Rated-R Champ

RAW Review

Carlito/Shelton: A good opening match, liked that Shelton got the win out of nowhere. I'm not sure what the Apple Core is, but doesn't sound like a credible name in my opinion. The aftermath is typically heel, but I thought it was good. I do find it a little funny that Haas got a pop, though.

Coach/Kenny Segment: One-on-one doesn't sound like the Spirit Squad. Should be a good match, but I'm thinking there won't be a clean ending.

HBK Interview: I really liked this segment, but Shawn sounded just a little too sure of himself, which leads me to think that he's either going to get it tonight, going to lose at Backlash, or maybe both. It did a good job plugging in the ME, which should be fantastic.

Trish/Victoria: Good intensity in this match, although a clean win from Trish takes momentum away from Vickie. I don't think Mickie's going to be dropping the title this soon, but I like the idea of a Mickie/Vickie singles feud. It probably won't happen, though, since they're both heels, but it's a nice thought.

Torrie/Striker/Eugene Segment: Very funny segment. I hate Eugene's gimmick, so I'm glad he got punched, but I feel for Striker. I hope we get more Striker/Torrie segments to follow up this angle.

Edge/Lita Segment: It was a fine segment, with good intensity, and it built up the title match well, but it kind of felt like filler to me. I'm hoping Hunter doesn't cost Edge the title, it'd be a real shame.

Tag Match: Speak of the devil. I got a kick of Coach's lackluster announcement, and the people's disappointment. The match was nothing special, but you're doing a great job in building up the title match.

Flair Interview: As much as I dislike Flair as a wrestler in his later days, I still love the guy's promos and the crazy intensity he brings. With that said, this is one of my favorite segments of the night. I've stated several times that I don't like Flair as Mr. MITB, so I hope that he loses it, but not to Angle. Somewhere down the road, to an upper midcarder.

Helms/Chavo Promo: More great build-up for a match. I loved how Helms disregarded being the Hurricane, because if memory serves me correctly, Hurricane would never admit his secret identity, no matter how obvious. I loved this promo, more so than Flair's, actually. I don't think Chavo will win the title, but he'll give a great showing, and beat Helms later on.

No DQ: That damn Coach, doing a great job as a heel. Finally, a good announcement. This was MOTN so far, although I always wonder, why don't the heels interfere right at the start? Booking-wise it makes perfect sense, but reality-wise it's odd. Anyway, both teams got great momentum heading into their match, but I'm not sure who's going to win. Quite the toss-up.

RVD/HBK Segment: Contrast to the ass-kicking that just took place, I found this segment pretty relaxed and whatnot. I'm going to have to disagree with Shawn, but I still hope that this Edge/RVD feud goes on a little longer.

Main Event: I skimmed through the PPV hype, but I noticed that now, Striker vs. Eugene is on the card. A little odd. Anyway, the main event. Definitely MOTN. This put over the three matches over very well, and the finish came off strong as well. I do hope you're foreshadowing the finish to the Angle/Flair match, but either way, a great way to end the show. I don't think I've ever seen the Van Daminator done with a title belt, so that was a good spot, so like I said, MOTN.

Overall: Another fantastic show. This BTB has become a must-read for me, so I wish you the best of luck in your PPV. This show was all about build-up, and it delivered very well. Everything flowed smoothly, and had a couple of funny moments. A great show to end the road to Backlash, and you'll be seeing a review from me for that as well. 8/10.

Backlash Predictions:

WWE Championship:
Edge vs. Rob Van Dam
-I think Edge'll retain, but possibly lose to RVD later on.

John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
-HBK, he'll need this win if you want the feud to continue.

Money in the Bank Briefcase:
Ric Flair vs. Kurt Angle
-Don't want Flair to be Mr. MITB, but can't see him losing.

World Tag Team Championship:
Kane & The Big Show vs. The Spirit Squad
-Gut feeling.

Intercontinental Championship:
Gregory Helms vs. Chavo Guerrero
-Don't see Helms dropping the strap.

Women's Championship Triple Threat:
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus vs. Victoria
-Mickie won't be dropping this soon. At least, I hope not.

Carlito & Chris Masters vs. World's Greatest Tag Team
-There's going to be a dirty finish, I can feel it.

