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WWE 2007: The Year of Redemption

10K views 51 replies 13 participants last post by  Perfect Poster 
#1 ·


Backstory: After a few thoughts going through my head about what I should do for my next attempt at a project, I've decided that I'm going with a 2007 one. Not very 'out there' so to speak, but if you have a problem with it, bite me. (;)) A few things 1. Aside from the big 4, all PPV's are single branded. 2. I'm going to write all 3 in recap unless it's a lead-up to one of the big 4 (a la Great American Bash to Summerslam) 3. I'm gonna pretty much abandon the Women's division. Sorry, just never enjoy writing with them. Some will still be involved in storylines, but for the most part, they'll either be backstage reporters, valet's, or released. Now, I don't know how long it's gonna go, but hopefully you enjoy the ride with me. My last thread ended on 4-7-09.


Wresltemania 23 Results

Money In The Bank Ladder Match:
Mr. Kennedy defeated Edge, CM Punk, King Booker, Randy Orton, Finlay, Jeff Hardy, & Matt Hardy

Singles Match:
Great Khali defeated Kane (5:31)

Singles Match for the United States Championship:
Chris Benoit (c) defeated Montel Vontavious Porter (9:19)

Singles Match for the World Heavyweight Championship:
The Undertaker defeated Batista (c) (15:47)

8 Man Tag-Team Match:
ECW Originals (Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Sandman, & Rob Van Dam) defeated The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker, & Kevin Thorn) (6:25)

Hair vs. Hair Match:
Bobby Lashley defeated Umaga (13:04)

Singles Match for the Women's Championship
Melina (c) defeated Ashley (3:13)
-After the match the Women's title was retired.

Singles Match for the WWE Championship:
John Cena (c) defeated Shawn Michaels (28:20)

***

RAW Roster:
Armando Alejandro Estrada
Carlito
Charlie Haas
Chris Masters
Edge
Eugene
Jeff Hardy
Jim Duggan
John Cena ~ WWE Champion & 1/2 of the World Tag-Team Champion
Johnny Nitro
JTG
Kenny Dykstra
Lance Cade
Melina
Randy Orton
Ric Flair
Robbie McAllister
Rory McAllister
Shad
Shawn Michaels ~ 1/2 of the World Tag-Team Champion
Shelton Benjamin
Super Crazy
The Great Khali
Trevor Murdoch
Triple H ~ Currently Out with a Torn Quadriceps
Umaga ~ Intercontinental Champion
Val Venis
Vince McMahon ~ General Manager
Viscera

Tag-Teams/Stables:
Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
John Cena & Shawn Michaels*
Cryme Tyme
Jim Duggan & Eugene
Highlanders
Rated RKO*
World's Greatest Tag-Team
Ric Flair & Carlito*

*- Occasional tag-team

Announcers:
Jim Ross ~ Play By Play
Jerry Lawler ~ Color Commentator
Kelly Kelly ~ Backstage Interviewer
Lillian Garcia ~ Ring Announcer

ECW Roster:
Ariel
Balls Mahoney
Bobby Lashley ~ ECW Heavyweight Champion
CM Punk
Elijah Burke
Hardcore Holly
Kevin Thorn
Little Guido Maritato
Marcus Cor Von
Matt Striker
Mick Foley ~ General Manager
Mike Knox
Paul Heyman ~ Currently Suspended
Rob Van Dam
Sabu
Snitsky
Stevie Richards
The Sandman
Tommy Dreamer

Tag Teams/Stables:
ECW Originals (Balls Mahoney, Rob Van Dam, Sabu, The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer)
The New Breed (Ariel, Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorn, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker)

Announcers:
Joey Styles ~ Play By Play Commentator
Tazz ~ Color Commentator
Brooke ~ Backstage Announcer
Tony Chimel ~ Ring Announcer

Smackdown Roster:
Ashley
Batista
Brian Kendrick ~ 1/2 WWE Tag-Team Champions
Chavo Guerrero ~ Cruiserweight Champion
Cherry
Chris Benoit ~ United States Champion
Daivari
Dave Taylor
Deuce
Domino
Finlay
Funaki
Gregory Helms
Hornswoggle
Jamie Noble
Jimmy Wang Yang
Kane
King Booker
Matt Hardy
Montel Vontavious Porter
Mr. Kennedy
Paul London ~ 1/2 WWE Tag-Team Champions
Queen Sharmell
Rey Mysterio ~ Currently Out With A Knee Injury
Scotty 2 Hotty
Shannon Moore
The Boogeyman
The Miz
The Undertaker ~ World Heavyweight Champion
Theodore Long ~ General Manager
William Regal

Tag-Teams:
Blue Bloods (Dave Taylor & William Regal)
Deuce & Domino
London & Kendrick

Announcers:
Michael Cole ~ Play by Play
JBL ~ Color Commentator
Maria ~ Backstage Interviewer
Justin Roberts ~ Ring Announcer

Pay-Per-Views:
Backlash; April 29, 2007 Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Judgment Day; May 20, 2007 Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Hardcore Heaven; June 3, 2007 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
Great American Bash; July 22, 2007 HP Pavilion, San Jose, California
Summerslam; August 26, 2007 Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New, Jersey
Unforgiven; September 16, 2007 FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
No Mercy; October 7, 2007 Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois
Survivor Series; November 18, 2007 American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
Guilty As Charged; December 16, 2007 Save Mart Center, Fresno, California
Royal Rumble; January 27, 2008 Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
No Way Out; February 17, 2008 Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Wrestlemania 24; March 30, 2008 Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
 
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2
#4 ·
Monday Night RAW
April 2, 2007


Monday Night RAW kicks off in a recap from last-nights epic Wrestlemania 23, with "Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva playing overtop the video. We see a recap of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, with Mr. Kennedy coming out on top. Then we go to the World Heavyweight Championship match between Batista and the Undertaker, with the Undertaker coming out on top and going 15-0 at Wrestlemania. Next is the Hair vs. Hair match with Donald Trump's representative Bobby Lashley defeating Mr. McMahon's representative Umaga, then McMahon shown being shaved bald by Lashley, Trump, and the special guest referee Stone Cold Steve Austin. Finally, we go to the most anticipated match of the night, the WWE Championship match between John Cena and the 'Heart-Break Kid' Shawn Michaels. We see some highlights of the epic battle before Cena locks in the STF-U on Michaels and Michaels submits. Cena is shown holding up his WWE Championship on the top turnbuckle as the video ends.

Monday Night RAW then cuts out to the arena and we hear the music of the current WWE Champion John Cena. Cena comes down with the WWE Championship wrapped around his shoulder, his World Tag-Team Championship wrapped around his waist and a mixed reaction from the fans. He comes out and talks about how he and Shawn Michaels had one of the greatest Wresltemania main events that the fans will ever witness. He continues to put over how great of a challenge that Shawn was, but since he defeated him with no controversey, he thinks that there should be a new number one contender crowned. That got a rise out of the crowd, and shortly after we heard "Sexy Boy" blazed throughout the crowd, with Shawn Michaels coming down to the ring with his World Tag-Team Championship around his waist.

Shawn says that John got him last night, and that he's right that a new number one contender should be crowned. The crowd comes off a little surprised at this, not knowing what reaction to give. But, Shawn continues to say that he can beat Cena, and that his win last night was a fluke. Cena now gives HBK an upset look, but Shawn continues. Shawn says that he could beat him here tonight and take that title off of him. Cena says if Shawn wants some then he can come get some, but just before the two can get face to face, Jonathan Coachman makes his way out to the entrance ramp.

The crowd boos the Coach, but the Coach waits for them to shut up before he goes on. He says that Mr. McMahon has taken a 'leave of absence' after his degrading loss at Wrestlemania 23, so until Mr. McMahon makes his return, Coachman is the general manager, which receives some boos from the fans. He continues by saying that if Shawn wants his rematch, he's gonna get it...at Backlash in four weeks. The crowd cheers for the announcement, and the pair of Cena and Michaels smile at each other, knowing that part duex is coming up soon. Coachman says he isn't done, though, and that these two have a responsibility - and that's the World Tag-Team Championships. Coachman says that teams have been lining up in front of his office left and right, begging for a title match against you two. So, starting tonight until Backlash, you two will be teaming up against any tag-team that he can throw at them. If that team wins a non-title match against the two of them, they will receive a World Tag-Team Championship shot the next week.

Coach is about to leave, but adds in that if Shawn leaves Cena in any of their tag-team matches, he will be stripped of his number one contendership spot, and if Cena leaves Shawn in any of their tag-team matches, he will be stripped of his WWE Championship. Coachman then finally does leave as Cena and Shawn stare off as RAW goes to commercial.

Rating: 88%

{Commercial}

RAW comes back on the air with the 'Samoan Bulldozer' Umaga in his lockerroom with his manager, Armando Alejandro Estrada. AAE tells Umaga, in Samoan, that he didn't let anyone down last night, and that he is still the most dominant force on RAW. Umaga nods his head and shouts out something in Samoan. AAE tells Umaga that he has a match tonight against Super Crazy and that he's gonna make the Mexican bleed. Umaga lets out a toothy grin and they walk out of the lockerroom as RAW goes back out to the arena.

"I am Super, I am Crazy, I am SUPER CRAZY!" hits and Super Crazy makes his way out to the ring. He has his usual Mexican themed outfit on and gives the crowd high fives before doing a rolling saumersault to enter the ring. "Virtual VooDoo" hits next and Umaga makes his way out again with the Intercontinental Championship hanging from his mouth and Armando Alejandro Estrada coming out by his side. Umaga enters the ring and the first match of the night begins.

The match is just a short squash match, with Umaga dominating the much smaller luchador for the whole match. He begins with taking Super Crazy out with a running lariat. He quickly picks him up like a ragdoll and listens to Estrada's directions. Umaga Irish Whips Super Crazy off the ropes and meets him with a jumping Samoa Drop! Crazy falls hard on his back and Umaga gives out a freakish smile on his face. He drags Crazy over to one of the turnbuckles in a seating position. He goes over to the opposite side of the turnbuckle and charges at Super Crazy before hitting a Samoan Wrecking Ball! Umaga listens to Estrada's directions some more and picks Super Crazy up before connecting with the Samoan Spike in the middle of the ring for the win at the 2:38 mark!

Overall Rating: (67, 68, 66) **

Umaga celebrates his victory and Estrada comes in quickly and hands Umaga his Intercontinental Championship. Estrada then grabs a microphone from Lillian Garcia and says that Umaga isn't done with the Mexican yet and that he's gonna BLEED. He orders Umaga to go outside of the ring and get something under the ring. After a few seconds of searching Umaga pulls out...a TABLE! Umaga slides it into the ring and sets it up while Estrada stomps on the helpless Super Crazy. Umaga sets him on the table and climbs the top rope while Estrada keeps Crazy on the table. Umaga slaps his pecs and dives off of the turnbuckle before connecting with a BODY SPLASH THROUGH THE TABLE! Crazy looks knocked out, but Umaga is handed a pair of Brass Knuckles from his manager. Estrada picks Crazy up and Umaga quickly charges and lands a brass knuckles shot to the face! Crazy is now bleeding from the mouth and Estrada quickly puts his hat back on and his cigar back in his mouth before he calls Umaga back and they leave the ring. While the EMT's work on Super Crazy, we are taken backstage with Kelly Kelly who's with Carlito.

***

Kelly asks Carlito how it felt to be left off the WrestleMania 23 card, and Carlito says that it was not cool. He and Ric Flair had been teaming up and winning matches, yet they still aren't getting any title shots. So he talked to Ric about it and Ric gave him his blessing to wrestle tonight in a fatal-fourway for the number one contendership of the Intercontinental Championship. Kelly asks him what his thoughts are going into the match, and Carlito says that he's going to use the advice that Ric gave him before he came out here and that was to give his all, because it's cool. He then leaves as RAW goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 80%

{Commercial}

RAW comes back on air and 'The Masterpiece' Chris Masters is in the middle of the ring, with a chair seated right in front of him. He says that tonight he's going to hold his annual Masterlock challenge. He says he knows that Bobby Lashley broke out of the hold a few weeks ago, but that was only because he had some dirt in his eye and was distracted. He promised tonight that whoever came out would not break out of his hold. After a few seconds of waiting for someone to come out "OOOOOO" hits and 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan makes his way out, with his 2 by 4 in his hand. He gets some U.S.A chants from the crowd before taking the microphone from Masters' hand and telling him to simply "Bring it, tough guy!" Duggan then sits on the chair and waits for Masters to lock the Masterlock in. Masters slowly locks in one arm before quickly locking in the other and swinging Duggan around as he has the Masterlock locked in. Duggan tries to fight on for a few seconds but his face quickly turns purple and passes out from the Masterlock.

The bell rings and Masters quickly drops Duggan to the ground. Duggan's head is beet red from the Masterlock, but Masters seems happy with the result. He goes back out of the ring and grabs the microphone and brags about how he didn't even break a sweat. He says he's gonna show Duggan what will really happen when he makes Masters mad next week in a match next week. Masters puts his hands in a Masterlock position as the camera's go backstage to Jeff Hardy.

Rating:
72%

***

Hardy has ice on his neck and leg from his huge jump during the Money In The Bank ladder match at Wrestlemania 23. A doctor is still doing some work on Hardy when Edge enters the lockerroom. Edge is sporting tape around his waist and tells Hardy that he cost him another chance at becoming World Champion, and that he's gonna pay. Hardy says he's not medically cleared to wrestle tonight, so it's a no-go for him. Edge says that he cost him a shot for a future World Championship because of his stupid tactics, so he wants him in the ring tonight. If Hardy doesn't come out, he's going to come back here and make sure that Hardy won't be medically cleared to wrestle - ever. Hardy gets up off the bed and they stare off as RAW goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 94%

{Commercial}

RAW comes back from the commercial break and Val Venis and Kenny Dykstra are already in the ring in opposite corners. After a few seconds of hype by JR & King, "Cool" hits and Carlito makes his way out to the ring. Carlito throws an apple up and down and bites on it as he enters the ring, before finally "Papparazzi" plays and Johnny Nitro makes his way down. He takes off his fur coat once he enters the ring and tosses it onto the ground while Lillian Garcia announces the match as a fatal-fourway for an Intercontinental Championship match at Backlash.

The match is rather short for what's at stake, just going over the six minute mark. The main focus is on Nitro, who is dominating Venis on one side while Carlito and Dykstra battle it out on the other. Nitro hit a Nitro Blast on Venis midway through the match, but Dykstra broke it up at two with an axe handle to Nitro's back. For the next few minutes the guys keep switching on who they go after, until we get to the finish where Dykstra hit a Gullotine Leg Drop from the top rope on Venis and celebrates for a few seconds, but quickly gets hit with a Superkick from Nitro, who receives some jeers from the crowd. Nitro is close to covering Dykstra but Carlito goes low on Nitro and nails him with a low-blow, a classic Nature Boy move. Carlito rolls Nitro up and wins at the 6:04 mark to become the number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship! Carlito celebrates his victory with his arm being raised by the referee. He quickly leaves the ring, though, and we get a video package...

Overall Rating: (67, 68, 65) **

Draft Video Package... 4 weeks... it comes!

We come back and we appear next to General Manager Jonathan Coachman's office. There are many guys there, the World's Greatest Tag-Team, the ******* Wrecking Crew, Cryme Tyme, & the Highlanders, most notably. They're all arguing within themselves about who should get the first shot against the current World Tag-Team Champions Shawn Michaels and John Cena. Coachman comes out from his office and tells them all to settle down. He says that he's randomly selected the first challengers and it's going to be... the Highlanders! Robbie and Rory look at each other and point at themselves, realizing they get the first shot. They jump up and down, but the other three teams don't look too happy. Coachman tells them that they better get their butts out there, because their match is next.

Rating: 59%

{Commercial}

RAW Comes back on and the Highlanders are busy making their way down to the ring, still somewhat awestruct that they get the first opportunity. Eventually they get in the ring and "Sexy-Boy" hits, with the 'Showstopper' Shawn Michaels making his way down to the ring. He has the World Tag-Team Championship around his waist and enters the ring. After a few seconds of standing on the turnbuckles and doing a few taunts, he waits, along with his opponents, for his tag-team partner. "You Can't See Me" plays and the current WWE Champion and one half of the tag-team champions John Cena makes his way out to the ring. Cena gives the fans high fives and quickly enters the ring, looking pumped up and ready to compete, although HBK doesn't feel the same way. He hands both of his titles to the referee and the match is underway.

HBK starts off the match for his team, highly insisting it, I may add, while Robbie starts for his team. Cena and HBK actually work pretty well today, with this match not taking an extended period of time. Both Cena and HBK get their signature moves off on the Highlanders, who, as noted by JR, still seemed amazed at getting the first shot that they can't even move. The match ends rather quickly with Cena picking up the pin for his team after a F-U on Rory at the 4:27 mark.

After the match the Highlanders are quickly dispensed and we are left with Cena and Michaels in the middle of the ring. The two of them give a hard stare before Cena offers his hand out to HBK. HBK pauses before grabbing Cena's hand and giving him a firm handshake. Cena is about to go back and start celebrating, but HBK pulls him back in closer and they are almost so close that they can see the intensity on the other man's face. Shawn lets go and leaves with his World Tag-Team Championship, while Cena celebrates on the top turnbuckle with his titles. We then cut backstage.

Overall Rating: (72, 74, 69) *1/2

***

We see Carlito walking in an empty hallway, now in street clothes, and someone shouts out his name. Carlito turns around and it's none other then 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair. Ric quickly grabs his hand and congratulates Carlito on his win a couple of minutes ago. Carlito thanks him, and the only way he would've won is because he's been being mentored by the best in the world. Flair smiles, but he reminds Carlito that he's still on a mission, and that mission has to be the Intercontinental Championship. Umaga isn't a walk in the park, and we're going to have to get you in training for that Intercontinental Championship match at Backlash. Carlito nods, and Flair tells him that facing Umaga will be like facing a gauntlet, so he's going to try and prepare him for it. Carlito nods again, taking it all in, as the two walk off as RAW goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 87%

{Commercial}

A video promo then comes again, and it's hyping up the next match, the Main Event, featuring Jeff Hardy and Edge. It shows a quick history of Edge's accomplishments, including his first ever WWE Championship win at New Years Revolution, and Jeff's accomplishments, including his multiple tag-team and Intercontinental Championship reigns. It then shows Hardy's attack on Edge last night in the Money In the Bank ladder match, and it ends with "Edge vs. Jeff Hardy: Somethin's gotta give!"

Rating: 86%

We then go to the arena and "Metalingus" plays, with the 'Rated-R Superstar' Edge making his way down to the ring for this main event. He comes up with his body all taped up but seems ready to whip some ass. He runs his hands through his hair and is desperately waiting for his opponent to come out. "Loaded" hits and Jeff Hardy makes his way out to the ring. Hardy makes his way to the ring, albiet very slowly. He cringes at every step he takes, and before long, Edge leaves the ring and attacks Hardy from the outside. Hardy can't defend himself and Edge has the advantage throughout the attack.

Edge starts with some huge right hands to the face of Hardy, and once Jeff falls on the ground, Edge grabs him by the head and slams it into the steel steps. Hardy is getting absolutely demolished, and Edge tries to keep it going with a steel chair shot to the face, but Hardy ducks it and slides into the ring. Edge then follows suit and the match is officially started. The two have some nice interaction for the 10 or so minutes that they get, with Hardy finally getting the advantage about 3 mintues into the match after hitting a Whisper in the Wind on Edge. Hardy then does more of his signature moves such as the Hardyac Arrest and the slingshot crossbody. At about the 5 and a half minute mark Hardy hits a Twist of Fate on Edge and tries for the cover, but Edge kicks out at 2 and three quarters!

Hardy can't believe it and waits for Edge to get back to his feet. He grabs Edge's arm and Irish Whips him and attempts a clothesline, but Edge ducks and lands a spear! That took a lot of energy out of both men, though, and it takes a while for Edge to cover Hardy, and when he just gets a hand over Hardy's shoulder, he only picks up a two and a half count! The crowd is going pretty wild for Hardy, who tries to get his momentum back. Edge is the first to get up and, after a few stomps on Hardy, goes out and grabs a steel chair from the ring announcer. He re-enters the ring and tries a chair-shot, but referee Mike Choida pulls it away from Edge before he can strike Hardy with it.

Edge looks at Choida with a "what are you doing" look, but before he has time to take the chair back Hardy grabs his shoulder and turns him around into a sitout jawbreaker! Edge tumbles and falls onto the ropes, which is keeping him standing. Hardy pulls Edge off the ropes and delivers a few punches before pausing for a minute and running up the turnbuckle and attempts a Whisper in the Wind... but EDGE STRIKES HIM WITH THE CHAIR! Hardy quickly falls down to the ground, screaming in pain, despite him getting the win at the 10:21 mark by disqualification.

Edge continues a beatdown on Hardy, who cannot defend himself one bit. He delivers a barrage of stomps on Hardy before going back outside of the ring and grabbing another steel chair. He throws it over the top rope and into the ring, just near Hardy's head. He slides back into the ring and drags Jeff into the middle of the rind, placing one of the steel chairs under Hardy's head. He gives an evil smile out to the crowd, who are giving him a ton of shit, before slamming the chair down onto Hardy's head, CONNECTING WITH A CON-CHAIR-TO! Hardy is bleeding out of the head now and EDGE DOES IT AGAIN! He then throws the chair down to the ground and does the corna sign with Hardy being treated by medical care as RAW fades to black.

Overall Rating: (77, 84, 64) **1/2

We got a 6.04 rating for 'RAW'!
The attendance level was 9001 people.
We made $360040 from ticket sales.


Quick Results:
-Umaga def. Super Crazy @ 2:38
-Chris Masters def. Jim Duggan in a Masterlock Challenge
-Carlito def. Johnny Nitro, Kenny Dykstra, & Val Venis @ 6:04 to get an Intercontinental Championship Match at Backlash
-John Cena & Shawn Michaels def. Highlanders @ 4:27 in a Non Title Match
-Jeff Hardy def. Edge by Disqualification @ 10:21

Current Backlash Card:

Singles Match for the WWE Championship:

John Cena (c) vs. Shawn Michaels

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Umaga (c) vs. Carlito

More to be announced.
 
