seven foot tall 500-pound Big Show.

Match 4 ~ Singles Match
Chavo Guerrero vs. Paul London
Good cruiserweight contest, lots of energy and high-octane wrestling in this one. The pace kept on quickening as the match went on, and the fans were loathing all of it as the match continued. The two high-flyers used much of that in the middle of it, launching off the top rope and to the outside as well. Chavo went for the Gory Bomb at about the six minute mark, but London was able to counter it and somehow managed to roll him up and keep the shoulders down for the three count!!
Winner: Paul London @ 6:11

London gets his hand raised after the great contest, time cut or not, and is received well by the fans who applaud both men’s efforts.

Backstage, we see Booker T jumping up and down, and then leaving his locker room, as he prepares to qualify for the Royal Rumble match.

Commercial Break

Michael Cole: Back here on SmackDown! ladies and gentlemen and right now we are set to go with our third qualifying match of the night.

Match 5 ~ Royal Rumble Qualifying Match
Booker T vs. Charlie Haas
Solid match here with both superstars’ abilities shown to the fullest. Haas got off on the right foot here, but Booker soon found himself in the driver’s seat. That advantage lasted with him for a good portion of time, before Haas countered a Book End into a roll up and only got the near fall. Haas went for it all off the top rope, but Booker T leapt in the air and hit a missile dropkick on his way down, and both men were out on the mat. Booker went for the cover shortly afterwards, but Haas was able to kick out. The two men tried to recuperate, but Booker was able to do so faster, and kneed Haas in the gut before coming off the ropes with a Scissors Kick!! Booker turned him over, and made the cover. 1...!! 2…!!! 3…!!!!
Winner and Now in the Royal Rumble Match: Booker T @ 7:51

Michael Cole: And Booker T… has qualified for the Royal Rumble match!!

Tazz: What a freakin’ match that was Cole. I’m very impressed with that performance by both Charlie Haas and Booker T, and it’s a shame that one man could only win that match.

We get a triple split screen of al the men involved in the triple threat match up next on SmackDown!

Michael Cole: Well Tazz up next, our main event. Possibly one of the largest in history. A triple threat match for the WWE Title. JBL defending against Kurt Angle and The Big Show, when we return!!

Commercial Break

Main Event ~ Triple Threat WWE Championship Match
John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield © vs. The Big Show vs. Kurt Angle
High intensity dwells in the beginning of this contest, with Angle and Show double teaming the champion to attempt to take him out of the equation, being that he doesn’t even have to be pinned to lose the championship in this contest. After tossing him over the top rope, Angle beat on Show’s back in the corner, and chopped the hell out of his chest, before Big Show head butted him down on to the ground. Big Show then charged and booted Angle in the face, taking him off his ground. Show went for the cover, but it was broken after Angle got his shoulder off the mat. Kurt raced back up to his feet and went for a belly to belly, but could barely get his arms around The Big Show. Once again, he head butted him off his feet, and then slapped his hand on his chest, creating a large echo around the arena, and then shoved him into the corner. Big Show then hit him again with his hand, and made a “shhhhhh” to the crowd, before once again hitting him with his open palm, as Angle’s chest was starting to become beat red. Show then threw Angle over the top rope, and he raised his arms up in the air. The crowd cheered but booed soon after as JBL got back into the mix of things and clubbed him on his back. He began throwing numerous rights and lefts, before sending him to the ropes, and hit a big boot that did not take him down!! Layfield was surprised, as he then went off the ropes and went for a clothesline, which only made him stumble!! The WWE Champion was getting frustrated, and then went for it again, but Angle tripped him up from the outside, tugged him outside, AND LOCKED IN THE ANKLE LOCK!!! The crowd began going ballistic, as JBL screamed in agony, and began tapping out!!! But being that he was outside, it didn’t matter if he tapped or not! Angle kept it locked in, until he felt like breaking it off about three minutes after applying it, and then stomped down on his leg. JBL held it in agonizing pain while we saw Angle get back in the ring and get into a right hand fest with The Big Show. Kurt countered a big swing from the Big Show, and went for the Angle Slam, but Big Show landed on his feet, and grabbed his head and SLAMMED him down HARD on the mat. Big Show then went off the ropes and dropped a BIG leg drop on Angle’s throat, and then went for the cover. Near fall! Angle didn’t seem like he was going to give up that early, as we went to a commercial break. Returning from the break, JBL was back on his feet and working on Kurt Angle in the corner, while Big Show as down and out on the outside, due to the fact that Luther Reigns during the break came through the crowd with a lead pipe and knocked him out with it while the ref was distracted by Mark Jindrak, obviously part of the plan The Angle Alliance were discussing earlier in the night. As the match went on, the all too familiar feeling that JBL was going to win the match was growing thicker and thicker, as his work over Angle seemingly had no end to it. However as fate would have it, JBL went for a running knee drop, and Kurt moved out of the way!! Angle then walked up to his feet, and grabbed him from a go behind, and lifted him back with a German suplex!!! Holding on, he lifted the champion up, and hit another German!!! Angle popped his hips and got back up, as we saw JBL hold onto the ropes, but Angle hit him in the sides with his forearms, and hit a third German suplex!!! The crowd thundered, as Angle hooked both the legs!! New champion!! 1…!! 2…!!! 3… NO!! NO!! JBL KICKS OUT!!! The champion prevails in kicking out after the triple German suplex combination, as Angle looks very disappointed with himself. He got to his feet, and leaned against the turnbuckles, and walked up to him and stomped on his head, before pulling him up to his feet. He went underneath, grabbed his leg, and pulled him up in the air and hit the Angle Slam!!! While this was happening, THE BIG SHOW was getting back up to his feet!! Angle rolled himself off his back, and made the lateral press, as Big Show was slowly crawling in the ring. 1…!! 2…!!! BIG SHOW BREAKS IT UP!!! The crowd roared as the match continued on, as Big Show slowly got back up, and grabbed Angle up, and held onto his neck, and went to lift him up, but Angle kicked at his leg, and then hit the Angle Slam on The Big Show!!! The crowd began chanting for Angle, who was putting on a hell of a performance, as he got up and hooked the far leg! 1…!! 2…!!! KICK OUT!!! Angle slammed on the mat in frustration, and then grabbed at Big Show’s leg and locked in the Ankle Lock!!! But The Big Show rolled out if it and Angle WENT HARD INTO THE CORNER SHOULDER FIRST!! The Big Show was getting up to his – WHAM!!! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL BY JBL!!! JBL hooks the far leg! 1…!! 2…!!! 3…!!! JBL IS STILL THE WWE CHAMPION!!!
WINNER AND STILL THE WWE CHAMPION: John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield @ 16:57

