Predict The Order Of The Matches In Between The First And Last Match
Done
Which Match Will End The Show?
Undertaker vs. Elijah Burke
How Many Championships Will Change Hands?
One; World Heavyweight Title
Will There Be Any Surprise Appearances?
Ric Flair; miscellaneous former ECW stars
Who Is The Masked Man?
Christian
What Will Happen In Mr. McMahon & Paul Heyman's Confrontation?
Heyman will attack McMahon with the help of former ECW stars.
Will CM Punk Cash In His Money In The Bank Briefcase?
Gonna go out on a limb and say yes. Taker will defeat Burke by DQ when Zeke Jackson interferes. They lay Taker out. Punk runs in and cashes in MITB and wins the World Title.
Re: Rocker Presents: World Wrestling Entertainment
Smackdown Feedback
I’ve spent almost all day catching up on this thread, so I feel as I know enough to be able to leave you with some feedback. Also, I told you when you started this thread that I’d be a constant reviewer, but things haven’t exactly gone to plan, but I’ll try and get my ass in order from here on in .
Elijah Burke facing Elijah burke is going to be a really fun match to read. Seriously though, as Para said, you should not be making mistakes that are this blatant, and it really does show a lack of proof reading. Burke against Lashley should be good for Burke and Jackson against ‘Taker will be good for the champ, a nice card for the show that will hopefully be enough to sell the Smackdown side of Judgment Day, which I’m really not to sure about at this stage.
Opening the show with Matt Hardy vs. MVP is a very nice start, definitely not something I’m going to complain about, but as BKB said, a match that has been built for so long, really shouldn’t be taking place on an episode of Smackdown, especially as a curtain raiser. I didn’t like Hardy attacking MVP during his entrance either, despite all the things that MVP has put Hardy through or whatever, this is a way to heelish tactic for my liking. Okay, if they were face to face, but from behind makes Hardy seems like a coward, and I doubt that’s what you want from one of your best mid card faces. The match seemed decent enough, without anything really mind blowing happening, yet I wasn’t a fan of MVP picking up the victory. Simply because Hardy attacked him before the match, and Hardy’s meant to be the strong face with heart, I’d expect Hardy continue the advantage and pick up the victory, so I can’t help but feel as if Hardy looked a little weak. At least the dirty finish means that the feud is probably still not over, and I’d love to see you actually have this feud end on a PPV.
Elijah Burke giving Big ‘Zeke a bit of a talk is all good and stuff, I really don’t see anything wrong with it, although wouldn’t Burke be telling ‘Zeke to do as much damage to the champ as possible, rather than go easy on him?
The six man tag team match went pretty well, and I like the fact that you’re having feuds take place, that do not involve matches that will take place on the PPV. It’s a great way to build your lower and mid carders, and it’s something that not enough people around these parts have grasped the concept of. With that being said, this feud between The Brits and Sydal/Noble has kind of dragged a little bit, and even though you added the Finlay/Palumbo feud to the match, I don’t see it as freshening things up, as basically nothing has really happened between The Brits and Noble/Sydal now besides attacks. The feud need to advance, it is quickly becoming boring and stale, imo. The result didn’t really fuss me either way, so I won’t say too much about that, although one feud that is rather unique, yet I’m not sure if I like it yet is Palumbo/Finlay. Palumbo/Finlay is the same, there’s no real depth to the characters, it’s simply I attack you, you attack me, and then we’ll have a stipulation match at the PPV. I need something a little more to have me intrigued by the characters, although this beat down on Finlay was done pretty well I must admit.
I like the slow, dissention building storyline you’re going with, when it comes to John Morrison and The Miz, I have realized the subtle hints towards it, and I think you’ll stall it until a Summerslam pay off match perhaps? Either way, these are two characters, consumed by jealousy, which I’m actually interested in. As for Dykstra, he should really be on the show, the fact he had to ask for a match when he’s only two nights away from a big PPV match is silly, he should at least be getting some mic time. I’m also not to keen on the decision of Mysterio and Dykstra being partners, yes, the concept of enemies being partners is entertaining, but it works better for feuds that have been building for awhile, I don’t think it’s the right way to go considering Dykstra/Mysterio has only been going for a week or two.
I love Jack Swagger; he reminds me a lot of Kurt Angle, so I hope he gets a good push in this thread, as he has all the tools to be something special. I like the way you’ve started him out chalking up some easy victories, and if you keep him going, and perhaps take a page out of the WWE’s book, and how they pushed Angle, you could have something big on your hands.
Bobby Lashley promo was pretty generic, not much else to really say… I really hope you don’t make him win tonight.
Shane McMahon is probably going to confront Edge about the mystery attacker, and this is definitely something I can not wait to see. Interesting to see just what will happen regarding this situation as well. With that being said, regarding this whole angle, I think you might be getting to far in to early, as these mystery angles are always best when they are dragged on a little, so not to sure about what you are going to do from here, but I hope you don’t give it away to quickly.
Despite me not really liking the way this tag match came about, and the way in which you’re building this Dysktra/Mysterio match, I must say I liked the story that the match told throughout the contest. Dykstra not wanting to tag in, before eventually getting tagged in was all loads of fun. The fact that Miz and Morrison lost again, continues on with the storyline that I think your using, since they are on a losing streak, snapping at each other and stuff. As for the result for the other two, it puts over Mysterio’s toughness, and then Dykstra hitting the Rolling Cutter after the match was good. Overall, despite me not liking the way you’re going about it, the match did the job it had to do very well.
Tyler Black debuting next week is great news. He’ll only strengthen up the mid card, and he’s been built up long enough, with this video package .
Big ‘Zeke put up an okay performance, although he was never going to defeat the World Heavyweight Champion in his debut match. I would have preferred ‘Taker getting the clean win, rather than what took place, as I just feel as if Burke didn’t need to do this, considering his match is pretty much straight after. So once again, I’m not to sure about the booking method/decision that you’ve chosen, and this has done nothing to strengthen Burke’s chances of looking like a threat at JD. ‘Taker sitting up straight away to, makes Burke look like he can barely effect The Deadman, so I don’t think this did what you intended it to do.
Eh? Shane McMahon is just going to let Edge off, despite him having a plan with the masked man from the beginning? It just doesn’t seem right, especially since Shane is a face GM, and Edge is one of the most hated heels in the company. I’m hoping Edge doesn’t handle the situation at JD well, otherwise I think all this having Edge involved wouldn’t have really done anything for him at all. I’m not to sure about the pleasantness with which they spoke to each other to, or at least you didn’t mention any animosity, and that’s a bit strange, imo.
Once again, another really, there’s no other word to say but stupid typo, claiming that Burke was chased away by Batista. By the way the lack of Batista on this show, plus no mention of him at all up until this stage, is really not a good thing, as he’s one of your bigger stars, he should be on every show, unless he’s missing due to some sort of storyline enhancement.
The main event was one that was very important for the build of Burke, and I really think it’s the only thing for the night that you’ve done pretty much perfectly. It was a clean finish which was needed, yet you had Lashley looking strong by kicking out of the Elijah Express the first time. With that being said, I still don’t think it’s enough to have Burke ready for ‘Taker, so yes, I still think your SD main event is a lost cause .
Overall, if this was a normal show, at the beginning of the month, just kind of stalling until you get some storylines going for the PPV, it would’ve been okay, but for a go home show before the PPV, I felt as if it wasn’t as good as it should have been. I commended you for being able to continue feuds that won’t be on the PPV, which is good, but I think you wasted a little to much of this show with stuff that won’t be on the PPV. Also, really, Dykstra/Mysterio is a rush job, Palumbo/Finlay is meh for me, due to lack of character depth, and Burke does not look like a credible enough threat for ‘Taker, therefore I feel as if SD’s side of JD is lacking. Raw’s side is set to be good though, which proves you can build stuff well, I just hope the next PPV has some good Smackdown build as well. So, it was an okay show, but not what was needed for SD half of JD to be a success. Now, onto my predictions:
~ Extra Questions ~
Which Match Will Open The Show?Dykstra Vs Rey
Predict The Order Of The Matches In Between The First And Last MatchDone
Which Match Will End The Show?WWE Championship
How Many Championships Will Change Hands? 0
Will There Be Any Surprise Appearances?Some ECW rejects.
Who Is The Masked Man?I reckon it's Christian and you're just trying to swerve us.
What Will Happen In Mr. McMahon & Paul Heyman's Confrontation?Vince will bring out the crew, only for Heyman to bring some ECW Originals, and there will be a massive brawl.
Will CM Punk Cash In His Money In The Bank Briefcase?No
Re: Rocker Presents: World Wrestling Entertainment
WWE Judgment Day - Sunday, May 18 2008 Omaha, Nebraska
Following the opening video which consists of a recap of all of the rivalries that have consumed RAW and Smackdown! over the course of the past month, some orange and white pyrotechnics detonate from the stage, and “Who’s Going Home With You Tonight?” by Trapt, the theme song, blares out, as the camera orbits the Qwest Center and the audience present tonight hold up their banners and signs of all different colours, shapes and sizes. Then, the camera cuts to the RAW announce table, where the instantly-recognizable fixture of the booth, Jim Ross, welcomes us to Judgment Day.
Jim Ross: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen across the globe to Judgment Day, coming to you live from Omaha, Nebraska on Pay-Per-View! My name is Jim Ross, I’m sat alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler here at the RAW announce table and King, who knows who will walk out of Omaha tonight as the WWE Champion? It could be the current Champion Randy Orton, it could be Rob Van Dam, it could be Umaga, or Triple H!
Jerry Lawler: That’s exactly what the fatal four way match is all about, JR – it’s completely unpredictable! All four of the guys competing for the WWE Champion will want to talk up their chances of winning and walking out with the title, but deep down they’re clinging onto sheer hope, and I bet they’ve got their fingers crossed in the locker room this very second!
Jim Ross: Also tonight is a Last Man Standing Match, between two men who have been at each other’s throats because of Ric Flair – John Cena and the individual who superkicked Flair on his last night on RAW, Shawn Michaels. But, we still don’t know if Cena will make it tonight after being superkicked this past Monday by Michaels off a 15-foot scaffolding! Now, let’s join our Smackdown! colleagues who are also here tonight: Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman. Take it away, guys.
Michael Cole: Thanks, JR, welcome again to Judgment Day, and the poster match tonight on the Smackdown! brand is The Undertaker defending his World Heavyweight Championship against a young, hungry, eager challenger: “The Silver Tongue Pugilist”, Elijah Burke.
Jonathan Coachman: Ooh, I can feel it in the air in this arena, Michael; a new World Heavyweight Champion is going to be crowned right here tonight at Judgment Day, and it’s gonna be my boy, Elijah Burke! You can tell who I’m gonna be rooting for once that match comes full circle.
Michael Cole: Not only that match, but another title’s on the line too: The United States Championship! The reigning Champion Kenny Dykstra, who’s been Champion for just 21 days since winning it from MVP in a fatal four way at Backlash last month, puts his gold on the line for the first time against a very tough opponent, the high-flying underdog Rey Mysterio!
Jonathan Coachman: That’s exactly what Rey is, an underdog, and he always will be. Why? Because he can’t accomplish anything by himself. Kenny Dykstra is going to show Mysterio that he should never have come back, with no remorse whatsoever, Michael.
***THIS FIRE BURNS***
The crowd go wild all of a sudden, as Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk walks out, holding his briefcase. Punk gets on one knee and “checks the time” before bellowing “It’s clobberin’ time!” and getting to his feet, descending down the rampway and high-fiving a few fans as he climbs onto the ring apron and climbs to the top rope, holding his briefcase high above his head subsequent to jumping down to the canvas.
Jim Ross: It looks like we’re beginning the night with the Money in the Bank briefcase on the line in a triple threat match, and here is the man who currently has the prestigious briefcase in his possessions, and has had it since winning it at WrestleMania XXIV: CM Punk! He’s got quite the fight on his hands, though, he has to defend his briefcase and his guaranteed World Championship opportunity against not one, but two opponents, and they are Carlito, who he successfully defended it against last month at Backlash, and DH Smith.
Jerry Lawler: Punk could feel he’s got half the job done, JR, he’s faced Carlito before and he’s beaten him, but the other half is the challenge he faces, because he’s never stepped into the ring with DH Smith, and Smith is bigger than Carlito, and also bigger than Punk, and he brings a style to the table that “The Straight Edge Superstar” hasn’t had to overcome up until tonight. But he looks more than ready for it, and he wants to walk out of here still with that briefcase!
***COOL***
The cheers for CM Punk quickly turn to boos, as Carlito walks into the arena, wearing a black “Carlito’s Cabana” t-shirt over his ring gear and holding an apple in his hand. With his brother Primo, who debuted on RAW this past Monday, at his side, Carlito cockily walks down the ramp, smirking at Punk and looking confident about his chances of winning the Money in the Bank briefcase after failing to do so at Backlash.
Jim Ross: Carlito hasn’t won a match in a while now, he hasn’t won since teaming with Randy Orton to defeat CM Punk and Triple H over a month ago, but regardless of that he is here tonight, and he could avenge his barren run with a decisive victory and ultimately winning the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Jerry Lawler: And Carlito’s got his brother Primo at ringside as well, JR, so maybe having some family support nearby is what Carlito needs to achieve success! If that is true, then the two brothers will have a celebration to begin, and they’ll be dancing in the Caribbean tonight!
***RULE, BRITANNIA!***
The crowd cheer once again, as the young up-and-comer DH Smith walks out, with his friends TJ Wilson and Natalya flanking him. Smith, wearing some black, red and blue trunks with gold trimming, raises his hands in the air as red, white and blue fireworks burst from the stage and Smith descends down the ramp, making his way into the ring with Natalya and Wilson in tow.
Jim Ross: It’s stunning that DH Smith is only 21 years old, but yet he has defeated Superstars such as John “Bradshaw” Layfield and even Carlito, and tonight he could plant another landmark on his rise to the top, by winning the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Jerry Lawler: This kid has impressed the hell out of me, JR, and whether he wins or loses, I expect DH Smith will amaze us all once again tonight at Judgment Day!
The Triple Threat Match opened the Pay-Per-View tonight, with CM Punk putting his Money in the Bank briefcase on the line against both Carlito and DH Smith. Punk was risking everything, and he knew that he could leave tonight with all or nothing. Punk didn’t do his chances any harm in the first stages of the match, with him and Smith working together to try to take Carlito out of the equation, and did so on a temporary basis after a double clothesline over the top rope, but then Punk and Smith were alone in the ring, and they had a stare-down for a few seconds, before fighting. The youngster Smith got the better of the smaller Punk, driving him spine-first into the corner of the ring and then going for a big boot only for Punk to move, which caused DH’s foot to get stuck on the top rope. Punk seized the opportunity, and climbed out onto the ring apron, jumping and springboarding off the ropes and then nailing Smith with a missile dropkick to the cranium, which took him down. After that, Carlito came back into the ring and it was CM Punk and “The Bad Apple” who fought toe-to-toe, Punk getting in more offence and he then lifted Carlito onto his shoulders in position for the GTS, but Carlito slipped off his shoulders and then took Punk out of the ring with a back drop over the ropes, as “The Second City Saint” landed awkwardly on his neck on the concrete floor.
Whilst Punk was out of the ring, Carlito and DH Smith fought, exchanging blows until Smith kicked Carlito in the mid-section and lifted him up, nailing the Puerto Rican with a brainbuster and making the cover, only for Carlito to kick out of the move. With Carlito still down, Smith then climbed to the second rope, something he normally doesn’t do, and jumped off, going for a knee drop, but Carlito rolled out of the way as DH missed his target and Carlito then knocked Smith out with a kick to the head, making the cover afterwards but Smith kicked out on 2. After that, CM Punk slowly made his way back into the ring, and he went for Carlito, as he and Smith double-teamed on the former Intercontinental Champion: Punk got Carlito in the corner of the ring and Punk stood in the opposite corner as Smith Irish whipped the current “Mr. Money in the Bank” forwards, giving Punk more momentum to nail Carlito with a knee to the skull and a subsequent bulldog. Smith then rolled Carlito out of the ring only for Primo, Carlito’s brother who was standing outside the ring, to immediately get Carlito back in, which frustrated Smith as he left the ring and went for Primo, who ran around the ring to try to avoid Smith. Meanwhile, in the ring, with the referee telling DH Smith to get back into the ring, CM Punk got Carlito to his feet, but out of no where Carlito turned Punk around and nailed him with the Backstabber! Carlito immediately made the cover but with the referee distracted, the count was delayed and when the ref did make the cover, Smith broke it up on the count of 1.
Carlito was fuming to say the least, and he got to his feet, walking over the referee and angrily berating him, pushing and shoving him into the corner, but the ref stoof up for himself, defiantly pushing Carlito away which led Carlito into being picked up by DH Smith and being nailed with a Running Powerslam! Smith made the cover, as the referee made the cover, but a split-second before the 3-count could be completed and Smith could win the match, CM Punk broke up the cover with his last bit of energy! Smith got to his feet and he kicked Punk in the mid-section, lifting him onto his shoulder and looking to go for the Running Powerslam but Punk slipped off of Smith’s shoulder and when DH turned around, CM Punk lifted him onto his shoulders, and nailed Smith with the GO TO SLEEP! Punk sat up, holding his ribs, before making the cover on Smith with the pin being made near the ropes, as the referee made the count, and DH got his foot on the bottom rope but before the ref could see it Punk pushed it back down and the 3-count was made, as CM Punk retained his Money in the Bank briefcase!
Winner and STILL Mr. MITB: CM Punk @ 9:27
“This Fire Burns” plays and CM Punk has his hand raised by the referee to cheers from the crowd, as he is handed his briefcase and an ecstatic Punk raises it in the air, showing off an unmissable grin etched on his face.
Jim Ross: The Money in the Bank briefcase still belongs to CM Punk, I personally think that match should have continued, DH Smith had his foot on the rope but Punk pushed it off so the referee couldn’t see it, but at the end of the day, Chicago will be rejoicing tonight as their hometown hero got the job done.
Jerry Lawler: Sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to win, JR, and I respect CM Punk for having that mentality, so I don’t blame him for taking DH Smith’s foot off the rope, and I think Punk deserved to win that match!
Jim Ross: For the third consecutive Pay-Per-View, CM Punk walks out of the match with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Punk leaves the ring and walks up the ramp, high-fiving a few fans as he then raises his briefcase above his head, with Carlito looking at him through the ropes and DH Smith sat in the corner, with a look of bitter disappointment on his face. Meanwhile, Primo enters the ring and helps Carlito out of the ring, and Natalya Neidhart and TJ Wilson step into the ring as well, confronting the referee and telling him that Smith had his foot on the rope but the ref ignores their pleading, leaving the ring as Natalya and Wilson look pissed off, then walking over to Smith and congratulating him on the effort he put in tonight.
Jim Ross: Looks like the referee wasn’t having any of it...
Backstage, the United States Champion Kenny Dykstra is walking backstage, with a cocky smirk as always on his face, when he looks down a corridor and he sees Eve Torres standing there. Dykstra stops, and sneers, before walking towards Eve, who seems surprised to see him and blushes.
Kenny Dykstra: Nothing to worry about, Eve, it’s just me; the United States Champion.
Dykstra revels in his self-promotion, as Eve watches blankly.
Kenny Dykstra: Somebody as... (Plays with Eve’s hair) beautiful as you shouldn’t be alone on a night like this. So, as an offer from myself, feel free to come and watch my match with Rey Mysterio and my victory over him, up close and... personal.
Dykstra smirks and winks at Eve before walking away, as Torres watches Kenny leave, looking like she’s going to laugh.
***LAMBEG***
The crowd respond with a pop, as Finlay walks out, holding his shillalegh in his hand and looking ready for war. Finlay walks down the ramp, with a no-nonsense look on his face, and enters the ring, getting ready for his imminent match-up.
Michael Cole: This rivalry between Chuck Palumbo and Finlay started when Finlay defeated Palumbo 5 nights after WrestleMania and Palumbo went crazy, attacking Finlay after the match, and after that, it escalated into a personal hatred for one another, the pinnacle being 48 hours ago on Smackdown! when Palumbo made Finlay bleed by wrapping the biker chain around his fist and repeatedly hitting Finlay in the skull with it.
Jonathan Coachman: This past Friday showed me that Chuck Palumbo is a sure-fire to win here, Michael, he’s experienced with biker chains, Finlay isn’t, they’ve competed in Finlay’s speciality match, but now Finlay is stepping into Palumbo’s den.