#18 ·

Monday Night RAW
April 9, 2007


RAW kicks off with a video package of the Main Event featuring Edge versus Jeff Hardy. We see highlights from the match, until the end where Edge is taking out Jeff Hardy with some chairs and lands a con-chair-to on Hardy. It then shows Hardy getting worked on by EMT's as Edge celebrates. It then goes out to the arena with a cold opening, no opening music, with the Rated-R Superstar Edge sitting in a chair and the ring being set up for his interview segment, the Cutting Edge. He is seen clapping at the video clip, wiping away a fake tear from his eye before beginning. He says bravo to the production creww before saying that he is presenting another edition of the Cutting Edge, but before he brings out his guest, he would like to talk about what he did last week.

He and Jeff Hardy have had a lot of history, but when he took him out 8 nights ago at Wrestlemania, little Jeffrey went too far, so he had to get his revenge last week. Now that they have settled their differences, he would like to bring out his guest for the evening... "Loaded" hits and instead of Edge's expected guest it's Jeff Hardy! Edge asks Hardy what he's doing down here, and Jeff says that his guest couldn't make it so he's the last minute replacement. Jeff tells Edge that he wasn't medically cleared to fight last week, with his injuries from the Money In The Bank Ladder match still there, so what Edge did was something that anyone that's as big of a jackass as him would do, and that's beat me down until EMT's needed to make their way out. He says Edge knows he couldn't beat him in a match where both of them were medically billed as healthy, so he took the easy way out and beat him up when he was down.

Jeff asked him why did he need to go as far as taking him out on a stretcher. Is it because he thought he would look threatening? Is it because he knows he can't beat him in a regular match? Or is it because he's just a grade a jackass. Jeff says it's probably all three, but he's gonna guess on the last option. Some in the crowd did some "Oooh's" while Edge gets out of his seat and gets a pissed off look on his face. Edge says that this is his talk show and that he will be the one asking the questions. He says that Jeff is just angry that he will never be in the same league as himself, healthy or not. It could be tonight, tommorow, next week, or even Backlash, yet every single time, Edge would be the one to come out on top. Jeff asks if that is a challenge, and Edge replies by saying yeah, if he would've heard what he said, then he would've realized he did challenge Hardy.

Hardy says that the doctors said he would be at full strength in twenty days, so how about at Backlash, the two of them go at it, man to man, in a match. The crowd cheers as Edge thinks about his decision. Before he can reveal his choice, "Hard Hittin" plays, and RAW General Manager Jonathan Coachman struts out to the entrance ramp. He says before these two make anything final, he's going to say that since Edge thinks he was screwed out at Wrestlemania 23 and since Hardy was also taken out of the Money In The Bank match, the winner will be the number one contender to the WWE Championship. Edge then interrupts and says that he accepts and the two shake hands, but Coach announces that the match is going to have the contract suspended 15 feet in the air, and the only way to win is by climbing up the ladder, a thing that both men are familiar with and until Backlash, neither man can put a hand on the other man, otherwise they'll be suspended for 30 days. Edge and Hardy agree and stare off as RAW goes to commercial.

Rating: 85%

{Commercial}

RAW comes back and "Virtual Voodoo" plays, with the Samoan Bulldozer Umaga coming down to the ring with his manager Armando Alejandro Estrada. They enter the ring and Estrada grabs a microphone from Lillian Garcia and says that Carlito is going to go into the ring with a monster at Backlash, and that there's going to be no chance in hell that he wins the Intercontinental Championship. Umaga has already sent Super Crazy to the hospital, and he's gonna keep sending people there until Backlash. "Hello Ladies" then hits and Val Venis comes down to the ring. Venis gets a small reaction and enters the ring as the first match of RAW begins.

It's nothing more then another squash match to put the monster Umaga over. In roughly 3 minutes of action, Umaga destroyed Venis with many of his moves, including the Samoan Drop, Samoan Wrecking Ball, and swinging side slam, before finishing off Venis with a Samoan Spike at 3:01. AAE enters the ring with a steel chair in his hand and throws it to the ground before he picks Venis back up and Umaga lays some hard strikes to the forehead of Venis. Venis is getting cut open and is bleeding heavily from his skull. Venis is unable to even stand on his own two feet, but Estrada literally feeds him to Umaga by pushing him and Umaga connecting with a Samoan Drop on the chair! Venis is down and out as Umaga and Estrada retreat.

Overall Rating: (72, 67, 77) *3/4

***

We go backstage and see Kelly Kelly making small talk with her guest before the cameraman tells her they're on air. Kelly introduces herself before introducing her guest of the evening, Johnny Nitro. She asks Nitro how he felt about being cheated out of his Intercontinental Title Number One Contenders match last week when Carlito low blowed him. Nitro says that Carlito did a terrible thing, attempting to take out his bulge, but luckily for Nitro, Melina was there for him later that night to cure up his problem. Now that he's got that problem fixed, he says he wants Carlito out in the ring here tonight, he can bring Flair out if he wants to, but Nitro is going to show him why he's going to pay for what he cost Nitro last week. He then walks off as RAW goes to commercial.

Rating: 62%

{Commercial}

RAW comes back and "Papparazzi" hits, with Johnny Nitro making his way down the ring. Nitro is dressed to compete tonight and slides into the ring before waiting for his opponent. "Cool" plays, and Carlito makes his way down, along with his mentor Ric Flair. Carlito is getting tips from Flair as he makes his way down the ring, with Flair whispering some last minute advice, before Carlito slides into the ring. Carlito takes off his apple shirt and tosses it to the crowd. He takes one last bite of his apple before the match begins.

This is a very contested match, back and forth throughout, with neither man getting the real advantage. Carlito kept trying to lock in some restholds as Flair told him some strategy from ringside, but before Carlito could try and execute it, Nitro would be back in the drivers seat. Carlito thought he picked up the win after a springboard back elbow smash, but Nitro kicked out at two. Nitro then took the advantage by dodging Carlito's running clothesline and drilling him with a springboard roundhouse kick, but he only got a two count. The finish of the match comes when Nitro tried for a split legged corkscrew moonsault, but Carlito got out of the way, causing Nitro to crash and burn. Carlito then took another page out of the Natureboy's playbook, locking in the figure four leglock on Nitro, and after a couple of seconds of Nitro attempting to get to the rope for a rope break, Nitro submitted to Carlito at 7:48.

Flair then entered the ring to celebrate with Carlito, giving him a hug, while Nitro looked on, pissed off that Carlito still got him even without cheating. He angrily leaves the ring as Carlito is handed a microphone by Lillian Garcia. Carlito says that Umaga can brag all he wants about sending people to the hospital the past couple of weeks, but Umaga has to remember that Carlito has the greatest pro wrestler of all time in his corner, and if he thinks he can send Carlito to the hospital as easily as he sent Super Crazy and Val Venis to it, he's going to be tasting some bad apples at Backlash. He then hands the microphone to Flair, who simply lets out WOOO!

Overall Rating: (75, 75, 76) ***

***

RAW then goes backstage where we see Edge, who is walking down an empty hallway to his lockerroom, turns, and someone runs into him. He asks the person, who is unidentified, what his problem is, thinking he can bump into the Rated-R Superstar without any consequences. The guy tries to explain himself, but Edge asks him if he knows Jeff Hardy. The man says that he and Jeff go way back, and Edge says that if he can't touch Hardy for the next three weeks, he's going to do the next best thing and take on his close friends. He tells the man, who is still unidentified, that Edge is going to meet him in the middle of the ring tonight in the main event. If he doesn't come out and wrestle, he's going to be taken out just like Jeff was last week. The guy agrees, and Edge smirks as he walks off the other way and RAW goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 67%

{Commercial}

RAW comes back to it's rightguard slam of the week:

RAW April 2, 2009
RAW comes back on air and 'The Masterpiece' Chris Masters is in the middle of the ring, with a chair seated right in front of him. He says that tonight he's going to hold his annual Masterlock challenge. He says he knows that Bobby Lashley broke out of the hold a few weeks ago, but that was only because he had some dirt in his eye and was distracted. He promised tonight that whoever came out would not break out of his hold. After a few seconds of waiting for someone to come out "OOOOOO" hits and 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan makes his way out, with his 2 by 4 in his hand. He gets some U.S.A chants from the crowd before taking the microphone from Masters' hand and telling him to simply "Bring it, tough guy!" Duggan then sits on the chair and waits for Masters to lock the Masterlock in. Masters slowly locks in one arm before quickly locking in the other and swinging Duggan around as he has the Masterlock locked in. Duggan tries to fight on for a few seconds but his face quickly turns purple and passes out from the Masterlock.

The bell rings and Masters quickly drops Duggan to the ground. Duggan's head is beet red from the Masterlock, but Masters seems happy with the result. He goes back out of the ring and grabs the microphone and brags about how he didn't even break a sweat. He says he's gonna show Duggan what will really happen when he makes Masters mad next week in a match next week. Masters puts his hands in a Masterlock position as the camera's go backstage to Jeff Hardy
"HOOOOO" then plays and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan makes his way down the ring, ready for his upcoming match against Chris Masters. Duggan comes down to the ring in his usual blue speedo with his 2 by 4 in his hand, chanting "USA, USA, USA" while making his way down. He enters the ring and sets his 2 by 4 down by the turnbuckle, guarding it over him before "The Masterpiece" plays and Chris Masters makes his way down, to some small boos from the crowd. He stops at the middle of the ramp and locks his hands over his head and looks at Duggan, indicating he's going to lock in the Masterlock tonight. He enters the ring and the match goes underway.

For the most part the match focuses on Masters attempting to lock in the Masterlock on Duggan and Duggan making Masters look like a fool. Duggan took Masters down with a scoop slam before attempting a jumping knee drop to Masters' neck, but Masters rolled out of the way and Duggan landed on his knee. Masters then hit an electric chair on Duggan before picking him back up and hitting an inverted DDT. Masters then put his arms up in Masterlock position and stood behind, waiting for Duggan to get up, and when he did, Masters wrapped his arms around Duggan's neck and LOCKED IN THE MASTERLOCK! It didn't take long until Duggan's face started to turn beet red again, and then the referee had to stop the match at 4:32 when Duggan didn't respond to the referee.

Masters kept the hold in for a little longer unitl he decided he was done and threw Duggan down to the mat, face first. Masters then smirks at his downed opponent as the referee checks on him, before he puts his hands back up in a Masterlock position, much to the dismay of the crowd. Masters then leaves the ring while the referee continues to check up on him. We then go backstage to Kelly Kelly who's with one half of the World Tag-Team Champions, Shawn Michaels.

Overall Rating: (64, 67, 59) **

***

Kelly asks Shawn what the deal was between him and Cena after their tag-team match last week. Shawn says that although they are the current World Tag-Team Champions, in 3 weeks, they're going to be facing off for a bigger prize, and he wanted Cena to remember that he's not just going to forget about him because they're the champs. The World Tag-Team Championship is nice, but it wasn't what he signed up to be wrestling for when he came back. He says that Cena knows that it's nothing personal, just business, so as long as they keep their composure near each other for the next 3 weeks, their match for the WWE Championship will be the only thing on both of their minds. Shawn's about to leave, but then John Cena walks onto the screen and Michaels stops in his tracks.

Cena says that Shawn is right, and that if they keep their composure, the teams that they'll have to face these next three weeks should be no problem. The only problem is, is that Shawn can't keep his compusure when you think he can. Michaels gets offended, but Cena explains himself, reminding him when he threw Marty Jannetty through Brutus Beffcake's barbershop window. And when he superkicked Diesel to cost him the Intercontinental Championship. And when he superkicked Hulk Hogan after a tag-team match with them. Every partner he's had, he's always turned on him, so Cena's not expecting anything different. Michaels gets right up to Cena's face, just like last week, but this time Cena does his "You Can't See Me" taunt and walks off as RAW goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 83%

{Commercial}

Draft Video Package... 3 weeks... it comes!


"You Think You Know Me" plays and the Rated R Superstar Edge makes his way down the ring for a match. JR reminds everyone about what Edge said earlier, that if he couldn't touch Jeff Hardy, he'd just touch the people that were close to him. He waits and waits until "I'll Do Anything" plays and Smackdown's own Shannon Moore comes down to the ring, with a little bit of reaction, thanks to him being recognized as a close friend of Jeff. Moore has the Punk look going, with some mascara on his eyes and a huge Mohawk. He enters the ring and takes off his tank top off before Edge jumps him!

Edge carries Moore to a rather good match, taking out every part of his body before attempting a spear, but Moore sidesteps it and Edge runs into the turnbuckle! Moore is shown favoring his right arm, his dominant arm, so he has to use kicks instead to keep Edge down. He Irish Whips Edge off the ropes and lands a spinning heel kick on the Rated R Superstar but only gets a two count for it. He picks Edge back up before hitting a snap suplex and a springboard leg drop from the top rope, but again only gets a two count. He keeps asking the referee for a quicker count, but the referee tells him to go on with it.

Moore tries to take Edge out with a Bottoms Up, otherwise known as a leg drop bulldog, but Edge sidesteps Moore and throws him leg first into the ropes. Edge then grabs the head of Moore and pulls him back into the ring before falling and hitting an Edgecution on Moore! Edge then covers Moore for the win at 7:12. The crowd cheers for Moore and his resilient effort, but Edge quickly has them stop cheering after going out and grabbing two steel chairs and throwing them back into the ring. He slides one of the chairs under Moore's head before slamming it on his face CONNECTING WITH A CON-CHAIR-TO! Moore is bleeding out of the forehead now, and Edge is looking at him, smiling, knowing that someone close to Hardy is hurt, which hurts Hardy. He's shown smiling as RAW goes to a commercial break.

Overall Rating: (63, 49, 78) **3/4

{Commercial}

RAW comes back on air as we see Kelly Kelly and she's with Kenny Dykstra. She asks him what he's doing here, and Kenny says that he was going to go to General Manager Jonathan Coachman's office and ask him for a match next week against Carlito, because he doesn't think Carlito is worthy of being the number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship. She was about to ask him what would happen if he won, but instead Randy Orton comes onto the screen to interrupt Dykstra's interview. Dykstra asks Orton what he wants, but Orton says that Orton's issues are much bigger then Dykstra can handle. Dykstra and Orton stare off before Orton tells Dykstra to get the hell out of his sight. Dykstra first hesitates before agreeing and walking away.

Orton then grabs the microphone from Kelly Kelly and tells her to stay out of his spotlight. Orton says that what he's seen over the past two weeks on RAW has been an eyesore on his eyes. Tag-team partners hitting each other with their finishers, officials not being able to stop guys before they send people to the hospital with serious injuries, people unworthy of title shots receiving them just by asking, he's had enough of it. It's despicable. So next week on RAW, he's going to hold a sit-down strike until things get cleaned up here by Jonathan Coachman. Anyone who agrees that RAW is a mess can sit down with him, and my needs will not be fulfilled until I get something of worth for me. When those demands are fulfilled, I will end my strike. Until then, it won't. Orton then walks off as RAW goes back out to the arena.

Rating: 89%

***

"You Can't See Me" plays as RAW comes back and the WWE Champion John Cena makes his way down the ring to a mixed reaction. He gives the crowd some high fives and sprints down to the ring before removing his World Tag-Team Championship from his waist and WWE Championship from his shoulder. He waits and "Sexy Boy" hits, as his partner Shawn Michaels makes his way out. Michaels doesn't look to be in a very cheery of a mood, obviously not pleased by the words from Cena just before RAW went to commercial. He calmly walks down to the ring, focusing on Cena all the way, before handing his tag-team Championship to the referee as he enters the ring. "*******" hits and the ******* Wrecking Crew, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch make their way out to the ring in the tag-team invitational. They seem excited to be the next ones to have a shot at the World Tag-Team Champions. They enter the ring and the match begins.

Michaels and Cade decide to start it up, Michaels basically interjecting himself to start, with Cena obliging. Michaels starts the match off with the advantage, looking at Cena after every move he hits on Cade. Cade reverses it into his favor when HBK, busy trying to show Cena up with the stiffness of his chops, misses and gets nailed with a right hand to the skull. Cade and Murdoch then control HBK for the next few minutes, including connecting with an inverted atomic drop/big boot combo by the two. Murdoch grabs HBK's foot and is about to throw him back onto the ground, but Michaels reverses it into an enziguri! Both men are down and are trying to tag in their partners, with Murdoch getting to his first but Michaels getting the hot tag before Cade can get to him.

Cena takes Cade out with a huge clothesline, with Cade doing a 360 and landing on his back, before he picks Cade up and hits his side suplex. He then quickly sticks out his hand and does the "You Can't See Me" taunt again, first to Cade then to Michaels, but before he can land the five-knuckle shuffle on Cade, Cade rolls out of the way! Cena holds his hand in pain and Cade takes him down with a standing dropkick! Cade covers Cena but only gets a two! Cade Irish Whips Cena into his teams corner and tags in Murdoch. Murdoch pounds on Cena for the next few minutes until he tags Cade back in and he goes behind Cena as they try and execute their finisher, Sweet and Sour, but before Cade can hit the lariat, Cena dives out of the way and Cade trips over a kneeling Murdoch! This buys Cena some time and he tags in his partner!

HBK immediately goes to the top rope and lands an elbow drop on Cade before tuning up the band. Michaels then HITS THE SWEET CHIN MUSIC on Cade while Cena takes Murdoch over the top rope with a clothesline. Michaels covers Cade at 8:43 to pick up the win for his team. Cena then slides back inside of the ring to collect both of his titles as Michaels gets his championship, and the two cross eyes again. This time, Michaels is smiling and offers out his hand. Cena, hesitant, looks around at the crowd before shaking Shawn's hand. Shawn is still smirking when he lets go and starts to walk off, but then turns back and DELIVERS A SWEET CHIN MUSIC TO THE SKULL OF CENA! Michaels looks at the downed Cena, still smirking, as he grabs a microphone from Lillian Garcia and says how's that for keeping my composure? Michaels walks out of the ring as the camera focuses on the shocked face of Cena when RAW fades to black.

Overall Rating: (75, 77, 73) **3/4

We got a 6.92 rating for 'RAW'!
The attendance level was 9027 people.
We made $361080 from ticket sales.


Quick Results:
Umaga def. Val Venis @ 3:01
Carlito (w/ Ric Flair) def. Johnny Nitro @ 7:48
Chris Masters def. 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan @ 4:32
Edge def. Shannon Moore @ 7:12
John Cena & Shawn Michaels def. ******* Wrecking Crew in a Non Title Match @ 8:43


Current Backlash Card:

Singles Match for the WWE Championship:

John Cena (c) vs. Shawn Michaels

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Umaga (c) vs. Carlito

Singles Match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship:
Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Rob Van Dam/CM Punk/Hardcore Holly

Ladder Match for Number One Contendership to the WWE Championship:
Edge vs. Jeff Hardy

More to be announced.

Banners credit to Rock.
 
#41 ·
ECW Feedback​

The opening video package was clever, hyping up both Finlay and Mr. Kennedy, who I think are two pretty good draft picks.

Starting the show with Mr. Kennedy? Sounds good, I can’t really think of a better way to start the show than that. I didn’t like him using the whole KENNNAAADAAYYY skit straight away, as usually it’s the go home line of a promo, not the opening. I don’t know why, but it just didn’t feel right. The promo was alright from here, with me really loving the way Kennedy was playing the crowd, and I was marking out for the old ECW chants, great stuff. However, I didn’t like the mentioning of the dirt sheets, that just didn’t seem like something a wrestler would mention, especially somebody in the WWE. I do like the idea of Kennedy becoming a double champion though. I wasn’t a huge fan of Lashley’s bit, I mean he stuck up for himself and all that, but he just wasn’t aggressive enough for my liking. The only way people are going to get behind Lashley in this thread is if he is a complete badass, even on the microphone. Foley as GM is awesome to, I don’t know if I’ve said that in this thread before. The tag team match should be pretty epic to, and I must say, despite some issues, this promo was pretty entertaining.

I’m not sure I like the gimmick you are giving Helms. This all shaking hands crap, and heels becoming fair, it seems it’s happening a lot ion BTB lately, so I’m going to have to wait and see just what you do with this.

CM Punk/Noble? What an awesome opening contest. Honestly, with Helms and Noble both coming over to ECW, things are looking very exciting on this brand. A lot of people job Noble these days, so I was glad you got him to go seven minutes with Punk, but in the end, I guess the result was kind of inevitable. The attack on the referee afterwards has me up and about to, as it means you’ve actually got something planned for Noble. Good booking here, imo.

Please don’t push Mike Knox, he’s horrible in the ring and on the mic. By the way, three wins isn’t exactly an amazing record. Hopefully you just allow Lashley to squash the shit out of him next week.

Holly getting a bit of a push in this thread is a good decision, as I think it could have been alright, as he could have been big in ECW, imo. The six pack match sounds pretty epic for next week, anyway.

The main event was a pretty nice contest, and it was good to see Mr. Kennedy, who is quickly becoming the man in this thread, pick up the victory. By the way, since they used the exposed turnbuckle, I don’t think it was a clean victory. Anyway, a good momentum builder for Kennedy.

To be honest, I usually don’t like ECW in BTB, but this thread has a refreshed roster, and I must say, this was a pretty entertaining read. So, really great work on in this thread, you deserve the compliments, and I’m intrigued to see what comes next.
 
#42 ·
ECW Feedback

Hey, my first comments in here in way too long, so first and foremost, I apologise for not commenting sooner. Now, with that said, don’t be surprised if I make a few general comments throughout that maybe give my thoughts on general happenings and the drafts as a cheap kind of copout for my lack of feedback. Yeah, I’m lazy. I’ll try to get on the wagon with you from now on.

Nice little way to start off, with the draft obviously being the big thing coming out of last night. The obvious thing to hype.

