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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
 
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#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
 
#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!
 
#4 · (Edited)
~WWE News and Notes~

With the ECW Brand now no more, many of the talent from the show are wondering how much longer they will have a job. A host of releases are set to be announced, including current talent on both Raw and Smackdown. Several members of the ECW roster are set to be placed onto either Raw or Smackdown over the upcoming weeks, however some may have disappeared from our screens forever.

Much of the unassigned talent can expect to be used to help re-establish the tag team divisions, particularly on Smackdown. Having defeated William Regal and Dave Taylor at Armageddon, current champions Brian Kendrick and Paul London are in dire need of fresh competition on the blue brand. A return for Sylvain Grenier and Rene Dupree as La Resistance is on the cards, as well as the possible call up from development of Harry Smith and TJ Wilson as a tag team and the more established duo of Deuce ‘n’ Domino. The call up of Smith and Wilson is a long shot though, with Wilson only joining the developmental system 2 months ago, but such is the state of the tag division, his promotion to the main roster may be accelerated. If the duo are called up, expect Nattie Niedhart to join them, but she herself has only been in development the same length of time as Wilson.

Another source of concern on the blue brand is that of the Cruiserweight division. After defeating Jimmy Wang Yang at Armageddon, Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms finds himself in a similar position to London and Kendrick, in that he lacks credible opponents to his title. It because of this that Shannon Moore is a lock to be moved to Smackdown in the upcoming weeks, but long term the state of the division is in jeopardy. Several rumours have been tossed around, including possible face turns for Chavo Guerrero or Jamie Noble, asking Joey Mercury or The Miz to drop weight and become part of the division, to even asking former World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio to chase the title when he returns from injury. While those reports still remain rumours, one story that has gained some traction in one concerning former Ring of Honour World Champion Bryan Danielson. After dropping the ROH World Championship to Homicide at Final Battle just before Christmas, ending a 15 month reign in the process, it was thought Danielson was taking time off to recover from injuries. However, it has recently emerged that Danielson penned a development contract with the WWE back in late November. It was wildly assumed that Danielson would follow the CM Punk route to the main roster, in that he would spend a certain amount of time in the development ranks. However, with the lack of genuine contenders to challenge Helms, it is strongly suggested that Danielson be rushed to the main roster in time for a possible Wrestlemania 23 showdown with Helms.

Due to the ECW brand coming to an end, creative plans for both Raw and Smackdown have been thrown into the air, with both sets of writers having to change the outcomes of upcoming pay-per-views. As of this time, the Wrestlemania 23 card is slowly taking shape, but as of this moment a winner of the Royal Rumble has yet to be decided.

Vince McMahon is set to make a return as an on-air character, with the boss looking to be heavily involved in the run up to Wrestlemania. Possible ideas include Vince taking part in a match, something he did last year at Wrestlemania 22 against Shawn Michaels, or lending his support to a heel by being in someone’s corner. Mr. McMahon hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since the Unforgiven pay-per-view, where he was unceremoniously shoved head first into Big Show’s ass. Rumours are rampant that Vince could kick off his new storyline tonight live on Raw.

One man set to miss out due to the creative changes is Umaga. Still being billed as being ‘undefeated’, the Samoan Bulldozer was set to enter a title feud with WWE Champion John Cena. However, Vince McMahon himself pulled the plug on Umaga’s title challenge, believing keeping him ‘undefeated’ for a while longer will be better in the long run. It could be that Umaga emerges as an early favourite to win this year’s Royal Rumble, leading to a title showdown with Cena at Wrestlemania.

The status of the ECW Championship has still to be decided, with Bobby Lashley set to continue to be referred to as the ECW Champion on whichever brand he appears on. Rumours are that Lashley may put the title on the line on occasion, which would see it remain an active championship for the time being. Whether or not Lashley enters into a storyline over the championship has yet to be decided, as has whoever his opponent would be.

And finally, the upcoming pay-per-views and special shows schedule has been revealed, with the inclusion of a 3-hour Raw and a Saturday Night’s Main Event.


Raw and Smackdown Present;
WWE ROYAL RUMBLE
January 28th 2007
AT&T Centre; San Antonio, Texas

Monday Night Raw Presents;
MONDAY NIGHT RAW 3-HOUR SPECIAL - NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
February 5th 2007
Tyson Events Centre; Sioux City, Iowa

Friday Night Smackdown Presents;
WWE NO WAY OUT
February 18th 2007
American Airlines Arena; Miami, Florida

Raw and Smackdown Present;
WWE SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT
March 3rd 2007
Madison Square Garden; New York, New York

Raw and Smackdown Present;
WWE WRESTLEMANIA XXIII
April 1st 2007
Ford Field; Detroit, Michigan

 
#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!
 
#7 ·
~Monday Night Raw~
January 1st, 2007
Miami, Florida




Kicking off 2007 with a bang, Monday Night Raw is live from Miami, Florida where the WWE Championship will be on the line. With Exectuive Assistant Jonathan Coachman seemingly hellbent on removing the title from around John Cena's waist, the Champion will put the gold on the line against Johnny Nitro, a man who has seemingly had the Champ's number in recent weeks. Not only will Nitro have the sultry Melina in his corner, but tonight is the night for the much hyped appearance of Kevin Federline, who will be sure to be in Nitro's corner. Can Cena overcome the numbers game, or will The Coach finally get his wish and see the WWE Championship wrestled away from Cenas grasp?

The bad blood between Rated-RKO and D-Generation X has threatened to spill over in recent weeks, with Triple H and Shawn Michaels being on the receiving end of several con-chair-tos at the hands of the World Tag Team Champions. Edge and Randy Orton have gained the upperhand these last few weeks thanks to the adddition to their ranks of young Kenny Dykstra. Tonight, DX will go for a little bit of revenge, as Michaels and Edge square off in singles compettition. Will DX get back on track, or will Rated-RKO once again frustrate the number one contenders to their titles?

Speaking of Dykstra, he is invovled in a tag team match of his own tonight, teaming with Chris Masters to face off against Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy and Carlito. Masters and Carlito have been invovled in a bitter feud lately, with Masters locking the masterlock on Carlito's girlfriend Torrie Wilson just two weeks ago. A previous attempt to settle things between the pair escalated into a brawl, and things could get ugly in a hurry between the two again tonight. As for Hardy, he was the victim of a vicious assault from Umaga two weeks ago, with the Intercontinental Champion looking to rebound with a victory tonight. Who will gain the upperhand between Masters and Carlito? Can Kenny Dykstra continue to impress? Or will Jeff get back into the groove with a tag team victory?

Also on the card, Victoria will look to continue her dominance of the Women's division as she meets Candice Michelle, 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair takes on one half of the World's Greatest Tag Team, Shelton Benjamin and Umaga will look to continue his recent wave of dominance. Plus, rumour has it that Mr. McMahon himself be in the building, as the road to the Royal Rumble continues live on Monday Night Raw!!

Confirmed Matches:

WWE Championship Match: John Cena v Johnny Nitro
Edge v Shawn Michaels
Jeff Hardy and Carlito v Chris Masters and Kenny Dykstra
Ric Flair v Shelton Benjamin
Candice Michelle v Victoria

Umaga will be in action

Plus: The possible return of Mr. McMahon!!
 
#9 ·
Raw preview looks good. With the WWE title on the line against Nitro (w/ Melina & K-Fed), things should be interesting. I'm glad Kenny Dykstra's getting some attention. He took up quite a bit of the preview, which is an indication of things to come for him. The matches announced look awesome, and I love Parents Against Tie Violence =P

Good luck, and can't wait!
 
#10 · (Edited)
~Monday Night Raw~
January 1st, 2007
Miami, Florida


"It's all about the monaayy..."




Before the usual opening video and pyro display, we open the show out in the parking lot, were we see a long, black limousine pull up outside the arena. With the windows tinted, it's impossible to see who is inside. Slowly, the driver's door opens and out steps the chauffeur. He calmly makes his way to the passenger door, opens it, and after a long pause... out steps Mr. McMahon! A barrage of heat can be heard from inside the arena, but McMahon merely takes a deep breath and smiles, casually adjusting his tie before arrogantly strutting past the camera and into the arena as the camera cuts away.

We now see the usual opening video, and it's quickly inside the arena, but tonight there is no pyro display. Instead...

*NO CHANCE IN HELL...*​

The Chairman of the Board enters the arena, strutting his way down the ramp to the ring...


Jim Ross: The WWE is kicking of 2007 in familiar fashion folks. Hello everyone and welcome to Monday Night Raw, we are happy to be with you live on New Year's Day! I'm good ol' J.R., Jim Ross, alongside me at ringside as always is Jerry 'The King' Lawler, and King, this is the first time we've seen Vince McMahon in over four months.

Jerry Lawler: Absolutely right, and the question is, what is Mr. McMahon doing here tonight? The last time we saw Mr. McMahon was way back at Unforgiven, and after what DX did that night, I didn't think we'd ever see Vince again!

Jim Ross: I don't think that man was ever not going to return to Monday Night Raw. There was too much pride at stake for him to stay away forever, despite many people wishing he had.

Jerry Lawler: Speak for yourself there J.R. Some of us missed Mr. McMahon while he was gone...

Jim Ross: You're in the minority there King. Later tonight folks, the WWE Championship is on the line as John Cena defends the gold against Johnny Nitro, who will have Kevin Federline in his corner.

Jerry Lawler: Boy I can't wait for that match. I hope John Cena gets his hands on K-Fed at some point during. There’s a guy who deserves a slap across the face!

Jim Ross: Also tonight, Shawn Michaels and Edge go one-on-one, but it seems we're kicking off 2007 with the chairman of the board...

Mr. McMahon enters the ring and is handed a microphone from Lillian Garcia, before positioning himself in the middle of the ring, waiting for his music to die down. When it does though, the crowd responds with another chorus of boos...

Mr. McMahon: Alright, alright, that's enough...

Still the boos rain down, until...

Mr. McMahon: Shaddup!

More heat, but having waited long enough, Mr. McMahon begins to speak...

Mr. McMahon: Now, I'm sure all of you are wondering just why I am here tonight. Well, let me assure all of you, it wasn't because I wanted to spend my New Years in this cesspit you people call Miami.

It's the cheapest of cheap heat, but it works as the crowd lets Vince have it, with McMahon smugly grinning back at them before continuing to speak...


Mr. McMahon: Regardless of that, here I am in Miami. And the reason I'm here is that I want to remind you people of a few facts you may have forgotten over these last six months. Let me give you all a little history lesson. Let me take you all back... to June last year. More specifically, June 11, last year. That was the night that I brought ECW back to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and I brought ECW back to life.

The crowd responds with cheers before an "E-C-DUB" chant breaks out...

Mr. McMahon: Yeah, yeah, you were all very happy to see ECW come back to life, alright. But you see, the only reason ECW was brought back... the only reason the name and the history and the legacy of ECW was brought back to life... was because quite frankly, I wanted to use it to make me some monaayy!

The crowd again boos as Vince stares into the camera while making the 'money' sign with his hands...

Mr. McMahon: That's right, it was all about the monaayy! That's all it's ever been about with me. Oh sure, I gave you all your special ECW moment that night. Hell, I even brought ECW back to television! I gave all those ECW misfits their own damn show! It may have been Paul Heyman who was running things, but let's make no mistake, it was my name on the pay-cheques.

More heat from the crowd, but Vince continues to grin as he pauses to soak up the boos...

Mr. McMahon: And when Paul Heyman ran ECW into the ground... when Paul Heyman embarrassed himself with the way he controlled that ECW roster... and more importantly...

Vince quiets, being deadly serious...

Mr. McMahon: When Paul Heyman stopped making me money... that's when, for the second time, I had to pull the plug on (sarcastically) "Eee-Cee-Dubya".

More jeers, as it's clear now this promo is turning into a McMahon ego boost...

Mr. McMahon: You can boo all you want, but you people can't deny facts. I took ECW from a Philadelphia bingo-hall, and I put it in some of the biggest arenas in the world. For Paul Heyman, Sabu...

Quick cheer for the "suicidal maniac"...

Mr. McMahon: The Sandman...

Bigger cheer for the extreme beer-swiller...

Mr. McMahon: For Tommy Dreamer...

Another solid cheer for the "innovator of violence"...

Mr. McMahon: And especially for Rob Van Dam...

A huge pop for the former "Mr. Monday Night"...

Mr. McMahon: It was never about (sarcastically) "being hardcore". It was never about crashing through tables, or poppin' a beer can on your head, it was never about that! The day they agreed to work for me... in my version of ECW...

Again Vince pauses, staring deep into the camera...

Mr. McMahon: It was all about the monaayy!

More heat, but Vince is on a roll now, and he quickly continues...

Mr. McMahon: The day those gentlemen agreed to work for me, they literally sold their souls to the devil! And that's something I want each and every one of you backstage in that Raw locker-room to remember. You people... work for me. That's right. Take for example... the WWE Champion John Cena.

A mixed response from the crowd, with both cheers and boos for the champ...

Mr. McMahon: He works... for me. Or what about... D-Generation X?

Huge response for DX...

Mr. McMahon: They work for me too! I'm Vince McMahon dammit! This (Vince frantically points all around the arena), I own all of this! These two fools (pointing at J.R. and King) sat at ringside with the hat and the crown, I own them!

We cut to the image of the announce desk, where King looks concerned while J.R. can only shake his head in disgust...

Mr McMahon: Infact, let me ask you a question J.R. Ah, good ol' J.R.! You like a good laugh don't ya' Jim? You've had plenty of laughs at my expense over the years haven't ya'?

As the camera zooms in on J.R., he nods his head and offers a quick "yeah" in response...

Mr. McMahon: All of you people... you've all had your share of fun at my expense over the years haven't you?

The crowd responds with a brief pop, but McMahon quickly follows with...

Mr. McMahon: I bet you people all laughed real hard when DX shoved my head up The Big Show's ass all those months ago.

A huge pop from the crowd, with the memories quickly flooding back from Unforgiven '06...

Mr. McMahon: Well... I didn't laugh. And if I didn't laugh... that means it wasn't funny. And the sooner you idiots here tonight, and all you idiots at home realise that, the better it'll be for everybody. I'm Vincent... Kennedy... McMahon... and I own... all of y-

*ONE OF A KIND...*

It's a near deafening response as Vince if finally interrupted, and Rob Van Dam steps out, doing his signature thumb movement and then making his way down to the ring...

Jim Ross: Well thank God that's over with. Rob Van Dam, a free agent after ECW went off the air, is here on Raw!

Jerry Lawler: Yeah but, what's he doing out here? Is Rob Van Dam a member of the Raw roster now?

Before J.R. can respond, RVD is handed a mic and he turns to face McMahon...

Rob Van Dam: Y'know something Vince? I was sat there backstage, listenin' to you run your mouth... and I gotta tell ya... you were right.

Boos and a general feeling of confusion from the crowd, while Vince cracks a broad smile and nods in agreement with Van Dam...

Rob Van Dam: (To the crowd) No, no, hear me out. Vince... you did take ECW from a bingo-hall in Philadelphia to some of the biggest arenas in the world. You did resurrect a legacy that me and so many others gave our blood, sweat and tears to build.

Vince continues to smile, nodding along as Van Dam speaks, even turning to the crowd as if to say "I told you so"...

Rob Van Dam: But Vince... you did not destroy that legacy.

Slight cheers from the crowd as the smile disappears from McMahon's face...

Rob Van Dam: You may have taken ECW off the air last week... and even though tomorrow night, there will be no ECW... ECW lives on in all of these fans...

A strong "E-C-DUB" chant rings out, but Van Dam quickly cuts it off...