Matt Striker vs. Eugene
-Striker, because I hate Eugene and want his program with Torrie to continue.

__________________
WWE: Reimagined

Final Backlash Card is Up

Qui-Gon Jinn rules!

PatMan

More predictions for Backlash are welcome, will probably be posted next week. Anywayz, here is the SD! recap for this week. Enjoy plz.

***



Friday Night Smackdown! - April 28th, 2006 - London, England

The night starts with the World Heavyweight Champion ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton coming to the ring to a mixed reaction, leaning more towards heat. Orton gets a mic and begins by saying that even though everyone doubted him, the ‘Randy Orton Era’ continues after last week’s victory against Batista.
This draws big heat from the fans, but Orton quickly addresses them, stating that Booker T had nothing to do with the victory, because Orton would have pinned Batista anyway, just like he did at WM22. Orton says that Batista got his rematch, he lost, and now he heads to the back of the line. TLK states that he is the best Smackdown! has to offer, and the greatest World Champion in the show’s history, and anyone who wants to step up and challenge him, they’re welcome to it.
The crowd gives heat as the last comment brings ‘The Wrestling Gawd’ JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD, with his entire Cabinet in tow, down to the ring. JBL says that Orton got lucky last week, and if there is anyone who deserves to be called the greatest World Champion in Smackdown! history, JBL does.
Orton steps up into the face of Bradshaw, telling him that his World Championship reign last year was nothing but a joke, because he had help at every turn. Orton says that a real champion doesn’t need a “Cabinet” around for every match, because a real champion can win the matches on his own.
The two go back and forth, with JBL finally saying that if Orton is such a great champion, then he wouldn’t mind putting the WHC on the line against JBL … TONIGHT!! The crowd actually pops for that possible match but before JBL and Orton look like they are ready to go at it, they are interrupted … as Smackdown! GM TEDDY LONG makes his way onto the stage.
Teddy tells both men to hold on, because that match won’t be happening here tonight … but it could very well happen at Judgment Day. T-Lo says that he has already signed a match for next week, with the winner heading to JD to face Randy Orton for the WHC. That match will feature JBL going one-on-one with … THE UNDERTAKER!!
The crowd gives a huge pop for ‘The Phenom’, while JBL throws a bitch fit in the ring, yelling at Teddy that he doesn’t need to prove himself against ‘Taker. Before he leaves, T-Lo says that he has signed a main event for tonight, that will see JBL team with ‘The Chief of Staff’ Orlando Jordan to take on Randy Orton and The Undertaker. Orton and JBL both look none too happy, as Long gives them a “Holla, Holla, Holla” before we fade to break.

{Commercial Break}

The first match of the night is for the Cruiserweight Championship, as Jamie Noble defends against Nunzio. After winning the four-way last week, Nunzio seems to think that he can beat Noble, and the two put on a solid contest, not getting too much time, with Noble having control after Nunzio’s early offense. The finish comes when Noble locks in the Dragon Clutch, forcing Nunzio to tap out at 6:23.
As Noble celebrates in the ring, having successfully retained his title, ‘The Notorious K.I.D.’ watches his rival on a monitor backstage, clearly incessed that he didn’t get the title shot tonight.

In the parking lot, we see the arrival of BOOKER T and SHARMELL, who receive a ton of heat from the fans. Cole and Tazz talk about Booker’s attack on Batista last week, before stating that he will be in action later tonight.

Backstage, Steve Romero conducts an interview with The Hooligans. London & Kendrick talk about their match later on against MNM, with the WWE Tag Team Titles on the line. London says that this is the first time they will face MNM two-on-two, with the gold on the line. Kendrick says that they don’t plan on wasting this opportunity, because they don’t get many (shoot comments from Spanky?) and they know how hard it is to battle to the top. London closes by saying that leaving the arena with anything less the title belts will be considered a failure.

{Commercial Break}

Raw Rebound:
- Trish beats Victoria, gaining the momentum heading into Backlash, when she faces Mickie James and Vicky in a Triple Threat match for the Women’s Championship.
- Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero have a verbal exchange, with Helms telling Chavo that he is not good enough to take Helms’ IC Title.
- Kurt Angle pins Ric Flair after an Angle Slam, getting the win in the six-man tag team main event.

