WWE: The New Vision

[DTP]

Gotta say, the card for Armageddon looks stacked. Very mighty Fatal 4-Way elimination match, but I can only truly see Triple H or Chris Jericho coming out on top. Unless we're in for a transitional reign prior to the Royal Rumble, I just can't see it. That said, it is interesting though - particularly the use of the elimination stipulation.

A lot of detail here which is really nice to see to provide context. It demonstrates how well produced everything has been on the build from Survivor Series to here.

As someone who once did a WWE 2010 and had Evan Bourne challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam, I totally support the idea of him as a contender to Sheamus. The World Heavyweight Championship at this stage is absolutely the second-tier title, which is not a bad shout. I reckon inside the steel cage these two would have a killer match.

Beth Phoenix and Mickie James always had good matches, so this was a safe bet for the WWE Divas Championship match on a pay-per-view in this era.

John Cena and Randy Orton in a Falls Count Anywhere match...anyone seen this done before?

The Undertaker and Christian is a wild match, especially with the First Blood stipulation. I guess it makes sense, and you are clearly trying to build Christian up on a major level. I could see him slipping through the cracks and getting a cheap win here.

Dolph Ziggler and Daniel Bryan for the WWE Intercontinental Championship straight up gives me Bragging Rights 2010 vibes. Absolutely no complaints here - it was one of the things that truly put Ziggler on the map for me.

I'm normally against the idea of WWE Cruiserweight Championship revivals, but here I really don't mind. It gets some of the younger, smaller guys on the big card. As forgettable and uninteresting as I found Richie Steamboat, Kaval and Tyson Kidd have something to do. This division existing in this period is fascinating because there is a lost era of smaller dudes who never made it past the WWE Superstars/later Main Event level.

I like the idea of the Lumberjack match between Edge and CM Punk, based on the idea of faction warfare being apparent.

I think what's most fascinating to me is what the match order will be, given you have so many key matches. Surely one or even two have to fall into that "filler" spot or be a red herring for an angle - that or risk being propped in the "death slot" on the card. Either way, looking forward to it after the strong write-up that was Survivor Series.

 

[Order]

Thanks for all the predictions and comments everyone.

I'm aiming to post Armageddon next weekend as I finally have some time to finish it up and proof read it next week. I'm excited to see what everyone thinks.

 

[Order]

WWE Armageddon
Sunday 19th December 2010 – Toyota Center – Houston, Texas

DARK MATCH: Jack Swagger & Chavo Guerrero def. Marcus Cor Von & Matt Hardy (8:35)

Start playing the video and then read below.



The Armageddon logo flashed up on the screen before the familiar voice over man for WWE speaks.

”HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!”

We see a bomb going off with fire exploding into the sky.

”A dramatic and catastrophic conflict likely to destroy the world as we know it.”

We see Christian making Undertaker bleed with a con-chair-to as well as the Phenom making Captain Charisma spit blood with the Hell’s Gate.

”A culmination of personal attacks with revenge being seeked.”

We see John Cena and Randy Orton brawling in recent weeks and Cena attacking Orton’s father at his home which really ignited this rivalry.

”The numbers game will give nobody an advantage.”

The incredible debut of W.A.S.T.E. is shown on the screen as CM Punk and Edge stand face-to-face. On one side of the ring we have the Straight Edge Society and on the other we have Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Tiffany and Edge.

”Forces of nature will collide to end 2010.”

Beth Phoenix and Mickie James are shown confronting one another ahead of their DIVA’s Championship match tonight. Mickie holds her title aloft and is seen mouthing, ‘Bring it bitch.’

”Superstars will be caged like animals.”

We see several shots of Sheamus taking out his challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship, Evan Bourne in recent weeks and shots of a Steel Cage being lowered.

”Four men will collide for the richest prize in the WWE.”

We see pre-filmed shots of Kane, Big Show, Triple H and the WWE Champion, Chris Jericho with fire bursting up behind them. That is spliced with action between the four of them over the last month.

”There is only one word that can do this all justice.”

For the next 15 seconds or so we see carnage across all the feuds leading into the matches tonight with weapons being used, blood and more brutality. Kaval and Daniel Bryan are also featured as the Intercontinental and Cruiserweight Champions respectively.

”ARMAGEDDON IS HERE!”




PYRO!!!

The camera zooms in on the entrance stage which has a unique set like what was seen in 2008. It is based on a castle as fire comes from several of the turrets and fireworks explode in every direction from the stage. The crowd pops loudly as Muse’s ‘Uprising’ plays loudly through the speakers and the camera pans across the Toyota Center. Eventually the camera rests on Josh Mathews and Matt Striker who welcome us to the final pay-per-view of 2010.

Mathews:
Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to WWE Armageddon! We are live from the sold-out Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and we have an incredible night set for you tonight. Representing SmackDown, I’m Josh Mathews and my broadcast partner is Matt Striker. Our main event tonight will see Sheamus put his World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Evan Bourne and to ensure The Empire can’t get involved it will be inside a Steel Cage!
Striker:
That is going to be an incredible battle with the gold on the line but don’t forget Sheamus won the title all by himself when he beat none other than Edge inside the same structure. He also took out Bourne just two nights ago on SmackDown to give himself a major advantage. We have so much more on the show as well with the Cruiserweight Championship on the line in a Triple Threat match and a collision between CM Punk and Edge in a Lumberjack match.
Mathews:
The Straight Edge Society and W.A.S.T.E. will be acting as the Lumberjacks for that battle which has been intensifying over recent weeks on SmackDown. Tonight, it all comes to the fore and we finally will settle the score between the Straight Edge Saviour and the Rated R Superstar. Monday Night RAW are also here so let’s hand it over to Michael Cole and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler! Welcome to the final pay-per-view of the year guys!

Cole:
Thank you, Josh! It is the end of another year in WWE and what a main event we have on behalf of Monday Night RAW. Chris Jericho will defend his WWE Championship in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination match against three of the biggest superstars on our roster. The Big Show, Kane and Triple H will do everything in their power to relieve Jericho of that title and start 2011 as the top wrestler on the RAW roster. It is going to be a blockbuster match, King.
King:
It is going to be a high-impact brawl and I have no idea who is going to walk out of Houston as the WWE Champion. We have some really personal rivalries to be settled this evening as well with John Cena and Randy Orton going at it in a Falls Count Anywhere match as well as the Undertaker and Christian trying to make each other bleed in a First Blood match. The issues in these two rivalries have been nothing short of explosive and fitting of the name, Armageddon.
Cole:
There is also a massive DIVA’s Championship bout which may be even more personal than them two matches as Mickie James defends against none other than the Glamazon, Beth Phoenix. Ever since she attacked the champion at Survivor Series she has made it her mission to win that title and tonight we will find out whether that will be the case. We kick off with a title match courtesy of SmackDown though so back to you, Josh and Matt.

Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is set for one fall, and it is for the INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

~~~~~~~~~~I AM PERFECTION~~~~~~~~~~

The music of the former Intercontinental Champion, Dolph Ziggler hits and the crowd give him a mixed reaction which has been a theme in recent weeks and months as his athleticism impresses some but his arrogance still puts off many. Ziggler makes his way down the ramp in black trunks with a white trim and solver waistcoat over the top of his naked torso. Ziggler taunts in the ring and signals it is time for him to get his title back.

~~~~~~~~~~YES, YES, YES!~~~~~~~~~~

The mixed reaction turns to 100 percent positivity as the current Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan comes through the curtain and smiles to the crowd in attendance. Bryan sidesteps down the ramp with the title around his waist as the Yes chants begin in Houston. Bryan gets in the ring and holds his title aloft before handing it to Jack Doan who is the referee in charge for the opener at Armageddon. The bell rings and we are underway.

Singles match for the Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler vs. Daniel Bryan ©
​

There is no warming up or slow start to this contest as we kick off Armageddon with the Intercontinental Championship on the line. Bryan and Ziggler hammer away at one another as the crowd cheers the fast start. It is Bryan who looks to have got the better of the challenger as he pushes Ziggler back into the turnbuckle but that doesn’t last long. The Show Off flips Bryan around and connects with a hard chop to the chest which immediately lights up the champion. The crowd woo as Ziggler goes for another one which proves to be a big error because Bryan ducks underneath and goes wild with chops and big kicks to the chest in alternation driving all the air out of Ziggler in the process. Ziggler hunches over and tries to get out of the corner but Bryan is having none of it as he lifts him to the seated position on the top turnbuckle and connects with two more stinging chops as Dolph’s chest turns a dark shade of red.

Bryan joins Ziggler on the top rope and the people in the front rows begin to rise to their feet as they sense something high-impact and dangerous could be about to occur. They are right as Bryan takes down Ziggler with the FRANKENSTEINER. The American Dragon goes for the first pinfall of the match; 1… 2… Ziggler kicks out and won’t be beaten this early. Bryan doesn’t let up one bit and locks Ziggler in a body scissors as he grounds the former Kent State amateur standout and tries to drive the air out of him some more. Ziggler shows all of his technical ability though in getting out of the hold and turning it into a rear chin lock instead. It is now Bryan who tries to escape the hold and he battles back to a vertical base as he elbows Ziggler to the gut. Bryan Irish whips Dolph, ducks under a clothesline attempt and connects with a beautiful DROPKICK to the chin of the challenger which takes him down. The crowd cheers as Bryan taunts and starts a Yes chant.

Bryan keeps things mat-based and technical as he quickly seizes on the body of Ziggler and kicks him in the back. He starts twisting his arms and drives his knees into the back of Dolph who audibly writhes in pain. The Intercontinental Champion flips Ziggler’s body over and places his feet between the knee joints of Ziggler before hoisting him up for the SURFBOARD. The crowd pops at the impressive submission move and Bryan keeps Dolph in the air for a good 15 seconds or so before he brings him down slowly and pulls back on his head. He eventually relinquishes the hold and gets Ziggler to his feet only to drop him with a beautiful NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX as he bridges; 1… 2… The challenger refuses to stay down for the three count. Bryan smirks as he is having fun with Ziggler and keeping him on the mat but things are about to turn and momentum is about to shift for the champion.

Bryan’s error comes when he connects with a clothesline taking Ziggler to the outside of the ring as he senses he could be about to up the pace and make a real difference in his quest to retain. Bryan sprints and goes for a SUICIDE DIVE but Ziggler catches him and throws him head-first into the barricade wall in what was a nasty spill. Dolph takes a moment to compose himself and then launches Bryan into the steel steps with the echo felt throughout the arena in Houston. Bryan holds his shoulder and like a shark smelling blood in the water it doesn’t take long for the Show Off to zero in on the potential injury as he drives Bryan shoulder-first into the ring post. Ziggler returns Bryan to the ring with urgency and hooks the leg; 1… 2… This time it is the Intercontinental Champion that kicks out keeping the match alive. Dolph doesn’t worry one bit about it though and takes Bryan down with a SWINGING NECKBREAKER.

The challenger is in complete control in complete contrast to the opening minutes in the match and stomps away at Bryan before getting him to his feet and upping the pace. He Irish whips the American Dragon and connects with a couple of JUMPING CLOTHESLINES and makes a point of following them up with a DROPKICK of his own. Josh Mathews on commentary notes that Ziggler wants to show Bryan he can do anything the champion can do but even better. Ziggler isn’t anywhere near done and takes his opponent down with his trademark SATELLITE DDT as Bryan’s head is spiked into the mat. This could be it! 1…… 2…… Bryan gets the shoulder up to save his title. Ziggler argues with the referee and can’t believe it but he wastes little time in taking the attack back to the champion. The Show Off stalks the American Dragon and as Bryan gets back to his feet the SLEEPER HOLD is locked in! Ziggler has choked out many opponents in his career and if he does the same here we will have a new Intercontinental Champion.

It is in deep and the crowd goes silent in concern for Bryan who they think may be about to lose the match. Ziggler tells Bryan to give up but that only makes him start to fight as he desperately tries to escape the hold. He is finding it difficult though as Dolph pulls back and drops Bryan to the canvas while still in the hold as he grapevines the body with his legs. This looks like it is just a matter of time now as the crowd starts to get behind the champion as they want him to retain. Bryan shows some brilliant skill as he drives his legs up and pushes backwards as Dolph’s shoulders are down on the mat and the referee counts; 1…… 2…… Ziggler gets his shoulder up and in doing so relinquishes the hold allowing Bryan to escape. A tremendous counter from the Intercontinental Champion as this incredible opening match rolls on. Ziggler is now flat out pissed off and throws Bryan into the turnbuckle before hammering away at him until he is pulled off by the referee.

The crowd boos at seeing what they view as excessively aggressive tactics being used by the challenger. Ziggler gets Bryan on his shoulders and drops him hard across his knees with a FIREMAN’S CARRY GUTBUSTER! Bryan rolls across the ring and holds his midriff as Dolph hooks the leg again; 1……… 2……… Another kick out from the Intercontinental Champion. Ziggler mounts Bryan and lays in some big punches but again is stopped by the referee Jack Doan who is stricter this time in hauling him off the fallen superstar. Ziggler tells Doan to get off him as he is arguing and before he focuses back on Bryan he is met with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down in the centre of the ring after an exhausting and exhilarating start to the show with the fans chanting ‘this is awesome’ and the referee checking on both men. Once he knows they are both fine he starts counting them both out but it isn’t going to end like this.

Both men are back to their knees and start throwing punches as Bryan’s are met with cheers and Ziggler’s with boos. Unsurprisingly it is Bryan who gets on top in the altercation and back to his feet as he starts kicking the chest of Ziggler relentlessly. The crowd chant yes with every kick as Bryan takes two steps back and nails a ROUNDHOUSE KICK to the side of the head which collapses the Show Off. This could be it!


1………


2………


Ziggler gets the shoulder up! Bryan wastes no time in transitioning his body and looks to try and lock the LEBELL LOCK in but Dolph is having none of it and quickly makes his way to the ropes and wraps his body around them to make sure no submission can be applied. The crowd boos as Bryan looks disappointed but the referee is forced to get the champion off of the challenger. Bryan takes a couple of steps back and runs with a BASEBALL SLIDE sending Ziggler dropping like a stone from the ring apron to the floor.

This time Bryan sprints and does connect with a SUICIDE DIVE as the crowd cheers loudly and he stands on the announce table taunting in celebration. He doesn’t stop there as he jumps from the announce table and takes Ziggler down a FLYING HIGH KNEE to the side of his head. Bryan quickly returns Ziggler to the ring and climbs to the top rope as he jumps and takes the Show Off out with a beautiful MISSILE DROPKICK! Bryan still isn’t done as he goes to the other corner and to the top rope as he leaps and delivers a DIVING HEADBUTT! Bryan goes for a pin as the crowd are in a frenzy after the manic offense;

1………


2………


Ziggler gets the shoulder up and the Intercontinental Championship match continues. Bryan cannot believe it but he doesn’t wait to keep his momentum going as he stands in the corner and waits for Ziggler to get to his feet. Bryan is looking for the RUNNING KNEE and he sprints but the challenger avoids it and instead hits the FAMOUSER. Dolph is hurt but he slowly drapes an arm over Bryan;

1………


2………


Suddenly, we are back to square one and no closer to finding out who will walk out of Armageddon as the Intercontinental Champion. Both men are to their feet and slugging it out again as Ziggler goes for a SUPERKICK out of nowhere but Bryan ducks underneath and takes Dolph out with an incredible REGAL-PLEX in homage to his trainer who recently retired. Ziggler lands high on his shoulders and that looked damn painful as Bryan grabs the arm of Dolph and he looks to put the LEBELL LOCK in on his opponent. Ziggler tries his best to get out of the hold but this time he is unable to and it is in deep in the centre of the ring. Bryan pulls back on the head and neck of the challenger who is clawing at the mat and slowly making his way towards the ropes. Ziggler is desperate as the noise of the crowd is deafening because of the excitement they have experienced. Ziggler reaches the ropes!