Rob Van Dam: And it lives on through guys like me!

A nice pop from the crowd, who quickly return to their "E-C-DUB" chant...

Rob Van Dam: And Vince, since I'm still under contract to wrestle in this company... I figured I might as well keep the legacy of ECW alive each and every Monday night!

A massive pop from the crowd, with RVD confirming his signing with Monday Night Raw. Vince meanwhile has regained his composure...

Mr. McMahon: JUST WHO THE HELL D'YOU THINK YOU ARE?! You don't come out here and interrupt me, you don't come out here and embarrass me like that!

Boos from the crowd as Vince looks set to go on a tirade...

Mr. McMahon: ECW died when I took it off the air! The ECW Championship died when Bobby Lashley beat The Big Show two weeks ago.

Brief pop for the mention of Lashley...

Mr. McMahon: Yeah... yeah, you hear that Rob? Bobby Lashley... a guy who I gave his big break to. A guy I brought to the WWE. He's gonna go down in history as the last ECW Champion!

Slight boos, even though Lashley is a face...

Mr. McMahon: Boy, that must just eat you up inside, huh? You must just hate that! The fact that it's a guy who's WWE through and through, a guy who's not about barbed wire baseball bats and flaming tables, a guy moulded in my own image... that's who the last ever ECW Champion is. God that's gotta hurt!

Van Dam merely smirks, offering a slight nod in admittance that it did sting for him never to get a shot at Lashley and the title...

Mr. McMahon: And you know what Rob? Don't for a second think that you'll be getting a shot at the WWE Championship anytime soon either. There's a lot of guys back there more worthy and more deserving of a title shot than you'll ever be!

McMahon now steps towards Van Dam, getting right in his face...

Mr. McMahon: Now... get the hell outta my ring!

Huge hear from the audience, with Van Dam merely nodding, obviously McMahon's words earlier about signing the cheques sinking in. Van Dam turns to leave, and Vince smirks... until Van Dam strikes... JUMPING ROUNDHOUSE KICK FLOORS MCMAHON!!

The roof nearly blows off the arena as Van Dam flattens the Chairman of the Board, before dragging him towards the corner, lining Vince up and then springing to the top rope... FIVE-STAR FROGSPLASH!!

Van Dam nails McMahon, and again the crowd goes wild... until a team of security guards sprint down to the ring! Van Dam quickly leaves the ring and leaps over the barricade, making a quick escape through the crowd, leaving Vince writhing in agony.


Jim Ross: Rob Van Dam has just made an incredible return to Monday Night Raw!

Jerry Lawler: But J.R., is he crazy? He just delivered a five-star frog splash to Mr. McMahon!

Jim Ross: What a way to kick off 2007! Rob Van Dam just laid out the boss! Rob Van Dam is here on Monday Night Raw!

*Commercial*​

When we return, we see the tail-end of Chris Masters' intro, with 'The Masterpiece' already in the ring, taking of his robe and flexing for the crowd...

Jim Ross: Welcome back everybody to Monday Night Raw. We're all set to kick things off with tag team action, and there you see 'The Masterpiece' Chris Masters, a young man who has developed quite the rivalry with Carlito in recent weeks.

Jerry Lawler: Never mind that J.R.! I still can't believe what Rob Van Dam did to poor Mr. McMahon. Do we have any word on Mr. McMahon yet? Do we know if he's alright?

Jim Ross: I haven't heard any official word yet on Mr. McMahon's condition, (sarcastically) but I'm sure he'll bounce back like he always does.

"YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME...

HEY! NOTHING YOU CAN SAY..."

*BURN IN MY LIGHT (RATED-R REMIX)...*

There is a good amount of heat as the brash youngster Kenny Dykstra steps out, his membership of Rated-RKO now confirmed by him using their entrance theme...

Jim Ross: And speaking of bouncing back, here comes a young man who has been hell-bent on taking his career to another level in recent weeks.

Jerry Lawler: Well every since the Spirit Squad was sent packing, Kenny Dykstra has really been looking to make a name for himself, and who better for him to learn from than Edge and Randy Orton?

"I SPIT IN DA' FACE OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO BE COOL..."

*COOL...*

A nice pop from the crowd as Carlito enters the arena, the beautiful Torrie Wilson by his side...

Jim Ross: Two weeks ago, Carlito and Chris Masters were set to go one-on-one live on Raw, but the match descended into a good ol' fashioned brawl.

Jerry Lawler: Right and the week before that, Chris Masters locked Torrie Wilson into the Masterlock.

Jim Ross: Thankfully Carlito made the save that night, but you gotta think Masters and Carlito are on a collision course to settle this thing once and for all.

*LOADED...*​

And it's a massive pop for the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy, who plays up to the crowd and slaps hands as he makes his way down the ramp...

Jim Ross: Two weeks ago, Jeff Hardy was yet another victim caught up in the path of destruction that is the 'Samoan Bulldozer' Umaga.

Jerry Lawler: It was certainly quite the beating Jeff took that night from Umaga. Infact, I pretty sure Jeff is still feeling the effects of that night even now.

Match 1: Tag Team Match
Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy and Carlito w/ Torrie Wilson vs. Chris Masters and Kenny Dykstra


A fast-paced match to kick start the action, with much being made of the on-going rivalry between Masters and Carlito. Indeed, Carlito and Masters are set to start the match, only for Masters to duck out of things when the bell rings, quickly tagging in Dykstra. Carlito and Dykstra get the match underway, with Carlito taking his frustrations out on Kenny, gaining the early advantage for his team before tagging in Hardy. Jeff and Carlito trade tags, continuing to punish Dykstra, but as Carlito runs the ropes, Masters hits a cheap shot from the apron, and the distraction is enough for Dykstra to connect with a neckbreaker from behind. Masters is now more than happy to tag in, and he pummels Carlito with a series of fists and boots, before gaining a near fall from a delayed vertical suplex. Masters and Dykstra continue to exchange tags, wearing Carlito down, until Masters sends Carlito off the ropes into a bearhug. Masters wrenches on Carlito’s back, but crowd rallies behind the Caribbean superstar, and he manages to fight back, breaking the hold, dropping Masters with a springboard elbow before crawling to his corner and tagging in Jeff.

Hardy enters the ring with a diving clothesline, before knocking Masters and Dykstra down with a series of right hands, then nailing Kenny with a mule kick. Jeff goes for a cover, only for Masters to break it up, leading to Carlito clotheslining Masters over the top rope, with both men crashing to the floor. On the outside, Carlito and Masters begin to brawl, with their fight spilling up the ramp. In the ring, Jeff nails the twist of fate, but when he climbs to the top rope, Dykstra shoves the referee into the ropes, causing Hardy to fall to the mat! The ref admonishes Kenny, but the youngster moves quickly, rolling Jeff up... 1... 2... Kenny has his feet on the ropes... 3! Dykstra steals a win from Jeff Hardy!!


Winners: Kenny Dykstra and Chris Masters @ 07:15

Jim Ross: Well, by hook or by crook, Kenny Dykstra has just pinned the Intercontinental Champion.

Jerry Lawler: Be that as it may J.R., you have to think Kenny Dykstra has just put himself in the shop window for a future shot at Jeff Hardy with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.

Dykstra slowly backs his way up the ramp, a smug smirk on his face, and as Jeff slowly drags himself off the mat to his knees, the two lock eyes, with Dykstra motioning with his hands around his waist that he wants the title, following that by mouthing "I'm coming after you Jeff" as we cut backstage...

Where Todd Grisham is standing by...


Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the last-ever ECW Champion... Bobby Lashley!

Indeed Bobby Lashley steps into the shot, and noticeably he has the ECW Championship belt on his shoulder, despite ECW existing no more...

Todd Grisham: Bobby, I understand you requested this interview because you have an announcement you'd like to make?

Bobby Lashley: That's right Todd. Well, I wanted this interview to announce that earlier today I signed a contract to join Monday Night Raw...

Lashley pauses as the crowd responds with a decent pop, welcoming Lashley to Monday nights...

Bobby Lashley: But uh, it looks like Rob Van Dam kinda stole my thunder on that one.

A rueful smile crosses Lashley's face, as he rubs his chin and continues...

Bobby Lashley: But enough about Rob Van Dam. I came to Monday Night Raw for one reason, to challenge for the WWE Championship. At December To Dismember, I won the ECW Championship inside the extreme elimination chamber. And now... I've got John Cena in my sights.

Cheers can be heard from inside the arena, with the crowd excited by the prospect of a Lashley/Cena showdown...

Bobby Lashley: Now, I dunno how I'm gonna go about earning that opportunity. But I think the best place to start is at the Royal Rumble! So right now, I am...

Lashley stops dead in his tracks as an extremely groggy looking Mr. McMahon enters the shot, staggering towards Lashley, before stopping to stare at the ECW Champion with a look of disgust on his face...

Todd Grisham: Uh... uh... Mr. McMahon?

McMahon glances at Grisham, still looking pissed off, before ignoring the interviewer and returning his glare to Lashley...

Mr. McMahon: What... is... (pointing at the ECW Title) that... doing here?

Both Lashley and Grisham stare at the title belt, unsure what to say, with McMahon not giving them a chance to speak...

Mr. McMahon: I don't want to see that title belt on my show ever again, you understand me Lashley? That piece of garbage NEVER appears on my show again, you got that?

Lashley now steps towards Vince, over-shadowing McMahon, staring at him intently...

Bobby Lashley: That piece of garbage is my ECW Championship. And as the last ever ECW Champion...

Lashley pulls the belt off his shoulder, holding it in Vince's face...

Bobby Lashley: I think I'll keep this belt with me a bit longer.

For the second time tonight, Vince is furious, but as he and Lashley lock eyes, it's Vince who backs down first, reluctantly walking away from the confrontation, with the camera focused on Lashley 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 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*

Back into the arena...

"WOOOOO..."

*ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA...*

The crowd gives a great response as 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair makes his entrance...

Jim Ross: Well there he is folks: the 16-time Heavyweight Champion, who will no doubt be looking to roll back the years when the Royal Rumble rolls around.

Jerry Lawler: And what a story that would be if Ric Flair could go on to headline Wrestlemania!

*WORLD’S GREATEST...*

A fair amount of heat as Shelton Benjamin steps out, his tag team partner Charlie Haas at his side...

Jim Ross: One of the finest pure athletes in the WWE, Shelton Benjamin, a young man who could be about set to finally live up to his potential.

Jerry Lawler: And after having a rough few months, Shelton is back together with Charlie Haas. These two together are always a dangerous combination.

Match 2:
Ric Flair vs. Shelton Benjamin w/ Charlie Haas


It’s a slow start to the match, with Benjamin using his superior athleticism to outmanoeuvre Flair in the early goings. Ever the crafty veteran, Flair gains the advantage with a thumb to the eye, before driving Benjamin to the corner with right hands, before unloading with those legendary chops, before connecting with an atomic drop and following up with a clothesline. Flair then grabs Shelton’s leg, motioning for the figure-four... only for Haas to drag Shelton out of the ring, and we go to commercial with Haas and Benjamin trying to regroup on the outside.

*Commercial*

When we return, Shelton is now in control, and we see a replay of what happened during the commercial, which shows Haas getting up on the apron, and when Flair goes to confront him, Benjamin clubs Flair from behind and then connects with a German-suplex. Benjamin looks to wear Flair down with a series of stomps, before sending Flair to the corner and following in with a Stinger splash, gaining Shelton a near fall. The punishment continues, as Benjamin snaps of a northern lights suplex, but when he goes for a superkick, Flair catches the leg, sweeps the leg and goes for the figure-four... only for Shelton to again escape, kicking Flair to the corner.

Shelton goes for another splash, but this Flair avoids it, and he again unloads with chops, before sending Shelton off the ropes into a back-body-drop. More chops send Shelton down, and Flair scores a 2 count from an elbowdrop. Sensing things aren’t going their way, Hass again jumps onto the apron, distracting Flair... here comes Shelton... but Flair dodges the attack, seeing Benjamin run into Haas, sending Hass crashing to the floor. Dazed, Benjamin staggers... and Flair hits a low-blow!! The ref never saw it, and now Flair goes for the roll-up... 1... 2... 3! Hass dives into the ring, but it’s too late as Flair quickly rolls out of harm’s way, having his arm raised at the bottom of the ramp.


Winner: Ric Flair @ 09:22

Jim Ross: The 'dirtiest player in the game' just took Shelton Benjamin to school!

Jerry Lawler: And look at Benjamin and Haas in the ring. They're furious at what just happened!

Flair "wooooo's" his way back up the ramp, raising his hands in the air to cheers from the crowd, while back in the ring Benjamin still can't believe he lost that one, with Haas sharing his disbelief.

*Video Package*

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL!

MARCH 29TH, 1987
WRESTLEMANIA III


In a legendary showdown, Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant square-off for the WWF Championship, with Hogan producing one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history by slamming Andre to the mat, following with the big legdrop for the 3 count!

WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - 91 DAYS AND COUNTING


*End Video Package*

We now go to the Rated-RKO dressing room, where Randy Orton and Edge are deep in talk when Kenny Dykstra enthusiastically enters the room...

Kenny Dykstra: Guys! Guys, did'ya see that earlier? I mean, I just pinned Jeff Hardy!

Orton and Edge both look to each other with apathetic looks on their faces...

Edge: Yeah, we saw it Kenny. (Sarcastically) Way to go junior!

Randy Orton: Listen Kenny, what you did earlier tonight... that was nothing. When we agreed to let you join Rated-RKO, we did it on the premise that at some point you'd actually impress us.

The disappointed look on Kenny's face can't be hidden, but Edge continues to run him down...

Edge: Yeah, I mean, anyone can pin Jeff Hardy. But tonight, I'm gonna do something impressive. I'm gonna go out there and I'm gonna pin Shawn Michaels.

Randy Orton: And we're gonna prove to the world that once again DX are not in out league.

Edge: So uh... anytime you want to step up and prove to us that you're at our level... you just go ahead and do that.

Orton now steps towards Dykstra, speaking into his ear...

Randy Orton: And tonight would be the perfect time to prove it to us.

A smirk flashes across Kenny's face, with the youngster fully understanding what his mentors expect of him tonight.

We cut to the interview set, where the chirpy Maria is ready...

Maria: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time... D-Generation X!!

A huge pop from inside the arena asTriple H and Shawn Michaels walk into the shot, 'The Game' with a stern look on his face while Michaels is all smiles...

Maria: And tonight, Shawn Michaels, you face Edge one-on-one. But two weeks ago, Edge and Randy Orton delivered con-chair-tos to both of you, leaving you laying in the ring. Shawn, are you physically ready for your match with Edge tonight?

Shawn Michaels: Well first of all Maria, we just want to ask Miami, Florida a question...

Triple H: Are you ready?

A huge response from the crowd can be heard...

Triple H: I said Miami, Florida... ARE... YOU... READY?!

And it's an even bigger response this time around, with 'The Game' now grabbing the mic from Maria...

Triple H: Then, for the thousands in attendance, and the millions watching worldwide... lllllll-let's get ready to.... SUCK IT!!

Trips tosses the mic to Michaels, who looks straight down the lense...

Shawn Michaels: And if you're not down with that... we got two words for ya'...

SUCK IT!!

Now that's (thankfully :side:) out of the way, Michaels returns the mic to Maria and continues...


Shawn Michaels: Now, as for what Edge and Randy Orton did two weeks ago. Well you know, I've took my share of chair shots to the head in my time. And I gotta tell ya', Edge, Orton... I'm starting to get real sick and tired of you two smashing my head in every week!

Triple H: You see, Edge, Orton, you guys picked a fight with us a few weeks ago. And now... we're gonna settle it.

