I'd appreciate if this isn't merged into that one thread in this section with everything else. I find it a little wierd everything is combined into one, so I'd love it if these could be left alone. It'd help me immensely
The return of UWF's Power 25 is upon us! This edition will be quite lengthier than the ones that will succeed it due to the fact I've had to take into account two weeks of shows to get the balance right, but also because it's me doing this after all. This Power 25 only takes into account from Vengeance onwards, so anything that happened beforehand doesn't factor into this list. If you were quite successful in the weeks leading up to Vengeance and haven't quite got it going yet, chances are you're not on the list.
Don't be discouraged by your showing either, this is just for fun and for something further to add to the Interactive section. It's something I do hope can be taken seriously and as something you all strive to climb. The ways in which you will not only make the list but climb as high as possible are by consistently winning your matches, submitting promos on a regular basis, and basically your character's overall impact on their show that week. Complete no shows will slide you down the list quicker than if you lost a match, so with that said expect some surprise placings I'm sure.
Let me remind you to ignore EVERYTHING before Vengeance to understand this list completely. With that said, let my reign as the Power 25 guy begin!
UWF Power 25
Sunday, 23rd of September, 2012 to Sunday, 7th of October, 2012
Who Drops Off
Seeing how this is my first Power 25, obviously nobody drops off, but this is for me to warn you all to do your absolute best so that you don't land here!
Watch Out For...
Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman
A man with a mean streak, Lesnar has been throwing his weight around the last two weeks on NXT and showing just what he can do. Both Lesnar and Heyman haven't been short of words either, having something to say at Vengeance and on NXT this past week, but words can only get you so far on the Power 25, it's whether you can turn them into victories that matters. Lesnar was unable to do so this week, losing to Zack Ryder, but he took out his frustrations on the referee and will look do to the same thing next week and get a win on the board. If he begins to do that, he'll find himself on the Power 25 in no time.
Bully Ray
The tough Bully Ray returned from a two week lay-off on NXT this past week, taking control of a microphone and abusing the crowd, followed by immediately impacting on the final Gold Rush tournament match of the night. Ray distracted CM Punk in his match against Abyss, which Punk ultimately lost, before Ray attacked Punk and was rewarded by JBL with a number one contender's match at King of the Ring. Look for NXT's resident bully to continue to throw his weight around and make the Power 25 very soon.
Rhino w/Jonathan Coachman
The unrelenting Rhino, accompanied by the confident Coach, immediately set their sights on the Extreme Champion, R-Truth, at Vengeance. Neither were scheduled to appear, but Rhino took exception. Rhino Gored a fallen Sting through a Table set up against the turnbuckle, followed by showing up to NXT demanding to be put in matches. Coachman warned JBL that NXT would be closed down if their words weren't heeded, but I'd be more worried about Rhino tearing the superstars to shreds before then. If what we saw at Vengeance is a sign of things to come, his next victims will be those dropping off the Power 25.
Scott Steiner w/Petey Williams
Scott Steiner hasn't had a match on Raw quite yet, but he is already making waves. At Vengeance he stepped up to The Rock and brutalised him with a steel pipe a week later on Raw to assist "his bitch" Petey Williams in picking up the victory. Steiner's brutal attack has caused The Rock to rethink his UWF career, leaving the company not long later and further signifying how threatening Steiner really is. He's a danger for the Raw superstars, but he's also a danger for those on the Power 25.
25. Christian
In what was possibly the biggest surprise of the night at Clash of Champions, Christian returned to UWF and made the biggest impact possible - by interfering in the UWF Championship match. Still bitter about not becoming champion back at The Great American Bash, Christian prevented Austin from continuing his record-breaking reign, spearing him and therefore handing the victory to his former New World Order colleague, Cody Rhodes.
