I see that you are not currently registered on our forum. It only takes a second, and you can even login with your Facebook! If you would like to register now, pease click here: Register
Once registered please introduce yourself in our introduction thread which can be found here: Introduction Board
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
The Road to Money in the Bank
Sunday 18th July 2010 – Kansas City, Missouri
Drew McIntyre vs. Rey Mysterio vs. John Morrison vs. CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Booker T vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. ??? SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH The SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match is going to see eight amazing superstars going at it for the chance of a lifetime. A guaranteed opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship for the next year will change the career of anyone who wins it. For some involved like Drew McIntyre, John Morrison, Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler it is an opportunity to gain their first-ever World Heavyweight Championship, while Booker T, Rey Mysterio and CM Punk will all be looking to reach the top of the mountain once again. And the eighth superstar, well that would have been The Miz, but after suffering a torn bicep on the last edition of Friday Night SmackDown he has been sidelined indefinitely and there will be a surprise entrant this Sunday when the match kicks off the pay-per-view.
This just adds to the unpredictability of the brutal, career-changing match. There is plenty of bad blood involved as well. Daniel Bryan was drafted to SmackDown this week and has since become the new Intercontinental Champion by defeating Empire member, Drew McIntyre by using the LeBell Lock on top of a Steel Cage. He also beat him this past week to stop McIntyre being at ringside in the corner of Sheamus when he takes on Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Money in the Bank.
Dolph Ziggler is determined to prove he is the future of the WWE and has had a good month defeating John Morrison and Rey Mysterio and teaming with CM Punk as well. The Straight Edge Saviour has continued trying to finish the career of Booker T and at the start of the month tried to use Luke Gallows and Serena to his advantage only for Rey Mysterio to help his friend Booker out on more than one occasion.
The Miz may well have been favourite going into the match as he was an incredible role since being drafted from RAW on the July 2 edition of SmackDown. His injury opens the door and without knowing who the surprise entrant this match is hard to predict.
Big Show vs. Kane SINGLES MATCH The issue between these two giants started when two weeks after being drafted to Monday Night RAW, Kane savagely attacked the World’s Largest Athlete with a steel chair while Big Show was being interviewed backstage by Todd Grisham. The attack came out of nowhere and we have still yet to hear any reasoning from the Big Red Machine. In total, Kane hit the giant with six chair shots to leave him lying motionless on the floor.
Big Show then appeared in another backstage interview segment on WWE Superstars on July 8 and challenged Kane to a match at Money in the Bank. He got his wish after Kane defeated Santino Marella this past Monday on RAW as he accepted Show’s challenge after some mind games by the Giant. This is sure to be a clash of the titans but who will come out on top at Money in the Bank?
So, with Phoenix out of the title hunt, a new challenger had to be found. WWE.com announced that there would be a 10-DIVA Battle Royal on the last edition of WWE Superstars before Money in the Bank to find the new number one contender. In the end it was down to Gail Kim, Maryse and Mickie James and it was the French Canadian who pulled off the victory last eliminating Kim. On SmackDown Friday, Melina came to the ring to address her challenger but Maryse was having none of it and came out to confront her. After going back and forth, Maryse attacked the champion and hit her French Kiss DDT. Maryse has all the momentum as she gets ready to challenge for the title.
Batista vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho vs. Lance Cade vs. Matt Hardy vs. Christian vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Shelton Benjamin RAW MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH The RAW Money in the Bank ladder match will no doubt be just as exciting as the SmackDown version and we know all eight superstars who will be involved in the match. On the June 21 episode of RAW we learned that there would be eight qualifying matches to decide who would be involved in the match. That week Lance Cade, Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston and Batista all qualified so we immediately knew half the field. The next week on RAW we found out two more as Christian qualified along with the newest member of Monday Night RAW, Chris Jericho who defeated Zack Ryder in his first match back on the show. Then two more draft picks qualified in the next two weeks as Shelton Benjamin defeated his tag team partner Charlie Haas who had both been moved to RAW and Matt Hardy defeated Christian to get his spot although the United States Champion had already qualified. So they are the eight superstars who will go all out this Sunday to try and gain the ultimate prize, a WWE Championship opportunity any time over the next 365 days.
Since qualifying all the superstars have made their impacts in different ways with Lance Cade winning all of his matches and Randy Orton getting entangled in a rivalry with Chris Jericho who laid the Viper out this past Monday with a ladder to close the show. Batista has been perhaps the most impactful since winning his match against MVP to qualify. After that match, he put the ballin’ superstar through the announce table and did the same thing to Santino Marella the week after. On the July 5 edition of RAW the Animal faced Zack Ryder and destroyed the man from Long Island getting rid of another announce table in the process.
A rematch was setup for this past Monday and it looked like the same thing was going to happen again to Ryder but then the surprise entrance of the Phenom, The Undertaker meant Batista took a Chokeslam through the table instead. So after a month of drama on RAW, this one is pretty much impossible to predict but the star-studded field cannot be denied including the man who thought up the idea of the whole concept many years ago, Chris Jericho.
Carlito and Masters took out the tag team champions with the Back Cracker and the Master Lock. And just a week later on RAW, Carlito defeated Tyson Kidd and Chris Masters defeated David Hart Smith to further put the WWE Tag Team Titles in jeopardy come this Sunday. However, this past Friday the tables may have turned somewhat when David Hart Smith was victorious after hitting a Running Powerslam in homage to his father the British Bulldog to defeat Carlito and maybe give The Hart Dynasty some much-needed momentum going into this Sunday. Make no mistake about it, the titles are in real jeopardy with Carlito and Chris Masters hungry for the gold.
The night after Fatal 4 Way, Swagger celebrated becoming WWE Champion and then applauded General Manager Guerrero as she made a triple threat number one contender’s match which stacked the odds against Cena getting another shot. However, Cena overcame the odds defeating Sheamus and the debuting Kane who had been drafted from Friday Night SmackDown. The night ended with Swagger standing over Cena even though he had secured a WWE Championship opportunity as he hit a brutal Gutwrench Powerbomb to the face of the WWE.
The following week on the June 28 edition of RAW Vickie thought she had put Swagger in a great position as John Cena was forced to face Kane in a no disqualification match. Swagger interfered in the match and Cena ended up going through a table as Kane pinned him and ended up victorious. The All American American tried to celebrate with Kane but the Big Red Machine instead showed his unstable nature and delivered a Chokeslam to the WWE Champion.
Things got even worse a week later as John Cena and Randy Orton teamed and successfully defeated Jack Swagger and Chris Jericho. Orton delivered an RKO to Swagger before Cena pinned Jericho following an Attitude Adjustment. And then we come to what happened this past Monday. Cena was forced to face Orton but the match ended in a no contest after interference from both Jericho and Swagger. As we went off the air we saw Cena and Swagger brawling all throughout the arena. This is an incredibly hard match to predict but you have to believe Vickie Guerrero is going to have some role to play this Sunday.
It wasn’t until the next week we found out that Sheamus had formed a group of renegades who were to be known as The Empire. They complained of lacking opportunities because they weren’t from the USA and they were going to change things on SmackDown. Sheamus then faced The Undertaker later on in the evening with the other members of The Empire banned from ringside. Sheamus managed to pull off a massive win but was quickly speared by Edge before the World Champion escaped through the crowd. The Rated R Superstar had proven once again that he is the Ultimate Opportunist.
The Empire struck back with force the following week on SmackDown as Edge teamed up with The Undertaker to take on Sheamus and Finlay. However, it was Drew McIntyre and Paul Burchill who had the biggest impact as they got involved in distracting the Phenom and Edge allowing Sheamus to pin the World Heavyweight Champion after a huge Brogue Kick.
The biggest week for this rivalry had to be the July 16 edition of SmackDown just two days ago. Theodore Long announced that all members of The Empire would have singles matches to decide whether they would be allowed at ringside at Money in the Bank or not. Paul Burchill and Finlay will be legally allowed to be at Sheamus’ side after defeating MVP and Evan Bourne respectively. Drew McIntyre is banned from ringside though, after the new Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan made the Sinister Scotsman tap out. The night ended badly for Sheamus though as the Rated R Superstar pinned him in the tag team main event. The numbers game could make all the difference at Money in the Bank though.
Looks like I'm just in time for Money in the Bank! Sweet, time to catch up on the preview
So, starting with the Smackdown MITB match - It's always exciting knowing we're going to get a surprise entrant. I don't know why, but I was immediately thinking of Rob Van Dam. It's going to be interesting to see the dynamic between Bryan & Drew too, especially considering that D-Bry has been one-upping Drew recently in the build-up.
Not much to go off with Kane vs The Big Show but there's nothing wrong with two monsters going at it - All good with me!
The Divas Championship, man. That really brought me back to this time period haha! Beth Phoenix, alcohol addiction? I assume this is EWR coming into play. I do like how that keeps you on your toes. Maryse going into the match with some HUGE momentum after winning the Battle Royal and getting the jump on the Champion, but something tells me Melina is retaining here.
Raw MITB match and instantly, this one look's very exciting! I love Lance Cade being the mix.
Hart Dynasty, I wish we seen more of them together as a team IRL. Seems like it was over before it even began. Glad they're a feature in your BTB though mate, and this should be a good one! A real threat to come in the form of Carlito & Chris Masters - again two people that I liked and glad you've got involved in the mix.
The All-American vs Mr America! Huge match for Swagger and while it feels like he's going to need the credibility, I can't see him pinning Cena clean or without some help. Hmm. I'm thinking shenanigans will be at play here.
"The Empire struck back" - Excuse me while I Star Wars fanboy for a second Haha! This one sounds like it's the more personal feud going into the Pay-Per-View and I'm excited to see how it goes down!
Looking forward to the show, Order - I'll be sure to check it out
Money in the Bank – Sunday 18th July 2010 – Kansas City, Missouri
A video package plays highlighting the important rivalries going into the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. It starts with the Jack Swagger, John Cena situation with General Manager, Vickie Guerrero trying to help Swagger and make Cena’s life a living hell. It continues with the debut of the group known as The Empire over on Friday Night SmackDown. Sheamus stands over a fallen Edge to end this part of the video with the voiceover man saying: ‘Will the numbers game be too much for the Ultimate Opportunist to handle?’ The video then shifts to the two Money in the Bank ladder matches and shows highlights from previous matches with Jericho inventing the concept, CM Punk winning the briefcase twice and the fact that every superstar who has captured the briefcase has gone on to win either the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship. The video then fades out with Jericho standing over a fallen Orton after attacking him with a ladder on the last RAW before the pay-per-view.
Start playing the video and then read below.
And now sponsored by Taco Bell, World Wrestling Entertainment presents Money in the Bank.
Green and gold fireworks go off out of the entrance ramp and all over the Money in the Bank set where the titantron screen is designed like a briefcase to mark the pay per view. The camera pans around the sold out crowd and the arena as ladders are standing everywhere. The crowd go nuts as more and more fireworks go off to get the crowd in Kansas City really going. The cameras then cut to ringside where the announce team welcome us to the show.
Cole:
Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to WWE Money in the Bank! We are live from Kansas City where this sold out crowd is going to witness some amazing action no doubt. I am alongside Hall of Famer, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and from SmackDown, Josh Mathews and tonight we will have two Money in the Bank ladder matches as well as four championships being on the line. King:
This is going to be an amazing night for sure Cole. Two men will give themselves championship opportunities for either the WWE or World Heavyweight Titles anytime in the next year. And remember every single superstar who has captured the Money in the Bank briefcase has cashed in successfully to become the new champion. Most recently Jack Swagger who will defend his WWE Championship tonight against John Cena. Cole:
He will indeed and on the SmackDown side of things the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge has got his work cut out this evening as he will face the leader of The Empire, Sheamus. And after this past Friday on SmackDown we know that both Finlay and Paul Burchill will legally be allowed at ringside. The numbers game may prove too much for the Rated R Superstar here tonight, Josh. Mathews:
It is going to be one of the greatest achievements of Edge’s career if he can retain his World Heavyweight Championship here tonight; there is no doubt about that. I cannot wait to get kicked off here tonight, just look at the number of ladders that are setup in the arena. It is going to be absolute mayhem out here as eight superstars go all out to try and retrieve that briefcase suspended above the ring. Cole:
You’re not kidding and it is time for our first match tonight so let’s hand it over to SmackDown ring announcer Tony Chimel to introduce the superstars involved.
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match! The first man to retrieve the briefcase suspended above the ring will earn a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity anytime, anyplace over the next year!
The music of Rey Mysterio hits first as the Master of the 619 makes his way down to the ring. He looks amped up about the match. Next to enter is CM Punk who gets a really negative reaction. He is not flanked by Luke Gallows or Serena which means Punk is going to try and retrieve the briefcase for a record third time on his own. Booker T enters followed by Drew McIntyre before John Morrison who sets off his pyro and makes his slow motion entrance. The next man to make his appearance is Dolph Ziggler before the Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan enters. There are seven men in the ring but the bell doesn’t sound as we are awaiting the surprise eighth entrant who will replace the injured Miz in the match. The music of the surprise superstar hits…
MVP is the final man in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match! He makes his way down to the ring receiving a nice pop from the sold out pay-per-view crowd. He enters and all eight men stare at each other as the bell rings and the match gets underway.
The match starts with everyone brawling apart from Booker T and CM Punk who both go to the outside and grab a ladder each. As Punk tries to slide his ladder into the ring Rey Mysterio launches himself at the Straight Edge Saviour and dropkicks the ladder into Punk. Booker T manages to get in the ring with his and nails Drew McIntyre in the chest before clotheslining him out of the ring. Booker sets up the ladder in the middle of the ring as MVP and John Morrison go at it on the outside of the ring. Booker T and Dolph Ziggler start to climb the ladder, one each side and they both get to about half way up before they start throwing punches at one another. However, before either man can get the advantage both Rey Mysterio and Daniel Bryan springboard off the top rope on either side of the ring and dropkick both Booker and Ziggler off the ladder!
Mysterio and Bryan then get to their feet but before they can think about climbing the ladder and retrieving the briefcase Drew McIntyre throws the ladder in his hands at them and the sound of steel on flesh echoes throughout the arena. The crowd are going nuts at the carnage they are witnessing as all eight superstars go all out to try and retrieve the Money in the Bank briefcase. Before the Sinister Scotsman can think about climbing though, MVP slams him down with a scoop slam and McIntyre’s back bounces off the steel. John Morrison connects with a springboard leg drop to the former Intercontinental Champion who was lying prone on the ladder. Finally MVP hits the Playmaker on Drew McIntyre and throws him out of the ring. MVP and Morrison climb the ladder only to be joined by CM Punk and all three men try to scale the ladder as it wobbles and looks more and more precarious as kicks and punches are thrown by all three of them to one another.
Cole:
These superstars are flying everywhere King. Ladders are being broken and the sound of steel on flesh just never sounds normal. There are going to be some banged up superstars after this one and look at these three on the ladder. Punk, MVP and John Morrison are climbing one ladder and it looks like it could buckle at any moment. King:
You’re not kidding, this is unbelievable and what you get when eight men are all trying to earn the right to get a guaranteed opportunity over the next year for the World Heavyweight Championship. These three on the ladder together is a recipe for disaster that is for sure. Anyone could still win this match. Cole:
There is action all over the place and as you say King, this is anyone’s to win at this juncture. Mysterio and Daniel Bryan have looked good but so have CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler. This is unbelievable action and the only action you get when you have this many ladders surrounding the ring. Mathews:
This is SmackDown action at its finest guys and I think there is a long way to go in this match although Drew McIntyre might already be out of the running after taking some serious damage from MVP and John Morrison which actually broke the ladder involved. What a match this is so far! Before this is over there are going to be bodies battered everywhere.
MVP, John Morrison and CM Punk are still all on the ladder fighting as Dolph Ziggler gets back in the ring. The crowd sense something big is going to happen and Ziggler pushes the ladder over leaving the three superstars to crash to the canvas with MVP falling to the outside. Morrison actually landed on his feet but was then clotheslined out of the ring by Ziggler. Daniel Bryan is back in the ring and he hits a huge roundhouse kick to Ziggler which sends him out of the ring and Booker T also tries to get back in the ring but Mysterio hits a springboard bulldog on his friend and then clotheslines him outside as well. Dolph Ziggler and Booker T are outside together but before they can start fighting each other McIntyre is back in the ring and running at a groggy John Morrison who has crawled back into the ring. Morrison somehow manages to back body drop McIntyre who lands straight on Ziggler and Booker T on the outside meaning three of the eight superstars have been taken out.
Ziggler, McIntyre, Punk, MVP and Booker T are all down on the outside near the entrance area as Rey Mysterio and John Morrison both climb separate turnbuckles. Mysterio and Morrison launch at the same time both hitting a moonsault each and taking down the five men already outside. The American Dragon, Daniel Bryan then gets in the ring and the crowd go nuts thinking he has a chance to capture the briefcase but instead he runs and hits a huge suicide dive which takes out several of the superstars. On the outside all eight men are down as the crowd are chanting ‘This is awesome’ and the atmosphere is electric. Suddenly it turns to boos as Luke Gallows and Serena make their way down the ramp and they immediately help CM Punk to his feet and Gallows puts the Straight Edge Saviour on his shoulders and starts to ascend the ladder.
Mathews:
No, not this way if CM Punk wins it this way Teddy Long should strip him off the briefcase. Luke Gallows and Serena have no business being out here at all. All eight men were down thanks to some unbelievable manoeuvres from Mysterio, Morrison and Daniel Bryan and now CM Punk is going to take advantage. This is all wrong. Cole:
It may be Josh, but you have to believe this is a master plan from one of the most opportunistic superstars in the WWE today. CM Punk is prepared to do anything to win and earn another shot for the World Heavyweight Championship and this could be the way to do it. What a match this has been. King:
None of these superstars will ever be the same again that is for sure. CM Punk should not get away with this though and if you ask me the match should be restarted and Punk disqualified if he was to retrieve the briefcase this way. Cole:
Guys it is a ladder match, there is no disqualification, what Gallows and Serena are doing for their leader is perfectly legal. CM Punk is going to win a record third Money in the Bank ladder match!
Punk is nearing the top of the ladder but as he does Rey Mysterio climbs the other side, Luke Gallows punches him though and Mysterio falls from the ladder. Now Daniel Bryan tries to stop the Straight Edge Society but once again Gallows manages to fight off the American Dragon. This time John Morrison springboards and dropkicks the ladder which snaps the middle clasp holding it together and Gallows and Punk fall spectacularly to the canvas as the crowd go wild yet again. Mysterio and Bryan are on the outside and they set up a ladder from the ring to the barricade wall before Morrison tosses Luke Gallows out of the ring to them. Mysterio and Bryan now place Gallows on the ladder and John Morrison climbs to the top turnbuckle. He jumps and hits Starship Pain on Gallows breaking the ladder in half! The crowd go nuts as Morrison is down with Gallows and the referees surrounding the ring check on both superstars.
Suddenly Drew McIntyre and Booker T return to the ring with a ladder and there are now two ladders set up next to each other in the middle of the ring. Both men climb separate ladders and start hammering away at each other as they get nearer to the briefcase. Booker T then grabs McIntyre and delivers a Book End off of the ladder! The crowd senses that this could be the former King of the Ring’s moment as he climbs the ladder and nobody else is in sight. At the last moment though Dolph Ziggler returns and scales the other ladder. Ziggler jumps and takes Booker off the ladder with an incredible Zig Zag! Ziggler takes some time to recover before climbing again but he is joined by MVP, Rey Mysterio and Daniel Bryan. There are four superstars on two different ladders trying to get that World Heavyweight Championship opportunity in the briefcase. Mysterio is the first to fall to the canvas after a brutal roundhouse kick connected to the side of his head from Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan. MVP slams Bryan’s head onto the top of the ladder before pushing him off and Bryan flies into a ladder which is leaning against the turnbuckle.
Cole:
Just two men now on these ladders this must be it, it is going to be either MVP, the surprise entrant into this whole match or the self-proclaimed future of the WWE, Dolph Ziggler. Who are you picking guys? Mathews:
I still have no idea but it would be great to see the Franchise Playa’ retrieve the briefcase, MVP has all the potential to be a great World Heavyweight Champion on Friday Night SmackDown, he is a former United States and Tag Team Champion don’t forget. King:
Yes, but guys you cannot rule out this Dolph Ziggler he has in my opinion been the most impressive superstar here in the WWE over the last couple of months. He was just moments away from winning the World Heavyweight Championship at Fatal 4 Way and this may be his chance to guarantee a title win in the near future. Mathews:
Well, here we go Ziggler and MVP on the top of that ladder and listen to these shots being thrown by each of these superstars at one another, what an unbelievable match!
Both MVP and Ziggler throw huge right hands at one another and it looks like MVP has got the better of Dolph as he sways and nearly falls off the ladder. MVP goes for another big right hand and Ziggler ducks underneath hitting a huge leg drop bulldog on MVP and sends them both down to the canvas hard. All eight men are once again down and it is anyone’s to win! The crowd start booing loudly as there is one man stirring and crawling into the ring. That man is the Straight Edge Saviour, CM Punk. Can he do it? Can he win a record third Money in the Bank ladder match? Punk starts to climb the ladder and gets about four steps from the top before John Morrison joins him. Morrison has a spring in his step and climbs above Punk before jumping and taking Punk down with an incredible sunset flip powerbomb from the top of the ladder! The crowd go mental once again at this match which has been like a highlight reel.
Punk and Morrison are down leaving Booker T and Drew McIntyre to get back in the ring. Can either of these men win? They are fighting at the top of the ladder with neither man making any headway as Morrison manages to recover and get the ladder at the turnbuckle before ramming it into McIntyre and taking The Empire member out of the equation. Morrison quickly drops the ladder and joins Booker T who is alone and frantically grabbing for the briefcase. The two start hammering away once again and it looks like Booker T is going to Book End Morrison off the ladder but he manages to block the former World Heavyweight Champion. Morrison out of nowhere hits his patented knee to the skull of Booker T who falls like a dead weight from the top of the ladder. Morrison is all alone at the top of the ladder reaching for the briefcase. The crowd are on their feet cheering wildly as John Morrison unhooks the briefcase and wins Money in the Bank!!!
Cole:
John Morrison has realised a dream here tonight. John Morrison has won Money in the Bank and will have a future opportunity whenever he wants for the World Heavyweight Championship. Morrison had a great showing in that match and that knee to get rid of Booker T finally meant all seven superstars were down allowing Morrison to retrieve the briefcase. King:
What a match. John Morrison has stepped out of the shadows of being in tag teams and has proven he is one of the best athletes and individual superstars in the WWE today. This is the biggest win of his career for sure and Morrison will now be a main event player over on SmackDown Josh. Mathews:
He certainly will King. What a match though, all of these superstars will be feeling it tomorrow, being hit with steel ladders and falling from 15 feet in the air is not fun for anyone but that is what superstars are prepared to do in order to win a contract which will give them an opportunity at any time they want for the World Heavyweight Championship. Cole:
What a match and that was just the first of two Money in the Bank matches with both the World Heavyweight and WWE Titles on the line as well. This is going to be some night and John Morrison has kicked it off by becoming Mr Money in the Bank.
John Morrison sits atop the ladder holding the Money in the Bank briefcase and is clearly emotional about the win as the crowd cheer loudly for the Guru of Greatness. He eventually gets down and walks up the ramp exhausted before holding the briefcase aloft once more as the screen fades and goes to the WWE don’t try this at home commercial and then lands on the announce team once again at ringside.
------------------------------
------------------------------
Cole:
Welcome back to Money in the Bank everyone and back to the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri where we are sold out for what is going to be a memorable night no doubt about it. And already we have had the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match where John Morrison managed to retrieve the briefcase defeating seven other superstars to get a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity anywhere, any time over the next 12 months. King:
It was a great match and a great win for Morrison and we still have the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match to come as well. What on earth are they going to do in order to get hold of that briefcase after what we just witnessed between those eight superstars? And then Jack Swagger will have to defend against John Cena for the WWE Championship. I can’t wait! Mathews:
And don’t forget King the World Heavyweight Championship is on the line between current champion, Edge and the leader of The Empire, Sheamus who will have both Finlay and Paul Burchill at ringside with him to improve the odds in his favour significantly. Could we crown a new World Heavyweight Champion here tonight I wonder? Cole:
We will find out soon enough but right now it is time for two giants from Monday Night RAW to collide. This is not going to be for the faint hearted as these two monsters go all out to be victorious here tonight.
As the announce team finish hyping the matches still left on the Money in the Bank card fire erupts from the stage shocking the audience as the eerie music of the Big Red Machine, Kane plays through the PA system. He walks out and down the ramp looking as psychotic as ever before awaiting his opponent. The mood changes as the Largest Athlete in the World, the Big Show enters but he is not his usual cheery self. Instead he looks highly focused and ready to do everything in his power to defeat Kane. The referee rings the bell and the battle commences.
The match starts with both men trying to use their power to overcome the other but neither superstar is really able to establish themselves. They both punch one another but it doesn’t really have much of an effect on the other. They lock up and for the first time it is Big Show who gains the advantage pushing Kane back into the turnbuckle area. Show lands with some punches to the midsection before tossing Kane half way across the ring and then clotheslining the Big Red Machine outside of the ring before the crowd cheer as the giant is on top in the early going. Show goes to the outside and joins Kane before picking him up and slamming him spine first into the ring post. The referee starts to count the two of them out so Big Show returns his opponent to the ring and continues to build momentum with some huge chops to the chest of Kane again in the turnbuckle area.
Big Show picks Kane up and drops him with a nice sidewalk slam before pinning for the first time in the match. 1… 2… Kane easily kicks out just as the referee reaches the two count. Big Show now looks to dominate Kane some more but instead the Big Red Machine finally gains some momentum as he dodges Show running at him towards the turnbuckle and comes off the ropes dropping the World’s Largest Athlete with a big boot which takes Show down to the canvas. Kane now pins but Show easily kicks out at two. Kane tries to keep Big Show down but he is soon to a seated position. Kane runs off the ropes and hits a huge dropkick to the face of the giant and he snaps back once again to the canvas. Kane covers Big Show once again; 1… 2… He powers out once again as Kane argues with the referee about the speed of the count.
Mathews:
This is some match; the two giants are going all out to try and secure victory. Since Kane destroyed Big Show with those chair shots a couple of weeks ago on Monday Night RAW you knew this collision was going to be insane and so far the giant has dominated but now Kane looks to be building some momentum. King:
He is indeed; you have no idea what these two former tag team partners would be prepared to do to one another. Kane simply hates everyone and you just don’t anger the giant by hitting him with chairs. If it was anyone but Kane you would say they had a death wish but with the unstable Big Red Machine you just don’t know. Cole:
Kane made it very clear that he attacked Big Show and didn’t care about it. He even laughed at the former tag team champion after attacking and had no worries about taking this match here tonight at Money in the Bank. I think before these two are done tonight there might be no part of the ring which is still standing. King:
I have no idea who is going to win this one. The brutality we have witnessed so far tonight is unheard of. First the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match and now this clash of the titans. I am almost scared to be at ringside with the carnage we have seen.
The match continues with Kane trying to keep building on the offence he has created so far. Big Show is back to his feet and Kane realises he has to get the big man down again. Kane throws a number of punches and then hits a huge Tornado DDT which sends Show half way across the ring. Kane goes to the top rope and the crowd stand in anticipation of the huge move they are about to see. Kane jumps and takes the Big Show down with his patented clothesline from the top rope. Kane quickly gets on top of Show pinning; 1…… 2…… Big Show gets the shoulder up powerfully and Kane once again berates the official for what he saw as a slow count. Kane quickly refocuses though and now starts to adjust his glove on his right hand signalling for the Chokeslam. Kane grabs Big Show by the throat but before he can try and lift the near 500 pounds man Big Show grabs Kane by the throat as well.
The two giants strain at one another to try and lift each other but it is Big Show who perhaps proves he is the strongest giant and he lifts Kane into the air. Kane manages to land on his feet though and then there it is! Kane hits an unbelievable Chokeslam on the Big Show! Kane covers; 1……… 2……… Big Show gets his shoulder up! Kane cannot believe he has not won the match and the Big Red Machine goes into a rage in the ring. He starts arguing with the referee before he suddenly punches him square in the jaw and the referee flies to the canvas. The match is clearly over and Kane goes to the outside and grabs a steel chair. He returns to the ring and nails Big Show on the back four times and you can hear the pain Show is in from the sound he is making. Show falls to the canvas and now Kane whacks him on the chest with the end of the chair before hitting him with the side of it as other referees, medics and trainers all run down to the ring. Kane chucks the chair to the canvas and exits the ring as Big Show and the knocked out referee are attended to.
Cole:
Kane has completely snapped here and taken down the Big Show once again. Look at this maniac he is laughing again at what he has just down at here. He is sick; someone needs to do something about the Big Red Machine. He can’t be allowed to keep doing things like this. If he is doing this to Big Show what is he capable of doing to other superstars? Mathews:
Kane is deranged no doubt about it. Medics are attending to the giant and the referee may never be the same again after taking a vicious uppercut. Something tells me that Big Show will do anything to get his hands on Kane again after that brutal attack to end that match prematurely. King:
I agree with both of you guys, I just can’t quite believe what just happened. I have never seen the Big Show destroyed like that before even if it was via the use of a steel chair. These two giants really hate each other and I don’t know if any ring or arena is going to be able to keep them apart after from each other after this. Mathews:
I can’t believe we are only two matches in, what a night this has been so far and what violence we have seen. Up next it is time for the DIVA’s Championship to be defended as Melina takes on Maryse.
Kane is still looking at Big Show and the knocked out referee in the ring being seen to by medics and trainers. He just laughs maniacally at the giant before raising his hands and bringing them down with his trademark taunt. Fire explodes from all four turnbuckles in the ring shocking everyone who is in the vicinity of the ring. Kane laughs again before slowly retreating and exiting the arena through the curtain. The announcers then thank Linkin Park for their song Papercut which is the official theme song of Money in the Bank. Big Show is then helped out of the arena by two trainers and two referees and he looks in a bad way as Money in the Bank continues.
------------------------------
------------------------------
The music of the French Canadian bombshell Maryse hits and the crowd boos her straight away. She really doesn’t care though and motions with her hand that she doesn’t. She is wearing silver and black attire with a long gown over the top. She gets in the ring and motions to her waist signalling she will be the next DIVA’s Champion after this match.
Melina’s music then hits and the Paparazzi Princess makes her way down the red carpet completing her trademark splits entrance to the delight of the males in the crowd. She is in green and taunts with her title belt right in front of Maryse as the referee rings the bell and gets the match started.
The match starts with the two DIVA’s going at it in catfight style as the crowd cheers loudly. Melina soon manages to get on top and kicks Maryse in the gut before throwing her into the turnbuckle. The DIVA’s Champion runs at Maryse and hits a beautiful dropkick as her opponent stands helplessly in the turnbuckle. Melina then hits an unconventional snapmare driver before pinning and looking to get an early victory but Maryse has the wherewithal to kick out. Melina continues to try and build more momentum against the challenger and hits a nice clothesline followed by an impactful neckbreaker before she taunts to the crowd and they give her a big pop. It is clear who they want to go home with the DIVA’s Championship. The match continues with Melina getting Maryse to her feet but as she goes for a big kick to the head of the French Canadian she misses and Maryse capitalises with a huge forward Russian leg sweep. She quickly covers; 1… 2… Melina comfortably kicks out.
Maryse needs to do a lot more damage if she is to become the champion. She now continues to work on the champion and Irish whips her before connecting with an awesome tilt-a-whirl backbreaker as Melina crashes in a heap onto the canvas. Maryse taunts to the crowd who give her a chorus of boos. You have to feel that she should have made a pin attempt there. Maryse locks in a Camel Clutch and intermittently gauges at the eyes and face of the Paparazzi Princess who screams in agony. The referee finally loses patience and the challenger is forced to break the hold. She doesn’t let it deter her though and continues her onslaught tossing Melina into the turnbuckle and hitting a number of shoulder thrusts to her opponent before hitting a back drop. She covers the champion again; 1.. 2… Melina once again shows her resilience and gets the shoulder up.
Cole:
Maryse is really taking it to the champion here. Melina needs to get back in this match and fast if she is to retain the DIVA’s Championship. Maryse is so aggressive in the ring and she may well win her third title here. If she can connect with the French Kiss DDT this one will definitely be over. King:
I don’t really mind who wins, this match is great, any DIVA’s action is a treat, and these two are beautiful. Maryse does have a bit of an attitude problem though. Melina is a great champion but there is no doubt she is in trouble here tonight at Money in the Bank. Mathews:
Oh King, this is all about the championship, yes they are beautiful but right now all they want to do is tear each other apart to have the honour of calling themselves the best DIVA on the roster at the moment. Whether it will be Melina or Maryse in the end we are going to find out very soon indeed. King:
I am just enjoying this match Josh, I have no doubt that both of these amazing DIVA’s want to win the match. This is great!!
The match continues with Maryse still on top but it doesn’t stay that way for long as she gets carried away and taunts to the crowd again. This time she pays for taking her eyes off Melina who hits Maryse with a nice bulldog. She then gets Maryse in the turnbuckle area and connects with a number of shoulder thrusts before hitting a devastating diving double knee drop from the top rope to the French Canadian who is wedged between the first and second rope. That was an unbelievable move. Melina covers Maryse; 1… 2…… Maryse somehow gets her shoulder up before the count of three. The two-time DIVA’s Champion and three-time Women’s Champion now looks to stack the odds in her favour even more by wearing Maryse down as she locks in a Boston Crab in the centre of the ring.
Maryse screams as Melina puts more and more pressure on her back. Maryse manages to reach the ropes and the referee makes Melina break the hold but the damage may have been done. Maryse looks to be in real trouble as she is holding her back on the canvas but Melina doesn’t lose any focus and sets her up for the Primal Scream her sunset split finisher but Maryse manages to hold her leg in the air showing some power and snapping Melina’s head back with a massive heel kick. Maryse could shock the world here as the crowd were shocked at the power of the kick. She covers Melina; 1……… 2…………… Melina gets the shoulder up just in time! Maryse cannot believe it and is very angry at the referee. She quickly refocuses though and now taunts signalling for the French Kiss DDT as the crowd boo loudly. Maryse has Melina in position but the DIVA’s Champion quickly reverses and sits on the back of the French Canadian connecting with the wicked Last Call leg trap sunset flip powerbomb. Melina covers Maryse; 1…………… 2……………3! Melina retains the DIVA’s Championship in a hard fought contest.
Mathews:
What a match. Melina retains out of nowhere with that brutal Last Call just when it looked like Maryse was about to capture her third DIVA’s Championship. That was one of the best DIVA’s matches we have seen in a while for sure. It looks like the division is getting more and more competitive Cole. Cole:
It certainly does Josh. Melina was impressive in retaining here tonight especially because she only had since Thursday to prepare when Maryse won that Battle Royal. Of course she was meant to face Beth Phoenix tonight but the Glamazon is currently dealing with some personal issues so had to be replaced. King:
I love the DIVA’s and when they can fight like this as well it is just an added bonus to be honest. I say get more and more of them involved and give us all a treat. Melina has to be one of the best DIVA’s we have had in the WWE for some time that’s for sure. I wonder if Maryse will somehow manage to get another shot though with that French charm she possesses. Mathews:
Who knows, things are sure getting interesting in the DIVA’s division and things are about to get even more interesting here at Money in the Bank because we are just a few minutes away from the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match.
Melina is given her DIVA’s Championship belt and celebrates on two turnbuckles as the crowd cheer loudly for the Paparazzi Princess. She then exits the ring as Maryse is flat out in the canvas. Melina retreats up the ramp soaking in the electric Money in the Bank atmosphere as the camera fades and cuts to the following promo video looking at a new superstar getting ready to debut; Alberto Del Rio.
------------------------------
------------------------------
Justin Roberts:
The following contest is the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match! The rules are as follows: Eight superstars will compete; the first man to retrieve the briefcase suspended above the ring will earn a WWE Championship opportunity anytime, any place over the next twelve months!
The music of Randy Orton hits first and the crowd go absolutely nuts at The Viper who will be looking to win his first Money in the Bank ladder match. He is followed by Shelton Benjamin, Matt Hardy and then the United States Champion, Christian. Chris Jericho then enters and gets a lot of heat from the crowd even if he is the inventor of this amazing concept. Lance Cade immediately follows him and then Kofi Kingston makes his way to the ring before the final man, the Animal Batista enters to the most heat we have heard tonight. He ignores the fans and is in the single spotlight with symbolises him before all eight men are staring at each other in the ring with ladders everywhere outside and surrounding the ring. The bell rings and the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match is underway.
The match starts with Chris Jericho jumping out the ring and being chased by his arch-rival Randy Orton. They start to brawl on the outside while on the inside of the ring the other five superstars work together to try and get rid of Batista as a challenge for the briefcase. Kofi Kingston grabs a ladder from the outside and gets Shelton Benjamin to help him hold it horizontally. They barge it into the midriff of the Animal before the United States Champion, Christian clotheslines Batista out of the ring and to the floor below. Lance Cade has got his own ladder and as Christian turns around he is hit hard by the steel ladder after Cade threw it at him. The carnage continues as Kingston and Benjamin continue to take out superstars as they hit Matt Hardy and then Lance Cade feels the damage of a steel ladder as Kingston and Benjamin throw it at him.
The two athletic superstars are left together in the ring as everyone else is outside either fighting or down and they start to throw punches and kicks at one another as the crowd cheers loudly. There is a ladder precariously placed flat on the canvas and Shelton suddenly hits Kofi with an incredible T-Bone suplex and Kingston’s back bounces off the ladder. The crowd gasp in amazement at the damage already inflicted in the match so far. Shelton Benjamin sets up the ladder in the middle of the ring and is the first man to try and attempt to retrieve the briefcase. However, Chris Jericho has managed to get the better of Randy Orton on the outside and returns to the ring to thwart Benjamin. He tries to hold onto his legs and powerbomb him off the ladder but suddenly Benjamin lets go and turns it into a hurricanrana which takes Jericho and one half of the World’s Greatest Tag Team to the outside of the ring in this high tempo RAW Money in the Bank ladder match.
Cole:
Shelton Benjamin looks amazing so far in this match and him and Kofi Kingston going at it was one of the best things I have ever seen. That T-Bone Suplex on the ladder was amazing and I think Kofi Kingston may be broken in half. All eight superstars still have a chance in this match and I have no idea who is going to come out on top. King:
You are not kidding Cole. Benjamin and Kingston are amazing athletic superstars but then you have the power of Batista and Lance Cade, the experience of Matt Hardy and Christian and the fearlessness of Randy Orton and Chris Jericho who have already tried to tear apart each other on the outside of the ring since the get go. Mathews:
There is a long way to go in this match. You can tell that from the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match where at multiple times throughout the match we thought it was over but superstars kept thwarting the attempts of their adversaries. You just cannot predict these types of matches. Cole:
You certainly can’t. These eight superstars are going to do everything they can to get a guaranteed title opportunity at the WWE Championship currently held by Jack Swagger who won Money in the Bank at this year’s WrestleMania. And look at this Matt Hardy and Christian are scaling a ladder. Can they retrieve the briefcase?
Both of the superstars climb the ladder and are punching one another at the top while both touch the briefcase and could have easily unhooked it. However, Lance Cade is back in the ring and gets hold of the ladder pushing it over and making Hardy and Christian fall hard to the canvas. Cade now looks to setup the ladder but before he can Randy Orton is back in the ring and Cade turns around and walks straight into an RKO! The crowd goes nuts at The Viper who is looking to win his first Money in the Bank ladder match. Orton looks for a ladder but before he can pick it up he is sent back first onto the ladder by Batista with his trademark spinebuster. The Animal then sets up the ladder and starts to climb as the crowd boos loudly but before he gets to the top Shelton Benjamin springboards off the ropes and joins Batista on the ladder.
Before Benjamin gets clocked by a big right hand he scurries up the ladder and jumps over Batista grabbing him and connecting with an unbelievable powerbomb! The crowd start chanting ‘holy s***’ as Batista rolls out of the ring following the impact of the move. Benjamin then gets up but he is clotheslined out of the ring by Kofi Kingston. Instead of trying to climb the ladder though he goes to the top rope and hits a huge diving crossbody on both Batista and Shelton Benjamin to the delight of the crowd. The match is getting more and more frantic as these eight RAW superstars go all out to try and retrieve the briefcase. Back in the ring Chris Jericho sets up a ladder at the turnbuckle before Lance Cade is back. The two fight near the ladder before Christian gets in the ring and runs at them both. Jericho sidesteps out of the way so instead Christian spears Lance Cade into the ladder at the turnbuckle. The sound it makes is sickening as flesh on steel echoes throughout the arena. The crowd are cheering loudly at the brutality they are witnessing.
Mathews:
Did you hear that?! Christian just speared Lance Cade almost through that ladder and Jericho did very well to get out of the way of that manoeuvre. That may be it for Cade, how on earth is he going to come back from that? And just before that we saw Kingston flying off the top rope and Benjamin delivering a powerbomb to Batista off the ladder. This is amazing! King:
I cannot believe the lengths that these eight superstars are prepared to go to in order to capture the briefcase and earn a WWE Championship match anytime over the next year. You have to say Shelton Benjamin has been very impressive indeed in this match, after what he has done in this match I would love to see him win this match. Cole:
That may be what you want King but as we keep saying these matches are so unpredictable you just don’t know what is going to happen. It can look like one superstar is going to win and then another can steal the briefcase right under the others nose. The destruction in this match is going to take its toll sooner or later. Mathews:
It certainly is, we have had every superstar in contact with ladders and there will be a point where seven of these superstars cannot get up giving another the chance to win. And look at this Matt Hardy is back in the ring. Who on earth is going to win this RAW Money in the Bank ladder match?
Hardy is back in the ring and immediately hits a huge Side Effect on Christian. Hardy then turns his attention to Jericho but is unable to get in any offence as he is caught with a stunning Code Breaker! Chris Jericho sets up and starts to climb a ladder in the centre of the ring but he is quickly joined by Batista who is still standing after taking some incredible punishment throughout the match. Batista slowly climbs and the Animal and Jericho start to throw punches at one another. Before either of them can grab the briefcase another ladder is setup next to them by Shelton Benjamin who climbs his ladder but is also joined by Randy Orton as well. All four men start throwing fists at each other. Kofi Kingston then sets up a ladder bridge from the second rope to the ladder which Orton and Benjamin are fighting on.
The crowd are going crazy anticipating that something huge is about to happen in the match and it could be reaching its climax. Suddenly Randy Orton jumps and manages to RKO Chris Jericho his nemesis from the ladder next to him as the crowd go nuts at what they just witnessed. Orton looks pumped and ready to win the match but he is clutching his back after delivering the move. Batista grabs Shelton Benjamin from the ladder next to him and suplexes him front first onto the bridge ladder that was setup by Kingston. The crowd again go nuts at the sound Benjamin’s body makes as it bounces off the ladder. Batista and Kofi Kingston are the only two men left on ladders and it looks like whoever manages to get rid of the other will retrieve the briefcase. Suddenly the spring-loaded superstar from Ghana, West Africa jumps and catches Batista flush in the face with Trouble in Paradise! Kingston slowly gets to his feet and starts to climb the ladder. There is no-one else around. Kingston could do it here.
Mathews:
Kofi Kingston may do it here is he going to become Mr Money in the Bank after delivering Trouble in Paradise to Batista from nearly the top of the ladder? Kingston is all alone as Orton hit an RKO to Jericho and Benjamin was suplexed onto a ladder. Come on Kofi unhook the briefcase! Cole:
Kingston may get it here and if he does he will deserve it. Kingston has been an Intercontinental Champion but he has never been able to capture the big one, could this be his moment? Kofi Kingston is touching the briefcase here. King:
Come on Kofi, this is your moment. What a match this has been, I can’t get over what these superstars are willing to do to capture that briefcase. There is no doubt careers will be altered here tonight. Oh hang on here comes Lance Cade, can he stop Kofi Kingston?
Lance Cade joins Kofi Kingston on top of the ladder and the two start to fight as the crowd sense it might now be Cade to win the Money in the Bank briefcase. They start to hammer away at each other but neither man is able to gain a real advantage in their quest to capture the briefcase. Suddenly Chris Jericho returns to the ring and throws one ladder out of the ring and picks up another. He nails Lance Cade in the head with a ladder knocking him off before quickly climbing the ladder to join Kofi Kingston at the top. The fans are on their feet as Jericho and Kingston go at it at the top of the ladder.
Kingston looks like he has the best of it but then Jericho manages to push the briefcase into the skull of Kingston who drops down a couple of rungs on the ladder. Jericho reaches for the briefcase but before he can unhook it Kingston hits a kick to his gut and re-joins him at the very top of the ladder. Suddenly, Jericho manages to get hold of Kingston’s head and hit it hard on the top of the ladder twice in a row and Kofi is clearly dazed. Jericho can see this and takes advantage tossing Kofi off the ladder and he lands hard on another ladder in the ring. The crowd are on their feet as they think this is the moment. Jericho is at the top of the ladder and unhooks the briefcase. The inventor becomes the winner. Chris Jericho has won Money in the Bank!!!
Cole:
The inventor has won! Chris Jericho wins his first Money in the Bank ladder match and earns himself a WWE Championship opportunity anytime over the next 12 months. I really thought Kofi Kingston was going to do it but it just wasn’t to be. Jericho backs up his promise to win and captures the RAW briefcase. King:
You have to give the devil his due. Chris Jericho was amazing in that match and he managed to get up the ladder at the right time in order to win. Shelton Benjamin, Kofi Kingston and in fact all of the superstars who competed in this match deserve high praise as they all put their bodies and careers on the line but Jericho wins. Mathews:
I though after the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match, there was no way the RAW match could be just as incredible but it may have been even better. Chris Jericho proved he had the wherewithal to last and pace himself throughout the match and he has been rewarded by becoming Mr Money in the Bank. Cole:
We are never going to hear the end of this though you know. Jericho has done it he has won the Money in the Bank ladder match. Now before we move on with Money in the Bank let’s send it backstage to our broadcast colleague Todd Grisham who is standing by with some guests.
------------------------------
------------------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Thank you guys at ringside. Please welcome my guests at this time, Paul Burchill, Finlay and the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, Sheamus, The Empire!
The crowd boo loudly as the three superstars enter the camera shot. All three are wearing versions of the new WWEShop.com t-shirts for them and Sheamus looks as intense as ever. The absence of Drew McIntyre is explained by Todd Grisham because he was in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match and lost to Daniel Bryan on SmackDown. He then continues…
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Tonight Sheamus you go one-on-one against the current World Heavyweight Champion, Edge with the title on the line. You also have Finlay and Paul Burchill of The Empire legally allowed at ringside as they won matches to have this right on Friday Night SmackDown. How do you plan on utilising this advantage Sheamus?
The Empire Leader - Sheamus:
Todd are you suggesting that I can’t win by myself?
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
No, absolutely not Sheamus…
Paul Burchill and Finlay stare at Todd who cowers before Sheamus grabs the microphone off him and Grisham leaves the interview set to leave the three members of The Empire to deliver their message to the Rated R Superstar before the main event match tonight. All three look incredibly intense.
The Empire Leader - Sheamus:
Edge, tonight fella’ you are going to feel the wrath of three men that have been held back here in the WWE for too long. Since we invaded SmackDown and formed the most dominant group in the history of this company you have been on your back staring up the lights more often than I care to remember. And tonight is going to be no different. The Sinister Scotsman, Drew McIntyre might not be at ringside after his impressive showing in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match earlier this evening but I still have the Belfast Brawler, Finlay and The Ripper, Paul Burchill. And whether it be before, during or after our match tonight when I will become the World Heavyweight Champion for the first time you will also receive a beating so bad that you will not only be unable to invoke any sort of rematch, you won’t ever wrestle in that ring again. Tonight, The Empire takes over and I become the World Heavyweight Champion!
------------------------------
------------------------------
The camera zooms in on the intense face of the Celtic Warrior as he finishes his personal message to World Heavyweight Champion, Edge. The camera then cuts to Justin Roberts in the ring who announces that the next match is for the WWE Tag Team Championship. The music of The Hart Dynasty hits first and the crowd erupt loudly as Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith and Natalya make their way down to the ring. They are all wearing pink, grey and black attire as they taunt with the WWE Tag Team title belts. The crowd eventually calms down and Carlito enters the arena. He gets a lot of heat but takes it in his stride waiting at the bottom of the ramp for his tag team partner. The Masterpiece, Chris Masters enters and him and Carlito high five and signal to their waists before entering the ring all business and the match goes ahead.
The match starts with Tyson Kidd and Chris Masters going at it. Masters tries to use his power to overcome Kidd but the last man who trained in the infamous Hart Dungeon is just too fast for the Masterpiece. He manages to hit Masters with a number of kicks to the knees before delivering a nice dropkick which rocks Masters into the turnbuckle. Tyson Kidd then runs at him and hits a nice forearm smashing into the side of his head which leaves him in the seated position. Kidd then claps his hands in the air as the crowd cheer him on and he hits a huge dropkick to the face of Masters who writhes around the ring. Kidd then quickly tags in his tag team partner David Hart Smith who stomps away at the fallen Masterpiece trying to get some retribution for all of the attacks The Hart Dynasty has had to deal with on behalf of Carlito and Chris Masters.
Smith picks up Masters and immediately drops him back to the canvas with a perfectly executed Northern Lights Suplex. Smith covers; 1… 2… Chris Masters manages to kick out of the bridge position. Smith then picks up Masters again and goes for his patented delayed vertical suplex but Masters manages to use his strength to get out of the position and almost falls into a tag he makes to Carlito. The superstar from the Caribbean comes in via the top rope and drops David Hart Smith straight away with a huge dropkick. He springboards off the ropes and hits a beautiful moonsault. Carlito pins Smith; 1… 2… Smith easily gets his shoulder up much to the frustration of one half of the challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Carlito now continues to gather speed delivering a nice running knee lift before clotheslining Smith outside of the ring much to the crowd’s annoyance. Carlito taunts and the crowd boo before he distracts the referee and Chris Masters picks Smith up and slams him to the floor on the outside. The crowd boo even louder at seeing the cheap tactics of Carlito and Masters.