Somehow, the challenger keeps the match alive but he looks to have been severely damaged by the American Dragon with his trademark submission hold. Dolph can hardly move and uses the ropes to get back to his feet which is bad news because Bryan has seen him and is perched in the corner and has just one thing on his mind. Ziggler turns around as the American Dragon sprints and this time he connects flush with the RUNNING KNEE!


1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: Daniel Bryan RETAINS the Intercontinental Championship (13:29)

Mathews:
Daniel Bryan has done it and is still our Intercontinental Champion! What a match and what an effort from Dolph Ziggler as well. In the end, that Running Knee was the difference and you know when that connects it is all she wrote. The American Dragon walks out of Armageddon as the Intercontinental Champion but he will know he has been in one heck of a fight here tonight in Houston, Matt.
Striker:
I would not want to follow these young stars on the card tonight. Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler have set the bar and set the standard with that classic match over the Intercontinental Championship and I could watch these two fight forever. Personally, I was hoping Ziggler would recapture the gold but Bryan was just too good for him on this night. What a match and I don’t know about you but I am breathless after watching that.
Mathews:
That was something else. What a night it is going to be as we are only just getting started on the final pay-per-view of 2010. Congratulations Daniel Bryan on retaining the Intercontinental Championship and what a year it has been for the American Dragon!

In the ring, referee Jack Doan hands Daniel Bryan the Intercontinental Championship and raises his hand as his music blasts through the PA system and the crowd chant yes repeatedly. Bryan has a smile across his face as he holds his back and shoulder which took plenty of punishment throughout that match. Bryan exits the ring and holds the title in the air once more about halfway up the ramp as the camera cuts backstage and the show rolls on.

We get a glimpse of the Straight Edge Society and their preparation for the massive match CM Punk has against Edge later in the evening. In the locker room Punk talks to each of his disciples, Luke Gallows, Mike Knox, Mark Harper and Serena individually and runs through all of the different attributes they bring to the table. In an unfamiliar show of modestly, Punk admits he had overlooked Edge in his quest to promote Straight Edge but tonight that all changed.

Punk said that Edge and his new groupies consisting of Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins and Tiffany would be no match for the rest of the Straight Edge Society as the eight of them acted as Lumberjacks. Punk promised to settle this issue with Edge once and for all because they had a greater mission. A mission that would see himself draped in gold and a mission in which the same would be said of the rest of his Society. He ended by looking into the camera and saying; ‘SmackDown has only room for one dominant faction and that faction is the Straight Edge Society!

Cole:
CM Punk has fired a warning shot ahead of his blockbuster match with Edge tonight but was that maybe a message to another group on Friday Night SmackDown I wonder? We will find out soon enough but it is time to switch gears and bring you some RAW action as two of the WWE’s biggest stars are about to clash in a Falls Count Anywhere match. John Cena turned his back on Randy Orton last month at Survivor Series and tonight I hope he pays the price.
King:
John Cena’s actions have been despicable. He even went to Randy Orton’s home and brutalised his father in distressing scenes and he has gone too far. I think he’s forgotten who he is dealing with though. Orton is not called the Legend Killer or The Viper for nothing – he is one of the most vicious superstars this company has ever seen. I’m not sure either man is going to be able to walk away from this match the same again.
Cole:
Cena and Orton have had many collisions in the past but I think this is the most personal yet between the two of them. If I was Cena I would have a plan tonight because Randy Orton doesn’t want to just beat him, he wants to destroy him and end his career. I think there’s been enough talk so let’s send it to Justin Roberts who has the introduction for the second match of the evening here at Armageddon.

Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
The following contest is a FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH!

~~~~~~~~~~THE TIME IS NOW~~~~~~~~~~

The music of John Cena hits and the crowd boos louder than they have so far this evening. Cena gets the most heat by a long way as he walks down to the ramp in his jean shorts and a baseball cap which is backwards. He also has his old chain around his neck which has the Chain Gang emblem on it. Cena ignores the heat from the crowd and smirks as he gets in the ring and throws his hat into the crowd. The hat is thrown back which irks the crowd as he awaits his opponent.

~~~~~~~~~~VOICES~~~~~~~~~~

The music of Randy Orton hits and the crowd in Houston goes wild but The Viper isn’t waiting and making a traditional entrance here. He runs down the ramp, slides into the ring and the brawl is on as the bell rings and the second match of the evening is officially underway.

Falls Count Anywhere match
John Cena vs. Randy Orton
​

Randy Orton goes ballistic and takes down Cena at the legs as he hammers away at Cena and referee Marty Elias can do nothing but watch as there are no disqualifications in a Falls Count Anywhere match. Orton doesn’t stop and Cena desperately tries to get away as he crawls under the bottom rope. Orton drags him back and mounts him to deliver another series of right hands before Cena kicks him off and scurries out of the ring. The Apex Predator doesn’t let that stop him as he goes to the outside and chases Cena round the ring. Cena thinks he has been clever in getting back in the ring but Orton knows what to expect and feigns getting in as Cena stomps before he does get in and clotheslines the Cena straight back to the outside. Orton speedily rolls under the bottom rope and tosses Cena into the ring apron before he drops him on the announce hood with a big back drop as Cena drops to the floor and holds his back.

The Chain Gang Soldier cannot get out of the blocks here as an irate Orton is determined to punish Cena for what he has done to not only him but his father as well. The Viper lifts up the ring skirt and grabs a KENDO STICK intent on doing some serious damage to Cena and getting a measure of revenge. Orton swings for Cena but he ducks underneath and he connects with the top of the announce table instead. Cena takes advantage of the small opportunity and takes his opponent down with a CHOP BLOCK. Orton crumples in a heap on the floor as Cena now grabs hold of the Kendo Stick and nails Orton across the back several times. Orton turns over to try and avoid the blows but that doesn’t stop the Doctor of Thuganomics as he slams the cane into the chest of Orton three times. The Kendo Stick has actually broken so Cena tosses it away and goes for a pin on the outside. Remember it is Falls Count Anywhere! 1… 2… Orton kicks out.

Cena doesn’t slow his assault down and quickly gets Orton to his feet before Irish whipping him hard into the steel steps as they shift with the impact. Cena smiles and taunts as the Houston crowd give him nuclear heat for his actions against The Viper. The action shows no signs of returning to the ring as Cena gets Orton to his feet and goes to Irish whip him into the barricade wall this time. Randy reverses and instead it is Cena who goes back-first into the structure on the top right as the hard camera looks. Orton decides he wants to take the fight among the people and he clotheslines Cena over the barricade wall and into the WWE Universe. Orton briefly stands on the barricade wall and calls for cheers from the crowd who duly deliver before he leaps off with a double axe handle to the back of his opponent and takes him down. Orton is back in control after that brief flurry from Cena and he has revenge on the mind as he empties a trash can and nails Cena over the head with it.

Cena drops to the floor as Orton goes for his first cover of the match; 1… 2… Cena kicks out and we go on in this Falls Count Anywhere collision. Orton hammers away at Cena but he is met with an eye rake which brings the Chain Gang Soldier back into it. He tosses Orton into one of the walls separating the bottom layer of fans and the first tier. Cena grabs a crutch from someone in the crowd (presumably a plant) and breaks it on the back of the Apex Predator. Cena smirks again as he punches Orton and throws him towards the side of the entrance ramp. The two briefly go out of camera shot as they go through a black tarp to the side of the stage before a camera backstage catches up on them as they continue to brawl and are now backstage. The crowd boos a little bit as the action is now out of their direct site and is being shown on the titantron instead. Be patient Houston, I’m sure they will be back out before you know it!

The fight is only intensifying backstage as Orton and Cena take it in turns to pummel one another. Cena is thrown into a wall hard but Orton is tossed across a table with water and snacks on it and neither man is really able to gain an advantage. That is until Cena out of nowhere delivers a LOW BLOW to his rival! Cena shouts at him and asks what he is going to do about it as Cena drives Orton through a nearby table with his SPINNING BACK DROP. Cena pulls Orton’s body from the wreckage and goes for a pin; 1…… 2…… Orton gets the shoulder up and Marty Elias confirms it is only a two to Cena despite his protestations. Cena is well on top and drags the body of Orton up some stairs as the camera follows them and they are now in the gorilla position. Lots of notable names are there including Michael ‘PS’ Hayes, Stephanie McMahon, Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon himself.

They aren’t on camera long as Cena salutes them and throws Orton through another curtain as he rolls out helplessly onto the top of the entrance ramp as the crowd boos the fact the Doctor of Thuganomics is in complete control of his adversary. Cena grabs Orton by the head and slaps him around, mouthing to the crowd is this who they want to cheer for? The Viper makes Cena pay though as he drops Cena on top of the ramp with an RKO OUT OF NOWHERE!!!


1………


2………


NO! Cena avoids disaster as he was caught cold there by the Legend Killer who used every last bit of energy he had to connect with his trademark finisher to the delight of the Armageddon crowd. Orton slowly gets to his feet and looks at the fallen Cena as he briefly goes backstage but re-emerges with a steel chair looking to inflict more damage on his former ally turned bitter enemy after his actions of the past month starting at Survivor Series.

Cena is prone on the top of the ramp but he sees the chair shots coming from Orton and scurries back down towards the ring to try and avoid them. He manages it twice before Orton stomps away at Cena and flips him over on his front and whacks him hard with three chair shots as the sound echoes throughout the arena. Orton looks unhinged as he goes under the ring and pulls out a table which, of course, gets a massive roar of approval from the Armageddon crowd in attendance. Orton slides it in the ring and sets it up in the middle before heading back to the outside. What he hasn’t realised though is Cena has grabbed a KENDO STICK from under the ring but is laying on top of it so Orton can’t see that he has a weapon. Orton gets ready to throw Cena back in the ring but he is once again blindsided with the cane as Cena hits him three times in the ribs and then three more times in the back adding to the welts on his body that had already formed.

Cena returns the hunched body of Orton into the ring and sees the table that has been setup by his opponent. The Chain Gang Soldier gets Randy onto his shoulders and is looking to connect with the F-U – the Attitude Adjustment it is no more. Orton desperately tries to fight out of it with elbows and squirming his body off the shoulders which he just manages to do. Randy kicks Cena in the gut and runs at him but this time Cena in one sweeping motion, lifts him on his shoulders and does connect with the F-U THROUGH THE TABLE as the wood explodes. Cena hooks the leg and thinks he has done enough to win;


1………


2………


ORTON GETS THE SHOULDER UP! This match goes on as the Apex Predator somehow got the shoulder up after going through the table at the hands of Cena. The Doctor of Thuganomics sits on his haunches and cannot believe that he has not won this match as he slowly gets to his feet and gets his chain which he had placed on the ring post at the start of the bout.

Cena clearly has some sort of plan to take out Orton with it and stands in the corner waiting for the very slow rise of the Legend Killer who has taken so much punishment in this Falls Count Anywhere match. Cena runs and looks to take Orton’s head off with the weapon but it doesn’t happen for him as The Viper reverses it into his trademark POWERSLAM! Orton quickly covers; 1…… 2…… Cena kicks out and won’t be beaten after so nearly winning himself. It is Randy’s time to get some momentum going now as he stomps away methodically at the fallen body of Cena and delivers a nice KNEE DROP across his head. Cena rolls to the ring apron which lights Orton’s eyes up as he is in perfect position to be draped over the second rope and dropped with his vintage ELEVATED DDT! Orton decides against the cover though and sees the steel chair he previously used laying outside the ring. He quickly retrieves it and slides back into the ring.

Orton calls for Cena to get to his feet and as he does slowly, Orton goes behind him and slams the chair into his back which drops his opponent. The Viper isn’t done there as he remembers the suffering Cena has caused him and his father as he waits for him to get back to his feet and delivers another wicked chair shot and another one and another one! Cena is flat out but Orton keeps wailing away with the weapon until it is completely bent out of shape and the crowd are in a frenzy at the brutality they have just witnessed. Orton throws the chair to the outside and gets in the press-up position signalling he is ready to go for the second RKO of the match. Cena slowly makes his way back to his feet and Orton goes for it but with his last bit of strength the Chain Gang Soldier manages to throw Randy off him and scurry out of the ring as the crowd immediately boos. Orton wastes little time in chasing Cena as he runs up the entrance ramp and looks like he is trying to leave the match.

Orton catches Cena and is having none of it as he clotheslines him down halfway up the entrance ramp and Cena lands with a thud. Orton stomps away at Cena and drags his body up the ramp until both of them are at the top. The Legend Killer goes backstage again and grabs another chair ready to do yet more damage to Cena. The Doctor of Thuganomics puts his arms in the air and begs for mercy as Orton looks completely unhinged. Suddenly, the crowd starts booing incredibly loudly for no apparent reason until suddenly Orton is grounded by VANCE ARCHER AND TYLER REKS!!! What the hell? Why are Rough Justice getting involved in this match and why are they taking out Orton. The two of them stomp away at Randy as Archer checks to see if Cena is okay and helps him to his feet. This is clearly orchestrated by Cena and Rough Justice! This is not looking good for Randy Orton at all as suddenly it is a 3-on-1 situation.

Cena starts to conduct what he wants to happen and points at Tyler Reks to lift Orton up and take him down. The massive member of Rough Justice dressed in his red and black as usual gets him up and drives him down onto the stage with the BURNING HAMMER! The crowd gasps at the impact of the move but Cena is still not happy with the damage done and pats the chest of Vance Archer who nods and smiles with extreme malice. The more dominant member of Rough Justice, which is saying something, gets Orton in position and connects with the BLACKOUT – his inverted crucifix powerbomb as the entrance ramp shakes with the impact. The Houston crowd has not stopped booing since the arrival of Rough Justice and cannot believe what they are seeing. The camera cuts to some younger fans who have their hands behind their head and mouths wide open with shock at what they are witnessing.

While Archer and Reks were doing their damage, Cena had gone back to the ring and grabbed his trademark chain and we now know why as he orders Rough Justice to lift up the limp body of Orton. Cena smirks and shouts some abuse at some fans in the front row as he runs and nails the Apex Predator between the eyes with the heavy duty foreign object. Cena hooks the leg as referee Marty Elias reluctantly counts…



1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: John Cena (17:20)

Cole:
What the hell?! Not this way damn it! John Cena has beaten Randy Orton thanks to Tyler Reks and Vance Archer getting involved and aligning themselves with him. It seems Cena had a plan all along and that plan was none other than Rough Justice coming to his aid and helping him beat Orton in this Falls Count Anywhere match. Orton was damn near put through the top of the entrance ramp. I don’t see how he is going to walk out of here on his own.
King:
Man, Randy Orton took some serious damage in that match. The parting shot with that chain was the blow that put him out of his misery but in truth, Cena could have finished it way earlier after Rough Justice got involved. I’m not going to defend Cena at all here but it is clear he had a plan from the moment he turned his back on Randy Orton at Survivor Series last month. He has been one step ahead of the Apex Predator the entire time.
Cole:
You’re not wrong and how many times have we said that about Randy Orton over the years? He is the master at this sort of stuff but Cena has beaten him at every turn. You just know when he can there will be a response from The Viper but he now has a numbers game as well as Cena to deal with. What a match that was until Rough Justice got involved though. The brutality that was on display was quite something to behold.