Shawn Michaels: You two have been hiding behind those steel chairs for weeks now. But, seeing as it's a new year an' all... it's time for DX to take a new approach to how we handle you two. And that means...

The camera quickly turns to Triple H... WHO HAS THE SLEDGEHAMMER IN HIS HAND!!

Shawn Michaels: We're gonna have to start toolin' ourselves up when we get in the ring with you guys!

Triple H: Edge... Orton.... you two have no idea what we have in store for you two!

Michaels and Triple H stare deeply into the camera, before exiting in opposite directions, leaving a goofy looking Maria standing there as we fade into a commercial...

*Commercial*

When we return, Val Venis is already in the ring, awaiting his opponent...


Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw folks. Still to come tonight, Edge takes on Shawn Michaels and John Cena is set to defend the WWE Championship against Johnny Nitro, but as you can see, Val Venis is in the ring and ready for action.

Jerry Lawler: Right and just who is Val gonna face tonight?

*VIRTUAL VOODOO...*​

It's a collective gasp from the crowd as 'The Samoan Bulldozer' Umaga steps out, with Armando Alejandro Estrada as always by his side. In the ring, Val has a worried look on his face...

Jim Ross: Well King, business has just picked up. Here comes the still 'undefeated' savage, Umaga!

Jerry Lawler: Well I've been in the ring with that monster, and I wouldn't want to be in Val Venis' boots right now.

Match 3:
Umaga w/ Armando Alejandro Estrada vs. Val Venis


Oh dear, poor Val. :( As the bell rings, Umaga is clearly in no mood to mess around, as he menacingly backs Val into the corner, before unloading with a series of stiff shots. Val does try to fight back, but Umaga is dominant, whipping Val across and charging in for an engulfing splash in the corner. Val slumps to the mat, his head rather conveniently perched on the bottom turnbuckle, allowing Umaga to line him up and nail the Samoan wrecking ball, causing Val’s neck to snap back. Val somehow drags himself to his feet, but Umaga is ready for him, hooking Val up and dropping him with the Samoan drop. Decimated, Val can barely stand as Umaga drags him to his feet... and mercifully ends it with a Samoan spike. 1... 2... 3. A dominant display from Umaga.

Winner: Umaga @ 02:12

Jim Ross: An absolutely dominant display from Umaga.

Jerry Lawler: Who's gonna stop this man J.R? I mean, can you imagine if Umaga enters the Royal Rumble?

With Umaga still standing over Val, Estrada steps through the ropes, microphone in hand, with Umaga intimidating the referee, not letting him help Val as Estrada speaks...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Tudos... excussemay, haha! The Saaaaamoan Bulldozerrr... UMAGA... and me... we have how ju say... a message for all of ju.

Umaga has finally relented, allowing a pair of referees into the ring to help try Val back to his feet...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Ju see... Umaga is still un-de-feated on Raw! Haha! Umaga... he want... how ju say... competition. And to this... we are entering the thirty man Royal Rumble! Haha!

Umaga continues to stare ominously at Val, who has been helped back to his knees, clutching his throat, with Estrada still looking into the camera...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: But ju see... we don't want to just win the Royal Rumble. Todos... as of this moment... the ENTIRE WWE... ju are all on notice amigos! We want a challenge amigos... and no-one will stop the Saaaaamoan Bulldozerrr... from getting it! Haha!

The referees have finally helped Val back to his feet, with them slowly helping Val to the edge of the ring... only for Umaga to strike with a SAVATE KICK!! Boos ring out from the crowd, as once again Umaga leaves Val laying, with no response from J.R. and King as we silently go backstage.

Where we go to a dressing room, where sat on leather couches are Johnny Nitro, Melina and Kevin Federline are getting ready for tonight. It's obviously a smug, relaxed atmosphere in the room as Melina and K-Fed sip champagne, while Nitro arrogantly fixes his hair in a nearby mirror, with us joining Melina and K-Fed mid-conversation...

Melina: Oh my God, I cannot wait for tonight! I mean, first of all, Johnny is finally going to get what he deserves by becoming WWE Champion, and then when he's done with Cena, you K-Fed can step into the ring and pick John Cena apart! Oh it's gonna be great!!

Kevin Federline: Yeah I can't wait. I can't believe I'm gonna be in your corner Nitro to see you take down that punk Cena.

Happy with his hair, Nitro turns to grab a seat...

Johnny Nitro: We got John Cena running scared guys! I mean, Cyber Sunday, when K-Fed nailed Cena with the belt, man that was beautiful! Hell, I don't even know if John Cena's gonna show up here tonight. They might have to give me the title by forfeit.

Melina: No, I don't want that Johnny. I want to see you hurt Cena. I want to see you punish him! And then I want K-Fed to embarrass him in the middle of the ring.

The three share a laugh, before Jonathan Coachman enters the room to a barrage of heat from the arena...

Jonathan Coachman: Hey! Melina, Nitro... K-Fed! Ma' boi! How's it going man?

Kevin Federline: (To Nitro and Melina) Who's this guy?

Jonathan Coachman: Ah haha! Ah K-Fed, always a kidder! Anyway, Nitro, I want to make sure you're ready for tonight. I mean, it's new year's night, Mr. McMahon is back... what better way to kick off 2007 than with a new WWE Champion!

Melina squeals with glee at the thought, while Nitro arrogantly strokes his chin...

Johnny Nitro: Coach, you got nothing to worry about. I was born ready for tonight.

Jonathan Coachman: Oh I know, I know, I just wanted to make sure. But uh... y'know, I was listening to Mr. McMahon earlier tonight, and he was talking about how he was sick and tired of being embarrassed by people. Well, as I'm sure you both know... John Cena has embarrassed me a lot lately. Well tonight, it's time for me to get a little payback. And that's where you come in Johnny.

Johnny Nitro: What do you mean?

Jonathan Coachman: Well Johnny... tonight is your lucky night. You see Johnny... tonight in your title match, there's going to be a special guest referee. And...

Wait for it...

Jonathan Coachman: It's gonna be me!

Melina gasps in delight, while a broad smile crosses Nitro's face...

Jonathan Coachman: So eh, I'll see you all out there. Good luck Johnny.

Johnny Nitro: Thanks Coach...

Coach turns to leave, while Melina can't wipe the smile off her face, and K-Fed tries to look like he has a clue as to what's going on.

We quickly cut to a backstage corridor, where Edge and Randy Orton are walking, making their way towards the ring...


Jerry Lawler: Can you believe that J.R.? The Coach is going to be the special guest referee for the WWE Championship match tonight!

Jim Ross: I think it's a damn shame that once again, the deck is stacked against John Cena. Well that's to come later tonight, there you see the World Tag Team Champions. It's Edge and Shawn Michaels, live when we return!

*Commercial*

As we return...

"YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME...

HEY! NOTHING YOU CAN SAY..."

*BURN IN MY LIGHT (RATED-R REMIX)...*

A ton of heat welcome the tag champs, as Edge and Randy Orton (no Kenny Dykstra) saunter down to the ring...

Jim Ross: Here comes the World Tag Team Champions, two men who have certainly had the number of DX in recent weeks.

Jerry Lawler: Absolutely right. We've seen these two guys just decimate DX lately. I mean, I've lost count of the number of con-chair-tos I've seen over the last month or so.

"ARE YOU READY...?"

*BREAK IT DOWN...*

The roof nearly blows off the arena as Triple H and Shawn Michaels emerge, setting off pyros with crotch chops before heading down the ramp...

Jim Ross: And there you see it folks. The ultimate equalizer: DX is headed to the ring, and Triple H is bringing a little company with him!

Jerry Lawler: And take a look at the faces of Edge and Orton. They know first-hand the damage that sledgehammer can do.

Jim Ross: I've got a feeling that things might be a little bit more of a level playing-field tonight...

Match 4:
World Tag Team Champion Edge w/ Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels w/ Triple H


Straight from the bell, it’s clear this isn’t going to be a technical classic, instead we’re in for a brawl, with Michaels taking the fight to Edge, looking to extract some revenge after the attacks he’s suffered from in recent weeks. Michaels beats Edge to the punch on numerous occasions, then he unloads with chops to the chest in the middle of the ring, driving Edge against the ropes and then sending him over the top rope with a clothesline. As Orton goes over to help his partner regroup, Michaels flies over the top rope with a slingshot crossbody, taking down both Edge and Orton. Michaels remains in control, unloading with more chops on the outside, before rolling Edge back into the ring for an early two count. Again Michaels unloads with right hands and chops in the corner, but when he goes for an Irish whip, Edge reverses, which sees Michaels crash upside down into the corner, and when he staggers out, Edge nails the Edge-o-matic. Instead of going for a cover, Edge takes his time to recover, and it’s at this point that we go to commercial.

*Commercial*

We return with Edge now fully in control, hammering Michaels near the corner with a flurry of right hands. As the ref backs Edge away, Orton connects with a cheap shot, and he quickly vacates the area before Triple H can get over there. A Russian legsweep and an inverted-DDT get Edge 2 counts, and he looks to keep Michaels grounded by locking on a camel clutch. Edge wrenches on Michaels’ neck, and now begins to focus on HBK’s back, driving knees and forearms to the spine. Edge continues to hit moves and pick up nearfalls, before locking Michaels into a sleeper. Michaels manages to fight free, but his comeback is grounded as Edge sends Michaels off the ropes... Michaels ducks a clothesline... flying forearm! Michaels kips up, sending Edge back down with a series of slams before climbing to the top rope... elbow drop connects! Michaels goes to the corner, looking to tune up the band, and of course this is too much for Orton, who gets up on the apron... only for Triple H to yank him down! Orton immediately backs away, intimidated by the sledgehammer, with the ref over to try break the pair up. Michaels again looks to tune up the band, but a commotion is heard from the crowd... it’s Kenny Dykstra! Dykstra races through the audience, leaping over the barricade and grabbing one of the World Tag Team title belts. Michaels makes his move... sweet chin music connects!! Edge goes down, but Dykstra is in the ring... and clubs Michaels with the belt!! Michaels slumps to the mat, and Dykstra drags Edge on top of him before leaping through the ropes. Orton has managed to distract the ref and The Game long enough, and the ref conveniently turns to make the count... 1... 2... 3!


Winner: Edge @ 12.24

Jim Ross: Dammit! Kenny Dykstra, for the second time tonight, has stolen a victory.

Jerry Lawler: Well Randy Orton and Edge laid down the challenge to Kenny for him to impress them. They look pretty impressed with him right now.

Orton and Dykstra help Edge back up the ramp, Dykstra looking very pleased with himself. In the ring, Triple H has returned to help Michaels with his feet, with 'The Game' staring up the ramp at Rated-RKO, as we cut away to a video...

*Video Package*​

Christmas In Baghdad

Highlights of last week's show, which sees John Cena and Edge square off, The Undertaker seeing off Johnny Nitro, Carlito pinning Randy Orton before Santa Clause taking on the Masterlock Challenge, only for JBL to rip of the beard and nail Masters with the clothesline from hell.

*End Video Package*

Once again, Todd Grisham is standing by...

Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the WWE Champion... John Cena!

It's a confident looking John Cena who enters to a mixed reaction, the WWE Title on his shoulder. Cena offers a brief "Hey Todd" before Grisham continues...

Todd Grisham: John, tonight, you put the WWE Championship on the line against Johnny Nitro, a man who you've had your share of issues with in recent weeks. Not only that John, but at ringside will be Kevin Ferderline, the man who back at Cyber Sunday cost you victory in the 'Champion of Champions' match. And of course, earlier tonight we found out that Jonathan Coachman has appointed himself the special guest referee for the match...

John Cena: (Interrupting) And what is up with that Todd? I mean, what is going on tonight? We've got Vince McMahon back, going crazy in the ring, only to get nailed by Rob Van Dam, we've got The Coach making up rules as he goes, we've got sledgehammers and we've got a damn backup dancer walking around like he owns this damn show!!

A pop from inside the arena, with Cena taking a minute before getting serious...

John Cena: But y'know, Coach naming himself as the special guest referee? It's nothing new. That guy has been trying to screw me for weeks now. But each and every time you get the better of me Coach, I just keep coming back for more! Each and every week, I show up for work wondering how you're gonna try take this title away from me! But y'know something Coach? No matter what you throw at me, no matter how many people you want to put against me... nothing you do will EVER take this title away from me.
Cena now removes his cap, squaring up to the camera...

John Cena: As for Johnny Nitro, Johnny, you never earned your shot tonight. You got this shot by becoming nothing more than Jonathan Coachman's BITCH!

"Ooohs" from the crowd, with Cena continuing with his intense promo...

John Cena: Well I ain't nobody's bitch, I fight for all I got, and I don't care how many people you bring to the party, when it's all said and done, Coach, Nitro, Melina, K-Fed, hell everybody in the building, you'll all know one thing... THE CHAMP... IS... HERE!!

Pop from the crowd, as we head back to ringside for...

*I AIN'T A LADY TO MESS WITH...*​

A fair amount of heat as Victoria steps out, carrying a clipboard that has been referred to as the 'hitlist' in recent weeks...

Jim Ross: Well there you see the 'black widow' Victoria, all set for divas action against Candice Michelle. Still to come later tonight, John Cena defends the WWE Championship against Johnny Nitro, but it's Divas action as Victoria takes on Candice Michelle when we return live to Monday Night Raw!

*Commercial*​

Match 5:
Candice Michelle v Victoria

We join the match already in progress, and we don’t get much of it. With Victoria on a dominant tear lately, it’s no surprise that she dominates this match with Candice. Candice puts up a fair fight, even connecting with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, but once Victoria kicks out of a cover, it doesn’t take long for Victoria to regain control and finish Candice off with the widow’s peak. 1... 2... 3.

Winner: Victoria @ 03:11


As the referee goes to raise Victoria's hand, she quickly snatches it away, and turns back to Candice, clearly intent on dishing out more punishment. As Victoria lines Candice up, a pop is heard from the crowd, as the Women's Champion Mickie James races down to ringside, forcing Victoria to quickly flee the ring. Mickie checks on Candice, before standing at the ropes, while Victoria shouts back at the champ "That belt's gonna be mine!" as we go backstage...

Where ECW Champion Bobby Lashley is talking to some random backstage worker, with the content of the conversation hard to make out. Lashley soon stops talking though... as Rob Van Dam approaches him. Both men share a respectful nod to each other, before Van Dam starts to speak...

Rob Van Dam: Listen Lashley, you know I got a lot of respect for you man. I mean, you came into ECW, and you won the ECW Championship, and it was impressive. But uh... I can't lie to ya' Bobby. You as the last ECW Champion? That's not something I'm happy about.

Lashley now has a more sterner look on his face, but Van Dam looks to stay calm...

Rob Van Dam: You weren't there back in the day Bobby. You weren't part of the real ECW. Now I know that Big Show was guaranteed a rematch with you after the elimination chamber. But... c'mon Bobby. You and me, on the last ever episode of ECW... for the ECW Championship.

A nice pop from the crowd at the though of that match happening...

Rob Van Dam: You gotta admit Bobby... that shoulda been the way ECW went off the air.

Lashley adjusts the ECW Title on his shoulder while having a brief laugh...

Bobby Lashley: Y'know Rob, that would've been a great way for ECW to go out. I mean, you, an ECW Original, taking on me, the new face of ECW. That woulda been something special.

Van Dam smiles and nods, pleased Lashley agrees with him...

Bobby Lashley: But it wouldn't have ended how you wanted it to. There wouldn't have been any fairytale ending for you or ECW Rob. If me and you faced each other, one-on-one for the ECW Championship... I'd beat you Rob.