Mathews:
Look at that from Chris Masters, that was totally uncalled for and look at Carlito distracting the referee. These two are prepared to go to any lengths here tonight in order to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship. It is totally despicable, I try to not be bias as an announcer but I really hope Tyson and David can pull it out here, come on The Hart Dynasty! King:
Calm down Josh as a lot of people have said throughout the years, it isn’t cheating if you don’t get caught and this is what tag team wrestling is all about. I don’t agree with their tactics either but here in the WWE you do whatever it takes to accomplish championship reigns and this match is finely poised. I think we may very well crown new champions if they manage to keep this up. Mathews:
I understand what you are saying King but I still don’t like it. This has been a great back and forth contest; there is no doubt about that. It is vital that The Hart Dynasty get back into this match and fast or it could just be a matter of time before Carlito and Chris Masters are fastening the WWE Tag Team titles around their waists. It has been a fast-paced match so far. Cole:
It certainly has and I actually agree with King for once. Any superstar who is not willing to do anything to earn a championship here in the WWE is in the wrong place. You may not like the tactics of Carlito and Chris Masters but it is not like they have been any different throughout their entire careers is it?
Chris Masters returns David Hart Smith to the ring before quickly getting on the apron and accepting a tag from Carlito. Masters gets in the ring and starts stomping away at Smith before pinning but the member of The Hart Dynasty gets his shoulder up at a count of two. Masters now picks Smith up and tosses him into the turnbuckle. He hits a number of shoulder thrusts before taking him down to the canvas with a neckbreaker. Masters covers again but doesn’t hook the leg; 1… 2… Smith manages to get the shoulder up. The Masterpiece then tags in Carlito and then Irish whips Smith. Masters hits a huge spinebuster before Carlito connects with a leg drop from the second rope. This time it is the former United States Champion who pins but he can only manage a two count. He then waits for Smith to get to his feet and goes for a standing Hurricanrana but as he is on the shoulders of David Hart Smith he manages to hold Carlito up there and deliver a thunderous powerbomb!
The crowd go crazy at the impact of Carlito’s back on the canvas as both men are down and the referee begins to count. He reaches a count of eight when Tyson Kidd and Chris Masters are tagged in by their hurting partners. Tyson Kidd’s speed just proves too much for Masters as he springboards in off the ropes and hits a massive kick which knocks Masters down. Kidd then hits a number of kicks but it looks like his momentum is about to be stopped when the Masterpiece catches his leg but Tyson Kidd whacks Masters in the head with a huge enzuigiri! Carlito runs back in the ring but Kidd sees him coming and manages to hit a beautiful swinging neckbreaker and then clotheslines him out of the ring. Kidd tags in David Hart Smith before running off the ropes and hitting a huge Suicide Dive on Carlito outside of the ring. Back in the ring Smith gets Chris Masters on his shoulder and delivers the Running Powerslam! The crowd are going nuts as Smith then locks in the Sharpshooter in homage to The Hitman and Masters screams in agony before he taps out. The Hart Dynasty are victorious.
Winners: The Hart Dynasty (STILL WWE Tag Team Champions)
Mathews:
Yes, The Hart Dynasty did it! Chris Masters tapped out to the Sharpshooter applied by David Hart Smith and the WWE Tag Team Champions are still Smith and his partner, Tyson Kidd. Carlito and Chris Masters have the champions an almighty scare but they have managed to hold onto their gold thanks to some explosive late offense. Cole:
You’re not kidding Josh. Tyson Kidd was the real difference there when he got tagged in. The tempo increased and Masters and Carlito simply couldn’t handle him. The Suicide Dive to Carlito was amazing and then Smith finishing it off with the running powerslam remembering his father the British Bulldog and the sharpshooter was a great tribute. King:
I can tell you the British Bulldog would be very proud of these two if he was able to be here with us tonight. David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd have extremely bright futures here in the WWE and their WWE Tag Team Championship reign is only just getting started. I can see these two young superstars holding onto the titles for quite some time. Cole:
They may very well do that King but I fear this will not be the end of Carlito and Chris Masters challenging for the gold and there are several tag teams all trying to position themselves in order to get a championship opportunity against The Hart Dynasty over the coming weeks and months.
Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith celebrate in the ring with Natalya as the crowd give them a really big pop. They stand on the turnbuckles and give fans high fives on their way up the ramp and to the backstage area. The camera then goes back to the announce team as they hype the WWE Championship match which is coming up.
------------------------------
------------------------------
A video plays hyping this rivalry from when Jack Swagger cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase he won at WrestleMania at the last pay-per-view, Fatal 4 Way. We then see John Cena becoming number one contender in a triple threat match against Sheamus and Kane before we see Swagger and Cena brawling this past Monday on RAW after Cena faced Orton in the main event. The video ends showing the General Manager of RAW, Vickie Guerrero, looking angry at Cena and trying to get one over him throughout the month leading up to this match at Money in the Bank. The camera then cuts to Justin Roberts in the ring.
Justin Roberts:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Justin Roberts:
Introducing the challenger, from West Newbury, Massachusetts, weighing in at 251 lbs, JOHN CENA!
The arena erupts as John Cena makes his way out from the back. He taunts and does his usual entrance and the crowd are going crazy for the man who has held multiple WWE Championships and the man who Jack Swagger won the title from. Cena is wearing his trademarks jean shorts with his purple and yellow t-shirt and dog tags. He taunts in the ring and chucks his shirt in the crowd as he stands focused and ready for his opponent and the current WWE Champion to make his way to the ring.
Justin Roberts:
And his opponent, from Perry, Oklahoma, weighing in at 260 lbs, he is the WWE Champion, JACK SWAGGER!
Jack Swagger gets the biggest heat of the night so far as he comes through the curtain wearing his usual singlet. It is a new black and gold attire which represents his first WWE Championship defence here tonight. He does three press ups to show off before pointing at the WWE Title belt around his waist and smirking at John Cena in the ring. He taunts and holds the championship above his head in the ring before kissing it and giving it to the referee Chad Patton. The referee gives the belt to the timekeeper who rings the bell and gets the WWE Championship match underway.
The match starts with John Cena using his power and aggression to take the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger by surprise. He starts the match by hitting a huge clothesline before hammering away at Swagger and hitting a nice bulldog. Cena then kicks Swagger in the gut and tosses him over the top rope and to the floor below, near the announce tables. Cena then goes on the outside despite the referee trying to stop him and gets Swagger to his feet. He bounces his head three times off the announce table as Cole, Mathews and King all step up and back from the table. Cena then grabs Swagger by the arm and Irish whips him hard into the steel steps and the noise echoes throughout the arena as a lot of the crowd start to cheer for Cena. The referee is counting both superstars out so Cena gets back in the ring and then goes back to the outside to break the count.
Cena grabs Swagger and puts him back in the ring before climbing to the top rope. The former WWE Champion jumps and connects with a nice leg drop to the back of the head which takes Swagger down to the canvas. Cena covers; 1… 2… Swagger manages to get his shoulder up in time to stop the aggressive challenger. John Cena senses that he is very much on top in the match and now tosses Swagger into the turnbuckle again. He runs at the All American American but Swagger sees it coming and sidesteps before delivering a huge clothesline of his own which stuns Cena who hits the canvas hard. Jack Swagger starts to stomp away at his fallen opponent as the crowd start to boo him loudly as they clearly want Cena to be crowned the new champion here tonight. Swagger starts to dominate Cena using his amateur background to keep him grounded before slamming him down to the canvas again with a beautiful belly to belly suplex. Swagger then stands and taunts to the crowd in the middle of the ring as he receives more and more heat from the sold out Kansas City crowd.
Cole:
The WWE Champion has taken control in the match and it was about time. He really started slowly and was lucky not to lose his championship in the opening moments in the match. He has taken a beating already as Cena used the announce table and the steel steps to his advantage on the outside. Mathews:
That was until Swagger used his amazing amateur ability to get him right back in the match and now it looks like the All American American could be on his way to retaining the WWE Championship here tonight at Money in the Bank. We must not underestimate the resilience of John Cena though, there is a reason he is a multiple-time WWE Champion and Swagger must stay focused. King:
Which is exactly what he is not doing here Josh. Look at the arrogance of the WWE Champion, he may think this one is in control but it only takes a second for John Cena to get back into a match and by doing this it is almost inviting that to happen. Jack Swagger has a lot to learn in terms of being the WWE Champion that is if he manages to retain here tonight. Cole:
I agree with you King, this could prove to be Jack Swagger’s downfall if he doesn’t refocus quickly. It is a bad move with every WWE Superstar but especially with someone of the calibre of John Cena. The nine-time WWE Champion is not someone you want to be taking your eye off. Will he make it ten times here tonight at Money in the Bank or will Swagger retain?
Swagger turns his attention back to John Cena and continues to stomp away at the challenger. The WWE Champion now gets Cena to his feet and Irish whips him before looking to hit a back body drop but Cena sees it coming and kicks Swagger hard in the chest instead. Cena then picks up Jack Swagger looking for his own version of a belly to belly suplex but Swagger manages to wriggle out of the hold and Irish whips Cena again this time connecting with a big boot to the face of Cena. Swagger falls into the cover; 1… 2… Cena gets the shoulder up in the nick of time. The All American American senses he is on top in the match and now focuses on keeping Cena floored. He picks Cena up and hits a beautiful shoulder breaker, a move you rarely see used and then follows this up by locking in an armbar working on the same area of the challenger. Cena is in pain and the referee asks him if he wants to give up but he refuses.
After a couple of minutes in the hold Cena starts to feed off the crowd who are getting right behind him. Cena manages to show incredible strength and actually lifts Swagger with his right arm alone before falling backwards and making Swagger hit the canvas with his back hard. The crowd cheer wildly at the move they just witnessed as both men are down. The referee begins to count the two of them out but as he gets to six both men are back to their feet and throwing right hands at each other. John Cena gets the better of the exchange and runs off the ropes hitting one clothesline followed by another. Cena then hits two of his trademark flying shoulder blocks before lifting Swagger and connecting with his spinning back drop before lifting his hand in front of his face. The crowd knows what is coming as Cena looks for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but as he comes off the ropes Swagger manages to reverse it expertly hitting a football tackle to the knee of Cena who crashes to the canvas and collapses in a heap. Swagger then pins; 1…… 2…… John Cena gets the shoulder up!
Mathews:
I thought Cena was on a roll there and we might have just been moments away from crowning a new WWE Champion but once again Jack Swagger had the talent to come up with a brilliant counter and if Cena’s knee is taken out of the equation he will not be able to hit the Attitude Adjustment. This match could have just turned on that one move executed perfectly by Jack Swagger. King:
You might be right Josh, Swagger seems to have all the answers to everything that Cena is throwing at him at the minute but never write Cena off. He may look out of it at the minute but how many times in the past have we seen him come back from worse than this. The WWE Championship is still very much in the balance. Cole:
It certainly is but I think Swagger has silenced a lot of his critics here tonight who said the only reason he could beat Cena was with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Even if he loses here tonight he will have proven he can push even the toughest superstars the WWE has to offer, this has been a great back and forth match and it is still impossible to call who is going to win it. Mathews:
It has been an unbelievable night and this WWE Championship match has been in keeping with that theme. Both Jack Swagger and John Cena are going all out to win the most decorated championship in sports entertainment history but only one can walk out of Money in the Bank with the title.
Jack Swagger realises he now has a real opportunity to finish the match and retain the WWE Championship for the first time. He slams Cena to the mat near the turnbuckle in perfect position for the Swagger Bomb. He runs and there it is it connects. Swagger again pins; 1……… 2……… Cena manages to get the shoulder up yet again. Swagger now gets irate at the referee and starts to get frustrated but soon refocuses and stalks Cena before grabbing hold of his leg and locking in the Ankle Lock. Swagger twists and turns Cena’s ankle as he screams in pain while in the submission hold but just as it looks like Cena may have to tap out he uses his last bit of energy to grab hold of the rope and the referee forces Swagger to break the hold. Swagger believes the damage has been done to John Cena now and looks to go for the Gutwrench Powerbomb to seal the victory.
However as he does Cena sweeps away the legs of Swagger and somehow manages to lock in the STF! Cena has Swagger in serious pain as he desperately tries to make it to the ropes. Suddenly the General Manager of RAW, Vickie Guerrero runs down the ramp as the crowd instantly erupt into a chorus of boos. She quickly gets on the apron and the referee confronts her. As he does this Swagger begins to tap out but the referee doesn’t see it. Cena gets up and thinks he has won the match until he sees Vickie on the apron and he goes over to her and the referee and tries to get Vickie to get down. She finally gets down from the apron and Cena turns around only to be hit with a huge big boot for the second time in the match. Swagger then picks the limp challenger up and delivers the Gutwrench Powerbomb as Vickie Guerrero applauds from the outside. Swagger covers Cena; 1…………… 2………………………… 3! Jack Swagger retains the WWE Championship thanks to RAW General Manager Vickie Guerrero getting involved.
Cole:
Jack Swagger retains. Jack Swagger is still the WWE Champion and what a match that was. Swagger pushed Cena all the way and eventually the pressure told. I thought Cena might have tapped to the Ankle Lock but it took a Gutwrench Powerbomb to finish him off in the end. A first successful title defence for Swagger in what was an incredible match. King:
Cole are you serious? Swagger retained thank to interference from our General Manager Vickie Guerrero. If it wasn’t for her we would be talking about John Cena as the new WWE Champion as he made Swagger tap out to the STF. Vickie distracted the referee and he never saw the tapping out. Something has to be done about this; it is a blatant abuse of power at the highest level. Cole:
Vickie Guerrero may have helped slightly but you can’t take any credit away from Jack Swagger, King. He is a great athlete and one of the best superstars in the WWE today and he proved it once again here tonight. No-one believed he could retain the WWE Championship after beating Cena last month with the help of the Money in the Bank contract but ironically he has proven he can at the Money in the Bank pay per view. Mathews:
Oh come on Cole, get off your high horse. We all know Swagger is a great superstar but that doesn’t change the fact that the only reason he retained the WWE Championship here tonight was because of Vickie Guerrero abusing her power as RAW General Manager. I don’t think we have heard the last about this. Tomorrow night on RAW could be very eventful; there have to be consequences for her surely?
The music of Jack Swagger blasts through the PA system in the arena as he celebrates with the WWE Championship in the ring. He is then joined by RAW General Manager, Vickie Guerrero who holds his arm aloft and the crowd give the pair of them an insane amount of heat. Swagger loves it and goes to all four turnbuckles. He then walks as slowly as he can up the ramp celebrating and ignoring all the fans around him before he holds the championship above his head at the top of the ramp as the screen fades and the following promotion video plays.
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
Cole:
Welcome back to Money in the Bank everyone and the next time we will be on pay-per-view will indeed be on August 22 for the 23rd annual SummerSlam. The biggest party of the summer is taking place in the Staples Center and is sure to be an amazing event as it is each and every year but the question is who will be the World Heavyweight Champion? Will it be the current champion Edge or will it be the leader of The Empire, Sheamus? Mathews:
Well that is a question that we have been asking over on Friday Night SmackDown for a number of weeks now and we are about to find out. Ever since Sheamus was drafted from RAW and debuted with his group known as The Empire, Edge has been staring at the arena lights more than anything else. Sheamus has got Finlay, Drew McIntyre and Paul Burchill all working with him to take over the blue brand. King:
And tonight how on earth is Edge going to overcome the odds because both Paul Burchill and Finlay will be allowed at ringside and there is no doubt in my mind they are going to get involved at crucial moments to try and help Sheamus become the new World Heavyweight Champion here tonight at Money in the Bank. It promises to be an epic main event to end this amazing pay per view. Mathews:
It has been a brilliant night. John Morrison and Chris Jericho have successfully won Money in the Bank ladder matches, Jack Swagger has retained the WWE Championship and now Edge and Sheamus will clash with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. And don’t forget Edge might have gained some crucial momentum this past Friday when he pinned Sheamus in a tag team match.
The music of The Empire hits the PA system as Sheamus is joined on the stage by Finlay with his Shillelagh in hand and Paul Burchill. They are both wearing Empire t-shirts over their usual wrestling attires. Sheamus is wearing an Empire shirt and wearing green and gold trunks to signify his Irish heritage. The crowd boo the three superstars loudly but Sheamus just taunts as usual ignoring the enormous amount of heat he is receiving. He gets in the ring with Burchill and Finlay as the three of them taunt before they await the arrival of Sheamus’ opponent.
The rockstar music of the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge hits and the crowd go mental. He explodes into the arena and the crowd go nuts. Edge runs to both sides of the Money in the Bank stage and tries to get more energy out of the crowd before lifting the World Heavyweight Championship belt above his head and setting off his huge pyro. He then makes his way to the ring as Sheamus, Burchill and Finlay all get out to leave the Rated R Superstar to taunt and soak in the emotion of the Kansas City crowd.
Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!
The crowd give a loud cheer in preparation for the introductions of both superstars who will compete for the championship in the main event. Sheamus is now back in the ring but Paul Burchill and Finlay have remained on the outside of the ring at the request of senior referee Mike Chioda.
Tony Chimel:
Introducing first, he is the challenger, being accompanied by Empire members Finlay and Paul Burchill, from Dublin, Ireland, weighing in at 267lbs, he is the Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUSSSSSSSSS!!!
The crowd boos loudly as Sheamus is introduced and does his usual taunt before taking off his t-shirt and high-fiving Finlay and Burchill who get on the apron to support the man from Dublin, Ireland. Sheamus looks pumped and ready to go to try and win his first World Heavyweight Championship at the first attempt.
Tony Chimel:
And his opponent, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at 241lbs, he is the World Heavyweight Champion, the Rated R Superstar, EDGEEEEEEEE!!!
The crowd noise builds in a crescendo and reaches its climax as Chimel introduces the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge. The Rated R Superstar holds his title above his head and walks straight up to Sheamus and looks at him square in the eyes showing he will not be intimidated by the ringleader of The Empire even if he is outnumbered three to one. Referee Mike Chioda takes the title from Edge and hands it to the timekeeper before the bell rings and the main event is underway with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
The match gets underway and it starts with Edge going all out at Sheamus because of the way The Empire leader has made him suffer in the last month. Edge hits Sheamus with three clotheslines which take the challenger down before he hits a standing dropkick and then tosses him into the turnbuckle and hits a number of shoulder thrusts. Edge is solidly on top in the match and now clotheslines Sheamus out of the ring and to the floor near his fellow Empire members Finlay and Paul Burchill. The two of them try and help Sheamus back to his feet and check the man from Ireland is okay. However as they get Sheamus to his feet Edge holds onto the ropes and propels himself over the top taking down all three members of The Empire at ringside to the delight of the Money in the Bank crowd.
The Rated R Superstar then gets Sheamus and tosses him back into the ring before going for the first pin attempt of the match but Sheamus kicks out at two as the crowd get louder and louder supporting the World Heavyweight Champion. Edge now gets Sheamus to his feet and Irish whips him looking for a back body drop but Sheamus has it well scouted and kicks the chest of Edge hard before hitting a nice short-arm clothesline taking the champion down to the canvas. Sheamus now starts to stomp away at Edge as the crowd start to boo loudly disapproving of The Empire leader. Sheamus is clearly in control now and he hits a nice knee lift to Edge before he connects with a rolling fireman’s carry. Sheamus then covers; 1… 2… Edge manages to get the shoulder up in time. The Celtic Warrior senses he is on top in the match and could do some serious damage to his opponent. He goes to the top rope and looks to hit his Battering Ram missile-like move but Edge manages to get out of the way and instead hits a huge DDT. Edge covers Sheamus now; 1… 2… This time it is Sheamus who scrambles to get his shoulder up in time.
Cole:
Edge and Sheamus are trying to beat the living hell out of each other here. They are both trying to end each other’s career. It is not like the contest is for the World Heavyweight Championship; it is as if there is a lot more on the line. So far Edge has managed to combat the presence of Empire members Finlay and Paul Burchill at ringside brilliantly and he has to continue to do this if he is to retain. King:
He does indeed but you have to believe that Finlay and Burchill will have a big role still to play in the outcome of this match. We are still in the early stages of this match and there is a long way to go but so far so good for the Rated R Superstar. I don’t think Sheamus was expecting this from what we have seen so far. Mathews:
I think you are right King and I don’t understand why! Sheamus is up against the World Heavyweight Champion. You don’t win that belt easily and Edge is as tough as they come and as opportune as they come as well. In my eyes Sheamus and The Empire are the undoubted favourites to go home with the World Heavyweight Championship as much as I don’t want that to happen. Cole:
There is a feeling of inevitability about it but Edge has upset the odds somewhat so far. I wonder if he can continue to do it for a sustained period of time though. This is a great way to close what has been an unbelievable pay per view. Here comes Edge looking to take advantage of a fallen Sheamus, I have no idea what is going to happen next!
Edge realises he needs to keep building momentum if he is to retain the World Heavyweight Championship and gets Sheamus back to his feet after failing with the pin attempt. He Irish whips Sheamus before clotheslining him down to the canvas twice and then hitting a beautiful spinning heel kick and the sound of the impact echoes off the skull of the Celtic Warrior. Edge then goes to the top rope and is clearly looking for something big. He jumps and manages to connect with a crossbody into a pin. 1…… 2…… Sheamus manages to get the shoulder up this time and Edge once again looks to maintain his aggression against the leader of The Empire. The Rated R Superstar waits for Sheamus to get back to his feet and looks for a Russian Leg Sweep but suddenly Finlay gets up on the apron and Edge is momentarily distracted allowing Sheamus to reverse the move and deliver a powerslam.
Sheamus and Edge are now both down on the canvas as the referee begins a count. Both Burchill and Finlay on the outside are slamming their hands on the canvas trying to get Sheamus to his feet first and it is the Irishman who is up first. He now starts to hammer away at Edge before tossing him into the turnbuckle and delivering a nice running shoulder thrust followed by a big shoulder block. Sheamus then clotheslines Edge out of the ring and starts to talk to the referee. This distracts him and on the outside Paul Burchill back drops Edge on the barricade wall before Finlay puts him back in the ring and the crowd boo extremely loudly. Sheamus ignores the boos of the crowd and the referee has failed to see anything as the Celtic Warrior continues his onslaught. He manages to pick Edge up and deliver a thunderous fall away slam which JBL would have been proud of back in the day. Sheamus then picks Edge up and hits the Irish Curse backbreaker!
Cole:
Sheamus has taken control in this match now and Edge is going to have to go some if he is going to hold onto his World Heavyweight Championship. We saw that as soon as Finlay and Paul Burchill got involved the numbers game just proved too much for the Ultimate Opportunist. It may be a matter of time before we are crowning Sheamus as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Mathews:
It may well be Cole. The sad thing is if it happens who on earth is going to beat him if he is getting all this help from his fellow Empire members? It is going to be a four-on-one situation in most cases unless General Manager, Theodore Long stamps his authority on this renegade group. Let’s not count Edge out just yet though. Cole:
Josh I think it is almost certain we are going to crown a new champion here. Edge has taken no end of punishment and there is only so much one human being can take. It is essentially a handicap match and the referee has got to have eyes in the back of his head. Sheamus could be moments away from winning his first World Heavyweight Championship. King:
Well I am routing for Edge, I don’t care what the odds are like Cole. The Ultimate Opportunist usually comes into his own in these types of situations and tonight may be no different. We are getting near to the end of this one for sure as both men having given it everything to become champion in an amazing main event.
Sheamus covers after the backbreaker but Edge shows his resilience and manages to get the shoulder up at a count of two and a half. Sheamus senses that he is on the verge of winning the title and now taunts as the crowd give him more and more heat. The Celtic Warrior doesn’t care though and Sheamus gets ready to go for the Brogue Kick. He runs at Edge but the current champion ducks underneath and connects with an Edge-O-Matic his trademark sitout rear mat slam. Edge covers Sheamus; 1…………. 2………… Sheamus just gets the shoulder up in the nick of time. Edge has found his second wind and starts to try and build momentum but keeps holding his back after every move as a result of the damage The Empire have done throughout the match.
The Ultimate Opportunist locks in an inverter sharpshooter as the crowd cheer loudly hoping that Sheamus might tap out but Sheamus manages to wriggle to the ropes after being in the hold for a long two minutes. Edge senses this may be his one and only opportunity and is in the corner and set up for a Spear. The crowd are going nuts thinking that Edge might actually do this but before he can go for it Paul Burchill is up on the apron yet again distracting the referee. Finlay then runs in the ring with Shillelagh in hand and looks to nail Edge with it but he ducks and connects with a Spear! Finlay goes flying out of the ring. Edge then picks up the Shillelagh and Burchill is still distracting the referee. Edge nails Sheamus in the head with the weapon before chucking it out of the ring and connecting with a big boot which knocks Burchill flying off the apron. Edge quickly turns around and hooks both legs of Sheamus. 1………………… 2………………………… 3! Edge has done it. He overcomes the odds and retains the World Heavyweight Championship!
Mathews:
Edge has done it! Edge has done it! He has somehow overcome the odds of The Empire and remains the World Heavyweight Champion! I cannot believe it, nobody gave the Rated R Superstar a chance really and the Ultimate Opportunist has shocked the world here tonight. Edge has defeated Sheamus in an epic encounter here at Money in the Bank. Cole:
I cannot believe it either I thought Sheamus was going to walk away with the World Title here tonight but Edge has done the unthinkable and retained the title. I am not sure anyone saw this one coming. The irony is Edge used the other members of The Empire at ringside to his advantage. What a match and what a win for Edge. King:
That was great! Finlay thought he was going to ensure he made Sheamus the World Heavyweight Champion but in actual fact all he did was cost him it. All it did was enable Edge to use the Shillelagh on Sheamus as Paul Burchill was distracting the referee. You have to believe that this will infuriate The Empire; I cannot wait to see Edge celebrate this Friday on SmackDown. Cole:
What a night it has been everyone. Edge retains the World Heavyweight Championship at the culmination of a historic Money in the Bank pay per view where John Morrison and Chris Jericho earned themselves Money in the Bank contracts. The story here though is the Ultimate Opportunist has overcome the odds once again. Goodnight everyone!
Edge quickly gets out of the ring as the referee gets his World Heavyweight Championship and passes it to the Rated R Superstar at the bottom of the ramp before raising his hand in victory. Edge holds the championship aloft and also holds his back as he clearly took a lot of punishment in the match. The camera cuts back to the ring where you see all members of The Empire down either outside of the ring or in the case of Sheamus on the inside. Edge then gets to the top of the ramp and raises the title above his head as the crowd pop loudly and the screen fades signalling the end of Money in the Bank.
WWE Money in the Bank 2010 Results
-Cody Rhodes defeated Ted DiBiase (DARK MATCH)
-John Morrison defeated MVP, Booker T, CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan and Drew McIntyre to WIN the SmackDown! Money in the Bank ladder match
-Big Show defeated Kane via disqualification
-Melina defeated Maryse to RETAIN the DIVA’s Championship
-Chris Jericho defeated Batista, Randy Orton, Lance Cade, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Kofi Kingston and Christian to WIN the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match
-The Hart Dynasty defeated Carlito & Chris Masters to RETAIN the WWE Tag Team Championship
-Jack Swagger defeated John Cena to RETAIN the WWE Championship
-Edge defeated Sheamus to RETAIN the World Heavyweight Championship
The Road to SummerSlam
Sunday 22nd August 2010 – Los Angeles, California
Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho SINGLES MATCH
This all started the night after Money in the Bank. Chris Jericho had successfully won the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match and guaranteed himself a WWE Championship opportunity anytime over the next year. The night after Money in the Bank, Jericho would face another superstar who was involved in that hellacious match, Kofi Kingston. Jericho would make the spring-loaded superstar tap out but refused to release the hold. This allowed Randy Orton to come out of nowhere and deliver an RKO to Jericho as the crowd gave The Viper a huge reaction. The following week on RAW it was Randy Orton in action against the Moscow Mauler, Vladimir Kozlov; Orton put away his opponent with an RKO but while celebrating the win he was ambushed by Chris Jericho who had jumped the barricade wall and the Apex Predator was on the receiving end of a Code Breaker. Jericho felt he had gotten his revenge.
It was announced that Randy Orton and Chris Jericho would face off on the Monday 2nd August edition of RAW and they were involved in an incredible match. However, the finish left more questions than answers.
Orton now starts hitting the canvas in preparation for the RKO. Jericho turns around but suddenly rolls up Orton and grabs the ropes; 1, 2, 3! Jericho steals the victory. However, as Jericho’s music hits and the referee raises his hand before he can get out of the ring, there it is! RKO from Orton as The Viper strikes!
The next two weeks saw Orton and Jericho in tag team action. Orton would team with Big Show to take on the team of Jericho and Kane which saw Orton gain revenge for being beaten the week before. The Viper delivered the RKO to Mr Money in the Bank as Kane and Big Show brawled all throughout the arena. This past Monday just six days from SummerSlam, Orton and Jericho were forced to team together against Big Show and Kane who were also bitter enemies. The match ended with Orton once again coming out on top.
Big Show delivers a huge WMD knockout punch to Kane who turns around rocked by the shot straight into an RKO! Orton covers; 1, 2, 3! Orton wins the match for his team but before he can celebrate Chris Jericho tries to blindside him from behind only for Orton to duck underneath and hit another RKO - this time to Chris Jericho, his opponent this Sunday at SummerSlam.
So, it is clear these two future Hall of Famers really hate each other. But this Sunday, will Randy Orton have too much for Chris Jericho? Mr Money in the Bank has been hit with that RKO out of nowhere on countless occasions over the last month and this Sunday might be no different. This could steal the entire show.
This Sunday inside a sold-out Staples Center, Christian will attempt to defend his United States Championship against a very able challenger and an old adversary of his, Matt Hardy. Both men were in the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match as Hardy actually qualified for the match by defeating Christian on the Monday 12th July edition of RAW. The following week and the night after Money in the Bank the two met once again and it was Hardy who once again had the number of the champion who pinned him after delivering a Twist of Fate. The following week on RAW, Matt Hardy was granted a United States Championship match, but things didn’t go to plan.
Christian now gets Hardy to his feet and looks to go for the Killswitch but Hardy reverses it and goes for a Twist of Fate instead. Christian quickly escapes the predicament and rolls out of the ring. The United States Champion is signalling that he has had enough of Hardy, and he won’t be getting back in the ring. The referee counts as Hardy looks on frustrated in the ring and hurling abuse at Christian. The referee eventually reaches a ten count and rules that Hardy wins via countout but still the champion remains as Christian.
However, immediately after the match new RAW Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus granted Matt Hardy a rematch for the title at SummerSlam and declared that if Christian was disqualified or counted out at the pay-per-view he would indeed lose the United States Championship. Just three weeks from SummerSlam, Matt Hardy and Christian had the chance to get their hands on each other in tag team action as they teamed with Big Show and Kane respectively. The match didn’t end well for anyone though as the Big Red Machine took out Show, Hardy and Christian with a steel chair. On the Monday 9th August edition of RAW Matt Hardy was in singles action against Chavo Guerrero as the United States Champion, Christian was on commentary. Hardy won the match with an impressive Twist of Fate but after the match he was jumped from behind...
Suddenly, before Matt Hardy can celebrate Christian has leapt from the announce position with his United States Championship in hand and quickly gets in the ring behind Matt Hardy. Hardy has his hand raised by the referee but then is blindsided by Christian with the title belt to the back of the head. Hardy drops like a sack of potatoes as the crowd boo loudly.
This past week on RAW, Hardy was determined to get some retribution and he did just that. Christian defeated Kofi Kingston in non-title action with Matt Hardy on commentary. In a carbon copy of the previous week the winning man was attacked by the superstar on commentary. Matt Hardy brawled with Christian before delivering a Twist of Fate and then posing with the United States Championship belt. Will this be an image we will see repeated once again this coming Sunday as Christian has lost the champion’s advantage and Hardy looks as determined as ever to win the gold?
Over the past few months in the WWE the tag team division has really started to re-ignite and that must be courtesy of the new head writer, Luke Gardener who has certainly taken a keen interest in making the titles relevant again. The Hart Dynasty are terrific champions and this Fatal 4 Way Tables, Ladders and Chairs match is going to be incredible. It is of course the tenth anniversary of the first ever match of this kind between The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian. This all started when Carlito and Chris Masters wanted another opportunity at the tag team gold after their loss at Money in the Bank. This led to a match with the World’s Greatest Tag Team to determine the new number one contenders for the title which Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin ended up winning. Later that week on SmackDown, The Hart Dynasty were involved in tag team action with Edge against The Empire only for Tyson Kidd to be pinned after a Future Shock DDT from Drew McIntyre.
The following week was an incredibly busy one for the WWE Tag Team Champions. First off, they had to face The World’s Greatest Tag Team with their titles on the line but thanks to Carlito and Chris Masters interfering the match was chucked out and they retained the titles. On Friday Night SmackDown, The Hart Dynasty was made to defend their titles again, this time against The Empire. Tyson Kidd made sure they held on to the titles after connecting with the Code Blue to Finlay. However, The Empire did not take well to being defeated…
McIntyre is standing behind Tyson Kidd who is celebrating with his title. Natalya has realised McIntyre there and tells Kidd to watch out but he turns around and is nailed by the Shillelagh. David Hart Smith now realises what is happening as well but McIntyre nails the powerful man with the Shillelagh which rocks him enough to set him up for a huge Future Shock DDT! Finlay is back to his feet and sees the carnage McIntyre has created. He then goes to the outside and pulls up the ring apron and pulls out a table. The crowd go nuts as even though they hate The Empire they love tables. Finlay sets up the table against the turnbuckle leaning upwards and then tells McIntyre to get Tyson Kidd. Finlay has Kidd in position for the Celtic Cross but instead of hitting the move normally he jumps backwards planting Tyson Kidd through the table. The crowd boo loudly but The Empire are not done yet as Drew McIntyre gets out of the ring and he gets another table from outside the ring. McIntyre now sets the table up horizontally in the centre of the ring. McIntyre directs traffic and Finlay gets Smith for him as he puts him in between his legs and shows incredible strength to lift him and put David Hart Smith through the table with a huge powerbomb! The Hart Dynasty is laid out as McIntyre and Finlay pose with the WWE Tag Team Championship belts even though they didn’t win the match.
On the Monday 2nd August edition of Monday Night RAW, The Hart Dynasty made it clear they would take on all-comers for their titles which of course meant The World’s Greatest Tag Team as well as Carlito and Chris Masters demanded another shot at them. This led to Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith announcing they accepted the challenges and that it would be a historic Tables, Ladders and Chairs match ten years on from the first-ever match of its type at SummerSlam in 2000. Later in the evening Carlito came out on top in a triple threat match against Tyson Kidd and Charlie Haas to get some momentum going for his team. The next week on Monday Night RAW, Chris Masters continued building that momentum as he picked up the victory in a triple threat match against David Hart Smith and Shelton Benjamin. However, it was the Friday 13th August edition of SmackDown which saw another twist to this match. In singles action Finlay defeated David Hart Smith and Drew McIntyre defeated Tyson Kidd. This prompted SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long to come out and add The Empire to the TLC match, now meaning there would be four teams fighting for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam.
This past week before SummerSlam saw all four tag teams trying to get some important momentum on their side and on RAW it was Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin who managed that by defeating Carlito and Chris Masters.
Carlito is now stalking Haas from behind and rolls Charlie Haas up but Haas rolls through and hits a big boot before quickly locking in his submission move The Haas of Pain. Carlito is in a lot of pain and it isn't long before he taps out giving The World's Greatest Tag Team the win!
On Friday Night SmackDown it was The Hart Dynasty who finally managed to get a victory over The Empire thanks to a Bulldog Bomb from David Hart Smith. But after the month they have had it is hard to see them walk out of the Staples Center with their titles still in tact. It is going to be an incredible match for sure and all eight of these superstars are going to absolutely try their hardest to steal the show. I am going with Finlay and Drew McIntyre of The Empire to capture the gold and to start to conquer the WWE as they said they would do when they first appeared on Friday Night SmackDown all them weeks ago.
Who will walk out of SummerSlam with the WWE Tag Team Championship?
Batista vs. The Undertaker SINGLES MATCH
These two have issues going back to before Money in the Bank where the Undertaker put Batista through the announce table with a chokeslam just six days before the Animal had to compete in the RAW Money in the Bank ladder match. Since then, Batista has blamed the Phenom for not winning the ladder match and has declared time and time again he is the rightful WWE Champion. The night after Money in the Bank he challenged the Undertaker to turn up the following week and go one-on-one with the Animal. However, he would live to regret this decision as the following week on the July 26th edition of RAW when the Undertaker did appear Batista suffered a Tombstone Piledriver. Undertaker would follow this up with a challenge of his own for none other than the Biggest Party of the Summer, SummerSlam.
The following week the Undertaker was in rare singles action on Monday Night RAW against none other than the Moscow Mauler, Vladimir Kozlov. The Phenom won the match comfortably with a tombstone Piledriver but after the match the drama would unfold…
After the match the Undertaker celebrates with his usual taunt in the ring as the crowd pop loudly but then suddenly, they are heard booing loudly. This is because Batista dressed in jeans and a white vest has come out onto the top of the entrance stage and looks at Undertaker in the ring. The Animal then raises his hand and signals the cutthroat taunt which the Undertaker usually uses. This infuriates the crowd and the Undertaker in the ring as well. Batista then leaves the stage and the arena as the Taker looks angry in the ring and the camera focuses on the announce team at ringside once again
However, later in the show when Batista was interviewed by Grisham the lights started flickering and the Animal appeared to be less than happy with the situation before storming off the set clearly unhappy at the mind-games being played by the Deadman. On the August 9th edition of RAW Batista would go one-on-one with the number one contender for the WWE Championship John Cena in the main event. It looked like the Animal was about to pick up a huge win but then as he shook the ropes in preparing to go for the Batista Bomb again the gong sounded, and the lights went out but this time it just distracted the Animal enough to receive an Attitude Adjustment and lose the match much to his chagrin. So, to this past Monday Night on RAW and we had a blockbuster main event as WWE Champion, Jack Swagger teamed with Batista to take on John Cena and the Undertaker. The dream team of Cena and Undertaker picked up the victory and celebrated afterwards as a frustrated Batista looked on from the top of the entrance ramp. It seems to me that the Phenom has got into the head of the Animal ahead of their massive clash at the pay-per-view.
Big Show vs. Kane LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
This is another rivalry that has been going on for some time and after Kane got himself disqualified at Money in the Bank against the World’s Largest Athlete things have started to get even more personal between the two of them. The night after Money in the Bank, Big Show took on WWE Champion, Jack Swagger in the main event. However, thanks to fire erupting from the stage Swagger was able to pick up a surprise win over the giant. Kane would then come out and try to continue beating down Show only for John Cena to make the save and leave Kane ruing a missed opportunity. One up to the World’s Largest Athlete. The following week it was once again the Big Show who gained the advantage over the Big Red Machine as in the main event, he teamed with John Cena to take on Kane and the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger. The match ended with Cena pinning Swagger, but the battle of the giants ended like this…
Kane grabs Big Show by the throat and goes for a Chokeslam, but Show manages to reverse it and knocks out Kane with a huge Weapon of Mass Destruction knockout punch!
The same week on WWE Superstars Kane dispatched of his opponent Primo in record time before getting on the microphone and challenging Big Show to a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam. To his surprise the Big Show’s music hit and he actually gave his response instantly. He accepted from the top of the stage as the two giants stared each other down as the hatred threatened to boil over. On the August 22nd edition of RAW Big Show teamed with Matt Hardy to take on Kane and United States Champion, Christian in tag team action only for Kane to go absolutely berserk…
Kane continues to whack Show with the steel chair as he writes around in pain. Matt Hardy runs in and tries to help but he gets nailed with the chair for his troubles. Justin Roberts then announces the winners via disqualification as Hardy and Show and as Christian gets to his feet smirking at the damage Kane has done the Big Red Machine nails the United States Champion as well. Kane then smirks maniacally as he gets out of the ring and walks up the ramp and out of the arena as the crowd give him a huge amount of heat.
The August 9th edition of RAW saw the show kick off with an episode of The Highlight Reel hosted by none other than Chris Jericho. His guest would be the Big Show who was insulted by Mr Money in the Bank and eventually called out his SummerSlam opponent Kane. The Big Red Machine came down to the ring and the brawl was on only for Show to connect with yet another WMD knockout blow to Kane before he decided to show his dissatisfaction to Jericho delivering a thunderous chokeslam to him as well.
Later on in the show Kane and Jericho teamed up to take on Show and his tag team partner Randy Orton. Orton would pick up the win thanks to an RKO on Chris Jericho, but Big Show and Kane had long since left the vicinity and were part of a brawl that ended up in the backstage area. This past Monday on RAW these two arch-rivals were made to team up against Randy Orton and Jericho. Once again it was not a good evening for Kane as he was on the receiving end of another WMD before Orton hit an RKO for the victory. However, in a Last Man Standing environment Kane may have more dastardly ideas and a place he can go which doesn’t exist for the Big Show.
The RAW main event at SummerSlam will see WWE Champion, Jack Swagger have to face John Cena on one last occasion. The caveat being that if Cena loses, he will not get another title shot for as long as Swagger is the champion. The match came about after RAW General Manager, Vickie Guerrero helped Swagger retain the title at Money in the Bank. However, the following night, the Chairman of the Board, Mr McMahon made a surprise appearance and announced that in the interest of fairness he has appointed a Co-General Manager, none other than the DIVA of the Decade, Trish Stratus. This angered Vickie Guerrero, but Stratus made a bombshell of an announcement to kick off her reign saying that Cena would indeed get a rematch for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Later in the evening Swagger was able to pick up a huge win over the Big Show but when he and Kane tried to takeout the giant, Cena made the save and delivered an Attitude Adjustment to the WWE Champion to leave Vickie infuriated outside of the ring.
The following week wasn’t much better for the WWE Champion as in a tag team match involving the four superstars who brawled at the end of RAW the previous week were in action. Once again Swagger was on the receiving end of an AA as Cena and Big Show stood victorious to close the show. With just three weeks to go to SummerSlam, the WWE Champion needed some momentum and fast. However, on the August 2nd edition of RAW it wasn’t to happen as RAW ended with a contract signing for the SummerSlam title match. It was revealed Trish Stratus would be in the corner of John Cena to try and negate any interference from Vickie Guerrero on behalf of the WWE Champion. Both superstars delivered passionate promos, but it ended predictably in mayhem…
Cena launches himself over the table at Swagger and the two superstars begin to brawl. John Cena gets on top and starts hammering away at the WWE Champion. Swagger cannot find a way out of the ring as the crowd get louder and louder. Cena gets Swagger to his feet and puts him on his shoulder before looking at the camera and shouting, The Champ is Here. Cena then delivers a huge Attitude Adjustment to the WWE Champion and Swagger goes crashing through the table where they just signed the contract. The crowd start chanting for Cena as he taunts, and he then holds the WWE Championship aloft above his head as Swagger lay motionless put through a table.
Indeed, it was to be the August 9th episode of RAW where Jack Swagger would finally get some momentum before his huge championship match at SummerSlam. The main event saw John Cena take on Batista in a WrestleMania XXVI rematch. Cena would pick up a huge victory against all the odds but unfortunately as soon as the bell to signal the end of the match Jack Swagger, who had been at ringside observing his SummerSlam opponent, attacked the number one contender.
Jack Swagger then listens to Co-GM, Vickie Guerrero who is directing traffic at ringside and she is shouting at the champion to snap Cena’s ankle. Swagger quickly locks in the hold as Cena writhes around in agony on the canvas. Swagger will not release the hold even though Cena taps out. Referees run down the ramp and try to get Swagger off of the number one contender, but it takes them almost a minute to stop the deranged WWE Champion. They finally get him off Cena as the camera focuses on Swagger being held back by referees and Cena being checked on by the ringside WWE doctor as RAW goes off the air for another week.
Just six nights ago on RAW, the final episode before SummerSlam it was WWE Champion, Jack Swagger teaming with Batista to take on none other than the dream team of John Cena and The Undertaker. The end of the match saw Undertaker delivering a chokeslam to Swagger before tagging in Cena who locked in the STF and Swagger was forced to tap out, the ultimate humiliation, just six nights before the Biggest Party of the Summer. It has seemed that for the entire month John Cena has simply had the number of Jack Swagger and with Trish Stratus in his corner the odds are now even.
The World Heavyweight Champion, Edge has his work cut out to overcome the odds once again at SummerSlam when he takes on the leader of The Empire, Sheamus. He managed to hold onto the gold at Money in the Bank and does have the advantage this time with the match taking place inside a Steel Cage to stop the other members of The Empire interfering. However, Sheamus on his own is a tough enough task and he has had his sights set on the World Heavyweight Championship for some time now. The first Friday Night SmackDown after Money in the Bank saw General Manager, Theodore Long set up a massive main event between four of the best superstars the show had to offer to determine a number one contender for the World Title. It was Booker T against CM Punk, Rey Mysterio and Sheamus in a Fatal 4 Way Elimination match where the rest of The Empire were banned from ringside. It was the Irishman who impressed though eliminating all other superstars to become the number one contender and earn another show at Edge’s World Heavyweight Championship.
The following week on SmackDown the show kicked off with an episode of The Cutting Edge where the guest was none other than Sheamus. It was announced that it was Pick Your Poison night, and the two contenders would pick each other’s opponents. Sheamus was notified he would face Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison while Edge would have to face Empire member Paul Burchill. The Cutting Edge ended with the Rated R Superstar delivering a spear to Sheamus. Later in the evening, Sheamus overcame John Morrison and Edge overcame Paul Burchill but after the latter match the Ultimate Opportunist was not done.
Edge celebrates in the ring with his World Heavyweight Championship before he stares at Sheamus at the announce table who stands up and removes the headset he has been using throughout the main event match. Edge says for him to come in the ring and puts the World Title on the canvas and says come on to Sheamus. It looks like Sheamus is going to enter the ring as the crowd get louder and louder but instead, he chooses to hop over the barricade wall and retreat from the Rated R Superstar, choosing to fight at another time. Instead, Edge then starts chanting Spear as the crowd join in and Paul Burchill gets back to his feet in the ring. The Rated R Superstar delivers a huge Spear to The Ripper before taunting Sheamus on his way out of the arena.
Perhaps the most important week in the build-up to SummerSlam was the August 6th edition of SmackDown where Edge teamed up with the WWE Tag Team Champions, The Hart Dynasty to take on The Empire. However, the match ended in carnage when Paul Burchill got involved and caused a disqualification. This led to The Empire trying to attack their three opponents until General Manager, Theodore Long came out and announced he was sick of The Empire getting involved in Sheamus’ matches. He said for there to be a fair and even match at SummerSlam he had decided that Sheamus would take on Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship inside of a Steel Cage! The Empire were left furious with the actions of the GM. Just two weeks from SummerSlam, SmackDown had another epic main event as Edge teamed up with John Morrison to take on Sheamus and Paul Burchill of The Empire. It was The Empire who were victorious thanks to a Brogue Kick to Mr Money in the Bank. Once again Sheamus made a statement after the match though…
In the ring Sheamus is joined by tag team partner Paul Burchill as well as fellow Empire members Drew McIntyre and Finlay who come out from the back. Finlay grabs the World Heavyweight Championship belt from the timekeeper as he gives it to Sheamus. All four members of the stable stand side-by-side in the ring with Sheamus in the centre holding the World Heavyweight Title in the air as they get enormous heat from the WWE Universe. On the outside John Morrison and Edge are both just coming round and looking angrily at Sheamus who holds the title aloft as the screen fades and SmackDown goes off the air.
And that brings us to this past Friday on SmackDown where Edge would be in singles action against Dolph Ziggler with Sheamus watching on from ringside. The World Heavyweight Champion picked up a hard-fought victory following a Spear but then all hell broke loose…
Sheamus immediately gets in the ring and starts hammering away at the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge before the rest if The Empire, Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill swarm the ring and it is a 4-on-1 attack on the Rated R Superstar. Suddenly the music of The Hart Dynasty hits and Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith try to help Edge but they are still outnumbered by one man. Dolph Ziggler is now back up and he starts brawling which prompts, Rey Mysterio, John Morrison and Booker T to run down the aisle as the crowd pop loudly for the massive brawl which is going on in the ring. Suddenly, CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Mike Knox of the Straight Edge Society enter and once again the numbers game does not favour Edge and those who tried to save him. But here comes Cody Rhodes, Goldust and the Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan closely followed by MVP, Ted DiBiase and Gregory Helms and everyone else on the SmackDown roster as the scene sees the ring completely full and everyone brawling just 48 hours away from the Biggest Party of the Summer, WWE SummerSlam. Everyone is fighting with one another as the screen fades and SmackDown goes off the air with amazing scenes.
Who will walk out of the steel cage at SummerSlam as the World Heavyweight Champion?
What else has been happening this month?
RAW
-Trish Stratus became the new Co-General Manager of Monday Night RAW with Vickie Guerrero after a blockbuster announcement from Mr McMahon the night after Money in the Bank.
-Alicia Fox beat Melina in a non-title match putting herself in line for a future DIVA’s Championship match.
-Lance Cade and Santino Marella continued to feud with the former gaining a win this past week on RAW.
-Kofi Kingston kept winning in impressive fashion.
SmackDown
-Kaval defeated Evan Bourne to become the NEW Cruiserweight Champion on the August 6 edition of SmackDown.
-Daniel Bryan retained his Intercontinental Championship on two separate occasions.
-Booker T and Rey Mysterio continued fighting with the Straight Edge Society but were constantly outnumbered by CM Punk’s faction.
-Dolph Ziggler and Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison have crossed paths on several different occasions.
WWE SummerSlam – Sunday 22nd August 2010 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, California After the WWE logo introduction to the show the traditional voiceover man begins to speak as Fall Out Boy’s official theme song for the pay-per-view plays in the background. We cut to scenes on Monday Night RAW between John Cena and the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger. We see Cena earning his rematch and then the announcement of Trish Stratus as the Co-General Manger of RAW along with Vickie Guerrero. We are reminded that it is the last chance for Cena and if he doesn’t win, he will not get a shot at the title as long as Swagger holds the gold.
We cut to four tag teams who have been running rough shot over the WWE over the past month. We see The Hart Dynasty, The Empire, Carlito & Chris Masters as well as The World’s Greatest Tag Team fighting throughout the month with tables, ladders and chairs being used. We see clips from the first ever TLC match from SummerSlam 2000 between The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian before fast forwarding to the present day. The voiceover man exclaims; ‘Tonight an anniversary will be celebrated with broken bodies as the WWE Tag Team championship is suspended high above the ring, but who will put their bodies second in the quest for gold?’
Some dark and sinister music plays as we see the silhouette of both the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge and the number one contender, Sheamus inside a Steel Cage. We see Sheamus win a Fatal 4 Way elimination match to earn a title shot and we also see the havoc The Empire has caused. We see SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long, announce the Steel Cage stipulation to try and stop the likes of Paul Burchill, Finlay and Drew McIntyre getting involved. The video ends with the mass brawl which took place at the end of SmackDown before the voice returns; ‘Tonight, an Empire will continue to try and conquer the WWE, but an Ultimate Opportunist has promised his wrath. Tonight, bodies will be torn apart, flesh will be mangled and careers will be shortened in the name of summer.’
