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The Showstopper 88 · 07-21-2008, 05:10 PM

The Showstopper 88's Backlash Review
Here goes my first review of your BTB!

The opening video package was a nice touch, although I think it might have gone on a little bit too long…nice description of it though!

Match 1 - Chris Masters & Carlito vs. WGTT
Very, very strong match to open the show with. I haven’t been reading your BTB until now, so to see WGTT as faces was a bit of a surprise. But this match was great, had some fast-paced action and some good teamwork. Good to see WGTT in the title picture.

HHH/Edge segment
Short, but got the point across. HHH was intense, which I liked, and it’s good to see that the match will *probably* get called down the middle.

Match 2 - Matt Striker vs. Eugene
Reasonably good for a filler match, but nothing more. Some good comedic moments in there, and you got Eugene’s character down well.

HBK Segment
Quite good for recap. You had him in character and it seemed pretty intense. Good to see him still having the passion and wanting to be the best…this is a match that I look forward to.

Spirit Squad segment
This was quite funny, and a good way to get the two brightest stars into the match. Puts SS over and you have them down well too.

Match 3 - Mickie James vs. Victoria vs. Trish Stratus
Brilliant match. Very back-and-forth, loads of break-ups and near falls, plenty of high spots and most importantly, some decent womens’ wrestling!! I enjoyed this match, it was very well done. Very good booking to have Mickie steal it from under Trish’s nose.

Big Show & Kane segment
Good little segment here, writing Kane’s emotionless nature well here. Something isn’t right here.

Match 4 - Big Show & Kane vs. The Spirit Squad
You pulled this off well. It had the potential to be a bad match, but the tension caused by my feeling that something would go wrong tended to that, as did the fact that it was well written and you got the SS numbers element down well. I really look forward to seeing what happens with the two monsters.

Spirit Squad and Coach segment
I struggled to like this because I just hate them all so much. I hate the cheerleading and everything else that goes with them. But you got Coach sucking up down well. You must have done a good job because I just want to see SS get demolished now. Major heat, tbh.

Match 5 - Ric Flair vs. Kurt Angle
MOTN so far. I though this was brilliant and there was a lot of character in there. I liked the way you had Angle getting so frustrated then making a silly mistake to let Flair back in. That is typically intense heel Angle, using all his high-impact technical moves out of frustration. Flair’s styling and profiling, and his couple of moves, you had it all down, man, brilliant. Very good technical match and I’m glad that Flair won!

Chavo segment
Short and sweet, but you didn’t need any more. Chavo seems really focussed - can see a turn on the horizon if he loses.

Carlito & Masters segment
You wrote the ‘tag team tension’ thing well here. They are good as a team and it’d be a bit much to have two tag teams break up at the same time, but I think these two could also make a good feud. I look forward to seeing where this one goes.

Match 6 - Chavo Guerrero vs. Gregory Helms
This was a very good match, a contender for MOTN so far. It was a good technical battle and it was good to see the clean win. I like the idea of Helms as IC Champ, so I think you chose the right winner. To have Chavo so focussed and determined, and to have him use some of Eddie’s moves, was very poignant but he still lost - so I can see him going a bit crazy and turning. I look forward to seeing what your plans are for him though!

Flair & Edge segment
Very good! I could see Flair ‘Wooo’-ing in Edge’s face here. Keeps Edge looking over his shoulder and keeps Flair in the hunt and in the reader’s mind, so well done here, this was a well-worked little segment.

Match 7 - HBK vs. John Cena
Excellent, new MOTN so far! This was such a good match, with back and forth action, and both men playing the Face/Heel roles perfectly. It told a story, and I loved the way that you had HBK fighting back - true spirit. Really well done here, it was great.