In the second match of the night, Rey Mysterio takes on the arrogant loudmouth Ken Kennedy. Kennedy, never one to be modest, holds the advantage in the early stages of the match, keeping Rey grounded and constantly taunting the smaller man. After the early offense by KK, the two put on a solid contest, with a great clash of styles. As we head towards the finish, Rey is the one who holds the advantage, using his great speed to baffle Kennedy, and Rey has him on the ropes, setting up for the 619 … but KK moves … AND THEN SLIDES OUT OF THE RING AND HEADS UP THE RAMP!! Kennedy backs up the ramp as the ref reaches the count of five, and KK actually fakes like he is going to go back, but he never does, with the referee reaching the ten count, giving Rey the win at 9:29.
After the referee calls for the bell, Rey looks pissed in the ring, hating that Kennedy left the ring and ended the match. Kennedy taunts Rey on the ramp, pointing to his temple, trying to play mind games with Mysterio.

In the interview area, Kristal Marshall stands by with US Champ Matt Hardy. Hardy talks about retaining the title last week against Regal and Burchill, before talking about tonight’s number one contenders match between Finlay and Hardcore Holly. Hardy says that he would be honored to face either man at JD and he hopes that they know a match against him won’t be easy, as he plans on doing whatever he can to keep the belt around his waist.

{Commercial Break}

When we come back into the arena, the crowd pours on the heat, as BOOKER T and SHARMELL make their way to the ring. After grabbing a mic from a worker and waiting for the crowd to die down, Booker cuts an awesome promo. He explains why he attacked Batista last week, citing that he is done waiting for opportunities to be given to him, and he is taking them by beating down everyone in his way. He says Batista didn’t deserve to face Orton again, and that is why he hurt Batista so bad that he isn’t even at the arena tonight. This draws more heat from the crowd, as Booker closes by saying that this is not the same Booker T everyone loved in WCW, this is the Booker T that isn’t takin’ crap from people anymore. Booker throws to mic to the outside and gets ready for his upcoming match.

The third match of the night sees Booker T face off against Steven Richards. Richards, who probably couldn’t compete against a normal Booker T, doesn’t stand a chance against the angry Booker T, as Stevie just gets steamrolled from bell to bell. Booker drops Richards with the Book End before hitting the Scissors Kick to get the three count at 3:50.
After getting his hand raised, Booker gets the mic again, and says that this was just an example of how good he can be, and if Batista wants to test his luck by coming back and looking for revenge, then he is welcome to it, but now he knows the consequences.

A video package plays, hyping up the newest Smackdown superstar, MARCUS COR VON. The video talks about Cor Von being a former NFL player, and ends by saying that Cor Von will debut May 19th.

{Commercial Break}

In the four match of the night, the WWE Tag Team Champions MNM put the belts on the line against The Hooligans. The two teams have a great tag team contest, as the story of the feud is told very well, with London and Kendrick going all out, as they know this opportunity won’t come very often. After the two teams are evenly matched throughout, the finish comes with L&K in control, as Kendrick is taking it to Mercury in the ring, knocking him down with numerous right hands and dropkicks. Kendrick looks to be closing in, as Mercury is reeling, but Brian gets distracted, as the BASHAM BROTHERS come down to ringside. They distract Brian briefly … before London comes off the ropes … AND TAKES OUT BOTH DANNY AND DOUG!! This gets the referee’s attention just long enough for Nitro to come in and turn Kendrick around … before MNM PLANTS HIM WITH THE SNAPSHOT!! Nitro rolls out of the ring, while Mercury makes the cover for the three count at 10:27.
Melina grabs the title belts from ringside, letting out an ear-piercing shriek of delight as Mercury and Ntiro meet her by the announce table, raising their titles high in the air. London gets back into the ring and checks on Kendrick, while the Bashams head up the ramp, doing what they set out to accomplish here tonight.