***YOU WILL REMEMBER ME***
The Qwest Center is suddenly filled with heat as Chuck Palumbo rides out onto the stage, on his motorcycle. Sporting black and red trunks instead of the usual black jeans, Palumbo rides down the ramp and parks his motorcycle outside the ring, then sliding into the ring and looking up at the biker chain which is hanging on a pole in the corner of the ring, before then directing a glance at his opponent Finlay.
Michael Cole: Chuck Palumbo knows how to put a biker chain to good use, the WWE fans, and Finlay, found that out this past Friday on Smackdown when Palumbo made Finlay bleed, so Chuck has to be the favourite to win this one.
Jonathan Coachman: That’s what I’ve already said, Michael, and I’m liking Palumbo’s new ring attire too. A special occasion needs a special change.
Biker Chain Match
Chuck Palumbo Vs. Finlay
The second match on the card was the first Smackdown match of the night, with Chuck Palumbo and Finlay facing each other in a Biker Chain Match, the first to take place in almost five years, and it didn’t disappoint. The first two minutes of the match consisted of traditional wrestling between Palumbo and Finlay, but eventually their hatred for one another boiled over and it really got physical, with Palumbo retrieving the biker chain from the pole above the corner of the ring after nailing Finlay with a big boot to the skull. Chuck got Finlay to his feet and he wrapped the biker chain around Finlay’s throat, looking to choke “The Fighting Irishman”, but luckily Finlay low-blowed Palumbo with a boot to the groin and fought his way out of the predicament, taking down Chuck with a clothesline. Finlay followed up with a leg drop, and then Finlay looked to use the biker chain, wrapping it around his fist like Palumbo did to make Finlay bleed last Friday on Smackdown. However, Chuck kicked Finlay in the mid-section and Irish whipped him into the corner, then hitting Finlay with a big boot! The biker chain was now off of Finlay’s fist and on the floor, and Palumbo picked it up, nailing Finlay in the spine with the biker chain like a whip! Finlay fell to the canvas, but “The Custom Made Killer” continued his assault, hitting Finlay with the chain in the back again, right on the same spot, as Finlay’s back went crimson red.
After that, the range of weapons widened, as Palumbo left the ring and got a steel chair, throwing it into the ring. Chuck got into the ring and got Finlay to his feet, putting his head in the steel chair. Palumbo then Irish whipped Finlay into the ropes, but Finlay managed to stop himself, and Chuck ran at Finlay, only for the Irishman to move out of the way as Palumbo didn’t meet his target, and it gave Finlay time to get his head out of the steel chair, which he used to hit Chuck over the skull with! Palumbo went down, and Finlay made the cover, only for Palumbo to kick out on the count of two. With Chuck on the floor, Finlay placed the edge of the steel chair right on Palumbo’s throat, then raising it up in the air to ram into Chuck’s neck, but Palumbo low-blowed Finlay with a kick to the groin and it gave Chuck time to get to his feet, as he grabbed Finlay and sent the veteran flying across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex! Palumbo then dragged Finlay out of the ring, Irish whipping Finlay into the security barricade. Chuck then ran at Finlay, but the Irishman reversed it, throwing Palumbo over the security barricade and into the crowd! Palumbo tried to get to his feet but Finlay grabbed Chuck by his head and slammed Palumbo’s cranium against the security barricade, as Palumbo went down. Finlay climbed onto the barricade and as Chuck got to his feet, Finlay jumped off into the crowd, taking Palumbo back down to the concrete floor!
The action went back into the ring, and for the next four minutes the biker chain, steel chair and exposed turnbuckle were all used, with Chuck Palumbo and Finlay still going at it, although both were looking tired. Finlay ran off the ropes, going to take down Palumbo, but Chuck, with the steel chair, nailed Finlay in the skull with the steel chair, as Finlay fell to the canvas and he was now busted open! Palumbo made the cover soon after, but a split-second before the three count, Finlay got the shoulder up! Palumbo didn’t seem too disappointed, as far as he was concerned it was bad for Finlay, as Chuck, with the biker chain now wrapped around his fist, got Finlay and he lifted him up for the Full Throttle, but Finlay escaped from the predicament, lifting Palumbo up in position for the Celtic Cross, but Chuck used the biker chain which was around his fist to punch Finlay in the cranium, right on his wound which was pouring with blood, and that only caused more blood to come out of his wound, as Finlay fell to the canvas. Palumbo wasn’t done, and he got Finlay back up, lifting him up... and nailing Finlay with the Full Throttle! Chuck went down to cover Finlay, hooking the leg, but before the three count, Palumbo let go, stopping the pinfall and unwrapping the biker chain from around his fist. Chuck then put the biker chain around Finlay’s throat and choking Finlay with the biker chain! Finlay’s bloodied face went red, as did Palumbo’s as the pressure he was putting on choking Finlay was immense, and he didn’t let go for one second, as Finlay reached his hand out in desperation... but then it dropped to the floor, and Finlay’s eyes, that were lit up with the desire to continue the match, were shut, as the Irishman passed out, and the referee held Finlay’s hand in the air, dropping it and then repeating the process, before doing it one final time, as the match was ended, and Palumbo finally defeated Finlay, after choking him into unconsciousness!
Winner: Chuck Palumbo @ 10:54
“You Will Remember Me” plays as Palumbo’s victory is confirmed, but Chuck is relentless, continuing to choke Finlay with the biker chain until numerous referees, road agents and EMTs rush to the ring and pull a maniacal Palumbo away. Chuck gets to his feet and raises his hand in the air to huge heat from the crowd, before looking back at Finlay and then leaving the ring, walking up the ramp as Finlay is checked on.
Michael Cole: Chuck Palumbo’s beaten Finlay in this Biker Chain Match, but this... this is too much. Palumbo’s rendered Finlay unconcious by choking him with that chain, and now paramedics, EMTs, referees, they’re all coming to the ring and checking on the wellbeing of Finlay... and, uh, it doesn’t look too good.
Jonathan Coachman: That’s what you get when you mess with Chuck Palumbo, Michael, and now, Palumbo is one of the most feared men in the Smackdown locker room after what he just did to Finlay!
Michael Cole: Can’t you be serious for one second, Coach? This is a serious situation, Finlay isn’t moving one bit, and all you can talk about is Chuck Palumbo and how nobody should mess with him.
More EMTs come to the ring, with a stretcher, and they load Finlay onto the stretcher, taking the Irishman out of the ring and carrying him up the ramp, with the crowd cheering and applauding Finlay for the effort he just put into his match with Palumbo, which he unfortunately lost.
Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, if we get any updates on the condition of Finlay, we will inform you of the situation right away.
Backstage, Mr. McMahon is walking down a corridor, on the phone to someone.
Mr. McMahon: ... Don’t worry, he’s gonna be here. (Listens) Oh yeah... trust me, Paul’s not gonna ever try to cross me again after tonight. Alright, see you later.
McMahon puts the phone down and smiles, before walking onwards.
***SLOW CHEMICAL***
The crowd pop, as the arena darkens with red-tinted light and Kane walks out, adjusting his elbow pad as he walks to the ring, with an aberrant look on his face. Kane climbs onto the ring apron and steps over the ropes as he enters the ring, and he raises his arms in the air before throwing them down as fire ascends from the ringposts and the lighting in the Qwest Center returns to normal.
Jim Ross: The rivalry between Paul Burchill and Kane started with a mutual disdain, but it soared to a whole new level when Kane abducted Burchill’s sister Katie Lea, and it leads to tonight; Burchill versus Kane, with the winner earning the property of Katie.
Jerry Lawler: We all know what happened the last time Kane was involved with somebody called Katie, JR! Maybe it will be a bad omen for “The Big Red Machine”!
***GENERATOR A***
The arena is suddenly filled to the rim with huge heat, as Paul Burchill walks through the curtain and out onto the stage, with Katie Lea in tow. Burchill, with a menacing scowl on his face, walks down the ramp and enters the ring, standing in front of Katie to protect her from Kane.
Jim Ross: He’s sick, he’s twisted, he’s perverse, but tonight Paul Burchill is looking to protect his sister Katie Lea Burchill from Kane, this is the biggest match of Burchill’s career so far, and he doesn’t want to slip up, he can’t slip up.
Jerry Lawler: Just imagine if Burchill lost, though, and Katie Lea Burchill was in the possession of Kane, JR! It would be crazy!
Singles Match – Winner Gets Katie Lea
Kane Vs. Paul Burchill
The third match of the night saw Paul Burchill taking on Kane, with the fate of Burchill’s sister Katie Lea hanging in the balance, and Kane was dominant in the opening stages of the match, unloading on the Ripper with right hands and a clothesline which took Burchill down, before slowing the match down with some headlocks and sleeper holds which Kane used on more than one occasion in the first two minutes. Eventually Burchill managed to get in some offence after repeatedly dodging Kane and then taking his chances, even taking Kane down after a chop block. For the next two minutes, Burchill kept Kane mainly on the ground, as the pace of the match slowed down, but it kicked into gear when The Ripper went for a forearm smash but Kane ducked it and then took down Burchill with a big boot, subsequently climbing to the top rope and leaping off, nailing Burchill with a top-rope clothesline! Kane had a feeling he was closing in on victory here, and when Burchill slowly got to his feet, Kane grabbed him by the throat, in position for a chokeslam, but Burchill kicked Kane in the mid-section and hurled the Big Red Machine into the steel ring-post, going beyond the turnbuckles in the corner of the ring, and when Kane turned around, Burchill took Kane down with a drop toe hold and then locked Kane in a half-nelson crossface, but luckily, The Big Red Machine made it to the ropes quickly after.
After that, not much progress was made for the next 3 minutes, with the exchange between Kane and Burchill being fairly slow-paced, but The Ripper sensed a victory coming when he had Kane down following a very powerful clothesline, and he grabbed Kane’s arms, getting him in position for one of his patented manoeuvres, and he then executed the CURB STOMP! Katie Lea was euphoric at ringside, as she clapped her hands with joy, as Burchill made the cover... BUT KANE KICKED OUT! Paul and Katie Lea couldn’t believe it, and The Ripper got Kane to his feet, hurling some right hands in Kane’s direction, and Burchill ran off the ropes, but KANE GRABBED BURCHILL BY THE THROAT! However, with the referee not able to see, KATIE LEA GRABBED ONTO KANE’S FOOT AT RINGSIDE, and Kane let go of Paul, looking down at Katie Lea, who climbed onto the ring apron and went to slap Kane... BUT KANE CAUGHT KATIE LEA’S HAND! The Big Red Machine smirked at a horrified Katie, but this gave Burchill a chance to roll Kane up, and get his feet on the ropes, getting the 3-count and the victory!
Winner: Paul Burchill @ 8:13
“Generator A” blares out and Paul Burchill gets to his feet and has his hand raised by the referee, before he quickly leaves the ring and approaches his sister Katie Lea, who is beaming, as they embrace. Kane sits up and looks on in disbelief as the Burchills walk up the ramp, euphoric that Katie has survived from the grasps of the Big Red Machine, until they disappear behind the curtain.
Jim Ross: I didn’t see that coming, but thanks to intervention from Katie Lea Burchill, her brother Paul has defeated Kane, and Katie is safe from the Big Red Machine’s pursuit.
Jerry Lawler: Poor Katie Lea should never have had to go through this turbulence, so thank God Paul Burchill won tonight, JR, instead of that freak Kane!
Jim Ross: Is this the final chapter in the rivalry between Paul Burchill and Kane?
Backstage, Elijah Burke is in his locker room, warming up for his World Heavyweight Championship later tonight, with Ezekiel Jackson sat nearby.
Elijah Burke: I can feel it, Zeke... oh yeah, I can feel it. Tonight, the sweet-tasting air of change will consume the WWE, and “The Guiding Light” will be the World... Heavyweight... Champion.
Heat for Burke, as he smirks and Jackson nods his head.
Elijah Burke: I mean, who knows? Maybe your career could be as illustrious as mine one day. But remember, as an Elijah Enthusiast, it’s all about...
Ezekiel Jackson: The experience.
Elijah Burke: That’s RIGHT! But tonight, it’s all the sweet taste of GOLD.
Burke clasps his hands together, and inhales the air, before smiling.
Elijah Burke: ... Tonight.
The screen fades with Burke nodding his head and laughing with even Jackson smirking.
***SCREAM***
The arena quickly becomes rife with boos as the United States Champion Kenny Dykstra walks out, wearing black and silver trunks with the words “Lone Legend” on the back and holding his title over his shoulder. The brash Dykstra makes his way down the ramp and slides into the ring, climbing to the second rope and holding his U.S Title high above his head, drawing more boos from the crowd. Kenny climbs back down and stands in the corner of the ring, holding his title in his hands in front of him and smirking at the sight of it.
Michael Cole: Some Champions would be anxious going into a title defence, some would be terrified... but the look on Kenny Dykstra’s face right just glows 100% pure confidence, Coach.
Jonathan Coachman: And rightly so, Michael, he’s a future Hall of Famer, he’s the United States Champion, hell, he even got Eve Torres thinking about him by the looks of it; this guy’s got everything going for him right now.
Michael Cole: Well, he might not have the United States Championship after tonight.
***BOOYAKA 619***
There is a huge pop as Rey Mysterio jogs through the curtain, wearing a blue “619” shirt and looking ready to go. A big pyro explodes as Mysterio makes his way down the ramp, high-fiving some fans, and slides into the ring, climbing to the second rope and raising his hands in the air, pointing to the sky before climbing back down and staring down Kenny Dykstra who is standing in the opposite corner of the ring.
Michael Cole: Mysterio wants to win this match badly, Kenny Dykstra’s got the better of him for the last 2 weeks, but Rey wants to put a stop to it and take the one thing that means the most to Dykstra; the United States Championship.
Jonathan Coachman: He wants to, yes, but it’s all about whether he can, and quite frankly, I see Dykstra winning, Michael.
Kenny Dykstra and Rey Mysterio have struck up a pretty personal rivalry in just a small space of time, and this match did it justice, with the contest being entertaining from start to finish. In the opening stages neither competitors held back, getting right into the action and Dykstra thought that it was going to be plain sailing, as he immediately got Mysterio in a headlock, but Rey pushed Kenny away, and when he came running back Mysterio leaped up, wrapping his legs around Dykstra’s head and executing a hurricanrana which took Kenny over the ropes and out of the ring! The crowd popped as Rey rallied up and Dykstra sat on the concrete floor, looking furious as he slowly got to his feet and re-entered the ring. It was back to square one, as Dykstra and Mysterio locked up and Kenny got the better of Rey in this exchange, wrenching Mysterio’s arm and taking him down with an arm drag before hitting Rey with another arm drag as soon as Mysterio got to his feet. Rey got up again and Dykstra had a big smirk on his face, as he shouted “Booyaka, Booyaka, your ass is mine!” to the luchador which drew some heat from the crowd, and it angered Mysterio, who got up and ran at Kenny, unloading on the United States Champion with right hands. Mysterio pushed Dykstra into the corner of the ring and then ran in that direction, leaping onto Kenny and going for a Monkey Flip, but Dykstra kept hold of Mysterio in mid-air, and threw Rey into the corner of the ring!
Dykstra unloaded on Mysterio with recurrent kicks to Rey’s mid-section until Mysterio was seated in the corner of the ring and Kenny then pressed his boot firmly into Rey’s face, until the referee told him to stop, as Dykstra held his hands up in innocence, before running back and kicking Mysterio in the head! Dykstra got Rey to his feet and lifted him up onto the top rope, then climbing up and setting Mysterio up for a Superplex, but Rey turned the tables on the arrogant youngster, pushing him off the top rope and down to the canvas! Mysterio looked around at the cheering fans on their feet in the Qwest Center, before jumping off the top rope and nailing Dykstra with a Frog Splash! There was some “Eddie! Eddie!” chants rife amongst the audience as Mysterio executed the late, great Eddie Guerrero’s signature move, and he made the cover, but Dykstra kicked out on the count of 2, signifying that it was probably too early to look to win the match, and the United States Championship in the process. For the next 3 minutes, it was more back-and-forth action, with Rey being in control following the Frogsplash, but Dykstra turning the match in his favour after nailing Mysterio with an Electric Chair Drop when countering an attempted Hurricanrana by the Master of the 619, and Kenny continued to wear Mysterio down, keeping Rey locked in a Cloverleaf with his knee digging into Mysterio’s spine for several moments, until Rey managed to make it to the ropes.
After that, Kenny continued to be in control, taking the action to the outside of the ring. Dykstra grabbed Mysterio and looked to hurl Rey into the steel steps, but Mysterio countered, jumping over the steps and then jumping onto the security barricade. Dykstra ran forward, and Rey jumped off the barricade, going for a Seated Senton, but Kenny caught Mysterio, AND NAILED REY WITH A POWERBOMB ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR! The arena was almost silent as Mysterio looked to be badly hurt from that powerbomb, but Dykstra was beaming, as he raised his hands in the air whilst standing over Mysterio, and then Eve Torres, who Kenny told to come and watch the match up close earlier tonight, ran down the ramp, checking on Rey. Dykstra said “You decided to show up at just the right time” to Eve whilst winking, and with no remorse got Mysterio to his feet, loading him back into the ring and making the cover, with the taste of victory on his lips, but a split-second before the 3-count, Rey Mysterio kicked out! The crowd rejoiced, as their hero wasn’t out for the count yet, but Dykstra was livid, as he repeatedly slammed his fists against the canvas. Kenny looked at Eve and said “I am gonna win” before getting Mysterio to his feet, and Irish whipping Rey against the ropes. Mysterio moved pretty slowly due to being tired, and Kenny was getting ready to take Rey’s head off, but Mysterio countered, hitting the United States Champion with a Wheelbarrow Bulldog!
This great match had to end, however, and it did, when Rey was on the top rope, eagerly waiting for Kenny Dykstra to get to his feet. Dykstra slowly but surely got up, and Mysterio went for a Seated Senton, but Kenny moved out of the way, as Rey landed on his feet, and when he turned around, Dykstra ran at Mysterio like a freight train, but Rey took Kenny down with a drop toe hold, and Dykstra was now in between the ropes! The anticipation in the arena was building, as Mysterio raised one finger in the air, calling “619!” before running off the ropes, but Eve Torres, standing in front of Dykstra on the outside of the ring, put something in his hand, and Mysterio soon found out what it was, when Rey went for the 619 but Kenny punched Mysterio in the cranium and Rey went down on the canvas. Dykstra then slid some BRASS KNUCKLES out of the ring, and with heat filling the arena, Kenny climbed to the top rope, leaping off and nailing Mysterio with a SKY HIGH LEG DROP! Dykstra then hooked Rey’s leg, and won the match, retaining the United States Championship!
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Kenny Dykstra @ 12:35
“Scream” blares out to a ton of heat, as Kenny Dykstra struggles to his feet and has his hand raised by the referee, being handed his United States Championship belt as Eve Torres, who inexplicably cost Rey Mysterio this match by handing Dykstra the brass knuckles, enters the ring.
Michael Cole: I cannot believe this! Rey Mysterio was closing in on winning the United States Championship, but he was cost the match by- by Eve Torres! But why?
Jonathan Coachman: It’s obvious, Michael; she’s smitten with Kenny Dykstra! And which girl wouldn’t be? He’s got the United States Title, he’s young... more girls had better jump on the bandwagon before it’s too late!
Michael Cole: This is just inexplicable though, Kenny’s an arrogant jerk, whether it’s coming from a man or a woman, and thanks to Eve he’s still the United States Champion!
Kenny looks at Eve and smirks, as does Torres, as they join hands and share a kiss, with the crowd incensed. The (apparent) couple leave the ring hand-in-hand, as they walk up the ramp and they stop whilst standing on the stage to make out, before disappearing behind the curtain.
Backstage, Todd Grisham is standing by, holding a microphone.
Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... Mr. Money In The Bank, CM Punk!
CM Punk walks into the shot, getting a big pop. Punk is rather sweaty, he has a towel over his shoulder but he still has the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Todd Grisham: Punk, earlier tonight you defended your Money in the Bank briefcase against both Carlito and DH Smith and you won, how are you feeling?
CM Punk: I’m doing good, Todd, I’ve got a few knocks here and there, but y’know, all that matters is that I’m still Mr. Money in the Bank.
The crowd pop after this statement, as Punk smirks.
CM Punk: I’ve gotta admit, Carlito and DH Smith put up a good-
Punk is interrupted when DH Smith, accompanied by TJ Wilson and Natalya Neidhart, walks into the picture, getting a pop, but Smith doesn’t seem too happy.
