DDMac

Back on the saddle. Let's get to it...

Raw Review
Stacked show for tonight, and a hell of an opener. Carlito suffers a bit with a submission loss, but Naitch is story, and he comes out smelling like roses. He continues to roll after WM with this duke and a huge win over Angle at Backlash. Naitch has gotta be cashing this in relatively shortly, possible SummerSlam. Edge/Flair would be a strong main event. Carlito/Masters has been done, but it'll be a decent enough feud to get one of the two either.

HYPE promo from the Showstopper. As I expected, Michaels went over Cena, which ties it up at one apiece, which means this thing is going to a rubber match. The Doctor is definitely getting involved tonight.

Mickie OWNS ... but Mickie and Vickie as a tandem is electric. Stratus obviously needs someone to watch her back now. Phoenix?

The Spirit Squad also OWN.

Simple, effective build for Show/Kane. This feud is gonna need something special shortly, since it's been done quite a bit in reality and BTB.

Glad that Edge isn't afraid of Michaels. He plays an effectively cowardly heel, but it's been about four months and a few clean wins, so it's about time he started growing a set of balls. He'll need them for H anyway.

Effective enough debut for Armando and Umaga. Chavito isn't exactly a big-name superstar, but he's important enough as to where a win over him would get Mags some exposure. Better than Funaki. Poor Chavo though; two losses to Helms, and a squash coming.

RWC on the way? More depth to the division.

I'm sure Shelton vs. Angle would've been a strong match (it always is), but I could do without WGTT members taking unnecessary losses, especially when Angle can gain the same credibility with a squash win over somebody else.

More M.E. hype. Glad this is being treated like a big deal; all title matches should.

Certainly a thrilling main event contest. Shocked to see that Cena didn't interfere in the match, but you knew it wasn't going to end clean, and Edge retains with help from the title belt. The huge assault from Cena to Michaels afterward pretty much guarantees a third match, possibly at Vengeance. Hell of a way to end the show and effectively get The Doctor his heat back.

Solid recap, Pat, per always.

__________________

PatMan

Appreciate the reivew Mac.

Time to get back into the flow of BTB, but no preview for SD! ... just the show. Before that, just two little tidbits for ya.

F.Y.I. #1 ~ I am heading off to college in two days, so the pace of shows may not be very consistent, as I have NO idea how much time I'll have for this, but I'll do my best.

F.Y.I. #2 ~ Just as a goal, I am planning on posting SummerSlam (in FULL) right before second semester starts, which would be around the middle of January. I know this is a long while off, both in thread time and IRL, just thought I'd let you in on my plans.

***



Friday Night Smackdown! - May 12th, 2006 - San Diego, California
A V.P. plays hyping the events of last week’s main event, which saw JBL take on The Undertaker with the winner facing Randy Orton for the World Championship at Judgment Day. The finish of the match is shown, with Orton getting into the ring and low blowing ‘Taker before nailing JBL with the title belt, ending the match in a no contest. Teddy Long then takes the stage, informing Orton, JBL, and Undertaker that they will be meeting in a Three Way Dance at Judgment Day for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Opening Video

Pyro

After the usual opening stuff, we head inside the arena, with the camera panning around to show the sold out audience. We then head to the announce table with Michael Cole and Tazz.

Michael Cole: Welcome everyone; I am Michael Cole, along with Tazz, and we are here inside the ipayOne Center in San Diego, California, ready for what is sure to be a huge edition of Friday Night Smackdown!

Tazz: Huge may be an understatement, Cole, I didn’t think that anything could have topped the show we had last week, but tonight’s show may do just that.

Michael Cole: As I’m sure you have all seen on WWE.com, both Booker T and ‘The Animal’ Batista will be here tonight, and they will be in the same ring, in what is sure to be one of the most confrontational contract signings we have seen in a long time.

Tazz: You ain’t kiddin’ Cole, last week Batista and Booker nearly destroyed each other before security had to come down and break them up, but tonight Teddy Long is going to try to get them calm enough to do one simple thing; sign the contract to make the Judgment Day match official.

Michael Cole: That contract signing is far from all, Tazz. We have a big match signed as The Undertaker goes one on one with ‘The Chief of Staff’ Orlando Jordan. You have to believe JBL and Randy Orton will be keeping their eyes on that one.

Tazz: Jordan has been somewhat of a “sacrificial lamb” in recent weeks, and it looks to continue tonight, with JBL sending his right hand man to try and wear down The Deadman before Judgment Day.

Michael Cole: I just hope we are able to watch that match without seeing JBL or Randy Orton getting involved. And another match with big implications is a six-man tag team match pitting Rey Mysterio and The Mexicools against Ken Kennedy and the WWE Tag Team Champions MNM.

Tazz: Well Rey has yet to finish his business with Kennedy, and The Mexicools are looking for a shot at the tag titles. That match is sure to be a rocketbuster, Cole.

Michael Cole: All that is coming up later on, Tazz, but right now we have the Cruiserweight Champion in action!