Kurt Angle segment
Again, short but effective. Something has gone off in Angle’s head, and he’s obviously losing his patience now, as shown when he trashed stuff. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

RVD segment
Good to see him so focussed, it works well for his character.

main Event - Edge vs. RVD w/HHH as SGR
Oh MAN! MOTN by a long way, in fact, probably the best match I’ve read. That was awesome. I hoped RVD would win, but no matter - both Superstars were SO in character, and it was so back and forth. What a match, I don’t know what else to say!

Overall
If I could give more than 10/10 I would. I can’t, so 10/10 it is. This is the first bit of your work that I’ve read, and it’s probably the best of anything that I’ve read yet. You have some awesome feuds, some great characters, and some great ‘what happens next?’ moments. You’ve gained a reader, I’ll be checking back for sure.

**PatMan** · 07-28-2008, 12:28 PM

First off, thanks for the reviews for Backlash. I expected a few more, tbh ... especially from some of the regulars ... but I get that Life >>> BTB, so no worries. Anyway, gotta get going on the Road to Judgment Day. Now we will have Raw in recap and SD! in FULL ... so here is Raw in recap. Enjoyz!

---

Monday Night Raw - May 1st, 2006 - Columbus, Ohio

The show begins without the usual opening video, pyro, or even commentary; instead we come into the arena with the WWE Champion Edge already stood in the ring, Lita by his side.
The Rated R Superstar talks about Backlash last night, and how he proved everyone wrong. He says that everyone expected Backlash to be RVD’s night, and it sure as hell wasn’t Van Dam’s night … it was Edge’s. Edge continues by saying that Van Dam did what he always does when he gets a chance to be in the main event … he chokes. This draws huge heat from the fans, who know that RVD lost unjustly last night. Edge says that the time for everyone believing in Van Dam is over, because he isn’t getting another title shot.
Edge says that he will wait for the next challenger to prove himself, and he doesn’t plan on defending the WWE Championship until Raw’s next PPV, Vengeance. Edge says that he deserves to take some time off after all of the mental abuse he has suffered from people telling him he was going to lose to Van Dam. Edge says the next time we see him put the WWE Championship on the line, it will be on June 26th in Charlotte.
This last comment brings out the GM of Raw, Jonathan Coachman. Coach stays on the stage, but tells Edge that he has some bad news. Coach says that he can’t let Smackdown! get all the hype in the next coming weeks, just because they have a PPV coming up. He says that he is going to make the WWE fans tune into Raw, because of what will happen next week. Coach reveals the main event for tonight, a Fatal Four Way between The Big Show, Shawn Michaels, Kane, and Kurt Angle, with the winner facing Edge for the WWE Championship next week!!
The Rated R Superstar goes crazy in the ring, as the fans love the announcement. Coach tells Edge that it is nothing personal; he just needs to keep the fans of Raw entertained. We get a shot of Lita trying to calm Edge down, before we fade out.

{Commercial Break}

The opening match of the night sees Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas team up with Chavo Guerrero to take on Carlito, Chris Masters, and the I.C. Champion Gregory Helms. The two main storylines of the six-man tag are the conflict between ‘Lito and Masters, as well as the attempted rebound by Chavo since losing to Helms at Backlash. The match sees plenty of great action, with all six men getting ample time to show off their skills, before it breaks down into a brawl in the closing minutes. After the WGTT and Helms are dumped outside the ring, Masters and Carlito try to double team Chavo, but Guerrero moves out of the way of a clothesline, causing Masters to take down CCC. Carlito rolls out of the ring and Chavo takes Masters down with a dropkick before heading to the top and hitting the Frog Splash for the three count at 10:12.
After the bell rings, Benji and Haas get back into the ring and celebrate with Chavo. Guerrero keeps his eyes on Helms, who is heading back up the ramp, telling Greg that he wants another shot at the I.C. Title.

Backstage, we are inside the locker room of ‘The Rated R Superstar’ Edge. The WWE Champion is still fuming over having to defend his title next week, against the winner of tonight’s four-way main event. Lita tries to calm her boyfriend down, telling him that he can beat anyone he steps into the ring with, whether it be Big Show, Kane, Angle, or even HBK. Edge says that she is right, but he still doesn’t think he should have to defend his belt twice in eight days. He says that he will be on commentary for the main event, just to “congratulate” the winner of the match later on.