Michael Cole: I cannot believe this!! JBL ever the opportunist strikes when the time was right, and retains his title!!!

Tazz: Well you gotta reward JBL for that Cole. No outside help, just smartness. Wow what a match!

*MacMillitant*

Michael Cole: Wait a minute here!

The General Manager Theodore Long makes his way out to the ramp with a microphone in hand!!

Theodore Long: JBL… first of all, I’d like to wish you congratulations, on your victory here tonight.

Crowd boos, as we see JBL smile and nod his head, as he is pulling himself up to his feet.

Theodore Long: However JBL, that is not all that I’m out here for. You see… in 17 days JBL, the Royal Rumble is going to be taking place. And after tonight’s events, there isn’t a man on this planet, more than worthy of facing YOU JBL, for the W-W-E Championship, at the Rumble. And that man… well John… he’s right behind you playa.

Layfield looks confused… as he TURNS AROUND INTO THE WWE TITLE BELT BEING SMASHED IN HIS FACE…

…

…

…

…IT’S JOHN CENA!!!

The crowd goes bananas as Cena stands over JBL, who had taken so much energy out of himself in the match that ended just about a minute ago, as Cena then pulls Layfield up to his feet, and pulls him on his shoulders, AND HITS AN F-U IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!

Michael Cole: F-U! F-U!! JOHN CENA, HITS AN F-U, ON THE WWE CHAMPION!!

Tazz: I can’t believe what I’m seein’ Cole!

Michael Cole: John Cena, will get the chance, to become the WWE Champion, in 17 days at the Royal Rumble! What a shocking announcement!!!

Cena’s music hits as he plays to the crowd in the ring, and holds up JBL’s WWE Title belt in the air, getting up on the second rope in the corner, and beating his chest, as he also holds up the United States Championship. Cole & Tazz continue the hard sell for the match between the two at the Royal Rumble, as the show comes to a close…

END SHOW

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Current Card for WWE Royal Rumble
Date:January 30, 2005
Location: Fresno, California; Save Mart Center
Theme: Find the Real; Alter Bridge

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Batista, Booker T, Carlito, Christian, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Shelton Benjamin, Triple H, Tyson Tomko, 10 RAW Superstars, 11 SmackDown! Superstars

WWE Championship Match
John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield © vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Randy Orton © vs. Edge

Intercontinental Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin © vs. Chris Jericho