Wrestling Forum banner

WWE: The Evolution Of Greed

140K views 348 replies 52 participants last post by  Wolf Beast 
#1 · (Edited)
greed (grēd)
n. An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth:
"Many... attach to competition the stigma of selfish greed"
(Henry Fawcett)
WWE: The Evolution Of Greed​

~Backstory~​

December 3, 2006 – Mere hours after the conclusion of the disastrous ECW brand pay-per-view, December To Dismember, Vince McMahon is faced with the task of admitting failure on his resurrection of ECW. With Paul Heyman tendering his resignation due to the creative direction of the show, Spike TV officials unhappy regarding dwindling TV ratings, former ECW wrestlers complaining at the tarnishing of the legacy they helped build and the prospect of a humiliating pay-per-view buyrate set to be revealed, Vince is forced to call time on the ECW brand.

December 5, 2006 – It is announced that ECW will not survive into the new year. The December 26th episode, scheduled to be a “Best of ECW 2006” show, will be the last episode of ECW on Sci-Fi. The other five participants in the extreme elimination chamber, Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, Hardcore Holly, Test and former champion Big Show would face off to determine who would face new champion Bobby Lashley on the December 19th episode. Many members of the current ECW roster naturally fear for their jobs within the company, with it seeming only the main eventers of the brand guaranteed jobs in the near future.

December 17, 2006 – The Armageddon pay-per-view arrives, with the card needing the help of Raw superstars to drive the storylines heading into the show. Many feuds were wrapped up, including the Hardy Boyz/MNM feud, the Booker T/John Cena feud that started at Cyber Sunday and the Mr Kennedy/Undertaker and MVP/Kane feuds would also come to a close. A portion of the card would be devoted to the ECW Championship, with Bobby Lashley declaring in an interview that as an impending free agent, he and the rest of the ECW roster would soon be making a decision with regards to what brand they would be joining.

~Armageddon Results~

Kane def. Montel Vontavious Porter in an inferno match

The Holligans def. The Bluebloods, MNM and the Hardy Boyz in a ladder match to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship

The Boogeyman def. The Miz

Chris Benoit def. Chavo Guerrero to retain the United States Championship

Gregory Helms def. Jimmy Wang Yang to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

The Undertaker def. Mr Kennedy in a Last Ride Match

Batista and John Cena def. King Booker and Finlay

December 18, 2006 – On Raw the following night, a 30 man battle royal would see Edge emerge victorious, earning him a WWE Championship match with John Cena later in the evening. However, the title match would be riddled with interference, leading to a six man tag featuring Cena and DX against Edge, Randy Orton and Rated-RKO’s newest recruit Kenny Dykstra. Elsewhere, Umaga would continue his wave of destruction in a squash match victory, Carlito and Chris Masters would continue their feud during a ringside brawl, while Johnny Nitro and Melina would hype up the January 1st appearance of Kevin Federline.

December 19, 2006 - The penultimate episode of ECW on Sci-Fi airs, with former champion Big Show challenging Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship in what was Show’s last match for the foreseeable future. Lashley would pick up the win, retaining the title, however the future of the championship remains in the balance. Elsewhere, ECW Originals Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and Sandman would all make appearances, while Rob Van Dam and CM Punk would steal the show with a great match, with both men shaking hands afterwards. Also on this date it is announced that the scheduled New Year’s Revolution pay-per-view has been cancelled, with little reason given for doing so.

December 22, 2006 – Over on Smackdown, Batista would defeat Sylvan Grenier, who dressed as Santa Claus for the night, while King Booker and Finlay looked to bounce back in a tag team effort against The Brother’s of Destruction. Chris Benoit would again defend the United States Championship against Chavo Guerrero, while Joey Mercury would appear with a mangled face suffered at the hands of Matt Hardy during the ladder match at Armageddon. Due to the injury suffered by Mercury, plus the “second degree burns” MVP was subjected to at Armageddon, JBL launches a campaign from the announce desk to have Teddy Long removed from his position as Smackdown general manager. In the main event, Kane and The Undertaker made quick work of Booker and Finlay.

December 25, 26 and 29, 2006 – With Raw presenting Christmas in Baghdad, ECW reminiscing over its 6-month run and Smackdown having a “Best of 2006” show, the WWE ended 2006 in a sombre mood, with the demise of ECW only adding to the company-wide dejected feeling. Surely things could only get better in 2007?​


~Rosters~
As of June 2nd, 2007

~Monday Night Raw~

~Champions~

WWE Champion; Rob Van Dam
ECW Champion; Rob Van Dam *Title Retired*
Intercontinental Champion; Kenny Dykstra
World Tag Team Champions; The World's Greatest Tag Team
Women’s Champion; Beth Phoenix



~Raw Roster~

Bobby Lashley
Carlito
Charlie Haas
Chris Masters
Claudio Cesaro
CM Punk
Cody Rhodes
Ezekiel Jackson
Hardcore Holly
Harry Smith
Jeff Hardy
JTG
John Cena
John Morrison
Kenny Dykstra
Lance Cade
Mike Knox
Nick Dinsmore
Randy Orton
Ric Flair
Rob Conway
Rob Van Dam
Robbie McAllister
Rory McAllister
Shad Gaspard
Shawn Michaels
Shelton Benjamin
Super Crazy
Sylvester Terkay
Trevor Murdoch
Triple H - Currently Inactive
Tyson Kidd
Val Venis


~Divas~

Beth Phoenix
Candice Michelle
Kelly Kelly - Currently Managing The Straight Edge Saints
Maria
Natalya Neidhart - Currently Managing The Hart Legacy
Melina – Currently Managing Chris Masters
Mickie James
Torrie Wilson – Currently Managing Kenny Dykstra
Victoria


~Tag Teams and Stables~

Cryme Tyme; JTG and Shad Gaspard
The Hart Legacy; Harry Smith and Tyson Kidd
The Highlanders; Robbie and Rory McAllister
The ******* Wrecking Crew; Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch
The Straight Edge Saints; CM Punk and Nick Dinsmore
The World’s Greatest Tag Team; Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin


~Personnel~

Brooke Adams; Vince McMahon’s Executive Assistant
Jerry Lawler; Colour Commentator
Jim Ross; Play-by-play Announcer
Joey Styles; Play-by-play Announcer
Lillian Garcia; Ring Announcer
Linda McMahon; WWE Chief Executive Officer
Matt Striker; Colour Commentator
Mick Foley; Makes Occasional Appearances
Shane McMahon; Makes Occasional Appearances
Steve Austin; Makes Occasional Appearances
Todd Grisham; Backstage Interviewer
Vince McMahon; Chairman Of The Board



~Friday Night Smackdown~

~Champions~

World Heavyweight Champion; Edge
United States Champion; Matt Hardy
WWE Tag Team Champions; The New Breed
Cruiserweight Champion; Bryan Danielson



~Roster~

Batista
Big Vito
Brian Kendrick
Bryan Danielson
Chavo Guerrero
Chris Benoit
Daivari
Dave Taylor
Doug Williams
Edge
Elijah Burke
Finlay
Funaki
Gregory Helms
Jamie Noble
Joey Mercury
Jimmy Wang Yang
Kane
King Booker
Mark Henry
Matt Hardy
Montel Vontavious Porter
Monty Brown
Mr. Kennedy
Nunzio
Paul Burchill
Paul London
Rey Mysterio
Rene Dupree
Sabu
Santino Marella
Scotty-2-Hotty
Shannon Moore
Sylvain Grenier
Test
The Miz
The Sandman
The Undertaker - Currently Inactive
Tommy Dreamer
Tony Mamaluke
Umaga - Currently Suspended
William Regal


~Divas~

Ashley Massaro – Currently Managing The Hooligans
Jillian Hall
Layla - Currently Managing The New Breed
Maryse - Currently Managing La Resistance
Michelle McCool – Currently Managing The Miz
Kristal Marshall
Queen Sharmell – Currently Managing King Booker
Trinity - Currently Managing The Full Blooded Italians
Vickie Guerrero – Currently Managing Chavo Guerrero


~Tag Teams and Stables~

La Resistance; Rene Dupree and Sylvain Grenier
The Asian ********; Funaki and Jimmy Wang Yang
The Bluebloods; Dave Taylor, Paul Burchill and William Regal
The Coachman Coalition; King Booker, Mark Henry and Montel Vontavious Porter
The Extremists; Sabu, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer
The Full Blooded Italians; Big Vito, Nunzio, Santino Marella and Tony Mamaluke
The Hooligans; Brian Kendrick and Paul London
The New Breed; Elijah Burke and Monty Brown


~Personnel~

Armando Alejandro Estrada; Currently Managing Umaga
Little Bastard; Currently Associated With Finlay
Jonathan Coachman; Currently Managing The Coachman Coalition
John Bradshaw Layfield; Colour Commentator
Josh Matthews; Backstage Interviewer
Justin Roberts; Ring Announcer
Michael Cole; Play-by-play Commentator
Paul Bearer; Currently Managing The Undertaker
Tazz; Colour Commentator
Theodore Long; General Manager
Tony Chimel; Ring Announcer



~Pay-Per-View and Special Show Archive~

Royal Rumble - January 28th 2007 - AT&T Centre; San Antonio, Texas
Monday Night Raw : Night Of Champions - February 5th 2007 - Tyson Events Center; Sioux City, Iowa
No Way Out - February 18th 2007 - American Airlines Arena; Miami, Florida
Saturday Night's Main Event - March 3rd 2007 - Madison Square Garden; New York, New York
Wrestlemania XXIII - April 1st 2007 - Ford Field; Detroit, Michigan
Backlash - April 29th 2007 - FedEx Forum; Memphis, Tennessee
Judgment Day - May 20th 2007 - iPayOne Center; San Diego, California
Saturday Night's Main Event : 2007 King of the Ring - June 2nd 2007 - TD Banknorth Garden; Boston, Massachusetts
 
See less See more
#2 ·
Never seen you around these parts before, so hopefuly this one is the one for you.

You have a nice backstory set up with the demise of ECW, you have obviously less pressure on your hands to write weekly and have more of an indepth roster to work with on Raw and Smackdown! Hopefuly RVD gets added to the Raw roster alogn with BUrke and CorVon to help their tag team division which was lacking at the time unlike Smackdown! who should recieve Punk and Lashly/Terkay.

You have great things to work with, a great time set and best of luck.
Nice sig by the way 8*D
 
#14 · (Edited)
~Friday Night Smackdown~
January 5th, 2007
Lakeland, Florida


"You people disgust me! You're sick! You're all a bunch of sick freaks..."



We start with a video package recapping the show from two weeks ago, with the fallout from Armageddon taking precedent. The main event of two weeks ago is featured heavily, with Undertaker and Kane teaming up to defeat the team of King Booker and Finlay, much to the annoyance of the King. We now see the usual opening video, before it's inside the arena for a pyro display while he hear from the announce desk...

Michael Cole: Welcome everybody to a new year of Friday Night Smackdown! Good evening folks, I'm Michael Cole, alongside JBL at ringside, and partner tonight we start on the road to the Rumble.

John Bradshaw Layfield: It might be a new year for Smackdown, but this show still somehow has that sadist, that sick, disgrace for a human being Teddy Long in charge. Well I refuse to let that man abuse his power anymore. Tonight, I'm gonna put a stop to Teddy Long's reign of terror.

Michael Cole: Reign of terror? It wasn't Teddy Long's fault that MVP and Joey Mercury suffered injuries at-

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) Teddy Long signed those matches! It was Teddy Long's idea to put Joey Mercury in that ladder match, and it was his idea to put MVP in an inferno match with that monster Kane. Tell me how it wasn't his fault?

Michael Cole: Well, speaking of MVP, tonight you are going to interview MVP via satellite. MVP, still recovering from his injuries-

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) His second degree burns! Look at ya' Cole, you can't even bring yourself to say it. Well I can, and tonight, I'm gonna find out just how MVP is doin', and I'm gonna find out if we'll ever see one of the most promising young wrestlers here on Smackdown back in the ring again.

Michael Cole: Aren't you over reacting just a bit?

JBL doesn't answer, as...

*DEAD WHITE GUYS...*

A ton of heat from the crowd as King Booker emerges from the back, with Queen Sharmell by his side. Sharmell curtsies while Booker raises his pinkie high in the air, before both make their way to the ring...

Michael Cole: Here comes the former World Heavyweight Champion King Booker. A man who has been obsessed with getting revenge on Batista after he lost the title at Survivor Series.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And every time he tries to get back at Batista, somebody messes it up for him. I mean, what was John Cena doing at Armageddon? That was a Smackdown show. We don't need anybody from Raw getting involved in our business.

In the ring, Sharmell is handed a microphone from Tony Chimel...

Queen Sharmell: ALL HAIL KING BOOKER!!

It's boos from the crowd, but the camera focuses on the announce desk, as JBL is seen applauding...

Queen Sharmell: ALL HAIL KING BOOKER!!

More heat from the crowd, but as the music fades out, Booker is handed the mic...

King Booker: How dare you peasants boo your King! You people should be honoured that royalty has chosen to grace this decrepit cesspool you call home.

Cheap heat from the crowd, but the King's not done yet...

King Booker: You people should be on your hands and knees, bowing at my presence!

More boos, but Sharmell refines defiant, simply nodding along with Booker...

King Booker: But I grow weary discussing you commoners. I have more pressing matters to attend to. Ever since Survivor Series, where I was tragically dethroned by Batista...

The crowd interrupts with a big pop for the champion, causing Sharmell to shriek "No" at the crowd...

King Booker: Ever since Batista took MY World Heavyweight Championship, I have been forced to overcome many rogues. And two rogues in particular have proven to be very tiresome. Namely, The Undertaker and Kane.

Huge cheers from the crowd at the mention of The Brother of Destruction, with Sharmell once again unimpressed...

King Booker: In my quest to once again become World Heavyweight Champion, I have been forced to make a royal pact with one Finlay.

Heat at the mention of the tough Irishman, but Booker carries on...

King Booker: And in my quest to vanquish The Undertaker and Kane, removing them from my path to glory... Finlay let me down.

The crowd offers slight boos, but most are unsure how to react to a hell running down another heel...

King Booker: For you see, I did not lost to Kane and The Undertaker last week. It was Finlay who brought shame upon my kingdom. And for this there is no excuse. For this, there are no second chances. That is why, I demand a rematch tonight, with Kane and The Undertaker, with a partner of my choosing.

Pop from the fans at the thought of that match happening tonight...

King Booker: Thaddeus Long, I demand you present yourself before me, and grant my command.

Silence... until...

"MY NAME IS FINLAY... AND I LOVE TO FIGHT..."

*LAMBEG...*

It's not Smackdown GM Teddy Long, instead it's Finlay who makes his way down the aisle, trusty shillelagh in hand...


Michael Cole: Well this could be interesting. It was at Armageddon where King Booker teamed with Finlay in a losing effort against Batista and WWE Champion John Cena. Then, two weeks ago on Smackdown, Booker and Finlay again lost, this time to Kane and The Undertaker.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And I understand Booker is upset about losing, but he better be careful when it comes to taking shots at Finlay. That's one tough Irish sunnavagun he don't wanna be pickin' a fight with.

As Finlay makes it into the ring, he calmly walks over and snatches the microphone straight out of Booker's hand and wastes no time in replying...

Finlay: You're blaming me? You're... blaming me... for us gettin' beat last week?

Booker smugly smiles and nods, while in the background Sharmell can be heard shouting "Dat's right!"...

Finlay: You know somethin' Booker? I'm gettin' a bit sick and tired of listening to you runnin' your mouth.

A brief pop, as Finlay steps towards Booker...

Finlay: If you wanna blame someone for us gettin' beat last week... you should take a look in the mirror sunshine.

"Ooohs" from the crowd, with Booker looking furious. The King remains calm though, respectfully asking for Finlay to hand him back the mic...

King Booker: David... I suggest you show me the respect a King deserves. I suggest you watch your-

Finlay: (Interrupting) Enough of this crap! You're nothin' but a punk Booker! You better watch your mouth before I shove that stupid crown down your-

The crowd is stunned as this time it's Sharmell snatching the mic away from Finlay...

Queen Sharmell: You must damn near lost yo' mind!

Boos ring out, with the crowd seemingly enjoying Finlay's rant at the King...

Queen Sharmell: You don't talk to a King like dat'! We ain't out here to talk to you. We out here for Teddy Long to get his ass out here and give us our rematch. Now... get yo' ass outta our ring!

Finlay, almost shocked that Sharmell would speak to him like that, steps forward, with he and Booker going nose-to-nose, but before anyone can come to blows...

*MACMALLITANT*

This time it is the Smackdown general manager who emerges, but Long stops at the top of the aisle, microphone in hand...


Teddy Long: Hold on a second playas, hold on a second. Now, from the looks of things, it seems you two cats are havin' some trouble. Well... I think I got a solution that'll make y'all happy.

Finlay has now turned his back on Booker, staring up at Long, while the King looks intrigued at what Long has to say...

Teddy Long: King Booker... you say you wanna piece of Batista? Well... you gonna have ta' earn that right playa. But I'mma give you that chance to earn it playa. And I'mma also give you that shot at The Undertaker and Kane.

Pop from the crowd, with Booker looking pleased as everything is going his way...

Teddy Long: Tonight... it's gonna be King Booker...

Boos...

Teddy Long: Against Kane...

Pop...

Teddy Long: Against The Undertaker...

Massive cheers...

Teddy Long: Against the man stood next to you in the ring, Finlay...

Boos...

Teddy Long: In a fatal four way match! And the winner of that match...

Wait for it...

Teddy Long: Will face the World Heavyweight Champion Batista at the Royal Rumble!

Booker is furious, realising he'll have to go through three other men to get his shot at the champion, will Finlay has a smug smirk on his face, happy at receiving an unexpected chance at becoming the number one contender...

Teddy Long: Holla’ at me playas!

Booker is irate, kicking the ropes and shouting, while Sharmell screams "No!" up the aisle at Long, with the GM smiling and turning to leave as his music plays out...

Michael Cole: What a main event that's gonna be! King Booker, Finlay, Kane and The Undertaker in a fatal four way with the winner to face Batista at the Royal Rumble!

John Bradshaw Layfield: It's a damn disgrace! All King Booker wants is what's rightfully his, one more shot at Batista, and he's gotta face a deadman, a street fighter and a pyromaniac to get it!

Michael Cole: It's gonna be quite a night here on Smackdown!

*Commercial*

When we return, The Bluebloods, William Regal and Dave Taylor are already in the ring, their music playing...

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown everybody. Already in the ring are William Regal and Dave Taylor, as we're set for six man tag team action, but we are still reeling from the announcement of a huge main event made by Teddy Long.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Unbelievable. Could your head be stuck any further up Teddy Long's ass right now?

*CHAVITO ARDIENTE...*

A fair chunk of heat from the crowd as Chavo Guerrero steps out, with Vickie Guerrero by his side. Chavo confidently swaggers his way down to the ring, shaking hands with Regal and Taylor as he enters...

Michael Cole: It was at Armageddon that Chavo Guerrero first challenged Chris Benoit for the United States Championship. Benoit retained the title that night, and yet again in a rematch two weeks ago on Smackdown.

John Bradshaw Layfield: But Chavo ain't gonna give up the chase. He knows if he gets a win tonight, he'll be in line for another shot at Benoit.

*WHATEVER...*

It's a great response for Chris Benoit, with the United States Champion looking determined as he makes his way down the aisle and into the ring, standing defiantly as Chavo throws trash-talk at him...

Michael Cole: Is tonight the night that Benoit and Guerrero finally settle things between the two of them?

John Bradshaw Layfield: I bet Benoit hopes it is. He knows that every time he faces Chavo Guerrero that he's inching close to losing that United States Championship. One more match between those two and we'll have a new champ, I guarantee it.

*SLICED BREAD...*

It's another great response from the crowd, this time for The Hooligans, Paul London and Brian Kendrick, who of course have Ashley Massaro with them. The WWE Tag Team Champions sprint down to the ring and do their usual backflips off the top rope, but before Ashley can make it to the ring to remove their masks, Regal and Taylor pound them from behind and the ref calls for the bell...



Match 1: Six Man Tag Team Match
United States Champion Chris Benoit and WWE Tag Team Champions The Hooligans w/ Ashley Massaro vs. Chavo Guerrero and The Bluebloods w/ Vickie Guerrero

And we’re under way in a hurry, with Regal and Taylor pounding on London and Kendrick while Benoit and Chavo square off on each other. The ref quickly loses control of the match, with all six men brawling in the ring, and it’s not until Taylor is knocked through the ropes by a dropkick that we finally get some order, as this allows London and Kendrick to double clothesline Regal over the top rope and then Benoit follows suit on Chavo. The heel team regroup on the outside, and finally the match is underway proper as Benoit and Regal start things off. The action is hard hitting between the two, but Benoit gains the advantage for his team, allowing London and Kendrick to quicken the pace, continuing the attack on Regal. London is in the ring running the ropes, when a knee to the back from Taylor causes a distraction, allowing Regal to nail a stiff clothesline and tag in Chavo. Guerrero and The Bluebloods isolate London, making plenty of quick tags and working well together to punish London and deny him making a tag on several occasions.

Taylor is in and he has London locked in an abdominal stretch, throwing in the occasions elbow to the ribs, when Benoit encourages the crowd, who in turn encourage London, and he breaks free with a hip-toss, diving for the corner and tagging in Benoit. Benoit enters and knocks Taylor down with a series of clothesline, before sending Taylor to the corner and nailing several chops to the chest. Benoit then snaps off a German suplex, only for Chavo to enter and break up the pin. All hell breaks loose once more, as Kendrick and London fly into the ring, leading to Regal joining the fight as well. Soon London, Kendrick, Regal and Taylor are brawling to the outside, and they fight their way up the aisle.

In the ring, Chavo is in control, and he goes for the three amigos, but after two, Benoit blocks the third, and goes for a suplex of his own... but Chavo lands on his feet, pushing Benoit off the ropes... Benoit ducks a clothesline... and grabs the arm to lock on the crossface! Benoit wrenches back on Chavo’s neck, and despite stretching for the ropes, Cahvo has no choice but to tap out.

Winners: Chris Benoit and The Hooligans @ 07.27

Chavo continues to tap furiously, and Benoit finally lets the crossface go. Exhausted, Benoit slowly gets back to his feet, and is handed his United States Championship by the ref, who then raises Benoit's arm in victory. London, Kendrick, Regal and Taylor have seemingly battled all the way to the back, and as Chavo rolls out of the ring to be with Vickie, Benoit is left standing tall. Suddenly though, there is a commotion from the crowd... as someone has raced through the crowd, jumped the barricade... it's TEST!!

Test is in the ring behind Benoit, begging the champion to turn around and face. Wondering what the commotion is, Benoit turns... and gets flattened by a huge boot to the face!! Boos rain down from the crowd, but Test doesn't care, dragging Benoit up... and then planting him with a gutwrench powerbomb!!


Michael Cole: What in the world? That's Test! The former member of the ECW roster. What on earth is he doing here?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Haha! What do ya' think he's doin' here? He's just sent a huge message to our United States Champion. Test is here on Smackdown and he just nailed Chris Benoit! I love it!

Benoit is down, writhing in pain, and having dropped his title, Test scoops up the United States Championship, holding it high in the air as he stands over the prone Benoit as we fade into a video package...


*Video Package*

Narrator: Every year, 30 men chase a dream...

Shots of historical Royal Rumble moments, starting with Shawn Michaels dumping The British Bulldog over the top rope and then collapsing to his knees in victory...

Narrator: 30 men who fight for greatness...

Triple H returning in 2002 and last eliminating Kurt Angle before celebrating in the ring...

Narrator: 30 men who strive for their spot...

Quick-fire shots of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's three Rumble wins, 1997, 1998 and 2001...

Narrator: In the annals of time.

We now see stadium-wide shots of past Wrestlemania's, with the flashing lights and pyro displays of yesteryear...

Narrator: They crave immortality...

We now see shots from last year's Royal Rumble, starting with Shane McMahon eliminating Shawn Michaels...

Narrator: They strive for prominence...

The iconic image of Rey Mysterio headscissoring Randy Orton over the top rope to claim victory...

Narrator: But only one...

Rapid-fire images of eliminations, with bodies crashing to the floor as the pace of the video quickens...

Narrator: Will fulfil their destiny.



"WWE ROYAL RUMBLE - JANUARY 28TH - LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW!"


*End Video Package*

As the video ends, we go backstage, where having brawled their way backstage during the previous match, The Holligans and The Bluedbloods are still going at it. Thankfully though, a host of referees and agents are in attendance, trying to separate the two teams. Over all the commotion, Ashley can be heard shouting, pleading with London and Kendrick to stop. Finally, the refs and agents are able to separate the two teams, with Regal and Taylor being dragged away out of the shot. Still infront of the camera, London and Kendrick are restrained, with Ashley again trying to reason with them...

Ashley Massaro: Guys, guys! Enough! C'mon stop it!

Agents and refs continue to step infront of The Hooligans, preventing them from getting at Regal and Taylor. Realising this is a fight that will have to wait for another day, London and Kendrick frustratingly give-up...

Paul London: Alright! Alright, you can let go of us now.

The agents slowly step back, but stay infront of the pair, ushering them the other way. Kendrick kicks a nearby locker, before London, Kendrick and Ashley turn and walk down the corridor, the opposite direction of where we saw The Bluebloods go...

Brian Kendrick: This is isn't over man! We're gonna finish this thing with those guys once and for all!

Paul London: We'll get 'em man, don't worry.

Kendrick comes to a stop, putting his hand on London's shoulder...

Brian Kendrick: Alright, let's go to Teddy Long. Let's get a match with Regal and Taylor next week. They wanna pick a fight with us? We'll show them we know how to fight!

Paul London: Alright man let's do it.

London, Kendrick and Ashley turn to walk again, but as they do, the three stop dead in their tracks... and slowly the camera pans to see the reason for their stopping. A stunning blonde woman stands infront of them, dressed to kill with dark sunglasses on. The woman smirks, before giving a long, slow, sarcastic round of applause...

???: Bravo Hooligans, bravo.

Straight away the blonde women's French accent is distinctly noticeable, and she shimmies her way towards London and Kendrick, with the champions jaws almost on the floor in awe of this women's beauty...

???: Your performance tonight, it had a certain... je ne sais quoi about it, oui?

Mesmerised, London and Kendrick have no clue what to say, and it's a rather annoyed Ashley who finally speaks...

Ashley Massaro: Uh... excuse me? Who are you?

???: Ah, oui. My name is Maryse. I am new here to Friday Night Smackdown.

Ashley Massaro: Well... what do you want with us?

Maryse lets off another smirk, inching closer to London and Kendrick...

Maryse: What do I want? Well... I want...

Maryse moves closer to London, whispering into his ear...

Maryse: I want ze gold of course. And what I want...

Maryse now turns to Kendrick, running a finger all the way down his chest...

Maryse: I always get.

Still barely able to speak, London and Kendrick remain mesmerised, while Ashley looks disgusted...

Ashley Massaro: Oh yeah? Well you're not getting these titles. Right guys?

Paul London: Uh... what?

Again laughing, Maryse turns towards Ashley, getting right into her face...

Maryse: Ah, Ashley. Vous êtes ici poubelle. Tu es laid comme un cheval. Oui?

Ashley Massaro: What?

Maryse: (Laughing) Exactly. Well Hooligans... I bid you adieu. I hope I see you next week. Au revoir.

Maryse blows a quick air-kiss at Kendrick and walks off, with the champions eyes following her all the way. Ashley meanwhile looks furious, and we fade away with London and Kendrick staring off camera down the corridor, with Ashley staring a hole through the pair of them...

Back in the arena for...

"KENNEDY..."

*TURN UP THE TROUBLE...*​

The cocky Mr. Kennedy makes his entrance to a fairly decent pop despite him being a heel. Kennedy arrogantly walks down the aisle, cockily chewing gum and trading insults with the ringside fans...


Michael Cole: We haven't seen Mr. Kennedy since Armageddon where he lost a last ride match against The Phenom, The Undertaker.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah but if you ask me 2006 was a great year for Mr. Kennedy, and it's only gonna get better this year. 2007 is gonna be the Year of Kennedy, you can bank on it!

Michael Cole: Well let's find out if Mr. Kennedy can get back to winning ways tonight...

There is no pre-match promo from Kennedy tonight, instead it's all business, with Kennedy bouncing up and down on the spot, shouting "c'mon!" while he waits for his opponent. A few moments of silence and then...

"I'M THE BOOGEYMAN... AND I'M COMIN' TO GETCHA'..."​

The arena is plunged into darkness and then the misty red descends, before finally The Boogeyman emerges, carrying his staff and then smashing a clock over his head...

John Bradshaw Layfield: NO!! Not this freak!

Michael Cole: It's gonna be Kennedy and The Boogeyman one on one when we return to Friday Night Smackdown!

*Commercial*


Match 2:
Mr. Kennedy vs. The Boogeyman


When we return the bell rings, and Kennedy is of course taken of guard by Boogeyman’s unique mannerisms. So much so that on the first tie up, Kennedy backs away, refuses to get involved. Eventually the pair come together, and it’s Kennedy who dominates from the get-go, pummelling Boogey and taking control. After a pair of near falls, we finally see some offense from Boogeyman, with him hitting a series of right hands and following with a powerslam for a 2 count of his own. However, it’s a brief offering of offense, as Kennedy quickly regains control, and he finishes Boogey off with the Green Bay Plunge for the 3 count.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy @ 04.21

Kennedy is quickly back to his feet, standing over Boogeyman, smiling after a convincing victory. Kennedy keeps his eyes focused down on Boogeyman, before motioning his hand into the air... and down drops his microphone. Breathing heavily, Kennedy gathers himself before speaking...


Mr. Kennedy: Get this piece of crap outta' MY ring!

Boos from the crowd, and when the ref motions that Boogeyman is struggling to move, Kennedy lays into him with the boots, stomping away before kicking Boogeyman under the bottom rope to the floor...

Mr. Kennedy: Y'know, every time this brand goes lookin' for somebody to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, there's always one guy who gets overlooked.

Kennedy now begins to pace the ring, taking his promo to each side of the ring...

Mr. Kennedy: There always one guy, who despite beating everybody this brand has to offer, never gets his shot at the title. And who is that guy?

A small "Kennedy" chant from the smarks is quickly drowned out by boos...

Mr. Kennedy: That guy would be me.

Kennedy now walks to the corner, climbing to the second rope, staring straight into the camera which zooms in on him...

Mr. Kennedy: So Teddy Long... I want you to listen to me really... really carefully. Week after week, month after month, you've denied me what is my rightfully mine... a shot at fulfilling my destiny.

Kennedy pauses, seeming to think to himself, smiling and then continuing...

Mr. Kennedy: But y'know, I showed up here today thinking... it's 2007. It's a new year. A fresh start, let bygones be bygones, yadda, yadda, yadda... Teddy Long... surely this is gonna be my time? Surely it's my turn to face Batista?

Quick pop for the champion, but Kennedy ignores this...

Mr. Kennedy: But NO! No, no, no! Un-be-freakin'-levable! Instead, it's four fossils in tonight's main event, and one of them is gonna face Batista at the Royal Rumble!

The crowd cheers in response to tonight's main event, leading to Kennedy shaking his head in disgust at them...

Mr. Kennedy: So Teddy Long, if you're not gonna give me my opportunity... I'm just gonna have to take it!

Kennedy, still perched on the second rope, now turns to glance at the Royal Rumble banner hanging from the rafters, with the camera panning out with him...

Mr. Kennedy: You people are lookin' at the first member of the Smackdown roster entered in the Royal Rumble match... and I guarantee...

Kennedy turns back to face the camera, a deep, intense look on his face...

Mr. Kennedy: You're lookin' at the winner! MMMIIISSSTTTEEERRR KEN – NAH – DAY!

Kennedy cocks his head, before flashing a cold blooded stare at the camera...

Mr. Kennedy: KEN - NAH - DAY!

Turn up the trouble hits again, with Kennedy cockily staring at the Royal Rumble banner, before sending his mic back up and dropping to the mat as we cut backstage...

To see Teddy Long stood in his office infront of a TV, obviously having just watched heard every word Kennedy had to say. Long nods to himself, offering a brief "Alright" before his door swings open... and in walks the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms...


Gregory Helms: Man, Teddy. Damn man, it's been a rough night for you. I mean, you're gettin' blamed for everythin'!

Long switches off the TV and places the remote on his desk, before standing infront of Helms...

Teddy Long: Gregory Helms. What can I do ya' for playa?

Gregory Helms: What can you do for me Teddy? Well... to be honest with ya' Teddy... there ain't nothin' you can do for me.

Long looks surprised, almost pleased...

Teddy Long: Then what are you doin' in my office?

Gregory Helms: Well Teddy... see, at Armageddon I took on Jimmy Wang Yang. A guy who you named number one contender for my Cruiserweight Championship. And... well, y'know how it ended, don't ya' Teddy?

Teddy sighs, before rubbing his head and reluctantly agreeing...

Teddy Long: Yeah I know how it ended. You beat Jimmy Wang Yang.

Gregory Helms: That's right Teddy! And y'know what that means Teddy?

Teddy Long: What's that playa?

Gregory Helms: That means... there's nobody left to challenge for my Cruiserweight Championship!

Helms smiles, pulling open his overcoat to reveal the championship belt wrapped around his waist...

Gregory Helms: I mean let's face it Teddy, you threw a lot of losers at me over this last year. And not one of 'em...

Helms now stares at Long, getting serious...

Gregory Helms: Not... one... of 'em... could take this title away from me. Teddy... I'm startin' to get pretty bored of this show. And unless you find me some competition... I might just take this title...

Helms pauses, admiring the belt on his waist, even quickly wiping away a smudge before looking back at Teddy...

Gregory Helms: To Monday Night Raw.

Teddy Long: Competition? That's what ya' want, competition?

Helms smiles...

Gregory Helms: That's right Teddy!

Teddy Long: I'll give ya' competition playa. How 'bout we start tonight? How 'bout we start tonight... with you one on one...

Helms arrogantly rolls his eyes, waiting for Long to name some jobber he's probably beat a bunch of times before...

Teddy Long: With the World Heavyweight Champion... Batista!

A huge pop is heard from inside the arena, while Helms is stunned into silence, but Long is now revelling in the moment...

Teddy Long: How's that for competition playa?

The camera stays focused on Helms' face, until we fade back into the arena for...



“OH YEAH...”

*LIVE FOR THE MOMENT...*

Michael Cole: Another huge announcement from Teddy Long. Later tonight, Batista and Gregory Helms go one on one. It's gonna be champion vs. champion.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Forget about that Michael. Here comes Matt Hardy, and that means it's time for yet another one of Teddy Long's victims is in action.

Michael Cole: I assume by that you mean Joey Mercury.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Ya' damn right I do! Joey Mercury was a damn good lookin' young man, and because Teddy Long put him in a dangerous situation, those Hollywood looks are gone forever!

Michael Cole: Well Joey Mercury will get a chance at a little revenge perhaps when we return. Matt Hardy and Joey Mercury go at it when we return to Smackdown!

*Commercial*​

Match 3: Grudge Match
Joey Mercury
vs. Matt Hardy

We return with Mercury’s music still playing, and Colt is quick to point out he still has the protective mask over his face. As the bell rings, Hardy is almost hesitant to attack, playing the babyface role well, not wanting to cause anymore damage to Mercury’s face. This allows Mercury to gain an early advantage, as he plays off Hardy’s hesitance and connects with a swinging neckbreaker for the first 2 count. Hardy finally fights back, but stays away from Mercury’s face, instead focusing on blows to the body, but as the two lock up, Hardy drives Mercury into the corner... only for Mercury to slap Hardy hard across the face! Any hesitance is long gone, as now Hardy attacks with meaning, nailing stiff shots to the face and hitting an inverted DDT, much to the outrage of JBL on commentary. Hardy gets a near fall after a Russian legsweep, but when he sends Mercury to the corner and follows in, Mercury elevates Hardy over the top rope to the floor! Hardy is down on the outside as we go to commercial.

*Commercial*​

Back in the ring, Mercury is in control, keeping Hardy grounded with a chinlock. Matt struggles back to his feet, but Mercury stays on the attack, dropping Matt with a flapjack for a near fall. Mercury continues to lay on the punishment, picking up several 2 counts, his frustration growing at being unable to put Hardy away. Mercury continues to dominate, again coming close with a northern lights suplex and a reverse DDT. Mercury gets in the refs face, demanding a quicker count, and this allows Hardy to strike out of desperation with a shot to the gut, following with a series of rights to the face before sending Mercury off the ropes into a back body drop. Hardy looks to build on the momentum, climbing to the second rope for a legdrop, hooking the leg for a near fall. Again Hardy attacks, nailing the side effect and going for the cover... 1... 2... Mercury gets a foot on the rope!

Undaunted, Hardy continues to wear Mercury down, but as he sends Mercury off the ropes, Mercury ducks a clothesline... and swings with a right... with Hardy ducks... kick... twist of fate... no! Mercury pushes Hardy off the ropes and goes for a kick... but Hardy grabs the foot... enzuigiri!! Mercury nails a sick kick to the back off the leg and hooks Matt tight... 1... 2... shoulder up! The crowd cheers as Hardy stays alive, and again Mercury is in the refs face, demanding a 3 count... and Hardy yanks his jeans from behind into a rollup... 1... 2... 3!!

Winner: Matt Hardy @ 12.14

Exhausted, Hardy stays down, too beat-up to celebrate. Furious at losing, Mercury quickly gets back on his feet... and nails Hardy with a double underhook DDT! Hardy is planted to the mat, and with a barrage of heat raining down, Mercury lays into Matt with a flurry of boots and right hands. The ref tries to drag Mercury away, only for Mercury to nail the ref with a right hand!! More boots to Hardy follow, before Mercury finally relents... only to roll under the bottom rope to the outside... to grab a steel chair! Mercury returns to the ring, motioning for Hardy to get back to his feet. Using the ropes, Hardy somehow makes it back to his feet... only for Mercury to nail him with a sick chair shot to the skull!! Hardy crashes to the mat, and within a matter of seconds he is busted open, blood spewing from his head. Finally we get some other refs racing down to the ring, but Mercury is more than happy with his night's work, slamming the chair to the mat and leaving the ring as we cut backstage...

Where Josh Matthews is standing by...


Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the World Heavyweight Champion... 'The Animal'... BATISTA!

It's a good response as Batista enters the shot, nodding at Josh...

Josh Matthews: Batista later tonight you will take on the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms in a non-title matchup, but then later tonight sees a huge fatal four way match between King Booker, Kane, Finlay and The Undertaker, with the winner set to face you at the Royal Rumble. Batista, do have any comment on who your potential Royal Rumble opponent could be?

Batista removes his sunglasses, which gets a pop from inside the arena, before getting down to business...

Batista: Do I have any comment? Listen Josh, as far as I'm concerned... any one of those four guys could win that match. I mean, King Booker the guy I beat for the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series. A guy who just refuses to go away, no matter how hard I try.

Boos for the mention of the King...

Batista: Then... there's Kane.

A nice pop from inside the arena for the Big Red Machine...

Batista: God, last time he was on pay per view he set a man on fire. He could easily win that match tonight. And then Finlay.

Boos for Finlay, despite his earlier actions...

Batista: Me and him, we've had some battles in the past. Some really tough matches. He can go toe to toe with anybody in that ring. And finally... The Undertaker.

Huge pop from the crowd, with The Animal even glancing away from the camera at the response...


Batista:
The Phenom. The Deadman. The Demon of Death Valley.

Batista lets out a little laugh, and briefly shakes his head at the thought of 'Taker...

Batista: I don't think there's anything I could say that hasn't been said about him already. Four guys who are all tough as hell.

Batista now faces the camera, lowering his brow as we zoom in on his face...

Batista:
But so am I.

Pop...

Batista: I can fight with the best of 'em, I can fight fire with fire and I... can unleash The Animal!

Another strong pop from the crowd...

Batista: So to whoever wins the fatal four way tonight... congratulations. But at the Royal Rumble...

Batista glances at his title belt slung over his shoulder, before staring straight down the lens...

Batista: There's not a chance in hell of you takin' this away from me!

Batista turns and walks out of the shot, leaving Matthews alone, with the interviewer letting out a quick sigh as we fade to a video package...


*Video Package*

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL!

APRIL 2ND, 1989
WRESTLEMANIA V


Friends turned foes Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage meet in the main event for the WWF Championship as the "Mega Powers Explode"! Hogan kicks out of Savage's elbow drop off the top rope, eventually delivering the big leg drop to win the title, ending Savage's year long reign.

WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - 87 DAYS AND COUNTING


*End Video Package*

Back into the arena for...

*LONGHORN...*​

John Bradshaw Layfield: Haha! It's time! Time for me to show you how it's done junior!

Michael Cole: Well, I guess folks it's time for...

John Bradshaw Layfield: Shut up Cole and let the pros handle this! Folks, it's time for the greatest colour commentator in history to deliver the greatest interview you've ever heard!

JBL stands up and takes off his headset, which finally allows Cole to speak without being interrupted...

Michael Cole: Folks, still to come tonight, the fatal four way to decide who will face Batista at the Royal Rumble, but when we return, JBL is going to have an interview with Montel Vontavious Porter. Join us when we return to Smackdown!

*Commercial*​

JBL is already in the ring when we return, and when his music finally stops, he addresses the crowd...

John Bradshaw Layfield: It's time for you're Wrestling God, John... Bradshaw... Layfield, to once again prove why I am the greatest announcer this company has ever seen.

Boos from the crowd, but JBL laps it up as if it were cheers...

John Bradshaw Layfield: Thank you, thank you. Now... it was three weeks ago at Armageddon that I, just like all of you I'm sure, was shocked at the horror of what I saw.

A brief pop from the crowd, at which JBL shakes his head...

John Bradshaw Layfield: No, I was more than shocked. I was disgusted at what I saw. I saw a fellow human being set on fire by a sick monster.

A much larger response from the crowd this time...

John Bradshaw Layfield: And you people have the nerve to cheer that?! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!

The crowd continues to cheer, which only serves to get JBL more worked up...

John Bradshaw Layfield: You people disgust me! You're sick! You're all a bunch of sick freaks, just like Teddy Long, and just like Kane!!

Pop for the big red machine...

John Bradshaw Layfield: You people are what's wrong with this country! You sick, sick bastards!

JBL's initial defiance has turned to disbelief...

John Bradshaw Layfield: I can't believe what I'm hearing. I bet you'd all love to see the video of MVP being set on fire, wouldn't ya'?

Another strong cheer from the crowd...

John Bradshaw Layfield: Well y'know what? You ain't gonna get to see it.

Boos...