The following week on Raw, Christian refused to go into any details as to why he did what he did, instead explaining that Jericho putting him on the shelf was a blessing in disguise and that he deserves one more World Championship match for what happened to him months ago. Christian then briefly appeared backstage that same night, interrupting Rhodes' interview by congratulating him on his victory, before staring Rhodes down and walking off. Although he's yet to return to in-ring competition, Christian is already making waves on Raw, but his impact has been enough to see him scrape into the Power 25.
24. Abyss w/Daffney
Although the sadistic Abyss didn't have a match at Vengeance, let alone even appear, his name was still brought up on the pay-per-view as one of eight men competing in the Gold Rush tournament.
The following week on NXT, in the final match of the night, Abyss was successful in defeating CM Punk and advancing to the Semi-Finals, but only thanks to some good fortune. The match looked close to being over and Abyss was nearly eliminated early from the tournament, only for Bully Ray to distract Punk long enough for Abyss to scramble his way back into the match and end it on the winning side courtesy of a Black Hole Slam. Abyss is through to the Semi-Finals and a very menacing threat to the rest of the Gold Rush tournament competitors, but also to those above him on the Power 25.
23. Derrick Bateman w/Johnny Curtis & Maxine
Like Abyss, the often entertaining Derrick Bateman didn't have a match at Vengeance, let alone even appear either, but his name was also brought up on the pay-per-view as one of eight men competing in the Gold Rush tournament.
When NXT rolled around a week later, Bateman began the night sorting out his differences with Johnny Curtis and Maxine, ensuring that all three were on the same page. Fortunately for Bateman's tag partner, Johnny Curtis, he'll be getting drinks and "a little wierd" with Maxine this week thanks to Bateman as Bateman has advanced to the Semi-Finals of the Gold Rush tournament after defeating Jimmy Jacobs with the move he likes to call "Mantastic". It was certainly a fantastic night for Bateman and co, placing Bateman in a great position on NXT and landing him a spot on the Power 25.
22. UWF NXT Champion, Randy Orton
The Viper had a great night at Vengeance, where he was successful in defending his NXT Championship against Robert Roode in a highly competitive match. In one of the matches of the night, Orton found a way to dispose of a stubborn Roode, but it was the course of action Orton took to leave with his championship that surprised all. Orton had to revert from his usual tricks and lock on a devastating Cross Arm breaker, which Roode had no choice but to tap out to as it appeared his arm was about to be broken with just the sheer pressure Orton applied on the manoeuvre. Orton worked for his victory but came out victorious, but the smile was quickly wiped off his face by NXT General Manager, John "Bradshaw" Layfield, who declared a step up in competition for Orton, announcing an eight-man Gold Rush tournament with the winner facing Orton at King of the Ring.
The announcement must have got to Orton's head due to the NXT Champion not making an appearance of any form on NXT this week, but that's something he's sure to rectify next week, where he'll surely climb the Power 25.
21. Rey Mysterio
In the final match of Vengeance, the World Heavyweight Championship was on the line, but unfortunately Mysterio was unsuccessful. The positive that Mysterio can take from this loss is the fact he wasn't pinned, which should serve as encouragement for the future.
Mysterio went into Smackdown looking to turn things around against The Rated-R Superstar, Edge, who was also coming off Vengeance with a loss. Unfortunately for Mysterio he didn't quite get the job done, but he was arguably not beaten cleanly. Edge attempted to rip off Mysterio's mask, and while Mysterio was focused on pulling it back over his face, Edge took full advantage and picked up a victory. If Mysterio was to kick out of the pinfall attempt, his mask would have fallen off, so to protect his identity he took the loss on the chin. It all worked out later in the show for Mysterio, because after the tag team main event that involved the new World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena, Smackdown's General Manager, Desmond Wolfe, announced that Mysterio would face Cena for the championship at Halloween Havoc, giving Mysterio something to believe in after not being pinned at Vengeance and having no option but to give up the win on Smackdown. If luck happens to be on Mysterio's side by the time Halloween Havoc ends, Mysterio could be much higher on the Power 25 very soon. All Mysterio needs is to begin picking up the victories.