Match #1 - Non-Title
C.W. Champ Jamie Noble vs. Stevie Richards

With his C.W. Title matchup all set with Kid Kash at Judgment Day, Noble has to step up and prove why he is the one carrying the title around his waist. Jamie is on his game from the get-go, with only a little bit of offense from Richards, who doesn’t stands very little chance against arguably the best cruiserweight in the division today. All throughout the contest, Cole and Tazz talk about the highly anticipated rematch between Noble and Kash on May 28th, with both announcers choosing a different winner for the match. The finish comes with Noble in control, having already grounded Kash with some submissions, as his superior wrestling ability shines through, and he finishes the former ECW superstar with the BRAIN BUSTER to get the three count.

Winner: Jamie Noble by pinfall at 5:28.

Michael Cole: What an impressive showing by our Cruiserweight Champion here tonight. With all of the talk about his match with Kid Kash at Judgment Day, Jamie Noble was still able to focus on Stevie Richards and get the job done.

Tazz: If you’re impressed with Noble right now, Cole, wait until you see Kid Kash in action later tonight, because he is sure to be the same as Noble, not distracted at all by the hype for their match in three weeks.

{Commercial Break}

Back from break, we are inside the locker room, with BOOKER T pacing around the room, while his wife SHARMELL tries to calm her husband down.

Sharmell: Don’t worry about Batista, baby.

Booker T turns and glares angrily at his wife.

Booker T: Don’t worry!? The man nearly busted me into an early retirement last week, and now I have to step into the same ring as him? I swear Teddy Long is out to get me.

Sharmell: Even if that is true … you know that you can beat Batista.

Booker doesn’t really look convinced.

Sharmell: Baby, you are the five-time WCW Champion … you are the most underrated wrestler in this locker room. If Batista thinks he can just walk all over you … well then he’s got another thing comin’.

Sharmell gets to her feet and puts her hand on Booker’s shoulder.

Sharmell: You are the one who has the upper hand right now … you are the one who beat him so bad that he had to sit at home an extra week … you are the one who escaped damage last week … and you are the one that will win at Judgment Day.

A smile breaks across Booker’s face.

Booker T: You know what? You’re absolutely right. I shouldn’t be worried ‘bout Batista … he should be worried ‘bout me. He needs to get his revenge … and he is going to end up getting hurt.

Heat from the crowd.

Booker T: I am gonna’ go out there tonight and sign the damn contract … and I am gonna’ be the intimidata’. Batista ain’t got nothing on the FIVE-TIME-

Sharmell: You tell ‘em baby.

The Book Man holds up all five fingers, while Sharmell smiles.

Booker T: FIVE-TIME … FIVE-TIME WCW CHAMPION!!

The crowd gives heat, as Booker looks much more confident.

Booker T: Batista better hope he can dig that.

The couple smile at each other, ready for the contract signing with Batista later on, before the picture fades to black.

Elsewhere backstage, we are in the interview area, where Kristal Marshall is standing by with a microphone in hand.

Kristal Marshall: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown!, I am Kristal Marshall and I’d like you to welcome my guest at this time … the United States Champion Matt Hardy.

Hardy walks into the shot, wearing his ring attire and a ‘Hardy’ t-shirt over the top, with the U.S. Title on his right shoulder.

Kristal Marshall: Matt, tonight you are going to wrestle in a non-title contest, but I’d like to get your thoughts on facing Finlay for the United States Title at Judgment Day.

Matt Hardy: Thoughts? Well first off, everyone has me beaten in this match before we even get into the ring. They think Finlay will be the next United States Champion.

Heat for the idea of having Finlay hold the U.S. belt.

Matt Hardy: Finlay knows that Judgment Day is a big night for him … he has the chance to win his first title in the WWE. But what he needs to know is that the match at Judgment Day is the match in my career to this date.

Hardy looks at the title belt.

Matt Hardy: I won this belt at WrestleMania 22 against one of the best veterans in the business … Booker T. (heat for Booker) And then I retained the belt against him a few weeks back. But what does that really mean? I also beat Regal and Burchill in a triple threat match … but still I am being written off because Finlay is too tough for me to hang with. Anyone who thinks that is an idiot.

Pop from the crowd.

Matt Hardy: Finlay needs to know that I need to prove myself at Judgment Day. I need to show the world that I can win the big match … on the big stage … with the target on my back. I need to prove to the world just why you should not underestimate Matt Hardy in this business.

Another strong ovation from the fans.

Matt Hardy: Finlay, you may be one tough Irishman … but it doesn’t matter because when you step into this ring with me … one on one … you need to know one thing … Matt Hardy WILL - NOT - DIE!!!

A final strong pop from the fans, as Hardy walks off.

Back at ringside…

Match #2 - Six Man Tag Team Match
Ken Kennedy & WWE Tag Team Champions MNM (w/Melina) vs. Rey Mysterio & The Mexicools

Right from the moment the bell rings, Mysterio, Super Crazy, and Psicosis go on the attack of their opponents, causing Kennedy and MNM to bail out of the ring and walk around ringside, before the three faces springboard over the top rope and take out all three men!! After that opening spurt, Rey and his team take over the match, keeping Mercury as the lone man early on, keeping him on their side of the ring and away from KK and Nitro. Mercury is able to make a strong comeback and finally makes the tag to Kennedy, but Rey is still in the ring so KK tags in Nitro. The two teams are evened up heading into the end of the match, after some very exciting action.