{Commercial Break}

The second match of the night isn’t the most competitive, as ‘The Doctor’ John Cena takes on Eugene. Despite beating Matt Striker at Backlash, Eugene can’t do anything against Cena, as he is bested at every turn. Cena is clearly pissed off after losing to Shawn Michaels at Backlash and he looks like a man possessed as he runs through the special superstar, hitting the F-U before capping it off with the STF-U to get Eugene to tap out at 3:29.
After the match is over, Cena doesn’t even allow the referee to raise his hand, as he lifts Eugene off the mat and hits a second F-U in the center of the ring for good measure. Cena stares down at his poor opponent before looking around the arena, getting a ton of boos, and Cena throws up the ‘Word Life’ sign, getting even more heat from the fans.

In the back, Gregory Helms is getting some water after his match earlier tonight. He has the I.C. Title on the table next to him, before someone picks it up, causing Helms to jump to his feet. The camera pans out to show Chavo Guerrero standing next to the I.C. Champ. Chavo says that he knows Helms beat him last night, but he also knows Helms loves to prove he is a fighting champion. Chavo challenges Helms to a rematch for the I.C. Championship … NEXT WEEK. Helms stares at Chavo for a few seconds, before slowly nodding his head, telling Guerrero “you’re on” for next week.

Elsewhere, Todd Grisham conducts an interview with ‘The Wrestling Machine’ Kurt Angle. Angle is very intense after his loss to Ric Flair last night, with Flair holding onto the MITB briefcase. Angle talks about his loss, stating Flair got “lucky”, before he talks about being in the main event tonight. He says that he still hasn’t gotten his one-on-one match with Edge for the WWE Championship, and he has never been pinned by The Rated R Superstar with the belt on the line. Angle says he will run through Big Show, Kane, and HBK tonight, cementing his spot in the title match next week.

{Commercial Break}

Smackdown! Lowdown:
- JBL vs. Undertaker is made for next week, with the winner facing Randy Orton for the World Title at Judgment Day.
- Booker T cuts a promo about his assault on Batista, before The Book Man squashes Stevie Richards.
- MNM defeat The Hooligans to retain the Tag Titles after a Snapshot to Kendrick.
- Randy Orton and ‘Taker beat JBL and Orlando Jordan after a Tombstone to OJ. Undertaker reverses an RKO and hits Orton with a Chokeslam to end the show.

Our third match of the night sees Trish Stratus face off against Candice Michelle. Trish is on her A-Game even after failing to win the Women’s Title at Backlash, and she is dominant over Candice for the majority of the match. The Women’s Champion Mickie James is on commentary for the match, with J.R. and King asking her about opportunistically retaining her title last night. Mickie gives pretty simple answers to most of the questions, before we see Trish finish Candice off with a Chick Kick for the three count at 6:41.
After the match, Trish has her hand raised by the referee before she walks over to Candice in the corner, helping her opponent back to her feet. Trish shakes hands with Candice before she turns to Mickie and motions that the belt will be back around her waist soon enough.

Backstage, we see Chris Masters walking down the hallway, clearly mad about his tag team loss earlier tonight. Just as he is about to enter the locker room, Carlito walks out of the room, now dressed in his street clothes. ‘Lito stirs the pot right away, telling Masters that he has lost two matches for the team over the past 24 hours. Chris fires back and says Carlito hasn’t help him one bit the last two days, leading to some shoving between the two, before Carlito backs up and tells Masters to chill out, before he walks off, leaving The Masterpiece seething.