Now, Kennedy to open the show is no surprise, because last night he was the big arrival, and there’s no doubt that he is THE star of the show. However, my initial thoughts when I saw the draft show, and what I think now is still the same thing: Is he too big of a star to be moved to ECW? To me at this stage? Yes he is. The guy is an absolute star at this stage, on a meteoric rise with the Money in the Bank briefcase, and you just know that when he cashes that briefcase in, it isn’t going to be on ECW. ECW simply isn’t big enough for that, and Kennedy feels too big for the show for me. I would rather you utilise a guy who feels like a midcarder there in the main event, such as the other guy who you drafted in Finlay. Still, as I said, if he’s on the show he needs to be in the spotlight, so him starting this show with a promo was simply a must. Kennedy introducing himself? I don’t mean that, however, I would rather see him list his accomplishments, such as the guy who is now changing Tuesday nights (instead of his old Friday nights line), the fastest rising star, the future world champion, former US champion etc instead of the weight thing. That seems more like a match introduction, whereas him listing his accomplishments would make him seem like the big star arrival that he is. The cheap heat here was good. Kennedy, however, pointing out ECW is the minor leagues? Not so good. We both know ECW is well below RAW and SmackDown!, however, pointing it out is not a good thing, because you don’t want to demean the show people are watching (or in the world of BTB, reading) because they’ll then think “Hey yeah, why am IU watching this? It’s not that good.” A big no for me. Unfortunately that seems to be the basis for this promo, so the chances of me liking it are slim to nil. The building up of himself from Kennedy was all well and good, but the following bagging of ECW, as I’m sure you would know, isn’t good. I know I said he’s too big of a star for the show, but pointing it out isn’t good. I know you’re probably going for a more smarky crowd from ECW, but the crowd’s reaction and the gay stuff from KK simply didn’t seem right for a WWECW show. WWE had transformed ECW beyond that by then. Still, the double champion stuff could be interesting, and it instantly sends Kennedy into the spotlight on the show, where he belongs. Lashley interrupting? Well, he is champion, but he’s also weak on the mic, so it’ll be interesting to see how you go. Keeping this part of the promo short was probably for the best, and I thought it did its job just fine. The feud is started up with the simple fact that Kennedy has never beaten Lashley, and that now he’s going to want to. Easy, and it makes sense. Foley coming out and announcing the tag match makes sense, as you get to showcase your new stars. Not to sure about the way the promo ended, as it just kind of stopped without and conclusive statement to end it, but it was still an okay way to open the show, even if I didn’t agree with some of the booking behind it.

Helms to ECW is someone I can get behind as a solid addition, as I think he would be a good guy to move up to the main event scene on ECW since he has both the wrestling skills and the mic skills, and he’s in that place in the midcard. With that being said, I’m not so sure about this specific promo from Helms, and how he’s become, well, a wuss. While I wouldn’t mind this character as much with a guy who has lesser mic skills and potential, a guy like Helms who just has that charisma to be a badass, arrogant type of guy being put into this character isn’t ideal. Unless this turns into some kind of a pacifist heel character where he doesn’t want to fight (which would actually utilise Helms’ mic skills and charisma well, imo), I can’t see this character being good for him at all.

Noble vs. Punk? Have to say, that’s a pretty great match for an opener. The match itself seemed to be written fine, with the mat wrestling early being good to see, and a pretty good buildup to the finish, with something different. The storyline itself, with the post-match attack of Noble going after the referee is a good one, as I love an intense and crazy Noble who attacks fuckers everywhere (Para had it going amazingly in his thread), although I thought it could have been done with a couple of weeks build of Noble thinking he was getting screwed by the referee, maybe in a series of matches with Punk to provide some good wrestling, before then exploding and going mental. Still, as I said, I like a crazy Noble, and Punk winning is never a bad thing.

Nice to see the replay of the Noble stuff to really make it seem like a big deal.

Knox getting a chance to make an impact? Hell yeah. The guy is amazingly talented. Having him go after Punk and Lashley after last week’s main event, even if neither Lashley nor Punk have acknowledged it tonight (which is a little disappointing for me) is a positive. The squash win tonight, while nothing spectacular, obviously, does its job in showing just how dominant Knox can be. The attack afterwards to further illustrate his dominance was good too, and while the promo was nothing great, it obviously did its job, and lays down a pretty good main event next week, if the match is indeed accepted. Hopefully it is.

Bob Holly a real kissass? I just can’t see it. It would have been much better if rather than just saying sorry, Holly went on to talk about his experience and how he likes to kick ass. This just seemed to mellow and almost not intense enough for Holly to be at all interesting as a character for me. The match for next week that’s been announced should be a good’un though. Granted, seeing Holly representing ECW on Pay-Per-View would suck, but the other guys would all do fine.

I know you mentioned it in your description of Lashley coming out to the ring, but I would have liked to have seen Styles and Tazz mention the Backlash match as a talking part between partners for the night in RVD and Lashley, because it adds that extra dynamic to the match, and I feel it should be pointed out. Just a small thing about the early part of the match, but I really feel like a DDT shouldn’t be used as such a weak move that’s just done like that. To me, it’s a move that should be used near the finish for an exciting nearfall, since it’s a big type of move, and shouldn’t just be thrown into the middle part of the match. A small and picky thing, I know, but it’s something that irritates me. The rest of the match was fine, and while Kennedy’s win wasn’t actually clean with the turnbuckle pad removed, it works. In my mind, I was thinking that Lashley would go over, as having Kennedy not ever beating Lashley as a storyline can drag the feud out longer, and give Kennedy some real anger by having him not better than the champ, not getting to be challenger, and thus not looking too good for the show, but since he’s Mr. Money in the Bank and one of your stars, I understand you giving him the win.


Overall this was a solid enough show to make me want to read more in this thread, which I’ve always wanted to do, but for some reason never really have. The show was pretty well booked, even if I didn’t think all of the things were necessarily booked as well as possible, and the writing was consistently good throughout. Sorry I haven’t been reviewing up until this point, but I promise I’m going to try to get more feedback to you, starting with your next show.
 
#43 ·
I know this isn't my best work, but I'm hopin' I'll be able to turn it around once I get back into a groove


Friday Night Smackdown
May 4, 2008

Rise Up 2006

The theme song of Smackdown plays to kick off it's first show post-draft and once it's finished we are taken to a screen shot of the crowd, who seem very amped up for the show tonight. Many fans are on their feet as the opening pyro goes off, to which we are greeted, as always, by Smackdown announcers Michael Cole and John 'Bradshaw' Layfield.


Michael Cole: Hello everyone, I'm Michael Cole and along with my partner John 'Bradshaw' Layfield, we are happy to present to you tonight's edition of Friday Night Smackdown, with us now on the road to Smackdown's next Pay-Per-View extravaganza, Judgment Day, which is just sixteen days away!

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: But before we get started there we have to remind our fans about what happened five nights ago at Backlash, Michael.

Michael Cole: Ah yes, for those of you who didn't order Backlash this past Sunday on pay-per-view, in a Smackdown-only match, the Undertaker defeated Batista and Kane in a Triple Threat Match to retain his World Heavyweight Championship that he won at Wrestlemania 23 by pinning Batista.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Batista wasn't a happy guy after the match because it was him who got Kane out of the picture for a few moments, only for the Undertaker to steal a victory off him.

Michael Cole: However, with all of the wrestlers that have been moved to Smackdown thanks to the draft, Batista might not get many more chances to try and win back his World Heavyweight Championship.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: I was at the draft show on Monday, Michael, and let me tell you, Smackdown hit the jackpot in the draft. Chris Masters, Marcus Cor Von, Umaga, and the big one... future Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels have all been brought over here to change Friday Nights. There isn't going to be a thing called an easy victory anymore on Smackdown, let me tell you that. Every single man on this roster is ready to go every single show, and if you have a bad day you may be out on the losing end.

Michael Cole: Smackdown certainly did flex it's muscles on Monday, but it's not to say that we didn't take some hits too. Gone are former United States Champion Chris Benoit and Kane. Mr. Money In The Bank Mr. Kennedy has been moved to ECW and has already made his debut there...

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Which was a ridiculous move if I've ever seen one, Michael.

Michael Cole: What are you talking about JBL?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Both Jonathan Coachman and Mick Foley were scared that Smackdown was going to become too strong of a brand that they couldn't compete with even if they combined their rosters, so they rigged it so we lost some of our big name main eventers. I'm surprised the Undertaker and Batista aren't on RAW or ECW as well.

Michael Cole: John, while I'm disappointed with the leaving of some of our superstars just like yourself, that opens the gates for many fresh faces, which is what the draft is all about.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Michael the draft isn't supposed to be rigged so that the strongest brand gets some of it's top superstars taken away. And that's what happened Monday night. It's a sham, I tell you.

Michael Cole: Well, whatever it may be, what's done is done, and Smackdown is now on the road to Judgment Day, which is not very far away.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: And Teddy Long continues to prove that he's the best general manager in the company today, as the main event for tonight has already been announced.

Michael Cole: And what a main event it will be, JBL. We all know how much Batista wants another one-on-one shot with the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship, and he will have a chance to get that fight tonight, as he's one of the four participants in a fatal fourway for the number one contendership to the Undertaker's World Heavyweight Championship, with the winner facing the Deadman in the main event at Judgment Day.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Batista's not gonna have a cakewalk though, as he's gonna have to beat Shawn Michaels, William Regal, and King Booker to meet the Champion.

Michael Cole: Yes, it looks to be quite a main event scheduled for later tonight, but also later tonight 'The Rabid Wolverine' Chris Benoit will make his farewell from the Smackdown Brand, and the much-hyped Johnny Jeter will make his debut as well, taking on Funaki. All of this and much more to be shown here tonight on Friday Night Smackdown.

***Gonna Punch Someone Tonight***

The theme of Smackdown's resident *******, Jimmy Wang Yang, plays as he makes his way out from the curtain, ready to wrestle in the first match of the night. He seems to be in a cheerful mood tonight, slapping the fans hands as he trots down the aisle. Jimmy then tosses his cowboy hat into the crowd just before he enters the ring, giving a lucky fan a souvenir.


Michael Cole: But before we get to all of that action, let's welcome down Smackdown's resident *******, Jimmy Wang Yang, who's getting ready to wrestle in our first match of the night. Jimmy's had a low profile for the past month, but it looks like he's gonna try and get on track tonight.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Our cruiserweight division has been picked apart over the last week, so Jimmy's gonna have to step it up if he wants to get a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship.

***Chavito Ardiente

Hits and the current Cruiserweight Champion, Chavo Guerrero comes down the ring, ready for some ring action. Chavo has his signature poncho on, with a bandanna over his head and his championship wrapped around his shoulder. Chavo gets some boos from the crowd as he comes down the ring, but he does his best in trying to shake them off. Once he enters the ring he takes off his poncho and bandanna and hands his title to the referee before getting in his corner ready to start the match.


Michael Cole: It looks like Jimmy's not gonna have an easy time getting a win tonight, because he'll have to put away the current Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero to do so.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Michael this man is certainly one of the most underrated superstars in the WWE today. He's a third generation superstar, coming from the world-famous Guerrero family. He's got the talent of his father, the charisma of his grandfather Gory, and the heart of his uncle Eddie.

Michael Cole: No doubt Chavo has stepped out of his family's shadow and has made a name himself here in the WWE, with this being his 6th reign as Cruiserweight Champion, and he's also a former Tag-Team Champion with his Uncle Eddie.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: He's the top dog on the Cruiserweight Division, and there isn't one man on this roster that is as smart and talented as Chavo is.

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, our first match of the night will feature Jimmy Wang Yang versus Chavo Guerrero, but we have to take you to our first commercial break of the night, so don't go anywhere!

***Commercial***

Match One - Singles Match (Non-Title) - Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Chavo Guerrero (c)


We return from the commercial break with the match about two minutes in and Chavo sending Jimmy to the ground with a snap suplex, before covering him for a nearfall. Knowing that kicking out will cause Jimmy to burn some of his energy, Chavo covers again, with him again only getting a two count. Chavo, though, doesn't show his frustrations but instead laughs, knowing that he's in the drivers seat right now. Chavo lifts Jimmy up by his shirt and whips him shoulder first into one of the turnbuckle poles, which gets a resounding 'Oww' from both JBL and Cole, with JBL then laughing at Jimmy's pain not even three seconds after. Jimmy is sitting on the canvas, leaning against the bottom turnbuckle and in pain, while Chavo is a few feet away, planning his next move.

After Chavo figures out what he is going to do he walks over to Jimmy and lifts him up to a vertical position. Chavo measures his attack and whacks the chest of Jimmy with a knife-edge chop! A few of the Ric Flair fan's let out some woo's after the shot, and do so with the proceeding three chops that Chavo let's out, before he pokes the eye of Jimmy, to the disapproval of the referee. The referee pulls Chavo away from the corner after that move, telling him that poking the eye is illegal, although Chavo seems to be having it go in one ear and out the other. Once the referee is done scolding Chavo he charges at Jimmy and connects with a running hip attack to the hurt shoulder of Jimmy, sending the ******* back on his ass.

Chavo drags Jimmy a few feet away from the corner and covers him for another pinfall attempt, leaning on the hurt shoulder of Jimmy to increase the pain. Jimmy does somehow manage to roll the other shoulder up at two to draw a nearfall, but Chavo realizes that Jimmy is in serious pain with that shoulder. Chavo gets back up to his feet and stomps on the shoulder of Jimmy, which gets the ******* to scream in pain, before he lines Jimmy up about five feet away from the top rope and climbs the turnbuckle. Chavo takes his time getting up to the top, knowing that Jimmy isn't anything but a sitting duck, and once he gets to the top, he gloats a little by smacking his shoulders like his Uncle Eddie would, to some heat from the crowd for him immitating his more talented uncle.

After a few seconds of taunting Chavo gets both feet on the top turnbuckle and launches himself, attempting to finish off Jimmy with a frog splash... BUT JIMMY GETS HIS KNEES UP AND CHAVO CRASHES INTO THEM! Chavo took too long and it appears that Jimmy may have finally gotten some positive news for the first time in the match. Chavo, however, does get up to his feet first, but Jimmy gets up a few seconds later, knowing that he can't let Chavo take the momentum back. Jimmy charges at Chavo and sends him back to the ground with a delayed dropkick, followed by crossbody a few seconds later. Jimmy then waits for Chavo to get up to his feet, and then charges at him, attempting a spinning wheel kick... ONLY FOR CHAVO TO DUCK AND CAUSE JIMMY TO GET TANGLED IN THE ROPES!

Jimmy is a sitting duck now, with his legs caught in-between the top and middle rope and him hanging like a monkey on a tree branch. Chavo quickly gets up and begins to stomp on the hurt shoulder of Jimmy again, which gets the ******* to scream in pain. However, the referee then helps Jimmy out by untangling the ropes, which causes Jimmy's head to crash into the canvas. Chavo doesn't give Jimmy any recovery time, however, and grabs his head into a DDT position and runs up the ropes before crashing down into the mat, connecting with a Tornado DDT on Yang!

Chavo covers Jimmy to burn some more of his energy, only getting a two count, before he lifts Jimmy back up and grabs him in a front facelock. Chavo tosses Jimmy's hand over his back and lifts him up into the air, before sending him down and connecting with a suplex! Chavo doesn't let go of the hold after the move, however, as it looks like he's going to attempt the three amigos. Chavo again connects with the suplex a second time, and finally locks Jimmy in the front facelock and tosses his arm over Chavo's head, but this time instead of connecting with the move... JIMMY PULLS CHAVO DOWN TO THE GROUND AND PINS HIM WITH AN INSIDE CRADLE!!!

Winner: Jimmy Wang Yang via Pinfall (7:30)

The bell rings and Jimmy gets up to his feet, hands over his mouth, surprised himself that he pulled that one out of his ass. Chavo's eyes bug out as he can't believe that he just lost a match that he was fully in control of. Chavo smacks the canvas in anger, slides out to grab his Cruiserweight Championship, then storms on out to the back. Jimmy continues to pander to the crowd for a few minutes.

Michael Cole: I... I think it's fair to say that we have just witnessed an upset here in the opening contest, don't you JBL?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: You're damn right it is. How the hell could that ******* Jimmy Wang Yang beat such a skilled and talented wrestler like Chavo Guerrero? How Michael?

Michael Cole: It's simple really, Jimmy got Chavo's shoulders pinned to the mat for a three count.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: I know that, you jackass. What I mean is there's no way in HELL that Jimmy Wang Yang could surprise Chavo like that again.

Michael Cole: We will have to wait and see, but now let's go backstage to Todd Grisham, who's with one of the men featured in tonight's fatal fourway, William Regal.

***

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Todd Grisham, and with me at this time is none other then William Regal.

Boos from the crowd for the British superstar. Regal simply sneers at the crowd.

Todd Grisham: William, tonight you get your first opportunity in quite some time to face the World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker at Judgment Day, are you nervous at all?

Regal gives Grisham a dirty look, insulted at that question.

William Regal: Why in the BLOODY HELL should I be nervous?

Grisham is now the one who steps back, a little nervous himself at the seemingly infuriated Regal.

Todd Grisham: It's just that... the other three guys, Shawn Michaels, King Booker, and Batista have... all been World Heavyweight Champions at one time in their career...

Regal now looks pissed off that Grisham brought that up.

Todd Grisham: ...While you've been wrestling longer then any of them.

And boom goes the dynamite.

William Regal: List'n here you filthy American scum!... Tonight is MY night to make my homeland proud. Theodore Long has finally decided to give us TALENTED wrestlers the main event shot, and I will not screw it up!

Grisham nods his head as Regal is talking before firing another question.

Todd Grisham: You just said you won't screw it up tonight, but the final decision of the match doesn't need to include you, y'know.

Regal takes a deep breath, and I don't think he's in the mood for stupid questions.

William Regal: I know it doesn't have to, you imbecile, but it will include me. I have been waiting for a shot since I was a little boy living in Blackpool, and tonight is my night to shine. Are we finished here now?

Grisham nods his head and gestures Regal to move on, which he does, as Smackdown goes to it's second commercial break of the evening.

***Commercial***

Smackdown comes back on air with Funaki already inside of the ring, seemingly happy that he's actually being featured on a show for the first time in god know's how long. He gets introduced by Justin Roberts as he awaits for his opponent to make his way down.


Michael Cole: Some strong words we've just heard by William Regal before the break, JBL.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Ha ha Michael, this is the William Regal that I love to see. He doesn't take shit from no-one, and I'm scared that he might shorten the career spans of Batista, King Booker, and Shawn Michaels tonight.

Michael Cole: We will find out if that is true later tonight in the main event, but now it's time for the debut of... Johnny Jeter.

***All Eyes On Me***

The crappy production theme of the WWE plays as the much hyped debut of Johnny Jeter begins, along with his beautiful valet, Maryse Oullet. Jeter gets some pyro as he steps out from the curtain, with his girlfriends hand in his. The two don't try to hide that they're heels, either, with Maryse putting her hand in front of a fan who's yelling and Johnny taking a small child's HBK poster and picking his nose with it, before ripping it in half and tossing it back at the poor child. Heartless, yeah. Dickhead move, yeah. Unneccessary, yeah... Johnny then leads his woman up the steps, following right behind and lowering the bottom rope for her so she can get on in, before stepping in himself. The two walk into the middle of the ring and Maryse gives Johnny a nice kiss on the lips, with Johnny giving a cocky smile, as if to say 'Yeah, I'm tappin that.' before going to his corner and getting ready for his match in a few seconds.


Michael Cole: That was quite the uh, entrance there by our newest rookie Johnny Jeter.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Oh I'll say, he he. THAT'S an entrance Michael. If I had a woman like the lovely Maryse by my side when I was wrestling I would've brought her down to the ring and shown her off as well. I know you may not enjoy looking at a beautiful woman, Cole, but you won't hear any of the male viewers complaining about Maryse coming down to the ring every week.

Michael Cole: I have no problem with Johnny bringing his girlfriend down, but was it really neccessary for him to rip that small child's Shawn Michael's poster?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: It serves the kid right.

Michael Cole: What did the child ever do to Johnny?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: If he was smart he would've brought down a Johnny Jeter poster. Now he'll know for next time.

Michael Cole: Why should... how can you... let's get to the match.

Match Two - Singles Match - Johnny Jeter vs. Funaki

The heavily hyped debut of Johnny does not go bad for the rookie, completely in control of the rarely used Funaki for the entire match. Jeter shows flashes of brilliance early by connecting with a Superplex, and a fallaway slam, to which JBL absolutely marks for, a few seconds later. Jeter then toys with Funaki by walking over and smacking him on the head, with Funaki having no answer for it at all. Jeter then lifts Funaki up and whips him off the ropes, completely decapitating him with a double axe handle to the face! Funaki does a 180 and faceplants onto the canvas, and Jeter decides to cover him and put him out of his misery... but instead lifts up Funaki's shoulder on purpose, wanting to deliver even more punishment!

However, Jeter's cockiness bites him in the ass as Funaki finally gets some offense in by reversing a front facelock hold into an inside cradle, getting a two count on the surprised rookie. Jeter isn't pleased that Funaki was able to even attempt the pinfall attempt, and charges at him, only to get taken down with a surprise Enziguri by Funaki, to the cheers of the crowd. Funaki then waits for Jeter to get to a vertcal base, and once he does Funaki runs off the ropes and sends Jeter down again, this time with a one handed bulldog! Funaki then quickly hops on top of Jeter's body for a pinfall attempt, only to get a two count!

Funaki gets up to his feet and picks up his opponent, then runs off the ropes and comes diving at Jeter with a crossbody attempt, only for Jeter to stick his leg up and drill his leg into Funaki's gut, sending him back down to the ground. Jeter then lifts Funaki up and wraps his arms around Funaki's body, and whips him across the ring, connecting with a belly to belly suplex! With Funaki down for an extended period of time, Jeter kills some time by going over to Maryse and the two share another kiss, with Jeter again having that cocky grin of his. He then gets back up and patiently waits for Funaki to get up, and once he does Johnny finishes him off with a spinning 540 kick, with Johnny covering Funaki for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Johnny Jeter via Pinfall (5:59)

Johnny gets up to his feet without any bumps or bruises at all, brushing pretend sweat off his shoulder, trying to show everyone how easy his first match was, even though it wasn't a quick 1-2-3 squash. Maryse enters the ring and pushes the referee out of the way, raising Johnny's hand herself, letting everyone in the crowd that he's won decisively.

Michael Cole: What an impressive debut here by Johnny Jeter! I know you cannot assume anything off of one match, but the way Johnny looked today, I would think that he may have a bright future here on the blue brand.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: And if he keeps Maryse by his side, he might have a bright love life as well.

