WWE Friday Night Smackdown- 19/8/05- Rochester, New York
The show begins with its usual opening video and the pyro then hits as we get shown a shot of this packed out arena who are on their feet ready for the final Smackdown before Summerslam!
Michael Cole: We welcome you ladies and gentleman to Friday Night Smackdown! I’m Michael Cole joined as ever at ringside by Tazz and we are just FORTY EIGHT hours away from the biggest party of the summer, Summerslam!
Tazz: Cole I am absolutely PUMPED!! The last stop on the road to Summerslam and what a line up we got here tonight. The Champ’s in action baby! John Cena one on one tonight wit’ the man he BEAT to win that WWE Championship, JBL!! Cena and Bradshaw here tonight!!
Michael Cole: A major showdown right there and that’s not all. Here tonight we will see John Cena’s challenger come Sunday in action also as Kurt Angle will go face to face with the United States Champion, Matt Hardy!!
Tazz: Two men on a roll right now in Angle and Hardy, big time match right there Cole, I can’t wait. I can…not…wait.
‘Can you Dig it? Sucka’
It’s a big pop that greets the music of the former 5 time WCW Champion as Booker T storms out, set to kick off proceedings.
Michael Cole: But folks we are kicking things off with a HUGE grudge match here tonight in New York!! Booker T has been embroiled in a bitter rivalry with his former friend Rhyno but right here tonight, these two men are gonna settle it. There will be no questions unanswered as we go two out of three falls!!
Tazz: This night’s just gonna be blockbuster Cole and what a way to start. Booker and Rhyno have been at each other’s throats and tonight they’re finally gonna settle this thing. It’s gonna get real ugly here tonight, I’m telling ya. Booker and Rhyno, these two men wanna beat the holy hell outta each other. Tonight? They get to do it.
‘Man Beast’
Booker’s face tells the story as he immediately braces himself, watching his bitter rival Rhyno walk down the ramp, a stern look on the Man Beast’s face as he and Booker lock eyes.
Michael Cole: Since coming to Smackdown Rhyno has made a huge impact, setting his sights on Carlito, setting his sights on helping Booker T deal with Carlito, only to turn on his former friend in a sickening way. Tonight it really is Rhyno’s chance to finally do what he’s been aiming to achieve, get out of the shadows of his former friends, break out from the pack and stand out on his own. Victory tonight would no doubt go a long, long way towards doing that Tazz.
Tazz: No doubt about it Cole. Rhyno’s been as aggressive, as intense, as focused as I’ve ever seen and it’s all because he’s sick and tired of sittin’ in the background. Tonight I’m bettin’ that he’s gonna lay it all on the line, give it everything he’s got to put Booker down and to move up the food chain on Friday nights. Rhyno ain’t in it for friendship anymore Cole, he’s in it for himself.
Match One: Two out of Three Falls
Booker T vs. Rhyno
The tension is evident between the pair here as they eye each other up and down, the bell has rung and there’s a loud ‘BOO-KER-T’ chant reverberating round the arena as the former WCW Champion looks pumped up, the former ECW Champion likewise as these two bitter rivals finally start to make a move, beginning to circle the ring before they lock up dead centre and it’s Rhyno’s strength that sees him force Booker on the backfoot.
Rhyno’s aggression sees him club Booker into the corner and the Man Beast’s grip is broken and he now goes to work with some strong right hands, taking it to the Book man but Booker isn’t backing down! Booker responds with rights of his own and it’s a frenetic pace in the early goings as both men try and tear into one another, clubbing right hands to their opponent as the referee looks to be losing control.
The two men continue brawling, taking turns to one up the other as Booker has a spell on top, taking Rhyno down with a beautiful spinning crescent kick that almost takes the Man Beast’s head off!! The Book man scores a two count off that move before Rhyno edges his way back into the contest, using his strength to take Booker down with a tasty looking flapjack following Booker running the ropes, Rhyno also going for a cover but like Booker scoring a two count.
Rhyno pounds the mat in anger before ramping up the aggression once again, going back to his hard hitting on Booker before he drags his former friend to his feet and whips Booker into the ropes, Booker rebounds and Rhyno swings, misses! Booker manages to halt his momentum, Rhyno spins round, boot to the gut from Booker, SCISSORS KICK!! NO!! RHYNO AVOIDS IT!! Booker’s spun back round, and there’s an Irish whip again, Booker rebounds and he’s dropped with a spinning spine buster!! Booker is smashed down to the mat, cover again from Rhyno, kick out at two from Booker!!
The crowd breathe a sigh of relief as Booker hangs on in but Rhyno cuts a frustrated figure and he looks as though he wants to finish this first fall off now as he storms off into the corner, pacing as he awaits Booker’s return to his feet, the Man Beast is urging him up again, a Gore incoming. Booker struggles to his feet, now knowing where he is, he spins round, GORE!! NO!! BOOKER DOES SEE IT COMING AND TOSSES RHYNO THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE!! Rhyno goes tumbling to a huge pop from the fans as Booker shows his wits there.
Booker slowly follows Rhyno to the outside, hopping down off the apron, the crowd right behind Booker here…BUT WHAM!! WHAT THE HELL?!!? FROM OUT OF NOWHERE RHYNO WITH A STEEL CHAIR DRILLED INTO THE GUT OF BOOKER T!! The referee immediately calls the bell!! Rhyno has tossed away the first fall!!
Winner of the first fall via Disqualification: Booker T(6:04)
There’s a state of confusion here as Rhyno has cost himself before he SMASHES BOOKER ACROSS THE SKULL WITH THE STEEL CHAIR!! RHYNO HAS LOST IT HERE!! The Man Beast continues smashing Booker with the chair across the back, Booker completely fallen here and the heat is ungodly. The referee orders Rhyno off and eventually he does so, a smirk coming over his face as he immediately grabs Booker up to his feet, tossing him back inside the ring and the second fall is about to begin here.
Rhyno demands that the bell be rang for this second fall to start and it finally is as Rhyno heads back inside the ring, eyeing Booker up and down, grinning ear to ear as he slowly makes his way across, turning Booker over onto his back and covering, 1...2...3...he got him and we are now tied. Rhyno’s plan now making perfect sense it would seem, having weakened Booker T in a HUGE way here with that steel chair.
Winner of the second fall: Rhyno(6:22)
There’s real doom and gloom kind of atmosphere in the arena now as they sense that Booker’s chances have all but gone now with Rhyno’s attack. The score now tied at one a piece, it’s do or die this fall and Rhyno is in control from the off as he almost toys with Booker, simply stalking him, slowly wandering round the ring, occasionally stomping across the back of Booker’s neck, the crowd continuing to boo the War Machine.
Rhyno continues picking Booker apart, delivering several no nonsense leg drops right across the back of Booker’s neck before beginning to pound away with more vicious stomps right the way down the back of Booker, the crowd trying to spur the former WCW Champion on but it’s to no avail as Rhyno continues to be in pole position.