{Commercial Break}

Backstage, we see Kurt Angle knock on the door of a locker room and the door is quickly opened to reveal … THE BIG SHOW!! Kurt backs up a little bit as Show walks out of the room, before he cuts to the chase. Angle says that he knows Show hates Kane after what happened last night and he knows that Big Show wants a shot at Edge next week. Kurt asks Big Show if he wants to team together to take HBK and Kane out of equation tonight, so that the match comes down to Angle and Big Show. Show tells Angle that he is not in a talking mood, and he better get out of his face or he will make Angle priority #1 instead of Kane. Angle backs off and says that Show made a big mistake, as he walks off down the hallway.

The fourth match of the night features the NEW World Tag Team Champions, The Spirit Squad, taking on two local jobbers from Columbus. The Spirit Squad is as annoying as they can be, with Kenny and Mitch being the two representatives of the five-man team. Kenny and Mitch mess with the two jobbers, before they decide to get the job done, after one of the jobbers is able to take down Mitch with a clothesline. The champs use a distraction from the other three members of the S.S, before Kenny hits the Guillotine Leg Drop for the three count at 4:22.
After the bell rings, Johnny, Nicky, and Mikey join Mitch and Kenny in the ring, with the five holding the two title belts high in the air. They do a quick cheer about being the greatest tag team on Raw, which gets even more heat from the fans, before they head up the ramp to the back.

Back at ringside, J.R. and King show us highlights of the WWE Championship match between Edge and Rob Van Dam at Backlash. They say that Van Dam gave the effort of his career, and he should be the WWE Champion right now if it weren’t for Lita’s interference. They then say that Van Dam is not here tonight, and he has told Jonathan Coachman that he will not be here until he recovers from his loss last night.

{Commercial Break}

We come back to see Raw GM Jonathan Coachman sitting in his office, at his desk, looking over some papers before his door opens and in walks … ‘THE GAME’ TRIPLE H!! Coach stands up behind his desk, looking a little bit scared, as Triple H locks his eyes on the GM. Triple H says that he is done officiating matches and sitting on the sidelines, he is ready to compete again. Coach says that he would love to let Hunter compete but he hasn’t gotten word from his doctor that he is medically cleared to compete. Coach says that until then, Triple H remains on the sidelines. Coach turns back to his work while H looks pissed off at the decision, as we cut away.

Elsewhere, we see the WWE Champion ‘The Rated R Superstar’ Edge, along with Lita, heading down the hallway, getting ready for the main event #1 contender’s match. Edge is about to walk through the curtain, before he is cut off by ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. Naitch taps his MITB briefcase, just like he did last night, telling Edge that tonight could be the night. Flair walks off to a monster pop, as Edge scoffs and Lita tells him not to worry, but Edge doesn’t look so confident, as we cut away.

In the interview area, Todd Grisham stands by with ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels. HBK is dressed to compete, just minutes before the main event. Michaels says that he has gotten back on track after beating John Cena at Backlash, evening up their series. Michaels says that he is focused on winning the WWE Championship, an opportunity he can gain by winning in the main event tonight. Michaels says that Edge better watch out, because the old HBK is back, and he’s comin’ for gold. HBK walks off to a huge pop, as J.R. and King give the main event the final hype.

{Commercial Break}

The main event sees Kurt Angle, The Big Show, Shawn Michaels, and Kane do battle in a fatal four-way, with the winner facing Edge for the WWE Championship next week. ‘The Rated R Superstar’ is on commentary for the match, snapping at J.R. and King every time they talk about his title reign possibly ending next week, telling them that he will keep his title no matter who he faces. All of the storylines are played out in the match, Angle’s obsession with gold, HBK’s rejuvenation after beating John Cena, and the split between The Big Show and Kane. All four men spend time in the driver’s seat, and the finish comes when Angle is able to dump Big Show over the top … before Kane clotheslines Kurt over the top as well!! Michaels, who is down after a big boot, begins to stir, as Kane focuses back on him, setting him up for the chokeslam … Kane grabs the neck … lifts HBK into the air … but HBK drops behind Kane … AND HITS SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! Michaels gets Kane with the Superkick out of nowhere, as he falls back and makes the cover for the three count at 14:50.