The finish comes with Super Crazy and Mercury in the ring and much like their match last week, Crazy is the one in control. After some dropkicks and a tornado DDT, Super Crazy makes the tag to Mysterio. Rey runs at Mercury and takes Joey down with a hurricarana. Before Rey can follow up, Kennedy distracts his rival, allowing Nitro to get the tag. Nitro tries to cheap shot Rey, but he gets taken down with a shot to the gut and then a DDT. Mercury and KK try to get into the ring, but the Mexicools go on the attack, and take both men over the top rope to the floor. This allows Rey to eventually regain control, and after a drop toe hold into the ropes … MYSTERIO HITS THE 619!! Mysterio springboards off the top to hit the WEST COAST POP (he is in San Diego) to get the pinfall victory.

Winners: Rey Mysterio & The Mexicools by pinfall at 8:24.

Michael Cole: In his hometown, ‘The Master of the 619’ Rey Mysterio picks up the win for himself and The Mexicools! Rey has been on a roll as of late, but he can’t be satisfied until he is able to beat Ken Kennedy in the ring, and that has yet to happen.

Tazz: Kennedy knows that Rey is on the roll of his life, and with all these tag team matches, Kennedy knows that he won’t be able to face Rey one on one. Kennedy is being smart Cole, he is picking his battles.

Michael Cole: Think what you want Tazz, but Kennedy will need to face Mysterio eventually, you can bet on that.

Mysterio celebrates with his teammates before Crazy and Psicosis leave the ring, allowing Rey to soak in the win in his hometown. Mysterio celebrates on all four turnbuckles, soaking up the reaction from the fans, before he heads out of the ring and up the ramp, slapping hands with and thanking the fans along the way.

{Commercial Break}

In the back, we are inside the private locker room of The Cabinet, with ‘The Chief of Staff’ ORLANDO JORDAN dressed to compete and sitting on one of the couches, with ‘The Secretaries of Defense’ THE BASHAM BROTHERS standing on his left and JILLIAN HALL on his right. Doug, Danny, and Jillian all have concerned looks on their faces, while O.J. doesn’t show much emotion.

Jillian Hall: This isn’t fair Orlando … how could JBL do this to you? He had you in the ring with The Undertaker two weeks ago … and now you have to face Undertaker by yourself? I swear … I think John is taking advantage of you.

Jordan’s expression still remains unchanged.

Doug Basham: Jillian’s right Orlando … JBL has been taking advantage of all of us for the last two years.

Jillian and Danny both nod their heads.

Danny Basham: Remember JBL’s title reign up until last year’s WrestleMania? It was one of the greatest reigns in recent memory … but he had our help the entire time. And then when he was told we couldn’t help him at ringside … he lost. And now he is using us like animals to help him get what he wants.

Jordan blinks his eyes for a moment, but doesn’t say anything to the rest in the room. Jillian gets closer to talk with him.

Jillian Hall: You don’t have to do this Orlando. You need to tell JBL that you are done facing The Undertaker. John is a great man … a great boss … but you can’t let him continue to use you however he pleases.

Jillian backs up and waits for Orlando to reply … but before he can say anything…

???: (clears throat)

The camera turns around to show ‘The Wrestling God’ JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD enter the locker room, with all eyes turned onto him. JBL doesn’t seem upset … but the Bashams and Jillian aren’t sure if he heard what they have said. JBL comes closer to the four in the room and turns to the Bashams and Jillian.

John Bradshaw Layfield: If the three of you wouldn’t mind … I need to speak with Orlando in private.

Jillian, Doug, and Danny all stare at each other and hesitate for a moment, but JBL doesn’t begin speaking to Jordan, instead turning his attention back to them.

John Bradshaw Layfield: That means I need you three to leave … now.

Jillian and the Bashams head out of the room, leaving only JBL and Orlando. Bradshaw sits down on the couch next to his right hand man.

John Bradshaw Layfield: So last week did not go exactly as I had planned, Orlando. I thought the deal was that we win make sure I win against The Undertaker … and that didn’t happen.

Orlando keeps his head lowered, but shifts his eyes onto JBL for a moment.

Orlando Jordan: At least you didn’t lose … boss.

JBL lets out a small smirk.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Then I can’t complain all that much, can I? I mean I still get the chance to walk out of Judgment Day as the World Heavyweight Champion … but it will be a little more difficult than I planned. At first I thought I only needed to beat Randy Orton … but now I need to beat that washed-up has been The Undertaker also.

Heat from the crowd.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You as well as anyone knows that I have beaten The Undertaker each time we have been in the ring with a World Title on the line … but with Orton in there now … I need to make sure I am not double teamed by them. I mean, I am going to be the target heading into the match … because they both know that I can beat them.

More heat, as JBL seems a little too confident heading into the World Title match at Judgment Day.

John Bradshaw Layfield: So tonight the job is simple for you, Orlando … you need to beat The Undertaker. And I don’t just mean pin his shoulders down to the mat for a three count or make him tap out. I mean you really need to show him that you aren’t some idiot who gets lucky once in a while … like this people in San Diego.

More heat, with JBL insulting pretty much the entire audience with that last comment.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You have been in this situation before Orlando. Remember back before WrestleMania 21 … I asked you to beat John Cena in the ring and take his United States Championship … you got the job done didn’t you?

Orlando kind of just shrugs his shoulders, not really looking at his boss. JBL’s face turns from content to angry.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Boy, look at me when I ask you a question!

JBL puts his hand on Orlando’s head and makes The Chief of Staff face him.