The two step towards each other, almost going nose-to-nose... until a series of footsteps approaching them can be heard. But Lashley and Van Dam shift their eyes from each other, just as the camera pans... to see Jonathan Coachman enter the shot....

Jonathan Coachman: Gentlemen, I couldn't happen but to overhear what you two were saying there... and that gave me an idea. Now since you two are both new to Monday Night Raw... and since you both managed to upset Mr. McMahon on your first night here... and from what I heard in that little conversation of yours, there seems to be a lil' bit of tension in the air between you two. So how about this? How next week, live on Raw... Rob Van Dam... one-on-one with the ECW Champion, Bobby Lashley? How's that sound to you two?

Van Dam is all smiles as he mouths "Oh yeah" while Lashley looks as stern as ever, simply nodding his approval...

Jonathan Coachman: Good, good. Now uh, if you'll excuse me, I have to go get ready for tonight's main event. I'll see you two next week.

Coach exits the scene, but Van Dam and Lashley continue to stare at each other before Van Dam smiles and turns to leave, leaving a tense looking Lashley, his eyes still locked on Van Dam as we fade into a commercial.

*Commercial*​

When we return...

*PAPARAZZI...*

A ton of heat is unleashed as Johnny Nitro, Melina and Kevin Federline emerge, arrogantly posing for photographers at the top of the ramp before swaggering down the red carpet, Melina having an arm linked with Nitro and K-Fed at each side...


Jim Ross: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw everyone. There you see Johnny Nitro, a man with a huge opportunity tonight, as he gets set to take on John Cena for the WWE Championship.

Jerry Lawler: And J.R., we know the deck is stacked in Nitro's favour tonight. He's got the lovely Melina in his corner, he's got Kevin Federline, who's already cost John Cena a match in the past. And then we've got Jonathan Coachman as our special guest referee for this match!

Jim Ross: It's shaping up to be an insurmountable task for John Cena to retain the title...

*HARD HITTIN'...*​

More heat from the crowd, this time for Jonathan Coachman, who of course has donned the referee's stripes in anticipation of his role in the main event...


Jerry Lawler: Is this gonna be the night J.R.? Is this the night that The Coach is finally able to take the WWE Championship away from John Cena, after months of trying?

Jim Ross: The personal vendetta between Coach and John Cena has escalated in recent weeks, and it looks like it's only a matter of time before Coach gets his wish, and John Cena loses the WWE Title.

Coach enters the ring, but shows no sign of impartiality whatsoever, shaking hands with Nitro and Melina. His music stops and the crowd quiets until...

*THE TIME IS NOW...*​

As ever it's a huge mixed reaction for the Champ, who storms out onto the stage, posing for the crowd before confidently making his way down the ramp.


Jim Ross: He is one of the most controversial superstars in WWE history. Very ya' like him or ya' don't like him, ya' gotta respect what this man has overcome in recent months.

Jerry Lawler: Right but I dunno if John Cena can overcome this. I think tonight might be a step too far for Cena...

Main Event: WWE Championship Match
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Johnny Nitro w/ Melina and Kevin Federline
Special Guest Referee: Jonathan Coachman


Before Coach calls for the bell, he insists on checking Cena for any foreign objects, with J.R. quick to point out that Nitro wasn’t subjected to the same checks. As Coach feels Cena’s knee pads, Nitro strikes, hitting a cheap shot that knocks Cena back into the corner. Nitro looks to pummel Cena in the corner, only for the champ to fire back with rights of his own, with Coach quickly admonishing Cena for using a closed fist. Again Nitro looks to take advantage, hitting more right hands and going for an Irish whip, only for Cena to duck a clothesline and connect with a flying shoulderblock. Nitro is up quickly, but when he charges Cena back-body-drops him over the top rope, with Nitro landing at the feet of Melina and K-Fed. Cena stands tall in the ring, and as Melina tries to help Nitro recover, we head for the final commercial of the night.

*Commercial*​

When we return from commercial, Cena is still in control, wrenching at Nitro with a headlock, before being sent off the ropes... only for Melina to grab Cena’s foot, allowing Nitro to strike from behind, knocking Cena through the ropes to the floor. Immediately, Melina and K-Fed lay in with the boots, with Coach faking a lousy distraction with Nitro, with J.R. demanding Coach show a level of fairness. Nitro goes outside, and he whips Cena into the steel steps, then driving Cena into the barricade. Back in the ring, Nitro looks to wear Cena down, targeting Cena’s shoulder in particular, aiming boots at it and applying an armbar.

Nitro then piles on the offence, scoring near falls from a spinning heel kick and then from smashing his knee into Cena’s face as he sat on the mat. Coach of course goes for fast counts every time, with Cena having to kick out in a hurry to save his title. Nitro has Cena dazed, and as he tees-off with right hands, Cena manages to block one, firing back with a right of his own. A slugfest quickly develops, and it’s the champion who gains the upperhand, connecting with three rights in a row then ducking a swing from Nitro... and hitting the killswitch! Nitro staggers to his feet, only for Cena to plant him again with a one-handed bulldog. The crowd is behind the champion (well as much as a crowd can get behind Cena) and he comes off the ropes... five-knuckle shuffle! Cena is quickly back on his feet... only for Melina to jump on the apron. As Cena chases her down, Nitro attacks... but Cena ducks... and nails the FU!! 1... 2... COACH DOESN’T COUNT THE 3!!

Instead, we see Coach fake a cramp/pain in his shoulder, leaving Cena enraged. Not buying it for a second, the champion grabs Coach by the collar, with our referee immediately pointing to the WWE logo on his refs shirt. Realising Coach is right, Cena relents, letting go of Coach’s collar... only to then scoop him up... FU TO COACH!! Cena plants Coach, but Nitro’s back on his feet... CORKSCREW NECKBREAKER! The match should be a DQ, but with Coach down, there’s no-one to call for the bell. Melina and K-Fed try to wake Coach as Nitro goes for the cover, only for another ref to race down the ramp and slide into the ring... 1... 2... CENA GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Nitro can’t believe it, knowing he had the title won if Coach was still able to make the count.

Desperately Nitro carries on, again connecting with right hands before running the ropes and going for a springboard roundhouse kick... but Cena catches Nitro in mid-air... and NAILS A SECOND FU!! An exhausted Cena crawls over, hooking both legs... 1... 2... 3!!


Winner: And still WWE Champion, John Cena @ 15.36

Cena is victorious! It's carnage in the ring, with Coach still down near the apron, while Nitro is planted in the middle of the ring. Melina can only scream at the sight of the 2nd referee raising Cena's arm in victory. As all of this is going on, K-Fed slips into the ring... with the WWE TITLE!! The crowd urges Cena to turn around, and as he does, K-Fed swings... and misses! Cena quickly scoops him up... FU TO K-FED!! Cena dumps Federline to the mat, before scooping up his title belt...


Jerry Lawler: Unbelievable! John Cena has retained the WWE Championship... and he just nailed K-Fed with the FU!

Jim Ross: John Cena has dodged a bullet yet again! What a start to 2007 this has been! Join us next week, live on Monday Night Raw!

Cena climbs to the middle turnbuckle, hoisting the title high in the air to a mainly positive response, and we fade to black with the sight of the WWE Champion standing tall...

*End Show*​





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

Location: 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:
Umaga
 
#11 ·
Raw Feedback

No opening video package or pyro, but McMahon instead. Should be interesting. Nice start with the cheat heat for McMahon. Not too fond of McMahon saying ECW was basically for money, but the lines based off of it are quite awesome to say the least. The point about those wrestlers wrestling in ECW for the "money" is kinda close to breaking kayfabe, but the idea's good. RVD should have interrupted a little sooner to be honest. McMahon was kinda changing the subject. Good words from RVD. RVD's attack at the end there seemed appropriate. I sense a lil' ECW vs. McMahon type of feud brewing. I rather enjoyed this promo. For the most part, both men were in character, and were quite entertaining. Good start to the show.

Dirty win for the heels. Good job there. Midcard scene looks pretty good. Carlito/Masters and Hardy/Kenny are both great matchups.

"But uh, it looks like Rob Van Dam kinda stole my thunder on that one." - kinda sounds awkward, which could make sense for Lashley, but still not a line I'd use. Vince backs down? Kinda interesting there. I guess Lashley is at opposite ends with Vince as well.

Nice little RR package.

Two matches with two 'dirty' wins. It shouldn't make that much of a difference, but I like to space out matches like that. Good job with this anyways.

With RR coming up, and WM right after, nice moment to have a WM highlight. It might be a little early though.

Kenny kinda seems like a little bitch in this next segment. Although Orton and Edge are superior and 'mentors', I think Kenny deserves a lil' more credit. Not much coming out of Orton and Edge, but I'm glad Kenny got some time here, as well as a sure interference later on.

Rated-RKO's opponents, DX, right after their segment? Should have spaced that a little better. HBK kinda makes himself look weak with "I'm starting to get real sick and tired of you two smashing my head in every week!". Other than that, another short promo, but the point was made.

Val Venis coming out? It's jobber time! Umaga squashes of course. I love when people use Armando well, and get his speaking manner right. Good stuff here. Umaga should be a force in the Rumble, but doubt he'll win. He'll probably have enough momentum to be in the title picture after 'mania anyways.

K-Fed acting like Nitro's bitch? Lol, nice. Coach makes himself special referee? All odds against him tonight w/ Nitro, K-Fed, Melina and Coach on one side. K-Fed was kinda weak in this segment. Melina & Nitro were alright though.

Whoa! The events that happened while the ref was distracted might be too much. If it were a rep bump, I might understand, but a SCM and a title smash might be much. Once again, another dirty finish. It's alright sometimes to use it as a way to get heels some heat and momentum, but overusing it makes him less great. You gotta be a little more creative, and continue the storyline through different heel tactics.

Not a bad Cena promo here. In character throughout, Cena goes with his usual superman speech. I see Coach somehow getting knocked down, and Cena using Coach's hand to count the three count. Seen it in WWE before.

Not too into diva's work, and don't really know what's going on with these divas. I think this match needed some sort of hype earlier on.

RVD vs. Lashley should be a treat. Lashley kinda went heel in this promo. Weird considering him being a face against McMahon earlier. I'm expecting some sort of McMahon interference during this match next week tbh.

Another ref? That beats the purpose of a special referee. Of course, John Cena wins against all odds. Glad he's still champ though.

Overall, an above average shows. The promos are in character for the most part, the booking, storylines and feuds seem to be moving great. Not too much a fan of some of the repetitiveness, and little amount of hype for later matches on Raw. Edge vs. HBK deserved more hype, as well as the main event (kinda). The heels won way too much on this show as well. It's too easy to book a heel win, but a face win may seem tough. This thread is still a little too similar to reality (back then of course), but I can't wait for this thread to venture off a little bit. Your detail, neatness and organization made me really attracted to this thread and show. Nice to see you put the effort into that. There's definitely potential, and I'm guessing you've been booking for a while (or so I think). Can't wait for more.
 
#12 · (Edited)
~Friday Night Smackdown~
January 5th, 2007
Lakeland, Florida




Smackdown makes it's first appearance of 2007, with all eyes set on the seemingly dominant World Heavyweight Champion Batista. Ever since losing the Championship at the Survivor Series, King Booker has chased The Animal, looking for the assistance of Finlay in his quest to once again become champion. However, in recent weeks Booker and Finlay have run into the Brothers of Destruction, with Kane and The Undertaker proving to be a huge obstacle in Booker's path. It was two weeks ago that Undertaker and Kane beat King Booker and Finlay in tag team action. With no match announced for any of the four men tonight, you can be sure their paths will cross again at some point during the broadcast.

Since he suffered a devastating injury at Armageddon, Joey Mercury has been hell-bent on revenge, attacking Matt Hardy at every opportunity he gets. The bad blood has been building between the two, and tonight the face off one on one in Mercury's first match since his injury. In what is sure to be a bitter-fuelled affair, Hardy will look to put Mercury away, ending their feud, while one can only imagine what Mercury has in store for Hardy, as this one could spiral out of control.

Three weeks ago at Armageddon, WWE Tag Team Champion The Hooligans saw off The Bluebloods in a ladder match, also involving The Hardy Boyz and MNM. Tonight, London and Kendrick will face off against Regal and Taylor, however it will be in Six Man Tag Team action, as Chris Benoit and Chavo Guerrero insert themselves in the match. Benoit, the reigning United States Champion, defeated Chavo in a title match at Armageddon. Chavo had continued his pursuit, but surely another defeat tonight would be the end of his United States Championship aspirations?

Also scheduled tonight, John Bradshaw Layfield is set to interview Montel Vontavious Porter via satellite, in MVP's first appearance since he was set on fire by Kane during the Inferno Match at Armageddon. Still recovering from his second degree burns, MVP is set to address both Kane and Teddy Long in regards to his injuries. You can be sure that JBL will also be more than happy to work what MVP has to say into his current quest to see Teddy Long suffer the consequences of his reckless booking as of late.

Also expected to be in the arena are Mr. Kennedy and the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms, who has dominated his division for months now. Don't miss it as Smackdown kicks off it's Road to the Rumble!!

Confirmed Matches:

Joey Mercury v Matt Hardy
Chris Benoit and The Hooligans v Chavo Guerrero and The Bluebloods

JBL interviews MVP via satellite

Batista, Mr. Kennedy, Kane and The Undertaker will all make appearances


 
#13 ·
Raw Fedback

Just returning the feedback you made for my Royal Rumble show. So here goes.

I like this whole McMahon, ECW storyline you got going. Most people destroy ECW and just leave it dead but you are actually making a feud out of it and using that in a show, very smart in my opinion props of to you. I see Vince McMahon screwing Van Dam out of the Royal Rumble and from winning it, maybe then at Wrestlemania Vince with a person of his chosing (maybe a heel Lashly) will face Van Dam in an ECW rules match. Which should be awesome. But I like how this is going.

Great decision to have Masters and Dykstra win, both guys very talented but never really used. I can't remember if at this time Lashly broke the Master Lock challenge which made the Big Show, Flair, Michaels, Cena, HHH and more pass out but if not, use it to elevate Masters to the IC title match and use him well.

I don't think he would say that he is the last ECW Champion, saying it is his title is just about enough.

Though Lashly standing up to Vince isn't what I expected really, maybe it could be a tag team hardcore at mania? :hmm: you have me interested.

Not to fond of having Flair go over someone with potential such as Benjamin alongside Haas (not Hass), hopefuly he can get his revenge cause lets face it Flair isn't going to get another World Title run and the fact that he is beating up younger talent isn't going to help him or them, not much point of having him stick around and keep on winning unless you have a send off storyline in mind like the WWE did.

I also don't like commercials in the middle of matches to stop the action for a moment, commercials have no real point in BTB they don't really help anyone let alone in the middle of the match. It doesn't do you any good, not much point of it just annoys the readers to be honest.

Nice to see you hyping up mania already, let's hope you get there and don't give up along the way.

I like this whole Rated RKO/DX thing, and the fact that you have Dykstra in there as well makes it more interesting, maybe a face turn from Dykstra in the words.. I thought maybe he could turn on Edge or Orton and beat them up in one of the shows heading into the Rumble or at the Rumble match itself and then say 'well are ya' impressed now?' or something like that would be nice. But either way for the time being you have some good things going on and it can only get better from here, I see Kenny making an apperance in the Edge/Michaels encounter to try and impress them.

Umaga > Val is no brainer, if I remember correctly he was still undefeated after being in the company and wrestling every week since April 06'! his first loss was at the 07' Rumble against Cena ( I could be wrong, my memory isn't the best ) and he could use that as a storyline that he is still undefeated (unless I am wrong :p)

Oh right.... as I read on after the match I guess I spoke too soon 8*D you already have him talking about him being undefeated. Righteo... carry on.