John Bradshaw Layfield: You ain't gonna get what you want, 'cos you people don't deserve it.

Having run down the crowd, JBL gets down to business...

John Bradshaw Layfield: Now... the reason I am here is 'cos I am gonna talk to a young man who suffered a horrifying injury at the hands of Kane. A young man, considered one of the most promising talents here on Smackdown... forced into an inferno match by a bitter general manager, against a monster who has spent his life living in flames. MVP... I know you can hear me, let me start by saying on behalf of the sound-minded people in this arena... I apologise.

JBL turns to the tron, and soon we see the image of MVP, sat in what we assume is his Miami home. MVP sits on a white couch, sporting a pair of sunglasses and plenty of bling...

Montel Vontavious Porter: Thanks JBL.

MVP takes a sip from a bottle of water, allowing JBL to continue...

John Bradshaw Layfield: MVP, I know this must be painful for you, but I gotta ask ya'... what do you remember of that night at Armageddon?

Slow to response, MVP gathers his thoughts...

Montel Vontavious Porter: To tell ya' the truth JBL... I don't remember much. After I was set on fire, I went into shock. They rushed me to the hospital, and the next thing I knew, I was wakin' up in a hospital bed with second degree burns.

MVP shakes his head, before sitting forward in his chair...

Montel Vontavious Porter: I remember... I remember feelin' the heat of the flames around the ring. I remember somebody spraying me with a fire extinguisher, tryin' to put out the flames. I remember... I remember the pain I suffered at the hands of Kane.

It's silence in the arena, as the crowd realise the sincerity of MVP's words. JBL however...

John Bradshaw Layfield: I'll tell ya' what I remember that night. I remember the disgusting stench of human flesh burning. I remember the cheers of the audience, happy to see you set on fire! And I remember... I remember the sick smile on Kane's face as he watched you scream in agony MVP.

We see MVP nodding his head, a stern look on his face...

Montel Vontavious Porter: Yeah I bet Kane was plenty happy with what he did. I bet Kane loved seein' me set on fire. But Kane...

MVP again sits forward...

Montel Vontavious Porter: If you watchin' this... this ain't over man. This ain't over... not by a long shot!

John Bradshaw Layfield: MVP, let me ask you... how does it feel knowing that between them Teddy Long and Kane came that close to ruining your career?

Montel Vontavious Porter: Y'know... I just don't understand it. I mean, I'm the biggest free agent in Smackdown history. Teddy Long, when he signed me to this brand he broke the bank... and this is how he treats me. He puts me in an inferno match with Kane. He puts ME, his most prized asset in danger like that. I don't get it. And now look at me. I'm stuck here at home, while Kane is there, livin' the life, livin' my dream, gettin' my opportunity. Kane had his shot ten years ago, but for some reason, Teddy Long is tryin' to take mine away from me!

In the ring, JBL is nodding his head, agreeing with every word MVP has to say...

John Bradshaw Layfield: On that note, MVP, when will we see you back in a WWE ring? What does the future hold for the most promising young superstar on the Smackdown roster?

Montel Vontavious Porter: My future? Right now JBL... I dunno what my future holds. I dunno when I'll be back. But I will make it back one day. I will one day be World Heavyweight Champion. I just don't know when that day's gonna be.

John Bradshaw Layfield: MVP, I thank you for time. I'll let get back to your rehabilitation, but before I let you go, I have one final question. MVP... when you do make it back... what ya' gonna do to get back at Kane?

JBL smiles as he asks the question, while MVP has a quick chuckle to himself...

Montel Vontavious Porter: Y'know something JBL? You don't need to know that right now. You just need to know that when I do make it back...

MVP stares straight down the camera, taking off his sunglasses...

Montel Vontavious Porter: Kane's gonna suffer pain... like nothin' he's ever felt before. This interview's over man.

And with that, MVP rips off his microphone and walks off, leaving the camera focused on the white couch on which he sat. In the arena, there are slight boos from the crowd, and silence from Cole and JBL, with the camera focused on JBL as he smiles while we fade to commercial...

*Commercial*

As soon as we return...

*I WALK ALONE...*
It's a massive response from the crowd as the World Heavyweight Champion Batista steps out ready for action...


Michael Cole: It's time for champion vs. champion, Batista goes one on one with the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms.

John Bradshaw Layfield: C'mon Michael it's alright, you can admit. I won't blush.

Michael Cole: Say what?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Say how my interview with MVP was the finest piece of broadcast journalism you've seen since Frost interviewed Nixon over Watergate.

Michael Cole: Well I wouldn't quite say that, but it was clear from that interview that revenge is on the mind of MVP.

John Bradshaw Layfield: That is so typical of you Cole! What about Kane? What about Teddy Long? You just forgot about what they did?

Michael Cole: Look why don't we focus on this match?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah that's it, you dodge the issue.

"LISTEN..."

*IT'S TIME...*

Boos ring out from the crowd as Gregory Helms makes his entrance, looking confident, almost smug despite the fact he's about to take on The Animal...


Michael Cole: Earlier tonight, we heard Gregory Helms pretty arrogantly deliver a message to Teddy Long. Simply put, Helms believes he's beaten every Cruiserweight here on Smackdown and he wants competition.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Wait a second, what part of what Helms said was arrogant? He told the truth! He's beaten everybody that's been put infront of him.

Michael Cole: Well he's certainly got some big competition tonight...

Match 4: Non-Title Match
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms

As he comes face to face with Batista, Helms is understandably wary of the champion, and when the first tie up ends with Helms being shoved across the ring on his ass, it’s clear it could be a tough match for the Cruiserweight star. Adopting a change in strategy, Helms uses his speed advantage to duck most of Batista’s attacks, avoiding the Animal on numerous occasions and connecting with fast kicks and right hands. Helms tries to quicken the pace, only for Batista to nail him with a huge spinebuster. Helms wisely rolls to the outside, and when Batista follows, Helms high tails it, causing Batista to give chase. Helms rolls back into the ring, and he manages to gain control of the match, dropping elbows and boots before hitting a diving neckbreaker for a near fall. Sadly, the Helms offence doesn’t last much longer, as when Helms climbs to the top rope and goes for a crossbody, Batista counters into a huge powerslam. Helms hangs on and kicks out at 2, but it doesn’t take long for Batista to up the ante, nailing another spinebuster and then snapping Helms in half with the Batista Bomb for the victory.

Winner: Batista @ 06.46

A great effort from Helms, but he comes up short as Batista picks up the win. The Animal has his hand raised by the ref, before going to the corner to pose for the crowd as we fade backstage...

Where we see The Miz wearing street clothes and a cocky grin on his face. Miz is all alone, in what appears to be a random corridor of the arena...


The Miz: HOO-RAH!!

You suck!

The Miz: Yeah whatever. Folks, I think it's time we all took a lil' reality check. You see, I know what you people think of me. You think of me as some reality TV star with a mohawk who'll probably never amount to anything. Or at least, that's what JBL thinks.

Miz laughs to himself...

The Miz: Ain't that right Jibbles? Y'know, I watched that tape of my match at Armageddon with The Boogeyman. As if it wasn't bad enough that I suffer my first ever loss live on pay per view, but then I get wormed after it? Really?

Laughs can be heard from the inside the arena, causing Miz to shake his head at the audience...

The Miz: But y'know, sometimes it takes goin' over your mistakes... to realise how to get better. And that is what I'm gonna do. So...

Miz now begins to walk down the corridor, the camera staying focused on his face...

The Miz: Starting next week... you're gonna see a few changes in The Miz. No more "Hoo Rah's", no more gettin' worms shoved in my mouth, and no more...

Miz comes to a stop, next to a stunning woman... it's Michelle McCool! No longer a sexy teacher, McCool still cuts a fierce yet beautiful look, and she smiles and places her hand on Miz's shoulder...

The Miz: Lettin' washed up old has-beens like JBL runnin' their mouth off about me. Reality is gonna bite here on Smackdown...

Miz turns to McCool, and the two exchange smug grins with each other...

The Miz: And it's gonna be... awesome!

We fade back to the arena...

Michael Cole:
Well... what do ya' make of that?

John Bradshaw Layfield:
Was... was he talkin' to me there?

Michael Cole: It sounded like it yeah.

John Bradshaw Layfield: The Miz... that jackass was aiming that at me? That no talent son of a bitch was talkin' trash about me?

Michael Cole: He also called you Jibbles.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Shut the hell up Michael!

*SLOW CHEMICAL...*

A nice pop for the audience as Kane makes his way down to the ring, JBL still to incensed over what The Miz said to even bother to bad mouth Kane...


Michael Cole: Here comes the Big Red Machine Kane. Folks, it's a fatal four way to determine the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship and the man who will face Batista at the Royal Rumble. You don't wanna miss it, and it's comin' up when we return to Smackdown!

*Commercial*

When we return, we see King Booker and Queen Sharmell stepping through the ropes, with Finlay having made his entrance during the commercial. Tensions are high between Finlay and Booker, with the King throwing trash talk while Finlay threatens Booker with his shillelagh. That all stops as...



*GONG...*

*GONG...*

*GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY...*​

It's a huge response from the crowd as The Undertaker steps out and slowly makes his way down the aisle, the arena plunged into darkness...


Michael Cole: And here comes the man who's gotta be considered the favourite to go on and face Batista.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Well he might be the favourite, but all four of these men have been there and done it before. You got four of the toughest S.O.B's in the WWE about to go at it, and I can't wait to see it!

Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship Number One Contenders Fatal Four Way Match
Finlay vs. Kane vs. King Booker w/ Queen Sharmell vs. The Undertaker


The match starts with all four men slowly feeling each other out, with Booker in particular wary about getting involved. Eventually Finlay makes the first move, trading right hands with Taker, while Kane and Booker pair off in a corner. There are plenty off stiff blows traded between Finlay and Taker, but Taker gains control by sending Finlay to the corner and delivering a flurry of punches. Finlay rolls to the outside to recover, while Booker and Kane continue to trade shots, only for Kane to whip Booker out of the corner... straight into the Deadman... who grabs Booker by the throat... and hoisting him up for an early chokeslam... only for Kane to aim a kick into Taker’s gut, then flooring him with a clothesline. Cole is quick to point out it’s every man for himself, and now it’s the Brother’s of Destruction who trade shots, before Taker is sent off the ropes into a big boot. With Taker down, Kane again turns to Booker, slamming the King to the mat and then climbing to the top rope... diving clothesline connects! 1... 2... Finlay makes the save, and on that, we go to commercial.

*Commercial*​

When we return, Kane and Booker are on the outside, with the King already down having been whipped into the steel steps during the break. Kane slides back into the ring as Finlay goes for a cover on Taker, and quickly it becomes a handicap situation as Kane and Undertaker take it in turns to pummel the Irishman. After staggering between the two, Kane grabs Finlay by the throat... and so does Taker... double chokeslam! Finlay is down, but instead of going for a cover, Taker kicks Finlay under the ropes, and the brothers stare at each other before engaging in a slugfest with each other.

The hitting is fierce as Kane and Taker trade hard blows, until Taker rallies off three shots in a row and sends Kane off the ropes... reversal... Taker ducks a clothesline... and hits a flying clothesline of his own! Taker sits up, and the crowd comes alive as he rises to his feet and draws a thumb across his throat, cocking his hand in the air, waiting for Kane to rise... only for Booker to grab Taker by the foot and drag him under the ropes to the floor! Now it’s Undertaker and King Booker who go at on the outside, with Kane down in the ring and Finlay finally back to his feet on the other side of the ring area. Booker has control early , connecting with stiff rights and kicks, only for Taker to fire back, nailing Booker with uppercuts, causing the King to collapse infront of the announce desk.

As this is going on, Finlay sneaks back into the ring and goes for a cover, only for Kane to kick out. As Taker continues to nail Booker, Kane is in control, and he sends Finlay off the ropes... grabs him by the throat... wait... it’s the Little Bastard!! Finlay’s leprechaun sticks his head out from under the ring, distracting Kane... low blow! Finlay aims a kick to the groin, causing Kane to slump to the mat. On the outside, King Booker fires a desperate shot to Undertaker’s throat, and he uses the announce desk to drag himself back to his feet... only for Taker to grab him by the throat... chokeslam through the announce desk!! Booker is down and out, but in the ring, Finlay has the shillelagh in his hand... and smashes it across Kane’s skull!! Again Kane hits the deck, and Finlay hooks both legs... 1... 2... 3!

Winner: Finlay @ 14.49

It's over and Finlay is going to the Royal Rumble to face Batista! On the outside, the camera zooms in on The Undertaker, who has only just realised what just happened. Finlay rolls off of Kane, the beating he took during the match evident, and as Undertaker slides back into the ring, Finlay franticly rolls under the ropes to the floor...



Michael Cole: Finlay just stole a victory! That Little Bastard distracted Kane long enough for Finlay to grab the shillelagh and nail Kane with it!

John Bradshaw Layfield: Haha! I love it! We got mayhem right in front of us, we got a sick son of a bitch laid out in the middle of the ring, and we got the toughest Irishman you'll ever see goin' to the Royal Rumble!

Michael Cole: Well now we know, at the Royal Rumble it will be Batista and Finlay one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship. We'll see you next week everybody.

In the ring, Undertaker kicks the bottom rope, upset at having victory snatched away from him, while Finlay slowly backs up the aisle, a toothy grin etched on his face as we slowly fade to black...

*End Show*​





Current Card for WWE Royal Rumble:
Date: January 28th 2007

Location: AT&T Centre, San Antonio, Texas

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Finlay

30 Man Royal Rumble Match:
Winner has automatic title shot at EITHER brand’s Champion at WrestleMania XXIII:
Entrants in Alphabetical order:
Mr. Kennedy, Umaga
 
#79 ·
Royal Rumble feedback

Sorry about the lateness. Okay the opening video was good and set the scene for the ppv nicely. I hadn’t heard the ‘Drones’ theme song by Rise Against before but I listened to it and thought it was a bit bland. Nice to see a US Championship match at the Rumble, especially since there were only 4 matches the other night in Boston. Really impressed that you have a match card pic for each match, great effort. You went all out with this match and the small slug fest at near the start was a good way to get things going. A minor reservation I had was that you said Test was ‘momentarily dazed’ during the early stages of the match after Benoit had briefly had him in the crossface. Altho the crossface is a powerful hold I think this was a bit soon in the match to make Test seem so worn out already.

The exchange that followed when Benoit broke out of the bear hug was excellent. I didn’t like it when the referee ‘cowered in fear’ when Test complained about not getting a 3 count because I like referees to seem strong. Overall, a great match. One thing that I would have liked to been a little different is that I would have preferred Benoit to get the win with a little more ease than he did, no disrespect to Test but Benoit was one of the best ever in the ring.

Nice build up for the IC match, building some good heat for Dykstra. I liked this match and you illustrated the injuries Hardy was carrying well. As expected Kenny had the more impactful, straight forward offence but you conveyed that Jeff’s high flying nature could get him back into the match in a flash. The top rope DDT on to the steel chair was a big finish and I really dug it.

I think Danielson could be a good addition to the roster and I hope you use him well. The Batista vs Finlay matched seemed intense on physical and the parts outside the ring were good, especially when Batista went into the ringpost. Another highlight for me was when Batista reversed a DDT and dropped Finlay on the hard floor, sounded painful. The finish was decent but I think there should have been some kind of ref bump before Batista hit Finlay with the shillelagh so the ref more clearly could not have seen it. Also that would have served the purpose of the ref not being able to count the pin straight away, and Batista could have used the Batista Bomb to finish the match instead. Good match though.

I didn’t really like when you said John Cena was doing last minute stretches before the WWE Championship match. Minor thing, but it makes him seem either a bit geeky for overdoing it, or if he hasn’t stretched yet it makes him seem unprepared. I dunno, Rob looked a lot better at the start because you said he looked so calm, maybe that’s what you were going for so sorry if it was. I liked that this feud wasn’t a typical ‘I hate your guts and I’m a lot better than you’ kind of thing. The exchanges just before Cena locked in the STFU were excellent. I think it came across as a close and competitive match, and an entertaining one also. I liked the embrace between the two at the end of the match, it was a good way to end proceedings.

I didn’t really liked when you showed wrestlers getting psyched up backstage immediately before the Rumble match because I think it takes something away from the surprise factor when they enter the match. Only a little bit though. I think maybe a promo video or something would have been better, just my opinion though. I think you made a good decision to have Punk and Kennedy as 1 and 2. Nice to see Booker at number 4 because I always expect a total jobber will come out at 4 and 5 lol. To be honest the roster in 2007 was a lot stronger than it is now though, not to mention the 40 man aspect. I didn’t really like the way Punk slumped to the mat after hitting the GTS on Kennedy. I know you wanted to make him seem drained but I think he would be a little pumped after hitting it. I only really like to see people stay down after hitting big moves if they are moves like a superplex, or a big jumping move from the top rope or significant height. Hmm JR said Johnny Nitro was as tough as a 2 dollar steak, not sure about that one (well in 2007) :D HBK and Taker both had a big impact when they showed up, with a couple of eliminations each and I liked that as they are both huge stars. CM Punk lasted a good while which I liked. I also really dug the way Orton burst into the match and went straight for Triple H. The near elimination of Kennedy by Orton was good and it continued to develop Kennedy’s personal Rumble story. This also enhanced Kennedy’s brutal assault on Flair, and made it really believable how pissed off he was and that Kennedy thought he was going to win the Rumble.

A criticism I have of the match is that everybody seemed to have a hot period when they first entered. I know it is common for most people do really do well when they first enter but even Trevor Murdoch seemed dominant when he first entered. I don’t think it should be the same for everyone. I think it was a good booking move to have Edge eliminate Lashley because Lashley is such a force, and Edge was the eventual winner. I think it was a good move in general to have Edge score quite a few eliminations, because I know a lot of people would have booked/expected a more heelish win with maybe Edge just getting 2 or even 1 elimination or something, but still being the last man in. I’m not Edge’s biggest fan so I’m not hugely into him winning but you wrote his victory well. Overall, a fun and exciting match.

Overall, a great PPV. The Royal Rumble match stood out. I liked the Benoit vs Test match second best from a technical standpoint whilst the WWE Championship match and the Royal Rumble itself were the matches with the most passion and emotion.
 
#164 · (Edited)
20,000 views! :hb


~Friday Night Smackdown~
March 9th, 2007
Wichita, Kansas



"...an eye for an eye... a streak for a streak."



We open cold to the arena. No opening video, no highlights of Saturday Night’s Main Event, no pyro. Just silence, apart from the general buzz of the crowd. The silence continues, until...

"WOOOOO..."

*ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA...*

The crowd goes wild as Ric Flair, rarely seen on Friday nights, makes his entrance. Flair, dressed in a sharp dark suit with a pink shirt on underneath, stops briefly under the Smackdown fist, letting out a big “Wooooo!” and soaking in the adulation of the fans, before he struts his way down the aisle...

Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, this is Friday Night Smackdown. And that is ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair! Hello everyone, I’m Michael Cole, alongside me are ‘JBL’ and Tazz, welcome to the show. There you see the legend, the sixteen time heavyweight champion, the incomparable Ric Flair!

Tazz: Man, what a treat it is to have ‘Naitch’ here on Friday nights! But he ain’t here for personal reasons, he’s here to call out Mr. Kennedy!

Michael Cole: It’s gonna be a big night here on Smackdown. Not only will we have this confrontation between Ric Flair and Mr. Kennedy, but there’s scheduled to be another Money in the Bank Qualifying Match tonight as Chris Benoit takes on Santino Marella. Matt Hardy is also here, he’ll take on Test, while Bryan Daneislon faces Chavo Guerrero and one half of the tag team champions Brian Kendrick goes up against Paul Burchill of The Bluebloods.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Never mind all that. Let’s talk about the highlight of the night, your truly, ‘The Wrestling Gawd’, the greatest broadcaster in sports entertainment history, yours truly, ‘JBL’ in the ring with ‘The Savage of Samoa’, the man who for my money is gonna beat The Undertaker and end the Wrestlemania streak, Umaga!

Tazz: Oh boy, I can’t wait for that. I hope ‘The Deadman’ pulls some of that magic out the playbook again and winds up in the ring. More than likely he’ll get his hands on you partner!

John Bradshaw Layfield: He better hope he don’t wind up in the ring with me, or he might wind up six feet under if I get my hands on ‘im!

Michael Cole: Well let’s set the scene here folks. It all started back at the Royal Rumble, where Flair eliminated Kennedy, only for Kennedy to return to the match and eliminate Flair. It escalated when Kennedy attacked Flair’s longtime friend Arn Anderson, only for Flair to retaliate as he gave the assist to Batista at No Way Out, costing Kennedy his chance at the World Heavyweight Championship. But last Saturday night in Madison Square Garden, it reached a whole new level as Kennedy cost Flair and Carlito the World Tag Team Championships.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And no more than Flair deserved in my opinion. He cost Kennedy at the Rumble, he cost him again at No Way Out, it was high time Kennedy got his own back.

Tazz: Just gonna ignore all the assaults Kennedy’s been responsible for are ya’? I mean Flair at the Rumble, Arn Anderson, Teddy Long? Kennedy’s done a lotta damage lately, he don’t deserve to be World Heavyweight Champion after the way he’s been actin’.

Flair clambers up the steel steps and then through the ropes, giving a quick wave to the crowd in appreciation for their support before he’s handed a microphone. The music dies, but as Flair stands in the middle of the ring, he has to wait for the chants of the crowd to die before he speaks. Flair grins, knowingly nodding his head as the crowd cheers again, before he burst out with…

Ric Flair: WOOOOO!!

"Woooo!"…

Ric Flair: Did somebody SAY… that ‘The Naitcha Boi’… was HERE tonight, in Wichita, Kansas?! WOOOOO!!

"Wooooo!"…

Ric Flair: Did somebody SAY… that the limousine ridin’, jet flyin’, kiss stealin’, wheelin' dealin' sunnova gun was HERE on Friday Night Smackdown?! WOOOOO!!

"Wooooo!"…

Ric Flair: And did somebody say that the SIX – TEEN – TIME World Heavyweight Champion was gonna call out that no good sunnova bitch Mr. Kennedy?

The crowd pops as Flair delivers the last comment with a serious intent…

Ric Flair: KENNEDY… you ain’t nothin’ but a punk as far as ‘ol Naitch’ is concerned. But there was a time Kennedy, that I actually respected you kid.

A few boos from the crowd, but Flair motions for calm…

Ric Flair: I may have respected ‘im, but I never liked ‘im. But when I looked at ‘im and saw how cocky he was, how confident, how arrogant he could be, and with the blonde hair, y’know, I gotta admit… I saw a lil’ of a younger Ric Flair in the guy. But there was one big difference between Kennedy and me… respect for this business.

Pop…

Ric Flair: You have NO RESPECT for anythin’ in this business Kennedy. You wanna be a star, you wanna be on top, you want the spotlight on you. There’s nothin’ wrong with that, ‘Naitch wants that spotlight just as much as you do. Maybe even more! Ya’ want success, that’s alright too. Nobody had more success than ‘The Nature Boy’ did. Ya’ wanted to win the Royal Rumble? Ric Flair gave one of the very best Royal Rumble performances in history. Simply put, Mr. Kennedy, you my friend… wanted to be ‘The Man’.

Another pop as Flair nods knowingly…

Ric Flair: But to be the man… you gotta beat the man!

Pop…

Ric Flair: And Kennedy, oh boy… you get it a helluva shot at the Rumble buddy. You beat ‘ol Naitch. Beat ‘im good. You took me outta the match, you kicked my ass all over ringside, you busted me open, you gave me one helluva beatin’! But you made one mistake my friend. You picked a fight… with me.

Flair stares intently into the hard corner…

Ric Flair: Not only that… but you then picked a fight with a fellow Horseman! And that brother… is unforgivable. And now it’s time for you to pay the price.

Pop…

Ric Flair: So KENNEDY… I want you to come out here, step in this ring… and show me what kinda man you really are.

The crowd buzzes in anticipation, although Kennedy makes them wait… and wait… until…

"KENNEDY…"

*TURN UP THE TREBLE…*

Finally Mr. Kennedy graces us with his presence. A strong chorus of boos greets Kennedy as he cockily makes his way down the aisle, a slightly confused look on his face as he goes…


Michael Cole: Well here he comes. Ric Flair wanted it, here comes the man who cost Flair the World Tag Team Championships last Saturday night. They’ve been goin’ back and forth for months now, but this is the first time we’ll see them face to face in this kinda situation.

John Bradshaw Layfield: He’s the fastest rising star in the WWE, the biggest can’t miss prospect in Smackdown history, a future legend of this industry… and that damn geriatric is callin’ him out?! Who the hell does Ric Flair think he is?!

Tazz: He thinks he’s a sixteen time world champion. Kennedy’s put Flair through a heck of a lot lately, it’s about time these two got in the ring, man to man.

In the ring, Kennedy heads for the corner and climbs to the second rope, taking a glance at Flair before he turns and shouts some abuse at the crowd. Dropping back down to the mat, Kennedy gives Flair a “What did you just say?” kinda look, before he shakes his head. The music dies down, and the pair stare at each other, fierce looks on both their faces…

Ric Flair: Lemme start by sayin’-

Kennedy points the palm of his hand to Flair’s face, prompting silence and confusion from ‘The Nature Boy’, but soon all becomes apparent… as Kennedy reaches to the rafter… and waits for his microphone to drop into his hands! The crowd respond with heat, while Flair laughs to himself, almost in disbelief at the arrogance of Kennedy…

Mr. Kennedy: Did I uh… did I hear your right? Did you just say… that you look at me and see a younger version of yourself?

Flair doesn’t respond, although Kennedy scratches his head in an exaggerated fashion…

Mr. Kennedy: You – you think I’m… like a younger version of you?

Kennedy laughs, shaking his head…

Mr. Kennedy: I know you’re getting’ old, I know you’re goin’ a little senile, I know I hit ya’ over the head pretty hard with that title belt last Saturday night… but are you out of your freakin’ mind?!

Kennedy again shakes his head…

Mr. Kennedy: Lemme promise you this Ric. I… am nothin’… like you.

Kennedy steps forward, aggressively pointing in Flair’s face…

Mr. Kennedy: ‘Cause you are everythin’ that’s wrong with this business!

Flair mouths “Oh really?”…

Mr. Kennedy: Yeah, yeah really. ‘Cause y’see, you are nothin’ more than some washed up has-been, tryin’ to hang on to what he used to have. Tryin’ to relive the glory years. And while you might think there’s nothin’ wrong with that, and these fans might cheer their little heads off for it, it does nothin’ but hold the next generation back. It does nothin’… but hold me back.

Heat…

Mr. Kennedy: You guys who overstay your welcome, you like to make your excuses. “Oh, I’m givin’ somethin’ back to the business”, well lemme tell ya’ brother, the damn business don’t want NOTHIN’ from ya’ anymore!

Flair rubs his chin as he soaks in Kennedy’s words…

Mr. Kennedy: You and these other has beens you call ‘legends’. They mean nothin’ to me anymore, ‘cause all they do is get in my way. Just like you got in my way at the Royal Rumble. Just like Arn Anderson got in my way. Hell, Teddy Long even got in my way. And what happened to all three of ya’? Huh, huh? I beat crap out o’ all of ya’! I put Arn Anderson in the hospital, I kicked Teddy Long’s ass so bad he ain’t been able to come back to work yet! After all that, after the beatin’ I gave you at the Rumble, you still wanna call me out, huh?

Kennedy looks at Flair quizzically…

Mr. Kennedy: You sure about that old man?

Kennedy leans in, deadly serious…

Mr. Kennedy: ‘Cause I’m warnin’ you… I didn’t even scratch the surface at the Rumble. You have made my life hell these last few months. Two times you cost me the chance to be World Heavyweight Champion. I was willin’ to wait for Wrestlemania… but I got no problem kickin’ your ass right now.

Kennedy then shrugs his shoulders, changing his expression as he backs away…

Mr. Kennedy: But if you wanna wait, I’m a nice guy. I’m willin’ to give you the chance to pack up your memories, take your respect, take your so called ‘legends’, take all that crap, and get outta my ring, and off of my show.

Flair stands firm, not budging…

Mr. Kennedy: Don’t play the hero here Ric. Don’t embarrass yourself again. You don’t belong here in this era. This is MY era. This is my time to shine, this is my moment. I don’t share the spotlight with anybody… especially not a relic like you.

Kennedy stares fiercely at Flair, a scowl on his face, but Flair just smiles to himself…

Ric Flair: Lemme tell ya’ somethin’ kid. I’m Ric Flair.

’Woooo’ from the crowd...

Ric Flair: I’ve been in this business longer than you’ve been born. You wanna ask me why I’m still here, after all these years, still steppin’ through those ropes, night after night? You wanna know why? Because I love what I do.

Nonchalantly, Kennedy scoffs, turning his head away in an ignorant show of disgust...

Ric Flair: Hey!

Kennedy turns back around... straight into a SLAP TO THE FACE! The crowd gasps as Kennedy clutches his face...

Ric Flair: Look at me when I’m talkin’ to ya’! I brought you out here, so now you’re gonna listen to what I gotta say! I... am Ric... FLAIR! I am a SIX – TEEN – TIME... WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT... WOOOO... CHAMPION!!

“Wooooo”...

Ric Flair: And the reason for that... what I owe everythin’ I got from this industry to... is the legends that paved the way for me.

Having gotten over the embarrassment of suffering a slap to the face, a seething Kennedy now listens intently...

Ric Flair: Lou Thesz, Verne Gagne, Ed Lewis, Gorgeous George, Buddy Rogers, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, guys who paved the way for me! Every time I walked into an arena and saw them sittin’ there, every time I stepped through those ropes and saw one of them stood across from me, I paid my dues, and I gave each and every one of ‘em the respect they deserved.

Flair aggressively points at Kennedy…

Ric Flair: But you? You don’t got an ounce of respect in your whole body.

Mr. Kennedy: Ric, why you gotta-

Ric Flair: SHUT UP!!

The crowd is almost as stunned as Kennedy, whose jaw nearly hits the floor…

Ric Flair: I’m not done talkin’! You got NO RESPECT! Not for me, not for these fans, and not for this business! You have no idea how many punks have walked into this business and tried to make a name off ol’ Naitch’, no idea! And you got no idea how many times people have tried to force me into retirement. But I’m still HERE! I’m still stylin’ and – WOOOOO - profilin’, and I’ll be doin’ it ‘til the day I DIE!!

Pop…

Ric Flair: You walk into this company, and you expect everythin’ to be handed to ya’! Ya’ don’t wanna work for nothin’! I worked every day of my life to be where I am right now! The GREATEST of ‘em all! THE MAN! That’s who I am, ‘cause I earned this reputation! All you earned is the ass kickin’ of a LIFETIME from Ric – WOOOOO – Flair!

The crowd is loving how animated Flair is getting, and it only gets better as Flair takes of his suit jacket, slams it to the mat and then struts his way off the ropes to drop an elbow on the jacket…

Ric Flair: I came here TONIGHT ‘cause I’m callin’ you out! You wanna be the man? You wanna be a legend? I’ll give the biggest opportunity of a lifetime junior! It ain’t about bein’ a champion, it’s about bein’ the BEST! The VERY BEST! And until you beat the best, you ain’t worth JACK kiddo!

Flair’s eyes bulge as he continues to become animated…

Ric Flair: So how ‘bout it? You and the – WOOOOO - ‘THE NATURE BOY’, the GREATEST of all time, at the greatest show of all time! YOU… AND ME…. AT WRESTLEMANIA XXIII! How ‘bout it!?

The fans respond with a massive pop…

Ric Flair: I WANT IT! THESE PEOPLE WANT IT! Dammit…

Flair again comes off the ropes, this time dropping a knee on his jacket…

Ric Flair: THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD WANTS IT! SO LET’S GIVE IT TO ‘EM!

Flair takes the mic away from his face, shouting “C’mon!” as Kennedy ponders…

Mr. Kennedy: You want me at Wrestlemania XXIII?

Flair franticly nods his head, sweat flying everywhere…

Mr. Kennedy: You got me Ric!

A massive pop from the crowd, with Flair licking his lips at the thought of the match…

Mr. Kennedy: But I promise you this. I… WILL… end your career. I’ll be the one to finally put Ric Flair out to pasture. And maybe then… I’ll get the respect I deserve.

BOOM!

Out of nowhere Kennedy HITS FLAIR WITH HIS MICROPHONE!!

Flair crumples and hits the mat, with Kennedy pouncing, rolling Flair over to hammer him with right hands, as we see that Flair has already been busted open. Kennedy continues to rattle the fists off Flair’s forehead, before he gets back to his feet and once again grabs his microphone…


Mr. Kennedy: Or maybe… I’ll just end your damn career RIGHT NOW!

The crowd gasps as Kennedy starts wrapping the mic chord around his hand, a stark reminder of what he did to Teddy Long just two weeks ago. Kennedy lines Flair up, waiting for him to get back to his knees… to WRAP THE CHORD AROUND FLAIR’S THROAT!

The crowd boos furiously as Kennedy starts choking the life out of Ric Flair! Flair scrambles, arms flailing wildly, desperately looking for a way to escape… LOW BLOW!! Flair drills Kennedy with a nut show, causing the arrogant youngster to release his grip on the mic. Flair, blood running down his face, makes it back to his feet as Kennedy grabs at his crotch… and Flair starts landing rights and lefts to the face! Kennedy is reeling as Flair lays into him… until a big clothesline puts Kennedy over the top rope to the floor! The crowd is on there feet as Flair rips off his shirt, stood in a fighting stance, motioning, almost begging Kennedy for more!

Kennedy is furious on the outside, still suffering the pain in his groin, but he snarls and angrily stares into the ring, looking like he’s about to head back into the ring, until…

*HARD HITTIN’…*

The crowd groans as Smackdown’s Interim General Manager Jonathan Coachman barges out onto the stage…


Jonathan Coachman: Wait a minute! Hold on a damn second here! Stop this right now!

The crowd boos, with Kennedy looking almost glad of the interruption while Flair just looks like a man possessed…

Jonathan Coachman: Alright, you have your match at Wrestlemania, but that’s enough! You two aren’t gonna be brawlin’ all over my show! Mr. McMahon put names me Interim General Manager ‘cause he wants me to clean up Smackdown, and this kinda thing has to stop!

Heat…

Jonathan Coachman: Ric, you are a guest here tonight. I agreed to let you appear on Smackdown to talk things out with Mr. Kennedy, but I never signed up for blood-filled brawls! But since you seem so eager for a fight tonight, I’m gonna give you one. Tonight, it’s gonna be ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair… one on one with the Number One Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship… ‘The Rated-R Superstar’… Edge!

The crowd pops for the announcement of a massive main event…

Jonathan Coachman: But you remember one thing, Ric. This is MY show now, so you’re gonna play by MY rules tonight. Clean yourself up, get outta my ring… and enjoy the show.

*HARD HITTIN’…*

And with one last smirk, ‘Coach’ turns and heads backstage, leaving Flair in the ring, still blood pouring down his face, while Kennedy is seething , his eyes locked on Flair as he backs up the aisle…


Michael Cole: God, can you believe the intensity of Ric Flair? ‘The Nature Boy’ just challenged Mr. Kennedy to a match at Wrestlemania XXIII, and Kennedy accepted!

Tazz: What a match that’s gonna be! Such a bitter rivalry, and it’s all gonna be settled in Detroit City!

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah but you heard what Kennedy said. He’s headin’ to Detroit to end Ric Flair’s career once and for all. He wants to go down in history as the guy that finally retired Ric Flair, and I think he’s gonna do it!

Michael Cole: And of course tonight, Flair takes on ‘The 2007 Royal Rumble Winner’ Edge. It’s Flair and Edge in our main event tonight! That, and a whole lot more when we return to Friday Night Smackdown!

*Commercial​

*Video Package*

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL!

MARCH 3OTH, 2003
WRESTLEMANIA XIX


For the first time ever, two former champions of the amateur wrestling world would meet in the main event of Wrestlemania, with the WWE Championship on the line. Kurt Angle entered the match as the WWE Champion, but all the momentum was with the challenger Brock Lesnar after he won the Royal Rumble two months earlier. Angle and Lesnar battled back and forth, with Lesnar on several occasions trying for the F-5, only for Angle to counter out of it each time, including countering into an ankle lock. Lesnar escaped and finally did deliver that F-5, but instead of going for the cover, Lesnar went for what would prove to be the moment this match would be remembered for. At well over 300lbs, many were surprised when Lesnar climbed to the top rope... and the world was stunned as he then went for a shooting star press! Sadly, it never turned into quite the Wrestlemania moment Lesnar had hoped for as he landed on his head, giving him a concussion and damn near breaking his neck in the process. Lesnar sucked it up though, managing to his another F-5 that would ultimately get him the win, although both men looked groggy as they shook hands after the match in a great show of respect.

WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - 23 DAYS AND COUNTING


*End Video Package*

Back into the arena to hear…

*RAGE…*

A good amount of cheers as the Number One Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship Bryan Danielson enters the arena. Sporting a “Tap Or Snap?” t-shirt and a determined look on his face, Bryan slaps the odd hand as he makes his way towards the ring…


Michael Cole: What a great performance it was from this man, Bryan Danielson, at Saturday Night’s Main Event. It was supposed to be a Four Way Elimination Match, but after Shannon Moore was eliminated, it quickly turned into a handicap match.

Tazz: Right, I mean Chavo Guerrero and Joey Mercury, they started workin’ together to try and get Bryan outta the match. But credit to Danielson, he hung in there and now he’s goin’ to Wrestlemania baby!

John Bradshaw Layfield: I gotta admit, I may not like this kid, I might not believe the hype you two have built up around ‘im, but last Saturday night was very impressive. I still don’t think there’s a hope in hell he’s gonna beat Gregory Helms, but I was impressed.

*CHAVITO ARDIENTE…*​

Pretty solid heat for the arrival of Chavo Guerrero, the man who Danielson saw off to finally win the match last Saturday. Chavo’s aunt Vickie Guerrero is by his side, offering words of encouragement as the pair head for the ring…


Michael Cole: Well Chavo may have missed out on the chance to go to Wrestlemania, but tonight’s about perhaps gettin’ a little bit of revenge. A chance for Chavo to prove a point tonight.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Chavo is a Guerrero! He don’t have to prove anythin’, the name alone speaks of this guys credentials. But at the same time, he’s a proud Guerrero, and losin’ to a geek like this guy Danielson had to hurt ‘im. Chavo’s here to just remind everybody of just how good he can be.

Tazz: Nobody’s gonna doubt Chavo’s credentials, but Bryan Danielson has been on a tear here since he got to the WWE. I just don’t think guys like Chavo and Joey Mercury can figure this guy out. And if Gregory Helms can’t figure ‘im out, we’re gonna have a new Cruiserweight Championship in about a month’s time.

Match 1:
Chavo Guerrero
w/ Vickie Guerrero vs. Bryan Danielson

An aggressive opening tie up leads to Danielson quickly twisting into a hammerlock, but Chavo breaks free of this just as fast with an elbow to the side of the head. Quickening the pace, Chavo comes off the ropes, straight into an armdrag from AmDrag. Both men are back up, and then right back down from another armdrag, but once more both men spring back to their feet. Chavo misses wildly with a right hand, leading to a backslide from Danielson... Chavo kicks out at 2, but Danielson runs him into the ropes for a rollup... Chavo hangs, and when Bryan rolls back to his feet, Chavo is already charging... textbook dropkick brings the sequence to an end! Frustrated, Chavo rolls to the outside, Vickie quickly over to speak with her nephew. Vickie tries to offer her encouragement, but Bryan doesn’t want to wait as he comes off the opposite ropes... suicide dive! Vickie screams and runs for safety as Danielson flies through the ropes, taking Chavo down and then landing a string of right hands on the floor.

Chavo gets tossed back into the ring for another near fall, before Bryan starts unloading with those educated feet of his. Forearms to the side of the head follow, before Bryan goes for the Irish whip... but Chavo reverses, only to miss with a clothesline... running leg lariat puts Chavo down! Chavo shakes his head as he sits up, but a trio of kicks land to the base of the spine, causing Chavo to cry out in pain. Guerrero heads for the corner to try escape the punishment, but the boots just keep on landing from Bryan, this time to the midsection and head. Dazed, Chavo is sent for the ride to the opposite corner, but as Danielson races in, Chavo manages to get a boot up... and follow with a stiff clothesline! Chavo hooks the leg, but only manages a 2 count, but now it’s Guerrero who starts to lay in with the stiff kicks and stomps to the body.

Looking to string some offence together, Chavo starts with a textbook Saito suplex for another near fall, before he synchs Bryan from behind, unloading with uppercuts to the side of the face. This is then transitioned into a high hammerlock as Chavo looks to target the arm. Chavo wrenches and bends the wrist behind Danielson’s head, every now and then applying extra pressure. Danielson struggles back to his feet, drilling elbows that break the hold, but Chavo instantly drives a knee to the midsection... then hooks Bryan up... sitout inverted suplex slam! Chavo plants Danielson, rolls him over into the cover... 1... 2... Danielson rolls a shoulder. Chavo now strings together a series of offense, as uppercuts land to the face, then the arm is targeted again as Bryan’s arm is wrapped around the top rope, Chavo driving his foot into the shoulder as he leans back, trying to yank the arm out of its socket. More work is applied to the arm, as a shoulderbreaker gets Chavo a 2 count, before it’s nothing but viciousness as Danielson is sent shoulder first into the ringpost.

More damage to the shoulder as elbows land on top of it, before Chavo takes Danielson up for one suplex... and a second... a third to complete the Three Amigos, much to the displeasure of the crowd. Chavo and Vickie revel in the heat the move garners, and after getting another near fall, he works into armbar, trying to hyper extend the left arm of Bryan. Danielson pumps his fist, trying to get the crowd into it, trying to fight the pain, but Chavo continues to wrench the move on tight. Danielson is in the hold for a good while, but eventually he manages to work back to his knees... and then flips over, with Chavo’s shoulders on the mat... 1... 2... Chavo kicks out, releasing the hold. Bryan tries to shake some life back into his left arm, but as Chavo charges in, he’s able to use his feet to land more kicks to the body. Bryan goes for the Irish whip, but Chavo reverses... and misses a right hand... flying forearm from Danielson! Chavo scrambles for the corner, but Bryan stays on hi, landing kicks to the chest before sending Chavo across... again Chavo reverses, although Bryan runs the ropes, backflips off the top... and then nails Chavo with a dropkick against the turnbuckle! Guerrero is stunned, but it’s about to get worse as Bryan muscles him into a seated position in the corner... and then joins him up top... TOP ROPE HURRICANRANA! Bryan sends Chavo flying, hooks the leg... 1... 2... no! Chavo kicks out!