John Bradshaw Layfield: The only thing that is gonna be different this time … is that I am not going to lose on the big stage like I did to John Cena … oh no … this time I am going to be the one leaving the arena with a World Title around my waist.

JBL gets up to his feet and stares at Orlando.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And you are going to make sure that happens … because I am not the only one hoping that you can beat Undertaker.

Jordan actually has emotion on his face, as he turns to JBL with a look of confusion.

Orlando Jordan: What do you mean?

JBL’s expression doesn’t change.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You will see what I mean later on. Now finish getting ready … that match you have tonight is a big one.

Bradshaw doesn’t seem to elaborate on that last point, as he leaves Orlando in the locker room, exiting through the door and not turning back. Jordan sits on the couch for a moment and thinks about what JBL just told him, wondering if he will get any help in the match tonight, before he goes back to getting ready for the main event.

Raw Rebound:
- Ric Flair beats Carlito with the Figure Four Leg Lock, with Carlito’s “friend” Chris Masters being the reason for the loss.
- The Big Show beats Matt Striker. After the match, Kane comes down to the ring and brawls with Show, before the 500-pounder is clotheslined over the top rope and then heads up the ramp.
- After Chavo Guerrero loses to Gregory Helms, Umaga and Armando Alejandro Estrada debut, with Umaga damn near destroying Chavo.
- Edge retains his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels after a spear. After the match, John Cena comes down to the ring and beats down HBK, culminating with an F-U through the announce table.

{Commercial Break}

Match #3 - Singles Match
Kid Kash vs. Juventud Guerra

Fresh off his win last week to become the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship at Judgment Day, Kid Kash takes on the man he didn’t pin last week, the former champion Juventud Guerra. Juvy proved last week that he shouldn’t be taken lightly, as he was just as capable as winning the match as Kash was, had it not been for crashing and burning on the outside after a missed crossbody. Even though Kash doesn’t seem to be off his game, Juvy is able to impress the audience, keeping The Notorious K.I.D. on the defensive with some lightning quick offense early on. Juvy looks to have the match won several times, only to see Kash get his shoulder up before the three count.

After using a ton of energy early on, Juvy begins to fade and that allows Kash to take over the match. Kash runs through most of his usual moves, including a missile dropkick off the top rope for a two count. Juvy briefly gets in some offense near the end of the match but he can’t stop the momentum that Kash has, and the number one contender finishes off the Mexicool with the DEAD LEVEL to get the pinfall victory.

Winner - Kid Kash by pinfall at 6:13.

Michael Cole: We saw the Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble pick up an impressive victory earlier tonight, but I think Kid Kash made his own statement with a victory of his own.

Tazz: Made his own statement, Cole? You’re crazy if you don’t realize that Kash straight up outperformed his opponent for Judgment Day.

Michael Cole: Well we are going to have to wait until Judgment Day to see who outperforms the other, partner.

Tazz: You know that it is gonna be Kid Kash getting the best of Jamie Noble, just admit it Cole.

Michael Cole: Think what you want, Tazz. I am going to wait until Judgment Day to see who the better man is.

In the hallway, the Basham Brothers are chatting, talking about Orlando Jordan’s match against The Undertaker tonight. They then turn around and are about to head back down the hall to The Cabinet’s locker room … but they bump into the team of Paul London and Brian Kendrick, the Hooligans.

Doug Basham: What the hell do you guys want? We have some very important business to prepare for.

Paul London: We were just wondering when we were gonna get an apology for what you guys did to us. We thought we would hear it last week … but you guys seemed too busy helping your boss cheat his way into a World Title match.

Doug and Danny both let out a smirk.

Danny Basham: And what exactly do we need to apologize for?

Brian Kendrick: How about for what you did to us two weeks ago? Y’know, when we had MNM right where we wanted them and we were about to beat them for the WWE Tag Team Championships? How about an apology for screwing us out what should be around our waists?

The Basham Brothers both seem to come to a realization.

Doug Basham: Oh that? You mean when we came down to the ring and you jumped over the top rope and took us down?

Paul London: We had a pretty good reason.

Doug Basham: That may be true, Paul … but we aren’t apologizing. We don’t really feel that we need to … you guys weren’t going to win that match anyway.

Kendrick gets into the face of Doug.

Brian Kendrick: I seem to remember us being seconds away from getting the win … you boys seem to remember it a little differently?

Doug backs away from the fiery Kendrick, before Danny speaks up.

Danny Basham: Listen, you guys are great wrestlers and you always seem to entertain the fans. But the fact that you think you can carry the tag team division on this show as the tag team champions … that’s not a reality … it’s just a sad joke.

Heat from the fans.

Danny Basham: We have seen teams like you guys before … so we know a flash in the pan when we see one. You guys may be exciting and all … but you wouldn’t last a day as the tag team champions. You guys thrive on being the underdogs each and every night. But when those belts are around your waists, nobody is taking you lightly. You guys just wouldn’t be able to handle it.

More heat from the fans.

Doug Basham: So why don’t you two just get out of our faces before we show you how a real tag team … a tag team that has held the tag titles before … handles themselves when another team pisses them off.

The Bashams both let out arrogant smiles, but London looks dead serious.

Paul London: Why don’t we show you how we handle teams that screw us out of title belts?

