WWE: Unleash the Fury - The Return

[KOP]

WWE: Unleash the Fury - The Return

First off let me introduce myself to the forums. I've been booking since 2005 starting out on WF then followed it up by lurking on WC before joining over there and doing a few small projects before bringing this thread over there earlier this year. I've taken several long hiatuses throughout the years so by no means have I booked for the last seventeen years. Anyways, the interesting thing about this thread is that I've had most of the plans in place for the upcoming WrestleMania in place for now well over a decade. So needless to say if I don't do anything else ever in BTB - it's to at the minimum get to WrestleMania 24 in this thread.

I look forward to posting some recaps I did over on WC to give the history of the thread to any newcomers plus the recent shows before ultimately posting the Royal Rumble which I just finished last week. I think it's a pretty good show and good starting point for anyone that has never read any of my stuff.

So please bare with me as it took me nearly a year to finish the Royal Rumble but I'm working on trying to get this rolling and look forward to meeting everyone here.


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Monday Night Raw

Staff:

WWE Chairman: Vincent K. McMahon
Raw General Manager: Eric Bischoff
Commentary Team: Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler
Backstage Staff Members: Maria & Todd Grisham
Ring Announcer – Lilian Garcia

Active Roster:

Batista - WWE Champion
Big Show
Carlito
Chris Jericho
CM Punk
Cody Rhodes - World Tag Team Champion
Domino
Elijah Burke
Goldust
Hardcore Holly
John Bradshaw Layfield - United States Champion
John Cena
Kane
Kenny Dykstra
Kurt Angle
Lance Cade
Matt Hardy
Mr. Kennedy
Paul Burchill
Primo
Randy Orton
René Duprée
Rhyno
Santino Marella
Steven Richards
Sylvain Grenier
Ted DiBiase - World Tag Team Champion
The Brian Kendrick
Trevor Murdoch
Triple H
Undertaker
Val Venis
William Regal

Active Divas:

Beth Phoenix
Candice Michelle
Jillian
Katie Lea Burchill
Kelly Kelly
Maryse
Melina
Michelle McCool
Mickie James - Women's Champion
Victoria

Managers:

Paul Heyman (currently managing Kurt Angle)
Theodore Long (currently managing Elijah Burke)

Tag Teams/Stables:

Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
The Bluebloods (William Regal & Paul Burchill)
Priceless (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase)
Santino Marella & Goldust
The Colon's (Primo & Carlito)
La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & René Duprée)

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Friday Night Smackdown

Staff:

WWE Chairman – Vincent K. McMahon
Smackdown General Manager – Jonathan Coachman
SmackDown Intern - Ms. Tiffany Terrell
Commentary Team – Michael Cole and Tazz
Backstage Staff Members – Josh Mathews
Ring Announcer – Tony Chimel

Active Roster:

Big E
Billy Kidman
Bobby Lashley
Charlie Haas
Chavo Guerrero
Christian
Chris Masters
Chuck Palumbo
Deuce
Dolph Ziggler
Drew McIntyre
Edge
Evan Bourne - Cruiserweight Champion
Ezekiel Jackson
Funaki
Gregory Helms - Intercontinental Champion
Jamie Noble
Jeff Hardy
Jimmy Yang
John Morrison - WWE Tag Team Champion
JTG
Juventud
Kid Kash
Kofi Kingston
Matt Striker
Mark Henry
Mike Knox
MVP
Paul London
Psicosis
Rey Mysterio
Rob Van Dam
Shad Gaspard
Shannon Moore
Shawn Michaels
Shelton Benjamin
Simon Dean
Super Crazy
Tajiri
Test
Tiffany Terrell - SmackDown Intern
The Miz - WWE Tag Team Champion
Umaga - World Heavyweight Champion

Inactive:

Managers:

Armando Estrada (currently managing Umaga)

Tag Teams/Stables:

The Mexicools (Juventud, Psicosis & Super Crazy)
Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard & JTG)
John Morrison & The Miz
Matt Striker, Mike Knox, & Test


**********

Title History:

Layout Credit: Wolf Beast

WWE Championship

(1) John Cena (April 3, 2005 - January 2, 2006)
defeated John Bradshaw Layfield (WrestleMania XXI, Los Angeles)
lost to Kurt Angle in a Steel Cage Match (Raw: Night of Champions, East Rutherford)

(5) Kurt Angle (January 2, 2006 - April 2, 2006)
defeated John Cena in a Steel Cage Match (Raw, East Rutherford)
lost to Rob Van Dam (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)

(1) Rob Van Dam (April 2, 2006 - November 26, 2006)
defeated Kurt Angle (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)
lost to Randy Orton in an Elimination Chamber Match (Survivor Series, Philadelphia)