Michaels gets his hand raised by the referee as Angle throws a fit on the outside, clearly pissed that he didn’t get the title shot. Big Show gets to his feet and looks on dejectedly, as HBK has his hand raised by the referee. Edge gets to his feet at the announce table and stares right at HBK, who focuses back on Edge. The Rated R Superstar raises the title above his head, while Michaels says he’s ready before he turns back to Edge …

… AND GIVES HIM A D-X CROTCH CHOP!!

The fans go nuts while Edge mouths off some more at HBK, as Michaels soaks in the cheers, before the show fades out, with one final shot of the #1 contender on the top turnbuckle.

END OF SHOW

***

Current Card for Vengeance
June 26th, 2006
Charlotte Bobcats Arena - Charlotte, North Carolina
“Victim” - Eighteen Visions

***NO MATCHES ANNOUNCED***

***

craguuscool · 07-28-2008, 01:14 PM

Hey, I've never really commented on this BTB but felt the need to drop by with a review, I'll start with the recapped RAW and I'll be a regular reviewer

Edge Promo: Really good opening segment here, Edge was really in character and saying RVD choked on the big stage is something he would say and then a blockbuster Main Event is signed, great stuff.

Match 1: For a recapped match it actually seemed really good and I like the fact you've got guys like Chavo, Shelton, Haas, Masters etc in a midcard feud, great win for Haas, Shelton and Chavo.

Edge Promo 2: Another great little segment with Lita reassuring him which is a nice little tough and Edge saying he would "congratulate" them is very Edge-like.

Match 2: It was a big squash if that makes any sense, it wasn't a major squash but it was a squash none the less. Like it wasn't a "two moves and then finished" but I understand Cena being furious and all.

Helms/Chavo: Giving these two a segment which you wouldn't normally see on WWE TV gets a big thumbs-up from me. Anyway, it was great seeing a match set up for next week for the title, RAW should equal huge matches every week and that's what we are seeing.

Angle Interview: Very in-character with the Flair got "lucky" statement and it is very like Angle to say he has never gotten the chance, a nice, well put together interview.

Match 3: I liked the touch of Mickie on commentary it just added to the match but it was just a normal divas match but well written

Trish getting the win was expected and builds up a Mickie/Trish feud.

Carlito/Masters: Not much to say about this but it was very good and builds up some tension. Well Done.

Angle/Show: Brilliant little segment here, Kurt trying to take the sneakiest way possible and Show throwing it back in his face concentrating on Kane. Very well put together.

Match 4: I liked this for the simple fact the Squad got the win but it was always expected.

Triple H/Coach: Great, I liked that how Coach told him he couldn't wrestle it makes everyone eager to know when he can.

Flair/Edge/Lita: I like this teasing of Flair cashing in, I wasn't sure about Flair as MITB but it is proving to be a good choice.

HBK Interview: Very in-character and focused before the big match, another thumbs-up.

Main Event: Brilliant Main Event with some top quality action in the recap. I also liked the aftermath with HBK and Edge.

Other Notes: Very good puncutation and writing, great length and detail. Well Done.

**TKoW** · 07-28-2008, 01:59 PM

Hey PatMan, thought I'd leave some notes on Raw; it's been a while since I commented here.

- Even in a recap you did well to make Edge look like a true heel champion: cocky, arrogant, and cowardly at the same time. Jonathan Coachman's reason for giving away a WWE Championship match on Raw was pretty good, and I think it will be HBK who picks up the win. I think this because you can use it as a good way for Cena to screw HBK, leading to another match between the two. Also I don't think HBK vs. Edge is a match that you'd try and save for a pay-per-view. Big Show and Kane are busy with each other and Kurt Angle is a heel, so he won't get the match. HBK is the biggest threat, so HBK to win.