BAM~! London and Kendrick each get in a shot on one of the Basham Brothers and the two teams begin to brawl. No one really gains the upper hand between the two teams, as they only get into it for about thirty seconds, before Teddy Long appears and calls on some officials to break up the fight. The two teams are separated but still keep their eyes locked on each other, as neither team seems satisfied with what just went down.

{Commercial Break}

Back from break, we head over to the announce table with Michael Cole and Tazz, with ‘This Fire Burns’ beginning to play in the background.

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen we still have plenty of action to come tonight, but we are only sixteen days away from the WWE’s next pay-per-view offering, the Smackdown!-exclusive Judgment Day, live from the U.S. Airways Arena in Phoenix, Airzona.

Tazz: Judgment Day is gonna be a big night Cole; we already have a huge lineup of matches scheduled for the show.

Michael Cole: You’re right about that partner, and we just received word from Teddy Long’s office of a new matchup, as MNM will defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against the Mexicools.

Tazz: The Mexicools have been impressive the past few weeks, and tonight they were on the winning side in the six-man tag team match. They are a very good team, but MNM is just so dominant as champions, they aren’t going down easily.

Michael Cole: And what about the match between Jamie Noble and Kid Kash for the Cruiserweight Championship? This match has been nearly three months in the making, and I can’t wait to see who comes out the winner.

Tazz: Kash has been looking for another chance at the Cruiserweight Title since he lost to Noble back at No Way Out, and now he has that opportunity. I think we are gonna have a new Cruiserweight Champion after that match, Cole.

Michael Cole: The third title match is going to be the current United States Champion Matt Hardy facing ‘The Fighting Irishman’ Finlay. Earlier tonight, Hardy said that this match is the biggest of his career, and we are going to see how he will handle the pressure of having the target on his back.

Tazz: Matt impressed everyone when he beat Booker T for the belt back at WrestleMania 22, now he must deliver again as the defending champion. I can’t wait to see who wins that one.

Michael Cole: Probably the most personal match on the card is going to be Booker T taking on ‘The Animal’ Batista. After what happened between these two the past few weeks, it is going to be an all-out war when they step into the ring together.

Tazz: Booker snapped three weeks ago and damn near put Batista on the shelf. Now Batista is back and ready for vengeance. That match is gonna be the definition of a rocketbuster, Cole.

Michael Cole: And finally, it’s the main event of the night, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton will need to go through TWO men to keep the belt around his waist, as both ‘The Wrestling God’ John Bradshaw Layfield and ‘The Phenom’ The Undertaker get a chance to win the belt. This is one of the biggest matches we have had in a long time.

Tazz: Three men, one title, Cole. Randy Orton interfered in the match between JBL and ‘Taker last week and now he must face them both with the belt on the line. The winner of this match will have clearly earned the World Title.

Michael Cole: And that’s the lineup for Judgment Day so far, but we are sure to get a few more matches signed before the show. Matt Hardy faces Finlay at Judgment Day, but right now we will see the U.S. Champion taking on one of the Bluebloods, Paul Burchill.

Match #4 - Non-Title
U.S. Champion Matt Hardy vs. Paul Burchill (w/William Regal)

Even though Hardy is clearly the more dominant wrestler, with him being on a roll as of late, Burchill is the one who comes out of the gates firing, taking Hardy back with his opening offense. With Regal at ringside, Burchill is able to capitalize on every one of the distractions provided by his tag team partner. Burchill uses his power offense to get a few near falls early in the match, but nothing too special, with Hardy kicking out at two every time. Matt begins to make a solid comeback, with him elbowing Regal to the floor when William gets onto the apron. Hardy starts to dominate, as the match heads into the big finish.

Matt has Paul just where he wants him, but Burchill is able to slip out of the Twist of Fate and he shoots Hardy into the ropes. Burchill looks for a clothesline when Hardy comes back, but Matt ducks underneath and takes Burchill down with the SIDE EFFECT!! Matt doesn’t make the cover but instead stalks his opponent, waiting for Paul to get back to his feet and eventually he does, turning around … right into the TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy makes sure that Regal isn’t going to get into the ring, as he makes the cover to get the pinfall victory.

Winner - Matt Hardy by pinfall at 7:00.

The crowd gives a decent pop as Hardy rolls off of Burchill and gets back to his feet. Matt has his hand raised by the referee as Burchill lays in the center of the ring, clearly out of it after the Twist of Fate. Hardy gets handed his U.S. Title and he raises it into the air to another good pop.

Michael Cole: Matt Hardy looked very impressive in his victory tonight, beating the young up-start Paul Burchill with a Twist of Fate for the three count. This has to get Matt in the right state of mind for his match with Finlay at Judgment Day.

Tazz: Matt did a nice job tonight, but Paul Burchill is no Finlay. The number one contender should give Hardy a better run for his money, he is one tough S.O.B.

Matt gets ready to leave the ring, but then WILLIAM REGAL gets back into the ring and comes at him, looking for a clothesline … BUT HARDY DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND SENDS REGAL OVER THE TOP!! Regal hits the outside hard, as the fans cheer again, with Matt raising his title in the air again.