CM Punk: Hey man, you did-
DH Smith: Look, Punk, I’m not here to have a conversation about how well we both did tonight, I’m just here to ask you why you had to cheat to beat me earlier.
Punk looks a bit puzzled following this statement, as he doesn’t know exactly what Smith is talking about.
CM Punk: What are you talk-
DH Smith: Don’t give me that crap, Punk, you know what I’m talking about. I had my foot on the rope, the match should have continued, but instead you took the liberty of pushing my foot back down so you could win the match. If you wanna win, do it with dignity, instead of cheating.
CM Punk: Look, I’m sorry about that, but hell, your Dad probably would have done the same-
DH Smith: Shut the hell up about my father, Punk. He wouldn’t have done that, he was like me, he competed with dignity and honour and he would have wanted to end a match fairly.
DH breathes heavily, as Punk looks taken aback by Smith.
CM Punk: OK, I’m sorry about that, but to make it up to you, seeing that I’m a fighter and I’m not just gonna watch tomorrow night alone in my locker room, I’ll put my briefcase on the line again against you tomorrow night on RAW.
The crowd pop, and Smith would normally be pleased, but he still doesn’t look it.
DH Smith: ... Alright. And, to make sure that there isn’t any cheating... Natalya and TJ Wilson can be SPECIAL GUESTENFORCERS.
CM Punk: (Holding his hands up) I haven’t got a problem with that. So... I’ll see you then.
Punk walks out of the shot, as Smith, Natalya and Wilson look on, all not looking happy.
***NO CHANCE***
The arena becomes filled with heat, as Mr. McMahon walks out, looking to be in high spirits, as he gets a considerable amount of heat from the crowd. McMahon struts down the ramp in typical fashion and enters the ring, taking a microphone.
Jim Ross: Mr. McMahon said this past Monday on RAW that he was gonna call out Paul Heyman right here tonight at Judgment Day, and I presume that’s what he is here to do.
Jerry Lawler: As you like to say, JR, BUSINESS IS PICKING UP! Haha!
Meanwhile, Mr. McMahon is standing in the middle of the ring, waiting for the boos to quieten down.
Mr. McMahon: SHADDUP!
This gets more heat, but as the audience are intruiged to see what Vince has to say, they quieten down.
Mr. McMahon: Now... I said last Monday that I was gonna call out Paul Heyman tonight at Judgment Day... WELL HERE I AM! Paul, you don’t have to do any sneaking around the arena with your Bingo Hall friends, because you’re my special guest tonight, you have the right to be here tonight, and I know you’re back there, so come on out.
McMahon waits in the ring for Paul Heyman, and after a few moments of silence...
***BODIES***
Finally, Paul Heyman walks out, getting a big pop from the crowd! Wearing an ECW Baseball cap and a trademark black trenchcoat over a suit, Heyman makes his way down the ramp with some “E – C – DUB!” chants heard, and he enters the ring, being handed a microphone by a beaming Mr. McMahon.
Mr. McMahon: See, Paul... no hostility.
Heyman remains silent, as McMahon continues.
Mr. McMahon: Now, Paul, I know that you’ve made some mistakes that you regret... you showed up unauthorized at Backlash, berated my company from head-to-toe... you showed up in Madison Square Garden, the arena this company made famous, and you spray-painted “ECW” on my ring...
The crowd pop after being reminded of that moment.
Mr. McMahon: ... Coincedentally, later that night I found my limousine defaced and vandalised which is an act so heinious only somebody from ECW could do that.
More cheers, with seems to irritate the WWE Chairman.
Mr. McMahon: And the week after that... You invaded my press box, and your stooges Stevie Richards and Tommy Dreamer...
McMahon gulps, before continuing to speak.
Mr. McMahon: ... Threw me through a glass window.
There is a big pop after that, and even Heyman smirks as he reflects on that moment.
Mr. McMahon: BUT... we all make mistakes. Hell, it happens to the best of us. So, I’m willing to forget about all of those mistakes you’ve made, and with one manly handshake... it can all be put in the past, and we can both get on with our lives.
Grinning, McMahon extends his hand to Heyman, and Paul motionlessly stands there, looking into the crowd who chant “E – C – DUB!” with all their heart, and Heyman shakes his head, before going to shake McMahon’s hand as the crowd boo... BUT THEN PULLS HIS HAND AWAY!!!
The crowd go nuts after Heyman’s swerve, and Paul grins at McMahon, whose eyes have been lit up with astonishment.
Paul Heyman: (Laughing) You honestly think... you honestly think I’d ever shake hands with a SON OF A BITCH like YOU?!
More cheers, as Heyman begins to walk around the ring.
Paul Heyman: And even if I was that stupid, I know that you wouldn’t give a damn and in the end you’d screw me over, just like so many others in the past. Survivor Series 1997, you SCREWED Bret Hart because he was going to WCW, and then you came up with your pathetic little line of (Talks like Mr. McMahon) “Bret screwed Bret”. That whole thing, more than anything else, showed how insecure and childish you were, because you couldn’t face the facts that Bret knew where the money was, he knew where the place to be was, and it wasn’t with an egotistical, self-obsessed piece of crap... and everybody here knows what I’m talking about.
Heyman throws his cap to the floor, as his frustration begins to grow.
Paul Heyman: You weren’t going to roll out the red carpet for anybody but yourself, and it’s been like that the whole damn time. You’ve never cared about your own frickin’ family! Your son Shane, you had a no-holds-barred match with your own son at WrestleMania 17! Your daughter Stephanie, you defeated her in a match at No Mercy 2003 and then fired her as General Manager of Smackdown! And your wife Linda... you’ve cheated on her on NATIONAL TELEVISION with your own employees!
McMahon looks away after hearing that.
Paul Heyman: And don’t get me started on what you’ve done to me. You ran MY company ECW out of business, you left me desperately looking for money, and I had to work for you for 3 years, which I found HUMILIATING! 10 years ago, when ECW was still alive and well, if I walked into that locker room with guys like Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman and Sabu in there, and I told them that I was going to work for the WWE... THEY WOULD HAVE UNLEASHED HELL ON ME!
Paul stops to regain his breath, before continuing, with McMahon looking shocked.
Paul Heyman: I bet that whenever you reflect on the time you ran ECW out of business, you get a sick smile on your face...
McMahon seems to think about it there, and surprise, surprise, he smiles.
Paul Heyman: WELL YOU DIDN’T FINISH THE JOB!
There is an ENORMOUS pop, as Heyman nods his head with a maniacal smirk on his face and McMahon’s eyes almost bulge out of his soccets.
Paul Heyman: That’s right, Vince... You thought ECW’s gonna stay dead and buried, well you’re wrong. We weren’t like WCW, we didn’t produce CRAP for the last few years of existance, no, we had cutting-edge product the whole time along the ride, we had the Hammerstein Ballroom making more noise than Madison Square Garden could. I have a family in Scarsdale, New York to care for, but every day I have to face the fact that I’m sitting on my ass not doing anything and not getting my revenge on you for killing ECW. And if putting the original company out of business wasn’t enough... then you made your own ECW “brand”. Not a single guy in your so-called “creative team” could re-create what I did in ECW, and the fact that you thought you could match it, even when your “Attitude Era” which, despite being the most successful period in your company’s history had NOTHING on ECW, had long gone... that’s a slap in my face. But hell... why am I talking about what I did do? I should be talking about what I WILL do! I’m gonna drag you and your useless company through the crap off my shoes after having to be at a WWE event, let alone a Pay-Per-View, and I’m gonna KILL the WWE, just like you tried to kill ECW, but I’m gonna make sure WWE NEVER comes back from the grave.
McMahon is still in shock, as his eyes do not move away from Heyman.
Paul Heyman: I’m not gonna do it alone, though, Vince... I might call some guys from the old ECW... I might call some guys I haven’t worked with before... hell, I might call some of your very own employees. Because the fact of the matter is, people are so sick of you I can do whatever the hell I want... even this.
Paul quickly drops the microphone, AND FLOORS MR. MCMAHON WITH A DOUBE-LEG TAKEDOWN! The crowd erupt as Heyman unleashes punch after punch at McMahon’s face, and continues to do so until SECURITY GUARDS AND POLICE OFFICERS come to the ring, and separate McMahon and Heyman, who is fuming!
Jim Ross: BY GAWD, ALL HELL HAS BROKEN LOOSE BETWEEN PAUL HEYMAN AND MR. MCMAHON!
McMahon shouts, “Get him outta’ my building!” but is shocked when BOTH MCMAHON AND HEYMAN ARE PUT IN HANDCUFFS AND TAKEN AWAY BY THE POLICE OFFICERS! “E – C – DUB” chants break out with nobody being able to hear themselves think as Heyman and McMahon are escorted up the ramp and backstage!
Jerry Lawler: W-W-Why the hell’s Mr. McMahon being taken away, JR?! That nutcase Paul Heyman started all of this!
Jim Ross: It looks like Heyman AND The WWE Chairman will be camping out at a Police Station tonight!
Jerry Lawler: This... this is just disgraceful!
Backstage, the WWE Champion Randy Orton is sat in his locker room, wrapping his wrists with black tape and gazing into the air with a scowl. His title is nearby on a table, and Orton looks back at it, staring at his belt for several moments, before looking away and taking a deep breath.
***DON’T WASTE MY TIME***
After the euphoria that consumed the arena moments ago, the crowd heavily boo as Elijah Burke walks out, without his associate Ezekiel Jackson. Burke stops and throws his arms out as a large pyro bursts from the stage behind him (He has his own pyro now – he means business) before walking down the aisle, with a cocky smirk fixed on his face, and sliding into the ring.
Michael Cole: Few people have given Elijah Burke a chance tonight against The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship, but Burke has made some believers out of the WWE fans, like him or not; he won the Battle Royal fairly, he pinned The Undertaker despite Edge doing most of the work, he defeated Bobby Lashley cleanly and he took out Undertaker with a steel chair, the last 2 coming this past Friday on Smackdown.
Jonathan Coachman: I know you despise Burke after what he did to you last month, so obviously you’re one of the foul non-believers, but ever since Elijah came to Smackdown I knew this day would come very soon... and here we are.
Michael Cole: Just because I don’t like him, mainly due to his unpleasant attitude, doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s one of the fastest-rising stars on Smackdown, Coach!
***DIRGE OF A DEADMAN***
The crowd go nuts, as the lights suddenly go out and a loud gong is heard which reverberates through the arena. Then, the music kicks in, and the ominous silhouette of The Undertaker can be seen, as the World Heavyweight Champion walks through the smoke and out onto the stage. Undertaker slowly makes his way down the ramp, holding his title over his shoulder, as Elijah Burke waits in the ring, jumping up and down and shadow-boxing, until ‘Taker enters the ring, removing his hat and trench jacket in overly-dramatic fashion.
Michael Cole: He is one of the most chilling men to ever set foot in a WWE ring... he is 16-0 at WrestleMania... he is, The Undertaker.
Jonathan Coachman: Yeah, but if I get MY way, he’ll be the FORMER World Heavyweight Champion by the time this match is over, Michael.
On paper, many people would say they envisaged this contest as a mis-match with Elijah Burke not convincing everybody that he could win this match since becoming the #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, but Burke started this match strongly, not shying away and managing to dodge The Undertaker’s attempted jabs and after doing so capitalizing by mounting some offence of his own. However, this only lasted for a minute or so, as when Burke seemed to be getting complacent and ran off the ropes, Undertaker brought Elijah back down to Earth with a big boot to the cranium, which took down Burke straight away. After that, ‘Taker was in control, not pulling out any trademark moves but using effective ways to slow down Burke, until he grabbed Elijah by the throat, looking to finish the match early, but Burke kicked Undertaker in the mid-section and ran off the ropes, hitting the World Heavyweight Champion with a knee to the cranium before taking ‘Taker down with a dropkick! Burke was oozing confidence at this point, and he shouted “What’s my name? World Champ!” as he locked Undertaker in a head scissors sleeper hold by wrapping his legs around the Demon of Death Valley’s throat, and he kept it locked in for several moments until Undertaker made it to the ropes which angered the Silver Tongue Pugilist as he viciously stomped away at ‘Taker. Burke got him to his feet and he looked to mock Undertaker, wrenching his arm and climbing to the top rope, walking across the ropes and going for an Old School, but Undertaker kicked Burke in the mid-section once his feet touched the ground and took Elijah down with a suplex.
After that Undertaker was in control, bombarding Elijah Burke with right and left hands, and after a lariat, ‘Taker got Burke to his feet and put him in position for a Last Ride, but with Elijah in the air he freed himself, landing on his feet behind Undertaker and subsequently nailing the Reaper of Souls with a Russian leg sweep! Burke, who couldn’t keep a smirk off of his face, got Undertaker up and put him in the corner, lifting him onto the top rope. Burke climbed to the top as well and he grabbed onto Undertaker, before nailing ‘Taker with a Superplex! Elijah immediately got his arm over Undertaker following his manoeuvre from the top rope, but on the count of 2 and a half, Undertaker kicked out, much to Burke’s dismay. Elijah, instead of getting the World Heavyweight Champion to his feet, then locked ‘Taker in a Camel Clutch; the pressure being put into it by Burke was evident by the look on his face, as he shouted “TAP OUT, ‘TAKER!” but Undertaker managed to fight to his feet and turn Burke around in position for a Last Ride, and he executed it, throwing the Guiding Light down to the canvas courtesy of the Last Ride! Was it the last ride for Burke’s title aspirations, though? Undertaker took a while to hook Elijah’s leg, and that essentially cost him the victory at this point, as Burke managed to get the shoulder up a split-second before the 3-count and a consequent loss to the Deadman.
Now, The Undertaker was starting to get irritated that he couldn’t put Elijah Burke away, but he continued to make advances towards winning the match, including lifting Burke in position for a Tombstone Piledriver; however, miraculously some would say, Burke managed to counter, pushing his weight so he turned the tables on ‘Taker, and he planted the Demon of Death Valley with a reverse DDT! Burke immediately made the cover in the wake of his impressive reversal, but once again, Undertaker kicked out, and an agitated Burke, on his knees, slammed his fists against the canvas and looked up, shouting furiously, “WHY?!” But, a smile arose on his face, and he suddenly looked down at ‘Taker, before getting him to his feet and setting up Undertaker, facing away from him, in the corner; Burke backed into the opposite corner, and sprinted across the ring as he pulled the trigger on the Elijah Express... but Undertaker moved out of the way as Burke’s knees crashed against the turnbuckles, and he managed to stay on his feet, but when he groggily turned around, Undertaker grabbed the Black Pope by the throat, lifted him up, and sent him down with a devastating Chokeslam! ‘Taker, once again taking his time due to exhaustion from this World Heavyweight Championship match, slowly made the cover on Elijah, but yet again, Burke kicked out! As Jonathan Coachman rooted exuberantly for his “boy” Burke at the announce table at ringside, Undertaker turned Elijah over, looking to lock in Hell’s Gates, but smartly, Burke immediately reached out and grabbed the ropes, as ‘Taker was forced to let go, albeit against the Deadman’s wishes. The pressure was mounting on both competitors to try to finish the match and walk out of Omaha victorious and as the World Hevyweight Champion and Undertaker threw a few jabs at Burke before running off the ropes and charging at Elijah, but the Silver Tongue Pugilist kicked ‘Taker in the mid-section, wrenched his arm, AND CONNECTED WITH THE ELIJAH EXPERIENCE!
The crowd were shocked to the very core, they couldn’t believe it, as Elijah Burke was mere moments away from becoming the World Heavyweight Champion against almost insurmountable odds in spite of the adversity that has shrouded this opportunity, and he slowly... hooked... Undertaker’s... leg... BUT UNDERTAKER KICKED OUT JUST – AND I MEAN JUST – BEFORE THE 3-COUNT! Burke could not believe it, he looked up in astonishment at the referee, holding up 3 fingers, and he was so furious that he just couldn’t show it. Burke slowly got Undertaker to his feet and placed him in the corner, running at the Deadman, but in a rapid turn of events, Undertaker scooped Burke up out of no-where, AND NAILED BURKE WITH THE TOMB... STONE... PILEDRIVER!!! The crowd rejoiced with ectasy as Undertaker slowly crossed Elijah Burke’s hands across his chest and made the cover once and for all, 1... 2... 3!!!
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker @ 14:34
“Dirge Of A Deadman” blares out, and The Undertaker, beleaguered and battered but triumphant in victory, struggles to his feet and has his hand raised by the referee, getting a deafening ovation from the Omaha crowd. ‘Taker is given his World Heavyweight Championship belt, and he drops to one knee, holding the title in his hand and sticking his tongue out whilst rolling his eyes up.
Michael Cole: I do not like Elijah Burke as a person, I think he’s got a very questionable attitude, but you have to admit that Burke put in one hell of an effort against The Undertaker tonight.
Jonathan Coachman: Admit? People are gonna be shouting it from the rooftops, Michael! Elijah should have won that match in my opinion, his performance more than deserved it.
Undertaker slowly gets to his feet, and holds his title above his head, but when he turns around... HE IS SPEARED BY EDGE!!! Undertaker’s music abruptly stops and the crowd boo as Edge, along with the masked man who jumps over the barricade with a steel chair and enters the ring, stomps away at ‘Taker, until Edge goes and fetches another chair, bringing it into the ring and placing it under the Deadman’s head. As Elijah Burke slowly leaves the ring, the masked man raises the other steel chair above his head... before nailing Undertaker with a CONCHAIRTO! Edge stands in front of the fans and raises his hands above his head, getting more heat, but meanwhile...
ANOTHER MASKED MAN ENTERS THE RING AND ATTACKS THE ORIGINAL MASKED MAN, THROWING HIM OUT OF THE RING!
The crowd, not quite sure what to think, cheer nonetheless as Edge briefly turns around and smirks at who he thinks is the original masked man before turning back, but in the corner of his eye he sees the other one sat up against the security barricade on the outside and before he can face the impostor, he grabs Edge... AND NAILS HIM WITH AN UNPRETTIER!The crowd go nuts when they see that familiar move executed, and the impostor removes his mask, to reveal... who else?
CHRISTIAN~!
Captain Charisma smirks as he sees the thousands of fans screaming at the top of their voices and chanting his name, and the masked man re-enters the ring, but Christian kicks him in the gut, turns him around, AND NAILS THE OTHER MASKED MAN WITH AN UNPRETTIER! Christian kneels down, and he looks like he’s going to take the mask off, but he then shakes his head, saying “Nobody’s stealing my thunder” before leaving the ring as “Just Close Your Eyes” blares out, with the crowd still pleasantly astonished.
Michael Cole: OH MY GOD! CHRISTIAN, HAS RETURNED TO THE WWE AND HE JUST LAYED OUT HIS OWN BROTHER EDGE AND THE MASKED MAN!
Jonathan Coachman: I am shocked, absolutely shocked, Michael, but this means we still don’t know the identity of the masked man!
Michael Cole: But all that matters right now, to all of these fans, is that Captain Charisma is back in the WWE with a bang!
Christian stops whilst standing at the top of the ramp to slap his chest and point to some fans in the crowd, but then The Undertaker, holding his head, slowly sits up in the ring and sees the masked man lying near him before looking back at Christian, who makes a symbolic title motion around his waist before leaving.
Now, there is a split-screen, which shows John Cena on one side, and Shawn Michaels on the other. They are both walking down separate corridors.
Jim Ross: There you see John Cena and Shawn Michaels, who are moments away from unleashing hell on each other in a Last Man Standing Match. Their careers will be shortened tonight, perhaps even ended, but they are fighting tonight because they hate each other, they want to make sure the other man doesn’t come back after tonight. But now, let’s take a look at how this match came about.
Quote:
~ Video Package: Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena Promo ~
The production theme “Desperations” plays, as it shows Shawn Michaels defeating Ric Flair at WrestleMania to end Flair’s career and then coming out the next night on RAW.
Michaels: I don’t know... if I will ever go through a more difficult 24 hours throughout the course of my life than the feeling I’ve had since last night at WrestleMania. I don’t think I’d ever be able to forgive myself for retiring him. All of you people loved to see him out in this ring and competing against the best of the best... but the fact that I took it all away from him with just one kick... It breaks my heart, it really does.
Shot of Flair waving goodbye to the 70,000+ fans in Orlando at WrestleMania.