20. Shawn Michaels
Before he was to step out for his match, Shawn Michaels sent a clear warning to his opponent for Clash of Champions, Kurt Angle, by repeating that it takes one second for it to be all over, followed by hitting the Sweet Chin Music on an unsuspecting Todd Grisham. Although Michaels was able to connect with the Sweet Chin Music during his match, it wasn't enough to keep the Olympic Gold Medallist down, which resulted in Michaels leaving the match defeated. The old-timer showed he still has it, though, pushing Angle to the absolute limit like only The Heartbreak Kid can, before his night ended courtesy of an Angle Slam.
The following week on Raw, Michaels was forced to team with Angle in a tag team match against the bizarre duo of Goldust & Mankind. When it looked like Angle was about to put Goldust away, he was hit by Sweet Chin music courtesy of Michaels, handing the victory to Goldust & Mankind but yet another loss to his name. Earlier in the night, Michaels was announced as one of eight men in the King of the Ring tournament, and he will be looking to turn around his fortune in the tournament as well his position on the Power 25. Michaels would be higher, but a victory has been hard to come by lately.
19. Big Show
Unfortunately for the Big Show, his first championship match ended in a loss for the giant, but he can claim he was never actually defeated by Damien Sandow. Sandow may have retained the Television Championship, but not after Show smashed a Steel Chair across Sandow's skull first. Once disqualified, Show wasn't finished yet. He signalled his intent by locking in the Cobra Clutch on a downed Sandow, followed by a massive chokeslam onto the busted chair. Technically beaten, but not convincingly, which'll bode well for the big man's UWF future.
Show's proving to be a dangerous man on Smackdown, and he has already set his sights on a new target. Before his match against Dolph Ziggler on Smackdown, Show spoke backstage about how "show-offs" get hurt, how it's important to never screw with a giant, but also about his loss at Vengeance. Show dismissed his loss to Sandow and his brain snap, immediately turning his attention to Jeff Jarrett's European Championship. In a clear message to Jarrett, Show stepped away from the interview area and suddenly had the missing Ricardo Rodriquez in his grasp, pummelling the poor ring announcer and leaving for his match as Rodriquez was attended to. Show's plan was half successful and half unsuccessful - he did get his target's attention, but it cost him his match. While the official reached number eight of the ten count, Show threw Ziggler back into the ring after a vicious chokeslam, only to have a surprise visitor in the form of Alberto Del Rio. Show was distracted long enough to be counted out, but he took his anger out on Ziggler, throwing him about like a rag doll and locking in the Cobra Clutch. Show's recent domination should see him higher on the Power 25, but like Michaels and Mysterio, his lack of victories hinder his position.
18. Dolph Ziggler
Appearing briefly at Vengeance backstage with Todd Grisham, Dolph Ziggler spoke about how he doesn't need Vickie Guerrero, how he has paid his dues, and how he loves to show-off. Ziggler also referred to himself as the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.
Ziggler looked to back up his words in his Smackdown debut, going some way in accomplishing just that. His first challenge was a massive one, in the form of The World's Largest Athlete, Big Show, and although Ziggler was victorious, it came through some good fortune. Show was distracted by Alberto Del Rio long enough to be counted out and Ziggler awarded the victory, but that was as far as the highlights went for Ziggler, after he was beaten mercilessly by an enraged Show. Although badly beaten, Ziggler's instant impact has seen him immediately jump onto the Power 25 and into a promising position.
17. Michael McGillicutty
Having only just made his NXT debut days earlier, and with no match at Vengeance, McGillicutty was briefly seen backstage, much to his chagrin. Josh Matthews got a quick interview with McGillicutty where McGillicutty spoke about scouting the talent on offer and how he'd soon be the name on everybody's lips, stating his intentions to win the NXT Championship too. Later in the night, McGillicutty was announced as one of eight men in the Gold Rush tournament.
The following week on NXT, McGillicutty became the third man to advance to the Semi-Finals of the tournament, defeating The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, with the McGillicutter. An encouraging start for the third generation superstar, also landing a promising position on the Power 25 and coming in third for NXT.