The Man Beast then decides to try and amp things up a bit, bringing Booker to his feet, delivering several stinging right hands before an Irish whip as Booker smashes into the corner. Rhyno takes a running start before charging at his bitter enemy, BANG!! NO!! BOOKER GETS A BOOT UP AND KICKS RHYNO IN THE FACE!! The crowd pops huge as Booker shows some fight here, he hasn’t given it up just yet as Rhyno stumbles out of the corner. Booker slowly makes his way out of the corner also, desperate to get the upper hand now and he catches Rhyno with a right hand, followed by another, the tide turning perhaps as Booker starts to find some speed again, he has Rhyno up against the ropes, Irish whip, Rhyno rebounds and Booker goes for a super kick, Rhyno ducks it, runs the ropes again, FLYING CLOTHESLINE FROM THE MAN BEAST!! Booker’s momentum is short lived as Rhyno comes steaming in to take the Book man down.
Rhyno claws his way up to his knees, he’s a little bit worse for wear here now also but he’s still in control as gets to his feet, Booker T to his knees but he’s met with a knee to the gut from the Man Beast, perhaps winding the Master of the Spin-a-rooni. Rhyno continues with another several knees before he drags Booker to his feet, looks him in the eyes, a look of sheer disgust on the face of the War Machine before another devastating knee and Rhyno scoops Booker up high onto his shoulders, RUNNING POWERSLAM!! NO!! BOOKER SLIDES DOWN THE BACK, ROLL UP!! 1...2...3...NO!! RHYNO JUST SURVIVES, BOOKER ALMOST STEALING IT THERE!!
Both men are back to their feet in a hurry and Rhyno swings but Booker ducks it, Rhyno spins back round and he’s met with an arm around the throat!! BOOK END!! NO!! RHYNO SPINS OUT THE BACK OF IT!! The fans are on edge now as Rhyno spins Booker around, kick to the gut, he scoops Booker up, suplex!! NO!! BOOKER FIGHTS IT!! Elbows to the back of Rhyno’s head and he breaks free, Irish whip, Rhyno rebounds, boot to the gut from Booker, SCISSORS KICK!! CONNECTS!! Booker drops in a heap, clawing his way on top of Rhyno, 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!! BOOKER TAKES IT!!
Winner of the third fall and the match: Booker T(11:27)
Michael Cole: Booker T prevails!! Finally Booker gets one over on Rhyno!! Finally Booker T puts Rhyno in his place!!
Tazz: What a match Cole and what a victory for the Book man.
Michael Cole: Indeed, despite that damn chair shot, that ambush with the steel chair from Rhyno, Booker T somehow comes away with victory here tonight. And Tazz you can tell just how much that means to Booker T, a hard fought, drawn out rivalry with his former friend and tonight, surely it’s all over between these two bitter enemies.
Tazz: It’s gotta be Cole. They both threw everything they had at one another right here tonight and I don’t think there’s anything left to give. Booker got the job done, hats off to him.
Booker somehow has the energy to deliver a Spin-a-Rooni for the crowd!! The fans eat it up as Booker celebrates in style at finally getting one over on his recent rival, the feud between these two men now surely over and done with.
Commercials
We return and immediately go backstage where we join the ever enthusiastic Mr.Josh Matthews.
Josh Matthews: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown and at this time would you please welcome my guest, the Legend Killer, Randy Orton.
Orton appears into shot, a smirk on his face, he’s dressed to compete and the fans in attendance give him a less than popular welcome.
Josh Matthews: Randy last week you narrowly escaped from The Undertaker, using a blatant thumb to the eye to avoid coming face to face with the man you meet this Sunday at Summerslam. Since then many people have claimed that you are indeed running scared of The Un…
Randy Orton: Woah, woah, hold on just a second there Josh.
Scared? Scared…of The Undertaker? No, no. See I thought I’d made this perfectly clear. Clear for you, clear for The Undertaker, clear for EVERYBODY!
Orton is very adamant in his approach here.
Randy Orton: I made it crystal clear that nothing he does can or will scare me because I’m past all of that Josh. I’ve made it clear that
I am the one playing games now, that it’s
my turn to make The Undertaker watch his back, to make him fear just what might be round the corner. That it is MY turn to get inside his head.
Heat here for TLK as usual, he’s all fired up tonight.
Randy Orton: So last week, yeah, I
did deliver a thumb to the eye and yeah, I DID run through the crowd but it was
not me running away, it was
not me running in fear. No, it was me running all the way into the fore front of his mind once AGAIN.
Orton now begins to smirk arrogantly again, realising he got the better of the Deadman once again last week.
Randy Orton: Because I need him to know that come Summerslam, we are done. At Summerslam, I’m not gonna let him take me lightly, I’m not gonna let him walk all over me. No, no, I want him to turn up Sunday night and I want him to try and beat me like he’s never beaten anyone before. I want The Undertaker at his very,
very best. Why? Why, you might ask, well it’s real simple, I want him at his best because it is gonna make it ALL the more sweeter when I beat him, but y’know something? I promise you that not only will I beat him at Summerslam... I will
end him.
Huge heat for this statement as Orton seems convinced of the outcome Sunday night.
Randy Orton: Tonight? Tonight’s the final chance for Undertaker to try, just try and get all his little mind games in, try and get inside my head before Sunday but guess what Deadman?
Orton now looks directly at the camera.
Randy Orton: I’m ready for it, I’m ready for anything you throw at me Undertaker. I know every trick in the book and whatever it is you try here tonight, I guarantee, it will…not…work. Tonight is MY night, this Sunday…is MY night. The WWE? Undertaker, the WWE... is now MY yard.
Orton starts chuckling to himself before looking back at Matthews.
Randy Orton: And this Sunday I will prove it once…and for all.
Orton then heads off, the smirk removed and a stern look etched upon his face as he gets set for action later on this evening.
We then head off elsewhere backstage where we see John Bradshaw Layfield in his locker room and Layfield is preparing for his match later on this evening, lacing his boots before his door goes and he spins round, a look of fear on his face but it soon changes to one of confusion as we see Kurt Angle appear!!
John Bradshaw Layfield: The hell do you want?
Bradshaw scowls at the Wrestling Machine who looks quite cool and calm here.
Kurt Angle: Relax, relax, I’m not here to start anything. I just came by to wish you good luck tonight that’s all.
JBL scoffs at Angle’s claim.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Kurt, do I look like I’m stupid? Really, do I? I’m not fallin’ for your crap. It wasn’t all that long ago that me and you were beatin’ the hell outta each other and now you wanna wish me
luck? Please.
Angle holds his hands up.
Kurt Angle: Alright, alright, you got me John, you got me. The real reason I’m here is because tonight you go one on one…with John Cena.
Big pop for the champion’s name as Angle’s intensity picks up, JBL nodding.
Kurt Angle: Now I don’t need to come in here and give you a pep talk. After all, he’s the one that beat you for the WWE Champio…
John Bradshaw Layfield: LOOK WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GETTING AT KURT!?
Bradshaw doesn’t react too kindly to that as Angle takes a moment to respond.
Kurt Angle: Look I’ve got Cena this Sunday at Summerslam and you know just as much as I do that him being champion, it’s-it’s not gonna get either of us anywhere is it? As long as he’s the champion, you’re not getting a shot at that title and hey, a guy like you? A guy like you should always,
always be in line for a shot at the WWE title, right?