Michaels: I’ve always been known as ‘Mr. WrestleMania’, and I’ve thrived in being called that, I loved it. But now, whenever anybody, no matter who it is, simply mentions the word ‘WrestleMania’... I will think of what I did last night and this feeling, this soul-crushing, demoralizing feeling... will come back and possess me once again. I cannot think of anybody that loved this business more than Ric Flair did... He knew he wasn’t in his prime anymore, he knew that he’d have to call it a day sooner or later, but yet he went out and every time no matter when it was or who he was against, he put on a spectacle, he gave all of you what they wanted to see, and that is what kept him going. If only he was in this ring right now, instead of being back in Charlotte reflecting on the amazing career he had, I would have loved to-
Then, the production theme “Falkirk Fields” plays as Flair walks out and comes to the ring, embracing with Michaels.
JR: BAH’ GAWD, I DON'T BELIEVE IT... RIC FLAIR IS HERE!!! THE NATURE BOY IS IN ORLANDO!!!
Flair: And Shawn... you wished I was here... so here I am. I can see that you’re goin’ through a hard time after retirin’ me last night at WrestleMania, but I want you to remember this; I hand-picked you to be my opponent last night, to be the biggest challenge I had faced since the ultimatum Mr. McMahon gave me 4 months ago... I could have walked away on the night when I chose you to face me Shawn, but I didn’t, because I wanted to be retired by the one guy that I knew that if I lost, then I would know I lost to the best in the business, I wanted to be retired by the one guy that when he retired, would leave just as big a mark on this industry as I did... and that guy was you, Shawn.
Michaels: (Still laughing at Flair)Well, Ric, since you’re out here... I’m gonna give you what your amazing career deserves, I’m gonna give you the send-off that you deserve and it’s gonna be my style, The Heart-Break Kid, The Showstopper, Mr. WrestleMania, The Icon, it’s gonna be Shawn Michaels’ style! But, before that, I just wanna show you a video that I told the production team to make, just for you. Roll the footage.
All eyes are on the TitanTron, as a video package of Ric Flair’s career plays, with “Not Meant To Be” by Theory Of A Deadman as the song accompanying it. It shows clips of Flair with the Four Horsemen, defeating Dusty Rhodes to win his first-ever NWA World Heavyweight Championship, conducting witty interviews, strutting down the aisle and parading his blue feathered robe from last night’s WrestleMania among other clips.
Once the video comes to a close, Ric Flair is sobbing in the ring as Shawn Michaels applauds the video and the crowd chant “Thank you, Ric!”
Shawn Michaels: Thank you Ric... Thank you for making this industry what it is today, thank you for inspiring me to become a professional wrestler. I could go on forever with what I have to thank you for, so like I said, I’m going to give you a send-off that only you are worthy of.
Ric Flair: No, Shawn, you don’t have to-
Shawn Michaels: Yes... I do. I have to. It’s the only way I can free myself from the guilt of retiring you. It’s what you deserve...
...
...
I’m sorry... I love you.
Flair gives a perplexed look to Shawn Michaels after Shawn utters the words reminiscent from last night at WrestleMania, not understanding why Michaels is saying this. Ric says “What do you mean, Shawn? What are you doing?” but Shawn takes a deep breath...
...
...
...
BEFORE KNOCKING RIC FLAIR'S LIGHTS OUT WITH SWEET - CHIN - MUSIC!!!
The production theme “Fear” plays and the screen goes black and white as soon as Michaels hits Flair and the screen rapidly flickers between normal and black and white as Shawn stands over Flair and whispers “And just like that... I feel nothing” as his final words continue to echo...
We then cut to the following week, where Michaels is out in the ring.
Michaels: Ever since last week... I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Last Monday, I said to Ric Flair that I was going to give him the perfect send-off, and that I had to do it. And then... I superkicked him; And... at the time, I just didn’t know what I was doing, I don’t know why I did what I did to him. But over the past week, like I said, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the more I reflect on what I did to Ric Flair... the better it feels. I wasn’t just going to let Ric Flair walk away like that... every tear I shed and every drop of sweat that dripped from me at WrestleMania didn’t mean a damn thing to Ric; he knew that his time was up, so he found the best guy in town to finish the job. He broke his back in 3 places and the doctors told him that he should have never stepped foot in a ring again... and they were right, Ric. After that, when you were foolish enough to defy their orders and continue to wrestle, you had lost it. But yet, being the spotlight-hogging, selfish person you are, you kept crawling back, and you just wouldn’t go away. But now, finally, you’re gone, and at the time I felt ashamed of myself, but now I feel damn good to be able to say that I ended your career. A plane-crash couldn’t keep you down, Ric... but I could. I’m “The Showstopper”, “The Heart-Break Kid”, “The Icon”! I won’t have to hear your pathetic “Wooooo”s and your pitiable moniker of the “Limousine Ridin’, Jet Flyin’, Kiss Stealin’, Wheelin’ Dealin’, Son of a Gun”, because you don’t deserve any of that, you lost your way years ago. The Hall of Fame ring you have on your finger puts the whole ceremony to shame, Ric. Your name shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same sentence as-
Then, John Cena comes out and the production theme “Goliath” plays.
JR: BY GAWD, IT’S JOHN CENA!!! JOHN CENA IS FACE – TO – FACE WITH H – B – K SHAWN MICHAELS!!! CENA’S HEARD ENOUGH OF SHAWN MICHAELS, AND IS HERE TO DEFEND THE HONOR OF “THE NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR!!!
Cena: Who the – hell – do you think you are, Shawn?! Or maybe that isn’t your name anymore? Because this (Points at Michaels) ... this ain’t no Shawn Michaels, no, no. This is a self-centred... egotistical... selfish... conniving SON – OF – A – BITCH! Since the day I met you, you’ve always said that you looked up to Ric Flair when you were a kid, and you idolised him, you wanted to be just like Ric Flair. If that’s so, then tell me WHY THE HELL YOU DECIDED TO MAKE HIS LAST MEMORY AS A PART OF THIS INDUSTRY BEING SUPERKICKED BY YOU, HUH?!
Michaels: Why?... because I woke up, John. I opened my eyes, and I realised that I didn’t want to be like Ric Flair. I didn’t want to turn out to be a hapless, washed-up has-been like he is. And seeing you coming out here to defend his “honor”, as if the man has any... it’s pathetic. Look at you, John; as much I hate to say it, you are one of the top Superstars in the WWE. But wasting your time sticking up for Ric Flair isn’t a road you wanna go down, John, I made that mistake and if I didn’t, I could have won a hell of a lot more WWE Championships than just 4. So John... unless you wanna suffer the same fate as Ric Flair did last week, and get your teeth... kicked down your throat... I suggest you leave right... now.
Cena: ... Not before this.
John Cena quickly drops the microphone... BEFORE TAKING SHAWN MICHAELS DOWN TO THE MAT!!! THE CROWD ARE IN RAPTURES, AS CENA AND MICHAELS EXCHANGE PUNCHES, BEFORE BOTH GET BACK TO THEIR FEET... AND CENA LIFTS MICHAELS UP IN POSITION FOR AN FU!!! CENA’S READY TO PULL THE TRIGGER... BUT MICHAELS SLIPS OUT OF IT, AND LEAVES THE RING, JUMPING OVER THE SECURITY BARRICADE AND RUNNING AWAY WITH HIS TAIL IN BETWEEN HIS LEGS! The crowd boo the cowardly actions of Shawn Michaels as Cena points at Michaels and shouts “YOUR ASS IS MINE, YA’ HEAR ME?! MINE!!!” and HBK disregards the warning, before disappearing out of sight.
Jim Ross: THAT DAMN SLITHERING S.O.B SHAWN MICHAELS MAY HAVE GOT AWAY, BUT HE IS A – HUNTED – MAN; MICHAELS IS ON JOHN CENA’S RADAR!!!
Jerry Lawler: Michaels can run, but he can – not – hide from John Cena, JR!
We then fast-forward to Backlash, where Cena and Michaels met in a one-on-one match with the production theme “Adrenaline” playing in the background.
One-On-One John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels Afterwards, Michaels got Cena to his feet and Irish whipped him against the ropes, going for a clothesline but Cena ducked it and then lifted Michaels up for the FU but Shawn landed on his feet behind Cena and took him down with a chop block, before locking in the FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK, RIC FLAIR’S SIGNATURE MOVE, ON JOHN CENA. However, Cena eventually managed to make it to the ropes and when Cena got to his feet “Mr. WrestleMania” went for Sweet Chin Music but John Cena countered and hit Michaels with the side slam, then following up with the 5-knuckle shuffle. Cena got Michaels to his feet and lifted him up for an FU, but once again “HBK” escaped, AND LOW BLOWED JOHN CENA, GIVING CENA A DISQUALIFICATION VICTORY. Winner - VIA DISQUALIFICATION – John Cena @ 14:50
The production theme “Monstrous” plays as John Cena is announced as the winner of the match via DQ, but Shawn Michaels is not done, as he quickly leaves the ring and grabs a steel chair, bringing it into the ring. Cena struggles to his feet, but soon goes back down when MICHAELS SLAMS THE STEEL CHAIR OVER THE SKULL OF JOHN CENA! Shawn Michaels takes Cena out of the ring and grabs a TV Monitor, SMASHING CENA’S CRANIUM WITH THE TV MONITOR as Cena falls to the concrete floor, covering his head. As he uncovers himself, Cena is BUSTED OPEN and the twisted Shawn Michaels loves every second of it, getting Cena up once again AND NAILING CENA WITH THE TV MONITOR FOR A 2ND TIME! “The Chain Gang Soldier” falls face-down on the announce table and Michaels takes the steel chair he used earlier, raising it up whilst bearing a sick smirk to the crowd BEFORE SLAMMING THE STEEL CHAIR OVER THE BACK OF JOHN CENA’S SKULL!
Shawn Michaels lifts up John Cena by his head as blood is all over his face, and Michaels puts his hand over Cena’s head, smearing the blood all over his own hairy chest before slamming Cena’s head against the announce table as he falls to the concrete floor. Michaels stands over John Cena as if he won this match and he mockingly salutes Cena before spitting on him and walking away with an ear-to-ear grin on his face, disregarding the massive heat which is pouring in. EMT’s rush to where John Cena is lying in a pool of his own blood and they load him onto a stretcher, before wheeling him away as everybody in the arena is astonished.
We then cut to the next night on RAW, where a sit-down interview with Michaels was held.
JR: The night after WrestleMania, Shawn, you, as you put it, returned to yourself, when you... superkicked, Ric, Flair. Now Shawn, I respect your principles and the fact that you say that you’re just being who you are, but I thought you respected Ric Flair.
Michaels: I did, JR, I really did. I idolized Ric Flair, he was one of the main reasons I wanted to get into this business... watching him in NWA against guys like Harley Race and Ricky Steamboat and ridin’ high with the Horsemen, it was awe-inspiring. And believe it or not, I continued to have that respect for him... right until WrestleMania. At WrestleMania, when I pinned Ric Flair, I thought to myself ‘Why did I get myself into all of this?’ and I couldn’t find out why... but then, when the night was over, I sat at home, and I thought to myself that Ric Flair... he doesn’t deserve respect from somebody like me. I’m Shawn Michaels, I’m a legend of my own, I don’t need to waste my time respecting a has-been like him. I single-handedly made WrestleMania what it is today, but this year, what was I doing? I had to put down a dead dog.
JR: Shawn, last night at Backlash, you got yourself disqualified against John Cena, which proved to be the prelude to your... attack on him. Why did you get yourself disqualified?
Michaels: JR, it’s simple; I didn’t want to face John Cena at Backlash. I can list 100 better things to do than have to step into the ring with an obscure nobody like John Cena is. I don’t have pin him 1, 2, 3 to prove that I’m the better man, because I’ve proven that whilst in the ring with guys that are worth a damn. I walked into the arena last night with one motive, JR, and one motive only... and that was to destroy John Cena.
JR: Shawn, thank you for your time, and-
A loud bell is heard as Michaels stops JR, and the screen turns black and white with it crackling.
Michaels: No, JR, we finish when I say we do. John, I know you’re watching in a hospital bed in Baltimore right now, and I know that you’ve heard loud and clear every single word that I’ve said... so I wanna make a challenge to you. Judgment Day, John... you and me... one-on-one... last... man... standing. Now I don’t know when you’re gonna be out of the hospital, and the longer, the better I say... but this rivalry between you and me... it has to come to an end sooner or later, and it has to be at Judgment Day. So John, if you’ve got the guts to look me in the eyes... you’ll give me an answer.
We then fast-forward to the next week, after Michaels has defeated TJ Wilson. The production theme “Adrenaline” plays as Cena comes to the ring to save Wilson from a further beat-down, and then we see footage from this past Monday on RAW after Shawn had defeated Jeff Hardy and Cena came to the ring as he and Michaels fought until HBK was about to superkick Cena but then Flair made his return, attacking Michaels until Shawn turned the tables on Ric only for Cena to save Flair with Michaels running away, and Michaels’ words of “Last... man... standing” repeat themselves as the video ends...
***MY TIME IS NOW***
The crowd suddenly go wild, as none other than John Cena walks out, but this is a different Cena; he has no hat, shirt, dog tags or wristbands, his hands are wrapped in white tape and he is ready to compete, as he immediately walks down the ramp, his focus set on the Last Man Standing Match which he is now entering. Cena enters the ring and stands in the corner of the ring without making any poses, as he repeatedly punches the palm of his hand with his opposite fist, his eyes fixed on the entranceway as he awaits his nemesis...
Jim Ross: As you can see, John Cena has come straight to the ring, no theatrics, he has his eyes on the prize, and that is defeating Shawn Michaels in this Last Man Standing Match.
Jerry Lawler: We don’t see Cena like this, JR, we’re used to seeing him with his hats and his t-shirts and his salutes, but there’s none of that here tonight, that just shows how much he wants to beat Michaels to a bloody pulp here tonight, just like Shawn did to him last month at Backlash.
***SEXY BOY***
The crowd respond with HUGE heat, as Shawn Michaels walks out, wearing a black tank top, jeans and cowboy boots; he is just as serious about this as Cena is. Michaels makes his way down the ramp, mumbling unknown words to himself before he enters the ring and he stands in the corner opposite Cena, as they meet eye contact, both with remorseless looks on their faces.
Jim Ross: Shawn Michaels said that the beating he is going to give John Cena tonight is going to be far worse than the one he dished out at Cena’s physical expense last month at Backlash, and we know what Michaels is capable, especially Cena, so John will have to make advances towards decimating Michaels right from the get-go.
Jerry Lawler: Very rarely does John Cena decimate somebody as badly as Michaels did to him at Backlash, JR, and that kind of beating is what would be needed to win tonight, so we don’t what to expect from Cena here tonight. But the chances are, he is going to want revenge... and a lot of it.
Last Man Standing Match
John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
As soon as the bell rang, John Cena and Shawn Michaels got straight into the action, but it was Michaels who was quickest, flooring Cena with a double-leg take-down and pummelling Cena in the cranium with right hands until Cena managed to turn over and then Cena had his go, as he repeatedly hit Michaels with blows to the face until he got Shawn to his feet and Irish whipping Michaels into the corner, then clotheslining HBK before taking Michaels down with a back body drop over his head. Cena then grabbed Shawn by his hair and recurrently rammed his knee into Michaels’ skull, before taking Shawn’s arm and lifting it up with his foot on the back of Michaels’ head, before stomping on Michaels’ skull, and Cena was loving this, as he let out a loud roar whilst flexing his muscles before getting Shawn up. John then ran off the ropes and went for a bulldog, but Michaels pushed Cena forwards, and when John got back up, Shawn took him down with a flying shoulder tackle, one of Cena’s frequently-used moves, and he then mocked Cena by imitating his “You Can’t See Me” motion before spitting on Cena! The crowd booed the arrogant Showstopper as he stomped away at Cena and got him to his feet, taking him out of the ring. Michaels wrapped his arms around Cena, and then rammed the Doctor of Thuganomics spine-first into the ring apron! Cena sank down to the floor as Michaels stomped away and drove his foot into Cena’s face before letting go and looking around the arena with a sick smirk on his face.
Michaels got Cena to his feet, not giving the referee an opportunity to start the count, but as soon as he was on his his feet Cena fought back, repeatedly throwing clubbing blows in the direction of the Icon’s mid-section, before taking Michaels and hurling him shoulder-first into the steel steps! The top half of the steps were displaced upon impact as Shawn got on his knees so the count couldn’t start, and Cena walked over, grabbing Michaels by his hair and repeatedly slamming Shawn’s skull against the steel steps! With Michaels facing down on the steel steps, Cena went and grabbed the other steel steps, raising them above his head and ready to slam it onto Shawn’s skull, but luckily for HBK, he moved out of the way a split-second before, as the steel steps collided and the crowd booed, as they wanted to see Michaels get decimated, it’s what a lot of people came here tonight to see happen. John Cena got Michaels to his feet and went to throw him face-first into the steel post but Shawn managed to stop himself, and he took down Cena with a clothesline, before taking Cena by the legs, and catapulting Cena face-first into the steel ring-post! Cena’s skull bounced off the steel like a bouncy ball as he fell to the concrete floor and the referee began to make the count, but on the count of just 4, Cena managed to get back to his feet! Michaels didn’t stop, though, as he removed the top from the Smackdown announce table, which caused Michael Cole and Jonathan Coahman to run away like pansies, and he grabbed the television monitor. As Cena walked over, Michaels widly swung the TV monitor in the Champ’s direction, but Cena ducked it and kicked Shawn in the mid-section, throwing him across the announce table and into the two unoccupied leather chairs, as Michaels landed behind the table.
Cena somewhat unceremoniously threw the leather chairs out of the way and got Shawn Michaels to his feet, bringing him out from behind the announce table. Cena stepped back, and went for a clothesline but Michaels took down John with a clothesline of his own, as Cena landed awkwardly on his neck on the concrete floor. With Cena holding his neck, Michaels put Cena onto the Smackdown announce table... and he then climbed onto the ring apron, before climbing to the top rope in the ring. Shawn looked down at Cena, and subsequently looked around the arena that was filled with people chanting “CENA! CENA!”... BEFORE LEAPING OFF THE TOP ROPE, AND TAKING HIMSELF AND JOHN CENA THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE WITH AN ELBOW DROP!!! The arena erupted, with the fans shocked, as they chanted “HOLY S**T!” whilst Michaels and Cena lay motionlessly atop the remains of the announce table and the referee began the count! The count seemed to take forever, and before 8, both competitors managed to struggle to their feet with assistance from the security barricade which they used to pull themselves up, and when they were both up, Cena and Michaels sluggishly exchanged right hands until Cena kicked Shawn in the mid-section, and threw him into the security barricade, to spare himself some time. Cena set up the table in front of the ring and he picked up Michaels, putting the upper half of his body over the table, before climbing on top of the security barricade. Cena nodded his head, before jumping off, going for a leg drop, BUT MICHAELS MOVED OUT OF THE WAY AND CENA WENT CRASHING THROUGH THE WOODEN TABLE! It wasn’t as serious as when Michaels and Cena went through the announce table as the leg drop was executed from a lower height and Cena landed on his ass on the concrete floor, as the referee made the count, but Cena got up on 6 following a relatively slow count.
Michaels, on top of Cena on the floor, pummelled Cena with blows to the head, before getting up and searching under the ring... taking out a steel chair! Cena struggled to his feet, his back turned to Michaels, but when he turned around, Michaels nailed Cena in the skull with the steel chair! Cena went down straight away and the count began again, as Cena got up on 7, but it came at a price, because Cena was now busted open! Michaels saw the blood trickling from a wound on Cena’s forehead and as soon as he saw it he grinned, saying “Here we go again” before throwing John under the ropes and back into the ring. Shawn threw the steel chair into the ring and then searched under the ring again... taking out a ladder! Michaels left the ladder there and entered the ring, waiting for Cena to get to his feet, and when he did, Shawn went for Sweet Chin Music but Cena ducked and lifted up Michaels, PLANTING MICHAELS WITH THE FU! The crowd went wild, as this was the first chance Cena had to win the match, and the referee began the count but Michaels got up on the count of 8 and Cena immediately threw Shawn through the ropes and back out to the outside of the ring. Cena left the ring, and got Michaels to his feet, then taking a TV Monitor, AND NAILING MICHAELS IN THE SKULL WITH THE TV MONITOR! That could be deemed as payback for what Michaels did to Cena at Backlash when he made Cena bleed last month with a TV Monitor, but now Michaels was busted open! Shawn immediately fell to the floor, but Cena got him back to his feet and rested Michaels against the ring apron. Cena grabbed the steel steps, and as HBK walked forwards Cena nailed Michaels right in his wound on his forehead with the steel steps! Michaels went down yet again, and the referee began the count, but Shawn managed to get up on the count of 8 and Cena rested Michaels against the ring apron, then stepping back before running at Michaels, but the Showstopper moved out of the way, AND CENA WENT THROUGH THE SECURITY BARRICADE!