John Cena stands in the centre of the entrance ramp with his chain in hand as Tyler Reks and Vance Archer flank him and taunt the fallen Randy Orton at their feet. Medical officials and referees attend the fallen Orton as they try and get Cena and Rough Justice to leave who simply smirk. Cena lifts up his chain high in the air again and taunts as the Houston crowd boos the loudest they have all evening and the screen fades as we get a WWE Shop commercial.

Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Ladies and gentlemen, would you please welcome my guests at this time, Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Tiffany and Edge; W.A.S.T.E!

The crowd cheers as the camera pans out some to fit all five people into shot as Byron continues with the interview segment following the Falls Count Anywhere match which has left the ringside area a warzone.

Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Tonight, Edge you face off with CM Punk with the rest of your teammates as well as the Straight Edge Society acting as Lumberjacks meaning you will finally get your hands on the Straight Edge Saviour and he will have nowhere to run. Do you have any thoughts heading into this match which has been weeks if not months in the making?

Rated R Superstar – Edge:
Byron, finally the odds are even. Finally, there will be no more 2-on-1, 3-on-1 or 4-on-1 attacks from the Straight Edge Society. Tonight, in that ring it is one-on-one between the Rated R Superstar and the Straight Edge Saviour and there will be only one winner. Seth, who will that winner be?

The Architect – Seth Rollins:
The winner, well that’s an easy question to answer. You see on Friday night, the Straight Edge Society attacked me and put me in the hospital but I am back and ready to play my part. That attack was clearly a move of cowardice and CM Punk, you are out of options. You have to stand up and be a man and face your punishment. So, I reckon I see a Spear in the future my man.

Seth Rollins pats the back of Edge as they smile to one another and the Rated R Superstar continues with Byron Saxton pushed out of the way by Antonio Cesaro in the process.

Rated R Superstar – Edge:
What do you think my Swiss Superman, Antonio Cesaro?

The Swiss Superman – Antonio Cesaro:
Edge, you’re going to win but I have a message for Mark Harper. People seem to be afraid at what you have done since coming to SmackDown and the WWE but I’m not. You see, I am just as strong, just as powerful and just as brutal as you and tonight you’ll see exactly what I mean if you try and get involved in any way other than being a lumberjack.

Rated R Superstar – Edge:
Warning sent Antonio and believe me he is nothing but legit Harper. And now we come to the T in W.A.S.T.E. – Tiffany, you are probably best known for being the ECW General Manager but let me tell you something this woman - notice I say woman and not DIVA - can more than go in the ring. I believe you have a message for Serena?

The Knockout – Tiffany:
You’re damn right I do. Serena, you think you’re the Anti-DIVA but what have you done to prove it so far. If you ask any of these people the only thing that you’re famous for around here as being the Straight Edge Saviour’s personal slut! (Big gasps from the crowd for that one.) Well, tonight I’m going to show you that Tiffany is here to put you in your place and to take over the women’s division in the WWE. All I needed was the opportunity and Edge is the man that finally gave it to me.

Rated R Superstar – Edge:
And that brings me to none other than the brutaliser from Preston, England… what’s on your mind Wade?

Bad News – Wade Barrett:
Well Edge, I’m afraid I’ve got some BAD NEWS for CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Mike Knox, Mark Harper and Serena. Tonight, the Straight Edge Society gets laid to W.A.S.T.E!

Rated R Superstar – Edge:
Seth, Antonio, Wade, Tiffany, it’s time to go to work!

With that Edge and the other members of W.A.S.T.E. all fist bump and eagerly make their way out of the interview area and it looks like they are on their way to the ring ready for the huge Lumberjack match between Edge and CM Punk with the two factions surrounding the ring to ensure they don’t go anywhere.

Mathews:
Edge and W.A.S.T.E. are ready and we are just moments away from settling the score between the two in a huge Lumberjack match with the members of their stables at ringside. Both men are confident but only one is going to be able to walk out of Armageddon as the winner. Can the Rated R Superstar get his revenge or will the Straight Edge Saviour finally prove he is the better man after months of these two trying to destroy one another?
Striker:
If you ask me there is only one man who is going to walk out of here victorious and that is the man who promotes a superior way of living. He has loyal disciples, a beautiful woman by his side and could teach the people of Houston a thing or two as well. CM Punk will rightfully walk out the winner and Edge will be forced to leave with his tail between his legs with his new lackeys and if I was Punk I would make them all do the Straight Edge pledge as well.
Mathews:
Oh please, would you listen to yourself, Matt. Why don’t you be another lumberjack for the Straight Edge Society, you may as well with how much you’re kissing their ass. Edge has finally evened the odds thanks to Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins and Tiffany and if you ask me it is time for the Rated R Superstar to gain his revenge and pick up a huge win to round out what has been an up and down 2010 for him.

Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is set a LUMBERJACK MATCH! The members of the Straight Edge Society and W.A.S.T.E. will surround the ring and their job is to return the competitors whenever they exit.

~~~~~~~~~~THIS FIRE BURNS~~~~~~~~~~

The music of the Straight Edge Saviour, CM Punk hits and he comes out slowly wearing a hoodie and black trunks with a green trim. His entire Society are in tow with Serena to his right holding his hand, Luke Gallows, Mike Knox and Mark Harper standing behind them and towering. They are all wearing black and green as they slowly walk down the ramp and enter the ring. Standing in a row they perform the Straight Edge pledge and wait for their opposing faction to make their entrance.

~~~~~~~~~~YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME~~~~~~~~~~

Smoke plumes fill the top of the entrance ramp as the titantron screen lights up and we get the iconic entrance of the Rated R Superstar, Edge. He bursts out the curtain and just behind him are Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins and Tiffany. They all taunt as the crowd get louder and louder as they stand in formation about halfway down the ramp and let off pyro which shoots in every different direction. W.A.S.T.E. get in the ring and go face-to-face with the Straight Edge Society as the two referees assigned to this contest try to get them under control. Charles Robinson will do the job inside the ring with John Cone on the outside monitoring the lumberjacks. The situation finally settles down as the third match of Armageddon gets started.

Lumberjack match
CM Punk vs. Edge
​

There is no warming up for either man as they start brawling all around the ring. Edge hammers away at CM Punk and drives him back towards the turnbuckle before connecting with an early back drop taking his opponent down. Edge stomps away at Punk who scrambles towards the bottom rope and outside the ring. He happens to exit on the side of the Straight Edge Society who check if he is okay and allow him to slowly return to the ring before the members of W.A.S.T.E. and get to him. Punk locks up with Edge and tries to get on top in the match but it is once again the Rated R Superstar who has his number as he clotheslines Punk a couple of times and takes him down with a nice FLAPJACK. Punk gets back to his feet again near the ropes but this time Edge clotheslines him outside on the side of his teammates. This is not going to end well for Punk as Wade Barrett and Antonio Cesaro both look at Punk and deliver some big punches before returning him to the ring.

The crowd in attendance cheers loudly at the Straight Edge Saviour seemingly getting his comeuppance in the early moments in the match as Edge continues to build momentum. Edge drops Punk with a nice INVERTED DDT but Punk kicks out of the following pin attempt and is clawing to get to a corner and create some separation against his opponent who has dominated proceedings so far. Edge picks up the pace as he Irish whips Punk and goes for a clothesline but the leader of the Straight Edge Society ducks underneath and on the rebound he clocks him with a big forearm to the back of the head which rocks him. This time Punk Irish whips Edge and on the rebound he hits him with a nice SCOOP POWERSLAM as he hooks both legs and hopes to end the match early; 1… 2… Edge easily kicks out. Punk suddenly has some momentum but before inflicting any punishment he simply throws the Rated R Superstar to the proverbial wolves on the outside.

It doesn’t take long for things to break down as Mike Knox and Luke Gallows pummel Edge as Mark Harper stands guard. It looks like Seth Rollins and the rest of W.A.S.T.E. are going to intervene but just before they do, the Straight Edge Society return Edge to the ring as CM Punk sits with his legs crossed in the middle of the ring and rolls his wrists calmly. The crowd in Houston give him some serious heat as the Straight Edge Saviour continues to work over Edge and has turned the match around. Punk Irish whips Edge into the corner and connects with three stiff chops before he Irish whips him into the opposite turnbuckle and nails Edge with his trademark FLYING KNEE STRIKE and drops Edge with the BULLDOG straight after. Punk covers; 1…… 2…… Edge gets the shoulder up and the match continues. Punk stays calm and knows it is going to take a lot to keep his rival down. He chooses to go to the ring apron but wisely on the side of his teammates.

Punk goes for the SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE but Edge ducks underneath and Punk hits the canvas hard with his momentum carrying him all the way to the outside on the opposite side of the ring. That is bad news for Punk as Seth Rollins and Antonio Cesaro start hammering away at Punk much to the delight of the crowd before they return him and start talking trash to their adversaries on the other side. Punk holds his ribs as Edge smirks in classic fashion as he gets Punk up and drops him with the EDGECUTION! Edge is going big early as he nails it and goes for the pin; 1……… 2……… Punk kicks out! Edge doesn’t waste a second after the kick out and gets the Straight Edge Saviour to his feet again. The Rated R Superstar places Punk in the seated position on the top rope as the crowd in the front rows get out of their seat thinking something big could well be on the way. What particularly intrigues them is Punk is in the seated position facing into the crowd rather than into the ring.

Edge slowly climbs the ropes from the ring apron to join Punk as they both stand and throw right hands at one another. The lumberjacks have all taken an interest in what is going on and are in the entrance area near the turnbuckle both men are on. Edge has had enough of throwing right hands and instead hooks CM Punk up for a SUPERPLEX to the outside as both men wipe out all the lumberjacks in the process and the crowd go crazy. Everyone is down as the announce team talk through three different replays of the spot and Edge slowly gets to his feet and returns CM Punk to the ring. He crawls into the pin attempt; 1………… 2………… CM Punk gets his foot on the bottom rope to force the end of the referee’s count. Edge smirks and sits on his haunches for a few seconds as that high-risk manoeuvre took a lot out of him. He gets back to his feet and gets Punk up to a vertical base as well as he drops him with a nice RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP.

The Rated R Superstar is in control as he taunts to the crowd and Mark Harper glares at him ominously from the outside. Edge does his utmost to not get distracted and thinks he can up the intensity even more as he Irish whips Punk and nails him with a beautiful SPINNING HEEL KICK. Punk holds onto his jaw and retreats into the corner as Edge runs and looks for a corner spear but the leader of the Straight Edge Society sidesteps and Edge smashes into the ring post and the momentum carries him all the way to the outside in front of the announce tables. Serena is standing right next to Edge and as he gets to his feet he is met with a massive slap from the Anti-DIVA. Of course, that means only one thing. Tiffany hurls herself at Serena and the two women start to brawl as the crowd cheers and Edge returns to the ring. It is Tiffany who gets the better of Serena as she takes her down with a SPEAR!

The crowd pops as Serena is down and we focus back in the ring as CM Punk continues to dominate Edge after he went into the ring post. Punk connects with a number of punches, a big kick to the gut and a back fist as he follows it up with a SWINGING NECKBREAKER. Punk isn’t done there as he goes to the top rope and smirks arrogantly as he points his arms in the air. Punk leaps and nails an ELBOW DROP to the heart of Edge who squirms around the canvas due to the impact. Punk thinks he might have done enough to win the match…


1………


2………


NO! Edge gets the shoulder up much to the relief of his W.A.S.T.E. teammates on the outside who ask the crowd to give them more energy to help Edge back into the match. They duly respond but Punk shouts at them to shut up and hoists Edge on his shoulders as he looks for the GO TO SLEEP! Punk goes for it but Edge manages to slip off the shoulders and takes Punk down with the EDGE-O-MATIC!


1………


2………


Punk just gets the shoulder up this time as the lumberjacks look on in awe of their respective faction leaders. Both men are down as referee Charles Robinson begins to count both men out but they start to get to their feet at six and make it fully at eight. Edge and CM Punk throw big right hands at one another but they are both struggling to make the difference ultimately and things are about to get chaotic when they collide going for clotheslines and Edge and Punk both end up on the outside of the ring right in front of all the lumberjacks. Wade Barrett immediately starts to go after CM Punk but he is clubbed by Mark Harper and the brawl is on!!! Harper and Barrett brawl, Serena and Tiffany throw forearms at one another and Luke Gallows is trying to take down Antonio Cesaro. The picture changes though when Seth Rollins gets in the ring and sprints exiting with an incredible SOMERSAULT PLANCHA taking out everyone other than Punk and Edge.

Rollins returns Punk to the ring and Edge slides in as well but as Seth tells Edge to finish the match he turns around into a monumental DISCUS CLOTHESLINE from Mark Harper. Rollins is out as Edge looks concerned and CM Punk rolls him up from behind among the chaos;


1………


2………


Edge kicks out and is having none of it but Punk quickly hooks his arms and drops him with a beautiful BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER. Some of the crowd pop for the move which was very impressive this late on in the contest with both men clearly exhausted. Punk signals for the GO TO SLEEP again but this time Edge avoids it by grabbing the top rope and refusing to let go of it. That is until Mike Knox gets on the apron and releases the grip of Edge. Punk goes for it but Edge reverses again into his EDGEACATOR submission as Punk has pain written all over his face. Not only that, Antonio Cesaro grabs hold of Mike Knox and drops him on the outside with a wicked EUROPEAN UPPERCUT as he drops down from the ring apron.

CM Punk is in agony as Edge puts more and more torque on the legs and Punk’s body resembles a pretzel. Punk claws his way across the mat and after a good 40 seconds in the hold he manages to reach the bottom rope and break the hold. The crowd boos but Edge lets him free and wastes no time as he stands in the corner and calls for the SPEAR! Edge sprints but Punk shows some incredible athleticism in jumping over the move and taking down the Rated R Superstar with a big ROUNDHOUSE KICK as he quickly locks in the ANACONDA VICE! Punk pulls on the arm of Edge as he tries to make him tap out but the Ultimate Opportunist squirms and gets to the bottom rope with one of his legs as Charles Robinson makes CM Punk break the hold. He reluctantly does so and tells Mark Harper on the outside to get him a steel chair. Before Harper can pass him the chair though, Wade Barrett hits the BULLHAMMER ELBOW! Harper drops like a sack of potatoes and the chair does with him too.

CM Punk cannot believe it and starts talking trash to Wade Barrett as once again all the lumberjacks on the outside start to brawl again. Bodies are everywhere in dramatic scenes as Cesaro fights with Gallows through the crowd, Serena drives Tiffany into the barricade wall and Rollins jumps off the announce table with a FLYING KNEE to Harper. Barrett and Knox fight their way up the ramp as back in the ring Edge has managed to recuperate but CM Punk doesn’t know that. Punk hoists Edge onto his shoulders and looks for the GO TO SLEEP again but this time Edge slides off and comes off the ropes to connect with an almighty SPEAR!!! Edge falls into the cover;



1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: Edge (15:54)

Mathews:
Edge has done it! He has beaten CM Punk and finally got some revenge after months of dealing with Punk and the rest of the Straight Edge Society. W.A.S.T.E. evened the odds crucially for the Rated R Superstar and he made Punk pay with that incredible Spear after what was one heck of a fight between two of the fiercest rivals SmackDown has seen this entire year. Edge walks out of Armageddon with a massive win!
Striker:
CM Punk was robbed! Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins and Tiffany all got too involved. They are just meant to return the combatants to the ring when they end up on the outside and they did far more than that. The Straight Edge Saviour did not deserve what he got here tonight and I might have to go and see if he is alright. Damn that no good Edge.
Mathews:
Matt, are you serious right now? Punk has spent months attacking Edge from behind and making his life a living hell. Tonight, Punk and the rest of his minions in the Straight Edge Society just got a taste of their own medicine for once. Edge picks up a major win on what has been an incredible night so far and don’t forget we still have Sheamus defending the World Heavyweight Championship inside a Steel Cage against none other than Evan Bourne.