16. Zack Ryder
There was no match at Vengeance for the Long Island Iced Z, but Ryder did appear briefly backstage with Todd Grisham, where he spoke confidently about his victory over Derrick Bateman on NXT that week and how he was setting his sights on the NXT Championship. Ryder was then promptly interrupted by Jimmy Jacobs, who spoke about representing the darkness and offered to Ryder to join a protest alongside Jacobs as they're two men who deserve better, an offer that Ryder seems to have ignored. Later in the night, Ryder was announced as one of eight men competing in the Gold Rush tournament.
The following week on NXT, Ryder was the first man to advance to the Semi-Finals of the tournament, managing to tame Brock Lesnar through hitting the Rough Ryder. For his significant appearances the last two weeks, Ryder has found himself sixteenth on the Power 25, but also ranked second for NXT.
15. Jeff Hardy
Although not scheduled to compete at Vengeance, a returning Jeff Hardy made possibly the biggest impact of the night, coming to the new World Heavyweight Champion's aid. Cena was being battered with steel chairs courtesy of Damien Sandow & Daniel Bryan, prompting the emergence of the newest member of Y.E.S, Bray Wyatt, to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. Hardy had other plans, emerging to save the day and clean house, before raising Cena's championship high, clearly stating his intentions.
Hardy will have to wait before receiving a World Heavyweight Championship shot, but he was given a Tag Team title match alongside Edge at Halloween Havoc, facing the formidable team of Y.E.S. In a possible sign of things to come, Hardy was victorious in Smackdown's main event over the champions, where his partner for the night was Cena, who hit an Attitude Adjustment on Bryan for the victory. Hardy has definitely made an impact on returning, already climbing the Power 25.
14. Mankind
At Clash of Champions, Mankind teamed with Goldust to take on the UWF Tag Team Champions, Damien Sandow & Daniel Bryan, two men who were still feeling the effects of a tough night at Vengeance. When it looked as if the bizarre duo would be victorious due to Mankind shoving the Mandible Claw straight down Bryan's throat, Mankind was suddenly rolled up by Sandow, spelling the end of a brave performance from Goldust & Mankind.
Not to dwell on their laurels, the duo were successful on Raw in defeating the makeshift team of Kurt Angle & Shawn Michaels, but they were victorious due to their opponents’ hostility towards one another. If it wasn't for Michaels connecting on Angle's chin with the Sweet Chin music, Goldust & Mankind may never have been victors, but as they say in the business - a win is a win. Earlier in the night, Mankind was announced as one of eight men in the King of the Ring tournament, a tournament he could be a dark horse in winning, although the same does go for his ally. Nonetheless, Mankind has shown enough promise to land himself a spot just below half way in the Power 25.
13. Goldust
At Clash of Champions, Goldust teamed with Mankind to take on the UWF Tag Team Champions, Damien Sandow & Daniel Bryan, two men who were still feeling the effects of a tough night at Vengeance. When it looked as if the bizarre duo would be victorious due to Mankind shoving the Mandible Claw straight down Bryan's throat, Mankind was suddenly rolled up by Sandow, spelling the end of a brave performance from Goldust & Mankind.
Not to dwell on their laurels, the duo were successful on Raw in defeating the makeshift team of Kurt Angle & Shawn Michaels, but they were victorious due to their opponents’ hostility towards one another. If it wasn't for Michaels connecting on Angle's chin with the Sweet Chin music, Goldust & Mankind may never have been victors, but as they say in the business - a win is a win. Earlier in the night, Goldust was announced as one of eight men in the King of the Ring tournament, a tournament he could be a dark horse in winning, although the same does go for his ally. Seeing how Goldust and Mankind have been attached at the hip lately, Goldust has also shown enough promise to land himself a spot at about half way in the Power 25... and an almost identical blurb too.