In his locker room, JBL talks with ‘The Chief of Staff’ Orlando Jordan. JBL says that next week is huge for him, as he has the chance to become the number one contender for JD. Bradshaw says that he can’t afford to get hurt in the main event tonight and that is why he is counting on Orlando. He needs OJ to be at his best, because he knows that he can win it for them tonight. Jordan thanks JBL for showing confidence in him, saying that he will do all he can to soften ‘Taker up for next week.

{Commercial Break}

At ringside, Cole and Tazz talk about what’s on tap for next week’s show, saying that a huge tag team match has been signed, featuring Rey Mysterio teaming up with Matt Hardy to take on Ken Kennedy and the winner of the match between Finlay and Hardcore Holly. They also say that Batista will be in Cinncinati for next week’s show, before they hype up the main event for next week, JBL vs. The Undertaker, with the winner facing Randy Orton for the WHC at Judgment Day.

Our fifth match of the night is to determine the number one contender for the US Championship at Judgment Day, as Finlay battles Hardcore Holly. The two veterans put on a decent match, with plenty of physicality and near falls, and the two are evenly matched throughout, before we head into the finish, with Finlay firmly in control, and he finishes off Holly with the Celtic Cross to get the victory at 7:24.
‘The Fighting Irishman’ gets his hand raised by the referee, letting out a toothy grin, as he will now face Matt Hardy on May 28th for the US Championship. Finlay motions that the belt will be around his waist come JD, as he heads up the ramp.

Backstage, Josh Matthews stands by with the World Heavyweight Champion ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton. Orton talks about the main event tonight, stating that he doesn’t need Undertaker’s help to beat JBL, but he will gladly take it. Orton says that he has beaten ‘Taker before, so he is not too concerned about who wins the match next week. Orton closes by saying that if JBL wants to prove he can be the WHC, he will face off with Orton tonight, instead of letting Orlando do all the work.

{Commercial Break}

The main event sees JBL and Orlando Jordan team up to take on Randy Orton and The Undertaker. Sticking true to his word from earlier, JBL lets Orlando do most of the work during the match, with Bradshaw only tagging in when it is at his advantage. Orton and ‘Taker eventually dominate Orlando, and we enter the closing stages with Jordan and Orton in the ring. After an inverted backbreaker to OJ, TLK tells JBL to get into the ring. Bradshaw fakes like he is going to put instead gets off the apron, getting big time heat from the crowd. Orton goes over and tags in Undertaker, before Randy goes after JBL!! Bradshaw runs up the ramp and heads to the back, leaving OJ all alone, with Undertaker planting him with a Chokeslam and then a TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER for the three count at 11:41.
After getting the win, Undertaker has his hand raised by the referee, while Cole and Tazz put over the cowardice of JBL, leaving his own teammate in the ring to fend off two wrestlers. ‘Taker looks set to do his finishing pose in the ring, and he turns to face the ramp …

… AS RANDY ORTON SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING …

… LOOKING FOR THE RKO … BUT ‘TAKER COUNTERS IT!!

Orton pops back up to his feet but Undertaker sends him back with quick right hands, before he whips Orton into the ropes … and drops him with a Big Boot!! Orton gets back to his feet but turns around right into ‘Taker … CHOKESLAM!! ‘The Phenom’ stands over the fallen World Heavyweight Champion, as Cole and Tazz give a hard sell for the #1 contender’s match next week, as we fade to black.

END OF SHOW



Current Card for Judgment Day
May 28th, 2006
US Airways Arena - Phoenix, Arizona
“This Fire Burns” - Killswitch Engage

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
'The Legend Killer' Randy Orton vs. John Bradshaw Layfield OR The Undertaker

---

United States Championship Match:
Matt Hardy vs. Finlay

__________________



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

Legend

SmackDown! Feedback

With Mysterio out of the way I expect a pretty big push for JBL and with him mentioning a title shot it kind of confirms what I've been thinking for Judgment Day: a multi-man match with Orton defending against the likes of JBL, 'Tista, 'Taker and, possibly, Booker T and Mysterio. Glad that The Cabinet is still in full force in this thread too.

No way did Nunzio just beat those other guys Aside from Scotty, this guy's the biggest jobber of the lot. Oh well, I guess you mark for him. Personally I think Juvy and KK are the only two guys good enough to challenge Noble. Noble to retain next week me think, comfortably, but Kash to stick his nose in somehow.