Oh please get rid of Federline... and push Nitro keeping him with that name, never changing it to Morrison I hate that.

Guess I predicted right with the Edge/Michaels outcome, hopefuly on Raw we will get Kenny talk about how he helped them and if it is enough to impress them and Edge still being the 'cocky' heel answer with something along the lines of "I didn't need your help, I could have beaten him by myself" etc. sparking the attack at the Rumble I mentioned earler. Could be great stuff.

Van Dam / Lashly next week? sounds like a good main event, I don't expect however for it to be a clean victory for either man and I forsee Vince getting his revenge maybe calling for the Big Show to run down and beat up both men in the middle.

hmm another commercial break, not really needed it just agrivates me and turns me off as it just interupts the flow of the match. But kudos on having Coach a real heel referee not making the three count on purpose, trying to screw Cena out of the victory. Great stuff, only adding heat to the fire of what is going on.

Overal, I think this was an average opening show to the BTB, hopefuly you can make it to Wrestlemania cause you have some great things going such as DX/RKO/Dykstra and the whole ECW title situation can result in some great matches. I say this week was average cause booking wise it was good but it didn't have that one thing that wants me to really read the next show, and makes it stand out amongst the rest. But it shall only improve on from here. Best of luck and keep it up.
 
#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
 
#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.
 
#16 ·
Smackdown Feedback

I really have no clue what's happening on Smackdown, but I'll try to tune in. The interruptions by JBL at the start were pretty cool. Thought the commentators deserved a little more time at the start, but not too many people read the commentating I guess...

Not a bad start from Booker. The cheap heat even did him well. Finlay's becoming a face from the looks of it. The interaction between the two didn't flow right to me tbh. Teddy comes out, and basically ends the promo rather abruptly tbh. I was just kinda getting into the promo too. The announcement is great though, as the fatal four way is destined to be a disaster...a good disaster though. I see Booker coming out the winner, as Batista needs a heel opponent, and I'm doubting Finlay as a credible one at this point.

Beniot wins, but is attacked by Test. I'm guessing this is the "first straw" of the storyline, and if it is, I'm quite excited by it. I haven't seen a good storyline involving Test in a long time. The idea of two now deceased wrestlers battling it is a little out there to say the least. Good stuff nonetheless.

Idea of RR coming up gets me pretty excited. With many possibilities still for who the RR winner could be, I'm certainly looking out for those in short feuds/storylines or not in any at all. Hooliganz still at it after the break, and want a shot at the Bluebloods. True faces right there. Maryse debuts! Didn't understand any of the French, but I have to say it's quite weird that she wants the gold, but it's the tag gold she's after. It's most likely we'll see her valeting some team now. Should be good. I don't know if her and the Bluebloods work, but we'll see what team you actually put her with.

Boogeyman's a waste. Glad he lost. Kennedy makes a statement for the RR, which is understandable. I can definitely see him as a contender. Not a bad promo. Got your point out nicely. The next promo was quite good as well. I remember a similar Helms promo like this on SD around this time as well, and it ended up with Helms taking on Taker for being a big mouth, and similarly, Helms will take on Batista. Still doesn't leave Helms with any competition, but it certainly gives him something to do. Nice going.

Mercury really damages Hardy after the match. Seems like a real feud here, and I gotta say, your writing, the content and detail, is amazing. Lovely to read. There's not that much repetitiveness in the words, which is what you would expect in matches over and over, but with your matches, it still seems fresh. Good going there.

Phenomenal Batista promo here. Batista running through the competition was what I actually expected in this show, and I'm glad he put over each and every guy. It's hard to tell who's going to win the match, but surely it'll be a heel. The ending was also a nice touch, as you showed the fight in him.

JBL has been nothing but gold at the announce table tonight, and with him now in the ring, the night could only get better. Don't think JBL needed the cheap heat, but it doesn't hurt. I like how you worded what MVP said. It actually made him look hurt and sincere at the same time. Good to see that not only is Kane on his mind for his comeback, but also the world title.

Batista had the obvious win unless there was interference for this match. Nice to see that Gregory Helms had a good showing as well.

I LOVE the Miz and Michelle McCool. I was slowly pushing the Miz to the moon in one of my old, old threads. First off for this promo, nice subtle change from his ol' HooRah gimmick to his 'awesome' gimmick. Michelle McCool on his side means nothing but good things, as she can get in the ring and tussle with the big boys too. They're a nice pair, but Miz already has promo skills so McCool really does nothing for him except be an accessory. By the way, a Miz/JBL feud would be epic.

Wow. Kinda thought Finlay could win, but didn't see it coming. I really don't see Finlay being a factor at the RR, but it's nice to see a little push for him. Don't know where this leaves Kane, Taker and Booker for the Rumble, but I'm guessing they'll be entrants. Batista/Finlay is an intriguing matchup nonetheless.

Overall, a great show. Definitely above average. I really like the promos. The content and depth make them entertaining as well. JBL on the commentating was gold, Batista promo was top notch, Miz's subtle change was great, and the debuts and changes were great. Your booking decisions are great, and the shake up of things has been quite entertaining. Definitely gotta add that the neatness and organization of your thread makes it an easier read, and attracts me to this thread. Your only two shows in, but I can already see this thread being one of the better threads out right now. Good work, and keep it up!
 
#17 · (Edited)
~Monday Night Raw~
January 8th, 2007
St. Louis, Missouri




Monday Night Raw arrives in St. Louis, Missouri for what is sure to be another explosive night as the Road to the Rumble continues. One match announced last week for tonight's show sees the ECW Champion Bobby Lashley take on an ECW Legend in the form of Rob Van Dam. Both men arrived on the Raw roster last week, with Van Dam emphatically announcing his arrival by marching down to the ring and nailing Mr. McMahon with a spinning heel kick and following with a five star frog splash! After the impact of Van Dam’s arrival on the scene, Lashley was left feeling rather dismayed after his own announcement of signing for Raw became a rather low key affair. After a brief confrontation last week, the pair will meet tonight with both men wanting to kick off their new Monday Night Raw careers with a big win. No doubt one interested spectator will be the WWE Champion John Cena. While not scheduled to compete tonight, Cena will be in attendance, watching this match closely where a possible future contender to his title could emerge.

After pinning Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy in tag team action and then assisting Edge to a victory over Shawn Michaels, Kenny Dykstra made a huge name for himself and got his 2007 off to a great start. Tonight though, Hardy and D-Generation X members Triple H and Shawn Michaels will be out to even the score in six man tag team action, as they team up to take the Rated-RKO trio of Randy Orton, Edge and Dykstra. With Orton and Edge serving as the current World Tag Team Champions, and Jeff holding the Intercontinental Title, this match could have huge championship implications down the road for all six men involved.

Also in action tonight will be Carlito, as he finally looks to settle the score with Chris Masters. After feuding for months, the pair tried to end matters between them before Christmas, only for that match to end in a double disqualification. After meeting again last week during a tag team match, only for the pair to brawl their way around ringside, Masters and Carlito will step into the ring tonight determined to end things. As such, the finally battle between these two will be a no disqualification match, where there must be a winner! A win tonight would not only see either man end hat has become a very bitter and personal rivalry, but no doubt see the winner sky rocket up the card. Can Masters lock on the deadly Masterlock to secure himself the win? Or will Carlito finally gain revenge for the heinous attack on his girlfriend Torrie Wilson just a few weeks ago?

Elsewhere, after continuing her dominance of the Divas as of late, Victoria gets a crack at Woman's Champion Mickie James, albeit in tag team action, Ric Flair squares off against Charlie Haas after defeating the other half of the World's Greatest Tag Team, Shelton Benjamin, last week, and the Samoan wrecking ball Umaga will be in action, no doubt looking to inflict pain and punishment on yet another member of the Raw roster. The Road to the Rumble continues live tonight on Monday Night Raw!!

Confirmed Matches

Non Title Match: ECW Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Rob Van Dam
Rated-RKO vs. D-Generation X and Jeff Hardy
No Disqualification Match: Carlito vs. Chris Masters
Ric Flair vs. Charlie Haas
Mickie James and Candice Michelle vs. Victoria and Melina

Umaga will be in action

Plus: WWE Champion John Cena will be in attendance!
 
#18 ·
Pretty nice card you've got here, iMac. Four very good looking matches you've got yourself there, especially with the six man tag match to build for maybe some future title stuff. Have to say, I'm liking what you've done with Dykstra thus far in this thread, and having him included in Rated-RKO is a huge positive so that he can get a rub of it. Haas (not Hass :$) vs. Flair should be good if it gets enough time considering both guys own pretty hard, plus Van Dam/Lashley and Carlito/Masters should be good too. Hopefully we get some sort of promo from Cena, with someone confronting him because the RUmble is coming up and he does need an opponent.

Looking like a good show, my man. Expect me to drop by with a review when it's up.
 
#19 ·
I have to agree with BkB. The card looks great thus far. The whole last ECW Champion and ECW legacy storyline with Lashley and RVD seems quite intriguing, especially considering how VKM is kinda involved. RKO vs. DX should be a treat, and I'm anxious to see where this goes, and how Kenny fares in all of this. Carlito/Masters and Flair/Haas should also be a treat for readers. Surprised to not see anything regarding the WWE Champion, but show looks phenomenal just from the preview. Looking forward to it!
 
#21 ·
~Monday Night Raw~
January 8th, 2007
St. Louis, Missouri


"I think I'd rather challenge you... for that."



We open the broadcast backstage in what appears to be an office. Boos are clearly heard from inside the arena as we see a remorseful looking Jonathan Coachman stood before us, his head bowed, eyes fixed firmly on the floor. An extremely agitated Mr. McMahon walks up behind Coachman, with Coach almost scared to look at his boss...

Mr. McMahon: What were you thinkin'? Huh? Just what the HELL were you thinkin'?

Jonathan Coachman: Mr. McMahon, if I could just expl-

Mr. McMahon: (Interrupting) I don't wanna hear it!

McMahon lets off a very audible sigh, while Coach looks back down at the ground...

Mr. McMahon: I mean... Lashley and RVD... two men who insulted me last week. Two men who assaulted me last week. And you give them a match tonight? A match on MY show.

Jonathan Coachman: Mr. McMahon, I just thought that-

Mr. McMahon: (Interrupting) Shaddup! You see that's just it Coachman, you didn't think. You never think. You just...

McMahon stops mid sentence, his expression changing from one of annoyance to one of sheer devilry. It appears that the boss has had a brainwave of sorts...

Mr. McMahon: Wait... wait just a minute. I think I know a way I can make this work.

There is a huge look of relief on Coach's face...

Jonathan Coachman: Oh that's-

Mr. McMahon: (Interrupting) Not a word Coachman. Not... a... word.

McMahon turns and walks out of the room, leaving Coach by himself. Coach checks to make sure McMahon is out of sight, before letting out a big sigh of relief and wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

There's no opening video, as instead we cut to the arena for...

"I SPIT IN DA' FACE OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO BE COOL..."

*COOL...*


It's a good pop from the crowd as Carlito steps out, his 'girlfriend' Torrie Wilson by his side. Torrie smiles and waves to the crowd, while Carlito is all business as the pair make their way down the ramp hand in hand as we hear from the announce team...

Jim Ross: Good evenin' folks, welcome to Monday Night Raw. I'm good ol' J.R., Jim Ross, alongside me is my colleague Jerry 'The King' Lawler, and King, we're kicking things off with a match we've been longing to see for well over a month now.

Jerry Lawler: Boy you're not kiddin' JR! Ever since we saw Chris Masters slap the Masterlock on poor Torrie Wilson, Carlito and Masters have been going back and forth at each other. Well tonight, we're finally gonna see this thing settled.

Jim Ross: It promises to be quite a night. Not only do we have Carlito and Masters in a no disqualification match, we've also got D-Generation X joining forces with the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy to take on Rated-RKO in six man action.

Jerry Lawler: Yeah and don't forget J.R., we've also got Rob Van Dam and Bobby Lashley going at it tonight. And I've got a bad feeling about that match after what I just heard Mr. McMahon say.

Jim Ross: Who knows what the devious mind of Mr. McMahon has in store for Lashley and RVD?

*THE MASTERPIECE...*​

Boos from the crowd as Chris Masters steps out onto the ramp, posing at the top of the ramp, his back turned on the ring. As Masters flexes his arms, setting off a pyro display, there's a pop from the crowd... Carlito is racing up the ramp! Masters doesn't realise, and as he shakes off his robe and turns... Carlito is there to fly into him with a clothesline, knocking Masters down to the ramp, and the match is on!


Match 1: No Disqualification Match
Carlito w/ Torrie Wilson vs. Chris Masters


It's an explosive start to the match, with the crowd cheering at the sight of Carlito taking the fight to Masters. Carlito mounts Masters, laying in with a flurry of right hands. Carlito finally steps off Masters, dragging him to his feet... and then snapping Masters over with a suplex onto the ramp!! Masters cries out in pain, with the crowd responding as Carlito lays into Masters with a string of boots. Masters slowly starts crawling towards the ring, trying to distance himself from Carlito, only for ‘Lito to deliver a boot to the gut, sending Masters rolling down the ramp towards the ring.

Now down by the ring, Carlito continues his assault, sending Masters crashing shoulder first into the steel steps, following this by driving Masters into the barricade. Leaving Masters prone against the barricade, Carlito climbs up on the apron, waiting for Masters to stagger towards the ring before jumping onto the top rope... springboard moonsault on the outside!! Carlito flies into Masters, naling the move perfectly, and he quickly follows up with a series of hard right hands. Carlito steps off, walking around the ring to where Lillian Garcia is sat, grabbing a steel chair. Carlito walks back round to where Masters is, but by now Masters has used the ring to drag himself to his feet. Carlito winds up the chair, poised to strike... but Masters grabs hold of Torrie... and pulls her infront of him! Using Carlito's girlfriend as a human-shield, Masters taunts Carlito, daring him to strike. Naturally, Carlito takes the chair down from above his head, and this is Masters' chance to attack, pushing Torrie into Carlito's arms, and then carefully aiming a stiff right hand to 'Lito's head. Carlito is knocked to the floor, and while Torrie flees the area, Masters grabs the chair... and smashes it across Carlito's spine!! The crowd boos, but Masters isn't done, delivering a second shot across the back with the chair, before rolling Carlito into the ring as we cut to commercial.

*Commercial*​

We return with Masters now firmly in control, continuing his assault on 'Lito's spine by having a bearhug locked in. J.R. points out that Carlito has been in this hold for much of the commercial break, and as Masters wrenches on Carlito's ribs, it's clear the hold has had an effect. Carlito looks like he's fading, but the crowd starts to make noise, and as Torrie slams her hands on the mat, Carlito slowly responds. Trying to break the hold, Carlito hits a bunch of elbows to the head, forcing Masters to break his grip, only for Masters to respond with a well placed forearm to the small of the back and then slamming Carlito to the mat.

Masters continues his assault, coming close to victory a couple of times, before he drops Carlito and heads to the outside. Masters searches under the ring, finding a trash can, tossing it and another chair into the ring. Masters props the trash can in one corner, between the top and middle ropes, and he goes to Irish whip Carlito into it... but 'Lito counters... and it's Masters who crashes into the trash can! Moving quickly, Carlito scoops up the can, placing it on Masters head... and then unloading with chair shots! Masters stays on his feet, during a relentless assault from Carlito, who nails five chair shots through the trash can. Finally Masters slumps to the mat, and after pausing to recover, Carlito takes off the can and drags Masters up. With both men tired, it takes an age for Masters to make it to his knees... where he strikes with a lowblow! Carlito crumples in pain, and now Masters makes his move, stalking Carlito... and locking on the Masterlock!