In the ring, Edge celebrates and has his hand raised by Charles Robinson as he is slowly joined by his W.A.S.T.E. teammates from various parts of the arena. They have all more than played their part and some of them look bruised and battered as a result. Seth Rollins is notably front and centre alongside Edge as all five members raise their hands in the air in a lovely visual to round out this part of Armageddon as the screen fades.

We get the WWE’s trademark don’t try this at home video and we then go to a video montage which features the United States Champion, Lance Cade.

Paul Heyman is the voice we hear at first as he is in a room and introduces himself before he starts praising his client, Lance Cade. We see shots of Lance Cade beating multiple opponents with Redneck Redemption and Heyman calling him the Next Big Thing. We then cut to a longer part of the video where we see the closing moments of the match which saw Cade capture the United States Championship against Matt Hardy on the RAW before Survivor Series.

Cade and Heyman are side by side as the Ruthless Redneck puts his title over his shoulder and looks as intense as ever. Heyman ends the video by saying ‘Monday Night RAW, you have been warned. The Ruthless Redneck, the Next Big Thing and your United States Champion is here to take over.’ With that the screen shows an image of Lance Cade and Paul Heyman arms aloft and the screen fades as we return to Josh Mathews and Matt Striker at ringside.

Mathews:
Lance Cade has been dominant on Monday Night RAW and I would not want to be the next person to stand in his way especially with Paul Heyman by his side. It has been some night here at Armageddon so far and the action keeps on coming as it is time for the second title match of the evening and this time it is the Cruiserweight Championship on the line in a Triple Threat match. Matt, Kaval has his work cut out for him to retain the title doesn’t he?
Striker:
He certainly does, Josh. Kaval has been so impressive since winning the title back in August defeating Evan Bourne. He has taken on everyone but he perhaps faces the biggest challenge yet tonight as he goes up against newcomer Richie Steamboat and the impressive Tyson Kidd of The Hart Dynasty. Not only does he have two opponents but the Triple Threat rules mean he doesn’t have to be involved in the decision to lose his title.
Mathews:
That is a big obstacle to overcome for sure and the credentials of Kidd and the unknown of Steamboat make this one a very hard contest to predict. We know to beat Kaval they will have to be at their very best though because the World Warrior is arguably the hottest star on RAW or SmackDown since he won the gold. I think there’s been enough talk so let’s send it to the ring for the introductions.

Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is a Triple Threat match and it is for the CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!

~~~~~~~~~~NEW FOUNDATION~~~~~~~~~~

The music of The Hart Dynasty hits first and Tyson Kidd comes through the curtain accompanied by David Hart Smith and Natalya as the Houston crowd gives them a nice reaction. Their run as WWE Tag Team Champions has not been forgotten and Kidd kisses Natalya and high-fives Smith as they return to the back and he makes his way down to the ring in a royal blue and silver pair of wrestling trunks, the absence of pink notable for once. Kidd waits for the first of his two opponents.

~~~~~~~~~~BLOOD WORK~~~~~~~~~~

The catchy entrance music of Richie Steamboat hits and the excitable young newcomer to Monday Night RAW enters wearing blue and black trunks which match his boots. Steamboat quickly makes his way down to the ring and gets a really nice response after making a good impression in his first few weeks on the main roster. Steamboat gets in the ring and nods to Kidd with a show of respect as he tests the ring ropes and waits for the final man to arrive.

~~~~~~~~~~EXPLODING HELMETS~~~~~~~~~~

That final man is none other than the Cruiserweight Champion, Kaval who gets a lot of heat from the crowd although there are a few pockets of approval probably for his incredible in-ring feats in recent months. Kaval is wearing the green and black version of his attire with the Cruiserweight title belt strapped to his waist. Kaval enters the ring and starts trash talking Kidd and Steamboat as he holds the title aloft before handing it to referee, Scott Armstrong. The bell rings and we are underway.

Triple Threat match for the Cruiserweight Championship
Tyson Kidd vs. Richie Steamboat vs. Kaval ©
​

Kaval immediately gets out of the ring and clearly has no intention of getting involved. He tells Richie Steamboat and Tyson Kidd to lock up and they do as the Cruiserweight Champion looks on from the outside. Steamboat and Kidd hit one another with several punches, kicks and chops as Kidd takes down Steamboat with a back body drop but Steamboat takes down Kidd with a big dropkick after Irish whipping him. The crowd applauds as the two stand facing one another and shake hands which gets more applause including from Kaval on the outside. That is the signal for the two challengers to go to the outside and corner the World Warrior who is suddenly regretting his decision to evacuate the ring as soon as the bell rung. Steamboat and Kidd take it to Kaval with punches and kicks as the crowd cheers loudly for the Cruiserweight Champion getting his comeuppance. Before long they return him to the ring.

All three men competing in the match are finally inside the squared circle and this is where the action really starts. Kidd and Steamboat continue to work on Kaval as the former hits a nice SPINNING HEEL KICK and the latter connects with a MISSILE DROPKICK from the top rope. Steamboat goes for a quick cover; 1… 2… Kidd breaks it up and the chaos ensues in the Triple Threat match. Kidd Irish whips Steamboat and on the rebound he delivers a back kick followed by a SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB which makes the crowd gasp as Kidd pins; 1… 2… The youngster kicks out and keeps the match alive. Kidd doesn’t get frustrated and tries to keep the pace high as he goes out to the ring apron and smashes Kaval in the face with a PENALTY KICK. He perches on the ring apron and waits for Steamboat to get to his feet as he takes him back down with a SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT! Tyson Kidd pins again; 1…… 2…… Steamboat gets the shoulder up!

Tyson Kidd can’t believe it but he stays focused and goes to the top rope as he calls for Richie to get to his feet again but it is time for Kaval to shine as out of nowhere he springboards and leaps taking Kidd down from the top rope with a FRANKENSTEINER! Kaval hurries into the cover; 1……… 2……… Steamboat breaks it up this time. The crowd are out of their seats permanently at this point after a number of unbelievable sequences with all three men shining. It is time for the newcomer Richie Steamboat to have some of the limelight now as he takes down Kaval with a SLING BLADE and follows that up with a SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT! Steamboat thinks he has done enough as he desperately claws at both legs; 1……… 2……… Kaval kicks out and keeps his title reign alive… for now. Steamboat wastes no time in being upset as he places the World Warrior in the seated position on the top rope and the crowd senses another big moment on the horizon.

Steamboat joins Kaval on the top rope and the two throw right hands at each other looking to take the advantage and make a big move from the precarious position. In the end, Tyson Kidd is back to his feet and sees his two opponents on the top rope. He grabs hold of Steamboat in a powerbomb position and takes him down but as he does Steamboat has held on to Kaval and nails him with a Superplex! THE TOWER OF DOOM leaves all three men down in the middle of the ring as they are all breathing heavily and the crowd in Houston gets louder and louder. Natalya looks on from the outside and tries to encourage Kidd and it is the member of The Hart Dynasty who gets to a vertical base first as he looks to capture the Cruiserweight Championship. Kidd calls for more from the fans in attendance and they certainly give it to him as he takes down Steamboat with a SWINGING NECKBREAKER and hooks Kaval up to drop him on his head with a BRAINBUSTER!


1………


2………


KAVAL GETS THE SHOULDER UP! The Armageddon crowd thought that was it but Tyson Kidd couldn’t quite keep Kaval down long enough to win the gold. Kidd wastes no time at all in going to the top rope as he waits for Kaval to get to his feet and goes for a BLOCKBUSTER but the World Warrior has it well scouted and Kidd crashes and burns. Kaval follows it up with a number of kicks as he Irish whips Kidd and connects with the TIDAL CRUSH. He isn’t done there as he hooks Kidd up and delivers a thunderous FISHERMAN DRIVER! 1……… 2……… Steamboat breaks it up and gets Kaval in position for the STEAMBOAT DRIVER but Kaval reverses and nails two shoot kicks to the chest followed by a high-speed roundhouse kick. The Cruiserweight Champion isn’t done there as he has Steamboat on his knees and connects with BLACK MAGIC! The feint shining wizard into the reverse roundhouse floors one of the challengers;


1………


2………


Steamboat somehow gets the shoulder up much to the annoyance of the World Warrior. Kaval sticks to his plan and throws Steamboat to the outside. He focuses on the other challenger, Tyson Kidd as he Irish whips and does his matrix evasion followed by a STANDING SPANISH FLY! 1………… 2………… Kidd gets the shoulder up and this Cruiserweight Championship match continues! Kaval cannot believe it and starts to get agitated as he props Kidd up in the corner and connects with a couple of chops. Kaval sprints and hits a big shoulder thrust to the midriff of The Hart Dynasty member as he delivers the DRAGON WING! The double underhook suplex transitioned into the double underhook hold has Kidd screaming in pain and the crowd sense they could be about to witness a submission victory at Armageddon. Kidd desperately holds on and avoids giving up as Richie Steamboat is back in and stomps Kaval to break the hold.

The newcomer to WWE connects with a BASEMENT SUPERKICK to Kaval and follows it up with one to Kidd as well. Richie calls for Kaval to get to his feet and he slowly does as he is put in position for the STEAMBOAT DRIVER! Richie looks like he is going to hit it but Kaval wriggles free and rolls up his opponent;


1………


2………


NO! Steamboat kicks out and both men are back to their feet as they both run at one another and end up on the mat as they collide in mid-air with a massive crossbody from each going wrong. Slowly, Tyson Kidd makes it to his feet and sees that as his big opportunity and locks in the SHARPSHOOTER on Richie Steamboat which gets a massive pop in Houston. Kidd puts more and more pressure on his opponent and it looks like Richie might tap out only for Kaval to break it up. Before Kaval can do any damage though, Kidd grabs his legs and locks him in the SHARPSHOOTER as well!

The crowd are in a frenzy as they think we might be moments away from crowning a new Cruiserweight Champion but Kaval to his credit holds on and is desperate to break the hold. He scratches and claws and finally reaches the ropes as the referee tells Kidd he needs to let go of his opponent. Kidd cannot believe it and instead focuses on finishing Kaval another way as he gets him in position for the FISHERMAN NECKBREAKER! Richie Steamboat is back in though and tries to break it up but Kidd sees him coming and instead connects with his finisher to the newcomer. Before he can go for the pin though, Kaval throws Tyson Kidd out of the ring and throws himself on top of Steamboat in desperation to retain his title;


1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: Kaval RETAINS the Cruiserweight Championship (10:12)

Mathews:
Not this way damn it! I thought we were going to be crowning a new Cruiserweight Champion after Tyson Kidd hit that brutal Fisherman Neckbreaker on Richie Steamboat. Kaval has stolen the win by pinning the newcomer after throwing Kidd to the outside of the ring. He will say it was smart because of Triple Threat rules but you have to believe he owes the member of The Hart Dynasty a match for the title after the way that ended.
Striker:
Absolutely not, a win is a win and Kaval didn’t break any rules in retaining his Cruiserweight Title and proving once again why he is the best the division has to offer. That match was enthralling, energetic and exhausting but in the end the World Warrior comes out on top as he always does. Kidd and Steamboat provided his toughest test yet but Kaval remains our Cruiserweight Champion of the world and I am delighted!
Mathews:
Matt, can you be objective at all? Tyson Kidd was just moments away from his first singles gold only for Kaval to snatch it away from him and I cannot wait for them to collide again with the title on the line. SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long has to be watching that ending and coming up with a plan already. What a night it has been at Armageddon so far and don’t forget on the blue brand we still have the World Heavyweight Championship on the line as Sheamus defends against Evan Bourne inside a Steel Cage!

Kaval has his hand raised by the referee and is given his Cruiserweight Championship belt as he quickly exits the ring and celebrates up the ramp. Richie Steamboat is laid out in the ring but Tyson Kidd is standing and staring a hole through Kaval as he is comforted by Natalya. The Hart Dynasty member is furious and can’t believe he was unable to win the title and can be heard shouting ‘this isn’t over’ to Kaval as the screen cuts to Mathews and Striker and they thank Muse for their track ‘Uprising’ the official theme of Armageddon. We then head backstage…

We head backstage where we see RAW General Manager, Trish Stratus in her office on her phone when there is a loud knock at the door.

RAW General Manager – Trish Stratus:
Come in!

The camera swings around and in storms the WWE Champion, Chris Jericho dressed in his usual navy suit with the title over his shoulder. Y2J looks angrier than ever.

WWE Champion – Chris Jericho:
Trish, I have had it up to here! (Jericho holds his hand above his head). You need to do the right thing and cancel this match tonight. I am the WWE Champion and should be treated with the respect I have earned. Do you know who I am damn it?

RAW General Manager – Trish Stratus:
Woah, Chris, lower your voice and show me some respect. I am the RAW General Manager and my only priority is to put the best show possible on for these fans and to beat SmackDown doing it. The WWE Championship will be on the line tonight so if I were you I’d go and get your wrestling gear on.

WWE Champion – Chris Jericho:
Did you not see what happened on Monday night? That hypocrite Triple H hit me in the head with a sledgehammer. I shouldn’t even be medically cleared tonight let alone have to get in the same ring as him, Kane and the Big Show – who I beat at Survivor Series last month by the way. Trish I am begging you.

RAW General Manager – Trish Stratus:
Chris, stop moaning. You have been medically cleared and as much as I don’t condone what Triple H did to you on Monday night you did have it coming for your actions in recent weeks. If you spent less time pissing people off on RAW then maybe you wouldn’t find yourself in these predicaments. Feel free to whine and complain to someone else because you will defend the WWE Championship TONIGHT! Now, get out of my office!

Chris Jericho looks like he is about to explode as he eyeballs Trish but the RAW GM doesn’t back down and is standing at her desk looking at the WWE Champion. Jericho reluctantly leaves the office and we will have the Fatal 4-Way Elimination match for the title between Jericho, Kane, Big Show and Triple H as scheduled tonight.

Cole:
Chris Jericho is irate at having to defend his WWE Championship this evening but General Manager, Trish Stratus is having none of it. Jericho only has himself to blame for the predicament he faces tonight in putting the title on the line against, Kane, Big Show and Triple H. That is still to come tonight but up next we have one heck of a grudge match between Christian and the Undertaker and the only way that one of them will win is by making the other bleed!
King:
This is going to be brutal. This is going to be tough to watch and this is going to be retribution for the Deadman who missed out on an opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship tonight thanks to Christian. These two have torn each other apart ever since Survivor Series when the Undertaker picked up a win but Christian has not let that put him off and he is determined to beat one of the all-time greats in this industry.
Cole:
The Undertaker is out for revenge tonight and you have to believe the First Blood stipulation favours the violent Phenom who has beaten anyone and everyone put in front of him in the WWE. Christian does have experience with weapons and was one of the innovators of TLC but taking on the Undertaker one-on-one is a whole other challenge. Christian should just be happy to make it out of Armageddon in one piece tonight.

Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
The following contest is aFIRST BLOOD MATCH!