Vickie breathes a huge sigh of relief as Chavo stays alive, but Danielson stays on him, again going to work with kicks to the chest... but he misses with one to the head, allowing Chavo to push Bryan off the ropes... where Vickie grabs his ankle! Danielson angrily stops, glaring at Vickie, before he finally turns and races at Chavo... straight into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Chavo plants Bryan, hooks the leg... 1... 2... NO! Danielson rolls a shoulder, Chavo can’t believe it! With Danielson still down, Chavo looks towards the corner, although he takes his time as he climbs to the top rope. Once there, Chavo again brings back memories of his Uncle Eddie as he shakes his chest to more boos, before he flies... FROG SPLASH... NO! Chavo takes too long and eats nothing but mat! Danielson now sees a chance to attack, drilling Chavo with kicks to the head as he gets back to his knees, before Danielson comes off the ropes... low angle dropkick! Daneislon nearly takes Chavo’s head off, but now it’s he who heads to the top rope... MISSILE DROPKICK CONNECTS! 1... 2... Chavo rolls a shoulder!

Both men look tried as Bryan drags Chavo up, driving a pair of uppercuts to the face before he goes for the Irish whip to the corner... Chavo counters, and then follows in... but Bryan uses the ropes to elevated himself over... no! Chavo catches him on his shoulders, working Danielson into position... DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Out of nowhere Guerrero plants Bryan, and he doesn’t even bother to hook the leg... 1... 2... BRYAN GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPE! Chavo can’t believe it, slamming his hands off the mat in a fit of rage, while ‘JBL’ screams down his headset “What the hell’s it gonna take to put this guy away?!”, a sentiment shared by both Guerrero’s. Chavo gets in the referee’s face, demanding that it was 3, but as he’s told no, Chavo turns back to Bryan, dragging him to his feet... out of nowhere Danielson grabs Chavo’s hand, dragging him down to the mat... and working Chavo into... the LEBELL LOCK!! Danielson locks on his deadly submission move, but Chavo desperately tries to fight it, scratching, clawing for the ropes... but he has no option but to tap out! Chavo taps!!

Winner: Bryan Danielson @ 07.24


Vickie lets out a scream of frustration as Danielson puts in yet another impressive performance, building more momentum ahead of Wrestlemania. Danielson quickly gets back on his feet, selling the effects of the match put getting a rousing cheer as his hand is raised in victory. Bryan takes a few deep breaths before he exits the ring, with the commentary team putting over how much of a threat he is to Gregory Helms as we head off for a commercial.

*Commercial*​

And when we return, Josh Matthews is standing by…


Josh Matthews: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown everybody. And please welcome my guest at this time, he is the Cruiserweight Champion… Gregory Helms.

Boos as the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms steps into the frame, a angry scowl on his face. Helms is dressed in street clothes, not ready to compete tonight, while the Cruiserweight Title is strapped around his shoulder…

Josh Matthews: And Gregory, it was Saturday Night’s Main Event that we found out that at Wrestlemania it will be you defending your Cruiserweight Championship against Bryan Danielson. After yet another impressive display from the challenger earlier this evening, I was just wondering what your thoughts were regarding the challenger?

Helms now turns and scowls as Matthews…

Gregory Helms: Impressive? You think that was impressive? Tell me, how impressed were you with Bryan Danielson when he was lyin’ flat out on the mat last Saturday night after I stepped into the ring wit’ ‘im. Huh? How impressed were you then?

Matthews sheepishly looks at the ground, offering no response…

Gregory Helms: That’s what I thought. Y’see Bryan Danielson looks great when he’s takin’ on guys like Chavo Guerrero, Joey Mercury and Shannon Moore. But any time he’s ever stepped in the ring wit’ me, I’ve made him look like the piece o’ trash that he is.

Helms now turns to the camera…

Gregory Helms: He got the big introduction, he got the big welcome, but when it came down to it at No Way Out, he just didn’t have what it takes to become a champion. I ain’t worried about Bryan Danielson. All the hype, all the wins over guys who ain’t fit to lace my boots, but when it really matters, he just ain’t in my league.

Helms smirks with confidence…

Gregory Helms: I ain’t no Mexican tryin’ to live up to the family name, I ain’t no Hollywood pretty boy, and I ain’t some punk with a nose ring and a mohawk. I’m Gregory Helms, I am the Cruiserweight Champion, and at Wrestlemania I’m gonna prove to you, to Bryan Danielson and to the world, like I proved time and time again, that I am

Helms glances down at his title, then back into the camera…

Gregory Helms: The best damn cruiserweight in the world today.

And with one last smirk at the camera, and then at Josh, Helms turns and walks out of the shot, the camera lingering on Josh for a few seconds before we head elsewhere.

To the office of the Interim General Manager Jonathan Coachman, who stands in the middle of his room, talking to… Layla? It’s a rare appearance for the seldom seen 2006 Diva Search Winner, although as we enter the room she and ‘Coach’ appear to be already in conversation…


Jonathan Coachman: …y’know? I mean if Mr. McMahon can have a very beautiful assistant in Brooke Adams, then I figured I should have one too. And I can’t think of anybody better than you Layla.

Layla gives off a sultry laugh as she starts to play with Coachman’s suit jacket…

Layla: Well Mr. Coachman, as fun as that sounds, I actually wanted to talk to you about some other business today. Do you… think you have time to squeeze me in?

Layla draws herself closer, prompting Coachman’s eyes to drift down into her cleavage…

Jonathan Coachman: Oh I can always make time for you Layla. What’s on your mind?

Layla: Well y’see, lately I’ve been thinking of the best way to utilize my… talents… here on Smackdown. And I’ve been working on putting together a little tag team, that I’d love to bring here to Smackdown. Of course, I’ve had offers from Monday Night Raw, but I…

Layla playfully runs a finger down the bridge of Coachman’s nose…

Layla: Thought of you first ‘Coach’. And I was just wondering, if you could maybe give them Smackdown contracts. What d’ya think?

‘Coach’ stumbles for words like a virgin in a brothel, before he shakes his head and manages to pull himself together…

Jonathan Coachman: Absolutely! I’ll have the contracts drawn up right away!

Layla smiles seductively…

Jonathan Coachman: But uh, while you’re here, perhaps we can discuss something other than business. I mean, all work and no play…

’Coach’ slowly leans in, drawing an awkward, almost panicky look from Layla… until there’s a knock at the door. Layla looks relieved, turning her head towards the door, while Coach mutter under his breath…

Jonathan Coachman: God… come in!

The door swings open, and in walks The Full Blooded Italians, lead of course by their ‘Don’ Santino Marella. Marella is accompanied as always by Trinity, Big Vito, Nunzio and Tony Mamaluke, the men all dressed in their 30’s styled suits with fedora hats…

Santino Marella: Excuse-ah me! I hope-ah we are not-ah interrupting anything?

Layla: No! No, absolutely not. We were just finished. Thank you so much ‘Coach’, I’ll see you next week!

Layla quickly scrambles from the room, leaving ‘Coach’ clutching at air as he watches her leave…

Jonathan Coachman: Alright Santino, this better be good!

Santino Marella: Si! Mr. Coachman, I have-ah de’ business proposition for-ah you!

Jonathan Coachman: Go on.

Santino Marella: Well, it-ah comes to my attention that tonight I have-ah my Money in the Bank qualifying match with-ah Chris BonneNuit, si?

Initially ‘Coach’ looks confused, but he soon understands…

Jonathan Coachman: Oh! Oh Benoit! Chris Benoit! Yes, that’s right. Your qualifying match tonight is with Chris Benoit.

Santino Marella: Si. But you see Mr. Coachman, Santino doesn’t-ah think this is-ah very fair. After all, I am new to these-ah parts. Chris BonneNuit is a former World Heavyweight Champion. It wouldn’t be right to do-ah this match.

Jonathan Coachman: So uh… what do you propose?

Santino smiles to himself, snapping his fingers, which prompts Nunzio to reach into his jacket pocket, pulling out a brown envelope that he passes to Mamaluke…

Santino Marella: Mr. Coachman, we are-ah both the business men. So…

Who then passes it to Vito…

Santino Marella: I propose that we…

Who then passes it to Trinity…

Santino Marella: Even up-ah the odds, shall we say?

Who seductively places it in the hands of ‘Coach’. Coachman opens the envelope, and his eyes nearly bulge out of his head, before he clears his throat, glances over both shoulders to see if anyone is watching (but forgetting about the camera, obviously) and then slips the envelope into the inside pocket of his suit…

Jonathan Coachman: I’m sure we can come to some kind of arrangement. Please… take a seat.

it’s all smiles as ‘Coach’ ushers Santino and Trinity towards the leather couches, before ‘Coach’ takes one last nervous look around and we head back into the arena…

To hear…

*SLICED BREAD…*​

The crowd gives a great response for the WWE Tag Team Champions The Hooligans as they race out from the back, firing up the audience. Although it’s only Brian Kendrick who is competing tonight, he’s still accompanied by Paul London, although London hangs back and walks to the ring with Ashley Massaro, allowing Kendrick to sprint to the ring by himself…


Michael Cole: What on earth was that all about?

Tazz: I think our new Interim General Manager just took a bribe from The Full Blooded Italians! So much for ‘im bein’ here to clean up Smackdown.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Now wait a damn minute! You don’t know that! You have no idea what was in that envelope or what’s gonna happen tonight. That’s slander!

Tazz: Are you kiddin’ me!?

Michael Cole; Alright, alright. Let’s not start that again. Right now, here come the WWE Tag Team Champions, although this is scheduled to only be a singles match, and it’s Brian Kendrick who’ll represent the champions.

Tazz: Yeah and the champs gotta be feelin’ pretty confident right now after that big victory over La Resistance last week to finally put that feud to bed.

John Bradshaw Layfield: They got lucky. But luck ain’t gonna help Kendrick tonight, not after Paul Burchill gets his hands on ‘im.

*VILLIAN…*​

Some real solid heat as The Bluebloods stride towards the ring. Dave Taylor leads the way down the aisle, while Paul Burchill speaks straight into the ear of the always menacing Paul Burchill, with Burchill confidently nodding along to every word…


Michael Cole: What an impact this man Paul Burchill has made on The Bluebloods. London and Kendrick really had Regal and Taylor’s number, but since Burchill has arrived on the scene, it’s been hard goin’ for the champions.

John Bradshaw Layfield: That’s ‘cause Burchill is a real difference maker. You’ve got the technique and the brawling of Regal, the veteran savvy of Taylor, and now you’ve got the brute strength of Burchill. These three could possibly be the most complete unit in the WWE today.

Tazz: But the one advantage London and Kendrick have over any team they face is speed. And Kendrick better use that tonight or we could be lookin’ at another Paul Burchill victory…

Match 2:
WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Kendrick w/ Paul London and Ashley Massaro vs. Paul Burchill w/ William Regal and Dave Taylor

As the bell rings, both men stride towards each other, the difference in size between the two glaring. Burchill moves in to try grab hold of Kendrick, but Brian slips underneath, quickly back on his feet to tag Burchill with kick after kick to the thigh. Burchill backs away, but then charges in, but once again Kendrick avoids it... and then catches Burchill with an armdrag. Another armdrag puts Burchill back down again, before Kendrick grabs the arm and hits a legdrop across it. Looking to quicken the pace, Kendrick comes off the ropes, only for Burchill to bowl him over with a shoulderblock. Burchill aggressively yanks Kendrick up and starts drilling his knee into the midsection, backing Kendrick into the ropes. An Irish whip sends Kendrick across, but Burchill lowers his head... sunset flip... 1... 2... Burchill kicks out, but Kendrick is back on his feet... jumping heel kick knocks Burchill through the ropes to the outside! Burchill takes a hard landing, but Regal and Taylor are quickly over to help him back to his feet... but they don’t see Kendrick climb to the top rope... moonsault takes down all three!! The crowd pops bigtime as Kendrick takes a huge risk, but it pays off as he rolls Burchill back into the ring for a near fall.

Burchill makes it back to his knees, but Kendrick tags him with kicks to the side of the head, before he goes for an Irish whip to the corner... but Burchill reverses, only for Kendrick to jump to the second rope... and then jump at Burchill... springboard headscissors takedown! Burchill is staggered, stumbling to the ropes, but Kendrick races off the opposite side... flying crossbody... but Burchill catches him... fallaway slam! Burchill sends Kendrick flying, the momentum of the move seeing him bounce and roll under the bottom rope to the outside. In the ring, Burchill heads towards London, trying to pick a fight with him. This draws the attention of the referee, allowing Regal and Taylor to take advantage, hammer Kendrick with a flurry of boots and stomps. Taylor gets Kendrick up... and drives him spine first into the barricade! Regal then grabs Kendrick and aggressively yanks him back into the ring, with Burchill quick to lay in with more boots to the small of the back.

Burchill now targets the spine, dropping knees, forearms and right hands to Kendrick’s back, before he uses brute strength to shove Kendrick into the corner. Burchill charges, but Kendrick gets a boot up. Again Burchill charges, again Kendrick manages to get the boot into the face, and this time he comes out of the corner... into a massive clothesline! Burchill nearly takes Kendrick’s head off, hooking the leg... 1... 2... Kendrick kicks out. With Kendrick down near the corner, Burchill slides under the bottom rope, and pulls Kendrick spine first against the ringpost, applying pressure to Kendrick’s chin and foot as he pushes off against the post... applying all kinds of pressure to Kendrick’s spine! Kendrick cries in pain, but Burchill takes every second of the 5 count before he finally lets go, the camera close enough to hear Regal say “That’s it, punish ‘im!” as Burchill slides back into the ring.

A backbreaker, a diving knee drop and a vertical suplex all add damage to the back, before Burchill gets a near fall from a snap overhead belly-to-belly. Frustrated, Burchill synchs on a bodyscissors, using his legs to squeeze and apply pressure to the lower back. Kendrick tries to pry himself free, but Burchill doesn’t budge, keeping his legs wrapped tight. It takes a flurry of elbows to the face to finally free Kendrick, but as he stumbles back to his feet Burchill simply drills a knee to the back. Burchill fires Kendrick to the corner, but he once again eats a boot to the face... and Kendrick comes out of the corner with a tornado DDT! Kendrick hits the move out of desperation, as now both men are down. Both men take their time making it back up, and when Burchill makes the first move Kendrick beats him to the punch, unloading with forearms to the head before he goes for the Irish whip to the corner... Burchill reverses and charges in... but runs straight into the turnbuckle as Kendrick slides through the ropes! Burchill stumbles away while Kendrick stands on the apron... and slings up... springboard dropkick! Kendrick looks to build some momentum, but Dave Taylor quickly jumps on the apron... running forearm sends Taylor back down, but now Burchill is behind Kendrick... side suplex... Kendrick lands on his feet behind him... kick to the midsection... SLICED BREAD... NO! Burchill counters, pushing Kendrick off of him... flying over the top ropes... and landing on Regal and Taylor!

The two Bluebloods on the outside are in convenient position as Kendrick flies through the air, but as the champion picks himself up, Regal gets in his face... Kendrick rocks him with a forearm... and then one for Taylor! Kendrick jumps back onto the apron, at the same times as London runs the apron too... crossbody to Regal and Taylor... but they catch him... and drill London spine first into the ringpost! London tastes the cold steel, but as this is going on, Kendrick sticks his head through the ropes, driving his shoulder into Burchill’s midsection. He then slings up to the top rope... springboard hurricanrana... but Burchill shows great strength to block the move, pulling Kendrick back up... to then fall backwards... letting Kendrick smack face first off the top turnbuckle! Kendrick is on dream street as he stumbles backwards from the corner... JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Burchill plants Kendrick, and aggressively goes for the cover, driving his forearm into the face as the referee counts 1... 2... 3.

Winner: Paul Burchill @ 06.49

Yet another impressive victory for Paul Burchill, as despite the shenanigans at ringside, it was a perfectly clean win. Burchill aggressively pushes himself off of Kendrick, getting back to his feet, before he’s joined in the ring by Regal and Taylor, who raise Burchill’s hand high in the air. London is down on the outside being tended to by Ashley, and with Kendrick down in the ring, it’s The Blueblood who stand tall after once again laying out the tag team champion.

*Commercial*​

And we return to see Kristal Marshall is ready for an interview...


Kristal Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time… ‘The Rated-R Superstar’… Edge.

Big time heat as Edge enters the scene, an arrogant smirk etched on his face…

Kristal Marshall: Well Edge, it’s official. At Wrestlemania XXIII, it’s gonna be you and Batista one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship. What are your thoughts now that you exactly what you’ll face in Detroit? And also, what are your thoughts on your match with Ric Flair tonight?

Edge ponders, rubbing his chin…

Edge: My thoughts? My thoughts are pretty much the same as they’ve always been. For the moment I decided that I was gonna challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, I’ve always had the mindset that I will become champion. The fact that it’s Batista doesn’t really matter to me. If could have been Batista, it could’ve been Mr. Kennedy, hell, it could’ve been anybody. I really don’t care anymore who I face and who I beat. But I will become World Heavyweight Champion.

Edge ponders again…

Edge: As for Ric Flair, I’ve beat his wrinkled ass enough times in the past to know he’s not a threat to me. I mean, I appreciate Jonathan Coachman givin’ me a little warm up match, but I really don’t need it. I think I showed with my performance at Saturday Night’s Main Event that I’m at the top of my game right now. Mr. Kennedy didn’t do himself any favours with his attitude durin’ out tag team match that night, but I hope he paid attention to how a real champion gets things done. And I hope he’s payin’ attention tonight too. Maybe he can pick up a few pointers ahead of his match at Wrestlemania.

Edge looks like he’s had enough and is about to leave, only for Kristal to carry on…

Kristal Marshall: Well Edge, speaking of Saturday Night’s Main Event, a lot of people have found it rather convenient that you and Batista never actually came into physical contact with each other. There’s a lot of whispers goin’ around backstage that when ‘The Animal’ said you were scared of him… he was right.

Edge angrily turns and looks at Kristal, intimidating her…

Edge: What did you say? Huh!? You think I’m scared?! HUH!? You think me, Edge, is scared of Batista!?

Kristal cowers in fear, barely able to keep the microphone in position…

Edge: WRONG! I’m not scared of anybody! If anythin’, Batista oughta be scared of ME! ‘Cause he has no idea what I can be capable of. I can strike at a seconds notice, and that’s all it’s gonna take at Wrestlemania for me to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. One spear, and it’s all over. Infact… I’m gonna prove that tonight against Ric Flair. So Dave, I hope you’re watchin’ tonight, ‘cause I intend on makin’ an example of your mentor. And I’m gonna you just a taste of what lies in-store for you at Wrestlemania.

Edge has regained his composure as he looks deep into the camera…

Edge: This year Wrestlemania goes Rated-R! And that means you’re in your title reign Dave, is about to come to an end. And there’s not a damn thing you can do about it!

Edge turns and snaps one last glare at Kristal before he leaves, the interview still shaking with fear as we fade into a video…

*Video Package*

We open to a pitch black screen, with the faint sound of a revving motor engine slowly but surely getting louder...

Narrator: The road may be long...

Slowly on the horizon we see a red convertible driving over a hill, heading towards a sunset which lights the screen...

Narrator: The journey may be treacherous...

The revs of the engine increase and get louder, with the camera closing in on shots of the side of the car...

Narrator: But you'll love every second of it!

We now skim along the rear of the car, the sun glistening on the chrome duel exhaust...

Narrator: So strap yourself in...

The car now speeds past a road sign that reads "8 MILE ROAD"...

Narrator: And get ready!

From behind we see an image of the Detroit skyline, with our car heading down a straight road towards it...

Narrator: 20 years on, Wrestlemania returns to Detroit, Michigan!

More fast paced shots of the car racing through the streets of Detroit...

Narrator: And it's going to be...

The car suddenly crashes into the screen, with the grill of the car having the official Wrestlemania 23 logo and tagline printed on it...

Narrator: The ride of your life!



"WWE WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - APRIL 1ST - LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW!"

*End Video Package*

After the video, we then head to the locker rooms, the scene opening on a pair of black wrestling boots on the floor. A pair of hands reaches down to tie the laces, with the camera panning up to reveal the boots belong to none other than Ric Flair. ‘The Nature Boy’ laces up his boots tight, with the camera showing us that he has a bandage across the cut on his forehead from earlier in the evening. A shadow is soon cast over him though, but as Flair looks up, it’s all smiles as we see the World Heavyweight Champion Batista standing over him…

Ric Flair: Hey! Big Dave! How ya’ doin’ champ?

The two share a handshake that quickly turns into a hug…

Batista: I’m good, I’m good. How you doin’? How’s the head?

Ric Flair: Don’t worry about that man, it’s fine. Nothin’ but a scratch. Hey, nice job Saturday night man. You really taught that punk Kennedy a thing or two. Just like I’m gonna do at Wrestlemania.

Batista smiles and nods his head in agreement…

Batista: Yeah it was a good night. Matt Hardy did a great job as my partner too.

A quick pop from inside the arena as Batista puts Hardy over…

Batista: But listen, about tonight. I know Edge and Kennedy aren’t exactly friends anymore after Edge walked out on the match Saturday night, but I got a feelin’ they’re gonna try somethin’ tonight. I ain’t got a match tonight, so I really think I oughta be there in your corner.

Flair smiles appreciatively…

Ric Flair: Listen big guy. You got your own stuff to deal with right now. You don’t need to worry about ol’ Naitch, I’ll be fine.

Batista flares his nostrils, not sure if Flair’s doing the right thing…

Ric Flair: Hey, don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it. If Kennedy wants to try somethin’, then that’s fine with me. ‘Cause I can’t wait to get my hands on ‘im again.

This time Batista smiles and nods his head…

Batista: Alright, good luck tonight. Let’s see some that old Flair magic tonight.

Once again the pair shake hands…

Ric Flair: You got it big guy. Now get outta here! Enjoy that night off.

Batista turns and heads for the exit, leaving Flair behind to finish his preparations as we head back into the arena for…

"OH YEAH..."

*LIVE FOR THE MOMENT...*

A great ovation as Matt Hardy bounces out into the arena, instantly pumping out the crowd. Hardy stops under the Smackdown fist to flash the ‘Version-1’ sign before he heads for the ring, slapping every hand he can as he goes…


Michael Cole: Here comes the man who will challenge the United States Champion Finlay at Wrestlemania. Matt Hardy has always been known as a tag team specialist, always been known as a man who kinda hung around the lower reaches of the card. But 2007 has seen a more focused, a more determined Hardy, capable of takin’ it to the next level.

Tazz: Oh absolutely. Matt Hardy is a changed man as of late, he’s looking to push his career up a notch. He had a good showin’ durin’ the Royal Rumble, he has a great night at No Way Out, followed it up with another good performance last Saturday night. This guy’s got all kinds of momentum headin’ into Wrestlemania.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah but the big question is can he cut it with the big boys? Can he take that next step. I’ve yet to be convinced.

*THIS IS A TEST (EXTREME REMIX)...*​

Boos as Test makes his first appearance in a while, but he still manages to draw some decent heat for himself as he snarls and throws trash talk at the ringside fans…


Michael Cole: When Test is on his game, he can be a very dangerous competitor. He’s another guy who had a strong start to 2007, but consecutive defeats to Chris Benoit and then Batista got Test off track. He’ll look to get back to winnin’ ways tonight.

John Bradshaw Layfield: He’s a big powerhouse, a guy who can do some real damage once he gets goin’. This is a teal test for Matt Hardy tonight.

Tazz: Yeah nice pun man. Let’s hope this match is better than those jokes o' yours...

Match 3:
Matt Hardy
vs. Test

Hardy looks confident as the two tie up, and we quickly takes Test down with a headlock takedown. Hardy wrenches on a grounded chinlock, but Test quickly muscles his way back up, pushing Matt off the ropes… and then running him over with a shoulderblock. Test quickens the pace by coming off the ropes, but Hardy lays down to avoid him… then catches Test with a hiptoss as he comes back across. Matt quickly comes off the ropes for a snap legdrop, getting the first near fall of the match, causing a flustered Test to head for the corner and call for time as he tries to regroup. Hardy obliges, giving Test plenty of space to come out of the corner, the two once again tying up. This time it’s Test who works the standing side headlock, but Hardy is able to shove Test into the ropes… who looks for the running big boot… baseball slide from Hardy avoids it… and then he takes Test down with a Russian legsweep for another near fall. Test angrily rolls from the ring, frustrated at how the early exchanges have gone, so much so that he kicks out at the steel steps. Matt is willing to wait though, as he grabs the top rope… plancha onto Test! Hardy flies through the air, getting the crowd fired up again as he takes Test down.

Hardy takes the fight to Test on the outside, smashing him face first off the announce desk. However, when Hardy moves to get Test back inside, Test out of sheer desperation drives Matt spine first into the side of the ring, allowing him a chance to recover as Hardy slumps to the floor. A few clubbing forearms connect with the back, before Test rolls Hardy back into the ring. A hard scoop slam puts Hardy down, with a big elbow dropped across the throat getting Test a 2 count. Looking to do further damage, Test sends Matt to the corner with a hard Irish whip, but he charges right into a boot to the face. Hardy then springs to the second rope… double axe handle! Hardy takes Test down, hooks the leg… 1… 2… Test kicks out. Favouring his back slightly, Matt pulls Test up, unloading with right hands, before he sends Test to the corner. Matt follows in… clothesline… and then the bulldog… but Test pushes him off, into the ropes… and then running straight into a massive boot to the face! Test damn near takes Matt’s head off, and he drops into the cover… 1… 2… Hardy rolls a shoulder. It’s at this stage of the match that we quickly cut backstage to see the United States Champion Finlay stood infront of a TV set, watching the match from the interview area, his title across his shoulder as he sternly watches Hardy in action.

‘The Impact Player’ now mounts Hardy, hammering him with well placed right hands to the top of the forehead. Hardy crawls for the ropes, where Test uses his weight to choke Matt against the middle rope, the ref berating Test for taking so long to break the choke. Leaving Matt in place, Test comes off the opposite ropes… and again drives all his weight across Matt’s back, choking him once more. Hardy coughs and splutters, barely kicking out of Test’s pinfall attempt. More fists to the face land, before Matt is sent to the corner… no, Hardy reverses and follows in… but Test avoids the contact, letting Matt hit the corner… and then he flattens Hardy with a falling clothesline! Here’s the cover, 1… 2… Matt rolls a shoulder, much to Test’s annoyance. Test now looks for a few power moves to try soften Matt up, connecting on a backbreaker, a full nelson slam and then a gutwrench suplex, all three moves getting Test 2 counts. Frustrations grows for Test, but now Hardy shows his fight, striking Test with right hands that back ‘The Impact Player’ to the ropes. Hardy goes for an Irish whip… which Test reverses… into a bearhug!

Test elevates Matt, squeezing around his waist, applying pressure to the spine in an attempt to make Hardy submit. Hardy tries to break free, but Test simply squeezes harder, applying more pressure, shaking Matt from side to side as he wrenches the hold on tight. Slowly but surely, Matt starts to fade, his head and arms dropping as the pain of the hold takes over. Test continues to wrench, shaking Matt, wanting him to submit, but the crowd start to cheer, with Hardy feeding off the volume in the arena. Test tries to fight against it, continuing to wrench Matt, but Hardy shows signs of life as he starts to fight free… elbow to the side of the head… and another… and a third breaks the hold… but Test fires back with a knee to the midsection… and then synchs Matt in… GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB… NO! Matt rolls all the way over, landing on his feet behind Test… and spinning him around for the SIDE EFFECT! Hardy nails the side effect, but both men are down on impact, the referee starting his count. He makes it to 6 before either man shows signs of life, but they both stumble back up… Hardy slugs a right hand… Test fires back… Hardy again… again Test hits back… Hardy tags him… and again… and a third straight from Matt gives him the momentum, backing Test to the ropes, allowing Matt to go for the Irish whip… Test reverses… but Hardy runs under his clothesline… flying forearm from Hardy!

Hardy has a bounce in his step as he gets back on his feet, slugging right after right that drives Test to the corner. An Irish whip sends him across… Matt follows in for the clothesline… then out of the corner with the bulldog! Test is down, but Hardy is already heading for the corner, roaring to the crowd as he stands on the second rope… diving legdrop connects! 1… 2… Test rolls a shoulder! Although disappointed, Hardy presses on, again slugging rights and lefts to the body, before he launches Test to the corner… no, Test reverses… but runs into a boot to the face. Hardy quickly pushes himself onto the second rope… elbow drop across the back of Test’s head! Matt has all the momentum as he jumps back up, roaring to the crowd, waiting for Test to rise. Test stumbles to his feet… kick… TWIST OF FATE… NO! Test twists free, then drills Matt with a kick to the gut… before he hooks him up… PUMPHANDLE SLAM! Test rattles off the big impact move, falling into the lateral press… 1… 2… NO! Hardy rolls his shoulder! Test is enraged, furiously shouting at the referee, demanding the 3 count, but he gets no joy as the referee confirms it was only 2. Seeking to finally put Hardy away, Test yanks him to his feet, then synchs him in… and poses for the crowd to a round of boos before he makes his move… GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB... NO!! Again Hardy is able to carry the momentum through, landing on his feet behind Test, turning him around… kick… TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy gets all of it, and he quickly crawls into the cover… 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Matt Hardy @ 08.47

A great win for Hardy, solidifying his recent run of victories. Hardy stumbles back to his feet, selling the effects of the match, before his hand is raised by the referee to another pop. The shot then cuts back to Finlay, still stood infront of the monitor, but now a much more angry look on his face. Finlay seethes, twirling his shillelagh in his hand, clearly not impressed with Hardy’s win… so he smashes the monitor with his shillelagh! The monitor crashes to the floor, electrical sparks flying everywhere, before Finlay then starts trashing the surrounding area. The backstage area now looks a total mess thanks to Finlay, with the United States Champion having one last look at the damage he’s done before he walks off and we head into commercial.

*Commercial*​

We're back, and John Bradshaw Layfield: is already in the ring, his music just about coming to and end. 'JBL' wears a broad smile on his face, adjusting his tie and cowboy hat as he waits for silence...


John Bradshaw Layfield: Ladies and gentlemen, once again, I, your Wrestling Gawd, is here to prove my I'm the not only the greatest wrestler who ever lived, but that I have seamlessly transitioned into the greatest broadcast journalist who ever lived.

The crowd boo, but 'JBL' laps it up like cheers...

John Bradshaw Layfield: Thank you, thank you. It was three weeks ago, that the world was left in shock. The world was stunned as the man thought to be unbreakable... was broken. 'The Phenom', The Undertaker, a man who for over 15 years has used fear and mind games to control his opponents... ran into a man... no, a monster... who is truly fearless. 'The Deadman' ran into 'The Savage of Samoa'... Umaga.

The crowd remains relatively silent as 'JBL' smiles...

John Bradshaw Layfield: He has never been pinned, he has never been forced to submit. He made his debut eleven months ago, he started bulldozin' the competition, and he hasn't been stopped since. And at No Way Out... he did this.

*Video Package*

HIGHLIGHTS FROM NO WAY OUT


Booker is somehow able to crawl on his belly to the centre of the ring, with ‘Taker standing over him... and DRAWING A THUMB ACROSS HIS THROAT! The crowd erupts again as they sense the end is nigh! Booker somehow gets back to his knees... then back to his feet. Stood behind him, Undi waits for Booker to turn towards him. Booker looks out on his feet, barely able to move as he turns around... and ‘Taker scoops him up... TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!!

As ‘Taker labours to shift the deadweight King, a commotion is heard from the crowd. The noise level grows, but ‘Taker doesn’t notice, continuing to roll Booker to the casket. The commotion soon turns to a mix of cheers and gasps of shock, with the camera finally revealing to us...

THAT UMAGA IS IN THE RING!!!

Having raced through the crowd, ‘The Samoan Savage’ is stood behind an unsuspecting Undertaker! The crowd is going ape shit, and it soon dawns on Undertaker that something’s going on. ‘Taker senses a presence behind him, standing up and turning around... UMAGA RUNS THROUGH UNDERTAKER WITH A MASSIVE BODYBLOCK!! Caught off guard, Undertaker is powerless as Umaga hammers him! Stumbling back to his feet, ‘Taker tries to swing rights and lefts, but he’s stunned by the appearance of Umaga... who takes Undertaker up FOR A SAMOAN DROP!! Umaga plants ‘Taker with ease, with Armando Estrada now joining his monster at ringside, conducting traffic. Estrada motions for ‘Taker to be brought to his feet, which Umaga obliges with... before letting out a massive native yell... SAMOAN SPIKE!!!

Estrada slaps his hands off the casket lid, with Umaga nodding his understanding. The crowd is confused, thinking how can Umaga place ‘Taker in the casket with the lid closed. They’re about to find out, as Umaga drags the now lifeless ‘Deadman’ up... and GOES FOR A SWINGING SIDE SLAM... OVER THE TOP ROPE... AND STRAIGHT THROUGH THE CASKET LID!!!

Michael Cole: What the- what the hell is goin' on!?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Have you ever seen The Undertaker man handled like that?

Suddenly the LIGHTS GO OUT...

*GONG...*

*DRUIDS MARCH...*


Once more the druids head down to the ring, six of them in two columns of three. Mist engulfs the aisle, drifting around Umaga and Estrada, while an eerie blue haze illuminates the pair. The druids march down the aisle, one column passing on either side of Umaga. Estrada looks spooked, but 'The Samoan Bulldozer' never changes his expression for a second, continuing to snarl as the druids drift on past him.

Michael Cole: This is one of the most surreal things I've ever seen. In all my years of broadcast journalism... I've never seen anything like this.

Slowly the druids reach into the ring, pulling the lifeless body of The Undertaker towards the ropes. Once there, the druids reach down and hoist 'The Deadman' up onto their shoulders in almost a crucifix position. Slowly the druids begin to carry 'Taker back up the aisle, the crowd once again stunned into a hushed silence...

John Bradshaw Layfield: The Undertaker... is bein' carried from this arena. 'The Demon of Death Valley' has been left broken, limp, lifeless, by 'The Savage from Samoa'.

Tazz: Where are they takin' him? I mean... {Echoing} is this the last time we're gonna see The Undertaker?


*End Video Package*

John Bradshaw Layfield: Ladies and gentlemen... 'The Samoan Bulldozer'... UMAGAAAAAA!!!

*VIRTUAL VOODOO...*​

Filthy heat for Umaga, who grunts and snarls his way down the aisle, with Armando Alejandro Estrada following from behind, putting his monster over to the ringside crowd as he does. Umaga screams and slaps his hands off the steel steps before he clambers up them and into the ring, where Estrada and Layfield share a hearty handshake. Umaga continues to snarl, intimidating even 'JBL', but Estrada motions for calm from 'Mags as 'JBL' once again adjusts his tie...


John Bradshaw Layfield: Alright. Umaga... Mr. Estrada... welcome. I just showed the video from No Way Out, where this man decimated The Undertaker. But quite frankly, that was just one moment of many I could've shown. It's been nearly a year since you brought Umaga to the WWE, and it has been a year of flawless dominance. Nobody on Monday Night Raw could touch 'im, nobody even came close to beatin' 'im. He ran through the competition on Raw, but you Mr. Estrada... I know you had a much bigger target in sight.

Estrada nods, shouting "Si!"...


John Bradshaw Layfield: You had The Undertaker and his famous Wrestlemania Streak in your sights. Usually The Undertaker stalks his Wrestlemania prey with a long series of mind games and sneak attacks. Simply put, The Undertaker is nothin' more than a coward!

Big heat for that comment, but Estrada simply nods in agreement...

John Bradshaw Layfield: But not you, and not Umaga. Instead you walked into the belly of the beast, you interrupted The Undertaker's signature match... and you tossed his broken body into a casket. It was a dominance of The Undertaker that I've never seen before. And at Saturday Night's Main Event, Paul Bearer was dispatched to the ring to accept your challenge. But just like I said, The Undertaker showed his true colours, as Bearer was nothin' more than a distraction for a trademark sneak attack from 'The Deadman'.

Estrada scrunches up his face as he reluctantly nods...

John Bradshaw Layfield: But the match is set, and Umaga will go after the Wrestlemania streak. It stands at 14-0... but I don't think it's gonna hit 15.

Estrada smiles broadly, moving closer to speak into the mic in Layfield's hand...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Si. Senor Layfield, ju' are a very smart man. Ju' know a good deal when ju' see one. Ju' know perro that Umaga is de' most dominant force de' WWE has ever known! And deep down inside... De' Undertaker knows 'dis too! Haha!

Heat...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: 'Dat's why at Saturday Night's Main Event, De' Undertaker had to... como se dice... SNEAK into de' ring! He had to turn out de' lights amigo! Ju' came to de' ring after Umaga just got finished beatin' up jour brother Kane! Undertaker... ju' made de' biggest mistake of your career perro! Ju' see, 'dis man... ju' can't play de' mind games with him. Dey' don't work on Umaga! We don't play games. For ju' 'Deadman', playtime... is over!

'JBL' smirks, loving what he's hearing...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: We were... como se dice... bored with de' competition on Raw. We wanted de' big challenge. We want... de' streak!

In the background, Umaga's head snaps to attention at the mere mention of it...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju’ see, de’ people in de’ WWE like to give De’ Undertaker de’ big build. Guys like Michael Cole and Tazz, ‘dey give de’ Undertaker ‘dis… como se dice… mystique! ‘Dis – ‘dis aura! ‘Dey like to pretend ‘dat ‘dere precious Undertaker is… invincible! And while ‘dese people may believe it… but not me… not ‘ju Senor Layfield… and not Umaga do. Haha!

Layfield laughs as the crowd responds with heat…

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju’ can dress in black all you want amigo, you can cut de’ lights, you can ring ‘dat stupid gong all night long perro! It doesn’t matter what mind games ju’ play, ‘cos ‘dey don’t effect ‘dis monster! We ain’t afraid of things ‘dat go bump in ‘de night amigo! And we ain’t afraid of ju’! But ju’ Undertaker…

Estrada points at the nearest camera…

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju’ better fear Umaga.

A huge smirks crosses Estrada’s face…

Armando Alejandro Estrada: ‘Cause ju’ my friend… have just found ‘de one man who is truly… fearless. He is a savage! He doesn’t fear ‘de mind games… ‘cause he knows no fear. ‘Ju can’t scare a monster Undertaker! ‘Dere is nothing ‘dat can effect him, nothing! Undertaker, ‘ju are finally gonna face ‘de one man who truly is… invincible. ‘Dere is no aura, ‘dere is no mystique, ‘dere is nothin’ but… como se dice… FACTS!

Umaga continues to snarl, pacing the ring in the background, poised to strike…

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Undertaker... ju' came to Saturday Night's Main Event... and when ju' accepted our challenge... ju' just ended the streak amigo. Ju' want a piece of 'dis man... 'dis beast... 'dis MONSTER?! Ju' got it!

Estrada stares hard into the camera, snapping his sunglasses from his face...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Wrestlemania XXIII... de' biggest streak in professional sports... DIES. And so... does De' Undertaker! HAHA!

It's all smiles between Estrada and 'JBL', the two once again going for a handshake...

THE LIGHTS IN THE ARENA GO OUT!

A buzz rings across the arena, the fans anticipating an appearance from 'The Deadman'... but instead it's silence... until a rumble of thunder rings out... and a BOLT OF LIGHTNING STRIKES THE RING!

Just enough light returns to the arena so we can see the ring, with 'JBL' and Estrada huddled together, cowering in fear... but Umaga is stood square in the middle, ready for a fight! Umaga snarls and yells in his native tongue, wanting The Undertaker...

Only for The Undertaker and Paul Bearer to appear on the tron! A fucking huge cheer greets the sight of the pair, with Bearer and 'The Deadman' stood in a dark room, a flickering light illuminating them and the urn in Bearer's hand...


The Undertaker: There comes a time in a man's life... when he must look within himself... deep down into his soul... and face his demons.

No reaction from 'The Samoan Bulldozer', who continues to snarl at the tron...


The Undertaker: Umaga... your own personal demon... is the pursuit of my Wrestlemania streak. You seek the path to glory? You seek what you believe to be your destiny?

Bearer shakes his head knowingly...

The Undertaker: Your fate does not lie at Wrestlemania XXIII. Your fate... lies in the depths of hell.

A massive pop in the arena...

The Undertaker: At No Way Out, you unleashed the creatures of the night. You opened the gates of hell, bringing forth a force… that you do not understand.

Estrada and Layfield continue to cower together, while Umaga’s eyes have yet to leave the screen…

The Undertaker: Umaga, heed this warning. You are but a mere mortal. Despite your determination... despite your belief... and despite your power... you will fall like the mortals who have came before you.

A long pause from 'Taker...

The Undertaker: At Wrestlemania XXIII... it will be ...an eye for an eye... a streak for a streak. And you Umaga shall REST... IN... PEACE!!

*GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY...*​

Another huge pop from the crowd as 'Taker rolls his eyes to the back of his head. The lights flicker again and the tron goes black, but Umaga hasn't moved an inch the whole time, just staring at the tron, snarling, growling, but more importantly, perhaps he's proven that mind games... don't phase this beast?

*Commercial*​

We return to hear...

*WHATEVER...*​

A great response as Chris Benoit makes his entrance, limping slightly as he shows the effects of the brutal Belfast Brawl he was involved in at Saturday Night's Main Event...


Michael Cole: What an incredible effort this man gave last Saturday night in pursuit of the United States Championship. The first ever Belfast Brawl, and Benoit and Finlay left it all in the ring, but it was the champion Finlay who retained the gold.

Tazz: Lemme tell ya', I was in ECW for a long time, I saw my share of tough as hell matches over the years. But that was just unbelievable between those two on Saturday night. Finlay has the night of tonight, and quite frankly, I'm amazed Benoit is even able to compete right now.

John Bradshaw Layfield: A Money in the Bank spot is on the line! That's enough to motivate anybody, no matter how much pain they're in.

*LA VITTORIA E MIA...*​

Not much of a reaction, but a few boos nonetheless as Santino Marella steps out ready to compete. The rest of The Full Blooded Italians join him, with Big Vito, Nunzio and Tony Mamaluke also head slowly down the ramp, also dressed to compete. Trinity is on Marella's arm, and she smirks as she and Santino smile at Benoit...


Tony Chimel: Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been informed, that by order of the Interim General Manager Jonathan Coachman, this match, will now be... a Four-on-One Handicap Match!

Michael Cole: Are you kiddin' me?!

Benoit turns and looks at Chimel and the referee, wondering what the hell is going on...

Tazz: Still think that wasn't a bribe 'JBL'?

John Bradshaw Layfield: If it was, it's genius on the part of The F.B.I.! Santino just guaranteed 'imself a Money in the Bank spot!