12. Mr Money in the Bank, Bray Wyatt w/Eli Cottonwood
At Vengeance, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder was defeated by Jeff Jarrett for Jarrett's European Championship after Eli Cottonwood was taken down at ringside by Jarrett's tag team partner, Alberto Del Rio, and Karen Jarrett assisted her husband with the victory. Wyatt would appear later in the night looking to completely reverse his defeat, cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase after the World Heavyweight Championship match was over, where we witnessed John Cena become champion. The UWF Tag Team Champions, Damien Sandow & Daniel Bryan, attacked Cena with steel chairs, opening the way for Wyatt, now the newest member of Y.E.S, to cash in his briefcase. Unfortunately Wyatt's night was ruined further as Jeff Hardy came to Cena's rescue and cleaned house, smashing Wyatt across the skull with a steel chair.
Over a week later on Smackdown, before his match that night, Wyatt spoke about being done with his mission in saving the UWF Universe, but also reminding everyone of what he has in his possession - "but soon, you will all see, that I am heaven bound after a living hell and I WILL... bring on the end times... because I have just the very tool to do it. Should I see fit..." which eludes to his Money in the Bank briefcase. Wyatt went on to successfully team with Jarrett, defeating Dean Ambrose & Batista after Ambrose knocked out Batista with a Steel Chair. An important victory for Wyatt, who cracks the top half of the Power 25.
11. Dean Ambrose
The often crazy Dean Ambrose was successful in the opening match at Vengeance, defeating Batista and Samoa Joe in a Street Fight that pitted three aggressive men against one another. There wasn't anything major riding on the match result, but Ambrose can now claim a victory over two tough characters, proving he's possibly Smackdown's toughest superstar.
Ambrose decided that this wasn't proof enough, showing up to Smackdown over a week later for his tag match alongside Batista, against Bray Wyatt & Jeff Jarrett. Wyatt ended up pinning Batista after Ambrose was taken out, but not before Ambrose hit Batista with a Steel Chair, causing his team to lose. Once more in his twisted fashion, Ambrose attacked Batista with a Steel Chair, this time after the match. Ambrose then went on to say that nobody can go toe-to-toe with him in this ring, let alone in an anything goes match, only for his challenge to be met by Velvet Sky & Raven, setting a match for Halloween Havoc that was later announced as an I Quit match with the ring ropes made out of barbed wire. Ambrose's vicous streak has him in a great position on the Power 25, just outside the top ten.
10. Edge
The Rated-R Superstar can feel slightly aggravated with how Vengeance transpired. In what's being referred to as the match of the night, Edge went down in a brutal Last Man Standing match against Daniel Bryan, but only through some controversy. Although Edge didn't move when the ten count was made, Bryan rolled off a table and his feet momentarily touched the ring just as the ten count was completed. Bryan was declared the victor, but it's a victory that Edge would consider a hollow one in his eyes.
Edge set out to prove that Bryan's victory was a fluke in a match on Smackdown against one half of the Justice League, Rey Mysterio. Edge left victorious after coming close to removing Mysterio's mask. While Mysterio was focused on fixing up the mask, Edge took advantage and claimed a sneaky victory, living up to his moniker of The Ultimate Opportunist and laying to rest his misfortune at Vengeance. Not long later on Smackdown, Edge was given a UWF Tag Team Championship opportunity at Halloween Havoc alongside Jeff Hardy, against reigning champions, Damien Sandow & Daniel Bryan. A narrow loss, a great victory, and a title shot means Edge sits comfortably in the Power 25 top ten.
9. Kurt Angle
The Olympic Gold Medallist, Kurt Angle, has been on a mission ever since his debut, immediately setting his sights on his Clash of Champions opponent, Shawn Michaels, which was ultimately the reason for the match being established. The two men have traded words frequently ever since, but on the night Angle remained silent, proving that actions speak louder than words. In a match that pitted two of the greatest against one another, it was Angle who emerged as the victor, forcing Michaels to give it up after an Angle Slam. It took every ounce of strength Angle had left to pull out the victory, with both men laying motionless in the ring for some time after the match, before Angle summoned the ability to leave under his own will.