Angle’s ass kissing seems to be working as JBL starts to nod, a wry smile coming across his face now.
Kurt Angle: Now I
know I can beat John Cena. That is a FACT but hey, I wouldn’t mind uh…I wouldn’t mind you makin’ my life a whole lot easier come Sunday night if you get my drift John?
Angle now stars smiling, JBL looking him right back in the eye, a smirk still on his face also.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Oh Kurt I know
exactly where you’re comin’ from and believe me, John Cena ain’t gonna make it to Washington Sunday night in one piece.
Heat for the grinning Wall Street Warrior, Angle joining him in having a chuckle but JBL’s expression then changes to one of anger.
John Bradshaw Layfield: But you better believe, I ain’t doin’ it for you. I’m doin’ it for my own benefit, I’m doin’ it for payback after what that punk’s put me through since Wrestlemania. Since I lost to him, it’s all been downhill, but tonight?
That grin returns to the former champion’s face now.
John Bradshaw Layfield: Tonight I put an end to all that, the Wrestling Gawwwwwwwwwwwwwwd will walk outta this arena tonight victorious, just like he ALWAYS used to do and then this Sunday? This Sunday I will beat that FREAK Bobby Lashley and I will once again, ha ha…I will once
again…be headed for the WWE Championship.
Angle nods in approvement it seems as Bradshaw is fired up here.
Kurt Angle: Hey, I don’t care who you do it for as long as you get the job done out there tonight. Good luck and I might, I
might…just see you out there.
Angle has a little chuckle to himself as JBL looks on at Angle departing before continuing where he left off in lacing his boots for his main event showdown later on tonight and we head back ringside.
Michael Cole: Well strong words from JBL here tonight and Tazz I gotta ask you, what happened to Kurt Angle wanting a one on one match, wanting to face John Cena man to man, may the best man win? Now he wants JBL to ’soften’ him up tonight?
Tazz: Wouldn’t you Cole? Kurt’s just doin’ what he’s gotta do. If he can weaken John Cena in any way, shape or form, he’s gonna do it and I’m bettin’ John Cena would do the exact same thing. Cena ain’t the only one in action tonight Cole, Angle’s got Matt Hardy too and believe me, that ain’t no walk in the park.
‘Stay in Shadow’
It’s a big pop that greets the music of Paul London who bursts out onto the stage full of energy and he’s not alone as Brian Kendrick joins him also, we’re all set for some tag team action.
Michael Cole: Big opportunity here tonight for Paul London to get one over on two men who have screwed him time and time again Tazz. London has had absolutely no luck in dealing with Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero but with Brian Kendrick by his side tonight, he’s gotta be confident that he can turn the tables.
Tazz: Well I’m sure he’s got a heck of a lot more chance having Kendrick alongside him tonight BUT Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero, they ain’t gonna be easy to knock off, no matter who your partner is.
‘Listen, it’s Time’
And there’s big time heat that greets the arrival of the Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms who steps out, arms outstretched soaking in the heat as his partner in crime Chavo Guerrero joins him in taking all this heat in.
Michael Cole: As you said Tazz, it is gonna take a hell of an effort to get one over on Chavo and Helms here tonight. Ever since they aligned back at the Bash, these two men have proved almost unstoppable, getting the job done time and time again. However their methods are no doubt questionable.
Tazz: Hey, their methods are workin’ Cole and that’s all that counts. It don’t matter how they do it but you said it yourself, they’re getting the job done. Chavo knows Helms is one of the best Cruiserweights in the world, Helms knows the same about Chavo. You put ‘em together? You got a partnership that could dominate the Cruiserweight division.
Match Two: Tag Team Match
Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero vs. Paul London and Brian Kendrick
Helms starts things off for his team but he refuses to do so unless it’s against Brian Kendrick. The Cruiserweight Champion points at London saying ‘Not you’ and London backs down saying ‘I can wait’ as Kendrick starts things off for his side.
Kendrick starts things off like a house on fire, taking Helms by surprise with an array of right hands, very fast paced action from the high flier and Helms can’t handle it. Kendrick’s momentum sees him floor Helms with a beautiful hurricanrana off of an Irish whip and the crowd are right behind him here as he goes for a cover, 1...2...kick out at two from Helms who is quick to his feet, a surprised look on his face as Kendrick’s right back on him with those quick right hands.
Helms is really on the back foot here as Kendrick drops the Cruiserweight champ once again, this time a dropkick taking him down and out, cover once again from Kendrick, 1...2...kick out once more from Helms as Paul London applauds his partner’s work thus far. Kendrick quickly brings Helms to his feet, nailing a forearm before an Irish whip, Helms rebounds, clothesline from Kendrick but Helms ducks it and runs the ropes again before taking Kendrick down with a shoulder block, momentum shifting perhaps.
Helms now assumes control as he looks to keep Kendrick grounded, immediately going to work with some vicious stomps right across the head of the man formerly known as Spanky. Helms then taunts London, motioning for his title belt saying ‘I’m the man’, Chavo Guerrero applauding his partner’s work as Helms then drops to his knees and applies a sleeper hold, looking to wear Kendrick down all the more. The crowd are booing the former superhero as he applies firm pressure in the hold, Kendrick having no room to manoeuvre.
The crowd rally round Kendrick but Helms just locks it in tighter as the referee begins to assess BK here. He raises Kendrick’s arm up for the first time….and it drops!! Helms screams ‘C’mon’ as Kendrick’s eyes are glazed over, the referee lifting his hand up a second time…and it drops again!! Kendrick’s in trouble now as the referee goes for a third time raising his hand…and…HE FIGHTS IT!! Kendrick refuses to give in and he stands firm, Helms tries to keep the hold in but Kendrick digs in with some elbows, showing the fight inside him here, elbows digging in and he breaks free at last!! Kendrick battles out an both men are now delicately poised as they meet in the middle, Helms throws a right but Kendrick blocks it!! Kendrick now connecting with right hands but Helms responds with a right of his own, fist fight ensuing!!
Irish whip now from Kendrick, Helms comes back off the ropes and he goes for a clothesline but Kendrick drops him with a back body drop!! Kendrick then looks over to the corner…and he sees Paul London awaiting him!! Kendrick storms over and HE MAKES THE TAG!! London storms in, his rival in his sights and London scoops Helms to his feet, stiff rights incoming from London here as he forces Helms into the ropes, Irish whip now and Helms hangs onto the ropes…AND HE TAGS IN CHAVO!! Helms wanting nothing to do with Paul London here!!
Chavo storms in and meets London in the middle and he has absolutely no answer for London’s high speed offense with his arch rival outmanoeuvring him at every turn, ducking and diving Chavo’s advances before going to work with a string of right hands. Irish whip now from London and Chavo rebounds but London drops him with a TILTAWHIRL BACKBREAKER!! Hugely impressive from London. Into the cover, 1...2...HELMS BREAKS THE COUNT!! Helms breaks it BEFORE HE HIGHTAILS IT AS BRIAN KENDRICK CHARGES AT HIM!!