~~~~~~~~~~REST IN PEACE~~~~~~~~~~

The gong sounds as smoke fills the arena and fire bursts from the stage with the crowd unglued at witnessing the Undertaker’s entrance live! The Deadman slowly steps out onto the ramp and walks down the aisle in his usual fashion before signalling for the lights to come up when he is at the top of the steel steps. Undertaker gets in the ring and removes his hat as he rolls his eyes into the back of his head and takes his trench coat off. The crowd loudly chant ‘Undertaker’ as the Phenom awaits his opponent.

~~~~~~~~~~JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES~~~~~~~~~~

That opponent is none other than Christian who gets a shower of boos as he comes out from the back wearing black and turquoise attire with his big C logo prominent on his tights. Christian stares a hole at Undertaker in the ring but the Deadman isn’t waiting as he exits the ring and meets Christian at the bottom of the ramp and the brawl is on!!!

First Blood match
Undertaker vs. Christian
​

The match isn’t officially underway but Undertaker cares not about that as he hammers away at Christian on the ramp and he desperately tries to cover up to lessen the impact of the blows. Taker instead connects with a big boot which drops Christian where he stands on the thin protective mats on the outside. Undertaker doesn’t wait at all though as he tosses his opponent into the steel steps and the sound reverberates around the arena in Houston. The Deadman isn’t done there as he goes under the ring and grabs a steel chair as the crowd cheers loudly because they sense the level of violence is about to go up a notch. Christian slowly gets to his feet but as Undertaker swings he ducks underneath and scurries into the ring and holds the referee in front of him. Undertaker smirks and joins him in the ring as referee Charles Robinson calls for the bell and Christian finally lets him go. That’s because he goes straight for the eyes of the Phenom as he rakes them.

With First Blood rules it is clear both men will go after the head to try and make their opponent bleed and after the beating Christian had initially taken he is slowly turning the momentum around. The rake of the eyes allows him to connects with a number of big punches before he takes the Deadman down with a MISSILE DROPKICK from the top rope. Christian mounts the Phenom and begins punching the head repeatedly of the legendary superstar as he looks to bust him open and finish the match early. He has no luck though and sees the steel chair that Undertaker tried to use on the outside and quickly retrieves it. He stalks Undertaker and waits for him to get to his feet but this time it is the Phenom who ducks underneath and takes down Christian with a BIG BOOT. He isn’t done there though as he nails a big LEG DROP across the head and neck of his arch-rival. Undertaker wedges the steel chair in between the second and top turnbuckle and clearly has some sort of idea on his mind.

Taker goes back over to Christian and gets him to his feet as he Irish whips the former United States Champion but he manages to stop before he hits the chair. That pisses Undertaker off and he sprints towards his opponent only to be caught with a DROP TOEHOLD as the Deadman goes headfirst into the steel chair which flies to the outside. The referee quickly checks on the Undertaker but he is not bleeding so the match continues. Crucially, it has given Christian some time to recover and think about his next move as he throws Undertaker to the outside and thinks his best bet is to use some of the apparatus at ringside to inflict more punishment on his legendary opponent. Christian grabs hold of the Undertaker and drives him into the ring post back first as he writhes in pain and Captain Charisma follows that up by Irish whipping Undertaker into the barricade wall. Christian goes under the ring and looks for some sort of weapon and he has found some sort of lead pipe.

This is not going to be good for the Undertaker if Christian connects with the foreign object and it could well bust him open and end the match. The arrogant superstar waits for Taker to rise to his feet and goes for it but the Deadman ducks underneath and drops Christian with a BACK BODY DROP. Undertaker quickly grabs a chair and as Christian gets back to his feet he is nailed with the steel chair but he managed to get his hands up to stop any impact to his head and therefore any blood from a laceration which may have been opened. Undertaker is annoyed and pulls off the announce table hood which gets the crowd excited as they think the first ballot future Hall of Famer may look to put his opponent through the structure. Undertaker places Christian’s body onto the table and joins him before grabbing his throat. Undertaker lifts Christian high in the air and drives him through the announce table with a massive CHOKESLAM!

The crowd go nuts for the move but that has also taken a lot out of the Undertaker who takes a few moments to get his breath back. Undertaker grabs the chain and begins to choke Christian out. It seems the Phenom is focused on punishment more than busting Christian open and who can blame him after what he has had to endure at the hands of his rival. Undertaker returns Christian to the ring and props him up in the corner as he throws massive right hands at him and the man from Canada doesn’t even try and defend himself because he has nothing left in the tank. The commentators think it may just be a matter of time before Christian is opened up by one of these shots. Christian is grabbed by the Undertaker who connects with SNAKE EYES and another BIG BOOT as he looks for HELL’S GATE but that gives Christian a lease of life as he knows he cannot get trapped in the deadly submission.

Christian quickly fights back and doesn’t let Undertaker fully lock in the hold and ends up standing directly opposite his opponent who looks angrier than ever. Undertaker throws a big right hand but Christian ducks underneath and plants him with a massive DDT out of nowhere. Christian holds his throat which is still hurting from that Chokeslam and slowly goes over to the corner where he undoes the turnbuckle covering and clearly thinks this is a way he can bust Undertaker open. Christian tries to Irish whip him into it but the Phenom is having none of it and stops before he connects with it. Christian tries to clothesline Taker but the Deadman stops his arm in mid-air and twists it which can mean only one thing. He walks slowly to the corner and holds Christian’s arm tightly as he ascends to the top turnbuckle and walks along the ropes showing incredible balance. He jumps and there it is! OLD SCHOOL to Christian.

Undertaker is well on top now and calls for the CHOKESLAM again but this time Christian has it well scouted and kicks his opponent in the gut on several occasions. Captain Charisma nails a few big uppercuts and dropkicks Taker which leads to him being draped over the second rope. Christian leverages all of his weight onto the Undertaker as he stands on his back and applies as much pressure as he can and it is of course, all legal. Christian leapfrogs over the top rope and nails Taker with a big shot to the face from the outside. The arrogant star wastes no time and quickly ascends to the top rope where he nails a FLYING UPPERCUT as he quickly climbs the turnbuckle again and this time leaps off with a big FROG SPLASH. Undertaker is down and clutches his midriff as Christian frantically looks around the ring to see what he can use to make the Deadman bleed. It doesn’t take him long to come up with a plan.

Christian quickly grabs two chairs from the outside and he is clearly thinking a con-chair-to but as he tries to slide under the head of the Phenom he is met with resistance as Taker takes Christian down at the knees. Undertaker isn’t done there as he gets up a head of speed and delivers a RUNNING DDT followed by a beautiful SIDEWALK SLAM! Undertaker looks at the chair on the canvas and has evil intentions in mind as he waits for Christian to get to his feet and swings wildly. The former United States Champion ducks underneath though and quickly hooks Undertaker up for the KILLSWITCH! Undertaker is driven head-first into the other steel chair as the referee quickly checks to see if he is bleeding but he isn’t! The match goes on as Christian throws a fit and cannot believe it. He wasted some time there in frustration but sees the turnbuckle he exposed earlier in the match and plots the downfall of his opponent.

Christian gets Undertaker to his feet and brings him over to the corner and looks to drive his head into the steel. The Phenom is having none of it though and instead Irish whips Christian into the opposite turnbuckle. He runs and connects with a massive corner clothesline. He isn’t done there and Irish whips Christian into the EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE!!! Christian howls in pain as he holds his back and Undertaker calls for the end with the cut-throat taunt. Undertaker hoists Christian up and has him in position for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! Christian manages to tuck his body underneath to avoid the move though and connects with a LOW BLOW! The crowd boos loudly as Undertaker falls to his knees. Christian hurriedly goes to the outside of the ring and grabs the ring bell. The Deadman is to his knees and Christian nails him square in the head with the ring bell and he is instantly busted open! Christian makes the Undertaker bleed!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: Christian (11:50)

Cole:
Christian has done it. Christian has beaten the Undertaker and made him bleed and backed up what he said he was going to do. Unfortunately, he did it thanks to a low blow which will debilitate anyone who ever receives one. I’m not sure it proves he is the better man which is what he wanted but he has beaten the Undertaker which is not something many can say they have done over his legendary career. Christian has made a statement.
King:
That was a brutal shot with the ring bell and nobody is getting up from that in a hurry. Christian has beaten the Deadman and has made him bleed no less. That makes it 1-1 in my book though after Undertaker won at Survivor Series. I would love to see a rubber match between the two of these men to settle the score once and for all. What a brutal match. These two were doing everything in their power to try and destroy each other.
Cole:
There is no love lost between these two arch-rivals. They have quickly become two of the most brutal and conniving superstars we have on RAW and this match showed exactly why. Undertaker wanted retribution tonight but Christian had a plan and that low blow proved the difference. What a show it has been and don’t forget we still have our main event for the WWE Championship and Mickie James defending her DIVA’s Championship against Beth Phoenix and that is up next!

Referees and officials attend to the Undertaker as blood pours from his forehead onto the match in worrying scenes. Christian doesn’t hang around and quickly exits the ring and celebrates. He takes the ring bell with him and adds insult to injury by holding it in the air as if he has just won a title. The crowd boos louder and louder but Christian just smirks as he shouts he told everyone he would beat the Undertaker. He says he is the best on RAW and has just proven it as the screen fades following some more hype from the announce team.

We head backstage and we see shots of Mickie James jogging on the spot and stretching as she prepares for her DIVA’s Championship defence against Beth Phoenix which is up next. We switch to Beth Phoenix who is in another area of the building using a skipping rope and doing some press-ups as she prepares to challenge for the title. We cut to a backstage viewing area where several DIVA’s are settling in to watch the match. Front row are Gail Kim, Melina, Natalya and Alicia Fox. They are joined by several others including Maria Kanellis, Maryse, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool, Layla and Ashley Massaro. It is clear they are looking forward to a great match as we return to ringside and Cole and King comment on the division.

Cole:
The anticipation is building backstage and in the audience for our next match with the DIVA’s Championship set to be on the line between Mickie James and Beth Phoenix. Mickie beat Melina in an incredible Hardcore match at Survivor Series only for the Glamazon to return afterwards and attack the champion. Tonight, they collide with the DIVA’s Championship on the line and it is put up or shut up time for Phoenix, King.
King:
It is indeed. Beth has got into the face of Mickie James at all times this month but the no-contact rule has been in place to make sure we get to this match. Don’t forget Mickie has defended her title on the way to this clash as well including against her old nemesis Melina just this past Monday on RAW. Beth Phoenix believes she should run the DIVA’s division – well we’re about to find out if she is going to or whether Mickie can stay at the top of the mountain.
Cole:
The other DIVA’s in the division are backstage watching intently as we just saw and they will not only want to see who will come out with the win but they may well be planning how they can earn a DIVA’s Championship opportunity themselves. Well, without further ado, let’s send it to Justin Roberts in the ring who is going to make the introductions for what promises to be another great match at our final pay-per-view of 2010.

Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
The following contest is set for one fall and it is for the DIVA’S CHAMPIONSHIP!