Start playing the video and then read below
And now, sponsored by Nike and Budweiser, World Wrestling Entertainment presents the 23rd annual summer spectacular, SUMMERSLAM!!!
The camera zooms in on the titantron as red and black fireworks explode from the stage and a huge star-like structure which is standing by the side of the titantron screen. We see a black walkway with red lighting trim down both sides as the camera pans across the crowd where there are many signs on display. They include ‘Prepare for a Hart Attack’, ‘Game On’, and the unusual ‘Willis is Best for Business’ before it settles on the RAW announce team of Michael Cole and Jerry ’The King’ Lawler.
Cole: Ladies and gentlemen we welcome you to the Biggest Party of the Summer! This is WWE SummerSlam! We are live inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California with 20,680 screaming WWE fans who are ready for what is going to be one incredible evening which will change the landscape of the WWE for good. The RAW main event will see the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger take on John Cena and if Swagger wins, Cena will not get another shot at the title as long as he is champion. King: And don’t forget the two RAW Co-General Managers will be in the corners of Swagger and Cena. Vickie Guerrero will do anything to try and make sure Swagger holds onto the gold, but Trish Stratus has made it very clear she will be in John Cena’s corner to ensure there is a fair fight and the winner will truly deserve to be called the WWE Champion. This is going to be an awesome evening no doubt about it. You can feel the electricity in the crowd here tonight, Cole! Cole: You can indeed King, and here tonight at SummerSlam are the SmackDown announce team. Please welcome Josh Mathews and Matt Striker. Good evening, guys, listen to this place, it is on fire!
Mathews: Thank you Michael and it is rocking here in the Staples Center no doubt about it. Matt it is going to be an unbelievable night no doubt about it and SmackDown will be bringing tremendous action as always as the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge will battle none other than the leader of The Empire, Sheamus inside of a Steel Cage which we can see suspended above the ring ready to be used later in the show. Striker: This rivalry has been building for a couple of months now and Edge has made it very clear he is here to hold onto his championship and establish himself as the Ultimate Opportunist and one of the most brutal men in the entire WWE. However, the moniker of Sheamus since debuting The Empire has been about conquering SmackDown and tonight if he walks out of the Staples Center with the World Heavyweight Championship, he will have accomplished his goal.
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
The lights go out in the arena before the music of none other than Mr Money in the Bank, Chris Jericho hits as the crowd give him a mixed reaction. Some cheer but there are certainly more booing. Justin Roberts introduces him as he makes his way down to the ring in red and black wrestling trunks to match the SummerSlam set. He steps in the ring and holds his briefcase aloft before the atmosphere completely changes.
Randy Orton enters to a chorus of cheers as the Staples Center crowd are solidly behind The Viper. We are shown some clips of these two going at it over the last month with Orton hitting the RKO on Jericho and Jericho connecting with the Code Breaker to Orton. Randy then enters the ring and looks straight at Jericho as the referee Charles Robinson asks both men if they are ready as the opening match at SummerSlam gets underway.
Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton
SINGLES MATCH
As the bell rings both Jericho and Orton immediately start throwing big right hands at one another as the bad blood between them comes to the boil. Orton gets the upper hand as he hits a big European uppercut which rocks Jericho before he clotheslines the Money in the Bank briefcase holder to the mat. Orton begins stomping away at the brash and cocky Jericho before he quickly rolls out of the ring to try and get away from The Viper who has started the match on fire.
The crowd boo as Jericho tries to catch a breather on the outside but Orton is quick to join his opponent on the outside as he tries to continue building momentum. Orton lifts Jericho up and drops him sternum first on the barricade wall twice as Jericho holds his stomach in pain. Randy is in complete control as he tries to toss Jericho into the steel steps but as he Irish whips him Jericho has the wherewithal to reverse it and Orton goes crashing shoulder first into the steps instead!
Jericho is clearly hurting from the early onslaught, but he drags Orton back in the ring and covers; 1… 2... Orton kicks out. Chris Jericho now stomps away at the floored Orton and sits him up before delivering a huge kick to the shoulder blades which echoes throughout the arena. Jericho now gets Orton back to his feet and quickly clasps his hands around him and delivers a beautiful Northern Lights suplex bridging into a pin; 1… 2... Again, Randy Orton manages to kick out of the predicament.
Jericho avoids getting frustrated and continues to work on his opponents back and shoulders, this time he Irish whips Orton but The Viper leapfrogs Jericho as he comes back. As he runs back though he is caught again by Jericho with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker as Orton screams in pain. Jericho covers once more; 1… 2... But it still isn't enough.
Mr Money in the Bank begins to get a little frustrated but once again he gets Orton back to his feet. Jericho Irish whips Orton into the turnbuckle before he starts delivering several chops. The crowd shouts woo every time Jericho connects and after the fourth chop he tells them all to shut up. This momentary lapse in concentration allows Orton to turn the tables as he delivers a huge clothesline out of the corner which takes Jericho down. The Viper follows this up with a nice standing dropkick before delivering a slingshot suplex and pinning. Jericho gets the shoulder up at two though.
Cole: Chris Jericho has dominated so far in this match and this might be the first chance for Randy Orton to gain some momentum against Mr Money in the Bank. The WWE Universe can sense that Orton is getting back into it, but Jericho had previously silenced them. You cannot underestimate the talents of the first ever undisputed champion, but King how can Randy Orton take advantage after that slingshot suplex and near fall? King: It is simple; he cannot get distracted and must focus on Jericho. Don’t give him an inch in that ring because he will take any advantage he can. Orton will know that anyway. He is not called the Apex Predator for nothing. Randy Orton is one of the most despicable superstars in WWE history and Jericho winding him up is not the cleverest move in my opinion. This is a great match to kick off the show. Cole: It is indeed, and this is the first of many here this evening. Listen to this crowd they are trying their hardest to give their backing to Orton as he looks to pick up a massive victory against Mr Money in the Bank, Chris Jericho. What is Orton thinking here?
The crowd start to increase their volume and get behind the Apex Predator as he builds momentum for the first real time in the match. Orton stalks Jericho before hammering away at the Fozzy star. He then Irish whips Jericho who leaps over Orton on returning but is caught with a huge snap scoop powerslam. Orton then taunts to the crowd who are going wild before he gets Jericho in a gutwrench position and delivers an elevated neckbreaker as the crowd gasp in amazement at the move. Orton falls into the cover; 1…… 2...... Jericho kicks out!
Randy Orton senses this is his chance to capitalise and win the match. He now grabs Jericho and quickly gets him to his feet before dragging him outside the ropes and resting his legs on the second rope looking for his devastating DDT. Just as it looks like he is about to connect though Jericho steps through the ropes and quickly drops Orton to his back before grabbing his legs and going for the Walls of Jericho. The crowd noise gets louder as Orton tries to prevent Jericho locking in the hold, but he manages to step over and lock in the submission manoeuvre.
Jericho uses all his strength to put pressure on the back of Orton as The Viper squeals in agony and tries desperately to reach the ropes. He gets close but then Jericho drags him into the centre of the ring again. Orton then quickly manages to grab one of Jericho's legs and turns the submission move into a pinning attempt; 1……… 2……... Jericho just manages to avoid a defeat.
Mr Money in the Bank quickly gets to his feet and runs at Orton looking for a bulldog but Orton ducks underneath and there it is. The RKO! No! Jericho manages to throw Orton off him and he lands back-first on the canvas. Orton slowly gets to his feet as Jericho waits and there it is! A massive Code Breaker does meet its target. Jericho falls into the cover. 1………… 2……………… 3!
Winner: Chris Jericho via pinfall after hitting a Code Breaker (16:47)
Cole: Jericho wins out of nowhere with that Code Breaker! I don’t think any superstar can get up from that move and he can hit you with it from so many different positions it is very difficult to scout it. I mean it looked like Orton was all set to hit the RKO and before you knew it the bell had rung as Jericho had won the match. Add to that the fact Jericho holds the Money in the Bank briefcase and you have a very, very dangerous RAW superstar. King: Whatever you think of him, you must admire Jericho. He has done it all here in the WWE and proven time and time again that he can beat the best. As you said Cole it looked like he was moments away from defeat only for the Code Breaker to save him at the very last opportunity. Something tells me The Viper is not going to be very happy about this defeat though. Cole:
A terrific way to kick off SummerSlam as Mr Money in the Bank defeats Randy Orton after a superb back and forth match here tonight and we still have so much more to come including Tables, Ladders and Chairs, a Last Man Standing match, the WWE Championship on the line and the World Heavyweight Championship being defended inside a Steel Cage.[/color]
Chris Jericho celebrates with his Money in the Bank briefcase as the announce team talk about the back-and-forth action and go through some replays of the best moments in the match. The camera follows Jericho up the ramp as he raises the briefcase above his head to a mixed reaction before the screen fades as SummerSlam continues.
--------------------
--------------------
--------------------
--------------------
Cole: Welcome back to SummerSlam everyone. We are sold out inside the Staples Center with over 20,000 fans making the atmosphere electric. Michael Cole and Hall of Famer, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler at ringside and it is now time for the first championship match of the evening as the United States Champion, Christian takes on the number one contender Matt Hardy and these two superstars go back a long, long way. King: They do indeed. In fact, ten years ago they took part in the first ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs match which will be marked tonight as four current tag teams fight for the titles in the same sort of match. Hardy has seemed to have the number of Christian over recent weeks and in my opinion, we may very well crown a new United States Champion here at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
The music of the challenger Matt Hardy hits first as he makes his way down to the ring to a great ovation from the WWE Universe. He is wearing army camouflage trousers and signals that he will become the new United States Champion as we see a replay of Hardy delivering a Twist of Fate after Christian had defeated Kofi Kingston this past Monday on RAW.
Captain Charisma, Christian then enters the arena and gets a lot of heat from the crowd. He is wearing gold wrestling trousers and a jacket to match as he wears the title around his waist. We see a recap of Christian attacking Matt Hardy after his match with Chavo Guerrero two weeks ago on RAW and laying him out with the championship belt. Both superstars are ready to compete for the United States Championship as the bell rings to start the match.
The match gets underway with both superstars hammering away at one another before referee Jack Doan steps in and separates them on more than one occasion. Hardy pushes Christian into the turnbuckle and continuously delivers right hand after right hand but again the referee hauls Hardy off his opponent. Christian manages to turn the tables as he delivers a thumb to the eye followed by a huge clothesline to the challenger.
The United States Champion takes control and stomps away at Hardy before Irish whipping him into the turnbuckle. Christian grabs Hardy by the head before he sits on the top rope and spins around connecting with a tornado DDT. Christian quickly covers but Matt Hardy has the wherewithal to kick out at two.
Captain Charisma now picks Hardy up again and dropkicks him to leave Hardy prone on the second rope. The United States Champion now slingshots out of the ring to deliver a huge slap to the face of Hardy which echoes throughout the arena. Christian climbs to the top rope and waits for Hardy to get back to his feet before looking for a crossbody. However, just as it looks like he is going to hit the move Hardy grabs him by the neck and delivers a huge Side Effect out of nowhere! Hardy pins; 1… 2... Christian just gets his shoulder up in the nick of time.
The challenger now senses it is his opportunity to take advantage of a stricken Christian and he slowly gets to his feet assessing the damage he has done. Hardy gets his arch-nemesis to his feet before delivering a Russian legsweep. Hardy methodically looks at where Christian landed and sees he is in perfect position for his trademark leg drop. Hardy goes to the second rope, jumps, and hits it. He pins. Will we have a new United States Champion? No! Christian gets the shoulder up.
Cole: Matt Hardy could be moments away from winning the United States Title here, King. He just got a nearfall with that leg drop and has hit a Side Effect as well. It can mean only one thing. He has to go for the Twist of Fate and he could very well become the United States Champion for the second time. Hardy would be ecstatic if he was to defeat his arch-rival Christian here tonight inside the rocking Staples Center. King: He is closing in on that title reign; there is no doubt about it. Don’t forget Christian has no champions advantage either as if he gets counted out or disqualified the championship will still change hands. Hardy is well on top in the match, but it can all change so quickly and Christian is incredibly dangerous in his own right. It has been another great match so far.
Hardy realises he is closing in on his second United States Championship and quickly thinks about his next move in the match. He chooses to Irish whip Christian into the turnbuckle before running and delivering a big clothesline in the corner before locking his hands around the head of him and going for a bulldog. Christian has it well scouted though and throws Hardy to the canvas before connecting with a flapjack on the rebound.
Christian picks up Hardy and lifts him to the top turnbuckle before delivering a big right hand to his face. The United States Champion then joins Hardy on the top rope and hammers away some more. He grabs Hardy's arm and looks to be going for a superplex. Hardy fights back though and hammers away at the gut of Christian before delivering a headbutt which sees Christian fly off the turnbuckle.
Hardy takes his time to gather himself and turns around on the top rope as the announce team speculate what he is going to attempt. He is ready to deliver something huge, but he has taken too long as Christian is up to his feet and runs over to the turnbuckle and pushes Hardy off the top rope and he lands headfirst on the steel steps on the outside as the crowd immediately gasp in amazement. Referee Jack Doan begins to count; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... Hardy begins to stir on the outside 8……………………………… 9....................................... 10! Matt Hardy couldn't get back in the ring to break the count!
Winner: Christian via countout after he pushed Matt Hardy off the top rope to RETAIN the United States Championship (9:36)
Cole: Wow, the sadistic side of Christian just came out there and he has retained the United States Title thanks to Matt Hardy not being able to get back in the ring. Hardy’s head bounced off the ring steps hard and the sound echoed throughout the arena. It looks like he is okay, but Christian has once again got one over his long-time rival. King: For most of that match it looked like we would be crowing a new United States Champion so it just shows you what can happen in an instant here in the WWE. The crowd were looking forward to celebrating with Hardy and that result has not gone down well as Christian sneakily holds on to the title one more time. You must feel that sooner or later his luck is going to run out though. Cole: Indeed you do. Christian has made a habit of winning big matches though when the championship has been on the line and that is all that matters. Even with the champion’s advantage gone he found a way to win, and Matt Hardy just went to take one risk too many. Christian walks out of SummerSlam still the United States Champion.
Christian is handed the United States Championship and celebrates in the ring before he continues up the ramp. The camera cuts to a dejected looking Matt Hardy who is groggily back to his feet holding his head after that horrific impact with the steel steps. Christian is holding his head as well after going through a war with Hardy, but he holds the title high once more as he receives a lot of heat from the WWE Universe. The camera then cuts backstage where Todd Grisham is standing by.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Ladies and gentlemen, we are just moments away from the Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Tables, Ladders and Chairs match to mark the tenth anniversary of the first ever TLC match at SummerSlam in 2000. So, would you now please welcome my guests at this time, they are the WWE Tag Team Champions, Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith, The Hart Dynasty!
The crowd cheers loudly as Kidd and Smith come into shot with Natalya. They are wearing pink and grey attire tonight but have no titles with them as they are being secured above the ring ready for the TLC match. Natalya is wearing a new pink and grey outfit as well as Todd continues the interview.
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Now guys tonight you must face three teams in a match where careers have been defined but also shortened. Out of The Empire, Carlito & Chris Masters and The World’s Greatest Tag Team is there one team you fear more than the rest?
WWE Tag Team Champion – David Hart Smith:
Todd, we know that tonight the odds are firmly stacked against us by having to face three teams and that is exactly why we cannot think about the threat of one team being more than anyone else. You look at The Empire and they hunt in a pack, you look at Carlito and Chris Masters who both have mean streaks and you can look at the amazing athleticism of Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. They are all going to be a serious threat to us trying to hold on to our WWE Tag Team Titles. We respect all the teams involved in the match and we have one goal tonight… to steal the show.
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
But you just said it, the odds are firmly stacked against you, can you possibly walk out of Los Angeles still the WWE Tag Team Champions?
WWE Tag Team Champion – Tyson Kidd:
Todd, if it is the last thing we ever do, The Hart Dynasty are going to do everything in our power to walk out of here with our titles intact. I am prepared to sacrifice my body for these belts and so is David. We have taken on all challenges so far and without doubt this is the biggest challenge of them all but we are ready for the fight. After all we are Harts, you know what I mean?
With that, Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith and Natalya walk out of shot as Todd Grisham stares straight ahead into the camera which cuts back to ringside.
--------------------
--------------------
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts: The following contest is a Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP!
The music of The World’s Greatest Tag Team hits and Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin make their way down to the ring. The crowd give them a loud ovation as they take in all the dangerous weapons setup around the ring and the entrance ramp. They get in the ring and await the other three tag teams.
Next to enter are The Empire who get some intense heat from the WWE Universe. They quickly make their way to the ring before taking their WWEShop.com t-shirts off and getting ready to fight. Finlay places his Shillelagh on the steel steps as McIntyre looks ready to go.
Carlito & Chris Masters are next out and they get a lot of heat as well. They look smugly at each other before Carlito pats a table and Masters feels a ladder on the way to the ring. They can both be seen looking at each other knowing their bodies are going to take incredible punishment in this match.
The roof explodes off the Staples Center as Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith make their way to the ring for their huge title defence. After the interview just moments ago they seem to be getting an even bigger pop than usual. Natalya is not with them at ringside because of the potential dangers that lurk at ringside. All four teams are ready and the bell sounds to signal the match is underway.
The match starts with all four teams involved brawling and trying to get on top before The Hart Dynasty and The World’s Greatest Tag Team get the better of The Empire and Carlito & Chris Masters as they clothesline, dropkick and throw them out of the ring leaving the two teams who the fans love alone in the ring. They immediately start fighting as the crowd erupt and sense this is going to be an unbelievable action-packed match.
However, their joy is short-lived as Drew McIntyre, Finlay, Carlito and Chris Masters all return with a chair each and nail the other four participants in the match in the ribs and back respectively. This leaves The Empire and Carlito and Masters staring down each other with steel chairs in hand. Finlay and McIntyre throw their chairs straight at their cocky opponents before both hitting clotheslines. McIntyre then throws Carlito out of the ring before The Empire try to take out Masters.
Before they can do anything though Shelton Benjamin and Tyson Kidd are on opposite turnbuckles. Benjamin jumps and hits a crossbody which takes out McIntyre as Kidd leaps and connects with a missile dropkick to Finlay. Charlie Haas then returns to the ring with a ladder in his hand, but Chris Masters catches Haas with a Samoan Drop and the ladder goes flying. Meanwhile, on the outside David Hart Smith has setup a table. He quickly returns to the ring and Masters runs at him only for Smith to hit a back body drop as the Masterpiece crashes through the aforementioned table to the delight of the crowd.
Smith now grabs the ladder in the ring and places it carefully under the hanging title belts before he climbs for the gold. Suddenly Carlito springboards off the top rope and joins Smith on the ladder though. Tyson Kidd has another ladder and starts to climb it as both members of The Hart Dynasty are in pursuit of their titles. Shelton Benjamin springboards and joins Kidd on his ladder as the four superstars throw punches and kicks at each other to try and knock them down.
Mathews: This is only going to mean one thing Matt as these four superstars are all climbing towards the goal. This match has been great so far and the violence and risks these superstars are going to take and inflict are only going to become more extreme as the match goes on. Some of the chair shots delivered earlier in the match by The Empire and Carlito & Chris Masters were sickening. Striker: They were indeed and these eight superstars are willing to sacrifice their bodies in order to become the WWE Tag Team Champions. We have really seen a rebirth of the tag team division in recent times and it really has been a joy to witness. I do agree with you about one thing Josh. These four superstars all climbing the ladder for the gold is only going to end in tears. The Hart Dynasty will be hoping they can work together to get rid of Benjamin and Carlito.
Finlay and Charlie Haas start to climb the ladders as well making it a very precarious position for all involved. The first man to fall is Carlito as Smith managed to connect with five big shots to the head sending the Caribbean superstar flying. This allows Haas to join Smith’s ladder as they start brawling. However, Finlay on the other ladder is thrown like a dart by Shelton Benjamin and Tyson Kidd into the other ladder which sends Smith and Haas careering down to the canvas with Finlay.
Suddenly Shelton Benjamin grabs Tyson Kidd at the top of his ladder and risks it all connecting with an unbelievable T-Bone suplex from the top of the ladder! The crowd immediately start chanting ‘holy shit’ before Drew McIntyre makes his way back in the ring and starts climbing with everyone else down on the outside. He is almost at the top of the ladder when Chris Masters returns and joins the Sinister Scotsman at the top of the ladder. The two of them throw big right hands at one another before McIntyre’s eyes glaze over and he has a crazed look in them. He grabs Masters by the arms and suddenly leaps hitting the Future Shock from the top of the ladder with absolutely no regard for his body at all as all eight superstars involved in the match are down and out.
First to make it back in the ring after an age are Carlito and Charlie Haas as they go at it. Haas places a ladder laying on the canvas before he tosses Carlito into the turnbuckle. The World’s Greatest Tag Team member now picks up Carlito and is looking to hit a German suplex on the Caribbean star on to the ladder but instead Carlito reverses and hits a nice flapjack which sends Haas headfirst off the ladder!
Meanwhile on the outside David Hart Smith is back to his feet as is Finlay who has Shillelagh in hand. He goes to clock Smith but the WWE Tag Team Champion ducks and delivers a big boot to Finlay instead. He then sets up a table in the entrance way quite near the ring apron before dragging Finlay back to his feet on the apron. Suddenly Smith grabs him and leaps delivering a brutal Bulldog Bomb through the table as the crowd start to chant ‘this is awesome’ repeatedly.
Mathews: Oh my god! David Hart Smith just delivered the Bulldog Bomb to Finlay from the ring apron through the table sacrificing himself as well as driving the Northern Irishman through the table. This match is unbelievable, and we are still no nearer to finding out who is going to walk out of SummerSlam as the WWE Tag Team Champions. There has been so much destruction in this match so far. Striker: These superstars are going to unbelievable lengths to secure the gold and I think Smith may have just taken himself out of it with that move which could really hinder his tag team partner Tyson Kidd in their quest to retain the titles. Charlie Haas also hit that ladder hard headfirst from a Carlito flapjack and he could well be finished in this match as well. When is this match going to end?!
Back in the ring and Charlie Haas has been rejoined by Shelton Benjamin who has two chairs with him. He passes one to Haas and the two of them sandwich Carlito as the sound of steel on flesh reverberates throughout the arena. Haas gets Carlito in position for the Broken Arrow and The World’s Greatest Tag Team connect before tossing Carlito out of the ring.
On the outside and Drew McIntyre has a ladder which he leans across from the ring to the announce table as the announce team look concerned at what may be heading their way. Back in the ring Haas and Benjamin start to climb a ladder together and get very close to the title belts. The crowd explode feeling it could be time for them to capture the WWE Tag Team titles for the first time since 2003.
They climb but Drew McIntyre and Tyson Kidd get back in the ring. They look at each other and against all the odds they work together and push the ladder over as Haas and Benjamin sail out of the ring and go through the ladder which was set up by the Sinister Scotsman. The thud is heard throughout the arena as the crowd pop massively once again. Immediately after doing this McIntyre lays out Kidd with the Future Shock out of nowhere before he taunts and the crowd give him a mixed reaction as they are clearly impressed by the impact he has made.
Somehow Chris Masters gets back in the ring and sneaks up behind McIntyre though and there it is. The Master Lock! Drew McIntyre didn’t see it coming and tries his hardest to get out of it, but he is unable to do so and fades fast. Masters then military press slams the member of The Empire out of the ring. Suddenly David Hart Smith is back in the ring and he has a steel chair in hand. He smacks Masters in the back with it before dropping it and delivering another Bulldog Bomb, this time to Masters onto the steel chair!
The crowd roar as Tyson Kidd is slowly getting to his feet and he realises it is just him and his tag team partner David Hart Smith who are still up. They slowly climb a ladder together before reaching for the belts and pulling them down to the delight of the crowd in what was an incredible match!
Winners: The Hart Dynasty after a Bulldog Bomb to Chris Masters on a Steel Chair to RETAIN the WWE Tag Team Championship (21:11)
After a gruelling match The Hart Dynasty have retained their titles and the crowd give them a major ovation for their performance. They stay at the top of the ladder for a while as many of the WWE Universe take some photos before getting down slowly and surveying the damage around them. All members of the other three tag teams are down and out in and around the ring. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith are both sweating profusely as they make their way slowly up the entrance ramp holding their title belts. The crowd start a ‘That was awesome’ chant and Kidd looks to be getting a little bit emotional at how well the match got over with the crowd.
Mathews: What a match! The Hart Dynasty retains the WWE Tag Team titles in a match for the ages. These eight men will never be the same again after putting their bodies through so much. Tables were destroyed left, right and centre. Chairs have been mangled and ladders destroyed as well. Through it all though Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith are walking out with the gold and have proven many of their doubters wrong. I certainly didn’t think they would be able to overcome the odds. Striker: This was an incredible match and these two superstars will now go down in history for a quite sensational performance here at SummerSlam. David Hart Smith can inflict so much damage with that Bulldog Bomb and his father would be proud of the performance he just gave. The styles of Tyson Kidd and Smith mesh so well that it wouldn’t surprise me if they hold on to them titles for a very long time. What a tag team division we have now here in the WWE. Mathews: We do indeed and now they have defeated these three teams I wonder if they will move on to another new challenge or whether one of these teams will get another shot at the titles. One thing is for certain; SummerSlam has been an unbelievable show so far and the WWE Universe loves it. Now though it is time to look at a superstar who will be debuting this coming Friday on SmackDown, none other than the Mexican Aristocrat, Alberto Del Rio.
--------------------
--------------------
Alberto Del Rio debuts next week on Friday Night SmackDown!
--------------------
--------------------
Cole: It is going to be very interesting indeed to see the sort of impact Alberto Del Rio makes over on SmackDown and I don’t know about you King, but I am still reeling from that Tables, Ladders and Chairs match. However, it is now time to switch gears as we have two huge superstars ready to go at it. The Animal, Batista has targeted the Undertaker ever since he failed to capture the Money in the Bank briefcase. King: He has indeed and since then both men have been able to get the better of the other but tonight, we will find out who truly is the better man, and whether Batista can back up what he has been saying for weeks. It is time for the Animal to put up or shut up. He will certainly be hoping to do better than he did this past Monday on RAW where he was on the receiving end of some punishment from the Deadman. Cole: He will indeed and I cannot wait to see these two finally go at it. This match has been over a month in the making. So enough of the talking let’s get to the in-ring action and here comes the Animal!
The rock music of Saliva hits and the crowd boos loudly as Batista clad in blue attire enters the arena. He sets off his pyro and then walks arrogantly under a single spotlight to the ring where he taunts and is greeted with even more heat from the sold out SummerSlam crowd.
The lights then go out and the gong sounds as the crowd get louder and louder before finally the Undertaker makes his long-awaited entrance. The smoke fills the entrance ramp and the ringside area as he makes his methodical and slow walk down to the ring. He enters and raises his hands as the lights fade back up, but Batista doesn’t look intimidated although he is outside the ring. Undertaker finally removes his trench coat and hat as he rolls his eyes into the back of his head and the grudge match gets underway with referee John Cone in charge.
Batista vs. The Undertaker
SINGLES MATCH
Batista immediately runs at the Undertaker and delivers a huge spear to start the match. The crowd boos loudly as the Phenom is taken off his feet and Batista begins to hammer away at him. Batista picks Undertaker up and drives him into the turnbuckle before repeatedly driving his shoulder into the midriff of the Deadman. Suddenly, the Undertaker turns the tables though and begins delivering big right hands to the delight of the WWE Universe.
The crowd roar as the Undertaker gets on top and tosses Batista into the opposite turnbuckle before running full tilt straight into him with a huge splash and then delivering a huge boot as Batista groggily exited the corner. Taker makes the first pin of the match, but the Animal easily manages to kick out. Undertaker quickly gets to his feet and picks Batista up but the Animal escapes and quickly exits the ring to regroup.
The crowd boos but Batista looks completely unfazed by their reaction and instead gathers his thoughts before returning to the ring. Undertaker greets him with a big right hand as he returns but Batista kicks Taker in the gut before delivering a nice suplex. Batista then stomps away some more before taunting and tensing his muscles much to the annoyance of the fans in attendance at SummerSlam.
The Animal turns his attention back to the Undertaker and Irish whips the Deadman but Undertaker ducks under a clothesline attempt and hits his trademark running lariat which sends Batista all the way out of the ring. Undertaker quickly follows Batista out of the ring and begins to hammer away at him before dropping him sternum first on the barricade wall. Undertaker then places his opponent on the apron and begins to deliver some hard shots across the chest and throat area of the Animal.
Cole: This is not where you want to be if you are Batista. Undertaker is as violent as they come and he will no doubt look to inflict as much punishment as possible to the Animal on the outside. Undertaker has perhaps had the better of the match so far, but these two superstars are incredibly evenly matched. The Phenom looks like he has some cruel intentions for the man who has been a thorn in his side over the past few weeks. King: He does indeed and when Taker gets an idea into his head it usually doesn’t end well for his opponent unfortunately. Batista needs to find a way to get back into this match and fast or he could face some incredible pain coming his way very shortly. Undertaker has Batista in position on the apron and we know what happens in this position. Watch out Batista!
The crowd roars once again as the Undertaker taunts before getting on the apron as they sense they know what is about to happen. The Phenom runs and jumps connecting with a sickening leg drop on the ring apron across the neck area of Batista. Undertaker looks as evil as ever as he then quickly returns Batista to the ring and covers; 1… 2… The Animal shows his resilience by getting the shoulder up just in time.
Undertaker is well on top in the match and he now raises his right hand signalling for the chokeslam as the crowd pop again for the future Hall of Famer. Batista gets up and is goozled by the Deadman. However, before Undertaker can deliver the chokeslam Batista kicks him in the gut and picks him up before driving him into the canvas hard with his patented spinebuster! Batista now covers; 1…… 2…… Undertaker gets the shoulder up!
Batista now gets to his feet and senses he will not have a better chance to try and finish the match. He gets up and shakes the ropes before pointing his thumbs down signalling for the Batista Bomb. He stalks the Deadman who is still reeling from the spinebuster. Taker turns around as Batista gets him in position, but Undertaker hits a back body drop before delivering a thunderous chokeslam as Batista got back to his feet. 1……… 2……… It is Batista this time who gets the shoulder up just in the nick of time.
Undertaker stalks the Animal after performing his cut-throat taunt which usually signals the Tombstone Piledriver. Batista turns around and Undertaker gets him on his shoulder, but Batista slides down the back. The Animal turns Undertaker around again and delivers another huge spinebuster! Batista goes for the pin but suddenly the Phenom locks in the Hell’s Gate! The submission hold is locked in as Batista writhes around in agony and after trying his hardest to get out of the hold he has no option but to tap out as all the oxygen is drained from his body.
Winner: The Undertaker after making Batista tap out to the Hell’s Gate (13:57)
Cole: The Undertaker wins and not only that he made Batista tap out! Undertaker has silenced the Animal here tonight and after everything Batista said over the past month, he is the man who is defeated here tonight despite delivering two huge spinebusters to the Undertaker. The Phenom is truly incredible and tonight at SummerSlam he has proven his credentials yet again. Batista is the man on the receiving end here tonight. King: Batista looked like he had Undertaker beaten on numerous occasions during that match but somehow the Deadman dug deep and managed to lock in the devastating Hell’s Gate submission hold. I never thought I would see the day where Batista of all people tapped out. That submission hold may be impossible for any superstar to get out of. Cole: He has beaten many superstars with that hold over the years and I am sure he will continue to do so. Batista feels the wrath of the Undertaker here tonight at the 23rd annual SummerSlam live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles!
Batista is rolled out of the ring by referee John Cone after the match as the WWE Universe again get louder and louder before the lights turn blue and Undertaker takes his place on one knee in the centre of the ring. He then sticks his long tongue out and holds his hand out in front of him in trademark fashion before the camera cuts backstage to the interview area once again with Todd Grisham standing by.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Thank you guys at ringside and what a night it has been so far here at SummerSlam. But now would you please welcome my guest at this time, he will challenge Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Steel Cage match later this evening, he is the leader of The Empire, the Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS!
Sheamus comes into shot with a huge grin on his face looking as smug as ever and clearly not too worried about facing Edge later on this evening inside of a Steel Cage. The crowd give Sheamus and incredible amount of heat for a good 30 seconds before they eventually calm down and Grisham can continue the interview.
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Sheamus, tonight you face the Rated R Superstar, Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship inside a Steel Cage and this past Friday on SmackDown you once again tried to blindside him, but the entire SmackDown roster got involved and we went off air in the midst of a mass brawl. Tonight, are you at all concerned about having none of your Empire teammates out there to help you?
The Empire Leader – Sheamus:
Am I worried Todd? Are you serious? I have proven time and time again that I can get the job done on my own. Just four weeks ago on SmackDown I defeated Booker T, CM Punk and Rey Mysterio and eliminated every single one of them to earn myself another title shot here tonight against Edge. And tonight will be no different. You see Edge fella’ you said that you are one of the most punishing superstars in the history of the WWE, well so am I, and tonight I am going to prove it. Tonight, is the night Todd, tonight is the night that The Empire conquer all and the Celtic Warrior is going to walk out of Los Angeles as your new World Heavyweight Champion!
--------------------
--------------------
At the end of Sheamus’ interview the camera quickly cuts back to the ring as fire explodes out of the stage to signal the arrival of the Big Red Machine, Kane. He strides down to the ring looking intense as ever. He gets in the ring and does his usual taunt as fire erupts from the ring posts.
The atmosphere then changes with the arrival of the World’s Largest Athlete, the Big Show. He looks angrily at Kane in the ring and strides towards him. They begin to come to blows in the ring as the Last Man Standing match gets underway immediately.
Kane vs. Big Show
LAST MAN STANDING MATCH
Big Show starts to get the better of Kane with big right hands before he throws him outside of the ring. Show slowly gets out of the ring and delivers some clubs to the back of Kane before driving him into the ringpost back first as Kane screams in anguish. Show then picks up Kane and scoop slams him onto the floor outside of the ring before looking for some sort of weapon under the ring.
The giant finds a trash can and a lid under the ring and swiftly swings for Kane’s head with the lid only for the monster to duck underneath and deliver a big boot which rocks the Big Show. Kane picks up the trash can lid and nails Big Show three times in the head but still he doesn’t go to the floor. Kane now grabs Show and uses all his weight to deliver a huge DDT to him onto the trash can on the outside of the ring!
The referee begins his ten count but only makes it to four before Show is back to his feet as Kane starts to deliver some huge uppercuts to Show. Before he can deliver a fourth shot though Big Show grabs his arm and Irish whips him hard into the steel steps and the impact echoes throughout the arena. The crowd gasps at the impact as Show taunts to their delight.
Show returns Kane to the ring and Irish whips him in the corner before delivering some huge open palm chops as the crowd woo at the sound of the shots. Show brought a kendo stick back in the ring with him and now picks it up. He swings at Kane but the monster once again ducks underneath and this time hits an unbelievable sidewalk slam showing some incredible strength.
The Big Red Machine follows the monumental feat of strength by going to the top rope with kendo stick in hand and delivers a huge shot to the fallen Show. The referee begins to count; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7… Big Show is back to his feet as Kane looks angry. The demonic Kane goes to the outside and grabs a steel chair and a chain which he finds under the ring. Kane gets back in the ring and tries to swing the chair and connect with Big Show, but he is caught with a huge chokeslam!
Cole: This could be it. Big Show connects with the chokeslam and that could be enough to keep Kane down for the ten count. Kane had that steel chair in hand, but Big Show managed to turn it into a huge chokeslam in what has been a vicious match so far. We have seen kendo sticks, trash cans and the steel steps come into play. What else are these two behemoths going to throw at one another to grab the win here at SummerSlam? King: Well, it is clear there is a deep hatred between these two which stems back a long way. They have both attacked each other over the previous month and something tells me that even winning this Last Man Standing match won’t be enough for either of them to be satisfied either. Kane is in a bad way here though and it may just be a matter of time before the World’s Largest Athlete decimates the Big Red Machine.
Both men lay flat on their backs in the middle of the ring again. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6… Big Show is back up. 7, 8… Kane makes it back to his feet as well. Show looks angry and aggressive as he picks up the steel chair brought into the ring by Kane. He drives the chair into the chest of Kane before delivering a thunderous shot to the back of the monster. Show then delivers a huge boot to Kane before he stands in the corner and waits for Kane to get back to his feet.
The World’s Largest Athlete runs and is clearly looking to hit a spear, but Kane dropkicks the knee of the giant who screams in agony. Kane now stomps away at the knee of Show after delivering a chop block and picks up the chair which Show used. Kane slams the chair into the knee of Show time and time again as the crowd gasp and Show screams in agony. Kane has lost it as he repeatedly smashes Show’s knee before finally letting the referee count. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9… Big Show manages to get back to his feet with the help of the ropes much to Kane’s annoyance.
Kane now picks up the chain which was brought into the ring earlier and whips Big Show in the chest and back with it before he grabs Show by the throat clearly looking for a chokeslam. Kane tries to lift Big Show but what he doesn’t realise is the World’s Largest Athlete had managed to pick up the chain which Kane dropped on the canvas before going for his finisher.
Show punches Kane straight in the head with the chained fist which rocks him before he hits a huge spear! Big Show now waits for Kane to get back to his feet and wraps the chain around his right hand before pulling back his hand ready to finish the match and there it is! The WMD knockout punch with his fist wrapped in a steel chain. Kane falls to the mat like a sack of potatoes as the referee counts; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8……………………………… 9…………………………………………………………………………… 10!
Winner: Big Show after delivering the WMD knockout punch with a chain wrapped around his fist to prevent Kane from answering a ten count. (15:35)
Cole: What a knockout punch from the Big Show and with a chain wrapped around his fist as well which has signalled the end for the Big Red Machine. Tonight, it is the World’s Largest Athlete, the Big Show who stands tall but these two behemoths absolutely threw everything they had at one another here tonight. Something tells me that Kane will not be enjoying this one bit and there may be some serious repercussions for Big Show over the coming weeks. King: Kane is not going to take this lightly for sure, but the Big Show has proven he is the most dangerous giant in the entire WWE and I am sure he will meet any further challenge which comes his way from Kane. That was some match with every weapon you could imagine being used. Cole the Biggest Party of the Summer is living up to the billing so far. Cole: It certainly is and don’t forget that on the RAW side of things we still have out main event to come for the WWE Championship. The champion Jack Swagger who will be flanked by Vickie Guerrero will face John Cena who will have the other Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus in his corner in what is going to be an incredible match for sure. Don’t forget if Swagger wins Cena doesn’t get another title shot for as long as he is the champion.
Big Show celebrates in the ring as Kane is laid out in the centre of the ring. The crowd give the giant a nice pop as he makes his way out of the arena and we go to a video showing what has happened at SummerSlam fan axxess throughout the week before we return to the Staples Center for the rest of the pay-per-view.
--------------------
--------------------
We return as the thunderous music of CM Punk and the Straight Edge Society hits, and the leader flanked by Luke Gallows, Mike Knox and Serena make their way down to the ring as the crowd give them some serious heat. Punk ignores the reception simply shaking his head and looking angry as he picks up a microphone off the steel steps, but it is Luke Gallows who starts to address the sold out SummerSlam crowd as Serena has her hand on CM Punk’s back as she is in true awe of her leader.
The First Disciple – Luke Gallows:
You people need to open your ears and listen. Look at the transformation myself and Mike Knox have made since accepting the right way of living, the only way of living, the Straight Edge way of living. The time has come ladies and gentlemen to make that change and accept CM Punk as your saviour. The time has come to get rid of the impurities in your life and to turn over a new and far better leaf in your life.
The crowd boos loudly at Gallows and at CM Punk in the centre of the ring as Serena grabs the microphone from Luke Gallows clearly agitated at the reaction the sold-out crowd are giving the Straight Edge Society.
The Anti-DIVA – Serena:
Show some respect!
The crowd boos again as CM Punk grabs the microphone off Serena and calms her down along with Mike Knox before addressing the WWE Universe.
Straight Edge Saviour – CM Punk:
If there ever was a city in the WWE Universe that needed to be saved, it is where we are tonight, Los Angeles, California. Look at you people, sitting there drinking your alcoholic beverages. You smoke like chimneys, and I would hazard a guess to say at least half of you do drugs. This must stop. I am your way out of this mess. I am the key to a new life, a new lifestyle which will see you become respected, it will see you overcome any obstacle that is in your way and it will see you become Straight Edge! Anybody can be saved. And I will save every member of the SmackDown roster one by one starting with Booker T.
You see, last Friday on SmackDown he found himself two tag team partners in Rey Mysterio and John Morrison and somehow overcame the Straight Edge Society. But in the end, there will only be one victor and that victor will be the Straight Edge way. You see I don’t do drugs, I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Mike Knox and Serena have an addiction. But our addiction is competition. So right now, we want Booker T. So, Booker come out here right now.
The music of SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long hits and the crowd cheers loudly. Long is in a pale blue suit as he has a microphone in hand and stands at the top of the ramp. CM Punk looks less than amused about the interruption but Long begins to talk to the WWE Universe.
SmackDown General Manager – Theodore Long:
Woah, wait a minute playa’. You keep forgetting that I am the General Manager of SmackDown Punk, but I will grant you your wish. You can have some competition tonight. After all we wouldn’t want to deprive you of your addiction now, would we? (Punk looks angry at Long mocking him). Punk tonight you can pick on of your teammates in the ring there, either Luke Gallows or Mike Knox and you will tag with another man who has expressed a wish to be involved here tonight. You will team up with none other than the self-proclaimed future of the WWE, the Show Off, Dolph Ziggler!
And your opponents will be the same team you lost too this past Friday Night on SmackDown. The man you wanted to face Booker T, the Master of the 619 Rey Mysterio, and Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison! And by the way that match is happening right now! Holla’ holla’ holla’.
The crowd pop loudly at hearing about the bonus match coming about but CM Punk is not amused as the music of Dolph Ziggler hits, and he makes his way down to the ring to join CM Punk and his choice of tag team partner which appears to be Luke Gallows.
The crowd then cheers loudly for the arrival of Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison who is looking confident but chooses not to enter the ring where all of his opponents as well as Mike Knox and Serena lurk. Rey Mysterio enters the arena setting off his fireworks as well before the loudest pop comes for Booker T who will be competing in just his second match since returning after being attacked by the monstrous Mike Knox. All six men are ready to compete as referee Scott Armstrong starts the match.
Booker T, Rey Mysterio & John Morrison vs. CM Punk, Luke Gallows & Dolph Ziggler
6-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
John Morrison is ready to start the match for his team and Dolph Ziggler insists on starting the match for his team as these two have some serious history over Morrison’s Money in the Bank briefcase. The two hammer away at one another before Ziggler hits Morrison with a dropkick which connects out of nowhere. Ziggler then starts to deliver elbow after elbow to Morrison before dragging him to his corner and tagging in Luke Gallows.
The First Disciple continues the momentum for his team hitting a nice fallaway slam and then tagging in the Straight Edge Saviour, CM Punk who gets an incredible amount of heat from the SummerSlam crowd. Punk just smirks and picks up Morrison before hitting a beautiful double-underhook backbreaker and pinning; 1… 2… Morrison gets the shoulder up. Punk now tosses Morrison back into his corner and tags Gallows back in as the two hit a double flapjack to Mr Money in the Bank. This time Gallows covers; 1…… 2…… John Morrison again kicks out.
Luke Gallows continues the onslaught and goes for belly-to-belly suplex but Morrison has it well scouted and manages to turn the move into a nice enzuiguri which rocks Gallows. He then springboards off the ropes and hits the Flying Chuck kick as the crowd cheer loudly and both men are down in the centre of the ring. Morrison manages to make a tag to Rey Mysterio while Gallows tags in Ziggler.
Mathews: Here comes Rey Mysterio and the action is about to go up a notch here as the former World Heavyweight Champion enters the ring. The Master of the 619 is so exciting to watch and his team badly need some momentum as Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison has been dominated by CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Dolph Ziggler so far. Striker: He was indeed and Mysterio is the sort of x-factor any team needs as you simply don’t know what you are going to get from him on any given night. He uses the ropes as if they are his best friends and has no regard for his body or his own safety in the squared circle. One thing I will say though is he is exciting to watch as you can hear from the incredible WWE Universe. Here comes Mysterio!
The crowd go wild for the Biggest Little Man in WWE history. Mysterio hits a springboard crossbody to Ziggler before dropkicking Punk off the apron and connecting with his patented bulldog to Dolph as well. Mysterio then clotheslines Ziggler out of the ring as he stands tall and is joined by Booker T and Morrison in the ring. Morrison notices Luke Gallows and Mike Knox near the announce tables and jumps over the top rope hitting a huge plancha to take out both members of the Straight Edge Society.
Mysterio then sees Ziggler get back to his feet and stands on the ring apron before springboarding off the middle rope and hitting an unbelievable moonsault to the Show Off. The crowd give a huge pop for the fast-paced action as in the ring Booker T stands tall but creeping up behind him is none other than CM Punk. The crowd try to warn Booker, but he turns around and is nailed with a huge roundhouse kick from the Straight Edge Saviour who then blows a kiss to the Anti-DIVA, Serena on the outside.
Eventually Ziggler makes it back in the ring and Punk orders a tag from him which he gives to the Straight Edge Saviour. Meanwhile, Rey Mysterio is back in the ring and has Morrison on the ring apron. He tries to make a tag, but Mike Knox pulls him off the apron without the referee noticing. Booker T and Morrison are down as CM Punk lifts up Mysterio in position and there it is! Go To Sleep to the Master of the 619. CM Punk falls into the cover; 1……… 2…………… 3!
Winners: CM Punk, Luke Gallows & Dolph Ziggler via pinfall after Punk hit the Go To Sleep on Rey Mysterio (8:10)
Mathews: Punk does it. CM Punk and the Straight Edge Society along with Dolph Ziggler pick up the win over their opponents here tonight at SummerSlam. These fans were treated to this bonus match thanks to SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long and it was some match at that. CM Punk keeps finding a way to win despite not expecting this match and Booker T is not going to be happy with the result. Striker: Once again the Straight Edge Saviour and his minions manage to pull out a victory from a position of defeat and if you ask me, I can’t see anyone defeating the Straight Edge Society. They are on an incredible roll as of late and there way of living is going to gain some real exposure if they keep on with these winning ways. CM Punk has got a real cult following behind him and they are going to be hard to stop. Mathews: They are indeed and they get a huge win along with the Show Off, Dolph Ziggler tonight here at the Biggest Party of the Summer, SummerSlam! And don’t forget tonight Sheamus will challenge the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge inside a Steel Cage match with the title on the line. And right now, let’s send it backstage to our broadcast colleague, Todd Grisham.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Thank you, Josh, and now would you please welcome my guest at this time. He is the man that will try and stop Sheamus from becoming the World Heavyweight Champion tonight, he is the Rated R Superstar and current World Heavyweight Champion, EDGE!
Edge in wrestling attire with the World Title belt over his shoulder comes into shot as the crowd give probably the loudest pop of the night so far. He looks intense and not like his usual jovial self as Todd Grisham continues.
Backstage Interviewer – Todd Grisham:
Edge tonight, you face Sheamus inside a Steel Cage with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long has made sure The Empire cannot get involved by putting you and the Celtic Warrior inside the steel structure. Are you confident and how do you plan on defeating Sheamus here tonight at SummerSlam?
World Heavyweight Champion – Edge:
Todd tonight is the night The Empire is over before it begins. As I have already said on SmackDown people have forgot the aggression and the violence that is within the Rated R Superstar. Just ask John Cena, Mick Foley or any tag teams who competed with me in TLC matches. Weapons and brutality are my speciality and tonight Sheamus is going to feel the wrath of the Rated R Superstar. Tonight I will remain the World Heavyweight Champion and Sheamus can go back to Ireland and talk about conquering somewhere else. Tonight, this title, my title is going nowhere and that’s a fact.
--------------------
--------------------
Cole: Wow, the Rated R Superstar is certainly intense tonight and he will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Sheamus in the main event. But right now, it is time for the RAW main event which will see WWE Champion, Jack Swagger with Co-General Manager Vickie Guerrero in his corner defend against John Cena who had the DIVA of the Decade, Trish Stratus watching his back. This is going to be an incredible match after what has happened over the past month.
A video plays highlighting the key moments in the rivalry between Jack Swagger and John Cena. It starts with Swagger cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Cena at Fatal 4 Way to shock the entire WWE Universe. We then see the culmination of the rematch at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view last month where Swagger retained thanks to interference from Vickie Guerrero. We see the chairman of the board, Mr McMahon announce that Trish Stratus will be the Co-General Manager of RAW alongside Vickie Guerrero and as the video progresses we see many of the issues they have had together. The promo hype video ends with John Cena making Jack Swagger tap out on the last edition of RAW before SummerSlam as we hear John Cena exclaiming ‘At SummerSlam the Champ is Here!’ We then cut back to the ring.
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following contest is for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts: Introducing first, he is the challenger, being accompanied by RAW Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus; from West Newbury, Massachusetts, weighing in at 251lbs, JOHN CENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
The roof of the Staples Center is almost blown off as the WWE Universe goes ballistic for John Cena. Wearing his black and orange shirt with jean shorts, he makes his trademark entrance, throwing his cap into the crowd before taunting. He is accompanied by DIVA of the Decade and RAW Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus who looks as intense as Cena. The crowd keep cheering until the music of the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger changes the atmosphere completely.
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts: And his opponent, being accompanied by RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero; from Perry, Oklahoma, weighing in at 275lbs, he is the WWE Champion, JACK SWAGGGGGGGGERRRRRRRRR!!!!
The All American American makes his way down to the ring being accompanied by the other RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero. The crowd give the duo an incredible amount of heat as they make there way to the ring. Swagger is wearing a black and yellow singlet with the WWE Championship around his waist. He then kisses the belt and hands it to referee Charles Robinson who will officiate the contest. The timekeeper then rings the bell and the WWE Title match is underway.
The match starts with both Swagger and Cena staring at each other as the crowd starts chanting for and against John Cena in trademark fashion. He smiles before he locks up with Swagger in the middle of the ring. Swagger gets the advantage and pushes Cena back into the turnbuckle before he slaps him hard across the face as the crowd gasp. John Cena is not impressed by the cocky actions of the WWE Champion. The two then lock up again and this time it is Cena who drives Swagger back into the turnbuckle. However, instead of slapping Swagger he delivers some hard right hands followed by a big hip toss which takes the champion down.
Cena tells Swagger to get up for some more and continues to hammer away at the WWE Champion before he drops him once again with a nice arm drag before he locks in an armbar on the mat showing he has some amateur background skills of his own. However, this doesn’t last long as Swagger is in his element with this sort of offense and immediately gets on top of Cena using his bodyweight to his advantage. Swagger delivers some powerful knees to the head of Cena before he gets him back to his feet and throws him out of the ring before taunting to the crowd.