Helms exit’s the ring and…he backs up the ramp!! Helms is leaving Chavo high and dry here as he wants nothing to do with London or Kendrick tonight. London and Chavo meanwhile begin to stir and it’s London who looks to rise first, Chavo not far behind and Chavo swings a right but London blocks it, right hand of his own, Irish whip again, this time into the corner and Chavo smashes into the turnbuckle. London comes charging but Chavo gets a boot up, the former champion goes stumbling out of the corner and Chavo comes flying, clothesline, NO! London ducks it and drops him with a reverse DDT as he now heads up high!
Helms is watching on, shaking his head as London is poised, London steadies himself and now points at the Cruiserweight Champ before soaring through the air and CONNECTING WITH THE 450 SPLASH!! Cover by London, 1...2...3...HE WINS IT!!
Winners: Paul London and Brian Kendrick(7:31)
Michael Cole: London wins it!! A HUGE win for Paul London here tonight!! Helms and Chavo brought down a notch here tonight at the hands of the impressive Paul London and Brian Kendrick!!
Tazz: Major victory for Paul London right there and hey, it might not have been Helms who he beat but there ain’t no doubt Paul London is right inside the head of the Cruiserweight Champ after that, props to Paul London tonight.
Helms is backing up the ramp, looking on at a celebrating London and Kendrick before yelling ‘You didn’t beat me punk, you didn’t beat me’ as he clutches onto his Cruiserweight title. London motioning that the title belt will once again soon be his.
Commercials
We return and we head backstage where we see Rob Van Dam!! Van Dam is greeted with cheers from the crowd as he sits on the edge of a table in the hall. He is on his phone, seemingly texting before he turns his head and we see Rey Mysterio enter the shot, the Ultimate Underdog also greeted with a strong ovation but Rey doesn’t look too pleased as he bumps into his partner.
Rob Van Dam: Look Rey I don..
Rey Mysterio: Hey, hey I don’t wanna hear it man. I know your head’s not in it right now, I know you’re too focused on MNM, too busy dealin’ with what went down at the Bash but Rob you got NO right walkin’ out on me like you did last week.
Mysterio is pretty intense here, a far cry from his usual self.
Rob Van Dam: Rey, dude, I’m sorry. What I did last week? That wasn’t me man. But hey, I’m gonna make it up to you because I’m just one step away from getting us another shot at those titles.
Mysterio doesn’t look like he’s buying it.
Rey Mysterio: How? The investigation’s over Rob, Teddy Long said it himself.
Rob Van Dam: The investigation is far from over Rey. Just because Teddy Long failed to do his job right, doesn’t mean it’s over. I followed MNM last week and I heard them talking alright dude, I heard it straight from their mouths. They paid someone off to cost us at the Bash.
Mysterio’s interest raises considerably now.
Rob Van Dam: So yeah, maybe it wasn’t Melina who was under that mask but it was her doing, it was her dirty work Rey and that puts us right back in the hunt for those titles, that gives us the rematch we deserve and Teddy Long, he can’t stop it from happening.
Rey Mysterio: You’re seriously telling’ me they paid someone off to cost us at the Bash? And you-you don’t, you don’t wanna know who it was? You don’t wanna know who did this to us?
Van Dam huffs a bit.
Rob Van Dam: Of course I do dude, but they can wait. All that matters to me right now is getting us another shot, a shot we
deserve at the Tag Team titles and about finally teaching MNM some respect.
Mysterio is confused.
Rey Mysterio: But how can you prove it man? I mean, just because you heard it doesn’t mean Teddy Long did, it doesn’t mean MNM are gonna come out and admit it.
Rob Van Dam: Prove it? You want me to
prove it? Rey, I heard it clear as day come outta their mouths, what more proof do you need? What, wait, hold on just a second, do you- do you think I’m making this up huh?
Van Dam gets in Rey’s face now.
Rey Mysterio: No, no, I’m not saying that. What I am saying…is Teddy Long might see it that way.
Van Dam looks up to the heavens, clearly frustrated.
Rob Van Dam: So what do you suggest huh? You just want me to forget about it? You just want me to let MNM move on? You want me and you to just…
move on.
Mysterio is getting a little irritated now along with RVD.
Rey Mysterio: I’m not…(huffs), I’m not saying that man. I think we should just take this slow, I think we should try and get a little bit more outta MNM before we go chasing Teddy Long. I say we try and find out just who they paid off.
Van Dam nods, a thoughtful look on his face.
Rob Van Dam: Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Come on, let’s get outta here, I got a plan.
Van Dam and Rey then depart, the investigation still very much in place here and we head back ringside.
‘Oh Yeahhhhhhhh’
‘Live for the Moment’
It’s a BIG pop that greets the return to the action as Matt Hardy makes his way out, United States title belt in hand as he looks in a buoyant mood heading into his clash tonight.
Michael Cole: Well things certainly getting heated in Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio’s pursuit of a rematch with MNM and Tazz things got heated last week between this man, Matt Hardy and the man he meets Sunday night at Summerslam, Carlito.
Tazz: Absolutely Cole. Things got pretty damn personal between Hardy and Carlito last week with both men bringin’ each other’s family into all this and I gotta feelin’ that come Sunday at Summerslam, those two are gonna tear the house down for that United States Championship.
‘Medal’
And there’s instant heat as the ever intense number one contender, Kurt Angle steps out, Matt Hardy in his sights tonight before John Cena this Sunday.
Michael Cole: Speaking of tearing the house down. This Sunday at Summerslam, at long last Kurt Angle gets what he wants, a one on one shot at the WWE Championship against John Cena and in my eyes, this one will steal the show in Washington Sunday night.
Tazz: Oh there’s no doubting that Angle and Cena are gonna throw everything they got at one another Sunday night but the question I got is, have Angle’s mind games worked? Has Angle got inside Cena’s head? This Sunday night we’ll find out but I gotta feelin’ we ain’t seen the last of Kurt’s games before Summerslam.
Michael Cole: Well we saw earlier on Angle and JBL talking backstage ahead of JBL’s match later on tonight with the WWE Champion and there appeared to be more to it than just a little ‘pep talk’.
Tazz: Absolutely. I think John Cena knows what to expect though later on tonight. It’s just a question, can he deal with it?
Match Three: Singles Match
Kurt Angle vs. Matt Hardy
There’s a real air of importance for both men here as they know that victory tonight would propel them forward into their respective clashes come Sunday. It’s Hardy who starts off strongest as he outdoes Angle in a battle of waistlocks, reversing Angle’s into one of his own before shoving the Wrestling Machine into the ropes, Angle rebounding and Hardy taking him down with a nice shoulder block!
Hardy then begins to control Angle, hoisting him up and deliver some stinging right hands before an Irish Whip into the corner, Angle’s back crashing into the turnbuckle and Hardy comes storming in, connecting with a big time clothesline!! The crowd pop for the U.S Champ here as he’s taking it to Angle, the onslaught continuing as Hardy goes to town with some big rights. Hardy goes for one more, riling up the crowd before doing so but Angle blocks it!! Angle prevents Hardy and now he turns the tables, slamming Hardy into the corner, Angle going at it with fast, venomous right hands, Hardy having no answer here.