Cena was lying on top of the rubble as the referee began the count, but Michaels didn’t want this match to end like that, as he got Cena back to his feet, dragging Cena along and through the audience! Shawn sporadically hit Cena with some right hands as he took him through the crowd, until he got to the top of some steps in the crowd, and Michaels threw Cena down the steps, as Cena went rolling down to the bottom of the audience! Shawn, his face a crimson mask, walked to the bottom as the referee made the count but got Cena to his feet on the count of 6 and he then threw Cena over the security barricade and onto the concrete floor. Michaels then took the ladder he took out from under the ring earlier on, and put one end on the ring apron and the other on the RAW announce table, before getting Cena to his feet and putting him onto the ladder. Michaels pummelled Cena with some blows to the head before taking out ANOTHER ladder and setting it up... climbing up the ladder! Michaels stood atop the ladder, and kissed the Christian cross medallion he was wearing around his neck, BEFORE LEAPING OFF THE LADDER AND PUTTING HIMSELF AND CENA THROUGH THE LADDER!The crowd were shocked as the ladder was broken and Michaels and Cena were lying on top, as the referee began to make the count and almost completed it, but on 9 and 3/4, Cena and Michaels somehow found the strength inside of themselves to both get back to their feet once again!
Fast-forward two minutes, comprising of sluggish, ugly action between Michaels and Cena to the end of the match; Shawn Michaels dragged John Cena up the rampway and onto the stage, and Michaels looked to throw Cena into the set, but Cena managed to stop himself, and when Shawn ran at him, Cena lifted him up and planted Michaels with a side slam on the stage! Cena slowly got to his feet and held his hand in the air, saying “You can’t see me” to Shawn and going for the 5-knuckle shuffle, but Michaels low-blowed Cena with a kick to the groin! Shawn managed to get back up, and when he did, BAM! MICHAELS NAILED CENA WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC! Cena went down and Shawn took a breather, believing that he had won the match there, but a split-second before the 1o-count, CENA MADE IT TO HIS FEET! Michaels couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Cena, albeit barely, standing up, and with Cena standing precariously by the edge of the stage, Michaels went for another Sweet Chin Music, but Cena ducked it, lifted Michaels onto his shoulders... AND FU’ED MICHAELS OFF THE STAGE AND THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT!!! A “Holy S**t!” chant broke out as huge explosions were heard after Michaels crashed into the electrical equipment, and after hitting the FU, Cena fell down out of exhaustion as the referee made the count, and it looked like it was headed towards a draw... BUT CENA MANAGED TO GET TO HIS FEET BEFORE THE 10-COUNT, AND THE COUNT WAS COMPLETED; JOHN CENA HAD DEFEATED SHAWN MICHAELS!!!
Winner: John Cena @ 22:48
“My Time Is Now” blares out to an ear-splitting pop from the crowd as John Cena, now sunk to his knees, has his hand raised by the referee, having just defeated Shawn Michaels once and for all.
Jim Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, you just saw one of the most brutal, unforgiving matches in WWE history! In the end, it is John Cena who has prevailed over the Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels but all credit to Michaels, love him or hate him, because he gave it his all, he gave us a WrestleMania-calibre performance here tonight at Judgment Day.
Jerry Lawler: Both of these men’s careers were just drastically shortened, JR, and this is a night they will never forget, whether your the winner or the loser tonight!
Cena peers over the stage and looks down at Michaels who is lying on top of the electrical equipment and barely moving, but the Doctor of Thuganomics shows no remorse, shaking his head with a solemn look on his face before struggling to his feet and flexing his muscles along with letting out a loud roar. Referees, road agents and EMT’s come out and Cena is helped to the back, whilst the EMTs rush over to Michaels with a bodyboard and load the unconscious HBK onto the bodyboard before taking him away, personnel surrounding the Showstopper.
Jim Ross: It was a spectacle, King, it was a bloody, helacious spectacle but it is a match that will live in the memory of these fans for a lifetime.
Backstage, Kenny Dykstra and Eve Torres are walking down a corridor, Dykstra’s arm around Eve, when Josh Matthews runs up to them... he wants answers.
Josh Matthews: Eve, can I have a moment?
Eve glances at Kenny who nods, as Eve does the same motion in Matthews’ direction.
Josh Matthews: Why did you cost Rey Mysterio the United States Championship tonight?
Eve Torres: Cost? I didn’t cost Rey anything, Josh, you can’t lose what you never had, and Rey didn’t have a chance at winning the United States Title. I didn’t do anything wrong.
Josh Matthews: ... Well, can I ask you why you’re with Kenny Dykstra all of a sudden?
Eve Torres: Why? Because Kenny’s irresistible. He’s sweet, he’s charming, he’s handsome, he is everything a girl looks for in a guy... and, he’s the United States Champion.
Dykstra smirks, and he and Eve share a kiss, before Kenny takes Josh’s microphone.
Kenny Dykstra: And if you didn’t understand that, Josh... just look for the opposite to what you and Rey Mysterio are, and then... bingo. The fact is, Rey’s never going to be United States Champion, and that’s something he’s gonna have to learn, and quick, before I do something to him that’s gonna cost him his livelihood.
Kenny unceremoniously throws the microphone out of the picture, before he and Eve laugh and walk away, with Matthews nodding his head...
***VIRTUAL VOODOO***
The crowd boo, as Umaga, along with his mouthpiece Armando Estrada, walks out onto the stage. Umaga slaps at his chest and lets out a resounding roar before charging down the ramp with Armando struggling to keep up and entering the ring, as Estrada exuberantly motivates the Samoan Bulldozer.
Jim Ross: He’s the biggest guy in this fatal four way match, and that is going to be the main thing that Umaga is going to have to utilize and Triple H, Van Dam and Orton are going to have to conquer.
***KING OF KINGS***
The atmosphere is revived in the arena and the crowd cheer as Triple H walks through the smoke on the stage and charges down the ramp, raring to go. Triple H stands on the ring apron and throws his arms out whilst spitting out water before entering the ring and climbing to the second rope, taunting the crowd and reiterating his title aspirations as he climbs back down.
Jerry Lawler: Triple H missed his big opportunity last month at Backlash, JR, so the Game’s got an even bigger challenge on his hands tonight, but he’s an 11-tme World Champion and I think he could do it tonight.
***ONE OF A KIND***
The crowd explodes, and go nuts as Rob Van Dam walks out, looking chilled but focused. RVD performs his thumb taunt before jogging down the ramp, high-fiving some fans, and sliding under the ropes and into the ring, nodding his head in response to his positive ovation from the audience.
Jim Ross: Rob Van Dam’s got a lot of momentum going into this match; he may have lost to Umaga this past Monday on RAW but he’s pinned Orton twice, he’s recently made his big return, so he’d like to think the odds are in his favour tonight.
***VOICES***
And last but certainly not least, the WWE Champion Randy Orton walks out, getting a considerable amount of heat from the crowd. The cold-blooded Orton makes his way down the ramp and enters the ring, climbing to the second rope and holding his WWE Championship high above his head before climbing back down and standing in the corner of the ring.
Jerry Lawler: Here he is, JR, the man we’ve been waiting for... Randy, Orton!
Jim Ross: He’s cold, he’s callous, but he has been the WWE Champion for 7 months now, and Randy Orton will do anything, cheat, break rules or whatever, it takes to walk out of here tonight still the Champ.
The match began with two separate sides; Rob Van Dam and Triple H on one side, and Randy Orton and Umaga on the other side, essentially the faces against the heels. When the action split up Van Dam fought Orton and Triple H fought Umaga, and it stayed like this for most of the match until Van Dam hit Randy with a kick to the head and Orton went through the ropes and out of the ring, to some it seemedlike over-selling but it could have been a plan by Orton to regain his cool. Then, RVD and Triple H double-teamed Umaga and Van Dam hit Umaga with a kick to the skull, much like he delivered to Orton a few moments before, as Umaga turned around into a Spinebuster from the Game. With the Samoan Bulldozer down and Orton out of the ring, Van Dam and Triple H had a stare-down as the tension was rising, and meanwhile the Legend Killer was standing on the outside, grinning at what he was seeing; the implosion of RVD and Triple H’s impromptu team. However, Orton was caught off guard when Van Dam ran off the ropes, AND SUICIDE DIVED THROUGH THE ROPES, TAKING DOWN RANDY ORTON! Meanwhile, in the ring, Triple H got Umaga to his feet and hit Umaga with a few right hands before running off the ropes, but Umaga took down the King of Kings with a clothesline. As Armando Estrada stood on the outside and applauded his manbeast, Umaga stomped away at Triple H, then putting his foot on the Game’s throat and jumping up before stomping on Triple H’s neck.
Umaga continued to dominate Triple H inside the ring, but on the outside Van Dam and Orton were fighting, exchanging blows, until Orton winded RVD with a knee to the mid-section and drove Van Dam’s spine into the security barricade! Orton then repeatedly stomped away at RVD’s mid-section until the Whole F’n Show was sat down, his head resting against the barricade. Orton backed away with a sinister smirk on his face, before running forward, but Van Dam managed to move out of the way as the WWE Champion missed his target and Rob got to his feet, kicking Orton in the gut and lifting him up in a Gorilla press position before dropping Orton onto the security barricade, his ribs taking the majority of the damage! RVD then stepped away, BEFORE CLOTHESLINING ORTON OVER THE SECURITY BARRICADE AND INTO THE CROWD! With Orton effectively out of the match for the time being, Van Dam re-entered the ring, where Umaga had Triple H sat in the corner and the Samoan Bulldozer was standing opposite him. Umaga slapped his chest and let out a loud roar, before hurtling forwards, but RVD took Umaga down with a dropkick to the legs! Van Dam quickly got back up and ran off the ropes, HITTING UMAGA WITH THE ROLLING THUNDER! Van Dam was building up momentum here, and he subsequently climbed to the top rope, ready to go for the Five-Star Frog Splash, but Triple H got to his feet and shook the ropes, as RVD lost his balance and fell off the top rope, crashing back down to the canvas. The Cerebral Assassin then got Van Dam back up and lifted him back to the top rope, climbing up and grabbing onto RVD’s singlet in position for a Superplex, but Van Dam pushed Triple H back down to the canvas, AND THEN NAILED TRIPLE H WITH THE FIVE-STAR FROG SPLASH! The crowd went wild, as Van Dam quickly made the cover, but just before 3, Umaga broke up the pinfall!
The crowd booed as Umaga got RVD to his feet and immediately hurled Van Dam into the steel post, going past the turnbuckles, and when Rob groggily turned around, Umaga floored Mr. Monday Night with a superkick! The crowd gave off heat as Umaga held up his taped thumb and looked down at Rob Van Dam before quickly getting RVD to his feet, ready to go for the Samoan Spike... when Randy Orton re-entered the ring, AND LOW-BLOWED UMAGA! The crowd surprisingly cheered, but Umaga pretty much no-selled it and turned around to look at Orton, who suddenly was petrified, and he pointed to Triple H who was just getting to his feet, saying it was him, but Umaga was having none of it, and he charged at Orton, taking the One Man Dynasty down with a clothesline! Umaga then picked up Orton and held him across his chest, before swinging Orton around and nailing him with a Side Slam! Umaga made the cover, but Van Dam broke it up, as he stomped away at Umaga, but the Savage Samoan forcefully shoved RVD away, getting time to get to his feet. Van Dam ran at Umaga and Umaga went for a kick, but RVD ducked it and swiped down Umaga’s other leg, taking the Samoan Wrecking Machine down, and Van Dam then ran off the ropes, going for the Rolling Thunder, but Triple H, out of no where, nailed an unexpecting Rob Van Dam with a devastating trademark SPINEBUSTER!
Triple H threw his arms out and let out a loud roar, but then Randy Orton went for an RKO, only for Triple H to push Orton away and hit him with a facebuster, as Orton fell back into the ropes until the King of Kings clotheslined Orton over the ropes, and out of the ring! Triple H didn’t stop, though, he was relentless, and he got Orton up, pummelling Orton with blows to the head before hurling Orton shoulder-first into the steel steps! This bought Triple H some time, and the Game used it to take the top off of the RAW announce table, throwing laptops and TV Monitors to the ground before getting Orton to his feet and loading him onto the announce table. Triple H hooked the Legend Killer’s legs and looked around, as a Pedigree was just a matter of short moments away from being executed on the WWE Champion, but out of the blue, Orton broke out of it, AND PUT TRIPLE H THROUGH THE RAW ANNOUNCE TABLE WITH AN RKO!!! The crowd were shocked, and they looked on with great concern as Triple H lay motionlessly on the remains of the announce table and Orton stood over the Cerebral Assassin with a sadistic tooth-baring grin on his face, before slithering back into the squared circle, where Van Dam and Umaga were still fighting. Orton stepped between them to get in on the action, but Umaga suddenly grabbed both Van Dam and Orton by their heads, and slammed RVD and Orton’s skulls together! The sound was sick as Van Dam and Orton, both dazed, fell to the canvas and Umaga stood tall, as he was the only competitor in this WWE Championship Fatal Four Way Match on his feet as he looked around at the carcasses of RVD, Orton and Triple H, with Armando Estrada watching from a safe distance at ringside with immense pride for his incomparably destructive Samoan Bulldozer.
Umaga wasn’t going to stand around for much longer, though, it was his sole intentions to kick ass and become the WWE Champion in the process of doing so, and he got Rob Van Dam to his feet, pushing RVD into the corner as he sunk to the floor, sitting in the corner with his head resting against the middle turnbuckle. Umaga backed into the opposite and let out a loud roar, before going for the Samoan Wrecking Ball, but as a touch of luck, Van Dam managed to slide through Umaga’s legs and when Umaga turned around, RVD hit the Samoan Bulldozer with a standing heel kick, sending Umaga into the corner of the ring. Van Dam then jumped onto Umaga, and sent Umaga across the ring with a Monkey Flip, before getting to his feet and climbing to the top rope, as Randy Orton began to get to his feet. Once Orton was up, RVD jumped off the top rope, going for a kick, but RVD kicked Van Dam in the mid-section in mid-air, and nailed the Whole Damn Show with an Inverted Backbreaker! Orton waited in sheer anticipation for RVD to get to his feet, and when he did, Orton went for the RKO, but Van Dam pushed Orton into Umaga who was now on his feet and RVD went for a spinning kick, but Orton moved out of the way and Van Dam hit Umaga instead, who went down, but when RVD turned aroud, ORTON NAILED ROB VAN DAM WITH THE RKO!!! Orton slowly put his arm over Van Dam as the referee made the cover, 1........ 2........ WAIT – THE REFEREE WAS PULLED OUT OF THE RING... BY TRIPLE H!
The crowd went wild as Triple H, holding onto the ring apron to stay on his feet, glared at an astonished and livid Orton and slowly entered the ring, and when he did, he took the WWE Champion down to the canvas and unloaded on Orton by pummelling his former student with punches! The King of Kings was relentless and he unleashed his contained fury on his long-time nemesis as they made their way to their feet and Triple H went for a clothesline, but Orton ducked it and sent The Game into the corner of the ring with a dropkick! Orton nodded his head with a smirk on his face at the sight of Triple H, but when he turned around, Umaga grabbed Orton, and went for his patented Samoan Spike, but Orton ducked it, AND LAYED OUT UMAGA WITH THE RKO!!! Orton was about to make the cover on Umaga, but Triple H obliterated Orton’s hope of that happening as he clotheslined Orton over the top rope, taking himself out of the ring as well, but the crowd were suddenly cheering at the pinnacle of their lungs... ROB VAN DAM WAS CLIMBING TO THE TOP ROPE!!! JR, who was going nuts, bellowed, “GO ON, YOU CAN DO IT, VAN DAM, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE, THIS – IS – YOUR – CHANCE - TO - MAKE - HISTORY!!!” as Van Dam was on the top rope, and with his last bit of energy, performed his thumb taunt, before leaping off the top rope as the thousands of fans in attendance looked on, hoping for the very best... AND CONNECTING WITH THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!!! You could hardly hear yourself think in this arena, as Rob Van Dam ever so slowly hooked Umaga’s leg and made the cover!!! 1............... 2................ RANDY ORTON’S IN THE RING... 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT’S NOT ENOUGH FOR ORTON, AS ROB VAN DAM IS THE NEW WWE CHAMPION!!!
Winner – AND NEW WWE CHAMPION – ROB VAN DAM @ 20:27
WE HAVE A – NEW – WWE CHAMPION!!! THE 7-MONTH REIGN OF RANDY ORTON IS OVER!!!"One Of A Kind" blares out and with by far the biggest pop of the night, perhaps even this year so far, Rob Van Dam slowly struggles to his feet and has his hand raised by the referee, as he is handed HIS WWE Championship!
Jim Ross: BAH’ GAWD, HE’S DONE IT! ROB VAN DAM IS THE – NEW – DUBYA’ DUBYA’ EE’ CHAMPION! ONE YEAR AGO RANDY ORTON NEARLY ENDED VAN DAM’S CAREER, BUT TONIGHT, HERE AT JUDGMENT DAY, RVD HAS ENDED ORTON’S REIGN AS CHAMPION!!!
Jerry Lawler: I CAN’T BELIEVE IT, JR! THIS IS CRAZY! I NEVER THOUGHT ORTON WOULD LOSE THAT TITLE, BUT HE HAS, AND RVD IS WWE CHAMPION AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS!
Randy Orton watches from the outside of the ring in incredible disappointment as RVD climbs to the top rope and raises the WWE Title in the air, performing his thumb taunt before kissing the belt and climbing back down, whilst confetti begins to fall from the ceiling and dozens of face WWE Superstars come to the ring to congratulate an emotional Van Dam.
Jim Ross: THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF, KING, THIS IS WHAT WE LIVE IN THIS WORLD FOR, MOMENTS LIKE THESE, AND NOW, ROB VAN DAM IS ON TOP OF THE WORLD TONIGHT!
RVD is lifted up by some Superstars as he raises his WWE Championship in the air again and confetti sticks to his sweaty face and hair, providing an iconic image to close the show that will, without a shadow of a doubt, never be forgotten and will live in our hearts forever..
Jim Ross: THANK YOU FOR WATCHING, EVERYBODY, AND GOODNIGHT!
*END SHOW*
>>>>>NO SPOILERS, PLEASE!<<<<<
Prediction Contest RESULTS
Y2J_Legend – 11/14
2 Billion Credits & Get To Book A Match on RAW or Smackdown any time in the next month
Calum132 – 10/14
1 Billion Credits & the Opportunity to Sign a Free Agent of their Choosing
BKB Star & PARANoIR – 9/14
750 Million Credits
Melvisboy, Stojy & X-Power – 8/14
500 Million Credits
FlyinStyles & Guardian Devil – 7/14
250 Million Credits
Bradley & Cookie1145 – 6/14
100 Million Credits
HBKBretHart & MarlowCena54 – 5/14
50 Million Credits
re: Shocker Presents - World Wrestling Entertainment
Judgment Day Feedback
I hate to start on a negative, but writing up some type of video package probably would have taken an extra five minutes, so I’m not happy that you didn’t do that. The little things really count for me. Also, your opening commentary didn’t flow well at times, and there were to many mistakes in there, that almost tell me that it’s rushed. Not a good start and I’m pretty sure if you read back over your work you’ll see what I mean.
No marks for Carlito jobbing for the past month . Also, not a fan of three people being at ringside, when it’s already a triple threat match, so hopefully there’s not too much interference. Anyway, it was either starting with this match, or the IC Title match, and I’m kind of glad you chose this one, as the IC Title match has a little bit more of a big time feel, and with some of the matches on this card, it’ll probably take place late in the night. The start was okay, but I don’t get why the two faces would have just went at Carlito for no reason. They wouldn’t team up for the sake of it, they never do, you should have mentioned that ‘Lito was mouthing off or something, just would have made more sense. Punk’s offence on Smith was good, and after he disposed of Smith, his and ‘Lito’s little battle was also pretty good, with ‘Lito this time disposing of Punk. Nothing really wrong with that. You didn’t even mention that Smith got back inside the ring, and then all of a sudden ‘Lito and him are fighting, I don’t like that. Extra details, please. If Carliot knocked Smith out with a boot, I doubt Smith would have kicked out. I hate it when people try and make things sound more devastating and they use words that don’t make sense. Interference from Primo was pretty dull really, didn’t do anything exciting, why would Smith’s people not go after him instead of Smith himself? The ending came about pretty good, with everybody nailing their finishers and whatever, and Punk pushing Smith’s feet off the ropes makes me think a heel turn is coming. Nice subtle hint anyway, and a pretty good opening contest, despite some errors in the match writing.