The crowd boos loudly as Jack Swagger begs John Cena to get back in the ring. After some consoling from Trish Stratus, he does indeed but is met with a huge boot to the face from Swagger which sends him to the canvas in a hurry. Swagger makes the first cover of the match, but Cena easily kicks out. The All American American now drives Cena into the turnbuckle and repeatedly delivers shoulder thrusts before connecting with a nice running powerslam which drives all the air out of Cena. Swagger covers again but Cena kicks out again.
Vickie Guerrero applauds on the outside as Jack Swagger pummels Cena from pillar to post connecting with several punches, kicks to the guts and then a nice spinning double leg takedown. This leaves Cena in perfect position for the Swagger Bomb, but Cena is able to get his feet up and Swagger’s jaw gets rocked instead. The WWE Universe then start to get behind John Cena who they sense has made an opportunity for himself to get back into the match.
John Cena hits a running one-handed bulldog before delivering his trademark rotating backdrop. Cena raises his hand in the air signalling it is time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but as he comes off the ropes Swagger is back to his feet and delivers a brilliant belly-to-belly suplex which sends Cena crashing to the canvas. The momentum carries him out of the ring as he lands hard on the floor outside. The crowd gasps at the move and some of them actually start chanting for Swagger until Vickie Guerrero starts applauding and gets him some major heat.
Swagger goes to the outside and looks to take advantage of Cena driving him back first into the ring apron on three occasions. He looks to Irish whip Cena into the steel steps but Cena reverses and instead the WWE Champion goes crashing into the steel steps to the delight of the crowd. Trish Stratus gets a high five from Cena as he returns Swagger to the ring and Vickie Guerrero looks on angrily. Cena now climbs to the top rope and connects with his trademark leg drop bulldog before covering; 1… 2… Swagger gets the shoulder up.
Cole: What a match this has been so far and John Cena needs to take advantage now. He has struggled to get out of the blocks so far in this match and after connecting with that huge leg drop from the top rope, he can sense that an unprecedented tenth WWE Championship reign may be within touching distance. These superstars are giving it everything they have with the gold at stake. King: They are indeed, and you would expect nothing less from these two. Since winning the WWE Title Jack Swagger has proven his abilities on countless occasions whether it be on RAW or on pay-per-view. Tonight, he looks to be at the top of his game so John Cena is going to have to be at the top of his if he is going to walk out of SummerSlam with the gold around his waist. Cole: This is his opportunity no doubt and hopefully with Trish Stratus at ringside it will mean little interference from Vickie Guerrero. The odds are well and truly even and I believe Cena is going to do it in front of this raucous crowd inside the Staples Center. Listen to this place!
John Cena is now in the ascendancy and is looking to regain the WWE Championship to win his tenth WWE Championship. He runs at Swagger and connects with two shoulder tackles before planting the All American American once again with his spinning back drop before raising his palm to the crowd who are going crazy. Cena bounces off the ropes and this time he connects with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Swagger gets to his feet in a daze as Cena gets in position for the Attitude Adjustment.
Cena picks Swagger up on his shoulders but before he can deliver it Swagger slips off the shoulders of his opponent and rolls him up; 1…… 2…… Cena just avoids the surprise defeat and quickly picks Swagger up. There it is the AA! John Cena covers; 1……………………………………………2……………………………………………3! NO! Swagger has his foot placed on the bottom rope by RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero on the outside. The crowd start booing loudly at what they just witnessed as Trish Stratus points at Vickie Guerrero and screams at her for saving the match for the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger.
The crowd starts cheering loudly as they can guess what is going to happen next. Trish Stratus makes her way around the ring over to Vickie Guerrero screaming and shouting at her for saving the match for the WWE Champion. Trish then slaps Vickie hard before the Cougar jumps at Trish and the two start to brawl all around the ringside area. The referee goes to the outside to try and stop the two DIVAs from fighting and eventually they do only for Trish to connect with a Chick Kick out of nowhere which floors Vickie on the outside.
The crowd go crazy as Vickie is taken out and the referee returns to the ring. John Cena is standing by the ring ropes near the entrance ramp where all the action has been taking place and is asking Trish if she is alright to which she responds she is fine. Cena turns around but he walks straight into Jack Swagger who has maintained his focus despite Vickie Guerrero being taken out. He goes for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Cena reverses it and gets him in position for the AA. However, this time Swagger reverses and hits a huge chop block before locking in the Ankle Lock!
The crowd gasp as the WWE Champion locks in the hold and Cena is screaming in pain in the ring. He tries to claw his way across the ring and to reach the ropes and he gets close but then Swagger pulls him back to the centre again. Swagger then grapevines the legs around the ankle before applying more and more pressure and finally John Cena has no option but to suffer the humiliation of tapping out!
Winner: Jack Swagger via submission after making John Cena tap out to the Ankle Lock to RETAIN the WWE Championship (18:18)
Cole: Jack Swagger has done it! Jack Swagger has done it! He has done the unthinkable here tonight making John Cena tap out to the ankle lock. I never thought I would ever see John Cena tap out here tonight. I can’t quite believe what I have witnessed. Cena had no choice though. If he didn’t tap out, he would have had his ankle snapped by the All American American who is still the WWE Champion! King: I am speechless Cole, like you I thought that would be the last way this match would end. And by the way it turned out that Trish Stratus cost Cena the match by getting involved with Vickie Guerrero as Jack Swagger managed to maintain his focus in the crucial moments of the match. What an unbelievable match and I cannot believe Jack Swagger is still the WWE Champion although he looks absolutely spent in the ring.
Jack Swagger has his hand raised in victory as he is presented the WWE Championship belt. He holds the title aloft as Vickie Guerrero returns to the ring and congratulates her chosen champion. The RAW Co-General Manager is holding her head after nearly being decapitated by Trish Stratus with the Chick Kick but she manages a smile because ultimately Swagger has retained the title. However, her expression completely changes when…
The arena goes crazy as the guitar riffs hit and the music of The Game, Triple H hits the PA system. The music plays for a good 20 seconds as Vickie Guerrero and an exhausted WWE Champion, Jack Swagger look on from the ring. Suddenly, Triple H bursts into the arena and the eruption of noise which comes from the WWE Universe is monumental at the sighting of the multiple time champion. Triple H is in jeans and a WWEShop.com t-shirt with a leather jacket over the top looking incredibly bad ass. He starts to make his way to the ring but doesn’t spit water out in his usual fashion. Instead, he gets straight in the ring and looks at Jack Swagger. He offers his hand to the WWE Champion who looks surprised as do the rest in attendance at SummerSlam and a few boos even go round the building. However, as Swagger goes to shake hands with The Game he kicks him in the gut and delivers a ring-shaking Pedigree! The crowd then pop huge for the Cerebral Assassin as he picks up the WWE Championship belt which was dropped by Swagger in the ring before he delivers a Crotch Chop to Vickie Guerrero who looks mortified. The future Hall of Famer then demands a microphone from ringside.
The Game – Triple H:
It’s time to play the Game!
With just six words spoken Triple H has made his point and taunts in the ring as Cole and King hype that Triple H is back and better than ever. He has targeted the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger and after two months out with an eye injury he will be on Monday Night RAW tomorrow night. It is clear The Game wants the WWE Championship.
--------------------
--------------------
A video plays hyping the next pay-per-view. A voiceover is heard over the top of classic video from Shawn Michaels to Eddie Guerrero to Edge winning their first titles to go on to be huge successes:
“A night where dreams come true, a night where determination and dedication turns into celebration. A night where a career can be defined and a legacy formed. A night where potential can be fulfilled. A night when all championships will be on the line. A night where new champions will be crowned.”
WWE Night of Champions comes your way Sunday 19th September live on pay-per-view!
--------------------
--------------------
Mathews: Yes indeed the next time we are on pay-per-view is in four weeks time at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois for the one night a year where every championship in the WWE is on the line. But who will be the World Heavyweight Champion as right now it is time for our main event of the evening. Now would you please welcome the band who will play Sheamus to the ring, they are from across the pond, Muse!
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel: The following contest is a Steel Cage match where the only way to win is via pinfall, submission or escaping the cage and it is for the World Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, he is the challenger, from Dublin, Ireland; weighing in at 267lbs, he is the Celtic Warrior, SHEAMMMMMMMUSSSSSSSSSSSS!!
The leader of The Empire, Sheamus makes his way to the ring in some green and blue wrestling trunks. He looks focused and ready to go as he tests the strength of the Steel Cage door on his entrance into the structure. He taunts to the crowd who give him the most heat out of anyone all night, but he simply takes it in his stride.
Mathews: Sheamus looks absolutely pumped and this is his chance at winning the World Hewavyweight Championship for a second straight month after facing the champion at Money in the Bank. However, can he beat the man who has held the title since defeating Chris Jericho at Extreme Rules? To play our World Heavyweight Champion to the ring please welcome Fall Out Boy!
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel: And from Toronto, Ontario, Canada; weighing in at 241lbs, he is the World Heavyweight Champion, the Rated R Superstar, EDGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
The WWE Universe erupt as the Ultimate Opportunist and current World Heavyweight Champion; Edge makes his way to the ring. He is wearing red and black attire with his trench coat over the top as he sets off his fireworks to the delight of the crowd. He then gets in the cage testing the steel structure much like Sheamus did before him before he poses with the title and hands it to senior referee Mike Chioda who is in charge of the contest. He holds the title above his head to signal it is on the line before handing the title to John Cone who is responsible for the Cage door being locked throughout the contest. The door is locked and closed as the referee rings the bell and the main event is officially underway.
The match starts with Edge running at Sheamus and hammering away at the leader of The Empire who has caused him nothing but grief over the past couple of months. He hammers away at him and the referee does nothing to stop him because of the Steel Cage rules. Edge then throws Sheamus headfirst repeatedly into the steel mesh to the delight of the crowd who start chanting for the World Heavyweight Champion. Edge has an evil look in his eyes as he tosses Sheamus into the turnbuckle.
Edge delivers shoulder thrust after shoulder thrust to the Celtic Warrior before placing him on the top rope and joining him in the precariously perched position. Edge starts hammering away at his opponent before grabbing his neck clearly looking for a huge superplex. Sheamus starts to fight back though with hard shots to the chest area of the Rated R Superstar before he falls to the canvas hard. Sheamus now gets ready to deliver his battering ram from the top rope and jumps but is met with a spinning wheel kick by Edge who falls into the cover; 1… 2… Sheamus kicks out as the crowd start chanting for Edge once again after the incredible manoeuvre.
The World Heavyweight Champion now runs his hands through his hair and is clearly intent on destroying Sheamus tonight as he gets him to his feet and tries to throw him into the Steel Cage once again. This time the Celtic Warrior reverses it though and it is Edge who goes crashing into the steel three times in a row. Sheamus then picks up Edge in position for what looks like a fallaway slam. Sheamus delivers the move to Edge who goes flying straight into the cage as the WWE Universe instantly chant ‘Holy Shit’ at the sadistic move from the leader of The Empire.
Sheamus begins to build some momentum and gets Edge back to his feet before Irish whipping him into the turnbuckle and hammering away at the champion. The Irishman then connects with a powerslam which flattens Edge. Sheamus then taunts but the crowd give him unbelievable heat before starting a ‘USA’ chant which angers the leader of The Empire. Sheamus turns his attention to Edge but is met with a huge boot to the face by the champion; 1…… 2…… Sheamus almost got caught then.
Edge turns his attention to Sheamus and starts stomping away at the Irishman before locking in a painful submission hold. He drives his knee into the spine of his opponent and pulls back both of his arms at the same time. It is clear the move is enabling the pair to get their breath back after a frantic start to the match.
Eventually Sheamus escapes the hold and manages to hit Edge with a couple of running double axe handles before he connects with a huge knee lift to the sternum of the World Champion. Sheamus then connects with a rolling fireman’s carry slam before he starts to scale the cage sensing this is his chance to escape and win the title. He gets two thirds up the cage before Edge starts to clamber after the superstar from Dublin, Ireland and he pulls him down as both men balance on the top rope against the Steel Cage.
Mathews: Oh no this is when things start to take a turn for the worse in this environment. Both men are in a precarious position here as the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge tries to stop Sheamus from escaping the Steel Cage. Edge has shown his aggression so far here tonight and Sheamus has unlocked that side of the Ultimate Opportunist and he may live to regret that fact at the end of the evening. Striker: He might indeed because I don’t think we have seen this animosity out of the World’s Heavyweight Champion perhaps since his epic confrontations with John Cena a number of years ago. Edge is determined to not only retain his title here tonight but end The Empire on its quest before it has even begun. Oh, watch out this is not going to be good for either superstar!
The two superstars hammer away at each other, and both slam each other’s heads into the steel. Eventually it looks like Sheamus is gaining the upper hand but then suddenly Edge delivers a huge elbow to the gut before grabbing the Celtic Warrior and delivering a Russian legsweep from the ropes to the canvas below. Edge rolls into the cover; 1…… 2…… Sheamus shows his resilience by getting the shoulder up at the last second. The crowd cannot believe the match so far and sound their appreciation once again.
Both men struggle to make it to their feet but when they do they start hammering away at one another again. Once again it is Edge who gets on top and out of nowhere, he hits the Edgecution to the delight of the crowd! Edge asks for the cage door to be opened as he slowly makes his way out of the ring on hands and knees and looks like he is about to escape. Suddenly, Sheamus is back up and stomps away at Edge before slamming the door into his head which busts the World Heavyweight Champion wide open unintentionally.
Sheamus sees this and mounts Edge before hammering away and trying to do more damage to the head of the Rated R Superstar. Sheamus nonchalantly picks the World Heavyweight Champion up and scoop slams him into the Steel Cage before placing his boot on the back of his head and driving it into the Cage as Edge screams in pain. Sheamus picks Edge up once again and throws him into the Cage before locking the Cloverleaf.
The submission hold is locked in! Edge squirms and tries to get to the ropes to escape the hold. The blood is streaming down his face as he desperately claws his way across the ring and he does indeed reach the ropes but referee Mike Chioda informs him that because of the Cage rules the hold does not have to be broken. Edge realises but is still in significant pain but somehow, he manages to invert his body around and get Sheamus into a pinning predicament; 1……… 2……… Sheamus just gets the shoulder up in time!
The Celtic Warrior is in full control of the match now and he picks Edge up in position for the High Cross, his running crucifix powerbomb. As he goes for it though, Edge manages to slide down Sheamus’ back and connects with the sitout rear mat slam he calls the Edge-O-Matic before hooking the leg. 1………… 2………… Once again Sheamus manages to kick out much to Edge’s annoyance. He now lifts Sheamus up and uses all his energy to hit a downward spiral before he tries to escape the Cage. Edge reaches the top and looks like he is going to escape but suddenly Sheamus joins him.
Both superstars are sitting with one leg on the outside and one on the inside as the crowd sense something big could be just about to happen. They go back and forth at the top of the Cage throwing hard right hands. It is Edge who gets on top in the exchange and rocks Sheamus as he begins to slide back down the inside of the cage but then Sheamus grabs Edge and once again the two of them are on the top rope on the side of the Cage. This time Sheamus grabs Edge and jumps connecting with the Irish Curse backbreaker from the top rope! Sheamus rolls into the cover exhausted; 1…………… 2…………… Edge somehow gets the shoulder up!
Mathews: Oh my god! Sheamus just hit the Irish Curse backbreaker from the side of the Cage and somehow Edge still managed to get the shoulder up. The Ultimate Opportunist is not willing to give his title away without one heck of a fight that’s for sure! What more can Sheamus throw at Edge? When both these superstars were sitting at the top of the Cage I felt sure we were reaching the culmination of this epic battle but apparently not. Striker: These two are warriors. There is no other word to describe their will to outlast each other. They are wrestling with absolutely no regard for their bodies and these matches will take their toll on the human body but right now it is all about the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge is adamant he will remain the champion and Sheamus needs the win to solidify himself and his stable known as The Empire. I have no idea what is going to need to happen for this match to be over.
The crowd are going crazy as they have no idea who is going to come out of this match with the World Heavyweight Championship. Sheamus slowly gets back to his feet first as Edge is motionless on the canvas and he asks for the door to be opened. Referee John Cone opens the door as Sheamus staggers towards the exit. However, before he can exit the cage and win the match, Edge grabs him and turns him around before connecting with a flapjack and then quickly locking in the Edgecator his inverted sharpshooter submission hold and the crowd are on their feet willing the champion on.
Sheamus is in agony and looks like he is on the verge of tapping out but suddenly he remembers how Edge reversed his Cloverleaf submission and reverses it into a pinning predicament; 1…………… 2…………… Edge just gets the shoulder up. Both men are back up and Sheamus pushes Edge back onto the ropes before he rebounds and connects with a massive Spear! Edge hits the Spear! Edge hits the Spear! Both men are exhausted though and it takes Edge a few seconds to pin Sheamus; 1………………… 2………………… The Celtic Warrior gets the shoulder up as Edge looks on astonished!
The Rated R Superstar cannot believe it and pleads with the referee, but he insists it was a two count. Edge now refocuses as the Staples Center explodes as they sense the match is reaching its climax. The World Heavyweight Champion squats in the corner clearly ready to deliver another Spear to his opponent. He runs but Sheamus sidesteps Edge who goes crashing into the second turnbuckle. Sheamus runs back and hits a monumental Brogue Kick! Sheamus covers; 1…………………………...2…………………………...3! NO! Edge somehow manages to get his shoulder up and this time it is the Celtic Warrior who is in total disbelief at what is happening.
Sheamus now refocuses his attentions on Edge and senses he could be about to become a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. He goes back to the corner and calls for another Brogue Kick as he stalks Edge who is slowly making his way back to his feet. Sheamus runs but Edge ducks underneath the attempted kick before rebounding off the ropes and looking for a Spear but Sheamus sees him coming and throws him head first into the Steel Cage before delivering another huge Brogue Kick as Edge comes back on the rebound! Sheamus covers; 1……………………………...2………………………………...3!
Winner: Sheamus via pinfall after connecting with a second Brogue Kick to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion (30:21)
Mathews: I don’t believe it! We have a new World Heavyweight Champion! That Brogue Kick damn near decapitated Edge and finally Sheamus has captured the World Heavyweight Championship against a bloody and battered Edge who threw everything at the Celtic Warrior to retain the title. Unfortunately, the Brogue Kick once usually puts an opponent out but twice and there is simply no kicking out of it. Sheamus is the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. Striker: We have a new World Champion and what an unbelievable match that was. Sheamus has won his second World Heavyweight Championship and now The Empire may very well conquer all on SmackDown and throughout the entire WWE. Edge was valiant as always but the Rated R Superstar was simply outclassed by the Dubliner, Sheamus here tonight at the Biggest Party of the Summer and what an unbelievable evening this has been. Mathews: That it has Matt and we finish the night with the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion by defeating Edge inside a hellacious Steel Cage. Sheamus truly has conquered the WWE here tonight at SummerSlam. Goodnight everyone!!!
Sheamus is handed the World Heavyweight Championship by senior referee Mike Chioda and he is absolutely exhausted as he sinks to his knees and just stares at the title belt in disbelief at what he has achieved. Eventually he gets his bearings again and climbs to the top rope holding on to the side of the Cage before lifting the World Heavyweight Championship in the air. He then gets down as the Cage is raised and he taunts on the turnbuckles before making his way up to the top of the ramp as the camera zooms in on a bloody and battered Edge. Sheamus holds the title high in the air as the screen fades and SummerSlam comes to a close.
QUICK RESULTS
-Kofi Kingston defeated Vladimir Kozlov (DARK MATCH)
-Chris Jericho defeated Randy Orton
-Christian defeated Matt Hardy to RETAIN the United States Championship via countout
-The Hart Dynasty defeated Carlito & Chris Masters, The Empire and The World’s Greatest Tag Team in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match to RETAIN the WWE Tag Team Championship
-Undertaker defeated Batista
-Big Show defeated Kane in a Last Man Standing Match
-CM Punk, Luke Gallows & Dolph Ziggler defeated Booker T, John Morrison & Rey Mysterio
-Jack Swagger defeated John Cena to RETAIN the WWE Championship
-Sheamus defeated Edge in a Steel Cage Match to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion
This all started on the Friday, September 3 edition of SmackDown when the then Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan took on none other than Gregory Helms in the main event with the title on the line. Of course, The Empire wasn't far away as Sheamus knew he was going to have to face Bryan at Night of Champions with his World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Helms looked like he was about to tap out to Bryan's LeBell Lock when Paul Burchill distracted the referee allowing Sheamus to hit a Brogue Kick and Finlay to drag Helms on top of Bryan. The rest was history as we crowned a new Intercontinental Champion in controversial circumstances.
The following week Helms would hold his own celebration ceremony much to the chagrin of the WWE Universe, but he was interrupted not once, not twice but three times by Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler and Evan Bourne. Helms had had enough and proposed the three of them face off in a Triple Threat match to decide who would face Helms at Night of Champions for the Intercontinental Championship. Here is what happened at the culmination of the match.
Rey runs and there it is! He connects with the 619! Rey Mysterio then springboards off the top rope and delivers a huge splash. This has to be it! 1, 2… Gregory Helms clocks Rey Mysterio with the Intercontinental Championship belt as the referee calls for the bell and calls for the disqualification ending what was an unbelievable match between the three superstars. Gregory Helms isn’t done after clocking Rey Mysterio with the Intercontinental Championship however as he now stalks Evan Bourne who slowly gets to his feet after a gruelling match before turning around and walking into a huge championship shot from Helms again. Helms still isn’t done though as he waits for Dolph Ziggler to get to his feet with the aid of the ring ropes before he blasts him completely out of the ring with another shot using the title belt! Gregory Helms then stands in the middle of the ring and holds the Intercontinental Championship high above his head with all three men who competed in the Triple Threat match laid out around him. The WWE Universe boo loudly as the champion smirks and repeatedly shouts ‘It’s time’.
So with Helms seemingly taking out everyone that could challenge him for the title everyone was wondering who he would face at Night of Champions or if he would have a match at all. This is where SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long comes in and makes a magnificent decision in to make a Fatal 4-Way Match for the title between the champion Gregory Helms, Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler and Evan Bourne. Then this past Friday night we saw tag team action as Helms teamed with Ziggler to take on Mysterio and Bourne. Dolph Ziggler had one of the best nights of his career so far picking up the win for his team before he took out Helms with a huge Zig Zag as well.
This is going to be an incredible match at Night of Champions and anything could happen. Helms has the odds stacked against him to remain the Intercontinental Champion.
At SummerSlam The Hart Dynasty proved they were one of the best tag teams in the WWE right now when they overcame three other teams in what was a hellacious Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. Since winning the titles from ShoMiz at Fatal 4-Way they have proven to be a resilient and very talented tag team but at Night of Champions, they face their toughest challenge to date when they face Drew McIntyre and Finlay otherwise known as The Empire. The match came about after The Hart Dynasty struggled the week after SummerSlam when they lost to Carlito & Chris Masters on RAW and The Empire on SmackDown. The following week they successfully defended their titles against Carlito & Masters in their last chance at winning the titles. This led to a huge Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match on the September 3 edition of SmackDown to find new number one contenders for the titles. It was The Empire who emerged victorious defeating Cryme Tyme, the Straight Edge Society and The Rhodes Brothers.
The following week on SmackDown things really heated up in this feud as The Hart Dynasty helped Daniel Bryan in evening the odds with The Empire after they tried to take out Edge at the start of the show. This led to a huge 8-Man Tag Team Match in the main event of show which ended with The Empire on the losing side for the first time in recent memory when the numbers game was even. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith were key cogs in the wheel and were crucial to the victory. The WWE Tag Team Champions were seemingly on a roll just over a week away from Night of Champions. However, everything went wrong for The Hart Dynasty this past Friday on SmackDown as they lost in a tag team match against Finlay and Paul Burchill of The Empire and then were left laid out by The Empire at the end of the show as they tried to even the numbers game once again.
It would seem The Empire have the upperhand on The Hart Dynasty and this Sunday at Night of Champions Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith may have to kiss goodbye to the titles as The Empire make good on their promise to conquer SmackDown and walk out as the WWE Tag Team Champions.
This match has been months in the making and at Night of Champions the rivalry between Matt Hardy and Christian is going to come to an end in emphatic fashion as they meet in what is going to be an unbelievable Ladder Match for the United States Championship. Let's take you back to SummerSlam when these two met for the title and see how the match ended.
Hardy takes his time to gather himself and turns around on the top rope as the announce team speculate what he is going to attempt. He is ready to deliver something huge but he has taken too long as Christian is up to his feet and runs over to the turnbuckle and pushes Hardy off the top rope and he lands head first on the steel steps on the outside as the crowd immediately gasp in amazement. Referee Jack Doan begins to count; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... Hardy begins to stir on the outside 8, 9.......................................10! Matt Hardy couldn't get back in the ring to break the count!
With the controversial ending to the match at SummerSlam the following night on RAW, Co-General Manager Trish Stratus would set up a rematch with the title on the line once again. Once again there was somewhat of a controversial finish to the match between the two of them...
Hardy pleads with the referee saying that must have been three but he insists it was only a two count. Hardy refocuses and calls for the Twist of Fate as the WWE Universe pop again. Christian gets up and Hardy has him in position but just before he hits the move Christian rolls Hardy up. Christian grabs the tights for extra leverage; 1… 2… 3!
The following week on RAW Matt Hardy teamed with Scotty 2 Hotty and the two of them were able to defeat the United States Champion, Christian and the Cruiserweight Champion, Kaval. There were more calls for Matt Hardy to get another shot at the United States Champion, Christian with Night of Champions just a couple of weeks away. On the September 6 edition of RAW, Hardy would indeed get his title shot from RAW Co-GM, Trish Stratus after fellow Co-GM, Vickie Guerrero had said Christian could pick his opponent. Furthermore, the two would have a match right then to decide who would pick the stipulation for the match. Hardy would win with a Twist of Fate and was quick to announce they would face each other with the United States Championship on the line in a match they made famous; a Ladder Match! And this past Monday night on RAW, Hardy delivered a memorable promo from the top of the ladder highlighting the history of himself and Christian in this chaotic and dangerous environment.
It could be Matt Hardy's time to shine this Sunday at Night of Champions and we could crown a new United States Champion as he refuses to die once again.
The Cruiserweight Champion, Kaval hasn't had it all his way this month, has he? The World Warrior had been dominant since winning the title from Evan Bourne at the beginning of August. However, the night after SummerSlam, Kaval challenged any Cruiserweight in the back to a match and if they defeated the champion, they would get a chance with the title on the line at Night of Champions. Much to the crowd’s delight and Kaval’s surprise, Scotty 2 Hotty was the man to answer the challenge and he managed to shock the world by picking up the victory thanks to an unbelievable superkick out of nowhere. The following week on RAW things didn’t get any better for Kaval as he teamed with the United States Champion, Christian to take on Matt Hardy and Scotty 2 Hotty. The night didn’t end well for the Cruiserweight Champion…
The referee reaches seven and both men make tags as Scotty and Kaval are now the legal men. Kaval looks to hit a huge kick immediately, but Scotty manages to turn it into a huge hip toss before connecting with a dropkick and then a bulldog which leaves Kaval in position for the Worm! The crowd start going wild as Scotty starts the long finishing manoeuvre, but Christian takes him out from behind in mid-flow. Matt Hardy then enters and out of nowhere connects with a Side Effect to Christian! Kaval then throws Hardy out of the ring and turns his attention back to Scotty 2 Hotty but as he turns around, he is met with a huge Superkick! Scotty covers; 1… 2… 3!
Things turned around somewhat for the Cruiserweight Champion the following week when once again he faced his rival in tag team action but this time he teamed with the DIVA’s Champion, Melina to take on Scotty 2 Hotty and Alicia Fox. Kaval managed to pick up the win and pin his Night of Champions opponent after connecting with a huge Warrior’s Way as Scotty was midway through the Worm. To make matters worse, after the match Alicia Fox blamed Scotty for the loss and slapped him across the face. The final confrontation between these two happened this past week on Superstars as Scotty 2 Hotty took on Chavo Guerrero with Kaval on commentary. Scotty picked up the hard-fought victory before pointing at Kaval and telling him he will become the Cruiserweight Champion this Sunday at Night of Champions.
This Sunday, it is going to be a great contest between these two, as Kaval will look to see off the spirited challenge of Scotty 2 Hotty and remain the Cruiserweight Champion of the World.
Batista vs. Undertaker NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH
This rivalry has been going on ever since the week before Money in the Bank when the Undertaker was drafted to RAW and put Batista through the announce table with a Chokeslam. The Animal has blamed not winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match on the Undertaker and has been out for revenge ever since. The two met at SummerSlam with the Deadman coming out on top which has only infuriated Batista even more. On the August 23 edition of RAW the night after SummerSlam the Undertaker wanted in the main event to get an opportunity at the WWE Championship but Batista had other ideas when he interrupted the Phenom…
The music of Batista hits as the Animal bursts through the curtain and makes a beeline for the ring where the Undertaker drops the microphone and is prepared to fight. Batista, dressed in jeans and a white vest enters and immediately takes down the Undertaker and starts to brawl all around the ring. Undertaker covers up before managing to get back to his feet as he starts to mount a comeback. Undertaker starts throwing big right hands at Batista and starts to get the better of him but then out of nowhere Batista delivers a huge low blow as Undertaker crumples in a heap on the canvas. The crowd boo loudly at the underhanded tactic used by the former Evolution star. Batista goes to the outside and grabs a steel chair, shoving the timekeeper off his chair in the process. An angry Batista returns to the ring and stalks the Undertaker who is trying to catch his breath but Batista whacks him on the back with the steel chair time and time again as the crowd give him some major heat. Batista now throws the steel chair out the ring and up the entrance ramp before he shakes the ring ropes and points his thumbs down. The Animal gets the Undertaker in position and connects with a ring-shaking Batista Bomb! Batista then taunts before calmly walking out of the ring and up the entrance ramp pleased with what he has achieved here tonight.
The next week on RAW Batista would face the new number one contender for the WWE Championship, Triple H in the main event as former Evolution teammates collided. It was The Game who would win after Batista got disqualified and as the Cerebral Assassin was being beaten down by Batista and the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger none other than the Undertaker made the save. The show would end with Triple H delivering a Pedigree to Swagger and Undertaker nailing Batista with the Tombstone Piledriver. Just two weeks from Night of Champions the main event saw somewhat of a dream team as Triple H would team with the Undertaker to take on Jack Swagger and Batista in Washington DC, the hometown of the Animal. The night ended with Swagger staring up at the lights as he made a blind tag to Batista and The Animal was unimpressed. Triple H and the Undertaker would win the match comprehensively and to make matters even worst for Swagger, Batista would send his hometown crowd home delighted as he delivered a thunderous Batista Bomb to the WWE Champion.
This past week on RAW, Batista was a man on a mission as he challenged the Undertaker to a No Holds Barred Match at Night of Champions which the Phenom would accept later in the evening. There was then a very interesting sit-down interview with Michael Cole this past Wednesday on WWE.com where Batista explained why he is so desperate to get the better of the Undertaker. This No Holds Barred Match, the only match at Night of Champions which won’t involve a title is going to be amazing and brutal at the same time. Unfortunately for Batista, the environment suits the Deadman, who can be as brutal as they come when there are essentially no rules.
The DIVA’s Championship picture has certainly been interesting over the last month as one challenger has emerged from RAW and another from SmackDown meaning the champion, Melina has her work cut out this Sunday. One of the challengers, Alicia Fox started the month well when she picked up a victory over Jillian Hall on the August 23 edition of RAW with Melina on commentary viewing the action. Then on SmackDown later in the week, the DIVA’s Champion would find herself in action against Mickie James and things didn’t go quite to plan as Mickie picked up a huge win after connecting with the Mickie-DT.
The following Monday on RAW, Melina would be forced to put the DIVA’s Championship on the line against Alicia Fox who had been on an incredible role. The champion was in trouble on many occasions, but she would cling on to the title after losing the match via countout. In truth, she was probably going to pin Fox for the win after hitting the Last Call on the outside anyway. The Paparazzi Princess was clearly unhappy and started throwing a little bit of a post-match tantrum. And on the September 3 edition of SmackDown Melina would lose yet again to Mickie James without the title on the line. Things would then go south for Mickie…
Mickie James hangs around in the ring and waits for Melina to get to her feet before offering her hand to show her respect to the DIVA’s Champion. Melina is clearly frustrated but it looks as though she is going to shake the hand of her opponent until she delivers a cheap shot right to the mouth of Mickie James as the crowd instantly boo her actions. Melina then quickly gets her to her feet and delivers the Last Call before she screams at the top of her lungs which irritates the sold-out SmackDown crowd even more. Melina then leaves the ring screaming she is the DIVA’s Champion and that she is the best as the WWE Universe continue giving her heat.
The next week on SmackDown, General Manager, Theodore Long announced that Mickie James and Melina would have to team up against the team of LayCool just nine nights from fighting for the DIVA’s Title at Night of Champions. It looked like they were going to pick up an unlikely victory until Melina left Mickie James high and dry handing LayCool the victory and angering the WWE Universe in the process. And this past week things only intensified even more as backstage Alicia Fox was having her make-up done when confronted by Melina and the two brawled all around the backstage area until being separated by WWE officials. This past Friday on SmackDown, Melina finally got what was coming to her after she defeated Gail Kim in singles action. Mickie James was clearly upset at the way she had been treated over the previous couple of weeks by the DIVA’s Champion and decided she was going to do something about it as she tried her best to take out Melina, but she just managed to escape.
This Sunday there will be no escaping though as Mickie James and Alicia Fox both challenge Melina for the DIVA’s Championship. The Paparazzi Princess has the odds stacked against her but she will scratch and claw with the title on the line as there is nothing she values higher.
All hell has been breaking loose over on SmackDown ever since Sheamus, the leader of The Empire managed to capture the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge inside a Steel Cage at SummerSlam. In fact, just five days after winning the title Edge decided to invoke his rematch for the title but The Empire got involved and caused a disqualification leaving Sheamus with the title and Edge without another championship opportunity. On the same episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Theodore Long came up with a ground-breaking concept that would pit 10 superstars against each other in a Battle Royal who had never been the World Champion before. The winner would go on to Night of Champions and face Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Champion. Here is how things ended when it came down to The American Dragon, Daniel Bryan and Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison…
The two of them start hammering away at each other before John Morrison gets on top with a European uppercut before he connects with a nice Russian legsweep. Mr Money in the Bank then picks up Daniel Bryan and tries to force him over the top rope but doesn’t have much luck. Morrison now takes a step back before trying to clothesline Bryan over the top but instead the Intercontinental Champion pulls the top rope down and Morrison goes flying over it! He manages somehow to stay on the ring apron though. Bryan now tries to punch Morrison and make him fall but the Shaman of Sexy grabs Bryan in a suplex position as the crowd get louder once again. Morrison suplexes Bryan but the American Dragon lands on the apron and both men are in a precarious position now. Both men start punching and kicking one another before Bryan takes a few steps back. Morrison then tries to charge towards him, but Bryan meets him with a huge roundhouse kick and Morrison hits the floor. John Morrison has been eliminated. Daniel Bryan wins!
On the September 3 edition of SmackDown, Edge would be in singles action against Ezekiel Jackson after it was announced he would indeed get another chance at championship redemption as the match for the title at Night of Champions was now a Triple Threat Match! Edge would pick up the victory after hitting the Spear but would then be taken out by The Empire after the match. Things wouldn’t go well for Daniel Bryan either as in the main event he put the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Gregory Helms. It looked like Bryan was going to retain but once again The Empire got involved and cost the American Dragon the win and to make matters even worst Gregory Helms picked up the victory and became the new Intercontinental Champion. As if they hadn’t done enough damage already The Empire decided they were going to make an emphatic point by obliterating Daniel Bryan after the match which was highlighted by a huge Brogue Kick which met the skull of Bryan from the World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus.
It would appear the odds were once again evened the following week on SmackDown as Edge kicked off the show demanding The Empire come to the ring. However, it was Daniel Bryan who came out instead and said until Night of Champions they had to work together to try and make sure they got there. Paul Burchill, Finlay, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus then came out and surrounded the ring like a pack of hyenas and tried to attack the two number one contenders for the title but the WWE Tag Team Champions, The Hart Dynasty made the save. This would prompt Theodore Long to come out and make a huge 8-Man Tag Team Match to main event the show. The action spilled everywhere but The Empire would in the end suffer a rare loss when Daniel Bryan made Finlay tap out to the LeBell Lock.
That would bring us to this past Friday night just 48 hours away from Night of Champions and The Empire was focused on getting some retribution and boy did they ever. The main event would see Drew McIntyre take on Daniel Bryan in a renewal of a rivalry over the Intercontinental Championship a couple of months ago. The Sinister Scotsman would pick up a huge win thanks to interference from The Empire and things would get even worst for him and Edge after the match…
The former World Heavyweight Champion has recovered from a steel chair shot he received from Sheamus and gets in the ring and starts brawling with Sheamus and Drew McIntyre who are in the ring celebrating the Sinister Scotsman's victory. Edge manages to hold his own until Sheamus catches him with a huge knee to the gut which drives the air out of him. The beatdown is now on as Sheamus and McIntyre take it in turns to pummel Edge as Finlay and Paul Burchill now enter the ring and it becomes a four-on-one assault. This doesn't last long though as Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith try and make the save and the crowd pop as it looks like there might be a similar situation to last week developing where The Empire were made to leave with their tails between their legs.
The Hart Dynasty take it to The Empire but after a brief flurry the numbers game becomes too much again. Finlay floors Tyson Kidd with a Shillelagh shot before he does the same to David Hart Smith and Paul Burchill delivers a Curb Stomp for the second time tonight! It is now four-on-one once again but suddenly Daniel Bryan is back up and throws himself at Sheamus connecting with a nice kick. The WWE Universe pop again as Edge starts to fight back as well. Edge runs and hits a Spear on Finlay who is driven out of the ring but before he can do anything more Drew McIntyre floors him with a big boot and Sheamus recovers to clothesline Daniel Bryan hard. Burchill, McIntyre and Sheamus stomp away at Edge and Daniel Bryan before Finlay gets back in the ring as well. Sheamus now orders his teammates to get Edge to his feet and he delivers a monumental Brogue Kick! He then asks them to do the same with Bryan and he repeats the move nearly decapitating the American Dragon.
Sheamus now orders the ringside staff to bring all the titles to the ring as he poses with the World Heavyweight Championship and Finlay and Drew McIntyre hold up the WWE Tag Team Titles in a scene which could foreshadow what will happen at Night of Champions. The Empire are receiving monstrous heat from the crowd as they stand over the fallen Edge and Daniel Bryan as SmackDown goes off the air just 48 hours before Night of Champions life from the Allstate Arena in Chicago!
Sheamus will be determined to win this Sunday as The Empire has been more dominant than ever before and has made it their mission to take out anyone who stands in their way. Sadly, the man that will be doing that this Sunday is Daniel Bryan, but can he shock the world and become the World Heavyweight Champion for the first time?
If things have been hot over on SmackDown, then RAW has been on fire! The return of The Game at SummerSlam shocked the world and he made his intentions very clear to Jack Swagger that he was coming for the WWE Championship. This Sunday the King of Kings will look to go back on his throne after dominating the All American American at every turn despite the best attempts of RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero.
Indeed just 24 hours after SummerSlam, The Game would kick off the show making his intentions very clear indeed. This would prompt the other RAW Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus to come out and announce a huge Triple Threat match for the main event to decide who would go to Night of Champions and face Jack Swagger for the title. It would be the Big Show versus Chris Jericho versus Triple H! The match was a back-and-forth affair but the difference came when Kane would interfere and brawl all around the ring and through the crowd with the Big Show leaving Chris Jericho and Triple H alone in the ring in a one-on-one scenario. It would be The Game who came out on top planting Jericho into the canvas with a huge Pedigree to book his place in the main event at Night of Champions this Sunday from Chicago.
On the August 30 edition of RAW, Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero made a huge main event between Triple H and his former Evolution teammate, Batista. The two gave it everything they had but it was Triple H who picked up the disqualification victory thanks to interference from Jack Swagger. Things would then escalate and not in a way that looked good for the Cerebral Assassin…
Jack Swagger starts hammering away at Triple H as the bell rings to signal the end of the match. The WWE Universe boo loudly as Vickie Guerrero directs traffic from the outside. She tells Swagger to take Triple H out and he hammers away. However, The Game starts to fight back and get back on top in the altercation between the two of them until Batista is back up and the numbers game becomes just too much for Triple H. The crowd boo loudly sensing Triple H needs some help and fast when suddenly the lights go out and a gong sounds! The crowd go nuts as the lights come back on and none other than the Undertaker is in the ring throwing big right hands at both Swagger and Batista before Triple H gets back up and makes it two-on-two. Undertaker takes it to Batista while The Game takes it to the WWE Champion, Swagger as the crowd erupt. Triple H gets Jack Swagger in position for a huge Pedigree and connects! Undertaker now has Batista in position for a huge Tombstone Piledriver which shakes the ring as well. Triple H and the Undertaker are standing tall in the centre of the ring as the WWE Universe go ballistic for what they have just witnessed at the culmination of Monday Night RAW.
Things went from bad to worse for the WWE Champion the following week as a huge tag team match was announced for the main event which pitted Swagger and his partner, Batista against the dream team of Triple H and none other than the Undertaker! The match took place in the hometown of Batista, Washington DC and things didn’t go to plan for Swagger as he was left high and dry by his tag team partner and then suffered a huge Tombstone Piledriver from the Undertaker as the night ended in defeat for the WWE Champion.
And just this past Monday, Swagger found himself in another dire situation as he was forced to face arch-nemesis John Cena in the main event with none other than Triple H as the special guest referee. This is how things unfolded…
The Game starts shouting at Vickie before he decides to eject her from ringside despite her protestations. The crowd pop loudly as Swagger stops the pin attempt and realises what has happened. He gets right in the face of Triple H as the two men argue before he delivers another big boot but this time to the Special Guest Referee who is sent out of the ring as the crowd boo loudly. Swagger now turns his attention back to Cena but is caught in an STF!!! Cena pulls back hard on the neck of the WWE Champion who has nowhere to go and after about a minute in the hold he has no choice but to tap out!!! However, John Cena realises Triple H is not in the ring and breaks the hold before going to look if he is alright. Cena goes to the outside and helps Triple H back to his feet but he is still in a lot of pain from the big boot.
Cena quickly returns to the ring, but Swagger is back to his feet and delivers a Gutwrench Powerbomb out of nowhere! Swagger covers but once again there is no referee in the ring. Swagger eventually gets up and looks to the outside as the crowd pop wildly as Triple H is back to his feet and has his trusted equaliser the sledgehammer in hand!!! Triple H returns to the ring, but Swagger runs at him. The Cerebral Assassin ducks underneath before he absolutely nails Swagger in the head with the sledgehammer on the rebound! Swagger is a lifeless carcass on the mat as Triple H pulls Cena on top of the WWE Champion as the WWE Universe goes nuts. Triple H counts; 1… 2… 3! Cena beats Swagger!!!
Triple H has all the momentum going into this Sunday’s match for the WWE Championship, but can the King of Kings go back on his throne or will the All American American prove he is once again the present and future of Monday Night RAW. Do not miss Night of Champions!
What else has been happening this month?
RAW
-Paul Heyman has joined forces with his latest client, the Ruthless Redneck, Lance Cade. Since the alliance was formed, Cade has been undefeated and looked like a new man.
-The team of Tyler Reks and Vance Archer known as Rough Justice debuted and picked up several wins in tag team action putting themselves on the map.
-The likes of Kofi Kingston and Shelton Benjamin tried to pick up wins but came up short against the likes of Chris Jericho and Lance Cade.
SmackDown
-CM Punk defeated Booker T in a Loser Leaves SmackDown match. Booker T was released from the WWE following the match.
-Alberto Del Rio debuted and picked up several wins in impressive fashion.
-John Morrison kept his momentum going as Mr Money in the Bank won several matches.
WWE Night of Champions Sunday 19th September 2010 – Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois
*A huge thank you goes to Smooth Jazz Wolf for helping me out with this video*
The camera focuses on the titantron as gold and white fireworks erupt from the stage as ‘Champion’ by The Chevin booms through the PA system. The fireworks continue in front of the usual Night of Champions set with red drapes with pictures of each title being defended and red carpet down the entrance ramp as well. The pyro eventually ends as the camera pans across the 17,159 in attendance at the Allstate Arena for Night of Champions. There are a multitude of CM Punk signs even though he isn’t scheduled to appear before the camera focuses on Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler at ringside.
Cole:
Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome you to WWE Night of Champions coming from you from the sold-out Allstate Arena in Chicago. Michael Cole and Hall of Famer, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler at ringside and what a night it is going to be here tonight as the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger has a tough task ahead of him as he puts the title on the line against none other than the Cerebral Assassin, The Game, Triple H! King:
If you ask me Michael, we are going to crown a new WWE Champion here tonight as Swagger has been outthought and outmanoeuvred at every turn over the past month. It all started at SummerSlam after his successful defence of the title against John Cena. Triple H would make his return and make his intentions extremely clear delivering a Pedigree to the All American American and posing with the WWE Championship. Cole:
And that is just one of eight incredible matches which are scheduled to take place here tonight. Also joining us tonight are our colleagues from Friday Night SmackDown, none other than Josh Mathews and Matt Striker. Are you excited guys?
Mathews:
Thank you, Michael and boy, what a night it is going to be here tonight. On the SmackDown side of things, we have a huge Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Sheamus will defend the title against the man he defeated at SummerSlam in a Steel Cage for the title, Edge and none other than the American Dragon, Daniel Bryan. Matt simply put The Empire made an unbelievable statement on Friday, but can they walk out with all the gold here tonight? Striker:
They absolutely can without doubt Josh. They have proven they are out to conquer all and if Sheamus retains the title tonight and Drew McIntyre and Finlay can defeat The Hart Dynasty they will have the WWE Tag Team Titles in their possession as well. Their promise to conquer SmackDown could well come to fruition here tonight. And let’s not forget we are in Chicago tonight, Josh, the home of none other than CM Punk who wants to be in the World Title match here tonight! Mathews:
He does indeed but it was made clear to him on Friday night by our General Manager, Theodore Long that he will not be putting CM Punk into the match just because he has asked for it. However, Punk did beat Edge this Friday so he will feel he should be in that match. It is going to be an incredible Night of Champions with seven titles to be defended so let’s kick off the action right now!
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is a Fatal 4-Way match, and it is for the INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP!
The music of Rey Mysterio hits and the Chicago crowd give him a mixed reaction despite him being a crowd favourite everywhere else. Mysterio is wearing blue and yellow attire as he sets off his usual fireworks and then gets in the ring and awaits his opponents. The crowd give another mixed reaction for Dolph Ziggler who is next out from the back. He gyrates and says he is better than everyone else at the top of the stage before he bounces his way down looking confident at becoming the Intercontinental Champion when it is all said and done here tonight. He glances at Mysterio before taunting again and getting another mixed reaction.
The high-flying and exciting Evan Bourne makes his way down the aisle in his usual red and black wrestling gear. He throws up the peace sign and he largely gets a positive reaction from the WWE Universe in attendance. He runs energetically to the ring before sliding under the bottom rope and taunting on the turnbuckle. ‘It’s Time’ now plays and none other than the Intercontinental Champion, Gregory Helms is introduced as he gets a lot of heat from the crowd. They clearly remember the way he became the champion defeating Daniel Bryan thanks to The Empire. Helms is wearing purple trunks with a black trench coat which he dispenses of when he gets in the ring as referee Chad Patton signals for the bell and the opening contest at Night of Champions is underway.
The match starts with every superstar in their own corner before they all start brawling all around the ring. Evan Bourne delivers a swift kick to Dolph Ziggler before clotheslining him to the outside as Mysterio and Helms take it in turns to punch and kick one another as well. Bourne goes over to the two of them and starts to work with Mysterio as the two double team Gregory Helms. Mysterio Irish whips Helms into the corner before Bourne runs at him and hits a wicked spinning heel kick which echoes throughout the arena. Helms falls on his backside in the corner as Mysterio runs and delivers a huge Bronco buster to the delight of the crowd. However, his offence is short-lived as Dolph Ziggler returns to the ring, grabs hold of Rey and throws him under the bottom rope as Mysterio lands sternum-first hard on the outside. Ziggler then turns his attention to Bourne but is met with a nice dropkick which sends him back into the turnbuckle.
Bourne uses all the strength he can muster to place Dolph on the top rope in the seated position before joining him on the top rope. Bourne is looking for a huge Frankensteiner, but Ziggler resists and pushes Bourne off the top turnbuckle to the canvas. Helms is back up and quick to join Ziggler on the top rope as he hammers away at The Show Off. Gregory Helms has Ziggler in position for a superplex position but before he can go for it both Evan Bourne and Rey Mysterio are back in the ring and grab one of Helms' legs each. The WWE Universe explode as they can see what is going to happen here as Bourne and Mysterio powerbomb Helms who in turn delivers the huge superplex to Ziggler!! The Tower of Doom! Bourne covers Ziggler but Mysterio pins Helms at the same time and the referee can't decide what to do until he counts with both arms; 1… 2... Both the Intercontinental Champion, Helms and Ziggler manage to kick out as everyone takes a well-deserved breather after a frantic start to the match.
It is Bourne and Mysterio back to their feet first as the two of them hammer away at one another with big right hands and big kicks to the hamstrings. Bourne goes for a big roundhouse kick but the Master of the 619 catches his leg only for Bourne to deliver a beautiful enzuigiri which echoes throughout the arena. Bourne then hits a perfect standing moonsault before hooking the leg; 1… 2... Helms breaks up the pin before throwing Bourne through the ropes and to the outside and then turning his attention to Mysterio. Helms gets one of the three challengers to his feet and delivers a huge slap to Mysterio which gets him some major heat before connecting with a nice X-Plex. Helms covers; 1…… 2…... Dolph Ziggler breaks up the pin before brawling all around the ring with Helms. Dolph then Irish whips Helms into the turnbuckle before running and hitting a huge Stinger Splash followed by a swinging neckbreaker. Ziggler covers; 1…... 2…... Bourne drags Ziggler out of the pinning predicament and to the outside.