Hopefully something special does go down with the eight-man tonight, because this MNM/Hooligan feud is feeling awfully stale and repetitive, as Londrick keeping pinning the heels until their inevitable shot at Judgment Day.

Solid promo from The Legend Killer, though I would've expected more allusions to the fact that he's in his home town. Surely he'd be over like a motherfucker? Liking 'The Randy Orton Era' though. Long reign plz.

Only nine minutes for the triple threat match? Bit gutting. Anywho, sounded like the generic heel assault before they attack each other and face makes his comeback scenario. Looks like Burchill and Regal are done for as a team now, but hopefully you can give them both decent singles pushes. Ah, Finlay's rearing his head again. There's Matt's opponent for Judgment Day then.

Kennedy Another in-ring segment for Double K in this thread makes me happy, and at least it kind of makes up for his jobber performance last week against Big Dave. Him speaking of World title shots already has me excited for his future in this thread {just don't job him anymore ... okay?} Nice choice of feud for him with Rey Rey, as Mysterio tends to always be the one getting in the face of cocky newcomers. Nice segment indeed, and it looks like another feud for JD has been set up. KK will obviously go over, but Rey will give him a huge rub in the process.

Yep, I thought as much. At least it wasn't MNM doing the job this week, but the less talented Bashams. As you can tell, I'm not really into this feud at all. It needs to be made different from the one we saw in real life.

Big Dave = (Y) I don't think anyone's grown on me as much as this cat. He's losing tonight for sure, but whether or not it will be a clean loss depends on what the WHC match a JD will be I think.

Orlando Jordan still wins matches in this thread? Huh, absolutely no complaints from me. I quite like the guy; I just sometimes find it hard to push him ahead of more deserving peeps. He's a good edition to the U.S title division though. Hardy, Jordan, Finlay, Regal and Burchill is a solid group by anyone's standards.

Kennedy/Mysterio and MNM/Hooligans next week? You really don't hang around with your matches, do you, Pat? I think you should have held off until JD personally ... unless you have something big planned?

Really exciting Main Event to close out with, and it's great to see Booker T getting a ME push in the process. No one seems to rate this guy anymore {**cough** Mac **cough**}, but he is one of the best veteran heels around currently. Not sure what his interference means though. It could simply mean that he will be part of the multi-man match for the title at JD, or it could mean a seperate feud for him and The Animal. Either one would be good, although Book and 'Tista have notoriously horrible chemistry. Let's see though.


Raw Feedback

Solid match to kick off the show with, as Carlito and Benjamin can work at one hell of a fast pace to get the crowd up for it. Not sure how I feel about 'Lito jobbing, but at least you continue to really do something with your tag division on Raw. No idea how long these two teams will stay together, as they're all great as singles wrestlers {Masters excluded}, but I definitely see tag gold in at least one of their futures. Standard beat down and save afterwards, probably hinting at a WGTT victory at 'Lash.

Spirit Squad and Coach Two awesome and underrated heels in th same room = ratings. Obviously Kenny and his boys have something up their sleeve to want a match with Kane, but I'm not sure what. Coach screw job plz. Who was he talking to at the end though, himself?

Excellent interview from Shawn Michaels. You got his current character pretty much bang on. That cocky veteran attitude. I forgot about the six-man tag this week. Also forgot we're in the motherland I'm unpatriotic. I'm still calling a No Contest at Backlash.

Well Victoria sure ain't winning at Baclash now after that. I keep forgetting who's champion I thought maybe Mickie would get in a sneak attack afterwards, but I guess this way she looks slightly vulnerable heading into the three way.

Random segment between Striker, Torrie and Eugene to say the least. Any push for the awesome Striker gets a thumbs up from me, but this was a bit bland. Striker can be better than this ... MUCH better. I hope we don't just get a carbon copy segment at Backlash like the one in real life.

Nice, really nice promo from Edge. This is when he's best, when he's pissed at everyone and everything and just starts ranting like there's no tomorrow. I'm glad you're building up this incredible run that RVD's been on since 'Mania. He's really going to need it. I was waiting for Hunter to pop his head in though with a smart ass comment.