Masters swings away, screaming at Carlito to submit, but 'Lito valiantly holds on, with Torrie screaming support from ringside. Masters continues to swing, but just as it looks like Carlito is fading... he flicks his heel... and delivers a lowblow of his own! Now it's Masters who cries out in pain, forced to break the Masterlock to grab his nuts. Carlito drops to a knee, grabs a steel chair... and smashes Masters across the skull! This time Masters goes straight down, and Carlito goes for the cover... 1... 2... no! Masters rolls a shoulder, barely kicking out. Now Carlito looks to finish things, dragging Masters up and going for an Irish whip... Masters reverses, only for Carlito to jump to the second rope... springboard back elbow... but Masters is waiting... and smacks the steel chair across Carlito's spine!!

The crowd winces, with Carlito left down and out on the mat. Masters takes a moment to recover, but instead of going for a cover, he again reaches under the ring... and pulls out a table! Masters slides the table into the ring and sets it up, before pointing at Torrie and shouting "Watch this!". Masters grabs Carlito, and motions to the crowd that 'Lito is about to go through the wood. Showing great strength, Masters hoists Carlito into the air with a gorilla press slam... but before he slam 'Lito down, Carlito drops down the back and lands on his feet... backstabber!! The crowd erupts as Carlito connects, but he's not done there. Slowly, 'Lito is able to get Masters on his feet, rolling him onto the table. Carlito gingerly walks towards the ropes, before grabbing on... jumping to the top rope... springboard moonsault through the table!! "Bah Gawd!!" is the cry from J.R., as Carlito emphatically drives Masters through the wood, draping an arm across his chest... 1... 2... 3!



Winner: Carlito @ 10.16

It's a great response from the crowd as Carlito grabs a hard fought victory. The brutal match has obviously taken it's toll, as it takes the assistance of Torrie to get an exhausted Carlito back to his feet, with the crowd again responding as the referee raises his hand. Carlito staggers to the ropes, with Torrie struggling to keep him on his feet...

Jim Ross: What a victory for Carlito! An unbelievable effort from that young man in a slobberknocker of a match!

Jerry Lawler: Well Carlito may have won the match, but he doesn't look like a winner right now.

Indeed a team of trainers have raced down to the ring, with one trainer hooking Carlito's arm over his shoulder to help him backstage, while the other is in the ring checking on the condition of Masters as we cut backstage...

Where Todd Grisham is ready to conduct an interview...


Todd Grisham: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time... Rated-RKO.

A lot of heat can be heard from inside the arena as the World Tag Team Champions Edge and Randy Orton and their young apprentice Kenny Dykstra enter the shot...

Todd Grisham: And guys, last week was certainly a good week for the three of you. First of you Kenny scored the pinfall over the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy in a tag team match, and then latter in the night you Edge got the win against Shawn Michaels.

Edge: Y'know, for once in your life Grisham... you're actually right about something! I mean, I did beat Shawn Michaels last week, even though Triple H had his precious sledgehammer with him. But what did my victory get us Todd?

Confused, Grisham fumbles for an answer...

Todd Grisham: Uh... um... well...

Edge: I'll tell ya' what it got us. It got us yet another match against DX. I mean, I dunno about you Randy but I'm gettin' pretty bored with beating those two every week.

Grisham now turns to Orton, who is as stern faced as ever...

Randy Orton: Y'know something Edge? You're right, I am bored of DX. I'm bored of these two old fools tryin' to relive their glory days. I'm tired of Shawn Michaels and Triple H gettin' involved in our business. And I'm tired of seein' their faces every week.

Edge smirks as Grisham turns back to him...

Edge: And it's because of that Todd, that we're gonna end this little situation. Rated-RKO was brought together for one reason... to take a stand against DX. Me and Randy, we were victims of the actions of Shawn Michaels and Triple H. And now... now we're gonna make them the latest victims of the greatest tag team ever put together.

Boos from the crowd, while Orton rubs his chin as Grisham again turns to him...

Randy Orton: You can bring sledgehammers, you can bring tanks, you can bring whatever the hell you want to the fight DX, it's not gonna make any difference. Tonight, we will end this... and we're gonna end D-Generation X... for good.

Seemingly finished, Edge and Orton turn to leave, but Grisham isn't done yet...

Todd Grisham: And what about you Kenny? Tonight you meet again with Jeff Hardy. Do you think that-

Edge: (Interrupting) Whoa, whoa, stop. What are you interviewing him (pointing at Dykstra) for? Listen, when junior here does somethin' worthwhile, then you can talk to him. This interview is over.

Dykstra is naturally pissed off at Edge snatching the moment away from him, but he soon follows as Orton and Edge walk off, leaving a confused Todd Grisham as we cut away...

To the sight of the ECW Champion Bobby Lashley getting ready for action in a locker room. Lashley is sat on a chair, taping up his wrists when footsteps are heard approaching, and soon a shadow is cast over him. Lashley and the camera look up... to see Mr. McMahon stood over Lashley. Huge boos from inside the arena, as we see McMahon has a big grin on his face, which prompts Lashley to slowly rise out of his chair and go face to face with the Chairman of the Board...


Mr. McMahon: Whoa, whoa... easy there big guy. I uh, I see you still have that with you.

The "that" McMahon refers to is the ECW Championship belt, which is perched on top of Lashley's bag. Lashley looks at the belt before turning back to McMahon and offering a brief nod...

Mr. McMahon: Well, uh, as much as I'd rather not see that anymore, I guess I can let it slide just this once.

McMahon has a little chuckle, but Lashley remains unimpressed, staying silent and simply staring straight at Vince...

Mr. McMahon: Well, nonetheless, the reason I'm here Lashley is because I figured that last week, you and me, we kinda got off on the wrong foot. I uh... I had a few choice words to say to you about your ECW Championship, but I just want you to know... I don't blame you for me being upset last week.

Lashley flashes a "Really?" look across his face as McMahon continues...

Mr. McMahon: I mean, c'mon, look at ya’! Big, strappin' individual, well built, handsome guy... heck it's like lookin' in a mirror!

Another laugh from McMahon, but again Lashley is unimpressed...

Mr. McMahon: But uh... the reason I wasn't feelin' all that great when I ran into you last week had nothing to do with you Lashley. It had everything to do with... Rob Van Dam.

Big pop from the crowd, with Lashley rubbing his chin at the mention of Van Dam...

Mr. McMahon: I mean, last week, Van Dam he... well, quite frankly, he assaulted me last week, completely unprovoked I might add. I don't like Rob Van Dam... and I get a feelin' you're not that fond of him either.

Again Lashley stays silent, merely shrugging his shoulders. Convinced he's onto something, McMahon smiles...

Mr. McMahon: Yeah. Yeah, I'm right aren't I? You don't like Rob Van Dam. I mean here you are, Bobby Lashley, ECW Champion, announcing that he's signed with Monday Night Raw... only Van Dam beat you to it, didn't he? Van Dam came out, he interrupted me, he put his hands on me... and he pulled the rug out from under ya', didn't he?

Having had enough of Vince's prodding, Lashley finally speaks...

Bobby Lashley: Look Mr. McMahon... what exactly did you come to see me about?

Mr. McMahon: Oh, nothin' much. I just uh... I just wanted to let you know that IF you went out there for your match with Rob Van Dam tonight and say Mr. Van Dam happened to suffer a rather serious injury... perhaps at your hands...

McMahon, now feeling incredibly confident, steps towards Lashley with an evil smile on his face...

Mr. McMahon: I could make life... very comfortable for you here on Monday Night Raw.

Boos from inside the arena as Lashley again strokes his chin, considering Vince's words...

Mr. McMahon: You uh... you think that over Lashley. Good luck tonight. I'll be watching.

McMahon offers Lashley a handshake, with Lashley merely staring at Vince's hand before looking dead into the eyes of Vince. The cocky smirk leaves McMahon's face, but he turns to leave happy enough with his efforts. The camera stays focused on the intense looking Lashley, who lets out a sigh as we fade to a video...

*Video Package*

WRESTLEMANIA RECALL!

MARCH 14TH, 2004
WRESTLEMANIA XX


What at one point was considered a huge showdown, leaked stories of both men leaving the WWE after the match caused a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd to boo both men involved. After much stalling, Goldberg finally nails a jackhammer for the 3 count, only for both Goldberg and Lesnar to receive post match stunners from guest referee ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

WRESTLEMANIA XXIII - 84 DAYS AND COUNTING


*End Video Package*

We return to the arena for...

*OBSESSION...*​

It's a decent enough pop as the Women's Champion Mickie James bounces out, accompanied by her tag partner this evening, Candice Michelle...


Jim Ross: Well there you see Mickie James and Candice Michelle, they're set for tag team action, but what is Mr. McMahon trying to stir with what he just said to Bobby Lashley?

Jerry Lawler: Well it sounded like he wanted Bobby Lashley to take out Rob Van Dam, but I can't imagine Lashley ever doing Mr. McMahon's dirty work.

Jim Ross: I hate to think Mr. McMahon has in mind. But up next, it's Divas action when we return to Monday Night Raw.

*Commercial*

Match 2: Tag Team Match
Women's Champion Mickie James and Candice Michelle vs. Melina w/Johnny Nitro and Victoria

We return just in time to hear the bell ring, and it's Mickie and Melina who get the match underway. The early action sees the Women's Champion in control, knocking Melina down with a series of clotheslines before connecting with a Lou Thesz press, laying into Melina with a string of right hands. Melina scrambles for the corner, tagging in Victoria, but Mickie stays in control, taking Victoria down with an armdrag before tagging in Candice. Initially Candice keeps the momentum going for her team, dropping Victoria with a crossbody and following with an elbow drop for a near fall. Candice tries to continue the attack, but as she runs the ropes, Nitro makes his presence felt, grabbing Candice by the foot, the distraction enough for Victoria to control.

Victoria and Melina go on to dominate the match, until Candice catches Melina with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, managing to make the tag to Mickie. Mickie flies into the ring, knocking down both opponents, before grabbing Melina and going for the long kiss goodnight... but as she swings for the heel kick, Melina does the splits and drops to the mat, ducking the attack... allowing Victoria to nail a vicious clothesline. Victoria now moves quickly, grabbing the champ by the hair and hoisting her up... for the widow’s peak! Victoria plants the champ, and with Melina keeping Candice busy, Victoria hooks the leg... 1... 2... 3.

Winners: Melina and Victoria @ 03.55

Yet another impressive win for Victoria, following up last week’s win over Candice by this week pinning the Women's Champion. Victoria is quickly back on her feet, smiling at her handy work, while Candice crawls over to check on Mickie. The referee brings Mickie's title into the ring, but before he can hand it to the champion, Victoria snatches it off him, staring at the belt with a smirk on her face, before tossing the belt on top of Mickie as we cut backstage...

To the sight of the WWE Champion John Cena walking down a corridor, a focused, determined look on his face, the WWE Championship slung over his shoulder. As usual, there's a mixed reaction from inside the arena, and it continues as Cena nods at a few random backstage workers who walk by, before turning a corner... and stopping dead in his tracks. Cena pauses, before slowly walking forwards as the camera pans out... to reveal Rob Van Dam doing his split legged stretches, his feet propped up on two crates either side of the corridor. Van Dam sees Cena coming towards him, smiling at the champion before pushing himself up and onto his feet...


John Cena: Well... Rob Van Dam... how's it going man?

Rob Van Dam: Hey John, what's up?

There are no smiles or handshakes traded between the two, as both men remain guarded of their emotions...

John Cena: Oh nothing much. Listen uh... I never got a chance to say it last week but, uh... welcome back man.

Not sure how sincere Cena is being, Van Dam merely nods his head...

Rob Van Dam: Thanks man. It's good to be back.

Van Dam remains guarded, crossing his arms infront of himself, while Cena runs a hand through his hair...

John Cena: So... tonight... you and Lashley huh? That's gonna be a tough match man, Lashley's a heck of a fighter.

Rob Van Dam: Yeah, yeah. You gotta be something special to be an ECW Champion.

Cena chuckles...

John Cena: Yeah, that's... that's good. I like that. I guess IF you win tonight... you'll be going after that ECW Championship again?

Rob Van Dam: Well... actually John... WHEN I win tonight...

Van Dam pauses, stepping towards Cena...

Rob Van Dam: I think I'd rather challenge you... (pointing at the WWE Championship) for that.

A big pop can be heard from inside the arena. Taken aback by how blunt Van Dam is, Cena is initially surprised, but soon gets serious...

John Cena: You wanna challenge me?

Rob Van Dam: (Nodding) That's right.

John Cena: Wow. I mean, c'mon Rob you've only been back on the show 1 week and you wanna challenge the WWE Champion?

Again Van Dam nods, a smug look on his face. Cena puffs out his cheeks, before continuing...

John Cena: Well uh... tell me somethin' Rob. What makes you think you're next in line for a shot at me?

Van Dam laughs and smiles...

Rob Van Dam: Y'know somethin' John? There's probably a whole bunch of guys on Raw who're in the line ahead of me. But John...

The smile quickly leaves Van Dam's face, as he stares intently at Cena...

Rob Van Dam: I... KNOW... what kinda champion you are. I know what kinda guy you are John. And most importantly... I KNOW you can't refuse a challenge.

Cena smirks, knowing Van Dam has his number here. The champ scratches his head, before looking at Van Dam and nodding...

John Cena: Well... you got me there man. I'll uh... I'll let you get back to gettin' ready. Good luck...

This time Cena does offer a handshake, to which Van Dam offers his hand in return...

John Cena: You're gonna need it.

Cena lets go of Van Dam, turning to walk away. The camera stays focused on Van Dam, who sighs, knowing he never got a definitive answer to his challenge.

We cut into the arena to hear...

"WOOOOO..."

*ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA...*

It's a great response from the crowd as the dirtiest player in the game Ric Flair steps out, stylin' and profilin' his way down the ramp...


Jim Ross: Last week we saw Ric Flair go one on one with Shelton Benjamin, and the Nature Boy pulled out a few tricks from the playbook to pin Shelton.

Jerry Lawler: And Benjamin and Haas weren't happy about how that match ended last week. That's why Charlie Haas issued a challenge to Ric Flair for a rematch of sorts tonight.

*WORLD'S GREATEST...*​

Boos from the crowd as Charlie Haas and his partner Shelton Benjamin stride down the ramp, Benjamin pointing and shouting trash talk towards Flair in the ring...


Jim Ross: He's a heck of an athlete, a gifted technical wrestler. Will Charlie Haas get a measure of revenge here tonight? We'll find out when we return.

*Commercial*

Match 3:
Ric Flair
vs. Charlie Haas w/ Shelton Benjamin

The match starts with both men using a variety of chain wrestling moves to try gain the upper hand, with Flair managing to go toe-to-toe with Haas early on. Haas gains a brief advantage when he snaps off an armdrag, but Flair fights back to his feet, forcing Haas into a corner and unloading with knife-edged chops across the chest, before sending Haas across the ring and then up in the air with a back body drop. Flair has Haas reeling, and he starts to go to work on Haas' leg, aiming kicks to the thigh and driving his knee into Haas'. Flair then looks for an early figure four, only for Benjamin to jump up onto the apron. Flair mometarily pauses, allowing Haas to kick his way free of the figure four, with Flair crashing into the corner.