Bourne and Ziggler throw big right hands at one another on the outside before they are both taken out by Rey Mysterio who springboards off the top rope and delivers a huge crossbody! All three superstars are down on the outside as Gregory Helms gets back to his feet on the inside and assesses the situation before cockily grinning and then climbing to the top rope. The crowd rise to their feet sensing something huge is coming yet again as Helms jumps and delivers a frog splash into a crossbody which takes out everyone including himself. The crowd start to chant 'holy shit' as all four men are down and on the outside as the referee checks they are all okay and gives the signal that they are before they slowly start to show some signs of movement. It is indeed Helms who is back to his feet first as he drags Evan Bourne back into the ring with him clearly feeling he is about to end the match and retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Helms waits for Bourne to get to his feet and grabs him by the throat before lifting him up and delivering a Chokeslam! That must be it! Helms covers once again; 1……… 2……… Mysterio breaks up the pin attempt. Helms cannot believe it as Mysterio now runs at Helms and delivers his patented wheelbarrow body-scissors into a bulldog. Ziggler is back in the ring and tries to clothesline Rey but the Master of the 619 ducks underneath and springboards off the ropes with a beautiful moonsault. Mysterio covers as he is the only man standing; 1………… 2………… The Show Off gets the shoulder up just in time! Mysterio is on fire as Evan Bourne is back to his feet and starts to hammer away at Mysterio but once again the former World Heavyweight Champion manages to come out on top as he rolls through a sunset flip attempt and nails Bourne with a roundhouse kick to the side of the head. Mysterio hooks the leg; 1…………… 2…………… Bourne gets the shoulder up this time! What Mysterio hasn't realised though is the Intercontinental Champion, Gregory Helms has made his way to the top rope while all this was going on and he jumps delivering the Overcast, his diving neckbreaker. Helms looks to retain his title 1…………… 2…………… Mysterio kicks out as the crowd cheers loudly at the action they are seeing.
Helms cannot believe it and he starts to throw a tantrum as well as shouting at the referee telling him that had to be a three count. Chad Patton insists it was only a two count as Helms looks to re-focus on Mysterio and sets him up for the Nightmare on Helms Street, but Mysterio manages to reverse it into a drop toehold and Helms is in prone position for the 619! The crowd explodes as Mysterio runs at Helms but Ziggler stops him with a huge dropkick before Bourne hits a flying knee on Dolph which sends him outside of the ring! While this is all going on Evan Bourne gets on the top rope and is calling for AIR BOURNE! The former Cruiserweight Champion jumps and lands it on Mysterio! NEW CHAMPION! 1……………… 2……………… Helms breaks up the pin before throwing Bourne outside of the ring and pinning Mysterio himself; 1……………… 2……………… Mysterio gets his foot on the bottom rope to break the count!!
Helms cannot believe it and now goes to the outside and grabs his Intercontinental Championship belt and brings it back in the ring. He is clearly looking to nail Mysterio with it but the Master of the 619 ducks underneath and delivers a hurricanrana to the champion who flies through the ropes and to the outside. Helms gets back to his feet and Dolph Ziggler is up and he nails Helms with a huge SUPERKICK OUT OF NOWHERE! Ziggler takes out Helms. Ziggler now turns his attention to Evan Bourne and catches his foot before driving him back first into the steel ringpost as Bourne falls limply to the ground. Dolph returns to the ring with Mysterio waiting for him and he is caught with a hurricanrana as well which leaves The Show Off in position for the 619! Mysterio runs as the WWE Universe explode once again and this time he HITS IT. 619! Ziggler is groggily staggering around the ring as Mysterio waits on the outside and is thinking the West Coast Pop. Mysterio jumps. SUPERKICK!!! Dolph Ziggler nails Mysterio with a huge Superkick in mid-air. Ziggler hooks the legs of Mysterio; 1……………………… 2……………………… 3!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler via pinfall after delivering a Superkick to Rey Mysterio while in mid-air to become the NEW Intercontinental Champion (12:27)
The music of Dolph Ziggler blares through the PA system as he actually gets a fairly decent pop from the sold-out crowd in Chicago for his amazing end to the match with the Superkick to Rey Mysterio in mid-air. Ziggler is presented with the Intercontinental Championship and holds it aloft as his legs are jelly-like after taking a lot of punishment throughout the match. Helms is on the outside and realises what has happened as Ziggler makes his way out of the ring and up the ramp to more cheers from the sold-out Allstate Arena crowd.
Mathews:
Ziggler has done it! Ziggler has done it! Dolph Ziggler is the new Intercontinental Champion after one heck of a Fatal 4-Way Match with the title on the line. Every superstar involved should be proud of their efforts here tonight at Night of Champions, but that Superkick proved the difference in the end as the Show Off leaves Chicago the new Intercontinental Champion. And just look at Gregory Helms, he looks distraught at ringside after losing his title. Striker:
He does indeed and who can blame him? He only won the prestigious title a matter of weeks ago thanks to some help from The Empire and he has fallen at the first hurdle. Something tells me we might see a more intense and aggressive Gregory Helms in the next few weeks in his quest to regain the gold. A huge congratulations to Dolph Ziggler though here tonight as he proved he may well be the future of the WWE. Mathews:
What a start to the show and we have crowned a new Intercontinental Champion. But throughout the day Chicago's own CM Punk has been visiting landmarks in his hometown in a quest to be added to the World Heavyweight Championship Match between Sheamus, Edge and Daniel Bryan later on this evening. Here is what he had to say.
--------------------
--------------------
The screen cuts to the Chicago skyline and it is quite a view. The camera then turns around and CM Punk alone without his Straight Edge Society is on the observation deck of Willis Tower, the 442m skyscraper in his hometown. A camera is behind Punk who is looking out at the skyline before he begins to speak still with the camera looking at the back of his head.
Straight Edge Saviour - CM Punk:
Chicago! (The crowd pop huge even though this is a pre-recorded vignette). Chicago! This is where it all began for me. The birth of the Straight Edge Saviour and one of the only respectable cities left in this corrupt and addicted world we live in. And tonight, one of the truly great men shall achieve what he has always wanted to achieve and that is become World Heavyweight Champion.
CM Punk now turns around as the camera zooms in on him, but we can still see some of the Chicago skyline in the background.
Straight Edge Saviour - CM Punk:
You see Theodore Long might not have added me to the match, but I promise that if I do not compete in the match for the World Heavyweight Championship tonight then there will be no match. Myself and my Straight Edge Disciples, Luke Gallows, Mike Knox and Serena will make sure the match doesn't even start and if we aren't enough the Chicago crowd will make sure the only name which is heard throughout the entire farce you will call a title match is that of a man who is Chicago made, Chicago bred and Chicago's finest, CM Punk!!!
Punk stares into the camera as it fades and we cut to the backstage area and SmackDown Backstage Interviewer, Byron Saxton.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer - Byron Saxton:
Ladies and Gentlemen, would you please welcome my guests at this time, Paul Burchill, the number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship, Finlay and Drew McIntyre and the World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus, THE EMPIRE!
The crowd give monster heat to The Empire as they all come into shot wearing matching new WWE Shop t-shirts which have their logo on the front and 'We will conquer all' as the tagline below. Sheamus has the World Title over his shoulder as Byron continues with the interview.
Backstage Interviewer - Byron Saxton:
Sheamus, Finlay, Drew and Paul this past Friday you made a statement when you took out Edge, Daniel Bryan and The Hart Dynasty and tonight you could walk out with the World Heavyweight and WWE Tag Team Championships. What is your strategy going into your huge matches here at Night of Champions?
World Heavyweight Champion - Sheamus:
Byron fella' tonight The Empire will once again back up everything we say. On Friday we said we were out for revenge and what did we do? We got out revenge. Tonight, we have said we are walking out with the gold so the Celtic Warrior is going to defend this World Heavyweight Championship against the Rated R has-been, Edge and the American Dragon Kid, Daniel Bryan right after Drew and Finlay take them tag team titles off of The Hart Dynasty in a matter of moments. You see we don't make statements we can't back up and we will conquer SmackDown and the entire WWE because we are superior.
And once we have hold of all the gold nobody and believe me, I mean nobody is going to stop us from doing whatever we want whenever we want. I will become the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion of all-time and we will defeat all-comers in the tag team division. The winds of change have come to the WWE Byron, and they aren't changing anytime soon either.
The Ripper - Paul Burchill:
............
With that The Empire stare intensely into the camera as we cut to SmackDown Ring Announcer Tony Chimel in the ring as the bell rings.
--------------------
--------------------
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP!
The music of the champions, The Hart Dynasty hits first as they receive a warm reception from the WWE Universe. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith are accompanied to the ring by Natalya as all three of them wear black, pink and white attire, paying homage to their Hart training and family. They get into the ring and taunt receiving a nice pop as they have proven they can hang with the best in the ring and have really brought some legitimacy back to the tag team division.
The atmosphere flips 180 when the music of The Empire sounds throughout the arena. The Chicago crowd start a loud 'you suck' chant which reverberates around the building but Finlay, Drew McIntyre and Paul Burchill all completely ignore the crowd reaction. They all get in the ring and stand side by side staring straight ahead as Finlay places his Shillelagh under the bottom turnbuckle of his corner. Referee Jack Doan gets Burchill out of the ring as the match for the WWE Tag Team Championship officially starts.
It is Tyson Kidd and Drew McIntyre who start the match for their respective teams as the crowd quieten down and concentrate on the match at hand. Tyson Kidd tries to use his speed to steer clear of McIntyre, but this only lasts so long as the Sinister Scotsman grabs Kidd and tosses him hard into the turnbuckle. McIntyre runs at Kidd, but Tyson moves out of the way. Drew stops himself from going into the turnbuckle but is quickly rolled up by one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions; 1… 2... McIntyre kicks out and as both men get back to their feet The Empire member nails Tyson Kidd right between the eyes with a big boot before falling into a cover of his own; 1… 2... Kidd gets the shoulder up this time. The WWE Universe applaud the high energy action in the early going as McIntyre tosses Kidd into his corner and now tags the Belfast Brawler, Finlay into the match who tries to keep the momentum building for his team.
The former United States Champion drives his shoulder into Kidd's midriff repeatedly before he drops him to the canvas with his patented short-arm clothesline. Finlay then connects with a leg drop before covering and driving his forearm into the face at the same time; 1… 2... Tyson Kidd kicks out. The Northern Irishman is quick to toss Kidd back into his corner and tag Drew McIntyre back into the match who asks Finlay to Irish whip him his way as Drew drives his knee into Tyson's back with a beautiful tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. McIntyre taunts to the crowd who give him a considerable amount of heat before he goes for another pin but once again Tyson Kidd kicks out as his girlfriend, Natalya looks on worried from the outside. Paul Burchill on the other hand is applauding his Empire teammates on the way they have started the match. Drew McIntyre now tosses Kidd back into his corner once again and makes another tag to Finlay.
Finlay is straight into the action again this time clubbing away at the back of Tyson Kidd which has taken some serious punishment. He lifts Kidd up onto his shoulders, but Kidd manages to slide off his back before connecting with a huge roundhouse kick! Finlay collapses to the canvas as both men are down and the WWE Universe gets louder and louder willing Kidd on to make a tag to David Hart Smith. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre gets in the ring and drags Finlay over to his corner. The referee goes over to Drew and admonishes him but while he does this, Paul Burchill runs around the ring and pulls David Hart Smith off the apron just as Kidd was about to make the tag and Smith's head bounces off the ring apron as he is down on the outside. The Empire numbers game outdoes The Hart Dynasty on this occasion. Back in the ring Finlay now does make the tag and McIntyre takes out Tyson Kidd immediately with a vicious looking snap suplex as the crowd boos loudly.
McIntyre now stomps away at Kidd some more before getting him on his shoulders in a fireman's carry position. The Sinister Scotsman drops Kidd suddenly across his knees connecting with a brutal gutbuster. McIntyre laughs before covering; 1…… 2…… David Hart Smith comes in and breaks it up! The crowd cheers loudly as Smith takes a shot at Finlay which sends him off the apron but then the referee orders him out of the ring. He reluctantly leaves and then starts smirking as he runs round the ring and nails Paul Burchill with a huge clothesline to the sheer delight of the WWE Universe. Smith gets back on the apron in his corner and starts stomping his foot on the steel steps to try and encourage his Hart Dynasty teammate to get back into the match somehow. McIntyre just smirks at Smith arrogantly as he gets Tyson Kidd to his feet before going for another fireman's carry gutbuster, but Kidd slides off Drew's back before jumping and taking the Sinister Scotsman out with a huge neckbreaker which leaves both superstars down in the centre of the ring.
The crowd increase the noise as they sense this is Tyson Kidd's moment to finally make a tag and he does to David Hart Smith as Drew McIntyre also makes a tag to Finlay. Smith comes in on fire to the delight of the crowd as he takes down the Northern Irishman with a couple of clotheslines before delivering a huge boot to the face. Paul Burchill then gets on the apron and tries to distract Smith but the WWE Tag Team Champion nails him with a big right hand which sends Burchill to the floor. Smith then knocks McIntyre off the ring apron with a big boot as well. Smith turns around and Finlay is back to his feet, but Smith sees him coming and kicks him in the gut before hoisting him up for a delayed vertical suplex. Smith holds him there for what seems like an age before dropping him hard on his back and shoulders. The crowd cheer at Smith paying homage to his father, the late British Bulldog. Smith covers; 1……… 2……… Finlay gets the shoulder up just in time.
David Hart Smith remains focused and waits for Finlay to get to his feet as he lifts him onto his shoulders and is looking for the running powerslam, another move used by his father. Smith runs and there it is! Before he can cover though Paul Burchill is once again on the apron. This time out of nowhere Tyson Kidd runs across the ring and dropkicks him off the apron and to the floor below. Kidd has fury in his eyes as the crowd start to cheer loudly and he runs off the ropes before sacrificing his body with a suicide dive which takes out Burchill as The Ripper's head bounces hard off the barricade wall. Kidd is also down as Smith now covers Finlay; 1………… 2………… Drew McIntyre breaks up the pin attempt this time! McIntyre hammers away at Smith before the referee gets in between the two and tries to break the fight up. McIntyre is eventually forced back into his corner, but he kicks the Shillelagh to Finlay while the referee is distracted as well. Smith turns around and Finlay nails him with the weapon. That must be it!! 1……………… 2……………… Smith gets the shoulder up!!!
Finlay cannot believe it and the look on his face says it all. He covers again but once again Smith kicks out. Meanwhile, on the outside Drew McIntyre has seen Tyson Kidd stirring and lifts him to his feet before delivering a FUTURE SHOCK DDT on the outside! Kidd is laid out as Natalya scoots around the ring to check on her boyfriend. Back in the ring Finlay waits for David Hart Smith to get to his feet and decides on using the Shillelagh again even though the referee is urging him not to. McIntyre makes a blind tag as he gets back up on the apron as Smith ducks under the Shillelagh and hits the BULLDOG BOMB!!! Smith hits it on Finlay as he covers but the referee tells him Finlay is not the legal man. Smith turns around and there it is!! FUTURE SHOCK DDT to Smith. McIntyre covers; 1…………………… 2…………………… 3!
Winners: The Empire via pinfall after Drew McIntyre hit the Future Shock DDT on David Hart Smith to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions (10:43)
The WWE Universe boos loudly despite the dominance of Drew McIntyre at the end of the match as their hatred for The Empire surpasses anything they could see from them in the ring. The Empire have captured the WWE Tag Team Titles and are handed them by referee Jack Doan as Paul Burchill stands in the middle of Finlay and Drew and lifts their arms signalling their victory. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith are both out of it on the outside as The Empire's music booms through the arena before they leave the ring and slowly start to make their way up the entrance ramp towards the back.
Mathews:
The Empire has done it! We have new WWE Tag Team Champions despite The Hart Dynasty fighting valiantly to hold onto the gold. The numbers game just proved too much for them with the constant involvement of Paul Burchill and that sadistic shot with the Shillelagh by Finlay as well. The Empire have delivered on part one of their promise here tonight and will walk out of Night of Champions as the new WWE Tag Team Champions. Striker:
You do whatever you have to do to win in this industry and that is exactly what you just saw from the Sinister Scotsman, Drew McIntyre and the Belfast Brawler, Finlay. Every time they were on the back foot, they found a way of turning the momentum around and as much as this Chicago crowd don't like it they have proven here tonight they are going to be one heck of a force to be reckoned with especially with Paul Burchill at ringside supporting their cause. Mathews:
Well simply put Matt that shouldn't be allowed. He had nothing to do with the match so he should have been backstage where everyone else is watching from afar. Nonetheless we have new champions and we have seen two championships change hands already here tonight. But later on this evening will we see another one when the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger takes on Triple H? We will find out.
--------------------
--------------------
We go backstage to RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero's office where she is frantically talking to the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger. The two get a massive amount of heat as the Chicago crowd sees them on the titantron screen. Vickie Guerrero is clearly concerned that her client is in severe jeopardy of losing the title to Triple H tonight after the events of recent weeks, but Swagger seems uncharacteristically relaxed. He admits to Vickie he has been out-thought and outmanoeuvred by The Game since his return at SummerSlam but ultimately in a one-on-one situation in the ring he is the greatest in-ring talent in this company. He says he has proven it by defeating John Cena on more than one occasion and by dominating RAW in recent months. Swagger says that tonight he needs to defend the WWE Championship and prove to himself he is good enough by doing it alone. He tells Vickie not to get involved in the match tonight and let the All American American handle his business alone. Swagger ends the segment by telling her by the end of the night Jack Swagger would still be WWE Champion and The Game would be over!
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
Ladies and gentlemen what a show it has been so far here tonight and the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger looks more focused than ever. He has told Vickie Guerrero to leave the main event against Triple H to him and him alone here tonight. Has Swagger got some sort of plan or does he really think he can defeat The Game after being dominated ever since SummerSlam? I guess we will find out the answers tonight. King:
We will indeed and that is going to be an incredible match as is our next contest of the evening. I am wondering if we are going to see a third title change hands in as many matches Cole. Matt Hardy has been wanting this United States Championship for quite some time and tonight he has his best opportunity yet as he will face his arch-rival and current Champion, Christian in a match the two made famous, a Ladder match! Cole:
This is going to be an incredible contest there is no doubt about it and over the past few weeks Matt Hardy has been on a roll against Captain Charisma. At one point Christian chose Santino Marella as his opponent for tonight but that was quickly overruled by RAW Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus. And it looks like we are just about ready for this United States Championship Ladder match as here comes the challenger!
The familiar music of Matt Hardy hits as he makes his way down to the ring and receives a very warm reception from the Allstate Arena crowd. Hardy is dressed in red and blue camouflaged trousers with a brand-new WWE Shop t-shirt which has the Matt Hardy logo with the tagline 'He'll never die' underneath. Hardy walks to the ring looking at all the ladders lined up down the aisle and the United States Championship which is already high above the ring in preparation for the Ladder Match.
The music of the United States Champion, Christian hits as he enters the arena and gets a mixed reaction from the WWE Universe. Captain Charisma is wearing turquoise embroidered attire with a snazzy hooded jacket to match. Christian brings a ladder nearer to the ring and hits it as it sounds through the arena to show how strong the weapon is. He then gets in the ring and talks trash at Hardy as the bell rings and the third match of the evening starts.
Both men immediately start throwing big right hands at one another as they explode into action. The hatred these two have for each other stems over a decade and it is clear for all to see as they throw punches, kicks and chop each other. It is Christian who gets the upperhand though as he rakes the eyes of Hardy before clotheslining him over the top rope. The United States Champion is quick to join his opponent on the outside as he drives him into the ring apron and then the barricade wall before taunting to the crowd who give him a huge amount of heat as they are firmly in the corner of the challenger, Matt Hardy. Captain Charisma ignores them though and introduces the first ladder into the match as he slowly places it in the centre of the ring before he starts to optimistically climb the ladder looking to finish the match early. Matt Hardy is having none of it though as he returns to the ring and pushes the ladder with Christian on it over as his neck snapshots off the top ring rope to the delight of the crowd.
Hardy grabs the ladder as Christian ends up near a turnbuckle but instead of setting it up Hardy throws the ladder straight at Christian and the impact echoes throughout the arena as the WWE Universe gasp. Hardy taunts and gets another loud pop before he runs full speed at Christian but the United States Champion has recovered enough to throw the ladder back at Hardy and it bounces off the skull of the number one contender. Christian holds his head and checks for blood after being blasted with the ladder earlier before he continues his onslaught. He stomps away at Hardy before getting him back to his feet and Irish whipping him into a different turnbuckle. Hardy comes back out from the turnbuckle and Christian takes him down to the canvas again headfirst with a flapjack. The United States Champion then grabs the ladder in the ring and proceeds to set it up underneath the title once again.
Christian begins to climb and is about two thirds of the way up the ladder when Matt Hardy is back to his feet and starts climbing the other side of the ladder. The two punch each other as they both reach the very top and grab for the title. They both touch the gold which now starts swinging wildly from side to side. Hardy suddenly leaps over Christian and drives the United States Champion into the mat with a ladder-assisted powerbomb as the crowd start chanting 'holy shit' repeatedly. The move has taken a lot out of both men who are motionless as the crowd start chanting for Matt Hardy who is slowly getting to his feet but at the same time, he holds his back clearly in some pain. Christian is laid out in the centre of the ring and the ladder is lying next to him as it fell after the powerbomb. Hardy picks up the ladder but instead of setting it up in the centre of the ring he sets it up near the turnbuckle instead.
The crowd cheers loudly as Hardy points to the top of the ladder clearly thinking something big. He slowly walks to the top and turns around before doing the classic Hardy Boyz taunt and leaping looking for his patented leg drop. The move connects and both superstars are down once again. The WWE Universe is getting louder and louder as they are willing the number one contender for the US Title on. Matt Hardy gets back to his feet with the aid of the ropes as Christian slides to the outside. Hardy now sets up a ladder in the centre of the ring before very gingerly climbing the rungs towards the championship belt. Hardy gets to the top when suddenly Christian slides another ladder from the top rope to a rung on the ladder in the centre of the ring horizontally to form a bridge. Christian then scurries across the bridge before nailing Hardy in the back as he comes down to Captain Charisma's level.
This is a precarious position for both superstars as they hammer away at one another. Christian manages to kick Hardy in the gut though and somehow maintains his balance. He then drags Hardy across the bridge but he would be made to regret this as when Christian goes to grab Hardy the next time, it is reversed and Hardy leaps with Christian delivering a huge Side Effect off the ladder to the canvas below as once again both superstars are left on the mat breathing heavily and we are no closer to finding out who is going to walk out of Night of Champions as the United States Champion. It is once again the Man Who Will Not Die who gets back to his feet first and he gets Christian to his feet before looking to hit the Twist of Fate. Hardy goes for it but Christian reverses and rams Hardy's head into the bridge ladder. Hardy is busted open as blood streams down his face before Christian gets him in position and there it is! The KILLSWITCH!
The crowd go silent as they sense that could be the end of Matt Hardy's dream. Christian slowly gets to his feet and starts scaling the ladder as most in the arena including the announce team believe he is about to retain the United States Championship against all the odds. Christian slowly and carefully takes one step at a time towards the ladder as Matt Hardy is all over the place with blood pouring down his face. Hardy gets back to his feet but immediately falls over again into the ladder forcing it to fall over. Christian crashes and burns as Hardy is still staggering about and holding onto the top rope now trying to get his balance back before trying to retrieve the title himself. Hardy slowly manages to pick the ladder back up and place it in the centre of the ring and forms the bridge again to help him scale the ladder quicker. Hardy gets on the bridge before he painstakingly makes his way up towards the swinging championship.
Christian is back to his feet and groggily starts making his way up the other side of the ladder. He manages to catch up with Hardy and the two start slugging it out at the top of the ladder as the WWE Universe sense something huge is about to happen. Captain Charisma goes for a huge uppercut, but Matt Hardy blocks it and delivers a punch of his own which rocks Christian. The United States Champion then steps up one rung above Hardy and one from the very top of the ladder before going for a punch but Hardy this time manages to punch Christian in the side before delivering a back body drop to him! Christian connects with the ladder bridge as it slides away from the other ladder, and he ends up a mangled mess in between steel ladders as the crowd explode. Matt Hardy climbs up the last two rungs before he waits for the title to stop swinging and unhooks the title! Matt Hardy wins the United States Championship!!!
Winner: Matt Hardy via unhooking of the title after back body dropping Christian onto another ladder to become the NEW United States Champion (11:07)
Cole:
Matt Hardy has become the United States Champion again in an unbelievable ladder match where he took severe punishment. Hardy is a bloody mess at the top of that ladder but winning that title has made it all worth it for the Man Who Will Not Die. Christian put up a valiant effort to try and hang on to his title but in the end, it was Hardy who had enough in the tank to retrieve the prestigious title. King:
He did indeed and this is the culmination of a tremendous journey he has been on. Christian has held onto that title against Hardy in controversial circumstances in the past few weeks and months but now Hardy has realised his dream and has won the United States Title. What an unbelievably brutal match that was. I don't think either of these men will be the same again for quite some time after that! Cole:
You might be right King. Both men took a tremendous amount of punishment in that match and neither of them will be moving too well tomorrow morning that's for sure. It is Matt Hardy that will walk out of Night of Champions though as our NEW United States Champion and so far, we have seen a title change hands in every match here in Chicago. What a night it has been so far and there is still so much more to come.
Matt Hardy is standing at the top of the ladder hoisting the United States Championship aloft with blood down his face and welts all over his body from hitting steel ladders throughout the match. Hardy gets a huge pop from the crowd as he starts to tear up a little bit before he slowly and carefully gets down from the ladder and begins to walk up the ramp and out of the ring as the screen fades and the camera cuts away.
--------------------
--------------------
The camera cuts to a stadium, none other than Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears American Football team. The camera then pans around and none other than CM Punk appears in the foreground as he continues from his message earlier in the evening.
Straight Edge Saviour - CM Punk:
The Chicago Bears! Without doubt the most skilful and talented team in the entire NFL despite what many say. Time and time again we have been screwed over by corrupt authority. Time and time again the Green Bay Packers have stolen our spotlight. Well tonight that is all going to change because I will not let the corrupt authority in the WWE stop me from achieving greatness in the greatest city on this earth. CM Punk deserves to be in the World Heavyweight Championship match tonight and if it is the last thing I do I will get into that match. Sheamus, Edge and Daniel Bryan I am coming for you because Straight Edge is the only way to live!
The camera now switches again, and we are with Todd Grisham in the backstage area.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer - Todd Grisham:
Ladies and gentlemen, would you please welcome my guest at this time, we just witnessed him beat Christian in an epic Ladder Match and become the NEW United States Champion, MATT HARDY!
The crowd explodes as a bloody and battered Matt Hardy comes into shot holding the United States Title over his shoulder and a white towel in his right hand. He is smiling and noticeably out of breath after a gruelling match as Todd continues the interview.
Backstage Interviewer - Todd Grisham:
Congratulations Matt, you finally defeated Christian for the United States Title here tonight. How are you feeling right now after victory at Night of Champions?
United States Champion - Matt Hardy:
Todd, I am feeling great! I put everything I had on the line out there and it was enough to win me this gold and beat Christian who has been a thorn in my side for the last few months. I cannot wait to defend this title and bring honour and prestige back to a Championship which has been held by many legends in this business. Sure, I am going to be sore and aching in the morning, but I will be at RAW tomorrow night to let everyone know my plans moving forwards with this title.
Before Matt Hardy can continue to go any further a slow clap is heard as the camera swings round and it is none other than Paul Heyman alongside his newest client, Lance Cade. They walk into shot as Heyman grabs the microphone off Todd Grisham who scurries off the set.
The Advocate - Paul Heyman:
Well, well, well if it isn't Matt Hardy, the sensible one of the Hardy brothers who steers clear of the illegal substances and frankly breaking his body for no good reason. But let me tell you something Matt, I want to say well done for your win tonight. I want to say well done for finally clearing that hurdle of Christian and I want to say well done for finally realising your dream. But I want you to enjoy tonight, go out, have a few drinks; have some fun with the fans and the title because you are not going to be holding it long. Your next challenge is going to be too big for even The Man Who Will Not Die because he is going to beat you so bad you will wish you were dead already. Ladies and Gentlemen, the next United States Champion and none other than the Next Big Thing himself, the Ruthless Redneck, LANCE CADE!!!
Lance Cade and Matt Hardy go face-to-face as Paul Heyman has a sadistic grin on his face before Heyman calls for Cade to step down and the two walk off. Matt Hardy then looks focused on his United States Championship belt and the next challenge he may face.
--------------------
--------------------
Mathews:
What a night it has been so far here at Night of Champions and it looks like Matt Hardy; the new United States Champion may have already met his first challenger in the man who has been undefeated since joining forces with Paul Heyman, Lance Cade. Hardy just defeated Christian in an unbelievable Ladder match, but it doesn't look like he is going to get long to celebrate with his United States Title. Striker:
It certainly doesn't and when you're a champion in the WWE that is always the case. You are targeted immediately because winning a title means more exposure, more money and more opportunities. Lance Cade would be a great first challenger for Matt Hardy, but I would hazard a guess that Christian wouldn't see it that way. Anyway, Josh I believe it’s time for some more action and this is going to be fast-paced and action-packed for sure! Mathews:
It is for sure as the Cruiserweight Championship is on the line between the Champion, Kaval and the challenger who has made a huge impact over recent weeks, Scotty 2 Hotty. A few weeks ago, Kaval challenged anyone to a match in the locker room and the former member of Too Cool accepted and went on to shock the World Warrior in pinning him 1, 2, 3. Tonight, Scotty has a chance of a lifetime as he looks to become the Cruiserweight Champion.
The music of the World Warrior, Kaval hits first and the Cruiserweight Champion explodes through the curtain in red and black attire as the crowd jeer him down the aisle. He is wearing the title around his waist as he gets in the ring and stands on the top rope as he hoists the title above his head before awaiting his opponent for tonight.
The music of Scotty 2 Hotty now hits and the crowd give him a great pop as the former member of Too Cool bounces energetically down the ramp and into the ring. He is wearing jeans which have WORM written down the side of them and he looks excited for the Cruiserweight Championship opportunity he has. The bell rings and referee Scott Armstrong encourages the superstars to lock up.
The match starts with Kaval immediately going after Scotty and kicking him in the knee and gut a few times before Irish whipping him and delivering a beautiful dropkick before going for the early pin; 1… 2... Scotty kicks out. Kaval then connects with a series of arm drags before he bridges after delivering a nice Northern Lights suplex but once again Scotty kicks out in the early going. Kaval Irish whips Scotty into the turnbuckle before cartwheeling his way towards him and hitting the Tidal Crush and the kick to the side of the head echoes throughout the arena. Scotty 2 Hotty might be out. Kaval covers again; 1… 2... Scotty 2 Hotty gets the shoulder up just in time! The WWE Universe are clearly concerned about Scotty and start to get behind him as Kaval gets him to his feet and looks to be going for another huge Roundhouse Kick.
Scotty manages to duck underneath though and rolls the Cruiserweight Champion up; 1… 2... Kaval kicks out this time. Both superstars are quickly to their feet, but Scotty is taken down quickly this time with a spinning heel kick. Kaval now taunts to the crowd who give him some serious heat as they are clearly pulling for Scotty 2 Hotty to win the gold. Kaval ignores them and looks to go back on the attack as he stomps away at Scotty before getting him to his feet. Kaval kicks him in the gut and then looks to go for some sort of suplex but the former member of Too Cool has it well scouted and reverses the pressure delivering a suplex of his own instead. Scotty now holds his head and the top ring rope for balance before he goes to the top rope as the crowd get louder. Scotty jumps and delivers a huge crossbody; 1…… 2…… Kaval just gets the shoulder up and avoids losing the Cruiserweight Title.
Scotty gets back to his feet and clearly senses he is the ascendancy in the match and could be on the verge of becoming the Cruiserweight Champion. Scotty thinks about what he wants to do next as Kaval slowly gets back to a vertical base. Scotty 2 Hotty throws Kaval over the top rope or so he thinks not realising Kaval has managed to skin the cat and is now back in the ring. Scotty turns around and sees Kaval before running at him. The World Warrior uses his ring awareness though and pulls down the top rope as Scotty goes flying to the floor below. Kaval sees that Scotty has fallen hard to the ground and now runs off the ropes before diving with a huge spiralling corkscrew which takes Scotty 2 Hotty and himself out. The crowd give a huge pop and start to chant 'that was awesome' as both men are down and out on the outside and barely moving. They eventually do start to stir, and Kaval slowly gets to his feet.
The World Warrior gets Scotty 2 Hotty to his feet before putting him back in the ring and then going to the top rope. The Cruiserweight Champion jumps and hits an unbelievable Phoenix Splash! That surely must be it for Scotty; 1………… 2………… Scotty manages to get his foot on the rope as referee Scott Armstrong waves off the count. The WWE Universe in Chicago now start getting louder once again as Kaval gets frustrated and starts arguing with the referee about the count claiming it was slow. Armstrong is having none of it and the time Kaval spends arguing allows Scotty back to his feet. Kaval turns around. SUPERKICK! Scotty delivers it; 1………… 2………… Kaval manages to get the shoulder up and avoids losing his title. Scotty can't believe it, but he senses this is his moment as Kaval is in the exact position needed for the number one contender to execute the WORM!
Scotty starts the theatrics which pre-empt the move and he then does the popular dance move before looking like he is going to drop the chop across the throat of Kaval but he rolls out of the way! Kaval avoids disaster as Scotty runs over to him and tries to continue to win the title. Scotty drops Kaval with a big hip toss before he goes to the top rope once again. Scotty is looking for something big here as the WWE Universe anticipates what it could be. Scotty jumps but he is met with a huge dropkick in mid-air, and he crumbles to the canvas in a heap. Kaval says that this one is over as he gets Scotty 2 Hotty in position and locks in the Dragon Clutch his grounded dragon sleeper. The Chicago crowd urge Scotty to break the hold but after about 35 seconds in the hold he has completely passed out and Scott Armstrong calls for the bell and declares Kaval the winner by submission.
Winner: Kaval via submission after locking in the Dragon Clutch to RETAIN the Cruiserweight Championship (7:42)
Mathews:
Kaval has done it! He has retained the Cruiserweight Championship after making Scotty 2 Hotty pass out to that devastating Dragon Clutch which absolutely nobody is escaping from any time soon. The World Warrior becomes the first Champion tonight to retain his title and he did it convincingly in the end. Scotty 2 Hotty put in a great effort but in the end, it was the talents of Kaval which shone through. Striker:
Kaval may be the best athlete in the entire WWE right now and he dispatched Scotty 2 Hotty in convincing fashion here tonight as you say. It could be quite some time before Kaval relinquishes a hold of that Cruiserweight Championship and you have to say he has proven his abilities time and time again since coming to the WWE a few months ago. He beat Evan Bourne for the title and tonight he has retained against Scotty 2 Hotty. Mathews:
He has indeed and he is still the Cruiserweight Champion. The question which now needs answering is who will be his next challenger and that answer might be provided by you the WWE Universe at our next pay-per-view where all the matches will be decided by you. It is the return of Cyber Sunday!
Back in the ring Kaval celebrates with his Cruiserweight Championship as he gets some heat from the Chicago crowd. There are pockets of fans amongst them that are cheering for the World Warrior who clearly respect his in-ring skills and may be familiar with his independent background. Eventually Kaval leaves the ring with his music blaring through the arena speakers as the screen fades and a commercial for Cyber Sunday plays.
--------------------
--------------------
A video montage of matches at Cyber Sunday from the past plays including a Champion vs. Champion vs. Champion Match between John Cena, King Booker and the Big Show where the WWE Universe voted for King Booker to defend the World Heavyweight Championship, Chris Jericho vs. Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Special Guest Referee and Ric Flair teaming with Rowdy Roddy Piper to take on the Spirit Squad.
A voice-over is then heard once again:
"At Cyber Sunday you the WWE Universe will decide the matches, stipulations and in one case the winner of a match as Cyber Sunday returns!"
WWE Cyber Sunday comes your way Sunday 24th October live on pay-per-view!
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
Indeed, the next time we are on pay-per-view is Cyber Sunday live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas and on that night the WWE Universe will decide on match stipulations, match participants and which Championships they want to see defended. It is going to be quite some night. But first we must see who the Champions are going to be after this incredible Night of Champions pay-per-view where we have already seen three new Champions crowned. King:
We have indeed and we still have so much more to come. The World Heavyweight Championship is still to be defended by Sheamus and Jack Swagger is going it alone against Triple H with the WWE Championship on the line. I don't know about you Cole, but I cannot wait to see what happens next in the only match of the evening which isn't for a Championship between the Animal, Batista and the Phenom, The Undertaker! Cole:
This is not going to be for the faint-hearted that is for sure. These two men utterly despise one another and have been on the warpath for a couple of months ever since The Undertaker was drafted to RAW the week before Money in the Bank. Batista is determined to prove he is the best in this company and tonight he says he will prove it by beating the Deadman in none other than a No Holds Barred Match and it happens right now!
The gong sounds and the WWE Universe explodes as none other than The Undertaker makes his trademark entrance. He methodically walks down to the ring as smoke billows all around him before he raises the lights when he gets to the top of the steel steps. He then gets in the ring and rolls his eyes into the back of his head when he takes his hat off. Undertaker then awaits his opponent for this evening.
The rock music of Batista hits and he is given major heat from the Chicago crowd who clearly aren't big fans of the former WWE Champion. The Animal ignores them though as he demands his single spotlight on his way down the ramp before he gets in the ring and shows absolutely no fear at having to face the Deadman here tonight. Finally, the bell rings as referee Charles Robinson is in charge of this No Holds Barred Match.
Batista vs. The Undertaker NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH
The match starts with both big men hammering away at one another before Batista delivers a knee to the gut of the Undertaker which drives the wind out of him. Batista Irish whips Taker into the turnbuckle before delivering some shoulder thrusts to the midsection clearly targeting this area of the Deadman. Batista continues his onslaught with several punches before Undertaker reverses the momentum completely and throws Batista into the turnbuckle and connecting with some quick-fire right and left hands of his own. Undertaker then Irish whips Batista to the other corner before sprinting and hitting a big splash in the corner and then connecting with a big boot and a leg drop to The Animal. The Undertaker covers; 1… 2... Batista manages to kick out in the early going. Undertaker waits for Batista to get up and grabs his arm before twisting it and moving towards the turnbuckle one again as the crowd cheer.
The Undertaker is clearly looking for some Old School as he walks carefully across the top rope but before he can jump Batista pushes him off and to the floor on the outside as the Undertaker's body makes an audible thud as the crowd gasp. Batista takes some time to get his breath back before going to the outside looking to get solidly on top in the match. The Animal picks up the Phenom before driving him back first into the steel ring post twice as he flops to the ground once again. Batista then starts shouting into the crowd saying that he is the best there is. The former WWE Champion has a deranged look in his eyes as he lifts up the ring apron and pulls out a Steel Chair from underneath. He slides it into the ring before picking up the Undertaker and returning him inside as well. Batista then picks up the Steel Chair and waits for the Deadman to get up as he nails him in the back as the crowd boo loudly. Batista covers; 1…… 2…... Undertaker kicks out!
Batista smirks at the fact the Undertaker kicked out and is clearly intent on doing as much damage as possible to his opponent before hopefully winning the match. He picks up the Steel Chair once again and swings for the Phenom, but this time Undertaker grabs Batista by the throat and delivers a Chokeslam! 1…… 2…... Batista just gets the shoulder up in time! Undertaker looks focused and has the Chair in his hands as he waits for the Animal to stumble back to his feet. Taker hits Batista in the midsection before nailing him on the back as well. Undertaker then throws the Chair to the outside before pinning once again but Batista again kicks out showing his resiliency. This does not amuse the Phenom who decides to throw Batista outside of the ring and starts dismantling the SmackDown announce table as the WWE Universe pop loudly as they think they might be about to witness something huge occur.
Undertaker grabs Batista by the throat once again and is clearly looking for another Chokeslam but the Animal has it well scouted and resists. He punches away at the Phenom before kicking him in the gut. Then in one sweeping motion he picks up the Undertaker and launches him through the announce table with a huge spinebuster!!! The announce table explodes as the Chicago crowd go nuts and both men are down and out on the outside. Charles Robinson checks on both superstars but they both give the okay to continue and very gingerly start moving. Batista is moving better as he slowly drags the Deadman back to the ring and covers; 1……… 2……… The Undertaker shows incredible resolve to get the shoulder up and avoid defeat. The Animal cannot believe it and starts to shout at the referee, but he insists it was only a two count, nothing more.
Batista senses he isn't going to have a better chance of winning the match than right now and lifts Undertaker to his feet. He gets him on his shoulder and drives him into the canvas with a nice powerslam. The Animal then goes to the outside and from underneath the ring he pulls out a Kendo Stick as the crowd sense some more punishment may be coming the way of the Phenom. Batista hits the weapon on the steel steps on his way into the ring which makes a racket before he swings for the fences and nails Undertaker in the midsection four times in a row as every time the WWE Universe gasp at the noise the attack makes. The Animal drops the weapon and drives the Undertaker into the canvas with another spinebuster! Batista pins and clearly thinks he has done enough damage; 1………… 2………… The Undertaker gets the shoulder up!!!
Batista is livid now and he goes straight to the outside of the ring and looks underneath. The Animal pulls out a table as the crowd pops once again. Batista slowly slides it in the ring but before he can set it up Undertaker is somehow back to his feet and starts throwing big right hands at Batista who is rocked backwards by the impact of everyone. The Undertaker then lifts Batista up and delivers Snake Eyes before flooring him with a big boot to the face. Undertaker does his cutthroat taunt and he is clearly intent on finishing off the Animal right here and right now. Undertaker picks Batista up and looks for the Tombstone Piledriver but Batista manages to slide off his back. The Animal then runs at the Undertaker looking for a Spear, but he only meets the turnbuckle as Taker moves out of the way. Undertaker now lifts Batista up for the LAST RIDE!!! 1……………… 2……………… Batista gets the shoulder up!
The Undertaker cannot believe it and he sets up the table which Batista brought in a while ago. He is clearly thinking it is time to finish the match but instead of looking to put Batista through the table he decides to go for the Hell's Gate instead! Undertaker locks it in as the Animal squirms around desperately trying to escape the hold he tapped out to at SummerSlam. Batista is fading but suddenly he gets a new burst of adrenaline and energy from someone and shows incredible strength by lifting the Undertaker after breaking the hold. Batista lifts him high up in the air before falling forwards and driving the Deadman through the TABLE!!! Undertaker goes through the table and the WWE Universe cannot believe it. Batista eventually gets his bearings back but instead of pinning he shakes the ring ropes and gets Undertaker in position and there it is! The BATISTA BOMB!!! Batista hooks the leg; 1…………………… 2…………………… 3!
Winner: Batista via pinfall after a Batista Bomb(12:51)
Cole:
Batista wins! He has backed up everything he has said about winning against the Undertaker here tonight at Night of Champions and what a way to do it after breaking the Hell's Gate by putting the Phenom through a table and then delivering a thunderous Batista Bomb to finish him off. That could be one of the biggest wins of Batista's career so far. He has backed up everything he has been saying and he may well be the best in the WWE right now. King:
He could very well be. That was an incredible No Holds Barred Match and although Batista won, he had to put the Deadman through the announce table, another table in the ring and then hit him with a Batista Bomb to get the 1, 2, 3. Nonetheless the Animal truly was unleashed here tonight in Chicago but these fans don't seem too happy with this result Cole. It is a bit of a strange crowd here tonight at Night of Champions don't you think? Cole:
Chicago is always a crowd who will give whatever opinion they please and that must be respected. Undertaker is such a popular superstar that whenever he loses the crowd reacts in whatever way they see fit and they are clearly upset that Batista just beat the Phenom here tonight. What a night it has been so far at Night of Champions and we still have our huge main event to come as the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger defends against none other than The Game, Triple H!
Batista’s music plays loudly in the arena as he celebrates a monumental win over none other than the Undertaker. The Animal goes to the second rope and taunts as the crowd give him massive heat. He poses and shouts at them he is the best there is in the WWE today before he exits the ring and taunts once again at the top of the entrance ramp as the screen fades and cuts to the outside of the Allstate Arena in Chicago.
--------------------
--------------------
The camera zooms in from a long way out to focus on Luke Gallows, Mike Knox, Serena and none other than Chicago’s own CM Punk once again. Punk stares at the camera intently before speaking his mind once again.
Straight Edge Saviour – CM Punk:
The time has come, we have arrived. Me and my disciples are here at the Allstate Arena and we are going to invade. I will get what I want, and I will get what I deserve. And if I don’t get what I deserve my Straight Edge Society and my people in Chicago will end this show prematurely. These are not words; this is the doctrine I live by and a doctrine which will be recognised here tonight. CM Punk will walk out of the Allstate Arena as the World Heavyweight Champion and CM Punk will prove to the world the only way is the Straight Edge way. Gallows, Knox, Serena it is time to put our plan into action.
With that CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Mike Knox and Serena all walk towards the entrance of the Allstate Arena as the camera looks at the back of them before cutting back to ringside where the camera settles on the RAW announce team of Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
CM Punk is determined to get himself inserted into the World Heavyweight Championship Match tonight here at Night of Champions that is for sure. We have seen him at various landmarks around Chicago and it seems he is now at the Allstate Arena and plans on ending the show prematurely if he is not given what he wants. You must wonder if SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long made a big mistake by not giving Punk what many believed was a deserved opportunity. King:
Well, it is looking that way isn’t it Michael? We could have a severe situation on our hands here because you know this crowd is going to be as partisan as it could possibly be as we are in Chicago, the hometown of the Straight Edge Saviour. Either way it is going to be very interesting to see what happens but right now Cole it is my favourite time of the evening. You know why? It is time for DIVA’s actions, and we get to see three of them here tonight! Cole:
It is indeed. The DIVA’s Champion, Melina will defend her title in a Triple Threat match against one DIVA from RAW, Alicia Fox and one DIVA from SmackDown, Mickie James. Over recent weeks all three of these DIVA’s have had the upperhand on the others so the title could end up in anyone’s hands here tonight at Night of Champions. We have already seen three title changes. Are we going to see a fourth I wonder? It is time to find out!
The music of the Paparazzi Princess, Melina hits first as the DIVA’s Champion makes her way down to the ring in a green and black version of her usual attire with a black fur jacket on as well. She stands on the ring apron before performing her splits much to the delight of the male population in Chicago at Night of Champions. She then gets in the ring and taunts with the butterfly belt before awaiting her two challengers this evening.
Alicia Fox is next to enter, and she gets a mixed reaction from the WWE Universe after her actions of recent weeks. She is wearing a leopard print outfit as she struts down to the ring looking supremely confident. The atmosphere then changes drastically as Mickie James enters and she gets a huge pop from the Chicago crowd. It is clear who they want to win the match as the popular DIVA skips down to the ring in her jeans and casual top. She stares a hole through Melina as the title is raised in the air signifying it is on the line and the bell rings to start the match.
Melina immediately scurries out of the ring and wants absolutely nothing to do with Mickie James and Alicia Fox. However, the two challengers look at each other but instead of fighting one another they decide to go to the outside and get Melina back in the ring instead. Mickie and Fox take it in turns to slap and kick the DIVA’s Champion before Alicia Fox delivers a massive kick to the face and Mickie nearly clotheslines her out of her boots. The two of them then throw Melina through the ropes as she lands with a thud on the outside. This leaves Mickie James and Alicia Fox in the ring and the two of them start throwing big forearms at one another. It looks like Mickie is getting the better of Alicia Fox as she runs off the ropes and hits a nice dropkick but as she comes off the ropes once again, she is caught with a huge tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Alicia Fox covers; 1… 2… Melina is back in the ring and breaks up the count.
The DIVA’s Champion gets Fox to her feet and delivers a huge snapmare driver to the challenger before she stomps away at Mickie James before making her get to her feet and Irish whipping her hard into the turnbuckle. Melina places the body of Mickie horizontally across the second turnbuckle before she propels herself from the top rope and connects with two knees across the sternum of Mickie. Melina now covers; 1… 2… Mickie James kicks out. Melina turns around and Alicia Fox is now straight on her as she tries to cover up, but Alicia delivers a huge forearm to the face of the DIVA’s Champion before she delivers a bridging Northern Lights suplex out of nowhere. Could we have a new champion? 1…… 2…… Melina gets the shoulder up. Alicia Fox can’t believe it and argues with the referee before turning around but Melina is back to her feet and nails Fox with a huge lariat. She pins; 1…… 2…… Fox kicks out.
Melina starts to get frustrated at not being able to finish off either of the DIVA’s challenging her for the title. She begins to scream which gets her some major heat from the crowd before she re-focuses on Alicia Fox. She Irish whips Fox and on the rebound she connects with a beautiful tilt-a-whirl facebuster! Melina doesn’t pin though and instead delivers a brutal-looking hair-pull curb stomp! The DIVA’s Champion now covers; 1……… 2……… Mickie James breaks up the pin attempt. Mickie now starts brawling all around the ring with Melina as the crowd pop for the fight becoming more physical. Mickie delivers a Thesz Press before hammering away at the champion. She delivers her trademark hurricanrana in the corner to Melina before calling for the end of the match as she looks for her patented Mickie-DT. However, before she can go for it Alicia Fox is back in the fray and throws Mickie out of the ring before dropping Melina with a big boot.
Alicia Fox bounces off the ropes and connects with a beautiful somersault leg drop to the DIVA’s Champion. This could be it! 1……… 2……… Melina just gets the shoulder up in the nick of time. Alicia now senses she could just be moments away from becoming the DIVA’s Champion for the first time as Melina slowly gets halfway to her feet in perfect position for Fox to deliver the Scissors Kick! Melina has it well scouted though and instead manages to hit the LAST CALL out of nowhere!!! Melina hooks the leg; 1………… 2………… Mickie James is back in the ring and breaks up the pin attempt before Melina can retain the title. Before Melina knows anything about it, she is in position for the MICKIE-DT as the challenger spikes the DIVA’s Champion before pinning. Alicia Fox is completely out of it leaving Melina in real trouble. 1…………………… 2…………………… 3! We have a NEW DIVA’S Champion!!!
Winner: Mickie James via pinfall after hitting the Mickie-DT on Melina to become the NEW DIVA’s Champion (6:38)
Cole:
We have got a new DIVA’s Champion and her name is Mickie James. Mickie was in the right place at the right time and connected with that huge Mickie-DT to Melina to win an unprecedented seventh DIVA’s Championship. Mickie has now truly joined the elite in women’s wrestling history there is absolutely no doubt about it. That match could have gone either way for sure, but it is Mickie James who was in the right place at the right time to win the gold. King:
It is indeed. Mickie James will no doubt join the legends of women’s wrestling with this win tonight and it couldn’t be more deserved. The WWE Universe are clearly right behind her as well, just listen to this place. Something tells me this might drive Melina even further off the deep end though and the Paparazzi Princess chasing the title could be quite something to witness over the coming shows. Congratulations to Mickie James on becoming the new DIVA’s Champion! Cole:
Congratulations indeed and what a night it has been so far here at Night of Champions as we have already seen four championships change hands and we still have the two main events from RAW and SmackDown respectively to come. Up next the World Heavyweight Championship is on the line and then the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger will defend against The Game, Triple H. What a Night of Champions this has been and there is still more to come!