~~~~~~~~~~GLAMAZON~~~~~~~~~~

The challenger enters first as fire erupts from the stage and the crowd boos loudly for the Glamazon. Beth Phoenix is wearing a black and red attire with a fiery phoenix going up her attire which fits perfectly. She walks down the ramp slowly looking stern as she shouts at a few fans who get a bit too vocal for her liking. Beth gets in the ring and taunts on the second rope which gets her another round of boos before she waits for her opponent.

~~~~~~~~~~OBSESSION~~~~~~~~~~

That is none other than the DIVA’s Champion, Mickie James who gets the biggest pop of the night so far and is super over with the crowd in Houston. Mickie is in a black and gold attire with tight trousers and a top which goes from one shoulder to the opposite hip and she looks better than ever. Mickie taunts with the title in the ring and gets another almighty roar before handing it to referee John Cone who holds it aloft to signal it is on the line. He signals for the bell and the match is officially underway.

Singles match for the DIVA’s Championship
Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James ©
​

There is no waiting around from either woman as the no-contact rule is finally over and they can go after one another with no repercussions. Mickie gets the upperhand with her furious flurry of forearms, kicks and uppercuts and Beth is stunned by the early onslaught. You’d think her power would overcome but Mickie’s tenacity in the early going really seems to have shocked the Glamazon. Mickie Irish whips Phoenix into the corner and sprints hitting a nice corner clothesline but the mistake comes when she goes for a second. As she runs, Beth catches her and plants her with a nasty looking URINAGE. Mickie immediately holds the back of her head as the referee checks to see if she is okay to continue and as soon as she says yes, Phoenix is straight back on the attack knowing she needs to take it to the current DIVA’s Champion. The pace of the match slows with the Glamazon in control as she stomps away at Mickie and drops her with a big clothesline and a backbreaker.

Beth goes for a pin to assert her dominance more than anything but Mickie James kicks out and won’t be beaten so early for here prestigious title. That doesn’t deter the challenger one bit though. Beth is determined to become the new champion and uses her power and strength to control the action. Every time it looks like Mickie is about to get back into it she quickly cuts off the momentum. Phoenix his a nice scoop slam and an elbow drop before she shows off more power with a SLINGSHOT SUPLEX using the top rope to propel Mickie’s body harder into the mat. Phoenix goes for a pin again; 1… 2… Mickie James kicks out once more. The challenger wasn’t expecting to win with that and as King says on commentary it is all about wearing down her opponent to the point she no longer wants to continue in the match. That can be said for the CLOVERLEAF which the Glamazon locks in next as she looks for the submission victory against her rival.

This gets the crowd to go up in noise level again as they sense Phoenix could win the bout here with the damage done to Mickie. The DIVA’s Champion fights hard though and manages to crawl her way to the bottom rope and break the hold. The Glamazon has no interest in letting go though and wait’s for John Cone to get to four before letting go of the submission. The crowd boos loudly as Beth taunts and shouts she will be champion tonight. Beth continues to control her opponent and the DIVA’s Champion looks in real jeopardy of losing her title this evening at Armageddon. The Glamazon places Mickie in the seated position on the top rope and connects with a big right hand to the side of the face. She isn’t done there though as she joins her on the top rope and delivers a massive SUPERPLEX! You don’t often see moves like that in the DIVA’s division but these two are trying their hardest to change the perception. Beth crawls into the cover after holding her back which took a lot of the impact as well; 1…… 2…… Mickie gets the shoulder up and refuses to be beaten.

This is the first time that the challenger starts to show a little bit of frustration and says the referee needs to count faster. John Cone is having none of it and says it was a two as he counted. Beth turns back to Mickie and gets her to her feet but this is where momentum turns for the first time. Beth Irish whips her but Mickie ducks under a clothesline attempt and comes back with a LOU THESZ PRESS with right hands to the head of her opponent. The crowd cheers as Mickie catches her breath and looks to finally get a foothold in the match. Mickie hammers away at Beth some more and takes her down with two clotheslines before delivering a nice-looking SWINGING NECKBREAKER. Mickie isn’t done there as she climbs to the top rope and this time she hits a THESZ PRESS from a greater height and hammers away some more at Beth who is stunned by the physicality now being thrown at her by the current DIVA’s Champion.

Mickie keeps Beth down with a snapmare and follows it up with a nice dropkick and a quick cover; 1…… 2…… Beth keeps the match alive and won’t give up her chance of winning the title easily. Mickie has established that keeping the pace high is what is going to give her an advantage in this match and Irish whips Phoenix as she attempts to keep her momentum going. Beth ducks a clothesline attempt but she is met with a FLAPJACK on the rebound instead as Mickie kips up! The crowd pops huge for the DIVA’s Champion as she raises her hand in the air and calls for the MICKIE-DT which gets another crescendo of noise from the Armageddon crowd. Mickie goes for it but Beth Phoenix shows incredible strength as she dumps her on the outside as boos fill the arena. Just like that Mickie’s rally is over as she holds her knee on the outside.

The challenger takes a few seconds to get her wits about her but then exits the ring and sees the danger her opponent looks to be in. Wasting no time at all, the Glamazon hurls Mickie into the barricade wall and isn’t done there. She pulls out the steel steps from the ring about two feet and drags Mickie over to them. Beth lifts James up and drops her with a KNEE BREAKER onto the steel steps! The sound reverberates around the arena as the crowd gasps and then boos the challenger who has Mickie James down and out. Beth looks like she is getting ready to return Mickie to the ring but a crazed look comes over her face and instead she repeats the move leaving Mickie screaming in agony as the referee jumps out of the ring to check if she is okay. Beth Phoenix smirks and takes in the heat the Armageddon crowd is giving her, looking very satisfied with the damage she has inflicted in her quest to become the new DIVA’s Champion. The referee signals that Mickie is okay to carry on and this time Beth does quickly return her to the ring as she goes for a cover;


1………


2………


Mickie kicks out! There only looks like there is going to be one winner at the moment with Mickie James in real trouble against the challenger. Cole says it is just a matter of time before we crown a new DIVA’s Champion on commentary as Beth lifts Mickie up and is looking for something big. It turns out to be a FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX as she bridges showing some poise as well as power with that manoeuvre. 1……… 2……… Mickie James kicks out as Beth shows her frustration again. She is quick to get Mickie up to her feet and slaps her hard around the face which gets some ewws and arghhhs from the crowd. It also lights a fire under Mickie who ducks the next one and takes Beth down with a massive ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Mickie falls into a quick cover. Has she just shocked the Glamazon and retained her title?


1………


2………


NO! Beth gets her foot on the bottom rope to end the count of John Cone. This time it is Mickie James who cannot believe it and asks the official if it was a three count. He insists Beth’s foot was on the rope so he stopped counting and this match for the DIVA’s Championship rolls on.

Mickie James is in the ascendancy and Irish whips her opponent into the turnbuckle as she runs and looks for a corner European uppercut but Beth has it well scouted and in one fluid movement sidesteps and then places Mickie on the top rope in a seated position. This is looking very similar to when she hits the Superplex earlier in the match. This time it doesn’t work in her favour though as Mickie kicks Phoenix as she tries to climb up the turnbuckle and join her. Mickie ends up grabbing Beth’s head between her legs and launching herself forwards taking her down with what she calls the MICK-A-RANA! Instead of going for the pin, Mickie is intent on doing more damage to the Glamazon and waits for her to get to her feet as she grabs her in a BULLDOG position. Some of the more alert fans know what could be coming and there it is! Mickie James connects with the STRATUSFACTION! The crowd pops huge for the move in a throwback to Mickie’s feud with Trish and nod to the current RAW General Manager. Mickie James hooks both legs and this has to be!



1………



2………



NOOOOOOOOOOO! Beth Phoenix just manages to get the shoulder up and the crowd cannot believe that the win was not secured by Mickie with that move.

It feels like we are reaching the business end of the match with both women doing everything in their powers to come out as DIVA’s Champion. Mickie doesn’t let Beth Phoenix rest and goes to the top rope once more. She calls for the Glamazon to get to her feet which King says could be an error on commentary. It turns out it isn’t as he nails a MISSILE DROPKICK and hooks the leg; 1………… 2………… Beth kicks out again. Mickie wastes no time at all in getting Beth back to her feet and calling for the MICKIE-DT! She grabs Beth by the head and launches into the air but this time the Glamazon reverses by hurling Mickie across the ring. Phoenix is exhausted and knows she needs to end the match right here and now if she is going to capture the gold (or silver). She stalks Mickie James, snarls and tells her to get up to her feet and she clearly has bad plans for the reigning DIVA’s Champion.

Beth grabs Mickie from behind and is looking for the GLAM SLAM which would all but guarantee a title change but on the way down, Mickie tucks and rolls up the Glamazon;



1………



2………



NO! Beth just gets the shoulder up and both women are back up to their feet again but this time it is Mickie James who in one fluid motion nails Phoenix with the MICK KICK! Beth Phoenix is rocked and Mickie nails her finally with the MICKIE-DT as she hooks both legs and uses all of her power to leverage down on the Glamazon. Is this it?!




1………



2………



3!​

Spoiler

Winner: Mickie James RETAINS the DIVA’s Championship (12:06)

Cole:
What a match! Mickie James is still the DIVA’s Champion and has silenced the doubters again who said it was a foregone conclusion this evening that Beth Phoenix would be walking away with the title. That wasn’t the case as Mickie finally hit her Implant DDT and kept the Glamazon down for a three count. Mickie is the hottest wrestler male or female in WWE right now, listen to the noise in this place for her winning.
King:
That’s why she’s my favourite, Cole. Mickie has it all, the looks, the ability and the fans are eating out of the palm of her hands. I really did think that Beth would win tonight with the power and strength she possesses but Mickie had an answer for it and has got her revenge after what happened at Survivor Series last month. At this point, I am not sure who can beat Mickie for the DIVA’s Championship. She has been incredible and looks good doing it as well.
Cole:
Mickie James has had an incredible 2010 and ever since she won that title she has taken on anyone who wanted a title shot. The question now is what next after beating seemingly her toughest challenger to date? We’re not done yet either as we have our two main events to come including the WWE Championship on the line in a Fatal 4 Way Elimination match featuring the champion, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Big Show and Kane.

Mickie James’ music plays loudly as she is handed the DIVA’s Championship and she raises it high in the air, holding her knee which is hurting after being driven into the steel steps on two separate occasions. Mickie goes to the second rope and taunts some more before leaving up the ramp and high-fiving some fans in the front row. Back in the ring, Phoenix looks distraught and angry which may be bad news for Mickie James if she still wants that title.

We head backstage to the locker room of The Empire as Byron Saxton knocks on the door and tries to get a word with Sheamus who is set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship inside a Steel Cage against Evan Bourne in mere moments. It is noticeable that Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill are all absent and he is alone as he prepares for the massive SmackDown main event at Armageddon.

Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Sheamus, you are just moments away from facing Evan Bourne for the World Heavyweight Championship inside a Steel Cage. What are your thoughts and it seems you’re alone tonight? Where are the other members of The Empire?

World Heavyweight Champion – Sheamus:
Byron, I have heard what people have been saying. People think that I can only win with the help of Drew McIntyre, Finlay and Paul Burchill so tonight it will be different. The Steel Cage would have kept them away anyway but to be completely certain that Evan Bourne will get a fair shot I have told the rest of The Empire to take a night off. But Bourne, fella’, I’m afraid it just means you are going to have no excuses when I beat you silly in the middle of that Cage and retain my World Heavyweight Championship once again proving that The Empire CONQUER ALL!

Backstage Interviewer – Byron Saxton:
Sheamus, are you sure it is not just because of the damage you did to Evan Bourne this past Friday that makes you confident you don’t need the rest of The Empire here tonight?

Sheamus glares at Byron Saxton and barges past him as he exits the interview clearly angered by the insinuation. With that we head back to ringside as Mathews and Striker speculate on the situation.

Mathews:
We are just moments away from Sheamus defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Evan Bourne and it appears The Empire will not be helping him tonight at Armageddon. The Celtic Warrior has heard rumblings that people don’t think he can get it done on his own and that clearly hasn’t gone down well with him so he has made the bold decision tonight. It is certainly one less thing for Evan Bourne to have to think about.
Striker:
It is but Bourne still has his work cut out if he is going to dethrone the tough Irishman who has conquered all that have stood before him. Don’t forget he won the title inside a Steel Cage against Edge in similar circumstances when he had no help from The Empire. Sheamus is the toughest man in the WWE and facing Bourne inside a Steel Cage is the sort of thing he lives for so I don’t think it is going to make much difference.
Mathews:
Well, we are about to find out because the main event from the SmackDown side of things is just moments away but let’s take a look at how we got to this Steel Cage blockbuster match tonight with Evan Bourne ready for the biggest match of his career! I think it is safe to say that Sheamus is very confident after the beat down just two nights ago and that’s why he thinks he doesn’t need his Empire goons.

We go back to Survivor Series where we see Evan Bourne put in a valiant effort but ultimately come up short against Sheamus thanks to involvement from the other members of The Empire. As a result, SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long announced the following night there would be a rematch at Armageddon inside a Steel Cage leaving The Empire furious. Things did not go well for Bourne though as at the contract signing a week later, Sheamus got the upperhand and wrapped his knee in a steel cage before jumping off the second rope and trying to shatter the knee of the number one contender. Fast forward to this past Friday and the night ended with a four-on-one beating of Bourne leaving him bloody and battered after a terrible month. The video ends with a voiceover saying ‘Is there any way Evan Bourne can stop Sheamus’ reign of terror?’

Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel:
The following contest is a Steel Cage match and it is for the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!