Michael Cole: Oh John will you knock it off?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: I'm sorry that I'm distracted by a beautiful woman's look. Most straight males are. But I guess you wouldn't know about that, would you? Ha ha!

The camera pans back to the couple in the crowd, still celebrating, as we get taken backstage to Montel Vontavious Porter, or MVP, who's getting ready for his match against Chris Benoit.

***

MVP is seen zipping up his 'power ranger' outfit, before taking a deep breath and looking at himself in his mirror that's in his locker.


Montel Vontavious Porter: Aight, Montel. T'night's YOUR night to finish off Chris Benoit. You're Smackdown's highest paid superstar for a reason. Chris ain't got NOTIN on you. Let's go.

MVP shuts his locker and places his chains around his neck, shades on his eyes, and seems ready to make his way out to the entrance, but....

???: Yoyoyoyoyoyoyoyo!! Yo!

Cryme Tyme enters before he can leave, with a big pop coming from the crowd for the ridiculously over tandem.

Montel Vontavious Porter: What are you guys doing here?

JTG and Shad both smile at each other before JTG answers MVP's question.

JTG: Ya didn't hear, homie? We've been drafted to Smackdown, boyyeee!

MVP takes a deep breath and looks up in the air, not wanting to see these two at the moment.

Montel Vontavious Porter: Why don't you guys bounce? You ain't wanted here.

JTG and Shad share a laugh with each other before Shad replies.

Shad: Man why you want us out so bad?

MVP takes off his glasses and looks at both of their eyes, trying to come off more serious.

Montel Vontavious Porter: Guys, I gotta match to get ready fo'. So get the hell outta my locker room.

The crowd boos at MVP's hostile attitude, but JTG and Shad both keep their cool.

JTG: Aight, man, we'll leave. But fi...

Montel Vontavious Porter: Then get out.

Shad: Woah, woah, big boy, you didn't think we'd leave just like that, did 'chu?

MVP let's out another big sigh, not in the mood for Cryme Tyme's bullshit. Not tonight, at least.

Montel Vontavious Porter: What d' ya guys want?

JTG and Shad look at each other, smile, and rub their fingers together, of course you know what they're talking about.

JTG: Man y'know what we're all 'bout...

Shad: We're 'bout 'dat money money...

The crowd responds with a resounding 'Yeah Yeah' chant.

JTG: We're 'bout that money money...

Another 'Yeah Yeah' comes out from the crowd.

Shad: Yeah 'dat money money...

One more 'Yeah Yeah' from the crowd.

JTG: 'Dat money money...

MVP, like anyone else that is reading this show, has becomed annoyed and interrupts them.

Montel Vontavious Porter: AIGHT! I get it. You guys want some money. Here...

MVP hands them a $50 bill from his bag, which pleases and shuts the duo up.

Montel Vontavious Porter: Take tha' fiddy. Now can I get some peace?

JTG and Shad nod their heads in approval, happy that they got some money.

JTG: We always knew you were a cool guy, man. We'll c'ya 'round.

MVP nods his head as the duo walk away and he continues to get ready for his match as Smackdown cuts to another commercial break.

***Commercial***

Smackdown comes back on-air with the WWE Tag-Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick walking backstage. The two stop and create some small chatter with a production worker before they are JUMPED BY DEUCE AND DOMINO! The greasers club both champions across the back of their heads with a clothesline, with Deuce whipping London into one of the garage doors and Domino throwing Kendrick through a table after. The production worker runs to go get help for the champions, with the duo of Deuce and Domino talking smack and popping the collar of their leather coats up before walking away, leaving the champions in a heap of pain. Smackdown then gets taken out to the arena with Michael Cole and JBL.


Michael Cole: Oh my god! The Tag-Team Champions have just been laid out by Deuce and Domino! Why would those two do something like that?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Michael it's all about making your name known here on the best wrestling show in the world. Deuce and Domino haven't been seen on Smackdown for a while now, but they're shootin' straight for the top and are goin' after the champions. He he, I like it. That's how you get noticed around here, Cole. You don't mess with the losers, you go right for the top dogs on the brand, and that's what Deuce and Domino did.

Michael Cole: But why do they have to be straight up... bullies and jump the champions from behind?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: It's London and Kendrick's fault for not expecting any sort of surprise attack on themselves. They've been the WWE Tag-Team Champions for almost a year now and other teams are gonna do whatever it takes to get to the top.

Michael Cole: JBL it just seems all unneccesary to me. Why can't they prove it inside of the ring and beat the champions? That'll gain them more respect then jumping the champions when they aren't even ready.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Cole having respect ain't gonna get you nowhere, you idiot. You gotta make it known that you are a force to be reckoned with, and that's what these two were doing.

***Whatever***

Hits and the now ex-United States Champion and ex-Smackdown superstar Chris Benoit comes down the ring, ready to make his farewell match on the Smackdown brand. Benoit, despite usually being a focused man coming down the aisle, slaps the hands of the fans who offer them. Once he enters the ring he climbs to the top rope and blows some kisses to the crowd, as a small sign of appreciation for their cheering on for him over his past few years on Smackdown.


Michael Cole: See, JBL, here's a perfect example of someone who can bring it inside of the ring and get a ton of respect from all of his peers. Chris Benoit is one of the most respected men in this industry, and that is who Deuce and Domino should take notes of.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Cole, I appreciate what Benoit can do as much as the next guy, but he's also been in the business for over twenty years. Deuce and Domino haven't even been here for five, so of course they're gonna have to do something shocking to make some noise.

Michael Cole: Tonight, however, will be the last that we see Chris Benoit on Smackdown for a long while, as he was drafted to RAW in the WWE Draft just a few days ago.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: That also means that the United States Championship is vacant and up for grabs to anybody, Cole.

***I'm Comin'***

Plays next and Smackdown's Highest Paid Superstar, Montel Vontavious Porter, comes down to the ring out of his tunnel. MVP has a very serious look on his face, really wanting to get one over on his rival on Benoit's last night here. MVP enters the ring and does his usual taunts, ending it with a 'Ballin' taunt, before going over to his corner and getting prepared for his upcoming match.


Michael Cole: JBL these two have had a lot of battles between each other over the past couple of months, and their series will conclude tonight, it appears. There normally aren't many must-wins in a superstar's career, but wouldn't you consider this one for MVP?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Absolutely not, Cole. The only must wins are matches for championships, and if I'm not mistaken, this match isn't for any championship.

Michael Cole: But don't you think MVP really wants to win this match tonight over a guy who he hasn't had the greatest of luck against in his short time here on Smackdown?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Of course he wants to win this match, you idiot. Every time you get inside of that ring you want to win, but this match won't make or break MVP's career. Once today is done with he won't have to see Benoit's face on Smackdown again, and I'm sure he'll be quite happy about that.

Michael Cole: Chris Benoit versus MVP in Benoit's farewell match on Smackdown... RIGHT NOW!

Match Three - Singles Match - Chris Benoit vs. Montel Vontavious Porter

The crowd is hot for the beginning of this match, with the two men locking up in a collar-and-elbow tie up, before Benoit locks in a side headlock on MVP. MVP quickly counters and whips Benoit off the ropes, only for Benoit to duck a clothesline attempt and take MVP down with a low dropkick to the knees.

The two continue to go back and forth throughout the match, with neither man getting in control of the match. Benoit appeared to have momentum after hitting five chops to the chest and taking MVP down with a superplex, only for MVP to kick out of the pin and throw Benoit head-first into the turnbuckle. MVP then seemed to have control of his heated rival, connecting with a Playa's Boot to Benoit's head, only for Benoit to slide out of the Playmaker attempt and quickly try for a sharpshooter on MVP. Benoit tries to turn MVP over, but due to all of the matches that they've had and studying that MVP has done, MVP crawls backwards and puts his hand on the bottom rope, forcing Benoit to break up the hold before he can even lock it in, to some jeers from the crowd as Smackdown goes to a commercial.

***Commercial***

As Smackdown comes back Benoit again tries to gain some huge momentum by attempting a German Suplex, only for MVP to deliver elbows to the head of Benoit, causing him to relinquish his grip. MVP shows some athleticism by pulling Benoit over his shoulder with a snapmere and delivering a hard kick to the back of Benoit, which gives a large cracking sound throughout the arena. MVP doesn't waste any time after that and climbs overtop of Benoit, repeatedly punching him in the face while in the position, until the referee pulls him off for using closed fists. MVP doesn't get flustered by the referee interjecting, but instead grabs the arm of the now standing Benoit and whips him into the ropes, sending Benoit's face into his knee with a facebreaker knee smash! MVP then covers Benoit for the pinfall, only for Benoit to roll the shoulder up at two.

MVP then lifts Benoit's body up and whips him off the ropes, sticking his foot in the air for a Big Boot attempt, only for Benoit to duck under it and counter with a roll up, to MVP's surprise, and gets a nearfall. MVP rolls over to the ropes and gets to a knee, surprised by the counter that he hasn't witnessed with Benoit before. He then gets up to his feet and makes a beeline towards a charging Benoit, only for Benoit to deliver a kick to the sternum, doubling Smackdown's highest paid superstar over. Benoit quickly wraps his arms around MVP's head and flips him over with a snap suplex, to some cheers of approval from the crowd. Benoit then turns MVP onto his belly and tries to lock in a surprise Crippler Crossface, but MVP feels it coming and drags himself over to the ropes, before getting his right foot across the bottom rope, causing another rope break.

Benoit immediately gets up and smacks his hands together, knowing that he missed an opportunity, but patiently waits for MVP to get back up to his feet. MVP eventually does and swings a wild right hand at Benoit which completely misses, and Benoit quickly wraps his hands around MVP's body and whips him down to the ground with a German Suplex! Benoit clamps onto the hold and picks MVP back up before ripping him down again with ANOTHER German! Benoit still holds onto MVP and gets him up, connecting with a German for the THIRD time, after which he releases the hold!

The crowd is now on its feet chanting for the Canadian Crippler, who has finally gotten the momentum into his favor. Benoit gets up to his feet and slices his finger across his throat, letting everyone know that he's gonna try and finish the match up. Benoit lines up his best shot and climbs up the turnbuckle, taking his time knowing that MVP won't be moving around for a while. Benoit eventually gets up to the top and sets his feet on the top turnbuckle before going airbourne, attempting a diving headbutt... BUT MVP ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Benoit's head crashes into the canvas, and suddenly MVP has gotten control of the match!

MVP gets up to his feet first and waits for his rival to get up, and once he does MVP connects with a right hand to the head, then proceeds to whip Benoit into the ropes and deliver a kick to the gut on the rebound, doubling Benoit over. MVP quickly tries to finish off the bent Benoit by getting in the Playmaker position, but once he turns Benoit slides out of his position and grabs ahold of MVP's arm, trying to tuck it in and lock in the Crippler Crossface, but MVP GETS TO THE ROPE AGAIN! Benoit is unable to lock in the hold and shows his frustrations, turning his back to MVP and smacking the ropes in anger.

Benoit turns around and, to his surprise, MVP is already up and delivers a kick to his sternum, before quickly gathering himself and getting Benoit in the Playmaker position again, with this time... HE CONNECTS! MVP drags Benoit a few feet away from the ropes and immediately hooks the far leg, finally getting the pinfall that he has waited to get for for months!

Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter via Pinfall (12:47)

MVP gets up to his feet and holds his hands up in celebration, overly filled with joy that he has finally beaten Benoit, a man who has had the upper hand over him over the past few weeks. Benoit, knowing that he has been beaten fair and square, gets up and nods his head to MVP, for MVP to come over and give him a hug, which gets some cheers from the crowd. MVP then raises the hand of Benoit, to which the crowd cheers for, before letting go and beginning to make his way to the back... BUT THEN JUMPS BENOIT AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A BIG BOOT TO THE SKULL! MVP lets out a sly grin and lifts Benoit back up, before taking him down with a SECOND PLAYMAKER! MVP then kicks Benoit out of the ring and celebrates inside of the ring by himself, with the crowd now turned back against him.

Michael Cole: Damnit John, I knew it was too good to be true! I just knew it!

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Ha ha ha, Cole, what's up your ass? MVP is a genius!

Michael Cole: What do you mean he's a genius!? More like he's a jerk to one of the most respected men in this company!

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: This is why you wouldn't last a day inside of that ring, Cole. You're too soft. Who gives a damn if Chris Benoit is one of the most respected wrestlers in the WWE? MVP just HANDED it to Benoit today, and he has every RIGHT to do whatever he wants inside of that ring.

Michael Cole: But why couldn't he have just gave Benoit his hug and then leave the ring? Did he really have to put the spotlight on himself on Benoit's last day here on Smackdown?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Michael, he won the match today, so as far as I'm concerned, he can do just about whatever the hell he wants.

Michael Cole: It's just... despicable! That action has no place in the WWE.

We end Michael Cole's bitching by taking you to a view of King Booker inside of his lockerroom with his queen, Sharmell, getting ready for his match in the main event later tonight. We don't hear what these two are saying, but Booker is seen stretching for a little bit, with his queen rubbing his shoulders, helping him relax before his match. Booker gets a happy grin on his face, before continuing to stretch as Smackdown goes to another commercial break.

***Commercial***

***Virtual VooDoo***

Plays and the newly drafted 'Samoan Bulldozer' Umaga comes down the ring, with his mouthpiece/manager Armando Alejandro Estrada right by his side. Umaga has his big 'towel' of sorts wrapped around his large body and smacks his shoulders as he makes his way down the ring. Umaga's opponent, the helpless Dave Taylor, is already in the ring awaiting his Samoan opponent.


Michael Cole: Oh my... John, just look at Smackdown's first draft pick from this past Monday. He's... he's huge!

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Cole, although I like Dave Taylor, he better be sayin' his final prayers and eatin' his vitamins, ha ha, b'cause he ain't gonna stop the Samoan Bulldozer tonight!

Michael Cole: I wish I could disagree with you, partner, but Taylor looks like a sitting duck right now, and I don't think he will fare very well in a few minutes.

Match Four - Singles Match - Umaga vs. Dave Taylor

Yeah, JBL called this match from the get-go. It's all Umaga here, for the 2 minutes that they are fighting for. Umaga immediately takes Taylor down with a decapitating Lariat, then lifts him up and takes him down again, this time with a Samoan Drop. Umaga then drags Taylor over to the turnbuckles and charged at him from a few feet away, connecting with the Samoan Wrecking Ball, before finishing off the Englishman with a Samoan Spike and covering him for the easy 1-2-3 victory.

Winner: Umaga via Asskicking Pinfall (1:38)

Estrada enters the ring and raises the hand of his talented client, but instead of them celebrating inside of the ring, Estrada demands a microphone from one of the production workers, wanting to speak to the crowd. He is handed one, and has a smug grin on his face as he begins to speak.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ha ha ha, I... am Armando Alejandro Estrada... ha ha... and 'dis is my client, 'de 'Samoooooan Bullldozer'.... UUUUMAAAGGGAAA!

Estrada stops and bellows out a huge laugh, as Umaga gives a freakish grin as well.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju see 'dis... ju see 'dis 'ight here?

Estrada, still looking at the camera, motions towards the still downed Taylor.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: 'Dis is what ju all will be witnessin' from now on 'ere on Friday Nights, ha ha!

Estrada smacks the back of Umaga, letting him know of the job well done.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju see, everybody, Umaga is de most impreesive specimen 'dat has ever stepped inside of a double-joo double-joo eee ring... EVER! HA HA!

Estrada holds his head back, laughing heartily, with the crowd giving him and Umaga some pretty huge heat. Eventually, a 'You Suck' chant breaks out, which causes Estrada to stop laughing and give the crowd a dirty look.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: What? Ju peoples don't believe in de power of da SAMOOOAN BULLDOOZER?

The crowd continues it's 'You Suck' chant, which causes Estrada to disappointingly shake his head in disagreement.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Since ju all still don't believe in my client's greatness, I guess he will have to... ha ha... show ju all... right NOW!

Estrada barks orders to Umaga, who walks over to Taylor, who is now almost up to his feet, with the ropes assistance, and grabs him by the head. Umaga pulls Taylor away from the ropes and lifts him off his feet, with Taylor's body perpendicular to Umaga's. Umaga swings his hips a few times before he slides Taylor into his shoulder and WHIPS HIM INTO THE GROUND! Umaga takes Taylor down with a Swinging Side Slam! The crowd continues to jeer the beast, who isn't finished yet. Oh no, he's not even close. Umaga smacks his chest and drags the helpless Taylor to the nearest turnbuckle, propping him up so he's leaning against the bottom turnbuckle. Umaga takes a few steps back and charges forward at the Brit, smashing his ass RIGHT INTO TAYLOR'S FACE! Taylor's head crashes into the bottom turnbuckle, with at the very least suffering severe whiplash. Umaga lets out another huge scream before picking Taylor up and lifting him into a military press, before taking a step forward and dropping Taylor flat on his face behind him. Once Umaga lets Taylor go, Estrada walks over to his client and restrains him.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ha ha ha ha ha! Did I not tell ju all? Do ju all understand what I'm sayin' NOW? HA HA! Me and Umaga did not accomplish what we wanted to do on RAW, which was to claim the double-joo double-joo eee championship...

The crowd lets out a large cheer, knowing that it will get on the nerves of the pair standing inside of the ring.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: BUTT, 'ere on Smackdown... I will assure ju all... Umaga WILL hold 'de World Heavyweight Champiooonship by 'de time Wrassle-Manee-uh Twenty Four rolls around... ha ha!

Estrada pulls a large Cuban cigar out of his front pocket and begins to light it up, taking a large puff before continuing.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: I mean everrryone, jus' look at 'dis man! Everythin' 'dat a World Heavyweight Championn needs... speed... strength... intelligence... Umaga has... multiplied by millions... ha ha!

Estrada takes another puff of his cigar, letting out a huge exhale.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ha ha.... Ladies and gentlemen... my client Umaga, ju see... makes guys like... 'de 'Animal' Batista... look like... Little Bo Peep, ha ha!

The crowd boos Estrada, with a few chants when Batista's name is heard.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: People... people... please! When ju boo my client, all ju are doin' is makin' him angry! 'nd trust me, if ju all think what he did to Senor Taylor 'ere was bad, jus' wait until ju REALLY make him angry... HA HA!

The crowd fails to listen to Umaga's handler, and the 'Samoan Bulldozer' begins to ferociously move around the ring in anger, wanting to beat the shit outta someone. Estrada is forced to calm him down.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: (To Umaga) Na' na' Umaga... not tonight. Calm... calm ju'rself.

After a few seconds of deep breaths between the two, Umaga calms down and Estrada continues.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Everyone... soon... soon ju all will experience what is like... when the beast is unleashed! Ha ha!

Estrada puts out his cigar, signaling the end of this introduction of his.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: However... tonight... tonight ju all shall count your blessings! If we wanted to... we could take out every single person backstage... from champions to openers to interviewers to production workers... but not tonight, as we want ju all to appreciate your last days with fully functioning body parts...

Estrada calls Umaga over, as the two begin to make their way towards the steps.

Armando Alejandro Estrada: But soon... the wrath of the Samooan Bulldozer will be known throughout the ENTIRE double-joo double-joo eee!! HA HA!

Estrada bellows out a huge laugh as the two then walk out of the ring and leave the arena, happy with Umaga's debut. Smackdown then cuts to a commercial break, with Cole hyping up the main event, which is close to occuring.

***Commercial***

When we come back, we get taken to the office of General Manager, Theodore Long, who has Chris Masters, Matt Hardy, Marcus Cor Von, and MVP standing behind his desk, wondering why they were asked into his room. Long hangs up the phone that he was talking in. He then breaks the ice by adressing all 4 men.


Theodore Long: Ah, playas, glad you all could show up here on such short notice...

Long can't get 15 words in and he's already being interrupted.

Montel Vontavious Porter: Man Teddy what's this all about? I got things to do ta'night.

Theodore Long: Calm down, playa, 'dis will only take a second.

Long takes a deep breath and clears his throat before making his announcement.

Theodore Long: As you all know, this past Monday Chris Benoit was stripped of his United States Championship due to being drafted to RAW... Well, we cannot move on without having a United States Champion. So, next week, there will be two one on one matches between you four guys, and the winners of both of those matches will meet at Judgment Day for the United States Championship on the line. Holla holla holla!

All four men shake Long's hand before walking out, as we are taken out to the arena again...

***

***I Walk Alone***

Hits first, with the 'Animal' Batista making his way out of the curtain. Batista flexes his large muscles on the top of the entrance ramp, with the crowd on their feet for him. He then walks down a few feet before setting off his pyro, followed by giving his fans high fives as he makes his way down the ring. Batista then does a quick sprint up the steps and enters the ring, flexing his muscles on the top turnbuckle as he waits for his three opponents.


Michael Cole: Well, ladies and gentlemen, here comes the 'Animal' Batista, and with him out, it is now time for our main event fatal fourway match! John, can't you feel the excitement and electricity in this building?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Yeah, it kinda reminds me of when I was wrestling in the main events just a few months ago, Cole. This is what wrestlers dream for. When you're a small child, you hope to be wrestling in the main event, and tonight four men will get that chance.

Michael Cole: Not only will all four men get to fight here in the main event, but the winner of tonight's match gets to face our current reigning World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker in just two weeks time at Smackdown's next pay-per-view event, Judgment Day. What do you think the deadman is doing at the moment, JBL? You think he's watching tonight's match?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Cole, I seriously doubt that the Undertaker is worried about who he's going to have to face at Judgment Day. He's the World Heavyweight Champion. He's the top guy in the company. He knows what responsibilities he has as the champion. He doesn't care who it is, he just goes and does his thing.

***Born Naughty***

Is the second entrance theme to play, that of William Regal. Regal comes out in his large trench coat, knowing that he has a big opportunity here tonight to try and get a chance at the Undertaker's World Heavyweight Championship. Once Regal enters the ring he disposes of his trench coat and does some stretches near one of the turnbuckles, as he doesn't want to cramp up or pull something during the match.


