INFAMOUS: WWE in 2007

[Qui-Gon Bren]

WWE in 2007 was an unforgettable blend of incredible highs and devastating lows. Featuring two high profile World Championship matches and the perfect promotional storm that was the “Battle of the Billionaires”, WrestleMania 23 was WWE’s most successful shows EVER, setting new financial records for ticket sales and pay-per-view buys. In the ring, truly iconic matches, feuds, and moments took place. The Undertaker and Batista’s classic rivalry spanned the entire year. Edge cemented his place as the “Ultimate Opportunist”. Randy Orton ascended to the main event for good. In the midst of his longest reign as champion, John Cena had a career year on top! “The Champ” delivered all-time performances time and time again with the likes of Umaga, Shawn Michaels, Edge, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, and even carried The Great Khali through the best matches of his big ass life. 2007’s Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank matches were top tier offerings of each stipulation. A rising crop of new talent foretold WWE’s bright future. Bobby Lashley, Mr. Kennedy, Umaga, MVP, CM Punk, Cryme Tyme and a resurgent Jeff Hardy all made an impact in 2006, each with clear paths to climbing WWE’s ladder of success in 2007.

On the other hand, scandal and tragedy rocked the world of professional wrestling like never before. The Chris Benoit situation nearly destroyed WWE. In the wake of Benoit’s actions, the Signature Pharmacy scandal yet again put WWE on public trial for the use of steroids. A large number of superstars were suspended, others quit, and the trajectory of the company both creatively and business wise were forever changed. If all of that wasn’t enough, a remarkable amount of high profile injuries occurred throughout the year. WWE was forced time and time again to pivot direction on the fly and even crown new champions. 2007, for all it’s ups and downs, is one of the most unpredictable years the company ever experienced. As a fan, it was one of my FAVORITE times. Outside of the obviously horrible real life events that happened in June, most of what happened on screen was an enjoyable experience for 15 year old me. A lot of my favorite stars were on top. PPVs were must see for me and my friends. The injuries sucked, but led to some interesting moments we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

In past Book This projects, I would choose a time period that I disliked. When I thought the product sucked, so I could “improve” things. Now writing again for the first time in over a decade, I’m going to attack a time period I really enjoyed… but want to see how fun it could be without the debacles that ruined the year for many. I’m going to do everything I can to make this version of WWE different than the one we saw in real life. So as much as I loved WrestleMania 23, no matches from that show will be repeated. I’m not going to force myself to honor IRL injuries. I do think there could be some fun challenges writing a BTB with randomized injuries though. It’s an idea I’ve toyed with, but won’t consider implementing unless I can keep this project going long enough to get through WrestleMania. And for the final piece of business: Chris Benoit will not be used in this story. There’s no point in trying to use someone that will commit a double murder-suicide should my writing get that far into the year. In 2006, Benoit took a long hiatus through the summer to heal some injuries, eventually returning at No Mercy in October. In this alternate timeline, Chris Benoit never returns from that sabbatical. Benoit's second match back from injury was defeating Mr. Kennedy for the United States Championship. How Benoit’s non-return in my story effects Kennedy and the U.S. Title will be explored when I post my first episode of SmackDown.

Love or hate 2007, it’s one of the most INFAMOUS years in the history of professional wrestling.
My goal with this alternate timeline is to create a version of WWE in 2007 that would be considered ILLUSTRIOUS.​

 

[Qui-Gon Bren]

ROSTERS & CHAMPIONS (as of January 1st, 2007)

 

[Qui-Gon Bren]

JANUARY 1st, 2007 - Miami, Florida, USA
​

• Kevin Federline (w/ Johnny Nitro) def. John Cena (non-title) in a No DQ match
• Cryme Tyme & The Highlanders def. Cade, Murdoch, & World’s Greatest Tag Team
• Jeff Hardy (non-title) def. Rob Conway [*1]
• Melina def. Maria
• Kenny Dykstra & Chris Masters def. Ric Flair & Carlito (w/ Torrie Wilson)
• Umaga, Estrada, Coachman, & Nitro def. John Cena in a 4-on-1 Handicap match via DQ [*2]

NOTES:

1. After his loss to Jeff Hardy, Rob Conway was FIRED by Mr. McMahon.​
2. Umaga assaulted John Cena after the main event. Guest commentator Kevin Federline entered the ring to mock Cena, and was also ATTACKED by the Samoan Bulldozer. When Federline’s posse came to the ring, they attempted to engage Umaga, which led to complete chaos! This brawl had to be broken up by arena security and local law enforcement, who had to remove Umaga from the building.​

JANUARY 2ND, 2007 - Lakeland, Florida, USA​

• Test def. Sabu​

• Elijah Burke & Sylvester Terkay def. The FBI​

• Kevin Thorn (w/ Ariel) def. Balls Mahoney​

• ECW Championship: Bobby Lashley ( C ) vs Rob Van Dam ended in a No Contest [*1]​

NOTES:

1. Rob Van Dam was physically unable to continue after an apparent leg injury.​

JANUARY 5th, 2007 - Lakeland, Florida, USA
​

NOTE:

1. General Manager Teddy Long started the show by announcing a TWO week long “Beat the Clock Challenge” series. These matches are referred to as “SmackDown! Sprint matches”. The superstar has the fastest time by the end of SmackDown NEXT WEEK will be the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Champion Batista at ROYAL RUMBLE.​

• Kane def. Chavo Guerrero in a SD! Sprint match (7:53)
• William Regal vs Brian Kendrick ended in a time limit draw in a SD! Sprint Match (7:53)
• Gregory Helms vs Jimmy Wang Yang ended in a time limit draw in a SD! Sprint match (7:53)
• Ashley def. Jillian
• King Booker def. Finlay in a SD! Sprint Match (6:24)

NOTE:

1. Competitors for SmackDown! Sprint matches next week include Mr. Kennedy, Paul London, MVP, Matt Hardy, and the Undertaker!​

PAY-PER-VIEW PREVIEW

THIS SUNDAY!
JANUARY 7th, 2007 - Kansas City, Missouri, USA

New Year's Revolution
announced matches

*As of this writing, Umaga's status for New Year's Revolution and the WWE Championship match against John Cena is UNKNOWN after last being seen having to be removed from the arena by security and police. We'll post any updates that become available before the pay-per-view this Sunday.​

 

[Stojy]

I've always had an interest for BTB's around the 2006 - 2008 period for one reason or another, so this is right in the sweet spot for me. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this, good luck.