Match 4: Four-on-One Handicap Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
The Full Blooded Italians (Santino Marella, Big Vito, Nunzio and Tony Mamaluke)
w/ Trinity vs. Chris Benoit

Benoit can only shake his head in disbelief as he looks across the ring at four opponents, although it’s the muscle of the group, Big Vito, who gets things under way. A hard collar-and-elbow tie up sees Benoit work into a standing side headlock, but Vito fires him off the ropes... and then knocks Benoit down with a shoulderblock. Vito goes for an elbowdrop, but Benoit rolls to safety, seeing Vito hit the mat. Kicks to the midsection land from Benoit, before Benoit goes for the Irish whip to the corner... Vito reverses and follows in... straight into an elbow! Benoit then yanks Vito against the turnbuckle, unloading with a string of stiff chops to the chest. Kicks to the gut follow, before Benoit sends Vito for the ride... again Vito reverses, but this time Benoit avoids him with a baseball slide... Vito tries a kick, but Benoit grabs the foot... dragon screw! Benoit takes Vito down, and grabs both feet... trying to twist him into the SHARPSHOOTER... but Vito kicks Benoit away, scrambling to his corner to tag in Nunzio.

Nunzio storms the ring, but he runs straight into an armdrag, before Benoit sends him off the ropes... into a knee to the midsection, sending Nunzio over and getting Benoit a near fall. Benoit then gets Nunzio up, rocking him with a big German suplex! Benoit holds on... second German suplex! Benoit hangs on, dragging Nunzio up... looking for the third... but Vito and Mamaluke storm the ring, hammering Benoit from behind! The numbers game takes over as they beat Benoit to the mat, the referee calling for the duo to leave the ring, which they do after taking every second of the 5 count. Mamaluke now gets the tag, and he clubs Benoit from behind with more forearms, causing Benoit to crawl to the ropes. Mamaluke then uses his knee to press Benoit’s throat against the middle rope, before he pulls Benoit to the Italians’ corner and tags in Nunzio. The pair combine to send Benoit off the ropes into a double hiptoss, then link hands for a double elbow drop, getting Nunzio a 2 count. The quick tags now happen as Nunzio comes back in, he and Mamaluke hitting a double side suplex for another 2 count, while Vito enters and hits a swinging neckbreaker.

Conspicuous by his absence thus far is Marella, who instead barks orders from the apron in his own unique way, preferring to let his teammates do most of the work. Vito hits a big vertical suplex, Mamaluke hits a nasty looking tornado DDT, while Nunzio connects on a bulldog, all three getting near falls. Nunzio is in the ring, with Benoit deep in a camel clutch. Nunzio jumps up and down, driving his body into Benoit’s spine, slowly but surely wearing Benoit down. Eventually the crowd rallies, despite Trinity’s best attempts to quiet them, and Benoit struggles back to his feet, drilling elbows that break the hold, but as he comes off the ropes, Vito drives a knee into the small of the back... and Nunzio runs at him, jumping to the middle rope, grabbing Benoit... springboard single arm DDT! Nunzio drives Benoit to the mat, hooks the leg... 1... 2... Benoit rolls a shoulder!

Vito tags back in, looking for that big power move to put Benoit away... so he synchs Benoit in for the CODE OF SILENCE... NO! Benoit counters... northern lights suplex! 1... 2... Mamaluke makes the save. The referee berates Mamaluke, causing him to stay in the ring... Benoit grabs him for a release German suplex! Nunzio storms the ring... he too runs into a release German suplex! Vito is back on his feet... third German puts him down! Nunzio and Mamaluke roll to the outside, with Benoit now climbing to the rope... but before he can go for the diving headbutt, Trinity jumps up onto the apron! Benoit glares at her angrily, and the distraction is enough as Vito dives into the ropes, causing Benoit to lose his balance and crotch himself on the top rope! Vito is back on his feet, climbing to the second rope... SUPERPLEX! The numbers game is gonna cost Benoit as Vito sends him flying down, and he crawls for the cover... only for Santino to demand Vito tags him in!?

Marella is adamant, ordering Vito to tag him. Although confused, Vito obliges, bringing his boss into the match. It looks like Santino wants the glory to himself as he heads towards Benoit... but Benoit catches him with a snap overhead belly-to-belly suplex! Seeing his boss in trouble, Vito tries to storm the ring, but Benoit cuts him off, knocking Vito off the apron... and into Mamaluke and Nunzio below! With the trio down, Benoit turns back to Santino... who stumbles to his feet... into the CRIPPLER CROSSFACE! Santino’s been in the ring for a total of 10 seconds, but he’s already in the deadly submission... and he’s got no choice but to tap furiously!

Winner: Chris Benoit @ 05.29

Despite the odds, Benoit gets the win, in quite comical fashion as far as Santino is concerned. Marella is quickly dragged from the ring by Vito, and quickly consoled by his teammates, while in the ring Benoit has his hand raised in the air, and then turns towards the Wrestlemania banner hanging from the rafters, pointing at it with that toothy grin of his on his face...

Until he's blindsided! Benoit crashes to the mat, and we snap back to the hard camera to reveal that it's King Booker and Montel Vontavious Porter who have stormed the ring! The pair hammer Benoit with stomps to the body, the crowd booing profusely. Booker calls 'MVP' away, waiting for Benoit to rise... but Benoit only makes it to his knees... so Booker can strike with the Axe Kick! Benoit goes down again, with Booker adding insult to injury by treating us all to a Spin-a-Roonie. 'MVP' hasn't his his turn yet though, and he barks for Booker to pick Benoit up... then toss him in... for the Playmaker!! The partnership of Booker and 'MVP' have taken out their first member of the competition, leaving Chris Benoit down and out on the mat, the two slapping hands in congratulations for themselves as we head off to a commercial.

*Commercial*​

We return to once again see The Full Blooded Italians, now walking backstage, each member grabbing and rubbing various body parts in pain, while Trinity can only shake her head in disbelief. The quintet walk along the backstage corridor, Santino looking very angry while the others look almost too scared to speak. Suddenly, Santino comes to a stop, the rest of the group falling into place behind him... as we see The Extremists are stood infront of them! Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman step towards the group that insulted them last week, with Dreamer smiling as he goes...


Tommy Dreamer: Looks like I won't be needin' my shinebox after all, huh Santino?

Vito steps forward angrily, but Sandman lifts the Singapore cane that was resting on his shoulder, cocking it in the air, ready to strike. Vito backs down, the tension running high between the two groups...

Tommy Dreamer: We'll see ya' around.

And with that, Dreamer, Sabu and Sandman walk on, the various members of the two groups brushing shoulders as The Extremists leave, the camera staying focused on The F.B.I. who all watch on angrily before we cut elsewhere.

To see The Miz and Michelle McCool stood in the interview area. Some decent heat welcomes the appearance of the two, which Miz simply smirks through...


The Miz: So... Chris Benoit becomes the latest entrant into the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Benoit, Booker, and 'MVP'. Really?

Miz shakes his head...

The Miz: I'm sure all three of you have high hopes for goin' to Wrestlemania and grabbin' that briefcase. Well guys, I think it's time for a little reality check. 'Cause y'see, next week the final Smackdown spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match is up for grabs... and yours truly is gonna grab it.

McCool smirks and nods in the background...

The Miz: I mean, they're really no competition in the match. Nobody that can stop me. Benoit? The guy is so broken down he'll be lucky to even make it one rung. Booker and 'MVP'? Lemme give ya' a little warnin' fellas. If either of you two try and jump me after I qualify next week, I'll make sure neither of ya' make it to Detroit.

Miz angrily turns his head away, then back to the camera...

The Miz: I might have had a slight interest in the United States Championship, but now I'm goin' after the real prize. I am gonna win next week, and I am gonna go to my first Wrestlemania. And when I there, I'm gonna climb that ladder and become Mr. Money in the Bank. 'Cause I'm The Miz...

Miz turns to McCool, who steps forward...

Michelle McCool And he's awesome!

The Miz: And don't you dare forget that.

The two turn and smirk at each other, the camera focusing on them before we fade into a video.

*Video Package*

We open to the sound of cheerful, triumphant music, with images of Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler sat side by side, the pair commentating on a WWE event...

Narrator: They were the voices that lent themselves to some of the greatest moments in WWE history...

We now see the famous moment from King of the Ring 1998, where Mick Foley is sent flying off the top of the Hell in a Cell structure and straight through the announce desk...

Jim Ross: As Gawd is my witness, he is broken in half!

Narrator: There words and passion can bring life to even the most simplistic moments inside a WWE ring...

Lawler is now in the ring, hosting a bikini contest...

Jerry Lawler: Oh my God J.R. look! Puppies!

More footage of the two sat behind the desk, calling matches together...

Narrator: One who many claim was a man born to be an announcer...

We now cut to old school WCW footage, with a much younger Ross welcoming viewers to a show...

Narrator: The other born quite simply to be a champion...

And now even older, grainier footage of Lawler battling with Kerry Von Erich and then Terry Funk...

Narrator: But it’s perhaps together that they’ll both be most fondly remember as the greatest announce team in WWE history.

Once again we see footage of the pair sat behind the desk, this time under the glamour and glitz of a Wrestlemania...

John Cena: I don’t think it gets any better than those two workin’ together...

The triumphant music continues as we now see footage of the infamous Late Night with David Letterman episode, where Lawler sits next to Andy Kaufman...

Jerry Lawler: When he was born, his father wanted a boy, and his mother wanted a girl, and they were both satisfied!

Lawler and Kaufman continue to trade words, until Lawler rises up and slaps Kaufman right out of his chair...

Vince McMahon: He certainly always know how to create controversy for himself, and how to get people to dislike him, and I think that was one of his real strengths as a performer...

We now see Ross walking down the ramp at a WWE event...

Steve Austin: Ev’rybody knows he’s got ‘is list o’ catchphrases...

Shawn Michaels: It’s a slobberknocker!

Chris Benoit: Whipped like a government mule!

Steve Austin: Stomp a mudhole and walk it dry!

And now we see Lawler walk the ramp, crown in hand as he waves to the crowd...

Michael Cole: They play off each other so well, the chemistry between the two is unbelievable.

A classic Raw moment as Steve Austin comes flying off the zamboni and tackles Vince to the mat...

Jim Ross: Aw yeah! Austin’s got McMahon! Stone Cold!

Jerry Lawler: Oh no! Mr McMahon, are – are you alright?!

Still images of the two sat side by side...

Triple H: There’s nobody I’d rather have call one of my matches than those two.

John Cena: You listen to ‘em and you get so caught up in the energy and the emotion they bring to a match.

Another iconic Raw moment as Mr. McMahon rips off the hood, revealing himself as ‘The Higher Power’...

Vince McMahon: It’s me Austin!

Jim Ross: Aw sunnova bitch!

Jerry Lawler: What?!

Narrator: The WWE Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler!

We now see a split screen picture of the pair, with the Hall of Fame logo between the two. Also on the screen is the fact that Jerry Lawler will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by David Letterman, while doing the honours for Jim Ross will be ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin!

*End Video Package*

We now cut to a backstage corridor, where we see walking to the ring Ric Flair, dressed in an elaborate pink robe as he makes his way along, a confident look on his face...

Michael Cole: Our congratulations go out to both Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, two great additions to the WWE Hall of Fame. But up next, it's time for our main event. 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair takes on 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge, when we return to Friday Night Sma-

Cole, Flair, the cameraman, everybody come to a halt, with a beaming smile crossing Flair's face... as Arn Anderson approaches him! The crowd pops as 'Double A' strides towards his friend, the two legendary Horsemen all smiles as they go for a handshake...

Arn Anderson: Get 'im tonight.

Nothing more needs to be said as the two long time friends nod and release their grip on the shake, with Anderson giving Flair one last pat on the shoulder before Flair carries on his walk, the camera lingering on him before we fade out into the commercial.

*Commercial*

And when we return...

"WOOOOO..."

*ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA...*

Ric Flair makes his entrance to yet another tremendous pop from the crowd, with 'The Nature Boy' strutting his way down the aisle, pausing every now and then for a quick "Wooooo!"...


Michael Cole: It's not very often we get to see this man, this legend compete on Friday nights. But we've got 'im tonight, as Ric Flair is set to go one on one with Edge.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Listen, I gotta lotta respect for Ric Flair. He's one of, if not the greatest of all time. But what Mr. Kennedy said earlier tonight was right. He's past his best, he's overstayed his welcome, and I think Edge is gonna prove it tonight.

Tazz: I wouldn't be so sure about that. 2007 has seen a bit of a resurgence in Flair's career. He might just surprise you and a lotta other people right here.

Michael Cole: Well is tonight considered a test for Flair? I mean, does his performance here against Edge give us a kinda indication of whether or not he can compete with Mr. Kennedy at Wrestlemania?

Tazz: Yeah I think it might. I think it means a lot to Ric Flair too though. He wants to prove a few naysayers wrong right here, especially a guy like Kennedy.

In the ring, Flair removes his robe and hands to a stage hand, before he stretches against the ropes and takes a little jog around the ring. Flair looks confident and relaxed as he awaits the appearance of...

"YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME..."

*METALINGUS...*​

A great level of heat for Edge, as 'The Rated-R Superstar' burst onto the stage, pausing underneath the Smackdown first to fire of an explosion of pyro before he makes his way down the aisle...


Michael Cole: Well speakin' of someone with somethin' to prove, a lotta people have made the point that perhaps Edge is scared of 'The Animal', Batista. And you gotta admit, it's a pretty convincing-

John Bradshaw Layfield: What the hell are you talkin' about Michael?! Scared?! He ain't scared o' Batista! If he was scared, ya' think he woulda challenged the man to a match at Wrestlemania?

Tazz: Now wait a minute, that ain't strictly true. Yes, Edge challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship, but he's done everythin' he could so far to make so it's not him and 'The Animal' one on one.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Ah that's a crock and you know it! Edge is walkin' into Wrestlemania for a match with Batista, a match he wanted. It's idiots like you Tazz, runnin' your mouth that pisses Edge off. And he's about to take it out on Ric Flair tonight, just wait and see!

Main Event:
Edge
vs. Ric Flair

The crowd is buzzing as the bell rings, with both men smiling as they circle the ring. Flair moves for the first tie in, but Edge quickly backs away, playing the waiting game as he tries to frustrate Flair early on. Flair waves Edge on, and after some more circling the pair finally tie up, Edge working into a standing side headlock, and then a takedown. Edge briefly has a chinlock locked in, but Flair kicks up his legs, wrapping them into a headscissors that he uses to get the advantage. Edge manages to roll his way free, both men back on their feet, but they pause, neither man striking first, a brief standoff ensuing. Eventually they tie up again, but Edge quickly drills a knee to the midsection, and then he clubs Flair all the way into the corner. Edge mocks Flair and the crowd by shouting “Wooooo!” before he unloads with a chop to the chest… but this only serves to snap Flair to life, as he yanks Edge into the corner and unloads with a string of stiff chops, the crowd shouting “Wooooo!” each time Flair connects. Edge covers up, but Flair is unrelenting, only stopping to send across the ring, crashing off the turnbuckle… into a big back body drop! Edge is slow to get back up, and when he does Flair goes back to work with the chops, although Edge does swing a right hand… missing wildly… atomic drop from Flair… sends Edge bouncing over the top rope to the floor!

Flair is in control, but as he heads for the ropes, Edge grabs his foot, yanking him down and then dragging him under the bottom rope. Edge stings a knife edge chop… but Flair fires back with a trio of his own, before he grabs Edge… and smashes him face first off the steel steps, with Edge doing his best Flair impression as he flops face first to the floor. Flair yanks Edge back into the ring, and as he follows in he stalks Edge, waiting for him to rise… to connect on a chop block! The crowd cheer as they see Flair start to target the knee, with a shinbreaker and then a jumping knee drop across Edge’s leg adding further damage. Flair continues to drive the knee, only stopping to get back on his feet… to then grab Edge’s foot… and twist him into… the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK… NO! Edge franticly kicks Flair away, sending Flair into the corner. Edge favours his knee as he heads over, and this allows Flair to snap off a right hand, then a chop… right hand… chop… right, no Edge ducks, grabs Flair from behind… inverted DDT! Edge plants Flair, finally registering some offence, but he’s slow to take advantage, favouring his knee as he gets back to a vertical base.

Edge now has his first chance to string together some offence, and he decides to take a page out of Flair’s book, grabbing the foot as Flair lies on the mat, allowing Edge to drill kicks to the back of the knee. An elbow drop across the knee causes more pain, with Edge then pulling Flair to his feet. A few right hands land, but Edge quickly fires Flair to the corner with a hard Irish whip… sending Flair crashing into the turnbuckle upside down! Flair somehow manages to land on the apron, but here comes Edge… to bodycheck Flair… right into the barricade! The crowd gasps as Flair crashes spine first into the barrier, with Edge now firmly in control as he rolls outside. With Flair in a seated position against the barricade, Edge starts laying with boots to the chest and punches to the head, before he drags Flair up… and goes for the Irish whip… knee first into the steel steps! Flair screams in agony as he lays on the floor, grabbing his knee, but Edge is finished yet, an aggressive look in his eyes as he rolls Flair into the ring, but then drags him towards the corner. With Edge controlling things from the outside, he pulls Flair in, grabs his left leg and rears back… smashing Flair’s knee off the ringpost! Once more Flair cries out in pain… and again Edge smashes the knee off the steel… and a third time! Flair is in absolute agony as he shuffles away, a sick smile crossing Edge’s face as we fade into the final commercial of the broadcast.

*Commercial*

And when we return, Flair is showing signs of life as he stands toe to toe with Edge, striking with chops… until a stiff kick to the knee puts an end to the rally. Flair collapses on the mat, with Edge now firmly in control, looking to rattle off a few moves to wear Flair down. Edge starts by sending Flair off the ropes into a flapjack, then the Edge-O-Matic, and finally he sends Flair to the corner, staggering into a big back body, each move met with ever louder cries of pain from Flair but only 2 counts for Edge. Feeling cocky, Edge starts strutting around the ring like Flair would, then he pushes Flair into the corner to unload with chops to the chest, mocking the veteran. Edge then goes back to the knee, placing Flair’s leg across the middle rope, allowing him to aim stiff kicks to the back of the leg. His confidence growing, Edge grabs the leg and with Flair standing on one foot, he pulls ‘The Nature Boy’ to the middle of the ring… and sweeps the leg, causing Flair to fall to the mat. Edge stands over Flair, left leg in his hand, and he furthers the mocking by shouting “Wooooo!” at the crowd, before he twists into the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK… NO! Flair reaches up… and counters with an inside cradle! 1… 2… NO!

Edge kicks out, and he quickly jumps on Flair, drilling him with right hands in an attempt to keep the veteran grounded. Edge goes back to work on the knee, driving his own knee into Flair’s leg, before he pulls Flair to a vertical base. Stood on only one foot, Edge knows he has Flair where he wants him… ENZIGUIRI! An enzuigiri from Flair! Out of nowhere Flair strikes! Both men are down now, the crowd willing them back to their feet. Edge is dazed as he gets back up, while Flair has to use the ropes to drag himself up. Leaning against them, Flair has to wait for Edge to approach… and he strikes with a chop… and another… and a third, just relentless chops that back Edge all the way across the ring to the opposite ropes. Flair goes for the Irish whip… huge back body drop! Edge crashes to the mat, but he somehow manages to crawl to the corner, although Flair is right on him, stinging chop lands, before Flair climbs to the second rope, grabs Edge by the hair… and starts raining down with right hands, the crowd counting along all the way to 10… when Flair dips down and starts biting Edge on the forehead! Edge flails his hands, but the pain only stops when Flair drops back down to the mat, one last big chop knocking Edge down, with Flair going for the cover… 1… 2… no! Edge kicks out!

Flair presses on though, as he turns his attentions back to Edge’s knee, starting with the shinbreaker and then the chop block. Edge is down, Flair has his foot in his hands… FIGURE FOUR… NO! Again Edge is able to kick Flair into the corner. Flair hits the top turnbuckle face first, stumbling back into the middle of the ring… and here comes Edge… SPEAR!! Edge hits the spear from out of nowhere! Flair is down, and Edge drapes an arm over Flair’s chest for the straightforward 1… 2… NO!! Flair rolls his shoulder! Flair stays alive! Edge can’t believe it, and neither can the crowd as they cheer wildly for the resistance of ‘The Nature Boy’! Edge runs a hand through his hair, in total disbelief, not even arguing with the referee, instead he simply looks and offers three fingers, but only gets two in return. Edge is back on his feet, and with Flair still down hurt, now is the time as Edge grabs Flair’s foot… steps over the leg… twists and drops… FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! The crowd boos heavily as Edge goes for the ultimate insult, trying to make Ric Flair tap out to the figure four. Flair cries out in pain, furiously shaking his head, desperate not to submit. Flair tries to scratch and claw for the ropes, but it’s no use as Edge has the hold locked in tight in the middle of the ring. Flair tries to stretch out, but in the process his shoulders hit the mat, the referee counting 1… 2… until Flair pulls himself back up. Flair is repeatedly asked if he wants to submit, but each time he yells “No!” and shakes that blonde mop of his. The crowd desperately try and encourage Flair… and it seems to be working as Flair slowly shifts the momentum, twisting, straining, trying t turn… REVERSE FIGURE FOUR! Flair has countered it!

Now all the pressure is on Edge’s knee, with ‘The Rated-R Superstar’ screaming in pain… but managing to turn Flair over again, the pain rolling into the ropes where the referee steps in to separate them. Both men stumble back to their feet, limping heavily, but it’s Flair who strikes first with a chop, and a second, and a third, before he ducks a wild Edge right hand… atomic drop finds the mark… and a big chop knocks Edge down! Now it’s Flair who looks to build some offence, snapping more chops against the ropes before he goes for the Irish whip to the corner… with Edge reverses and follows in… straight into a back elbow! Flair looks for a clothesline, but Edge ducks it, and he synchs Flair from behind… EDGECUTION! Edge plants Flair with the DDT, dropping his body on top of Flair, sure of victory as he uses his fingers to count along with the 1… 2… NO!!! Flair rolls his shoulder again! This time Edge is furious, back on feet, right in the referee’s face, almost striking the ref with a right hand before thinking better of it. Edge can’t believe that wasn’t three, but when he finally accepts the decision, he crouches in the corner, running his hands through his hair, motioning for Flair to get up. Edge demands Flair to rise, but he has to use the corner to do so. Flair is finally up… here comes Edge… SPEAR… NO! Flair counters… drop toe hold… Edge smacks face first off the middle turnbuckle! Edge stumbles back from the corner… and Flair goes for a double leg takedown… and grips Edge’s foot… twist, turns, wrenches and drops… FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK!! This time it’s Flair, the old master, who has the move locked on! Edge screams, arms flailing, frantically trying to reach the ropes, the crowd cheering, wanting to see him tap out… until their cheers turn to boos… as Mr. Kennedy storms the ring… and starts hammering Ric Flair! The referee has no choice but to call for the DQ!

Winner: Via Disqualification, Ric Flair @ 14.56

Kennedy instantly mounts Flair, drilling him square on the forehead with stiff right after stiff right hand, before he bursts back to his feet in rage. The camera switches to Flair, and we see that the cut to his forehead that he suffered at the start of the show has once again been busted open. Kennedy now starts laying in with the boots, and soon Edge is back on his feet, he too stomping down on Flair before he then abandons the attack and heads for the outside. As Edge drops to the floor, he heads for the timekeeper's desk, pushing Tony Chimel aside, only to hear...

*I WALK ALONE...*​

The arena explodes as the World Heavyweight Champion Batista races down the aisle! Edge plays it coy, staying on the outside with the chair in his hand, although in the ring Kennedy continues to hammer Flair until he sees Batista enter the ring. Kennedy charges... straight into a massive spinebuster! Batista absolutely plants Kennedy, who quickly rolls from the ring in pain, before 'The Animal' bursts to his feet, roaring to the crowd, shaking the top rope, the fans on their feet, loving every second of it...

But Edge is in the ring... chair in his hand! Edge rears back... gets ready to swing... but Batista turns early and sees him... prompting Edge to stop! Edge has been caught, chair in his hand, ready to strike... but he doesn't swing. Instead it's a tense, nervous standoff, the pair staring at each other, eyes bulging, the crowd baying for blood, with even Batista yelling "C'mon!" at Edge... who pulls the chair down... and then drops it on the mat... and casually steps through the ropes?

The crowd boos, and Batista looks confused as Edge slowly walks around the ring and backs his way up the ramp... tapping the side of his head? Edge has a big smile on his face, motioning with his thumb and index fingers and utering the words "This close!" as he backs away. Batista stands by the ropes, still breathing heavily, looking for a fight, but he's not gonna get it tonight as Edge simply continues to bak away, smirking and tapping his head as he goes...


Michael Cole: Well... Edge lives to fight another day I guess.

Tazz: Yeah but why didn’t he swing, huh? I mean, if he ain't scared, why didn't he take Batista's head off and prove a point?

John Bradshaw Layfield: 'Cause he don't need to! He's in Batista's head now! Aw, that was genius from Edge. Now he's got Batista wonderin' when he's gonna strike.

Michael Cole: What an explosive situation this is. And it's only gonna continue to grow as we head towards Wrestlemania. Goodnight everybody!

In the ring, Batista has helped Flair back to his feet, 'The Animal' checking on his mentor, with Flair nodding he's fine, while Edge continues to back away, his eyes never leaving the ring, the camera switching back and forth between champion and challenger as we fade... to... black.

*End Show*




Current Card for WWE WRESTLEMANIA XXIII :
Date: April 1st 2007

Location: Ford Field; Detroit, Michigan

WWE Championship Triple Threat Match Match:
WWE Champion Shawn Michaels vs. 'The Game' Triple H vs. 'Mr. Monday Night' Rob Van Dam

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. 2007 Royal Rumble Winner Edge

The Irresistible Force vs. The Immovable Object:
'The Real Deal' Bobby Lashley vs. John Cena

Streak vs. Streak:
'The Phenom' The Undertaker vs. 'The Samoan Bulldozer' Umaga

Past vs Future:
'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair vs. Mr. Kennedy

United States Championship Match:
United States Champion Finlay vs. Matt Hardy

Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms vs. Bryan Danielson

Women's Championship Match:
Women's Champion Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix

Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
Entrants in Alphabetical Order:

Chris Benoit vs. King Booker vs. Montel Vontavious Porter vs. Randy Orton vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???
 
#263 · (Edited)
Thought I'd edit in some comments since I didn't have time when I put my predictions before.

7 WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion Rob Van Dam vs. John Cena
Van Dam only just won the belt at WrestleMania. There's no way a title switch is happening here. As the Wolf man below me has predicted, it's very likely that there could be some sort of schmoz finish but I'd rather see Van Dam pick up a clean victory in his first title defense.

6 No Holds Barred Match:
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
HBK has been the centrepiece of Raw in this thread and I think in order to put the "stamp" on his new character, he needs to go over in this match. I can't think of a BTB where Michaels has actually gone over Triple H at the end of the feud, so this would be a welcome change. Besides that, I can imagine Michaels will go back for the WWE Championship after this feud since you probably don't have plans for Triple H/Van Dam.

3 Intercontinental Championship Match:
Intercontinental Champion Kenny Dykstra vs. Carlito
Whilst I actually want and think Carlito needs the win here and should walk out with the Intercontinental Championship, Dykstra is a favourite of most in BTB and I think that after getting Torrie Wilson on side, he's set for a push in your thread.

4 World Tag Team Championships Match:
World Tag Team Champions The World’s Greatest Tag Team vs. The Straight Edge Saints
Random guess tbf.

5 Money in the Bank Match:
Mr. Money in the Bank Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy
Orton isn't going to lose the briefcase. If you wanted Hardy as Mr. MITB, he would've won it at WrestleMania. This is just a filler, Orton will keep the briefcase.

2 Women’s Championship Triple Threat Match:
Women’s Champion Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix vs. Victoria
Another guess.

1 Six Person Intergender Tag Team Match:
The Hart Legacy vs. Johnny Nitro, Chris Masters and Melina
The Harts are the newbies in this thread, they need the win more.

Bonus Questions:

What will be the match order? Done.
How many championships will change hands? None.
Who will take the fall in the Women’s Championship Triple Threat Match? Mickie James.
Will there be any surprise appearances (Not counting the McMahon Family or Bobby Lashley)? If yes, then by who? Nope.
What will be the longest match? Michaels/Triple H.
What will be the shortest match? Women's Title.
Will there be any blood shed? If so, which match(es)? Michaels/Triple H.
 
#3 ·
Really well-written backstory here which is always a great way to kick things off - hopefully your shows match up! You have a good roster with lots of possibilities so here's hoping you can make this into a resounding success. I'll be checking this out for any new developments and posts.

Good luck!
 
#6 ·
Backstory and news/notes look phenomenal thus far. With ECW gone, it looks like you're trying to repackage divisions, change feuds/storylines, and substantially make Smackdown better. Signing of Danielson as well as the possible call-ups are intriguing to say the least. Looking forward to this thread so far. Good luck, and can't wait!
 
#15 ·
SmackDown! Feedback​

First time I’ve ever read anything from you, but the show looked quite good at a glance, so I figured I would try to give some feedback.

Interesting start from JBL on commentary, where it seemed almost like he was saying he was going to try to take Teddy’s job. Not so sure I’d like that, as JBL is the man on commentary, but we’ll see how this plays out. Maybe I’m just reading too much into things already. :p

Starting off with King Booker is a fine way to begin, and it’s good to see that you really put an emphasis on him at the start of the show with the video packages, giving some context for this promo before the show even properly began. This promo to begin with was okay from Booker, with the character being fine. The cheap heat at the start from Booker and Sharmell worked well, but when Booker talked of how he has to deal with The Undertaker and Kane, I would have maybe liked to have seen him say how he shouldn’t have to have done so to get back to his title, using that kind of whining heel persona Booker has. Would have also liked to have seen Booker talk a little more of how it was Finlay who let him down and how he was responsible for the losses, really pressing the matter. Not too sure why he would just want a rematch against Kane and ‘Taker, as I would have thought he would give two options if that was to be one of them (with a title match against Batista being the other since that’s what you would think Booker should be aiming for). Finlay interrupting instead of Long? Quite like this, because Finlay is damn awesome, and he’s in a good spot here just about in the main event. Finlay snatching the mic from Booker, rather than getting his own is a nice signal of intent right from the beginning, and while his little bit was small, and could have maybe done with why Booker was to blame, it still did its job. Finlay threatening Booker when Booker pulled the king crap was good, showing his no nonsense attitude, while Sharmell getting pissed works fine too. Long coming out with his announcement was good, and I have to say, the four way main event for the title shot works well. With the focus on this match being about getting a shot at Batista, I would have liked to have seen more emphasis on a possible title shot by Booker at the beginning of the promo, as well as maybe even Finlay when he interrupted (could have had him say something about how he deserves a shot at the title more than Booker), but still, a pretty good start to the show, and a nice way to set up the main event.

Liking the choice of a six man tag with six guys who can go to start the wrestling portion of the show off. Nice start to the match with The Bluebloods showing their aggressive attitude too, before what seemed like a pretty nice match. Good to see The Hooligan and The Bluebloods seemingly set to feud on by brawling off to the back, while Benoit getting the decisive victory is a good way to seemingly end their little feud. Test attacking Benoit after the bell? I always thought Test was okay, and a little feud with Benoit over the US Title to bring him over to SmackDown! should work just fine.

Nice video package for the Rumble. It’s always a fun event, and I have no doubt that it won’t be any different here.

Nice to see some continuation to the brawl between The Hooligans and The Bluebloods, rather than just having it dissipate. Interesting way to have it follow up with the request for a match between the teams, which should be quite good. :lmao @ the effect of Maryse on The Hooligans. Well written and very entertaining. Not sure where this will lead, whether it be Maryse stealing The Hooligans from Ashley, her linking with The Bluebloods, or just a feud with Ashley, but you’ve got me interested for sure.

Ugh, The Boogeyman. I don’t mind a squash victory for Kennedy, but I would have liked to have seen someone not so crap used instead of Boogey.

Post-match promo from Kennedy is fine, using what has already occurred in the show, and getting some hype going for the Royal Rumble Match going by declaring himself in it, with a few nice lines from KK, such as calling Finlay, Booker, Kane and ‘Taker fossils. Hopefully that hype continues as we get closer to the show, because the Rumble itself is often forgotten about as something that needs to be hyped in BTB.

Helms has indeed mowed his way through the division, so I didn’t mind the point of this promo to give him a match for tonight against Batista. Hopefully if Helms can turn his attention elsewhere for a moment some more cruiserweight talent can be built up to challenge him. Until then, biding time is probably the best you can do, and I don’t mind you doing that by letting Helms mix it with the best.

Nice long match here between Hardy and Mercury, with some clever psychology in it of Matt not wanting to hit Mercury in the face, only for Mercury to piss him off enough to do it. The roll up win for Matt, leading into the beatdown by Mercury keeps this feud going along. Pretty good stuff here.

Nice little basic promo from Batista here, putting over all of his possible opponents at the Royal Rumble, along with himself. I would have liked to have seen him also say something about his match later tonight, even something as basic as telling the four men in the main event that they should want to watch his match with Helms tonight, just to give that some proper hype and attention as well. With Batista not paying the match any attention the result looks to be a forgone conclusion, and that’s not a good thing.

Some great cheap heat to start this interview off with JBL attacking the fans, Kane and Long in some really good fashion. Wasn’t sure about Layfield saying “ain’t”, because I can’t envision him saying that as the rich, snobby New Yorker that his character became, but apart from that, this interview was really good before the interviewee even got involved. JBL continued to be good in really playing up what happened once the interview began, sympathising with MVP well, while MVP talking about how he’s the biggest free agent signing and the most prized asset to SmackDown! as done really well, making the decision seem all the more ridiculous, along with the Kennedy-esque talk we saw that Kane had his shot and that MVP’s was now being taken away. Not too sure ghow I feel about Kane/MVP continuing, although I guess Kane putting MVP over would be a bad thing, and the closing statement from MVP in that he will get revenge on Kane was a good, emphatic way to end the promo.

The result of this match was never in doubt, especially as I mentioned earlier after Batista didn’t refer to his match with Helms at all, but it’s good to see Helms at least getting some time to mix it up with Batista, instead of it being a total squash match. Not sure what you’ve got for Helms from him, apart from maybe a Rumble appearance, but we’ll see.

:lmao @ Miz calling JBL “Jibbles” and JBL’s reaction to it afterwards. Very well written. I have miexed feelings on this, because while Miz has always been charismatic, he sucked in the ring back then, so hopefully whatever push you’ve got in mind for Miz won’t be too rushed. The promo from him itself was fine, with the talk of reality and a more serious Miz being something to look forward to. Not sure if the pairing of McCool with him is necessary, because I can’t see McCool adding a whole lot to his character, but The Miz himself should still be fine, provided he’s given mic time to continue to get himself over.

Have to say, while it’s a small thing, it’s a nice touch to be showing the tension between Booker and Finlay. I don’t think many people would bother mentioning it, so it’s good to see you alluding to the happenings of earlier in the show. The match itself was nice, with the action seeming to flow well, especially for a four way, which can often be awkward. Finlay picking up the win after some interference was good to see too, because as I said earlier, I think Finlay could be a fine challenger for Batista, especially at the Royal Rumble when you don’t expect a title change with it being so close to WrestleMania. Good finish to the show.


As I said at the beginning, on first look this show seemed rather impressive, and after reading it through properly, it still seems the be the same, solid show. A lot I liked here, with solid booking throughout, and some pretty good writing (especially of JBL at the announce desk). Hopefully this thread is one to stick, because thus far it certainly looks to have the potential. Good stuff, man.
 
#22 ·
Raw Feedback

No video package to start, but an interesting segment with Vince and Coach. A little thing that I would have changed in this segment was this - Coach says "I just thought that", but you followed with Vince saying "...you didn't think. You never think...". If you had Coach say "I was thinking", Vince's part would have made more sense. Just a small thing, but makes a difference.

Really can't believe you started the show with a No DQ match! I think the match deserves at the least some commentating buildup, but nonetheless, it should be hectic start to the show. Not too many spots in this one, but the finish was nice. Don't know where the two will go from here, but it should be interesting to see.

Nice lil' Rated RKO segment here. I think the most noteworthy moment of this promo was Kenny getting trashed by Edge. I can see Kenny revolting later on, but right now, it doesn't make any sense. I'm seeing a buildup of it first. Other than that, the match for later on should be good.

McMahon seems kinda weak at the start by letting it "slide". Major difference from last week I think. Nice proposition form McMahon. Quite an interesting situation. You don't see a heel Lashley in BTB too ofton, or at all, so the chance for it is unbelievably intriguing. With RVD a face, and Lashley facing him, it could be possible. I would actually mark hard for it. We'll just have to see.

lol @ Nitro valeting Melina. Not much of a match, but the after events are most notable. Victoria/Mickie is getting a little more interesting with this I guess. The other two are basically useless at this point though.

Cena didn't sound too much like Cena in this promo, but the ramifications have been made. A RVD/Cena feud would be good, as their minor feud back in the day (One Night Stand?) didn't really do much for me. I really can't see anything coming out of this for a while though, as RVD seems to be entangled with McMahon and Lashley.

Flair wins, but Haas and Benjamin clearly get the last laugh. Haas and Benji aren't really known as the attacking type so this after match attack was kinda strange to me. Don't really know what to think of this too, as there hasn't been much surrounding this storyline. Flair should come back and be golden after though. Nice to see the RR in there. Would have been bad if you forgot :p

WOW. I like the booking for the end of the match here with Orton and Edge leaving, which leaves Kenny to get destroyed. There's definitely gonna be a situation here, and I'm starting to love this whole scenario. Good job with that. The fact that HBK is kinda pissed off with Trips is kinda interesting as well. This whole storyline (with the exception of Hardy) is quite interesting, and I'm really getting into it. Huge match announced for next week. Something I would actually expect out of a ppv, but it'll definitely be a treat.

Another squash by Umaga. Despite the belief of many, I like that you're slowly building him up as a monster rather than having him in the mix. Puts him over for the time being.

Flair and Carlito? As a team? It could work. Definitely foreshadows it.

Wow, the Lashley/RVD match just became a contenders match? Wtf is happening? The VKM/RVD/Lashley storyline is everywhere. It's definitely interesting to see where they all end up. With no sure challenger for Cena atm, one of these two could surely step up.

Dominator so early in this match? And no finish from it? Kinda weak don't cha think? Whoa, twists and turns everywhere. Chair shot to VKM, Cena interrupts, and RVD wins. It looks as though Cena is next for RVD, and Lashley will pay attention to VKM now. A huge turn for this or these storylines on tonight's Raw. I'm liking how everything ended up though. I kinda thought it would end up this way, but with the promo before this one, it was hard to tell.

Overall, this show was mostly used to get storylines and feuds into their rightful place or to set up everything else. Although I thought this show was lacking in the amount of promos, the booking definitely made up for it. A solid and impressive show to say the least. RR is starting to near, and I'm definitely seeing some big actions for the weeks to come. Looking forward to Rated RKO/Kenny/DX, and the whole VKM/Lashley/RVD/Cena situation as well. Good stuff iMac as per usual. =)
 
#23 ·
RAW Feedback​

Since after just one show this has quickly become one of my favourite BTBs, you know I had to be back for another show. :eek:

Very interesting start to the show with a bit of hype for Lashley and Van Dam, giving them a real rub by having Vince focusing on them, and also adding some interest as to exactly what it is that McMahon is thinking. I loved the abrasiveness from Vince here, and with the promise of something to follow, you’ve already got me hooked.

Big match to kick off the show, with a good quick start to it to really show the heat in the feud. Some really nice spots in this match, especially the cowardly Masters biding behind Torrie, the chair shots through the garbage can, the low blow and subsequent revenge low blow, and the big chair shot to the spine off the springboard. Some pretty good, innovate and clever stuff. The finish to the match was pretty cool too, topping off a good opener.

A really good statement made by Rated RKO in this promo with the whole reasoning behind them being put together to destroy DX, thus they’re going to do it because they’re bored with them. Obviously it won’t happen, but it still made for a good promo. The stuff with Dykstra continuing to have not proven himself is interesting, as I thought maybe you did that last week with Dykstra costing Michaels the win, but I’m glad to see this is more of a long term thing.

Very interesting promo here which I thought was really well written. Honestly, it reminded me of the stuff Legend did with Heyman and Lashley. The sucking up to Lashley from McMahon, especially calling him handsome :)lmao @ the “it’s like looking into a mirror” line) was great, and Vince honing in on Lashley not liking Van Dam was well done, really trying to bring the anger out of him. I doubt we’ll get it tonight, but the way you had Vince appeal to Lashley just seemed so right from him. A really well written segment, which provides interest as to where it will lead.

Yes, what a “great” WrestleMania moment. :side:

Nice to see the divas action staying short, with Victoria picking up another good win, keeping the momentum you’ve given her going well. Not so sure about her pinning the champion, as having Candice take the fall would have worked fine, imo, but it’s still good to see Victoria being built to a title match.

A very intriguing segment here. The slight animosity between the two was written really well, and having Van Dam make the statement that he wants after Cena and why he’ll get a shot was done really well. The little parting shot from Cena was a nice touch too, adding some more interest to this whole Van Dam situation. Enjoying what you’re doing with this.

Nice little match between Flair and Haas, with the beatdown afterwards of course being the focus, much like last week. I’m sure this is headed towards a tag team feud, so it should be interesting to see who you’re going to pick to be Flair’s partner to stop these beatdowns and make it a fair contest.

The Rumble should be good for sure. (Y)

Nice six man tag match here, with some good action. I liked that Dykstra was the one that made the key mistake that led to DX and Hardy getting back into things, as he’s the inexperienced rookie of the trio, while Edge and Orton walking out and leaving Dykstra to cop the brunt it the finish was a fine way to end it, showing what Edge and Orton are all about in saving themselves.

Interesting challenge for next week, with the big match announced. I’m surprised it’s just in a regular tag team match from the sound of things, as there’s a lot of heat in this feud, but it should prove to be a very good match, and the stipulation behind it works well. Triple H’s call on Rated RKO about DX ending was pretty great, putting the comedic stuff into the DX promo, although perhaps what is most interesting is the apparent disagreement between Michaels and Triple H. It seems pretty clear that Michaels doesn’t want the match, and if I had to take a stab at it, it looks like they’ll be losing next week and headed into a feud of their own. Big match for next week, and some interest coming out of the promo with the future of DX in question, making for a good promo.

Good to see Umaga asking for a challenge, no doubt eventually leading to a feud with a bigger star that should help Umaga get further over. Not so good was the acceptance of Eugene for the challenge, but I guess it’s about that challenge going almost unanswered until someone actually good steps up to the plate. The post-match beatdown from Mags was good to see, further proving his dominance until someone steps up.

