WWE 2008: The Next Generation

[DakotaNorth]

WWE 2008: ‘The Next Generation’​

Part One: The Road to WrestleMania​

​

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language,
And next year’s words await another voice.”
T.S.Eliot​

The end of the year brings with it a chance to do things differently, and a chance to completely disregard that thought immediately. Sometimes, however, accidents happen, and fortune and fate conspire to mark a gradual change from the way things were supposed to be. The year is 2008, and wrestling’s behemoth sits atop the industry - bored. With meandering storylines, a lack of star power due to injury and confused booking of potential breakout stars, and the same main event attractions trotted out time and time again, they’re looking for something, anything new and creative. Overhaul is out of the question, as is listening to anything the internet begs for. Somewhere, Vince McMahon makes a note to find all the current indy darlings and blackball them - of course he uses much more colourful language.

However, whilst Vincent K. McMahon would helm the company at the turn of the year, personal issues - health concerns are cited, but rumours are abound of an assortment of other reasons - days before WrestleMania XXIV, see day-to-day operational responsibilities fall on Stephanie McMahon, and her husband, the new head of creative, Triple H.

Hunter and Stephanie have long wanted to leave their mark on the industry believing that revenue was down because of a stale roster, insipid storylines and angles, and a heavy reliance on rehashing finishes and swerves. The market was changing, and whilst many corporate voices had called for a return to “Family Values Entertainment” with the introduction of a “PG Era” - Vince had been the deciding vote on that - on the morning of WrestleMania, Stephanie brought up the issue in the writers meeting and overturned the previous decision. PG was out, and realism was in. At the core of it all was a need for authenticity; in the ring, on the mic, and in their storytelling. She also enlisted the unlikely help of Paul Heyman and Scott Levy, to add to her six person creative including herself, her husband HHH, Bruce Pritchard, Dusty Rhodes, and now Heyman and Levy joined after long contractual discussions about overlap and oversight.

After the vote for the direction of the product came the discussion of the brand split. A bloated roster after the Invasion angle had culminated necessitated a split and plenty of workers were glad to work half the schedule they had previously; but with a thread-bare roster in 2008, three brands was overkill, and ECW was plummeting in ratings with their standalone pay per view last year the worst performing buyrates by far. Part of Heyman’s return was to follow through on the intention to dissolve the ECW brand. The plan was to close it as strongly as possible and to use that momentum as a springboard for fresh talent that would migrate to RAW and Smackdown, but also to strengthen their hold over that TV time slot ahead of the introduction of HHH’s first big project: Next Generation Wrestling.

Next Generation Wrestling - NXT - would feature talent from all corners of the world and give them television exposure in a unique setting where they could learn the WWE style and become familiar to audiences before making their debuts on the main roster. A few dissident voices claimed it was just Tough Enough on steroids, but where Tough Enough had brought in rank amateurs to become pro wrestlers, HHH would turn to the independents and a network of wrestling schools for seasoned wrestlers with untapped star potential. CM Punk’s red hot introduction - although HHH would be loath to admit it publicly - made it clear that it was a venture worth exploring. Long late night fantasy booking sessions between HHH and Stephanie often revolved around a ten year project where every marquee match at WrestleMania featured a star he had made. He often visualised himself handing over the torch to the next generation; he could still hang with them, but it was their time now.

HHH’s secret fantasy booking aside, this was a massive opportunity and they wanted to show the adjustment in direction right away. A ‘Legacy Contract’ was written up to allow anyone with at least ten years service in the company the opportunity to take a 6 month sabbatical, fully paid. They encouraged those with niggling injuries to speak with them privately so that arrangements could be made and planned accordingly - they certainly didn’t have enough star power to lose all of their main event players at the same time, but if the wellness programs failures weren’t heeded, they might lose some of them anyway. It was well known that The Undertaker was carrying a few injuries, Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels too, hell, HHH and Stephanie fully intended to take some time off with their second child due, so this seemed a pretty solid approach to keep everyone happy.

Next up would be WrestleMania itself, although it was nothing out of the ordinary to be rebooking WWE Heavyweight Title match finishes a couple of hours before the event. In fact, with everything else changing, that seemed like the most normal thing in the world.

In case you missed it, below are the PPV results and relevant notes leading us along the road to WrestleMania XXIV.​

Armageddon 2007

1. US Title: Rey Mysterio def. MVP © via Count Out​
2. Big Daddy V & Mark Henry (w/ Matt Striker) def. CM Punk & Kane​
3. Shawn Michaels def. Mr Kennedy​
4. #1 Contenders: Jeff Hardy def. Triple H​
5. Finlay def. The Great Khali​
6. WWE Heavyweight Title: Chris Jericho © def. Randy Orton​
7. WWE Women’s Title: Beth Phoenix © def. Mickie James​
8. World Heavyweight Title: Edge def. Batista © & The Undertaker​

​

On RAW, Ric Flair’s career would be on the line every week, Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly would make actual decent tag team champions, but with a division devoid of any challengers (Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch were the best they could offer, and they were as generic as you get, even with the pasty face / tango body hilarity), they would struggle to make themselves memorable in any meaningful way. Mr Kennedy would find himself as the fourth man in a series of tag matches going nowhere fast after almost being the prodigal son receiving a push as the illegitimate son of Vince McMahon. On Smackdown, Batista tries to get his belt back, but is unable to, and as the crowd turns on him, his status becomes such that WrestleMania 24 will feature him in a throwaway ‘Battle of the Brands’ match against Umaga. Don't worry, he'll make the most of it.
​

Royal Rumble 2008

1. Ric Flair def. MVP​
2. JBL def. Chris Jericho via DQ​
3. World Heavyweight Title: Edge © w/ Vickie Guerrero def. Rey Mysterio​
4. WWE Heavyweight Title: Randy Orton © def. Jeff Hardy​
5. Royal Rumble: John Cena won by last eliminating Triple H​

Cena stated after the Rumble he didn’t want to wait until Mania to face Orton, and so they did it at No Way Out instead. Not the best move, John. Orton retained as Cena won via disqualification. Also that night, HHH won an Elimination Chamber Match to earn the right to face Orton for the belt at Mania. Over on Smackdown, Rey would get a rematch at No Way Out against Edge, but ultimately lose that one too, only for Mysterio to be then side-lined with an injury. Undertaker won Smackdown’s Elimination Chamber and earned the right to face Edge at WrestleMania for the World Heavyweight Title.
​

No Way Out 2008​

1. ECW Heavyweight Title: Chavo Guerrero © def. CM Punk​
2. SD Elimination Chamber: The Undertaker def. Batista, Finlay, MVP, The Great Khali, and Big Daddy V​
3. Ric Flair def. Mr Kennedy​
4. World Heavyweight Title: Edge © def. Rey Mysterio​
5. WWE Heavyweight Title: John Cena def. Randy Orton © via DQ​
6. RAW Elimination Chamber: HHH def. Jeff Hardy, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Umaga, and JBL.​

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The following night Cena demanded a rematch after his DQ victory meant he didn’t win the title; so Raw's General Manager William Regal made a non-title match for later that night, and if he won would join HHH and Orton in a triple threat match at Mania for the title. HHH was the guest ref and after Cena won, HHH laid both Cena and Orton out with Pedigree’s. Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels will face off in a match that could be Ric Flair’s last if he loses! On the Smackdown side of things, with Rey Mysterio side-lined, Edge enters into a storyline with Undertaker, building to the streak v belt match at Mania. Elsewhere we have beef between JBL and Finlay over Hornswoggle (JBL hates small people is the entire story there). Matt Hardy returns a few days early and attacks MVP, costing him a match against IC Champ Chris Jericho on Smackdown, so he will face MVP for the US Title at WrestleMania 24…​

 

[DakotaNorth]

WrestleMania XXIV​

Date: March 30th, 2008
Location: Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler
Attendance: 74,635​

The Biggest WrestleMania Under the Sun

Jim Ross welcomes us to the event and introduces the rest of the announcing cast; the ECW guys even get a table, not that they’ll be needed for very long. Lillian Garcia sings the National Anthem, and then a video package highlights all of the different angles and matches that have led to our event tonight.​

Event Card:

1. Belfast Brawl: JBL vs. Finlay
2. Money in the Bank Ladder Match: CM Punk vs. Carlito vs. John Morrison vs. Chris Jericho vs. Mr Kennedy vs. Shelton Benjamin
3. Battle of the Brands: Batista vs. Umaga
4. ECW Title: Chavo Guerrero © vs. Kane
5. Career Threatening Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair
6. US Title: Montel Vontavious Porter © vs. Matt Hardy
7. WWE Heavyweight Title: Randy Orton © vs. John Cena vs. Triple H
8. Showcase Match: Floyd Mayweather vs. The Big Show
9. World Heavyweight Title: Edge © vs. The Undertaker

Belfast Brawl: John Bradshaw Layfield v Finlay w/ Hornswoggle​

The end of a storyline that has enthralled the world of professional wrestling finally finds a resolution. The ‘illegitimate son’ of Vince McMahon was initially revealed as Hornswoggle until JBL broke the news that Finlay was the real father. As with all things, this shocking reveal must find its conclusion in the ring, and is done so in a Belfast Brawl, which, of course, definitely favours Finlay.

An opener that doesn’t quite thrill the crowd, who take this opportunity to beat the lines and get their drinks and hot dogs, and who can blame them when the Money in the Bank ladder match is up next. Seats are half empty as JBL beats Finlay with all sorts of weapons; trash can lids, kendo sticks, and he even tries to use the Shillelagh - but to no avail! Finlay ducks, and takes this one to the outside. Hornswoggle keeps his distance, remembering the vicious beatdown he endured at the hands of JBL inside a steel cage a few weeks ago on RAW.

After some ringside action the fellas get back in and do a wee bit of ‘proper wrestling’ before it all descends into fisticuffs once more. Finlay tries to light up JBL but one moment of hesitation and he GETS HIS HEAD DAMN NEAR BLASTED OFF with a Clothesline FROM TEXAS From Hell and gets the 3 count. After the match Hornswoggle gets a bit too close to the ring and JBL launches a trash can lid that bounces off his dome sending him flying backwards into the Raw announce table. JR is SHOCKED.

Winner: John Bradshaw Layfield​

Money in the Bank Ladder Match: CM Punk vs. Carlito vs. John Morrison vs. Chris Jericho vs. Mr Kennedy vs. Shelton Benjamin
The winner will receive a contract that can be cashed in for a title shot at any of the Heavyweight title belts. The contract is valid for 1 year.​

Crazy bumps, over the top spots, and Shelton Benjamin doing something wild from a ladder - in this case being tipped from the top of a ladder in the ring through a ladder straddling the apron to the barricade. This had it all. All six men looked great here and got their spots in before John Morrison, equipped with a ladder, wiped everyone out with a moonsault. CM Punk and Chris Jericho were the first, and only, two to recover and both men made the long, slow climb back into the ring and then up the ladder. Punk looked set to get the briefcase first until Jericho pulled his legs out from under him, hanging him in a tree of woe from the ladder rungs. Jericho then climbed and calmly retrieved the briefcase that grants him a guaranteed title shot against any of the Heavyweight Champions from any three of the brands for the next 365 days (starting from…..now!).

Winner: Chris Jericho​

Battle of the Brands: Batista vs. Umaga​

If you thought the opener was a hard hitting affair, well, you’d be right, but add in 117 pounds - I checked. I thought it would be more but JBL is a big boy -
and this one surely is going to raise the roof. Right? Yes! Batista came into this as the babyface defending the HONOUR of RAW (because the brands are like gangs, obviously) against the audacity of Umaga from that filthy disease ridden blue brand *spits*. Basically a way to get on the show, HHH decided that Vince’s original plan of just having a match to have a match wasn’t enough, so Umaga attacked Batista a couple of times through March, costing him a match he had for the US Title against MVP so they are going to have a match! The original plan had Batista overcoming the heelish monster Umaga, but on the night the crowd cheered everything Umaga did and booed Batista relentlessly. So, in a decision that would have massive consequences for him personally, Big Dave called an audible.

The early match was straight forward but it started to settle into a pattern of Batista firing back and Umaga putting him right back down. The crowd were absolutely eating it up. A chop from Umaga (WOO!). A right hand from Batista (BOO!). A lariat from Umaga (YEAHHH!). A spinebuster from Batista (BOO!). A nerve hold (it’s barely been four minutes guys?) from Umaga (YEAHHH!) and Dave Batista is thinking to himself: I do not want to win and get booed out of the arena. How did it come to this? Only a year ago he had a 4 star match with Undertaker (yeah Batista reads the dirt sheets, so what?), and now? Well, let’s make this work.

Batista fired back with some offence as the crowd made this displeasure known, before Umaga cut him off with a samoan drop to mass applause. Umaga followed his cues perfectly and every time the crowd got riled up at some Big Dave offence, Umaga cut him off. Both men headed outside and brawled for a bit with Batista finally getting the upper hand - and the crowd got going again. Is this real heat!? Batista looks to throw Umaga through the steel steps but gets reversed and he crashes through and is laid out. The referee begins to count. We won’t count along, but imagine it’s SO TENSE, the crowd are chanting along and we get to six as Batista stirs. The crowd CRY “SEVEN!” but Batista is clambering in. Umaga rolls right out and BAM. Samoan Spike. He rolls back in again and we begin the whole charade ONE MORE TIME. This time we get to eight and Umaga drags Batista in, SPINEBUSTER!! Batista nails it out of nowhere but he can’t capitalise.

The ref begins the count, and this one has already gone on thirty seven seconds longer than planned so the voices in his ear are yelling GO HOME, but the ref stays calm and doesn’t rush the count. Both men get up at eight, trade punches, before Batista misses and THE SAMOAN SPIKE lays him out. Umaga covers, the referee makes a slightly hesitant three count, and the crowd go bananas. Umaga wins, and you’d think Hogan had just body slammed Andre, but the crowd were sick of having Batista rammed down their throats, and they ate up every last bit of this one.

Winner: Umaga​

ECW Title: Chavo Guerrero © vs. Kane
Kane earned this title shot by winning the pre-show 24 man battle royal.​

This one lasted eleven seconds, kicking The Hart Foundation’s nineteen second victory over The Bolshevik’s at Wrestlemania VI down to second spot. Kane snuck into the ring behind Chavo, and by the time Chavito realised what was going on, it was far too late. The bell rang, Kane grabbed Chavo by the throat, and one chokeslam later the match was over and we have a NEW ECW Heavyweight Champion in the Big Red Machine.

Winner: Kane​

As soon as Kane is handed the belt he grabs a can from beneath the ring which happens to be full of gasoline. He pours gasoline all over the title and sets the belt on fire whilst holding it aloft in the air before finally tossing it to the ground, charred and slightly melted, and then he leaves the ring with it. On commentary, Joey Styles and Tazz lose their minds over what they’ve just witnessed whilst the crowd is either too stunned to speak, or they forgot that the ECW brand even had a heavyweight belt to begin with. Tazz says that this spits on the legacy of ECW - although in many ways it honours their humble origins ceding from the NWA way back when. Of course none of that is mentioned on the show, they just repeat words like outrageous, and audacity, until they are saved by a cut to a backstage segment with Snoop Dogg who can’t believe he missed the Lumberjill Match because he slept in. Get it!?, he was probably high - and certainly not that creative bumped the women to a pre-show match and forgot to rearrange Snoop’s appearance and to update the event card.

Career Threatening Match: Shawn Michaels v Ric Flair
If Ric Flair loses, he has to retire.​

We get a video package that documents how we got here™, starting with Vince McMahon declaring that any and every singles match Ric Flair wrestled in would have the stipulation that, if he lost, he would have to retire. Flair says he can’t imagine risking it all against anyone greater than Shawn Michaels. It got a bit heated somewhere along the way as Shawn told the story of Old Yeller, and how he was going to put Flair down.

Full of emotion and a trip through memory lane as both men got all their spots in, especially Flair. We had rudimentary chops (WOO!), strutting around the ring, a low blow whilst distracting the referee (for a near-fall!), and a couple of crazy moonsaults, both of which Flair dodged out of the way leaving HBK to crash and burn. Flair works the knee through the match and almost gets Shawn to tap out to the figure four, but he makes it to the ropes to break the hold. They go back and forth with near falls but all of a sudden…WHAM! SWEET CHIN MUSIC! It’s only enough for two but Flair is out on his feet as the crowd roar at his heart to keep fighting. Shawn mutters his iconic “I’m sorry, I love you.” before putting Naitch down for the pinfall with another Sweet Chin Music.

Winner: Shawn Michaels​

An emotionally charged affair that was a fitting final chapter for one of the greatest to ever grace the squared circle. As Flair gets to his feet after the match, the whole house gives him a standing ovation and he drinks it in for one last time. Whilst Flair would only make one further appearance on WWE television for the rest of 2008, he would work behind the scenes with Triple H to launch the new brand in the summer and also act as mentor to a couple of the rookies from Shawn Michaels’ affiliated Texas Wrestling Academy.

Edge is backstage with Todd Grisham explaining that HE TOO is undefeated at WrestleMania (not winning a MITB match obviously doesn’t count) and tonight he will do what everybody else couldn’t do, and that is to end the streak. He recalls being a kid in the crowd at WrestleMania VI and watching his favourite wrestler WWF Champion Hulk Hogan in the main event against WWF Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior, where the winner takes both belts. That night, however, Hogan didn’t go over, and Edge was devastated at this. He knows some kids look at Undertaker the same way he looked at Hogan, and tonight they’re all going to know how he felt eighteen years ago when he wins tonight.

We get a recap of the show so far and the all important HALL OF FAME! This year’s inductees are: ’The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia, ‘Soulman’ Rocky Johnson, Mae Young, Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie, and Jack and Gerald Brisco (The Brisco Brothers).

United States Title Match: Montel Vontavious Porter © vs. Matt Hardy​

After the high emotional stakes of Ric Flair’s final match, MVP and Matt Hardy deliver a much more sombre affair. The story here is that Matt and MVP were at odds last year vying for the US Title until they were inadvertently partnered together and won the WWE Tag Team titles. MVP side-lined Matt with a vicious attack after they lost the belts to Morrison and Miz. On Smackdown two days ago, Matt returned, costing MVP his match against Chris Jericho.

Lots of chain wrestling and jockeying for position early with simple arm drag and suplex exchanges, the two men put on a strong basic performance with no big spots or shenanigans. MVP at one point rolls out of the ring, but otherwise this was pretty much by-the-book wrestling 101 as you can get. MVP looked to hit The Playmaker but Matt reversed and hit the side effect for two. Second rope leg-drop misses as MVP rolls out of the way and BLASTS Matt with a running boot. He sets up for the Playmaker again but Matt escapes, hits the Twist of Fate, and gets the three count, the win, and the United States Title.

Winner: Matt Hardy​

MVP is absolutely shocked after the match and he offers Matt a handshake, but Matt shakes his head and leaves. Coachman at ringside is raging at Matt’s disrespect to a man who held the United States title for 316 days! “Our longest reigning US Champion!”. Cole reasons that MVP has shown he cannot be trusted, and there is no way that handshake was genuine. Coachman is absolutely shook by Cole’s words. In completely unrelated news, later that evening Morrison and Miz’s ‘The Dirt Sheet’ would post a photo of Lex Luger and Rick Rude with their respective United States Title victories, with Miz attempting (and failing) to get Coach on the phone during their live web show.

Up next is the first of our double header World Title matches; WWE Champion Randy Orton will defend the title against both Triple H and John Cena. Cena won the Rumble but cashed in his chance early at No Way Out, losing via disqualification after Randy put his hands on the referee. Cena demanded a rematch and defeated Orton the next night on RAW in a non-title match with HHH as the guest referee - Hunter had won a number one contenders match to face Orton at Mania. With Cena’s win, RAW General Manager William Regal made the WrestleMania 24 match a three way for Orton’s WWE title.

WWE Title: Randy Orton © vs. John Cena vs. Triple H
​

Cena had a marching band to play him down to the ring which gets heavily jeered by the crowd to the point you’d think Hunter was the big babyface taking down two dirty stinking heels, such is the Cena effect. Orton is the official heel so Trips and Cena take turns getting the heat on him before he ducks out of the ring and leaves Cena and HHH to stare one another down. Lots of pointing and jabbering until Hunter lights Cena up with a chop, they trade blows but Orton sees his opportunity and takes out both men with a rope hung DDT. He pulls Cena out of the ring and tosses him through the steel steps.

Back in and Hunter cuts off Orton with a running knee and looks to follow that up with a spinebuster but Randy blocks and locks in a sleeper hold. Hunter fights back to his feet but then RKO! “OUTTA NOWHERE!”. He makes the cover but Cena breaks it up right away before pulling Orton into the STFU which wears Orton down but he manages to crawl to the ropes and rolls outside to take another breather. HHH is back up, so he and Cena pick up where they left off and trade their favourite moves; shoulder block, chop block, spinning sit out powerbomb, and even a knee smash, but Cena gets the better of the exchange with a duck and a bulldog! Five Knuckle Shuffle is set up but Orton looks to get involved. Cena ducks, FU! Orton got nailed. One…Two…KICK OUT! Cena can’t believe it but he doesn’t have much time to worry about that as HHH pulls him into an Indian Deathlock - “Vintage HHH” - only letting go as he notices Orton getting to his feet.

HHH cuts Orton off right away and both men exchange punches before Orton irish whips HHH into the corner and up and over the ropes to the outside. CENA IS UP! Orton turns around into a leg trip and ANOTHER STFU!! Orton starts crawling to the ropes slowly but he can’t quite get there so HHH reaches in from the outside and pulls Orton to the rope, breaking the hold, but then absolutely waffling Randy with a right hand for his troubles. “Cena Sucks!” resounds as HHH climbs into the ring and both men exchange Boo/Yay strikes which really gets the crowd going behind HHH. Cena gets the better of it and tries to get HHH up for an FU but gets blocked, Trips tries the Pedigree, blocked! Cena hits the back body and then follows up with a shoulder block! Five Knuckle Shuffle coming up.. and this time he hits it!

BUT THEN ORTON OUT OF NOWHERE AGAIN!! RKO!! CENA IS OUT! ONE…TWO…HHH breaks it up!! HHH isn’t messing around and he hits a knee smash, a running knee and a spinebuster on Orton, readying him for the Pedigree. He hits it! Cena gets back up and FU ON TRIPLE H! Cena covers both men… 1…2…3! John Cena wins the WWE Heavyweight Title!! The crowd are absolutely pissed, a wall of noise deafening in its displeasure greets the new champion posing in the ring with the title aloft.