Hardy turns around to exit the ring, but he is then turned back to the center of the ring, as FINLAY stands before him, and The Fighting Irishman swings his shillelagh … but Hardy ducks underneath it!! Hardy brings to the fight to his number one contender, backing Finlay into the corner with right hands. Finlay tries to turn the tables, with right hands of his own, but Matt keeps the offense going, before Finlay resorts to heel tactics … AND CATCHES MATT WITH A STIFF KICK TO THE GROIN!!

The fans begin to boo Finlay, as he picks up his shillelagh off the mat and holds it high in the air … BEFORE BLASTING HARDY IN THE KNEE!! Hardy crumbles down to the mat and grabs his knee, while Finlay picks up the U.S. Title belt. Finlay gets down into Hardy’s face and the camera is able to pick up what he is saying…

Finlay: You think you’re gonna hold onto this belt!? You think you are gonna beat me, Hardy!? You can’t beat me Hardy … and now I am gonna make sure that you can’t even make it to Judgment Day!

Finlay tosses the belt aside, as Hardy begins to try and get back to a vertical base. Matt gets onto his good knee and looks like he is going to try and come back for more against Finlay … BUT FINLAY BLASTS HIM IN THE HEAD WITH THE SHILLELAGH!!

The fans continue to pour on the heat, as Finlay slides the shillelagh out of the ring and stands tall over his fallen opponent. He then decides to put the icing on the cake, as he grabs Hardy by the head and puts him into position … BEFORE NAILING HIM WITH THE CELTIC CROSS!! Hardy, now bloody and damn near out of it, lies motionless on the mat, as Finlay holds the U.S. Title above his head, getting a ridiculous amount of heat from the fans.

{Commercial Break}

A video package plays, very similar to the ones played in recent weeks, hyping up the debut of the newest Smackdown! superstar, MARCUS COR VON. They build Cor Von up as a former NFL linebacker who has wrestling experience and has been billed as one of the hottest wrestling free agents. The video closes with Cor Von right in the face of the camera, saying that Smackdown! better be ready to feel the POUUUNNNCCEE … PERIOD.

Back to the announce table.

Michael Cole: We have been hearing about Marcus Cor Von for the past couple of weeks and you better be sure to tune in next week, because Cor Von will be making his official Smackdown! wrestling debut.

Tazz: Cor Von is one of the most sought-after free agents on the market right now, and we are going to see just how talented he is when he wrestles in the ring next week. I can’t wait, Cole.

Michael Cole: That is all going down next week, but don’t forget about the main event for tonight, The Undertaker taking on Orlando Jordan. Jordan seems to be worried about that match, but his boss John Bradshaw Layfeild isn’t. What does JBL have planned, Tazz?

Tazz: I have no idea, Cole. JBL is one smart dude, I am sure that he has something in the works to make sure Orlando gets the win.

Speak of the devil; we go backstage to see JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD walking down a hallway, all by himself, before he stops at a locker room door. The camera pans up to see the name on the door … ‘RANDY ORTON’. The fans boo the name, but JBL knocks on the door and after a few moments, the door opens and out steps the man himself, the World Heavyweight Champion. Orton looks at JBL for a moment before stepping into the hallway.

Randy Orton: Haha … well if it isn’t John Bradshaw Layfield. You come over here to thank me for getting you a shot at my World Title at Judgment Day?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Excuse me?

Orton smirks.

Randy Orton: Well, if it wasn’t for me getting involved last week, I’d be facing only The Undertaker at Judgment Day, and you’d be on the outside wishing you had the title shot. So yeah … I think I deserve a simple thank you.

JBL shakes his head, with Orton raising an eyebrow.

Randy Orton: I guess you disagree?

John Bradshaw Layfield: You have no idea what you are talking about, son. You obviously haven’t looked back into your wrestling history. Y’see, I don’t lose to The Undertaker, it just doesn’t happen. When I was WWE Champion, I was always the underdog when Undertaker stepped into the ring with me … and guess what? Every damn time I walked out as the champion.

Orton nods his head, taking in what JBL just said.

John Bradshaw Layfield: So I don’t need to thank you for anything, Randy.

Randy Orton: So then what are you here for? You just come to say that you weren’t thanking me? Because if that is the case, I’ve got better things to do.

Orton turns back toward the locker room, but JBL holds the door open.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Actually … there is something that I came here to ask you about. I know that we are opponents at Judgment Day … but that doesn’t mean that we can’t work together before our match. Orlando has a match against The Undertaker later tonight.

Randy Orton: So I’ve heard … that’s gonna be a tough one. Wish him luck for me.

JBL shakes his head, while Orton smiles at his last comment.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I could do that Orton … but I don’t think that it would help. Y’see, Orlando is good at what he does … he does what I tell him to do. He goes out there every time I ask him to and he does take a beating sometimes, but he knows who’s cuttin’ the paychecks. But I just wanted to know if you wanted in on a little plan of mine.

Randy Orton: JBL with a plan? That’s something that I’ve heard before. You’ve talked people into working with you before … and I am not getting screwed like they did.

JBL smiles, knowing that Orton knows his past history of “alliances”.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Look … the choice to work with me is yours, and this will go well with or without you. But I know your past with The Undertaker. He scares the crap out of you … and you don’t want to face him in the ring again by yourself.

Orton looks set to say something, but JBL doesn’t allow him to.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You may go out there and talk about how you are the almighty Legend Killer … and you may promise to add Undertaker to that list of legends. But he has gotten the best of you … he has made you doubt your abilities. Now, you may be able to beat him at Judgment Day … you could pin him after an RKO … but will you have enough energy left to take me down? And if you somehow pin me first … I don’t see you standing a chance against Undertaker.