- I think the Frog Splash is strong enough to keep Masters down but I don't think a simple dropkick was a good enough "preliminary move", so to speak, which made Masters look weak imo. However the purpose of the match is served, and it'll be interesting to see how you develop the Chavo/Helms feud from here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatMan

Lita tries to calm her boyfriend down, telling him that he can beat anyone he steps into the ring with, whether it be Big Show, Kane, Angle, or even HBK.

- As I mentioned, again you're positioning HBK finally, suggesting he's the biggest threat to Edge's title reign. That's obviously true considering he's just come off a big win over John Cena. I highly doubt Edge will be at commentary just to "congratulate the winner". Maybe some Sweet Chin Music for the champ later on?

- I guess Cena squashing Eugene served the purpose, much like the 6-Man Tag, of getting the winner over but I don't think this would've been anything special. I'm surprised Cena didn't cut a quick promo though. I guess you wanted actions to speak louder than words, but in Cena's case, I think words are necessary also.

- I like how the Intercontinental Championship will also be defended next week, but I don't think we're going to get a clean finish here. I think Helms has something in store for Chavo. Nonetheless, the segment was decent.

- Angle's interview was OK, but I still don't think he's going to win. I can't see him continuing his feud with Flair but I can't see him facing Edge either.

- Trish beating Candice was OK; I'm assuming Candice is a face. Correct if me I'm wrong, or if I've missed something in the thread, but wasn't she heel in 2006? I'm looking forward to a Trish/Mickie rematch, although I think something more is needed to spice up this feud. Also with Mickie continuing her "psycho" gimmick, I think a little post-match attack would've been a nice touch. It doesn't seem characteristic for her to just sit there and watch Trish win.

- Looks like you're teasing a possible 'Lito/Masters feud, but be careful not to copy too many same ideas from 2006 in the thread. With Masters being all "furious", I can see him snapping and Carlito ending up as the face in this rivalry, if it does indeed happen.

- Haha, I liked how Angle tried to form a partnership with Show but got owned instead. Btw, is Show or Kane the heel in their rivalry? Good segment in the continuation to build hype for the main-event.

- The Spirit Squad match was meh tbh, but it's good because this way the heels can be built as "undeserving" champions, who finally get beat clean once they lose their titles. Although personally rather than have another squash match, I would've had the Squad cut a promo. The reason I'm saying this is because not only am I reading your show, I have to imagine that I'm watching it as well. Two squashes in one night is too many, imo.

- Triple H's storyline reminds me of DDMac's Stephanie/Triple H storyline, but anyway that's irrelevant. I'm sure that Triple H will make his presence known by the end of the night. If not tonight, then maybe in next week's WWE Championship match.

- I like how Flair teased Edge, but tonight isn't the night. Considering Vengeance is in Charlotte, I guess that's when Flair will cash in. Btw, personally I think the MITB should be used to elevate a younger star than give an older star another title run. Then again, it is Naitch so I won't complain too much.

- With Kane being the only man not to make an appearance tonight, I guessed (and considering most people on the forum do anyway) he was going to be used as the "main-event jobber" tonight. And I was right, HBK wins! The aftermath was very nice as well. Is D-X reuniting, or is PatMan just teasing us? I guess we'll have to see where this goes.

Overall PatMan, because it was a recap show I don't want to give an actual grade. I think the show was saved by the huge main-event, otherwise it would've been average. Most storylines are progressing nicely but my main advice would be to cut down on the squashes.

Hope that helps,
TKOW.

**CM Dealer** · 07-28-2008, 05:05 PM

How is it that your recaps are infinitely better than anything I can write in full? Sigh. Anyway, onto the review.

Edge promo: Even though it was recapped, you could still tell that Edge was heel. He seemed quite hateable, which alone makes it a good promo. Coach's announcement was cool, although I am surprised he interrupted Edge. That seems like a face thing to do.

6-Man tag: While it wasn't anything special, it progressed feuds and did its job. I'm glad to see Chavo pick up the win, he needed it to look strong after losing to Helms.

Edge segment: Maybe a little too much Edge in the first part of the show. Him being on commentary should lead to something interesting.