Winner: John Cena​

Showcase Match: The Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather​

The real test here was making this one go as long as absolutely possible before Show actually got his hands on Floyd. Bobbing and weaving only goes so far when your punches don’t land and your gigantic opponent is allowed to bearhug you. Show nearly grabs Floyd but one of Floyd’s entourage distracts Big Show, so he gets a massive chop off of the apron. Another pops up and gets a right hand, but then Floyd hits the sucker punch to the kidney! Big Show goes to one knee, BUT IT WAS A RUSE! He grabs Floyd by the throat and hoists him up to the top turnbuckle, but then another entourage member pops up - this time with a steel chair!! They had one idea for this match and they rinsed and repeated it until there are no entourage members left, and Floyd is all alone. Show chops him hard, and then proceeds to stomp on him and “methodically pick him apart” according to Coachman. Show goes for the chokeslam but one of the entourage has resurrected and he distracts Big Show whilst tossing Floyd some brass knuckles!! Oh my days. Big right hand knocks Big Show out legit - don’t try and tell me he’s just good at selling, I wont accept it. The referee counts to ten and this one is over!

Winner: Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather​

World Heavyweight Title Match: Edge © vs. The Undertaker
​

Undertaker won Smackdown’s Elimination Chamber at No Way Out to earn this title match, but he also puts his infamous WrestleMania streak on the line. 15-0 going into this one, and whilst Edge claims his own undefeated streak (ignoring the MITB match he didn’t win - I guess he wasn’t explicitly beaten as such), it’s Edge’s World Heavyweight Title that he puts on the line. Big staredown as Edge stands toe to toe with the Deadman but Edge’s attempts to throw hands results in him getting lit up and clotheslined over the top rope and to the outside. Early brawling outside until Undertaker tosses Edge back in but he takes a little bit too long getting back in himself and Edge jumps him as he rolls in. Coachman is eager to remind us that the ‘Master Manipulator’ and ‘Ultimate Opportunist’ may be Undertaker’s most difficult opponent as Edge works over the lower back and when Taker tries to get some momentum going, he gets cut off. Even an attempt at going old school is reversed by Edge who is in complete control of the early portion of this match.

Edge takes a risk and goes up top, but he hasn’t done enough to keep Taker down and he throws Edge off the top rope to the outside with Edge landing hard on his back. The wind knocked out of him, he doesn’t even see Undertaker charging at him with a suicide dive over the top rope to the outside! Camera’s flash and the crowd pops hard for that one. Referee starts to count them both out but decides otherwise and rolls out to check on both men. Undertaker is first up and he places Edge on the apron for his signature leg drop, but the back is starting to give him some problems now and he winces as he lands. This gives Edge enough time to hit a dropkick to the back and then Edge takes this one outside, dropping Undertaker on and over the barricade with a back suplex, almost taking out a few members of the front row.

Jimmy Korderas eventually coaxes both men back in and Edge locks in a two minute leg lock forcing Taker to drag himself to the ropes. Edge breaks the hold and looks to drag Taker back to the middle but the Deadman fights him off and gets back up, both men trading rights and lefts (BOO! YAY!) until Edge can’t withstand the barrage of punches and he hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline but RUNNING LARIAT and Taker is getting fired up. He scoops Edge up and drops him on the turnbuckle with Snake Eyes, but the big boot follow up is dodged and Edge hits a dropkick for a two count! Only Maven can finish Taker with a dropkick, we all know that. Edge goes up top again, forgetting the landing last time, and a double axe handle fails as Taker grabs Edge by the throat, Edge kicks and fights his way out and IMPALER! 1..2..KICK OUT. Edge gets back up and in position for the spear as Taker gets up to his feet but Taker blocks with the knee, CHOKESLAM, 2 count!! Taker can’t believe Edge kicked out, and he drags the dazed Edge to the corner for OLD SCHOOL but Edge pulls Undertaker and crotches him on the top rope. Edge goes up for a top rope superplex and hits it!! Edge, unable to fully cover Undertaker, drapes an arm over for a 2 count.

Both men are worse for wear and you have to think the next big move will be the end of this. We almost find out as Edge is working Taker over in the corner with punches but gets grabbed, lifted and hoisted up for a Last Ride, but manages to escape and hit a neckbreaker. Back up and Edge sends Taker off the ropes, clothesline misses, RUNNING DDT, 2 count! Now Taker signals for the Last Ride and Edge can’t block this one, landing hard. This has to be it, Taker covers…

One…Two…Th-NO! The crowd thought it was over, they thought that had to be it. Taker can’t believe it, and Edge has to have kicked out on instinct alone as he rolls out of the ring to try and gather himself. Taker follows him out and Edge trips him into the steel steps! Edge puts some distance between the two and gets back in as Korderas starts to count, but Undertaker is back in at six and he shrugs off Edge’s kicks and punches and grabs Edge by the throat, Edge wrangles free again and Taker’s big boot attempt misses Edge and NAILS THE REFEREE! Korderas is out cold! Edge hits the Edge-O-Matic but knows he can’t go for the cover. He begins to mock Taker who sits up and grabs Edge by the throat AGAIN but a low blow works on deadmen as well as it does against the living. Edge rolls out and in shades of last year’s Survivor Series he rips a camera from a ring tech who gets shoved hard into the announce table. Edge measures Taker as he gets to his feet and LEVELS him with the camera. Edge looks to rouse the referee who is hanging off the apron, but accidentally knocks Jimmy Korderas off the apron and to the outside!

Edge can’t believe it, and when he turns around he sees Taker sit up and has to wonder what the hell he has to do to keep this man down. He looks for the Tombstone Piledriver but Undertaker reverses, gets Edge up and hits the OG Tombstone Piledriver, but there is no referee! Taker folds the arms over in a pin out of habit AND HERE COMES CHARLES ROBINSON making an absolute beeline for the ring at full pelt. WrestleMania entrance ramps are no joke. He finally gets there…One…Two..THR-NO! Edge kicks out again from one of Taker’s signature moves, having already kicked out of the Chokeslam and the Last Ride. Hawkins and Ryder, not to be outdone by Charles Robinson, sprint down the ramp too, but to no avail as Taker punches Ryder off the apron, and then Chokeslams Hawkins out of the ring onto Ryder to leave them in a crumpled heap on the outside. Taker turns around and SPEAR!!! The distraction was enough for Edge to hit the spear! One..Two..KICKOUT! Edge crawls to the far corner and charges Taker, hits the spear, but he’s too tired to get any real impact and UNDERTAKER LOCKS IN A SINGLE ARM CHOKEHOLD!!! Edge fights and fights but he is in the middle of the ring and he has nowhere to go. He taps! Edge taps!! Undertaker wins!!! We have a new World Heavyweight Champion and the legendary WrestleMania streak remains unbroken. Edge gave everything he had, kickout of out every one of Taker’s signature moves, but even after eighteen years, Undertaker was resourceful enough to break out a new move that Edge had absolutely no counter for.

Winner: The Undertaker​

The arena is bathed in a deep dark blue hue (try saying that quickly) and Undertaker celebrates in the ring on one knee, holding an arm up to the creatures of the night as Michael Cole tells us that this was Wrestlemania 24, thank you for watching, and can you believe it, we have a NEW World Heavyweight Champion!

—

Pre-Show Results:

1. 24-Man Battle Royal: Kane def. 24 others to become #1 contender for the ECW Heavyweight Title.
2. LumberJill Match: Beth Phoenix & Melina def. Ashley & Maria

Main Show Results:

1. Belfast Brawl: JBL def. Finlay [07:23]
2. Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Chris Jericho def. CM Punk, Carlito, John Morrison, Mr Kennedy, and Shelton Benjamin [13:07]
3. Battle of the Brands: Umaga def. Batista [09:11]
4. ECW Heavyweight Title: Kane def. Chavo Guerrero © [00:11]
5. Career Threatening Match: Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair [18:14]
6. US Title: Matt Hardy def. MVP © [10:02]
7. WWE Title: John Cena def. Randy Orton © and Triple H [16:11]
8. Showcase Match: Floyd Mayweather def. The Big Show [10:21]
9. World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker def. Edge © [24:03]

Notes:

All of the changes leading to and at WrestleMania XXIV were made by RNG, the most surprising outcome for me was that most of the matches actually stayed the same with minor superficial changes that didn’t impact the booking or result. The only change I chose was dropping the Lumberjill match to the pre-match show in favour of the US Title Match.

I make mention in the backstory that WWE has introduced ‘legacy contracts’ which is basically a way for me to write main eventers out of storyline for a while as each month after a Pay Per View I will pick two of my more ‘over’ talent, and effectively toss a coin to see if they are going to be shelved for a period of time. I won’t reveal this outside of diary entries and will keep Authorial Notes to a minimum, but that's why you may abruptly see a program be written in such a way as to give someone time off. I will say that after Mania, my two randomly chosen stars were: Mr. McMahon and Ric Flair, which was hilarious since I had already decided both would be gone anyway. I may, in future, do a poll to keep me on my toes, although having already mapped out my way to WrestleMania 25, I may need to proceed with caution!

Final point, TV shows certainly wont be the length of this Mania write-up, and I don’t intend to have move-by-move descriptions of matches going forward - my interest is much more in characters and storylines. I hope to do that justice. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy my version of WWE through 2008 as we slowly pull away from what actually occurred.

 

[DakotaNorth]

Part Two: WrestleMania Aftermath​

“Only those who will risk going too far can
possibly find out how far one can go”
T.S.Eliot
​

Monday Night Raw - March 31, 2008​

The Champ is Here

We are only twenty-four hours removed from WrestleMania 24 as JR and The King welcome us to Monday Night Raw. John Cena wastes no time in coming out to celebrate his title victory proclaiming that “The champ is here!”. He runs through the timeline of the past few months as large portions of the crowd boos him; he returned and won the Royal Rumble, he beat Randy Orton at No Way Out by disqualification when Orton hit him with a chair - crowd cheers for that one - “because he knew he wasn’t keeping the WWE Heavyweight title any other way”, and then finally “last night after Triple H, Randy Orton, and I beat each other black and blue, I left the building as the WWE Champion, and I am never letting this go again!” Booing intensifies. “Some people don’t like me, some people don’t even respect me, but after all I have done in this business already, you all know my name. And to all those who still doubt me, I’m going to make you fear it.”

“Cena sucks! Cena sucks! Cena sucks!”

“Time to play the game” saves Cena from further emotional damage at the hands of the crowd. HHH makes his way to the ring with the fans cheering him crazy, probably just to spite Cena. “Hey, John, you're right, they do know your name. But let's not forget how you won that title, huh?”

“CENA SUCKS!”

The noise is deafening now as Hunter enters the ring. He tells Cena how impressed he was with his strategy last night at WrestleMania, how John took advantage of another man’s work to get the win. “Hell, if it wasn’t at my expense, I’d almost be proud of you kid. You did what you had to do to get the job done. That being said, without me you wouldn’t have won that title. I had Randy beaten and was seconds away from taking that title for myself…”

Cena cuts him off.

“Except you didn’t, and now you’re out here making excuses for why I should defend this title against you at Backlash, right?”

HHH chuckles, “Looks like you've seen right through my plan, John. But let's be real here. That title should've been mine. I had Randy Orton beat, and I was seconds away from taking what's rightfully mine so yes, I think I deserve a title shot. Hell, I KNOW I deserve a title shot.”

“Just like you know how to manipulate situations to your advantage, huh Hunter?” Cena retorts and smiles, readjusting the title on his shoulder as HHH can’t help but glance at the nameplate: ‘John Cena’. A flicker of anger rises behind the eyes. “Well this is a situation that you can’t do anything about. I’m the champ, and as fun as it may be to keep beating you, like I did two years ago at WrestleMania 22, I wonder if it isn’t time somebody else got a shot at the gold…”

“Look John, as far as I’m concerned, the matter of who should wear that title is between you and me, and we can either settle it in 4 weeks at Backlash, or we can settle it right here, right now!”

“HEY! NOTHING YOU CAN SAY!”

The tension in the ring simmers as the arena is lit with a golden glow for the former WWE Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton. The Viper paces atop the stage.

“Sorry Triple H, but I strongly disagree. Let me remind you both that last night at WrestleMania I had to defend my WWE Heavyweight Title in a handicap match, fighting against insurmountable odds, a victim of my own success, and despite those obstacles, I had both of you beaten!”

“And yet… The Champ. Is. Here.” Cena raises the belt, much to Orton’s displeasure.

“Well not for long John as I will be invoking my rematch clause, TONIGHT!” The crowd roars and JR and The King can’t believe it, we’re going to see John Cena vs Randy Orton for the WWE Heavyweight Title tonight!! “HHH, take a number, I’ll deal with you once I get my belt back.”

“I’ve got your number right here Randy.” adds HHH, with a rudimentary crotch chop.

“BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!”

It’s Chris Jericho! Jericho passes by Orton - who is still standing atop the ramp - and smirks. He confidently strides to the ring in a lightning blue open jacket with the Intercontinental Title in one hand, and the Money in the Bank briefcase in the other. JR reminds us that Jericho can cash in that briefcase for a Heavyweight Title shot any time in the next 365 days - King asks if maybe he’s here to cash it in right now!?

“Before I address the three of you bozo’s, I’d like to remind everyone tonight that RAW. IS. JERICHO!” Crowd sings right along with that one. “Which is why I’ve come out here because you all seem to be forgetting that when you’re talking about contenders and who deserves this or that, I have all the cards right here..” Jericho holds the briefcase aloft as he climbs the steps to the ring. Cena is first to address him.

“Any time, anywhere Chris...”

“Well that’s just the thing! I haven’t quite made up my mind yet. I was hoping perhaps these fans could help me out.” Jericho pauses, looking thoughtful. “After all, I could face the man on a fire frenzy, that Big Red Idiot Kane for his charred and blackened ECW Heavyweight Title”,

“BOOOOO!”

“I see. I see. Well, his brother won last night at WrestleMania, went sixteen and O, so I could challenge The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title.” They cheer his name but immediately boo, “yeah, you’re right, Smackdown Is Jericho doesn’t have the same ring to it, true as it may be.”

Orton interrupts: “As fun as this back and forth pantomime performance may be Chris, do you want to get to the point?”

Jericho moves to respond but William Regal’s music cuts him off. The RAW general manager looks very upset as he comes out, passes Orton, and heads into the ring.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen, whilst it is commendable that each of you believes you’re deserving of a title opportunity, alas I see no immediate resolution in the vicinity as you all have a case to make.”

Orton interrupts.

“My case is simple Regal. I get a rematch for my title when and where I want, and I intend to take back what is rightfully mine tonight. So make the match.”

“Ordinarily yes, that would be the case, only we have no precedence. Whilst yes, John did cover you both, his initial pin was on Triple H, and so I’m afraid you do not have a right to a rematch, and you won’t be having one tonight.”

Crowd cheers at Orton’s fury whilst HHH laughs at his expense. Cena has found himself a comfortable perch on the top turnbuckle with the belt across his lap. HHH raises his mic.

“Then lay it on us Bill, what’s the plan?”

“Simple.” He pauses. “King of the Ring.” Big pop. “Exclusive to the Raw brand, we will decide who will be the next to face John Cena for the WWE Heavyweight Title at Backlash the old fashioned way; in a tournament to determine who is most worthy. Starting next week, the eight eligible superstars will battle until only one remains.”

All three contenders look somewhat consoled with that news whilst Cena just shrugs and exits the ring. What began as a celebration of his success simply turned into the opening chapter of his fourth WWE Heavyweight Title reign. Once you make it to the top, that’s when the real battle begins since everyone is now gunning for you. HHH and Orton point at one another, and JR and the King wonder if Jericho was going to nominate John Cena as his intended target before Regal came out.

“Oh and one last thing,” adds Regal, pausing before looking at Orton. “You may not have a title match tonight, but you will be having a match. After injuring him last year, it seems only right that tonight you’ll face off against Matt Hardy. And because I’m a fair and just man, I think the three of you ought to have a match tonight too. John Cena, Triple H, Chris Jericho; you three will face off against Umaga, JBL, and Snitsky, in a six man tag match.”

“King of the Ring JR! I love the pageantry and the crowning of a King, but who is going to be involved!?” asks Lawler.

“We will get that news to you as soon as we have it, but wow, what an announcement from RAW’s General Manager, starting next week, King of the Ring 2008, exclusive to RAW! Whilst we digest that information, let us take you on a trip down memory lane to remember the career of ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair.

—

Real World’s Heavyweight Champion

A video package tinged in gold highlights various matches and events from Ric Flair’s historic career. It includes his debut as the “Real World’s Heavyweight Champion” in the early nineties on WWE television; winning the 1992 Royal Rumble; his return in 2002 as co-owner of the WWE; the formation of Evolution alongside HHH, Orton, and Batista; winning the Intercontinental Title for the first time aged fifty-six, before finishing with the match at WrestleMania 24 against Shawn Michaels with a full recap of the “I’m sorry, I love you” superkick to put an end to the finest career the industry has ever seen.

—

World Tag Team Titles Match: Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly © vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

The depth of the tag division is really evident here as we get a quick recap of Cody and Holly defending the titles last Monday against Santino and a returning Charlie Haas who were unable to work together to get the job done. Tonight they face the team that they took the titles from back in December. Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch have been having their own troubles as of late, struggling to get along. Murdoch has been the one getting pinned all the time so he’s eager to prove himself and he starts this one against Rhodes.

Things seem to be going well for Murdoch as he utilises frequent tags to Cade and they manage to isolate Cody in their corner, however, a mistake by Murdoch allows Holly to get the hot tag and he lights up the two cowboys. Cade gets dumped outside, Hardcore nails Murdoch with the Alabama Slam and the referee makes the three count. Holly helps Cody to his feet and hands him his title as they celebrate their victory. Cade looks less than impressed on the outside and walks off without Murdoch.
​

Winners: Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly​

JR makes the point that Holly and Cody have beaten everyone in the division and that it’s about time some new challengers stepped up to give them a real challenge.

—

The End of the Road

Shawn Michaels stands alone in the centre of the ring, bathed in a single spotlight, his expression solemn. After a deep breath, Shawn raises the microphone to his lips, his voice carrying the weight of years of history and emotion that is flooding through him. "Last night," he begins, his words echoing through the arena, "was more than just another match. It was the culmination of a journey that spanned decades, a journey that brought me face to face with the greatest challenge of my career."

The crowd listens intently, hanging on every word as Shawn reflects on his clash with Ric Flair at WrestleMania. "Ric Flair is more than just a legend," he continues, his voice filled with reverence. "He's a pioneer, a trailblazer, a true icon of this industry. And last night, I had the honour of sharing the ring with him one last time."

"But as much as I cherish the memories we created together," Shawn admits, his voice tinged with regret, "I can't ignore the reality of what happened last night at WrestleMania."

A sombre silence falls over the arena as Shawn pauses, struggling to find the right words to convey his feelings. "I made a promise to Ric Flair," he confesses, his voice barely above a whisper. "A promise to give him everything I had, to push him to his limits, to show him the respect he deserves. And last night, I kept that promise."

The crowd erupts into applause but amidst the adulation, there's a sense of uncertainty, a lingering question that hangs in the air: what comes next for the Heartbreak Kid?

With a heavy heart, Shawn lowers the microphone, his gaze distant as he reflects on the road ahead. "I need some time," he finally admits, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd. "Time to process everything that happened last night. Time to come to terms with the end of an era, and perhaps, the beginning of the end of another."

As Shawn exits the ring, the crowd have no idea how to react. His music doesn’t play and he quietly disappears into the back. As the echoes of his words fade into the darkness JR has only one question: “is this the end of the road for Shawn Michaels?”.

—

Loser Leaves Raw: Brian Kendrick vs Paul London

As Paul London makes his way to the ring, JR directs us to a video clip from earlier this evening. London went to William Regal’s office demanding a match against Brian Kendrick after Kendrick left him alone to face Umaga a few weeks back. Regal agrees, but then adds that the stipulation of the match will be that the loser must leave the Raw brand. Kendrick tries to reason with London early on, but it’s all for show as when London briefly turns away, Brian blasts him with a dropkick to the back of the head and they immediately take this one outside.

Both men attempt airborne moves but consistently reach a stalemate as each man knows the other inside out. Kendrick tries to use London’s own Dropsault against him but Paul dodges and hits a roaring elbow! Kendrick got rocked with that one and after a northern lights brainbuster, London hits the standing shooting star press for the victory. Kendrick can’t believe it and looks absolutely gutted as it sinks in that he’s no longer got a job. He looks at London, considers saying something, but instead rolls out of the ring and heads to the back. London celebrates, but it is bittersweet, as this match marks the end of one of the most exciting tag teams in recent history.
​

Winner: Paul London​

—

We get a WrestleMania highlights video from the RAW perspective, ending with the reminder from The King that you can still purchase WrestleMania. In full. Now!

—

Non-Title Match: Randy Orton vs. Matt Hardy ©

Matt Hardy is first out with his newly won United States Championship after defeating MVP last night. Orton’s music hits, but much like when he attacked Hardy to put him out of action, The Viper jumps the barricade and attacks Matt from behind as the referee sounds the bell for the start of the match. Hardy is resilient and battles back into the match, kicking out Orton’s leg and then going to work on the knee that HHH and Cena wore down last night with chop blocks, indian deathlocks, and the STFU. Grounding Orton seems to be working when Matt goes up but misses a top rope leg drop, and the follow up Side Effect is immediately countered into a sudden RKO out of nowhere, catching Hardy off guard. Orton seizes the opportunity, hooking the leg for the pinfall victory.
​

Winner: Randy Orton​

As Orton celebrates his hard-fought victory, Hardy is left reeling in defeat, his hopes of triumph over the man that prevented his return dashed once again. With a look of disappointment on his face, Hardy exits the ring, knowing that he will have to regroup and come back stronger than ever, but as JR notes: “Matt Hardy returns to Smackdown as the US Champion, but I wonder how much of that feeling he would trade to have been able to exact a modicum of revenge over Orton tonight.”

—

A Loose Definition of ‘Greatness’

We cut backstage as CM PUNK (big cheers) is walking backstage, nursing his abdominal injury sustained in the Money in the Bank ladder match, when Mr. Kennedy walks up and begins taunting him. Kennedy mocks Punk for sticking around on the “superior brand” instead of heading back to ECW, telling Punk that “greatness doesn’t rub off on nobodies like you”.

Punk refuses to back down and stands his ground in the face of Kennedy's insults. Before he can respond, Kennedy launches a sudden attack, catching Punk off guard with a vicious assault. Officials and backstage staff look to break it up but the damage is already done and Mr. Kennedy walks off with a smirk on his face. JR calls him a cowardly dog and a piece of work as we head to commercial.