I have to say, I liked the way you set this up with both men being in the trainer’s room after their brutal matches. Clever. The talk between the two was okay, and a possible alliance between Carlito and Flair would work fine for me, even if we saw it irl. The teaming should hopefully do a lot for Carlito, even if at first they’re just feuding with The World’s Greatest Tag Team.

AN alright promo between McMahon and Cena, although I found it a little weird that McMahon said he didn‘t want Lashley or Van Dam near the WWE Title when the rest of the promo focused on how he wanted to keep RVD away from the gold, but also seemingly get Lashley near it. The interaction between these two was fine, and again, it builds that interest in the main event, but I still found that Lashley stuff a little odd.

Lashley receiving a few boos? A very interesting little note there, perhaps hinting at an impending heel turn and alliance with Vince. I have to say that I really liked that you positioned this match in the main event too, btw. Have to say, while I’m not a fan of finisher kickouts when the man who hits the move is able to make an immediate pin, especially on a weekly episode of something like RAW, the way in which it led to McMahon trying to get Lashley to use the steel chair on Van Dam was very well done, trying to play on Lashley’s frustrations. Lashley turning his back on McMahon was expected, as turning heel this quickly would be a bit of a letdown. Cena coming in to make the save, leading to Van Dam getting the win makes things very interesting, as Van Dam is no doubt now headed to a title match with Cena, while Lashley’s frustrations would have to grow. Very good way to finish the show.


Before reading this I was expecting a pretty good show, but I have to say that you really impressed me here. Your writing was solid throughout, and the booking is very interesting, especially in the main event picture, where you seem to have a lot of guys involved, yet you’re making it all connect well. Your midcard is looking pretty good too, and with some of these storylines looking like they’re going to be huge going into WrestleMania season, this thread is really looking good. Good stuff, man.
 
#29 ·
~Friday Night Smackdown~
January 12th, 2007
Peoria, Illinois


"I'm just gonna down to that ring... and I'm gonna start crackin' skulls."



We start the show with a video package highlighting last week’s main event, the fatal four way match to determine who will face Batista at the Royal Rumble. After a long battle, which sees The Undertaker chokeslam King Booker through the announce desk, Kane looks primed for victory, only for The Little Bastard to get involved, distracting Kane long enough for Finlay to grab the shillelagh and smash his way to a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity.

There is no opening video or pyro though, as...

*SLICED BREAD...*​

It's a nice pop from the crowd as the WWE Tag Team Champions Brian Kendrick and Paul London race down the aisle, with Ashley Massaro not far behind...


Michael Cole: This is Friday Night Smackdown and there you see the most exciting tag team in the WWE today! Welcome to show everybody, I am Michael Cole, my broadcast partner is JBL, and we are kicking things off with the WWE Tag Team Championships on the line, just over two weeks away from the Royal Rumble!!

John Bradshaw Layfield: And this is gonna be nothin' but a battle between these two teams. The Hooligans and The Bluebloods, a lot of bad blood has been spilled between them over the last few weeks, and tonight they're gonna settle it once and for all.

Michael Cole: Tonight promises to be quite the show folks. Not only are the tag titles on the line, but the World Heavyweight Champion Batista teams up with Kane to square off against the man who will face Batista at the Royal Rumble, Finlay, and the man who last week declared himself the favourite to win the Royal Rumble match, Mr. Kennedy.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Finlay took on THREE former World Champions last week to grab his shot at Batista. I'm tellin' ya' Michael, Batista ain't gonna know what's hit 'im now those Irish eyes are set on Gold!

In the ring, London and Kendrick have done their usual back flip off the top rope, and after Ashley removes the masks from their faces, they hand their titles to the ref as...

*VILLAIN...*​

The crowd respond with a barrage of boos as William Regal and Dave Taylor confidently make their way down to the ring...


Michael Cole: Regal and Taylor have been chasing the tag titles for just over a month now, and each time they've came up short.

John Bradshaw Layfield: But tonight, there's no ladders, there's no gimmicks. This is gonna be nothin' but an old fashioned brawl, and we're gonna have new champions when it's over, mark my words Cole.

Match 1: WWE Tag Team Championships Match
WWE Tag Team Champions The Hooligans w/ Ashley Massaro vs. The Bluebloods

We start the match with Kendrick and Taylor in the ring, with the difference in style between the two evident for all to see. Kendrick utilises his speed advantage to gain the better of the early goings, with Kendrick nailing a string of dropkicks to continually knock Taylor down. The champions now swap takes, with both men working on the left arm of Taylor, including Kendrick wrenching on the arm while London jumps off the top rope with a double axe handle. London continues to target the arm, but as he winds it up, Taylor grabs a handful of hair and is able to force London off the ropes... but London ducks a clothesline... only for Regal to nail a knee to the spine from the apron. London turns to swing at Regal, but the wily veteran jumps down to the floor to avoid it, and the distraction is all Taylor needs to clip London from behind, taking him down with a chop block.

Regal quickly tags in, and the veteran bruisers go to work on the left knee of London, with Cole and JBL quick to make the point that by focusing on the knee Regal and Taylor are taking away London’s strength, namely his fast paced offense. Regal and Taylor now control the match, keeping London trapped in their half of the ring, with Taylor using more of a bruising style to do damage while Regal relies of his technical repertoire to wear London down. Taylor rattles off a series of uppercuts, knees to the gut and short arm clothesline, whereas Regal goes for submission style holds such as the Boston crab and a surfboard to punish London.

London continues to hang in there, and even mounts a brief comeback, nailing a few right hands out of desperation before locking Regal in a headlock, only for Regal to send London off the ropes... London ducks a clothesline... but he doesn’t duck a knee to the gut that sends London crashing to the ground. Now Regal readies himself in the corner, poised to strike, as he charges for the knee trembler... but London ducks underneath... and dives to the corner to tag in Kendrick! Kendrick explodes into the ring, knocking down both challengers with clotheslines before going for an Irish whip... Regal reverses but ducks his head... Kendrick nails a tornado DDT!! 1... 2... Taylor scrambles to make the save.

The match now descends into chaos, as London flies at Taylor, and soon all four men are trading rights and lefts, with the champions having the upper hand. Taylor is near the ropes when London charges with a running crossbody, which takes both men over the top rope to the floor. Regal and Kendrick are left in the ring, with Kendrick looking to put Regal away, as he hooks him up and runs for the corner... sliced bread... no! Regal pushes Kendrick chest first into the turnbuckle... and then nails the Regal-plex!! 1... 2... London makes the save! Paul London flies across the ring to break it up, and now he’s toe-to-toe with Regal swinging with rights before looking to send Regal off the ropes... but again Regal reverses... only for London to duck a clothesline and go for a kick... but Regal catches the foot... enzuigiri!! Regal slumps to the mat near the corner, and London climbs to the top rope, steadies himself... before nailing the 450 SPLASH!! London quickly hooks a leg... 1... 2... Kendrick cuts Taylor off... 3!!

Winners: And still WWE Tag Team Champions, The Hooligans @ 09.12

The crowd erupts as London and Kendrick once again retain their titles, keeping their record breaking reign alive. Ashley is quickly into the ring to celebrate with the pair, and we fade to commercial with Kendrick and London clutching their gold tightly.

*Commercial*​

When we return from commercial, Kristal Marshall is standing by on the interview set...


Kristal Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown! And now, please welcome the newest member of the Smackdown roster... The Impact Player... Test!!

Boos from inside the arena as Test enters the shot, dressed to compete, wearing a t-shirt that says "Impact Player" on it. Test cuts a fierce look as he stares down at Kristal...

Kristal Marshall: Test, last week you made a shocking debut here on Smackdown, storming through the crowd and then assaulting the United States Champion Chris Benoit. What was your motive behind that attack?

Test: My motive? You see what it says on this t-shirt?

Kristal nods...

Test: Well that's the only motive I need. I kicked Chris Benoit's ass last week for one simple reason... to make an impact. This isn't personal Benoit... this is strictly business. You just happened to be in the wrong place... at the wrong time.

Test smirks as he places a hand on Kristal's shoulder, much to the interviewer's disgust...

Test: You see toots, I'm not here to make friends and I'm not here to sit in the shadows. I want what I deserve, and that's...

Suddenly Kristal screams as a man is seen tackling Test to the ground... it's Chris Benoit!! Benoit lays into Test with a flurry of fists, as the pair brawl, bringing the interview set crashing to the ground. Neither man is able to get in any decent shots, as a posse of agents and referees drag the pair apart, with neither man wanting the impromptu fight to end. Eventually both men are dragged kicking and screaming away from each other, leaving the camera focused on the shocked Marshall as we cut to another part of the backstage area.

It is infact the locker room we go to, where Brian Kendrick and Paul London sit on chairs, recovering from their match against Regal and Taylor...


Paul London: (Wincing) Man my neck is killing me.

Brian Kendrick: Dude, my whole body hurts. But hey... we got 'em man. We showed Regal and Taylor we can fight as good as any team out there!

Paul London: Yeah man!

As the pair slouch back in their chairs, a set of footsteps can be heard approaching. With the camera focused on London and Kendrick still in their seats, all that can be seen is a pair of long, tanned legs walking into the shot. A well manicured hand lands on a shoulder of each man, and as London and Kendrick turn their gaze upwards, the camera slowly follows... to reveal Maryse. The vixen who we met last week smiles a devilish grin, before crouching down, bringing her head level with London and Kendrick's...

Maryse: Well well, bravo once again Hooligans.

London and Kendrick immediately recognise the stunning blonde stood before them, with her French accent as captivating as ever...

Maryse: Ze two of you... you certainly know how to make a good first impression, oui?

Mesmerised, Kendrick can only offer a goofy grin, leaving London to ask the questions...

Paul London: Listen, uh... Maryse, wasn't it?

Maryse: Oui.

Paul London: Maryse, we appreciate the weekly vote of confidence but uh... what do you want with us?

Maryse smirks, before flicking her hair back and offering a brief laugh...

Maryse: What do I want? I want ze titles around your waists. You see... zis Ashley girl you have with you... she is no good for you.

Maryse now turns to whisper in London's ear...

Maryse: But I... I can be very... very...

And now to Kendrick's ear...

Maryse: Good for you Hooligans.

Maryse now runs a finger under Kendrick's chin, with Brian still in a daze. At this point, Ashley is heard approaching...

Ashley Massaro: Guys I just got the...

Ashley stops in her tracks, a look of sheer disgust as she sees Maryse bent over next to her team...

Ashley Massaro: What is she doing here?

Maryse laughs, standing up from London and Kendrick's level to go eye to eye with Ashley...

Maryse: Tu es si laid. Vous souhaitez vous pouvez aussi bon état que moi.

Ashley Massaro: Listen, I don't know what you're saying... but you better stop it. Right now!

Again Maryse laughs, before flicking a palm in Ashley's face and turning back to London and Kendrick...

Maryse: Au revoir boys. I shall see you next week... hopefully we won't be... interrupted next time. Oui?

Maryse sexily shimmies her way out of the locker room, leaving the camera focused on a furious looking Ashley as we cut into the arena.

To the sound of silence, until...

*THIS IS A TEST (EXTREME REMIX)...*​

Boos from the crowd as the seriously pissed off looking Test steps out, still smarting from his pull apart brawl with Chris Benoit moments ago...


Michael Cole: Well folks, there is the man who shocked us all by running through the crowd last week and quite simply destroying the United States Champion Chris Benoit.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You say shocking, I say brilliant Michael. Test made a HUGE statement last week. He stepped into that ring and took the fight to Chris Benoit like few men have ever done before. I loved it, and I wanna see more of that this week.

*HARD AS STONE...*

It's a decent response from the crowd as Smackdown's resident cross-dresser Big Vito emerges...


Michael Cole: Vito was on a big time undefeated streak that only ended a few weeks ago, and he put it down to...

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) To him wearing a DRESS! This guy is the biggest embarrassment I have ever seen. It sickens me that Teddy Long allows this guy to walk around dressed like that on Smackdown.

Michael Cole: Why? Vito's not hurting anybody, he's just being comfortable. I don't see anything wrong with that.

John Bradshaw Layfield: He's a 250lbs bald Italian guy in a DRESS!! EVERYTHING IS WRONG WITH THAT!! How can you not see that Cole?

Match 2:
Big Vito
vs. Test

A battle of the big men, Test is quick to assert his dominance over Vito, with the Impact player shaking off the earlier brawl with Chris Benoit. Test starts the match in dominant fashion, beating Vito the punch early and often, with Test connecting with a string of hard forearms to the back and stiff knees to the gut. In the corner, Test continues to dish out punishment, clubbing Vito on the head with elbows and firing more knees to the midsection. When Test whips Vito across the ring, Vito is finally able to get some offense in, catching Test with a boot and following with a hard clothesline. Vito’s offense is brief though, as after a few right hands, Test reverses an Irish whip, catching Vito with a sidewalk slam. Test goes to work, hammering Vito with a succession of power moves, snapping off a pumphandle slam and following with a string of backbreakers. Test looks posed for victory, only for Vito to make one last effort at a comeback, hitting a series of rights before coming off the ropes for a swinging neckbreaker. Vito then looks for a double-arm DDT, only for Test to counter with a back body drop and then a huge boot to the face. This gives Test all the time he needs to drag Vito to his feet, before finishing him off with a gutwrench powerbomb for the 3 count.

Winner: Test @ 04.35

Test is quickly back on his feet, intimidating the ref as he tries to raise the big guy's arm. Test soon leaves the ring, trading insults with the crowd who boo his every step up the aisle...



*Commercial*​


*Video Package*

Narrator: Every year, 30 men chase a dream...

Shots of historical Royal Rumble moments, starting with Shawn Michaels dumping The British Bulldog over the top rope and then collapsing to his knees in victory...

Narrator: 30 men who seek fight for greatness...

Triple H returning in 2002 and last eliminating Kurt Angle before celebrating in the ring...

Narrator: 30 men who strive for their spot...

Quick-fire shots of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's three Rumble wins, 1997, 1998 and 2001...

Narrator: In the annals of time.

We now see stadium-wide shots of past Wrestlemania's, with the flashing lights and pyro displays of yesteryear...

Narrator: They crave immortality...

We now see shots from last year's Royal Rumble, starting with Shane McMahon eliminating Shawn Michaels...

Narrator: They strive for prominence...

The iconic image of Rey Mysterio headscissoring Randy Orton over the top rope to claim victory...

Narrator: But only one...

Rapid-fire images of eliminations, with bodies crashing to the floor as the pace of the video quickens...

Narrator: Will fulfil their destiny.



"WWE ROYAL RUMBLE - JANUARY 28TH - LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW!"


*End Video Package*


Elsewhere, Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long is in his office, when just like last week, the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms barges in...

Teddy Long: Hey, hey, now you listen to me Helms. You can't-

Gregory Helms: (Interrupting) No, YOU listen to me Teddy! You think you're funny Teddy? You think stickin' me in that match wit' Batista last week was funny?

Long laughs, nodding his head as he does...

Gregory Helms: Dammit Teddy! I'm Gregory Helms! I'm the Cruiserweight Champion! I deserve more respect than you're showin' me right now.

Teddy Long: Listen playa, you stormed into my office last week, and you asked for competition. Right?

Helms nods, sarcastically mouthing "Yeah"...

Teddy Long: Well, that's exactly whatcha' got playa. Ya' got the biggest competition we got here on Smackdown. Ya' got The Animal, Batista!

Pop from inside the arena for the World Heavyweight Champion...

Gregory Helms: Dammit Teddy, you know that's not what I meant! I meant a challenge from a Cruiserweight. Not the World Heavyweight Champion.

Teddy Long: Alright playa, alright. I hear whatcha' sayin'. That's why I gotcha' a new challenge this week.

Gregory Helms: Ya' did? Who?

Teddy Long: A guy I just signed from ECW... a guy you know pretty well... Shannon Moore!

There's a small pop from inside the arena, while Helms sneers at the thought of taking on Moore tonight...

Teddy Long: And your match... is up next!

Gregory Helms: What?!

Teddy Long: So you better get outta my office and get down to that ring playa.

Enraged, Helms glares at Long before turning and leaving the office, leaving Teddy for the second week in a row pleased at how his confrontation with Helms has ended.

Elsewhere, Big Vito is seen staggering down a corridor backstage, his arms wrapped round his midsection, clutching at his ribs and still hurting from the beat down layed upon him by Test. Slowly, Vito makes his way down the corridor, walking through the shadows of the dimly lit arena... until he stops and stares. Almost in disbelief, Vito rubs his eyes...


Big Vito: What are you doin' here?

Finally the camera pans to reveal who Vito is starring at, and slowly a woman emerges from the shadows... it's The Full Bodied Italian Trinity! Wearing a revealing outfit, Trinity confidently strides towards Vito...

Trinity: Hey Vito. Listen, uh... I was just wonderin'... what's the deal with the dress?

Vito shows no shame what so ever, but before he can answer...

Two men jump Vito from behind!! One of the men holds a rag infront of Vito's face, while the other man jumps on Vito's back. Despite his struggles, Vito quickly fades and falls to the ground. The camera now moves to focus on the two men, and through the shadows the faces of Nunzio and Tony Mamaluke can be seen...


Trinity: Alright, alright that's enough. C'mon, let's put him in the trunk.

With Nunzio grabbing Vito's legs and Mamaluke supporting his upper body, the two struggle to carry Vito down the corridor...

Nunzio: Hey... where we takin' 'dis fruitball anyway?

Trinity: We takin' 'im to The Compound. The Godfather would like a word with 'im.

The camera takes one last look at the face of the now unconscious Vito, as Nunzio and Mamaluke carry him into the darkness, a smiling Trinity following behind as we cut back into the arena for...

"LISTEN..."

*IT'S TIME*​

Boos ring out around the arena as the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms angrily makes his way to the ring for his match...


Michael Cole: It has been a wild night thus far ladies and gentlemen... but I don't think I've seen anything like that. Was Vito just the victim of a Mafia kidnapping?

John Bradshaw Layfield: A Mafia kidnapping? What the hell do you think this is Michael? We're not back in the old country here son! I didn't just step off the boat at Ellis Island! This is the WWE, Mafia kidnapping's don't just randomly happen around here.

Michael Cole: Well then how do you explain what just happened?

John Bradshaw Layfield: I... I... I don't have to explain it to the likes of you, but I guarantee it had somethin' to do with Vito wearing a dress! Mark my words!

Michael Cole: God this is gettin' ridiculous.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You're style of commentating? You're right, it is ridiculous.

Cole (wisely) gives up the argument, and as Helms removes the Cruiserweight Title from his waist and hands it to the referee, we have a moment of silence from the announce desk until...

*I'LL DO ANYTHING...*​

It's a decent pop from the crowd as the new arrival to the Cruiserweight division, Shannon Moore quickly races down to the ring...


Michael Cole: Well here comes another former member of the ECW roster, the newest recruit to the Cruiserweight division here on Smackdown.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And tell me Michael how is this fair? How is it fair for Teddy Long to just spring this match on Helms like that? Y'see this is why Teddy Long is not fit to be our General Manager. He is the most biased, unfair man I have ever met in my life.

Michael Cole: Y'know one of these days all this stuff you're sayin' about Teddy Long could come back to haunt you.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah and one of these days you might be considered a credible announcer.

Match 3: Non Title Match
Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms vs. Shannon Moore

The early goings of the match sees Moore take advantage of the sudden announcement of the match, catching Helms off guard on several occasions with quick armdrags and drop toe holds, keeping Helms off balance. Moore keeps the pace fast, connecting with a back body drop and following with a dropkick that sends Helms rolling under the bottom rope to the outside. Helms, enraged at the way the match has started, takes his frustration out on the steel steps, kicking them and then slamming his fist off the apron. Moore doesn’t give Helms a chance to compose himself though, as he quickly runs the ropes and connects with a suicide dive through the ropes, taking Helms down again before rolling him back into the ring for a 2 count. Helms is up quickly to drive an elbow to Moore’s back, and now the Champion looks to take control, nailing a series of forearms and kicks, as well as scoring a near fall from a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Helms now looks to slow the pace of the match down, going for a more ground and pound attack, taking away the quickness and high flying of Moore’s assault, a tactic that Cole and JBL are quick to point out has been very successful for Helms during his year long reign. Helms dominates most of the match, coming close to putting Moore away. Moore shows great guts to hang in there, but Helms has Moore down and he climbs to the top rope... super splash connects! That’s gotta be it... 1... 2... no! Moore hangs on after a long two count, leaving the Champion exasperated at what it will take to put Moore away. Helms now steadies himself, waiting what feels like an eternity for the tired Moore to drag himself to a knee. Moore makes it... and Helms makes his move... shinning wizard... no!! Moore ducks underneath, and he quickly catches Helms in with a rollup... 1... 2... 3!!

Winner: Shannon Moore @ 06.23

It's a nice response from the crowd as Moore somehow hangs in there to pull off the upset win. Helms is stunned at the outcome, amazed at how he got caught by Moore, with The Reject all smiles as the ref holds his hand high in the air. Moore is quick to roll out of the ring, but as he backs up the ramp, he keeps his eyes locked with the seething Champion, with Moore tapping his head to motion he outsmarted Helms. The camera focuses on Helms as he throws a fit in the ring, and we fade to commercial switching between the smiling Moore and the furious Helms.

*Commercial*​

We return from commercial to the sound of...

*PAPARAZZI...*​

That's right, it's back to back matches as Joey Mercury makes his entrance to a chorus of boos from the crowd...


Michael Cole: There's the man who last week, after losing a hard fought matchup to Matt Hardy, viciously cracked a steel chair across Hardy's skull. It was a sickening attack folks that-

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) No what was sickening was the injury Joey Mercury suffered at Armageddon at the hands of Matt Hardy. 20 stitches, countless hours of plastic surgery, horrific injuries that Joey has battled to overcome. If you ask me, Matt Hardy got EXACTLY what was comin' to him.

Michael Cole: There's no way Matt Hardy deserved to be left laying in a pool of his own blood last week.

John Bradshaw Layfield: He got what he deserved. Infact, I hope Matt Hardy doesn't make it anywhere near the Royal Rumble. For the damage he's done to Joey Mercury, he doesn't deserve a shot at main eventing Wrestlemania.

Match 4: Non Title Match
United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. Joey Mercury

With both men having a certain vicious streak inside them, it’s no surprise that the early stages of this match see a series of hard shots being traded, with Mercury connecting on with a pair of stiff elbows to the face, only for Benoit to grab Mercury and toss him into the corner to unload with a series of chops across the chest. The hard hitting continues, as Benoit connects with a snap suplex for a 2 count, but when he sends Mercury off the ropes, Benoit ducks, allowing Mercury to take control after a swinging neckbreaker. Indeed Mercury begins to focus his attack on the neck area, with Cole quick to remind us of Benoit’s previous neck surgeries.

A more conventional neckbreaker and a Russian legsweep continue to do damage, and Mercury gets a long 2 count from a bridging northern lights suplex. Mercury then climbs to the second rope, but when he misses a legdrop, Benoit mounts a recovery, again unloading with chops before rattling off three straight German suplexes for along 2 count of his own. Mercury is dazed, but he soon puts a stop to Benoit’s comeback, as when Benoit goes for a straight suplex Mercury lands on his feet... and nails Benoit with a sick jumping enzuigiri to the back of the head! Benoit slumps to the mat, and Mercury quickly goes for the cover... 1... 2... Benoit rolls a shoulder, to the cheers of the crowd but to the exasperation of Mercury.

Mercury soldiers on though, connecting with a few rights before sending Benoit crashing into the corner with a hard Irish whip. Benoit crumples to the mat, his neck connecting with the top turnbuckle, but Mercury doesn’t let up, slowly dragging Benoit to his feet before hoisting him up on to the top turnbuckle. A few rights buy Mercury the time to climb up alongside Benoit, and it appears like Mercury is going to go for a frankensteiner... but Benoit pushes Mercury to the mat! Mercury crashes hard, and now it’s Benoit who climbs, standing on the top turnbuckle, poised, ready to fly... diving headbutt... NO! Mercury rolls out of harm’s way, which sees Benoit crashing into the mat. The United States Champion cries out in pain, instantly gripping the back of his neck, while Mercury uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet. Mercury stares down at Benoit, sensing victory is his, as he slowly peels Benoit off the canvas, struggling to support the prone champion, but doing enough to hook Benoit’s arms... double underhook DDT... NO! Benoit struggles for a counter, grabbing an arm, twisting and forcing Mercury to the mat... and [B}locking on the CRIPPLER CROSSFACE!![/B] Now it’s Mercury who cries in agony, straining, stretching for the ropes, but Benoit had it locked in tight in the middle of the ring... and Mercury taps! Mercury taps out!

Winner: Chris Benoit @ 10.13

An exhausted Benoit finally releases his grip of the crossface, as for the second week in a row Mercury puts up a great effort but comes up short. Benoit rolls off of Mercury, before rising to his feet and being presented with his title and having his hand raised in the air. Benoit slowly makes his way up the ramp, selling the effects of Mercury's attacks during the match, continually grabbing at his neck. The United States Champion makes it to the mouth of the entrance way, stopping under the famous Smackdown fist to hoist his title high in the air to another good pop from the crowd... when from behind he's struck by a clubbing forearm to the back of the head... from Test!! Benoit goes crashing to the floor, and Test pounces on top of him, laying in with a flurry of well placed right hands to the head. A series of boots follow from the impact player, and after momentarily pausing to soak up the boos of the crowd, Test drags Benoit to his feet... and then plants him with a gutwrench powerbomb on the floor!! The crowd is stunned as the camera zooms in on the prone Benoit, who cries out in pain. Test flashes a sick smile, before for the second week in a row he picks up the United States Championship and stands over Benoit. The camera continues to switch between the anguish of Benoit and the sick satisfaction of Test, all the while a barrage of boos ring out as we fade to commercial.

*Commercial*​

When we return, Josh Matthews is standing by...


Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the World Heavyweight Champion... The Animal... Batista!

A great pop can rings out as Batista steps into the shot, briefly nodding at Matthews and adjusting the Championship that is slung over his shoulder...

Josh Matthews: Batista, it was last week when we found out that at the Royal Rumble you will defend your World Heavyweight Championship against Finlay. Batista, after watching Finlay prevail in the fatal four way match last week, what are your thoughts on the latest challenger to your title?

The champion pauses for a moment, again adjusting his title before finally speaking...

Batista: What are my thoughts on Finlay?

The Animal again pauses, prompting Matthews to nod his head...

Batista: Hell, what can I say that hasn't been said before about 'im? Finlay is one tough son of a bitch. But y'know, me and Finlay... we got a bit of history together. We've had some battles in the past... but never for MY World Heavyweight Championship.

Batista pauses, prompting a slight pop from the crowd...

Batista: So Finlay, at the Royal Rumble... you better bring everything you've got.

The Animal now stares straight down the lens, a more intense feel to his voice...

Batista: Bring the fight, bring your shillelagh, hell, bring that damn leprechaun too! But you better understand this Finlay... I'm ready for ANYTHING you can throw at me.

Pop...

Batista: You may be the Belfast Brawler... but I'm The Animal... and guess what Finlay?

Again Batista pauses, briefly looking at Matthews before smiling and turning back to the camera...

Batista: I love to fight too!!

Once more the crowd responds positively, while Batista turns and walks out of the shot, leaving Matthews behind, who puffs out his cheeks and mouths "Wow" at the intensity of The Animal.

We quickly cut to another part of the arena, this time returning to the General Manager's office where Teddy Long is talking on a cell phone, as we join him mid-conversation...


Teddy Long: Uh-huh... that's right playa... well, he wants competition, so that's what he's gonna get... alright, I like that... you got a number for this playa?

Long fumbles around his desk, grabbing a piece of paper and a pen...

Teddy Long: Uh-huh... alright...

Knock at the door...

"Come in!"

The camera stays focused on Long, still writing on his piece of paper. Eventually, Long glances up, smiling at what he sees...


Teddy Long: Hey, listen playa, I gotta go. I appreciate yo' help though... trust me playa, I'll be givin' him a call... alright, later man.

Long folds shut his cell and places it on his desk, before rising to his feet and stepping around from behind his desk to greet his visitors...

Teddy Long: Playas... welcome to Smackdown!

The camera pans to reveal ECW Legends Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman, with the crowd giving the trio a warm reception. Long shakes hands with all three men, with The Sandman even thrusting a beer can Long's way...

Teddy Long: Uh... no, not on the job playa.

The Sandman: (Shrugging) Suit yourself.

Never one to let good beer go to waste, Sandman promptly downs the can infront of Long, who is visibly flustered at Sandman's actions...

Teddy Long: Listen playas, it's great to have ya' here on Smackdown, but uh... I think we gotta lay down a few ground rules, ya' hear?

Tommy Dreamer: Like what?

Teddy Long: Well first off, no getting drunk during a show.

The Sandman: (Burps) Too late for that.

Long shrugs and smiles, while Dreamer merely nods his head...

Teddy Long: Well uh... maybe rules ain't yo' bag. But listen, I wanna thank the three of you for comin' here to Smackdown. And y'know somethin' else? I wannna see the three of you goin' out there and causin' some chaos 'round here. I wanna see you three shake things up 'round here, ya dig?

Tommy Dreamer: Hey, Teddy... you don't gotta worry about that. Chaos and violence... that's what we do.

Teddy Long: Alright, I like the sound of that playas. I can't wait to see it.

Dreamer motions to his colleagues to leave the room, with Sabu and Long exchanging nods, while Sandman somehow manages to stagger his way out the door, before the camera cuts back to the announce table...

Michael Cole: It's been a crazy night here on Smackdown, and it could be about to get even crazier! Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman are now all members of the Smackdown roster.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And you're happy with that? You support Teddy Long on his decision to sign these maniacs?

Michael Cole: Well yeah. I mean, Dreamer, Sandman and Sabu, those guys leave it all in the ring each and every night.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah they leave it next to whatever poor bastard had to step into the ring with 'em that night! After all we've seen over the last few weeks, MVP being set on fire, his career could be over, with Joey Mercury getting his face caved in, needing hours of plastic surgery, with Matt Hardy suffering a concussion last week...

Michael Cole: (Interrupting) You said Matt Hardy deserved it!!

John Bradshaw Layfield: Don't you dare interrupt me again! After Matt Hardy suffers a concussion last week and Chris Benoit maybe suffering another concussion tonight, after ALL THAT, Teddy Long goes out and signs those three lunatics, and YOU Michael Cole, YOU support his decision?!

Michael Cole: Well... yeah.

Layfield, a look of pure disgust on his face, can only shake his head at Cole...

Michael Cole: What? I think Teddy Long's doing a great job.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You disgust me. A trained chimp could do your job better than you do.

Before Cole can respond and continue the argument...

*DEAD WHITE GUYS...*​

It's a ton of heat that greets King Booker as he makes his way down to the ring, the lovely Queen Sharmell faithfully by his side...


John Bradshaw Layfield: And what about King Booker? He got drilled through our announce table by The Undertaker last week. Why wasn't there a fine or some kinda sanction handed down by Teddy Long?

Michael Cole: Well The Undertaker isn't here tonight, so...

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) Oh so what he just shows up when he feels like it? Teddy Long is to blame for all of this, and the sooner we get rid of him as our General Manager, the better.

In the ring, Booker raises his pinkie into the air, again drawing more heat, while Sharmell proudly applauds her man, before snatching a microphone from Tony Chimel and handing it to her King...

King Booker: Last week... I... your King... King Bookah... I was royally besmirched.

Cheers from the crowd, with Sharmell shouting "Shut up!" in response...

King Booker: I... the King of the WWE... I was besmirched by a commoner... a mere peasant... called The Undertaker.

Huge pop from the crowd at the mention of The Deadman...

King Booker: Oh you may cheer... you may cheer him for his actions. But you cheer because you are nothing but peasants like him.

Cheap heat...

King Booker: You people, should be on your hands and knees, bowing at my feet, grateful that my presence has graced this cesspit.

More cheap heat, with Sharmell nodding along shouting "'Dat's right!"...

King Booker: As for you Undertaker... I am lead to believe you are not here tonight. One can only assume... it is because you fear the backlash of your actions last week. You fear what I would do to you after you chokeslammed me though a table last week!

Pop from the crowd, which causes Booker to lose his composure...

King Booker: Why don't all y'all suckas shut yo' damn mouths!

Boos, while Booker adjusts his crown and slips back into the regal accent...

King Booker: Now... as I was saying. Undertaker... I challenge you to a duel in this ring next week. 'Dat's right, I'm callin' yo' ass out sucka! And if you have any class... if you have any dignity... you will rise to my challenge Deadman. Else ye' be nothing better than these peasants who cheer your name. In the past, you may have held the WWE in a state of fear... but not I. Not King Bookah! For King Bookah fears no man!

Again Sharmell shouts "'Dat's right!" which draws a smile from her King...

King Booker: Undertaker... you have long reigned here on Smackdown. But now Undertaker... I... I am the one, true King of Smackdown. This is MAH kingdom Deadman. You no longer reign supreme here on Smackdown.

The crowd continues to boo, while Sharmell as loyal as ever nods along, agreeing with every word...

King Booker: Yet still, these peseants cheer you. Well, next week, if ye' be brave enough to meet me in this ring... I... King Bookah... I will slay thee Deadman.

Booker now steps towards the camera, all business...

King Booker: And when I do... you and all these mere peseants will know... that I... King Bookah... am not a King to be messed with.

Staring deep into the camera, Booker slams the mic to the mat, while his music starts up again to a chorus of boos...

Michael Cole: Wow. I'm not sure I've ever hear anyone call out The Undertaker like that before.

John Bradshaw Layfield: It's about time if you ask me. The Undertaker can't get away with puttin' people through tables whenever he feels like it. I applaud King Booker for what he just did.

Michael Cole: It's been quite the night here on Smackdown, and we've still got our main event to come. Join us when we return to Friday Night Smackdown!

*Commercial*​

*Video Package*

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL!

APRIL 7TH, 1986
WRESTLEMANIA II


In a rematch of sorts from the previous year, Mr. T and 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper once again meet at Wrestlemania, this time in a boxing match. After much stalling, the match descends into chaos after Piper is disqualified for body slamming T in the fourth round, leading to both Joe Frazier and 'Cowboy' Bob Orton getting involved in what was the first of three Wrestlemania main events that evening.

WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - 81 DAYS AND COUNTING


*End Video Package*

Into the arena for...

*REALITY...*​

There are boos from the crowd for the arrival of The Miz, but not as many as other heels, as it's clear Miz still has a long way to go to be taken seriously as a threat here on Smackdown. Miz cockily swaggers down to the ring, his new associate Michelle McCool by his side...


Michael Cole: Welcome back to Smackdown folks. Here comes the man who last week said it was time for Smackdown to take a "reality check" and he also had a few comments for you JBL.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And I bet you loved every second of it didn't ya?

Michael Cole: Well, I didn't complain.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I swear to God if he comes anywhere near me tonight I will stick my fist straight through his goofy lookin' face.

Cole laughs at how worked up JBL is getting, before we hear...

*GONNA PUNCH SOMEONE TONIGHT...*​

It's a nice pop as Smackdown's resident ******* Jimmy Wang Yang slaps hands as he quickly makes his way down the aisle...

Match 5:
Jimmy Wang Yang
vs. The Miz w/ Michelle McCool

Determined to get his new, serious demeanour across, Miz arrogantly gets in Yang’s face early on, talking smack and even going as far as to slap Yang across the face. This only serves to ignite Jimmy, who responds by teeing off with a string of right hands, before sending Miz down with a headscissor takedown. Miz crouches in the corner, looking to regroup, with McCool nearby offering words of encouragement. Miz then comes out of the corner and is able to establish control with a hard knee to the gut and a stiff forearm to the spine. Miz demonstrates his new attitude through using a series of hard hitting moves, punishing Jimmy with more stiff kicks and knees, paying particular attention to target Yang’s head and neck area. Miz dominates for much of the match, but when he sends Jimmy to the corner and goes for his swinging corner clothesline, Jimmy uses his quickness to avoid the attack, and as Miz is hung up on the middle turnbuckle, Jimmy rolls him up for two count. Now Yang mounts an attack, connecting with clotheslines and a string of kicks before scoring another near fall with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Miz is reeling, but when Jimmy sends him off the ropes, Miz reverses, allowing McCool to grab a foot. The distraction costs Yang, as when he turns Miz nails him with a vicious lariat, before dragging Jimmy to his feet and nailing the Reality Check before hooking the leg... 1... 2... 3!

Winner: The Miz @ 02.57

A confident victory for Miz, who is quickly on his feet to stare down at the fallen Yang. The ref goes to raise Miz's arm, only for McCool to push the ref away, preferring to raise her clients arm herself to more boos than when Miz made his entrance. The boos continue, with Miz milking every second of it as we fade into commercial.

*Commercial*​

When we return, Josh Matthews is standing by...


Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship... Finlay.

Boos from the crowd as the veteran Irishman Finlay steps into the frame, trusty shillelagh in hand...

Josh Matthews: And Finlay we are just moments away from you partnering Mr. Kennedy in a tag team match against the man you assaulted with that shillelagh last week, Kane, and the man you will face at the Royal Rumble, the World Heavyweight Champion Batista. Finlay, what are your thoughts on this match tonight?

Finlay: My first thought is that if you ever talk to me like that again, I'm shove this shillelagh down your skinny neck.

Matthews lowers his head, not wishing to cause any trouble...

Finlay: As for my match tonight... I'd rather let my actions in the ring do the talkin' for me. Y'see Batista, he's all mouth. Just like my 'partner' tonight.

Finlay smirks, briefly shaking his head...

Finlay: But me? I'm not gonna run my mouth. I'm just gonna down to that ring...

Finlay hoists his shillelagh in the air, admiring it...

Finlay: And I'm gonna start crackin' skulls. This interview is over.

For the second time tonight, Matthews is left speechless, as the intense Finlay glares at him before walking off as we cut to the announce desk...

Michael Cole: Well folks, we've heard from both Champion and Challenger tonight, and both men have made their feelings clear. At the Royal Rumble, when Batista and Finlay collide, it's gonna be nothin' but a smash mouth fight.

John Bradshaw Layfield: It's gonna be an straight up brawl between two of the toughest guys we've got here on Smackdown, and I can't wait to see it!

"KENNEDY..."

*TURN UP THE TROUBLE...*​

After an initial pop from the smarks, the boos quickly rain down on Mr. Kennedy, who simply smirks as he arrogantly chews his gum and swaggers down to the ring...


Michael Cole: There's the man who last week claimed that he was the favourite to win the Royal Rumble. The ever arrogant Mr. Kennedy.

John Bradshaw Layfield: It's not arrogance if you can back it up Michael. Ever since Kennedy arrived here on Smackdown he's been knocking off some of the biggest names on this show like they didn't matter.

Michael Cole: Yeah but can he back it up and win the Royal Rumble?

John Bradshaw Layfield: I gotta agree with 'im. He's the favourite so far.

In the ring, Kennedy has climbed to the second rope and motioned for his microphone to drop down from the rafters...

Mr. Kennedy: You (Pointing at Tony Chimel) you just stand there, shut the hell up and watch how the pros do it.

Chimel can only shake his head while the crowd responds with boos...

Mr. Kennedy: So I see on the .com that 20 other guys just got announced as participants in the Royal Rumble match.

Kennedy loudly chews his gum into the mic as he gathers his thoughts...

Mr. Kennedy: Well I got one... simple... question for each and every one of ya... why bother?

Boos...

Mr. Kennedy: No, no, I mean it... why bother showin' up for the Royal Rumble? I mean, I look at that list of names and... I see NOBODY who comes even close to bein' better than me.

Again boos...

Mr. Kennedy: You assholes can boo all ya' want, but y'know somethin'? At the Royal Rumble, when the smoke clears, when the dust settles, when the freakin' fat lady sings, when it's all said... and... done!... you people are gonna be left with one statement that you will remember for the rest of your sad, pathetic lives...

Kennedy now points at the Royal Rumble banner hanging from the rafters...

Mr. Kennedy: Here is your winner of the 2007 Royal Rumble match... MMMIIISSSTTTEEERRR KEN – NAH – DAY!

Kennedy now turns back to the camera, a cold blooded stare on his face...

Mr. Kennedy: (Softly) KEN - NAH - DAY!

Kennedy let's his mic head back up into the roof, and we have silence...

Until...

*LAMBEG...*​

More boos from the crowd as Kennedy's partner tonight Finlay slowly makes his way down to the ring...


Michael Cole: Well Mr. Kennedy has made his intentions clear. He's determined to go on and win the Royal Rumble and then headline Wrestlemania. But will he and Finlay be victorious tonight? We'll find out when we return.

*Commercial*​

As we come back from commercial, Kennedy and Finlay have been joined in the ring by Kane, with the Big Red Machine's music beginning to face out as...

*I WALK ALONE...*​

It's a thunderous response for Batista, as The Animal storms out from the back, setting off a blaze of fireworks before making his way down to the ring...


Michael Cole: The roof is about ready to blow off this arena! The Animal is primed and ready for action!

John Bradshaw Layfield: He better be ready Michael, 'cos there is a tough Irish bastard in that ring ready to tear 'im apart if he's not.

Main Event: Tag Team Match
World Heavyweight Champion Batista and Kane vs. Finlay and Mr. Kennedy

Despite JBL’s assessment of Finlay, it’s Kennedy who kicks things off for his team, the brash youngster confidently stepping up to take on Batista as the bell rings. Instead of locking up, Kennedy gets in Batista’s face, talking smack at him, goading the Animal before finally Batista snaps and knocks Kennedy down with a big right hand. Kennedy staggers to the corner, where the Champion unloads with rights and lefts before hitting a few shoulder thrusts to the midsection. A hard Irish whip sends Kennedy crashing to the opposite corner, and as he staggers out Batista is ready to hit a huge back body drop. Kennedy quickly scrambles to his corner to tag in Finlay, who slowly, cautiously enters the ring, with the Animal giving Finlay space to enter. The two tie up, with Finlay locking on a headlock, only for Batista to snap him off the ropes and then knock Finlay down with a shoulderblock.

Kane enters the match for the first time, and he unloads with hard uppercuts to the throat, before slamming Finlay to the mat and coming off the ropes to drop an elbow for an early 2 count. Kane continues to strike with those trademark uppercuts, but after dropping Finlay with a sidewalk slam, Kane comes off the ropes for a low angle dropkick... only for Kennedy to low bridge the top rope, sending Kane crashing to the floor! The ref is quick to admonish Kennedy, who of course pleads his innocence, only for Finlay to pick a fight with Batista, causing the ref to get in-between the two with Batista not being the legal man in the match. This is all the distraction Kennedy needs on the outside, as he drives Kane spine first into the ringpost and then the ring apron, leaving Kane slumped on the floor outside the ring as we fade into our final commercial of the night.