Dysktra and Eve was just plain weird, imo. I really didn’t feel it was needed, so if this doesn’t become some kind of storyline in the future, it just feels like a random place to separate the matches. I hope it’s not that, because I hate it when things happen for no reason what so ever.
The biker chain match is really one I’m not looking forward to, as I’m just not sure what to expect coming from two guys who I feel are boring in the ring together. The first two minutes being traditional wrestling would have sucked, however I felt once the chain got involved in this match, the excitement really picked up with both men fighting for possession of the chain and what not. Really glad the chain came in to play early, and in the early stages of this match I’d have to say it’s been a better read than the last. Also, I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but I love “The Custom Made Killer”. I don’t like the use of a steel chair in this match, I feel it takes away the importance of the chain, and that’s not something you want to do in a Biker Chain match. The brawling from here was pretty good, but Palumbo nailing a low blow to get out of trouble I didn’t like, since Finlay did it himself about two minutes earlier. You should have them countering things in different ways. After this, the brawling outside the ring was okay, with Finlay pressing the advantage. Once again, I wasn’t to pleased with the ending, as I felt as if to much of the chair was used, although Finlay being bloodied and being choked unconscious puts Palumbo over pretty well, so while I didn’t enjoy this match, you did the job of pushing Palumbo well.
Vince McMahon seems to have a plan. Nice hype for his and Heyman’s confrontation later on tonight, tbh.
Burchill/Kane. I haven’t liked the build up, and I don’t like the way the match is probably going to go. What I noticed here is that you needed to try and make this a little exciting, and having Kane lock in sleepers and headlocks two minutes in is not the way to do so. The pace would have already been slow, and you said Burchill slowed it down even more, which really means this match would have been very boring. Even when Kane tried to cook things up a bit, and when Burchill locked in the Crossface, it all just seems a little predictable here, not what I want to see in a match. More boring before the Curb Stomp, and it was a nice way to put Kane over by having him kicking out. The ending was alright with Katie getting in the way, and Burchill getting the win, although if Kane was holding Katie, and then got rolled up, what happened to Katie? Once again, no detail is no good. Regarding the feud, I doubt it’s going to be over, and that also disappoints me a lot, as their matches aren’t exactly a fun read.
Burke being all confident and shit is good, although despite what him and Zeke think, there is no chance that he’s winning tonight.
Dykstra/Mysterio is actually a match that has potential to be good, so I’m hoping the match up is a lot more entertaining that everything I’ve read so far. It was a pretty good start, with not much being done wrong, both men just fighting for momentum, although I have to ask you about the Monkey Flip spot. Exactly how did that work? I’d hope you can explain it to me a little better. The Frog Splash was nailed way too early in the match, was never a threat for the match to be over, didn’t do the move justice. Also, how about having Dykstra sell the effects a little, have Mysterio dominate for a bit, a face can dominate a little sometimes. The Powerbomb on the concrete floor was a pretty awesome spot, and one that should have Dykstra in control for awhile, so good work. Just as I say this, the opposite happens, once back in the ring, Mysterio nails the Wheelbarrow Bulldog, it’s simply illogical, when Dykstra nails a move like that on the concrete floor, you’ve got to expect him to dominate for awhile, I’m over the no selling, especially from somebody as small as Mysterio. Eve coming out seemed really stupid to, by the way. Just as I say this Eve actually has a purpose, but even so, I still don’t like the alliance of her and Dykstra, hopefully he’s just using her. With that being said, it was a pretty nice swerve and nice ending to the match, keeping Rey looking strong, despite Dykstra dominating this feud.
Punk and Smith did pretty well together in this interview, Punk making the match shows he is still not going to be a heel at this moment, but it’s coming soon. Should be interesting to see how you deal with the match on Raw.
I can’t help but feel as if Vince should have talked for a little bit more, rather than getting Heyman out straight away. It’s just so not like Vince McMahon. As for Heyman he was pretty in character, pretty much saying the same shit he’s been saying for the last few weeks, and it added pretty well by having him actually declaring war against the company. The brawl was a nice, final touch, although Vince getting arrested makes absolutely no sense what so ever considering he didn’t even hit Heyman. Besides this weird shit happening, was a good enough promo, and hopefully now this storyline will really begin to heat up.
Randy…
Everything early on in this World Heavyweight Championship match seemed pretty good, don’t really have anything to mention that was spectacular or bad, however I liked the confidence of Burke, trying to nail Old School, although that could also come down to inexperience as it costs him. He needs to stick to his own moves, especially against ‘Taker. Also, cant remember the last time I saw ‘Taker nail a Suplex . I don’t know why ‘Taker would go for The Last Ride so early on, yet with that being said, a nice counter, leading to some advantage time for Burke. I can’t really see how one Russian Leg Sweep would be enough to soften up ‘Taker for a Superplex… You’ve got to soften him up more. The camel clutch leading to The Last Ride was okay, although it is to early in the match for one of ‘Taker’s finishers, imo. The Tombstone reversal was pretty cool, although I wouldn’t say miraculous, as it has been done before. This match winding towards the end has been good with Burke missing a signature move, and ‘Taker nailing one, followed by a two count. Hell’s Gate getting locke din with Burke just lying on the floor is boring, imo, so I was glad it didn’t last long, and it was a nice twist having Burke nail the Experience out of nowhere. Nice reversal of the Express into a Tombstone, and a strong, yet expected win for The Deadman. A few good reversals here and there in this match but it still could have been better in terms of the match writing. Spear from Edge? Bit random, but I’ll take it. Two masked men shocked me, although one of them being Christian was awesome. I’m curious as to who the other one is, better not be Gangrel, but I must say the return of Christian was great, and I’m interested to see just where this storyline goes from here.
Video package for Cena/Michaels was sweet, man, really sweet.
Last Man Standing time? Oh boy. Definitely a match I have been looking forward to, so I’m hoping you make this match of the night so far, because as I’ve said earlier, the match writing hasn’t been all that great, or exciting. Anyway, this match has started off wonderfully, everything from Cena kneeing HBK in the face repeatedly to Michaels ramming Cena spine first into the apron, it’s simply a brawl and it’s exactly what I wanted. It was also a nice touch having Michaels spit on Cena, it just adds to the animosity. Once again, the outside of the ring action was all pretty good, I liked Cena throwing Michaels across the announce table, just nice to create a little bit of chaos. Michael Cole is a pansy, BTW! I like how you are trying to be all brutal, and make the match a hellacious contest, but two table spots straight after each other is a bit silly. I think it takes away the effect of the lesser spot, which in this case would have been Cena’s missed Leg Drop. They should have been spaced out more, tbh. Both men being busted open just added to the brutal match, and there’s really not much else to say. It’s been a great contest, besides the back to back spots; I think you’ve hit this match very well so far. Wait, hold on a minute here, Cena put Michaels against the ring apron, and then ran at him, and ended up going through the security barricade because Michaels moved out of the way? Not exactly sure how that works, if there’s a typo, please explain . I still don’t understand how they got in to the audience, but besides that, it was nice to see the guys fight in the crowd a little, it reminds me of the best era in all of wrestling. THE ATTTITUDE ERA~! This seemed to be done just to stall for time, and I honestly think it was clever, and the ladder spot was amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that before, partially because I don’t watch much wrestling anymore, but this was just amazing, great spot, I thought it would have been a good way to end the match as a draw, but I guess not. The ending was pretty good to, with Sweet Chin Music being hit, and then the big time FU, all seemed well placed, and well planned out. Overall, I must say, this match was enjoyable to read, and easily the best match you’ve produced so far in this whole thread.
Eve and Dykstra as a couple? I don’t like it much. I’m willing to see where it goes, but yeah, not to sure about it on this stage.
The WWE Championship match is going to be pretty good, so I really can’t wait for it to begin. The match seemed to start pretty basically, with faces against heels, and I loved it when RVD and Triple H had a stare down. The fact that RVD left the ring to attack Orton was something I didn’t like, as you’d expect the two men in the ring going at it trying to get the win. So, despite you wanting to put over how much RVD hates Orton, I think you might have made the wrong choice there. Despite that, a decent enough start. Once again, nothing really to complain about in the next paragraph, everything seemed to be on song, but I think you may have had RVD nail the Five Star Frog Splash on Triple H to early. Even though it created a near fall, it was never going to be over as Umaga was right there, and that’s simply not very exciting. I really liked the third paragraph, there’s nothing really to complain about, while nothing stand out, just a bunch of solid stuff, with each man stopping them other from gaining momentum, and it ended well with Trips nailing RVD with the Spine buster. Good sequence of moves, imo. The RKO through the announce table was a well placed spot as the match was starting to get a little iffy, and then back in the ring, having the monster, Umaga click into a new gear is wonderful, as it puts him over as a legit monster, and a threat to the gold, even if you don’t have the balls to let him win . I loved the way the RKO went about, because it was a legit chance for the match to end, and that’s something you’ve failed to give us throughout the night when superstars have hit their finishers, so I was pleased with Triple H grabbing the referee out of the ring… Good false finishes FTW! The ending, just like the rest of this match, was pretty well done, although I don’t know why Triple H would really take himself out of the ring, considering you need to be in the ring to get the win. I guess it was a momentum thing, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. RVD as champion is something I never expected, I expected it to happen next month, but I’m interested to see where you go from here, which is a good thing.
Overall, I’d say this PPV is a success, just because of the amount of stuff you’ve left yourself to work with. While I’d admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of your match writing or promos throughout the show, the booking was solid enough to make me wonder what happens next. Work on the things I told you to work on, and you’ll be all set, keep it my man.
re: Shocker Presents - World Wrestling Entertainment
May 19, 2008 | Monday Night Raw Preview EnergySolutions Arena | Salt Lake City, Utah
With less than 24 hours removed from a historic Judgment Day, Salt Lake City welcomes Monday Night Raw, where there will be yet more chaos in the fall-out of last night's event. The story on everybody's mind since last night has been Rob Van Dam defying the odds to become the WWE Champion for the 2nd time in his career, but he had to do it the hard way, as he defeated the former Champion Randy Orton, Triple H and the man he pinned to win the match and the title, Umaga. We will hear from an ecstatic RVD tonight on Raw, what will the Whole Dam Show have on his mind? Orton will be livid to say the least as he lost his title without being pinned, and knowing the One Man Dynasty he will let that be known to the WWE fans. But will the two rivals Van Dam and Orton come face-to-face at any point tonight? In addition, Mr. McMahon will be at Raw tonight after being kept in police custody until the early hours of this morning, and we will hear from McMahon himself. What will the fuming WWE Chairman have to say, after his altercation with Paul Heyman last night.
John Cena defeated Shawn Michaels in a helacious, career-shortening Last Man Standing match last night, and whilst neither Cena or Michaels will be at Raw tonight, the fans will still be talking about it, and they will return next week, with both men competing in Brand Warfare Qualifying Matches. Speaking of Brand Warfare, Triple H is in action tonight as he goes one-on-one with John Bradshaw Layfield, the winner advancing to the Pay-Per-View which takes place in 13 days' time to represent Raw. Which major player will emerge victorious and fly the red flag in less than 2 weeks? CM Punk defeated Carlito and DH Smith in a Triple Threat Match last night to retain his Money In The Bank Briefcase, but it didn't come without controversy; when Punk connected with the GTS and made the pin, Smith's foot was on the rope but Punk took it down before the referee could see. The Sensei of Straight-Edge made it up to Smith, however, by giving him a match tonight on Raw with the briefcase on the line, and with Smith's allies TJ Wilson and Natalya as Special Guest Enforcers. Will the lucrative briefcase change hands in Salt Lake?
Ron Killings had a successful debut last week on Raw, picking up a victory to get off the mark straight away, and the Truth is in action again tonight, facing a former Intercontinental Champion in the form of the New Italian Stallion, Santino Marella. Can Killings win again? On the topic of the Intercontinental Championship, the current Champion Chris Jericho faces Drew McIntyre in non-title action tonight. McIntyre sent a message to Jericho last week by nailing Y2J with a Hadrian's Call on the stage after defeating Kofi Kingston, and a victory in Salt Lake would shoot the Scottish Serpent up the ranks, but Jericho is a former Undisputed Champion and an 8-time Intercontinental Champion, so it will be far from easy. Also tonight, the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly are in action, and they go up against Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, but Rhodes and Holly's rivals, Charlie Haas and Mike Knox, will be watching from ringside. Can the Champions keep their focus against Cade and Murdoch?
See all of this and more tonight at 9/8 CT on the USA Network, live from Salt Lake City, Utah!
Confirmed for Raw
We hear from the new WWE Champion Rob Van Dam and Mr. McMahon
Raw newcomer Ron Killings battles Santino Marella
Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly face Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
Chris Jericho and Drew McIntyre square off in non-title action
CM Punk defends his Money in the Bank briefcase against DH Smith
Triple H goes against John Bradshaw Layfield in a Brand Warfare Qualifying Match
Plus more!
------------------------------
Raw has been completed, and it will be up in the next 2 days.
re: Shocker Presents - World Wrestling Entertainment
Judgment Day Feedback
Surprised to see this up so soon, but extremely pleased at the same time. (Y)
Not too fussed on whether the opening vid is recapped or not, with the opening commentary on both sides being sufficient, hyping up the matches well (although I don’t recall Shawn Michaels kicking Cena off any scaffolding).
The Money in the Bank match seemed the obvious choice to open, as it should be exciting and a crowd pleaser, since there’s basically no chance Punk’s going to lose. I find it interesting that you’ve got Primo and Natalya/Wilson at ringside too, perhaps allowing you to do a few extra spots. The one thing about the entrances I wasn’t too keen on was the mention of how Carlito has been in a barren run. The guy’s actually looked pretty good, so I don’t think mentioning that he’s actually been losing was necessary, unless it’s for some type of storyline (which I doubt because these storylines are usually horrible). Smith & Punk working together early seemed a bit heelish on their part (would’ve probably been better if ‘Lito just sat out and watched, thus making him look heelish). Everyone facing off one on one for a bit was nice, and I thought this match as a whole flowed pretty well, although the fact that Primo only interfered once in a no DQ match was a bit weird. Regardless, the finish continues to hint at the Punk heel turn you’ve been setting up over the last few weeks. Should be interesting to see where you go with it next, as Punk needs to start moving up the card soon in order to look like a genuine threat to the world title.
Eve and Kenny flirting? Seems a bit random, really.
Palumbo wearing tights is a good thing imo, as it makes him seem a lot more serious and ready for a push. The match starting out with some technical stuff is a bit odd, especially with the heat gained in this feud on the last SmackDown!, however, I’m glad to see it soon broke down into a brawl. The match building up in how extreme it is is a good move, although I thought in a biker chain match that the only legal weapon would be a chain. Surprised to see the steel chair being used so quickly, and the chair being put around Finlay’s head seemed extremely random, as I had no idea what he was going for. A steel chair shot for a nearfall is interesting too, because there’s not much more of a damaging move you can do than slamming a steel chair right into someone’s head. The match kind of stagnated from there, although the fashion in which Palumbo went over was extremely convincing, signalling a big time push for him. As a whole this match was alright, although the best thing was definitely how strong you put over Chucky P.
Oooo, hype for the big McMahon/Heyman confrontation.
Ergh @ the mention of Katie Vick in Kane’s entrance. Not good to remind people that the face is a rapist. While Kane being on top in the early going is the basic way to go about things, him grounding Burchill doesn’t make sense, as he’s the more powerful man, meaning Burchill should be the one trying to wear him down (which he did during his offense, although Kane doing it too was kind of weird). Interesting submission move from Burchill with the half nelson crossface btw. Alex Shelley used to use it and it used to own. Was kind of disappointed in how this ended, as I saw this as your big chance to put Burchill right over, and with him winning after his finisher was kicked out of and to then have to roll Kane up and pull the tights doesn’t make him look as good as I thought you could have done for him.
Nice little promo to build up Burke and show us a little more of him before he jobs to ‘Taker.
‘Lone Legend’ eh? I guess it’s a nice showing of his arrogance, although my first impression upon reading that was that he was a loner, which he obviously isn’t, as you showed earlier when he hit on Eve. The start of this match was alright, and the counter of the monkey flip to give Kenny momentum was pretty good. The action from there was pretty good, with the counters on the outside being very nice, although I can’t help but feel tat the powerbomb on the outside was maybe too much. It looks like a move that could legitimately take someone out for quite some time, so for it to be used in the middle of the match is a little odd. Eve getting involved in this match? Bleh, not a fan of this, really, because she has no good business being out here in that she’s not known to be buddies with Mysterio, and her and Kenny becoming a couple isn’t something I care for, although with the finish (which was pretty nice) it looks like it’ll be happening. I don’t see the point of the pairing of Even and Kenny, as I don’t think Kenny needs her, but if you can do something with it, all the power to you, bud.
Nice way to keep the beginning of Punk’s turn fresh in our minds. Smith was a little bit lame with his honour and the ish type character, although you’ve set yourself up a pretty nice match on RAW. As I said earlier though, you do need to move Punk on, so hopefully a feud from further up the card is next for him.
Oooo, McMahon vs. Heyman, eh? McMahon not wasting any time in calling Heyman out is probably a good thing, as we want to see the confrontation, not Vince. McMahon offering Heyman his hand was pretty unexpected, although I liked how you went about it, with it only serving as a way for Heyman to own him. Heyman talking about McMahon’s past was alright, and him building up how disgraceful it was to work for Vince was pretty good too. The declaration of war from Heyman on Vince was to be expected ... but Heyman decking Vince? Bleh. Fat man vs. old man is hardly appealing, tbh. Regardless, this promo was alright, nothing spectacular, but it got its job done.
THE MAN. Orton > everyone challenging him.
Elijah means business? Awesome, but he’s still going to job. @ you talking about everyone’s doubt of Burke at the start of the match. I’m glad you put Burke over strongly to begin with by having him take control early, because this match is a good chance for you to continue to elevate Burke. The action was pretty solid throughout the first counter, and I liked ‘Taker getting control back thanks to Burke getting overconfident. The counter into The Last Ride at the second was good too. The counters at the end were rather impressive too, making Burke look really good, while also allowing for the predictable result of ‘Taker retaining. Probably the best match so far here with some very nice counters and an exciting finish.
Edge attacking ‘Taker post-match? Ehh, a bit surprised their program is continuing since it seemed dead and buried, although I guess your roster is a little light. The masked man joining Edge was alright, although with two masked men, things are getting a little confusing. Christian attacking Edge after throwing the second man out of the ring? Not really surprised that you’ve brought Christian back, although I would have liked a little more feud as the build to this was disappointing and not allowed time, while it also leaves us wondering who the other masked man is, giving us some loose ends. Regardless, it should be interesting to see where this goes next.
Damn, nice video for the Michaels/Cena match. You told me when you were writing this that you took some effort, and it shows. A really detailed video of how this came about. Interesting way to show how serious this match is with the attire. The early parts of the action were certainly a brawl, which you were going for, although it could well have been anyone brawling this way and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. I’d have maybe liked to have seen a few more moves that are characteristic of the two men in the early going. Things also progressed pretty quickly without any real weapons up until the elbow through the announcer table (which btw, was a nice spot) which is kind of odd. The match again progressed alright after that with moves like the F-U, although another small mistake was that you had Michaels resting against the ring apron, only for Cena to somehow crash through the security barrier when he charged at Michaels and Michaels dodged. The fight through the crowd spot that followed was a bit odd too. It’s usually a way to get the crowd excited in the early going, and with all that’s happened so far, it really seems like a step back. Moving on from that, the ladder spot was huge. Not sure if Michaels would do that these, but a huge spot regardless. The finish of the match came around alright, and while the F-U off the stage was a pretty cool way to do it, the Five Knuckle Shuffle on top of the stage seemed necessary, since Cena had been taking this match so seriously, only to bust out one of his goofy moves at the end. A pretty nice brawl here in all.
As I said not really a fan of this Eve/Kenny pairing. The interview was alright to hype up Kenny as arrogant like always, but still, I don’t see Eve doing anything to get Kenny any more over.