In the ring Mickie James lifts the DIVA’s Championship high in the air in celebration before she high fives fans sitting in the front row at the pay-per-view event. Mickie then walks up the ramp and taunts again getting a nice pop as Melina comes too in the ring and looks furious that she is no longer in possession of the DIVA’s Title. The camera then swings around and cuts to the SmackDown announce team of Josh Mathews and Matt Striker.
--------------------
--------------------
Mathews:
What a night it has been so far here in Chicago for Night of Champions and things are about to get even better as it is now time for the SmackDown main event for the World Heavyweight Championship. The leader of The Empire, Sheamus will defend against both Daniel Bryan and Edge in a Triple Threat match but Matt there is one man who has been on a crusade throughout the evening to be added to the match, that man is none other than Chicago’s own CM Punk. Striker:
The Straight Edge Saviour believes he has been overlooked by SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long and frankly he has a very good point. CM Punk has been on an incredible roll which culminated in him defeating one of the challengers here tonight, Edge this past Friday on SmackDown. It is going to be very interesting to see what happens as Punk and the Straight Edge Society have promised to hold up the show unless he is added to this championship contest. Mathews:
But what on earth is going to happen? Something must be done about it that’s for sure but General Manager, Theodore Long made it very clear on Friday he had no desire to add CM Punk to the match. This is going to be very interesting. Well, we are all set regardless for what is scheduled to be a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship. This is the SmackDown main event of the evening at Night of Champions.
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is a Triple Threat Match scheduled for one fall and it is for the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!
------------------You Think You Know Me------------------
The music of the Rated R Superstar, Edge hits first as he explodes into the arena and gets a largely good reaction. He is wearing black and purple wrestling tights, a change from normal as he sets off his colourful pyro before sliding into the ring and looking supremely confident at regaining the World Heavyweight Championship he lost at SummerSlam inside of a Steel Cage. Edge taunts on the turnbuckle and gets a nice response from the Allstate Arena.
The crowd gets even louder for the arrival of the American Dragon, Daniel Bryan as he comes into shot smirking at the hot Chicago crowd. Bryan starts his new Yes chant which seems to be more over than ever as he sidesteps to the ring and enters before taunting to the WWE Universe. He then turns his attention to Edge and gives him a nod to show his respect but is clearly focused on becoming the World Heavyweight Champion for the very first time.
------------------It's a shame for they, lost their head------------------
The music of Sheamus hits and he enters through the curtain to an insane amount of heat. He is alone and not with his Empire stable mates. He holds the World Heavyweight Championship aloft as he makes his way down to the ring wearing his black and green wrestling trunks. Sheamus steps in the ring and gets straight in the faces of Edge and Daniel Bryan as referee Chad Patton tries to calm all three of the superstars down. The introductions are done, and the match is about to start when…
The Allstate Arena comes unglued as the music of the WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon hits and he bursts through the curtain. He struts halfway down the ramp before stopping and urging the fans to make even more noise for himself. He soaks in the incredible reaction before beginning to speak through the microphone he has in his hands as the WWE Universe start to chant for the one and only CM Punk.
WWE Chairman – Mr McMahon:
Thank you! Thank you! Is everyone enjoying Night of Champions? (The crowd pop loudly in response to Vince as he again smiles and strokes his own ego). It has been quite a show that’s for sure but there is some controversy about this match for the World Heavyweight Championship and yesterday I received a phone call from a certain WWE Superstar who was very angry with the treatment he received on SmackDown on Friday night. That superstar also happened to be from a certain place called Chicago. (The crowd explode once again before Vince continues). Now I have considered all the points he made, and I can indeed reveal that I agree with him. So, this match will not be a Triple Threat match any longer. This match will be a Fatal 4-Way Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. (The crowd pops loudly once more). And the fourth man is a man simply known as the Straight Edge Saviour. So, Chicago would you please welcome CM PUNK!!!!!
The rockstar music of CM Punk hits and the Allstate Arena crowd goes mental. CM Punk walks through the curtain on his own without the Straight Edge Society with the biggest grin on his face you could possibly imagine. The Straight Edge Saviour asks for more from the Chicago crowd and of course they are happy to oblige. Punk slowly makes his way to the ring to thunderous chants as he gets in and the Fatal 4-Way match is now officially underway with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line.
We don’t get off to a slow start as all four men brawl to the delight of the Chicago crowd. It turns out Edge and Sheamus are in one corner and CM Punk and Daniel Bryan are in the other. Punk starts getting the better of Bryan which pleases the fans as he hits a combination of punches and a spinning back elbow before clotheslining him out of the ring. CM Punk then launches himself halfway across the ring at Sheamus and Edge as the three of them get into it. Punk nails Sheamus with a roundhouse kick which floors him before ducking a punch from Edge and connecting with another roundhouse kick, this time to the Rated R Superstar. CM Punk quickly pins; 1… 2… Edge kicks out. The WWE Universe go crazy as CM Punk stands in the middle of the ring and is the only man on his feet as Bryan is back up to his on the outside. Punk sees this and runs before launching himself through the ropes with a suicide dive taking out the American Dragon!
The Allstate Arena crowd start chanting for CM Punk as the Straight Edge Saviour has dominated in the early going as he looks to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Back on the inside Sheamus and Edge go at it as the World Heavyweight Champion clubs the challenger on his back several times before lifting him up and planting him with a nice powerslam. Sheamus pins this time, but Edge again manages to kick out. The leader of The Empire now gets Edge to his feet and Irish whips him into the corner before running and connecting with a big shoulder thrust to the midriff of the man he defeated for the title at SummerSlam. The Celtic Warrior delivers a few uppercuts to Edge before he takes a few steps back and runs at Edge. Before he can do any damage though, CM Punk takes him out with a springboard clothesline instead. Punk is on fire and he is not done yet as he sees Edge in the corner and delivers his patented high knee to the Rated R Superstar.
Punk now locks him in position for the bulldog and as he goes for it Sheamus is back up and Punk goes for a clothesline at the same time on the Chicago-born superstar. However, the Irishman holds CM Punk in the air and along with Edge the duo throws CM Punk over the top rope and to the floor below much to the disappointment of the crowd as they boo loudly. The alliance between Sheamus and Edge is predictably short-lived as the two now start throwing big right hands at one another until Edge ducks under a clothesline attempt and nails Sheamus between the eyes with a beautiful spinning heel kick. Edge follows it up with a nice downward spiral and then a huge neckbreaker before covering the World Heavyweight Champion; 1… 2… Daniel Bryan is back in the ring and breaks up the pin attempt. The former Intercontinental Champion now starts kicking Edge who is on his knees as the crowd chant ‘Yes’ with him as each and every kick connects. Bryan then goes for a big roundhouse kick to end the sequence but Edge ducks and rolls Bryan up; 1… 2… Bryan avoids disaster.
Edge and Bryan now go at it some more and it is the American Dragon who comes out on top as he drops Edge to the canvas with a nice dropkick before turning him over on his stomach. Bryan places his feet on the knee joints of Edge before showing some impressive core strength to get Edge up in the surfboard! Bryan pulls back and puts as much pressure as he can on the body of the former champion as referee Chad Patton asks him if he wants to give up. Edge refuses but suddenly out of nowhere CM Punk is on the top turnbuckle behind Bryan so he is out of view. CM Punk points his hands in the sky as the crowd get louder and louder before he jumps and delivers a huge elbow drop to Edge while he was still in the surfboard! What a move!!! CM Punk covers; 1…… 2…… Bryan isn’t going to let it end that way as he breaks up the count. The action is fast paced as Bryan and CM Punk start going at it with neither man getting the advantage. Suddenly Sheamus is back in the ring and he takes out both men with a wicked double clothesline!
The leader of The Empire and current World Heavyweight Champion now starts to dominate as he delivers huge running double axe handles to CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. He lifts Bryan up and drops him with a nice rolling fireman’s carry slam before delivering a huge knee to the gut of CM Punk before connecting with a fallaway slam which sends the late addition to the match to the outside as his body makes an audible thud when it lands. Sheamus now hits himself on the chest in traditional fashion before slowly going to the top rope. This is not familiar territory for Sheamus, and he almost pays as his lack of speed allows Daniel Bryan to join him on the top as the two start to slug it out with one another. Suddenly Edge is back in the ring and joins the two of them in the corner as Sheamus has Bryan in position for a Superplex, but Edge is under Sheamus ready to deliver a Powerbomb. They all connect with their respective moves as the WWE Universe explodes and starts chanting ‘holy shit’ at the top of their voices.
CM Punk is suddenly back in the ring as he tries to pin every superstar after that massive Tower of Doom move but every one of them kick out at two much to his frustration. Punk starts arguing with the ref before throwing Bryan out of the ring and pushing Edge out of the ring with his feet. Punk is alone in the ring with Sheamus as he gets the Celtic Warrior on his shoulders and is looking for the GTS!!! CM Punk is going for it and it CONNECTS!!! However, before he can pin, Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill have all sprinted their way down the aisle and they start to beat down Punk as the Allstate Arena gives them an insane amount of heat for beating down their hero. Finlay, Burchill and McIntyre all take it in turns to pummel Punk and it looks like McIntyre is going to hit the Future Shock but here comes the Straight Edge Society!!! Luke Gallows and Mike Knox sprint down to the ring as Serena is not behind and The SES and The Empire get it on as the crowd chant ‘this is awesome’ repeatedly.
CM Punk slowly gets to his feet as the Straight Edge Society and The Empire all brawl and the referee has lost all control but the no disqualification rules of a Fatal 4-Way Match mean he can’t do anything about what is happening. Gallows, Knox, Punk, McIntyre, Finlay and Burchill all end up brawling on the outside and through the crowd as Punk attacks McIntyre and connects with a nice roundhouse kick. Near the entrance ramp but still in the crowd Burchill and Knox are going at it and Knox gets the better of The Empire member as he throws him headfirst into some railings. Finlay gets the better of Luke Gallows as he ducks under a big boot and nails the First Disciple with the Shillelagh. The WWE Universe is going crazy at the action they are seeing as back in the ring Sheamus is looking at what is going on with disbelief but he manages to refocus as Edge and Daniel Bryan are both back up and in the ring and looking to target the man who has made their lives a misery over recent weeks.
Bryan and Edge temporarily team up to try and do some damage to the World Heavyweight Champion as they take it in turns to pummel him. Edge then connects with a nice flapjack before Bryan goes to the top rope and takes him out with a missile dropkick. Edge throws Sheamus over the top rope to the floor below and as he turns around is met with some more kicks from Daniel Bryan. Edge manages to see a roundhouse coming his way though this time and ducks underneath before grabbing Bryan for an EDGECUTION!!! 1……… 2……… Bryan gets the shoulder up! So close for Edge who nearly regained the title! Edge cannot believe it and now looks angrier than ever as he waits in the corner for Bryan to get to his feet clearly looking for the Spear. Bryan does get up and runs and it CONNECTS! The SPEAR!!! Before Edge can pin though CM Punk has made his way back to the ring and throws Edge to the outside. Punk covers and is looking to steal the win. 1………… 2………… Bryan somehow gets the shoulder up again!!! CM Punk cannot believe it!
The crowd can’t believe it either and some of them start booing but instead of getting frustrated CM Punk quickly gets Daniel Bryan to his feet and looks to hit the GTS. The crowd are going nuts as Bryan is on his shoulders, but Edge is back in and SPEAR! A Spear to CM Punk with Bryan on his shoulders!!! Edge covers; 1………… 2………… Sheamus breaks up the pin and saves his World Heavyweight Title. Sheamus gets Edge to his feet and lifts him up for White Noise but Edge manages to slide out of the predicament and the Rated R Superstar now runs off the ropes and hits the SPEAR!!! The Spear connects but not to Sheamus, to Daniel Bryan who was standing right behind the World Heavyweight Champion. Edge is shocked as he turns around and Sheamus damn near decapitates him with a BROGUE KICK!!! The leader of The Empire hooks the leg. 1……………… 2……………………… 3! Sheamus retains the title!
Winner: Sheamus via pinfall after delivering a Brogue Kick to Edge to RETAIN the World Heavyweight Championship (18:18)
Mathews:
What a match!! Sheamus is still the World Heavyweight Champion but any one of these superstars could have won at any point in what was an unbelievable match put on by the finest SmackDown has to offer. The Empire and The Straight Edge Society interfering and going at it was quite something to witness as well and this crowd in Chicago are going crazy even though ultimately their man CM Punk was unable to come away with the gold. What a match!!! Striker:
That may be the best Fatal 4-Way Match I have ever seen and it wasn’t even scheduled to happen here tonight. Mr McMahon added Chicago’s own CM Punk to the match and what a great decision that proved to be. Sheamus has once again overcome the odds though and proven The Empire truly will conquer all who stand before them. This has been some night. Congratulations to Sheamus who walks out of Night of Champions still the Heavyweight Champion of the World! Mathews:
Listen to this place, they are not happy with Sheamus retaining at the title, but they appreciate the sheer carnage they just witnessed. It just shows how much becoming the World Heavyweight Champion means to every superstar here on SmackDown. Look at the ring. There are bodies strewn everywhere. What a Night of Champions this has been and we still have the WWE Championship on the line on RAW but I am not sure how they are going to be able to follow what we have just witnessed!
In the ring, Sheamus is handed the World Heavyweight Championship which he clutches gratefully clearly realising just how close he came to losing the title he spent so long chasing. He goes to the second turnbuckle as the crowd give him some heat before he briskly makes his way up the ramp and taunts again when he reaches the top. He then walks through the curtain into the back as the camera cuts to a certain Mr Money in the Bank who was watching the action on a television in the backstage area.
--------------------
--------------------
John Morrison dressed to compete is holding his blue Money in the Bank briefcase clearly impressed with the carnage he just saw even though there wasn’t really an opportunity for him to get involved in it and potentially cash-in his briefcase. Morrison smirks before looking to walk away but suddenly he is confronted by none other than RAW Money in the Bank winner, Chris Jericho!
Jericho looks at Morrison before smirking and telling him if you want to see how a proper Money in the Bank cash-in is done then he should stay tuned because he has a feeling there will be a Money in the Bank briefcase in action before the night is out. Jericho then belittles Morrison by telling him one day he will learn but that day is not today before he struts off with red Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. The camera then cuts back to ringside to RAW announce team Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
Wow, Chris Jericho the Money in the Bank winner certainly has his sights set on becoming the WWE Champion sooner rather than later it seems. Jericho has done it all here in the WWE and he basically just told fellow Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison from SmackDown to watch and learn. Arrogant as always but it is something more for Jack Swagger and Triple H to think about in the upcoming match for the WWE Championship which has been a month in the making. King:
It has indeed and Triple H has outmanoeuvred Swagger at every turn. If you ask me, it is just a matter of time tonight before the King of Kings goes back on his throne. Swagger has even asked RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero to not accompany him to ringside for some reason. That seems like a very strange decision made by the WWE Champion. I guess we will have to wait and see whether it turns out to be a wise move or not. Cole:
We will have to wait and see indeed. It has been an unbelievable Night of Champions so far, but it is now time for the main event presented by RAW and it is for the WWE Championship as Jack Swagger looks to defend the gold against none other than the Cerebral Assassin, The Game, Triple H. This is going to be some match so let’s send it to the ring for the official introductions. Here comes The Game!!!
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!
The iconic music of Triple H hits as he explodes through the curtain and gets a mixed reaction from the Chicago crowd. He isn’t surprised but shows no emotion other than intensity on his face as he makes his way down to the ring in his usual attire. He gets on the side of the ring as the music continues to blare through the PA system. Triple H spits his water out in trademark fashion which gets a nice pop from the WWE Universe before he goes across the ring to the opposite turnbuckle and taunts once again. He signals he will become the WWE Champion once again before he awaits his opponent.
The WWE Champion, Jack Swagger makes his way to the ring and he also gets a mixed reaction as some of the Chicago crowd are clearly backing the All American American to hold on to the gold here tonight at Night of Champions. Swagger is wearing a purple and black singlet with the WWE Championship around his waist. Swagger has his eyes focused on The Game and is staring a hole through him. The WWE Champion gets in the ring before unstrapping the title and holding it high above his head straight in Hunter’s face. The Game does not look impressed as senior official, Mike Chioda separates the two superstars and the bell rings as the main event for the WWE Championship is underway.
Both men lock up in the middle of the ring which suits the WWE Champion far more because of his amateur background. He delivers a couple of nice throws which takes Triple H down before locking him in an armbar on the mat. Swagger puts all of his weight on top of The Game to give him better leverage before getting him in a couple of pinning predicaments, but Triple H manages to kick out of them both easily. Both men are now back to their feet and Swagger again goes for an amateur move in trying to fireman’s carry the challenger but instead he is met with a solid and impactful right hand by The Game who continues to hammer away at Swagger who is rocking. Triple H Irish whips Swagger into the turnbuckle before hitting a big corner clothesline which rocks the WWE Champion. Triple H continues to build momentum and ends up clotheslining Swagger out of the ring before taunting in the ring and getting a huge mixed reaction out of the Allstate Arena.
Triple H goes to the outside and continues to work on Swagger as he mounts him before delivering punch after punch to the head of the WWE Champion. The challenger gets him to his feet once again and Irish whips him hard into the steel steps. The impact echoes throughout the arena as Triple H taunts and gets a crazy mixed response once again. Triple H rolls in and back out of the ring to break the count before he re-focuses on Jack Swagger and lifts him up driving him back first into the steel ringpost. Swagger holds his back in agony as Mike Chioda comes to the outside to check if he is okay and tells Triple H to bring the action back into the ring. He does as he throws Swagger back into the ring before hooking the leg not really thinking he is going to win the match but instead to wear down the champion even more. 1… 2… Swagger kicks out as the WWE Universe start to chant for the WWE Champion in a surprising turn of events.
The Game is clearly a little agitated by what is happening and gets Swagger to his feet before delivering several punches once again. He delivers a massive slap to Swagger but this seems to infuriate the WWE Champion and former All American as his eyes glaze over and he looks angrier than ever before. Swagger starts to hammer away at Triple H who is rocking. Swagger delivers a huge clothesline and another one before he delivers an awesome belly-to-belly suplex which sends Triple H to the outside. Swagger is quick to follow his opponent to the outside as he drives him back first into the ring apron near the announce tables before he throws him over the announce table and onto the chairs which have been quickly vacated by Cole and King. The crowd pops huge for Swagger and his rage as he screams at the top of his lungs with intensity before he gets Triple H slowly on top of the announce table and is clearly looking for something huge.
Jack Swagger stands and lifts Triple H up for the GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB through the announce table!!! Both men are completely laid out as the WWE Universe chant ‘holy shit’ and ‘this is awesome’ as both men who are fighting for the WWE Championship are seemingly out of it. Referee Mike Chioda checks on both men and signals with his hands that neither suffered an injury to give them more time to recover and delay his counting out of the two superstars. He eventually does get back in the ring and starts a count but by this time Swagger is gingerly up to his feet and dragging Triple H into the ring. Swagger covers; 1…… 2…… Triple H somehow gets the shoulder up as the crowd go nuts once again for an unbelievable main event they are witnessing. Swagger slowly gets to his feet and holds the top rope to maintain his balance as he looks at the fallen Triple H who tries to get to his feet but he has spaghetti legs after going through the table on the outside.
Swagger senses this is his chance to try and get the match over and done with and retain the WWE Title. He plants Triple H with a beautiful German suplex, but he doesn’t release. The arms are locked as the Chicago crowd cheers and he delivers two more as The Game is breathing heavily and is in perfect position for Swagger on his back near the turnbuckle. The All American American runs and uses the ropes to propel himself backwards and connect with the Swagger Bomb. The WWE Champion could retain here. He pins; 1……… 2……… Triple H manages to just get his right leg on the bottom rope and senior official Mike Chioda spots it as he waves off the count and explains to Swagger why. The All American American shows the first signs of frustration as he gets back to his feet and gets Triple H up as well as he looks to drive him into the ringpost but The Game has it well scouted and drives Swagger into the post instead. He falls backwards and both men are down!
The referee starts a count but both men are back to their feet albeit wearily by the time he reaches eight. Swagger throws a desperate right hand at Triple H but The Game blocks and delivers a huge right hand of his own. This continues for a while before Swagger ducks under one and comes back towards the Cerebral Assassin off the ropes, but he is met with a huge knee smash followed by a trademark spinebuster. Triple H then taunts before practically falling into another cover. 1…………… 2…………… Jack Swagger just manages to get the shoulder up this time. The WWE Universe is really into the match as The Game gets back to his feet and waits for Jack Swagger to get back to his feet. Triple H is calling for the Pedigree as he gets a mixed reaction from the Night of Champions crowd. Swagger turns around and is kicked in the gut but before Triple H can go for it, Swagger expertly picks the Ankle! Swagger locks in the ANKLE LOCK!!!
Triple H is writhing around in absolute agony as Swagger has his patented submission locked in and the crowd explodes sensing we are close to finding out who will walk out of Night of Champions with the WWE Title. Swagger puts more and more torque on the ankle as The Game desperately tries to claw and scratch his way to the ropes. He is almost there when Swagger pulls him back to the centre of the ring!!! The WWE Universe explodes clearly thinking Swagger is going to get Triple H to tap out here but somehow The Game uses all of his strength to turn himself over and kick Swagger out of the hold with his right leg, the one not in the hold. Swagger comes back though and takes out the challenger with a football tackle to the knees and legs of the King of Kings. Triple H holds the knees clearly in pain as Swagger smirks and starts stomping away sadistically on the knees and ankle which he has already done damage as the Chicago crowd cheer every single blow.
Swagger is like a dog with the bone as he drives his knee down into the ankle and leg of Triple H who is in severe pain now. The WWE Champion gets Triple H to his feet and hurls him as if it was an arm drag feet first into the turnbuckle as he smirks and taunts to the crowd who cheer for him yet again. Swagger is clearly feeding off the WWE Universe as he tells Triple H to get up and come towards him for even more punishment. However, as The Game gets up and wearily limps his way over to Swagger, he jumps and takes him out with a big knee of his own although it hurts the challenger as much as it did the champion. The Game now slowly gets to his feet and Swagger is back up as well. The All American American goes behind and looks for another German suplex but Triple H blocks it turns Swagger around, kicks him in the gut and delivers a PEDIGREE!!! The Pedigree, this must be it! Triple H hooks the leg; 1……………………… 2………………………… Swagger somehow gets the shoulder up and saves himself and the WWE Championship!
Triple H cannot believe it. He thought he was about to win the WWE Championship, but Swagger somehow kicked out of a Pedigree. Triple H now gets to his feet and does his trademark crotch chop which gets a pop from the crowd before he waits for Swagger to slowly get to his feet once again and kicks him in the gut. Triple H is going for another Pedigree but the WWE Champion reverses and manages to once again hook The Game’s ankle!!! Swagger has the ANKLE LOCK in again and on the same ankle as earlier in the match. Triple H yelps in pain as Swagger applies more and more pressure and then suddenly falls and braces the leg of the King of Kings. The WWE Universe go crazy as Triple H screams in pain and has no option but to TAP OUT to the submission hold. Jack Swagger shocks the world and retains the WWE Championship and makes Triple H submit.
Winner: Jack Swagger via submission after making Triple H tap out to the Ankle Lock to RETAIN the WWE Championship (17:24)
Cole:
Jack Swagger has done it! Nobody gave him a prayer of winning this match tonight at Night of Champions, but he has proved the world wrong and listen to this place! The Allstate Arena has come unglued as Jack Swagger has retained the WWE Championship and made Triple H tap out! I did not think I was going to be saying that at the end of tonight that is for sure. Swagger has proven he is a worthy WWE Champion by beating The Game here tonight. King:
You cannot argue with what Swagger has done here tonight. Beating Triple H was a quite remarkable achievement from the WWE Champion especially when you consider what has happened to him over the past few weeks since SummerSlam. Jack Swagger had absolutely no momentum coming into this match whatsoever, but he has still managed to walk away as the WWE Champion and his reign is now solidified in my view. He didn’t need Vickie Guerrero either. Cole:
That was a bold decision by Swagger earlier in the night for sure and you cannot deny now that in some ways it was genius. The whole RAW roster are going to have a new-found respect for the WWE Champion after what he has done here tonight and it has quite simply been an incredible Night of Champions. We have seen four championships change hands and two incredible main events. Jack Swagger is still the WWE Champion! Goodnight, everyone.
Jack Swagger has his arm raised by referee Mike Chioda as he is handed his WWE Championship and the Chicago crowd give him a massive pop. Swagger taunts and is clearly delighted with efforts although he is also exhausted. Swagger goes to the turnbuckle and taunts although he holds his head and midriff throughout after they both took a lot of punishment throughout the evening. Swagger eventually makes his way out of the ring and up the ramp as the final image of Night of Champions is him standing at the top of the ramp with the WWE Championship raised high above his head.
QUICK RESULTS
-Dolph Ziggler defeated Gregory Helms, Rey Mysterio & Evan Bourne in a Fatal 4 Way Match to become the NEW Intercontinental Champion
-The Empire (Drew McIntyre & Finlay) defeated The Hart Dynasty to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions
-Matt Hardy defeated Christian in a Ladder Match to become the NEW United States Champion
-Kaval defeated Scotty 2 Hotty to RETAIN the Cruiserweight Championship
-Batista defeated Undertaker in a No Holds Barred Match
-Mickie James defeated Melina & Alicia Fox in a Triple Threat Match to become the NEW DIVA’s Champion
-Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan, Edge & CM Punk to RETAIN the World Heavyweight Championship
-Jack Swagger defeated Triple H to RETAIN the WWE Championship
Hey Order, hope you're good mate. Figured I'd catch up a little on your thread.
So, starting with Money in the Bank.
- Nice intro into the show with the details and the recap of the feuds, and the introduction from the commentary team .
- We're opening HOT with the Smackdown MITB match! MVP as the surprise entrant is nice too. Cant lie, the winner surprised me a lot. Was not expecting JoMo to grab the prize but I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses in your WWE Universe. I loved the visual of the Straight Edge Society helping CM Punk, and Gallows carrying him up the ladder - Really cool.
- Small details, but even the little snippet of the 'don't try this at home' advert is such a great touch. I like the little details like that; really adds to a show and it's presentation.
- The BIG men are up next and I enjoyed this for what it was. Kane completely snapping I really like. Unhinged Kane, is the best Kane.
- Melina vs Maryse really represents this point of time for the Divas, and Women's wrestling in general. Certainly in the WWE. Really good showing for Maryse but the right call keeping the belt on Melina for me.
- ALBERTTOOOO DEEELLL RIIIOOOOOOOOO! Man, it's a shame this guy seems such a scumbag in real life because I really enjoyed him in the WWE. Good addition!
- Raw MITB next, and this one feels STACKED! Love the showcase for Benjamin & Kofi here. Acknowledging Jericho as the inventor on-screen and then having him be the winner could be brilliant - I can only imagine the promos. So close for Kofi Kingston.
- I was pulling for the Hart Dynasty and really happy they've retained.
- WWE Championship match next, and this feels like a huge occasion for Swagger to legitimize himself as the Champion defending against John Cena! Really good match! I wasn't sure which way it was going. Vickie Guerrero makes the difference and Swagger retains - Huge!
- Well, he's not the ultimate opportunist for no reason Haha! Despite the numbers disadvantage - Edge uses the Shillelagh to get the job done and overcomes the odds. Good stuff Haha!
Good show mate! I'll get around to SummerSlam & Night of Champions soon.
At Night of Champions last month, Jack Swagger retained his WWE Championship against Triple H in dominant fashion making The Game tap out to the Ankle Lock. It continues Swagger’s good run as the title holder since he cashed in Money in the Bank at Fatal 4 Way back in June. The All American American faces off against Triple H once again at Cyber Sunday this weekend. That’s after he won the Beat the Clock Challenge the night following Night of Champions by winning faster than Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin and Randy Orton. After Triple H’s win in the main event, Swagger nailed him with his WWE Title and then a Gutwrench Powerbomb to let it be known he would not be taking it easy on the Cerebral Assassin.
With Vickie Guerrero by his side Swagger has been formidable. On the Monday, September 27 edition of Monday Night RAW, Co-General Manager Trish Stratus took exception to her counterpart gloating and booked Swagger in a one-on-one contest with Kofi Kingston. The spring-loaded star shocked the world by beating the WWE Champion thanks to an interruption from Triple H. The Game then delivered a Pedigree to Swagger to add an exclamation mark.
The following week Triple H handily beat Christian in singles action, but the main event saw Kofi Kingston get a WWE Championship singles opportunity for the first time ever against Jack Swagger. Kingston put up one heck of a fight, but Swagger was too much and retained his title. After the bout, Triple H once again confronted the All American American but Vickie Guerrero stood in front of her client. That led to RAW Co-General Manager Trish Stratus getting involved and connecting with the Chick Kick to Vickie, to the delight of the WWE Universe.
Jack Swagger would get the upper hand again though as the two rivals signed their contract for the match at Cyber Sunday. The WWE Champion nailed Triple H where the sun doesn’t shine with a Low Blow before driving him through the table with a Gutwrench Powerbomb. That left The Game seething this past Monday on the final RAW before the massive contest this weekend in Minneapolis. Vickie Guerrero had Triple H taken out of the building by security at the start of the show ahead of Swagger’s main event match with Randy Orton. The Game made his return as he bypassed security and we saw a momentary Evolution reunion between Triple H and Orton. It ended with Triple H delivering a Pedigree and standing tall just days before the crunch WWE Championship match. Who will walk out of Cyber Sunday holding the title though?
Sheamus made sure he remained the World Heavyweight Champion when he pinned Edge in a Fatal 4 Way match which also included CM Punk and Daniel Bryan at Night of Champions. Here’s how it went down.
CM Punk quickly gets Daniel Bryan to his feet and looks to hit the GTS. The crowd are going nuts as Bryan is on his shoulders but Edge is back in and SPEAR! A Spear to CM Punk with Bryan on his shoulders!!! Edge covers; 1…………………………2………………………… Sheamus breaks up the pin and saves his World Heavyweight Title. Sheamus now gets Edge to his feet and lifts him up for White Noise but Edge manages to slide out of the predicament and the Rated R Superstar now runs off the ropes and hits the SPEAR!!! The Spear connects but not to Sheamus, to Daniel Bryan who was standing right behind the World Heavyweight Champion. Edge is shocked as he turns around and Sheamus damn near decapitates him with a BROGUE KICK!!! The leader of The Empire hooks the leg. 1………………………………………2…………………………………………………………3!!! Sheamus retains the title!
Five days removed from Night of Champions and SmackDown General Manager; Theodore Long announced CM Punk would face off against Daniel Bryan in a Steel Cage match to determine the new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. The American Dragon would come out on top and book a Cyber Sunday match with Sheamus. On the Friday, October 1 edition of SmackDown Sheamus and Bryan signed the contract for their match. It was announced that fans would vote for the stipulation. It will be either a Submission match, Falls Count Anywhere match or a Tables match. And to emphasise the last potential stipulation, Sheamus put Bryan through a table with the High Cross to end the show.
Ironically, the tables turned the following week on SmackDown as Sheamus was made to tap out by Bryan with the LeBell Lock in a huge eight-man Tag Team match. The Empire were defeated by Bryan, The Hart Dynasty and Cody Rhodes. On the Friday, October 15 edition of SmackDown Daniel Bryan took on Finlay in the main event. After Bryan beat the Belfast Brawler with a Running Knee. After the match The Empire tried to take out Bryan, but Cody Rhodes and The Hart Dynasty made the save and cleaned house leaving Daniel Bryan standing tall ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship opportunity.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go well this past Friday on SmackDown for the American Dragon as he took on CM Punk once again following their Cage match a few weeks ago. The match ended in a disqualification as the Straight Edge Society got involved but Bryan was helped by Edge and John Morrison. The Empire would quickly come to the ring and make the numbers game impossible even with The Hart Dynasty trying to make their impact against The Empire. The scene ended with Sheamus delivering a Brogue Kick on Daniel Bryan and sending a message before their title match at Cyber Sunday.
The Empire have just been too strong, and you must believe that may be the case again this Sunday as Sheamus puts his World Heavyweight Championship on the line even if Bryan is ready to give it everything he has.
Dolph Ziggler became Intercontinental Champion for the first time last month at Night of Champions when he defeated Gregory Helms, Evan Bourne and Rey Mysterio in a Fatal 4 Way match. At Cyber Sunday he will put the title on the line against one of them three men with the WWE Universe deciding who will get the opportunity. Five days after Night of Champions, Dolph Ziggler was forced to defend the Intercontinental Championship as Gregory Helms invoked his rematch clause. After a hard-fought contest, Ziggler retained via a Superkick and a Zig Zag on the former champion. On the same show, Rey Mysterio and Evan Bourne teamed with Edge in a losing effort to The Empire.
On the October 1 edition of SmackDown, Evan Bourne took on Gregory Helms in singles action. Dolph Ziggler was on commentary for the match as Bourne got the win with a Shooting Star Press and afterwards Ziggler stood on top of the table and held his Intercontinental Championship aloft. Rey Mysterio would be the surprise partner for The Hart Dynasty against The Empire later in the evening but suffered another loss although he was not involved in the decision. One week later Evan Bourne continued his winning run yet again as he beat Rey Mysterio in a sensational match which is a contender for the match of the month. Ziggler was on commentary again and confronted Bourne after the match who made clear he wanted a shot at the Picture of Perfection’s title. Later in the show Gregory Helms demanded another title match in a backstage interview saying he had been unfairly treated in losing the Intercontinental Championship.
This issue really reached boiling point on the penultimate SmackDown before Cyber Sunday when Evan Bourne, Rey Mysterio and Gregory Helms met in a Triple Threat match. As Evan Bourne looked like he was about to pick up the win Dolph Ziggler appeared and pushed him off the top rope. Alberto Del Rio and Hunico also made their presence felt as they took out Rey Mysterio. It meant no challenger for Ziggler’s title emerged. Later in the night SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long would announce that Dolph Ziggler would defend his title against either Bourne, Helms or Mysterio and the WWE Universe would decide. The final SmackDown before the pay-per-view saw Alberto Del Rio team up with Dolph Ziggler and face Rey Mysterio and Evan Bourne. Dolph would get some much-needed momentum going into his title defence as he pinned Bourne following a Superkick. Who will end up challenging the Show Off for the prestigious gold though?
Big Show vs. Kane You pick the match! a) I Quit b) Street Fight c) Inferno
The Big Show and Kane have had issues with each other for months and it is all going to come to a head at Cyber Sunday. The two giants will meet in a match with a stipulation to be decided by the WWE fans. It will either be an I Quit match, a Street Fight or an Inferno match! On the Monday, September 20 edition of RAW, Big Show and Kane had a one-on-one bout, but it ended in complete carnage. It ended in a double countout and the two continued to brawl backstage until Trish Stratus was forced to get involved.
We return backstage and Big Show and Kane are still fighting as Kane hits Show with a Kendo Stick but Big Show snaps it in half and tosses Kane over a table with equipment on it. Referees, officials and half the roster are on hand this time to try and separate the two monsters but they having little success. The likes of Yoshi Tatsu, Charlie Haas and Primo are all slung to one side until some of the better wrestlers on the roster get involved and manage to hold back the two giants. Trish Stratus then arrives on the scene and tells both of them top stop immediately. She announces that if the two of them want to fight so badly then they can do so at the next pay per view Cyber Sunday!! With that Show and Kane start screaming at one another while being held back and Trish in the middle of them. The camera cut back to ringside.
Both men would continue to build momentum throughout the month in the lead up to the match. Kane would face Santino Marella on WWE Superstars and dominate the Milan Miracle before destroying him with a steel chair afterwards. On the Thursday, October 7 episode of the same show Big Show would end up losing a match to the Next Big Thing, Lance Cade via countout. The appearance of Kane distracted Show who went after the Big Red Machine but got counted out in the process. On the following RAW, Big Show cut one of his better promos outlining the torture he was going to deliver to Kane for the hell he has put him through.
Big Show would back up his words with a hard-fought win over Christian on Superstars last week as he builds momentum towards the match with Kane in Minneapolis this weekend. Just this past week on RAW Kane would destroy Kofi Kingston and put an end to his impressive run as of late. After the match, the Big Red Machine would have some dangerous words for the Big Show. Kane looks as crazy as ever and will stop at nothing to take out the Giant. For that reason he could very well walk out of Cyber Sunday with the victory.
Drew McIntyre and Finlay were crowned the new WWE Tag Team Champions at Night of Champions when they defeated The Hart Dynasty and added more gold to the group known as The Empire. The first SmackDown following the event didn’t go well for them though as General Manager, Theodore Long announced the titles would be on the line between the two teams again at Cyber Sunday. But this time there would be a special referee decided by the fans. It would be either William Regal, Bret Hart, or himself! Later in the evening, The Empire would pick up a big win in a 6-Man Tag Team match against Edge, Rey Mysterio and Evan Bourne. The following week saw McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill take on The Hart Dynasty and Mysterio who was revealed to be their surprise partner. Drew McIntyre would pick up the win for The Empire with the impactful Future Shock DDT on David Hart Smith.
On the Friday, October 8 edition of SmackDown, things would turn for Tyson Kidd and Smith though. They would team up with Daniel Bryan to take on Drew McIntyre and Finlay as well as World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus. The American Dragon would make Sheamus tap out with The Hart Dynasty getting a measure of revenge on Finlay and McIntyre. A week afterwards Bryan would take on Finlay in the main event and all hell would break loose at the culmination of the match. The Hart Dynasty and Cody Rhodes would come to the aid of Bryan and fend off The Empire to stand tall at the end of the show as the crowd went wild. It was quite a scene as Kidd and Smith made themselves known. This past week wasn’t so good for The Hart Dynasty though. Finlay picked up a win over Tyson Kidd on Superstars while McIntyre beat Smith on SmackDown. And William Regal and Bret Hart were both in attendance for the latter match.
This match is a very difficult one to call without knowing who the special guest referee will be with all three men having positives and negatives for both The Empire and The Hart Dynasty.
At Night of Champions, Mickie James became the DIVA’s Champion for the seventh time when she defeated Alicia Fox and the previous title holder Melina in a Triple Threat match. 24 hours later on RAW Mickie was being interviewed about her historic win but she didn’t get the chance to say much before she was attacked by Melina. A few days later on WWE Superstars, Gail Kim picked up an impressive win over Michelle McCool. On the September 27 edition of RAW Melina would pick up a victory over Eve Torres. The Paparazzi Princess would try to beat down Torres afterwards, but Alicia Fox took out the former DIVA’s Champion and made the save. On SmackDown the same week Gail Kim confronted Mickie James backstage and challenged her to a non-title match the following week as the two promised to stay friends even if they do battle over the DIVA’s Championship.
The situation would really intensify on October 4 on Monday Night RAW as Melina took on Alicia Fox. Mickie James would stop Melina from winning and viciously attack her getting revenge for the backstage assault a couple of weeks prior. Mickie would spike Melina with her Mickie-DT and make a statement posing with her DIVA’s Championship. Later in the show Vickie Guerrero announced Mickie James would put her title on the line at Cyber Sunday against either Melina, Alicia Fox or Gail Kim with the fans deciding the challenger. The same week on SmackDown Mickie took on Gail as promised and an Eat Defeat from Kim gave her the biggest win of her career in quite some time and left her emotional afterwards. The crowd gave her a huge response for her efforts as well.
It all came full circle on October 11 on RAW when Mickie James took on Alicia Fox and got a big win over one of her potential challengers. But after the bout Melina made her presence felt once again and delivered the Sunset Split to the DIVA’s Champion and screamed that she would be the title holder again. Later in the night, Melina warned she would make an impact at Cyber Sunday whether she was voted in as the challenger or not. Gail Kim continued her momentum on the penultimate SmackDown before the pay-per-view as she teamed with Natalya to beat LayCool. This past week on RAW there were a lot of combustible elements put together as Melina and Alicia Fox were forced to team together to take on Mickie James and Eve Torres. It ended with Fox getting pinned by Mickie as the DIVA’s Champion quickly escaped after the bout to avoid any attacks. Like RAW, Mickie teamed with Gail Kim as she connected with Eat Defeat to beat LayCool in a Tag Team match. And afterwards she took out Mickie James as well. Who will face Mickie James and who will walk out of Cyber Sunday as the DIVA’s Champion?
Carlito & Chris Masters vs. John Cena & Randy Orton
Tag Team Match
This Tag Team affair should be very interesting with long-time rivals John Cena and Randy Orton teaming up to try and take out Carlito and Chris Masters who have been at them all month long. It started the RAW after Night of Champions when John Cena took on Chris Masters in a Beat the Clock Challenge match. The Masterpiece picked up a huge win with a roll up after grabbing the trunks and a distraction from Carlito. Later in the evening the Caribbean superstar took on Randy Orton in another Beat the Clock Challenge match. He didn’t have as much luck though as Masters tried to interfere to help him and John Cena came down to the ring and made sure he couldn’t distract Randy. One RKO later and The Viper got the one, two, three over Carlito.
RAW Co-General Managers Vickie Guerrero and Trish Stratus booked a Tag Team match between the four men for the September 27 edition of the show. The well-oiled team of Masters and Carlito got the win as the latter rolled up Orton after he had collided with Cena. The two confronted one another in the ring afterwards and shouted abuse at each other before Cena chose to be the bigger man and leave the ring. The following week John Cena kicked off RAW by coming to the ring and saying he has had a week to think about what happened. And he came to the conclusion that to beat Carlito and Masters he needed Orton on his side and they needed to put their history behind them. The arrogant duo didn’t take kindly to what the Chain Gang Soldier had to say though and attacked the multiple-time WWE Champion. The fallout saw an interesting moment featuring Randy Orton.
Randy Orton sprints down the entrance ramp to a raucous ovation from the Kansas crowd as he enters the ring but before he can do any damage Carlito and Chris Masters quickly bail out of the squared circle. Orton demands they come back and is in a fit of rage looking about ready to destroy anyone who crosses his path. Randy, like The Viper he is, sees that Carlito and Masters have retreated through the crowd and turns his attention to the groggy and downed Cena in the centre of the ring. The WWE Universe aren’t sure what to expect here as Orton has an angry look in his eyes. Suddenly the Apex Predator pulls Cena’s arm to get him to his feet but chooses to do nothing else as he leaves the ring and walks up the ramp himself. Cena looks a little confused in the middle of the ring as he holds onto his head which took a lot of punishment after being put in the Master Lock earlier. The camera then switches to rest on Cole and King who speculate as to what they just saw.
The following week there was a test as John Cena and Randy Orton teamed up with Kofi Kingston to take on Chris Masters, Carlito and Chris Jericho. It was a good night for the future Hall of Famers as they worked well as a team and Kofi Kingston picked up the win with the Trouble in Paradise on Carlito. This past week we saw some singles action as Chris Masters took on John Cena on RAW. He did the unthinkable and made Cena pass out to pick up a huge victory just days ahead of the Cyber Sunday match between the two teams. Randy Orton would take on Masters on Superstars and thanks to John Cena he picked up a big victory over the Masterpiece with an RKO. There is still tension between Cena and Orton after the match and much will depend on whether they can team up well this weekend. For my money I think they will do enough and get some revenge on Carlito and Chris Masters.
Hey dude! So, I'm still in the process of catching up. Have some time now so figured I'd check out your SummerSlam!
- So, right away - I really like the GFX. Good job on those, or to whomever done them. Simple but effective.
- Nice introduction to set the tone with the voiceover and then followed by the commentary team. Really liked the homage to the TLC match and playing that up, good stuff mate!
- Starting the biggest party of the summer with Randy Orton vs Chris Jericho! Lets go! Huge win for Mr MITB and it's Jericho who strikes outta' nowhere with the Code Breaker to pick up the victory.
- "Don't try this at home!" - those videos always bring back memories of my childhood and growing up
- US Championship match next and there's no easy way out for the Champion, Christian. Oh DAMN! That sounded nasty! Hardy with a hell of a fall onto the steps and that damn Christian gets away with one.
- Nice promo from the Hart Dynasty! They vow to steal the show, and I have no doubt this match will. Cant wait to see this one go down, and see who comes out on top.
- I'm with the crowd.. THAT WAS AWESOME! Good job mate. I wasn't sure the Hart Dynasty could do it but man they've cemented themselves as top Tag Team Champions and will go down in history after that performance. Huge.
- Bluestista! Haha! Mention of the attire gave me a giggle. Good match with some hard-hitting action! I always loved Taker using the Hells Gate as a finish, and you knew it was OVER when that was locked in.
- Good promo from Sheamus, very bold with his confidence too.
- Kane vs Show makes total sense and with the stipulation too after Money in the Bank. An absolute brawl as expected with Big Show picking up the victory with the WMD with added chain - Nice!
- I liked the segment with the Straight Edge Society and then out come Teddy Long, and we all knew what was comin' next playa' - We gone have ourselves a little tag team match! Good call to have JoMo involved after his recent form. Good match here, and CM Punk picks up the victory with the GO! TO! SLEEP!
- Big stakes next with some big ramifications for John Cena should he lose. Swagger has been red hot as Champion but once again this feels like another HUGE test in the form of John Cena! OH WOW! Well I figured Swagger would win because of the form he's been on but tapping out Cena is a massive deal. Be interesting to see where Cena goes from here.
- Really liked the little detail of having the challenger and Champion played to the ring. Really good match! Perhaps the match of the night this one for me. Despite a huge effort and resilience from the Champion - the Empires leader is now the NEW World Heavyweight Champion!
Really enjoyed this show, Order. I think this was my favourite one to date. Well done mate!
WWE Cyber Sunday Sunday 24th October 2010 – Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The song ‘Thrill’ by Nero plays behind a video package to hype Cyber Sunday as the main matches are run down and a voice over the top hypes the show. The night is billed as the most interactive night of the year where opponents, stipulations and more will be chosen by the fans. We get a recap of what has been happening in the World Heavyweight Championship feud between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan as well as Jack Swagger and Triple H who will compete for the WWE Championship here tonight. The final image of the video package is someone sitting at a desk and pressing the return key on keyboard clearly casting their votes for the event.
And now RAW and SmackDown present the most interactive night of the year, WWE CYBER SUNDAY!!!
The screen explodes as red and white fireworks come from every direction. The arena looks a picture with the crowd going crazy and the titantron setup looking exactly like a computer with a keyboard on the entrance ramp and the screen being the monitor. Fireworks go on for about 10 seconds as the camera pans all over the screaming fans before we land on Michael Cole and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler at ringside.
Cole:
Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to Cyber Sunday! We are live from a sold-out Target Center in Minneapolis and it is going to be a night to remember as the WWE fans across the globe have their say. They will decide stipulations, bonus matches, opponents and more in what is sure to be a night we will never forget King. King:
Cyber Sunday is one of my favourite nights of the year and I cannot wait to see how the WWE Universe shake things up Cole. We could see fire at ringside, surprise challengers for titles and brutal match stipulations and I am ready to enjoy every minute of it! We are kicking off with quite some match as well! Cole:
We are indeed as two giants will collide and this heated rivalry between the Big Show and Kane will finally end here this evening. But first let’s check in with our SmackDown colleagues Josh Mathews and Matt Striker. Good evening gentlemen. Are you ready for the most interactive night of the year?
Mathews:
Hello everyone and thank you Cole. We have quite a night of SmackDown action here at Cyber Sunday as The Empire look to hold onto all their gold. Sheamus will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Daniel Bryan but the WWE fans will decide the match stipulation. The title will be on the line in either a Submission match, Falls Count Anywhere or a Tables match! Striker:
That is going to be incredible but frankly these people don’t deserve a chance to pick stipulations and alter the future here in WWE. I don’t understand why on earth they have been given the power. But they have and The Empire will also defend the WWE Tag Team Championship with a special guest referee decided by them. It could be Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, William Regal or our General Manager, Theodore Long. Mathews:
Oh Matt, these fans pay their hard-earned money every week to come and see their favourite WWE Superstars and tonight they really get to change the shape of SmackDown and RAW. And we are almost ready for our first match of the evening but first off, we need the results of the voting so let’s send it backstage to out host, none other than Todd Grisham.
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
Thank you Josh and we are kicking it off with a clash of giants as the World’s Largest Athlete, the Big Show takes on the Big Red Machine, Kane. We don’t know the match stipulation and the WWE Universe have been voting all week. It will either be an I Quit match, a Street Fight or an Inferno match. We have had thousands of votes all week, but it is time to find out the result!
Big Show vs. Kane VOTING RESULTS: I Quit match – 29% Street Fight – 14% Inferno match – 57%
It’s an Inferno match!!! The camera cuts back to ringside where fire explodes from the stage and Kane bursts through the curtain with a sick smile on his face clearly delighted with the match stipulation which has been voted for by the WWE Universe. The Big Red Machine gets in the ring which is surrounded by metal apparatus which will be lit when Kane’s opponent has made his way to the ring and the match gets underway. Kane enters the ring and gets a lot of heat from the crowd who are clearly against him winning this match even if it is one, he is famed for competing in. In fact, the last time we saw an Inferno match was when Kane beat MVP back at Armageddon 2006.
The crowd explodes as the Big Show makes his way down the entrance ramp to take part in this massive clash of monsters. The World’s Largest Athlete doesn’t look worried about fighting in an Inferno match as he steps in between the ropes and stares intensely at Kane. The referee gives the signal and the fire erupts all around the ringside area as the temperature goes up in the arena and the crowd gasp. The referee calls for the bell and Cyber Sunday kicks off with an Inferno match!
The match starts fast with Big Show going straight after Kane grateful he can get his hands on the Big Red Machine and there is nowhere for him to go. As such Kane works out his best form of defence is to attack. The two throw heavy right hands at one another before Big Show takes his opponent down with a massive clothesline. As Kane lands on the canvas the flames shoot up surrounding the ring which gets another pop from the sold-out Cyber Sunday crowd in Minneapolis. Show gets Kane to his feet and Irish whips him into the corner before running across the ring and splashing him in the corner which makes quite the impact. Kane crumples to his knees but Show is having none of it and lifts him back to his feet before signalling for the crowd to quieten down. Big Show lifts his hand and slams it hard across the chest of Kane which echoes emphatically throughout the arena. He isn’t done there though as the World’s Largest Athlete does this three times to the delight of those watching all around the world.