*Commercial*​

When we return, Kennedy and Finlay are now firmly in control, working well together to keep Kane away for Batista and aiming their attacks to the spine. Kennedy drives a series of knees to the back and follows with an inverted DDT, while Finlay places Kane face first into the corner, driving his shoulder to the spine before taking Kane down and locking on a legscissors. Finlay squeezes tight, causing Kane to cry out, while on the apron Batista stomps and slaps the turnbuckle, trying to get the crowd behind Kane. Slowly, Kane shows signs of life, trying to break Finlay’s grip by aiming elbows at Finlay’s head. Finally, Kane breaks free, slowly making it back to his feet, only for Finlay to drive him to the corner. After a few rights to the gut, Finlay sends Kane across... but as Kane crashes into the corner, Finlay charges... and runs straight into a big boot to the face! Kane, selling the effects of the beatdown he suffered, crashes to the mat too, and now both men are crawling for their corner. Finlay, being fresher, makes it to his corner first... here comes Kennedy... but here too comes Batista!

The Animal explodes into the ring, knocking both Kennedy and Finlay down with a bunch of clothesline before grabbing Kennedy and sending him off the ropes... straight into a huge spinebuster!! The crowd erupts as Batista dominates, but here comes Finlay from behind, clubbing Batista with forearms to the back. Finlay then goes for an Irish whip to the corner, only for Batista to reverses, sending Finlay hard into the corner. Finlay slumps to the mat, but as the camera zooms in on him, we see Finlay reach out... and grab his trusty shillelagh!! Cole immediately points it out, and as Batista slowly walks over, it seems Finlay is ready to strike... but Batista ducks, and a kick to the gut forces Finlay to drop the weapon. Batista quickly pounces, grabbing the shillelagh... and launching it down the aisle!! With his trusty weapon gone, Finlay now looks worried, with Batista nailing clubbing shots to the back, before pulling Finlay in... hoisting him up in the air... Batista-bomb... NO!! Kennedy saves his partner, nailing Batista from behind, but Kane is quickly back on the scene, and he clotheslines Kennedy over the top rope, before following the loudmouth outside. Kennedy and Kane now battle on the outside, while in the ring, Batista has Finlay in his sights. Finlay is slumped by the side of the ring, and as Batista approaches, a commotion is heard... as The Little Bastard has emerged from under the ring, shillelagh in hand!! Batista doesn’t see the leprechaun slide a shillelagh into Finlay, who hides it under his body. On the outside, the ref is distracted as Kennedy hits a drop toe hold that sends Kane face first into the ring steps for a nasty looking bump.

In the ring, Batista senses victory, grabbing Finlay, pulling him in, once again hoisting the Irishman high into the air... Batista-bomb... but Finlay has the second shillelagh in his hand... AND HE CRACKS IT ACROSS BATISTA’S SKULL!! The Animal slumps to the mat, while Finlay crashes too, falling from above Batista. Quickly removing the evidence, Finlay tosses the shillelagh towards the corner, before scrambling to cover Batista, motioning for the ref to finally turn around while hooking both legs tight... 1... 2... 3!

Winners: Finlay and Mr. Kennedy @ 11.34

For the second week in a row The Little Bastard hands Finlay the shillelagh and hands him a victory. With Kennedy and Kane both down on the outside, The Animal lays prone on the canvas, barely stirring, unable to shake away the cobwebs.


Michael Cole: Once again that Little Bastard just appears from out of nowhere to give Finlay an assist. I mean, where does he come from? Where does he disappear to?

John Bradshaw Layfield: None of that matters right now Cole. All that matters is that the World Heavyweight Champion is down and he is out cold! Irish eyes are smillin' bright as their boy Finlay just got a HUGE psychological advantage over The Animal.

The referee crouches down next to Batista, checking on the condition of the Champion, while Finlay stands nearby, shillelagh back in his grip. The ref continues to check on Batista... until Finlay shoves him away! The referee shouts "No!" but Finlay doesn't care, as he hoists the shillelagh high in the air...

"Aw c'mon! Don't do this!"

Readies himself, poised to strike...

"Do it! Hit 'im!"

And strikes down upon The Animal!!

"No!"

And again... and again... and again!!

"I love it!"

Batista cries out in agony, as Finlay damn near snaps his shillelagh in half across The Animal's shoulder. Finally, mercifully, Finlay relents, knowing the damage is done. The referee again goes to check on Batista, to find the Champion writhing in pain, screaming out in agony. The crowd showers Finlay with boos, but the veteran Irishman simply flashes his toothy grin, not giving a damn about what anybody in this arena thinks of him.

Speechless, Cole offers no words, letting the boos of the crowd and the cries of The Animal tell it's own story, with the camera switching between the pain of Batista and the pride of Finlay as we fade to black.


*End Show*​





Current Card for WWE Royal Rumble:
Date: January 28th 2007

Location: AT&T Centre, San Antonio, Texas

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Finlay

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Kenny Dykstra


30 Man Royal Rumble Match:
Winner has automatic title shot at EITHER brand’s Champion at Wrestlemania XXIII:
Entrants in Alphabetical order:
Bobby Lashley, Brian Kendrick, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Edge, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Kane, King Booker, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Paul London, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, The Miz, The Undertaker, Triple H, Umaga
 
#30 ·
SmackDown! Feedback​

Nice little reminder of the major event of last week, reminding us of Finlay’s big win, which will surely be crucial for tonight’s show.

Starting off with tag title action straight away? I have to say, I quite like how we instantly got it, giving the start of the show a more exciting feel. The commentary at the beginning of the match, giving hype to the card as a whole, while also building up how important the tag title match itself was, was nicely done. The match itself was pretty nicely done, with you showing a real contrast in styles between the high flying stuff from The Hooligans, and the more straight up fighting style of Regal and Taylor. The match built up well to a pretty exciting climax, and keeping Londrick looking strong with a title defense is certainly good to see as they now move off into their Maryse based program.

I’m surprised you had Test state his motives so quickly, as I thought another few beatdowns for a few weeks would have been in order first, but I guess this is just a mini feud anyway. Test talking up what he did to Benoit as his gimmick, making it all about the impact was fine, although I would have liked to have seen him talking about the US Title, which he’ll surely be going after Benoit to get. I’m pretty sure that’s what he was building to when Benoit jumped him, but I would have liked for him to say it first. The attack from Benoit is a nice showing of intensity, getting this feud some real heat early.

:lmao @ the generic banter of Londrick. The seduction from Maryse was well done too, really drawing The Hooligans in well before the confrontation with Ashley. The talk from Ashley, showing the instant heat was nicely done too, and while this is just a midcard thing, I’m already enjoying what you’re doing here. It’s definitely got my attention.

:lmao @ JBL talking about Vito. Academic win for Test here, which while he looks good during, I’m not really sure it was necessary. He’s already had his impact for the night, but I guess you really want to get him over on his new show.

The Rumble card is shaping up nicely. Should be one to look forward to. ;)

The interaction between Long and Helms was pretty good here to begin with, showing Long standing up for himself and not being a pushover, really justifying himself well. The challenge for Helms for this week in Shannon Moore as a new signing, while maybe not that spectacular, is a nice one, as it catches Helms off guard, while it’s a good way to keep the thing going between Teddy and Helms, and also allows Shannon to slip back into things on SmackDown! well. Good booking.

Interesting angle. I would have maybe liked Vito trying to justify himself before being jumped, but adding The FBI back to the ranks on SmackDown!, and putting Vito back there instead of as a cross dresser seems a good idea. It’s also a positive to make an angle of it, even if it seems a little weird (as JBL hilariously pointed out on commentary while owning Cole, which I love).

Basic match between Moore and Helms, but really, that’s all it needed to be. I liked the psychology you used of Moore taking control early due to the shock of Helms at having to face Moore, while the finish did its job just fine. It was to be expected, but it’s still good booking as Moore looks good on his return to SmackDown!, Helms is protected by the fact it was a roll-up victory and he didn’t expect to be in a match, and you also have a title feud now to go with it. Good stuff.

Again, after already seeing a brawl between Test and Benoit, I’m not sure Benoit in action is something you really need. The match itself was fine, again showing good psychology with Mercury targeting the neck of Benoit, which was used well throughout the match. I’m not so sure about Test bating Benoit down after the match now, as while I thought this should have been the go, I also believe that having Test in action or cutting a promo was then needless. A gutwrench powerbomb out on the floor is a big statement too, and I would have thought that it should have slowly built to that, with Test making a real impact with the move, then revealing his motives so we have the feud go from there. This way seems a bit jumbled up, and like it doesn’t have as much natural progression, but it’s still making for a decent enough midcard feud.

The promo from Batista here wasn’t as good as I thought it could have bee. It seemed that you could have really built Finlay’s battles with Batista in the past and said Finlay’s taken him to the limit, making him a tough challenger, before Batista says he’ll be tough to beat for the title and then you can get through the rest of the Finlay needing to bring everything he’s got type of stuff. Still, the way you used Finlay’s catchphrase to end the promo was a nice way to finish the promo off.

Interesting little tease from Long. While this seems certain to be a challenger for Helms in the future as some new competition (and is likely Bryan Danielson, as you’ve alluded to him in your news a few times), I’m not so sure about the timing of this. I mean, I like AmDrag, but I really think that he should be brought in once Helms’ program with Moore is done, and that only just began tonight, meaning it should have some legs, and could probably go all of the way through to No Way Out. Rather than having AmDrag appear now, I thought you could have maybe waited for this after WrestleMania, with Helms defeating Moore in a feud and again having no competition to give you a long-term feud, but with that said, when Helms/Danielson happens I have no doubt that it should be good. I admittedly found the stuff with Teddy and The Sandman a little bit lame, but the ECW Originals making their way onto SmackDown! should be interesting, especially with the line about chaos and violence, no doubt hinting at a storyline coming.

:lmao @ JBL. Awesome.

The idea of Booker addressing The Undertaker is very interesting for me, because while they may have had a feud that sucked in 2004, I still think the two could put on something pretty interesting. The use of the “royal” Booker type language was good early, although I’m not so sure about calling The Undertaker a peasant, because he’s meant to be that different, supernatural type of guy. Instead I thought it would have maybe made more sense for Booker to talk about Undertaker as a dragon, and Booker as the king who must slay him for his actions and for the good of the peasants, who are falsely bullied into cheering The Undertaker. Still, Booker saying that ‘Taker was running from him was a pretty nice line, and the way that Booker challenged ‘Taker, in the way of Booker’s language, was great. I’m a bit disappointed you’re giving us the match between the two straight away, but the way in which Booker spoke was great. The end of the promo was kind of where I wanted you to go at the beginning, speaking of slaying The Undertaker, making for a pretty good conclusion to the promo. While it may have been pretty short, in terms of characterisation this promo was really good, and you’ve given us a match to look forward to next week.

I would mark if you made it to WrestleMania, tbh.

Good to see you keeping on with the previous week with the hate of JBL for The Miz. Not so sure about Wang Yang being fed to Miz as a jobber, as while the gimmick sucked, Wang Yang was actually one of the cruiserweight in a decent position at this time to always step up and have a competitive match with Helms, so for him to be jobbed out to a rookie here really sets him down a notch. Nice to see you really putting over Miz’s aggressive streak in the match, and McCool getting involved is okay, although I thought that should have been reserved for when Miz gets more of a challenge, because having to cheat to win your first match is kind of weak.

Nice use of Finlay’s character to show some real aggression here with a small promo, which he’ll hopefully back up in the match, as he needs the momentum to look a threat.

Nice to see a little promo from Kennedy about the Rumble as part of his introduction to the main event. A small thing was that I thought that just flat out calling the crowd “assholes” has never seemed like a WWE thing to do, but the promo, however short, was still good at showing off Kennedy’s arrogance.

Very nice main event here, showing the usual psychology of targeting a body part after capitalizing on attacking Kane on the outside, before the finish that was done well, giving Finlay some real momentum, while really not costing Batista due to the use of the (second) shillelagh. The ending was great, with Finlay making a real statement, which imo, he needed to do after talking a big game early. Good way to finish the show.


Another pretty damn exciting show here, iMac. While the booking maybe isn’t quite on the level of RAW, where your main event stuff is absolutely owning, the show still has that real exciting feel to it that is really making me love this BTB. The booking throughout was solid, and the writing pretty impressive too. I feel you’re doing a good job all the way throughout the card, so really it’s just a matter of keeping it going. Good stuff, my man.
 
#31 ·
Smackdown Feedback

Recap video package is good. Reminded me of last week's events. Nice to see the show start off with some exciting tag team action and with the titles on the line. Hooliganz with a pretty clean win surely means that the Bluebloods are out of the picture now. Don't know where their 'record breaking' reign will go from here, but hopefully, there's some sort of advancement in storyline for these guys on this show. I know Maryse was sort of involved last week so we should see something from her now.

Short Test promo, but I liked it. Seeing Beniot's aggression is good. An intense feud between the two could be really entertaining. After just debuting though, it would have been nice to see Test get some more 'impact' in.

And there Maryse is. I had to look up her French line. I got the "You are so ugly", but not the next part. Pretty intrigued in this, as she kinda wants to take Ashley's place, which isn't necessarily a feud with the Hooliganz. I actually like this idea more than her teaming up with randoms, although that's bound to happen sooner or later.

lol @ Vito. Totally forgot about his cross-dressing gimmick back in the day. JBL's commentary makes his gimmick all the better too. Unless there was another Beniot interference, the win was basically automatic. Nice to see Test still rolling with things. Good getting in some RR hype as well.

Teddy Long was spot on in this promo. Same good 'ol Teddy as a matter of fact. Shannon Moore? Expected a bigger name to feud with Helms, but he'll do. Hopefully he doesn't steal the title away from Helms. That would be a travesty.

Whoa...what do we have here. The FBI kidnapping Vito to bring to the Godfather. I'm hooked already. Not only do FBI add to the tag team division, but this Godfather thing could be very, very interesting. Nice too see you using most superstars on your roster as well. Also, I gotta say that your usage of JBL on the commentary is excellent. I'm laughing at almost every bit.

Ohhhhh...it was a non-title match. Not a fan of Shannon Moore, but his win seemed necessary, as Helms really doesn't have anyone else to feud with. Rollup finish made sense too. Moore's probably gonna get another shot, but I'd rather have Helms keep the title.

Beniot in action tonight as well? I think that after the earlier brawl, as well as Test's earlier match that this feud took its course for the show. I think you messed up with a bit of coding in the match summary. Holy canoli with the aftermath. Kinda expected though, but a move onto the floor is huge. The feud is moving quite quickly too. Promise there's no more beatdowns or attacks from now on? Nah, don't do that, the beatdowns out of nowhere are pretty cool.

Nice to see Batista finally get in some words about Finlay. I'm surprised that it's an interview, and not an in-ring segment though. It's not the lengthy promo I was hoping for, but the Finlay catchphrase sendoff was a nice touch. To be honest though, the promo was way too short for my liking. Disappointed in that.

The new mystery wrestler is intriguing. Thing I didn't like about this promo is Teddy not allowing drinking, but allowing the guys to cause chaos and violence? Kinda hypocritical in a way. Expecting big things from them though. You got a lot of midcardish storylines going on. A lot of them are pretty damn good too, so this one shouldn't disappoint.

Booker/Taker was a given considering last week's events. Not a bad promo here from Booker. A feud between the two could be pretty good. I expect some sort of DQ or something to that nature next week to further this feud. I don't expect it to go further than NWO though. Nice recall right after as well.

Miz with a filler squash win here. I like the two together, but I don't at the same time. Just because Miz is a great mouthpiece by himself. Nonetheless, nice to see the Miz win. Hopefully some big things in the future for him. Maybe the MITB? =P

Finlay was never a talker was he? Makes sense to have the short promo, as well as show his fighting nature. Good job with that. Kennedy promo afterwards was awesome. The 'asshole' gimmick didn't come til later, but I'll forgive you for using it. Definitely good to see both Finlay and Kennedy get some mic time. It was kinda expected.

Kane/Kennedy feud to come? Haven't seen or heard of a drop toe hold into the steel steps in a while. Nice spot. And Finlay basically wins the match with some help from the lil bastard. Good stuff. The aftermath was pretty good. Surprised Kane and Kennedy didn't somehow get involved though. Probably makes more sense for them not to.

Overall, another solid show like usual. The storylines and feuds seem to be all coming together now with a lot of above average entertainment coming from them. JBL is the fucking man in these SD shows btw. Enjoy him the most. So yeah...good job with the show, and I'm anxious to see more. RR already looks to be one helluva ppv. Oh, and to cap it all off, <3 the Ashlynn Brooke sig.
 
#32 ·
This is the first show I have read of yours, so apologies if I make a few mistakes regarding your angles.

SmackDown! Review
Well Finlay getting a shot at the title sounds like a very nice idea! I’m looking forward to how things progress there. First match, the tag team titles match, is a nice way to start the show. As expected, the Hooligans retain their titles. Loved the mix of styles, making for a nice match given some decent time and the ending was well written, read like some very exciting stuff.

Short Test promo which helped to make his motives clear, but the attack seemed to come a little early before Test really had said much about Benoit and the US Title. But regardless, the attack helps to build up the feud between Test and Benoit with neither man able to gain the upper hand.

Quite a funny little backstage skit there, I liked the interaction between Maryse and the Hooligans and one can only wonder how things are going to go there with Ashley then walking in. May not get much focus compared to the upper card stuff, but this is a nice little angle you have going.

Well an unsurprising victory for Test, suppose it helps to show his dominance, but it’s these kind of matches I wished we seen less of in the WWE. Test got his time for the night, woulda been nice to see someone else out there, but hey it’s helping to get him over on SmackDown and that’s the main thing.

That promo definitely got me looking forward to the Rumble, very nice.

Good interaction with Teddy and Helms. The match between him and Moore, while maybe not star-powered, should provide some exciting cruiserweight action and help Moore get in there when otherwise, he’d probably be stuck at the side without TV time. Good backstage promo, I liked the back and forth talk with Teddy and Helms, made for good reading.

Hmm… poor Vito, all he wants is to wear a dress. Nice to see the FBI introduced and I’m interested to see how this angle progresses in the weeks to come. The commentary afterwards with Cole and JBL was pretty hilarious, I love how you are writing JBL, great stuff.

Great cruiserweight match here and you shocked me with the result, I was expecting Helms to go over clean, but yes, the match served its purpose. We see some nice action, a roll-up victory for Helms to use to his advantage and we also have a little Cruiserweight title feud to go with it as a result of this match.

Benoit in action? Suppose that would be expected after Test had a match, but still I can’t help but feel the match is perhaps unneeded. Despite this, both men put on a good match and as expected, Benoit gets the victory. But wow, Test out again? Your really going full throttle with this feud. Things really escalate now with a gutwrench powerbomb from Test, really making a message. Can’t help but see Test’s match and the backstage promo now seem quite pointless. Oh well, the feud is really heating up.

Well this gets the job done, nice backstage interview with Batista, building Finlay up to be a tough to beat kinda guy, Finlay coming along helped heat up things and the last line was very nice, helping to get Batista into the head of Finlay and to heat things up.

Ooh I wonder who was on the other end of the phone call? Nice WWE-style tease there and I look forward to how that progresses. I loved The Sandman offering Teddy a beer, nice touch. Anyway, it was a nice way to introduce these ECW alumni to SmackDown and I look forward to seeing how they are booked.

I absolutely ADORE the interaction between Cole and JBL. Great stuff.

Booker promo was nice. I miss the King Booker character and I look forward to seeing what you do with it. All very much in character, building up his feud with ‘Taker and I wonder what will happen next week with this “duel” Booker has proposed. Anyway nice little in-ring promo which was very well written.

Well if you make it to WrestleMania, that show should be huge.

Pretty basic match to help get Miz over, lasting a mere three minutes there’s not much to be said. Feel bad for Jimmy, despite his horrible gimmick he’s a pretty good wrestler. I’m liking the Miz/McCool combination though. The JBL hate for Miz was a nice touch too.

I liked the short, to the point interview with Finlay, really seemed like his style of doing things. Finlay/Batista is seeming like a great feud going into RR and I look forward to its progress over the coming weeks.

Ah I gotta love Kennedy. Building himself up well for the Rumble and I would absolutely love if you gave him the victory in the match, I can’t see it though. Assholes, not the word I’d expect in the WWE tbh, seemed a little odd being used but hey, this is a BTB so who cares, helps show the pure arrogance in Kennedy’s blood.

Great main event here, helping to build the feud of Batista/Finlay some more, the ending was especially nice, with Finlay using the shillelagh to take out Batista and steal the victory. Something which Batista addressing next week, should be interesting. Then, if that wasn’t enough, the brutal attack afterwards helped to make it personal, to really heat things up for this feud, helping to make Royal Rumble look VERY interesting.

Overall, great show. I’ve never read any of your shows but I can tell already that you are a very good writer. The booking was good for the most part, the promos were all kept well in-character and there were very few criticisms to be made. Keep up the good work.
 
#35 ·
Pardon me for taking sooo long to get some feedback to you. With The Massacre done, I should have some more time. Surprised to be honest that no one else has really given you feedback. Like I've said before, I consider you a top booker in the section right now, so it's a shame the little amount of attention you've received. On to Raw I guess...

Raw Feedback

Nice to see you emphasize last week's main event. Should be the main storyline on the show, so I'm anxious to see how it pans out. lol @ you cutting out the commentary a bit and getting right into the promo. I do the same sometimes as well, as writing the commentary gets repetitive sometimes. Vince to open the show makes sense too btw. Don't think Vince needs the cheap heat, but it's good to get the crowd rowdy nonetheless. Getting straight to the point. I like it. Surprised that you had Cena interrupt before any consequences could be dished out, but I guess it's needed to keep the promo rolling. Guess this isn't the 'PG' WWE considering Cena used 'ass' =P. I didn't really like how this promo ended, as I feel it was flowing pretty nicely before an abrupt ending. And McMahon sending the decision over to Coach is atypical. Don't really see something like that happening. Gauntlet! Nice!

The first two guys I expected Cena to beat. Mainly because Nitro was up first, and Cena was bound to win. Cade didn't stand a chance, and I didn't expect Murdoch to either. It's nice to see you change up the finishes to the 'matches' too. I've seen these types of matches in BTBs where the wrestler performs the same exact move each time he wins a bout. Holly didn't last as long as I thought he would. He's not the type of wrestler you give a push too, so I guess it's appropriate for him to lose, but that quickly makes him kinda weak. Fantastic way to end this. Good booking here, as Cena doesn't legitimately lose, making him still look strong. Masters gets a nice little boost from this as well. I absolutely love that you had Coach pin Cena, as most fans would hate it, but it draws more heat to Coach. Phenomenal way to start the show. Some great booking here.

I hate the nervous Shawn Michaels, as he always looks weak and pathetic, but I guess you pulled it off. The Game looks absolutely strong and confident, which makes sense for the two I guess. The dissension and tension between the two is off the chain, so I'm suspecting that they actually lose, and a possible feud comes out of it. I rather that happen then another title reign from the two. The leader line is great btw. For some odd reason, I can picture Shawn turning on Trips in this match, but I'm also doubting it happens. Would be an absolute out of nowhere shock though.

Not a bad interaction between Carlito and WGTT here. You did well with the accent for 'lito, the slang for Benji, and the generic banter for Haas. Nothing much really came out of this promo other than both sides looking strong. I'm hoping there's more advancement in this storyline in this show, as I think Flair and Carlito could carry this feud, and make it pretty good promo wise.

Women's championship match. Awesome to see it, but I've never been a fan of the division. Wow @ the kick-out after the Widow's Peak. Makes Victoria look a little weak. This should be over despite the "This isn't over!" comment from Vic. Despite not losing from a finisher or anything special, Mickie did win cleanly, so I don't know how you'll continue with this.

Kenny as the whipping boy still doesn't go over with me, but if it's gonna help him elevate his game, I guess I'm all for it. He's in a pretty nice storyline though, as he could possibly soon become IC champ, and feud with Orton and/or Edge. Possibly. Expecting an interference later tonight after this promo. Should be interesting.

lol @ the pitchin' for a job at ESPN or somethin' line. You've done your research. Good job. Nice to see McMahon show Coach his place at the end though. Carlito/Torrie thing at the end there seemed awkward.

Not a bad punishment for Lashley. Two on one match that could possibly put Benji and Haas over sounds good to me. The ending of this match worked perfectly imo. Having Flair and Carlito get involved, and somewhat help out their own storyline, while Lashley wins his bout, albeit by interference, is awesome. Good booking. Making a lot of great decision tonight.

"Like, I'm Maria!" - didn't like the 'Like' part. lol. I still don't think Punk has any weaknesses. =P Not a bad promo from Punk here. Nice to see you give him some time. Expecting a lil' squash match soon now.

Nice WM recall and commentary from the announce table. 79 days eh? Still a while.

RVD's punishment is Umaga? Not bad I guess. Not as bad as Cena's. With Cena and Lashley looking somewhat good in their matches, I'm expecting RVD to get pounded. Wow @ Umaga managing to kick out after a frog splash. Umaga wins, which is a good decision considering he's a 'monster' that should be pushed back into the upper card. The aftermath shows his destruction and power, which is good. Glad to see you still using Umaga like he should used.

lol @ Cena saying that Masters looks like a million dollars. Kinda gay. Nice announcement from the boss. A contract signing should be great, especially with Vinnie Mac there.

Main event time. Nice! Good match you got going here. I was wondering when you would have Hardy show. Basically his first appearance on the show tonight. Michaels accidentally nailing The Game does it! It's not the huge heel turn I wanted, but it'll do. Wow! It's nice to see DX come to an end, as I think they're very, very, very overrated, but damn. Don't know how things are gonna go down now with Rated RKO, but that, I'm excited to see. The crowd cheering for them afterwards is awesome. Nice touch to the aftermath. Glad Trips didn't shake HBK's hands. The feud is on! I didn't really like the face changes at the end to be honest. Could have been left until next show for their emotions to come out.

All in all, a solid show like per usual. The thing that's bugging me the most is how most of the midcard, and extra feuds are being left out. I understand you got Umaga destroying people, the whole Carlito/Flair against WGTT thing, and I guess I'll add in the IC feud, but there should be more. It seems like the show is entirely focused on the main event scene, and the Rated RKO/DX feud. I think the rest of the roster deserve a lil' more time. Other than that, with what you've been working with, it's absolutely awesome. The booking is great to say the least, and like usual, your promos, content, and matches are entertaining, which is good. Hope to see you continue with this, as it shows that you love doing this. Good job, and keep it up!
 
#37 ·
Hey, sorry about the lack of comments for RAW, but I haven't been as motivated lately as I'd like. Still, I'm starting to get a little more in the mood for BTB, so hopefully I can get to SmackDown! for you.

The matches announced thus far look okay, especially the tag match you set up well from last week between Benoit/Hardy and Mercury/Test, which I really like the look of. Not so sure about the Moore/Helms title match happening already, but still, apart from that everything looks fine. Really looking forward to seeing what we get from Finlay after he owned things up last week. Kennedy, I guess, too, since he's someone you seem to be quite high on.

As I said, looking forward to the show. Hopefully I'll be reviewing, and I know I'll definitely be reading.
 
#39 · (Edited)
~WWE.COM ANNOUNCEMENT~

With the upcoming Royal Rumble pay per view just six days away, the latest six Superstars entered in the Royal Rumble match have just been announced. A further three Raw and three Smackdown Superstars will join the 22 Superstars already announced to compete. On Raw, Jonathan Coachman has handpicked Chris Masters, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch to be entered, no doubt as a reward for their efforts in the gauntlet match against John Cena last Monday Night. Over on Smackdown, the latest trio of former ECW Superstars to sign with the blue brand, Sabu, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, have all been entered into the Rumble. The list of Superstars now in the Royal Rumble match now looks like...

Raw: Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Chris Masters, Edge, Johnny Nitro, Lance Cade, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, Trevor Murdoch, Triple H, Umaga
Smackdown: Brian Kendrick, Chavo Guerrero, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Kane, King Booker, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Paul London, Sabu, The Miz, The Sandman, The Undertaker, Tommy Dreamer

These additions bring the number of announced participants to 28. The final Raw participant will be determined this Monday night in a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match, while the last Smackdown entrant will be announced this Friday Night.

One further match for the Royal Rumble pay per view has also been announced. On the back of his victory in tag team action last Friday night, Test will receive a United States Championship opportunity against the champion Chris Benoit. Having already scored a pinfall over Benoit, Test will no doubt be seek to make a further impact this Sunday live on pay per view.






~Monday Night Raw~
January 22nd, 2007
Lafayette, Louisiana




It's the last stop on the Road to the Rumble for the Superstars of Monday Night Raw, and tonight in Lafayette, Louisiana, the course of the Royal Rumble this Sunday could be drastically altered. Last week, after dishing out a bit of rough justice in what Mr. McMahon claimed was a lesson in respect, The Boss will be in the ring with both WWE Champion John Cena and his challenger this Sunday, Rob Van Dam as McMahon presides over a contract signing for the match this Sunday. After breaking both Cena and Van Dam last week, McMahon relented, agreeing to sign the match but only if it took place under his terms. Not only will Cena and RVD be involved in the contract signing, but both men are scheduled to compete tonight. Van Dam will face off against Johnny Nitro, will Cena takes on the man who did the most damage to him in the gauntlet match last week, namely Chris Masters. Can RVD build momentum with a victory over Cena? Can 'The Champ' extract a measure of revenge on 'The Masterpiece'? And just what does Mr. McMahon have in store for the pair as they sign on the dotted line?

Also tonight, the coveted Number 30 spot in the Royal Rumble match will be decided as ten Raw Superstars meet in a Ten Man Over The Top Rope Battle Royal, with the winner giving himself the biggest advantage of all ahead of this Sunday. However, Number 30 in the Rumble won't be the only thing on the minds of the participants of the match. After the monumental collapse of their association last week, what will happen when Shawn Michaels and Triple H once again meet in the ring? During the broadcast, Todd Grisham will no doubt endeavour to get answers from both men on the events of last week, in particular why Triple H refused a handshake from HBK after their defeat to the World Tag Team Champions. Speaking of, Randy Orton and Edge will also compete for the chance to grab spot Number 30, as will another champion, the ECW Champion Bobby Lashley. The Samoan Bulldozer Umaga will look to continue his dominance of late, and the fireworks could fly when Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas come face to face with Ric Flair and Carlito, with the four men completing the line up.

Elsewhere, the final Raw spot in the Royal Rumble is on the line as two former ECW Superstars, Hardcore Holly and CM Punk battle for their chance to appear this Sunday. With Jonathan Coachman pulling a few strings to hand Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch Rumble spots, the ******* Wrecking Crew don't have to worry about qualifying, but Cade will have to worry about the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy as Hardy and Cade meet in singles action. Hardy however will have his opponent this Sunday, Rated-RKO member Kenny Dykstra, firmly in mind after Edge and Orton promised their young protégé their support in his quest to beat Hardy if Dykstra leant his support in last week's tag title match. With Dykstra holding up his end of the bargain, what does this edition of Raw have in store for the Intercontinental Champion?

All this and more as Monday Night Raw makes its final stop on the Road to the Rumble!!​


Confirmed Matches:

10 Man Over The Top Rope Battle Royal
Bobby Lashley vs. Carlito vs. Charlie Haas vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Triple H vs. Umaga

Non Title Match: WWE Champion John Cena vs. Chris Masters
Rob Van Dam vs. Johnny Nitro

Non Title Match: Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Lance Cade
Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Hardcore Holly vs. CM Punk


Plus: John Cena and Rob Van Dam sign the contract for their WWE Championship Match at the Royal Rumble!!
 
#40 ·
Smackdown Feedback

Batista starting off the show is good. I like the heavily taped shoulder. Nice little touch. Not much of a promo, but the segment overall wasn't too bad. Knowing that Finlay isn't the best mic worker, what you did makes the most sense. Long was perfectly in character, and his announcements aren't too bad. Good to switch up the feuds a bit. I expect an interference or two in those matches. The aftermath semi-brawl wasn't too bad. Overall, a good segment to start the show.

First match to start off the show being a title match? Lovely. The frantic pace makes for a good match. Wow. Moore goes from number contender to being discredited after a clean loss. Don't know what to think about the division and Helms overall, but it seems like you're running out of contenders. Moore probably goes back to obscurity now. With the RR coming up soon, I'm guessing Helms isn't gonna be featured on a match either. Downer.

Pretty good promo here. 'Joshua' made me laugh. I can picture Booker saying it though. Undertaker will probably show, and really start the feud tonight is my guess. A Booker/Undertaker feud isn't bad, but hopefully, Taker takes on bigger things at WM.

And there's who should be the number one contender for the CW title. Danielson! He should be a contender right off the bat. Nifty little promo here. Kinda resembles the real life CM Punk promos, but obviously to Danielson's character. Good job.

Awesome. You having Long and Helms get into a convo about Danielson right after his video package makes sense. Mark out @ the 'scouting' and Canada shout out. Danielson/Helms seems destined for WM. It'd be pretty awesome to see him win the title right off the bat, and make a name for himself slowly like that.

lol @ the Cole bash from JBL. With the Bluebloods losing last week, and them facing the up and coming Extremists, I'm guessing they're on their way to being the number one jobbing tag team. The beer spit in the face at the end is a nice touch to help finish the match. I feel that Dreamer tagging with Sabu is a weird combination. Dreamer and Sandman fits more to me, but Sandman on the side also helps.

Good to see the tag champs right after. Yay @ Maryse. One of my favorite storylines on SD for sure. Catfight at the end was bound to happen sooner or later. The way I see it, the Hooliganz don't really have number contenders or any team that's really worth facing at the moment. Soooo, this side angle with Ashley and Maryse will probably take up some time until WM, which is good. It's nice to see booking like this because most of the times in BTB, you see 'one way' feuds. This little bit of side booking, which is what I'm gonna call it, is f'n awesome. Ashley against Maryse soon for the rights to Hooliganz? SNME maybe?

I like the build for Kane for the RR match. Nice to see the Rumble still matters. The shillelagh thing at the start of the match is again another nice touch to add. Pretty competitive match. Felt longer than eight minutes to be honest. The clean win for Finlay over Kane is really huge. Puts over Finlay a lot, but leaves Kane in the gutter. I'm guessing Kane will be good next week. I thought Finlay would have sent more of a message by demolishing Kane, but I'm also glad to see some self-restraint as well. Definitely some nice build to this Batista/Finlay feud.

<3 the Miz. He's slowly building himself into a contender, and although he won't win the Rumble, it's a big statement here. No loud 'Awesome', but I'll deal. Awesome promo dude.

As expected, there's a lot of bad blood in this match. Ouch @ the drop toe hold onto the steel steps. That was the second time tonight a missed aerial finisher led to the opponent's finisher winning the match, but nonetheless, good match. Test has been getting a lot, and I mean a lot of push since his arrival. I'm gonna doubt that he wins the title because of this, but nonetheless, the man is definitely an 'impact player'.

Kidnapped Vito segment is completely awesome. Still wondering who the 'leader' might be. I was thinking for some odd reason that it was Carlito, but that doesn't make any sense whatsoever, and I don't know how that idea got into my head. Nonetheless, interesting storyline you got here.

Wow @ this Guerrero promo. Harsh bringing back Eddie's name, but all in all, if this is how you're gonna change Chavo up, and make him into something, it's definitely a good thing.

The Boogeyman has always been a jobber to me so no surprise at his quick loss. The aftermath is what I was looking forward to. I'm not a fan of the sudden appearance in the ring by Taker, as it's more of a Sting thing to do, but I'll deal. Taker usually does the slow, long walk to the ring before taking his opponent out. Nonetheless, message sent.

Cool WM moment. Bret/Owen matches were always top notch.

Glad you gave Kennedy a promo. Decent amount of promos this show. Expected a couple more so Kennedy getting one now will help. You forgot an 'italic' and 'blue' to one of the lines in the promo btw. Finlay bumping heads with Kennedy was good. I see Finlay giving Kennedy a shot tonight as well now. Surely you won't do heel versus heel or make Batista lose at the Rumble, so I'm not gonna take this Finlay/Kennedy thing seriously, but good little segment nonetheless.

DQ ending is quite awesome. Expected something like this to go down. Kane making an appearance was also expected. Glad to see Batista and Kane stand tall after this show considering last week's show. These four guys are your top players so the amount of time they're getting is good.

Solid show to say the least. Things are starting to pick up more, which is awesome. As always, things are well-written and content is great. Easy and great to read. The storylines are really moving smoothly with some of your storylines being really out there, which makes this thread all the better. Keep it up homeslice. With the RR coming up, I'm expecting a huge show next week.
 
#42 ·
RAW Feedback​

It’s been far too long since I dropped by here with a review. About damn time I start keeping up properly instead of skimming and jobbing.

Very nice way ro kick off RAW for those of us who have been jobbing. I have to say, I love the way RAW closed last week, as it really sets up an interesting little saga for Michaels and Triple H. The rest of the show looked pretty damn good too, as highlighted here. The way the commentators hyped up the actions that closed last week’s show was a really nice way to show just how big it was.

Nice to see you really following up last week’s assault of Cena at the hands of Masters in the gauntlet match with a straight up match between the two, which should allow Masters to look good. Just a small thing, but I like the way you had Coach pull a little strings and get Masters involved in the Rumble as a result of what happened last week, as mentioned by Lawler. Just a good little way to show what Coach is all about. Just a small thing, but a bit of sloppy writing in the opening paragraph, as when Masters drops down, technically he would be horizontal, not vertical, while I’m not sure what Cena was doing using the killswitch to counter a headlock, so I’m assuming you meant something else there. From there the match was fine, with Cena’s aggression being good to see, while Masters also got to look fine by hanging with him. The aggression from Cena in locking in the STFU, rather than just getting the pin after the FU, then keeping the move locked in a bit after the bell was a nice way to show his anger at Masters, kicking the show off in an exciting way.

Nice little strategy talk between Edge and Orton, showing how clever the two are with their heel bit of planning a cheap way to win. The staredown between Edge and Orton was a nice little touch, showing some issues between them, while Orton taking to Kenny perhaps a little faster than Edge is an interesting little point. I’m not sure if that will mean anything in the long run, but in the short term I’m looking forward to seeing how Rated-RKO gets involved with Jeff tonight.

Only 72 days, eh? Sounds good. ;)

Interesting little conversation on the phone from Vince, making us wonder just who it is that he’ll be seeing at the Royal Rumble, giving the card another little thing to look forward to. Again, more intrigue for later tonight with the promo, of course making us wonder just what McMahon means. I’m excited to see what it is myself.

Nice way to start Punk off on RAW, giving him a good win, especially over a guy like Hardcore Holly, who despite being a jobber, always had a little bit of credibility due to his tough guy persona. Punk in the Rumble should be interesting, because as a young star, I’m wondering how long he’ll last.

I loved this Triple H promo, as while it didn’t really reveal a whole lot, at the same time it gave us a huge insight into Triple H’s mind. I love the way he’s pinning the blame on Michaels, bringing up his past and saying he knows how it feels now. The way he kind of dodged Grisham’s question was good too, before closing with a great little statement of his own. Very, very nice promo.

Nice little run down of the RAW side of the Rumble card, which is looking damn solid.

While I understand Jeff Hardy is one of your most over guys, I’m really disappointed to seeing Cade jobbing out as quickly as he did. The ******* Wrecking Crew were probably one of the better things going in the tag division at this time, and to see them used pretty much as jobbers is a shame. I’d rather see you use actual jobbers than guys who could have a positive role in the tag division in a role like this, and The Crew certainly have the ability to have a positive influence in the division. A bit surprised to see no Rated-RKO appearance, but I guess that’ll come.

I’d be a little disappointed if Knox wasn’t utilized, though I don’t mind you dropping his thing with Kelly. Nice way to introduce Kelly to the roster, and the way Mickie stood up to Victoria was pretty good, only for Victoria to really pick this feud up, despite it seemingly being over with a very nice sneak attack.

Very nice response from Shawn that seemed very real and very emotional, showing what Shawn is thinking, despite it just being a one line response. Good little promo.

Having Nitro facing Van Dam tonight after doing some of Coach’s heavy work on Cena last week is a good way for him to follow up, much like Masters earlier. I was glad to see a real good effort from Nitro here, putting on a very good match with Van Dam, making good use of both men’s fast paced styles. A very nice midcard match.

Looking forward to the Rumble. ;)

Nice way to show a real aggressive streak in Haas and Benjamin, getting them some real heel heat for being so aggressive to a woman. The way they went about it mockingly was very well done. Jeff Hardy playing the hero was, well, a little random, but I guess he’s just that type of guy, eh? :side: A good way to transition into the Rated-RKO attack on Hardy, and the ferocity of Dykstra, wanting to really make the point with the one man con-chair-to and tell Rated-RKO that he wanted more was a nice way to show him really turning into guys like them, developing from the goofy cheerleader that he was not so long ago. Good angle, which will make things interesting with the Royal Rumble and Hardy’s title defence being so close.

Nice way to really drum home the angle after the break with the footage of Hardy being loaded up into the ambulance and the interaction between the commentators. A special three hour Night of Champions edition of RAW? Sounds good to me.

The action early in this battle royal between the feuding teams was a really good way to start it off, getting four eliminations out of the way, yet doing it in a way that aided the way the feud has been going, even with Carlito eliminating himself, which I actually liked. The team elimination of Umaga was a clever way to get him out, only making him look like more of a beast by taking all of the finishers, while the way Triple H tried to eliminate Lashley and Michaels, only to fail in eliminating his old buddy was another great way to show the tensions between them. Rated-RKO ruining the big confrontation was well done, while Edge’s elimination of Orton was a nice way to show the sliminess of his character. Michaels eliminating Triple H, meanwhile, was brilliant. The way Michaels remorse allowed Edge to pick up the win was really well done too, and a great way to finish the match. Very good battle royal here, which not only had a lot on the line, but also furthered a lot of your feuds and characters. Good stuff.