Orton shakes his head at the last comment, while JBL lets it sink in. Bradshaw adjusts his cowboy hat, and gets set to continue.

John Bradshaw Layfield: But if you decide to work with me … we could get The Undertaker out of the match early by working together … and then we see who the better man is. And that brings me to tonight … if you help me take down Undertaker … he may not be able to make it to Judgment Day. So are you in … you wanna take down The Deadman?

Orton ponders the question for a moment, before he locks his eyes back on JBL.

Randy Orton: I don’t know what you were thinking when you came down here … but I think that this is all to help you get your way at Judgment Day. You want the Undertaker out of the match even more than I do … and that’s why you want my help. Well I am the World Heavyweight Champion, and I don’t side with anyone.

JBL is taken aback, after he thought he had Orton reeled in.

Randy Orton: So I’m gonna pass on that little offer of yours … so good luck against The Undertaker at Judgment Day. The only question is … will you have the energy to face me when Undertaker is out of the match?

Orton opens the door to his locker room again, before staring down JBL briefly again, and then heading back into the room. This leaves JBL all alone, looking disappointed because his plan didn’t work out.

{Commercial Break}

When we come back to the arena, Smackdown! General Manager TEDDY LONG stands in the ring, with a table in front of him, with chairs on each side. Long has a microphone in hand, ready to address the crowd.

Theodore Long: Ladies and gentlemen, last week you all heard of a match that was made for Judgment Day. And tonight, the two competitors are going to sign the contract, making this match official.

Long adjusts his tie, looking down at the contract that lies on the table.

Theodore Long: Introducing first, from Houston, Texas, he is a former five-time WCW Champion, a former WWE United States Champion, a former Intercontinental Champion, and a multiple-time World Tag Team Champion, he is accompanied to the ring by his wife Sharmell (heat from the crowd) … please welcome … BOOKER T!!

***CAN YOU DIG IT?***

The crowd erupts into massive heat, as the man who viciously assaulted Batista three weeks ago, BOOKER T, walks out onto the stage. Booker is dressed in a long-sleeve shirt and jeans, with Sharmell by his side. Booker looks around the arena, while staying at the top of the ramp, before he leaps in the air and his pyro go off in the background. Booker smiles and walks down the ramp, not seeming concerned at all, as he walks up the steel steps and gets into the ring. Booker goes to the top turnbuckle and poses quickly, before getting back down and taking his seat at the table.

Theodore Long: And the man he faces at Judgment Day … he hails from Washington D.C. … he is a former 2-time World Tag Team Champion, the 2005 Royal Rumble winner, and the man that held the World Heavyweight Championship for one full year … please welcome … ‘The Animal’ BATISTA!!

***I WALK ALONE***

The crowd erupts into a huge ovation, as ‘The Animal’ BATISTA walks onto the stage. Batista is dressed in jeans, a sleeveless t-shirt, and shades, but doesn’t look very happy. Regardless, Batista goes through the usual motions on the ramp, capping it all off with his pyro going off behind him in impressive fashion. Batista continues down the ramp, keeping his eyes locked on Booker, before he gets onto the apron and steps into the ring. Batista foregoes the usual taunts on the top rope, instead not even bothering to sit down and he picks up the microphone closest to his seat.

Batista: Teddy … if you leave me in the ring for too long with this thug … I may do something that will keep him on the shelf for Judgment Day.

Booker smirks, clearly not very intimidated by The Animal.

Batitsta: You think this is a joke? You think I’m kiddin’, Booker? You want me to sign this contract as quickly as possible … before I break you in half.

Booker makes a gesture as if to say “go ahead”.

Theodore Long: O-okay Batista … you may be the first to sign the contract.

Batista takes off the shades and grabs the pen, before quickly signing the contract for his match with Booker T at Judgment Day. Once he is finished, Batista slides the contract towards Booker … before throwing the pen at his chest!! Booker doesn’t look very happy … but grabs the pen anyway.

Theodore Long: Now that we have Batista’s signature … all we need … is for you to sign it, Booker.

Booker holds the pen above the paper, looking set to sign the contract. Just as the pen is about to hit the paper, Booker drops it onto the table and picks up the microphone.

Booker T: Y’know Dave … I need to tell ya’ somethin’ befo’ I make tha’ match official.

Batista: (Through gritted teeth) Make it quick.

Booker turns back to looks at Sharmell, who simply nods toward her husband.

Booker T: I lied ta’ everyone a few weeks back, man. I said that it was nothing personal when I took ya’ out with tha’ steel chair. That’s a lie … it was personal.

Booker rolls up his sleeves, while Batista still hasn’t taken his seat.

Booker T: I am gonna’ shoot it straight with ya’, dawg. There is a reason that I got pissed off three weeks ago … and it is because I gotta’ put up with wrestlers like you … all the time.

Batista: Is this going anywhere?

Booker T: Ya’ … it’s goin’ somewhere. Y’see Dave, you tha’ opposite of me when it comes to wrestling in this company.

Batista: Why? Is it because I can actually win a World Championship match?

The crowd pops, as Batista seems to let out a small smile, breaking his stone-face look, but Booker doesn’t think it was too funny.