—

Brass Knuckle Bruises

Sporting a massive bruise from his encounter with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at WrestleMania, Big Show makes his way to the ring to address the WWE Universe. The behemoth reflects on his match with Mayweather, acknowledging the boxing champion's victory with a begrudging respect that he was willing to throw entourage member after entourage member at him, and was even desperate enough to pull out the brass knuckles to lay him out for the count. He takes solace in making one of the best boxers of all time dig that deep to get victory.

However, Big Show reveals that his true inspiration for being out here tonight doesn’t come from Mayweather, but from Ric Flair’s acceptance speech at the WWE 2008 Hall of Fame. Flair's words of praise for Big Show's skills as a “big man” moved him deeply and reminded him of his true potential. Determined to reclaim his status as the most dominant force in WWE, Big Show announces his intention to return to his roots, focusing on what he does best. Before he can finish his declaration, he is interrupted by the ominous presence of The Great Khali. The two men stare each other down as Big Show welcomes Khali to get in the ring. Khali seems to consider it for a moment as he pauses before the ring apron before backing out the way he came in.

—

Six-Man Tag Match: John Cena, HHH, and Chris Jericho vs. Umaga, Snitsky, and JBL

Lawler asks if “these three men can get along when both of John Cena’s partners want to take that title from him”. JR says the same is true of their opponents, with JBL in it for himself, and Umaga a law unto himself. Umaga and Cena start this off and Umaga does his best Juggernaut impression, hitting the ropes and smashing Cena to the canvas with hard shoulder block after hard shoulder block before hoisting him up and then back down with a samoan drop for an early two count. Cena manages to duck out of a lariat attempt and tag in Jericho, but after a distraction by JBL, his teammates cut off Jericho and begin to wear him down.

“Every time Chris Jericho tries to wriggle free they cut him off.”

Snitsky looks set to finish this off as he locks Jericho in a Boston crab and wrenches back, shouting at him to submit. HHH and Cena play cheerleader and eventually Jericho breaks free, he rolls out of the way of a big boot and MAKES THE TAG! HHH is in, throwing high knees at everyone, and there’s a moment when he seemingly charges at Cena who ducks, but HHH nails JBL who was trying to get involved unnoticed. As HHH pleads his innocence to Cena, Umaga gets back in and he drops both of them.

“I told you JR, if they can’t work together, they’re toast at the hands of The Samoan Bulldozer!”

Snitsky pairs off with HHH whilst JBL tosses Jericho into the ringpost. Umaga has Cena all to himself and signals for the Samoan Spike, but Cena ducks and then hits the running shoulder block! Five Knuckle Shuffle is cut off by JBL, but he’s closely followed by HHH who drops him with a spinebuster. All six men end up back in the ring, and finally the ‘good guys’ are working together! Rights and lefts sets the heels up almost simultaneously for HHH to nail Umaga with a Pedigree, Jericho to plant Snitsky with the Codebreaker, and Cena to blast Umaga with an FU. All three men cover their opponents and the referee counts to three. Jericho is the first to leave, but HHH and Cena share a moment before they engage in a hesitant handshake.

“They may have got along tonight, but next week HHH and Chris Jericho could be opponents in the King of the Ring tournament!”
​

Winners: John Cena, HHH, and Chris Jericho.​

—

A National Treasure

In a pre-taped segment, Dusty Rhodes speaks about the greatness of Ric Flair, saying he has dined with kings and queens, and he has wrestled The Nature Boy! He remembers standing across the ring from him inside a steel cage, each of their encounters were monumental events. He adds that people throw around the words ‘icon’, ‘legend’, but to him Ric Flair is a national treasure. “Leave the memories alone” plays as JR tells us that Flair will bid us farewell tonight.

—

Anything Goes Match: Santino Marella vs. Maria Kanellis

Prior to the match we see Santino arguing with Maria backstage, chastising her for not standing by his side. Maria says “you won last night Santino, what else do you want?” He says he wants to teach her some respect, and he’ll do it in the ring. Sadly for Santino, this anything goes match quickly devolves into the arrival of the RAW divas locker room and he gets kicked down low and rolled up by Maria for the pinfall, leaving him embarrassed and defeated as Maria celebrates with Ashley, Candice, and Mickie.
​

Winner: Maria​

—

With A Tear In My Eye…

The anticipation in the arena reaches a fever pitch as a WOOO and the opening horns of ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’ play out for the last time and Ric Flair steps into the spotlight for his farewell address. Last night was his last match ever at WrestleMania, and he will never wrestle in this ring again. Flair tells the fans not to feel sad for him as is calling time on the greatest career of all time in pro wrestling. He has lived the highest highs, in front of the greatest fans one could ask for.

“I’ve been called many things in my time. The Nature Boy. The Stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' n' dealin' son of a gun. The Man. But tonight, you can call me grateful."

Ric pauses to clear his throat and compose himself.

“I’m grateful because I have wrestled in front of more fans, raised more hell, had more fun, and loved every single one of you every day of my life.”

“THANK YOU RIC!” “THANK YOU RIC!”

“Please, it’s I that wants to thank you all. I want to thank you for the memories, for the support, and most of all, thank you all for making me who I am today”.

“WOOOO!”

TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!

HHH! With a big grin on his face and a mic in his hand, Hunter asks Ric “if you think that only the fans in this arena, and the millions watching on TV, are the only ones who want to thank you..” Ric can no longer hold back the tears and covers his face. “Well then my friend, you’ve got another thing coming. I just have to tell you, I love you man. Thank you.”

HHH gets on both knees and bows to his friend who drags him up to his feet as he continues to wipe tears from his eyes. HHH introduces a handful of other guys who want to say thank you too, and throwing up the Horseman Sign he introduces Tully Blanchard, JJ Dillon, Arn Anderson, and Barry Wyndham - The Four Horsemen. Hugs and handshakes abound as the crowd laps up every second of it. Next in is Batista who bows at his former mentor and Evolution stablemate's feet.

Some of his greatest opponents are next out to honour him as Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat, Harley Race, Greg Valentine all thank Flair. Former one-time Horseman Dean Malenko joins us, and then Chris Jericho is next - without his MITB briefcase and IC title I hasten to add - and gets a long pep talk from Ric, who is barely holding it together at this point. John Cena delivers a salute from the top of the rope as Flair mouths “you’re the next one kid, keep doing what you’re doing” to him. Completing the on-air celebrations are Flair’s family; Tiffany, Megan, David, Reid, and Ashley. “Memories” plays as the crowd give him a standing ovation, but the entrances aren’t over.

The Heartbreak Kid comes out and a quick camera cut to Batista and to Chris Jericho and the Horsemen shows that perhaps he isn’t quite so welcome out here by others as he is by Flair who embraces him as soon as he gets in the ring. Hunter points out Shawn and Ric’s matching watches and says they could keep doing this all night, but that anyone else who wants to say thank you to Ric Flair may as well come out.

Edge, Big Show, and Randy Orton lead the entire locker room down the ramp and to ringside as wrestlers, managers, referees, and other staff members fill the aisle and applaud The Nature Boy. It takes a good few minutes for everyone to filter out as JBL hollers “Thank you Ric” which carries throughout the entire arena in a truly awesome moment that sets off Ric’s tears again. Once absolutely everyone has made their way out with barely enough room to contain them all, we get another standing ovation as RAW officially goes off the air.

Inside the arena, however, things weren’t over yet.

GONG.

Genuine chills flood through the arena as the ring clears of everyone except for Ric, and the wrestlers down the ramp split down the middle to allow The Undertaker to pay his respects. He pauses at the steps, he shrugs off his coat and shakes Ric’s hand. They embrace, Taker gets on one knee and honours him in the way only he can, and the two embrace once more as Ric’s emotions finally get the better of him. Taker exits the ring and the applause begins once again for the greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots. Flair’s family joins him in the ring as JR and The King shake his hand as one of the most emotional send offs in wrestling comes to a close.

—​

Quick Results:

1. World Tag Team Titles Match: Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly © def. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch [05:11]
2. Loser Leaves Raw: Paul London def. Brian Kendrick [07:32]
3. Non-Title Match: Randy Orton def. Matt Hardy © [13:07]
4. John Cena, HHH, and Chris Jericho def. Umaga, JBL, and Snitsky [09:51]
5. Maria def. Santino Marella [02:42]

 

[DakotaNorth]

ECW on Sci-Fi - April 1, 2008

The show opens with a recap of Kane’s actions at WrestleMania. First we see him winning the twenty-four man battle royal, eliminating Mark Henry last to earn a title shot against Chavo Guerrero on the main card, and then we see his dominant eleven second put down of Chavo to take the belt from him. It was only then that things took a shocking turn as Kane pulled a can of gasoline from under the ring and poured it over his new championship and, pausing to light a match, dropped it on the belt and let it burn. The cries of despair from Joey Styles and Tazz at ringside sharply contrast the stunned silence of the crowd as Kane stomps out the flames and picks up the charred remnants of the ECW Heavyweight Title.

Cue the opening credits.

The House of Hardcore

ECW’s General Manager Armando Estrada is already in the ring after the opening credits play in a brand new pristine white tuxedo with a large Cuban cigar stuffed into his blazers front pocket. Standing beside the Big Red Machine, the new ECW Heavyweight Champion Kane, he breaks out into a Cheshire cat grin as he addresses the crowd. “Ah-ha! Last night at WrestleMania you saw the beginning of the end.” The fans get on Estrada’s back immediately so he pauses to soak it all in. “Espereté! As one story ends, so another must begin! Amigos, escucha, I am here tonight to announce that the end of ECW is so close, that el casa de hardcore shall be no more! This..”

Bad Dream hits the PA interrupting Estrada, and Tommy Dreamer is here! He looks absolutely pissed and Joey Styles and Tazz remark that it seems Estrada was behind Kane’s actions last night.

“Let me get this straight, Armando. You’re the brains behind that stunt last night? You got your monkey to dance to your little tune and piss all over the history of ECW? That was you?”

“That won’t go down well with the sponsors!” remarks Joey Styles.

“Astute as always Tommy! Yes, of course, it’s been me all along! Ah-ha!” Dreamer starts to make his way to the ring but Kane moves across and blocks his way in so Dreamer hangs back, contemplating his next move. “Ah-ha! I would think before you act Tommy, Kane is not so, how you say, tired, from his match last night. Besides, have you been so blind not to see that your ECW spirit passed on a long time ago amigo. Me taking the ECW campeonato is just finishing the job you started ha!”

“You’re right, things have changed, and not for the better. ECW, the original, real ECW, was the greatest time in my life. Brick by bloodstained brick we built this house, and I’ll be damned if I stand by and let you do any more damage to the place that I love.”

“E-C-DUB! E-C-DUB! E-C-DUB!”

“I don’t care who or what you have standing next to you, I will fight tooth and nail for the legacy of ECW, and if you want to try and crush the true spirit of ECW, well, that’s just fine with me because I came here for a fight!”

Big pop.

“Ah si, that is a great idea. Bueno! Tonight, Tommy Dreamer, you will face Big Daddy V. He will teach you that your fight is futile amigo, the death of ECW has already begun. Ha-ha!”

Estrada leaves the ring with Kane ahead of him following his every command. Dreamer has already reached the top of the stage and exits to the back, not quite pursued by a bear, although he’ll be facing the mass of one later tonight. Joey Styles apologises for any strong language telling us Dreamer’s history with ECW and his passion for it. Tazz admits he has a few strong words he would like to say to our ECW general manager after revealing he was behind Kane’s actions last night. Styles worries for their future as we head to commercial break.

—

Stevie Richards vs. Mike Knox

Three weeks ago Mike Knox jumped Stevie backstage, and then one week ago Stevie got his retribution by attacking Knox in the canteen, so obviously they need to settle that beef in the ring! Tazz tells us that Stevie Richards may be on the wrong side of the weight advantage but that he can give as good as he gets, “and he has the experience” adds Styles. That size and strength advantage comes into play right away as Stevie gets shoulder charged right into the corner and Knox continues to drive the shoulder into Stevie’s abdomen. Richards ducks out of the way of a charging Knox and catches Knox with a few right hands before Mike stops selling and LARIATS HIS DAMN HEAD OFF. Picture-in-picture shows us that one again so Knox can lock in a devastating nerve hold. Richards manages to snapmare Knox out of the ring to buy him some time to recover but it’s all for nothing as Knox blocks a baseball slide, slams Stevie into the barricade, and then tosses him back in. Stevie feebly tries to fight him off but gets put away after a Knox Out (A swinging reverse STO for the more visual reader).
​

Winner: Mike Knox​

The crowd are not happy about that as Knox shouts at Stevie that he told him, he told him what would happen if they faced off but he didn’t listen. He gets himself so wound up that he picks Stevie up and hits his finisher once more to make his point.

—

Tazz and Styles remind us of the Hall of Fame Class of 2008 and we get a brief recap package of the speeches and celebrations from that event. We see The Brisco’s telling us to enjoy the journey, Mae Young showing up on her hundredth birthday, The Rock inducting his father and grandfather, and finally, Ric Flair’s extended thank you speech from the Hall of Fame.

—

CM Punk vs Shelton Benjamin

CM Punk is out first and he grabs a microphone to congratulate Chris Jericho on his victory in the Money in the Bank ladder match two nights ago. He thought he had the briefcase in the bag. He was that close. But that’s just how it is, all you can do is keep on going. He says last night on RAW he felt like he was “behind enemy lines” when Mr Kennedy attacked him to try to stay relevant. “A name many of us would like to forget but can’t seem to get rid of. Reminds me of something else…”. He says that Mr Kennedy won’t use Punk to make a name for himself again, he had his moment in the spotlight and he crumbled, and he can cling to whatever shreds of relevance he has left, Punk will keep on carving out a legacy as the best in the world at what he does, with Shelton Benjamin next on his list.

“Aint no stopping me, no!”

For a man that was toppled twenty feet off of a ladder in the ring through a ladder at ringside, Shelton Benjamin looks pretty damn good. Unfortunately, a combination of the damage done at the PPV to both men, and to Punk last night, means that this match is mostly spent trading headlocks, arm drags, and the indomitable SLEEPER. Shelton looks like he’s going to get the win by making Punk pass out but he channels the spirit of Hogan and rallies back! Punk dodges an enziguri attempt from Benjamin and nails the shining wizard! Punk tries to lift Shelton up for the Go To Sleep but he can’t manage it and Benjamin gets out and puts him down with a superkick. One..Two..KICK OUT! Shelton can’t help himself and he climbs to the top rope signalling for the 450 Splash, but he misses! Punk rolled out of the way. Shelton starts to roll to his feet but CM Punk nails a flying knee to the face!! 1...2…3…CM Punk wins!
​

Winner: CM Punk​

Joey Styles is incredulous in the manner of which Punk won the match, thinking on his feet and pulling out a brand new finish when he wasn’t able to lift Shelton up. Tazz asks where the hell that one came from but Styles reminds us that Punk might have only made his debut in the WWE twenty-two months ago, he is a ten year veteran of the sport, and has a mixed martial arts background. Shelton’s reliance on his aerial game cost him here.

—

Always Check Your Calendar

After (ANOTHER!?) commercial break we join Tazz in the ring with Colin Delaney (formerly Olsen) and after Tazz recounts how amazing WrestleMania 24 was, he asks Colin what it was like to be there behind the scenes, even if he didn’t feature on it.

“Well, for once I didn’t get beat up! But erm, thats because I didn’t, you know, have a match. But next year, I’m going to be at WrestleMania, in a match, because I will have a WWE contract and I have worked really hard at this..”

Despite his nervousness the crowd is behind him, but Armando Estrada interrupts proceedings. He has clearly shaken off the confrontation with Dreamer earlier as he comes out alone.

“Espereté! Espereté!”

The crowd is already fed up with seeing him and welcome Estrada with a chorus of boos.

“Colin, have I got some great news for you amigo!” He goes on to say how Colin’s passion, drive, and fight have impressed him these last few weeks and he has truly proven himself worthy of a WWE contract.”

The crowd cheers that one and Colin looks absolutely delighted, turning with glee to Tazz who doesn’t quite share his optimism.

“Yes! Yes! That is why I have come out here tonight, in front of all of these people, to offer you your first official contract!”

Colin is overcome with emotion and hugs Tazz, unable to keep his emotions in check.

“Really? Really?”

“NAH! APRIL FOOLS Ha-ha!”

Estrada laughs cruelly at Colin’s devastation, but he quickly adds that whilst the contract offer was a joke, he can still earn himself a contract by winning a match. Estrada introduces The Big Show and the rather pale Colin Delaney goes sheet white.

The Big Show vs. Colin Delaney

“Wow. At WrestleMania it took Floyd Mayweather Jr., a seven man entourage, a steel chair, and brass knuckles to stop The Big Show. I don’t hold out much hope for Colin here as Big Show will undoubtedly still be annoyed after The Great Khali disrespected him last night on RAW.”

The bell rings and Big Show looks genuinely apologetic as Delaney can’t even bring himself to look his opponent in the eye. He turns to leave but Big Show stops him, shrugs, and then locks in the Cobra Clutch until Colin passes out. Thankfully for Colin this doesn’t last long and Big Show tosses Colin’s limp body onto the canvas below before leaving, taking no joy in the victory.
​

Winner: The Big Show​

—

“Snow” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is the official WrestleMania theme song and it segue’s us straight into a WrestleMania Recap segment. Cena pinned both Randy and HHH, Undertaker went 16-0, Jericho won MITB, and Shawn kicked Ric leading to his retirement send off last night on Monday Night Raw as we see Flair surrounded by his family and the entire locker room, cheering his name and thanking him for his service to pro wrestling.

—

Tommy Dreamer vs Big Daddy V w/ Armando Estrada & Kane

Estrada hasn’t had enough screen time tonight so he decides to accompany Big Daddy V to the ring, and Kane comes out to seemingly stand guard. Styles comments that it’s a sad state of affairs seeing Kane turned into a puppet and the ECW Heavyweight Title turned into a weapon against the brand it stands for, but Tazz tells him to quieten down lest Kane or Estrada hear him. Tommy Dreamer is out next to a big cheer as he charges the ring and tries to get on the front foot right away, throwing stiff hands and dodging the grasping hands of BDV. He succeeds in making this a hit and run feat, clearly having taken notes from Mayweather two nights ago, but when a second rope double axe handle fails to even stun the big man, Dreamer gets caught in a vice-like grip and casually thrown to the ground.

BDV takes it to Dreamer who just about manages to roll outside and dodge the intentions of Kane. The referee warns Kane to back off, “only the ECW title is defended in extreme rules, so Big Daddy V would be disqualified if Kane or Estrada lay hands on him.” Dreamer picks up a trash can from beneath the ring as Styles PRAYS he hasn’t just coaxed the curse of the commentator, but Dreamer simply throws it near BDV as a distraction to slide back in.

It doesn’t work.

BDV grabs Dreamer and continues where he left off, this time locking Dreamer in a bear hug and squeezing the life out of him.

“E-C-DUB!”. “E-C-DUB!”. “E-C-DUB!” rings through the arena as Dreamer tries to elicit a fight back. He stirs but BDV locks it in even tighter as the referee checks the arm. It drops once. Twice. Thr-NO! There is still some fight in the old dog yet! Dreamer elbows kicks and headbutts his way free of the hold and kicks the knee out. DREAMER DDT! but he can’t capitalise as the referee begins to count both men. Dreamer is up first and he looks to hit the DDT again but he gets shoved…RIGHT INTO REFEREE MICKIE HENSON!

BDV gets up and goes for the bearhug once more but Dreamer sees it coming and reverses it into ANOTHER DDT. Outside, Estrada checks on the referee before ordering Kane into the ring. Dreamer turns but only in time to take a big boot to the face. Kane adjusts his gloves and waits for The Innovator of Violence to get to his feet. CHOKESLAM! Kane looks to leave the ring but Estrada isn’t finished yet and he shouts at him to finish the job.

“ONE OF A KIND! HEY! HEY! HEY!”

“IT’S ROB VAN DAM!! ROB VAN DAM IS HERE!”

“But whose side is he on!?”

“This isn’t Bash at the Beach, Tazz.”

Kane throws Dreamer aside and waits for RVD but Van Dam is too quick for him and dodges him with ease. He hits a springboard side kick and follows it up with a Van Daminator (sans chair) that knocks Kane out of the ring. Estrada sneaks in with a chair and tries to attack RVD from behind but he is scouted and then this time we get a Van Daminator WITH the chair, knocking Estrada out unconscious. Dreamer rises and sees RVD and they share a handshake and a quick hug, but BDV is up and reunions will have to wait. A double clothesline from BDV misses both men and he finds himself attacked from all angles before dropping to a knee and struggling to fight his way out. DREAMER DDT levels him and he immediately turns to Van Dam and points to the top rope.

The crowd responds by almost everyone standing to attention as Rob Van Dam hope to the top rope, looks around as cameras flash and he leaps with elegant beauty onto BDV with a picture perfect Five Star Frog Splash. The referee conveniently starts to stir, “That’s an ECW referee Tazz, they’re made of strong stuff, but sometimes loyalty is the real measure of a man”, and as Dreamer makes the cover he counts 1…2…3. Tommy Dreamer wins!
​

Winner: Tommy Dreamer​

Kane slides in to check on his boss so RVD and Dreamer take their leave and celebrate with the fans at ringside as Joey Styles goes wild over the return of Rob Van Dam to ECW. “Armando Estrada, you’re going to need to come at us harder than that if you think you can kill this spirit. Thanks for sticking with us folks; sometimes you cross a line you wish you hadn't, and Estrada has kicked a damn hornets nest here that will come back to sting him" as the show goes off the air.

—​

Quick Results:

1. Mike Knox def. Stevie Richards [03:59]
2. CM Punk def. Shelton Benjamin [06:17]
3. Big Show def. Colin Delaney [00:18]
4. Tommy Dreamer def. Big Daddy V w/ Armando Estrada & Kane [08:02]​

 

[DakotaNorth]

April 3, 2008 | PW Insider Newsletter | WrestleMania 24, Supercard of Honor III, Destination X
Written by Jaspin Cosard

Ring Rundown: Grappling with the Monthly News
​

The biggest news to come out of the business these past few weeks has to be Vince McMahon voluntarily stepping aside from day-to-day operations, all of which have been handed over to Stephanie McMahon. Triple H is along for the ride as the new head of creative, as well as the shocking rehire of Paul Heyman and Scott Levy (aka Raven) to the booking team. Sources indicate this was an attempt to bolster the ECW brand before its dissolution, but conversations with stakeholders from the Sci-Fi network around contractual obligations have seemingly led them down a path of least resistance as they look to rebuild faith with the hardcore fan base before deciding their next move. A lot of discussion was had around whether ECW had overstayed its welcome, with the overwhelming majority believing that it has, but with the current TV deal running into October, it seems those wishes will have to wait.