A contract signing for Van Dam and Cena to close the show? I don’t mind that, but I’m not entirely sure the matches earlier were necessary, although it does work in with how Coach and McMahon are punishing them, I guess. I’m guessing the commentary hyping the show that we’ve already seen was an accident? :side: The way RVD was completely disrespect by Coach before he introduced the competitors was very interesting, keeping the whole anti-ECW thing that he and Mr. McMahon have going along nicely. The way he also heeled it up by insulting Cena and Van Dam in the introductions was pretty nice too, before introducing Mr. McMahon as a God. McMahon running through his stipulations was good, with all of the ECW crap being kept away, showing his hate for the company, while the no rematch clause due to McMahon hating both men is another really clever stipulation to show that while this match is going ahead, Mr. McMahon doesn’t like it at all. Cena’s little address to Coach was fine, as was the way he addressed Van Dam, making his big statement. The way Van Dam fired back was great, bringing up the real ECW, and using the passion it brought to associate himself strongly with it, which I liked. The way McMahon tried to dissociate himself with Van Dam, again dissing ECW was good, while the line about telling people what they’ll like was absolutely great. The way McMahon talked about Cena was very interesting too, keeping open the possibility that Cena may turn into the corporate champion with the way McMahon talked up Cena as being oh so similar to him in a very nice way. The way Cena stood up to McMahon was good, although the way Coach stood up to Cena seemed a little too ballsy for Coach, imo. The way Coach talked up Mr. McMahon was good too, and bringing up his win the previous week to set Cena off was a good way to go. McMahon snapping on Cena, showing his real feisty side was well done, before a great closing to the show, with both champion and challenger assaulting McMahon. Very interesting way to close the show, maybe not concentrating on Van Dam/Cena as much as possible, but still setting up future stuff for both men, keeping them involved with Mr. McMahon.


Overall, I found this to be yet another very enjoyable show, iMac. Your feuds have once again continued to develop well, and the way in which you write and portray your characters is getting better by the week, making for some very good reading. The closing angle was a top way to finish the show too, really topping off the feeling that this was a very big show. I was certainly impressed with this, and while I’ve been very inconsistent with feedback of late, you should know that this is one of my favourite things going right now. Good stuff, my man.
 
#43 ·
Raw Feedback

I've been very slow with things (even with my own BTB), so forgive me for the lateness.

Big recap video package to start. Seemed very appropriate. Those storylines should be the main focus for the show, so I'm anxious to see how it goes down.

Cena/Masters is a good call especially because of last week's events. I don't know about opening the show with it, but it's alright. I don't like the reason for Masters being in the Rumble, but it really does show Coach's pull. Some real intensity from Cena who seems determined to get back at Masters for last week. Using the STFU as an exclamation mark is a nice touch. Don't know about the clean win, as it kinda brings Masters back down to earth in terms of a push, but with him in the Rumble, and Cena needing to move on to more important matters, it makes sense. Not a bad way to start the show bud.

Decent promo between Edge and Orton. The tension is definitely there. Stare down is a nice touch, and having Kenny come in with his own problems is cool. Hardy should get his tonight, but Edge/Orton should start to get a little more heated tonight as well. Interesting little mix you have here for sure. I think HHH/HBK and Edge/Orton are your money feuds for WM. We'll just wait and see. 72 days be the booker time to be exact.

Intriguing McMahon promo here. Kinda felt like he was talking to a higher up or someone with more power than him, which felt a little weird, but the envelope of changes and the mysteriousness to whoever this is for the Rumble should be good. You got me hooked, that's for sure.

Punk only made his Raw debut now? Well, he was a shoe in as winner. Couldn't see him losing in his Raw debut. I don't think he'll be the RR winner, but he should be a factor. Final four tops though.

Along with Grisham, I'm a little confused about Triple H's final words. The answer should be his so for him to revert it over to Shawn Michaels is definitely interesting. Nice history rewind with the Evolution stuff too btw. He's still "tweening" a bit so I can't call him the heel in this, but with how he's blaming HBK could make him the heel. Still, this is getting good so good job with the promo here.

Good job on putting over the Rumble with the commentary. Hardy should get the win here, but with Rated RKO's talk earlier, you never know. I know Cade and Murdoch are basically your jobbers, but I'm glad you let Lance Cade take this one on his own. With him passing recently, I feel he should be used to his absolute potential or to somewhat his best, so I'm glad once again, that he got his own match. Hardy wins surprisingly quick (you messed up on the coding near the end of the match). He checked for the attack, but no attack? Makes the Rated RKO thing more suspicious.

I'm imagining divas altogether in a lockerroom, and it's a pretty sight =P. This promo, however, shows the vicious side of divas. Nice intro for Kelly (hopefully Knox doesn't stick around cause that whole angle was terrible), the whole Mickie/Victoria feud is heating up (which is good cause they're probably the best on the show), and Candice in only a towel if f'n awesome. Overall, good segment despite me not liking divas stuff.

Wow @ the controversial 'nothing' from HBK. I don't know what to think after this, but I know it's gonna blow up soon, and I can't wait. The buildup for this is awesome.

With a big week for the WWE title last week, I expected a layoff in this show, but it seems like a big layoff. Yes, Cena got a good match with Masters, but I expected something for RVD too. RVD just gets a match with Nitro though? Meh. Good win for RVD I guess.

Rumble's up after SD. Should be good.

'poor Charlie' sounded a little weird here especially since they're talking to a female. Good concept for the promo btw. Hardy with the save is overly random. The Rated RKO attack finally comes. Not what I expected, but I'm glad Kenny kind of came out of his shell to cause some damage to Hardy. It should definitely factor at the Rumble, and give Kenny the win. That'd be awesome just to let you know. Orton and Edge being the background voices are quite awesome. Overall, I didn't see the transition coming, but you killed two birds with one stone in this promo. Good stuff. Nice little touch showing the stretcher scene. If Jeff doesn't even make it to the Rumble, I wouldn't care, as long as Kenny gets his title.

Why is it that only Raw gets to compete for the 30th entry spot? Not cool man. Should have had a inter-brand battle royal. The idea is good though. A little surprised at the first sequence of eliminations, but not so surprised at the same time. The whole tag situation is eliminated, and shows no real dominance in their tag team work, but nonetheless, good start. The combined alliance to take out Umaga makes sense. Lashley gone right after is something I didn't expect, as it leaves the four who don't really need the 30th entry spot, and the four who already have a lot of commotion around them. HBK saving himself, and Edge ultimately eliminating Orton are nice touches to add to the match. And of course, another betrayal with HBK eliminating HHH. Edge winning is pretty awesome. I don't see him being a huge factor or winner for the Rumble though. A lot of angles moves along in this battle royal, which is great. The tag scene, as well as HBK/HHH & Orton/Edge are getting interesting.

Contract signing. Not enough people do it in BTB to my knowledge, so kudos for the attempt. Coach bringing up RVD's WWE Championship win earlier is a nice history rewind. Good job. Coach being the host and 'narrating' everything is kind of annoying tbh. The stipulations are pretty good with the ECW stip and rematch stip being the most interesting. Cena's transition from trashing Coach to talking up the match against RVD felt weird. Not as smooth as I was hoping. Not liking the 'handed on a plate' play against Cena. It's not really what's happening, but it makes sense for RVD to go that route. I'm glad McMahon touched on it after though. Nice Cena speech afterwards with him trying not to be compared to McMahon. Loved that. Both Cena and RVD attacking McMahon is definitely a nice way to end the show. Sucks that Coach bolted. Could have had him take the fall. I actually liked the way this segment went, but I feel the build for the WWE Championship Match between Cena and RVD hasn't gotten as much hype and build as it should have over the past few weeks. Their hate was mainly towards Coach and McMahon which although is awesome, takes away from their feud for sure. Nonetheless, a great segment.

Like always, I can't praise you enough. You always put out a great effort. Some of the flows of the promos felt off, especially when it came to transitions, but content and booking were great. The progression of your angles seem more focused towards WM and after the Rumble, which although good, didn't really help the case for the Rumble. Don't get me wrong, there was a lot of hype for the Rumble, but not as much as I was hoping for. You did touch base on everything you needed to touch base with though so good job with that. Looking forward to SD, and the Rumble for sure! Good luck!
 
#45 · (Edited)
~Friday Night Smackdown~
January 26th, 2007
Mobile, Alabama



"I think you'll find that's 'The Wounded Animal' Cole."



We start with a brief highlights package from last week, which pays emphasis firstly to the actions of Finlay in his confident victory over Kane, and his post match actions of threatening to strike Kane with the shillelagh... only for Finlay to show restrain, before turning to the camera to say "I won't say no when it's you Batista". We then cut to the main event, where Batista and Mr. Kennedy battle, until Batista hoists Kennedy up for the Batista Bomb... until Finlay storms the ring! The two on one beatdown ensues as Finlay and Kennedy do a number on the World Heavyweight Champion, only for Kane to make the save, causing Finlay to bolt, leaving Kennedy to feel the wrath of The Animal, with the package mirroring the ending to last week's show, as Champion and Challenger engage in a tense staredown.

After the usual opening video there is no pyro display as we go straight to the silent arena for...

"KENNEDY..."

*TURN UP THE TROUBLE...*​

The boos ring out from the audience as the brash Mr. Kennedy emerges, arrogantly sauntering down to the ring as Cole and JBL speak over the top of it all...


Michael Cole: The Royal Rumble is less than 48 hours away, a night where careers can be altered in an instance! I'm Michael Cole, alongside John Bradshaw Layfield, and what could the Royal Rumble hold for that man, the ever confident Mr. Kennedy.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Well ever since the calendar turned the page into 2007, Mr. Kennedy has been on the rise here on Smackdown. He was the first Smackdown entrant announced for the Rumble match, and for my money, he's gonna be the last man standing when it's all said an done.

Michael Cole: Well we'll find out if you're prediction comes true this Sunday, but tonight, Smackdown takes his final step in the Road to the Rumble and we've got a big night ahead of us.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You're not kiddin' Michael! Tonight, the World Heavyweight Champion Batista teams up with the legendary Phenom of the WWE, The Undertaker as they take on Batista's opponent this Sunday, 'The Fighting Irishman' Finlay and King Booker.

John Bradshaw Layfield: So many questions need to be answered after last week, the biggest one being what is the health status of Batista? How healthy is that shoulder? We already know Finlay has the psychological edge, will he gain the physical edge tonight too?

Michael Cole: And tonight is the night for King Booker. After weeks of demanding a one on one match with The Undertaker, The Deadman and King Booker will go at it. But if you ask me, King Booker better be careful with what he wishes for.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah, well nobody asked you. It was three weeks ago that The Undertaker chokeslammed King Booker through our announce desk. You don't treat a King that way Michael! Tonight, King Booker gets his hands on The Deadman and he gets his revenge.

Michael Cole: Also tonight, the bitter rivalry between Matt Hardy and Joey Mercury finally comes to a head tonight. And there's only one way these two are gonna settle things... first blood.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And I think it's fitting that Joey Mercury, after all the surgery he went through, after all the personal anguish he's suffered due to the reckless actions of Matt Hardy, I think Joey Mercury making Hardy bleed like the pig that he is will be a very fitting way to settle the score between these two.

Michael Cole: Well wait a minute there JBL. Since his return from injury, Joey Mercury has busted Matt Hardy open on two occasions, including last week when the two met in tag team action.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And tonight Joey Mercury goes for the hat trick! I can't wait to see it.

Michael Cole: All of that still to come, but we're kicking things off with the always arrogant Mr. Kennedy.

By now Kennedy is in the ring, his trademark mic in his hand, waiting to address the crowd...

Mr. Kennedy: You people... you people have no idea how important a night this Sunday night is going to be.

Slight cheers at the prospect of the Rumble this Sunday...

Mr. Kennedy: You people have no clue how lucky you are to be able to witness a moment like the one you're gonna see this Sunday night. Hell, lucky isn't even the word. You are people should consider yourself blessed over what you're about to witness at the Royal Rumble.

Boos...

Mr. Kennedy: Y'see, this Sunday, you people bear witness... to the dawning of a new age. The beginning of my rise to the top, the start of a freakin' revolution!

More boos, at which Kennedy smirks...

Mr. Kennedy: This Sunday... it's time for the leader of a new generation to take his game to a whole new level. It's my time to shine, it's my time in the spotlight.

More boos...

Mr. Kennedy: I have sat back as time and time again, countless opportunities, opportunities I deserve by the way, have been given to another old, stale, boring, washed up has-been who shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as me. The days of Teddy Long passin' me by... are over.

Kennedy now begins to roam the ring, addressing each section of the arena...

Mr. Kennedy: Batista, Finlay, Kane, The Undertaker, I've beat 'em all! Each and every one of 'em stepped in the ring with the biggest can't miss prospect in this company's history, and each and every one of 'em has found just how damn good I am.

Again the crowd boos, at which Kennedy can only shake his head...

Mr. Kennedy: Yet despite all this, I still wait for my shot at glory. Despite beatin' SIX - count 'em, SIX - former World Heavyweight Champions in the past year, Teddy Long still hasn't given me the World Heavyweight Championship shot I deserve.

Kennedy now stares into the hard camera...

Mr. Kennedy: So this Sunday, since Teddy Long refuses to give me the title shot that is rightfully mine... I'm just gonna have to go out a grab it for myself. I don't care if I start at Number 1, I don't care if I have to go the distance, I don't care if I personally have to throw 29 wannabes over the top rope... I... WILL... WIN.

Kennedy now climbs to the second rope in one of the corner...

Mr. Kennedy: So you people better mark the day. January 28, 2007. The day the future of the WWE took the next big step in his evolution. The day I rise to the top of the list! The day each and every WWE Superstar finally sits up and pays me the attention I deserve. The day you all realise that just who is gonna be the man to carry this company forward. When all the fossils finally break down, when all the old timers step aside, when everyone who's overstayed their welcome finally gets the memo that they're not wanted around here anymore, you'll all realise that this Sunday was the day the greatest Superstar in WWE history made his move. And when it's all said and done...

Kennedy raises a single finger to the crowd...

Mr. Kennedy: There'll only be one name on everybody's lips... MMMIIISSSTTTEEERRR KEN – NAH – DAY!

Kennedy quickly jumps down from the second rope, returning to the centre of the ring...

Mr. Kennedy: KEN - NAH -

*SLOW CHEMICAL...*​

Furious at being interrupted, Kennedy stares down the aisle as Kane makes his entrance...


Michael Cole: Thank God that's over. I think everyone had just about enough of Mr. Kennedy and his -

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) Whoa, wait a second. You don't speak for everybody around here Cole. You don't speak for anybody! As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Kennedy was speakin' nothin' but facts right there. Teddy Long has time and time again denied that man of what is rightfully his. Kennedy will be denied no more.

Michael Cole: But what about Kane? A veteran of Royal Rumble matches, the man who holds the record for most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble match. He could go all the way this Sunday.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Or you could shut up and listen to me when I say Mr. Kennedy will win the Royal Rumble this Sunday. I promise you all it's gonna happen!

Match 1:
Kane
vs. Mr. Kennedy

Incensed at the interruption, Kennedy is quick to get in Kane’s face and let him know about it. Kane responds with that almost maniacal laugh of his, which only serves to increase Kennedy’s anger. A stiff slap to the face soon stops Kane’s joy, but this only infuriates The Big Red Machine, who rocks Kennedy with a stiff uppercut. Kennedy hits the deck and quickly rolls towards the ropes, but Kane stays on the attack, grabbing Kennedy for an Irish whip... right into a sidewalk slam for a very early 2 count. The early moments of the match are dominated by Kane, as he punishes Kennedy in the corner, landing stiff rights, elbows and knees. A hard Irish whip sends Kennedy across, and Kane follows with a clothesline in the corner, which sees Kennedy stagger out of corner as Kane comes off the ropes... to nail Kennedy with a big boot to the face! Kennedy’s head snaps off the mat, and as he gingerly sits back up, Kane rocks him with a low angle dropkick for another near fall.

Kennedy is stunned by the early onslaught, and he crawls to the corner to try and recover. Kane is unrelenting though, pulling Kennedy to his feet for a pair of rights, but when Kane sends Kennedy to the opposite corner and charges in, Kennedy ducks the attempted clothesline, catching Kane from behind with a neckbreaker. Trying to shake off the cobwebs, Kennedy takes his time before going on the attack, starting with a few forearms and kicks to Kane’s neck, and then locking on a headlock. Kane quickly makes it back to a vertical base, scoring a pair of elbows to the midsection which allows him to force Kennedy off the ropes... but Kane lowers his head, and Kennedy quickly snaps off a DDT, getting a 2 count.

Kennedy now works to slow the pace of the match down, all the while continuing to target the neck, hitting a Russian legsweep and coming off the ropes for a swinging neckbreaker. Knees quickly rain down on the neck, and then Kennedy goes old school by locking on a camel clutch, viscously wrenching on the neck. Kennedy keeps the hold on for a few minutes, slowly wearing Kane down, with The Big Red Machine showing signs of fading. The referee steps in to check on Kane, raising his arm up... but Kane refuses to allow it to drop, drawing a pop from the crowd. Kane struggles to break free, slowly forcing himself to one knee... then onto both knees... before Kane stands up, with Kennedy still on his back! Kane struggles to break Kennedy’s grip, so he reaches up and grabs Kennedy’s head, pulling him forward... into position for the tombstone! Kane is all set to plant Kennedy... but Kennedy franticly throws desperate elbows, forcing himself back over Kane’s shoulders to drop to the mat. Kennedy quickly turns to run off the ropes... straight into a tilt-a-whirl slam!

Kane now looks to regain control, and he starts by climbing to the top rope... to nail the flying clothesline! 1... 2... Kennedy rolls a shoulder. Kane now has eyes on putting Kennedy away, as he gets to his feet and cocks his right hand in the air. Kennedy takes an age to get back up, but when he does, he turns straight into Kane... and gets a right hand wrapped around his throat! Kennedy struggles to fight it, and out of desperation he falls backwards, grabbing Kane’s tights as he does, sending Kane crashing into the corner... and the referee! Kane flattens the ref against the turnbuckle, which sees the referee crumple to the mat. Kennedy shows no remorse on concern though as he grabs Kane and spins him around, to hoist Kane up on his shoulders... Green Bay plunge... no! Kane pushes himself off Kennedy’s shoulders to drop to the mat, and he again clutches Kennedy by the throat... takes him up into the air... and down for the chokeslam! Kane plants Kennedy and goes for the cover... but the ref is down! Kane turns to try and revive the ref, but as he does, the crowd is rising... as a figure races through the arena, leaping over the barricade, pushing Tony Chimel to the floor and grabbing the steel chair on which he was sitting on... it’s Montel Vontavious Porter!! MVP is back, and he’s stood in the ring behind Kane, steel chair in hand... BANG! MVP damn near takes Kane’s head off WITH THE CHAIR!! Immediately Kane crashes to the mat, with Kennedy immediately taking advantage, crawling over to make the cover, with MVP jumping out of the ring, just in time for the ref to stir and see Kennedy with the leg hooked... 1... 2... 3.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy @ 09.21

Revelling in his victory, Kennedy quickly rolls under the bottom rope to the floor, his hand being raised by the official. Kennedy quickly backs his way up the aisle, while MVP has now slipped back into the ring...


Michael Cole: MVP is back! MVP, he came through the crowd and just smacked a steel chair across Kane's skull!

John Bradshaw Layfield: Haha! I love it! I interview MVP three weeks ago, and he promised he'd get even with Kane, and he just took a big step towards settlin' the score. That big red monster, who you said was a favourite for the Rumble hasn't moved a damn inch, and it's all because of MVP!

In the ring, MVP stands over the fallen Kane, still clutching the steel chair in his hand. The referee has by now returned to the ring, but MVP quickly chases him back out of the ring. MVP turns back towards Kane, smiling over what he has achieved, until suddenly... Kane sits up! The crowd pops as Kane rises... only for MVP to hit him with a second sick shot to the skull!

The crowd quickly dies as Kane slumps back down towards the mat, with MVP slamming the chair down nearby. Once again MVP stands over Kane, staring down at the fallen Big Red Machine, and it's with that image that we fade into commercial.

*Commercial*​

When we return, the camera and Josh Matthews are scrambling down a hallway...


Josh Matthews: Uh, folks, welcome back to Smackdown. Moments ago we saw MVP return to the ring for the first time since Armageddon and he... MVP! MVP!

The camera focuses down the corridor to see MVP quickly walking away, with Matthews trying desperately to catch up with him...

Josh Matthews: MVP, MVP can we grab a few words with you please?

Stopping, MVP turns to face Matthews, taking his expensive looking sunglasses off...

Montel Vontavious Porter: Man, what you want?

Josh Matthews: MVP, we haven't seen in you in a WWE ring for over a month, we haven't heard from you for the last three weeks. Why are you here tonight? Why have you chosen tonight to make your return?

Montel Vontavious Porter Why am I back? You wanna know why I'm back?

Matthews nods...

Montel Vontavious Porter I'll ya' why I'm back. I'm back for two reasons Josh. The first reason... is lying flat on his ass in the middle of the ring right now. At Armageddon, I suffered second degree burns at the hands of that sick freak. I owe Kane. I owe him a lot of pain and sufferin', and if you thought tonight was somethin', you betta believe me when I say I'm just gettin' started!

Josh Matthews: And the second reason?

MVP smiles, returning his sunglasses to his face as he nods his head...

Montel Vontavious Porter The second reason... is 'cos y'all lookin' at the 30th entrant into the Royal Rumble match this Sunday.

Murmurs from the crowd as Matthews is taken aback by the response...

Josh Matthews: So wait, MVP, you're the final entrant in the Royal Rumble match?

Montel Vontavious Porter Man you heard me! I'm the 30th man, but not only that... I'm the guy who's gonna win the whole damn thing. Now excuse, but I got places to be. I'm outta here.

And with that, MVP walks off, leaving behind a shocked Matthews as we fade into a video...

*Video Package*

Narrator: Every year, 30 men chase a dream...

Shots of historical Royal Rumble moments, starting with Shawn Michaels dumping The British Bulldog over the top rope and then collapsing to his knees in victory...

Narrator: 30 men who fight for greatness...

Triple H returning in 2002 and last eliminating Kurt Angle before celebrating in the ring...

Narrator: 30 men who strive for their spot...

Quick-fire shots of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's three Rumble wins, 1997, 1998 and 2001...

Narrator: In the annals of time.

We now see stadium-wide shots of past Wrestlemania's, with the flashing lights and pyro displays of yesteryear...

Narrator: They crave immortality...

We now see shots from last year's Royal Rumble, starting with Shane McMahon eliminating Shawn Michaels...

Narrator: They seek prominence...

The iconic image of Rey Mysterio headscissoring Randy Orton over the top rope to claim victory...

Narrator: But only one...

Rapid-fire images of eliminations, with bodies crashing to the floor as the pace of the video quickens...

Narrator: Will fulfil their destiny.



"WWE ROYAL RUMBLE - JANUARY 28TH - LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW!"


*End Video Package*

Michael Cole: Folks, the Royal Rumble is this Sunday live on pay per view. The journey towards Wrestlemania starts at the Royal Rumble, and for one man it'll mean the chance to challenge for a Heavyweight Championship of his choice at Wrestlemania 23.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And if you ask me, the winner of the Royal Rumble match is going to be a Smackdown Superstar. We are the A-show, we've got all the talent, and the prestigous World Heavyweight Championship is the prixe everyone has their eyes on.

Michael Cole: And let's talk about some of the contenders to win the Royal Rumble from here on Smackdown. Who ya' got to win it all partner?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Lemme tell ya', in the Royal Rumble, usually you look to the guys who have the experience of being a champion. You look to a guy like King Booker, a former World Heavyweight Champion, a guy who's been there and done it all. He's gotta be a favourite. But this year, I'm lookin' towards the future. I'm lookin' at guys like MVP, who just returned tonight in a big way, or the guy who is the favourite for my money, Mr. Kennedy!

Michael Cole: You're pickin' Mr. Kennedy to win?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Kennedy is my guy! It's time for the new blood to make their move, it's time for Mr. Kennedy to step up and show he belongs, and he's gonna do it this Sunday at the Royal Rumble!

Michael Cole: Certainly an interesting pick, but when you talk about veterans who have been there and done it in the past, how can you ignore somebody like The Undertaker? A legend of the business, a man who in his storied career has never won the Royal Rumble. Could this year be his year? Or what about Kane? The man who holds the record for most eliminations in a single Rumble match?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Kane'll be lucky to make it to the Rumble after the beatin' he just took for MVP.

Michael Cole: Or if you're lookin' for a guy on the rise, how about Matt Hardy? A huge match with Joey Mercury ahead of him tonight, if Hardy could win tonight, he's gonna make a few people sit up and take notice of him, and it could lead to a win in the Royal Rumble match.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I've always said Matt Hardy is a main eventer waiting to happen, but this is not his time. This is Kennedy's time to shine, and it all starts this Sunday.

Michael Cole: And remember folks, last Monday night on Raw, Edge won a ten man battle royal to earn the valuable Number 30 spot. Edge will be the last man in the Rumble, will he be the last man standing too?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Well let me just say, I think the winner will be a Smackdown Sueprstar, and the winner will of course challenge for the most prestigious prize in the game, the World Heavyweight Championship.

Michael Cole: Speaking of the World Heavyweight Championship, it's up for grabs this Sunday when the champion, 'The Animal' Batista takes on the challenger, 'The Fighting Irishman' Finlay.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I think you'll find that's 'The Wounded Animal' Cole. Batista is banged up, Finlay and that shillelagh of his have done a whole lotta damage over the last few weeks. Batista is hurt, and you gotta be at 100% to have any chance of beatin' a guy like Finlay.

Michael Cole: Well, I agree that Batista isn't at 100%, there's no denying that. But Batista has battled through injuries in the past, he's fought through the pain barrier before and been able to stand tall at the end of it.

John Bradshaw Layfield: But Batista wasn't takin' on someone who can inflict as much pain as Finlay can. This is gonna be one of toughest tests of The Animal's career, and I don't think Batista has it in 'im to make it past Finlay.

Michael Cole: Well, we'll find out this Sunday. But the Royal Rumble isn't just about the Royal Rumble match and the World Heavyweight Championship, as the United States Championship is also on the line. The champion Chris Benoit defends his gold against the man who has made quite the impact since his arrival here on Smackdown, Test.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Michael, I've been in this business for a long time, I've known Chris Benoit for a long time. Chris Benoit is one of the toughest men to have ever stepped foot in that ring. But the way Test has dominated him since he showed up on Smackdown, I've never seen anything like it. I've never seen Chris Benoit dominated in this fashion before. I can't see how Chris Benoit can retain his title. I just can't see it.

Michael Cole: Well Chris Benoit is a fighter. He's battled to the very top of this industry in the past, and I think he can do it again. Test has arrived with a lot of momentum, he's looked very impressive, including last week when he pinned Chris Benoit during tag team action, but I gotta believe Chris Benoit can withstand Test's offense and remain United States Champion.

Before the debate can continue...

*SLICED BREAD...*​

It's a good pop for the WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick race down to the ring, Ashley Massaro not far behind...


Michael Cole: Speaking of the Royal Rumble, both Paul London and Brian Kendrick will be in the Royal Rumble match, but JBL, I gotta ask ya', in recent weeks we've seen this newcomer Maryse paying London and Kendrick a lot of attention. What do ya' think Maryse's agenda is with The Hooligans?

John Bradshaw Layfield: I don't know what her agenda is, but I don't understand what a woman like that is doin' hangin' around with this pair of idiots.

Michael Cole: Well last week, the words between Maryse and Ashley escalated into violence as the two had a good ol' fashioned catfight backstage.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And for some reason those two clowns decided to break it up. Sounds like somethin' you would do Cole.

Before Cole can respond...

*BAD DREAM...*​

It's a solid reaction for The Extremists as Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman step out, all three men ready for action...


Michael Cole: Last week saw The Extremists make a victorious debut here on Smackdown, as they scored a win over William Regal and-

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) Hold on a minute! Why don't you tell it like it is? Regal and Taylor had that match won until that drunken idiot The Sandman spat beer in Regal's face!

Michael Cole: Well that may have had somethin' to do with it.

John Bradshaw Layfield: It had everythin' to do with it! I couldn't believe it when Teddy Long signed these three maniacs, and I was disgusted at what I saw last week. The sooner those three are on the end of a serious ass kickin' the better.

Match 2: Non Title Match
WWE Tag Team Champions The Hooligans w/ Ashley Massaro vs. The Extremists (Tommy Dreamer and Sabu) w/ The Sandman

Sabu and London start the match, and the action is faced paced in the early moments as both men throw caution to the wind, with London connecting on a springboard crossbody out of the corner while Sabu nails a springboard back elbow after being sent into the ropes. Dreamer and Kendrick both tag in, and while Kendrick continues with the fast nature of the match by hitting a hurricanrana. Dreamer slows the match down with a falling neckbreaker. Back on their feet, Dreamer rocks Kendrick with a string of right hands, going for an Irish whip, only for Kendrick to duck the attempted clothesline. Kendrick continues to run the ropes, but when he goes for a running crossbody, Dreamer drops to the mat, which sees Kendrick crash and burn, his momentum carrying him under the bottom rope. Dreamer is back on his feet near the ropes, which prompts London to charge the ring, hitting Dreamer with a flying crossbody that takes both men over the top rope to the outside! We now have Dreamer, Kendrick and London on the floor, near the announce desk and the corner in which Sabu stands. The chance to fly is too much for Sabu to resist, and he waits for all three men to return to their feet before he makes his move, bouncing to the second rope... for a springboard moonsault! Sabu takes out all three guys on the outside, and that’s the image we see as we fade to commercial, with all four competitors down on the outside as an “E-C-DUB!” chant rings out.

*Commercial*

When we return, Dreamer and London are now both the legal men, with Dreamer in control as he scoops London up and then drops him with an inverted DDT. With this match consisting of two face teams, there is no long period of dominance from either side, instead the match continues to swing back and forth. Sabu rocks London with a springboard tornado DDT for a long 2 count, leading to Dreamer getting the tag. Dreamer and Sabu combine to whip London to the corner, with Dreamer dropping to all fours infront of the corner. Sabu then charges, going for an assisted air Sabu (poetry in motion) but as he flies, London dives for safety, leaving Sabu to crash into the turnbuckle. London dives to tag Kendrick, who jumps to the top rope... missile dropkick to Dreamer! With Sabu still down, Kendrick continues to attack Dreamer, hitting a series of forearms before London arrives for a double Irish whip into a double hiptoss, with London finishing off the flurry by hiptossing Kendrick onto Dreamer for a near fall.

With Sabu still down in the corner The Hooligans enjoy a brief period of advantage, allowing them to hit a double flapjack on Dreamer. Sabu finally returns to his feet, rocking London and Kendrick with right hands before charging off the ropes... Sabu ducks a double clothesline and bounces to the second rope... springboard twisting crossbody! Both Hooligans go down, and now Dreamer is back on his feet. Sabu climbs through the ropes and stands on the apron, while Dreamer grabs London... fallaway slam... slingshot legdrop! The Extremists hit a double team combo of their own, with the ref finally getting some order as London rolls to the outside and Dreamer steps through the ropes. In The Extremists’ corner, Sabu hoists Kendrick up, perching him on the top turnbuckle. Sabu climbs up with him, but before anything can happen, London reaches up to pull Dreamer off the apron, with Dreamer crashing face first into the apron. This distraction allows Kendrick to hit a few fists to the gut, before he grabs Sabu, who is still stood on the second rope. Kendrick clutches Sabu around the neck and launches himself... twisting top rope DDT! Kendrick plants Sabu, and he quickly makes a tag to London, who climbs to the top rope, steadies himself... then goes for it... 450 SPLASH!! London connects to a huge pop and quickly hooks the leg... 1... 2... 3!!

Winners: The Hooligans @ 07.14

The bell brings an appreciative pop from the crowd, recognising the competitive yet fair nature of the match. Kendrick is back on his feet to help London back to a vertical base, and Dreamer and Sandman do likewise for Sabu. Ashley also enters the ring to offer London a brief hug, and soon all six are stood across the ring from each other. Clutching his neck to sell the offense he was subjected too, Dreamer gingerly walks to the centre of the ring, offering Kendrick a handshake... which is readily accepted. Soon London and Sabu are slapping hands, and the crowd responds with yet another cheer. In a great show of respect, Dreamer raises London's hand to another pop, before the extreme trio depart the ring, leaving the champions to themselves...


Michael Cole: Another great showing from London and Kendrick. The Hooligans once again prove they are the dominant tag team here on Smackdown.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I may not like 'em, but I gotta hand it to 'em, London and Kendrick are one heck of a-

???: (Interrupting) Excusez-moi!

Quickly all eyes and the camera turn to the top of the aisle to see that Maryse has stepped out from the back. Looking stunning as always, Dreamer, Sabu and Sandman are all taken aback as they walk past her, with the ever arrogant Maryse flicking a facepalm in their direction...

Maryse: Bravo Hooligans, bravo. So... yet another team try and fail to beat you. But all zese teams you face Hooligans, they all lack a certain... je ne sais quoi, non?

A few boos from the crowd, while in the ring, Ashley has a furious look on her face...

Maryse: Ze are no good for you. Ze are not a challenge for you. And but of course, zis means you as a team Hooligans... you are borin' to me. You see, I told you I could be for you Hooligans. I could add some joie de vivre to zis team. And of course, I look better than ze trashy slut in ze ring with you.

More boos...

Maryse: But sadly for you, you turned me down. I want ze gold Hooligans... and I'm going to get it. One way... or another.

Suddenly there's a commotion from the crowd, as two men sprint through the audience, leaping the barricade and sliding into the ring... to hammer London and Kendrick from behind! The tag champs are beatdown to the mat, and it's only when the camera settles on the duo that we see who they are... Rene Dupree and Sylvain Grenier!! The Canadiens lay in with a brutal assault, hitting a flurry of boots to the grounded champions. Ashley can only scream in horror as she sees her team take a beating, with Dupree and Grenier now looking to hit a few double team moves. Kendrick is first, with Dupree hoisting him up in the air... Au Revoir! Kendrick is planted with the aided snap swinging neckbreaker, but now it's London's turn, as Dupree grabs him and sends him off the ropes... Bonsoir! London tastes the double spinebuster, and now both champions are down. By this point Maryse has made it to the ring, and she corners Ashley... and gives her a stiff slap to the face! Ashley immediately crumples in the corner, clutching her face, London and Kendrick both down on the mat. Maryse is all smiles as she turns back towards her team, and with the crowd still in shock, she raises Grenier's and Dupree's arms in the air to a chorus of boos as we head backstage.

Where Josh Matthews is standing by...


Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time... he is the man who will defend the World Heavyweight Championship this Sunday at the Royal Rumble against Finlay... The Animal... Batista!

Nice pop as the champ enters the shot, dressed to compete, nodding a hello in Josh's direction. Once again the left shoulder of Batista is heavily taped up...

Josh Matthews: Batista, it was two weeks ago that you were the subject of a brutal assault from the man you face this Sunday, Finlay. And as we all can see, your left shoulder has been heavily taped these last two weeks. Batista, what is the status with that arm right now, and how will it effect you this Sunday in your World Heavyweight Championship defense?

A wry smile crosses Batista's face as he ponders his response...

Batista: Well, what can I say? Two weeks ago, Finlay and that shillelagh of his... he roughed me up pretty good. He cracked it off my skull, he smashed it off my shoulder time and time again. I can't lie, he got me two weeks. He got me good. But tell me Josh...

The Animal smiles again as he places a hand on Josh's shoulder...

Batista: How did last week's show open?

Josh Matthews: Uh... well, it opened with you walking down to the ring and calling Finlay out.

Batista: Exactly. I took everythin' Finlay had to throw at me two weeks ago, but the very next week, I was back, stood in that very ring, callin' him out!

Pop...

Batista: Y'see Finlay, you can take your shots, you can try play your little games, but at the end of the day... you're messin' with one tough son of a bitch! You're dealin' with The Animal! I may be hurtin' Finlay, but don't you for one second think that gives you some kinda advantage over me. We start the fight tonight Finlay, and then this Sunday... I'm gonna finish it!

Another pop, with Batista staring intently down the camera...

Batista: So you better take your shot again tonight Finlay, 'cause I promise you... this Sunday... The Animal will be unleashed... and it's gonna be too late for you to do anythin' about it!

Batista continues to stare into the camera, and it's on the lingering stare of The Animal that we fade into commercial.

*Commercial*

We return to the arena for...

"OH YEAH..."

*LIVE FOR THE MOMENT...*

It's a great response the greets the arrival of Matt Hardy, who instead of his usual jovial self has a determined look on his face, playing off of the very serious nature of the upcoming match...


Michael Cole: Welcome back to Smackdown everybody. It's now time for Matt Hardy and Joey Mercury to settle the score once and for all. A bitter rivalry that started in quite freak circumstances back at the Armageddon pay per view back on December 17th, and over a month later it all comes down to first blood.

John Bradshaw Layfield: What it comes down to is Matt Hardy gettin' what's comin' to him. Joey Mercury, who somehow managed to battle back from not only the physcial damage he suffered, not only from the countless hours of plastic surgery he had to endure, but also from the psychological trauma he suffered. Joey Mercury had model good looks before Matt Armageddon, and Matt Hardy, out of sheer jealousy in my opinion, put paid to that.

Michael Cole: Oh you gotta be kiddin' me! It was a freak accident that happened at Armageddon. Matt Hardy never went out there looking to deliberately hurt Joey Mercury.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Like I said, Matt Hardy doesn't like Joey Mercury, he was jealous of Joey Mercury's good looks so he went out there lookin' to disfigure Joey Mercury.

Michael Cole: I don't believe that for a second.

*PAPARAZZI...*​

Nothing but heat as Joey Mercury makes his way down the aisle...


John Bradshaw Layfield: Here comes, for my money, the bravest guy I've ever seen. Matt Hardy made this young man's life a misery, yet he somehow comes out here week after week and performs. It's unbelievable. I take my hat off to Joey Mercury.

Michael Cole: God this is ridiculous! Why don't you tell the people at home about how on the first Smackdown of 2007, Joey Mercury returned to Smackdown and crushed a steel chair over Matt Hardy's skull, giving Hardy a concussion and busting him open? Why won't you mention the fact that last week, Joey Mercury used a drop toe hold to send Hardy face first into the steel steps, again bustin' Hardy open.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I was just gettin' to that. Matt Hardy deserved a taste of his own medicine, and he's gonna deserve to have his head busted open again tonight!

Match 3: First Blood Match
Joey Mercury
vs. Matt Hardy

There’s no traditional tie up to start this match, as the second the bell rings both men fly out of their respective corners, dying to get a piece of each other. Hardy makes the first move by using a double leg takedown, mounting Mercury to lay in with a flurry of rights and lefts. Quickly though, Mercury rolls over, and now it’s his turn to swing wildly with the fists. The rolling on the mat continues as both men trade supremacy, until the pair roll their way to the side of the ring and under the bottom rope to the outside. Here it’s Matt who gains the upper hand, striking with right hands and then smashing Mercury face first off the steel steps. Mercury staggers away from Hardy, walking to the other side of the ring, trying to shake off the cobwebs. Hardy stays on the attack though, following and catching up with Mercury, this time smashing his face off the announce desk. Mercury falls to one knee, and this allows Hardy a chance to head over and grab a chair from near the timekeeper’s desk. Hardy pauses briefly to appreciate the pop from the crowd, but he soon rears back and swings... smashing the chair off of Mercury’s head! A massive cheer greets Matt’s actions, as Mercury slumps to the floor. The ref is quick to check for any signs of blood, but he motions that the match has to continue at this time.

Mercury is little more than a dead weight as Hardy tries to drag him to his feet, but eventually Matt is able to roll him back into the ring. Again Matt mounts Joey, laying in with stiff rights, try bust open the forehead the old fashioned way, but Matt soon realises it’s going to take something extra to get the win here. Hardy decides to drag Mercury to a vertical base, but as he does, Mercury swings a low blow, causing Matt to crumple to the mat in pain. Mercury takes his time to recover, firing in a few kicks to keep Matt grounded. Mercury then walk to the opposite corner of the ring, moving quickly to rip off the turnbuckle cover, exposing the steel below. Returning to Hardy, Mercury drags him by the hair to his feet, before taking a good run... and driving Hardy’s skull into the exposed steel! Matt clutches his face as he falls to the mat, with Mercury demanding the ref check for blood. The ref signals no blood has been spilled, which leads to Mercury dropping elbows and knees to the forehead. Hardy clutches at the ropes to pull himself up, but seeing that Hardy is still dazed, Mercury jumps outside, scooping up the same steel chair that struck his skull earlier. Back in the ring, Mercury motions for Matt to rise, and when he does, Mercury makes his move... and swings with the chair... but Hardy ducks! Mercury swings straight through, dropping the chair in the process, before he turns back to Hardy... side effect!

Hardy plants Mercury, and now Hardy climbs to the second rope... legdrop finds the mark! Quickly back on his feet, Matt grabs the chair Mercury previously dropped, placing it on the mat in the centre of the ring, before pulling Joey up to his feet. Hardy hits a kick to the gut, and pulls Mercury in... twist of fate on the chair... NO! As Hardy twists Mercury pushes him into the ropes, with Matt hanging on... only for Mercury to clothesline him over the top rope to the floor at the foot of the aisle. The exposed concrete of the aisle is in Mercury’s sights as he clubs Matt from behind, Hardy staggering up the aisle a bit. The barricade meets Hardy’s skull at the hands of Mercury, before Mercury ramps up his offence, pulling Hardy in... for a sick DDT ON THE EXPOSED CONCRETE!! The crowd gasps as Mercury plants Matt, with the ref quick to check the damn near unconscious Hardy for blood... not yet, leaving an exasperated Joey to continue his assault. Mercury starts by pulling the deadweight Hardy to his feet, dragging Hardy up the aisle towards the entrance way.

Once they reach the top of the aisle, Mercury drives Hardy into the stanchion of the entrance way, not once, twice, but three times in an effort to finally bust Matt open... but again the ref signals no, saying no blood has been spilled yet. Mercury now searches for another way to bust Matt open, and he appears to have found it as he drags Hardy towards a lighting rig. Looking to drive Matt’s skull into the rig, Mercury grabs a handful of hair, rearing back to force Hardy face first into the rig... but out of desperation, Matt strikes with elbows to the midsection... and it’s Mercury who crashes into the lighting rig! Hardy then reaches down to grab a nearby set of wires... and he wraps them around Joey’s throat! Although not causing any blood, Mercury is quickly choked out, his legs buckling as he drops to the floor. Hardy now spends the next few moments dragging the lifeless Mercury back towards the ring, grabbing his ankles and pulling Joey across the concrete floor. As the pair make it to the ring, Hardy firstly rolls Mercury under the bottom rope, and then goes fishing under the ring. Soon a trash can is tossed over the top rope, followed by another steel chair, and then Hardy pulls out... a kendo stick! Cole quickly quips that perhaps Sandman left it behind earlier, much to JBL’s disgust.