~~~~~~~~~~BORN TO WIN~~~~~~~~~~

The rock music of Evan Bourne hits and the crowd explode with noise in Houston as the number one contender is OVER! Bourne enters and is wearing a red and black version of his standard attire with his merchandise t-shirt on for the entrance. He enters the ring and taunts on two corners with the peace sign as the cheers are deafening and he is very much enjoying the adulation of the crowd. Bourne takes his t-shirt off and feels the cage walls a couple of times as the seriousness of the situation dawns on him.

~~~~~~~~~~WRITTEN IN MY FACE~~~~~~~~~~

The music of the World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus hits the PA system and the boos fill the arena as the leader of The Empire makes his way out from the back. The Celtic Warrior is wearing his usual trunks except for they have the logo of The Empire on the back in a difference to usual. Ironic that they won’t be here tonight then. Sheamus stares at the cage from the outside before he walks up the steps, gets in the ring and holds the title right in Bourne’s face before giving it to Chad Patton who has the task of officiating this one. Here we go!

Steel Cage match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Evan Bourne vs. Sheamus ©
​

The bell rings as the crowd cheers and the World Heavyweight Championship match is underway. There is no feeling out process despite the stakes being incredibly high as Evan Bourne tries to immediately kick-start the match and keep the pace high. He sprints at Sheamus and nails him with a RUNNING HIGH KNEE as Sheamus collapses to the mat and Bourne hooks both legs. Are we going to be in for a massive shock?!



1………



2………



NO! Sheamus gets the shoulder up and avoids losing the title just like that. The Celtic Warrior would perhaps try to roll to the outside and gather himself in usual circumstances but with the Steel Cage lowered that isn’t an option for the World Heavyweight Champion. Bourne knows this and stays on Sheamus as he goes to the top rope and delivers a big METEORA! He pins again but once more it is only a two count for the challenger.

Bourne has come out of the blocks quicker than a hiccough as JR would say and Sheamus has been stunned inside the Steel Cage with his title on the line. The exciting Bourne has big ideas to come and hammers away at a standing Sheamus as he Irish whips him into the turnbuckle. Bourne runs and connects with a beautiful SPINNING HEEL KICK which nails the leader of The Empire in the head as he collapses to the mat and is in prime position. Bourne sees he has an early opportunity to hit his devastating SHOOTING STAR PRESS and wastes no time in going for it. Bourne ascends to the top rope, seeks his target and takes off but Sheamus gets the knees up as the challenger crashes and burns and Sheamus finally finds a way into the match at the potentially the last possible moment. The crowd gasps as Bourne rolls away and holds his ribs as the referee checks on him.

Sheamus takes his time to get his breath back and the next couple of minutes of the match are all about the Celtic Warrior taking control and asserting his dominance. He clubs away at Bourne with big right hands which drives him back into the corner before lifting him on his shoulders and connecting with a nice ROLLING FIREMAN’S CARRY SLAM. That looked very reminiscent of his Empire teammate Finlay who would have been watching on proud from wherever he is. Sheamus smirks as he realises he has Bourne under his control and takes a moment to look at the Steel Cage as he is clearly plotting something in his mind. Sheamus gets the former Cruiserweight Champion to his feet and simply throws him into the cage with disdain much to the anger and annoyance of the Armageddon crowd. Sheamus points at his ear and says he can’t hear them as he throws Bourne a second time hard into the structure.

The World Heavyweight Champion has taken control much to the anger of the Houston crowd and he shows no signs of slowing down. He drives Bourne’s face into the steel cage and grates it all the way along one side. He follows it up by Irish whipping the challenger into the turnbuckle and delivering a RUNNING SHOULDER THRUST that drives the air out of the smaller man. Sheamus decides to up the ante even more and connects with a nice SUPLEX followed by a big KNEE DROP to the head of Bourne as he hooks the leg; 1… 2… Bourne kicks out and won’t be beaten that easily with the title on the line. The Celtic Warrior is thinking what to do next as he climbs to the top rope, a place you don’t often see the leader of The Empire go to. Some of the crowd in the front rows await what is going to happen as Sheamus tells Bourne to get up and he goes for the BATTERING RAM! It connects as Sheamus covers again; 1…… 2…… Again, Bourne gets the shoulder up.

Sheamus wastes little time in locking in a CLOVERLEAF and thinks if he can’t win by pinfall then a submission victory will have to do. The World Heavyweight Champion pulls back on the body of his opponent as Bourne has a look of severe pain on his face but he refuses to give up when asked by the official. Bourne tries to wriggle his way out and manages to reach the bottom rope but it doesn’t force a break inside a Steel Cage! Much of the crowd hadn’t worked that out and their worry for Bourne only heightened because of that. The former Cruiserweight Champion has an idea though and incredibly he starts scaling the cage with his hands while still in the submission forcing Sheamus to eventually relinquish the submission. Bourne isn’t done there either as he leaps off the top rope using the cage for balance and spikes Sheamus with a TORNADO DDT! Bourne covers; 1……… 2……………… NO! The match continues.

The crowd have raised the volume another notch with the challenger reversing the momentum as he hammers away at Sheamus in a mounted position. Bourne adds some stomps to his opponent’s chest and decides to get the World Heavyweight Champion to his feet. Bourne thinks high-speed is the way to go as he Irish whips Sheamus, leapfrogs him and on the rebound takes the Irishman down with a big knee to the face that echoes throughout the arena. Sheamus manages to crawl under the bottom rope but that leaves him standing between the ring ropes and the steel cage as Bourne clocks the Empire leader is vulnerable. Bourne sprints at Sheamus and hurls his body at the Celtic Warrior as he slams into the steel cage and the crowd cheers loudly. Bourne is feeling it as Sheamus is left prone in the middle of the ring on his back and connects with a STANDING MOONSAULT! New champion perhaps?!



1………



2………



NO! Sheamus kicks out! That was so close for the challenger and with every minute that passes it seems more likely we might crown a new World Heavyweight Champion tonight. Bourne is the first man to try and win the match by escaping the cage as he starts to climb and the fans start to cheer and will the challenger on. Could we see the title change hands in this way? Bourne slowly makes his way to the top of the cage and as he reaches that signals the chase for Sheamus who is hurting but desperately tries to stop Bourne and save his title in the process. Sheamus joins Bourne at the top of the cage and the two are straddled in a seated position as they start throwing right hands at one another. What a visual this is with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Pretty much everyone in the crowd is now standing sensing there may be something big about to happen with both wrestlers in jeopardy should they make any wrong move.

Sheamus looks to be getting the better of Evan Bourne with clubbing blows, so much so that he almost knocks the challenger off the top of the cage and to the floor below with the power he possesses. He grabs Bourne to stop the unthinkable happening though but he is swiftly met with a huge kick to the side of the head as the Celtic Warrior is forced down from the Cage and to the top rope. Bourne stops straddling the top of the Cage and continues to kick the top of the head of Sheamus as he drops down to the canvas back first. Bourne quickly looks at The Empire leader and then the crowd as the noise builds and they sense something is on the mind of the challenger. Evan Bourne climbs back to the top of the Cage but this time instead of trying to escape he leaps and takes down Sheamus with a massive CROSSBODY! Bourne stays clinging onto Sheamus and pins looking to become the new World Heavyweight Champion!



1………



2………



SHOULDER UP! The crowd chant ‘holy shit’ at the amazing move they just witnessed with Bourne putting his body on the line but it still wasn’t enough to get the job done. Mathews and Striker question what it is going to take for Sheamus to stay down for a three count at Armageddon tonight. Bourne wastes little time but is hurting and holds his ribs as he gets back to his feet and drops Sheamus with a POISON-RANA! What a move that spikes Sheamus hard on his head. Bourne quickly ascends to the top rope and for the second time he goes for the SHOOTING STAR PRESS and this time Sheamus rolls inside the impact just in time as Evan holds his ribs again. The Celtic Warrior gets to his feet slowly and grabs Bourne as he sets him up for the HIGH CROSS and tosses Bourne halfway across the ring as he lands hard on his shoulders. The leader of The Empire slowly falls into the cover desperate to retain his title;



1………



2………



NO! This time it is Evan Bourne who gets his shoulder up to the delight of the crowd. Sheamus signals that it is going to be over soon enough as he whacks his pec with his fist signalling for the BROGUE KICK! He waits for Evan Bourne to get to his feet but as it looks like he is about to do so he collapses to the canvas once again. That makes Sheamus abandon his plan and go over to the challenger to try and get him in position instead. Bourne was playing possum a little though as he gets Sheamus in the SCHOOL BOY!



1………



2………



Sheamus just kicks out! Bourne very nearly shocked the leader of The Empire and became the World Heavyweight Champion right there. The Celtic Warrior cannot believe it and with both men back to their feet he starts talking trash to his resilient opponent. Sheamus clearly felt like he was going to be in for an easier title defence at Armageddon, but Bourne is having none of it.

Before Sheamus can say anything more the two men start throwing right hands and kicks to one another as the crowd cheers loudly as the action has suddenly gone into another gear. Both competitors seem to have found a second wind despite the damage they have endured inside the Steel Cage. The World Heavyweight Champion takes control when Evan Bourne goes for a big kick but his leg is caught by Sheamus who quickly transitions into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Bourne’s body contorts and flips in on itself in dramatic fashion as the crowd gasps but Sheamus doesn’t go for a pin and instead gets a limp Bourne back to a vertical base. The leader of The Empire clearly has something on his mind as he puts Bourne in between the ring ropes and the Steel Cage – the same position that he was caught in earlier in this SmackDown main event. Sheamus stands opposite Bourne and does his signal for the BROGUE KICK once again as the crowd boos loudly as they do not want to see Sheamus retain his title.

The leader of The Empire sprints towards Bourne going for his finisher and he nails it as the challenger’s head hits the Cage hard with the impact and Sheamus smirks. The World Heavyweight Champion covers as he looks to retain his title;



1………



2………



NO! What on earth? Evan Bourne has just kicked out of a Brogue Kick which saw his head propelled into the side of the Cage and Sheamus cannot believe it. He is irate and goes straight after the referee and insists that he counted slow. What is it going to take to keep Bourne down tonight at Armageddon? The crowd cheers loudly as we rarely see anyone kick out of the Brogue Kick and tonight Bourne has done so. The announce team also speculate that this could be a momentous night for the former Cruiserweight Champion. Sheamus turns his attention back to Bourne who despite kicking out is looking incredibly groggy.

This time the Celtic Warrior gets Bourne on his shoulders and points to the Cage as he looks for a HIGH CROSS into the steel but at the last possible moment the challenger manages to slide off the shoulders of Sheamus and drives him head-first into the structure instead! More cheers from the crowd as Bourne delivers a massive NECKBREAKER leaving Sheamus prone and in position for the SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Evan Bourne leaps and nails the finisher. We could crownd a new World Heavyweight Champion right here!



1………



2………



KICK OUT! You have got to be kidding me!!! Sheamus kicks out of the Shooting Star Press and refuses to relinquish his title. Bourne asks the referee if it was three, but he is quickly told it was two and Bourne is quick to go to the top rope again and thinks if he hits the SHOOTING STAR PRESS again he will be crowned the new champion.

Bourne acquires his target and leaps into the air again as the crowd sense we are reaching the climax of the contest, but Sheamus gets his knees up again and does some serious damage to the ribs of the challenger who writhes around in pain. Sheamus slowly gets to his feet and snarls at his opponent as he sprints and delivers a thunderous BROGUE KICK! Sheamus, exhausted, falls into the pin attempt.



1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: Sheamus RETAINS the World Heavyweight Championship (17:46)

Mathews:
I cannot believe what I have just witnessed! Sheamus retains the World Heavyweight Championship, but I thought Evan Bourne had did it. That may have been the best and most brutal Steel Cage match I have ever witnessed. Listen to these fans at Armageddon. Even they can’t help but to show their appreciation for Sheamus after he beat Bourne without any help from The Empire. What a match, Matt.
Striker:
If anyone continues to doubt Sheamus then let them watch this match because he has just dug deeper than ever before to beat Evan Bourne who has just pushed the leader of The Empire to his absolute limit. I don’t think anyone gave him a chance here tonight but when he landed that Shooting Star Press, I thought the unthinkable was about to happen. Once again Sheamus comes through though with that devastating Brogue Kick.
Mathews:
What an incredible main event from SmackDown tonight at Armageddon and I think we are going to be feeling the fallout from this as we move into 2011 for sure. What is going to be next for Sheamus? Is this a career-defining moment for Evan Bourne? What will the other members of The Empire make of Sheamus telling them to stay away tonight? I’m sure we will get answers to all these questions. I think I need a lay down after that match. What a match and Sheamus stands tall!

The music of Sheamus plays with The Empire leader lying motionless on the canvas alongside Evan Bourne as the referee checks on both superstars as the Steel Cage is raised. Sheamus slowly gets to a vertical base and is handed the World Heavyweight Championship as he clutches to it gratefully knowing he was perhaps closer than ever to losing his prized possession. Sheamus slowly leaves the ring as the crowd are actually giving him a big ovation for the match they have just seen as the screen fades and we go to an advertisement for the first pay-per-view of 2011.

The Road to WrestleMania begins!

WWE Royal Rumble 2011 – Sunday, January 23

Cole:
Welcome back to Armageddon and the next time we are on pay-per-view is in 2011 as the Road to WrestleMania begins with my favourite night of the year – the Royal Rumble! Who will win that match and punch their ticket to headlining WrestleMania XXVII at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia? I wonder who the WWE Champion will be once we get to that show as well as we are about to see Chris Jericho defend and the odds are stacked against him, King.
King:
Chris Jericho has been raging all month ever since this match was announced but our General Manager, Trish Stratus is not backing down one bit. Y2J will have to face Big Show, Triple H and Kane in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination match which means all three men who lose will have to be pinned or submit to give up their chances of the WWE Championship. I do not like his chances, Michael.
Cole:
Jericho has made it very clear that he feels like he is being unfairly treated by Trish Stratus but he has had this coming with the way he has been acting ever since he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Jericho has it all to do tonight but you also can’t write him off. We have seen Jericho overcome the odds so many times before. Triple H, Kane and the Big Show will be hoping Armageddon is the night they win the WWE Championship though.

Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
The following contest is a Fatal 4-Way Elimination match for the WWE CHAMPIONSHIP!

~~~~~~~~~~THE GAME~~~~~~~~~~




Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
Introducing one of the challengers, from Greenwich, Connecticut, weighing in at 255lbs, he is The Game, TRIPLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE H!!!

The roof of the arena comes unglued as Triple H bursts through the curtain with green lights swirling in the arena and flashing lights creating quite the spectacle. The Game is wearing his usual black trunks with his logo in green and silver as he walks with intent down to the ring after his customary swig of water. Triple H stands on the apron and spits water into the crowd which gets another big pop as he gets in the ring and taunts pointing to his waist and signalling he will become the new WWE Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~CRANK IT UP~~~~~~~~~~




Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
Introducing next, weighing in at 393lbs, he is the World’s Largest Athlete, THE BIG SHOWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

The cheers keep on coming as none other than the Big Show comes through the curtain after his fireworks exploded all around the set with extra flames to boost. The World’s Largest Athlete comes out in his usual black and blue singlet – ironically that he started wearing when he teamed with Chris Jericho. Show walks down the ramp and steps over the top rope as he raises his hand in the air and shoots Triple H a sharp glare making it clear he plans on coming out of Armageddon as the WWE Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~VEIL OF FIRE~~~~~~~~~~




Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
Introducing next, weighing in at 323lbs, the Big Red Machine, KANNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!