Angle’s intensity is as high as ever as he rattles Hardy off with right hands before letting a roar out to the crowd, Hardy stumbling out of the corner right into Angle’s path, boot to the mid section before a strong uppercut by Angle! Irish whip now from the Wrestling Machine and Hardy flies back at him, Angle meets him, BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!! Beautiful from Angle who crawls into a cover, 1...2...kick out at two and a half from Hardy!!
Angle comes within a whisker of taking it there but Hardy holds on, however the momentum has shifted to the man who goes for the WWE Title this Sunday. Angle works over Hardy’s fallen body, an array of stomps, head to toe on his opponent as Hardy is crumpled on the mat before the Olympic Gold Medalist drops some stern elbows right across the chest of Hardy who gasps for air now.
Angle now scoops Hardy to his feet, perhaps looking to try and put away the plucky U.S. Champion as he whips Hardy into the turnbuckle, Angle follows suit and rams his shoulder into Hardy’s mid section, several shoulders to the gut follow and Hardy appears to be in all kinds of trouble here. Angle now hoists Hardy up onto the top rope!! The crowd rise to their feet as Angle has dangerous intentions in mind here. Angle now begins to climb, the anticipation builds as he goes for a BIG time superplex but Hardy fights it!! Elbows to the back of Angle’s head and the grip begins to loosen here. Repeated elbows from Hardy who knows he’s in a whole world of trouble now and he finally breaks out of it before shoving Angle down to the mat, the Wrestling Machine taking a hefty fall there!!
Hardy steadies himself, the crowd urging him on as Angle lay motionless, a roar to the crowd from Hardy, FLYING LEG DROP!! CONNECTS!! Hardy scrambles into the cover, 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!! NO!! ANGLE KICKS OUT AT THE DEATH!! The crowd thought Hardy had it there and so did the United States Champion as he has his hands on his head, frustrated that he couldn’t get the job done there.
Hardy picks himself up again, dusts himself off and steadies himself, he lets out another roar of adrenaline to the crowd who are right behind him here, they know what’s on Hardy’s mind. Hardy’s set, Angle’s to his feet now, he turns around, boot to the mid section, TWIST OF FATE!! NO!! ANGLE SHOVES HARDY AWAY!! Hardy flies into the ropes, he rebounds, right into Angle’s path, ANGLE SLAM!! ANGLE SLAM CONNECTS!! Cover, 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!!
Winner: Kurt Angle(7:06)
Michael Cole: Kurt Angle comes out on top tonight but you’ve gotta hand it to Matt Hardy! It looked like he could cause the upset but Kurt Angle taking advantage and that’s just how quickly Kurt Angle can turn the tables, that’s just how quickly Kurt Angle could become WWE Champion this Sunday.
Tazz: Ain’t no doubt about it Cole. Heck of a performance from Matt Hardy, he pushed Angle all the way but the experience that Kurt Angle’s got proved just a bit too much for Matt Hardy tonight. Angle can strike at any second, just like that and it wouldn’t surprise me one damn bit if he does the same Sunday night.
Angle is looking focused as he backs up the ramp, the fans booing the Wrestling Machine who is pumping himself up before we get a shot of Matt Hardy getting to his feet in the middle of the ring, the crowd cheering for the United States Champion …BAM!!! CARLITO FROM BEHIND SMASHES HARDY ACROSS THE BACK!! THE APPLE SPITTER COMING FROM THE CROWD!!
Michael Cole: CARLITO FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ABOUT?!
Tazz: I think he’s sendin’ a message Cole. Matt Hardy got one over on him last week, tonight’s Carlito’s turn.
Carlito now goes to work on Hardy, hammering away with vicious kicks across Hardy’s back, the crowd booing the shit out of the Apple Spitter here as he’s relentless in his assault. Lito finally gives it up…or so it seems before he drags Hardy to his feet, he’s perched behind Hardy, looking round the crowd before he DROPS HARDY WITH A BACKSTABBER!!
Tazz: Message sent.
Michael Cole: An ambush from Carlito here tonight and you’ve gotta believe that this is more than just trying to send a message. This is Carlito trying to weaken Matt Hardy just two nights before they meet at Summerslam.
Tazz: Uh oh, Cole I don’t think he’s done neither.
Carlito is indeed not done as he gets in Matt’s face, takes a bite of his apple BEFORE SPITTING APPLE IN THE FACE OF THE UNITED STATES CHAMPION!! DISGUSTING MOVE FROM CARLITO!! The crowd pouring heat on the ‘Coolest’ superstar on Friday nights here.
Michael Cole: You have got to be kidding me? That is as low, that is as classless, that is as disrespectful as you can get from Carlito!!
Tazz: I-I gotta admit that’s a little too far from Carlito right there. He’d done his job, the message was sent but that was a step too far Cole. Carlito oughtta be ashamed wit’ that move.
Carlito is now grinning from ear to ear as he departs the ring, looking on at the damage done as Hardy lay motionless in the ring, apple across his face and the crowd continuing to boo the hell out of his opponent this Sunday at Summerslam.
Commercials
We return and hear Michael Cole informing us that an interview took place during the commercial break with Josh Matthews catching up with Carlito.
Josh Matthews: Carlito!! Carlito, could you explain your actions here tonight in attacking Matt Hardy?
Carlito was grinning, however that grin changes soon after the question to more of a scowl.
Carlito: Josh, let Carlito explain a little something to ju. See last week was the debut of Carlito’s Cabana. Last week was a special week for Carlito and ju know who Carlito invited to be his guest on the show? Matt Hardy.
Carlito shakes his head.
Carlito: Carlito invited dat punk to be his guest and how did-how did he repay Carlito? He disrespected Carlito, he disrespected Carlito’s family and then he had the nerve to attack Carlito…on Carlito’s own show!!
Lito is pretty riled here.
Carlito: And ju…ju wanna question Carlito’s actions? Pffft, Carlito’s actions are COMPLETELY justified. Last week when he disrespected Carlito, he spat in Carlito’s face, he spat in Carlito’s family’s face. Tonight? Tonight all Carlito did…was spit right back in his.
Lito now begins smirking again.
Carlito: This Sunday Carlito’s gonna go one step further. This Sunday Matt Hardy’s gonna find out dat NOBODY disrespects Carlito, NOBODY disrespects Carlito’s family and gets away with it. Carlito WILL walk outta Washington this Sunday as the NEW United States Champion and Carlito WILL prove dat Matt Hardy is exactly what Carlito said he is, nothing more…than a failure.
Carlito laughs slyly to himself.
Carlito: And dat? Das cool.
Lito then heads off, the smirk certainly back on his face, a certain swagger about him as we then head back ringside where we see Hardcore Holly awaiting us, his music playing in the background.
Michael Cole: No matter how Carlito tries to justify his actions, you simply cannot comprehend what he’s done here tonight. Spitting in the face of Matt Hardy was just a step too far. But we’ve gotta move on and we are all set for action once again here tonight as Hardcore Holly awaits his opponent…
‘Hey’
‘Burn in my Light’
And right on cue, the Legend Killer, Randy Orton’s music hits and out steps the man who meets The Undertaker this Sunday to a chorus of boos.
Tazz: And I gotta feelin’ Cole that Bob Holly ain’t gonna like this opponent!!