The following week on Raw, Angle was forced to team with Michaels in a tag team match against the bizarre duo of Goldust & Mankind. When it looked like Angle was about to put Goldust away, he was hit by Sweet Chin music courtesy of his rival, handing the victory to Goldust & Mankind on a sil... GOLDEN platter. Earlier in the night, Angle was announced as one of eight men in the King of the Ring tournament, a tournament he will look to win to not only put his feud with Michaels to bed, but also to prove that he's still a wrestling machine. Angle has, arguably, yet to be properly pinned yet, setting himself up for a strong run to the top of the Power 25.
8. UWF Hardcore Champion, James Storm
Immediately before his match was to take place at Clash of Champions, James Storm was met backstage by Jeremy Borash, who interviewed the number one contender to the Hardcore Championship. Storm went on to speak about how he's enjoying his night drinking and having a great time, before completely dismissing his loss to Kurt Angle that week. Storm went on to hit the Last Call Superkick on Borash before making his way out for his match. That superkick was a sign of things to come, because in a competitive match, Storm emerged victorious and as the new Hardcore Champion, defeating Curt Hawkins after hitting the same superkick, crushing a steel chair into Hawkins' face, followed by an Eye of the Storm onto the steel steps for good measure.
The following week on Raw Storm would speak once again, where he reminded the UWF Universe that he told them he would win, but also by sending a clear message to any possible future contenders in classic Storm fashion - "Ya wanna shot at me? Earn it first, boy". Earlier in the night, Storm was announced as one of eight men in the King of the Ring tournament, a tournament the Hardcore Champion will be looking to be victorious in and to take the next step up the Raw food chain. If he accomplishes that, he'll find himself even higher on the Power 25, but he should be very proud of his third place spot for Raw.
7. UWF European Champion, Jeff Jarrett w/Alberto Del Rio, Karen Jarrett & Ricardo Rodriquez
Before his title defence at Vengeance, the European Champion, Jeff Jarrett, appeared backstage, assessing Smackdown footage with wife, Karen Jarrett. He was soon informed by his tag team partner, Alberto Del Rio, that Ricardo Rodriquez wouldn't be announcing him to the ring that night, yet this issue didn't distract Jarrett from his goal. Jarrett immediately went on to defeat Bray Wyatt, controversially at that, to retain his European Championship. The manner of the victory came after Del Rio removed Eli Cottonwood from the picture and Karen held Jarrett's feet on the bottom rope during the winning pinfall.
Nonetheless, Jarrett had a successful night and remains European Champion, but that success was just the beginning. Jarrett would be forced to team up with Wyatt to face Dean Ambrose & Batista a week later on Smackdown, with the make shift duo successful after Ambrose screwed his teammate and Wyatt picked up the pieces. Jarrett has been on quite a roll lately and deserves his place on the Power 25.
6. UWF Extreme Champion, R-Truth w/Lil Jimmy
The delusional Extreme Champion had a night that began a little unusual but ended in success at Vengeance. Truth began backstage, speaking to Todd Grisham about many issues, which can simply be summed up in his own words - "Feets is those hands that are glued to yo’ legs. They s’pposed to scare off scorpions – BUT THEY DON’T!". Truth spoke about his dislike for scorpions but also his dislike for stings, voicing his opinion on his opponent for the night, Sting, and how the conspiracy would get the boot. True to his word, Truth countered Sting's Scorpion Deathlock into a Small Package in a highly competitive match to retain his championship. Truth's celebrations were cut short, though, as all he could do was watch from the ramp as a vicious Rhino jumped the barricade and Gored a fallen Sting through a Table set up against the turnbuckle, sending a clear message towards the champion.
He may have vanquished his fear of scorpions, but what about rhinos? Well Truth certainly isn't afraid of rhinos, or Rhino for that matter, speaking in the ring this past week on NXT where he dismissed Rhino's chances of beating him, as well as claiming NXT as his brand, not Randy Orton's. According to his position on the Power 25, Truth may have a point.