The third of the four men is none other than the Big Red Machine, Kane. Fire explodes from the stage but also from about eight different areas of the pay-per-view set as the commentators gasp at how hot it just got in the Toyota Center. Kane strides down to the ring and gets inside as the referee desperately tries to stop the three combustible elements from coming to blows before the WWE Champion has made his entrance to the main event.

~~~~~~~~~~BREAK THE WALLS DOWN~~~~~~~~~~




Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts:
And their opponent, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; weighing in at 227lbs, he is the WWE Champion, CHRIS JERICHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

We get an old school 10-second countdown for the entrance of the WWE Champion as fireworks shoot from the stage and Chris Jericho comes out with the title strapped around his waist. Jericho is wearing the purple and black version of his attire as he walks down the ramp and is slowly lambasting his opponents. Jericho is very hesitant about getting in the ring but in the end, he does and taunts with his title to each of Big Show, Kane and Triple H. Jericho finally hands the belt to Mike Chioda who lifts it up to signal it is on the line as the main event gets underway.

Fatal 4-Way Elimination match for the WWE Championship
Triple H vs. Kane vs. Big Show vs. Chris Jericho ©
​

The bell rings and Chris Jericho immediately rolls out of the ring and want nothing to do with his three opponents in the match. They all look at him but for now they start to fight among themselves. In an unlikely alliance, Triple H and Kane start to work together to chop down the Big Show as they realise he is the biggest threat in the match – pun intended. Triple H hammers away and Kane connects with a big uppercut before The Game nails a CHOP BLOCK to take Show down to one knee. Kane follows it up with a BASEMENT DROPKICK as Show is fully down but only for the briefest of moments as he is back to one knee quickly. Triple H tries to repeatedly kick the Big Show but he is back to the kneeling position every time. Kane tells Show to stay down and goes for another dropkick but this time Show grabs him by the throat which has the crowd cheering for what they might be about to witness.

Triple H tries to bum-rush Big Show but he is met with an almighty chop across the chest which stops him in his tracks. The Game holds his chest as Big Show launches Kane over the top rope by his throat underlining his massive power. While this is all going on Chris Jericho has a massive grin on his face as he is witnessing all three of his opponents suffering. Big Show turns around to Triple H and does the exact same thing to him as he did Kane leaving the World’s Largest Athlete in the ring alone. Big Show quickly turns his attention and glare to the WWE Champion, Jericho and his expression on the outside turns from glee to fear in an instant. He holds his arms up to try and plead with Big Show but the Giant is having none of it as he strides over the top rope and exits the ring in pursuit of his rival. Jericho’s speed means he tries to evade Show and run round the ring but he is met with a massive BIG BOOT from Kane for his troubles which gets a cheer from the Houston crowd.

Kane isn’t done there as he gets Jericho to his feet and returns him to the ring as Big Show, Triple H and the Big Red Machine are all in the ring with the WWE Champion. This does not look good for the arrogant star as he is surrounded by his three challengers. Jericho pleads again but he turns right into Big Show who chops him hard in the chest, Kane connects with a big palm thrust and Triple H nails him with a right hand. They go round the circle like this a few times before Big Show takes him down with a SIDEWALK SLAM! Kane follows that up with a leg drop and Triple H a knee drop as he goes for the first pin of the match; 1… 2… Jericho kicks out. After he kicks out he rolls to the corner as Kane and Big Show start fighting with big right hands to one another. The Game watches on from the corner to see what develops but not for long as he quickly joins the fight again. It turns out to be bad news for the Big Show as once again he is outnumbered by his fellow challengers.

This time he struggles to fight back as Kane connects with two BIG BOOTS, Triple H nails a RUNING HIGH KNEE and Kane climbs to the top rope looking to do even more damage to the Giant. That can only mean one thing – he leaps and takes Big Show off his feet with a massive CLOTHESLINE. It isn’t long before Big Show is back to his feet but out of nowhere Chris Jericho delivers a massive CODE BREAKER!!! The crowd goes nuts at seeing the finishing move seemingly out of nowhere. Show is stunned and on wobbly legs as Triple H kicks him in the gut and sets him up for the biggest PEDIGREE we may have ever seen! Big Show is planted face first as Triple H hooks the leg and both Kane and Chris Jericho apply pressure to keep the World’s Largest Athlete down as they try to desperately eliminate the biggest man from the match!



1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Elimination #1: Big Show

The crowd are shocked that Big Show is the first man eliminated and equally surprised that Kane, Triple H and Chris Jericho seemingly worked together to get rid of the World’s Largest Athlete. That doesn’t last long though as they soon turn on one another with Jericho delivering a LOW BLOW to Triple H and quickly rolling The Game up;



1………



2………



KICK OUT! That was so close to being a second elimination but Triple H just kicked out albeit he is incapacitated after being taken out with that underhanded move from Jericho who is being roundly booed for his actions. Jericho asks for more from the crowd as he raises one hand in the air and looks incredibly smarmy and impressed with his actions as he looks to defend his WWE Championship. That may have been a big error though as what he hasn’t taken into account is none other than Kane is lurking in the background waiting for Jericho to turn around.

Kane grabs Jericho by the throat and looks for the CHOKESLAM but the WWE Champion wisely blocks with everything he has by hooking his leg behind Kane’s. The Big Red Machine changes his angle of attack and instead takes down Jericho with a RUNNING POWERSLAM. Kane covers Jericho; 1…… 2…… The WWE Champion kicks out and won’t lose the title that easily. The Big Red Machine wastes little time in continuing his onslaught as he Irish whips Jericho into the turnbuckle and Triple H has slowly got back to a vertical base in the opposite corner. Kane runs and connects with a big CORNER CLOTHESLINE to The Game and another one to Jericho. He delivers three to each man as they both collapse and Kane rearranges his glove on his right hand which can mean only one thing. The monster waits for Triple H to get to his feet and grabs him by the throat! Kane nails the CHOKESLAM!



1………



2………



SHOULDER UP! Triple H refuses to be beaten and keeps his WWE Championship dreams alive! Kane cannot believe it and turns his attention to Jericho now instead. He waits for him to make his way to the centre of the ring and grabs him by the throat. He looks for another CHOKESLAM but this time Jericho manages to grab the head and neck of Kane and spike him with a DDT! Instead of going for the pin though, Jericho sees that his opponent is flat on his back in the middle of the ring so he connects with the LIONSAULT! Y2J desperately hooks both legs and thinks he has done enough to eliminate Kane.



1………



2………



NO! Kane gets the shoulder up this time as Jericho berates referee Mike Chioda for what he thought was a slow count. The official is having none of it and the WWE Champion eventually refocuses as he looks at the downed Kane with Triple H outside the ring trying to capture his breath.

Jericho grabs the legs of Kane and he is clearly looking for the WALLS OF JERICHO! Kane tries to resist but Y2J drops the legs and nails Kane with some stomps to the head before he tries to lock in the submission once again. This time he manages to roll Kane and step over as he pulls back on the legs and tells the Big Red Machine to tap out. The crowd gets louder and louder as they sense this could be a big moment in the match and we could be on the brink of a second elimination. Jericho keeps telling the referee to ask him as Triple H gets back in the ring but instead of breaking up the submission he locks in the CROSSFACE on Kane who must be in complete agony now as he in two of the deadliest holds we have ever seen in the WWE. The crowd goes into a frenzy as they sense time may be up for the monster but somehow he stars dragging himself towards the ropes. The Houston crowd cannot believe the strength he is showing as he grabs the bottom rope! There is no rope break in this sort of match though!

The crowd gasps as Mike Chioda points out it doesn’t force the break so instead Kane twists his body with all his remaining strength and then snaps back the other way which sends Jericho flying and Triple H relinquishing his submission as well. How much damage has that done though?! All three men are down but it is Jericho and Triple H who are back up pretty quickly and they both turn their attention to Kane once again. The WWE Champion and The Game get Kane to his feet and look like they might go for some sort of double-team move but before they can they are both goozled by the monster. Kane uses every bit of strength he has left to deliver a shocking DOUBLE CHOKESLAM!!! Kane is exhausted but finally after some delay drapes his arm across the WWE Champion and looks to eliminate him.



1………



2………



JERICHO GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Kane doesn’t waste any time in doing the same thing to the fallen Triple H.



1………



2………



NO! The Game gets his shoulder up to avoid elimination as well. All three men are down as Kane is exhausted and both Triple H and Jericho suffered at the hands of that incredible Double Chokeslam. The crowd start chanting ‘fight forever’ as the commentary team hype what an unbelievable main event this has been so far. It takes some time for the three men left competing for the WWE Championship to slowly get back to their feet but they do and they all start throwing punches and kicks at one another as the crowd cheers Triple H, boos Chris Jericho and give Kane a mixed response. In the end, it is The Game who gets the best of it as he nails Jericho with a SPINEBUSTER and repeats the move to Kane as he does his crotch chop taunt to the delight of the Armageddon audience. The Cerebral Assassin senses this is his time and he calls for Kane to get to his feet. Triple H is looking for the PEDIGREE but Kane slips out and goes for the CHOKESLAM again. NO! This time his knee gives way and Triple H wastes no time in quickly driving him to the mat with a PEDIGREE!



1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Elimination #2: Kane

Triple H has eliminated Kane and we are down to two men competing for the WWE Championship at Armageddon. Before Triple H can do anything though he turns around and is met with the CODE BREAKER!!! Just like that Chris Jericho nails the move that has put so many wrestlers away here in the WWE.



1………



2………



NO! Triple H gets the shoulder up at the last available moment and the crowd lose their shit at just how close that was to a three count with some even believing Mike Chioda blew the call. Jericho thought he had done it, he thought he had retained the WWE Championship after nailing that Code Breaker and he is raging. He wastes no time in going to the outside and asking to be given his belt but this time he is clearly planning on using it as a weapon to seal the deal against The Game. The crowd boos loudly as they don’t want to see the match end in this way.

Jericho tells Triple H to get back to his feet as he gets ready to take him out with the title. The challenger is incredibly wobbly after taking that Code Breaker but he has enough wherewithal to drop Jericho with a massive SPINEBUSTER as the belt goes flying out the ring. The crowd cheers loudly at The Game outsmarting the WWE Champion as he taunts with a crotch chop again getting another pop from the Armageddon crowd. Triple H sees Jericho down and decides it is time to punish the arrogant champion by locking in a FIGURE-FOUR LEG LOCK! Immediate woos from the crowd follow in honour of none other than the Nature Boy, Ric Flair who was part of Evolution with Triple H. Jericho’s face is a picture of pain as he claws at the mat and very nearly loses with his shoulders to the mat as Triple H applies more and more pressure. The WWE Champion won’t give up though and instead decides he will try and reverse the pain by rolling his body over.

Jericho tries his hardest but Triple H manages to resist for some time until the WWE Champion finally does manage it. By then though the Game quickly grabs the ropes and although it doesn’t force a break he manages to use them for leverage and free his legs. The challenger wastes no time in quickly taking Jericho back down to the canvas with a massive LARIAT. Triple H holds onto the top rope as he shakes out his legs and takes a few seconds to get his breath back. He doesn’t take long in getting back to punishing Jericho as he lands a few big right hands and Irish whips him into the turnbuckle. He sprints at the WWE Champion but it proves to be a terrible disaster as Y2J sidesteps and the momentum sends Triple H flying over the top rope and to the floor below as he lands with a thud which has some of the Houston crowd gasping. This is not where The Game wants to be and Jericho knows it as he begins to grin realising he has his opponent exactly where he wants him.

Jericho is quick to go to the outside and gets Triple H to his feet as he Irish whips him hard into the steel steps with the noise of the impact reverberating all around the arena. Jericho tells the booing fans in the front row to shut up as he picks up the steel steps and tells The Game to get back up to his feet. As he does, Jericho nails the challenger right between the eyes with them. Triple H crumples in a heap on the floor and Jericho taunts and gets some extreme heat from the Armageddon crowd but he isn’t done yet. The WWE Champion choose to put the base of the steel steps in the ring and follows that up by returning Triple H to the squared circle as well. Jericho grabs Triple H and stands on the steps with his opponent as he puts his head between his legs and calls for the PEDIGREE!!! Jericho wants to beat Triple H with his own finisher and underline his superiority as the WWE Champion which gets an insane amount of heat from the Houston crowd.

Jericho goes for it but Triple H knows what is coming and instead takes down Jericho with a BACK BODY DROP. The crowd cheers that The Game avoided the move and sense this is his chance to capture yet another WWE Championship. Triple H slowly goes over to the fallen Jericho and gets him to his feet as he takes a look at the steel steps in the middle of the ring. Triple H Irish whips Y2J and on the rebound he brutally takes him down with a SPINEBUSTER onto the steel steps!!! Instead of going for the pin though, Triple H joins Jericho on the steps and lifts him in position for a PEDIGREE as the noise at Armageddon in the crowd gets louder and louder. Triple H jumps to deliver the move but Jericho grabs the referee which helps him resist the move and follows it up with a huge LOW BLOW! Not again damn it! Jericho sees Triple H laying on the steel steps in agony and delivers a massive LIONSAULT onto Triple H onto the steel steps as he hooks the leg;



1………



2………



3!!!​

Spoiler

Winner: Chris Jericho RETAINS the WWE Championship by last eliminating Triple H (21:16)

Cole:
Chris Jericho has survived but once again it was by using the low blow and then a wicked Lionsault onto the steel steps. Our WWE Champion has no shame and will do whatever it takes to keep hold of that title. He had the odds stacked against him tonight but somehow he is leaving with the belt still in his possession. What an incredible main event of Armageddon but something tells me Triple H is not going to allow this to happen.
King:
You better believe it. The Game is not going to accept this defeat at all and Jericho may be celebrating now but it might be a very different picture tomorrow night on RAW. I would not want to be the WWE Champion tomorrow night with a seething Triple H almost certainly wanting a piece of Y2J. Jericho has clung on to the title though and I will give him some credit, it was an incredible performance to get through this match with Big Show, Kane and Triple H.
Cole:
Chris Jericho has the talent, there is absolutely no doubting that but the way he chooses to go about his matches and being WWE Champion is something which cannot be admired. Jericho doesn’t need to resort to these desperate tactics but he chooses to so often. What a night it has been though with Chris Jericho still our WWE Champion. Don’t miss RAW tomorrow night as we are going to feel some almighty fallout. Goodnight everyone!

Chris Jericho is handed his WWE Championship by senior official Mike Chioda and looks mighty relieved as he holds the back of his head and takes deep breaths. Jericho knows he just barely escaped with the title in this match but for now that is all he cares about. Jericho limps his way up the ramp and stands with the title above his head as fire explodes from the Armageddon set, the copyright logo comes up on the screen and the final pay-per-view of 2010 is over.

​

Attendance: 20,437
Buy Rate: 1.86
PPV Revenue: $4,650,000​

QUICK RESULTS
-Jack Swagger & Chavo Guerrero def. Marcus Cor Von & Matt Hardy (DARK MATCH) (8:35)
-Daniel Bryan def. Dolph Ziggler to RETAIN the Intercontinental Championship (13:29)
-John Cena def. Randy Orton in a Falls Count Anywhere match (17:20)
-Edge def. CM Punk in a Lumberjack match (15:54)
-Kaval def. Tyson Kidd & Richie Steamboat in a Triple Threat match to RETAIN the Cruiserweight Championship (10:12)
-Christian def. The Undertaker in a First Blood match (11:50)
-Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix to RETAIN the DIVA’s Championship (12:06)
-Sheamus def. Evan Bourne in a Steel Cage match to RETAIN the World Heavyweight Championship (17:46)
-Chris Jericho def. Kane, Big Show & Triple H in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination match to RETAIN the WWE Championship (21:16)
Elimination Order: 1 – Big Show, 2 – Kane, 3 – Triple H​

 

[Order]

Post Armageddon News

RAW AND SMACKDOWN ANNOUNCE TEAM CHANGES – JERRY LAWLER RELEASED

WWE has come to terms with the release of Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. We wish him the best in his future endeavours.

There will be changes to both the RAW and SmackDown announce teams as a result.

The new Monday Night RAW announce team will be Michael Cole and Paul Heyman. Todd Grisham will replace Heyman when he is working with his client, Lance Cade.

The new Friday Night SmackDown announce team will consist of Jim Ross and Matt Striker.

WWE Superstars will have their very own announce team for the first time consisting of Josh Mathews and Todd Grisham.

DIVA’S WILL APPEAR ON BOTH RAW AND SMACKDOWN FROM JANUARY 1

With WWE putting renewed focus on their women, it has been decided that the roster split will not apply to them from January 1.

It is reported that Head Writer, Luke Gardener and several booking staff found the constraints limited with the shallow roster available at the moment.

One feud that has been earmarked is Melina vs. Gail Kim but this would not have been possible in the previous way of doing things.

The change will not come into force until January 1 allowing current feuds to culminate and a full plan be put into place.

EDGE DELIGHTED WITH CM PUNK RIVALRY

Edge is said to have been delighted with the way his feud with CM Punk went and believes it has breathed fresh life into his character.

The addition of the W.A.S.T.E. stable and the introduction of Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Seth Rollins and Tiffany is a big moment for SmackDown with big plans in place for them all.

Edge is excited about what is coming next for them as well as himself as we enter 2011 and the Road to WrestleMania.

SHAD GASPARD SENT TO REHAB

Shad Gaspard has agreed to enter a rehab facility after failing a routine drugs test.

It is not known when the Cryme Tyme member will return and JTG is expected to work as a singles competitor in the Cruiserweight division in the meantime.

ROYAL RUMBLE POSTER AND THEME MUSIC REVEALED

The 2011 Royal Rumble poster has been revealed featuring WWE Champion, Chris Jericho.

The theme song for the event is ‘Living in a Dream’ by Finger Eleven which you can listen to below.

The only match announced for the show so far is the 30-man Royal Rumble match where the winner will earn a championship match of their choosing at WrestleMania XXVII.

​

 

[DTP]

Armageddon is finally here!

I think I mentioned in my last piece of feedback, but it was Dolph Ziggler's performances with Daniel Bryan the week of Bragging Rights 2010 that established just how highly I thought of Ziggler when it came to being a top guy. The WWE Intercontinental Championship going to Bryan was fine, though it is a shame it didn't go longer. That said, it served its' purpose as the hot opening contest.

It was surprising seeing Randy Orton and John Cena go on so early into the show. The write-up for this match was really cool, though. I just really like Falls Count Anywhere matches. John Cena picking up the win was not really surprising, but the biggest news here was the inclusion of Tyler Reks and Vance Archer. I don't know about them being Cena's henchmen. It's wild seeing Orton play babyface opposite Cena, though. It's a decent glimpse at what could have been with a heel turn. Doesn't hurt to be experimental, either.

Edge and CM Punk is a match I'm sad didn't get a proper program going when both were full-time and featured talents. I don't know if I would have had a Lumberjack match of this gravitas go over fifteen minutes, though. I especially feel like a feud-ending match between the two would have been best served in like a Cage match or singles gimmick match.

Kaval retaining the WWE Cruiserweight Championship made sense, given he's the guy in the division right now. I figure that Tyson Kidd's time will come, whereas Richie Steamboat I think will be interesting to keep an eye on. A lot of people believed he had great potential before having his career cut short, so I wonder what can be done with him. I'm personally hopeful of seeing Trent Baretta come onto the scene in the near future.

Chicken-shit Christian beating The Undertaker in First Blood is funny, and works well with his character. I maybe wouldn't have delved too deep to have officials and referees check on Undertaker's cut, given his character, though. The chase continues to Christian getting satisfactory comeuppance.

Mickie James retaining the WWE Divas Championship against Beth Phoenix was fine, they always had solid matches so there was little doubt about this one.

Sheamus and Evan Bourne had one hell of a Steel Cage match for the World Heavyweight Championship. I really like the dynamic these two have, and the stipulation allowed for hijinks including Bourne using the cage for high-flying attacks. The write-up was one of your best, I feel. The Empire ultimately protected Sheamus which was great. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I maybe would have put a buffer match between this and the main event, though.

If I'm being honest, I thought it would be a matter of time until we got to Chris Jericho and Triple H. Big Show and Kane being involved in this Fatal 4-Way elimination match kind of devalued the potential of this one, but it worked for what you were going for. I'm wondering where we head to next now that Jericho remains WWE Champion. I'll be interested to see what the cards shape up to be heading towards Royal Rumble.

 

[Order]

Monday 20th December 2010 – Austin, Texas

We are 24 hours removed from Armageddon and we will kick off the show from Austin with the WWE Champion, Chris Jericho who managed to somehow cling on to his title in a Fatal 4 Way Elimination match with Kane, the Big Show and Triple H. Jericho will no doubt have some strong words after overcoming General Manager, Trish Stratus’ challenge at the final pay-per-view of 2010 but what will be next for the self-proclaimed best at everything he does?

It is just five short weeks until the Royal Rumble takes place and the WWE is officially on the Road to WrestleMania. This year, every participant will have to qualify and earn their spot in the match and that will start on RAW. Carlito and Chris Masters will face off with The World’s Greatest Tag Team with the winning team taking the first two spots. Then, in the main event, the Undertaker will battle his brother Kane with only one of them moving forwards to the Royal Rumble match. Remember the winner of that match will go on to main event WrestleMania and has the choice of whether to challenge for the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship.

In other matches announced for the show, the exciting Kofi Kingston will face off with Rough Justice member, Tyler Reks. After Reks and Archer shocked the world by joining forces with John Cena last night you have to believe Randy Orton won’t be far away from this one. Kingston will be looking for a big win to gain momentum going into 2011 as he looks to take the next step in his career and challenge for bigger honours.

Jack Swagger and Chavo Guerrero will take on Marcus Cor Von and Matt Hardy and there is also women’s action as Melina goes one-on-one with Kelly Kelly as she looks to keep her momentum going. Tune in to Monday Night RAW as we feel all the fallout from an incredible Armageddon pay-per-view!

CONFIRMED FOR RAW

Chris Jericho opens the show after retaining his WWE Championship at Armageddon

Jack Swagger & Chavo Guerrero vs. Marcus Cor Von & Matt Hardy

Melina vs. Kelly Kelly

Carlito & Chris Masters vs. The World’s Greatest Tag Team
Royal Rumble Qualifying match

Kofi Kingston vs. Tyler Reks

Undertaker vs. Kane
Royal Rumble Qualifying match​