Coach is fucking gold Even though we got a stinker of a match out of it, you have to love the GM for sticking it to Trips. It got five minutes too? No way. Personally, with the kind of 'talent' that was in the ring with him, I wouldn't have minded at all had Hunter just Pedigreed the shit out of all of them {except maybe Val} like he does normally. Good shit though.

Pretty good interview from Naitch. It wasn't as good as some of his segments have been lately, but it was still very entertaining. No way is Slick Ric dropping the briefcase at Backlah after all of this. The way I see it, he's holding it 'til 'Mania next year. Angle to beat the shit out of him in the six-man later on though.

Wow, talking about giving a rather under hyped match some mega hype. I salute you for doing this, Pat. Helms and Chavo do deserve this kind of exposure and I don't care what that Fosters swillin' jobber Reney says {<3}. Now, don't get me wrong, this wasn't the best segment of the night, and it wasn't that entertaining, but the mere fact that you value this division enough to give it such limelight shows how good you really are. Helms really did carry this entire promo from start to finish, and that's simply because he's gold on the mic. Bringing up the Hurrican and Chavito's lack of success was smart as it gives this feud what it's been missing: a personal edge. As a face, Chavo is tough to write for; believe me I know, which is why Helms > him in this segment. I can see a heel turn in Guerrero's future. Really well done with this though, Pat. It shows you're growing in confidence in your own ability, something that should have happened a long time ago to be honest. Keep it up

My god, Coach is on FIRE tonight isn't he? More golden booking from the GM to give Kenny a huge rub by getting to pin Kane {doesn't matter how}, just a few days away from Backlash. Loved the No DQ ruling too. Good booking, Pat. I was a bit worried though that this would be how it would end, leading to a Kane and Show retention at 'Lash, but the beating that Kenny and co. took afterwards negates that. I'm still pulling for the SS this Sunday without a doubt.

I guess that was your way of saying "RVD/HBK wiil NOT be happening any time soon", which is fair enough. Nothing more I can say really about the segment, other than Michaels put Van Dam over big time. I hope Rob still has a big feud lined up for after Backlash.

Striker/Eugene on a PPV? Yuck. Hopefully it's a straightforward squash for Striker to start a push.

Great main event to close up with. Nice and chaotic for sure. I kind of lost track of Michaels and Cena towards the end, so I'm sticking with my original prediction. Good way to give Angle some great momentum and put Van Dam over too. By the way the Van Daminator is only when you kick something back in someone's face, so it's weird that RVD hit about ten Really good final sell before Backlash.


SmackDown! Feedback

The opening of this show kind of felt similar to the one this year on Raw post-'Mania, when JBL challenged Orton. It was pretty obvious that couldn't take place. It was a solid opening. Huge main event for next week that's for sure, but as I don't see you doing Orton/'Taker again either, I see a No Contest happening. Looks like poor Orlando will be taking the fall again tonight.

Excellent to see that Noble murdered Nunzio relatively quickly withhis awesome submission. He's been on one hell of a roll that's for sure. Glad to see Kash still involved in this thing also. Looks like the rematch will be happening at Judgment Day.

Booker T I'm already in love with this push for The Book Man. Can't wait to hear from him.

The Hooligans actually get an interview? No way. I can't see them winning the belts tonight, but something will likely go down to lead the wat to a tag title match at JD. Shot comments own by the way.

Well, no way was Kennedy or Mysterio losing on SmackDown so close to JD. This match got some decent time at least, but I'm glad Kennedy still came out looking pretty strong ... and smarter. Hopefully you make a rematch for the PPV so that KK can get the biggest win of his career so far.

Good stuff from Hardy, whose been a pretty mega roll himself since 'Mania. God knows how Hardcore jobber Holly earned a spot in the #1 Contender's match tonight Would've made more sense sureky to have put either Regal, Burchill or both of them in the match.

The simple reason that you described Booker's promo as "awesome" tells me you mark for him, and tells me to expect a good push for him. Thank god someone's going to do it at last. This 'new attitude' feels similar to the one he has taken on in TNA of late, and have to say I agree with you ... he has become even more awesome. He's possibly the best heel in professional wrestling right now {except maybe Y2J }. The squash match maybe wasn't needed, but the comments he made afterwards to Big Dave make me think there's going to be a grudge match between the two at JD. Now, I like 'Tista, don't get me wrong, but this push for Booker is just too good to waste. Put him over The Animal plz.