Speaking of ECW, the deal to bring in Rob Van Dam hadn’t been reported anywhere and was supposedly a last minute arrangement put together by Levy and Heyman who wanted to follow up on the shock of Kane setting the ECW title alight with a big return on TV. Word has it that were RVD unavailable they were looking at bringing in either The Sandman or even for Levy’s Raven to make an appearance, but Rob was always their number one choice. Ratings were up for the first two quarters, but many viewers dropped off before Van Dam made his appearance. The uptake in social media engagement around this return suggests next week’s show will be a massive opportunity for them to draw in new viewers.

The seemingly annual post-wrestlemania clear out was once again in effect as on April 1st, WWE ended the contracts of Shawn Spears, Jim Duggan, JTG, Shad Gaspard, Kevin Thorn, Lena Yada, Manu, The Boogeyman, Vladimir Kozlov, and Gene Snitsky.

Rumours began flooding our inboxes two weeks ago over a ‘Legacy Contract’ that we, rather cynically, reported at the time was a workaround for the wellness program. We stand corrected as it looks to be both a reward for ten year service and a way of preventing the errors of the past whereby the main event scene becomes repetitive. How this will work in practice is another thing entirely with conversations ongoing with talent to decide who will use the option of taking time off, and how it will be scheduled. The only solid rumours we’re aware of is that HHH and Stephanie intend to take time off through the summer as they welcome their second child.

Ring of Honor had a really strong month with both Supercard of Honor III and Take No Prisoners selling out and featuring some phenomenal matches, especially the ROH World Title matches between McGuinness/Black and McGuinness/Aries. Tyler Black in particular has had a fantastic first six months since joining the promotion, both as a member of The Age of the Fall with Jimmy Jacobs (with whom he is a former ROH World Tag Team Champion) and Necro Butcher, but also in his own right.

Destination X continued TNA’s PPV troubles with a disjointed show that failed to deliver, particularly in the Elevation X match (Wade Keller does a fantastic take down of why this match was so bad). The opener three-way dance tag match was the only standout match on the show with the rest of the show either overbooked or poorly built - the main event six man tag match springs to mind as all six men are over, but ultimately nobody cared about it. Next month is Lockdown, with Samoa Joe vs Kurt Angle for the TNA World Title the likely main event.

AAA’s Rey de Reyes 2008 (King of Kings) event honoured Eddie Guerrero and inducted him into their hall of fame for his early career contributions to the promotion. In the main event Cibernetico defeated El Mesias to win the AAA Mega Championship and become only the second man to hold their main event singles belt. Triplemania XVI is up next where Cibernetico will defend the title against El Zorro, seeking to gain revenge for El Zorro’s part in the attack last year that left Cibernetico with legitimately serious burns.

This past Monday Night we saw Ric Flair’s retirement farewell celebration which was, to WWE’s credit, done fantastically well. Other wrestlers calling time on their careers this month include Roadkill, Billy Kidman, and his, now, ex-wife Torrie Wilson.

Sadly, we have to report on several wrestlers that have passed away this month and we send our condolences to the friends and family of: former NWA World Tag Team Champion Don Curtis, Gary Hart, Bestia Salvaje, Luis Magana, and Ron Slinker.

Match of the Month​

As always we polled our subscribers for their best matches of the month and, as always, you didn’t disappoint. Usually this would only feature the top three but between WrestleMania 24, Supercard of Honor III, No Prisoners, and IWA:MS’ 500th Show, we felt the need to expand it for now (maybe it’ll encourage more five star classics!) to five.

Nominations:

ROH World Title: Nigel McGuinness © vs. Austin Aries - ROH Supercard of Honor III

The Muscle Outlaws (Genki Horiguchi, Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi) vs. Typhoon (CIMA, Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito) - ROH Supercard of Honor III

ROH World Title: Nigel McGuinness © vs. Tyler Black - ROH Take No Prisoners

Austin Aries vs. Bryan Danielson - ROH Take No Prisoners

Money in the Bank: CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho vs. John Morrison vs. Mr Kennedy vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito - WWE WrestleMania 24

Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels - WWE WrestleMania 24

WWE Heavyweight Title: Randy Orton © vs. Triple H vs. John Cena - WWE WrestleMania 24

World Heavyweight Title: Edge © vs. The Undertaker - WWE WrestleMania 24

El Generico & Kevin Steen vs. The Muscle Outlaws (Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi) - ROH Dragon Gate Challenge II

GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles: New Hazard (BxB Hulk & Shingo Takagi) © vs. KENTA & Taiji Ishimori - Dragon Gate The Gate of Generation 2008

GHC Tag Team Titles: Naomichi Marufuji & Takashi Sugiura © vs. The Briscoes - NOAH The Second Navigation ‘08 - Night 8

I Quit Match: Jimmy Jacobs vs. BJ Whitmer - IWA Mid-South 500th Show

TNA World Tag Team Title Contender’s Match: The LAX (Hernandez & Homicide) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. The Rock ‘n Rave Infection (Jimmy Rave & Lance Hoyt) - TNA Destination X.

Winners:

1. GHC Tag Team Titles: Naomichi Marufuji & Takashi Sugiura © vs. The Briscoes - NOAH The Second Navigation ‘08 - Night 8
2. ROH World Title: Nigel McGuinness © vs. Tyler Black - ROH Take No Prisoners
3. Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels - WWE WrestleMania 24
4. I Quit Match: Jimmy Jacobs vs. BJ Whitmer - IWA:MS 500th Show
5. Money in the Bank Ladder Match - WWE WrestleMania 24

—​

Note: I contemplated saving this 'monthly wrap-up' for post-backlash onwards, but I had done a fair bit of research into the landscape of 2008 (I had long since stopped watching in real life) and figured I would compile it into an easy to digest post. Most of it is flavour this month - there are a few highlights regarding backstage goings on within the WWE (as alluded to in the first post) - but in future this newsletter will serve as a monthly review where I can either summarise storylines, shine a spotlight on future talent that I may look to bring in down the line (the midcard is SO threadbare in 2008 it's almost hilarious). I'm also open to suggestions in case there are features you would like to see implemented. Thanks for reading.

 

[DakotaNorth]

Friday Night Smackdown - April 4, 2008​

Excuse me..!

Michael Cole welcomes us to Friday Night Smackdown “and oh boy what a show we have in store for you tonight. Fresh off winning the title on Sunday, Matt Hardy will defend the United States Championship against Chuck Palumbo”. He’s not alone, unfortunately, as Coachman adds that “Not only that Michael but MY favourite tag team of The Miz and John Morrison face off against Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore”. Edge’s music hits and the Rated-R Superstar, freshly relieved of his World Heavyweight Title, makes his way to the ring flanked by La Familia, with Teddy Long and the wheelchair bound Vickie Guerrero in tow.

“I have never been more ticked off in my life!” Edge paces back and forth sweeping his hair out of his face looking very much the picture he’s trying to paint. “I stand out here and I feel naked!”

“Me too amigo! I know how you feel, Kane took advantage of me.” The crowd enjoys that one. “He cheated!” Hawkins and Ryder offer a show of sympathy and support to Chavo, reassuring him that he’s absolutely right.

Edge nods enthusiastically. “I hear you Chavo, I couldn’t agree more.” Vickie gestures for the microphone. “Ah, some words of wisdom from my beautiful fiancé.”

“Thank you Edge.” As Vickie takes the mic the noise of the crowd becomes deafening with hisses and chants of “Chavo Sucks” echoing around the arena. “Excuse me! Excuse me! I have something to say.” That doesn’t quite calm them down. Edge grabs the mic.

“You all need to shut up and show some respect to the most beautiful and powerful woman on Smackdown, neigh the WWE, NEIGH the world!” Vickie blushes and Edge points and chews out a random fan in the front row as she takes the microphone once again.

“As I was saying. As general manager of Smackdown, it is my duty, and…well…pleasure, to announce that at Backlash, Edge… you will get your rematch. The Undertaker will defend the World Heavyweight Title against Edge.” Edge grins and says he knew Vickie would have the master plan. “Not only that Undertaker, but there will be no disqualifications, anything goes, and when you lose, I’ll make sure you’re gone from Smackdown for good!” She smiles and the crowd almost riots at that announcement.

Chavo asks what about him but Vickie calms him down. She tells him that their focus needs to be on Smackdown and that his distraction with Kane and the ECW title needs to be put behind them. He is far from happy. “Instead…Excuse Me..! Instead, also at Backlash, Chavo Guerrero will wrestle for the United States Title. We already have the power, and after Backlash, we’ll have the gold too.”

The family celebrate in the ring, although it’s not lost on Hawkins and Ryder that there isn’t a title shot coming their way. Everyone’s spirits have been lifted except the audience, and Vickie isn’t done piling it on.

“Also, excuse me, I’m not finished…Tonight we will see brother against brother, champion versus soon-to-be ex-champion, as Kane takes on The Undertaker.”

Edge is almost dancing now he’s so happy. He takes the microphone once more.

“Oh I knew you’d turn it all around, you are an amazing woman. Undertaker, I’ll be coming to collect what’s mine, if you make it to Backlash.” The family laughs and Coachman says that whilst The Undertaker and Kane may be brothers, they fight like enemies, and tonight will be no different.

—

Cole comments that Kane has been a different animal since WrestleMania alongside Armando Estrada and directs us to a video package of him destroying and eliminating most of the men in the pre-show WrestleMania Battle Royal before beating Chavo in eleven seconds at WrestleMania 24 to win the ECW title, which he promptly set on fire. All was revealed on ECW on Sci-Fi as Armando Estrada was the mastermind behind Kane’s actions with his intentions being to finish the ECW brand off once and for all. Tommy Dreamer took issue with that, as did Rob Van Dam who returned after almost a year away. What will happen next week!?

—

United States Title Match: Matt Hardy © vs. Chuck Palumbo

After the video package Palumbo is already in the ring waiting as the new US champion, Matt Hardy, makes his way to the ring. Matt was beaten by Randy Orton this past monday on RAW but put up a very good showing against the former WWE Champion. Chuck Palumbo was one of the unfortunate victims of Kane’s rampage in the battle royal, but he should provide serious competition for Hardy. Matt looks for a tie up but Palumbo overpowers him easily in what becomes a recurring motif countering Matt’s suplex attempts and then ragdolling him into the corner. Matt dodges a running boot and when Chuck gets caught up in the ropes Matt seizes the opportunity to strike at the knee and, as Coachman says, “chop that man down to size”. It works and the momentum of the match switches. In desperation Palumbo tries to hit a lariat but Matt dodges and hits the Side Effect for two.

Cole reminds us that Matt Hardy had been out of action for five months, and whilst the element of surprise had certainly worked in his favour against MVP, tonight was more about rediscovering that consistency that really defines a champion. Meanwhile Matt was busy making that a reality as he nailed a second rope leg drop followed, as ever, by the Twist of Fate and got the pinfall.
​

Winner: Matt Hardy​

—

Festus w/ Jesse vs. Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins

“You have to ask what these two have done to upset Vickie enough that they’d be fed to Festus in this way”

Festus, accompanied by Jesse, is as blank as ever.

“You’ve got it backwards Michael, these two have been learning and studying and absorbing all of the knowledge that Edge and Chavo Guerrero have to offer, and this is their chance to make their mark.”

Zack and Curt are next out as Curt hypes Zack up and tells him “you got this!”.

“Well, that’s true enough, and you saw earlier on their dismay at everyone else in the family getting title shots at Backlash except for them.”

“You just don’t understand Vickie’s plans.”

“DING DING DING!”

Cole tells us to “watch this” as Festus awakens from his slumber and begins wrecking the place. Zack can barely duck and dodge out of the way before he gets sent reeling with a clothesline all the way out of the ring. Curt looks on and gets a running shoulder tackle to send him flying into the barricade. Absolute top notch selling from Edge’s lackeys.

“Still undefeated in the WWE is Festus, and you can see exactly why as he picks apart Zack Ryder”

“More like ran through him with a semi!”

Festus drags Zack back into the ring and unloads on him with rights and lefts and headbutts before grabbing him and LAUNCHING him with a fall away slam - Bradshaw still does it best. Curt looks hesitant but tries to distract Festus by jumping on the ring apron but he immediately gets sent flying, once again, into the barricade with a running tackle. Festus then turns back to Ryder and hits a MASSIVE sit out flapjack. The three count is elementary.
​

Winner: Festus​

—

Don’t Call it a Comeback

MVP is backstage taping his wrists and adjusting his boots.

“Matt Hardy, I thought I was rid of you but you just refuse to listen. You never have listened to your body have you Matt? Throwing it off of ladders through tables, and for what?”

MVP takes his sunglasses off suddenly and stares intently into the camera.

“These fans don’t care about you Matt, they only care about who is the best… and that’s me. Next week I’ll show you what happens when you don’t get the chance to attack me before the match since I’m invoking my rematch clause for the title.

“I don’t want to wait until Backlash, that’s too long for this injustice to be allowed to continue. No Matt, cherish that title whilst you can because in seven days time, it’s coming home.”

He gets up and gets ready to head to the ring.

“But first, I’ve got a rookie to make an example of.”

—

Montel Vontavious Porter vs. Scott Colton

Colton must not have got the memo because he goes for a collar and elbow tie up but is met with a THUNDEROUS big boot to the head that rocks him hard. Big time clothesline follows and MVP is absolutely all over Scott Colton on his Smackdown debut. Colton does his best to try and fight off the relentless attack but to no avail as MVP sets him up and puts him down with The Playmaker. 1..2..3..this one is over. MVP looks down at his felled opponent and smirks, satisfied with his work.
​

Winner: MVP​

“A strong performance and win for MVP tonight, but Matt Hardy is no rookie and their match next week could be even more explosive than their match at WrestleMania.”

—

It’s time for the obligatory WrestleMania recap! It covers events from the Smackdown perspective as The Undertaker was victorious over Edge for the World Heavyweight Title, Matt Hardy returned triumphantly to beat MVP for the United States Title, and The Big Show was knocked out - with the assistance of brass knuckles - by Floyd Mayweather Jr.

—

Kingly Merit

Michael Cole directs our attention to the titantron to a video that has JUST been posted on WWE.COM barely five minutes ago with William Regal announcing the entrants for the 2008 King of the Ring. Coachman asks why they aren’t getting a King of the Ring, which seems fair, so Cole tells him to shut up and watch.

William Regal appears on screen and seems to be seated at a rather posh restaurant. He directs a waiter to attend him and has a glass of wine poured before waving them off.

“Ladies and gentlemen, earlier today I made a decision regarding the upcoming King of the Ring tournament - exclusive to Monday Night RAW - that I felt I must make myself. It has been a tradition in the WWE for the past twenty five years, creating future superstars and catapulting their careers; many winners would go on to headline WrestleMania, I intend to uphold that tradition with the utmost respect and dignity, which is why this year there will not be a random draw from the entire roster.”

Despite being in a different city, Regal pauses perfectly to allow the fans to make their opinion known.

“Yes, as much as I enjoy the wild nature of it, I believe that the true heirs to the throne should earn their place by merit. After all, the winner will go on to face John Cena for the WWE Heavyweight Title at Backlash, and I want to crown the best of the best. Therefore, if you hold a RAW championship - no, sorry, not you John - you are eligible.” Another pause.

“That means Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly get entered automatically!” announces Michael.

“And Chris Jericho as the Intercontinental Champion is in too!” adds the Coach.

Regal takes a sip of his wine before continuing. “I spent a bit of time mulling over the final five entrants into the tournament and settled on the following…” Another sip. “Triple H, Randy Orton, Carlito, Umaga, and John Bradshaw Layfield. These five will join Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho and World Tag Team Champions Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes in the 2008 King of the Ring which will start next Monday, only on RAW.”

He motions for another waiter and signals for the camera to be switched off. Cole and Coachman say they may not have any vested interest in a RAW tournament to decide the number one contender, but they admit they will be tuning in. Cole adds that the final brackets will be revealed on monday night, and now it’s time to see the Tag Team Champions in non-title action against Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore.

—

Non-Title Match: The Miz & John Morrison © vs. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore

The bell rings, and it's Shannon Moore starting off against John Morrison. The Shaman of Sexy poses and taunts but Moore gets it going with lightning-fast strikes, catching Morrison off guard. Morrison gets whipped into the ropes and sent reeling with a dropkick, sending Morrison reeling. The crowd gets behind Moore as he tags in Yang. Yang hits a series of kicks followed by a wrap around DDT, but Morrison kicks out at two. Morrison manages to tag in The Miz, who immediately targets Yang's arm, wrenching it with a hammerlock and when Yang tries to counter, Miz turns it into an arm wringer and slams the arm to the ground.

Miz and Morrison get to the heely teamwork, isolating Yang in their corner with quick tags and double-team moves. Moore’s complaints about a strict five count fall on deaf ears as they wear down Yang with a combination of strikes and holds focussed on the arm, cutting off the ring and preventing him from making the tag to Shannon Moore. Moore again attracts the attention of the referee as Miz and Morrison set Yang up for a top rope double suplex but he pushes both men off and hits a diving crossbody to clean them both out! The crowd erupts as Yang crawls toward his corner, desperately reaching out for the tag to Shannon Moore. Miz tries to cut him off but he’s too late and Moore comes in like a whirlwind, taking down both Miz and Morrison with dropkicks, clotheslines, and a hurricanrana that sends Miz to the outside. Morrison rolls out to check on his partner but that allows Moore to dive over the top rope, taking out both Miz and Morrison with a suicide dive. The crowd is on their feet as Moore rolls Miz back into the ring. He ascends to the top rope, looking for the Mooregasm, but Morrison pulls Miz out of harm's way at the last moment.

Miz gestures for them to grab their titles and leave since “it isn’t for the belts anyway, screw this match”, to which Cole says it’s not the first time he’s seen Miz like this when things dont go his way. Moore and Yang chase after their opponents and, after a bit of gentle persuasion, get them back in the ring. Miz catches Moore with the Reality Check out of nowhere! Miz goes for the cover, but Yang breaks up the pin just in time. The match descends into chaos as all four men trade blows in the ring. “This one is breaking down Michael!”

In the midst of the chaos, Miz manages to catch Yang with a low blow behind the referee's back, incapacitating him and tackling him out of the ring. The referee has no idea who the legal men are anymore, so when Morrison hits the Split-Legged Moonsault on Moore and makes the pin, the referee has no choice but to make the count. 1...2…3. Miz and Morrison secure the victory. Despite a valiant effort from Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore, Miz & Morrison prove why they're the reigning Tag Team Champions, picking up the win in a hard-fought contest.

“Yang and Moore may have come up second best against the WWE Tag Team Champions, but they gave a great account of themselves and have clearly made some improvements as a team as they almost had this one.”

“There’s almost getting the job done, and then there’s The Miz and John Morrison actually getting the job done, Cole.”
​

Winners: The Miz & Morrison​

—

How to Kill a Deadman

Backstage, in a dimly lit corridor, Kane stands tall and imposing with the charred black ECW Heavyweight Title across his broad shoulders. Armando Estrada approaches him with a confident demeanour. The crowd immediately took issue with his appearance, especially at Kane's willingness to defer to him.

“Ah, Kane, my enforcer! Tonight is a night of great importance. We put behind us what happened with Tommy Dreamer and Rob Van Dam”, Kane snarls at the mere mention of their names, “because tonight we strike fear into the corazon of The Undertaker, cementing an alliance that will put a stop to these ECW extremists that keep crawling out of the ground for one more minuto in the light before they are stomped like the bugs they are!”

Kane remains silent, his fierce gaze transfixed on Estrada.

“You see, Kane, The Undertaker is vulnerable. His aura of darkness can be exploited, his downfall is imminent. We will dissect him, piece by piece, until there is nothing left but a broken shell of his former self.”

“How?”

“How do you kill that which is already dead? That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die..but to kill a deadman, we strike not at the heart or the flesh, but at the legacy!”

Kane: And when…we…complete this task, what is in it for…us?”

Estrada's smirk betrays his satisfaction at Kane's compliance. “Al vencedor el botín hh-ha! To the victor the spoils.”

Kane nods in silent agreement as the scene fades to black.

—

Evan Bourne w/ Michelle McCool vs. Jamie Noble

Dressed in a sharp pinstripe business suit, Michelle McCool is in the ring with a microphone. She introduced her new talent agency ‘McCool Runnings’ - even having the logo appear on the titantron - and says “the future has never been brighter”. She beams and walks over to her young charge, telling us she is “proud to introduce to you our very first future star. The high-flying, gravity-defying, ‘Shooting Star’ Evan Bourne. The crowd gives him a decent reaction after that introduction. McCool tells us this is the start of a new era, starting with Jamie Noble. “Sorry Jamie.”

Noble has all the experience and was certainly an accomplished wrestler in his time, but the combination of ring rust and age quickly catch up with him as Bourne flies around the ring at a frantic pace and Noble can’t keep up with him. A cartwheel front kick and a running high knee take all of Noble’s momentum away allowing Evan to take control. He almost slips up and Noble nearly catches him with a school boy roll up for a long two count, but he recovers and when Noble reverses an irish whip into the corner, Bourne runs the turnbuckle and hits a moonsault press followed by a superkick for two. Noble is out and, after hitting a standing moonsault, Evan gets the pinfall and his first win in the WWE. McCool celebrates with her new acquisition in the ring. McCool Runnings is off to a winning start!
​

Winner: Evan Bourne​

“What an impressive performance by the young Evan Bourne, some of those moves were incredible Michael!”

“You’re absolutely right. What an exciting young talent Michelle McCool has found and brought to the Smackdown brand.”

“McCool Runnings has a great ring to it too Michael, I’m a fan.”

“That’s not saying much. Anyway, next week right here on Friday Night Smackdown we will hear from Batista! Batista will join me in the ring to talk through his WrestleMania aftermath and what is next for The Animal.”

“Anytime Batista is here, you know sparks are gonna fly!”

“Spot on, Coach. Now, we’re not done yet so don’t go anywhere because we still have brother versus brother, champion versus champion...it’s The Undertaker versus Kane. Next.”

—

Non-Title Match: Kane © vs. The Undertaker ©

The atmosphere is positively charged (is that more charged than something negatively charged? Is it all the same? Anyway…) with tension as Kane, accompanied by Armando Estrada, makes his way to the ring with the charred ECW Heavyweight Title draped over his shoulder. Cole questions why Kane would align himself with Estrada but Coach reminds him that championship titles are hard to get and twice as hard to keep - aligning yourself with the man in charge is never a bad move. “I guess that’s why Vickie keeps rejecting your dinner invitations.” “How did you..nevermind.”