5. UWF United States Champion, John Morrison
The Tuesday Night Delight has been a revelation on Raw in the past month, amassing an enviable undefeated streak, yet even greatness isn't immune to being aggravated by backstage interviewers. Todd Grisham attempted to interview Morrison at Clash of Champions as Morrison made his way towards the curtain, only for the cocky Morrison to steal the microphone, push Grisham away, and verbally dispose of his opponent for the night, the United States Champion, Kofi Kingston. All Morrison needed to do now was go out and back up his words, which he did with an efficient and classy performance over a man whose reign was only coming to the end of its second week. Morrison remained too good for Kingston, hitting the Starship Pain and leaving Clash of Champions as United States Champion and with an intact undefeated streak.
Morrison's undefeated streak was put on the line again the following week on Raw, but Morrison began his United States Championship reign on the front foot with another victory through Starship Pain, this time over Chris Jericho. Earlier in the night, Morrison was announced as one of eight men in the King of the Ring tournament, a tournament he's likely the favourite to win based on his position on the Power 25. Morrison's sitting second for Raw already, and if trends are to continue he'll be making a run at that top spot very soon.
4. UWF Tag Team Champion, Daniel Bryan
In possibly the match of the night at Vengeance, one half of the UWF Tag Team Champions, Daniel Bryan, was successful in a Last Man Standing match against Edge. In a titanic match that left both men face down by the count of ten, it was with some controversy that Bryan figuratively walked out victorious, with the referee deeming Bryan's feet had touched the ring when Bryan rolled off a table at the moment the number ten was uttered. It was a victory Bryan wasn't aware of, but it's one he will take wholeheartedly. Although very battered, Daniel Bryan emerged later in the night and attacked the newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena, with a steel chair alongside partner Damien Sandow, opening the way for the newest Y.E.S member, Bray Wyatt, to cash in the briefcase, only for Jeff Hardy to save the day, hitting Bryan with a steel chair in the process and ruining their plan.
Two nights later at Raw's Clash of Champions, Bryan teamed with Sandow to defend their Tag Team Championships against the bizarre duo of Goldust & Mankind. When thing's looked bleak due to Mankind's claw being shoved down Bryan's throat, Sandow's quick thinking earned Y.E.S the victory and the continuation of their dominant reign. Not everything went to plan on Smackdown the following week, though, as Y.E.S teamed to face Cena & Hardy. Unfortunately for Bryan, he was the culprit for their loss, being hit with an Attitude Adjustment courtesy of Cena. That loss was the only blotch on a great recent run, as Bryan sits third for Smackdown on the Power 25.
3. UWF Television & Tag Team Champion, Damien Sandow
In the second championship match of Vengeance, one half of the UWF Tag Team Champions, Damien Sandow, retained his Television Championship over a colossal challenge in the form of the Big Show, although it wasn't in ideal fashion. Sandow brought a steel chair into the match, only for it to be snatched out of his grasp by Show, who promptly smashed Sandow across the head with it. Fortunately for Sandow, the referee witnessed it and declared he was victorious through disqualification. On the down side, he won't be enjoying that victory after taking a Cobra Clutch and a Chokeslam onto the mangled Steel Chair from the angry Big Show afterwards. It didn't keep Sandow down, though, as he emerged later in the night, battering the newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena, with a steel chair alongside tag partner Daniel Bryan, opening the way for the newest Y.E.S member, Bray Wyatt, to cash in the briefcase, only for Jeff Hardy to save the day, hitting Sandow with a Twist of Fate in the process and ruining their plan.