Michael Cole: Well we heard earlier on tonight from this man, the Legend Killer and Tazz he seemed in a determined mood, a defiant mood as he looks to finally end The Undertaker this Sunday at Summerslam.
Tazz: I believe he’s gonna do it Cole, I believe that Randy Orton can achieve the impossible this Sunday night. The Undertaker, the Deadman, the Phenom, one of the biggest legends of all time but Cole, Randy Orton…is the Legend Killer.
Match Four: Singles Match
Randy Orton vs. Hardcore Holly
Orton dominates from the get go, putting some real aggression in his offense, some venomous right hands to the unfortunate Bob Holly here who is having absolute no joy in dealing with the Legend Killer.
Orton dissects Holly with some stern right hands before whipping Holly into the ropes, Holly rebounding and Orton catches him with a pinpoint dropkick, trademark Orton style as he eyes up the veteran with a look of fierce determination on his face here before going right back to work on his opponent, ammering away with a series of vicious stomps across the stomach as Holly cries out in pain.
Orton eventually drags Holly back to his knees, not taking his eyes off of him as he has a real sadistic streak tonight…BUT HOLLY SLAPS ORTON!! The crowd ooooohs as Orton holds his face, Holly showing some spirit before Orton SMASHES Holly with a kick to the face!! Tazz comments that Holly may have had some teeth knocked out there as Orton hammers a straight up kick to the face before dragging Holly over towards the ropes in what is now an exhibition for Orton as he positions Holly for a Hung Rope DDT!! CONNECTS!!
Holly is done for here as Orton eyes him up again before he poises himself, awaiting Holly’s return to his feet but it’s a slow one and in the end Orton simply drags Holly up himself, sick of waiting, spinning Holly round, RKO!! BAM!! Holly is out of it, 1...2...3...Orton wins in convincing fashion.
Winner: Randy Orton(3:20)
Orton celebrates his victory by mouthing off to the crowd who are booing the arrogant Legend Killer here before RKO goes round every side of the ring, pointing at the crowd, yelling ‘I will END him this Sunday, I…WILL…END…HIM’.
Michael Cole: Randy Orton in devastating form here tonight and it appears as though he is convinced about what he’s gonna achieve come Sunday. Randy Orton wants to finish The Undertaker, he wants to add The Undertaker to the list of legends he’s killed off.
Tazz: Randy Orton’s a little more than convinced Cole, he is adamant that he’s gonna finish off the Deadman Sunday night and I like that attitude. Orton doesn’t stand a chance if he goes in afraid, goes in scared of what the Phenom’s capable of. Orton goes in like this? He’s got every freakin’ chance.
Orton continues yelling at the crowd, telling them it’s ‘My time’ BEFORE THE LIGHTS GO OUT!!
Michael Cole: Oh boy, here we go!!
Orton doesn’t appear phased though as the purple kind of strobe lighting that comes with The Undertaker is in the ring, Orton clear to see as he shakes his head, not happy with the Deadman making his presence felt it would seem. We then hear the Phenom’s voice, yet no sign of the man himself.
The Undertaker: Randy Ortonnnnn. You claim that you are not afraid, that you are not scared…
Orton shakes his head, saying ‘I’m not’.
The Undertaker: But Randy, we are all afraid…of what we don’t know, of what we don’t understand and you…you do not know, you do not understand…the dead.
Nice pop for this as Orton laughs that claim off.
The Undertaker: At Summerslam, you may want to finish me but Randy, all that will be finished on Sunday is your legacy.
Orton mouths ‘What?’ confused by Taker’s claims.
The Undertaker: You claim that you are a ‘Legend Killer’ but Randy, you cannot kill…what’s already dead.
Big time pop for this.
The Undertaker: This Sunday I will take you to the depths of hell, you will realise once and for all just what you’re up against, just who you’re dealing with and Randy, at Summerslam, you will…REST…IN…PEACE!!
Another nice pop as the lights come back on, Orton stood still in the middle of this ring and he’s got a furious look on his face as he again mouths off at the crowd, yelling ‘I WILL FINISH HIM, HE DOESN’T SCARE ME!! HE DOESN…’
But the lights go out again!! The crowd are going wild as the lights come back on AND THE UNDERTAKER IS STANDING BEHIND ORTON!! ORTON TURNS AROUND AND HE ALMOST JUMPS OUT OF HIS SKIN BEFORE HIGHTAILING IT OUTTA THE RING!! Orton wanting nothing to do with the Deadman here!!
Michael Cole: So much for Randy Orton not being afraid!! So much for Randy Orton not fearing The Undertaker!! Orton running away from the Deadman here tonight but he can’t do that come Sunday!! He must come face to face with The Undertaker Sunday night in Wahsington!!
Tazz: Mind games to the max Cole. Orton’s been playin ‘em but The Undertaker is the master of the mind games and that right there just proves it. This one is gonna be absolutely off the charts come Sunday night, I can…not…wait.
Orton looks on at the Deadman, pointing at his head, saying to himself ‘It’s all up here, I am not afraid’ before Taker who has a stern look on his face then lets out a wry smile, realising that he HAS gotten to the Legend Killer here tonight.
We then cut away backstage once again and we see Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro backstage discussing something before the ever devilish Melina appears into shot, huffing and puffing, all three of their appearances draw a string of boos as the A-Listers, dressed casually, appear up to their scheming ways.
Johnny Nitro: Are you uh- are you alright? Where’ve you been?
Nitro is staring at Melina who doesn’t appear to be in the best of moods.
Melina: I’ve been trying to find him but he’s just…he’s just NOWHERE!! I’ve searched the arena from top to bottom and I can’t find him anywhere at all.
Mercury now stands up, concerned.
Joey Mercury: He’s…he’s gotta be here though, right? He still owes us, we gave him a LOT of money, that wasn’t a one off after all.
Melina: Hey, don’t you think I know that? I can’t find him, it’s as simple as that. He’s got the money and clearly…that’s all he was after.
Johnny Nitro: He can’t…he can’t just take our money and run!!
Melina: Well he has, so I don’t know what you want me to do abo…
?: Who has??
The trio’s faces then drop as Nitro now stands up, joining Mercury and Melina as we see ROB VAN DAM AND REY MYSTERIO APPEAR!!
Rob Van Dam: Well? Who’s taken your money and run huh?
Melina: W-what, what money? We don’t know what you’re talking about Rob so if you wouldn’t mind, we’ve uh, we’ve got business to attend to.
The trio go to depart but Rey wants to give them a few words.
Rey Mysterio: We heard everything you said Melina, you aren’t gonna get away with this!!
Melina puts her hand up as she continues walking off, Mercury and Nitro spin round, eyeing Van Dam and Mysterio up, realising they’ve got away with it here tonight…just.
Rob Van Dam: They can only run for so long Rey, the truth always…
always... comes out.
There’s a look of frustration on the faces of both Van Dam and Mysterio here as MNM simply head off, having avoided spilling the beans there, Van Dam and Mysterio however, edging closer to the truth.
Commercials
We return from the break and the theme of Summerslam is playing while we head to the announce desk as Michael Cole and Tazz get set to run down the line up.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Friday Night Smackdown and folks we are just forty eight hours away from what will no doubt be a monumental night at Summerslam and a huge grudge match set for Sunday sees Matt Hardy defend his United States title against the man who spat in his face here tonight, Carlito.