GONG.

The ominous presence of The Undertaker follows, his World Heavyweight Title gleaming despite the dimmed arena lights, a chill runs through the air as the deadman purposefully walks to the ring. The two brothers lock eyes. Kane is breathing hard whilst Undertaker just stares at his younger brother. Neither man flinching, neither man moving as the bell sounds. Kane seems to signal for a test of strength, but as Undertaker moves in to accept he gets rocked by a Big Red Right Hand and a jab to the throat. Kane works through his old school repertoire and keeps The Undertaker guessing and on his toes. A running DDT attempt by Taker ends up in a spinebuster, but he gets right up from it and starts unloading with rights (and lefts) of his own!

Taker goes to work on the arm of Kane to the dismay of Estrada who barks at Kane to get back up and finish him. A quick glare from the Undertaker stops him in his tracks and he pretends to be interested in something an audience member had to say. Kane uses this brief distraction to take the initiative, regain the advantage, and to shake off the damage to his arm. Estrada is much more pleased outside as he tells Kane to “break him”. Kane obliges.

“Un-der-Taker!” “Un-der-Taker!” “Un-der-Taker!”

The Phenom hears the rallying cries of his creatures of the night and he starts to fight back with a handful of elbows to Kane’s midriff before he ducks a big boot attempt and hits a running/diving lariat. Taker sets Kane up for a chance to go old school…”business is picking up!” and he lands hard on Kane’s shoulder and upper back. He stalks Kane and goes for the chokeslam, but Kane goozles him right back! It’s a standoff! Taker wrenches the arm of his brother and this time he has control! CHOKESLAM! Kane went for a ride. One..Two..KICK OUT. Estrada was almost ready to slide in but hesitated and wouldn’t have made it any way. Taker spots him but Estrada slides right back out.

Taker doesn’t let the distraction stop him and he signals that the end is nigh, hoping to put Kane away with the Tombstone. Kane fights back once more and a clothesline takes the two men up and over the ropes to the outside. Kane launches his brother into the ring post, the steel steps, and the barricade, enjoying himself now as he is in full control. Kane rolls Undertaker back in to finish the job BUT UNDERTAKER SITS UP! Kane cannot believe it and when he slides in he gets grabbed by the throat once more, CHOKESLAM! A second chokeslam on Kane!

That’s just the signal that La Familia needs and Hawkins, Ryder, Chavo and Edge charge the ring. Undertaker throws bombs dropping Ryder, then Hawkins, and then Chavo, but a SPEAR drops him and the referee calls for the bell, ending this one in a DQ victory for Undertaker. Edge doesn’t care and he tells Estrada to get Kane to finish Undertaker off. Kane obliges, dropping Undertaker with a Tombstone Piledriver. Edge looks to send a message and to further humiliate Undertaker as he drapes the World Heavyweight Title over his lifeless body.

Kane and Estrada take their leave as Edge and La Familia celebrate. Their deed is done.
​

Winner: No Contest via Disqualification​

“OH MY GOD! UNDERTAKER IS SITTING UP!”

Edge is the first to react and he flees the ring with Chavo following closely behind him. Hawkins and Ryder are not so lucky as Taker grabs them both as they realise what’s about to happen: double chokeslam! Undertaker isn’t done yet as he drops each one in turn with a Tombstone Piledriver of his own, sending a message of his own.

“Looks like Edge found out what happens when you push The Undertaker too far. Hell hath no fury like a Deadman scorned, and tonight, Hawkins and Ryder learned that the hard way. I can only imagine how badly he wants to get his hands on Edge after not only turning his brother against him, but trying to jump him from behind. If you thought this one was settled at WrestleMania, think again."

The show goes off the air as the crowd chants for The Undertaker who stands in the middle of the ring having endured an onslaught and came back fighting.

—​

Quick Results:

1. United States Title Match: Matt Hardy © def. Chuck Palumbo [04:45]
2. Festus w/ Jesse def. Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins [04:01]
3. MVP def. Scott Colton [02:56]
4. Non-Title Match: The Miz & John Morrison © def. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore [13:20]
5. Evan Bourne w/ Michelle McCool def. Jamie Noble [05:31]
6. Non-Title Match: The Undertaker © def. Kane © via DQ [16:52]​

 

[DakotaNorth]

King of the Ring 2008 [COMPETITION]​

What an exciting opportunity we have for all you WWE fans! Starting this coming Monday Night on RAW will be the King of the Ring tournament, and all four quarter finals will feature! We have shared a sneak peak below of the quarter finals brackets to help you make your decisions. All we want you to do is provide the following and be in with winning a grand prize:

Predict which WWE superstar will progress from each of the opening quarter-final ties!

Tell us who you think will be the overall winner of the 2008 King of the Ring!

Here are the first round matches:

Please submit your votes on wwe.com before the beginning of Monday Night RAW to be in with a chance to win!

—

NB: Just for a little bit of fun (and to pace myself) please reply to this thread with the four wrestlers who you think will advance to the semi-finals, and also who you think will win the whole sha-bang! Winner(s) will get a prize that will be something like choosing a stipulation or making a booking choice or something like that (I might make a Vince Russo SPIN THAT WHEEL to pick the prize).

Finally, I don’t set hard deadlines on myself for this kind of thing but just for a rough time to get your votes in, it’s gonna be about 48 hours before the next episode of Monday Night Raw will be up.​

 

[Roy Mustang]

King of the Ring 2008 [COMPETITION]​

What an exciting opportunity we have for all you WWE fans! Starting this coming Monday Night on RAW will be the King of the Ring tournament, and all four quarter finals will feature! We have shared a sneak peak below of the quarter finals brackets to help you make your decisions. All we want you to do is provide the following and be in with winning a grand prize:

Predict which WWE superstar will progress from each of the opening quarter-final ties!

Tell us who you think will be the overall winner of the 2008 King of the Ring!

Here are the first round matches:

Please submit your votes on wwe.com before the beginning of Monday Night RAW to be in with a chance to win!

—

NB: Just for a little bit of fun (and to pace myself) please reply to this thread with the four wrestlers who you think will advance to the semi-finals, and also who you think will win the whole sha-bang! Winner(s) will get a prize that will be something like choosing a stipulation or making a booking choice or something like that (I might make a Vince Russo SPIN THAT WHEEL to pick the prize).

Finally, I don’t set hard deadlines on myself for this kind of thing but just for a rough time to get your votes in, it’s gonna be about 48 hours before the next episode of Monday Night Raw will be up.​

Carilto, JBL, Jericho, Rhodes. Winner of the whole thing: Carilto

 

[BattleTank]

Really enjoying your thread so far. 2008 is a fun time period, and it will be interesting to see how you shape the roster/company as a whole in your own way. I also love the idea of your "legends" situation. Should play out for some fun content...

As for predictions:

Carlito, HHH, Umaga, Orton

HHH vs. Umaga in the Finals

Umaga wins it all

 

[DakotaNorth]

Monday Night Raw - April 7, 2008​

“Welcome ladies and gentleman as the USA Network presents a special edition of Monday Night RAW. I’m Jim Ross, alongside Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, and by god do we have a show for you tonight.”

“I can’t wait JR, it’s the King of the Ring! We’ve even got a throne!”

“Last week on Smackdown we saw General Manager William Regal announce the entrants into the tournament and now we can reveal the quarter final matches!”

“Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho will face off against ‘The Samoan Bulldozer’ Umaga, and Triple H will face John Bradshaw Layfield in the tie of the round. HHH is the only entrant to have a crown to his name, but as a former world champion himself, JBL is no pushover.”

“In the other two quarter finals we have World Tag Team Champion Hardcore Holly facing Carlito, whilst his partner Cody Rhodes will have the ominous task of taking on former WWE Champion Randy Orton, and you know that Orton is desperate to get that title back”

“I know which member of the Tag Team Champions I’d rather be tonight JR!”

—

This Is Me Against The World

“HEY! Nothing you can say!”

Randy Orton has no time for Jim Ross to get on with announcing the rest of the matches for the show and takes great pleasure in the chorus of boos that greets him.

“Eight days ago.” The crowd don’t want to hear it and make their feelings known. “Eight days ago I walked into WrestleMania as the WWE Heavyweight Champion. I walked in ready to usher in a new age of professional wrestling. The Age of Orton.”

“Orton sucks. Orton sucks.”

“Yet, the Age of Orton ended before it could even begin.” He pauses. “I had John Cena and Triple H right where I wanted them. I had them both beaten. But instead of establishing a new legacy as the greatest WWE Champion of all time, I was robbed. Robbed by John Cena. Robbed by Triple H. Robbed of my destiny!”

Orton paces back and forth, getting angrier with each breath.

“I don’t mind obstacles. I’ve faced obstacles all my life, and all my life I’ve knocked them down. John Cena, when I win the King of the Ring tournament, there will be nobody to prevent me from taking back what is rightfully mine. And Triple H, if you make it to the finals…”

“TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!”

“Ask and ye shall receive” quips Lawler.

“You rang?”

“No I..” Orton shakes his head in frustration. “What do you want, Hunter?”

“Well it seems like you wanted to address me, and what better way than face to face, man to man.” HHH enters the ring and gets in Randy’s face. “So..?”

“I know how you operate, Hunter. You’ve played the game like no one else. But, let’s be honest, it’s a game you’re losing your grip on. You’re not the cerebral assassin anymore, you’ve gone soft and I’ve outgrown you. If we meet in the King of the Ring, I’ll put you down for good.”

“You’ve had your moments, sure, but everything you’ve got is because of ME. I made you, and IF we meet in the King of the Ring tournament, I will destroy you.”

Orton decides enough is enough and he leaps at HHH who ducks out of the way and clotheslines Randy over the top rope. Orton is absolutely livid and looks to get back in but HHH is having none of it and aims a kick his way. Randy decides now isn’t the time to get roughed up and tells HHH to watch his back as he backs up the ramp.

“If both men win all their matches then the two will meet in the finals of the King of the Ring”

“If that happens JR, I don’t know if there will be anything left of either of these guys to face John Cena. It’s getting pretty heated between these two former friends.”

“The Evolution of Randy Orton has been impressive, but I for one hope Triple H can knock him down a peg or two. I’m not sure I fancy living under an Age of Orton.”

—

We get a recap of last week’s six man tag match as John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Triple H were able to put aside their differences and defeat JBL, Snitsky, and Umaga. Each man hit their finish and pinned their respective opponent. That kind of camaraderie is sure not to last. Speaking of camaraderie, Rob Van Dam returned to ECW for the first time in almost a year last night, standing up for the company that made him. Lawler voices his dislike for Rob Van Dam and ECW causing a nuisance. JR quickly moves on and tells us that many are wondering what the future has in store for Shawn Michaels after his comments last week, he’ll address them tonight.

“Also, JR, have you seen that on the WWE.COM website we have a competition where IF you can predict the winners of the King of the Ring quarter finals tonight, you can win great prizes like WWE merchandise and even tickets to a future event!”

“This is your chance to be a part of the action, folks! Great opportunities on the WWE.COM website although not long left now to enter. Remember, entries will close at the opening bell of our first King of the Ring quarter finals, so enter now to be in with a chance to win!”

—

Melina & Jillian Hall vs. Mickie James & Ashley

At WrestleMania, WWE Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix and Melina defeated Ashley and Maria, but at ringside two of the lumberjills in Mickie James and Jillian Hall came to blows. Jillian wants to get her hands on Mickie right away but Melina calms her down and starts instead. She tries hair pulls and eye rakes but Mickie takes her down with some ground and pound before launching Melina back into her own corner and telling Jillian to tag in. She obliges but then both women attack Mickie! Ashley tries to get in but gets kicked off the apron by Melina who follows her outside. Jillian locks Mickie in for the stroke (I’m sure she has a different name for it) but Mickie counters and MICKIE DDT. 1…2…3.

Mickie and Ashley win! Melina is on the outside absolutely furious and slides in to exact some revenge. Nope. Mickie sees her coming and LONG KISS GOODNIGHT.

“That kick just rocked Melina’s jaw.”

“Mickie James is the real deal King, and she showed us all tonight. I have a feeling she may be casting an eye at Beth Phoenix and her Women’s title after this.”
​

Winners: Mickie James & Ashley​

—

KOTR MOMENT #10

Booker T Crowned King of the Ring (2006) [YouTube]

—

KOTR QF: Carlito vs. Hardcore Holly w/ Cody Rhodes

“I spit in the face of people who don’t want to be cool” introduces Carlito for our first match in the King of the Ring. Hardcore Holly is out next flanked by his partner Cody Rhodes, with their tag titles on full display.

JR tells us that “Entries are now closed in our King of the Ring interactive competition. Winners will be posted on WWE.COM at the end of the show.”

Holly slides into the ring and gets this going right away with rights and lefts lighting up Carlito. Carlito staggers back and gets knocked out of the ring. Holly follows but gets tripped into the announce table and Carlito recovers back inside. Cody checks on his partner, helping him up to get back in at the count of five. He’s cut off immediately with stomps and a neckbreaker from Carlito for two.

“Carlito is looking to make a statement in this one, JR.”

Carlito continues to work over the neck of Bob Holly who tries to fight back but gets his eyes raked and dropped with a clothesline. Float over suplex gets two and Carlito is in complete control. Holly reverses out of a backbreaker attempt and hits a back body drop on the oncoming Carlito, but Holly can’t follow up and he gets cut off again. Cody pulls Holly out of the ring and checks on him again as the referee goes to warn him not to get involved. Carlito wastes no time and takes the two men out with a slingshot plancha to the outside!

Carlito rolls Holly back in and signals for the Backstabber.

“This one could be over already, JR!”

“Don’t count out Hardcore Holly yet.”

Bob Holly isn’t done yet and he battles back to his feet forcing Carlito back. Carlito runs the ropes but Holly nails him with a running firearm. A backbreaker gets two and a DDT looks like it might finish things off but Carlito kicks out again just before three. Holly notices Cody still down on the outside having taken the brunt of the plancha, and that one second distraction is all Carlito needs. BACKSTABBER. One..Two..Three! Carlito advances to the semi-finals.
​

Winner: Carlito​

When Holly comes around he can’t believe it. He’s absolutely gutted and when Cody asks “what happened?” he kicks the steel steps in anger and heads straight to the back with Rhodes looking rather confused.

“Well JR, Carlito advances after a fantastic performance against the veteran Hardcore Holly!”

“You’re right, King. The aptly named Backstabber does the job once again for Carlito. Although you can’t blame Holly for being concerned about his partner.”

“Take it from me JR, you’ve got to put all of that out of your mind in the ring. One second can be all the difference in the world.”

“And that one second was all Carlito needed to capitalise on Holly’s distraction and get the victory.”

—

[Recap of the Flair retirement party last week on RAW.]

—

The Italian Job

John Cena’s music hits and we get the usual fifty-fifty split of cheers and boos. The champ doesn’t mind as he salutes the fans and slapping hands along the way. The four time WWE Heavyweight Champion slides into the ring and grabs a microphone.

“What’s up New York!?” Big cheers. If in doubt, reference the hometown, and get those Mick Foley cheap pops peppered through your promo. “Man it feels good to be back here with you all tonight. Only…”

“WHAT!?”

“Well..sometimes in life I guess things don’t always quite go the way you imagined. I won this title eight days ago on the grandest stage of them all, and yet tonight, everyone else has a dance partner except me? I can’t even be a fighting champion whilst the King of the Ring goes on, so I’m left feeling a little bit forgotten.”

“Booo!”

“That’s exactly how I feel. I feel like a fat kid at football practice, except I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulder.” Cena adjusts the belt and smiles. “But when life throws you curveballs, you step up to the plate. Don’t let things just happen to you, get out there and start swinging. So right now I’m throwing out an open challenge to anyone back there in the locker room.”

Santino Marella’s music hits and Cena nods looking impressed. Santino smirks, struts down to the ring, and takes the mic from John Cena.

“I accept-ah your challenge, Juan Cena. Prepare for the ass to be kicked, invisible man.”

“Santino has answered John Cena’s non-title challenge. What an opportunity for the Italian.”

“I can’t stand the guy JR. After everything he put Maria through…”

“Well you had your say on that one at WrestleMania when you punched him in the face. Anyway, let’s get to the match.”

—

Non-Title Match: John Cena © vs Santino Marella

Taking off his shirt, Santino offers Cena a test of strength after flexing his muscles. Cena accepts but Santino kicks Cena low! The referee goes to check on Cena but Santino takes his man down with an arm drag and locks in the armbar! Cena cries out and tries to grab a breath. Cena manages to roll over and with Santino still holding onto the arm, lift him up with one arm and slam him down hard onto the canvas. Santino releases immediately and tries to roll away. Cena lifts him up, shoots him off the ropes and hits a BIG back body drop. Santino is up but he gets a kick to the gut, facebuster, and the Five Knuckle Shuffle. The crowd pops for that as always and Cena signals that this one has run its course. Santino throws some weak flailing arms to try and get Cena away from him but F-U! Cena makes the cover, and that’s all she wrote.
​

Winner: John Cena​

“I think Santino bit off a little more than he could chew with John Cena tonight.”

Cut to commercial break.

—

KOTR MOMENT #9:

Brock Lesnar wins King of the Ring (2002) [YouTube]

—

Owner of a Bleeding Heart

Shawn Michaels’ music hits and The Heartbreak Kid makes his way to the ring. He isn’t quite so sombre as last week, even managing to crack a couple of half-smiles for the ladies in the front row, and ruffle the hair of a young kid wearing an ‘HBK’ shirt.

“You know, last week was truly a great send off for my good friend, Ric Flair.”

“Woooo!”

“Yet, throughout the week all I keep hearing are questions about “Why Shawn, Why?” as if I wanted Ric Flair to retire.That wasn’t my choice, but I bear the burden all the same. I, Shawn Michaels, retired Ric Flair, and if given that moment one more time…“ Shawn pauses. “I wouldn’t change a single thing. It would be disrespectful to give Ric Flair anything less than my best, and that’s what I did”

Shawn looks to find the next words to say but he’s interrupted by the horns of JBL’s entrance and here comes the Texas Tycoon, no limo tonight, but dressed in a business suit straight from wall street, including the salmon coloured tie.

“Shawn, I’m not gonna lie. All this bleeding heart horse shit is wearing thin.”

“Believe what you like John, I don’t have a single thing to prove to you.”

“Oh Shawn, we’re not so different, you and I.” Shawn laughs but JBL looks dead serious. “I’m dead serious. You are the most egotistical, self-serving, successful superstar in the history of this business. I thought I was bad, but then you returned and I realised everything they said about you was true. And I thought to myself..’what a man’. What a man it takes to always put himself first ahead of everyone; his friends, family, even his own mortality.”

Shawn takes a step closer to JBL, staring him down, but equally wondering where this was going.

“I wish I could commit like you Shawn. I really do. Me? Well, I’ve done plenty of things people don’t like, but I didn’t have to screw anyone… over to get my titles. “I’ve never lied about my faith to buy some goodwill credit from these pathetic idiots.”

JBL knows how to get a crowd hot and angry. So he doubles down.

“You know, I came to New York and made millions on the stock market, and these sewer rats can barely afford to make ends meet, and you want to be their hero? You want them to chant your name and sing along with your little entrance music and say “OH SHAWN WE LOVE YOU.”

JBL’s complexion suddenly turns dark as he gets right in Shawn’s face.

“You make me sick”. Shawn looks about ready to blow.

BAM!

JBL rocks Shawn with a right hand and then scurries out of the ring, laughing as he goes.

“JBL just knocked Shawn Michaels into next week, JR!”

Shawn holds his face and gets onto his knees, staring down JBL who is now halfway up the ramp. Shawn shakes his head and checks he’s not bleeding as he rolls out of the ring slowly, and even more slowly makes his way to the back.

“Shawn came out here to have his say and decide what was next for him, and I think he just found out. The Heartbreak Kid won’t take that cheap shot laying down.”

—

UMAGA!?!?

We cut backstage to RAW General Manager William Regal’s office with Regal sat at his desk sorting through papers with [TOP SECRET] across the back of them. He hears a knock at the door and tells them to come in. Chris Jericho enters, his Intercontinental Title around his waist, and trust Money in the Bank briefcase in his hand.

“Umaga!? Seriously Regal, Umaga?”

“What about him?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t pick those brackets yourself Bill!” He slams the briefcase down onto Regal’s desk.

“Oh, I did. I’m going to particularly enjoy this next match.”

“UGHH!!”

Jericho storms off, slamming the door on his way out. Regal looks rather nonchalant and goes back to his papers. The door swings back open to reveal Jericho, once again, staring Regal down. He walks in, grabs the MITB briefcase and storms back out again. Regal sighs.

—

KOTR QF: Umaga vs. Chris Jericho

Umaga is out first looking positively deranged. He pounds the turnbuckle as he awaits his opponent. Jericho breaks the walls down and struts out to the ring looking much more confident than he did a couple of minutes ago in Regal’s office. He sizes up Umaga from outside the ring, debating entering before deciding against it and dropping his belt and briefcase off at the timekeeper’s table. He slides into the ring and ducks out of the way of a charging Samoan Bulldozer.

The bell rings and Jericho immediately circles his opponent, studying his movements, staying out of his reach. Umaga charges forward with “catlike agility”, thanks JR, but Jericho again ducks out of the way, this time catching Umaga with a dropkick. It barely even registers. Umaga comes charging back and this time a thunderous clothesline sends the IC champ crashing to the mat. Jericho gets up but Umaga is all over him, continuing his relentless assault with a barrage of strikes and a BIG TIME Samoan Drop. 1…2.. Jericho kicks out.

Jericho keeps popping back up only to be knocked down again. Umaga whips Jericho into the turnbuckle but Jericho quickly gets out of the way of Umaga and hits a slingshot missile dropkick to send Umaga reeling, but he doesn’t go down! Jericho runs the ropes, flying forearm! Umaga still doesn’t go down, but now he’s wobbling. Jericho unleashes kicks to the gut and a big sidekick to the jaw before running the ropes once again, POWERSLAM! Umaga reversed at the right moment and caught Jericho out, but only got a two count.

Jericho refuses to stay down, summoning every ounce of his strength to fight back. Umaga locks in a nerve hold but Jericho throws some wild elbow strikes at Umaga’s face, and then manages to kick him hard enough to release the hold. Jericho is back on his feet and he ducks and dodges, bobs and weaves, and hits and runs against his fierce opponent. The strategy starts to pay off and after a spinning heel kick, Jericho finally takes Umaga down with a bulldog! He looks for the Lionsault but Umaga rolls out of the way and Jericho lands on his feet. SAMOAN SPIKE, NO! Jericho got his elbow up and it didn’t hit clean. Umaga drags Jericho back up to his feet to land it properly this time…CODEBREAKER! Jericho hit the Codebreaker!! He can’t capitalise right away but he manages to get an arm over Umaga. One…Two…Th—NO! UMAGA KICKS OUT. Jericho can’t believe it but he gets back up to his feet first and hits the LIONSAULT! This time it lands. 1…2…3. Jericho wins and advances to the semi finals!
​

Winner: Chris Jericho​

“Chris Jericho may have found a counter for the Samoan Spike but it was almost not enough!”