In the ring, Hardy waits for Mercury to make it back to both knees, and when he does, the trash can is placed over Joey’s head. Hardy then scoops up the kendo stick... and starts hammering the trash can!! JBL damn near has a fit at ringside as Matt swings the kendo time and time and time again, caving in the can. Hardy makes it to seven kendo shots, before the eighth shot sees Mercury slump back down to the mat. The ref quickly pulls the trash can away, checking for blood... no! Still neither man bleeds, but now Hardy feels one big move will finally end this battle. Mercury is almost out of it, barely moving as Matt grabs the chair he tossed into the ring, unfolding it and placing it upright in the middle of the ring. The lifeless Mercury is pulled to his feet, with Hardy lining him up... for the twist of fate... but no, Hardy changes his mind, turning his head towards the corner, his eyes gazed at the top turnbuckle. The crowd soon pops as Hardy points to the corner... he’s taking Mercury to the top rope! Hardy hoists Mercury up onto his shoulders in fireman’s carry fashion, perching him in a seated position on the top turnbuckle. A few stiff rights rock Mercury, with Matt going to the centre of the ring to bring the chair closer to the corner. Matt now makes his climb to the top, pulling Mercury up with him. Both men stand on the top turnbuckle, Hardy cinching Mercury in, giving one last cry to the crowd... before he turns, launching himself and Mercury through the air... TOP ROPE TWIST OF FATE... ONTO THE STEEL CHAIR!!! Both men crash to the mat, Mercury face first into the steel, and the ref quickly checks as Mercury rolls over... MERCURY IS BUSTED OPEN!! HARDY WINS!!!

Winner: Matt Hardy @ 13.47

Exhausted, Hardy stays down on the mat, not even aware yet that he's picked up the win. Soon though he hears his music playing, and Matt rolls towards the ropes, using them to drag himself to his feet. The ref raises Hardy's hand in the air in victory, put Hardy collapses again into the corner, and we fade to commercial changing between the sight on Hardy sat in the corner, feeling the effects of the match, and the image of the blood stained Mercury still laying on the mat.

*Commercial*​

We return to the sight of a smiling Kristal Marshall, who is standing by for an interview...


Kristal Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Smackdown. And please welcome my guest at this time... the man who teams with Finlay to take on The Undertaker and Batista later tonight... King Booker!

Loud boos greet the arrival of King Booker, who as always has Queen Sharmell hanging off his arm. The King has his nose aimed high in the air as Kristal asks her questions...

Kristal Marshall: And Booker-

Queen Sharmell: (Interrupting) 'Dat's KING Bookah to you.

Kristal Marshall: King... Booker, after demanding that The Undertaker meet you in the middle of the ring, last week you got your wish when The Deadman confronted you after your victory over The Boogeyman. Now tonight, you and The Undertaker will meet in tag team action. King Booker, what are your thoughts on this?

Booker finally drops his gaze to stare at Kristal...

King Booker: My thoughts? You wish to hear the thoughts of your King? Last week, your King... was disgusted by the actions of The Undertaker.

Booker expresses his disgust in the look on his face while Sharmell shakes her head...

King Booker: Your King, a man of honour. A man of class. Two weeks ago, your King walked down to the square circle... and addressed The Undertaker's actions from the week before. Your King laid forth a challenge to The Undertaker. Your King acted with the dignity befitting of such a situation. You King acted with honour and with class. But The Undertaker...

Now it's Booker's turn to shake his head...

King Booker: The Undertaker... he acted like nothing more than a coward! I walk down to that ring, I issue a challenge, man to man, and that sucka jumps me from behind! 'Dat ain't right!

Booker pauses, taking a moment to compose himself as Sharmell runs a hand across his shoulder...

King Booker: So tonight... I shall stand toe to toe with The Deadman... and I shall slay thee Deadman! And this Sunday, at the Royal Rumble...

Booker chuckles to himself...

King Booker: The... Royal... Rumble. An event fit only for a King such as myself. I shall emerge victorious over 29 mere peasants... and then I would be honoured to face my associate tonight, David Finlay at Wrestlemania for the World Heavyweight Championship. Tonight, I shall conquer The Undertaker... and at the Royal Rumble... I shall conquer the WWE.

And with that, Booker offers his arm to his Queen before the pair depart the screen and we fade into a video package...

*Video Package*

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL!

MARCH 24TH, 1991
WRESTLEMANIA VII


The Undertaker makes his first ever Wrestlemania appearance, stepping into the ring with the legendary 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka. After dominating all competition placed in his path since his debut six months earlier, The Undertaker faces his toughest test to date in Snuka. However, The Deadman man would not be denied on his Wrestlemania debut, making quick work of The Superfly, in the process starting the most famous streak in wrestling history, the historic Wrestlemania undefeated streak that still stands to this day at 14-0.

WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - 66 DAYS AND COUNTING


*End Video Package*

We now cut to a locker room where sat on chairs are Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman and Sabu. Dreamer has an ice pack pressed against his neck, will Sabu wraps tape around his elbow. Sandman is sitting back downing a beer, but as The Extremists tend to their wounds from earlier, off camera we hear the door of the locker room swing open... as William Regal and Dave Taylor enter the frame...

William Regal: Gentlemen... a rather interesting performance you gave this evening. Very interesting indeed.

Dreamer tries to rise from his seat to go face to face with The Bluebloods, but Taylor pushes down on Dreamer's neck, forcing him back to his seat with a wince...

Tommy Dreamer: What the hell do you guys want?

William Regal: Gentlemen, the three of you have some unfinished business to attend to with Mr. Taylor and myself.

Tommy Dreamer: I think we settled things with you two last week. Y'know, last week... when we beat you two in the ring.

A snarl crosses Regal's face as he speaks through gritted teeth...

William Regal: Last week... last week was a bloody farce! What the bloody 'ell d'you think you were playin' at!? You three are nothin' more than a group of common street thugs. Nobody spits beer in my face and gets away with, d'you understand me?

This time all three Extremists rise to their feet, with Sandman grabbing his nearby trusty kendo stick...

The Sandman: How 'bout you two get the hell outta here... before I stick this (Waving the kendo stick) straight up your ass!

A slight pop from inside the arena as Regal smirks at Sandman...

William Regal: Ah yes, that's it. You wave that stick, you spit your beer in my face. You three absolutely disgust me.

Tommy Dreamer: Look Regal, I dunno what you think you're doin' comin' in here and bad mouthin' us. But if you wanna settle things, we'll give you a rematch with us. Anytime... anywhere. But from where I'm standin'... there's three of us and two of you... and you two don't wanna be on the end of a three man ass kickin'.

Regal turns to Taylor, with both men smiling at each other...

William Regal: We knew you'd say something like that. Don't worry about us gentlemen... we'll be ready. We'll be in touch with regards to a time and a place for our rematch. Come along David.

Both Regal and Taylor turn to leave the room, the duo smugly smiling as they do, leaving behind a bemused looking trio of Extremists as we head back into the arena for...

*REALITY...*​

Week on week the amount of heat continues to grow for The Miz and his associate Michelle McCool...


Michael Cole: Here comes the man who's been trying to make a name for himself in recent weeks. The new and improved Miz.

John Bradshaw Layfield: If you ask me he's still same annoying jackass that he always was.

Michael Cole: Well we know you and The Miz don't get along, but you have to admit, there's been a big change in attitude from this guy as of late. He's much more aggressive in the ring, he's much more arrogant when he talks, and now he's got Michelle McCool helpin' to guide his career.

John Bradshaw Layfield: She's the only reason that punk still has a job right now. I don't get why she's associated with him. He's a nobody who's tryin' to make a name for himself at my expense.

*WHATEVER...*​

A great pop welcomes the United States Champion Chris Benoit, who confidently makes his way down to the ring, a ruthless stare etched on his face...


Michael Cole: And this is gonna be a huge test for The Miz tonight. The United States Champion Chris Benoit is lookin' to build some momentum ahead of his clash with Test this Sunday.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And he's lookin' for momentum because Test has dominated every exchange between the two. I honestly don't know if Chris Benoit has what it takes to beat 'The Impact Player' this Sunday. If he does, I haven't seen it so far.

Match 4: Non Title Match
United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. The Miz w/ Michelle McCool

Determined to show off his new attitude and demeanour, Miz arrogantly steps forward when the bell rings, talking trash in Benoit’s face. Benoit however is having none of it, but when Miz shoves Benoit in the chest, the veteran responds with a stiff chop to the chest that sends Miz down. Clutching his chest as he returns to his feet, Miz staggers to the corner, allowing Benoit to follow in for more chops, before a hard Irish whip sends Miz across, crashing into the turnbuckle. Benoit continues his aggressive start to the match when he snaps off a backbreaker, scoring an early near fall. More chops and right hands land, with Benoit then connecting on the first release German suplex of the match. Rattled, Miz rolls to the outside, but Benoit stays on the attack, following him out, again striking with chops up against the barricade. Benoit tosses Miz back into the ring, but as he steps up onto the apron to follow Miz back in, Michelle McCool makes her presence felt, grabbing hold of Benoit’s foot. The US Champ glares down at McCool, while in the ring Miz quickly charges off the ropes... and a knee to the spine sends Benoit flying into the barricade!

Now it’s Miz who is the aggressor on the outside, clubbing Benoit’s back and driving him spine first into the side of the ring. Miz now enjoys a period of dominance, mainly focusing on Benoit’s back, driving well aimed knees and forearms to the small of the back, before a snap suplex sends Benoit down. Miz spends the next few minutes focusing on the back, going for a rear chinlock, being sure to drive his knee into Benoit’s spine as he wrenches back on the chin. Benoit is subjected to the pressure for a good while, with repeated attempts to break Miz’s grip failing. Finally though, Benoit is able to force Miz’s fingers free of his chin, breaking the grip and forcing himself back to his feet, although Miz fights to keep the hold locked in.

An elbow to the gut buys Benoit a break, and he quickly follows with a bridging northern lights suplex for a 2 count. It’s Miz however who’s back on his feet first, and he again attacks the spine with an elbow, before a hard Irish whip sends Benoit to the corner. Miz then charges, but as he goes for a swinging corner clothesline, Benoit dives for safety, seeing Miz crotch himself on the second rope. This prompts Benoit to clamp his grip on Miz, snapping off the hat-trick of German suplexes. Miz is reeling now, and a dragon screw from Benoit plants him, allowing the US Champ to climb to the top rope. Benoit steadies himself, preparing for the diving headbutt... but again McCool gets involved, climbing up onto the apron, distracting Benoit and the ref. This is enough for Miz to throw himself into the ropes, causing Benoit to awkwardly land on the top rope and then fall to the mat. Taking his time to recover, Miz lays by the ropes, before finally pulling himself back to his feet. Benoit is stirring too, so Miz decides to wait for him to rise before charging in... reality check... no! Benoit avoids the running knee, and catches Miz around the throat... crippler crossface! Benoit locks it in tight, driving Miz to the mat... and The Miz taps out!!

Winner: @ 06.12 Chris Benoit

A confident win for Benoit, who quickly release his grip and rolls off of Miz and crouches on one knee before being handed his belt by the referee. Benoit pulls himself back onto his feet, slinging his title over his shoulder, before his arm is raised. Quickly thought, Benoit snatches his arm away to stare up the aisle... at the sight of Test stood under the Smackdown fist. Dressed in jeans and a white vest, Test isn't ready to compete tonight, instead he stares down at Benoit from behind a pair of sunglasses. Benoit looks apprehensive in the ring, but at the top of the ramp, Test offers him a slow, almost sarcastic round of applause, before the camera picks up Test saying "This Sunday... that's mine." as a confident smirk crosses Test's face. In the ring, Benoit raises the title high in the air to a pop from crowd, at which Test laughs before turning to head backstage as we cut to commercial.

*Commercial*​

We return to a pre-filmed segment...



We return to the same dimly-lit room from last week. The same Italian-esque violin tune continuing to be heard in the background. The camera slowly pans the room, allowing us to see an old oak desk. We continue to pan the room, seeing a mahogany bookcase filled with many leather-bound books. The camera then focuses on the middle of the ring, where Big Vito sits on a wooden stool, hands still tied behind his back. The lone light in the room causes Vito to squint and turn his head, not allowing him to see. There is just enough light in the room for us to notice Vito no longer wears his favourite little black dress, instead he now wears a more traditional pair of black wrestling tights...

Big Vito: Why am I here? What do you want with me?

The camera now turns to the old oak desk. Sat on a leather chair behind it, the mysterious 'Godfather' figure, with Trinity stood next to him. The lack of light continues to hide our Don's face...

???: Vito, Vito, Vito. You are such 'ah' de disappointment to me. When my Grandpapi stepped off 'ah' de boat from 'ah' de old country, he never thought 'ah' he'd see our people wrestling in dresses!

Big Vito: What you got against guys in dresses?

???: It brings 'ah' de SHAME on us!

In a show of anger, the 'Godfather' slams his fist against his desk, with the camera showing us the reactions of the nearby Nunzio and Tony Mamaluke, both of whom show fear at their boss' actions...

???: Our people have 'ah' suffered enough. You have 'ah' embarrassed us for 'ah' de last times!

Big Vito: What... what are you gonna do to me?

???: Vito... we need to 'ah' retrain you. You need 'ah' to remember where 'ah' you come from. You need... to 'ah' watch this.

Suddenly Nunzio and Tony wheel a TV set infront of Vito. The bright light of the screen pierces the darkness of the room, forcing Vito to again squint. The camera focuses on Vito from behind the TV set, not allowing us to see any of the images Vito is seeing, but we do hear the opening like... "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." :side:​


We now see a video package...

*Video Package*

We fade into a dimly lit gym, which has clearly seen better days. Smashed windows, a dusty ring, wooden bleachers, it appears to be a high school gym...

Narrator: For years he has carved a reputation as one of the very best...

We now see a slender built man aiming a series of stiff kicks at an unknown opponent, and in-between brief flashes of light we see this man is wearing maroon coloured tights...

Narrator: He has travelled the world, winning countless championships...

We now see this man engaging in a submission move with his unknown opponent, namely the cattle mutilation...

Narrator: But now...

We see our man now dressed in street clothes, leaving the shoddy gym, a blinding white light flooding the screen as he swings open the double doors...

Narrator: He brings his skill, talent and recognition...

The white light fades, and now we see the man back in his ring gear, stood in a WWE ring in an empty arena...

Narrator: To the WWE!

The camera revolves around the man, who stares into the rafters of the arena...

???: My name, is Bryan Danielson...

The camera now comes to a stop, with the man staring straight at it, a determined look in his eyes...

???: And Smackdown better be ready... for me!

The camera lingers for a few seconds before we fade to black and then the following graphic appears...

"BRYAN DANIELSON - COMING SOON TO FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!"


*End Video Package*

Michael Cole: And there you see the latest Superstar to sign with Friday Night Smackdown. A decorated veteran of the world wrestling scene, Bryan Danielson is soon gonna be makin' a name for himself here on Friday nights!

John Bradshaw Layfield: Now wait a minute Michael, how can you be so sure about that? I mean, what do we know about this guy?

Michael Cole: Well we know he's wrestled all over America, he's been to Europe, Japan, Australia-

John Bradshaw Layfield: (Interrupting) Yeah, yeah, that's all great, but lemme ask you this. What has he done in a WWE ring?

Michael Cole: Well nothing. He's never wrestled in the WWE before.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Exactly! Until this world renowned guy, who I've never heard of before, steps into a WWE ring and impresses me, he's not even worth talkin' about.

*I'LL DO ANYTHING...*

A nice pop as Shannon Moore makes his entrance, slapping hands with the fans as he makes his way down the aisle...


Michael Cole: Well maybe Bryan Danielson will surprise you, much like that man Shannon Moore surprised Gregory Helms a few weeks ago. The Cruiserweight four way is comin' up when we return to Friday night Smackdown!

*Commercial*​

When we return, Jamie Noble is already stood in the ring while the music of Jimmy Wang Yang is playing as Wang Yang slides under the bottom rope to salute the crowd...


Michael Cole: Welcome back folks. There you see Shannon Moore, Jamie Noble and Jimmy Wang Yang, three members of the Cruiserweight division that has been dominated by the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms, who this Sunday at the Royal Rumble celebrates the one year anniversary of his winning of the Cruiserweight Championship.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And in that year he has taken on all comers and he has seen off every challenger. All three of those men in the ring have one way or another fallen at the hands of Gregory Helms.

*CHAVITO ARDIENTE...*​

It's a decent amount of heat that welcome Chavo Guerrero back to the Cruiserweight division, Vickie Guerrero by his side...


Michael Cole: Well what about this man right here? It was strong words from his Aunt Vickie last week that prompted Chavo to return to Cruiserweight wrestling, and you have to think Chavo's out to prove his credentials tonight.

John Bradshaw Layfield: The Guerrero name and legacy rests on Chavo's shoulders. He's got a big family name to live up to, and it took a kick up the ass from Vickie last week to make Chavo realise that.

Michael Cole: This match is ready to get underway now and-

"LISTEN..."

*IT'S TIME...*​

A surprised hush engulfs the arena as the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms makes his way down to the ring. Not dressed to compete, Helms confidently makes his way down the aisle towards the announce desk...


Michael Cole: Well... it seems we're being joined by the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms. I uh, I didn't know Helms was gonna be joining us.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Finally somebody on the same intellectual level as me is at the announce desk. Stand up Cole, show some respect for the Cruiserweight Champion of the World!

Cole does indeed rise to his feet as Helms places his title belt on the desk, placing a headset over his ears...

Michael Cole: Well, thanks for joinin' us Greg.

Gregory Helms: That's Gregory He... no, wait, to you it's Mr. Helms.

John Bradshaw Layfield: God what an embarrassment you are Cole. Greg, can I call you Greg?

Gregory Helms: You can but the gopher here calls me Mr. Helms.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Well Greg, allow me to apologize for Michael Cole's actions. I can't believe it's a jackass like him who has to commentate when the greatest cruiserweight in the world shows us how it's done. I sincerely apologize.

Gregory Helms: That's alright JBL, I understand it's not yo' choice, it's that joke of a GM we've got. I feel sorry that a Wrestling God like yo’self has to put up with this clown sat next to you.

Michael Cole: God this is gonna be a long match listening to you two...

Match 5: Fatal Four Way
Chavo Guerrero
w/ Vickie Guerrero vs. Jamie Noble vs. Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Shannon Moore

With four top cruiserweights in the ring, this match was destined to be competed at a fast pace, and that’s exactly what we see straight from the bell, as after an initial moment or two of feeling each other out, the match kicks into gear as Yang and Moore go on the offensive, taking the fight to Chavo and Noble respectively. Moore hammers Noble in the corner, while Yang sends Chavo off the ropes into a bigtime back body drop, following with a string of armdrags. Moore whips Noble to the opposite corner, but when he charges in, Noble elevates Moore over the top rope. Moore lands on the apron, driving a shoulder into Noble’s gut and flying over the top rope into a sunset flip. Noble rolls straight through, and when both men get back on their feet, Moore is waiting to drop Noble with a spinning heel kick. With both heels down, Moore and Yang turn to each other, with Jimmy teeing off with right hands, sending Moore off the ropes, catching Moore in an overhead belly to belly.

The force of the move sends Moore rolling under the bottom rope to the outside, and this allows Chavo and Noble to make their move, clubbing Yang from behind with forearms and boots. Noble and Chavo show some teamwork as they take Yang up for a double suplex. Noble and Chavo are both quickly back on their feet, but before they can take advantage of the situation, Moore climbs to the top rope... and takes both men down with a crossbody off the top! The crowd pops for the fast paced action, and it continues throughout the match, with Moore’s attempted headscissor takedown on Chavo being countered into a sitout facebuster, while Jimmy drops Noble with an enziguiri. This leads to Yang and Guerrero squaring off for the next few moments, with Yang gaining the advantage by sending Chavo off the ropes into a monkey flip and quickly hitting a spinning heel kick, the momentum sending Chavo under the bottom ropes.

This leaves Noble, Yang and Moore in the ring, with Noble dropping Yang from behind with a reverse DDT and then forcing Moore to the corner with shots to the face. Noble then muscles Moore up, perching him on the top turnbuckle. Noble climbs to the second rope, grabbing Moore and looking for a superplex... but Moore grabs the top rope to save himself, before desperately striking with right hands to the gut. This stops Noble long enough to allow Yang to step in, as he positions himself under Noble... and he rattles both guys above him with a tower of doom! Moore crashes and burns, and Noble doesn’t fair much better, and it’s Yang who’s back on his feet first. Chavo however slips back into the ring, and he moves quickly to grab Yang and send him off the ropes... straight into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Yang goes down, and Chavo speedily heads to the top rope... to nail the frog splash! 1... 2... 3!

Winner: Chavo Guerrero @ 07.43

A confident win for Chavo, who is quickly joined by Vickie, who applauds her nephew’s efforts. Chavo is soon back on his feet to have Vickie raise his arm, before he turns his attentions to Helms at the announce desk. Chavo walks towards the ropes, pointing at Helms, motioning with his hands that he wants the Cruiserweight Title around his waist. This prompts Helms to stand up, his headphone still on his head...


Michael Cole: Well champ, what d'ya make of that? I think Chavo Guerrero just made his intentions very clear. He wants to be in the hunt for the Cruiserweight Title.

Gregory Helms: Hey listen Cole. I've taken on each and every guy who's stepped up to challenge me. If Chavo Guerrero wants a shot at my title, he's gonna have to earn it, just like everybody else. Once he's earned it, then he start challenging me.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And until then he doesn't deserve it. Until Chavo Guerrero proves he belongs back in this division, there's no reason for you step in the ring with him Greg.

Gregory Helms: You absolutely right.

Michael Cole: Sounds to me like you're maybe a little scared of Chavo after that display tonight.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You better watch your damn mouth Cole! I'm sick and tired of you insulting our guests!

Gregory Helms: I'm the Cruiserweight Champion Cole. I ain't afraid of nobody! I'm the best cruiserweight in the world, and I'll prove that to you and Chavo Guerrero, anytime, anywhere.

And with the camera switching between Helms stood at the desk and Chavo stood in the ring, we soon fade backstage...

To see Finlay making his way down to the ring, with The Little Bastard walking by his side. Finlay turns a corner, heading towards the entrance to the arena, where he is stopped by Smackdown GM Teddy Long...


Finlay: What the hell d'ya want Teddy?

Long smiles, while The Little Bastard snarls in Long's direction...

Teddy Long: Listen playa. These last few weeks, you won a lot of matches, and you done a whole of damage to Batista.

Finlay flashes that toothy grin of his as the memories of recent weeks come flooding back...

Teddy Long: But you been doin' it with a weapon in yo' hand playa. And I ain't gonna stand for that no more. So you gonna have to hand over that...

Long points towards the shillelagh...

Teddy Long: To me.

Finlay: What?! Ye can't do that me!

Teddy Long: Oh yes I can playa. Now you hand over that shillelagh, or I'm gonna cancel your title match this Sunday. I ain't gonna stand for you usin' that no mo' playa. Now... hand it over.

Again The Little Bastard snarls in Teddy's direction, but Long stands firm, his hand outstretched, waiting to receive the shillelagh. Finlay clutches his trusty weapon tightly, raising in the air, looking as if he's about to strike Teddy Long with it... but Finlay relents, slowly handing it over, much to his disgust...

Teddy Long: Alright. I appreciate you handi-

Finlay: (Interrupting) Shut yer mouth Long! I don't need a shillelagh to beat Batista. So why don't you hold on to that for me? And after the Royal Rumble, I'll be knockin' on yer door to get it back... as the World Heavyweight Champion.

A brief stand off ensues before Finlay turns to leave, muttering a "C'mon." to The Little Bastard, who takes one last snarl at Teddy before he follows Finlay out of the shot. Teddy lets out a deep sigh, and the lasting image we see as we fade to commercial is that off a very relieved General Manager.

*Commercial*​

We go to straight to the arena as we return for...

"MY NAME IS FINLAY... AND I LOVE TO FIGHT..."

*LAMBEG...*​

A ton of heat as the shillelagh-less Finlay angrily makes his way down the aisle, a seriously pissed off look on his face, The Little Bastard by his side...


Michael Cole: Welcome back folks. Moments before went to commercial, Teddy Long, in a great move if you ask me, told Finlay that he was taking away the shillelagh, that it was banned from being used tonight and this Sunday at the Royal Rumble.

John Bradshaw Layfield: And you agree with that? You think that's fair?

Michael Cole: Of course. It makes it a level playing field. We've seen the damage Finlay can do with that shillelagh in his hand.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Tell me Michael, what's the Second Amendment to the Constitution?

Michael Cole: The right to bear arms.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Exactly. The shillelagh, a historic symbol of Irish weaponry. Teddy Long has just denied Finlay his right to bear arms. Teddy Long is a bigot, he is a racist and he is prejudiced towards the Irish! Try and deny that Cole!

Michael Cole: You gotta be kiddin' me! You can't be serious about that.

John Bradshaw Layfield: I'm damn serious! I'm sick and tired of Teddy Long. He's been gettin' away with this kinda crap for far too long! It's about time somebody did somethin' about it. I hope Finlay wins the World Heavyweight Championship, and then I wanna see him stick that shillelagh down Teddy Long's throat!

Michael Cole: I can't believe I'm hearin' this...

*DEAD WHITE GUYS...*​

For Cole it's a welcome distraction when King Booker and Queen Sharmell make their way out. As always the pair stop at the top of the aisle, with Booker raising his pinky high in the air to a chorus of boos...


Michael Cole: Let's try change the subject here and talk about this developing rivalry between King Booker and The Undertaker. It was three weeks ago, during the Number One Contenders match that Finlay would go on to win, that me and you JBL got a very up close and personal look at how this rivalry started.

John Bradshaw Layfield: You mean when The Undertaker, for no apparent reason, chokeslammed King Booker through our announce desk?

Michael Cole: That's what got this rivalry started. And since then, we've seen King Booker call out The Undertaker, which lead to last week when The Deadman answered the call, appearing out of nowhere to drop Booker with another chokeslam, this time in the centre of the ring.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Why won't you tell it like it happened Cole? The Undertaker had to use a sneak attack, he had to use all his mind games to gain an advantage. Well there's gonna be no mind games tonight, there's no chance for The Undertaker to take the easy way out. King Booker will get his hands on The Deadman, and he will teach him a lesson tonight.

*GONG...*

*GONG...*

*GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY...*

Smoke quickly fills the arena as the crowd lets loose with an incredible response as The Undertaker makes his entrance, the arena bathed in darkness as he slowly makes his way down the aisle, with Booker and Finlay both diving through the ropes to the outside...


Michael Cole: You said there would be no running. So far the only person running is King Booker. He got out of the ring in a hurry.

John Bradshaw Layfield: He's not runnin' anywhere. King Booker wants this match, he wants this fight. He's just givin' The Undertaker plenty of space, so there's no excuses before the match starts.

In the ring, The Phenom removes his hat, rolling his eyes into the back of his head before handing the hat down to a nearby ringhand. Undertaker walks towards the centre, of the ring, stopping, keeping his eyes fixed on Booker until...

*I WALK ALONE...*

The roof nearly comes off the arena as the World Heavyweight Champion Batista storms out, charging from one side of the aisle to the other before squatting under the Smackdown fist to set off a huge burst of pyro...


Michael Cole: Here comes The Animal! Here comes the man who this Sunday puts the gold on the line against Finlay! Can Batista, injured shoulder and all, defeat The Belfast Brawler?

John Bradshaw Layfield: Like I said before, I don't think he can do it, but if he's gonna have any chance at it, he's gonna have to make it through this match unscathed. This is gonna be very interesting to see just how Finlay and Booker attack The Animal...

Main Event: Tag Team Match
World Heavyweight Champion Batista and The Undertaker vs. Finlay w/ The Little Bastard and King Booker w/ Queen Sharmell

Initially we start with Booker and Batista in the ring, and despite still having a heavily taped shoulder, The Animal dominates early on, beating Booker in early tests of strength by knocking Booker down with shoulder blocks and then sending Booker crashing to the corner with a hard Irish whip. Batista follows in for a clothesline in the corner, then he drives the shoulder into the midsection several times. A nice pop greets the arrival of The Undertaker, with The Deadman focusing his attack on Booker’s left arm, twisting and wrenching on it before walking the top rope... for old school! Big boots and stiff right hands continue to knock down Booker, before Batista returns to the ring to send Booker off the ropes... but Booker reverses, and as Batista comes off the ropes, Finlay drives a knee into the back... allowing Booker to nail the Harlem sidekick, knocking Batista over the top rope to the floor! Booker then turns to pick a fight with Taker, which draws the attention of the ref. This allows Finlay on the outside to grab Batista’s injured arm... and smash it into the ringpost! Batista drops to the floor, clutching his shoulder, crying in pain as we fade into commercial.

*Commercial*​

And we return to see Finlay repeatedly driving his knee into Batista’s arm as the champ lays grounded on the canvas. Finlay relents, but it’s only so he can come off the ropes to hit a running seated senton. The next few minutes see some good teamwork from Finlay and King Booker, with both men making plenty of tags and working well together to target the arm of Batista. During one spell in the ring, Booker twists the arm to hit a hook kick, he tosses Batista shoulder first into the corner and then hits a single arm DDT. Finlay also does some damage, connecting with the point of his elbow into Batista’s shoulder joint and then locking on a hammerlock. Wrenching on the arm, Finlay continues to apply pressure, occasionally driving his knee into the arm of The Animal. After being locked in the hold for a few minutes, the crowd rallies behind Batista, and The Animal slowly starts to rise, first of all making it back to his knees, then back to his feet. Finlay continues to hold on while stood behind Batista, put the Irishman is powerless to stop the champ as he ducks under Finlay, countering the hammerlock into a big side suplex.

The crowd pops, and now both men are down, crawling for their corners. Finlay makes it to tag in King Booker... but here comes The Undertaker! The crowd erupts as The Deadman gets the hot tag, unloading with rapid fire punches to the midsection before a big right to the face knocks Booker down. Finlay is back up, but as he charges Taker knocks him down with a big boot to the face. Taker again turns his attention to Booker, rocking him clubbing fists and then sending Booker off the ropes... Booker reverses, but he ducks his head... running DDT! Taker plants Booker, but he then gets nailed from behind by Finlay, who rains down with forearms to the back... SPEAR! Finlay turns just as The Animal charges! Finlay is down and he quickly rolls to the floor, but Batista doesn’t wait, instead he steps through the ropes to take the fight to Finlay on the outside. Batista rocks Finlay with right hands, with Finlay staggering his way around the ring, trying to distance himself from the champion. The number one contender makes it to the bottom of the aisle, where he turns to hit a knee to the gut.

While all this is happening on the outside, in the ring Booker drops Undertaker with the Harlem sidekick, and he now motions for Undertaker to rise. Slowly The Deadman makes it back to a knee, then to his feet, but on the way up Booker makes his move... axe kick... NO! Undertaker avoids it... and he clutches Booker by the throat... CHOKESLAM!!! Undertaker plants King Booker, while on the outside we see Batista and Finlay have descended into an all out brawl halfway up the aisle, Finlay driving Batista into the barricade but The Animal hangs on to smash Finlay with forearms. In the ring, Undertaker stares ominously into the camera... and draws a thumb across his throat! On the outside, Sharmell can do nothing but scream as she watches her husband somehow return to his feet... only for Taker to hoist him up onto his shoulder... TOMBSTONE!!! Undertaker nails the tombstone, crossing Booker’s arms across his chest for the inevitable... 1... 2... 3!!

Winners: Batista and The Undertaker @ 13.07

It’s a great pop as The Undertaker puts Booker down for the count. Meanwhile on the aisle, Batista and Finlay continue their battle, neither man aware that the match is over...


Michael Cole: The match may be over, but all hell has broken loose! We need security or somebody to get out here and stop these two.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Haha! I love it! You ain't gonna stop those two in a hurry! Batista and Finlay are gonna fight all night! Hell, they might still be fightin' by the time we make it to the Royal Rumble!

The battle rages on up the aisle, with security, road agents and referees trying their best to separate champion and challenger, but their efforts are futile as Batista and Finlay continue to trade a flurry of rights and lefts on the concrete. In the ring, The Undertaker has returned to his feet, and he stares ominously at the Royal Rumble banner hanging from the rafters...

Michael Cole: That's what it's all about this Sunday folks! For Batista and Finlay, it's the World Heavyweight Championship, but for The Undertaker, it's all about the chance to headline Wrestlemania 23! Join us live this Sunday on pay per view for the Royal Rumble! Goodnight!

The lights go out again in celebration of The Undertaker's victory, but through the shadows the camera manages to pick out Batista and Finlay, still brawling on the aisle, neither man giving an inch as we fade... to... black.

*End Show*​





Current Card for WWE Royal Rumble:
Date: January 28th 2007

Location: AT&T Centre, San Antonio, Texas

WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam

World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Finlay

Intercontinental Championship Match:
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Kenny Dykstra

United States Championship Match:
United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. Test


30 Man Royal Rumble Match:
Winner has automatic title shot at EITHER brand’s Champion at Wrestlemania XXIII:
Entrants in Alphabetical order:
Bobby Lashley, Brian Kendrick, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Edge, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Kane, King Booker, Lance Cade, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Montel Vontavious Porter, Paul London, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Sabu, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, The Miz, The Sandman, The Undertaker, Tommy Dreamer, Trevor Murdoch, Triple H, Umaga

OFFICAL ROYAL RUMBLE PREVIEW TO FOLLOW!!


 
#47 · (Edited)
~WWE ROYAL RUMBLE~
January 28th, 2007
AT&T Centre; San Antonio, Texas



30 Man Royal Rumble Match:
Winner has automatic title shot at EITHER brand’s Champion at Wrestlemania XXIII:
Entrants in Alphabetical order:

Bobby Lashley, Brian Kendrick, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Edge, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Kane, King Booker, Lance Cade, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Montel Vontavious Porter, Paul London, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Sabu, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, The Miz, The Sandman, The Undertaker, Tommy Dreamer, Trevor Murdoch, Triple H, Umaga

For the Twentieth straight year, 30 men will enter... 29 will leave disappointed... but for 1 man, their destiny will be fulfilled as they earn their chance to headline Wrestlemania XXIII! Two men shall enter, and every two minutes thereafter another man will enter the frey until all 30 men have entered the match. As it has been tradition for 20 years now, eliminations can only take place when a superstar is thrown over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor.
In all previous Royal Rumbles there has never been such an open competition, with several candidates looking good for victory. On Raw, the favourites include veterans Shawn Michaels and Triple H, both men former World Champions, both men former Royal Rumble winners, but both men with issues to settle with the other man. Further favourites from Raw include another pair of former World Champions, the Rated-RKO pair of Randy Orton and Edge. The current World Tag Team Champions both enter the match confident of victory, none more so than Edge who will enter the match at Number 30. But perhaps the true favourite is the undefeated Umaga. The Samoan Bulldozer has never been pinned or forced to submit, and has dominated Monday nights for the past nine months or so. With Armando Alejandro Estrada guiding his career, Umaga has to be considered a strong contender for victory here.
Over on Smackdown, former World Champions such as Kane and King Booker will no doubt last a long time in the match, but perhaps the veteran who has made the biggest statement regarding the Rumble is The Undertaker. Having never won the Royal Rumble match before, The Deadman will no doubt be out to claim one of the few achievements he can't claim to own despite such an illustrious career. Could it be that come Wrestlemania XXIII we see not only a World Championship up for grabs but also The Undertaker's famed Wrestlemania streak on the line?
Across both brands, the sounds of rebellious youngsters has been heard, with plenty of relative newcomers looking to make their marks. On Raw, current ECW Champion Bobby Lashley craves a shot at a World Championship, while CM Punk, Johnny Nitro, Carlito and Chris Masters all looked poised to take the next big step in their careers. On Smackdown, Matt Hardy looks primed to do well in the Rumble, as does MVP, who will no doubt look to make a big impact on his return to the WWE. However, the one youngster who has preached about his winning the Rumble the most is the Green Bay Loudmouth Mr. Kennedy. Since the turn of the year, Kennedy has loudly stated 2007 will be the year of Kennedy. Will the first pay per view of the year see Kennedy fulfil his early prophecy?
30 Men... One Destiny. The Royal Rumble is up for grabs, and with such a wide open field, the Wrestlemania main event is there for the taking.





World Heavyweight Championship Match:
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Finlay

Since winning back the World Heavyweight Championship at the 2006 Survivor Series, Batista has quietly saw off all challengers with ease. That all changed on the first Smackdown of 2007 when Finlay saw off three former World Champions to earn himself a shot at The Animal. With his trusty shillelagh in hand, Finlay has inflicted damage on Batista like few others can claim to have done so, going as far as to injure Batista's left shoulder. With show opening and ending brawls between the two in recent weeks, neither man has backed down, but The Animal has no doubt been weakened by Finlay's assault. Although General Manager Teddy Long finally intervened last Friday night, banning the shillelagh from ringside, the damage already done may be too great for Batista to overcome. Could this match be just too much for Batista? Can Finlay finally win his first World Heavyweight Championship? Or will The Wounded Animal bite back, showing just how dominant a World Heavyweight Champion Batista can be?



WWE Championship Match:
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam

Since he marked his return to Raw on the New Year's Night episode of the show, Rob Van Dam has clashed frequently with Mr. McMahon. Indeed, when RVD challenged John Cena man to man for a shot at the WWE Championship, The Chairman of the Board was initially furious at the thought. Cena however has never backed down from a challenge, accepting and agreeing to the match with Van Dam. This has now led to McMahon having problems with Cena too. It all came to a head last Monday night, as during a contract signing both Cena and Van Dam took their frustrations out on The Boss, with Vince being FU'ed through a table and then nailed with a five star frog splash. All thoughts of McMahon will be put aside tonight though as Cena and RVD compete for the biggest prize in the game. Although a level of respect exists between both men, neither will hold back in pursuit of glory. Will RVD complete his comeback by knocking off Cena? Or will Cena show he has the heart and passion to rival Van Dam and retain his championship?



Intercontinental Championship Match:
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Kenny Dykstra

Dykstra earned this opportunity with a rather dubious victory over Hardy in tag team action. Since then, both men have been involved in the Rated-RKO/DX feud, with the pair meeting in six man action. It would be Hardy's team who emerged victorious that night, and the Intercontinental Champion would further infuriate his challenger by removing Kenny as a distraction during a World Tag Team Championship match. The issue between the two escalated last Monday night however, as Kenny and his Rated-RKO brethren, Edge and Orton attacked Jeff backstage, laying a brutal beatdown on Hardy. Although the beating was sufficient for Edge and Orton, it wasn't enough for their young protégé, as Dykstra wanted more. So much more infact that Dykstra struck with a devastating one man con-chair-to, which saw Hardy taken out of the arena on a stretcher. As of this point, WWE officials still don't know if Hardy will receive medical clearance to compete. Will the match even take place this Sunday? Will Dykstra simply be handed the Intercontinental Championship? Or will Jeff show unbelievable courage to step up and beat Dykstra to remain Intercontinental Champion?



United States Championship Match:
United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. Test

Since his arrival on Smackdown, Test has singled out Benoit, targeting the United States Champion and dominating him in a way few have during Benoit's long career. Arriving determined to make an impact, Test has done just that with a series of attacks on Benoit, usually just after Benoit has competed in tough matches. The two met in tag team action, with Test winning that night. But at the Royal Rumble, will Test step up and make the biggest impact possible? Or will the wily veteran Benoit show he can still overcome even the greatest odds on any night?

Predication Template

Royal Rumble Match
Bobby Lashley, Brian Kendrick, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Edge, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Kane, King Booker, Lance Cade, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Montel Vontavious Porter, Paul London, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Sabu, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, The Miz, The Sandman, The Undertaker, Tommy Dreamer, Trevor Murdoch, Triple H, Umaga

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Batista vs. Finlay

WWE Championship Match
John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam

Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Kenny Dykstra

United States Championship Match
Chris Benoit vs. Test


Bonus Points
Predict the match order.
How many championships will change hands?
Which superstar will remain in the Royal Rumble Match the longest?
Which superstar will spend the shortest amount of time in the Royal Rumble Match?
Name the final four superstars in the Royal Rumble Match.
Which superstars will enter the Royal Rumble match as entrants 1 and 2?
Which superstar will make the most eliminations in the Royal Rumble Match?
Which superstar will be the first eliminated from the Royal Rumble Match?
Which superstar will be the last eliminated from the Royal Rumble Match?
How long will the Royal Rumble Match last?
Will there be any surprise appearances tonight?





So yeah, my first pay per view. I'd love a few predictions for it. I'm fairly certain that every comment/review in this thread has been returned in some shape or form, so of course any predictions will be returned as well. There is one more pre show news/notes/spoilers post to be made before the show is posted. No idea when the show will be posted, but it'll be posted in FULL at some point. :eek:
 
#49 ·
I was only able to review your first raw but every now and then I popped in to see how you were going. You seem to have your eyes set on Wrestlemania which would be huge, and I am sure it will be nothing but.

I'll try my best to get around here more often though, possibly starting with the Rumble. In the meantime here is how I think it will go down.

6 ) Royal Rumble Match
Bobby Lashley, Brian Kendrick, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Edge, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Kane, King Booker, Lance Cade, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Montel Vontavious Porter, Paul London, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Sabu, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, The Miz, The Sandman, The Undertaker, Tommy Dreamer, Trevor Murdoch, Triple H, Umaga Agree with BKB on this one, Lashly and Cena were two unstoppable face forces at thsi time, and it would be massive if they were to collide. The crowd wouldn't know what to do. And if you turn Cena heel and have him side with Vince, well that would be epic.

4 ) World Heavyweight Championship Match
Batista vs. Finlay Just cannot see him (finlay) head into Wrestlemania wearing the gold, though I am sure he will put on a great fight and come close, not making him look bad.

5 ) WWE Championship Match
John Cena vs. Rob Van Dam same for Finlay, I don't see RVD heading into a PPV such as WM as the champion while Cena/Lashly is too big to not have close the show.

2 ) Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Kenny Dykstra

1 ) United States Championship Match
Chris Benoit vs. Test


Bonus Points
Predict the match order. Done
How many championships will change hands? Just the IC Title
Which superstar will remain in the Royal Rumble Match the longest? Lashly
Which superstar will spend the shortest amount of time in the Royal Rumble Match? Sandman
Name the final four superstars in the Royal Rumble Match. Lashly, Kennedy, Michaels & Orton
Which superstars will enter the Royal Rumble match as entrants 1 and 2? Michaels & Punk
Which superstar will make the most eliminations in the Royal Rumble Match? Michaels, coming so close to another win but Lashly last takes him out
Which superstar will be the first eliminated from the Royal Rumble Match? Miz
Which superstar will be the last eliminated from the Royal Rumble Match? Michaels
How long will the Royal Rumble Match last? 62: 10
Will there be any surprise appearances tonight? Vince and Shane trying to screw Lashly
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top