Tazz: This thing’s got real heated, real fast and it’s gonna be a straight up collision course Sunday night. Hardy’s reign as champion hasn’t been a long one but Carlito poses a major threat come Summerslam. Big match for both of these men.
Michael Cole: A bitter, personal rivalry comes to an end this Sunday and so too may the career of Ric Flair as he goes one on one with Christian, knowing that a defeat at the hands of Captain Charisma will send him into retirement.
Tazz: The stakes are absolutely huge Cole but if anybody can deal wit’ that kinda pressure, wit’ that much at stake, it’s the Nature Boy.
Michael Cole: Also from Monday Night Raw, the Intercontiental Championship will be on the line as the leader of the Arabian Entity, Muhammad Hassan puts his title on the line against long time rival, Shelton Benjamin!
Tazz: Could steal the show this one. Hassan’s been dominant as champion but with Charlie Haas finally in his corner, the odds finally evened, Benjamin’s got a shot at winnin’ back that title Sunday night.
Michael Cole: Well still to come in our main event tonight, JBL will take on John Cena but this Sunday the Wall Street Warrior will have another challenge in order as he takes on the undefeated, unstoppable, Bobby Lashley!
Tazz: Huge test for both men in this thing Cole. Lashley’s not faced anybody quite like JBL yet and I’m betting JBL ain’t faced anyone like Bobby Lashley. Can’t wait for this baby.
Michael Cole: From the red brand, No Holds Barred, Mark Jindrak meets the Big Show.
Tazz: A chance for Mark Jindrak to once and for all knock Big Show off this Sunday night and what a way to do it, No Holds Barred. As brutal, as vicious as you can get. Big Show may just thrive in this environment come Summerslam.
Michael Cole: An eight man tag team match with huge consequences. The World Tag Team champions, the Dudley Boyz team with the Basham Brothers to take on Sonjay Dutt and Daivari who join forces with Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth. Whoever scores the winning pinfall will earn a tag team title shot for themselves. If the Dudleyz score the pinfall, they get to choose their next opponents.
Tazz: Four teams all gunnin’ for the same thing but they’ve gotta work together if they wanna earn it. I don’t know how these dudes are gonna co-operate Sunday night but they’re gonna have to.
Michael Cole: A match that may finally end the war. Randy Orton one on one with The Undertaker!!
Tazz: Orton and the Deadman, at each other’s throats since back at Wrestlemania. This Sunday night, it’s all or nothing for these two men. Orton wants to finish the Phenom, The Undertaker wants to put Orton in his place. It’s gonna be an insane showdown when we head to Washington Cole.
Michael Cole: Also from Monday Night Raw, the Money in the Bank contract is up for grabs. Edge and Chris Jericho have been feuding ever since Wrestlemania with the Rated R Superstar keen to show that he is the real deal, that it’s his time on top. Y2J though has other ideas.
Tazz: Both of these men have got a huge amount to prove on Sunday and that Money in the Bank contract raises the stakes even higher. That thing guarantees you a World title match whenever you want right up to Wrestlemania! Jericho’s gonna be gunnin’ for Edge Sunday night.
Michael Cole: And also from Raw, a combustible situation that is all set to explode. The World Heavyweight Championship. Batista defends against Kane with Shawn Michaels as the Special Guest Referee. Will Shawn Michaels do…the right thing?
Tazz: Depends what you believe the right thing is Cole. Does he count Batista down and save himself? Or does he count Kane down and feel the wrath of Eric Bischoff? I wouldn’t wanna be in his or Batista’s shoes come Summerslam, that’s for sure.
Michael Cole: Last but by no means least, the WWE Championship. John Cena, Kurt Angle, one on one this Sunday night. It’s the match we’ve all been waiting for and finally these two men will square off. Will Cena overcome the Wrestling Machine or will Kurt Angle prove his claims ring true?
Tazz: I ain’t got a clue Cole, all I know is it’s gonna be a rocket buster Sunday night when these two come face to face. These two men are gonna absolute tear each other apart at Summerslam, we’re in for a treat Sunday night I’m telling ya.
‘Longhorn’
It’s immediate heat that greets the ever familiar music of the Wrestling God himself, John Bradshaw Layfield who comes out in his trademark limousine, white hat and black jacket on, sporting a wry smile.
Michael Cole: Well it indeed promises to be a HUGE night this Sunday at Summerslam but we are far from finished here tonight! We just mentioned that this man will go one on one with Bobby Lashley in two nights time, just how hard a task will JBL have to knock off the young powerhouse Tazz?
Tazz: A massive task for JBL Sunday night, ain’t no doubt about it, but Cole this man is a former WWE Champion, this man is the longest reigning WWE Champion in Smackdown history!! If anybody’s gonna get one over on Bobby Lashley it’s gonna be JBL.
‘My Time is Now’
It’s a mammoth ovation that greets the WWE Champion as for the first time this evening John Cena shows his face, a fired up, determined look on his face as he looks to put away his old rival here tonight.
Michael Cole: And would you listen to this ovation for the WWE Champion!! Sunday night it gets NO bigger than John Cena going one on one with Kurt Angle for that WWE Championship. Cena knows it’ll be his toughest test to date Tazz but it’s a challenge he is relishing.
Tazz: Ain’t no doubt about it Cole. Cena’s had his issues wit’ the man he faces tonight but when it comes down to Sunday night, it’s a whole different ball game. Angle’s called Cena out, time and again, he’s claimed Cena’s afraid, that Cena’s scared but I know John Cena and I know he’s gonna wanna put those claims to rest at Summerslam. It’s gonna be off the charts.
Match Five: Singles Match
John Cena vs. John Bradshaw Layfield
It’s a cagey opening as these two long time rivals try to outwit one another, they know each other inside out and it’s a game of cat and mouse, from Bradshaw especially as he uses the ropes to force the referee to order Cena away from him which is met with a wry smile from the WWE Champion.
We finally get going after around a minute of stalling and it’s Layfield who’s plan seems to work as he catches Cena off guard with a strong knee to the gut, doubling the champ over before the Wall Street Warrior goes to town with an array of clubbing right hands across the lower back. Cena is now down and JBL wastes little time in literally putting the boot in as he stomps the hell out of Cena, the New York faithful on Bradshaw’s back as he tells them all to ‘Shut your damn mouths’ before another boot to the chest of Cena.
Bradshaw continues to work Cena over, dropping several knees onto the chest of the WWE Champion before he drops down to Cena’s fallen body and begins to unload with some devastating right hands, the official giving JBL to the count of five before he finally breaks it, delivering a deathly glare at the referee as he picks himself up and drags Cena up also, smashing him with a forearm. JBL continues to look to be on the front foot, Irish whip to Cena who smashes into the turnbuckle, JBL now comes a charging but Cena sidesteps him and Layfield crashes into the turnbuckle!!