“Even with the arm up JR, did you see how much power Umaga generates!? That’s scary and Chris Jericho is a lucky man because that one could have gone very differently.”

“Yet as it stands, King, Jericho found a way to get an advantage and therefore he advances to the semi finals which start next week”.

—

A Fly in the Ointment

Triple H is backstage getting ready for his match. He grabs a bottle of water and leaves the locker room heading towards the ring. The crowd cheers as JR and The King talk about HHH’s desperation to get the title back after Mr. McMahon screwed Triple H last year at No Mercy, forcing him to wrestle three times in one night, and both winning and losing the title in the same evening.

“Since then, Orton has ducked and dodged HHH’s challenge, getting himself disqualified when he’s been forced to face The Game.”

“Orton’s just smart, JR, and he had HHH beaten at WrestleMania. If John Cena hadn’t broken up the pinfall Randy would still be champion.”

“Well that’s what happens in a triple threat match King, you know that, and I’m damned if Randy Orton doesn’t know that too and just chooses to not acknowledge it.”

OUTTA NOWHERE™, Randy Orton tackles HHH into a wall and starts reigning down with punches. He stands up and as HHH rolls over to try and get to his feet, Orton nails him with a PUNT, knocking HHH unconscious. Randy gets down onto the floor and whispers to HHH.

“Good luck in your match, Hunter,” Orton sneers, his voice dripping with contempt as he stands over the broken body of HHH. Orton smirks and flees the scene as EMTs and referees arrive.

HHH still hasn’t come to and JR cannot believe what’s happened to HHH right before his match. JR calls Orton “a snake” as King tells us we’re about to go to commercial break, but after that, “HHH has his match with JBL, next!”

—

KOTR QF: John Bradshaw Layfield vs. Triple H

Back from commercial break and JBL’s music hits and here he comes in his traditional white limousine. The self-proclaimed ‘Wrestling God’ swaggers to the ring with a smirk on his face as JR and the King try to get updates about the condition of HHH. JR is suspicious of JBL’s smirk and cocky nature and wonders if he wasn’t in on the actions backstage a few moments ago. “Time to play The Game” is next but as the fans await his entrance, nobody comes out. It gets about halfway through before cutting out and JR says they’ve still had no update on Triple H. His music hits again, and once again HHH doesn’t show.

“The timekeeper and ring announcer just exchanged a few words, and in a minute they’ll declare this one a forfeit by HHH, meaning JBL will get a bye into the next round.”

“What a travesty, all because of Randy Orton. His actions are deplorable, and it looks like he’s cost HHH a chance at the title once again.”

“TIME TO PLAY THE GAME” hits for a third time.

“It’s HHH! He’s here!!”

“Looking rather worse for wear, JR.”

HHH is far from 100% as he holds his taped up ribs and sports a rather impressive shiner below his right eye. It’s hard to tell whether he’s furious or grimacing at the pain, but the look of shock on JBL’s face tells us exactly how much he knew about it all. He didn’t expect HHH to show. As HHH makes his way to the ring, his condition gives JBL a reinvigorated sense of confidence and he jumps out of the ring and meets HHH head on at the bottom of the ramp. The referee begs both men to get in the ring, but JBL is having none of it. After a few strikes he sends HHH into the ring apron and then spears him right into it again, HHH’s body crumpling to the floor.

As HHH struggles to regain his footing JBL stomps the ribs sending shockwaves through HHH’s body. The referee still hasn’t signalled the bell and tells JBL to roll HHH into the ring or he himself will forfeit the match. JBL pushes him away but does as he’s told; he isn’t about to shoot a gift horse in the mouth given HHH’s condition. A quick neckbreaker gets a two count. JBL follows it up with a suplex that he holds for five seconds before planting HHH down hard for another two count. HHH rolls out of the ring to safety but JBL is right on him.

“JBL, all credit to him, he isn’t giving Triple H a moment to draw breath!”

The crowd get an up close look at JBL bouncing HHH’s head off of the barricade and then throwing him ribs first into the ring post. At the count of five JBL rolls back into the ring and looks like he’d be content with a count out. The crowd gets behind HHH and he drags and pulls himself into the ring at the count of nine.

Bradshaw waits for HHH to get to his feet, measuring him, CLOTHESLI-NO, HHH DUCKS! HHH lands a couple of rights, but Bradshaw blocks and kicks him again in the ribs. HHH winces and goes down but gets lifted into a fall away slam. 1…2…kickout. Every kickout is agonising for HHH but he can’t seem to get a hold of this match.

“You can’t question the heart of the game, but JBL is absolutely picking at the bones. Surely HHH can’t go on much longer taking this kind of abuse.”

JBL again signals for the end with the Clothesline but HHH ducks, JBL runs the ropes straight into a spinebuster. Both men are down but JBL is first to his feet. JBL throws a punch (boo!), HHH fires back (yay!), JBL right hand (booo!), HHH fires back with three successive chops but JBL cuts him off with a knee to the ribs and HHH doubles over in pain. Bradshaw goes to the second rope for a double axe handle but misses and gets a punch to the gut, clothesline from HHH! JBL is up but HHH hits the facebuster.

“JBL is reeling as HHH looks to turn the tide of this match.”

HHH goes for the pedigree but JBL reverses with a back body drop, CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!! Only, HHH ducked, and referee Chad Patton took the full force of it! Kick to the gut, PEDIGREE! JBL is out, but of course there is no referee to count the fall! HHH tries to wake the referee and get him up but he’s in cuckoo land with no idea of what’s going on. Hunter shrugs and gestures to the back, but he turns around and JBL hits a low blow! HHH hits the deck and JBL slides out of the ring.

He grabs the ring bell, measures HHH, and takes him out! A shot right to the head! JBL then has his turn trying to revive the referee when the crowd start going wild with cheers. Bradshaw looks up to see what the commotion is. SWEET CHIN MUSIC!

“Shawn Michaels with a measure of retribution after JBL’s cheap shot earlier on!”

“Where did he come from, JR!?”

Shawn helps HHH up who almost throws a punch at his former partner, looking extremely confused as to what Shawn is doing here. When he sees JBL out on the canvas he smiles and hugs Michaels. Shawn then goes to check on the referee as HHH drags JBL to his feet, wincing with pain as he does so. JBL can barely stand. PEDIGREE! Triple H makes the cover and Shawn grabs the referee’s hand. One..Two..Three.
​

Winner: Triple H​

Shawn and HHH celebrate in the ring and we get a very brief DX reunion with crotch chops and all. Shawn checks if HHH is alright and he says he’s had worse. They laugh and just before we cut to commercial break Shawn says, “Hey, I got an idea”, and a cheeky grin emerges on his face as he helps HHH out of the ring.

“Orton’s plan failed. HHH wins!”

“And Michaels paid JBL back double.”

“I don’t think JBL will see it that way. Shawn Michaels cost him this match, and he’s not a man who takes such things lightly.”

“You’re right King, but now we have Randy Orton versus Cody Rhodes in our main event. Coming up, next!”

—

KOTR MOMENT #8:

Bret Hart wins King of the Ring (1993) [YouTube]

—

With three quarter-finals down, Jim Ross reveals that HHH is the overwhelming favourite of the online vote for who will win “but he almost got eliminated there!” Lawler says his money is on Orton, “I thought it was on JBL”, “I can back more than one horse JR, and my money is on Randy Orton”.

—

KOTR QF: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is out first, without his tag team partner accompanying him. Lawler speculates that Holly is upset from earlier when his concern over his partner cost him his match against Carlito. JR says that Cody is an exciting young superstar who has shown glimpses of future potential, but that Orton is a former WWE Champion, and this will be a monumental task for the grandson of a plumber. Randy Orton is out next looking less than pleased and a little bit rattled. He checks behind him on several occasions and shouts at a few fans on his way to the ring.

Orton mouths off to Cody who responds with a hard slap to the face. Orton pauses for a moment in disbelief before viciously attacking with clubbing blows and a back elbow sending him staggering into the corner. Cody tries to fire back with chops and forearms but Randy blocks and hits a wrap-around backbreaker - kick out at one. Orton seems even more annoyed by that and begins stomping the life out of Rhodes who tries to get out of the ring but gets caught on the apron. Orton drags him through the middle rope, looking for the Hanging DDT. He poses for just too long as Cody jumps backwards out of the ring, hurting himself, but also driving Randy neck first off the top rope.

Cody gets cut off getting back in the ring and The Viper continues his assault and decides to sit Cody on the top turnbuckle. Orton takes a few steps back and nails Cody with a running forearm almost sending him toppling to the floor but he grabs him, goes up top himself, BIG TIME SUPERPLEX!! Orton crawls over and makes the pin. One..Two..Kickout! Orton locks Cody in a sleeper hold, wearing him down, grinding his elbow into the side of the head. Cody starts to drift but the crowd chanting “Cody! Cody! Cody!” fires him up and like any good babyface he elbows once, he elbows twice, but ahh no Orton cinches it in tighter and takes him back down again. “Ask him!” cries Orton, trying to force his opponent to either submit or to pass out. Cody looks pale as the referee checks the arm, lifts it up and drops it.

“One!”

Again he checks for a response from Cody but his eyes are barely opened and Randy has it in tightly. He lifts and drops the arm again.

“Two!”

The referee does one final check but there is no response. He picks the arm up and drops it.

“THR-”

Cody’s arm doesn’t hit the canvas. He opens his eyes. Orton looks at the referee and tries to lock it in tighter but Cody is grasping at Orton’s elbow now, trying to wrench himself free.

“CODY! CODY! CODY!”

Big time elbow to Orton’s face followed by a second and Randy breaks the hold. The crowd are up on their feet now as Cody throws rights and lefts at the midsection, fighting his way to his feet. Orton throws a punch. Blocked. RIGHT HAND. Orton draws back. Cody presses the advantage. Orton throws another shot. BLOCKED. Cody nails him and sends him off the ropes for a big back body drop. Orton is up and then right back down again with a hip toss. Cody sends him off the ropes again but gets reversed, Orton ducks, Cody drops down to the canvas and punches him in the face! Cody gets Randy up, gourdbuster! One..Two..Kickout!

“Cody’s feeling it now, he’s taking it to Randy Orton!”

“Using Orton’s frustrations against him has worked so far but it’s not over yet JR.”

Cody drags Orton to his feet and signals for the Alabama Slam but Orton rolls through with a sunset flip. One..Two..Kickout! Cody rolls out, goes for a dropkick but gets swatted away and Orton nails his own dropkick, showing the youngster how it’s done before getting up and posting. If Michael Cole was here you know this would be vintage Orton. Cody is up but walks straight into a scoop slam for two. Cody is up quickly though and after Randy ducks a clothesline attempt, Cody springboards off the ropes with a tornado DDT! Randy lands hard on his head and rolls out of the ring.

Cody goes to follow but the referee tells him to keep it in the ring. He follows anyway as Randy tries to crawl away. He doesn’t get far and Cody starts throwing hands as Orton begs off and tries to create some distance. Cody eventually throws Randy back in and climbs up onto the apron, but he gets caught! Orton grabs him and this time he hits the Hanging DDT. Orton makes the cover..One..Two..Kickout! Orton grabs the referee and complains of a slow count.

“Only two there and you can see that Randy thought this one would be easier than it’s proven to be!”

Orton signals for the end and stalks Cody as he tries to get to his feet.

“Orton is feeling it again and you fear Cody’s chance to win this match has come and gone.”

Cody is up to one knee now. Orton is coiled, ready to spring.

“TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!”

For the millionth time of the night, HHH’s music hits the PA system, and Orton spins in the direction of the stage, begging for HHH to come and get him. “I’M RIGHT HERE HUNTER!”, he shouts, a crazed look across his face. “WHERE ARE YOU!?”. All of a sudden Cody Rhodes rolls Orton up with a school boy pin. One..Two..Three! The referee makes the count, Cody wins, Orton is absolutely shook and cannot believe it. He goes to grab Cody and then the referee but both slide out of danger and head out of the ring. Orton looks back at the stage and pounds the mat in frustration.
​

Winner: Cody Rhodes​

“HHH has the last laugh here tonight distracting Orton long enough for Cody to take advantage and get the win and, more importantly, advance into the semi-finals of the King of the Ring tournament.”

“Absolutely right, King. Orton’s venom will find a target next week on RAW, but for now we have four men who have advanced from the quarter finals into next week’s semi finals. Tune in next week as we will see Chris Jericho take on Triple H, and Carlito will take on Cody Rhodes, with a shot at the WWE Heavyweight Title up for grabs at the end of it all. Thanks for tuning in, from Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and myself, Jim Ross, goodnight, and what the hell is going to happen next week!”

—
​

Quick Results:​

1. Mickie James & Ashley def. Melina & Jillian Hall [03:48]​
2. KOTR QF: Carlito def. Hardcore Holly w/ Cody Rhodes [08:42]​
3. Non-Title Match: John Cena © def. Santino Marella [x2:39]​
4. KOTR QF: Chris Jericho def. Umaga [08:06]​
5. KOTR QF: HHH def. JBL [08:24]​
6. KOTR QF: Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton [10:58]​

—
​

Notes:

Thankyou to the two of you for taking part, your feedback and participation makes it a little bit more fun for me, and hopefully over time will do the same for you.

BattleTank : Carlito and HHH advanced, giving you two points.
RoyMustang: Carlito, Jericho, and Cody all won. So that's three points. So whilst we shall see how far Carlito goes in the tournament, this makes you the winner and I shall PM you with your prize options.

Thanks again both for taking part. I may limit future predictions to just PPV's to not overdo it, but this was a really fun show to write.

 

[DakotaNorth]

ECW on Sci-Fi - April 8, 2008​

Last week on ‘ECW on Sci Fi’ we witnessed the return of Rob Van Dam. This came on the back of Kane, working under the direction of ECW General Manager Armando Alejandro Estrada, setting fire to the ECW Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania to send a message and to announce to the world that The House of Hardcore has entered its final days. Tommy Dreamer sees things differently and is prepared to stand up and fight for the company he helped build “brick by blood stained brick”. Armando enlisted the help of Big Daddy V last week to deal with Dreamer, but after he tried to intervene in the match, ‘One of a Kind’ played and Rob Van Dam made his welcome return to ECW, helping Dreamer fight off Estrada and his men, before Dreamer pinned BDV and got the win. What will this week have in store? Let’s find out.

Cue the opening credits.

“Hello and welcome to ECW on Sci-Fi, I’m Joey Styles alongside Tazz, and oh my god Tazz, what a wild show we had last week.”

“That’s the ECW spirit Joe, alive and kicking.”

“Well, not if our General Manager has anything to say on the matter. We know that Dreamer and Van Dam are going to be here tonight wrestling in our main event of the evening against CM Punk.”,

“An extreme rules match where the winner will get a shot at Kane’s ECW title”’

“You have to believe that Estrada will have spent the last seven days plotting and scheming to get revenge and that he hasn’t given Van Dam and Dreamer a chance to face Kane for nothing.”

“After he got out of the hospital at least, Tommy Dreamer planted him so hard last week, I’ll bet he was seeing stars for a few days!”

“Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Speaking of stars, tonight we have some great matches for you. Kofi Kingston will take on ECW newcomer Braden Walker, Shelton Benjamin teams with Mike Knox to take on Stevie Richards and Balls Mahoney, and up next we have The Miz facing off against Little Guido.”

The Miz w/ John Morrison vs. Little Guido

Joey tells us that Miz and Morrison used their episode of ‘The Dirt Sheet’ this week to take a look through history at the Full Blooded Italians which they called ‘the worst stable in history’, whilst Morrison asked if they ever won a match as he always seemed to remember them losing every single match. “Oh yeah” added the Miz, “we beat them in our first ever WWE match as a tag team didn’t we, remember?” They had a good laugh which Guido didn’t take too kindly to. Morrison takes a seat at the announce table, Guido squares up to Miz as the bell rings for our opening contest.

Miz looks taken aback by Guido and backs off before throwing a cheap right hand trying to catch Guido off guard. It doesn’t work, Guido ducks and fires off a few chops before whipping Miz into the ropes and driving him down with a running knee to the gut. He grabs a leg and tries to get a single leg grapevine but Miz desperately fumbles and crawls backwards and clings on to the bottom rope for dear life.

“Look at that, Miz knows what he’s doing in there, guys. He’s up against Nunzio, Maritato..”

“It’s Guido here on ECW, John.”

“Whatever, I can’t even keep up. The man is always changing his name like he’s got debt, or a bad ex-girlfriend after him or something.”

Guido lets Miz get back to his feet and they lock up in the centre, Guido grabs an arm and drops down with an arm wringer. He grabs a wristlock, floats around into a headlock, Miz shoots him off the ropes but gets knocked down with a shoulder block. Back up and Guido charges, they do the over/under spot and Guido hits a lovely tilt-a-whirl headscissors, sending Miz flying. Guido takes a second to point at Morrison and shout some choice words at him but he sees Miz coming from a mile off and dropkicks him back the way he came. Miz tries to get to his feet but Guido shoots in, sweeps the leg but Miz rolls him into a cradle! One..Two..Kick Out!

“Amazing awareness there from Miz, he’s got him right where he wants him.”

Not quite. Miz gets up first and hits a clothesline but Guido is up and drops Miz with a belly to back suplex before going for the arm once again and working it over, at one point looking like he’s trying to yank the arm out of the socket! Miz gets desperate and when Guido goes in again, Miz drags him backwards and catapults him through the middle rope to the outside near the announce table. Morrison gets up and starts shouting abuse at Guido but backs off when the referee warns him he’ll be ejected from ringside! He holds his hands up and sits back down. Miz is already out and he throws Guido into the announce table and then hits a suplex on the UNFORGIVING CONCRETE FLOOR.

Miz drags Guido into the ring and takes a moment to pose, feeling this one is in the bag. He signals for the Reality Check, but Guido rolls him up! Small package! One..Two...Three! Guido gets it. Guido wins!

“WHAT!?!?”
​

Winner: Little Guido​

Morrison throws the headset down and storms into the ring. Guido takes his leave and the WWE Tag Team Champions try to figure out what just happened.

—

Gracias, amiga!

The feed cuts backstage to Estrada’s office as he is talking on the phone. The crowd immediately boos, especially when they notice a poster in the back with a big red ‘right to censor’ style cross through the ECW logo.

“...ahh mira, I need you to understand the situation here. I’ve got Tommy Dreamer and Rob Van Dam ruining everything! We’re so close and they’re going to mess it all up!”

He nods as the person on the other end of the line gives him an earful.

“And I am beholden to chu! But, this affects both of us, and I need to put an end to it before it spirals out of control. Mhm. Si. Si. Ha-ha! Si. Gracias amiga! I’ll handle things this week if you can do that. Gracias, Vickie!”

The camera cuts back to the announce table as Styles and Tazz ruminate on what they just saw. They wonder what Estrada could possibly have up his sleeve, and was that Vickie Guerrero? The Smackdown General Manager in cahoots with the ECW General Manager? Styles says he wouldn’t put anything past Estrada now he knew what kind of man he was. The crowd chants “Estrada Sucks” as we go to our first commercial break.

—

“Welcome back everyone, during the break we received word that Armando Estrada has changed tonight’s scheduled main event of CM Punk, Tommy Dreamer, and Rob Van Dam, adding a new participant so the match will now be a fatal four way!”

“Who is it Joe?”

“Well. It’s The Big Show.”

“Damn.”

—

Kofi Kingston vs. Braden Walker

Some of you may know Braden as Chris Harris but don’t worry about that, he’s Braden now, and he’s here to make an impact! Although maybe not this week as Kofi comes into this one undefeated, and ultimately leaves this one undefeated too. Walker charges in right away, Kofi ducks, and on the rebound he NAILS Walker with the Trouble In Paradise (spinning roundhouse kick) and its lights out just like that. One..Two..Three. Kofi wins and remains undefeated.
​

Winner: Kofi Kingston​

“Well, that was some introduction for Braden Walker, Tazz.”

“He ran right into that one and Kofi took his head off. I tell ya, this kid Kofi Kingston has been impressive since he joined us at the start of the year.”

—

Mr. Tuesday Night

The feed cuts backstage again as Rob Van Dam is arguing with security asking how they could possibly not know who he is. “Probably working for Estrada” quips Tazz. “I’m Mr Tuesday Night, I’m R…V…D…” The crowd pops for that and chants along. “Oh hey Tommy.” Dreamer has a stern word with security who relent and allow RVD into the arena. Dreamer asks if RVD is aware of the match tonight and he says he got a call. “Not even on the roster bud, but I guess Estrada wants us all in a nice enclosed space so he can take us all out.” “He just made it a four way and added The Big Show.” “Damn.” They laugh and shake their heads, wondering what sort of trap they might be walking into.

—

Shelton Benjamin & Mike Knox vs. Stevie Richards & Balls Mahoney

Another chapter in the Stevie/Knox feud as both men grab a partner to try and get one over on the other. Shelton lost an open challenge match to CM Punk last week and after his failure to win Money in the Bank at WrestleMania, he’s eager to get back to winning ways. Balls and Stevie have never teamed together but their mutual dislike of Mike Knox brings them together here.

Shelton and Balls start us off with Shelton trying to move fast and hit hard, and Balls just swinging for the fences. Shelton goes up early but gets caught on the way down and DROPPED with a big back high-angle suplex on his neck. Stevie tags in and the good guys are starting this off well with frequent tags and keeping Shelton on their side of the ring. Knox breaks up a couple of near-falls after Stevie hits a DDT and then a Superkick, causing Mahoney to try to clear the ring only for the referee to get in his way!

Rookie error as Knox blasts Stevie with a clothesline, drags him to the bad guy corner, and now Shelton and Knox work Richards over with frequent tags and as many cheap shots as they can muster. Balls continually gets frustrated but every time he tries to get involved he just allows further damage behind the referee’s back. Stevie reverses out of a powerbomb attempt but gets caught before he can make a tag and thrown back into the corner. BIG TIME corner clothesline followed by a bulldog and Shelton tags in and goes up. 450 Splash! NO! He hits the knees!!

“Stevie got his knees up!”

“Now he just has to crawl and make the tag.”

“He’s going to the wrong corner, Joe.”