Show is in the ascendancy and Kane hasn’t got out of the blocks at all at the start of this match. Show dominates in the early going and he picks up Kane as he delivers a nice SIDEWALK SLAM and the World’s Largest Athlete hooks the leg but then he is reminded this is an Inferno match because apparently the flames all around ringside enough aren’t enough for him to realise. Show gets to his feet and sees the funny side of it before he centres his attention back on the Big Red Machine. The Giant gets Kane over his shoulder in a Running Powerslam position and looks to dump Kane in the fire! It is almost like the Big Red Machine has a sixth sense and he squirms off the shoulders of Show in a desperate attempt to avoid being set on fire! Kane stands directly behind Show and as the Giant turns around, the monster goes low with a DROPKICK to the knee. Show goes down to one knee and Kane takes him fully down with a powerful DDT. Kane has suddenly got himself back into this contest.
Kane knows he will have to work hard to keep Big Show grounded and stomps away on him repeatedly before mounting his opponent and connecting with brutal punches to the side of Show’s head despite the Giant trying his best to cover up. It is almost as if a switch has gone off in Kane’s head and he is determined to make his momentum pay over his rival of several months. Kane uses the ropes to gather some speed before dropping his legs across the throat of Show and signalling this is it. The Big Red Machine looks to go to the top rope, but he can’t do it like he would usually because of the flames around the ring. Instead, he must climb to the top and awkwardly turns around as Show slowly gets to his feet. Kane jumps and looks for his LEAPING CLOTHESLINE but Show has it well scouted and sidesteps. As Kane turns around, he is met with a monumental SPEAR from the Giant who nearly takes him out of his boots! The crowd cheers loudly at the amazing move they have just witnessed.
It takes a while for both men to get back to their feet after the impact of that manoeuvre and it also gives them the opportunity to take a breather in the hot environment. Show is first to his feet and hammers away at Kane before he once again drops him with the FINAL CUT as the flames shoot up when Kane’s back hits the canvas. Show is serious about ending the match and drags Kane by his arm towards the searing heat of the flames. Kane once again tries to fight back and resists Show as much as he can. The World’s Largest Athlete hoists Kane to his feet and just damn right tosses him near halfway across the ring in an unbelievable display of power. The WWE Universe gasps as Big Show raises his hand in the air and signals for the CHOKESLAM! Kane slowly and groggily gets back to his feet. He turns around as Show grabs him by the throat but at the highest point, Kane locks his hands around Show’s neck and delivers another huge DDT to the Giant who rolls perilously near the flames.
Kane sees it and thinks this is his chance to set his opponent on fire as a look of glee goes across his face at the thought of doing the ultimate harm to the man he despises. Kane uses the ropes for momentum and delivers another very low DROPKICK. Show moves closer to the flames and is now just two feet away. The Big Red Machine goes for the same technique again but when he comes back off the ropes Big Show has got back to his feet with incredible speed and grabs Kane by the throat. This time the CHOKESLAM connects as flames shoot in the air and the crowd cheer loudly as the World’s Largest Athlete takes control. Show is exhausted after taking punishment from Kane but tries to get his breath back and gain his second wind. Kane is slowly getting back to his feet as Show cocks his hand and gets ready to deliver the WMD – THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH to his nemesis.
Kane turns around as Show wildly throws his right hand but the Big Red Machine ducks underneath and floors the Giant with a LOW BLOW! The crowd boos loudly and disapprove of Kane’s actions as the Devil’s Favourite Demon laughs maniacally at his handy work. The referee looks at him and tries to admonish the Monster, but it is all legal in an Inferno match. Kane laughs more and more before he goes to the top rope again and it looks like he is going for his big LEAPING CLOTHESLINE once again. Kane leaps high in the air and CRASH! Big Show absolutely nails Kane with the WMD KNOCKOUT PUNCH! Kane crumples in a heap on the ground as the WWE Universe go nuts at the unbelievable move which came out of nowhere. Kane is motionless on the canvas as Show drags his body slowly towards the flame and sets his gloved hand on fire as Kane writhes around and the match is over! Officials and medical staff rush to the ring as the flames go out on the side of the ring Kane is and they extinguish the flame which is now threatening to go up his arm and cause some serious harm.
Cole:
Oh my god! Kane has been set on fire after that brutal WMD Knockout Punch from the Big Show and the Giant wins a brutal encounter here tonight to kick off Cyber Sunday. Kane spoke a big game heading into this match, but the Monster has been put in his place by the World’s Largest Athlete. And thank goodness medical staff and officials have managed to extinguish the flame. Can you smell that King? King:
That is human flesh burning Cole and these people are cheering it. Whatever anyone has done they don’t believe to be burned alive. Big Show has beaten his arch-rival and that was uncomfortable to watch as both men at several points came close to being set on fire. But Kane is the monster who has been set on fire by the Giant and something tells me we won’t be seeing him for a while after this. Cole:
Big Show is victorious tonight and he has finally put an end to Kane’s games, interference and crazed ways. The Giant wins the Inferno match voted for by the WWE Universe here tonight in a stunning start to the show here at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
The flames are now put out all around the ring as Kane is helped out of the arena by medical personnel and Big Show stands tall in the ring with his music playing and the crowd cheering loudly. That was without doubt the best Inferno match the WWE has ever put on and the fans seem as surprised as anyone else. Big Show wins the opener as we head backstage.
--------------------
--------------------
The camera is on none other than the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger as he walks with purpose and reaches a door which says RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero on it. Swagger knocks and Vickie summons him in as the All American American looks very confident ahead of his WWE Championship match with Triple H later tonight. Swagger and Vickie openly talk about what Swagger is going to do to Triple H with Guerrero saying tonight will be the end of an old era and a continuation of a new one with Swagger at the top of Monday Night RAW and the WWE as a whole. The WWE Champion is fired up at the end of the segment as he looks at Vickie smirking and the Co-GM gives an arrogant grin back clearly not at all concerned about tonight’s Cyber Sunday main event. The camera fades to the SmackDown announce team at ringside.
--------------------
--------------------
Mathews:
The WWE Champion is confident ahead of his title defence later tonight against Triple H and when Vickie Guerrero is involved you have to believe there is some sort of plan in place. And what a start to the show with an incredible Inferno match. But now it is time for SmackDown to take centre stage as the WWE Tag Team Championship is about to be on the line Matt. But who will be the special guest referee? Striker:
It has been quite a start to the evening and something tells me this night will go down in history when it is all said and done. This next match could be quite the debacle if the voting goes a certain way. The Empire could be really up against it if SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long or Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart are selected by the WWE Universe. I personally hope it is William Regal, a true great in this industry. Mathews:
Not bias at all Matt, are you?! I cannot wait to see who the special guest referee for this title match is going to be. It could be time for The Hart Dynasty to get some revenge on The Empire after losing their WWE Tag Team Titles last month at Night of Champions. And here come the challengers! Listen to this ovation for Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith and Natalya.
The Hart Dynasty come through the curtain in pink, grey and white attire on this occasion looking focused and ready to reclaim their WWE Tag Team Championships. Natalya stands in the middle of Kidd and Smith as the three raise their arms before energetically bounding their way to the ring. They get a nice ovation after their good run with the titles which came to a screeching halt at last month’s Night of Champions pay per view.
The mood changes when The Empire’s music comes through the PA system and out stride Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill. Sheamus is not with them as he will be defending his World Heavyweight Championship later in the night against Daniel Bryan. Finlay, McIntyre and Burchill walk slowly and methodically to the ring with the latter not competing in the match but out at ringside to support his team, nonetheless. The match will happen next but first we go backstage to the host Todd Grisham.
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
It is time to find out who has been voted the special guest referee for this WWE Tag Team Championship match at Cyber Sunday. Will it be Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart? Or what about William Regal perhaps? Or have the WWE Universe voted for SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long? You can see all three of them awaiting the results with referee shirts on ready to take charge so without further ado who is it?!
It is Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart!!! The guitar riff hits which can only mean one thing. Here comes the WWE legend as the crowd absolutely explode for the Hart family member. The Hart Dynasty look ecstatic with the outcome as The Empire look crushed by the result. William Regal and Theodore Long also look dejected backstage but there is no stopping this pop from the crowd in attendance as they cannot believe they are about to see Bret Hart. The Hitman taunts in the ring before holding the WWE Tag Team Championships in the air to signal they are on the line. He then asks the timekeeper to ring the bell and this match is underway!
Tyson Kidd and Finlay are the two men to start with the titles on the line and the last graduate of the Hart family dungeon shows Finlay exactly how good he is with multiple takedowns and quick submissions in the early going. Finlay becomes frustrated and is known for his brawling style and Kidd more for his amateur abilities. Kidd ties him in knots repeatedly before he makes the crucial error of giving Finlay an inch who delivers a CHOP BLOCK to the back of the knee of Kidd. Tyson immediately starts hopping around and Finlay makes it his mission to take out his left knee and, in the process, stop Kidd from using any of his high-octane offence. Finlay tags in Drew McIntyre who grabs Kidd and launches him with an unbelievable BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX. He didn’t realise his own strength though and he has thrown him straight to David Hart Smith who tags his smaller partner and strides towards McIntyre in the middle of the squared circle.
The crowd noise grows louder and louder as we are about to see a collision between the two big men in the match with Bret Hart in the corner smiling and looking excited about what he is going to witness as well. McIntyre and Smith throw big right hands at one another but neither of them moves one bit as every McIntyre punch is booed and every Smith punch is cheered. Neither man is giving an inch here as they start chopping as well as punching, but it is The Empire who gain the advantage as McIntyre suddenly connects with the GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! Smith falls to the canvas like a ton of bricks and Drew hooks the leg. Bret Hart gets in position; 1…… 2…… David Hart Smith kicks out. McIntyre smirks at Bret Hart and doesn’t give him any abuse for the count but he is clearly enjoying The Empire being in control right in front of the Hitman. McIntyre stomps away at Smith before slowing the pace down and locking in a body scissors on The Hart Dynasty member trying to drive all the air out of his opponent with his legs.
McIntyre grounds Smith impressively but the crowd are quick to will on The Hart Dynasty member and want him to escape the submission hold which he does in time but the member of The Empire is having none of it and drops Smith to the canvas almost immediately with NECKBREAKER ONTO THE KNEE. The Sinister Scotsman covers Smith as Bret Hart is quick in position to count again; 1…… 2…… No! The Hart Dynasty are still alive in this match. The crowd are determined to get behind Smith and it starts to impact on McIntyre who gets frustrated and tags Finlay in to do more damage to the bigger man of the challengers. The Belfast Brawler goes for a short-arm clothesline but Smith ducks underneath and as Finlay comes back towards him off the ropes he nails one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions with a BIG BOOT! Finlay falls to the canvas as Smith drapes his arm over the top of him and pins; 1…… 2…… This time it is Finlay who kicks out much to the annoyance of Bret Hart which is clear to see all over his face.
Smith realises he has taken a lot of punishment and makes the tag to a much fresher Tyson Kidd who comes in with a remarkable amount of energy. Kidd comes in with a SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE before delivering a beautiful DROPKICK which knocks Drew McIntyre off the ring apron and to the floor below. Tyson continues to gather momentum with a couple of clotheslines to Finlay and a beautiful SPINNING HEEL KICK. McIntyre tries to get back in the ring, but the special referee Bret Hart does a great job in keeping him outside as Tyson Kidd connects with an almighty BRAINBUSTER to Finlay. Kidd hooks both legs and we could have new WWE Tag Team Champions here. 1………… 2………… McIntyre breaks up the pin attempt as all hell breaks loose. David Hart Smith comes back in and clotheslines Drew outside the ring. Smith follows him to the outside and Irish whips him hard off the steel steps! Paul Burchill is not amused on the outside, so Smith nails him with a BIG BOOT! The Hart Dynasty is closing in here as the crowd go wild.
Back in the ring, Tyson Kidd goes to the top rope and waits for Finlay to get to his feet. Kidd leaps and there it is! The BLOCKBUSTER. Kidd pins and thinks he has done it; 1………… 2………… Finlay gets his foot on the rope and saves the WWE Tag Team Titles for The Empire. Bret Hart points it out to Kidd who reluctantly accepts that The Hitman has once again made the correct call in the contest. Tyson quickly tags his partner and Smith drives Finlay into the mat with a big suplex which Kidd follows up with a SPRINGBOARD LEG DROP. Smith covers the Belfast Brawler but again he gets the shoulder up as this match continues. Finlay is really struggling for the champions as Smith senses The Hart Dynasty could be closing in on their second reign as WWE Tag Team Champions. Smith gets Finlay on his shoulder and looks for the RUNNING POWERSLAM but Burchill is back up on the apron and pulls Finlay off his shoulders and to the outside where he tries to help The Empire regroup. Little does he know he has just set up Tyson Kidd to run and deliver a SOMERSAULT PLANCHA as he leaps over the top rope and takes out both Burchill and Finlay as Natalya and special guest referee Bret Hart cheers on The Hart Dynasty.
McIntyre avoids the impact though and grabs Tyson Kidd, launching him into the ring post as Kidd goes absolutely flying with his head hitting the steel hard. The crowd boos loudly as David Hart Smith goes to the outside and confronts McIntyre. The two start to exchange heavy blows but Finlay is back up and it quickly becomes a two-on-one assault on the larger man of The Hart Dynasty. The Sinister Scotsman orders Finlay to return Smith to the ring and he does before making the tag to Drew who comes in and immediately takes his opponent down with a shoulder block before following it up with a huge FIREMAN’S CARRY GUTBUSTER! McIntyre thinks this one is over as Bret Hart reluctantly makes the pin count; 1………… 2………… Smith kicks out and won’t be beaten with the WWE Tag Team Championship on the line. Some semblance of normality has been restored to the match now with Kidd back up on the apron albeit clutching his head and Finlay in the same position on the opposite side of the ring. Smith and McIntyre are the legal men with Burchill and Natalya on the outside supporting their respective teams.
McIntyre is in control of Smith as The Empire fully intend to retain their titles. The Sinister Scotsman Irish whips him into the turnbuckle and sprints towards him but Smith sidesteps and Drew hits the ring post hard with his should. Smith quickly rolls up McIntyre. Could we have new champions here? 1………… 2………… McIntyre kicks out and this match continues! Smith can’t believe it as he thought he had the match won there but it wasn’t to be. Smith picks McIntyre up to his feet and hoists him in the air and shows some unbelievable strength for a DELAYED VERTICAL SUPLEX. Smith thinks he could be on the verge of sealing the win for his team and tags Tyson Kidd in as they look to go for THE HART ATTACK. It connects! We are going to have new WWE Tag Team Champions right here; 1…………… 2…………… Finlay breaks up the pin attempt and saves the match and the titles for The Empire.
All hell breaks loose as Bret Hart confronts Finlay and tells him to get out of the ring. Finlay does that and is seen telling Paul Burchill to do something who quickly goes over to the timekeeper’s area. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith are in the ring as they call for THE HART ATTACK again! But as it looks like they are going to connect with the devastating finisher on McIntyre again, Burchill gets on the ring apron with one of the WWE Tag Team Championship belts in hand. Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart tells him to get down, but Burchill is having none of it. Meanwhile, in the background Finlay has the other WWE Tag Title belt and nails Tyson Kidd square in the forehead with the gold! The Belfast Brawler scurries away as David Hart Smith gives chase, but Finlay pulls the top rope down and The Hart Dynasty member crashes and burns. Bret Hart has had enough of Burchill and punches The Ripper off the apron as the crowd cheers but behind him Drew McIntyre hooks the leg of Tyson Kidd. Bret Hart turns around and clearly knows something has gone down but can do nothing but count the pinfall; 1…………… 2…………… 3! The Empire retain the WWE Tag Team Championship in controversial circumstances.
Winners: The Empire RETAIN the WWE Tag Team Championship(13:42)
Mathews:
No, not this way damn it! The Empire have retained the WWE Tag Team Championships despite Bret Hart being voted in as the special guest referee. And once again the difference maker was Paul Burchill who was lurking at ringside. Finlay nailed Tyson Kidd with that title belt and Drew McIntyre scores the pinfall. The Empire keep winning by any means necessary and something needs to be done about this. It just isn’t right. Striker:
Oh please Josh. Wah, wah, wah. The Empire will conquer all at all costs. That is their slogan and tonight they have lived up to it with a dominant win over The Hart Dynasty despite all the odds being stacked against them. For my money, Drew McIntyre and Finlay may become the best WWE Tag Team Champions we have had in years. What a thoroughly enjoyable match that was. The Hart Dynasty just couldn’t get the job done. Mathews:
Oh, please Matt will you give it a rest?! There was nothing right about how that match ended and Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart had no idea what had happened. He will be absolutely mortified once he sees the replays of that. And it looks like that is what is going on right now as you see him looking distraught at not being able to help The Hart Dynasty regain the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Natalya is in the ring watching the replay with Bret Hart as David Hart Smith returns to the ring and tries to tend to Tyson Kidd as well. The Hitman cannot believe what has happened and apologises profusely to Kidd and Smith as Natalya looks forlorn at what happened. At the top of the ramp Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill are very happy with what they have accomplished as they remain the WWE Tag Team Champions. The crowd give them some serious heat for the way they won the match, but it soon turns to pleasant applause and cheering as Natalya raises Bret Hart’s arm in the ring despite what just happened. The screen fades to the backstage area where we go to the interview area as Cyber Sunday rolls on.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the number one contender for the WWE Championship and will take on Jack Swagger tonight, he is The Game, TRIPLE H!
The crowd cheers loudly as Triple H comes into shot and Byron continues with his line of questioning.
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Triple H, tonight you take on Jack Swagger and can once again become the WWE Champion. But earlier this evening we saw the All American American talking to RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero. They are looking extremely confident. Your thoughts?
The Game – Triple H:
Byron tonight will not be like Night of Champions. Jack Swagger was the better man but since then a lot has happened. Vickie Guerrero better not get in the way because if she does, I will have no hesitation in Pedigreeing her ass in the middle of that ring. Nothing and I mean NOTHING will stop me tonight as the King of Kings goes back on his throne and I become the WWE Champion because nothing else matters to me.
Triple H looks intensely at Byron with his response as the other RAW Co-General Manager, Trish Stratus comes into shot and begins to address Triple H.
RAW Co-General Manager – Trish Stratus:
Don’t worry about Vickie Guerrero. If she gets in the way in the WWE Championship match, she will wish she had never been born. Good luck out there, Hunter.
With that we head back ringside and to RAW announce team Michael Cole and the King.
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
Triple H is confident tonight and that was an interesting message from Trish Stratus who has promised to stop Vickie Guerrero helping Jack Swagger. Something tells me it is going to be quite a main event here at Cyber Sunday and it has already started that way. The Big Show beat Kane in an Inferno Match and The Empire have retained the WWE Tag Team Championship against The Hart Dynasty. King:
And we are just getting started Cole. I can’t wait for that WWE Championship contest later between Jack Swagger and Triple H but up next, we have another title on the line in the DIVA’s Championship. Mickie James defends the gold, but she doesn’t know her opponent yet and has it all to do if she wants to walk out of here still as the champion because three beautiful women are ready to challenge her. Cole:
This is going to be a tall order for Mickie James no doubt about it, but we have seen her overcome all sorts of obstacles throughout her career. She is not a seven-time DIVA’s Champion for nothing. And here she comes! Listen to this ovation from the sold-out WWE Universe here at the Target Center.
The crowd go crazy for Mickie James as she bursts through the curtain and she easily gets the biggest pop of the night so far. The Minneapolis fans love Mickie as she enters the ring and taunts with the DIVA’s Championship belt. The crowd eventually settle down as Mickie James stands in the ring and wants to find out who her opponent will be tonight at Cyber Sunday.
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
It is time to find out who Mickie James will be defending the DIVA’s Championship against right here tonight in Minneapolis. Will it be Alicia Fox, will it be Gail Kim, or will it be none other than the former champion Melina? The votes are in and the DIVA facing Mickie James will be…
It is Gail Kim! The fans have voted for a dream match here tonight at Cyber Sunday. But before Gail can make her way to the ring, she is attacked by Melina in the corridor backstage where the three were waiting to find out who was facing Mickie James. It doesn’t work though as Gail Kim manages to turn the tables and throws Melina into a wall and lays her out. The crowd cheers as Gail strides to the entrance area, her music plays and she makes her way down the ramp. Mickie smiles at the prospect of facing her good friend as Gail Kim gets in the ring and smiles as well. Make no mistake about it though this match will be extremely hard-hitting as we’re about to find out. The second championship match of the evening is on!
Mickie James and Gail Kim shake hands before they go straight into it with the DIVA’s Championship on the line. Mickie and Gail do some nice chain wrestling to start the match which impresses the crowd who cheers loudly when both women are back to their feet and giving one another a nod of the head to signal this is going to be a closely fought contest. Mickie knows she will have to be at her best if she is to retain her title at Cyber Sunday and she ups the intensity by kicking Gail in the gut and delivering a Snapmare to her opponent. The DIVA’s Champion uses the ropes for extra momentum and connects with a dropkick to the side of the head of Kim. Gail is down but kicks out on just one as she makes it clear she will not be beaten without taking a lot of punishment here tonight. Mickie is okay with that and gets Gail to her feet before Irish whipping her into the turnbuckle. She sprints towards Gail but Kim leaps over her and rolls up the champion. 1… 2… Mickie just avoids a shock early defeat.
Mickie James and Gail Kim are both back to their feet and for the first time the champion looks concerned as the challenger grins but in a modest way. The contest heats up as Mickie charges at Gail and the two start throwing big forearms at one another. Mickie Irish whips Gail but Kim ducks a clothesline attempt and on the rebound takes down James with a SPEAR! The crowd cheer loudly at the impact of the move as Gail has taken full control in this bout. Mickie slowly gets to her feet with her title reign in severe jeopardy at Cyber Sunday. What she hasn’t seen is that Gail has climbed to the top rope and leaps connecting with a beautiful MISSILE DROPKICK which sends Mickie James all the way to the outside of the ring. Mickie is standing and using the announce table for support as Gail sees that and runs full speed ahead and leaps through the ropes with a SUICIDE DIVE!. Mickie goes flying as Kim taunts and gets a nice pop from the Minneapolis crowd.
Gail quickly returns Mickie to the ring as she realises this is her moment to capitalise on the hurting DIVA’s Champion. The Empress lifts Mickie up and drops her again with a nice WHEELBARROW BULLDOG. Gail has been so impressive here; 1……. 2…… Mickie James just gets the shoulder up and keeps her chances of retaining the title alive. Gail gives Mickie no time to recover though as she quickly grabs her leg and twists them into to an INVERTED SHARPSHOOTER. Mickie James screams in pain as Gail Kim can be heard telling her to tap out as she is desperate to become the DIVA’s Champion. Kim puts more and more torque on the legs of Mickie which in turn hurts her back but somehow the WWE legend twists her body and manages to kick Kim three times to get her to release the hold. Gail is quickly back to Mickie, but she is rolled up; 1…… 2…… This time it is Kim who kicks out and as the two women get back to their feet out of desperation James hits the MICK KICK!!! That could be it, but Gail Kim falls out of the ring and to the floor given the force of the blow.
Mickie cannot believe it and looks exasperated that Kim has fallen out of the ring. She takes some time to get her breath back and goes after Kim on the outside as she looks to wrestle momentum back in her favour. James has been up against it for most of the match so far but the WWE Universe sense that things could be about to change. Mickie lifts Gail to her feet on the outside and drops her chest first on the barricade. Mickie throws Gail back into the ring before climbing to the top rope and leaping with a MISSILE DROPKICK to the challenger. James hooks the leg; 1……… 2……… Gail Kim gets the shoulder up, but Mickie is now solidly on top as she tries to retain her DIVA’s Championship. Mickie Irish whips Kim who ducks underneath a clothesline attempt but as she runs back, James leaps with the THESZ PRESS to her opponent and starts hammering away on Gail as the crowd cheers again at the fast-paced action they are seeing from both women.
Mickie rolls off Gail and clotheslines her down to the canvas again before Irish whipping her into the turnbuckle on this occasion. James sprints but Gail sidesteps as James goes face first into the padding. Kim is now standing behind Mickie and grabs her round the waist looking for some sort of suplex. Instead she pushes the DIVA’s Champion face first into the turnbuckle again before turning her around. Kim chops Mickie three times and then lifts her into the seated position on the top turnbuckle. The crowd go quiet as they sense something big may be about to go down with the DIVA’s title on the line. Gail slowly joins Mickie on the top rope, but she stands before calling for it. Gail jumps and drills Mickie into the canvas with a FRANKENSTEINER! This must be it! New DIVA’s Champion! 1………… 2………… Somehow Mickie James gets her right leg on the bottom rope to force the referee to stop his pinfall count. James will not be beaten at Cyber Sunday!
Gail Kim cannot believe it as her jaw drops with shock that James managed to kick out of the high impact manoeuvre. That shock stops quickly though as The Empress quickly refocuses on the task in hand and gets Mickie to her feet. Gail connects with a SNAP SUPLEX and wastes no time in climbing to the top rope and facing into the crowd. Kim leaps and connects with a picture-perfect MOONSAULT! Kim hooks the leg as she thinks this could be it again. 1…………… 2………… Mickie James somehow kicks out again! Gail checks with the referee to make sure it was just a two and it is confirmed to her that the match will continue. The WWE Universe are in disbelief at what they are seeing and it may be the first time they have been into a DIVA’s match for quite some time. Kim taunts and signals that she is about to be wearing the DIVA’s Championship around her waist as she refocuses on Mickie James once again.
Gail calls for the end of the match and that can only mean one thing – the EAT DEFEAT. She gets Mickie to her feet and twists her arm ready to deliver her finishing move but James suddenly bursts into life and gets a shot of adrenaline as she avoids it and takes down Kim with a REVERSE ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Mickie James is exhausted as Gail Kim falls to the canvas like dead weight. The current DIVA’s Champion falls into a pinfall attempt; 1…………… 2…………… This time Kim shocks the WWE Universe in somehow getting her shoulder up at the last moment. Both women lay on the canvas gasping for air at what this match has taken out of both of them as the crowd cheers loudly and continuously and the camera pans out so you can see the reaction of the Target Center who are loving what they are seeing from Mickie James and Gail Kim. Slowly both DIVA’s get to their feet and start throwing big forearms and chops to one another.
The crowd cannot decide who to back in the match and end up cheering both women as they throw right hands. In the end, Gail Kim looks to kick Mickie in the gut but that turns into a big error as Mickie James catches the leg and nails her with another MICK KICK. Gail falls to the canvas but instead of going for the pinfall, Mickie slowly and methodically gets Kim to her feet and in position for the MICKIE-DT. She points her finger in the air to signal for the move, but Gail is having none of it and slides out, grabs Mickie’s arm and goes for EAT DEFEAT. As she jumps backwards, Mickie manages to grab the top rope and Kim crashes and burns. She holds the back of her neck but Mickie wastes no time in getting her to her feet and in one fluid motion driving her head first into the mat with the MICKIE-DT!!! Mickie James hooks the leg; 1……………… 2……………… 3!! Mickie James is still the DIVA’s Champion.
Winner: Mickie James RETAINS the DIVA’s Championship(11:17)
Cole:
Mickie James does it! She holds onto the DIVA’s Championship and what a match that was. The crowd are going nuts, listen to this place. We may have just witnessed a Match of the Year candidate in the women’s division. Mickie James proves once again why she is a future Hall of Famer and a seven-time champion. What a match, I honestly thought Gail Kim was going to do it King. King:
I told you before the match these may be the best women in the ring in the WWE today and boy did they deliver. I couldn’t take my eyes off the action and I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that in recent years. I want to see these two go at it again and again and again. That Mickie-DT left Gail Kim with no chance of kicking out and it was going to take something huge for one of them to keep the other one down. Cole:
It sure was. Mickie James retains the DIVA’s Championship in impressive fashion but there is no doubt these two put on an unbelievable show here at Cyber Sunday. And it looks like their respect has only grown as a result after the WWE Universe voted Kim as the number one contender.
Back in the ring Mickie James celebrates her hard-fought win and is handed the DIVA’s Championship belt by the referee which she holds aloft. Mickie goes to the two corners on the hard camera side and holds the title belt aloft as the WWE Universe cheer. Mickie ends up standing in the middle of the ring as Gail Kim struggles to her feet. The DIVA’s Champion helps the challenger she just beat to her feet and the two shake hands and follow it up with a hug as the crowd cheers and applauds to show their respect for the clinic these two ladies just put on. The camera fades with the two hugging in the ring.
--------------------
--------------------
We get the Don’t Try This At Home advert followed by a WWEShop.com advert at Cyber Sunday as the latest Triple H and Edge shirts are highlighted the most and a deal on Championship belts tonight only. The camera then fades back to ringside but we go straight to the host of Cyber Sunday, Todd Grisham.
--------------------
--------------------
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
Welcome back to Cyber Sunday everyone and what a night it has been so far right here in Minneapolis. And next up it is time for a bonus match from three potential options the WWE Universe have been voting for all week long. Will we see the United States Championship on the line with Matt Hardy defending against Christian and Lance Cade? Will there be a different Triple Threat match with Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison taking on CM Punk and Edge or will the Cruiserweight Champion, Kaval defend his gold against none other than Primo! It is time to find out who will be in action right here, right now!
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
You have voted for John Morrison vs. CM Punk vs. Edge!!!
The music of CM Punk hits and the crowd boos loudly as the leader of the Straight Edge Society comes through the curtain. Punk is flanked by the anti-DIVA, Serena as well as his disciples Luke Gallows and Mike Knox. Punk is showered with boos but ignores it all as he strides up the steel steps and all four stand in a row in the middle of the ring looking extremely confident. Punk signals with his hands for his opponents to come and join him ahead of the match.
The first is none other than the SmackDown Money in the Bank holder, John Morrison. The Guru of Greatness gets a nice pop from the sold out Target Center crowd and knows tonight will be a great test for him with the entire Straight Edge Society lurking. Morrison wisely chooses to not get in the ring but he does taunt with his blue Money in the Bank briefcase outside which seems to tick off CM Punk and his minions as he has no such guarantee at a World Heavyweight Championship shot.
The final man to enter the fray is none other than the Rated R Superstar, Edge. The crowd come unglued as the former World Heavyweight Champion stands at the top of the stage and his pyro goes off all around him. Edge is wearing yellow and black this evening as he stands on the outside alongside John Morrison and looks like him as if there is some sort of plan they have.
Mathews:
The WWE Universe have spoken and it is a Triple Threat match on behalf of Friday Night SmackDown which will take place here tonight at Cyber Sunday. None other than CM Punk will take on John Morrison and Edge in what is sure to be one heck of a contest. And with the entire Straight Edge Society here at ringside and the no disqualification rules this one could go very badly for Morrison and Edge. Striker:
You have to say this is quite brilliant from our Straight Edge Saviour, CM Punk. He knows the rules of this match and can have Luke Gallows, Mike Knox and Serena with him with no fear of officials getting rid of them. It is no disqualification which means he is perfectly within the rules to have his disciples and those he trusts the most with him here at Cyber Sunday. Mathews:
Matt, there is nothing brilliant about this. CM Punk and the Straight Edge Society are once again about to use the numbers game to their advantage and you can clearly see that. But we may be about to see something very different here because John Morrison has the Money in the Bank briefcase and Edge has a steel chair!!!
The crowd cheers loudly as CM Punk looks extremely concerned in the ring with Edge and John Morrison armed and ready to strike to even the numbers game before the match even officially gets started. CM Punk sends Luke Gallows and Mike Knox to the outside to fight his Triple Threat opponents but it doesn’t end well for the Straight Edge Society. Edge nails Gallows in the midriff with the edge of the chair before hitting him hard three times across the back. Knox doesn’t do any better as Morrison ducks a clothesline attempt and launches his Money in the Bank briefcase off the skull on the Monstrous member of the SES. It stuns Knox and Morrison follows it up with a huge Tornado DDT onto the briefcase which leaves him laid out. CM Punk and Serena look on in the ring and cannot believe the odds have been evened by Edge and Morrison. The Rated R Superstar and Mr Money in the Bank stride into the ring as Serena scurries to the outside and the bell rings.
CM Punk knows the numbers are against him and tries to fight back as Edge and John Morrison go after him to the delight of the crowd. They hammer away and Punk is quickly floored before they throw CM Punk to the outside where there is a wreckage of Straight Edge Society members. John Morrison nods at Edge but instead of fighting the Rated R Superstar he has something else planned and goes to the top rope facing the inside directly at Edge. Morrison leaps and jumps high in the air with a MOONSAULT to the outside where he takes out CM Punk even more. Morrison taunts as Edge goes to the outside where medical officials and referees are helping Luke Gallows and Mike Knox to the back. Serena is going spare at the carnage she has witnessed in the early going but she can do nothing to help CM Punk at this stage. Edge and Morrison get Punk to his feet and throw him hard into the barricade wall as his body flops into a heap. Morrison and Edge return to the ring and have made it a one-on-one contest at least for the time being.
Edge and John Morrison keep the pace going with a number of big right hands to one another. The Rated R Superstar Irish whips Morrison who ducks underneath a clothesline attempt and on the rebound takes the former World Heavyweight Champion down with a nice BACK HEEL KICK. Edge is quickly back to his feet as Morrison grabs him round the neck but Edge elbows his way out of the move. Edge Irish whips Morrison again and this time he takes out Mr Money in the Bank with a SPINNING HEEL KICK of his own as the crowd cheers at how evenly matched these two are and the energy they are expending so far in the contest. Before long both Morrison and Edge are both back to their feet and throwing big right hands at one another once more. Edge goes for a big chop and then a punch but Morrison blocks it, grabs the Ultimate Opportunist and throws all of his momentum back to plant him with an unbelievable STANDING SPANISH FLY! Morrison goes for the cover after the incredible move which makes the crowd gasp; 1…… 2…… Edge kicks out just in time.
The crowd cheers loudly as suddenly CM Punk springboards in off the top rope and takes out both Edge and John Morrison with a double clothesline as they slowly get to their feet. The crowd boos loudly as Serena cheers on the outside that the Straight Edge Saviour is back in the contest. Punk looks like he is going to make up for lost time as he aggressively throws John Morrison into the ring post which sends him crashing to the outside of the ring. Punk focuses on Edge now and lifts him up and drops him hard with a nice DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER. 1……… 2……… Edge once again kicks out and won’t be beaten at this stage in the match. Punk maintains his focus and drags Edge to the corner where he hammers away before taking a few steps back and sprinting towards the Rated R Superstar. There it is! The RUNNING KNEE. Punk hooks his arms around the head of Edge and looks for a BULLDOG which he hits perfectly. Instead of pinning though Punk sprints to the other side of the ring and connects with a SUICIDE DIVE to John Morrison!
CM Punk returns to the ring and stands tall in the middle of the ring as the crowd boo him loudly. The Straight Edge Saviour has somehow ended up on top in the contest and orders Serena to get him a microphone. Punk begins to run down the Minneapolis crowd mid-match! He says the only way any of them, the pathetic delinquents of this world, should be living is Straight Edge. As he spots the Rated R Superstar get back to his feet he nails him with the microphone before tossing it aside and smirking as arrogantly as possible. Punk looks at the fallen Edge and picks him up only to drop him with a scoop slam before leisurely ambling to the top rope. Punk stands with his arms aloft looking for the DIVING ELBOW! CM Punk hits it and hooks both legs; 1………… 2………… John Morrison is back in the ring and breaks up the victory attempt. Mr Money in the Bank hammers away at CM Punk and this one is getting more and more personal every minute. Morrison lifts Punk to his feet and slaps him across the face repeatedly as the crowd cheers wildly before the Friday Night Delight drops CM Punk with a HANGMAN NECKBREAKER. 1………… 2………… This time Edge breaks up the pin.
All three men are in the ring and it is clear any of them could still win the match. Edge starts stomping away at CM Punk while he is on the floor as the crowd cheer. The former World Heavyweight Champion gets Punk to his feet and Irish whips him into the turnbuckle hard. The Rated R Superstar punches and kicks Punk in the head and gut before moving him into the seated position on the top turnbuckle. The crowd starts to raise the level of volume as they sense they could be about to witness something truly memorable. Edge stands on the top rope facing into the crowd and CM Punk. He is about to jump and look for a FRANKENSTEINER when John Morrison gets behind him and gets Edge into a POWERBOMB position on his shoulders. But before he can deliver the move CM Punk leaps from the top rope and clotheslines Edge as Morrison sits out into the devastating move. Unlikely allies for a moment there as Morrison covers but CM Punk quickly drags Mr Money in the Bank off and they now start going at it like mortal enemies.
Punk and Morrison throw big forearms and kicks with neither managing to get on top. Morrison goes for a big ROUNDHOUSE KICK but Punk ducks and tries one of his own but The Guru of Greatness has it well scouted. Morrison leaps and delivers a DROPSAULT but Punk is quick to get back to his feet and nearly takes Morrison’s head off with a STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI! Morrison is rocked but his momentum sends him towards the ropes and he jumps and leaps back to take CM Punk out with the FLYING CHUCK KICK! All three men are down as the Target Center explodes at the match they are witnessing on what has been quite a show so far. The referee doesn’t do anything as there is the match has to have a finish and after a few seconds with Serena looking on at ringside the trio get to their feet all at the same time and they all start throwing big right hands at one another again. It is now clearly every man looking to score the victory for themselves as we enter the deeper waters of the match.
Nobody manages to get the upper hand in the match until Serena climbs onto the apron to distract John Morrison which allows CM Punk to take advantage of Mr Money in the Bank and dump him to the outside of the ring. What Punk doesn’t realise though is Edge is behind him and there it is! The EDGE-O-MATIC! The Rated R Superstar hooks both legs but Serena is on the apron again this time distracting the referee. The official in charge is John Cone and he is having none of it as he orders the Anti-DIVA to the back and CM Punk has lost his final ally and Straight Edge Society member in the match! It is now a truly level playing field as CM Punk blows his stack and turns right around into the EDGEOCUTION!!! Edge has beaten so many opponents over the years with his Impaler DDT and this could be another one. 1…………… 2…………… John Morrison breaks up the count as he springboards off the top rope with a huge LEG DROP to the back of the head of the Rated R Superstar.
Edge is down, CM Punk is down and John Morrison is in the ascendancy as he looks to pick up a big win here at Cyber Sunday and underline his credentials as a future World Heavyweight Champion. Morrison drags CM Punk to his feet and signals for the MOONLIGHT DRIVE which he nails; 1…………… 2…………… The Straight Edge Saviour gets the shoulder up. Morrison switches his attention to Edge and lifts the Rated R Superstar to the seated position before using the ropes for momentum and smacking his knee straight off Edge’s forehead which echoes throughout the arena; 1…………… 2…………… Edge somehow gets his shoulder up which John Morrison cannot believe. Mr Money in the Bank wastes no time though and drags Edge to the corner of the ring. Morrison has STARSHIP PAIN in mind. Morrison leaps but he spots that Edge rolls out of the way and lands on his feet only to be levelled by CM Punk from behind.
Morrison staggers and as he turns around CM Punk gets him on his shoulders and there it is! GO TO SLEEP to John Morrison as his head is nearly taken off with the huge knee from the leader of the Straight Edge Saviour. Before CM Punk can fall into the pin cover though Edge is sprinting towards him and hits the SPEAR!!! Edge falls into the cover with John Morrison laid out on the opposite side of the ring. Is this it?! 1……………… 2……………………… 3! Edge picks up the win as the Ultimate Opportunist is in the right place at the right time and pins CM Punk in an incredible Triple Threat bonus match here at Cyber Sunday!
Mathews:
Edge has done it! The Ultimate Opportunist strikes to pick up an incredible win here at Cyber Sunday in a Triple Threat match with John Morrison and CM Punk that these fans will be talking about for some time. The action was frantic and frenetic but as has so often been the case over the years, the Rated R Superstar wins with a Spear and there was nothing Punk could do. What a match Matt! Striker:
What a night Josh! The action just keeps getting better and that was an incredible bout to witness live here even if it was in Minneapolis. But we cannot ignore the injustice that was done here with CM Punk’s Straight Edge Society attacked before the match and then the official ejecting Serena midway through the match. The Straight Edge Saviour, CM Punk has every right to feel mighty aggrieved here tonight. Mathews:
The Straight Edge Society got exactly what they deserved Matt. Edge victorious here tonight and there is so much more to come with Sheamus defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Daniel Bryan later in the evening and the Intercontinental Championship on the line next on the SmackDown side of things. Listen to these fans, they cannot get enough of the Rated R Superstar!
All three men are exhausted after that match as Edge stands with his hand held high in victory. His Spear gave him the victory but on any other given night anyone could have won that match. Edge makes his way up the ramp with his iconic theme playing and gets a nice pop from the Minneapolis crowd as the screen eventually fades to the backstage area after another commercial for WWE merchandise. The atmosphere is about to change somewhat.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the lead of The Empire and World Heavyweight Champion, the Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS!
The crowd boos loudly as Sheamus enters the shot with his wrestling attire on and Empire t-shirt with the World Heavyweight Championship over his shoulder. Sheamus enjoys the negative reaction he is getting as Bryon continues.
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Sheamus, tonight you take on the American Dragon, Daniel Bryan with your World Heavyweight Championship on the line and you don’t know the type of match you will face off in yet. It could be a Falls Count Anywhere match, a Submission match or a Tables match. Do you have any preference?
World Heavyweight Champions – Sheamus:
Do I have any preference? Byron let me remind you I am the World Heavyweight Champion fella’. I am the most dominant superstar SmackDown has ever seen and The Empire have conquered all in recent months on Friday nights. Tonight will be no different because Daniel Bryan cannot beat me whatever the stipulation. Bryan has got guts I’ll give him that, but the Celtic Warrior will prove his dominance here tonight as The Empire stand tall at Cyber Sunday.
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
You sound awfully confident Sheamus. Is this because you have some sort of plan for the rest of The Empire to help you in defending the World Heavyweight Championship tonight?
World Heavyweight Champions – Sheamus:
Are you kidding me? I do not need the help of anyone. I am the Celtic Warrior; I am the leader of The Empire and I am a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. So Byron…
Before he can say anymore, Sheamus is interrupted by none other than John Morrison holding his Money in the Bank briefcase as he is on his way to the backstage area following his Triple Threat match with Edge and CM Punk. Sheamus looks a little concerned as Morrison wishes him luck ironically in his match tonight against Daniel Bryan. Morrison says he’ll be watching very closely before tapping his briefcase. He walks off as Sheamus can’t hide the fact he is concerned, and we head back to ringside.
--------------------
--------------------
Mathews:
Sheamus has been warned by Mr Money in the Bank, John Morrison ahead of his match with Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship. You could tell the Celtic Warrior was worried as well. John Morrison may have just got straight into the head of The Empire leader. And Daniel Bryan could also gain an advantage as a result Matt. Striker:
He could but let’s remember just how successful The Empire have been in recent weeks and months on SmackDown. Sheamus, Finlay, Drew McIntyre and Paul Burchill have conquered all that have stood before them. And another man that has impressed is none other than the Intercontinental Champion, Dolph Ziggler. And the Reflection of Perfection has another title defence up next Josh. Mathews:
He does indeed but there is a big unknown for Ziggler with his opponent yet to be decided. The WWE Universe have been voting on whether it will be Evan Bourne, Alberto Del Rio or Rey Mysterio. Gregory Helms was an option to start with, but he has suffered a broken nose taking him out of the running. And here comes the Intercontinental Champion ready to find out his opponent.
The music of Dolph Ziggler hits the PA system and the crowd give the Intercontinental Champion a somewhat mixed reaction. His performances in the ring as of late have clearly impressed some in the WWE Universe, but his arrogant demeanour had not enamoured him to all. Ziggler is wearing some silver wrestling trunks as he steps in the ring and lifts the Intercontinental Championship high in the air before the camera cuts backstage to Todd Grisham who has Evan Bourne, Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio beside him.
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the Intercontinental Championship match this evening at Cyber Sunday! But who did you decide should face Dolph Ziggler here tonight? Was it the high-flying Evan Bourne? Did you choose the Mexican Aristocrat, Alberto Del Rio? Or perhaps the Master of the 619, Rey Mysterio? It is time to find out!
It is Evan Bourne!!! Air Bourne received exactly half the vote and gets his opportunity to win the Intercontinental Championship here tonight at Cyber Sunday. Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio look disappointed as Bourne’s music hits and he explodes through the curtain. The crowd pops loudly for the former Cruiserweight Champion as he sprints down the entrance ramp and makes his way into the ring. Ziggler nods clearly looking forward to this match with the clash of styles particularly intriguing. Bourne takes his t-shirt off as he is dressed in green and black wrestling tights. The referee checks both competitors are ready and then signals the start of the match.
Dolph Ziggler tries to ground Evan Bourne in the early going with his amateur skills and to a point is successful. He takes Bourne down with a Side Headlock before switching into a Body Scissors but Bourne eventually Kips Up as the two stand face-to-face and both nod their respect to one another. Perhaps a surprising move from Ziggler but he is clearly excited about the contest with the former Cruiserweight Champion here at Cyber Sunday. Ziggler changes tact and kicks Bourne in the gut before Irish whipping the smaller man who seems to gather more and more speed, ducking a clothesline attempt and taking Dolph down with a leaping lariat instead. Bourne doesn’t let Ziggler back into the match as he takes the Intercontinental Champion to the mat again with the HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN. Ziggler quickly slides under the bottom rope and to the outside as he looks to get his breath back after a fast-paced start from the challenger.
Ziggler tells the referee to keep Bourne back before he slowly and deliberately makes his way back into the squared circle. Dolph starts talking some trash to Evan as the two lock up in the middle of the ring on this occasion. Ziggler is clearly more powerful and pushes Bourne back into the turnbuckle before the referee orders him to break. The Intercontinental Champion reluctantly does before delivering a cheap shot to Bourne which sends him crashing to the canvas. Ziggler drags his body into the middle of the ring and goes for an early cover; 1… 2… Evan Bourne kicks out at this early juncture in the match. Ziggler realises he has a chance to stay in control and stomps away at the fallen body of Bourne before he lifts him to his feet and drives him into the canvas with a REVERSE BODY SLAM. Dolph isn’t done there though as he notices Bourne hanging under the bottom rope and BASEBALL SLIDES the challenger to the outside.
Ziggler follows his opponent to the outside and shows a vicious streak many don’t recognise the Reflection of Perfection for. Dolph hammers away at Bourne before Irish whipping him hard into the ring apron as Bourne flies back first and upside down into the structure. Ziggler smirks as he picks Bourne up again and this time drops him sternum first across the railings. Bourne holds his chest and neck as Ziggler lifts him up to his feet and tosses him back into the ring as he focuses on trying to retain his title. Bourne is slowly back to his feet as Dolph Ziggler delivers the FAMOUSER early! Ziggler hooks both legs as the crowd sense this one could be over early; 1…… 2…… Bourne manages to get the shoulder up but is clearly struggling to get oxygen to his body with the punishment he has taken from Dolph. Ziggler tells the referee to count quicker before he gets Bourne to his feet and Irish whips him hard into the turnbuckle which leaves Bourne writhing around on the mat.
Dolph Ziggler is now in control and looks on course to retain his title as he delivers his trademark multiple elbow drops to the midriff of Bourne. Ziggler rotates his hips in trademark fashion before connecting with the final elbow to the heart of the challenger. Ziggler covers but Evan Bourne kicks out again as the Intercontinental Champion smirks arrogantly almost happy he can do more damage to his opponent. Ziggler picks Evan Bourne up to his feet and Irish whips him into the turnbuckle again following it up with a picture perfect STINGER SPLASH. Bourne is really struggling here as Dolph gets Bourne on his shoulders and connects with a huge FIREMAN’S CARRY GUTBUSTER! Bourne’s body goes limp as he falls to the mat and Ziggler hooks the leg again as he looks to seal a big win; 1……… 2……… Evan Bourne will not be beaten and with every kick out the crowd get louder and louder in support of the former Cruiserweight Champion.
Ziggler tells them all to shut up and anyone who was previously supporting him for his incredible in-ring talents now boos the reigning Intercontinental Champion. Dolph refocuses and picks up Bourne once more and this time places Evan Bourne in the seated position on the top rope. Ziggler clearly has something big planned in mind and slowly climbs to the ropes to stand in front of Bourne who is still sitting. It looks like Dolph may be looking for a FRANKENSTEINER but the challenger suddenly shows some signs of life! Bourne headbutts the midriff of Ziggler repeatedly and starts punching and chopping at Ziggler as well. The Intercontinental Champion eventually is forced to go down from the ropes and is in a standing position as Bourne slowly gathers himself and stands on the top rope facing the Reflection of Perfection. Bourne leaps and takes Ziggler down with the METEORA from the top rope. Bourne desperately claws to get to Ziggler and drapes his arm across the Intercontinental Champion. 1…………… 2…………… Dolph just gets the shoulder up!
Evan Bourne tries to slowly get back to his feet although he is exhausted and realises it is crucial that he tries to stay on top on in the match if he wants to become the new Intercontinental Champion. Bourne hammers away at Ziggler who is also back to his feet and connects with a SPINNING HEEL KICK which rocks the champion. Bourne knows he has to capitalise and rocks Ziggler with a STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI this time as Dolph’s body collapses to the mat but instead of pinning Bourne follows it up with a STANDING MOONSAULT. Now Evan hooks the leg and thinks he may have done enough to pick up a thrilling victory; 1………… 2………… Ziggler manages to get the shoulder up once more much to the frustration of the challenger. Evan Bourne is trying to stay focused and is clearly thinking of something big and goes to the outside of the ring to the apron as he looks to springboard in. Bourne leaps but is caught by Ziggler and dropped in one fluid movement with a SITOUT POWERBOMB! What a move! Dolph Ziggler covers; 1…………… 2…………… This time Evan Bourne somehow kicks out to keep the match alive!
What is it going to take for one of these wrestlers to win this match and walk out of Cyber Sunday as the Intercontinental Champion? Both Evan Bourne and Dolph Ziggler stay down for a prolonged period as they try to get their breath back after an encounter of breakneck speed so far. Ziggler is first to his feet with Bourne following shortly after as the two once again throw right hands at one another. Ziggler Irish whips Bourne who comes back and slides through the legs of Dolph and on the rebound he dropkicks the Intercontinental Champion who is rocked. Bourne bow sprints full speed ahead at Dolph but in one unbelievable fluid motion, Ziggler drops Bourne with a beautiful POWERSLAM. Ziggler hooks the leg again but this time Bourne gets his foot on the rope to break the count. Dolph is now angry and lifts Bourne to his feet, despite the former Cruiserweight Champion being groggy and leaps taking him down with his trademark DDT as he spikes the challenger’s head into the mat. 1……………… 2……………… Evan Bourne again refuses to give up on his chance to win the Intercontinental Title.