Cena now gets the upper hand as he immediately, although somewhat groggily, gets right on JBL’s tail, fast paced right hands from Cena here and the WWE Champ is firing on all cylinders as he lets a roar out to the crowd. Cena now with an Irish whip of his own and JBL smashes into the opposite corner, he rebounds right out though, the impact evident, right into Cena’s path and Cena smashes him down with a HUGE clothesline!!
The Doctor of Thuganomics immediately scoops Layfield up and goes back to work with some quick right hands, forcing Layfield into the ropes before another Irish whip and JBL rebounds right into a big hip toss from Cena!! JBL goes flying but wisely, very wisely, he manages to roll out of the ring, taking a breather on the outside as he clutches his lower back, Cena heading to the outside after him.
JBL is now to his knees as Cena hops off the apron and the champion goes to grab JBL by the hair but JBL with an elbow to the gut!! And another as Bradshaw’s wits seem to have worked as he bought himself some time and now he uses the barricade to draw himself up, Cena doubled over and JBL with a big boot to the gut before a THUNDEROUS Irish whip as Cena smashes into the barricade!! Huge impact there as Bradshaw puts himself right back in this contest, Cena now down and out as the New York crowd boo the ‘Wrestling God’.
JBL takes a little breather again before plodding over towards Cena, eyeing him up and down before he literally puts the boot in on his opponent, choking Cena with a boot to the throat as the referee’s countout has reached five and a bit, Layfield clearly not caring as he finally lets up before stomping the hell out of Cena’s head with a venomous shot. Bradshaw then drags Cena to his feet before tossing him back inside the ring, scowling at the New York faithful as he follows behind and he rolls Cena over into a cover, 1...2...kick out at two from Cena but Tazz mentions it’s smart from JBL in making Cena use every ounce of effort he has to kick out.
Bradshaw cuts a frustrated look before he decides to try and wear down Cena all the more as he locks the leader of the Chain Gang into a Sleeper hold, applying real force in the hold as he looks to drain Cena here. The crowd though are giving it all they have to will Cena to his feet as the referee begins to check on the WWE Champion. Cena appears to be struggling somewhat, his cheeks turned pink now as Bradshaw really cinches it in, the referee now raising Cena’s arm up high…and it drops. The crowd are still urging Cena on as the referee raises his arm a second time…and AGAIN it drops. Cena in a world of trouble now as the referee goes for the arm, a third and final time he raises it…and CENA FIGHTS IT!! Cena refuses to let it drop and the effort in his face is evident as he SHOWS INCREDIBLE STRENGTH TO PICK HIMSELF UP AND JBL IS ON HIS BACK!! WOW!! The crowd can’t believe it as Cena has JBL up high and manages to toss Bradshaw off of him!!
JBL is quickly back up though, he charges at Cena but the champion sees him coming and DROPS HIM WITH A SPINNING SIDE SLAM!! JBL in a world of trouble now as Cena has turned the tide and he runs the ropes, stops dead in his tracks, FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!! CONNECTS!! Cena now steadies himself, JBL returning slowly to his feet, he’s getting there…he’s up, he spins round, FU!! NO!! JBL rolls out the back of it and he ROLLS OUT THE RING!! BRADHSAW IS LEAVING!! The fans are booing the hell out of the Wall Street Warrior here as he backs up the ramp, wagging his finger saying ‘No’ but the boos soon turn to cheers as we see BOBBY LASHLEY STORM FROM THE BACK AND HE GRABS JBL, SPRINTING DOWN THE RAMP AND TOSSES JBL BACK INSIDE THE RING!!
Lashley assisting Cena here as the champion awaits his prey, JBL enters the cauldron, FU!! FU TO JBL!! Lashley has a wry smirk on his face as Cena rolls him into the cover, 1...2...3...HE GOT HIM!!
Winner: John Cena(10:17)
Michael Cole: John Cena victorious!! A huge win for the WWE Champion as he heads to Washington this Sunday!!
Tazz: Hey, he can thank Bobby Lashley for the assist later but that’s a heck of a win for John Cena right there. The momentum is wit’ the champ come Sunday, that’s for sure. I think Cena’s gonna be ready, he’s gonna be prepared for everything that Kurt Ang…HEY!!
No he’s not as Cena is ambushed from behind by KURT ANGLE!! Angle comes through the crowd and clubs Cena from behind and now there’s an assault, Angle stomping the holy hell out of Cena here BEFORE GOING RIGHT FOR THE ANKLE!!! ANKLE LOCK TO CENA!!
Michael Cole: What the hell is Kurt Angle doing?! Kurt Angle taking the coward’s way out!! Kurt Angle wanted to go face to face, man to man with John Cena and now he’s…now he’s attacking him from behind AGAIN!!
Tazz: It’s all mind games Cole, Angle’s inside Cena’s head and come Sunday this is all gonna work in the Wrestlin’ Machine’s favour.
Angle continues to wrench the hold in before FINALLY stopping as Cena rolls around in agony, his ankle played around with like a toy from Kurt Angle here who has the broadest of smiles on his face as he stares down his work here tonight, a broken down WWE Champion before Angle drops down to Cena’s level, getting in the WWE Champion’s face as the boos continue to ring round the arena. Angle eyes up Cena before simply stating ‘Face….to Face’ and letting out a twisted laugh before getting to his feet and roaring to the crowd.
Michael Cole: Well in just forty eight hours it WILL be face to face!! It will be man to man!! Kurt Angle will have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide this Sunday night. Will the Olympic Gold Medalist prove he really is the true champion? Or will the Doctor of Thuganomics overcome this obstacle, will he overcome the Wrestling Machine? It’s Angle versus Cena for the WWE Championship at Summerslam, you won‘t wanna miss it!!
Date: 21st August 2005
Location: Washington DC
World Heavyweight Championship:
Special Guest Referee: Shawn Michaels
Batista(c) vs Kane
WWE Championship:
John Cena(c) vs Kurt Angle
If Ric Flair loses, he must retire:
Christian w/Tomko vs Ric Flair
Randy Orton vs The Undertaker
WWE Intercontinental Championship:
Muhammad Hassan(c) vs Shelton Benjamin
Money in the Bank Contract:
Edge vs Chris Jericho
WWE United States Championship:
Matt Hardy(c) vs Carlito
8 Man Tag Team Match:
The Dudley Boyz and The Basham Brothers vs Ken Doane and Nick Nemeth; The Platform to Perfection and Sonjay Dutt and Daivari; The Arabian Entity
John Bradshaw Layfield vs Bobby Lashley
No Holds Barred Match:
Mark Jindrak w/William Regal vs Big Show
This is a lot later than i had anticipated posting but i've had LOADS of problems with my laptop. I actually lost this entire show as well as my entire Summerslam. THANKFULLY Summerslam was saved in an email, however Smackdown wasn't so lucky. Therefore this is a complete rewrite and if it's a little short or not up to standard then that'd explain why.
For those of you who i usually feedback, my laptop problems are the reason why i haven't reviewed yet however i will get round to you all soon. As far as this thing goes, Summerslam is DONE bar one or two video packages. I would expect to post a preview sometime soon depending on my laptop being kind to me. Until then, hope all are well and all feedback would be great. Cheers.
WWE 2005: Raising the Bar.
Re: WWE 2005: Raising the Bar.
Also thanks a lot for the NOC feedback mate!