Haas forgets his technical background for a moment, hammering Flair with old fashioned fists and boots, before tossing Flair through the ropes to the outside. Haas is quick to distract the ref, allowing Benjamin to continue the beating on the outside, dropping more kicks on Flair before sending Flair shoulder first into the ringpost. After Flair is sent back into the ring, Haas scores a few 2 counts before going to work on Flair's arm, driving his knee and dropping legdrops across the arm before hitting a shoulderbreaker. Haas gets another 2 count, before he goes for a German suplex, only for Flair to block it. Haas again tries to hoist Flair up, only for Naitch to block it again. Haas goes for it a third time, only for Flair to grab an ankle, yanking Haas to the ground, stepping over... and twisting into the figure four... no! Again Haas kicks Flair into the corner, and he's quickly on his feet to follow in and take Flair out with a release German suplex. Flair is down, and Haas motions that it's over, as he looks to go for the Haas of pain... but Flair reaches up, grabbing Haas and rolling him up with an inside craddle... 1... 2... Flair has a handful of tights... 3!!

Winner: Ric Flair @ 05.26

Once again, Ric Flair scores a win over a member of the World's Greatest Tag Team. Haas is stunned, feeling he had the match won had it not been for Flair's tactics. Flair tries to make a quick exit, but Benjamin is in the ring and on him in a flash, laying into Flair with a flurry of boots. Haas is quickly back on his feet, and he begins laying into Flair too, dropping down and nailing stiff fists to the head as Benjamin continues with the stomps. Haas rises to his feet, shouting "What d'ya think of that old man?" while Benjamin hops through the ropes to the outside... and grabs a steel chair! Benjamin motions for Haas to drag Flair to his feet, and Haas obliges, pulling the deadweight Flair up, holding him in position as Benjamin winds up... and smacks the chair off Flair's skull!! It's a sickening thud that draws "Ooohh"'s from the crowd. Haas lets go of Flair, with the Nature Boy slumping to the mat, a trickle of blood seen on Flair's forehead.


Jim Ross: Bah gawd! What a disgusting act from Benjamin and Haas.

Jerry Lawler: I... I think we need some help out here for Ric Flair. He looks out cold.

Jim Ross: I hope Haas and Benjamin are happy with what they've done. They got what they came here for tonight, they got their own back on the Nature Boy.

Benjamin slams the chair down on the canvas, before he and Haas turn to gloat at the crowd, who respond with a ton of heat. Benjamin and Haas simply laugh it off, before hoping through the ropes and backing up the ramp, neither man taking their eyes off the fallen Nature Boy as trainers rush by the World's Greatest Tag Team to tend to Flair.

*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*


We fade out of the video into a corridor, where we see Jeff Hardy making his way no doubt towards the ring. There's a nice pop from inside the arena for the Intercontinental Champion... but there's an even bigger pop as Shawn Michaels and Triple H appear from the wings, walking behind Jeff, standing either side of him, all three men looking ready for action...

Jim Ross: There you see DX and Jeff Hardy. These three men are set to team up against Rated-RKO, and that match is up next when we return, live to Monday Night Raw!

*Commercial*

As soon as we return...


"ARE YOU READY...?"

*BREAK IT DOWN...*

It's a massive reaction as Shawn Michaels and Triple H emerge, doing crotch chops to set off their pyro before making their way down to the ring...

Jim Ross: The war between D-Generation X and Rated-RKO has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks. Anything could happen in this match tonight.

Jerry Lawler: J.R., we both heard what Rated-RKO had to say earlier tonight. They are determined that tonight is the night they finally put an end to DX.

Jim Ross: Never count out DX King. These two have been down the road many times in the past, and they'll take the fight to Rated-RKO again here tonight.

*LOADED...*​

It's another big pop from the crowd, this time for the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy...

Jim Ross: And can Jeff Hardy be the man who swings the odds in DX's favour?

Jerry Lawler: Yeah but last week we saw Kenny Dykstra pin Jeff Hardy to win a tag team match. It could easily happen again tonight.

Jeff bounces into the ring, posing for another pop from the crowd, before exchanging high fives with Triple H and Michaels. The music dies down and the crowd becomes silent until...

"YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME...

HEY! NOTHING YOU CAN SAY..."

*BURN IN MY LIGHT (RATED-R REMIX)...*

After an initial pop (probably due to the awesomeness of their theme tune :side: ) Edge, Randy Orton and Kenny Dykstra step out to a ton of heat. A united front, the three men arrogantly stride down to the ring...

Jim Ross: I dunno about you King, but this one has a big fight atmosphere to it for me.

Jerry Lawler: Absolutely. This one could get out of hand in a hurry!

Match 4: Six Man Tag Team Match
Rated-RKO
vs. Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy and D-Generation X

The match kicks off with Shawn Michaels and Edge, a repeat of the match the two had last week. Michaels dominates early on, and Triple H and Jeff both make tags into the match, with Edge on the receiving end of plenty of right hands and has his head repeatedly slammed off the turnbuckle. Jeff is in the ring, and he staggers Edge with a sitout jawbreaker, before following up with a clothesline over the top rope, sending Edge sprawling to the floor. Orton and Dykstra head over to help Edge regroup, but as the trio gather near each other, Michaels climbs to the top rope... and takes out all three with a moonsault off the top rope!! Rated-RKO are down and out on the outside, and it's at this point that we head to commercial.

*Commercial*​

When we return, Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels are in the ring, but now it's Orton who is in control, as he has Michaels clamped in a standing side headlock. Michaels manages to back Orton to the ropes and send him across, but Orton runs the ropes and ducks a clothesline... before dropping Michaels with an inverted headlock backbreaker. Rated-RKO now show great teamwork in working to wear Michaels down, making plenty of tags with all three men getting near falls. Orton comes close to victory with the rope hung DDT, while Dykstra nearly puts Michaels away with a swinging neckbreaker while Edge gets a 2 count from an inverted DDT. Orton is back in the ring, with one of those trademark headlocks applied, but the crowd raises the volume, prompting Michaels to struggle back to his feet. An elbow to the gut buys Michaels a little separation, only for Orton to yank Michaels to the mat by the hair, and then draw Triple H into the ring by getting in his face. Naturally, the ref goes to cut off the Game, allowing Edge and Orton to drop Michaels with a double standing dropkick. Edge hooks the leg, only for Jeff to race in and break the count at 2.

Again the punishment of Michaels continues, until Dykstra slams HBK to the mat and goes upstairs. Dykstra steadies himself, and then launches... sky high legdrop... no! Michaels rolls out of the way, and now both men are crawling for their corners... here comes Orton... here comes Triple H! The Game catches Orton on the charge, teeing off with right hands before sending Orton off the ropes... into a huge spinebuster!! 1... 2... Dykstra makes the save, only for Jeff to fly across the ring and knock Dykstra down, connecting with a flurry of rights and lefts. Edge connects with a cheap shot on Triple H, only for Michaels to rock him with an atomic drop, following with a clothesline that sends Edge over the top rope to the floor. Orton is back up, hammering on the Game, but when he goes for an Irish whip, Triple H reverses, sending Orton towards Michaels... who elevates Orton over the top rope to the floor with a back body drop! Edge and Orton now gather at the bottom of the ramp, and the two decided they've had enough, as they walk out on the match!!

It's only once they're half way up the ramp that the pair realise Dykstra is still in the ring. Kenny staggers out of a corner where Hardy was hammering him, before he stops... and realises... it's 3 on 1! Dykstra tries to turn and run, but Triple H is there to cut him off. Dykstra turns again... this time into sweet chin music, but Dykstra doesn't fall, staggering towards the Game... and into the pedigree!! Triple H plants Kenny, but now it's Jeff's turn, as he climbs to the top rope... Swanton bomb!! Hardy connects, and he hooks the leg for the win... 1... 2... 3!!

Winners: Jeff Hardy and D-Generation X @ 09.52

The arena comes alive as Jeff Hardy grabs the pinfall. At the top of the ramp, Edge and Orton can only look on, a mixture of shock and anger on their faces. Michaels helps Jeff back to his feet, while over on the other side of the ring, Triple H has been handed a mic...


Triple H: (Breathing heavily) Hey... hey! Orton... Edge... I dunno exactly what you two had in mind tonight... but from what I can see... DX is still standing tall in the middle of this ring!

A huge pop from the crowd, while at the top of the ramp, Edge franticly runs his hands through his hair while Orton can be seen mouthing "You sons of bitches!"...

Triple H: But Edge... Orton... you guys want a shot at ending DX? Well... we're gonna give it to ya!

Gasps from the crowd, but Edge and Orton look intrigued at what Triple H has to say...

Triple H: Next week... Rated-RKO and DX... in this very ring. If you beat us...

By now Dykstra has finally staggered up the ramp to join his colleagues, while in the ring Triple H turns to stare at HBK...

Triple H: If you beat us... DX is gone for ever. But... if we beat you... we become the new World Tag Team Champions!

Big time response from the crowd, the thought of a huge tag team title match next week exciting everyone in attendance. However, it's a look of sheer bemusement on the face of Michaels, who looks stunned at the announcement of his partner..

Triple H: Whadaya say guys? We'll put DX on the line... if you guys offer up the gold.

Edge and Orton turn to each other, a mix of excitement and concern. After trading a few words, the pair turn to the ring and face DX, with Orton nodding his head and Edge shouting "Yeah!", with the crowd giving a solid pop at the prospect of the big title match next week...

Triple H: Good. Hey Shawn... can you imagine if we lose next week? I mean, they'll be no more DX. No more comin' out here, entertainin' the fans, no more tellin' jokes, no more pullin' stunts... basically we'd be as borin' as those two jackasses (pointing at Edge and Orton) up there!

Oh, wow. Burn ( :side: ). The crowd laps it up, but Michaels is still in a state of confusion, unimpressed with the offer The Game made to the Champions. Michaels briefly can be heard shouting at Triple H "What are you doin'?". Triple H motions for HBK to calm down, before stepping towards the ropes staring intently up the ramp, now meaning business...

Triple H: But lemme' tell you two somethin'. When we beat you... and we WILL beat you... you two are finally gonna realise that DX is here to stay... and we're gonna be kickin' your asses for years to come!

Refussing to calm down, Michaels now grabs Triple H by the arm, turning The Game around until the two are face to face. Michaels is again heard asking "What are you doin'?", with even Jeff Hardy walking over, wondering what's going on with the pair. Triple H again motions for HBk to calm down, before again turning to Rated-RKO...

Triple H: And if you're not down with that... we got two words for ya...

SUCK IT!!

Break It Down hits again, but the camera immediately turns to Edge, Orton and Dykstra, the three with devious smiles on their faces after seeing the obvious tension between Michaels and Triple H after the match, before the trio turn to walk backstage. In the ring, Jeff and Triple H both make their exits and slowly walk up, while Michaels has a look of confusion and disbelief on his face before he eventually also makes his way backstage...


Jerry Lawler: J.R., I can't wait to see that title match next week but... well, what d'ya make of what we see after the bell when Triple H made that challenger to Edge and Orton?

Jim Ross: It certainly looked like it was news to Shawn Michaels that Triple H was gonna make a challenge of that magnitude. It's all of nothin' next week for DX. Win, and your the tag team champions, lose... and DX is gone forever.

Jerry Lawler: Could you imagine Monday Night Raw without DX anymore?

Jim Ross: Well... let's worry about that IF it happens. Still to come tonight, Bobby Lashley goes one-on-one with Rob Van Dam. Join us when we return to Monday Night Raw!

*Commercial*​

When we return...

*VIRTUAL VOODOO...*​

Heat from the crowd as the Samoan Bulldozer Umaga menacingly makes his way down the ramp, Armando Alejandro Estrada following nearby...


Jim Ross: He is a monster of immeasurable proportions. A wild, untamed savage, that has run roughshod over the Raw roster for the past 7 months.

Jerry Lawler: And to this day J.R., he still remains undefeated.

Jim Ross: I dunno about you King, but for my money Umaga is a huge favourite to win the Royal Rumble.

Jerry Lawler: No doubt about it. I don't know anybody who could throw Umaga over the top rope.

In the ring, Estrada is handed a mic...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Tudos... excussemay, haha! Last week... myself and The Saaaaamoan Bulldozerrr... UMAGA... we deliver to ju all... a little message! Ha! We told all of ju... that we want a challenge! We want... competition! So...

Estrada now turns to look up the ramp at the entrance way...

Armando Alejandro Estrada: Who... is gonna give us a challenge amigos?

Silence...

Until...

*CHILD'S PLAY...*​

Jim Ross: Aw for gawd's sake! You gotta be kiddin' me!

Jerry Lawler: Uh... well, I don't think business has picked up. Infact you might say business is kinda slow right about now.

That's right, instead of the world class challenge Estrada seeks to prove his clients credentials, he instead gets the happy go lucky Eugene, who smiles and slaps hands all the way down the ramp. It's only once Eugene enters the ring that he realises what's in store for him...

Match 5:
Umaga
w/ Armando Alejandro Estrada vs. Eugene

It wasn’t pretty. It was straight up brutal. Eugene, in his simple way, waves at Umaga, hoping to make friends... only to eat a savate kick to the face. Umaga scoops Eugene up, hoisting him up... Samoan drop! Down goes Eugene again, but Umaga isn’t finished, as he drags Eugene to his feet... and levels him with the Samoan spike!! Goodnight. 1... 2... 3.

Winner: Umaga @ 01.39

Total destruction from Umaga, as he once again shows he's the dominant force on Raw right now. Estrada quickly climbs into the ring and scares off the referee... it appears we're not done yet...


Jim Ross: Aw c'mon now! You won the match, you made your point. There's no need for this!

Jerry Lawler: You wanna get in there and stop him J.R.?

Not J.R. our anyone else it seems wants to get in Umaga's way, as he drags Eugene to his feet... and Estrada snaps a cigar in half!! That's all the encouragement Umaga needs, as he hoists Eugene up on to his shoulders... and nails him with a second Samoan drop! Boos from the crowd, but Umaga remains unfazed, dragging Eugene to the corner and propping his head up on the bottom turnbuckle. Slowly Umaga backs away to the opposite corner before lining Eugene up...

"No!"

Bouncing up in the air...

"DON'T DO THIS!"

And charging at his prone victim...

"BAH GAWD!"

It's with vicious force that Umaga crashes into Eugene, his neck snapping back on the bottom turnbuckle. J.R. is going crazy, demanding Umaga stop, while a remorseful sounding King asks for help from backstage.

Finally, Estrada leads Umaga away, happy that for the second week in a row his savage beast has almost decapitated a member of the Raw roster. Umaga and Estrada make their exit to a chorus of boos as we cut backstage...

To what appears to be the trainer’s room. A groggy looking Carlito, bandage on his head, is helped to his feet by Torrie Wilson. As Carlito and Torrie make to leave, an even groggier looking Ric Flair is helped into the room, two random backstage workers under each arm, slowly sitting Flair down on the trainer's table where Carlito once sat...



Carlito: Man... ju' OK Ric? Ju' don't look too good man.

Ric Flair: Uh... what?

Flair almost loses his balance, the trainer checking him over barely managing to keep Flair sat upright...

Carlito: Wow Ric. What happened to ju' man?

Ric Flair: What happened? Those two punks Haas and Benjamin. That's what happened to me.

Carlito: Why ju' goin' into fights with two guys man? Carlito doesn't think dat's cool.

Flair is handed an icepack which he presses against his forehead...

Ric Flair: What did you say?

Carlito: Carlito said why ju' pickin' a fight with two guys?

Flair drops the icepack, managing to raise himself up slightly from the table...

Ric Flair: 'Cos I am Ric... Flair! You understand me?! I'm the sixteen time heavyweight champion! And I never backed down from a fight in my life!