Main event time. Fatal Four Ways are often tricky to write, so I’m certainly interested to see how you go with this one. The two sets of rivals paring off to start us off wasn’t a bad idea, and the action seemed alright, although you had the two pairs separated for much too long, imo. Fatal four ways are about excitement, and it seemed like we had two brawls going on for ages. Van Dam going back in and making it a three way for now was good to see, although the chain into the Five Star was weird. Why not just have Van Dam crotch himself instead of falling? Would’ve allowed things to flow much easier. Umaga no sold a low blow? Are you implying he has no nuts? The action throughout this passage as a whole was alright, although very choppy, with a real lack of flow. The sentence structure and all was fine, but what actually happened didn’t flow as a wrestling match should. Moving on, the RKO through the announce table spot would have been nice if not for the announce table being used last match (different one, I know, but same spot). Loses a lot of impact the second time around. Orton also sliding right back in rather than picking his spot was extremely un-Orton like. In fact, it goes pretty much against his ‘Viper’ character. The action of Van Dam countering the Samoan wrecking ball after that was pretty cool, although Van Dam being able to take ‘Mags over with a monkey flip was extremely questionable. The buildup of the nearfalls here was alright, although the RKO on Umaga was very sudden, as was the finish. Regardless, I’m not that shocked you had Van Dam win, as the rivalry between he and Orton was always going to continue, and this is a way of doing it. An alright main event here, despite being a bit blotchy at times.
The first thing that I’ll say about this show is that it was certainly a step up from Backlash, as there was a lot more effort put into it. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, in particular with the match writing. At times your actual matches don’t flow exactly as they should, which is a bit of a concern. Your promos here tonight were adequate, although nothing spectacular either. The event itself was pretty well booked though, and you’ve still got a few feuds to go on with (Van Dam vs. Orton, Edge vs. Christian/’Taker), so I look forward to the fallout. Pretty good effort here, bud.
re: Shocker Presents - World Wrestling Entertainment
I can see a promo between RVD, Randy Orton, and maybe even Triple H, while I can also see Vince McMahon telling us what happened last night.
Cena/Michaels both not being here is good, sell their injuries. I guess Triple H won't be in the promo, and he should go over JBL, imo. Punk/Smith should also be pretty good, although I'm pretty sure Punk will win cheaply again.
Hmm, with Jericho/McIntyre, plus Killings back in action, and the tag team match, you have a pretty good card, so I'm hoping you're able to make the show a good one.
re: Shocker Presents - World Wrestling Entertainment
May 19, 2008 | Monday Night Raw EnergySolutions Arena | Salt Lake, Utah
Quote:
Judgment Day Recap:
~ CM Punk defeats DH Smith and Carlito to retain his MITB Briefcase
~ Chuck Palumbo topples Finlay in a Biker Chain Match
~ Paul Burchill wins against Kane
~ Kenny Dykstra retains his U.S Title against Rey Mysterio with help from Eve Torres
~ John Cena defeats Shawn Michaels in their helacious Last Man Standing Match
~ The Undertaker retains his World Heavyweight Title against a defiant Elijah Burke
~ Christian returns and lays out both Edge and the masked man with Unprettiers
~ RVD wins the WWE Title in a Fatal 4 Way after pinning Umaga
Afterwards, and we cut into the arena, as red and white pyrotechnics burst from the stage with the Raw theme song "To Be Loved" blaring out in the background, barely heard over the screams and cheers of the Salt Lake crowd. Then, the camera pans the arena, before we join Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler at ringside.
Jim Ross: Welcome to Monday Night RAW everybody, we’re coming to you LIVE from Salt Lake City, Utah! I’m Jim Ross, alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler and we are less than 24 hours removed from Judgment Day, where history was made as Rob Van Dam won the Fatal 4 Way to become the new WWE Champion, ending Randy Orton’s 7-month reign as Champion.
Jerry Lawler: It was an un-forgettable night, JR, and also last night, John Cena defeated Shawn Michaels in their helacious Last Man Standing Match after sending Michaels off the stage and through the electrical equipment with the FU, seemingly putting a end to their intense rivalry which has been going for almost 2 months!
Jim Ross: Neither Cena or Michaels are here tonight due to injuries sustained in their match last night, but tonight, we will hear from the new WWE Champion Rob Van Dam, as well as determining who will represent RAW in the “Clash of the Titans” matches at Brand Warfare in less than 2 weeks.
Jerry Lawler: That’s right, our first Qualifying Match takes place right here tonight on RAW, with Triple H facing John “Bradshaw” Layfield, but next week, both Cena and Michaels will be competing in Qualifying Matches! Smackdown won’t stand a chance at Brand Warfare, JR!
Jim Ross: Well, it all-
“One Of A Kind” sounds off andthe crowd suddenly come alive and go wild as the new WWE Champion Rob Van Damwalks out! Wearing a black “Nobody Gets Higher” t-shirt over his ring gear and holding the WWE Championship over his shoulder, Van Dam walks down the aisle, high-fiving some fans before stepping into the ring as we briefly cut to ringside.
Jim Ross: There he is, ladies and gentlemen, the new WWE Champion, Rob Van Dam!
Jerry Lawler: Funny that when Randy Orton won the title last year, you weren’t jumping out of your seat spilling barbeque sauce everywhere, JR, but tonight you’re going crazy for Van Dam! What gives?
Jim Ross: That’s because this is a story of redemption, of justice, King, Randy Orton tried to put out the flame out RVD’s career last year, but Van Dam has put out the flame of the “One Man Dynasty”!
As the bickering continues, RVD climbs to the second rope and raises his WWE Championship in the air as fireworks burst from the stage and confetti falls from the ceiling with cameras flashing to capture this moment. Van Dam climbs back down and takes a mic, walking around the ring and smiling when he hears “RVD!” chants.
Rob Van Dam: Y’know, I thought my first night back on Raw was something special ... but this is the greatest day of my life!
Pop for Van Dam, who nods his head.
Rob Van Dam: I’ve waited such a long time to get even with Randy Orton, beating him on my first night back a few weeks ago just ... wasn’t enough. I mean, that’s not gonna send a message to Randy, after all he’s pretty used to losing ...
Rob stops to laugh at himself, with some people in the crowd laughing too.
Rob Van Dam: I needed to something big, I needed to do something that would make his life hell, and that something I needed to do ... is right here on my shoulder.
The crowd cheer, and the camera zooms in on the title which is on Rob’s shoulder, before quickly zooming out when RVD begins to speak again.
Rob Van Dam: We all know that this WWE Title is all that matters to Randy Orton, so what better way to make him feel the way I did when I was sitting on my ass at home, not getting money because of him ... than take his Title? But, I didn’t just win this for retribution, no, no, I won this for me, I won it for friends, I won it for my family, I won it for each and every one of my fans who have followed me and supported me ever since I stepped into an ECW ring for the first time in 1996 ...
An emotional RVD pauses with the crowd still cheering and chanting his name, before continuing.
Rob Van Dam: I know that I’ve won this title before, but when I look at it now, I see the one thing I came back here for, and-
RVD is abruptly cut off when “Voices” blares out and the man he won the WWE Championship from, Randy Orton, walks out, looking extremely angry to say the least. Wearing a WWE merchandise t-shirt and jeans, a solemn Orton, different from the arrogant individual we’re used to seeing, slowly makes his way down the aisle before stepping into the ring, walking past RVD and taking a microphone.
Randy Orton: Rob ... you can talk as long as you like about being WWE Champion, but deep down inside you know just as well as I do that you don’t deserve to be holding that title.
Big-time heat for Orton, as Van Dam looks on, seeming puzzled.
Randy Orton: You might look confused, but it can’t hide the fact that you know perfectly well what I’m talking about, because y’see, Rob, you didnt pin me last night, therefore you shouldn’tbe the WWE Champion! But ... as much of a travesty of justice as it is ... you are.
Huge pop, as the crowd rub it in TLK’s face, but he puts a stop to it...
Randy Orton: Shut up!
Now, Orton gets immense heat; There’s no pleasing him.
Randy Orton: Rob, if you have a single shred of dignity, then you’ll be a fighting Champion just like I was...
The WWE Champ scoffs at this statement, but Orton ignores it.
Randy Orton: ...you’ll do the right thing, and you will give me what I deserve; a WWE Championship match, right here, TONIGHT!
Big pop, the crowd would love to see Orton/RVD for the title tonight.
Rob Van Dam: You may be one of the biggest assholes I know, Randy ...
Laughter in the crowd.
Rob Van Dam: ... but you’ve got yourself a match to-
RVD is cut off again, when “Born Naughty” plays and the Raw General Manager William Regal walks out, getting a mixed reaction from Salt Lake.
William Regal: No!! I am not going to let the two of you choose your own matches, you may be the WWE Champion, sunshine, but I’m still the General Manager here, and Ichoose what matches you compete in, not you!
Heat for Regal, who catches his breath.
William Regal: However... Randy, you will be competing in a match tonight, and it will be a #1 contender’s match.
As this is announced, a big smirk appears on Orton’s face, and he nods his head, happy with what he has heard.
Randy Orton: See, thatis what I want, thank you, Mr. Regal.
William Regal: And you will be facing ... the Samoan Bulldozer, U-Manga!
The crowd go nuts after this announcement and “Born Naughty” plays again as Regal departs, leaving Randy Orton stunned and he slowly turns around to see RVD nodding his head and smirking. Orton glares at the WWE Champion before slowly leaving the ring and walking up the ramp, with his WWE Championship aspirations now in jeopardy after that announcement.
Jim Ross: BAH’ GAWD, WHAT A MAIN EVENT WE’RE GONNA SEE TA’NIGHT! RANDY ORTON AND UMAGA, ONE-ON-ONE, THE WINNER BECOMES #1 CONTENDER TO THE DUBYA’ DUBYA’ EE’ CHAMPIONSHIP!
Jerry Lawler: This means there’s no-one for me to root against, JR! Oh no, this is terrible!
Jim Ross: Well when we return, Ron “The Truth” Killings is in action! Stay tuned, folks!
| Commercial Break |
When we return, Santino Marellais already standing in the ring, ready to compete.
“What’s Up” plays and there are some trifling cheers amongst the crowd as the exuberant Ron Killings jogs out, with a big smile on his face and ready for action. Wearing a Utah Jazz Jersey to suck up to the crowd, Killings makes his way to the ring and once in the ring, he throws his jersey into the crowd and with that being said, the action gets underway.
1 – Ron Killings vs. Santino Marella
The conceited Italian Santino Marella manages to get some offence in at the beginning of the match with a fast-paced start to the contest, but it doesn’t last for long as Marella is taken down with a flying elbow smash from Ron Killings and after that, Ron is dominant, wearing down Santino for a minute until pulling the trigger as he kicks “The New Italian Stallion” in the mid-section, runs off the ropes and nails Marella with an Axe Kick! Killings immediately drops to the canvas and hooks the legs of a dazed Santino, making the cover! 1... 2... 3!
Winner – Ron Killings@ 5:23
“What’s Up” blares out and Killings gets to his feet, raising his hands in the air as he is confirmed as the winner and he then leaves the ring, walking up the aisle and high-fiving some fans as he makes his exit.
Jim Ross: An impressive victory for Ron Killings, his second consecutive win since arriving on Raw last week, and he just defeated a former Intercontinental Champion, which of course isn’t bad at all.
Jerry Lawler: Eh, I’m still not entirely convinced by this guy, JR, once I’ve seen more of Killings then I’ll believe what I see – and that’s the truth, haha!
Jim Ross: Still to come, ladies and gentlemen, CM Punk puts his Money in the Bank briefcase on the line against DH Smith, and the Intercontinental Champion “Y2J” Chris Jericho and Drew McIntyre square off in non-title action.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy is walking down a corridor, saying “Hi” to some random workers, when Hardy is confronted... by Paul and Katie Lea Burchill.
Paul Burchill: Well, well, well, look who it is, Katie? It’s Jeff Hardy!
Burchill begins to mock Hardy, imitating his Gunz taunt, before speaking.
Paul Burchill: You’ll never guess what, Jeff, me and Katie were on our way to the arena tonight and you wouldn’t believe how many children were walking along with face-paint and armbands, it was crazy.
Jeff cracks (No pun intended) a smirk.
Paul Burchill: And y’know what? It made me sick. You’re a pathetic excuse for a role model and somebody people should look up to, Jeff, and you know that... unless, of course, you wantyoung teenagers on the streets smoking and dealing drugs, that is, which I wouldn’t be totally shocked if that is what you wanted.
Big heat for the Ripper as Hardy is barely containing his anger.
Paul Burchill: Y’see, Jeff, a lot’s changed since you were (Uses air quotations) “gone”, because there are new faces on Raw, and I am the cream of the whole crop. So, if I could give you some advice, and before you jump to conclusions, no, I am not a doctor trying to get you off pills... I’d suggest that you stay the hell out of my way around here, got it?
Jeff clinches his fist, and looks at it, before responding:
Jeff Hardy: (Under his breath) Go to hell.
Then, in a fit of rage, Hardy attacks Paul Burchill! Jeff takes Paul down and pounds the Englishman with fists, until road agents and security break up the fight, with both men livid and yelling furiously at each other as Katie Lea tries to calm her brother down.
| Commercial Break |
Back on RAW, Drew McIntyre is just making his way into the ring, as “Seeing Red” fades out on the P.A. system. McIntyre orders that a microphone is given to him, and when it is, he speaks.
Drew McIntyre: For all of you scoundrelshere tonight that still haven’t come to terms with thee’ fact that I am thee’ fastest rising star in thee’ WWE... then I want you all to take a look at this.
McIntyre diverts the audience’s attention to the Titantron...
~ Footage: Last Week ~
Kennedy laughs, and looks to continue, but then Shelton Benjamin runs out from the back and ambushes Kennedy, grabbing him and throwing KK into the HD Set! Kennedy sinks to the floor as Benjamin stomps away at Kennedy, but then Chris Jericho runs out and comes to save Kennedy, grabbing Shelton and throwing some right hands in the direction of “The Gold Standard”. McIntyre doesn’t want to miss out, though, and he leaves the ring, running up the ramp as Jericho continues to attack Benjamin, and Drew grabs “Y2J”, kicking him in the gut and nailing the Intercontinental Champion with HADRIAN’S CALL ON THE STAGE!!! Drew picks up the title which was over Jericho’s shoulder and he stares at it like a man possessed for several moments, before nodding his head and dropping it on Jericho, then walking behind the curtain...
------
The clip ends and the camera is back in the ring, as McIntyre, grinning, likes what he sees and the crowd give the Scotsman a lot of heat.
Drew McIntyre: Did you all see that?! Because if you were too stupid to ignore it, then I’ll tell you all what happened; I decimatedthee’ man I’m about to face and defeat right now in this ring: the soon-to-be formerIntercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho.
Big pop at the mention of Jericho.
Drew McIntyre: And when I defeat Jericho once I get my title shot and become thee’ new Intercontinental Champion, all of you rogueswill see that all great things come from Great, Britain.
The cocky McIntyre smirks and drops the microphone as “Break The Walls Down” blares out, getting cheers from the crowd, and Chris Jericho turns around after stretching his arms out in a “Y” stance. Jericho, with the Intercontinental Championship around his waist, walks down the ramp, high-fiving some fans before entering the ring, not taking his eyes off of McIntyre.
2 – Chris Jericho vs. Drew McIntyre Non-Title Match
Chris Jericho and Drew McIntyre get right into the match from the start, and Jericho has the contest in his favour for the first two minutes, taking McIntyre to school with some basic moves and take-downs until Drew finds his way into the match after nailing Y2J with a big boot. After that, McIntyre dominates, working on Jericho’s mid-section and keeping Jericho in a submission where his legs are wrapped around Jericho’s abdomen, but Chris makes it to the ropes, much to Drew’s chagrin who viciously stomps relentlessly at Jericho before being stopped by the referee. McIntyre gets a bit too cocky for his own good as he begins to mock Jericho, slapping him in the face and imitating his “Y” pose, until Jericho gives in, taking Drew down with a clothesline and then taking McIntyre back down after he got back to his feet with a dropkick! Jericho then makes an optimistic cover, 1... 2... McIntyre gets the shoulder up!
The end of the match comes when McIntyre has Jericho in position for Hadrian’s Call, but Jericho fights out of it, running off the ropes and taking down Drew with a flying clothesline. Jericho then springboards off the ropes, going for his patented Lionsault, but McIntyre gets his knees up which dig into Jericho’s mid-section, and before Y2J can fall to the floor McIntyre rolls him up with a Schoolboy, getting his feet on the middle rope! 1... 2... 3!
Winner – Drew McIntyre @ 7:46
“Seeing Red” plays and McIntyre gets to his feet, briefly raising his hands in the air before leaving the ring when Jericho gets up and tries to attack the Scotsman. Drew walks up the ramp, one hand clutching his jaw and the other raised in the air as Jericho watches on from inside the ring, seething following his loss.
Jim Ross: This Drew McIntyre kid has bags of potential, I’ll give him that, but I certainly questions his methods which he utilizes to win matches like he displayed there, getting his feet on the ropes for extra leverage to defeat Chris Jericho! Is it ‘cause he can’t beat Jericho fair and square, or what?
Jerry Lawler: Hey, McIntyre’s very smart, JR, that is how to win a match. You know what they say, “rules are made to be broken” and that statement couldn’t be truer, in my opinion.
Jim Ross: Well I personally don’t think it’s the right way to go about winning a match, and I’m sure that is Chris Jericho’s sentiments too, King.
Maria is standing backstage, holding a microphone.
Maria: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... “The Game”, Triple H!
An intense Triple H walks into the shot holding a bottle of water in his hand, getting a big pop from the crowd.
Maria: Triple H, tonight you face John “Bradshaw” Layfield with a place at Brand Warfare at stake. How much does this match later tonight, and possibly your match at Brand Warfare, mean to you?
Triple H: Well first off, Maria, I go into everymatch wanting to win, and tonight’s obviously no different. And secondly, yeah, this match does mean a lot to me. Y’see, right here on Raw is where I became a star, right here is where I became the best damn guy in the business today...
Cheers for Triple H.
Triple H: And when I win tonight and I win against whoever I have to face at Brand Warfare, I’d have given back something to the place that made me who I am and what I stand for today. I know there’s a whole lot of other guys in the locker room that’ll say exactly the same thing, but I’m different, like I said I’m the best in the business, and I’m the Game... and I’m that... damn... good.
“The King of Kings” pours some water over his head before shaking his hair about and walking out of the shot.
| Commercial Break |
Back on Raw, the camera is fixed on the announce table, where Charlie Haas and Mike Knox are sat with JR and King at ringside, and Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch are already standing in the ring.
“Out To Kill” plays, getting a pop from the crowd, as the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly walk out with the titles around their waists. Rhodes and Holly make their way to the ring and once they’re in the ring, their eyes are fixated on Haas and Knox, as the two duos begin to argue but then Cade and Murdoch jump them from behind, beginning the match!
3 – Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch Non-Title Match
Cade and Murdoch start the match with some momentum following their sneak attack on Rhodes and Holly prior to the match, and Cade and Rhodes start off, with Lance in control for the first part but when Cody gets settled into the match, he builds some momentum taking Cade down with numerous clotheslines and then a snap suplex, before tagging in Holly. Like Cody had, Holly has the upper hand over Cade for the first few moments he is in the ring until Lance gets back at Holly following a spinebuster and tags in Murdoch for the first time in the match. Trevor continues the job Cade started until Holly has a resurgence and he takes Murdoch down, tagging in Cody Rhodes and it’s the beginning of the end as Rhodes immediately dominates Murdoch and finishes him off with the Crossrhodes, then making the cover! 1... 2... 3!
Winners – Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly @ 6:14
“Out To Kill” blares out and Rhodes and Holly have their hands raised by the ref before they’re handed their World Tag Team Championships, but Charlie Haas and Mike Knox stand up and leave the announce table, as Haas takes a mic and he and Knox address Rhodes and Holly from the outside of the ring.
Charlie Haas: Well done, fellas, really... congratulations. But the thing is Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, they’re, well, not Charlie Haas and Mike Knox, and you know just well as everybody else that we’rethe two guys who pose the biggest threat to you here on Raw.
Haas and Knox both nod their heads in agreement, before Charlie continues.
Charlie Haas: And you can go around competing against other teams here, but still, no other team in the entire WWE is on our level, because this is the perfect team; myself, a technically-gifted amateur wrestling Champion, and Mike Knox, a monster, a behemoth and somebody that could take both of you out on his own, but of course, I could as well, so me and Mike are a tag team made in heaven.