Indeed he is. Stevie tries the hot tag but the corner is empty! He sees Balls to his left and begins crawling once again but Knox has already made the tag and he’s in to cut it off. He lifts Stevie up for a powerbomb again, but he slips out AGAIN, and NOW he makes the hot tag to Balls. Mahoney comes in like a CASA EN FUEGO~! and throws clothesline after clothesline. Balls roars and the crowd roar back their approval, as he signals for the Nutcracker Suite to end this. Knox stumbles to his feet..SUPERKICK! Shelton Benjamin with the superkick! Knox, as the legal man, then grabs Balls and hits the Knox Out. One..Two..Three. Stevie can’t get back in time to make the save. Shelton Benjamin and Mike Knox pick up the win tonight.
​

Winners: Shelton Benjamin & Mike Knox​

—-

We get another video package reminding us of WHAT WENT DOWN last week on ECW on Sci-Fi. After Kane set fire to the ECW Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania and then aligned himself with Estrada, Tommy Dreamer took exception to the duo’s actions. Estrada made Dreamer face Big Daddy V, and BDV wasnt alone as Estrada and Kane accompanied him to ringside.. Referee Mickie Henson is accidentally taken out by BDV and Estrada wastes no time sending Kane to finish Dreamer off, only for Rob Van Dam to make his return to ECW and foil Estrada’s plans. A DDT finishes Estrada off and the Dreamer DDT followed by the Five Star Frog Splash is enough to keep BDV down.

“Things are heating up, Joe”

“And I think they’re only just getting started.”

—

#1 Contender Extreme Rules Match: CM Punk vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Rob Van Dam vs The Big Show

As we come back from the final commercial break of the show, Armando Estrada is already at ringside with Kane as he takes a seat alongside Joey Styles and Tazz. Styles immediately asks Estrada why he’s out here and he coolly replies that a true winner scouts out all of his opposition and ensures he always has an advantage. “I was worried you’d say something like that,” adds Styles. Punk is out first, followed by Dreamer, then The Big Show, and finally Rob Van Dam which elicits the biggest pop of the night.

“So, what’s the plan here Armando?” asks Tazz.

“Is it so hard to believe I want to give these great fans the matches they want to see? Ha-ha!”

Big Show is everyone’s primary target as each man launches his own barrage of moves to try and take down the big man. Show holds his own for the most part, only really taking damage from Van Dam’s flying kicks until he catches him mid air and dumps him out of the ring. Dreamer is next as he tries to punch Big Show down to size, only to get body press slammed from the ring to the outside, right on top of RVD. CM Punk is now all alone in the ring and he cracks his neck and knuckles and immediately ducks out of the ring. Big Show looks puzzled but not for long as The Great Khali is here and he’s getting in the ring! Big Show turns around and gets a MASSIVE CHOP, it staggers him but just serves to make him mad. They go to battle, brawling up and over the top rope, up and over the barricade, and then through the crowd, disappearing into the darkness.

CM Punk is first back in, followed by Dreamer, and then RVD. Estrada is going absolutely mad on commentary.

“Looks like Big Show decided to settle his beef with The Great Khali tonight.” Tazz says, mockingly.

“Estupido! This is not the plan!”

“Looks like Big Show’s gone off-script ey, Armando. Look at the respect shown in the ring as RVD, CM Punk, and Tommy Dreamer look set to restart this match.” Joey Styles produces his first smile of the evening, trying to get a rise out of Armando.

“Respect and Honor.” Armando spits. “That might sound good to you bendejo’s, but it’s not enough to become ECW Champion.”

“In my day it was.” retorts Styles.

The three men go to war on one another, and as one man gains an advantage he must turn around and deal with the third man. That third man is always the one that gets you (can’t believe I’ve made back to back Bash at the Beach references). Dreamer ends up on the receiving end of a cartwheel kick and tumbles out of the ring. Estrada wastes no time in directing Kane to put Tommy Dreamer permanently out of action. Dreamer gets to his feet and CHOKESLAM. Kane drops him with full force onto the floor. The referee has seen nothing, but I don’t think he’s from Barcelona. Anyway.

RVD and Punk continue to exchange holds each trying to exert their will on the other when they notice Kane standing over the prone body of Tommy Dreamer. They exchange a quick glance and immediately go on the attack!

“NOOO!!!” cries Estrada as he makes a swift exit from the announce table and then ringside, disappearing into the back, his plan foiled.

RVD hits a suicide dive through the middle ropes and Punk follows. Kane regains his wits and starts fighting both men off but he can’t withstand the torrent of abuse thrown his way. Kane tries to grip Punk for a chokeslam but gets cut off by RVD with a superkick, Punk gets to his feet and follows up with the FLYING KNEE. Kane drops to one knee and the two men look at one another. Punk grabs a chair and points at Van Dam. Punk throws the chair at Kane who catches it, only for Rob Van Dam to come flying in with the VAN DAMINATOR. Leaving Kane in a heap, they check on Dreamer and try to rouse him.

“THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME”

“Well now that we’ve got rid of that parasite.”

“He’s still our boss.”
“Well then he can fire me and force someone else to sit here, but until that moment Tazz, I’m gonna call it as I see it!”

“Speaking of, look at the sportsmanship once again from CM Punk and Rob Van Dam.”

Punk and Van Dam get Dreamer back in and the crowd is red hot, caught between chanting “EC-DUB!” and “This is awesome!”. Someone in post-production will sort that out no doubt. Punk knocks Dreamer down with a clothesline, RVD follows up with kicks and a monkey flip out of the corner. DREAMER DDT. Van Dam walked right into it. One…Two…CM Punk breaks the fall.Punk forces Tommy back into the corner with a flurry of open palm strikes before following up with a SHINING WIZARD. Dreamer crumples to the floor. Punk checks behind him and sees RVD is still out from the DDT. He stalks Dreamer as he tries to get up, rolling him into the middle of the ring so he can lock in the Anaconda Vice!

“Anaconda Vice! Punk has that locked in deep and Tommy Dreamer is as far from the ropes as he could possibly be.”

“He’s fighting!”

“Tommy Dreamer will fight until he’s got nothing else to give, but this on top of that brutal Chokeslam on the floor might be enough.”

“But wait, Van Dam is up and he’s climbing the turnbuckle!!”

The crowd stand up in anticipation of a Five Star Frog Splash onto the two men. Dreamer is fighting with all he’s got but he’s only made about an inch of the distance to the ropes and he’s not got much left.

“Wait a minute, Tazz”

Van Dam is setting himself when he notices Kane sitting up on the outside. He sighs, shakes his head, and then leaps to the outside with a crossbody that wipes out Kane and takes himself out in the process. Dreamer is still trying to get to the ropes but he’s just too far away and he taps, he finally taps.
​

Winner: CM Punk​

“Tommy Dreamer taps. CM Punk wins and will get a title shot against Kane!”

“That might be one title opportunity he regrets.”

“Rob Van Dam sacrificed his chance to take out both men with the Five Star Frog Splash to stop Kane instead.”

Punk goes out and pulls RVD into the ring with him and when Dreamer is helped to his feet, clinging to the ropes for some kind of balance, the three of them celebrate together in the ring. The crowd gives them the standing ovation they deserve, and for one night at least, it felt like the old ECW was back. Joey Styles and Tazz sign off for the evening as Kane sits up, staring at the three men in the ring, and the show goes off the air.

—
​

Results:​

1. Little Guido def. The Miz w/ John Morrison [06:10]​
2. Kofi Kingston def. Braden Walker [00:31]​
3. Shelton Benjamin & Mike Knox def. Stevie Richards & Balls Mahoney [05:07]​
4. #1 Contender’s Extreme Rules Match: CM Punk def. Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, and The Big Show [18:02]​

 

[RDT]

:Slaps head: I meant to come back to predict and I forgot! Sorry about that.

This is my favorite new project. I'll write some more feedback come end of the month but I hope you keep this going, this is great!

 

[DakotaNorth]

Friday Night Smackdown - April 11, 2008​

[Opening Credits]

“Welcome to Friday Night Smackdown! Last week, we saw Kane and La Familia throw everything at The Undertaker to keep him down, only for him to rise from the ashes and stand tall once again. I’m Michael Cole and alongside me is Jonathan Coachman, and Coach, how far are La Familia prepared to go in their pursuit of destroying The Undertaker?”

“As far as it takes. Even somebody as resilient as The Undertaker has a limit Michael, and Edge won’t stop until he finds that limit and pushes him beyond it.”

“Many have tried, and many have failed. We saw last week that even a Tombstone from Kane couldn’t keep him down for very long.”

“You only need three seconds to win a match, Michael. When Edge and Vickie are back next week from their well deserved night off at one of the finest spas in the state, you’ll see that everything is going to plan.”

“Ah yes folks, our General Manager Vickie Guerrero, and her fiance Edge, aren’t here tonight. Neither is Teddy Long, leaving Chavo Guerrero in charge.”

“There should always be a Guerrero on Smackdown Cole, and I look forward to seeing Chavo’s vision come to life tonight.”

“Well you’re more optimistic than I am Coach, but nevertheless, we do have a great show for you tonight. Matt Hardy defends his United States Title against MVP in a rematch from WrestleMania, one that Chavo Guerrero will no doubt be watching closely.”

“Chavo will fight for the US Title at Backlash, and he’s going to be ready for whichever of those two men he has to face.”

“Meanwhile, Finlay and Hornswoggle return after taking a week off to spend time back home in Ireland, and they’ll face the indomitable Festus.”

“Festus is a complete wildcard, Michael.”

“Festus is a wildcard, but Finlay has a veteran’s know-how and a brawler’s instinct, and Hornswoggle is often the difference maker.”

“Finally in our main event, The Undertaker will face ‘The World’s Strongest Man’ Mark Henry. Henry has never defeated The Undertaker one on one, so this is a great opportunity for him to change that.”

“A genius decision to put these two together by Chavo, he’s off to a great start. Do you think The Undertaker will be in any condition to face The World’s Strongest Man? He may have sat up after his beating last week, but what condition will he be in tonight?”

“Hate to say it, Coach, but I’ll have to agree with you on that one. Now, up next is our first match of the evening as Deuce ‘n’ Domino face off against Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore in tag team action. Next!”

—

Deuce ‘n’ Domino w/ Cherry vs. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore

Cole reminds us that these two teams met back in January in a match at the Royal Rumble, which Moore and Yang were victorious in. Since then neither team has been able to effectively challenge The Miz and John Morrison for their titles, although Yang and Moore have certainly come closer than anyone else. Cherry gets a nice cheer from the crowd on her way in which seems to annoy her charges, especially Domino. Domino starts against Yang and is clearly very fired up as he gets an early advantage on the high-flyer by grounding him and working him over in the corner. Frequent tags isolate Yang as Moore tries to get the crowd going. He gets a mild response. Cherry does the same and gets a much bigger response. Deuce gets her to knock it off, but she saunters off to pose with some of the fans at ringside.

“Cherry is a distraction right now for the wrong team!”

“I quite like it, actually Coach, she’s got a great personality.”

“She should be trying to help her team win.”

Taking advantage of the distraction, Yang manages to counter a double-team manoeuvre, sending Deuce crashing to the mat with a well-timed dropkick. Deuce comes back to cut him off but misses a crossbody and YANG MAKES THE TAG! Moore leaps into action, launching himself off the top rope with a breathtaking crossbody that takes down the oncoming Domino. Deuce is up and he gets dropped with a spinning heel kick. Moore helps Yang to his feet as Cherry continues to play to the crowd, encouraging them to cheer on her team. A few at ringside oblige, but the overwhelming majority start to chant for Cherry instead! In the ring, with Deuce and Domino reeling, Moore drops Deuce with the Mooregasm, and Yang comes off the top with Yang Time. Moore makes the cover. 1…2…3.
​

Winners: Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore​

The crowd cheers as Yang and Moore celebrate their hard-fought victory, while Cherry checks on her team. Domino berates her and asks “what the hell you doin’ kid?” and the three of them walk to the back rather disgruntled. Moore and Yang celebrate their victory in the ring as we go to an early commercial break.

—

The Power of Positivity Pt. 1

The scene opens at a luxurious spa facility where Vickie Guerrero and Edge are seen relaxing in plush robes, surrounded by serene ambiance, and attended to by a harem of women. In the corner is Teddy Long, scribbling furiously into a notepad labelled ‘The Book of Mack’.

“Isn't this just heavenly, Edge?” Vickie sighs, contentedly. “A well-deserved break from all the chaos”.

Edge nods pensively but he looks somewhat distant. His mind seemingly preoccupied.

“What’s on your mind, darling?”

“It’s just…” He pauses, gathering his thoughts. “I can't shake the feeling that without your beautiful face and brilliant brain overseeing everything, things might not…unfold… how they need to.”

“Chavo's in charge tonight my love, remember? He’ll take care of things.”

“I love Chavo. I do. He’s your nephew, and I have every confidence in him, but his eagerness to prove himself might get in the way of our primary focus on The Undertaker,”

Vickie smiles and places a reassuring hand on Edge’s shoulder. ”Oh, darling, don't worry about Chavo. He's a Guerrero, after all. He'll handle everything just fine. Besides, you need this time to unwind. You've been carrying so much weight on your shoulders lately.”

Edge nods reluctantly, relaxing back into his hammock. “I guess you're right. We’re just so close to realising our goals.”

“Trust me, Edge.” Vickie quietly cackles. “I have a good feeling about tonight. And hey, why don't we make the most of our time here? I heard about this diamond package they offer. Maybe it'll help us... get on the same page.”

Edge raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. “The diamond package, huh? Sounds intriguing. What's it about?”

Vickie’s smile turns to a mischievous grin. “Oh, just a little something to help us find our inner balance. They even have a Yogi who can guide us ‘on the spiritual journey of a lifetime’.

Edge meets her eyes and smirks. “Well we’ve certainly had our fair share of those. Might be hard to top.”

Teddy Long looks over at the pair of them aghast, shakes his head, and returns to his writing.

“Well then, let's see what this ‘diamond package’ has to offer.”

—

Festus w/ Jesse vs. Finlay w/ Hornswoggle

Festus is out first - completely vacant - accompanied to the ring by his brother Jesse. Michael Cole reminds us that Festus is undefeated in singles competition, owing to the fury that he brings once the ring bell rings. Finlay is out next without Hornswoggle, although Coach remarks that Finlay’s son doesn’t tend to take the usual route to the ring.

“After his loss at Wrestlemania, Finlay and his son Hornswoggle spent time with family back in Ireland, no doubt catching up on the years they’ve spent apart.”

DING! DING! DING!

As the bell rings, Festus’ eyes snap open, a primal roar escaping his lips as he springs into action. He moves with a frenetic energy, throwing windmilling attacks at Finlay who bobs and weaves before landing a haymaker of his own. It doesn’t even phase Festus. He pushes forward against Finlay with forearms and then a body slam right into the corner with Finlay’s head bouncing off the mat as he lands. Festus stomps the downed Irishman but Finlay fights up to a knee and then a drop toe hold sends Festus face first into the turnbuckle. That one registers but he shakes it off quickly. Hard chop by Finlay.

“WOOO!”

Finlay gets some distance and ducks a clothesline, misses a back elbow, and gets dropped with a shoulder tackle! Festus runs the ropes again, Finlay gets up, but gets knocked right back down with another shoulder tackle. He gets up one more time and once more he goes down.

“Finlay may need to change his game up a bit if he wants to get the better of Festus.”

Finlay does just that as he throws some strikes at Festus’ abdomen trying to wind the big man, and when he charges, Finlay dodges and rolls through with a school boy, 1…2…Kickout. Another charge and Finlay jumps over with a sunset flip, 1…2..Festus powers out and gets straight back to his feet. Finlay tries an irish whip but gets reversed, kicks a ducking Festus and then drives his elbow down hard into his spine. Swinging neckbreaker. 1…2…Kickout! Festus once again powers out, but this time he gets up and catches Finlay in mid-air trying a shoulder tackle, lifts him onto his shoulder and hits a running powerslam that the Bulldog would’ve been proud of. 1…2..Finlay kicks out.

Clubbing blows to the back keep Finlay down and he uses that ‘veteran know-how’ to roll outside and gather himself once more. Festus looks to follow but Finlay pops up and yanks him neck first onto the top rope, sending him crashing back to the canvas. Finlay drops down and tries to shake off the attack but it isn’t long before Festus is climbing out of the ring after him, this time unimpeded. Finlay again tries to put some distance between them as Festus gives chase.

“Coach, look, it’s Hornswoggle!”

Hornswoggle pops his head out of the ring apron to a big response from the crowd. Finlay slides in past him as Festus comes round the corner and stops. Dead.

“What the..”

“Have we ever seen anything stop Festus during a match?”

Festus is frozen in place, staring straight ahead at Hornswoggle, his expression vacant. Jesse looks confused and checks on his brother who is as unresponsive as he is outside of a match. Jesse tries to wake him up but it doesn’t work. To be fair, Hornswoggle is equally frozen in place, having not expected the big man to come charging around the corner. He takes a step back and glances at Finlay in the ring who simply shrugs. Hornswoggle backs away and disappears back under the ring. Finlay jumps out, shoves Jesse out of the way, and drags Festus back into the ring. He signals for the Celtic Cross when all of a sudden Festus blinks, roars, and grabs Finlay in a bearhug.

“He’s awake!”

Finlay tries to fight him off but can’t break the grip, and when Festus scoops him up into a fireman’s carry, there’s only one way this match is ending. Sit-Out Flapjack. Festus makes the cover. 1…2…3! The bell rings and his eyes glaze over once again. Jesse checks on him, still looking confused, and then leads him out of the ring.
​

Winner: Festus​

“Well we’ve never seen Festus like that before, Michael.”

“Something about Hornswoggle stopped him in his tracks, but he came to just in time to finish this one with the Sit-Out Flapjack. Another win for Festus. Now, let’s take a quick look at events that transpired this past Tuesday on our ECW brand.”

—

A video package shows highlights from the match between Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, Big Show, and Tommy Dreamer. All three men opened by attacking Big Show but he held his own until The Great Khali came out and attacked. They brawl out of the ring and through the crowd and then both men disappear. Show doesn’t return. The three remaining fought and battled, dealing with Kane’s interference, working together to take him down. The end of the match came as CM Punk had Tommy Dreamer locked in the Anaconda Vice and Rob Van Dam on the top rope. He could hit a five star frog splash and take out both men and possibly win the match, but he sees Kane stirring outside, and chooses to dive onto him with a crossbody and take him out instead. Dreamer taps and CM Punk wins, earning a title shot against Kane at Backlash.

—

Obsessions

After that recap, we cut backstage to Eve Torres standing poised ready to interview The Big Show.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, the largest athlete in the world, The Big Show!" The crowd cheers as Big Show steps forward, comically towering over Eve who cranes her neck to meet his gaze. "Big Show, we just saw what happened three days ago on ECW with The Great Khali interfering in the number one contender’s match."

Big Show's expression darkens as he cuts Eve off and takes the mic. “Eve, let me tell you something. Over the last couple of weeks I can’t go anywhere without seeing The Great Khali. I wrestle a match? There he is. I go to the gym? There he is. I’ve had to start showering back at the hotel just so I can have some peace!” Big Show chuckles but when Eve joins in his mood quickly turns back serious once again. She nods.

“It does seem like he’s got an obsession with you

"I think you’re onto something, but you know what, Eve? I'm done playing games with Khali. I'm done with the mind games, the sneak attacks, and the constant interference. At Backlash, I'm going to do what I do best. I'm going to step into that ring, and I'm going to break The Great Khali."

His words hang in the air as Big Show turns to leave. The camera lingers for a few seconds on him, but for once we don’t have The Great Khali standing by to attack him. The camera swings back to Eve.

"The Big Show means business. We'll see if The Great Khali is up to the challenge at Backlash. Michael, Coach, back to you boys at ringside.”

—

John Morrison © w/ The Miz vs. Little Guido

Little Guido is already in the ring pacing and eagerly awaiting his opponent. The Miz heads out first, moonlighting as a commentator in case the wrestling gig doesn’t quite work out. John Morrison comes out separately and hands his tag belt off to The Miz. Cole explains that Miz and Morrison were mocking Guido’s Full Blooded Italians group on their weekly web show ‘The Dirt Sheet’, leading to Guido facing Miz three days ago. Guido Guido got the win over Miz on ECW with a small package roll up, and ever competitive, John Morrison wants to prove he’s better than his partner.

“Miz, it’s great to have you out here with us, how ya been?”

“Well I’ve been spending more time than I’d like on ECW, Coach, but as one half of the tag team champions and the most recognisable social media star in the company, I can’t complain too much.”

Cole voices his disdain for Miz as Morrison gets things underway, using his speed to throw Guido off and not allow him to incorporate his shoot style ground game. Morrison hits a beautiful spinning heel kick for a one count, and then follows up with an STO backbreaker before pulling Guido back up and hitting a russian legsweep for a two count.

“You had some trouble with Guido on ECW, but it looks like Morrison has learned from your mistakes.”

“Did you not see that he was holding my tights Michael? As far as I’m concerned I won that match by disqualification. Those ECW referees are a joke”

“I don’t know anything about that Miz, but your partner John Morrison is doing a great job in the opening of this match.”

Guido keeps trying to fight to a vertical base and finally makes it when Morrison goes for a split-legged moonsault and finds nothing but canvas. Guido works over the left shoulder and stomps it hard into the mat. Miz complains but a brief smile flickers on his face. Guido keeps Morrison down, preventing him from using his speed, and continues to work over the shoulder. Miz chooses this moment to get up and shout something at Guido but he doesn’t let the distraction bother him and locks in a shoulder breaker hold. Morrison flails but manages to scoot around and get his legs on the bottom rope to break the hold. Guido backs up, but as the referee checks on Morrison, Miz grabs his foot and tries to get him to come outside.

Guido declines and laughs at The Miz, but this buys Morrison some valuable time to recover. Guido looks to drag him out of the corner but Morrison hits a sidekick to the head, and then hits a rolling front kick, knocking Guido into the ropes. Morrison seizes the opportunity and clotheslines Guido up and over the top rope, sending him crashing into the floor outside. He looks to follow him out but the referee gets in his way and tells him to stay in the ring. Morrison argues and tries to push through but the referee isn’t moving. Miz grabs his belt, measures Guido, and NAILS him in the face with it. Morrison finally moves the referee and grabs Guido, throwing him back into the ring.

“What the hell was that for Miz?”

“It’s called making a statement, Cole, you wouldn’t know anything about it.”