Dolph Ziggler is going spare that he cannot put away the challenger and tries to turn it up another notch in terms of his plan of attack. Ziggler hauls Bourne to his feet and quickly locks in the SLEEPER HOLD. The thinking is clearly that if he can’t pin the challenger, he will make him pass out instead as he has several other wrestlers over the years. Ziggler has his hands locked around the neck of Bourne and it looks like the high-flying star is fading as the referee gets ready to raise his arm and check if he is out or not. The referee raises Bourne’s floppy arm in the air and drops it but Bourne braces the arm and begins to fight out of Ziggler’s submission hold. Bourne elbows Ziggler and flails his way out. Ziggler goes for a clothesline to try and re-assert his dominance but Bourne sees it coming and on the rebound Dolph is met with an impactful ROUNDHOUSE KICK. The sounds of foot on head echoes throughout the arena as Ziggler flops to the mat hard. Bourne is slow to cover though because he is exhausted from the Sleeper Hold. 1………………… 2………………… Ziggler refuses to be beaten.
Bourne wastes no time in realising he now has his best chance yet to become the new Intercontinental Champion as he sees that Dolph Ziggler is laying prone in the centre of the ring. Evan Bourne climbs to the top rope and looks for AIR BOURNE, his Shooting Star Press, but Ziggler rolls out of the way. Fortunately, the challenger sees it coming and lands on his feet incredibly only to be nailed with a SUPERKICK from Dolph. The Reflection of Perfection almost takes Bourne’s head off with the shot as the crowd gasp loudly, but the ferocity of the shot sends Bourne straight through the ropes and to the outside. Ziggler desperately tries to reach him before he falls but cannot prevent it as the crowd cheers and Dolph looks completely exasperated. Dolph eventually gets his wits about him and orders the referee to start counting Bourne out as he is now clearly happy to take the victory any way he can after being pushed all the way from the exciting young star.
The referee counts and reaches seven with Bourne slowly starting to move on the outside. At eight, the challenger is trying to get to his feet with the help of the announce tables, at nine he is at the ring apron and he just makes it back into the ring without being counted out much to the chagrin of Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler immediately goes on the onslaught and stomps away at Bourne who doesn’t even make it to his feet as the referee admonishes the Intercontinental Champion. Dolph doesn’t care though and lifts Bourne to his feet as he looks to end it once and for all. Ziggler almost gets caught though as Bourne out of nowhere rolls him up! 1……………… 2……………… Ziggler just kicks out much to his relief. The roll up eventually works against Evan Bourne though as Dolph Ziggler is back to his feet first and there it is! Dolph Ziggler plants Evan Bourne with the ZIG ZAG!!! Dolph Ziggler hooks both legs with Evan Bourne motionless. 1……………… 2……………… 3! Dolph Ziggler retains the Intercontinental Championship in a frantic contest.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler RETAINS the Intercontinental Championship(15:05)
Mathews:
What a match! Dolph Ziggler retains the Intercontinental Championship in another incredible match here at Cyber Sunday against Evan Bourne. The Reflection of Perfection managed to keep hold of the gold despite not finding out his opponent until just before the bout. Ziggler puts another opponent away with the Zig Zag but what a superb showing from Evan Bourne as well in his first opportunity to win the title. Striker:
The heart of Evan Bourne cannot be doubted after tonight but Ziggler just had too much for the former Cruiserweight Champion to contend with. This Dolph Ziggler is a future World Heavyweight Champion for sure and every time I see him, I get even more impressed. That may have been the match that steals the show here tonight in Minneapolis. Dolph Ziggler is still the Intercontinental Champion. Mathews:
Incredible sequences and an incredible win for the man who loves showing off. Dolph Ziggler may have had the odds stacked against him here tonight but he has once again proved any doubters he had wrong with overcoming Evan Bourne. It looked like we may crown a new champion at times but Ziggler dug as deep as he could to get the one, two, three.
In the ring Dolph Ziggler is handed the Intercontinental Championship after winning he hard-fought contest with Evan Bourne. Ziggler slowly uses the ropes to keep his balance as he holds the gold above his head and the crowd are mixed in their response. Some of them don’t like the way Dolph goes about his business but they still respect just how good he is in the ring. Ziggler gets out of the ring and walks backwards up the ramp before lifting the Intercontinental Title belt above his head as the camera cuts to the ring with Evan Bourne sitting against the bottom turnbuckle holding the back of his head. The final shot is of Ziggler walking through the curtain to the back with Intercontinental Championship over his shoulder.
--------------------
--------------------
The Alpha Male, Marcus Cor Von is coming to RAW!
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
We have not seen Marcus Cor Von since 2007 and he was a powerhouse back on ECW. The RAW superstars better watch out for the Alpha Male because he will be sure to make an instant impact on Monday nights. King it has been quite a night so far as we just saw Dolph Ziggler retain the Intercontinental Championship but now we have some tag team action from our side of things with a very unlikely duo trying to get along. King:
John Cena and Randy Orton! I never thought I would see the day when these two WWE stars would end up aligned but it looks like reluctantly they have to try and see off these two young upstarts in Carlito and Chris Masters who are trying to make a real impact here. They both have huge potential and have got the better of Cena and Orton in recent weeks on Monday Night RAW. Can they do it here tonight on a bigger stage though? Cole:
We are about to find out as we have some blockbuster tag team action up next. And don’t forget later this evening WWE Champion, Jack Swagger will take on The Game, Triple H in our main event here at Cyber Sunday. But first, here comes The Masterpiece!
The music of The Masterpiece, Chris Masters hits and he walks out to some serious heat from the crowd. Masters looks focused and ready though and flexes his muscles at the top of the ramp in trademark fashion as he has blue trunks and knee pads on. Masters has noticeably lost some muscle in recent times and has improved in the ring as well. Masters gets in the ring as his music stops and Carlito now enters. The man from the Caribbean looks extremely cocky and confident with apple in hand as he saunters down the entrance ramp and joins Masters in the squared circle.
The atmosphere changes drastically as none other than John Cena enters the Cyber Sunday picture. The multiple-time former WWE Champion gets his trademark mixed reaction from the WWE Universe but he takes it in his stride, sprinting down the aisle and into the ring as Carlito and Masters get out not wanting anything to do with him. Cena stands and stares at them as he awaits his unlikely tag team partner. The guitar riff which signals the arrival of Randy Orton hits the PA system as The Viper slowly makes his way out with his usual attire on. Orton looks focused and ready and gets a mixed reaction but more of a pop than Cena as he gets ready for the match. Randy enters the ring and looks at Cena and gives him a nod of approval as this tag team match is set.
John Cena & Randy Orton vs. Carlito & Chris Masters
John Cena and Carlito start the match for their respective teams. These two have a long history with the leader of the Cenation famously battling the man for the Caribbean for the United States Championship early on in his career. There’s no locking up or slow start to this one as Cena immediately goes after Carlito with big right hands but the referee eventually forces the multiple-time WWE Champion off his opponent. Cena struggles to contain his anger as he steps back and then goes right back in at the arrogant star. Cena tosses Carlito across the ring before he connects with a powerful clothesline which shakes the ring as the crowd mostly cheer. Cena continues his onslaught with yet another clothesline before Irish whipping Carlito hard into the turnbuckle. The impact sends him writhing around in pain holding his back as Chris Masters looks on from the apron looking concerned for his tag team partner.
Cena is like a man possessed so far in the match as he gets Carlito to his feet and drags him to his corner where he tags Randy Orton in for the first time. The Legend Killer gets a nice reaction from the Cyber Sunday crowd as he takes control of Carlito and Cena gets on the apron. Orton delivers several European uppercuts before he hoists his opponent up, high in the air, and drops him with a unique looking neckbreaker. Orton hooks the leg for the first time in the match; 1… 2… Carlito kicks out in the early moments of the contest. Randy stays focused and Irish whips Carlito who ducks under a clothesline attempt. The man from the Caribbean runs back as Orton drops to the mat and Carlito jumps over him and on the way back from the ropes once more he is met with a picture perfect DROPKICK right to the chin which rocks the man from the Caribbean. Orton taunts to the crowd who pop loudly for the Apex Predator.
This proves to be his downfall as when he turns back to Carlito he is met with a rake to the eyes as he scurries to his corner and tags in Chris Masters. The muscle-bound star enters and is not intimidated in the slightest by Orton. The Legend Killer is not backing down as he trades punches with the Masterpiece, but it doesn’t end well for him as Masters simply overpowers him and pushes Orton back into the turnbuckle. Randy runs from the corner at the powerhouse, but he is BACK BODY DROPPED and lands with a thud on the canvas. Masters goes for a quick cover; 1…… 2…… Orton is not going to be beaten that easily. Masters quickly slows the pace down and applies a headlock onto the former Evolution member. Randy is breathing heavily as the Masterpiece puts more and more torque on the neck of his opponent but the crowd eventually get behind Orton who works his way back up to a vertical base and takes Masters down with a BACK DROP. Orton needed that badly with Masters beginning to dominate.
Orton gets back to his feet along with Masters and we are back to square one in the contest. The Legend Killer is determined to gain some momentum and goes mad with multiple European uppercuts but they only rock Masters. Orton decides to use the ropes for an added assist as he goes for a clothesline, but he is met with mat as Masters POWERSLAMS his opponent. The Masterpiece is on top as he drags the body of Orton to his corner and tags in Carlito. The former United States Champion and Masters now make frequent tags and overwhelm Orton in the next few minutes. They stomp away repeatedly before Masters drops Randy with a SAMOAN DROP before Carlito springboards in with a nice ELBOW DROP to the midriff of the Legend Killer. Carlito covers; 1……… 2……… Orton refuses to give up though and gets the shoulder up as Carlito immediately questions what he perceives to be a slow count from the referee.
Carlito turns his attention back to Orton but the momentary lapse costs him. Orton quickly grabs the Colon and throws him through the ropes and to the outside as he lands with a thud. Randy slowly drags his way over to his corner and makes the tag to a refreshed John Cena. The Chain Gang Soldier sprints in the ring as Carlito is now back in the squared circle and almost clotheslines him out of his boots. Cena takes him down with a couple of trademark shoulder blocks before he punches Masters off the ring apron. Cena raises his right hand in the air and signals for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE as he rebounds off the ropes and is about to go for the signature move but an angry Masterpiece is back in the ring. Masters lifts Cena up and slams him down hard with a MODIFIED SPINEBUSTER! Masters isn’t done there though as he drags Carlito on top of Cena for the pinfall attempt. The referee refuses to count until the Masterpiece gets back on the apron but eventually, he does; 1………… 2………… Cena gets the shoulder up on this occasion.
Carlito has taken a lot of punishment and is slow to his feet as he looks to take advantage of his tag team partner’s help in flooring Cena. Carlito looks at Cena and is clearly thinking something as he grabs him by the neck and drops him to the canvas hard again twisting his body with a SNAP FISHERMAN’S NECKBREAKER. The crowd gasp at the impact of the move as Carlito hooks the leg once again; 1…………… 2…………… Cena gets his foot on the bottom rope much to the annoyance of Carlito. The man from the Caribbean kicks his leg off the rope and hooks both again but this time Cena kicks out. It seems to give Carlito a second wind in the ring as he Irish whips Cena into his corner and tags in Masters. The Masterpiece lifts John Cena high in the ring and drops him with an impressive DELAYED VERTICAL SUPLEX followed up by Carlito delivering a LEG DROP from the second rope. Masters pins Cena on this occasion; 1…………… 2…………… Again, the former WWE Champion gets the shoulder up much to the annoyance of the Masterpiece.
Masters isn’t playing around here and gets John Cena to his feet quickly, slapping him across the face hard. This seems to spark Cena back into a new consciousness though and The Masterpiece quickly looks like he regrets what he just did. Cena slaps Masters’ back and tackles him down to the canvas hammering away until the referee orders him off. Cena takes Masters down with a nice FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX and follows it up by going to the top rope. He leaps and connects with the trademark LEG DROP to the back of the head of a hunched over and groggy Masters. Cena pins but only gets a two count and quickly tags the Legend Killer back into the ring. Orton smirks as he sets up Masters in position for his deadly HANGMAN’S DDT! The crowd get louder and louder and at the crescendo Orton drops Masters straight on his head! Randy Orton hooks the leg; 1……………… 2……………… Carlito breaks up the pinfall attempt as the crowd boos loudly.
John Cena is back in the ring before Carlito can get out of the way of his attack and he brawls with the Caribbean superstar as the referee tries to separate them. Orton is distracted by it and Masters takes advantage with a LOW BLOW! The Masterpiece rolls up the Apex Predator as the referee now turns his attention back to the two and begins a pin count. Before he can get to two though Cena and Carlito have taken each other down and into Orton and Masters, which leaves all four men down on the mat in scenes of chaos here at Cyber Sunday. Cena and Carlito are back to their feet first though as the Chain Gang Soldier gets the man from the Caribbean on his shoulders and goes for the AA! Carlito reverses and rolls off the shoulders of Cena and in one fluid motion takes his opponent out with the BACK CRACKER!!! There it is! Carlito and Cena aren’t the legal men though.
Carlito turns his attention to Orton now as the referee has lost all control of the match. Carlito and Masters double team Randy with a number of punches and kicks before they taunt to the crowd who boo loudly. Carlito and Chris Masters clearly think they have everything under control when it comes to the match. But as Carlito turns around he is met with an RKO OUT OF NOWHERE!!! Carlito is nailed with the move and rolls to the outside such was the impact. Chris Masters has a worried look on his face knowing it is now an enraged Orton versus him in the ring with no tag team partner to help him overcome the Legend Killer. The Masterpiece sprints towards Orton but he is met with a SNAP POWERSLAM as Randy is pumped up and feeling it from the sold-out crowd in Minneapolis. They cheer loudly as Orton slithers around on the mat clearly with one thing in mind. The Masterpiece is slow to gradually get to his feet as Orton goes for the RKO! Before he can though Chris Masters in one move locks in the MASTER LOCK! Chris Masters has it on or does he? No! Orton didn’t let it happen and twists Masters arms sending him around in a circle before he ends up face-to-face again with the Legend Killer and this time he does receive an RKO!!! Randy Orton nails it as he smoothly transitions into the cover; 1……………… 2……………… 3! Randy Orton and John Cena are victorious in a hard-fought contest.
Cole:
Randy Orton and John Cena have done it! They have worked together here uniting against a common enemy and the Legend Killer has picked up the win for his team with two devastating RKOs. That move has beaten the best of them and it was enough to put away Carlito and Chris Masters here tonight. And Cena was more aggressive than we have seen in some time. It seems tonight’s opponents have really got under the skin of John. King:
Well can you blame him? These two have tried everything they can on RAW in recent weeks to not only take out Cena but to then also turn Randy Orton against his former arch-rival. Orton is the man who gets the one, two, three tonight but something tells me Carlito and Masters may have something to say about tomorrow night on RAW. These two won’t go away quietly. Cole:
You may be right if the last few months are anything to go by King. Carlito and Masters have a bright future ahead of them even if I do disagree with the way they use their considerable talent every week. What a win that was for John Cena and Randy Orton though. They looked like a well-oiled machine out here and I wonder if we just might see them together a few more times in the future because of how well it went.
Randy Orton celebrates in the ring after beating Chris Masters with the RKO as a groggy John Cena enters and celebrates on the opposite turnbuckle. Orton gets down from his turnbuckle as does Cena and the two are in the centre of the ring as the referee raises their hands in victory and there appears to be no tension between the two at all. They look at each other and give each other a nod as Carlito and Chris Masters are seen sitting on the outside looking incredibly angry at the fact they have suffered a defeat at Cyber Sunday tonight. The screen fades as we go to more WWE.com adverts.
--------------------
--------------------
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship and will challenge Sheamus for the title next, the American Dragon, DANIEL BRYAN!
The WWE Universe pops loudly as Daniel Bryan enters the shot in his customary maroon wrestling attire with merchandise t-shirt on looking as focused as ever just moments away from a huge opportunity to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Daniel in just moments you will take on the leader of The Empire, Sheamus with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. The WWE fans have been voting all week long for the type of match it will be. It will either be a Submission match, Falls Count Anywhere match or Tables match. Do you have any preference and are you concerned about the numbers game being a factor with Finlay, Drew McIntyre and Paul Burchill playing a role?
The American Dragon – Daniel Bryan:
I have scratched and clawed my way to the top on SmackDown to earn myself a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. I have wrestled all over the world in all these matches before so whatever the stipulation is fine by me. I will make Sheamus tap out, I will pin him anywhere in this building or I will happily put him through a table to reach the pinnacle of this industry. As for Finlay, Drew McIntyre and Paul Burchill who have constantly been sticking their noses into my business, let’s just say I have a plan and tonight I will walk out of Cyber Sunday as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion!
With that Daniel Bryan walks off the interview set and looks extremely confident ahead of the match.
--------------------
--------------------
Mathews:
Daniel Bryan is in confident mood as he is about to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship here tonight and he seems to have a plan to combat the other members of The Empire. This may be the first time we have seen Sheamus have to defend his title in a fair fight Matt. I think the American Dragon may well walk out of Cyber Sunday as our new World Heavyweight Champion as a result. Striker:
Josh how dare you. Sheamus is the Celtic Warrior and the man who single-handedly makes The Empire the effective unit that it is today. The World Heavyweight Champion goes into this contest with Daniel Bryan as the favourite with or without his stable mates alongside him. I do think he has one thing to worry about though. If the fans have voted for a Submission match, he is up against it because we know how effective the LeBell Lock is. Mathews:
Well, we are about to find out as it is time to see what the match stipulation will be so let’s send it backstage to none other than Todd Grisham. Great job tonight by the way Todd!
Cyber Sunday host – Todd Grisham:
Thank you Josh and it is time for the first of our two main events as you say. The World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus will defend the gold against the American Dragon, Daniel Bryan. But what sort of match will it be? Have the WWE Universe voted for a Submission match? Will it be Falls Count Anywhere? Or will we see none other than a Tables match? The votes have been counted and independently verified and it will be…
The music of the challenger hits as the American Dragon, Daniel Bryan bursts through the crowd and the Target Center erupts for the number one contender. Bryan makes his usual entrance sidestepping his way down the ramp and entering the ring. He poses on the top rope as the crowd cheers him and he leads the crowd in a Yes chant which is beginning to take off. Bryan gets in the ring and tests the ropes a few times before the atmosphere dramatically changes.
------------------It's a shame for they, lost their head------------------
The leader of The Empire and current World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus comes out to the ring flanked by Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill. The crowd boos loudly as they immediately realise the numbers game is going to be against Daniel Bryan here tonight. But Sheamus speaks to his Empire cohorts and tells them to stay in the back, clearly confident he can beat the American Dragon all by himself. Sheamus poses with the World Heavyweight Championship in the ring before glaring at Daniel Bryan as the referee raises the title to signal it is on the line. The bell rings and the SmackDown main event is underway.
The match starts with Sheamus and Daniel Bryan locking up and The Empire leader trying to impose his superior power pushing the challenger back into the turnbuckle. He smirks as the referee tells him to step back and he goes for a cheap shot just as you’d expect. Bryan is wise to it though and ducks underneath leaving Sheamus in the turnbuckle as he delivers a big kick to the gut of the Irishman. The shot echoes throughout the arena as the Celtic Warrior looks stunned at Bryan getting on top so quickly as he looks to defend the World Heavyweight Championship. Bryan looks angry and it is clear Sheamus has a fight on his hands as the two lock up again in the middle of the ring. This time Bryan remarkably grounds Sheamus by putting torque on his arm as the two do some chain wrestling. It is a new side of the Celtic Warrior we haven’t seen either, but Bryan shows his superiority as he kips up and delivers another big kick to the gut of the champion.
Sheamus again looks irritated and angry with Bryan who signals he will become the World Heavyweight Champion for the first time here tonight at Cyber Sunday. This time he isn’t playing around as he goes after Bryan and tries to hammer away at the challenger, but the speed of the American Dragon is proving too much. Bryan is playing the stick and move game and gets a few kicks to the knees of Sheamus who is getting more and more irate at what is happening so far in the bout. Sheamus does eventually get hold of Bryan and thinks he has thrown him to the outside, but Bryan shows some excellent balance in staying on the apron to the delight of the WWE Universe. Sheamus sprints at Bryan but is met with a knee to the head as he goes for a shoulder thrust. The Celtic Warrior is rocked and stumbles back towards the middle of the ring as Bryan takes him down with a SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK. Bryan with the first pin of the match; 1…… Sheamus kicks out emphatically.
Bryan quickly locks in a leg lock on the right knee of Sheamus to keep the World Heavyweight Champion grounded for as long as he can. This is good strategy from the American Dragon as he senses if he can take the Irishman’s Brogue Kick out of his arsenal then he will have a major advantage. Bryan stomps away at the knee joint before Sheamus tries to swat him off. He is successful but Bryan relentlessly goes back again to the leg as he twists it and drops his knee on the back of the leg. The Celtic Warrior looks angry and swats Bryan away again. This time the leader of The Empire gets on top as he delivers some huge EUROPEAN UPPERCUTS and throws the challenger to the outside. Remember this is a Falls Count Anywhere match so the referee follows Sheamus as he joins Bryan on the outside. The Celtic Warrior picks Bryan up over his shoulder and throws him like a dart into the ring post. The sound is sickening as Bryan’s body flops to the ground with a thud.
The World Heavyweight Champion is in complete control and he spends some time walking around the ring looking underneath but opts to take the steel steps apart instead. He puts the bottom base between the entrance ramp and the ring apron in the centre before going right round to the other side of the ring near the announce tables where Bryan is recovering. What he hasn’t seen is the American Dragon grabbing a Kendo Stick in the process. As Sheamus goes to pick Bryan up he is met with a huge shot to the ribs from Bryan as the crowd pop huge for the sound of Kendo Stick on flesh. Bryan turns into a man possessed as he swings wildly with the weapon as Sheamus tries to evade the shots. Bryan must have hit Sheamus seven or eight times as welts start coming up on the chest and back of the World Heavyweight Champion. Bryan takes a wild swing at the right knee of Sheamus now which puts him down to his knees and the challenger follows it up with a huge ROUNDHOUSE KICK to the side of the head. Bryan covers on the outside of the ring; 1…… 2…… Sheamus kicks out!
The crowd cheers loudly as Bryan gets to his feet and is clearly in the ascendancy in the match. Bryan gets onto the ring apron and waits for Sheamus to get back to his feet and as he slowly turns around the challenger launches himself and delivers the running knee as the Celtic Warrior ends up flying over the barricade wall and into the crowd! The fans know what is coming and that chaos is about to ensue in this Falls Count Anywhere match. Bryan wastes no time in joining Sheamus in the crowd as he leaps from the barricade wall and takes him out with a dive. Sheamus falls back as they are on the hard camera side in the back corner towards the timekeeper’s area. Bryan mounts Sheamus and delivers several forearms to the side of his head before hooking the leg again. Once more the World Heavyweight Champion kicks out though. Bryan sees a trash can and empties it before Sheamus is back to his feet once again. Bryan tries to hit the Celtic Warrior but he ducks under and as Bryan turns around he is met with a huge CLOTHESLINE as the trash can goes flying.
The World Heavyweight Champion quickly retrieves the item and you can see his mind whirring as he has a plan of action to inflict damage to Bryan. Sheamus hoists the challenger onto his shoulders and the crowd have gone eerily quiet as they sense something big might be on the way. Sheamus runs towards the trash can and then leaps forward delivering the ROLLING FIREMAN’S CARRY SENTON! The sound of Bryan’s body on the can echoes throughout the arena and the item is completely destroyed. Sheamus hooks the leg; 1……… 2……… Bryan shows resilience in getting the shoulder up as he refuses to be beaten with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Sheamus quickly refocuses and hauls Bryan up to his feet as the two make their way through the crowd and are where all the tech equipment is setup to control pyro and lighting for the event. Sheamus bounced Bryan’s head off some of the equipment and is definitely in control now.
The leader of The Empire spots a table with equipment on it and quickly gets rid of it all off the top as he feels an opportunity may be in the offing. The World Heavyweight Champion gets Bryan in position for the CELTIC CROSS! Bryan manages to evade the move and falls from Sheamus’ grip before he connects with a huge ROUNDHOUSE KICK to the head of the Celtic Warrior which drops him to the floor in a heap. The American Dragon opts against pinning though and has something else in mind. Bryan slowly drags Sheamus to the table that was meant to be used against him and places him on top of it as the crowd cheers loudly. Bryan is concerned his opponent may get up before he can execute what he has planned so he goes to grab a Steel Chair which is by where the two of them are and delivers a big shot to the back of Sheamus as he is laying front down on the wood. Bryan drops the chair and starts climbing the stands where the WWE Universe are sitting in the area!
The fans get louder and louder as Bryan looks ready to do some serious damage to the World Heavyweight Champion. He stands up perched on top of a railing about 15 feet in the air and points his hands in the air shouting yes before leaping. Bryan destroys Sheamus, himself and the table with a huge SPLASH from high up. The WWE Universe pop loudly as they sense they may be about to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion! Bryan is spent though and it takes him a significant period of time to gather himself and drape an arm across Sheamus for the pin attempt; 1………… 2………… The leader of The Empire refuses to lose his title and gets the shoulder up just in the nick of time much to the disappointment of the Target Center. Both men are exhausted now as they lay in the crowd and the referee checks on both of them. Eventually both Bryan and Sheamus get to their feet as the battle for the World Heavyweight Championship rages on.
The two throw right hands at one another before Sheamus gets the upperhand with a big knee to the gut of the American Dragon. The two are now at the stage as the Celtic Warrior gets Bryan on his shoulders and tosses him onto it before leaping up and joining his challenger. Sheamus mounts Bryan and hammers away repeatedly before lifting him up once more. The World Heavyweight Champion calls for WHITE NOISE on the stage! Sheamus has Bryan in position but thankfully the American Dragon reverses and rolls up the Irishman; 1…………… 2…………… Sheamus just kicks out. That was a close call for the World Heavyweight Champion as he goes to kick Bryan but the American Dragon blocks and connects with a lightning fast STEP-UP ENZUIGIRI. Sheamus’ body collapses once again but instead of going for the pin the challenger locks in the LEBELL LOCK!!! The submission hold is locked in tight and we could be about to crown a new champion!
Before Sheamus taps out though the other members of The Empire sprint out from the back with Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill all grabbing Bryan off Sheamus. Burchill throws Bryan into the Cyber Sunday set as the crowd boo loudly. Finlay and Drew McIntyre help Sheamus to his feet and check the World Heavyweight Champion is okay. They all turn their attention to Bryan now as he looks at all four and smirks. Josh Mathews and Matt Striker question why the American Dragon is smiling but it soon becomes clear as Cody Rhodes and Goldust make their way out to stand alongside Bryan and although they are still a man down the odds look a lot better for the challenger. The brawl is on as The Empire, Bryan, Cody Rhodes and Goldust all go at it at the top of the stage but the numbers look to be overwhelming the American Dragon and his friends. That is until someone else comes out from the back with a balaclava on! The Empire suddenly look hesitant as do Bryan, Rhodes and Goldust.
The masked man has a steel chair with him as well and he nails Finlay with the weapon before going after Paul Burchill as the tide turns and suddenly The Empire are on the backfoot for the first time in months at Cyber Sunday! Cody Rhodes and Goldust brawl with Drew McIntyre and Finlay as they end up off the stage and fight to the back as the masked man catches a running Burchill with a SNAP SCOOP POWERSLAM on the stage! The sound is sickening as he picks up Burchill, throws him into the set and two end up fighting in the opposite direction to the back. That leaves us with Daniel Bryan and Sheamus one-on-one for the World Heavyweight Championship as the crowd go absolutely crazy knowing this is a massive opportunity for the American Dragon. The Minneapolis crowd are willing Bryan on as he looks to capture the title for the first time in his career so far. Bryan and Sheamus are both on their feet halfway down the ramp.
We’re into the deep waters of the match and the power of Sheamus starts to come to the fore as he simply hurls Bryan into the barricade with the fans lining the ramp. He continues to hammer away at Bryan before getting him in position for a SUPLEX ON THE RAMP. Bryan resists as much as he can and ends up landing on his feet as the Celtic Warrior turns around and is met with a big kick to the gut. Bryan has some ideas of his own as he gets Sheamus in position for a SUPLEX of his own but the World Heavyweight Champion is having none of it. The leader of The Empire gets out of the predicament easily as he takes Bryan down with a SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE. The body of Bryan thuds on the ramp but Sheamus isn’t done there as he quickly gets the American Dragon in position and nails him hard with the WHITE NOISE!!! The move connects on the diamond plate as Sheamus hooks both legs and thinks he has done enough to retain the title. 1……………… 2……………… Daniel Bryan somehow gets the shoulder up!
Sheamus cannot believe it and is angry with the referee who insists it was a two count only. The World Heavyweight Champion gets the challenger to his feet and drags him over to the base of the steel steps which are still between the ring apron and the ramp. The Irishman gets Bryan up again in position for the WHITE NOISE as he walks with his body onto the steps and looks to connect. The American Dragon escapes brilliantly and traps Sheamus’ leg which takes him down. Bryan brilliantly transitions into the LEBELL LOCK!!! Bryan has the submission locked in between the steps and the ring apron and pulls back on the arm and head of Sheamus as the crowd cheer loudly thinking this could be the moment the leader of The Empire taps out! Unseen by Bryan though, Sheamus has managed to grab something from under the ring and breaks the hold as he nails the American Dragon in the head with a LEAD PIPE!!! The hold is broken emphatically.
The crowd boos loudly as Bryan looks to be completely out of it but Sheamus isn’t moving much either clearly feeling the effects of the deadly submission used by the challenger. Slowly, the Celtic Warrior gets to his feet and gets Bryan up before pushing his beaten body into the ring. The World Heavyweight Champion enters as well with the lead pipe in hand. The WWE Universe are concerned at what Sheamus may have planned for Bryan as he slowly gets to his feet but ducks the weapon being swung by the champion. Sheamus tries again but this time the American Dragon goes behind and hits an unbelievable SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX!!! Bryan is feeling it and has somehow gained some energy from somewhere. Bryan sprints at Sheamus when he gets back to his feet and connects with the RUNNING KNEE!!! This has to be it! 1………………… 2………………… Sheamus somehow gets his shoulder off the mat and the match continues!
Bryan cannot believe it stands in the corner again waiting for Sheamus to get up to his feet as he clearly plans on connecting with the same manoeuvre again. Bryan takes off but the World Heavyweight Champion shows some incredible power in catching the American Dragon and slamming him hard down to the mat. Sheamus slowly lifts Bryan up and places him on the ring apron facing away up the ramp. The Celtic Warrior obliterates the challenger’s chest with the BEATS OF THE BODHRAN! Bryan takes five before he elbows the leader of The Empire who staggers back. Bryan turns around but is met with a thunderous BROGUE KICK!!! Sheamus connects flush in the face as Bryan falls from the ring apron back first onto the base of the steel steps in what looked like a horrific bump. Sheamus even gasps at looking at what just happened as he goes to the outside and covers Bryan. 1………………… 2………………… 3! Sheamus retains the World Heavyweight Championship in dramatic fashion.
Winner: Sheamus to RETAIN the World Heavyweight Championship(20:55)
Mathews:
Sheamus has done it! The leader of The Empire has retained the World Heavyweight Championship in impressive fashion. But I am concerned for Daniel Bryan. His body just took the full force of them steel steps and the referee and officials now at ringside are clearly concerned. This was an all-out war and even once the odds were evened thanks to Cody Rhodes, Goldust and a masked man, Sheamus and The Empire hold onto the gold. Striker:
What an incredible effort from the conqueror. He has done it again but even I must give huge credit to Daniel Bryan for the heart he has just shown here tonight at Cyber Sunday. For his sake I really hope this is not as bad as it is looking right now. Sheamus can hardly stand but the Celtic Warrior shows his toughness yet again and he is still the World Heavyweight Champion. What a night this has been! Mathews:
Whatever you think of The Empire, Sheamus proved tonight he can get the job done by himself but only after Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill tried to get involved again. Theodore Long has got to do something about the four of them. Meanwhile, this looks extremely worrying for Daniel Bryan as the stretcher is brought to ringside. Bryan is being put in a neck brace after that spine-rattling impact on the steps.
Sheamus taunts with the World Heavyweight Championship at the top of the ramp but the crowd are not reacting as there is a hush at the scenes they are witnessing with Daniel Bryan. Medical staff and referees surround the American Dragon as he is tended to and slowly put on a stretcher. Sheamus is heard by the cameras at the top of the ramp saying he told everyone he would retain whatever the stipulation. The Celtic Warrior goes through the curtain to the back as we now fully focus on Bryan as he is slowly raised onto a stretcher and wheeled up the entrance ramp and to the back. The American Dragon raises his thumb to signal to the crowd he is okay which gets a huge pop before the screen fades and we go to a commercial for the next WWE pay-per-view.
--------------------
--------------------
SURVIVOR SERIES 2020 Sunday, November 21 – Who will survive?
--------------------
--------------------
Cole:
Survivor Series is indeed the next time we come live to you on pay-per-view and that is one of my favourite nights of the year! I’m sure we’ll see a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination match or two and I cannot wait to see what happens. But King we just witnessed some match between Sheamus and Daniel Bryan. I hope Bryan is okay and you can check WWE.com for the latest on his condition in a losing effort to the World Heavyweight Champion. But now it is time for the RAW main event! King:
Oh, you’re not wrong Cole. Cyber Sunday has been incredible, and we are about to see something else which could steal the show as the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger defends the gold against Triple H. And don’t forget RAW Co-General Managers Vickie Guerrero and Trish Stratus could play a crucial role in this match as well. Vickie has been crucial in helping Swagger retain the title at every turn so far and you can bet she’ll do everything in her power again. Cole:
Well let’s hope for everyone’s sake Trish Stratus has something to say about that. Last month at Night of Champions, Swagger made Triple H tap out, but can he do it again here tonight at Cyber Sunday? Let’s send it to the ring and Justin Roberts for the ring introductions for the main event of the evening with the WWE Championship on the line.
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP![/spoiler]
------------------Time to play The Game------------------
The WWE Universe explode as the guitar riffs of the opening to Triple H’s entrance theme plays and The Game makes his way into the Target Center. Triple H is wearing black trunks with white boots and looks more focused than perhaps ever before. The Cerebral Assassin slowly walks down the ring with green lighting throughout the arena. Triple H slowly gets onto the ring apron and has a swig of water before throwing it into the crowd and doing his usual entrance spitting water into the air which gets a massive reaction. The Game signals he will become the new WWE Champion as he stands in the middle of the ring and waits for his opponent to make his entrance.
------------------Check one two, aw yeah!------------------
Here comes the WWE Champion! The All American American, Jack Swagger slowly and methodically walks out on stage with the title wrapped around his waist before he looks over his shoulder. Out comes none other than RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero who raises Swagger’s hand at the top of the stage to a chorus of boos. Swagger walks confidently down the ramp as Triple H’s face turns to rage in the ring. Swagger gets in and holds the WWE Championship aloft before kissing it and handing it to senior referee Mike Chioda. Vickie Guerrero stands on the outside as Swagger says something to her before the bell rings and the main event is on!
The match starts as Triple H goes straight after Jack Swagger with a number of big right hands and the challenger is angry and agitated and he plans on letting it known to his opponent and Vickie Guerrero on the outside. The Game continues to hammer away and clotheslines Swagger to the mat before Irish whipping him into the turnbuckle and delivering another huge clothesline. Triple H chops and punches, chops and punches until the official pulls the challenger off the champion who simply cannot get out of the blocks in the early going here. The crowd cheers loudly at seeing The Game on top and it is clear who they want to succeed here tonight at Cyber Sunday. They want the King of Kings to go back on his throne for the 14th time. Triple H turns his attention back to Swagger and this time he clotheslines the All American American to the outside. The Game wastes no time in joining the WWE Champion on the outside either.
Swagger begs for mercy as The Game is on the opposite side of the ring to RAW Co-General Manager, Vickie Guerrero to ensure she cannot get involved in any way. Triple H grabs Swagger and delivers some big body shots before he Irish whips him hard into the steel steps as they go flying at the impact made with the body of the WWE Champion. Swagger is audibly in pain as he clutches his left side of his body but Triple H does not give him a moment to breathe as he is straight on the champion knowing this is his moment to keep inflicting damage. The Game gets Swagger to his feet and now back drops the man from Oklahoma onto the barricade wall in what looks like a very painful spot which has Vickie Guerrero concerned as she screams and Triple H blows her a kiss to mock that she cannot do anything to help her client at the moment. The Game returns Swagger to the ring and looks to continue his onslaught as he seeks to become the new WWE Champion.
Triple H stomps away at the fallen body of Swagger as he mounts him and continues to hammer away at the face of the WWE Champion as he looks to cover up. In the end, the referee once again intervenes and must pretty much physically drag the Cerebral Assassin off his opponent. Triple H goes back to work on Swagger but this is the time for the All American American to get back into the match as he grabs Triple H by the trunks and throws him forcefully into the ropes. The Game goes neck first into the second ropes as he starts coughing and gasping for air after the impact. Swagger slowly gets to his feet after the early onslaught he has had to endure as The Game turns around and is met with a big clothesline much to the delight of Vickie Guerrero who applauds on the outside. Swagger nods and grabs Triple H instantly connecting with a SNAP SUPLEX. Swagger floats over and picks The Game up showing some incredible strength as he delivers a GUTWRENCH SUPLEX and goes for a cover; 1… 2… Triple H will not be beaten that easily.
Swagger knows that and isn’t frustrated at all, but he is back in the match and slows the pace right down as he uses his amateur background to keep Triple H off of a vertical base. The WWE Champion locks in a nice BODY SCISSORS to try and drive the air out of Triple H. He also has a canny technique as every time the referee is one side of The Game and is unsighted, he punches him in the kidney which look like really damaging shots. Swagger eventually relents and switches to the left leg of Triple H thinking if he can permanently ground the challenger, he will have a superb chance of retaining the WWE Title here in Minneapolis. With that in mind Swagger grabs the leg of Triple H and drives his knee right into the joint three times as the crowd boo loudly. Swagger looks at them defiantly as he switches his opponent onto his belly and lifts him by the leg, driving his left knee hard into the canvas. Triple H goes to hold the leg as the referee checks on him and stops Swagger from doing anything else for now.
The WWE Champion doesn’t wait long though as he is quickly back on Triple H like a hyena finding scraps. Swagger lifts the challenger to his feet and goes behind him delivering a beautiful GERMAN SUPLEX with some extreme power as Triple H hurtles towards a turnbuckle and lands back and neck first on the hardest part of the mat. Swagger has something in mind as Vickie Guerrero tells him he will be WWE Champion when this is all said and done. Swagger goes to the outside and drags Triple H legs first towards the turnbuckle in a position which looks like he might pull him all the way into a low blow move. But Swagger doesn’t, and instead grabs the left leg and smashes it off the ring post! Triple H writhes around in agony but Swagger is not done as he does it a further three times. The WWE Champion knows he is in complete control now and argues back with Mike Chioda who tells him to get back in the ring to continue with the contest.
Of course, Swagger ignores that warning and instead applies an incredible FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK to Triple H as he uses the ropes for leverage! The Game screams in agony as Swagger has to release the hold before getting disqualified and slides back into the ring stalking the hurt Triple H who is desperately holding his left leg and trying to get some blood going back to the key muscles to help him in his quest to become WWE Champion again. Swagger is laughing at his opponent as he clearly thinks there is no way back for Triple H now. The Game slowly gets to his feet and tells Swagger to come at him and he needs no introduction as he sprints towards Triple and takes him out with an incredible DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN. Triple H grabs his left leg again as Swagger smirks and hooks the leg thinking this may well be it; 1……… 2……… The Game gets his right foot on the bottom rope to avoid defeat in the main event of Cyber Sunday.
Swagger is like a shark sensing blood as he sees the foot on the rope and he immediately launches himself high in the air using the bottom rope and crashes down across the damaged knee and leg of his opponent. The crowd boos loudly as Triple H is in a bad way and has serious problems with his mobility. Swagger drags Triple H into the centre of the ring and pins again; 1………… 2………… Triple H kicks out but it was like the WWE Champion expected as he lifts him up and tosses him across the ring with a beautifully executed BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX. The WWE Champion sees that the Game is in perfect position laying near the turnbuckle as he goes to the opposite one, sprints towards him, uses the ropes and goes for the SWAGGER BOMB! Triple H gets his good leg up though and kicks Swagger straight in the face as he falls like a sack of potatoes. The Game desperately pins; 1………… 2………… This time it is the WWE Champion who refuses to beat.
Triple H knows he must get back on top in the match now as he has the smallest of openings. He uses the ropes to help him to his feet as he looks at Swagger who slowly rises to a vertical base as well. The Game hammers away at Swagger but he is met with a kick to the left knee again which takes Triple H down to a knee. Swagger taunts and faces away from the challenger which proves to be a mistake as The Game takes his knee out with a CHOP BLOCK! Swagger squeals in pain as Triple H punches his left leg to try and get some more feeling into it and focuses on the WWE Champion. Swagger slowly rises but Triple H drops him again with two clotheslines followed by his trademark RUNNING KNEE with his strong leg but it takes him a lot and he can’t capitalise. Before he knows it, Swagger has taken him down with a BIG BOOT which hit flush in the face. Here’s the pinfall attempt; 1…………… 2…………… Triple H gets the shoulder up!
Swagger is thoroughly enjoying himself and to be honest we haven’t seen the Cerebral Assassin dominated like this for years, if ever. The WWE Champion looks at The Game and clearly has something in mind as he looks to retain the title, he captured by cashing in Money in the Bank a few months back. Swagger applies an ABDOMINAL STRETCH to his opponent and slows the pace down again, this time focusing on taking the air out of the sails of the challenger. The crowd start to get invested and will Triple H to break out of the hold and get a foothold in the match as this WWE Championship clash has been very one-sided so far. They end up getting there wish as somehow Triple H breaks out of the submission manoeuvre and plants Swagger in one fluid motion with his trademark SPINEBUSTER! Triple H doesn’t even have the energy to cover though. Instead he uses the time to try and get his breath back as Vickie Guerrero checks on her client and gives him some words of encouragement.
Triple H is hopping around the ring, but he grabs Swagger and Irish whips him hard into the turnbuckle. On the rebound he drops the WWE Champion with a BACK BODY DROP as the All American American is quick to get back to his feet again. The Game has some real momentum going and drops Swagger to the canvas with a nice NECKBREAKER for a near fall. Vickie Guerrero starts to look a little bit worried on the outside as Triple H has something going through his head. He waits for Swagger to get back up to his feet before hooking both arms and suddenly just like that looking for the PEDIGREE! Before he can leap, Swagger punches the left knee again as Triple H collapses and funds himself in the PATRIOT LOCK! Swagger has the ankle just like that! This was the submission that Triple H tapped out to last month at Night of Champions. The Game knows it though and quickly rolls through and grabs Swagger in the CROSSFACE!!! Triple H is trying to make the WWE Champion tap out this time as he uses the infamous Crossface.
Swagger is writhing around the mat clearly worried about tapping out and waving his WWE Championship goodbye. The fans are going nuts inside the Target Center as they sense this could be it for the match. Swagger crawls towards the ropes slowly but Triple H gets up and drags him back to the middle of the ring as he re-applies the hold! The fans go up another level in the noise they are making as Triple H pulls back on the head, arm and neck of Swagger. It really looks like the All American American could tap out but instead he somehow turns it into a roll up! 1……………… 2……………… Triple H kicks out and is straight back to his feet as he kicks Swagger in the gut and uses every last bit of energy he can muster to deliver the PEDIGREE!!! Triple H has hit his finisher. Nobody gets up from this! Triple H hooks the leg; 1………………… 2………………… Vickie Guerrero grabs the referee by his leg and stops the count!!! The WWE Universe boo the RAW Co-General Manager like you have never heard before. They cannot believe what they have just seen.
Vickie Guerrero defends her actions as Triple H looks around and tries to work out what has just happened with the WWE Championship on the line. He gets up and as Vickie Guerrero starts shouting abuse at the challenger, none other than TRISH STRATUS sprints down the aisle to confront the other RAW Co-General Manager. Trish grabs Vickie by the hair and throws her into the barricade wall! The crowd cheer loudly as the referee goes to the outside and tries to break the two authority figures up. Neither will be stopped though as they brawl up the ramp. Other officials and figures from the back come out on the stage to break them up but not before Trish is able to level Vickie with the CHICK KICK! Vickie Guerrero is out and motionless at the top of the stage. The crowd pops loudly as the one person willing to do anything to help Jack Swagger retain the WWE Championship is now out of the equation.
Back in the ring and Triple H turns around to go back to work on Jack Swagger but the WWE Champion has recovered and gets The Game in a SCHOOL BOY! 1…………………… 2…………………… Triple H somehow kicks out despite being blindsided. Swagger isn’t done there though as he quickly connects with a big BASEMENT DROPKICK to the bad knee of the challenger who is incapacitated by the shot. Swagger lifts Triple H up and plants him hard with the GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!!! Swagger hooks both legs as he looks to retain the WWE Championship. 1…………………… 2…………………… 3! Jack Swagger is still the WWE Champion after an utterly dominant display against Triple H at Cyber Sunday.
Winner: Jack Swagger RETAINS the WWE Championship(18:33)
Cole:
Jack Swagger has done it! The All American American has retained the WWE Championship but there was a massive helping hand from none other than Vickie Guerrero. She is meant to be one of the Co-General Managers of Monday Night RAW, she simply cannot be getting involved like that and you can’t blame Trish Stratus for taking her head off with that brutal kick. Triple H should be the new WWE Champion right now damn it. King:
I can’t really disagree Michael but once Trish and Vickie were out of the way Swagger was once again able to prove he simply has the number of Triple H. That Gutwrench Powerbomb is a thing of beauty and his tactics throughout the match were flawless. Swagger picked apart the left leg of The Game repeatedly and Triple H could hardly stand by the end. The WWE Champion has gone up in my estimation and he deserved to win that match. Cole:
I take your point King, but he doesn’t need the help of Vickie Guerrero at every turn to win and the quicker he realises that the better he can end up being. Nonetheless you are right, Jack Swagger is still the WWE Champion and it has been an incredible Cyber Sunday! Oh wait a minute!!!
Jack Swagger is celebrating as he is handed the WWE Championship by senior referee Mike Chioda but before he can bask in his glory too much Triple H nails him from behind. Swagger ends up going through the middle rope and landing hard on the floor below. The Game slowly goes to the outside with his leg still a major issue and throws Swagger into the steel steps once again! The crowd are going nuts at witnessing Triple H get some revenge over the WWE Champion, but he isn’t done there. The Cerebral Assassin takes apart the announce table and has bad intentions in mind. Triple H slowly puts the body of Swagger on the table and joins him as he taunts and says he should be the new WWE Champion. Triple H hooks both legs and nails the PEDIGREE onto the table which doesn’t collapse. Swagger’s body is limp as he goes face first and he looks anything but the winner. Triple H gets up and throws the carcass of Swagger into the ring as he gets back in and looks at the WWE Championship before throwing it on top of the forlorn All American American. Triple H gets out of the ring and slowly limps his way up the entrance ramp with the crowd cheering loudly before…
The music of Chris Jericho hits the PA system as he runs through the curtain and levels Triple H with the Money in the Bank briefcase first on the back which sends him crashing down on the top of the entrance ramp. Jericho isn’t done there though as he nails the left leg of The Game repeatedly with the briefcase until he is satisfied there is no way Triple H is getting back up. Jericho now looks at his Money in the Bank briefcase and clearly has one thing in mind as he sprints down the ramp and slides in looking at the fallen Jack Swagger. Jericho grabs Mike Chioda and orders him to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase!!!
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
Ladies and gentleman, Chris Jericho is cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and the following contest is for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Mike Chioda waits to sound the bell as he makes sure Jack Swagger is up on his feet and at least aware that the WWE Championship is on the line against Chris Jericho. The crowd have completely lost their shit at what they are witnessing and although Y2J is a heel they are simply cheering at the history they may be about to see. Finally, Swagger is up to his feet and the bell rings. Jericho sprints and throws himself towards Swagger delivering a monumental CODE BREAKER!!! Chris Jericho hooks the leg; 1………………………… 2………………………… 3! Chris Jericho cashes in Money in the Bank and is the new WWE Champion!!!
Winner: Chris Jericho - NEW WWE Champion after cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase(0:17)
Cole:
What have we just seen?! Chris Jericho has cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and is the NEW WWE Champion!!! He waited for the perfect moment and has walked away with the gold. Triple H had taken out Jack Swagger on the announce table and Jericho took advantage by nailing the Game with the briefcase before picking the bones. Like so many before him Jericho has seized the opportunity and has walked out a five-time WWE Champion! King:
What an incredible moment we have just witnessed. Listen to this place. It is rocking in he Target Center as Chris Jericho becomes the new WWE Champion. I was expecting a lot of surprises tonight, but I certainly was not expecting Y2J walking out as the WWE Champion. Jack Swagger’s run comes to an end and it must be said it was going to take something like this for him to lose that title. Incredible! Cole:
What a night it has been and what a way to cap off an unbelievable Cyber Sunday. Listen to this place as Chris Jericho stands on the second rope and holds the WWE Championship aloft. The landscape of RAW has just totally changed for sure. Make sure you join us tomorrow night for all the fallout. Goodnight everyone from Cyber Sunday!
In the ring Chris Jericho celebrates winning the WWE Championship in shocking fashion with the Target Center all popping for Y2J because of the dramatic way he just managed to win the gold. Triple H is still motionless on the ramp and receiving medical attention while Jack Swagger is in the ring and sitting there staring a whole through Jericho as he cannot believe he has just lost the title in the manner he has. The final picture of Cyber Sunday is Chris Jericho standing at the bottom of the ramp smirking and holding the WWE Championship high in the air as the screen fades.
QUICK RESULTS
-Big Show defeated Kane in an Inferno match
-The Empire defeated The Hart Dynasty with Bret Hart as Special Guest Referee to RETAIN the WWE Tag Team Championship
-Mickie James defeated Gail Kim to RETAIN the DIVA’s Championship
-Edge defeated CM Punk & John Morrison in a Triple Threat match
-Dolph Ziggler defeated Evan Bourne to RETAIN the Intercontinental Championship
-John Cena & Randy Orton defeated Carlito & Chris Masters
-Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan in a Falls Count Anywhere match to RETAIN the World Heavyweight Championship
-Jack Swagger defeated Triple H to RETAIN the WWE Championship
-Chris Jericho defeated Jack Swagger to become the NEW WWE Champion after cashing in Money in the Bank