Michael Cole: Here next is William Regal. Regal is one of the most experienced and hard nosed wrestlers here in the WWE, but the one thing that has escaped him is that elusive World Championship.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: He may not have it right now, but he certainly has the ability to win this match tonight and get his shot against the Undertaker.

Michael Cole: Regal may have the ability, JBL, but let's not forget that this isn't your traditional singles match. Regal doesn't even have to be involved in the outcome of this match for it to be finished.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Regal's one of the smartest players in the game, Cole. He knows that he doesn't have to be involved in the outcome, but he'll use his willpower to make sure that he is involved in some way.

***Dead White Guys***

And the third theme plays, with King Booker, accompanied by his wife, Queen Sharmell, making his way down the ring. He has his crown over his head, and red 'cape' of sorts tied around his neck, while Sharmell comes out in a sparkling dress and tiarra. Once Booker makes his way down to the ring he walks up to the steps and unties his cape and crown, hands it to his wife, and enters the ring, ready to get a chance to main event Judgment Day.


Michael Cole: Booker T ha..

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: That's KING Booker, moron.

Michael Cole: Erm... right. King Booker hasn't had a main event chance in what seems an eternity, but he is a former WCW Champion and World Heavyweight Champion, so he does know what it takes to become a World Champion.

John 'Bradshaw Layfield: Don't forget that he was the most recent King of the Ring winner, and that he knows how to win big matches.

Michael Cole: Booker will have to be big here tonight as he goes against three other talented superstars.

***Sexy Boy***

And the final theme plays, with Smackdown's biggest draft pick Shawn Michaels coming out from the back curtain, to a great reaction from the fans. Shawn pumps his arms up and down repeatedly, flexing his biceps on the top rope. He slowly comes down, giving both sides of fans high fives as he does so, before sliding into the ring and again flexing his muscles, to some more cheers from the fans. Michaels then removes his t-shirt and gets to the unoccupied corner, quickly getting focused on the task at hand.


Michael Cole: JBL here comes the big gun that Smackdown received this past Monday on the draft, Shawn Michaels. A future Hall-of-Famer, what's Shawn gonna have to do to win tonight's match?

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: He's gonna have to pick his spots here tonight. Shawn's not getting any younger, and with the wear and tear that he's had on his body in the past twenty or so years, he's gonna have to try and get a sneak pin on someone, because I really don't see Shawn being the dominant man here tonight.

Michael Cole: Finally, our main event of the evening, Batista, Regal, Booker, Michaels, with a shot to become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, is seconds from being underway. However, before we take you to the match, I am told we will go to our final commercial break of the evening, but stick around here on Friday Night Smackdown!

***Commercial***

Match Five
Fatal Fourway for the Number One Contendership to the World Heavyweight Championship
Batista vs. William Regal vs. King Booker vs. Shawn Michaels


Smackdown returns from it's final commercial with Regal going against Michaels and Batista and Booker ducking it out on opposite sides of the ring. Batista lands some shoulder thrusts on Booker near the turnbuckle, while Regal connects with a European Uppercut on Michaels, sending him to the ground. Once Batista is done attacking with his shoulder thrusts he lifts Booker up onto the top of the turnbuckle, preparing to attempt a superplex. Batista gets up to the middle rope and wraps his arms around Booker's head, but before he can connect with the move Regal, who has left Michaels for a few seconds now that he's down on the ground, comes over and smacks Batista on his back before pulling him down and throwing him back-first into the canvas, which gets some jeers from the crowd.

Regal makes his way towards Batista, but before he inflicts any damage he walks back over to Booker and slams on the top rope, causing Booker's crotch to land directly on the top turnbuckle! Booker then slowly curdles himself up and crashes to the mat himself, with Regal now being the only man standing inside of the ring. Regal looks at all three men, trying to decide who he should go after, before deciding on the biggest man in the match, Batista. Regal lays some stomps on the chest of Batista before getting down to the ground and turning him over, driving his knee into the spine of the Animal. Regal then grabs ahold of the right leg of Batista and pulls it back while driving his knee into the head of Batista, locking in a half legged Boston Crab!

Regal is able to have it locked in for a few good seconds before Michaels jumps in and leaps at Regal, taking him down to the mat and hitting him with right hands repeatedly, and then he jumps back up and pumps his arms, getting the crowd back into the match. Regal gets up seconds later and charges at HBK, only for HBK to connect with an inverted atomic drop, followed by a punch to the head of Regal, which sends the Brit down.

Michaels is really feeling the momentum down and walks over to one of the corners, then starts to tune up the band once he gets to his spot. Michaels only reaches three before Booker comes by and drives a foot into Shawn's chest, doubling him over. Booker grabs Shawn by the head and tosses him into the nearest turnbuckle, before lifting Shawn's head a little and smacking the unprotected chest with a backhanded chop. A few woos are heard in tribute to Ric Flair after the first chop, but each proceeding chop after results in boos for Booker, who, after the fifth connected chop, sticks his pinkie up in the air and connects with a sixth and final chop.

Booker then grabs Shawn by the hair and pulls him near the middle space between the two turnbuckles, with Shawn still leaning against the turnbuckle. Booker grabs Shawn's arm as if he's about to whip him across the ring, but just before he can Batista interferes and clubs Booker across the head, and quickly disposes of him by throwing in-between the middle and top rope. Batista then is the one who grabs the hand of Shawn and whips him across the ring, and connects with a thunderous SPINEBUSTER in the middle of the ring! The crowd gives a mixed reaction to the connection while Batista gets up and does his ring shake taunt a la Warrior, only to not notice William Regal sneakily try and pin Shawn while he isn't looking! Regal gets a two count, but Batista quickly realizes his error and breaks the pinfall up with a double axe handle!

Batista lifts Regal up to a vertical position and tries to whip him out of the ring like he did with Booker, who is still down, but Regal holds himself in thanks to the ropes assistance and lifts the back of his leg up, HITTING BATISTA RIGHT IN THE FAMILY JEWELS! Regal turns around and holds his hands up as if he has done nothing wrong, before quickly going over to Batista and throwing him down to the ground with a half nelson suplex, which is beautifully executed. Regal doesn't waste any time, though, and locks Batista's right leg in an STF while trapping in his right arm, CONNECTING WITH THE REGAL STRETCH!

Batista has never been locked in the maneuver before, so he is having some trouble getting out of the move, and with Booker and Shawn still on the ground, he is a sitting duck. Regal continues to hold in the submission for an extended period of time, and Batista begins to raise his hand in the air, almost ready to tap... AND.... BOOKER BREAKS UP THE HOLD! A few cheers actually come Booker's way now, as he keeps this exciting main event alive. Booker quickly lifts Regal up and tries for the kill, wraps his arm around Regals far shoulder and... THROWS HIM DOWN WITH THE BOOK END!

Regal crashes to the mat, but before Booker can cover Regal, Michaels grabs Booker by the arm and whips him into the ropes decapitating him with A SWEET CHIN MUSIC ON THE REBOUND! The Smackdown crowd is going absolutely CRAZY for HBK! Michaels falls on top of Booker and lifts his leg for the cover... BUT BATISTA NOW BREAKS UP THE PINFALL! Batista grabs Shawn by the head and whips him into his legs, getting ready to hit the Batista Bomb! Batista does his thumbs up, thumbs down routine, then proceeds to lift Shawn up onto his shoulders and... CONNECTS WITH THE BATISTA BOMB! Regal and Booker are down on opposite turnbuckle corners, and Batista covers Shawn's far leg for the pinfall victory! Batista is the new number one contender!!!

Winner: Batista via Pinfall (13:55)

Batista gets up to his feet and raises his hands in the air, jumping up and down a few times in celebration. After jumping he walks over to the top turnbuckle and raises his hands in the air again, followed by rubbing his hands against his waist, indicating that he wants his title back. Batista then jumped off the turnbuckle and got his hand raised, and spent the rest of the show celebrating inside of the ring while the three losers sit outside of the ring, disappointed that they missedout on an opportunity.

Michael Cole: And there we have it, JBL! Batista is getting the one on one rematch with the Undertaker that he has been begging for since Wrestlemania 23, and now he's gonna get it at Judgment Day!

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield: Impressive performance by Batista. He did what you're supposed to do in these kind of matches. Let the opponents beat the crap out of each other and pick your spots. He's deserving to get a chance to face the Deadman and try and regain the title that he lost a month ago.

Michael Cole: For JBL, I'm Michael Cole, and we hope you have enjoyed this Smackdown broadcast here tonight. Tune in next week to see what happens between the World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker and his number one contender Batista. Good night, everybody.

Cole signs off and Smackdown fades to black.

Quick Results:
Jimmy Wang Yang def. Chavo Guerrero (7:30)
Johnny Jeter def. Funaki (5:59)
Montel Vontavious Porter def. Chris Benoit (12:47)
Umaga def. Dave Taylor (1:38)
Batista def. King Booker, Shawn Michaels, and William Regal (13:55)

---

Judgment Day
When:
May 20, 2007
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Theme Song: I Don't Wanna Stop by Ozzy Osbourne

Confirmed Matches:

Singles Match for the World Heavyweight Championship:
The Undertaker (c) vs. Batista

Singles Match for the United States Championship:
Two of the following: Chris Masters, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Hardy, and Montel Vontavious Porter

Triple Threat Match for the Contract of an Unannounced Superstar:
TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA
 
#44 ·
SmackDown! Feedback

This is the first time I’ve read over SmackDown! properly, rather than skim, so if I make any errors or anything, my bad. Hopefully with the draft out of the way it won’t make too big of a difference anyway.

The opening commentary, while good in that it hyped up the show and the arrivals on SmackDown!, didn’t seem quite right on Bradshaw’s part. I know he’s patriotic about SmackDown!, but he never liked Teddy Long or Batista, and the way he talked it really made it seem like he did.

Ugh, have to say, I hate when matches start during the commercial breaks. A pretty nice opener here, with Jimmy Wang Yang emerging as a challenger for Chavo working by beating him, albeit with a roll up type win. Good to see you give the cruiserweight some decent time to start the show off as well, making for an exciting beginning to the show. I have to say, JBL was much better in the post-match commentary than at the start of the show too.

Regal definitely seems like the weak link in this match. Not quite sure he fits. Still, a pretty good promo from him, showing his intensity and want to win. Not so sure that he will win, but it would be pretty great if he did.

I was always quite a fan of Jeter, so I like the idea of bringing him in here. His obnoxiousness was shown well not just with his entrance, but also with him lifting the shoulder of Funaki off the mat, which I thought was a nice touch. Not to sure about him using power moves such as a fallaway slam since he’s a pretty damn small guy by WWE standards, and I can’t see him being able to do it to a lot of guys, but still, a nice debut for Jeter. I look forward to seeing where he slots into the card once his squash wins are done.

MVP psyching himself up for his match with Benoit was pretty cool, before being interrupted by Cryme Tyme. The Cryme Tyme shtick, even if I always hated it, works for them, and I guess introduces them on SmackDown!. While their promos are often annoying as hell, as a team they weren’t too bad, so hopefully you get them going in the ring soon, if not just to help out the tag division.

Random attack from Deuce and Domino was unexpected, but a mini-feud with London and Kendrick for the tag gold wouldn’t be too bad, and is probably some of the best stuff you can make out of the tag division atm.

Glad to see you really give some time to Benoit and MVP, and allow their history to give them some counters to one another, playing on their past matches well. MVP picking up the win seems like the right choice for mine, as Benoit has nothing to gain from it on the way out from SmackDown!, because no one will remember it come his arrival on RAW. MVP, however, has something he can brag about for a long time, and something that will also go a long way to getting him a shot at the US Title in the inevitable tournament that will follow for the vacant gold. The aftermath of the match with the two showing respect, only for MVP to then jump Benoit was gold too, really putting his attitude over and showing that despite his history with Benoit, he doesn’t respect anyone. Really happy with how this went, because I think it has done a lot for MVP.

Ooo, some more hype for the main event. Should be a good match for sure.

Umaga getting a squash win on his new brand seems a wise booking decision, illustrating his dominance immediately and showing what he’s all about.

Good to see Armando on the stick too afterwards to give Umaga a bit of hype. Small thing, but the beginning was a little off, as his usual shtick is “My name is Armando Alejandro Estrada” in his drawn out manner, instead of just “I am”. Other than that, I thought the characterization of Estrada was pretty great all throughout the promo, and Umaga once again beating down Taylor after the match to show how freakishly powerful he is is good, even if it may be a little similar to what we just saw, with MVP beating Benoit down post-match (perhaps these matches should have been separated a little further). The continuation of the promo afterwards, with Estrada signaling his intentions was good, giving Mags some real direction on SmackDown! right away. I also liked how he put over Umaga’s abilities, and the little mention of Batista. A hint at a feud? Maybe I’m reading a little too much into it, but I would love to see it go down if possible. Good little promo here from Estrada, setting the scene for Umaga on SmackDown!.

Some very nice selections for your mini-tournament, even if it appears you’ve got three heels and one face (unless I’ve missed something). The obvious final looks to be MVP vs. Hardy, although I wouldn’t mind seeing any of the four men involved in it. A nice addition to the Judgment Day card with the final, with a few good matches for SmackDown! next week too.

:lmao @ the interaction between JBL and Cole during Booker’s entrance. That’s what I love to see from JBL. Like I said earlier, I dislike it when matches start during the commercial break. Would have preferred for you to have separated the entrances with a break here instead. Pretty good main event here, with a fair bit of excitement, and some actual periods of dominance for Regal, which was a good sign. Batista vs. ‘Taker should be a good match for Judgment Day too, following up on their recent history. Good way to finish the show, even if a small appearance from The Undertaker maybe should have topped it off, considering he’s champion.


A pretty good show here, Perfect Poster, although it seemed a little short and may have lacked a few promos. There was a bit of a lack of starpower too, as a promo from Michaels and an appearance from ‘Taker, since he is your champion, would have gone a long way. Still, all of the booking was solid, and the writing was fine too. Looking forward to seeing you keep on going with SmackDown!, because as this show showed, you seem to be fine with the guys you’re working with. Good stuff.
 
#2 ·
I don't like the fact that you're using a certain superstar in this thread. I'd have preferred it if you had just changed the results with MVP winning the United States Championship. Other than that, this looks standard so far. There's not much to say until you start posting shows. I think you had some interesting stuff going a few months back with Rated R so it'll be interesting to see what you can do in this thread. Good luck.
 
#3 ·
Thank God (or Allah, or Yahweh, or Buddha, or who gives a crap) you're keeping ECW. I've always been of the mindset that ECW is a great asset, and one that can build your young stars as well as provide an alternative to Smackdown! and RAW. As for your results, I'm okay with you keeping Benoit (unlike my estranged compadre above me) and I hope you do well with the thread. As always, may you succeed and may this thread prosper. Find your niche, plz.
 
#5 ·
Raw Feedback​

Always great to start off the show after ‘Mania with a recap of ‘Mania, all the results are the same, not much to comment on really, just thought I would, because I hate some people who totally ignore the recap video of ‘Mania on to of the show. Sometimes for me, it’s the little things that count.

Okay, so since this is recap I can’t really say too much but what I will say is Cena saying that there should be a new number one contender comes off a bit heelish. It is like he is trying to avoid a rematch. I don’t know if this is seeds being planted, or if you just plain messed up so I thought I would mention it. It probably would have been a lot better if Cena said something like who ever there is in the back that I haven’t faced, if you want some, come get some. Just would have sounded more Cena and would have fitted his character a lot better rather then just flat out saying Shawn Michaels should not get a rematch. Shawn Michael also seemed a lot like a heel, when its face against face there are some things you have to watch out for. Having this in recap makes it that much harder as we don’t see the true emotion that the two guys have. Such words as fluke straight away make HBK sound as if he is down playing Cena’s talent, and that is something that during a face against face feud should not happen, unless one of the guys is going to turn heel soon. Cena was better here finally saying that line, made it seem like he wasn’t scared, it was probably the first proper face thing he has said in this promo. The Coach as GM, imo, is a great decision. I am a mark for The Coach, I love his cockiness and all, Vinnie Mac taking leave is a good option, the whole hair storyline sucked, and this was a nice way for you to scrap that. Having to have tag team matches all the way up until Backlash is something that would usually get a tad boring, but due to it only being four weeks away I can see some nice, slow tension building, in all of these tag matches. In a summary, I wasn’t a fan of both superstars talking, but Coach came out and straightened things up, we should now have an entertaining build to Backlash and a great main event at Backlash.

Armando Estrada is another man that I mark for, and I must say that he should have a great future in this thread if you re push him after he was embarrassed by Bobby Lashley at ‘Mania. Usually AAE tries to calm Umaga down, but he really seemed as if he just wanted Umaga to go out for blood tonight, I will like that a lot but it seems as if there will be trouble for Super Crazy.

Just a little note, yes its nit picky and I don’t usually care about to many mistakes, however, its Samoan Drop not Samoa Drop, one thing I hate is when people write out moves with incorrect spelling. On to the good news, this is exactly what Umaga needed; the splash through the table after the match was great just to re-invent him as a monster again. Perfect, I say feed him maybe one more jobber and then he will be ready to rumble again.

Carlito getting put on the show individually, without Flair is good in my eyes. ‘Lito needs to be alone to be a success, I can see him not winning tonight, he needs to turn heel and ditch Flair. Anyway, just having this interview, which seemed in character enough BTW, shows me that your willing to give him some kind of push and that is exactly what I want to hear.

Masterlock challenge? I guess it’s alright that you’re continuing with it after Lashley broke the lock a few weeks ago. Masters excuse made me lol to be honest. Okay, so this is not exactly entertaining, Masters doesn’t look big and bad by defeating Jim Duggan, unlike Umaga I don’t think Masters can pull it off. Having them have a proper wrestling match next week almost makes me cry, if your trying to push Masters having him compete against Jim Duggan for a few weeks in a row is definitely not the way to go. :(

Uggghhhh, by the looks of this you’re going for another Edge/Hardy feud. No matter what Hardy it is, feuding between any member of this family and Edge has been done to death, I think this is sometimes the problem with threads around this era; the same things get done over and over again. Also, Edge should be doing so much better, he is a former WWE Champion, where as Jeff Hardy is hopeless. Don’t try telling me otherwise.

Val Venis and Kenny Dykstra in a match for the number one contendership for the IC Title makes me laugh. Automatically I knew that either Johnny Nitro or Carlito was going to win. I’m not going to lie, I was a little shocked to see Carlito come away with the victory, I really think he needs to be heel and needs to ditch Flair, maybe this will happen after he wins gold? Anyway, still not a great match up because rather than Nitro and Carlito going at it, they both paired off with a jobber each.

Good that the drafts is coming, at this stage, and it’s still only early, you really need to freshen things up.

Oh my god, now we have got The Highlanders facing Cena and Michaels. This is a match I was expecting to be good; Coach just ruined that for me. :(

Okay, well another stinker if you ask me, just a match to continue the build for HBK/Cena at Backlash. Looking good anyway, like seriously looking good, I wish you the best of luck from where you go from here with this, but these two and Umaga are the things keeping this show from stinking If I am brutally honest.

This love story crap between Carlito and Ric Flair needs to hurry up and end. If Carlito some how takes the title off of Umaga art Backlash with this personality he has currently, I will be very upset.

Video promo for main event is really not needed. I guess extra hype is alright, but there is really no history between the two, this just seems like a way to add in an extra segment.

The main event was pretty entertaining; however it seemed like a typical Jeff Hardy match, a lot of spots and no in ring psychology. Meh, I would prefer a slow match with a whole heap of psychology tbh. Anyway, loved the ending and the aftermath, Edge showing his brutal side is something I will always love and something I commend everybody to do. I personally hope Hardy is out for a while. Anyway, great way to end the show.

Overall, despite two good matches being made for Backlash I feel as if this show really lacked, had glimpses of good stuff but it was obvious your still getting comfortable with the era your doing. Anyway, this is all constructive criticism, take it in the right way and I am sure you will get better. I have seen you produce nice and entertaining shows, besides Cena/HBK, Umaga and Edge everything else was meh, I expect things to heat up or at least be a bit better before the draft. Keep at it.
 
#7 ·
RAW News and Notes:
provided by WrestlingObserver.com


-Randy Orton did not appear at all on last nights show, not even mentioned by anyone. Orton has said that he hasn't been very happy with him only being placed in the Money In the Bank ladder match at Wrestlemania 23. Orton is in no jeapordy of losing his spot, whatsoever, but Vince McMahon has sent him home and told him to clear his head and come back to RAW next week. As far as we know, however, it doesn't look like Orton will appear on the Backlash card for various reasons, so expect a World Heavyweight and ECW Heavyweight Championship match to appear on the show to fill it out.

-With the draft coming up in just four weeks on the 30th, there is already some speculation about who is going to be moving where. While nothing is confirmed, one of the big names from RAW, whether it be Cena, HBK, Hardy, or others, will likely be moving to Smackdown to boost it's main event scene up. ECW's midcard is expected to take a big boost, with possibly three guys coming over and attempting to bring the ECW Heavyweight Championship's belt's prestige up. Also, one man that has been talked about moving has been Mr. Kennedy. Management believes he does not have much left to do on Smackdown and may jump over to RAW and feud with someone over the Money in the Bank or to ECW and cash it in on Bobby Lashley to build the belt's prestige up.

-A few injury updates to note. Rey Mysterio has said that his knee injury wasn't as bad as first thought, and that he may be ready to return by Judgment Day, although officials don't want to rush him back and stress the injury out again. Triple H, on the other hand, said his torn quadriceps is going to take at least 4 more months, with him aiming at a return to Summerslam. According to Triple H, his return match at Summerslam "will likely be with Shawn by my side".

-Some people backstage have been very high on Carlito, most notably Arn Anderson. Anderson has said that Carlito has the skill inside of the ring and his mic work is 'better then average', but that he needs to get a little more serious with himself if he wants to be a big player in years to come instead of being stuck in the midcard. Many expect him to take the Intercontinental Championship off of Umaga at Backlash and then have Flair be his mentor in a long reign. If the reign were to go well, he may be smelling the main event scene by the beginning of 2008.