"Wooooos" can be heard from inside the arena...

Carlito: Hey, Carlito understand dat'. Dat's cool and all but... dat's not very smart.

Ric Flair: Yeah, well bein' smart was never my strong point.

Carlito winces in pain as he goes to leave the room while Flair re-applies the icepack to his skull...

Ric Flair: Hey! Carlito... I just wanna tell ya' man... earlier tonight, you and Masters... that was a hell of a fight you showed tonight. You should be proud of that.

Carlito: Thanks. Thanks man. Hey, listen... anytime ju’ feel like gettin' back at Benjamin and Haas... ju’ let Carlito know. Carlito got jur’ back.

Ric Flair: Thanks man. That's cool.

Carlito: Ric... don't steal my line.

Flair has a quick laugh to himself, before wincing in pain as the trainer goes back to work.

We quickly cut backstage to see WWE Champion John Cena again walking down a corridor. Cena arrives outside a door, pauses... and tentatively knocks on the door. A "Come in." can be heard from inside, so Cena swings open the door... and enters the office of Mr. McMahon himself. Jonathan Coachman is still there, but Cena blanks Coach and heads straight for McMahon...

John Cena: You wanted to see me?

Mr. McMahon: Yeah, yeah that's right Cena I do wanna see you. I wanna ask you what the hell you think that little conversation you and Rob Van Dam had earlier was all about?

Cena shrugs...

John Cena: It was just two competitors jawin' at each other a lil' bit. Nothin' more, nothin' less.

Vince McMahon: Oh that better be all it was Cena. Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you. I don't want Rob Van Dam or Bobby Lashley anywhere near the WWE Championship. Do you understand that?

John Cena: God, Vinny... I never knew you cared.

Laughs from inside the arena, but McMahon is not impressed...

Mr. McMahon: Don't play games with me Cena.

John Cena: Alright. You wanna cut to the chase, let's do that. Van Dam said that if he beats Lashley tonight he's gonna challenge me for the WWE Title. You know me Vinny boy, I never step away from a fight, and I NEVER back down from a challenge.

Mr. McMahon: Well this is one challenge you're gonna have to step away from.

John Cena: And why is that Vince? Because you want me to take on Bobby Lashley instead?

Surprised, McMahon fumbles his words for a second...

Mr. McMahon: Whadaya mean by that?

John Cena: Man, don't give me that crap Vince. I heard what you had to say to Lashley earlier tonight. He kicks the livin' hell out of Van Dam tonight, you're gonna make things... "comfortable for him". That’s what you said, right?

Realising he's been caught out, McMahon pauses, choosing his words carefully...

Mr. McMahon: Well... uh... I never actually said I'd give Lashley a title shot-

John Cena: (Interrupting) And I never said that to Van Dam either. Hell, if Lashley wins tonight and he wants to step up and challenge me... I got no problem putting my title on the line against him either.

Mr. McMahon: Well be careful what you wish for Cena... you just might get it.

Cena smirks and walks off, leaving the camera focused on McMahon, whos mind it seems is once again working away on how he can turn tonight's main event to his advantage, before we fade into commercial...

*Commercial*​

When we return...

*HELL WILL BE CALLIN'...*​

Much like it has been since he won the ECW Championship, it's a mixed response for Bobby Lashley, with the Real Deal ignoring the spattering of boos to walk down the ramp with a smile on his face, before getting into the ring and raising his ECW Championship high in the air...


Jim Ross: Here comes Bobby Lashley, his debut match here on Monday Night Raw.

Jerry Lawler: And you have to wonder what is going through Lashley's mind right now. I mean, he was made an offer by the boss to take out RVD tonight.

Jim Ross: I know Lashley ain't the kinda guy to do something like that. Bobby Lashley is a great athlete, a great competitor, he doesn't need to be swayed by Vince McMahon. I'm sure Lashley will go for the win, but he's not gonna come out here lookin' to seriously injure a fellow human being.

Jerry Lawler: Well I hope your right.

*ONE OF A KIND...*​

The biggest pop of the night is saved for Rob Van Dam, who confidently steps out of to the ramp, where he poses and does his thumb taunt while the crowd cheers "Rob... Van... Dam!". Van Dam swaggers down the ramp, and as he gets in the ring, he and Lashley briefly go nose to nose before Van Dam jumps to the second rope...


Jim Ross: Last week, Rob Van Dam returned to Raw and he made a huge splash by laying out Mr. McMahon.

Jerry Lawler: And I think it was pretty clear to everyone that Van Dam returning and attacking poor Mr. McMahon like that kinda took the shine off of Bobby Lashley's announcement that he too had signed for Raw.

Jim Ross: Business is about to pick up in this one...

Main Event: Non Title Match
ECW Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Rob Van Dam

Despite both men being faces, it’s clear that the crowd favourite is Van Dam. Consequently, Lashley heels it up in this match, using his size and power to his advantage. The opening minutes sees both men trading moves, with Van Dam knocking Lashley down with a spinning wheel kick, while Lashley fires back by catching Van Dam off a crossbody and countering with a fallaway slam. The two continue to trade blows, until Lashley pushes Van Dam into the ropes, only for Van Dam to hang on. This prompts Lashley to charge, but when Van Dam low bridges the top rope, Lashley goes crashing over the top rope to the floor. Frustrated, Lashley gets back to his feet, only to see Van Dam flying through the air with a plancha, knocking Lashley back down. Van Dam quickly slides back into the ring and does his thumb taunt, with the crowd chanting “Rob... Van... Dam!” as we head to commercial.

*Commercial*​

As we return, Van Dam stays in control, dropping Lashley with a jumping roundhouse kick before coming off the ropes with rolling thunder... but Lashley gets his knees up! Van Dam is left crumpled in pain, grasping at his ribs, and Lashley is quick to take advantage of this, snapping off a backbreaker and following by driving RVD to the corner. A series of hard Irish whips cause more damage to the ribs, and Lashley gets a long 2 count from an overhead belly to belly suplex. The focused attack continues, with stiff forearms to the small of the back and knees to the gut, before a painfull gutbuster gets Lashley another near fall.

Frustrated at being unable to put Van Dam away, Lashley ups the ante, nailing a series of vicious powerslams and suplexes, but time after time Van Dam kicks out at 2. Frustrated, Lashley pushes Van Dam to the corner, but when he follows in for a clothesline, Van Dam avoids the contact, quickly springing to the top rope... twisting crossbody... but Lashley catches Van Dam on his shoulder... and nails the dominator!! It's gotta be over... 1... 2... thr- no!! Somehow Van Dam gets his shoulder up! Lashley can't believe it, but the cheers of the crowd quickly turn to boos. It soon becomes apparent why, as the camera pans to the entrance ramp... to see Mr. McMahon and Jonathan Coachman walking towards the ring!

Lashley is clearly not happy to see either man make their way to the ring, but he looks to ignore their presence and carry on with the match... Van Dam catches him with an inside cradle... 1... 2... Lashley kicks out, and he quickly hammers the spine of RVD. On one side of the ring, Coach has for some reason jumped up on the apron, while over in the corner, Mr. McMahon has grabbed a chair... and he slides it to the feet of Lashley! Lashley looks down on the weapon, unsure of wether or not to use it. McMahon however has no such doubts, and he screams at Lashley to nail Van Dam with it. Lashley picks up the chair, with Van Dam struggling to get to his feet...

"He's not gonna use that is he?"

Lashley holds the chair in his hands, the ref oblivious to all that's going on, Van Dam having made it to a knee. In one ear, the crowd screams "No!", while in the other, Mr. McMahon screams "Do it!! Hit 'em with it!". McMahon now stands up on the apron, pointing at Lashley, screaming at him to smash Van Dam’s skull in. Lashley stares at the chair... then at McMahon... and then at Van Dam... before hoisting the chair in the air... and launching it at Mr. McMahon!! The crowd pops, as Lashley defies 'The Boss'. Lashley, with Vince falling off the apron, landing on his ass on the floor. Furious, McMahon is quickly back up to shout again at Lashley, who turns back towards Van Dam, slugging a boot to the midsection, when another commotion can be heard... it's John Cena!! The WWE Champion races down the ramp... and pulls Coachman off the apron! Coach is taken by surprise... and then Cena drops him with a huge right hand!! Coach is down, and now Cena turns his sights to Mr. McMahon. The Chairman of the Board sees Cena coming though, and as Cena chases McMahon around the ring, Vince makes it to the bottom of the ramp and takes off, Cena in hot pursuit.

Back in the ring, Lashley watches Cena and McMahon leave the area... but he doesn't see... Van Dam is back on his feet behind Lashley! Lashley turns... and it nailed by a jumping roundhouse kick! Quick as a cat, Van Dam springs to the top rope... and launches himself... FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! RVD connects, hooks the leg... 1... 2... 3!! Van Dam pulls out a huge win

Winner: Rob Van Dam @ 11.08

Jim Ross: Van Dam wins! Rob Van Dam just scored a win over the ECW Champion!

Jerry Lawler: Yeah but... Mr. McMahon! He just got hit with a steel chair!

Van Dam struggles back to his feet, the toll of the match evident for all to see. He uses the ropes to hold himself up, and the camera focuses on Van Dam's face as he stares up the ramp. The camera now cuts to Cena, who watched the ending from up top. Cena smiles, before making the three fingered salute and then pointing it straight at Van Dam...

Jerry Lawler: And what d'ya make of that J.R.? Does that salute from Cena mean what I think it means?

Jim Ross: I think everyone in this arena is wondering the same thing. Will we see Cena and Van Dam going at it for the WWE Championship?

The crowd is still electric at the sight of the staredown between the two. It's not a hateful staredown, more one of respect. The camera continues to switch between shots of Cena's and Van Dam's faces... and then it focuses on Lashley, his head bowed on the apron, slamming his hands off the canvas in disbelief at how he managed to lose that one. The camera switches back to Van Dam, before we see Cena raise the WWE Championship high in the air, with the final image of the night as we fade to black is that of the WWE Champion looking down the ramp at what could be his next challenger... and in the background, the ECW Champion, who had victory snatched away from him.

*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
 
#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.
 
#24 ·
Thanks for the comments guys. I will rep + return them as soon as I spread enough and you both post the massive shows you have lined up. Anymore comments for Raw would be sweet as, but for now, some news and notes. :)


~WWE.COM ANNOUNCEMENT~

With the upcoming Royal Rumble pay per view just over two weeks away, the next 20 Superstars entered in the Royal Rumble match have been announced. 10 Raw and 10 Smackdown Superstars will join the already entered Mr. Kennedy and Umaga. The list of Superstars now in the Royal Rumble match now looks like...

Raw: Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Charlie Haas, Edge, Johnny Nitro, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin, Triple H, Umaga
Smackdown: Brian Kendrick, Chavo Guerrero, Gregory Helms, Joey Mercury, Kane, King Booker, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Paul London, The Miz, The Undertaker

This brings the total number of entrants announced so far to 22, meaning there are still eight spots available. Who will step forward to claim the remaining eight spots, and will there be any surprise entrants this year?

Also, another match has been announced for the upcoming pay-per-view. After scoring a pinfall over Jeff Hardy last week, Kenny Dykstra will face Hardy at the Royal Rumble with the Intercontinental Championship on the line. After gaining a measure of revenge last night by defeating Kenny in six man action, both men now hold pinfalls over each other. Who will emerge from the Royal Rumble as the Intercontinental Champion when these two meet?




~WWE News And Notes~

A recent wwe.com announcement listed 20 new entrants into the Royal Rumble match. One of those names announced was that of the ECW Champion Bobby Lashley. Despite the announcement of Lashley's involvement in the Rumble match, Lashley is still expected to be heavily involved in the ongoing storyline between WWE Champion John Cena and Rob Van Dam. The show ending angle of last Monday night's Raw suggested that a Cena/RVD showdown was set to take place at the Royal Rumble. However, Lashley will continue to be involved in the storyline. Possible angle are planned that could see Lashley enter the match, turning it into a triple threat, or simply Lashley wanting to challenge either Cena or RVD at some point. It is also rumoured that after attempts to heavily push Lashley as the face of ECW were met with boos from live audiences, which have followed him to Raw recently, a Lashley heel turn has not been ruled out.

Also on Raw, an angle took place were Umaga destroyed Eugene during both a match and a post match angle. It is heavily rumoured that this angle was booked as a way of 'killing off' the Eugene character. Creative feel that the child-like Eugene character has run it's course, but the obvious talent of Nick Dinsmore, the man behind the Eugene character, can't be ignored. Therefore creative have been charged the task of finding a credible storyline reason for the reintroduction of Dinsmore as a more serious character. It may be that Eugene/Dinsmore isn't seen on our screens for a number of weeks.

Elsewhere, plans for Wrestlemania are slowly being finalised. A top priority is finding a marquee opponent to face The Undertaker. The Deadman is not scheduled to be involved in either title match at Wrestlemania, meaning a credible opponent will be required to allow Taker to be involved in one of the main undercard matches. Work is set to start on building Undertaker's opponent as soon as possible, with creative looking for someone to emerge as a serious threat to end The Undertaker's famed Wrestlemania streak.

Plans to revamp the Tag and Cruiserweight divisions continue to forge ahead. On Raw, the Rated-RKO/DX feud is set to come to an end soon, with Edge, Orton, Michaels and Triple H all needed elsewhere on the Wrestlemania card. However, plans are already in place for Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin to take a more prominent role, as well as the creation of new teams over the next month or two. Over on Smackdown, the appearance of French Canadian bombshell Maryse has sparked interest in what her intentions are with regards to current champs Brian Kendrick and Paul London. Many plans have been thrown around, including Kendrick and London turning their backs on Ashley Massaro to become heels with Maryse, the possible split of the team with Kendrick turning heel on London and associating himself with Maryse, to Maryse bringing in a new team to challenge the champs. While the latter idea seems the most probable, a new face team is set to debut this Friday night, so a heel turn is definitely not out of the question. As for the Cruiserweight division, Bryan Danielson is a lock to debut in the upcoming weeks, while now that his feud with Chris Benoit is at an end, Chavo Guerrero will be reassigned, giving Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms two fresh challengers for the upcoming months.

 
#25 ·
Some pretty nice news here, iMac. While I would like to have maybe seen some explanation for people qualifying (such as just saying they won matches at live events to qualify) and a challenge from Dykstra to Hardy, it's good to see the Royal RUmble card really taking shape. I have to say, Lashley already qualifying for the Rumble is a bit odd, as it might take away from the angle he's currently working with Cena, Van Dam and McMahon, but I'll wait and see. A heel turn from him is something I'd certainly be happy to see.

Bringing Dinsmore in as himself rather than bringing back Eugene should help strengthen your RAW midcard, which is definitely a good thing.

I'm not sure who Undertaker is facing at WrestleMania myself, but being a non-title match is probably a positive. A feud with Finlay would absolutely own, so maybe that ... please. :side:

Good to see you trying to strengthen up your two weaker divisions. I'm not really a fan of signing guys from the indys usually, but AmDrag should certainly add to the cruiserweight division, while the Maryse/Londrick stuff has me interested.
 
#26 ·
Rushed the qualifying process I see. It would have been nice to see an explanation to their qualification, but it's all good. Nice to see a ppv match announced. Kenny/Hardy seemed likely anyways. The whole Cena/RVD/Lashley/VKM storyline has been pretty good so to still have Lashley somewhat involved is awesome. Glad a heel turn is not ruled out as well. I've really liked the Eugene character, as it's fun to play with, but I'm anxious to see what you do with Dinsmore whose character isn't really known. The Taker and Danielson news were quite awesome as well. Good stuff here man.
 
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