Boos for the obnoxious Haas.
Charlie Haas: But of course, there’s always gonna be a few non-believing idiots who will ignore every single bit of the truth that comes out of my mouth, so to back it up, we need gold... and we’re looking at the gold we want right now.
Charlie points his finger at Cody and Holly’s titles, before continuing.
Charlie Haas: I think it’s pretty damn clear that we want the World Tag Team Championships, so we want to make a challenge to ya’. How about this; Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly defending the World Tag Team Championships against Charlie Haas and Mike Knox at-
Haas is interrupted when “Hey You” blares out and Paul London and Brian Kendrick walk out, getting a pop from the crowd.
Brian Kendrick: Whoa, whoa, hold it a second, Charlie, I think you’re forgetting two important things. One, you said no other team in the WWE is on your level... well it looks like you forgot about two guys, and those two guys just happen to be us.
Cheers.
Brian Kendrick: And secondly, you’re not the only ones who want the World Tag Team Championships, because once again, you forgot about us. So Cody, Bob, you can forget about them... hell, they’ve never teamed in a match before for crying out loud, and you can accept OUR challenge to a match for the World Tag Team Championships.
Charlie Haas: I suggest you shut-
Cody, who now has a microphone, interrupts.
Cody Rhodes: Wait, slow down, guys, this really isn’t gonna get either of you anywhere, because right now, all you’re doing is pissing me off. Look, why don’t you and Mike face you and Paul next week here on Raw and the winners face us at Vengeance; deal?
Brian Kendrick: I’m down with that. We’ll see you at Vengeance, guys.
“Hey You” plays again as Kendrick and London leave, and Haas and Knox begin to make their way to the back as well, making eye contact with the Champions.
Jim Ross: It looks like we’re gonna have a #1 contender’s Tag Team Match next week right here on Raw between Kendrick and London and Haas and Knox!
Jerry Lawler: Ha! Do Kendrick and London think they actually stand a chance against Haas and Knox, JR? If they do, then it could only be because their brains took severe beatings, and that’s exactly what they’re gonna get next week!
Jim Ross: Well coming up next, folks, the Money in the Bank briefcase is on the line; it’s CM Punk and DH Smith, one-on-one!
Backstage, Kane is on a rampage, throwing storage boxes and tables all over the place, until he encounters Kofi Kingston who is talking to Kelly Kelly and Mickie James. The Big Red Machine decides to take his inexplicable frustration out on Kingston, as he grabs Kingston and throws him against the wall, holding him up and staring at him for several moments whilst heavily breathing in his face before putting him down and storming away, with Kingston looking shocked at what just happened to him and Kelly and Mickie looking terrified as they huddle up in the corner.
| Commercial Break |
Back on Raw, “Hitman” blares out getting a decent pop as DH Smith, along with TJ Wilson and Natalya who are the Special Guest Enforcers for his upcoming match, walks out and makes his way down the ramp, entering the ring as Wilson and Natalya stay on the outside.
Then, “This Fire Burns” plays and the crowd go wild as Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk walks out, tapping on his wrist before bellowing, “It’s clobbering time!” whilst throwing his arms out and walking down the ramp on his way to the ring. Punk climbs to the top rope before entering the ring and he holds his briefcase up, pointing to Smith and shaking his head before climbing down to the canvas.
4 – CM Punk vs. DH Smith *Money In The Bank Briefcase*
The match starts at a relatively quick pace with CM Punk and DH Smith frequently trying to outdo each other for the opening 2 minutes of the match whilst the Guest Enforcers TJ Wilson and Natalya watch at ringside. The intensity picks up where Punk takes down Smith with an arm drag, followed by another one, but then DH slaps Punk across the face!! Lots of “Oh”s come out of that move by Smith, and Punk nods his head, smirking, before out of no-where nailing Smith with a kick to the head! Punk pushes Smith into the corner and hits DH with a knee to the cranium before following up with a bulldog, making the cover, 1... 2... Kick out by Smith. Punk gets Smith to his feet before kicking him in the mid-section and hooking his arms, looking to go for the Double-Underhook Backbreaker but Smith manages to keep his weight on the ground and he reverses it, taking “The Sensei of Straight Edge” down to the canvas with a back body drop!
After a few more minutes of back and forth action, the end of the match comes when DH Smith has CM Punk in position for the Bulldog Express (Running Powerslam) but Punk manages to slip off of Smith’s shoulders and push him away into the corner of the ring. DH turns around, but is immediately lifted onto Punk’s shoulders, and nailed with the GTS! Punk then makes the cover, with victory assured here, 1... 2... Natalya puts Smith’s foot on the rope! The referee stops the count, pointing that his foot is on the rope, and Punk is furious, as he stands by the ropes, shaking his head at the sight of Natalya, but out of no-where, Smith, who is still dazed, reaches his hand out and manages to roll up Punk! 1... 2... Punk kicks out and forces his weight forward, pinning Smith’s shoulders to the ground... and locking in the Anaconda Vice!! After 4 seconds of being locked in, Smith taps out, handing the victory to CM Punk!
Winner and still Mr. Money In The Bank – CM Punk @ 9:37
“This Fire Burns” blares out and CM Punk raises his hands in the air as he is handed his briefcase, getting a huge pop from the crowd. Smirking at a furious Natalya and a dejected TJ Wilson, Punk climbs to the top rope and raises his briefcase in the air before leaving the ring as Natalya and Wilson check on Smith.
Jim Ross: Natalya tried to cost CM Punk the match by handing DH Smith a lifeline after putting his foot on the rope after Punk connected with the GTS, but thanks to the Anaconda Vice, Punk is still standing tall as Mr. Money In The Bank.
Jerry Lawler: You would say that it’s a bit hypocritical of the Hart Foundation, JR; Smith had his foot on the rope last night but Punk took it off and won, tonight Natalya put Smith’s foot on the rope and almost cost Punk his briefcase! You’ve gotta love Natalya, though!
Jim Ross: Well, coming up next, Triple H and John “Bradshaw” Layfield go one-on-one, with the winner advancing to Brand Warfare!
Backstage, Ron Killings is walking backstage, with a smile on his face and rightly so after picking up another victory earlier tonight, but then out of no-where, Killings is jumped from behind by Santino Marella, of all people! A fuming Santino viciously assaults “The Truth”, who defeated him earlier tonight, repeatedly pounding Killings before getting him and throwing him into a coffee stand! With Ron lying on the remains of the coffee stand, Marella walks over to him, with a smirk on his face.
Santino Marella: Ab-a-solutely nobodymakes a fool-a out of Santino Marella!
Marella waves goodbye to Killings, before walking away with “The Truth” trying to struggle to his feet.
| Commercial Break |
~ Vignette – Sean O’Haire ~
A vignette now plays, with the setting the edge of a cliff, where the sky is dark red and there is fire everywhere. The camera slightly moves to the side, where Sean O’Haire is standing, with a grin on his face.
Sean O’Haire: Why should anybody have to listen to the law? The people, the selfish, greedy people that think they can control and tell you what and what not to do... they’re taking your lives, they’re taking your personality and your independence. You might be the kind of person who enjoys alcohol, but you’re not 21, so because of that, you’re victimized, you’re singled out.
O’Haire walks around his surroundings for a brief amount of time, before continuing.
Sean O’Haire:But that’s just here. Do you know where there ISN’T law? Do you know where there AREN’T restrictions, and you can express yourself? Hell. Look at me; I can do what I want. I can drink alcohol, I can have a good time, but unfortunately you can’t, because of the government. My government is Satan, and in hell there are no restrictions... but hey, you heard it from the mouth of the devil.
O’Haire turns around, to face the edge of the cliff, bearing the numbers “666” on the back of his jacket.
Sean O’Haire: AndI’m not telling you anything... you didn’t already know.
“SEAN O’HAIRE – BRINGING HELL TO RAW SOON”
------
Back on Raw, “Longhorn” sounds off, getting a lot of heat, as John “Bradshaw” Layfield walks out without his limo, coming out for his match. JBL walks down the ramp and enters the ring, raising his left arm above his head to elicit more heat before standing in the corner.
Then, “Time To Play The Game” blares out, getting a huge pop as Triple H walks out and spits water from his mouth before charging down the ramp, flexing his muscles and looking as intense as ever. After a long entrance, Triple H steps into the ring and climbs to the second rope, throwing his arms out wildly before climbing back down for the match to begin.
5 – Triple H vs. JBL
This isn’t much of a classic, with the match being fairly slow-paced, but a lot is at stake with a spot on the card at Brand Warfare on the line, and it drives on both Triple H and John “Bradshaw” Layfield. It is an even affair between Triple H and JBL for the first few minutes of the match, but as the dust settles Layfield is in control, targeting The Game’s quadriceps that have been injured in the past and have almost ended his career. However, eight minutes in Triple H has a sudden resurgence of sorts, like the resilient powerhouse he is, and he comes out all guns blazing, repeatedly throwing right hands at Layfield and taking him down with a clothesline. With The King of Kings fired up, he nails JBL with a trademark Spinebuster and after that, he connects with the Pedigree! Triple H then makes the cover, hooking the legs! 1... 2... 3!!!
Winner – Triple H @ 8:26
“Time To Play The Game” plays to a big pop as Triple H has his hand raised by the ref and he then climbs to the second rope, throwing his arms out and flexing his muscles, then pointing to the RAW logo on the stage and saying that’s what he’s representing at Brand Warfare before leaving the ring and heading up the ramp.
Jim Ross: Triple H wins! He’s heading to Brand Warfare, and so help me God, he will unleash hell on Smackdown!
Jerry Lawler: Wherever the Smackdown guys are, they’ll have in their hands at the sight of Triple H’s hand raised, JR!
Jim Ross: Coming up next, Randy Orton and Umaga go one-on-one with the winner becoming the #1 contender to Rob Van Dam’s WWE Championship!
Backstage, Randy Orton is walking down a corridor, on his way to the ring.
| Commercial Break |
Smackdown Rebound: The Undertaker defeats Ezekiel Jackson via DQ due to Elijah Burke’s interference, and Burke attacks Undertaker with a steel chair.
Back on Raw, “Virtual Voodoo” plays, getting heat, as Umaga walks out, with his mouthpiece Armando Estrada at his side and “The Samoan Bulldozer” makes his way down the ramp, stepping into the ring and slapping his chest and roaring.
Then, “Voices” sounds off and the former WWE Champion Randy Orton steps out, not happy that he has to defeat Umaga to get a title shot. Orton slowly descends down the ramp and enters the ring, climbing to the second rope and simply looking around the arena before climbing down.
6 – Randy Orton vs. Umaga *#1 Contender’s Match*
At the start of the match, Randy Orton is reluctant to compete, and instead of locking up with Umaga he remains standing in the corner, but he pays the price when his back is turned, and when he turns around he is sandwiched in the corner of the ring, courtesy of a clothesline from Umaga! After that “The Samoan Bulldozer” is in control of Orton for the first few minutes due to the former WWE Champion’s costly mistake at the beginning of the match, and on the five-minute mark Umaga’s already looking to win as he picks Orton up and holds him sideways, then nailing him with a swinging side slam! Umaga then makes the cover, 1... 2... Kick out from Orton! Umaga is mad that Orton kicked out as he begins to roar whilst pacing around the ring, but he then sees Orton sat in the corner of the ring, and Umaga then goes for the Samoan Wrecking Ball, but “The One Man Dynasty” manages to move out of the way as Umaga’s backside crashes into the turnbuckles, and then Orton capitalizes on the error, hitting Umaga with an Inverted Backbreaker!
Randy Orton then stomps away viciously at Umaga, using this time as effectively as possible to wear the “Samoan Savage” down, and he gets Umaga in a headlock, until Umaga fights to his feet and after repeatedly punching Orton he pushes him away into the ropes. Orton comes back and Umaga goes for a kick to the skull but Orton ducks it and then nails Umaga with the RKO! Orton, not wasting any time, hooks Umaga’s legs as the cover is made! 1... 2... 3!!!
Winner – Randy Orton @ 10:19
“Voices” blares out as an exhausted Randy Orton raises his hands in the air, getting a lot of heat from the crowd and he motions around his waist whilst standing on the second rope. But then, “One Of A Kind” plays, getting a huge pop as the WWE Champion Rob Van Dam walks out, with a microphone!
Rob Van Dam: Looks like it’s gonna be you and me again, dude, and I’m cool with that, so I can kick your ass one - more - time!
Pop for RVD.
Rob Van Dam: Now, I bet everybody’s wondering when we’re gonna get in the ring again, huh? Well I know the answer to that, because William Regal just told me... and it’s gonna be at Vengeance.
More cheers, the fans are looking forward to RVD vs. Orton.
Rob Van Dam: But there’s more, because it’s gonna be you and me, for my WWE Championship... in a steel cage match!
Whoa! “One Of A Kind” plays again and Rob Van Dam performs his thumb taunt again before walking away, as Randy Orton solemnly nods his head, not entirely sure what to think.
Jim Ross: BAH’ GAWD, RVD AND ORTON ARE GONNA GO ONE-ON-ONE AT VENGEANCE FOR THE DUBYA’ DUBYA’ EE’ TITLE, IN A STEEL CAGE MATCH!
Jerry Lawler: This is huge, JR! But who should be more afraid, RVD or Orton?!
Then, we cut backstage, where Mr. McMahon is walking down a corridor, looking pissed.
Jim Ross: BUT THERE’S MR. MCMAHON, AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S HEADING TO THE RING!
| Commercial Break |
Back on Raw, “No Chance” blares out, getting a lot of heat from the crowd as Mr. McMahon walks out, still looking unhappy. McMahon struts down the aisle in characteristic fashion and enters the ring, immediately demanding a microphone.
Mr. McMahon: I think you can all tell that I’m not in a very good mood... but do you know why I’m not in a good mood?
There is silence amongst the crowd, apart from some trifling murmurs.
Mr. McMahon: It’s because I had to spend last night at a God damn POLICE STATION!
The crowd cheer and laugh at the fuming WWE Chairman.
Mr. McMahon: And I had to pay money, I had to pay money that I worked for, just to get outta’ there!
More laughter.
Mr. McMahon: SHADDUP! THIS ISN’T FUNNY!
Vince’s words only make the crowd laugh hysterically even more.
Mr. McMahon: (Breathing deeply) Y’know what? I’m sick of this. I’m sick of Paul Heyman, I’m sick of him invading my company, and hell, I’m sick of my company!
Mixed reaction.
Mr. McMahon: This Company has only ever got me into trouble, and put me in bad situations; I had to be in a police station until the early hours of this morning because that S.O.B Paul Heyman put his hands on me even though I didn’t lay a finger on him, although I wish I did... I’ve been in newspaper headlines for the wrong reasons... and now, I’ve got all of you people laughing at me at my expense! WELL I’M FED UP WITH IT!
Another mixed reaction from the audience.
Mr. McMahon: I’m a 62 year-old man, damnit! I’m a self-made billionaire, I could be sitting at home doing nothing right now, and quite frankly, it’s better than being humiliated by Paul Heyman, my own employees and all of you disgusting people!
Heat for McMahon following his insult directed at the crowd.
Mr. McMahon: Paul Heyman wants to kill my company... well damnit, if this company’s gonna be killed, THEN I’M GONNA BE THE ONE TO KILL IT! It’s almost killed me on more than one occasion, and when you’re as rich and privileged as I am, it shouldn’t happen!
McMahon throws his jacket to the floor, as he paces furiously around the ring.
Mr. McMahon: So right here, right now, in this arena, in front of all of you people and everybody watching at home, I am announcing that...
...
...
I am stepping down as Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment.
There is a VERY mixed reaction, as just about everybody in the audience is absolutely gobsmacked in the wake of this stunning revelation.
Mr. McMahon: I’m not sad... in fact, I’m happy that I am because this damn company brought it on itself, and it’s not my fault at all, so whenever you remember that I’m gone... blame Paul Heyman.
The crowd cheer at the mention of Heyman, but most of the fans are still shocked.
Mr. McMahon: And now that I’m gone, I have to find a replacement to become the WWE Chairman. And no, it’s not gonna be my wife Linda, or my kids Shane and Stephanie.
Mixed reaction.
Mr. McMahon: I don’t want them to be responsible for the death of this company if it happens, so I’ve decided who my replacement will be, and my replacement is a man who I’ve competed with in the past, and you’ll all understand if he’s responsible for the death of the WWE. So, without further ado, the NEW Chairman of World, Wrestling, Entertainment...
...
...
...
ERIC... BISCHOFF~!
WHAT?! The crowd are once again stunned as “I’m Back” blares out and ERIC BISCHOFF walks out! With a huge beam on his face, Bischoff shakes hands with an emotionless Mr. McMahon, who walks away for the last time as Eric stands alone on the stage, looking at the thousands of people, as the new Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment...
Jim Ross: WHAT?! IT CAN’T BE! TELL ME IT AIN’T SO! ERIC BISCHOFF IS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE WWE! OH MY GOD... GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!
Quick Results
Randy Orton def. Umaga
Triple H def. JBL
CM Punk def. DH Smith
Chris Jericho def. Drew McIntyre
Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly def. Cade & Murdoch
Ron Killings def. Santino Marella
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Heat Results Beth Phoenix def. Natalya Neidhart @ 5:02 to retain the Women's Championship - The show began with the Women's Championship on the line as Beth Phoenix and Natalya Neidhart fought, and Phoenix won after a Delayed Fisherman's Suplex to retain her title against the Anvilette.
Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed Kofi Kingston about last night on Raw where he was almost attacked by Kane backstage, but Kingston seemed relaxed as he said it was probably only a one-time thing it wasn't anything he'll lose sleep over. However, the Big Red Monster struck again as he attacked Kingston and threw him into some storage boxes which displaced the boxes upon impact, and Kane said it isn't over before walking away, the motive for his disdain of Kingston unapparent.
Val Venis def. Primo - In a rare outing for Val Venis, the Big Valbowski managed to defeat Primo with a roll-up, but after the match Primo's brother Carlito attacked Venis, only for DH Smith and TJ Wilson to hit the scene and save the victorious Venis.
Shelton Benjamin def. Mr. Kennedy @ 8: 39 - Back from a commercial break, the Heat Main Event saw two Raw mainstays in Mr. Kennedy and Shelton Benjamin squaring off, and Benjamin managed to defeat Kennedy after fighting out of a Mic Check and nailing KK with the Pay Dirt to pick up the victory.
WWE Brand Warfare – June 1, 2008
San Diego Sports Arena – San Diego, CA
15-Man Battle Royal
CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, Kane, Paul Burchill, Shelton Benjamin & Umaga Vs. Big Show, Bobby Lashley, Chuck Palumbo, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, MVP & Rey Mysterio *ONE RAW OR SMACKDOWN SUPERSTAR WILL ALSO ENTER*
Shocker Presents - World Wrestling Entertainment
Re: Rocker Presents: World Wrestling Entertainment
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. I don’t know why ‘Taker would go for The Last Ride so early on, yet with that being said, a nice counter, leading to some advantage time for Burke. I can’t really see how one Russian Leg Sweep would be enough to soften up ‘Taker for a Superplex… You’ve got to soften him up more. The camel clutch leading to The Last Ride was okay, although it is to early in the match for one of ‘Taker’s finishers, imo. The Tombstone reversal was pretty cool, although I wouldn’t say miraculous, as it has been done before. This match winding towards the end has been good with Burke missing a signature move, and ‘Taker nailing one, followed by a two count. Hell’s Gate getting locke din with Burke just lying on the floor is boring, imo, so I was glad it didn’t last long, and it was a nice twist having Burke nail the Experience out of nowhere. Nice reversal of the Express into a Tombstone, and a strong, yet expected win for The Deadman. A few good reversals here and there in this match but it still could have been better in terms of the match writing. Spear from Edge? Bit random, but I’ll take it. Two masked men shocked me, although one of them being Christian was awesome. I’m curious as to who the other one is, better not be Gangrel, but I must say the return of Christian was great, and I’m interested to see just where this storyline goes from here.
@ you talking about everyone’s doubt of Burke at the start of the match. I’m glad you put Burke over strongly to begin with by having him take control early, because this match is a good chance for you to continue to elevate Burke. The action was pretty solid throughout the first counter, and I liked ‘Taker getting control back thanks to Burke getting overconfident. The counter into The Last Ride at the second was good too. The counters at the end were rather impressive too, making Burke look really good, while also allowing for the predictable result of ‘Taker retaining. Probably the best match so far here with some very nice counters and an exciting finish.