-Jeff Hardy is another that is being praised by some of RAW's bookers. They've noticed that he is widely over with the fans, can sell an injury very well, and has a chance to be a future WWE Champion. He and Edge are expected to have another match at Backlash, with a possible gimmick being attached to it. The one knock on Hardy is that he isn't the greatest on the mic, but the writers think that they can get past that as long as Hardy stays with his spot-monkey ways somewhat to stay over.

OOC: ECW is done and polished, but I wanted to get these news and notes in before I leave for a few days. Expect ECW to be up on Thursday-Friday.
 
#8 ·
The notes look cool, especially the one about KK (it would be really nice to see him actually succeed once in awhile). I think that RAW wasn't that great. I think the fact that you got "outside help" from whatever its called (EPW? ETW? I don't even remember) kinda dragged the show down a little bit. It might just be because it was in recap; IDK. I really hope you don't do Edge/Hardy for very long; it has been done to death. Carlito getting a Jesus push would be lovely; I seriously hope he beats the shit out of stale U-manga.
 
#9 ·
Randy Orton not being on Backlash is pretty bad. I hope you have something big planned for him, such as him going to Smackdown, because with the quality of the Raw i just read, i think you really need Orton on the show.

Hyping up the draft here... I think ECW is the brand that needs the biggest boost and I am sure you'll give it one. I think this is why you kept ECW, at least hopefully it is.

Rey Mysterio to go back to the Cruiserweight division please, he does not belong anywhere else. Over the years he has turned into a fat, over rated, midget. Chane that. Triple H and Michaels continuing DX can only be good if you decide to make HBK not religious again, to be honest i am not very confident in it.

The only way Carlito and Flair together will work will be if Carlito turns heel. Carlito beating Umaga as this shitty, watered down face character is not something that would make me very happy.

If this means Jeff Hardy is going to the main event I may have to stop reading. You've been warned...

Some things are looking good, others not so good, I still believe if you work hard you can make this work.
 
#10 ·
ECW on Sci-Fi
April 3, 2009


ECW kicks off with the same video package that RAW did the night before, only focusing more on the only ECW exclusive match - the New Breed vs. ECW Originals - and Bobby Lashley's win against Umaga in the battle of the billionaires match. The video ends somewhat abruptly and cuts to the arena. We hear the fans chanting "E-C-Dub, E-C-Dub" as we are greeted by Joey Styles and Tazz. They hype up tonights scheduled match, which features Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von and Matt Striker versus Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman,

They talk about how the ECW Originals pulled it out to win against the New Breed before we hear "Hell Will Be Callin' Your Name" and the ECW Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley makes his way out. He has on just his wrestling outfit and enters the ring with the ECW Championship wrapped around his waist. He takes the microphone and talks about how he did it last night and defeated the Samoan Bulldozer Umaga. He says that it was his hardest match he's ever had and now he feels like he's on top of the world. Now he has to defend his ECW Heavyweight Championship, but who will be the one to challenge him. Will it be CM Punk, who gets some cheers from the ECW Crowd. Hardcore Holly? Maybe even ECW's own Rob Van Dam. He doesn't know, he just needs answers.

"Crash" hits and ECW Representative Mick Foley makes his way out to the ring. He says that if Bobby wants some answers, he's going to get it. There's going to be an elimination chase to determine who is going to face Lashley for his ECW Championship at Backlash. He tells the fans who aren't familiar with the concept that tonight there will be a fatal fourway match, the one who is pinned is eliminated, and the other three move on. Next week it'll be a triple threat, and again whoever is pinned is eliminated, and the other two move on to a singles match the following week, where the winner is declared the number one contender to Lashley's Championship. Lashley says that's fine, but he wants to know who's all going to be in the Elimination chase. Foley says that that is an excellent question, and the men are... Hardcore Holly (boos), CM Punk (cheers), Snitsky (boos) and 'Mr. Tuesday Night' Rob Van Dam (cheers). He wishes Bobby good luck in whoever he faces at Backlash, and tells him that they gotta get the show goin! ECW then goes to it's first commericial break.

Rating: 94%

{Commercial}

ECW comes back on air and "Don't Waste My Time" hits, and the New Breed, Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, & Matt Striker make their way down the ring. Burke leads the two down the ring as Styles remarks that in a WWE.com exclusive, Burke guaranteed that he would never lose another match against an ECW Original and that tonight the future of ECW was going to shine with him, Cor Von, and Striker. The three men enter the ring after being introduced by Tony Chimel and wait for their opponents. "Man in the Box" hits next and Tommy Dreamer along with his partners Sabu and the Sandman make their way down the ring. Dreamer comes down with a chair in hand, Sandman with his signature kendo stick, and Sabu is bringing a table down. They all slide in with their foreign objects, but the referee tells them that this match is not contested under extreme rules so they'll have to get rid of the weapons. The three originals give the referee their weapons, one at a time, and when the referee turns his back the three Original's jump the New Breed!

After a few seconds the referee breaks up the malee and Striker and Sandman are the first two to start off the match. The Sandman controls Striker in the early stages of the match because Striker is still worn out from the jump that the Originals had on him, so after hitting Striker with a bulldog, he drags him over to the Originals corner and tags in Sabu. Sabu immediatly climbs to the top rope and jumps off, connecting with a Guillotine Leg Drop! He covers Striker for the pin but only gets a two count after Burke breaks it up. The referee orders Burke to get back out to the apron and while that's happening Sabu tags in Dreamer. Dreamer tries to deliver some punches to Striker, but the referee gets in the way before Dreamer can hit him. The referee says he didn't see the tag between Sabu and Dreamer, so he orders Dreamer to get back out. Dreamer tries to argue with the referee, so that gives Striker time to get over to his teams corner. Dreamer leaves and Sabu re-enters, but not before Striker can get a tag to Marcus Cor Von!

Cor Von quickly takes Sabu out with a Belly to back suplex, which receives some heat from the crowd. Cor Von quickly goes over to The Sandman and pulls him over the ropes into the ring. He delivers a stiff shot to Dreamers face to send him to the ground and goes over to one of the corners of the ring, stalking the Sandman. He waits and waits until the Sandman gets up and turns around... a POUNCE by Brown! The Sandman crashes right back to the canvas as Cor Von looks at his work done. We hear a "holy shit, holy shit" cheer from the crowd, but Cor Von is oblivious to Sabu being back up, and when he turns around he gets hit with a crossbody from Sabu.

For the next few minutes we get a variety of battles between Sabu and Cor Von, Burke and Sabu, Dreamer and Burke, Striker and Dreamer, until we get to the final stretch, where the Sandman and Elijah Burke are inside of the ring. The Sandman Irish Whips Burke off the ropes and bends over, looking to hit a flapjack, but Burke stops right before he gets to the Sandman and hits him with a huge uppercut to the jaw! Sandman falls down onto the ground and Burke drags him over to one of the corners before jumping onto the turnbuckle and doing a handstand before coming down with an elbow, landing on Sandman's chest. Burke quickly yells out "it's done with" and picks up the Sandman and pushes him into the turnbuckle before running to the opposite turnbuckle and connecting with the Elijah Express! Cor Von and Striker take out Sabu and Dreamer while Burke covers the Sandman for the three count at the 9:41 mark!

Burke celebrates his victory as Striker and Cor Von enter to celebrate with him as well. Tazz puts over Burke by saying that he is well ahead of his time and that he has the potential to become a future ECW Heavyweight Champion, judging by his performance here tonight. Styles then switches gears and they go backstage with Brooke, who's with Mike Knox!

Overall Rating: (68, 66, 70) **1/2

***

Brooke asks what Knox has been doing in his month absence from ECW, and Knox says that he was busy getting in shape and getting ready to destroy the whole roster of ECW, until he got his match against Bobby Lashley. Brooke says that the last time we saw Knox he was defeated by CM Punk. Knox says he was young and not ready at the time, but he's a changed man and he's ready to kill anyone that thinks they can mess with Knox. Tonight, he continues, Mike Knox is going to prove to everyone why this changed man will become the ECW Champion in no time. He then leaves as ECW goes to another commercial.

Rating: 52%

{Commercial}

"Death Grip" plays as ECW comes back from commercial and Mike Knox makes his way down to the ring. Styles remarks that the 6 foot 6, two hundred and ninety three man from Phoenix, Arizona, is ready to show that ECW is the home of the biggest and best giant in the sport and that his first match is against Little Guido Maritado, who is already in the ring. Knox makes his way into the ring and the bell is rung as the match begins.

The match is nothing more then a squash to help put Knox over. Little Guido gets in little amount of offense, with Knox showing his power in the 3 minutes that they are inside of the ring. Knox starts it off with a scoop slam followed by a diving leg drop. He whips Little Guido off the ropes before landing a big boot. Knox hits a few more power moves, including a belly to back suplex and a backbreaker, before finishing off Little Guido at the 3:01 mark with a Swinging Reverse STO, which is coined the "Desert Destroyer" by Tazz. Knox celebrates his victory by beating Little Guido down some more before picking him up and throwing him over the top rope to the outside. Knox then gives the camera a hard stare as they go backstage to Hardcore Holly.

Overall Rating: (50, 35, 66) *1/2

***

Holly is busy getting on his wrestling gear, just minutes away from the main event. He is shown sliding on one armpad before sliding on another, and just before he is about to leave the door, Snitsky enters and gets in his way. Holly asks Snitsky what he wants, and Snitsky says that tonight he and Holly should team out to take out one of the other two, and then next week they team up on the other one and fight each other in the finals. Holly says he doesn't work with partners, but Snitsky says if he ever wants a chance at the ECW Heavyweight Championship, he'll agree to the plan. Holly takes a little bit of a pause, thinking, before telling Snitsky he will. Snitsky nods and gives out a grin, showing his disgusting yellow teeth, before leaving Holly's lockerroom as ECW goes to it's final commercial break.

Rating: 61%

{Commercial}

Draft Video Package... 4 weeks... it comes!


ECW comes back from its final commercial break as "This Fire Burns" plays and CM Punk makes his way down to the ring. He comes out to some moderate cheers from the crowd, who show respect to the talented superstar. He comes out onto the top turnbuckle and points his finger down to his taped wrists and shouting it's "My Time". "Unglued" hits next and Snitsky, bald head and yellow teeth in all, makes his way down to the ring. He comes to a minimal size of heat, but Tazz remarks that he would not wanna even get within five feet of Snitsky because his breath might knock him out. Snitsky enters the ring and "How Do Ya Like Me Know" plays and Hardcore Holly makes his way out. Holly has his "no-nonsense, I don't give a fuck" attitude on, and when he goes into the ring he goes over to Snitsky and tells him something before going over to his own corner. Finally, "One of a Kind" hits and the only ECW Original in the match, Rob Van Dam comes out. He gives the crowd some high fives as he makes his way down the ring before he goes on top of the apron and does his "R-V-D" taunt. RVD then gets in the ring as the main event goes underway...

Snitsky takes out the fan favorite RVD out with a clothesline and throws him over the top rope while Holly works on Punk to start off the match, and then they both start to stomp on the downed Punk. The demolishing of Punk works for the first few minutes with no Van Dam in there, but once RVD makes his way back in, he makes his presence known. He connects with a springboard clothesline on Snitsky before getting inside of the ring and delivers a few punches to the back of Holly. Holly falls to the turnbuckle and RVD monkey flips him off the turnbuckle. Punk then runs at RVD and delivers a kick to the gut before turning and grabbing his head and hitting a bulldog!

For the next 6 minutes we see Holly and Snitsky work on both Punk and RVD, until we get to the end of the match where Snitsky has Punk in his Pumphandle Slam position, but RVD hits a springboard dropkick on Punk's back, which causes Punk to fall on top of Snitsky and get the pin for the 3 at 7:22! Snitsky is the first man eliminated in the elimination chase! Punk slides out of the ring quickly and celebrates, knowing he's stolen a win from Snitsky. Snitsky, on the otherhand, is pissed off to no end, but the referee tells him that there is nothing he can do. His shoulders were on the ground and his foot wasn't on the rope. Snitsky is still angry and vents his anger by taking the referee out with a big boot! Snitsky leaves the ring and we are shown Punk, Holly, and RVD staring at each other outside of the ring as ECW fades to black.

Overall Rating: (71, 71, 72) **3/4

We got a 3.19 rating for 'ECW on Sci-Fi'!
The attendance level was 9028 people.
We made $361120 from ticket sales.

Quick Results:
-Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, & Matt Striker def. Sabu, Tommy Dreamer & Sandman (9:41)
-Mike Knox def. Little Guido Maritado (3:01)
-CM Punk def. Snitsky, Rob Van Dam & Hardcore Holly in an Elimination Chase Fatal Fourway (Snitsky was pinned; is eliminated from the chase) (7:22)

Current Backlash Card:

Singles Match for the WWE Championship:

John Cena (c) vs. Shawn Michaels

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Umaga (c) vs. Carlito

Singles Match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship:
Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Rob Van Dam/CM Punk/Hardcore Holly

More to be announced.
 
#11 ·
ECW Feedback​

Just like Raw, a nice ‘Mania video package to open the show, I am not going to echo the same sentiments I did for Raw, but you know I appreciate the video package. :p

Seemed like a bit of a boring promo early. I mean, Lashley isn’t exactly a killer on the microphone and he didn’t seem to be saying anything overly exciting. Being interrupted by Mick Foley was something I did not expect. I would have preferred him to get interrupted by one of the wrestlers that Foley announced to be competing for a title shot, that way there would be some tension there, rather then just some generic build up without any tension. All sings at this stage point to RVD, so I can really see CM Punk getting the title shot.

Big match here with the Originals against The New Breed. Really the Originals never fitted in with the WWECW, therefore I am really happy that The New Breed got the win. You need people to win who you can actually do stuff with in the future, the Originals just use the same old Hardcore act over and over again. I really think this was a good decision.

Mike Knox interview. Yuck, I really hope this isn’t a push.

Knox gets the easy win over Little Guido and that is exactly what I expected, a squash match. I don’t care if he gets some wins and that, and he can be a prominent part of ECW, but I don’t want him going near a title.

Snitsky and Holly partnership… Wow, that will definitely equal ratings. :eek:

Great main event to be honest, really great. Two of the guys in Snitsky and Holly I hate but it really doesn’t matter as it seems as though they put it down pretty well in this one. Good to see Snitsky gone as out of the four he probably is the worse, at this stage I am begging for a RVD/Punk showdown in a couple of weeks. This is probably the only thing on ECW that is showing promise in my opinion.

Overall, everything was well written, but I found the show to be boring. Really boring. Besides the championship situation, which isn’t even that great yet, nothing at all is happening that interests me. You better hope ECW kill it with the draft, because this was a real boring show to read and that’s why I didn’t write a lot.
 
#12 ·
BREAKING NEWS: WWE SIGNS 2 NEW TALENTS!
Provided by WrestlingObservers own Dave Meltzer​

Anyone who is expecting a WWE versus TNA War anytime soon will not be happy with the news that I'm about to report. Normally, the WWE makes their annual "spring cleaning" around this time of the year but this year, they've made one of their biggest surprises since buying out WCW in 2001. I've just been told by CM Punk, who is good friends with these two men, that the WWE has signed two "name talents" from TNA. Punk told me that they signed the deal on the same day, wanting to take a shot at the WWE together. I've been told who they two men are, but if you don't want to be spoiled when they debut, you will want to go back now.

(OOC: I've put these in spoiler tags so if someone wants to be surprised with who the two are, they can be. But, if you do look at the spoiler, please don't write "OMGZ I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SIGNED ___ & ___!!111" because that'd spoil it for the people who haven't looked at it. However, if you say something like "I like them, hopefully you use them well" that's fine. Just don't try and drop any hints to those who haven't looked at it (such as their accomplishments or name, which is the biggie).

Now, for those of you who want to hear the big news, as I said before, it is reported that Vincent Kennedy McMahon has reached a 2 year deal for both "Mr. TNA" himself A.J. Styles and "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels. Many in TNA had heard about the WWE attempting to make deals with the two over Wrestlemania weekend, but one close source in TNA told me that both Styles and Daniels told him that they "were loyal to TNA and were going to stay in TNA." Obviously, with this report, those words are now false.

Jim Ross had said in his blog last week that he expected to see a few former faces to be back within a few weeks, but we presumed he was referring to Christian, Kurt Angle, or Team 3-D, all of which have been champions in the past in the WWE. But, to get technical, both Daniels and Styles have worked in the WWE before, in tryout matches, but not getting signed. After a few years improving their work in both TNA and Ring of Honor, McMahon pulled the trigger on them and they had to agree to the deal. I've been told that both of them have signed deals that are worth to close the same amount, but they wouldn't give out exact figures.

TNA has now taken their biggest hit that the company has possibly ever taken. These two have been TNA Originals, been there since the beginning, but Vince McMahon has offered them a more lucrative contract and a promise to them that they'll be future players in the WWE and now they're both gone. Some people in TNA that I've spoken to since they have learned of the signing have said that they are "traitors, scum, and will never be welcomed back into TNA again". Obviously they were both thought of as the future for TNA, and with them both gone, one has to wonder, who will TNA have take the reigns once the older veterans such as Angle, Sting, and Nash retire.

While TNA is in some trouble, the question for Daniels and Styles is: Where do they go? I've been told they're going to start in developmental, but don't expect that to last for longer then possibly a month. They could both go anywhere and start well. On RAW, with the midcard scene pretty thin, they could go in there and work a few good feuds before being pushed up. On Smackdown, they could help revitalize the Cruiserweight Division or help improve the depleted upper-midcard scene, which currently only features Batista, the Undertaker, and possibly Kane as the only real Main Event talent. Or, they could go to ECW and help make the brand more then just a "C-Show". Again, with really only Rob Van Dam, Bobby Lashley, and their good friend CM Punk, there isn't much talent that could bring prestige to ECW.

The other question would be: Singles or tag-team? While both of them are ready for the midcard-upper midcard scene, the WWE's tag-team division, which has two titles but only 9 legimate teams. The two have worked in tag-teams together in TNA, but Styles told me that they'd "want to see how we could do in the upper midcard. That's what we came for - to see if we were as good as we were in TNA. If we wanted to work in a tag-team we would've stayed in TNA. We came in this together, but we want to go our separate ways."

In my opinion, while they are close friends, they should start on different brands. If the two requested the ride with each other on tapings, which Daniels said was one of their reasons they signed, then you can put Daniels on Smackdown and Styles on ECW. For Daniels, who is less popular then Styles, place him in the Cruiserweight or United States title divison until he really gets over with the crowd, then a push can come. For Styles, a feud with CM Punk to start off his career in the WWE wouldn't be too bad, but I don't believe he is well known enough to get that kind of push immediatly. Have him in a small feud against Stevie Richards or the like, have him go over, then make him into a major threat. Those who watch TNA know the talent that Styles and Daniels have, but for them to make it to the top, they'll have to get over first.

Either way, these two will most likely be important factors in the WWE for years to come, much to the dismay of those hoping for the wars between WWE and TNA.
 
#13 ·
Sorry that I'm late, but here's a review for RAW. ;)

Nice basic way to start off with the recap of the events at WrestleMania. It's always good to do, as not only does it serve as a reminder for the readers, but it's also just a nice touch to show how big the PPV was.

Cena starting off was muhc to be expected. Setting up for the next challenger was also to be expected, with a Pay-Per-View in Backlash right around the corner. Kinda disappointed you had Michaels come out since I hate that stigma around Backlash that it's just a bunch of less hyped WrestleMania rematches. Putting them on yourself doesn't do much to really enthuse me for the PPV. I'm not surprised that you had Michaels saying Cena won via fluke and that he wants a rematch was much expected, as it is the norm for the way the Backlash feud goes unfortunately. Coach coming out and being in charge of the show while Vinnie Mac is off is great. He was really good in that role (much better than as an announcer), so at one point down the line I hope you make this a permanent fixture. The Backlash announcement was expected, though I'm glad you're making use of their status as tag champs. It at least adds a small twist to what would otherwise be the same old post-WrestleMania feud.

This was around the time WWE moved Umaga away from Armando. I'm certainly glad you haven't done that, as Armando kinda owns. Adds a lot to the overall Umaga package.

Bleh @ Super Crazy being jobbed out. Move him to SmackDown! to tear it up with the cruiserweights when possible, plz. It's good to see you rebuilding Umaga back up as an absolute monster with the brutal post-match attack, rather than having him move into a jobber to the stars role. If you can get him back up to the main event I'll be very happy.

Nice to see you giving some promo time to Carlito, meaning there should be an impending push. The guy's very good, so you just need to build him up right. I wouldn't mind you keeping Flair involved in getting him there, but if you choose to go completely down the singles road, that's fine too.

Ugh, Masters isn;t too bad so I don't mind you building him back up, but I just found the excuse incredibly lame, rather than funny. Having him go over Duggan in the Masterlock Challenge is the first step. You need to do a bit more from here to have Masters built up properly again.

I like the idea of Hardy vs Edge stemming from MITB, because really, Jeff did cost Edge it all. I'm surprised WWE never went with this, though I think it's great that you are. Jeff is majorly over, so there's always a role for him if you use him right. This feud with Edge is a good role for now.

Yuck @ Venis being included in this. I guess you were running low on stocks. Glad to see Nitro dominating a fair portion of this match, as he was starting to cool down from a push at this time. Hopefully you can reignite it (and maybe change him up to John Morrison ;)), because I think WWE kinda let themselves down here. I like you having Carlito use the classic Naitch tactis, as it establishes that the two are still very much connected. 'Lito to fall to Umaga in a good match @ Backlash to help both men, plz.

I like the idea of a draft soon. It really givres you a chance to shape exactly how you want your rosters. Hopefully we see some moves that make for not only big main events, but chances ofr midcarders to be elevated.

Ugh, The Highlanders? Well, it was always bound to be a squash. Make this a way to get the belts on TWGTT, plz. I don't think the staredown was necessary either. You've still got four weeks until you hit the PPV, so that should generally be happening not too long before it, especially with the same things bound to be happening week in, week out.

Good seeing you getting Flair actually on the show, as opposed to just being mentioned. Maybe these gauntlet matches are going to be what pisses 'Lito off eventually and causes him to turn on Flair? Iunno, but it should be interesting.