Cor Von? Nice. He didn't come in much later than this anyway, so realism buffs like me and KOP are appeased. Kidding, kidding. The Alpha Male is awesome. Use him well.

Ah ha, so your big plan for the tag team division is revealed in full here I see with The Basham Brothers getting in on the act. Sounded like your typically awesome match between MNM and Londrick until JBL's bodyguards get involved. I expect a Triple Threat at JD for the belts now. Good to see you found a good replacement team for The Bluebloods for this division.

Poor Orlando's going to get killed tonight I guess. Shame really. 'Taker's been squashing far too many people for my liking since WrestleMania.

So, Rey/Matt versus Kennedy/Finlay yeah? Yeah, Jobber Holly, whatever. Another good card for next week though, Pat.

Obviously Finlay was winning this one. It was never in doubt really. Should be a really solid feud between he and Hardy at JD and possibly beyond.

Orton's either a completely bad ass heel who's not afraid of anyone or he's turning tweener, as he seems far too eager to fight for his usual heel character. I like it personally. I'm dreading a 'Taker/Orton re-feud at JD, so I'm really pulling for JBL currently in this whole thing.

@ JBL. The man is an awesome heel, no doubt about it. Classic stuff leaving 'Lando high and dry, though yet again just what the hell is Randy doing chasing Bradshaw down and everything? He's sounding like a face He certainly didn't sound like a face at the end though when he tried to cheap shot The Deadman. Awesome finish. That kind of interaction leads me to predict a Triple Threat at JD between Orton, 'Taker and JBL, which should be good.

Overall, these were three very good shows, Pat, that I'm sorry I took such a long time to review. I suck, I know. No marks for no Regal or Burchill on the London show though


Final Card for Backlash
April 30th, 2006
Rupp Arena - Lexington, Kentucky
“ Baby Hates Me” - Danko Jones

WWE Championship Match:
With Special Guest Referee: Triple H
‘The Rated R Superstar’ Edge w/ Lita vs. ‘Mister Monday Night’ Rob Van Dam
In terms of this thread, Edge is a new champion. No way does he drop the belt this early, and RVD has had all the momentum. Easiest prediction tbh.

The WrestleMania Rematch:
‘The Doctor’ John Cena vs. ‘The Heart Break Kid’ Shawn Michaels
NO CONTEST is how I see it going really. Cena won at 'Mania, but HBK's dominated since then, and I can't see The Champ going 2-0 up, as that would kill the feud.

Money in the Bank Briefcase on the Line:
‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair vs. ‘The Wrestling Machine’ Kurt Angle
No one should ever lose the MITB briefcase after winning it at 'Mania, and Angle got the last laugh on Raw.

---

World Tag Team Championship Match:
The Big Show & Kane vs. The Spirit Squad
Just because they're a better team than Kand and Show and are awesome.

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Gregory Helms vs. Chavo Guerrero
Close, but he hasn't hels it long.

Women’s Championship; Triple Threat Match:
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus vs. Victoria
Only just won it, so it's obvious.

Tag Team Match:
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters & Carlito vs. The World’s Greatest Tag Team
The beat down Shelton got on Raw tips this for me. Faces win.

Grudge Match:
Matt Striker vs. Eugene
Eugene sucks. Striker doesn't. 'Nuff said.

Can't wait, Pat

***

Antgreen

Backlash Predictions:


WWE Championship:
Edge vs. Rob Van Dam

John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels

Money in the Bank Briefcase:
Ric Flairvs. Kurt Angle

World Tag Team Championship:
Kane & The Big Show vs. The Spirit Squad

Intercontinental Championship:
Gregory Helms vs. Chavo Guerrero

Women's Championship Triple Threat:
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus vs. Victoria

Carlito & Chris Masters vs. World's Greatest Tag Team


Matt Striker vs. Eugene

It's looking good so far mate, I have been reading and I am impressed. Keep it up.

PatMan

__________________



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

TKoW

Nov