Booker T: Naw, man … that ain’t tha’ reason. Tha’ reason is … you had it easy in this business … while I needed to bust my ass ta’ get everything that I’ve earned in this business.

Batista raises an eyebrow; everyone knows how tough his upbringing was.

Booker T: Don’t waste my time, Batista … because I know what you gonna’ say. I know how tough a time you had when you was growin’ up … I had the same thing. Ya’ lived in the worst part of tha’ city … I know that ain’t easy. Naw … I am pissed about tha’ way ya’ came into this business … ya’ had the easy road, dawg.

Batista raises an eyebrow again, confused as to what Booker is getting at.

Booker T: Ya’ came up to the main roster, and right away ya’ were hanging with Devon Dudley, and he was showin’ ya’ tha’ ropes. Now I know he ain’t the greatest wrestler there is in this business … but he is better than nothin’ … and that’s exactly what I had. I came in on my own … and I have accomplished everything in my career … on my own. Not like you, dawg, you got the best help in the world.

Batista stares right at Booker, but Booker isn’t anywhere close to done.

Booker T: Ya’ left Devon behind … but then ya’ joined up with two of tha’ best that this business has seen … ‘Tha’ Naitcha’ Boy’ Ric Flair … and ‘Tha’ King of Kings’ Triple H.

Major pop from the fans for those two, but Booker shoots them a look before continuing.

Booker T: You just like our World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton (heat) … and you been cruising through this business … ridin’ the coattails of those two future Hall of Famers. You been around World Championships ever since you been with them … you helped Triple H keep his gold … and you were bein’ bred ta’ be World Champion since the moment ya’ shook their hands. But me … I’m the exact opposite.

Booker gets to his feet and right into Batista’s face, with the crowd beginning to cheer with excitement.

Booker T: I won the World Title five times back in WCW. And I didn’t do it with no help … I didn’t do it with tha’ advice of two great mentors … I did it with mah’ own determination and mah’ own God-given ability!

Heat from the crowd, as Booker is getting fired up.

Booker T: And when ya’ left Hunter and Flair … I knew that your career was gonna’ go downhill. Maybe ya’ can last a little while on your own … you can beat a few guys and have people talk about ya’ as a great wrestler … and you can have your little joke of a World Title reign-

Batista: Joke!? You think my title reign was a joke!? In case you’ve been gone the last thirteen months … I held that belt for ONE FULL YEAR! What’s the longest time you’ve ever held the belt for? A few monthss? Your World Title reigns were jokes … mine was legendary.

Pop from the fans.

Batista: And as far as me riding the coattails of Hunter and Flair … in case you forgot, I beat both of them after I split from Evolution. I beat Triple H three times in a row … including a match inside Hell in a Cell, a match he’d never lost … and I came out without a damn scratch!

Another big pop from the fans, as Batista seems to be the aggressor now.

Batista: And after that match … I was drafted to Smackdown!. And while I was World Champion here, I beat JBL (heat) … Eddie Guerrero (major pop) … and Mark Henry (heat) to keep the belt around my waist. And then, Randy Orton gets lucky for one night … and he takes my title. But I had a chance to get that back didn’t I? And then what happened? You come out and cost me the chance to be World Heavyweight Champion again!

Batista is literally inches away from Booker’s face now, full of intensity and rage.

Batista: So now we’re back to where we started, Booker. Sign the damn contract … because I am done talking … and I ready to beat the crap out of you at Judgment Day!

A final big-time pop for Batista, as he drops the mic onto the mat, and watches intently, as Booker T gets ready to sign the contract. Booker brings the mic back up one last time.

Booker T: Dave, ya’ had all the help ya’ needed … I had nothing when I came up. At Judgment Day … I am gonna’ prove that I am the better wrestler … and everyone will find out what a fluke you really are.

Heat. Booker finally puts the pen on the dotted line, signing his name to the contract to make the match official for Judgment Day. The fans cheer this, as Booker drops his mic as well, before getting out of the ring and heading toward the ramp.

Theodore Long: And there you have it … at Judgment Day … it will be ‘The Animal’ Batista going one on one with Booker T. Good luck to you both.

Booker continues to back up the ramp, while Batista stares him down from inside the ring. Both men keep their eyes locked on each other, as the fans continue to cheer the match being made official.

We now see a shot of a backstage hallway, with ‘The Chief of Staff’ ORLANDO JORDAN walking with his head down, and none of the Cabinet members around him, as he heads into his match against The Undertaker on his own.

Michael Cole: Our main event is next, everyone. It will be Orlando Jordan going up against one of the men who is in the World Heavyweight Championship match at Judgment Day, ‘The Deadman’ The Undertaker. That match is coming up, right after our final commercial break!

{Commercial Break}

Match #5 - Main Event - Singles Match
The Undertaker vs. Orlando Jordan

One would expect O.J. to be pissed and upset about being placed in all these matches with top-level talent, especially without any help from his fellow Cabinet members. Jordan doesn’t want to be anywhere near ‘Taker during this contest and this is shown by his numerous duck-outs in the early going, using the referee’s count to his advantage. After stalling for as long as he can, Jordan gets himself into trouble, as Undertaker gets a hold of him and begins to take the advantage, showing off his legendary striking offense to dominate the match.

Throughout the first five minutes of the match, Undert