Edge and Hardy have some good chemistry, so it's a lot better giving them the main event slot than Cena and Michaels vs jobbers. The match itself seemed alright, though it got confusing when the chair got involved. It seemed like Mike Chioda took the chair, yet Edge still hit Hardy with one. I just think the writing itself wasn't very clear. While I appreciate that you were trying to make the match interesting, I also didn't like Hardy kicking out of the Spear. Sure, Edge took awhile to make the cover, but Jeff wasn't even meant to be wrestling, so I don't think he'd be strong enough to kick out of the Spear. The beatdown was pretty generic, but it gets the job done. Not a big fan of it, but whatever.


Well, it wasn't the worst show you've written, though I also think this was far from the best. Iunno, the fcat that you recapped doesn't help, and it was also a little short (don't feel the need to be limited to eleven segments just because of EWR). I also hate the fact that the show lacked Orton, while you were able to feature Jim Duggan, Super Crazy, The Highlanders and Val Venis. It only took away from it.

Lots of room for improvement here. I'll be back in probably tomorrow to dropa review for ECW.
 
#14 ·
Just thought I'd drop by and offer some thoughts about the ECW Show.

-----

The opening promo with Lashley was rather stereotypical. He just seemed really green here and the whole promo seemed a bit bland really. Obviously Lashley wasn't the greatest promo guy but I just felt to open the show that could have had a little more fire to it. Despite that I love the idea of the elimination chase. Hopefully the right guys get the push is all I will really say (No Holly in the fatal four way).

Good to see that Elijah is leading the New Breed. He seems to be the focal point at the minute with picking up the win and Tazz's comments etc which is a good booking move but I also think Cor Von getting a similar kind of push would work well. Maybe a storyline of the two trying to compete to be the main man, just idea's obviously but the way you are booking it is leading to a few potential pathways so good booking there.

Knox promo served it's purpose but really conformed to the big man stereotype. I always kinda liked Knox actually so pleased he is getting a potential push. Hopefully it won't just be squash after squash like the Guido match. I often find it just makes the guy look green and generic so hopefully he can have some good back and forth matches in the near future but hey for the first show it worked fine.

I really liked the Snitsky/Holly confrontation. Added an extra element to the fatal four way but something tells me Holly won't fully go along with it.
The match itself was decent, nothing really special to be honest and I just hope next week's triple threat match has a bit more going for it. I liked how Snitsky attacked the referee but I just felt like if he took out Holly it would have kept that extra storyline going into next week's match.

Overall it was a decent show. Obviously being ECW it isn't the focal point but it was well written even if a little bland in places. Hopefully next week we can get some mic time for RVD and Punk. But generally a solid effort and I will have to check out your other shows once they are up.

Aj.
 
#15 ·
ECW News and Notes:
provided by the Wrestling Observer.


-Expect some of the "dead weight" on the brand be cut within the next couple of weeks. As we've said before, the WWE will start making their rounds on their annual "Spring Cleaning" sometime soon, and with some of the ECW Originals being rather useless (Steven Richards, The Sandman, Balls Mahoney), and just taking roster space and money from the WWE, don't expect them to be around much longer after the draft. Also, expect some new names to be brought up, including Eddie Colon (brother of Carlito), Mike Mondo, Nick Nemeth (formerly of the Spirit Squad), Paul Burchill, and Tony Braddock. Some may come with the gimmick they currently have, others may come with others, but I've been told by Vince McMahon, ECW is "going to be built up stronger, but still will be the place for most young rookies to debut."

-Mike Knox made his return after being down in developmental for the past few months, and made his return in a big way. Some had praised Knox down in OVW for his ability to get some heat, but others have said that he is just another big man that "Vince can't get his crush over". Knox, while still low on the card, looks like he may be built up within the upcoming months as a legimate threat to the bigger faces of ECW, namely CM Punk, Bobby Lashley, and Rob Van Dam. Still, people are in doubt and wish that Vince would go for more "athletic" guys from America, such as Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Elix Skipper, Frankie Kazarian, and some foreigners, such as Kaz Hayashi, who some of you may remember from the late WCW years, Juventud Guerrera, Psicosis, and Mistico.​
 
#16 · (Edited)
Friday Night Smackdown
April 6, 2007


Smackdown, just like RAW and ECW, start off with a video package recapping Wrestlemania 23, mainly focusing on the Smackdown side of things. They show Chris Benoit defeating Montel Vontavious Porter for the United States Championship after hitting the diving headbutt to pin him. They then shift to the Money in the Bank ladder match which saw Smackdown's own Mr. Kennedy take the briefcase off the rung to win his first ever Money in the Bank match. Finally, we see the epic battle between the Undertaker and Batista. We see the Undertaker diving over the top rope and landing on Batista, Batista hitting a powerslam on the Undertaker through a table, until we finally see the Undertaker hitting a Tombstone Piledriver to become 15-0 at Wrestlemania. Smackdown's opening video and pyro then to start off the show.

Ring Announcer Justin Roberts is shown standing in the middle of the ring and introduces the new World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker! The gong goes off as the "Graveyard Symphony" plays, with the World Heavyweight Champion slowly makes his way down the ring, with the World Heavyweight Championship buckled snugly around his waist. He has his signature hat and coat on and enters the ring before taking off his coat and rolling his eyes behind his head once he takes his hat off. He grabs a microphone and doesn't say much, but does say that hell has been risen, and that now Smackdown is going to pay. Shortly after a few more words, which is just the usual deadman, "I Walk Alone" plays and the now former World Heavyweight Champion Batista makes his way down the ring.

Batista has a sports coat and pants on, with shades covering his eyes. He says that the Undertaker got him last Sunday at Wresltemania, but he still has his guaranteed rematch in the contract that he signed, and he can't wait any longer, and that tonight he's cashing in his rematch clause. The crowd pops at Batista's announcement as Batista takes his shades off and rips his coat off before waving his hands up and down and shouting for the Undertaker to "bring it". The Undertaker pulls his gloves off as they are about to duel, but "McMillant" hits before they can duel, bringing out General Manager Teddy Long, which receives some boos. He says that these two better save their energy for tonight, because, although the title match is going to happen, it's going to be under No-Disqualification rules, so they should save all the energy they got, cause it's gonna be a hell of a battle. Holla holla. Smackdown then goes backstage to Maria.

Rating: 73%

***

Maria is backstage with the current reigning United States Champion Chris Benoit. She asks Benoit how he feels about retaining his United States Championship five days ago at Wresltemania. He says that MVP didn't see him as a threat, even though he is a former World Heavyweight Champion and Intercontinental Champion. MVP has to learn that to get the United States title he's going to have to do more then just beg to get another rematch for the title. He's going to have to prove himself. So tonight, when London & Kenrick team up with me to take on the Bluebloods and MVP, MVP is going to have to show him (Benoit) why he deserves another chance at the title. Benoit then leaves the interview arena as Smackdown goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 73%

{Commercial}

Smackdown comes back from commercial and "Hey You" hits, with the current WWE Tag-Team Champions, Paul London and Brian Kendrick making their way down to the ring. They sprint down to the ring with the titles around their waists and matching outfits on. They get on opposite turnbuckles and show off their titles before doing a backflip off the turnbuckles and handing the referee their belts. "Whatever" blares next, with the WWE United States Champion Chris Benoit making his way down the ring. Benoit calmly walks down the ring with the title wrapped around his shoulder and shows it off as he enters the ring. "Gladiators" then hits as the Bluebloods, William Regal and Dave Taylor make their way down to the ring. They walk down with a snobbish attitude and stare down the WWE Tag-Team Champions the whole way down the ramp, eyeing those Tag-Team titles. Finally "I'm Comin'" plays and Montel Vontavious Porter, otherwise known as MVP, makes his way down the ring. He enters out of his football tunnel and does his taunt before walking into the ring with his partners as they get ready for the 6 man tag-team match.

The match starts off with Benoit entering the ring for his team, with him pointing at MVP, wanting him in the ring right now. MVP shakes his head and William Regal instead enters the ring. The two have a good exchange of chain wrestling for the first few minutes until Regal gets the early advantage with the stiff elbow to the jaw. Regal works on the head of Benoit for the next few minutes, stomping and dragging his foot on the downed Benoit before he tags in his parter, Taylor. Taylor keeps Benoit down with a headlock on the ground before driving his knees into the face of Benoit. Benoit eventually gets to his feet and gets out of the headlock with some elbows to the gut, but Taylor sends him back down with an European Uppercut. MVP then begs for a tag and Taylor agrees, tagging the "highest paid superstar on Smackdown" in. MVP continues his teams attack on the head of the body of Benoit, but the tables turn once Benoit dodges a Ballin' Elbow attempt and Benoit then takes the advantage for his team by hitting some chops to the chest of MVP followed by an Irish Whip and Lariat.

For the next couple of minutes we see all 6 men get some decent action in the ring, with Regal and Taylor trying to take out the Hooliganz and MVP trying to demolish Benoit. The finish comes with MVP and Benoit in the ring. Benoit hits a German suplex on MVP right near the turnbuckle and climbs up it before slashing his thumb across his throat. He sets himself up to connect with the diving headbutt, but Taylor walks over and slams on the ring ropes, causing Benoit to land in-between the turnbuckles! London and Kendrick take offense to this and leave their area and go after the Bluebloods and the two brawl outside while the referee, still inside of the ring, tells them to knock it off. MVP, on the otherhand, pulled Benoit down from the top rope and set him on the corner of the turnbuckle before running at him and hitting him with the Playa's Boot! MVP then drags Benoit out to the middle of the ring and covers him for the 3 count and the win at the 8:28 mark.

Overall Rating: (68, 71, 81) ***

MVP celebrates his victory as the referee raises his hand. The Bluebloods and Londrick continue to battle to the back while MVP walks out to the ring announcer and grabs a microphone from Justin Roberts. He says that if his performance a few seconds ago doesn't prove to Benoit that he should be the number one contender to the United States Championship, he'll show Benoit next week why he should be the number one contender when he faces Benoit in a non title match. He ends with Ballin' as Smackdown goes to commercial.

Overall Rating: 64%

{Commercial}

Smackdown comes back from commercial as "Turn Up The Trouble" hits and the current Mr. Money in the Bank Mr. Kennedy makes his way down the ring. He comes down with his briefcase in his hand and his wrestling gear on, with his cutoff shirt on overtop. He introduces himself as the current Mr. Money in the Bank and future World Heavyweight Champion. He says what he did just five nights ago was nothing short of remarkable, and now that he's got the thing that will make his destiny, he's going to cash it in when he's ready. It may be tonight, it may be at Wrestlemania 24, but what's for sure is that within the next 12 months you are going to hear the words "YOUR NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ... MISTAAAA ... KENNEDY ... KENNEDY!" Kennedy pushes up the microphone as "Pitbull" hits next and Jamie Noble makes his way down to the ring for a match between the two.

Once Noble gets ready for the match between the two the fight begins and Kennedy starts off in the drivers seat pounding on the body of Noble, who is nothing short of helpless. JBL remarks that Kennedy is a man on a mission and that mission starts tonight with his reward being a World Championship while Kennedy continues to demolish Noble with him hitting a roundhouse kick to the temple of Noble. Kennedy then tries to hit a vertical suplex on Noble, but Noble reverses the advantage towards him by keeping his weight down and hitting a DDT on Kennedy. Noble then works on the back for a couple of minutes with a one-legged Boston Crab and a surfboard, but before Noble can hit the double gutbuster on Kennedy, Kennedy delivers some hard elbows to his face and quickly delivers a newly shown finisher by Kennedy, a leg-reverse STO, otherwise known as the Mic Check. Kennedy then covers Noble to pick up the win at the 6:39 mark. Kennedy goes over to the ring announcer who hands him his Money In The Bank briefcase while Mr. Kennedy announces himself as the winner.

Overall Rating: (57, 53, 76) **1/2

***

We then go and see a video package and we see a man, who's name isn't revealed, along with a woman who appears to be his girlfriend. They are in a restaurant, talking rather loudly, and a man sitting behind them comes over and asks them if they can be quiet, but the woman tells the man that they'll do whatever they want and her date grabs the man by the collar and pushes him down into the booth a few feet away, with the two laughing at the man's reaction. The man thrown into the booth then walks away as the man who shoved him reveals himself to be Johnny Jeter, and along with his girlfriend, Maryse, are going to show Smackdown in two weeks why they are going to be the best thing that ever comes to Smackdown. Smackdown then goes to a commercial break.

Rating: 67%

{Commercial}

Smackdown comes back on and "Royalty" hits, with King Booker, along with his queen, Sharmell, make their way down the ring. Booker is not dressed to compete right now, instead coming down in a suit with his crown and signature King's robe as he enters the ring along with his queen. He says, in his English accent, that last night, Matt Hardy did something that a man should never do, and that's threaten to hit another man's woman. He says Hardy did it for a petty item, the Money in the Bank briefcase, which he didn't even win. He says Matt just threatened his own manhood when he messed with his woman, and now he's going to pay. Booker wants Matt to get his white trash piece of crap body out here right now so he can confront him face to face.

After a few seconds of waiting, "Livin' For The Moment" plays and Matt Hardy makes his way down the ring in street clothes. He does his "V-1" taunt and then gets into the ring, and Booker wastes no time questioning him. Booker asks if Hardy has any balls, or if he was just born a coward. This receives boos, but Hardy just shrugs it off, telling Booker that he was trying to do him a favor by taking out that nasaly-sounding bitch. Booker's eyes bug out and he's furious, his face getting red and him pacing up and down the ring, while Matt is calmly leaning against one of the turnbuckles smiling. Booker says that Hardy has a lot of nerve to come and say that his queen is a bitch, and now he's gonna pay. Matt asks him what he's going to do, tell him that he's a "Five time, five time, five time, five time, five time WCW Champion" and do the Spinarooni? Matt laughs, along with the crowd, while Booker is about to attack Hardy, being restrained by his wife.

Booker says that Hardy better watch what he says, because it's going to come back and haunt him in the future. Matt says that he's been through hell and back, with people who he thought were his friends cheating on him behind his back, so anything that Booker has to bring, he'll be ready. Booker says he's had enough of the peasant, referring to Hardy, and tells him to get out of his ring. Hardy drops his microphone on the ground and walks to the back, not taking his eyes off a cheap shot from Booker. The camera's focus on Hardy walking backwards while staring at Booker while Smackdown goes to commercial.

Rating: 84%

{Commercial}

Smackdown comes back and "Chavo Ardiente" plays, with the WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero shown making his way down the ring. He has on a poncho and do-rag along with the Cruiserweight Championship wrapped around his waist. Instead of going to the ring, Chavo walks over to the commentary booth alongside Michael Cole and JBL. They hype up Chavo as the last Guerrero from the famous Guerrero wrestling family to still be actively wrestling, being successful with four reigns of the Cruiserweight Championship. Chavo says that since he won the title from Gregory Helms at No Way Out, he's been the most dominant Cruiserweight since...he doesn't know when. He just knows that no one can match his knowledge inside of the ring, thanks to him being trained by all of his great uncles and grandfathers.

"Gonna Punch Someone Tonight" hits and Smackdown's resident *******, Jimmy Wang Yang makes his way down the ring. Yang gives the crowd high fives and throws his cowboy hat into the crowd while he gets the crowd a little excited. "Da.ngr" plays and Daivari makes his way out next. Daivari comes down to the ring with little heat, before raising his arms and shouting something degrading to the crowd in Arabian. He then enters the ring as the match begins.

The match, while rather short, is a good back and forth contest. The aerial Wang Yang has the advantage early, hiting a variety of moves such as a diving crossbody, standing moonsault, and a running spinning wheel kick to Daivari in the corner. Yang tried to end it early by hitting the Yang Time, but Daivari rolls out of the way and Yang lands right on his gut. For the next few minutes it's Daivari who is in control, grounding Yang with a camel clutch before letting go and hitting a Scimitar Slice from the top rope, otherwise known as a diving leg drop. Daivari covered Yang, but Yang got his foot on the ropes to break up the count. Daivari couldn't believe it, and he was busy arguing with the referee, when WANG YANG ROLLS DAIVARI'S TIGHTS FOR THE THREE. Wang Yang wins at 5:02 and goes to the top rope to point at Chavo while stretching his hands across his gut, indicating he wants the Cruiserweight Championship. The two exchange some words before we are taken backstage with some breaking news!...

Overall Rating: (60, 59, 75) **3/4

***

Booker T is shown beating down Matt Hardy! Booker throws Hardy against a wall while shouting "take this hell, sucka". Booker continues his attack while some of the production crew workers try to break it up, but Booker pushes them all out of the way while shouting "he made it personal". He clears off a nearby table while Hardy tries to heal his injuries. Booker lays a few knees to the stomach, which Hardy sells well, before he puts his arm around Hardy's shoulder and delivers a BOOK END THROUGH THE TABLE! Hardy is knocked out after the Book End and Booker is shown smiling, even delivering a laugh, while EMT's work on the now injured Matt Hardy as Smackdown goes to commercial.

Rating: 83%

{Commercial}

General Manager Teddy Long comes back on the screen, which looks to be in his office, as Smackdown comes back from commercial. He says he has a few announcements to make. Along with Chris Benoit taking on MVP in a non-title match next week, there will also be the Bluebloods taking on Londrick for the WWE Tag-Team Championships and Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms will take on Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore. He then ends and says that he hopes that everyone enjoys the rest of the show.

Rating: 63%

***

We go back to the arena and "I Walk Alone" plays, signifying that the Main Event is about to begin. Batista makes his way down the ring and seems pumped up for the no-Disqualification match for the World Heavyweight Championship, although no-one should be surprised. He jumps up and down inside of the ring before "Graveyard Symphony" blares throughout the arena and the famous gong is heard, with The Undertaker making his way down the ring. Fog fills up as he makes his slow walk down the ring. He gets into the ring and slowly does his normal antics, finally taking off his hat, before handing the World Heavyweight Championship to referee Charles Robinson as Justin Roberts announces the challenger and champion. Roberts makes the announcement as the Main Event for the World Heavyweight Championship begins.

The two stare off at each other before locking up in a collar and elbow tie up, with the challenger getting the advantage to get the early advantage, showing his strength by driving the Undertaker back first into the turnbuckle. Batista lands a couple of hands on Taker in the corner before landing some shoulder thrusts into the gut of Taker. Batista quickly tries to end it after hitting a huge superplex on Taker, but Taker just gets the shoulder up at two. Batista can't believe it, but picks Taker up and lands some right hands before he Irish Whips him off the ropes and tries a huge clothesline, which Taker ducks before reversing it into a leaping clothesline! For the next few minutes, aside from Taker's control segment for roughly two minutes, the battle is back and forth.

Finally, we get to the finish, where Taker hits the Old School on Batista and puts his hand out, signalling the chokeslam. He wraps his hand around Batista's neck, but Batista reverses it with a kick to the gut before putting Taker's head between his legs for a Batista Bomb. Batista lifts the Undertaker and LANDS THE BATISTA BOMB! Batista is seconds away from covering when the lights go out, RED PYRO HITS and KANE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING WITH HIS HAND AROUND BATISTA'S NECK! Batista can't get out, and KANE HITS THE CHOKESLAM ON BATISTA! Kane then leaves the ring as Taker does his signature sit-up taunt and waits for Batista to get back to his feet. Batista slowly does and TAKER CONNECTS WITH A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! Taker then covers Batista for the three and the win at 14:25 to retain his World Heavyweight Championship! Kane looks at Batista with a maniacal smile as Taker celebrates with his championship as Smackdown fades to black.

Overall Rating: (68, 78, 72) **3/4

Quick Results:
-Montel Vontavious Porter, Dave Taylor, & William Regal def. Chris Benoit, Paul London, & Brian Kendrick in a 6-Man Tag-Team Match (8:28)
-Mr. Kennedy def. Jamie Noble (6:39)
-Jimmy Wang Yang def. Daivari (5:02)
-The Undertaker def. Batista in Hardcore Match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (14:25)

We got a 5.95 rating for 'Smackdown'!
The attendance level was 9046 people.
We made $361840 from ticket sales.

Current Backlash Card:

Singles Match for the WWE Championship:

John Cena (c) vs. Shawn Michaels

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Umaga (c) vs. Carlito

Singles Match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship:
Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Rob Van Dam/CM Punk/Hardcore Holly

More to be announced.
 
#17 ·
Smackdown News and Notes
provided by the Wrestling Observer


-Many seem to be happy with the way the Main Event featuring Batista and the Undertaker in a Hardcore Match for the World Heavyweight Championship ended, with Kane interfering to make the match a dirty finish. Some were against giving this calibre type of match on free television, so having Kane interfere to help his brother was the best option. The thought is that Kane and Batista will face off next week for a number one contenders match and it'll somehow end up as a Triple Threat Match between them at Backlash. Batista and Taker had a wonderful match at Wrestlemania, and some hoped for a rematch, but this is most likely just to fill in time until Judgment Day where we get the rematch between Batista and Taker.

-Chris Benoit has told officials that he is willing to drop the United States Championship to Montel Vontavious Porter, but he has said that he really wants to put MVP over huge and make him look like a million bucks and a future star, so having MVP pin him in the 6-man tag-team match this past week, albeit under somewhat shady circumstances, is just the start of a big push for Smackdown's highest paid superstar. It appears that he'll be going over Benoit next Friday as well, if this news is as true as we believe it is.

-Expect Mr. Kennedy to do little to nothing for the time until the draft, where he is expected to move to either RAW or ECW. Many have said that Smackdown's midcard scene is fine where it is and they feel that if he wants the most effective and lasting impact he should go on RAW, where there's a lot of fresh blood that he hasn't yet feuded with, such as John Cena, Jeff Hardy, Shawn Michaels, and others.

-Johnny Jeter, a former member of the Spirit Squad, had a video hyping up his debut air last night. Jeter, along with his storyline girlfriend Maryse Oullet, are expected to make their debut a week or two after the draft. Jeter has been regarded as one of the top talents in OVW and that his return to the big show was going to come within time, and that time is now. According to the video package that we saw, Jeter will be debuting as an obnoxious heel, a character he worked in OVW.​
 
#19 ·
Perfect Poster's Raw Feedback

First off, nice to see you using my banners :)

Alright, let's get crackin' with this. I always love the Cutting Edge, at its peak it can be outstanding, eg Mick Foley last year. I haven't seen somebody come out before uninvited instead of the guest, but it's a cool way to introduce Jeff Hardy to this segment. They traded some good insults, making it quite interesting, and a ladder match announced for Backlash is great. They're both masters of that match, and fingers crossed if you write a good pay-per-view, you'll let that fact show to anybody who doesn't know about the history they've had with these kinds of matches.