Two nights later at Raw's Clash of Champions, a beaten up Sandow & Bryan teamed to defend their Tag Team Championships against the bizarre duo of Goldust & Mankind. When thing's looked bleak due to Mankind's claw being shoved down Bryan's throat, Sandow's quick thinking earned Y.E.S the victory and the continuation of their dominant reign. Although continuing quite a successful run for Y.E.S, Sandow had some choice words to say on Smackdown, describing their schedule as "unjust", as well as labelling Hardy "a mistake" and that they'd "eradicate that mistake and right the wrong that has plagued our fine squared circle for far too long". That's not all Sandow had to say for the night, getting hold of a microphone again as Y.E.S made their entrance for their match. Sandow had more choice words to say regarding Hardy, but he also took aim at Cena as well, not holding anything back. For once Sandow's words came to nothing, as he and Bryan were defeated by Cena & Hardy after Bryan was hit with an Attitude Adjustment. Sandow has had a massive two weeks, making countless appearances, and is a huge figure on the Smackdown landscape, which is why he sits second for his brand and on the Power 25 podium.
2. UWF Champion, Cody Rhodes
The twisted Cody Rhodes' Clash of Champions night began with him hijacking the show from Michael Cole and speaking backstage. Rhodes, in his demented fashion, spoke about how things would change that night and how the entire UWF Universe are going to go through everything he has had to go through this past year, insinuating that he'll be victorious later that night. After all the sleepless nights and all the nightmares, Rhodes stepped up to the plate in the main event of the evening, capitalising on a surprise return to pin Steve Austin's shoulders to the mat, defeating him and Chris Jericho in the process and becoming the new UWF Champion. The victory came courtesy of Rhodes' former New World Order colleague, Christian, who pulled Austin off Jericho after Jericho had been Stunnered, followed by Christian spearing Austin and literally handing victory to Rhodes. The avenue of victory matters little to Rhodes, who raised his championship high after being declared champion.
The following week on Raw, Rhodes showed up not once, but twice. His night begun backstage, where he was congratulated on his victory by Christian, followed by an appearance in the ring where he spoke to close the show. Rhodes triumphantly declared "Let the fun, Begin…" only for his bubble to be burst by D'Angelo Dinero announcing that Rhodes' first title defence will be against the returning MVP at King of the Ring. Although his celebration was cut short, it doesn't impact on Rhodes' success, making him Raw's first number one superstar on the Power 25 and beginning a World Championship reign in style!
1. UWF World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena
When you think of John Cena, you think of a man with an undying love towards the UWF faithful, but also one of the most determined men in the history of the business. It was clear for all to see when he spoke right before his match at Vengeance, where he pondered why DiBiase has been tight lipped for weeks and why he no-showed the pre-match debate, unlike his other two opponents for the night, Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam. Cena also stated that he's a man who "WANTS to and NEEDS to become the World Heavyweight Champion" with any other outcome not registering as an option. In what was a quite impressive performance, Cena lived up to his words, extracting his revenge on DiBiase by forcing him to tap out to the STFU, but not without warding off an appearance from the Big Show first. This time Cena got his man and his championship, but his celebration was cut short after the UWF Tag Team Champions, Damien Sandow & Daniel Bryan, battered the champ with steel chairs, before the newest member of Y.E.S, Bray Wyatt, emerged to cash in his briefcase. Fortunately for Cena, before the bell could be rung, he was saved by Jeff Hardy, who cleaned house and held Cena's championship high as a result.
It was a moment Cena decided not to speak about over a week later on Smackdown, choosing to celebrate in the ring in front of the Cenation, dedicating his monumental victory to them. In a further thank you towards the UWF Universe, Cena went on to team with Hardy in the main event and pick up the win for his team over Sandow & Bryan through an Attitude Adjustment on Bryan. Cena has kicked off his reign on top of Smackdown with a win, and with what has been a strong two weeks from the Cenation leader, he finds himself as the Power 25's first ever number one superstar, but also on top of the Smackdown pile. Congratulations Cena!
So there you go, my first ever edition of the Power 25! I had to cut a fair bit of writing out, something like over 1k words, due to numerous guys not making it and me just making sure I got everything down. Anyway, here it is, enjoy it, and it'll be back next week