Cena/Eugene: Basic filler, it got Cena over as a heel. Don't have much else to say about that match.

Chavo/Helms: Chavo sneaking on Helms is classic Guerrero, that was cool. Chavo/Helms is an interesting feud, I'm looking forward to their IC match next week.

Angle interview: Hyped the ME and did its job. I am surprised that Flair didn't get involved, but I'm fine with that.

Womens match: More filler, but it continued Trish and Candice's feud, so I can't complain.

Masters/CCC segment: I wasn't expecting this. Both CCC and Masters seemed in character. I sense a Masters face turn in the future. It should be interesting to see Masters as a face.

Angle/Show segment: I sense a bit of a feud between these two. However, Angle looked kinda weak, with TBS owning him and Angle just saying he made a mistake.

SS Match: More filler. That is the one bad part of this show. Still, SS were in character, and they can't look like total jobbers.

HHH/Coach segment: HHH returning should be nice. But if he starts feuding with Coach, then that would be lame. I hope he goes after the WWE title instead.

Edge/Flair segement: I am confused by this whole angle with Flair and Edge, but I'm sure it will play itself out soon. But Edge was over used on RAW. That was his 3rd appearence.

ME: Certainly MOTN. Edge getting pissed at JR and King is in character. HBK countering the chokeslam in midair would be fun to see IRL. I'm not surprised that he got the win, but Edge/HBK should be a good match. I hope Cena and/or RVD are involved in the match. HBK's crotch chop made me mark. However, I'd rather see HBK and HHH stay as individual performers, not a tag-team.

Overall: Good show. Edge was used too much, and a lot of the matches were filler, but besides that, you did a great job. 9/10

**PatMan** · 08-01-2008, 06:32 PM

Friday Night Smackdown! Preview - May 5th, 2006 - Cincinnati, Ohio

After finding himself lying on his back in the center of the ring to end last week’s show, the World Heavyweight Champion ‘The Legend Killer’ Randy Orton will be on pins and needles this week, as the number one contender for Judgment Day will be decided in a match between The Undertaker and JBL. For both The Undertaker and John Bradshaw Layfield, there would be nothing sweeter than getting a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship on May 28th. Will The Undertaker get his first title match in over one calendar year, or will JBL once again find himself near the top of the Smackdown! title picture?

Another situation that has the entire WWE talking is the recent encounters between Booker T and ‘The Animal’ Batista. After laying waste to the former World Champion two weeks ago, Booker T promised the world last week that Batista wouldn’t want to mess with him again. But as we learned during last week’s broadcast, Batista WILL be in Cincinnati for Smackdown! and one would have to believe that he will be looking for Booker T. Will The Animal be able to get his revenge on the five-time WCW Champion, or will Booker T lay out his rival once again?

Even though he was able to beat Nunzio last week, the Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble won’t get much time to rest, because this week’s Smackdown! features a triple threat match between Kid Kash, Juventud Guerra, and Scotty 2 Hotty, with the winner facing Noble for the CW Title at Judgment Day. Noble and Kash have had their encounters in the past, will we get another match between the two on May 28th? Or will another challenger prove himself worthy of a match with the champion?

Also last week, MNM retained their WWE Tag Team Championships against The Hooligans, with some help from the Basham Brothers. With so many talented teams on Smackdown, who will be the next challengers for the tag titles?

‘The Master of the 619’ Rey Mysterio, Ken Kennedy, ‘The Fighting Irishman’ Finlay, The Hooligans, and the U.S. Champion Matt Hardy are all scheduled to appear on Smackdown! as well.

All this and more at 8/7CT on your local station.

**PatMan** · 08-02-2008, 11:16 PM

Friday Night Smackdown! - May 5th, 2006 - Cincinnati, Ohio
Before we go live, a video package is shown, highlighting what happened to end the show last week. We see Undertaker and Randy Orton take on JBL and Orlando Jordan, with ‘Taker pinning O.J. after a Tombstone Piledriver. After the match, Orton tries to take Undertaker down with an RKO, only to see that countered before ‘Taker plants ‘The Legend Killer’ with a Chokeslam to end the show.