I'm not too sure about starting with a squash match, if this were reality it might turn people off, it would be better to start with a good, competitive match-up, but nonetheless good to see Umaga go over and look strong, or VERY strong for that matter, and busting Venis open was a good move. Having the interviewer and the guest talking in a backstage segment and somebody telling them they're on air is unusual, but unique in a way. Could you tell me, whether Morr-sorry, NITRO is face or heel? In some parts he seemed like a face, eg making smalltalk with Kelly, and sometimes heelish, as he's sided with Melina. Good interview, a Morrison-Carlito feud sounds good, could get some good matches out of that.

Not a lot to say about the Masters/Duggan match. Not the best match imaginable, but Masters went over which is good. So far, the matches haven't been too good. 7 match minutes coming out of the first two matches combined is not very good, hopefully there's some good matches coming up in the show. Also, two interviews in three segments is something you should try to avoid. Don't want to bunch them up like that. Normally Shannon Moore vs. Edge is something I would call random, but Moore being a friend of Jeff's, the backstage segment earlier on and the feud Edge has going with Hardy, this makes sense. And a bonus is, this was a good match. There could be no better way to establish Shannon that to put in a good performance against one of the WWE's, let alone Raw's, top Superstars. Unlucky for Moore to lose, but tbh it was the only result forseeable. That con-chair-to afterwards was great, more blood is what some might consider OTT seeing as Venis bled earlier, but this adds some serious momentum to the Edge/Jeff feud and a very smart way to do so seeing as Edge can't touch Jeff until Backlash and vice versa.

Another interview? I think you need to cut down on these, man. Aside from that, not much of an interview from Kenny, having Randy Orton come in was good though, it saved the segment, this sit-down strike should be interesting to see, hopefully something big comes out of it. Hopefully it's better than Swagger's on ECW, that wasn't too good, maybe Orton trashing everything around the ring would be cool, like what HHH did back in 2002 on SmackDown one time if I remember correctly. First off, I'm very surprised that Michaels and Cena are still the Tag Team Champions. However, at least it doesn't shit all over the belts, as their reign IRL did exactly that. Good Main Event, not surprised to see HBK and Cena go over Cade and Murdoch, the aftermath would always be what caught the eye though and the Sweet Chin Music definitely did. Good build-up to Backlash.

Overall, a decent show, some bits were bad, eg the three interviews in the show, that was overdone, plain and simple, but other aspects were good, eg the Moore-Edge match which I enjoyed as well as the aftermath to it, and the main event, and of course the aftermath of THAT too. Keep it up, hopefully you go from strength to strength. You did well in your partnership with Rated-Edge, how about we see that form you had in that? Good work.​
 
#20 ·
Hey dude. Sorry if this was a little bit later than promised, but its here. Sorry if I missed something or didn't get something, seeing as how this is my first full read of your show. Hope all goes well.

619s Feedback For Perfect Posters Monday Night RAW​

Okay I like that you wanted us familiar with what happened last week, but your wording is kinda hard to understand. I got a lot from this opening segment. Hardy seemed a little out of character with the constant ‘jackass’ references. A nifty concept with these two ladder veterans being forced to go at it in another for a #1 Contendership. Whoever gets that must be able to go over huge. I don’t like how relatively quickly the match was made, through. I also don’t really like that a Ladder match will be merely a month after the biggest ladder match of the year. I would think you would hold it off a little while.

Absolute brutality on the part of Umaga and Estrada here. I like that you’re keeping him a disgusting monster.

I see you’ve kept Flair and Carlito together; good move, I think. I don’t think Nitro would take to kindly to getting sacked by a submission. I would’ve figured he’d strike back if he’s that much of a heel. It looks like Umaga/Carlito have some blood brewing. However, none of this really clicked for me. Carlito and Umaga don’t seem to have a whole lot of chemistry for me to see, but I see they both are getting pushes. The insertion of Flair seems to just make the chemistry that much more weird for me, although I can easily see Flair getting hospitalized by Umaga and Estrada somewhere down the line. I just hope you can make these guys fit together in a good feud.

…quick note here on your wording again – the segment from the Slam of the Week was worded “when he makes Masters mad next week in a match next week”. Watch the redundancy there.

And the second squash match of the evening does its job very nicely here, a little more understandable than the first one. Looks like Masters is gonna get built up again, even after Lashley pretty much destroyed his credibility in the Masterlock. Great job here to build him back up, as well as the intensity of the actual finisher.

This segment felt a little familiar. I can remember this idea being done on the road to Wrestlemania 23 that year with the whole Tag Titles/Cena & Michaels thing. Isn’t that what it was based on? I like the idea, I just didn’t like the execution at all ‘cause it felt very over-used, especially between these two. I understand the point you were trying to get across, but it felt awfully lackluster. Both men were in character, though, so props on that, although Cena didn’t quite seem too hot.

I like that you’re pluggin’ the draft here, but I think you need to make it stand out more. It was just one line, but I think something as huge as the draft deserves a wee bit more than that. Can’t wait for it, by the way.

I understand what you were doing here in this match against Moore, but again, not too great execution. I think it went a little long to get the point across, but I guess Moore wasn’t supposed to look totally jobbed out…? Edge doesn’t normally use the Edgecution as a finisher, and he rarely used it at all in 2007 period. Don’t like it being sprung out here. However, it you’re trying to build it back up to a finisher, over time, I might accept it. Right now, I’m not too keen on it. The con-chair-tos were a sick exclamation point on the whole segment, although looking back on the night, I don’t think Venis should’ve been opened up earlier, now that one other person is bleeding on a regular show.

Haha this segment entertained me, seriously. Orton is a natural prick in the ass and right here he appealed to his true nature. A sit-down strike sounds like an awesome angle for Orton; make me love it.

I didn’t like this main event too much. Did I miss something where these two had to be in a tag match with each other week after week…? I guess that might’ve been what they were referring too earlier, but either way, if these two are gonna have fission then I think it needs to be build in title matches. A non-title main event between two headliners on the same team like Cena and HBK and jobbers like the ******* Wrecking Crew has zero interest if there’s not really a title involved. I understand this was to tell a story, but don’t you think you need to be elevating the bar a little with it? In a non-title match, it makes it look personal when Michaels kicks Cena’s teeth in, which is exactly what he didn’t say earlier…unless that was the intent. But I’m sure you could make it look both buisinesslike and personal in a title match. Just a thought.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A BIT SHORT, TECHNICAL FLAWS, BUT OTHERWISE VERY SOLID​
. The show felt like a one hour ECW broadcast in terms of length. I also didn’t like the format of promo-match-promo-match-promo. I would think you needed more promos in the show to fill time and make it feel like a full-length show. Plus, was this in recap form? I might have missed a reading, but it certainty seemed that way. The way the promos read out, it was in third-person perspective and it wasn’t in active form, so I would assume it was. The matches weren’t that great, but they got their job done. They, too, seemed to be in recap. Another thing is the usage of commentators – JR and King were not present whatsoever, and they could’ve been a huge asset tonight. They could’ve plugged the Draft, they could’ve plugged Backlash, and they also could have plugged the matches tonight so they didn’t seem completely random. As it was, none of the matches had any build whatsoever, not even the main event. I’m sorry if it seems like I bashed some things, but please take it for love.
OVERALL: 7/10. Few things to work on, but I’ll try to be back for ECW and/or SD!. Give me a heads up if you can, duder. Keep it goin’ though!​
 
#21 ·
RAW News and Notes
Provided by the WrestlingObserver


-The fourth match of Backlash, Edge versus Jeff Hardy in a Ladder Match, was announced last night. With Backlash now being only 2 weeks away, expect 2 more matches announced, a World Heavyweight Championship Match and a World Tag-Team Championship Match. Writers want a World Tag-Team Championship match because they want to add fuel to the storyline that John Cena and Shawn Michaels will have to work together before they fight for the WWE Championship later on in the night. With there still being two RAW's to go, expect them to win next week before losing the RAW before Backlash, which would force them to have a title match at Backlash

-Randy Orton made his way back on RAW yesterday, albeit only in a small interview, but don't expect him to be doing a lot of wrestling for the next few weeks, with him most likely making his way out on the Draft. It's almost already stamped that Orton will not be appearing in a match at Backlash, although some think that will take down the buyrate a little with the lack of star power. It's almost guaranteed that he'll be moving over to Smackdown and become the top heel there and feud with Batista throughout the summer.

-Some within the company said that Edge was featured way too much last night, being in the opening segment, a backstage segment with Shannon Moore, and a match against Moore, but the main reason was because Edge is really the only top heel on RAW active, aside from Orton who made his return yesterday. They also needed to hardsell the feud between Edge and Jeff Hardy, so Edge taking out one of Hardy's close friends was the best decision. Don't expect the show to be as "Edge-heavy" in the future.

-Carlito's push continues to rise, with him getting a clean win over Johnny Nitro. Carlito is getting higher and higher marks in the company, and although Umaga is getting a huge push himself, don't be surprised if Carlito steals the Intercontinental Championship at Backlash. They want to move Umaga up the card, and they feel the Intercontinental Championship is too small for Umaga, so if Carlito gets a fluke win (a la roll-up) don't think of it as them burying Umaga. They have big plans for both men for the summer.​
 
#22 ·

ECW on Sci-Fi
April 10, 2007


The normal music goes off to kick off ECW before "This Fire Burns" hits and one of the three men remaining in the Elimination Chase, CM Punk makes his way down the ring. Punk comes down and looks excited before entering the ring. He grabs a microphone from Tony Chimel and begins talking. He talks about how he, Rob Van Dam, and Hardcore Holly are going to come out here tonight and battle for their lives to stay in the Elimination Chase. He says that Hardcore Holly has the knowledge of a veteran to win this whole thing and face Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship at Backlash. He says that Rob Van Dam has the whole crowd chanting his name which could will him on and face Bobby. But he says that both of them should know that he has never had a one on one matchup for the title, but he was going to be sure that HE was the one facing Lashley, not RVD or Holly. He says they both better be ready tonight, because he's not going to pull any punches. Punk starts walking off and puts one leg through the ropes before "One of a Kind" plays and Rob Van Dam comes down to the ring. Punk then goes back into the ring knowing they're gonna have a confrontation.

RVD says that Punks a cool dude and that he respects him for all of his "straightedge" talk, but he tells Punk that he wasn't just the longest reigning ECW Television Champion in the old ECW-days by accident. He knows what it takes to stay on top and knows how grueling it is to get there, something he, Punk that is, has never felt. That one hits a nerve of Punk, who says that he better watch what he says before he ends up like Snitsky did last week. RVD says he'll have nothing to worry about getting past you and... "How Do Ya Like Me Know?" plays before RVD can finish his words, and the third member of the Elimination Chase Hardcore Holly makes his way out to the entrance ramp. RVD and Punk don't take their eyes off of each other while Holly tries to get in some words. Holly says that while the two of them are busy arguing like a bunch of little schoolgirls, he's going to be the one to win and face Bobby Lashley. He notes that he has defeated both of them in singles matches in a span of three weeks in January, and he's 100% positive he can do it again, so they better be ready. Punk then grabs his microphone again and says that the best man should win then, and all three share stares with each other as ECW goes to commercial.

{Commercial}

ECW comes back to commercial with Brooke, who's with Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, and Matt Striker. Brooke says that last week they defeated the ECW Originals in a 6-man tag-team match, but tonight they will get an unidentified partner to team with them to take on the Originals in an 8-man tag-team match. She asks Burke what he thinks of being given a random partner to team with them, and Burke says as long as the man stays out of our way, they'll be no problem, because they've had enough of the Originals, and said that their battles have dragged on long enough. Now, it's time for them to end. He says that next week, the New Breeds own Marcus Cor Von will take on any one of the members from the Originals, and then the week before Backlash, Burke and Striker will take on any pair of Originals in an Elimination Tables Match, with the feud ending once and for all. They then walk off to get ready for their match.

***

"Man in the Box" plays and the ECW Originals, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, the Sandman, and Little Guido Maritado make their way down the ring for the 8 man tag-team match. They do their usual pre-match stuff before "Don't Waste My Time" plays and Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, and Matt Striker, the New Breed, make their way down the ring to some minor heat. They stop right before they enter the ring and wait for their partner. "Death Grip" plays and Mike Knox comes out as the New Breeds partner. He quickly enters the ring and the match begins.

The match is your standard 8-man match, with the New Breed working on the Sandman throughout the beginning stages of the match, with Elijah Burke and Matt Striker using their chemistry with each other to work on the Sandman, constantly hitting him with tag-team maneuvers. Eventually, however, Sandman ducks a clothesline attempt from Striker and lands a DDT! Sandman can't get to his corner right away though thanks to him being out of energy from the attack. Both men are down and Striker is the first to get to his corner, tagging in Cor Von, while the Sandman gets a tag in to Sabu.

After a few minutes with numerous quick tags we get to the finish of the match with Mike Knox and Tommy Dreamer inside of the ring. Dreamer takes Knox out with a Dreamer Driver, surprising many that he could get Knox up on his shoulders, but then Cor Von interferes and lands a POUNCE on Dreamer! Dreamer then rolls out of the ring, but Sabu comes in and takes Marcus out with a double jump moonsault! Cor Von goes out, Striker then comes in and connected with the Golden Rule on Sabu! Sabu then leaves the ring and the Sandman comes in and wraps a kendo stick around Striker's neck before connecting with the White Russian Legsweep! Striker is helped out of the ring by the referee while Elijah Burke comes in and lands the Elijah Experience on the Sandman! Little Guido quickly comes in to try and help out his friends and lands a Kiss of Death, known to many as an Unprettier! Finally, Knox regains his composure and takes Little Guido out with the Desert Destroyer, a spinning reverse STO, before covering him for the win at 8:03.

After the match Burke, Cor Von, and Striker all come in and celebrate with their partner in his pinfall, while Sandman, Sabu, Dreamer, and Little Guido all start to walk off. Burke grabs the microphone from Tony Chimel and says that the Originals better savor the moment that they have with each other, because in two weeks, when the New Breed wins their Elimination Tables Tag-Team match, it'll be the last time the Originals will be standing inside of the ring with each other. ECW then goes backstage to the ECW Heavyweight Champion, Bobby Lashley.

***

Lashley is seen walking down a hallway into a room that has simply "Office" on the nameplate, before knocking and being told to come in. Lashley opens the door to reveal ECW's General Manager, Mick Foley sitting in a beat up chair in a room that isn't much bigger then a janitor closet, not much bigger either. Foley asks Lashley what he can do for the ECW Heavyweight Champion, and Lashley tells him that last week he wasn't involved in a match after his impressive victory at Wrestlemania, and he doesn't want to catch any ring rust before his match against Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, or Hardcore Holly for his ECW Heavyweight Championship, so he wants a match tonight. Foley says he can do that, and it will be against the man that was eliminated in the Elimination Chase last week, Snitsky. He tells him good luck and have a nice day as ECW goes to a commercial break.

{Commercial}

The announcing crew, Joey Styles and Tazz, come back on air and promote the currently announced card for Backlash, starting with the WWE Championship Match between John Cena and Shawn Michaels, saying that, while these two are also World Tag-Team Champions, they're going to be fighting for something much bigger on Sunday, one of the most prestigious titles in the WWE. They then talk about the Intercontinental Championship bout featuring the Samoan Bulldozer Umaga taking on Carlito, with them bringing up Umaga's dominance the past two weeks sending both Val Venis and Super Crazy to the hospital, but reminding everyone that Carlito has been under the wing of the Nature Boy himself and has picked up impressive victories as well against quality opponents.

They next go to the ECW Heavyweight Championship picture between the ECW Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley and one of the possible three men of Rob Van Dam, Hardcore Holly, and CM Punk. They say any of the three men could take the championship away from Bobby Lashley, but Lashley showed at Wresltemania that size doesn't matter when he defeated the monster Umaga. They then slightly promote the Ladder Match between Edge and Jeff Hardy, saying that the two have had past history of ladder matches between each other, going back to the days when they were both competing in the tag-team division, but now, more then ever, it gets personal with a number one contendership opportunity to the WWE Championship on the line. Something's gotta give, and they say that Backlash is just a few small weeks away, and that you won't want to miss it.

***

"Unglued" plays and the man first eliminated from the elimination chase, Snitsky makes his way down the ring. Snitsky gets a small reaction from the crowd, although many don't really give a fuck about the freak. He enters the ring and then "Hell Will Be Callin' Your Name" plays as the ECW Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley makes his way out to the ring. Lashley looks pumped up for his match, although I don't think many in the crowd are very anxious about the match. He enters the ring and hands his Championship to the referee before the match begins.

Lashley quickly shows off his strength early by taking the slightly bigger Snitsky down with a huge clothesline before Irish Whipping him and connecting with a fallaway slam! Lashley tried for the cover but Snitsky just kicked out at two. Lashley continued to show his dominance for the next few minutes by landing an overhead belly to belly suplex and a military press dropped into a powerslam before missing on a running clothesline and getting taken out by a clothesline from Snitsky. Snitsky then keeps Lashley grounded with a nerve hold on Lashley before landing a scoop slam, sending Lashley down hard to the mat. Snitsky then connects with a falling leg drop and covers Lashley for the pin, but Lashley just kicks out at two and three quarters! Snitsky then argues with the referee, claiming that the count was too slow for his liking, but the referee tells him that the count was fair and unbiased. Snitsky gives him an unapproved look on his face before turning around and meeting a SPEAR FROM LASHLEY! Lashley then covers Snitsky for the win at 5:59 in the short but quite competitve contest from Snitsky.

After the match, Lashley is awarded the ECW Heavyweight Championship by the referee, but then is quickly JUMPED BY SNITSKY! Snitsky starts laying a few pounds on Lashley's back before Irish Whipping him off the ropes but gets surprised by Lashley with a SPEAR! Lashley picks Snitsky up and lands him with a DOMINATOR before quickly disposing him out of the ring. Lashley then celebrates with his ECW Heavyweight Championship as Snitsky looks pissed off on the outside of the ring. Lashley is then seen cracking a smile at the frustrated Snitsky as ECW goes to a commercial break.

{Commercial}

Draft video package... 3 weeks... it comes!


ECW comes back with Joey Styles and Tazz hyping up the draft show, telling all of the viewers that when the draft airs on the special 3 hour edition of RAW, anything can happen. Friends, enemies, partners, champions, challengers, heck even the announcers, can get moved from one brand to another. Just imagine the WWE Champion John Cena on the land of extreme, or the Deadman making his trademark walk down the aisle on RAW. Or how about the Heart Break Kid breaking hearts on Smackdown, or even the ECW Heavyweight Champion himself breaking backs on RAW. Anything can happen, and you won't want to miss it.

***

"How Do Ya Like Me Now" plays first as Hardcore Holly makes his down to the ring, which means that it's time for the Triple Threat Match that's apart of the elimination chase. He gives off a pissed off look that he almost always is wearing, like he doesn't give a rats ass about who he has to beat, or how, but he's going to get that title shot at Backlash. "One of a Kind" hits next and Mr. Tuesday Night Rob Van Dam makes his way out, much to the crowds pleasure. He does his "R-V-D" taunt before sliding into the ring and doing it again while Holly hangs out on the outside, not wanting to get into an altercation before the match begins. "This Fire Burns" hits last and the Straightedge Superstar CM Punk walks down the ring. He taps on his wrists and shouts "it's my time" to the crowd, who give him a little bit of an excited reaction. He nods his head and slides into the ring as the three men are announced by Tony Chimel. Every man is checked to see that they aren't carrying anything illegal before the match begins.

The match starts with CM Punk and RVD staring at each other, not even giving Holly the light of day. Holly gets pissed off and steps in between the two of them and says that they should stop being ladies and fight. RVD and Punk look at each other before they both deliver side kicks to the head of Holly, sending him down onto the mat, much like the famous Vengeance 2002 match between The Rock, the Undertaker, and Kurt Angle. Punk and RVD then look at each other as Holly decides to stay out of the action, before both Punk and RVD smile at each other and do a double suicide dive to Holly on the outside, taking Holly out again! For the next couple of minutes, RVD and Punk continue to work on Holly on the outside, knowing that there are no countouts in a triple threat match. The tables turn, though, when Holly ducks a side kick by Punk which connects on RVD straight in the jaw!

Holly quickly gets out of the way and Punk goes over to see if RVD is alright, but RVD gets up and delivers a side kick of his own to Punk, as if to tell Punk "it's on now", before sliding back into the ring. For the next couple of minutes it isn't really clear which man has the advantage, as Holly has it for a little bit when both men first enter the ring, then Punk gets the momentum, followed by RVD. The ending comes when Holly has Punk up in the Alabama Slam position but Punk slides down his back and starts rolling him up while RVD lands a springboard dropkick on Holly. Punk then puts Holly in a roll-up position and pins him for the win at 9:20!

Punk quickly gets up and gets onto the turnbuckle as he celebrates his win, getting his hand raised by the referee during that time, as RVD looks on, happy that he is still in the Elimination Chase, but somewhat displeased that Punk picked up the pinfall for the second week in a row when it was he, not Punk, that did all of the work to take out the guy that was eliminated, but Punk was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. RVD quietly leaves the ring, somewhat disgusted, and we see Punk getting hyped up by both Tazz and Styles as ECW fades to black.

Quick Results:
-The New Breed & Mike Knox def. The ECW Originals (8:03)
-Bobby Lashley def. Snitsky (5:59)
-CM Punk def. Rob Van Dam & Hardcore Holly in a Triple Threat Match in the Elimination Chase (Holly was pinned; is eliminated from the chase) (9:20)


Current Backlash Card:

Singles Match for the WWE Championship:

John Cena (c) vs. Shawn Michaels

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship:
Umaga (c) vs. Carlito

Singles Match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship:
Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Rob Van Dam or CM Punk

Ladder Match for the Number One Contendership to the WWE Championship:
Edge vs. Jeff Hardy

More to be announced.

Banners credit to Rock.
 
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