Morrison hits the split-legged moonsault onto the prone Little Guido and the referee makes the count. 1…2..3. John Morrison wins. Miz grabs both belts and slides in to celebrate with his partner. Morrison has a few not-so-pleasant words for him saying he had it won, he didn’t need to get involved. Miz protests and Morrison drops it, choosing to pose with the belts instead.
​

Winner: John Morrison​

“This one is over thanks to the Miz’s interference. He ran through Guido with the title.”

“Work as hard as you have to and no more, Michael. It’s all about getting the job done. You might not like it, but it’s effective.”

“I don’t like it, and I don’t think John Morrison was all too pleased either as he felt he was turning the tide.”

—

The Power of Positivity Pt. 2

“We’ve been going at this for half an hour, it’s no good!” Vickie cries as the camera cuts back to her and Edge at the woodland spa. Teddy Long is still with them, standing at the back of the room with a towel draped over each arm, looking as awkward as you can possibly imagine, as Vickie and Edge are getting massages. “I’ve been knotted for years - ow!”

“Like you said to me earlier baby, just relax. Have a glass of whatever this is, it’s changed my mood completely!” Edge gestures at one of their female attendants to pour them both another drink.

Vickie settles in and the two lock hands. Teddy Long, still lingering in the background, shifts uncomfortably, feeling out of place amidst the serene atmosphere. "I don't know about y'all, but I prefer a good old-fashioned workout over all this... pampering," he mutters under his breath, adjusting the towels on his arms.

Ignoring Teddy's grumbling, Vickie reaches out to him with a playful smile. "Oh, Teddy, don't be such a sourpuss. Embrace the power of positivity!" she exclaims with a rather piercing high-pitched squeal, raising her glass in a toast.

Edge chuckles, amused by Vickie's infectious, if slightly forced, enthusiasm. "She's right, Teddy. You could use a little relaxation yourself. Why don't you go and enjoy some downtime? We'll call you if we need anything," he suggests, motioning for Teddy to leave.

Reluctantly, Teddy nods and heads for the door, muttering something about being the assistant manager of Smackdown and not a personal assistant. As the door closes behind him, Edge and Vickie share a wicked glance, but then Edge seems to remember something.

“What time are we booked in for the yoga? That sensei sounds incredible.”

“Enough time for us to have the room to ourselves.” She smiles, pauses, looks around at the attendants and then finally clears her throat. “Excuse me, can we have the room please.” She smiles as sweetly as she can possibly manage and then calls for the lights to be turned off as the staff leave the room. Thankfully, at the sound of giggles and rustling sheets, we head to a commercial break.

—

Stack The Deck

As we return from the break, Michael Cole is standing in the ring and he asks everyone to welcome his guest at this time, ‘The Animal’ Dave Batista. Batista is here in street gear and he’s got a smile on his face. The crowd is delighted to see him. He steps into the ring and takes a microphone from Cole as his music cuts off.

“Dave, it’s great to have you with us tonight, tell me, how are you feeling after everything that’s happened since WrestleMania?”

Dave takes a second, adjusts his leather jacket and slowly and methodically places his sunglasses in his breast pocket. “Thanks Michael, it’s great to be back here in Boston”. Cheap pop. “But to answer your question, there’s been a lot to process. I know Shawn’s had his way of handling it and I’ve got mine.”

“Speaking of Shawn Michaels, the two of you shared an uncomfortable moment eleven days ago on RAW”.

We cut to a video clip showing the moment that Shawn Michaels came down to say goodbye to Flair, with both Chris Jericho and Batista exchanging glances and not looking too impressed with the Heartbreak Kid.

“I got no problems with Shawn. Do I wish he could put his ego aside for one night? Sure, but I know that at WrestleMania, and especially against Ric Flair, I would be making a mockery of the man I love, my friend, The Nature Boy, if I asked Shawn to do anything less. That being said, whilst I don’t blame him for his actions, I can’t help but wonder if he can ever truly be at peace with his decisions.”

“I’d like to ask you about your match with Umaga at WrestleMania, if I may?” Batista nods. “It was a hard-fought battle, but ultimately one where you came up short. What lessons can you learn from a match like that?”

“You learn far more from a loss than you ever will from a win. You have to learn that one the hard way, but it’s true. Look, any loss is a tough pill to swallow, no doubt about it, but you reassess, reevaluate, and you come back even stronger.”

“BA-TI-STA! BA-TI-STA!”

“I realised that since I lost the World Heavyweight Title to Edge last year, I haven’t been myself. I’ve been a step off the pace, I was training less, not putting in the work like I used to. But then, at WrestleMania, I faced off against the Samoan Bulldozer and for the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn’t even at the races. I’ve lost before, but this was a wake up call. After that loss something inside me switched back on, I found that spark again, and let me tell you that spark has turned into a flame and now I am burning to get back into the ring.”

“Is that your goal, Batista? To reclaim the World Heavyweight Title?”

“Four months is a long time Michael. It might not seem like it, but in this business it’s a lifetime. I may have rediscovered my passion for this business, but I’m in no rush to make the same mistakes I did before. Oh no, this time I’ve got a game plan.”

“A game plan…?”

“Yep, but unfortunately, I’m going to need to keep these cards close to my chest. I’ve got a plan, and mark my words, when that plan comes to fruition, I’ll be standing at the top of the mountain once again.”

“Well, there we have it, folks, straight from the mouth of 'The Animal' himself! Thank you for joining us tonight, Batista.”

Batista nods, a determined glint in his eyes, and hands the microphone back to Cole. He takes a moment to soak in the cheers from the crowd before taking his sunglasses and putting them back on and then exiting the ring. As Batista makes his way up the ramp, his passion rekindled with a newfound purpose, the camera cuts away to an advertisement for Backlash.

—

At Backlash, WWE Heavyweight Champion John Cena will defend his newly won title against the winner of the King of the Ring. Four will become two after this coming Monday’s semi-finals are done with, and then, only one final hurdle to be crowned WWE royalty. Edge may have lost his World Heavyweight Title to The Undertaker at WrestleMania, but his fiancee and Smackdown’s General Manager, Vickie Guerrero, wasted no time in announcing his rematch. CM Punk will face Kane for the ECW Heavyweight Title. Big Show has challenged The Great Khali, and we know that Chavo Guerrero will challenge for the United States Title, but who will be the champion going into Backlash? Matt Hardy or MVP? We’ll find that out next!

—

United States Title Match: Matt Hardy © vs. Montel Vontavious Porter

Chavo Guerrero comes out with Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins - both of whom are sporting neck braces - before the match and Chavo gets on commentary. MVP, and then Matt Hardy, make their way to the ring, both to a good response. The two men stand face to face in the ring as the bell sounds, MVP does his usual “I’m better than you at everything” speech which gets Matt fired up, returning with the zinger “You’re only better at getting your ass beat” and so MVP shoves Matt, gets shoved in return, and then SLAPS the spit out of Hardy’s mouth. Both men start exchanging strikes but MVP has the advantage and presses on. Matt tries to hit a clothesline but MVP dodges and gets a roll up for a one count. The two men stand off.

“This is why MVP is a former champion, and I am a future champion. The golden roll-up rule: hold the tights.”

“We wouldn’t expect anything different from you Chavo, but some people have a bit more integrity than breaking the rules to win.”

“The winners make the rules Michael, remember that.”

Matt gives MVP a sarcastic applause and then offers a test of strength. MVP is all-game but as soon as they lace fingers he kicks Matt in the gut and hits a double arm suplex for another one count. Matt gets up and just about avoids a big boot from MVP who gets tangled in the corner. Matt kicks out the other leg and stomps him into the corner. He tries a suplex out of the corner but MVP blocks and hits a sit-out front suplex. MVP again goes for the big boot, looking to end it early, but Matt rolls out of the ring, He points at Chavo, Curt, and Zack, and reminds them to mind their own business and stay out of it. Chavo smiles, and Matt turns as MVP comes flying out of the ring with a suicide dive, wiping out the champion!

“Now that's what I call taking the fight to the champion, Cole! MVP is showing exactly why he's a force to be reckoned with!”

“I couldn’t agree more Coach, MVP has been really impressive here tonight.”

MVP wastes no time in seizing control of the match. He pummels Matt with a barrage of strikes, keeping the champion on the defensive. With a look of steely determination in his eyes, he drags Matt by the hair and rolls him back into the ring, eager to capitalise on his advantage. 1…2…kickout. MVP continues to wear Matt down, a series of punishing blows to the midsection leave Matt gasping for air, and just about kicking out before three. MVP feels the time is right for another Big Boot, but Matt disagrees, and hits him with a running side effect! Matt drapes an arm over MVP but he kicks out easily. MVP reverses an irish whip and BIG BOOT. He nearly took Matt’s head off. He makes the cover. One..Two…Thr-NO! Matt kicked out!

MVP signals for the Playmaker as he stalks the champion, looking to put him away. Matt reverses out, Twist of Fate-no! MVP drives Matt back into the corner. He lifts Matt up to the second rope but gets kicked away. He charges in again and gets kicked again. Matt grabs MVP and hits a beautiful tornado DDT. One…Two…KICKOUT. Matt goes back up to the second rope, throws up the team extreme poses and comes crashing down with a leg drop. Cover. Loooooong two count. After MVP throws a few empty swings, Matt grabs his opponent and nails him with the Twist of Fate. One..Two…Three! Matt Hardy retains!
​

Winner: Matt Hardy​

“A wrestling clinic put on by the United States Champion Matt Hardy. He took everything MVP could throw at him, weathered it, and came back fighting. A great win for the champion.”

Chavo is already leaving the commentary booth but Matt sees him approaching and offers him the opportunity to get into the ring with him right now. Chavo declines and sits back down, saying he’ll take the title at Backlash. He can wait.

[Commercial Break]

—

‘Shooting Star’ Evan Bourne w/ Michelle McCool vs. Kenny Dykstra w/ Victoria

We come back from commercial break to both men already in the ring and their manager’s outside, Victoria keeping her distance from Michelle McCool and telling Dykstra he’s got this. Cole tells us that after a period of time apart they had got back together and it was Victoria that arranged this match to get Kenny back on a win streak, having lost all of his matches so far this year. Evan made an impressive debut last week as the first future star of Michelle McCool’s ‘McCool Runnings Talent Agency’, defeating seasoned veteran Jamie Noble. Dykstra will present a very different challenge.

“Since you’re still out here Chavo, who do you favour for this match?”

“Órale, Michael. Evan Bourne moves well but if Kenny can get back that ruthless aggression he once had, he could be the next breakout star on Smackdown.”

The bell rings, and the match begins with both Evan Bourne and Kenny Dykstra circling one another cautiously. They lock up in the centre, vying for control. Dykstra manages to gain the upper hand with a quick arm drag, but Bourne is back on his feet in an instant, ready to retaliate.They lock up again, this time Evan grabs Kenny in a side headlock. Kenny tries to push him off after running the ropes but Evan drops down and holds on. Kenny weakens Bourne’s grip with a few elbows to the gut and this time he breaks free and comes off the ropes with a dropkick. Evan gets up to one knee and they stand off.

“Equal footing early on here.”

The two men exchange a series of quick manoeuvres, Dykstra reversing well trying to keep up with the high-flyer. Bourne gains momentum with a lightning-fast spinning heel kick that sends Dykstra staggering backward. But Dykstra quickly recovers, targeting Bourne's knee with a chop block, and then follows up with three successive elbow drops to the knee hoping to keep his opponent grounded.

“Dykstra cutting off the aerial assault, that weaponry that Bourne possesses.”

“It’s a great gameplan Cole.”

Dykstra continues to focus his assault on Bourne's knee, using a combination of strikes and submission holds to wear him down. Bourne grits his teeth, fighting through the pain as he struggles to regain his footing. With the support of the crowd behind him, Bourne fights back to his feet but a front kick attempt is caught by Kenny, who nails him with a dragon screw, reigniting the agony in Bourne’s knee. Victoria cheers on from ringside as Michelle McCool tries to get Evan to stand up and fight. Dykstra drags Bourne to his feet and toys with him. Mocking his groggy opponent in front of him and then slapping him in the face, Kenny tells him to “wake up” before dropping him again with a right hand. Bourne kicks out at Kenny, who dodges and stomps the knee once more. McCool tries to get the crowd going.

“Up! Up! Up! Up!”

A few members of the crowd follow suit, but it does off quickly when Kenny applies the figure four leglock. Evan tries to drag himself backwards to the ropes but he’s got a long way to go.

“Bourne’s shooting star might have already burned out!”

As Evan is writhing in pain trying desperately to pull himself to the ropes, a woman jumps the barricade and sprints around the ring to attack Victoria! Victoria never saw it coming and gets blindsided by the woman who keeps screaming “You had this coming!”. Dykstra lets go of the hold and goes to intervene. The woman notices him and jumps back over the barricade, disappearing into the crowd.

“Who the hell was that?”

“I’ve no idea Coach. Chavo, you’re in charge tonight, care to shed any light on why a fan was able to get out here and attack one of our wrestlers?”

“I…I’ve no idea!” Chavo looks confused.

“Might be worth investigating. Meanwhile we still have a match to call.” Chavo gets up and leaves, directing Curt and Zach to do the same - although with their neck braces on they are somewhat cumbersome and slow.

“Dykstra is checking on Victoria but he’s about to get counted out if he doesn’t get back in the ring.”

Kenny hears the referee count “EIGHT!” and reluctantly slides back into the ring, his eyes more focussed on Victoria than on his opponent, allowing Evan to spring up with one last desperate attempt and he WIPES OUT Dykstra with a BRUTAL roundhouse kick. Both men collapse to the floor, Bourne drapes his arm over. One...Two...Three!

“Evan Bourne capitalises on Dykstra’s distraction and gets the win with a vicious roundhouse kick.”

“The referee should have called this one over after Victoria was attacked, Michael! Dykstra was doing the right thing checking on his partner and then Evan sneak attacked him.”

“I’m not sure Evan knew anything about it. It looked like he just acted out of instinct to me.”

“We’ll have to disagree on that one Michael. Anyway, once Chavo finds the assailant, she’ll be dealt with by the police.”

“Yes, as much as I can’t say I’m a fan of Victoria, we don’t encourage any fans to get involved in the action.”

“Did you hear what she said Michael? ‘You had this coming!” I wonder what she meant?”
​

Winner: ‘Shooting Star’ Evan Bourne​

As Bourne celebrates his victory with McCool in the ring, Dykstra checks on Victoria and asks her what we all want to know, “Who was that?”. Her response is inaudible as he helps her to the back. She’s holding her neck and seems to be in a lot of pain as we cut away again.

—

The Power of Positivity Pt. 3

As the feed cuts back to the woodland spa, Edge and Vickie are seen emerging from beneath the covers of a massage table, their hair tousled and their expressions radiant. Just before Edge can speak, the door to the spa room creaks open once again, breaking the spell of their private reverie. In steps the yoga instructor, his presence commanding attention as he strides into the room with an air of confidence,either unaware or unconcerned with what has just transpired.

"Welcome, Edge and Vickie," he says in a deep, resonant voice, his eyes gleaming with a spark of inner wisdom. “I am the Yogi here, Yogi Page.”

Edge and Vickie exchange a bemused glance as they take in the sight of the imposing figure before them. Something about him seems oddly familiar to Edge, but he can't quite place where he’s seen him before. “Do I know you?”

“I believe that all souls are intertwined, don’t you? Perhaps in a former life? Now, if you take these robes, we shall reconvene in the room just down the hall.” He smiles. “I’ll give you both a few minutes.”

Edge furrows his brow, a puzzled expression crossing his face as the Yogi makes his leave. "Yogi Page, huh? Why do I recognise him? He just seems so... oddly familiar."

Vickie shoots him a curious look, but they both get dressed and follow the Yogi's instructions, donning the robes provided and making their way to the designated room down the hall. As they enter, they find Yogi Page waiting for them, a serene smile emanating from him.

"Let us begin our practice," he says, his voice smooth and melodious. "We will start with some simple yoga poses to centre ourselves and connect our breathing with our muscles."

Edge and Vickie nod in agreement, Vickie somewhat more reluctant than Edge, who already appears eager to get started. As they move through the poses, Edge displays great strength and flexibility as he effortlessly assumes each posture, while Vickie struggles to keep up, her movements clumsy and awkward, occasionally falling over and landing on her backside. With Edge's encouragement and Yogi Page's gentle guidance, she begins to find her rhythm, although by now she is damp with sweat.

“How does that feel now?” asks Edge, standing on one leg with his arms raised high above his head.

“It…feels…fine…” manages Vickie, clearly more at home atop the massage tables. Both of them rise from their mats, bow towards one another, and then turn to face Yogi Page for his
guidance, only to find that he's vanished without a trace.


As Edge and Vickie exchange puzzled looks, the room seems to fill with a sense of mystery and wonder. "Where did he go?" Vickie wonders aloud, her voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and awe.

Edge shrugs, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Who knows? Maybe he's off to enlighten someone else." They both chuckle. “I just wish I could place him.”

Edge and Vickie gather their belongings and make their way out of the room feeling invigorated and their spirits lifted by the experience. As they step back into the bustling spa, they can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected journey they've just embarked on. Edge puts his arm around Vickie and thanks her once again for knowing exactly what he needed in order to be ready for The Undertaker at Backlash.

And as they make their way back to their private retreat, Vickie comments that it’s probably almost time for the main event if Edge wanted to retire and watch Mark Henry destroy The Undertaker. He says that sounds like a perfect way to end their day. The camera fades to black and we cut back to the arena.

—

Non-Title Match: The Undertaker © vs. Mark Henry

Mark Henry heads out first as Cole tells us that Chavo may be in charge tonight, but Vickie Guerrero’s fingerprints are all over this match. Coachman calls it genius, Cole gets upset about it, and then both men get cut off.

GONG!

As ever, The Undertaker’s entrance is absolutely epic, the crowd pops hard for it, and the World Heavyweight Champion methodically walks down the ramp. Henry slaps himself a couple of times to get fired up as Taker removes his hood and the two men go face to face. Cole reminds us that Henry has never beaten The Undertaker in a one on one match, and The Deadman looks intense and determined to deal with The World’s Strongest Man. Henry gets in his face but Undertaker doesn’t move an inch. Henry is nose to nose with the Deadman who just waits. Mark takes a step back and that’s the cue for Taker to start throwing bombs. Henry tries to respond but misses and gets driven into the turnbuckle with body shots and big right hands. The referee tries to get Taker to let Henry out of the corner so he gives him some room before charging in with an avalanche. A second attempt sees Henry catch him and charge him into the opposite corner with a running shoulder charge.

“What impressive strength from Henry, carrying the three hundred five pound Deadman at a canter across the ring!”

Henry goes for his own avalanche but misses and then eats a big boot which only staggers him. Two further punches leave Henry wobbling, and a running lariat finally knocks him down, although only to one knee. Taker grabs an arm, wrenches it down, and then looks to go Old School. Henry fights out of it and sits Taker down on the top rope. Henry follows him up and pummels Taker before trying to get a superplex. Taker counters that effort and shoves Henry off, but The World’s Strongest Man is resilient and he goes back up, weakens Taker with headbutts and then nails a MASSIVE Superplex! Taker went flying, but Henry hit hard too. We get a picture-in-picture replay.

“Have you ever seen Henry go for that!?”

Both men get up and start swinging again but a headbutt from Henry only makes Taker mad as he stares him down. A chop does the same and when he tries to hit the ropes Undertaker clotheslines him up and over to the outside. Taker wastes no time and follows him out, beating him down with kicks and punches before getting reversed into the steel steps.

“Taker hit shoulder first and got wiped out.”

Henry grabs Taker and drives him several times into the side of the ring before rolling him in, and hitting a big splash. Cover. 1...2..Kickout! A second splash gets an even longer count and Henry tells the referee to speed up his counting. He goes to the well a third time but this time Undertaker rolls out of the way, sits up, and looks ready to fire back. Henry tries to cut him off but a right hand is blocked and answered with a strong left. Henry goes off the ropes, misses a shoulder block, RUNNING DDT! Taker planted him hard. One..Two…Kickout!

“Henry hit hard but he had enough awareness to get the shoulder up!”

Undertaker stalks Henry and when he turns around grabs him by the throat. Taker can’t get him up and Henry kicks to escape. Henry comes crashing in to him with a clothesline but the Undertaker sits up. Henry doesn’t realise and turns around AGAIN into the Chokeslam. He goes up and Taker slams him back down. Cover. One..Two..KICKOUT!

“How did Henry kick out of that!? Undertaker can’t believe it and neither can I.”

Undertaker grabs Henry and signals for The Last Ride, but Henry hits the back body drop and then a big three hundred and ninety pound leg drop for two. Henry goes for the splash again but Taker sits up and goozles Henry. Henry fights out of it again and drives Undertaker into the corner. Henry ascends the ropes and starts the ten count punch in the corner, Taker fights out after three.

“Surely not..?”

“I think he’s going to..”

Undertaker lifts Henry up and out of the corner and drives him down hard with the Last Ride. He makes the cover. One...Two...Three!
​

Winner: The Undertaker​

The Undertaker emerges victorious once again, extending his streak of dominance over Mark Henry in singles competition. Despite Henry's impressive strength and resilience, The Deadman proves why he is the World Heavyweight Champion, weathering Henry's onslaught and delivering a decisive Last Ride to secure the win. Taker poses with the belt as the show comes to a close, and you have to imagine that after a night of luxury and relaxation, somewhere out there, Edge and Vickie Guerrero are very disappointed.

“Undertaker prevails once again. It’s been one heck of a show tonight. From my partner Jonathan Coachman and me, Michael Cole, thanks for watching. Goodbye.”

—​

Results:​

1. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore def. Deuce ‘n’ Domino w/ Cherry [05:54]​
2. Festus w/ Jesse def. Finlay w/ Hornswoggle [07:16]​
3. John Morrison w/ The Miz def. Little Guido [06:33]​
4. US Title Match: Matt Hardy © def. MVP [12:01]​
5. Evan Bourne w/ Michelle McCool def. Kenny Dykstra w/ Victoria [09:49]​
6. Non-Title Match: The Undertaker © def. Mark Henry [10:20]​

 

[Melbourne Made]

You have my attention due to this being the time period I got into WWE and wrestling in general.
Only thing I would suggest is making your font sightly bigger, I find it hard to read currently.

Other than that I like your booking so far

 

[DakotaNorth]

You have my attention due to this being the time period I got into WWE and wrestling in general.
Only thing I would suggest is making your font sightly bigger, I find it hard to read currently.

Other than that I like your booking so far

Ctrl and + is my recommendation to ya, probably around 120%. I played with the format and display for a while and this was my favourite as it doesn't look too clunky with big blocks of text, but it also looks fairly 'clean'. I think TV shows are somewhere between 5k and 7k word count so trying to find the balance is key for me.