After the opening video, we head into the U.S. Bank Arena, where a massive pyro display goes off, with the camera scanning to see the thousands of cheering fans, before we head to Michael Cole and Tazz at ringside.

Michael Cole: Welcome everyone to a very highly anticipated edition of Friday Night Smackdown! I am Michael Cole, along with my broadcast colleague Tazz, and partner, we have a huge show lined up for this evening.

Tazz: You’re not kidding, Cole. Last week we heard the announcement for tonight’s main event, and it is a big one! ‘The Phenom’ The Undertaker goes one-on-one with ‘The Wrestling God’ John Bradshaw Layfield and the winner faces Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship at Judgment Day. That is what I call a rocket-buster, Michael.

Michael Cole: That is sure to be the highlight of the show, no doubt, and I am sure that Randy Orton will be worried no matter who he has to face on May 28th. Also, we have a match scheduled to determine the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship. It will feature Scotty 2 Hotty, Juventud Guerr-

***I WALK ALONE***

Cole is cut off mid-sentence, as the crowd goes into a frenzy, with ‘The Animal’ Batista walking out onto the stage. Batista is dressed in a sleeveless black shirt, jeans, and he wears some high-end sunglasses to top it all off. Big Dave doesn’t look like he is in a good mood, as he still sports a bandage on his forehead, the result of the assault Booker T laid on him two weeks ago. Batista walks down the ramp and climbs the steel steps before entering the ring and getting a mic from Tony Chimmel. A decent “Ba-ti-sta” chant breaks out around the arena, but the former champion talks over it.

Batista: Y’know … I really don’t feel like talkin’ much tonight.

Batista pulls off the shades and looks around the arena, trying to control his emotions early.

Batista: I don’t feel like talkin’ because two weeks ago … two weeks ago was probably the worst night of my career.

Small heat, as many know what ‘Tista is referring to.

Batista: But things weren’t goin’ too well heading into the show two weeks ago. I had held the World Heavyweight Championship for one full calendar year, longer than anyone in Smackdown! history, but that was all taken away from me at WrestleMania 22.

Heat from the crowd, they don’t like Randy Orton too much as champion.

Batista: Now don’t get me wrong … I was not the better man in Chicago … Randy Orton was. He beat me clean and fair, right in the center of the ring, and as I have told him … he deserved to win that match. But two weeks ago … it was a different story.

Batista paces a little bit in the middle of the ring, before bringing the mic back up.

Batista: Two weeks ago I had my rematch for the belt that means more to me than anything in this business. The belt that made me the mega star that I am today … the belt that made people believe that Dave Batista was here to stay … and the belt that I knew the history of and I didn’t take any day for granted when I held that belt.

Batista looks around again before continuing.

Batista: So after I lost the belt to Randy at WrestleMania 22, I knew that he couldn’t beat me twice. I held onto that belt while facing Triple H (pop), JBL (heat), Eddie Guerrero (HUGE pop), and Mark Henry (heat). I had that belt through all the tough injuries, all of the doubters, and all of the great matches. But then one night … I was off my game. I was off my game for one night over the course of a year … and Randy Orton took the belt. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

Batista continues to pace around the ring.

Batista: And going into the rematch with Randy, I knew that I had the match won. I lost ONCE in 364 days … I wasn’t losing twice in three weeks. I knew that Orton knew that I don’t lose with the belt on the line … and he was scared. So I went through the match and I dominated the man we call the World Heavyweight Champion at every turn … until the end of the match.

Batista clenches his fist, holding back the anger.

Batista: And then that punk Booker T-

Major heat from the crowd.

Batista: Booker T and Sharmell came down to the ring and he cost me the World Heavyweight Title … my World Heavyweight Title. They stuck their nose in my business … and that doesn’t happen without consequences.

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