(1) Randy Orton (November 26, 2006 - April 1, 2007)
defeated Rob Van Dam in an Elimination Chamber Match (Survivor Series, Philadelphia)
lost to Chris Jericho (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)

(2) Chris Jericho (April 1, 2007 - June 24, 2007)
defeated Randy Orton (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)
lost to Batista in a Championship Scramble Match (Night of Champions, Houston)

(1) Batista (June 24, 2007 - August 19, 2007)
defeated Chris Jericho in a Championship Scramble Match (Night of Champions, Houston)
lost to Triple H (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)

(6) Triple H (August 19, 2007 - November 18, 2007)
defeated Batista (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)
lost to Batista in a Triple Threat Match (Survivor Series, Orlando)

(2) Batista (November 18, 2007 - Present)
defeated Triple H in a Triple Threat Match (Survivor Series, Orlando)

United States Championship

(1)Rey Mysterio (January 6, 2006 - April 14, 2006)
won a Battle Royal for the Vacant Championship (SmackDown, Green Bay)
lost to Booker T in a No Holds Barred Match (SmackDown, Spokane)

(4) Booker T (April 14, 2006 - June 23, 2006)
defeated Rey Mysterio in a No Holds Barred Match (SmackDown, Spokane)
lost to Bobby Lashley in a Street Fight (SmackDown, Milwaukee)

(1) Bobby Lashley (June 23, 2006 - July 23, 2006)
defeated Booker T in a Street Fight (SmackDown, Milwaukee)
lost to Mr. Kennedy in a Steel Cage Match (Great American Bash, Indianapolis)

(1) Mr. Kennedy (July 23, 2006- January 28, 2007)
defeated Bobby Lashley in a Steel Cage Match (Great American Bash, Indianapolis)
lost to Matt Hardy (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)

(1) Matt Hardy (January 28, 2007 - August 6, 2007)
defeated Mr. Kennedy (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)
lost to Shelton Benjamin in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Buffalo)

(1) Shelton Benjamin (August 6, 2007 - February 4, 2008)
defeated Matt Hardy in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Buffalo)
lost to John Bradshaw Layfield (Raw, Austin)

(1) John Bradshaw Layfield (February 4, 2008 - Present)
defeated Shelton Benjamin (Raw, Austin)

Women's Championship

(6) Trish Stratus (January 9, 2005 - April 2, 2006)
defeated Lita (New Year's Revolution, San Juan)
lost to Mickie James (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)

(1) Mickie James (April 2, 2006 - July 15, 2006)
defeated Trish Stratus (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)
lost to Victoria in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Dallas)

(3) Victoria (July 15, 2006 - April 1, 2007)
defeated Mickie James in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Dallas)
lost to Beth Phoenix (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)

(1) Beth Phoenix (April 1, 2007 - July 22, 2007)
defeated Victoria (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)
lost to Mickie James (Great American Bash, San Jose)

(2) Mickie James (July 22, 2007 - August 19, 2007)
defeated Beth Phoenix (Great American Bash, San Jose)
lost to Beth Phoenix (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)

(2) Beth Phoenix (August 19, 2007 - February 18, 2008)
defeated Mickie James (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)
lost to Mickie James (Raw, Anaheim)

(3) Mickie James (February 18, 2008 - Present)
defeated Beth Phoenix (Raw, Anaheim)

World Tag Team Championships

(1) Kane & The Big Show (November 1, 2005 - February 20, 2006)
defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch (Taboo Tuesday, San Diego)
lost to 3 Minute Warning (Raw, Trenton)

(1) 3 Minute Warning (February 20, 2006 - June 5, 2006)
defeated Kane & The Big Show (Raw, Trenton)
lost to MNM in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Pittsburgh)

(1) MNM (June 5, 2006 - September 17, 2006)
defeated 3 Minute Warning in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Pittsburgh)
lost to Ric Flair & Charlie Haas (Unforgiven, Toronto)

(1) Ric Flair and Charlie Haas (September 17, 2006 - January 28, 2007)
defeated MNM (Unforgiven, Toronto)
lost to The Gold Standards (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)

(1) The Gold Standards (January 28, 2007 - June 24, 2007)
defeated Ric Flair & Charlie Haas (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)
lost to CM Punk & Brian Kendrick (Night of Champions, Houston)

(1) CM Punk & Brian Kendrick (June 24, 2007 - November 5, 2007)
defeated The Gold Standards (Night of Champions, San Antonio)
lost to Priceless (Raw Season Premiere, Los Angeles)

(1) Priceless (November 5, 2007 - Present)
defeated CM Punk & Brian Kendrick (Raw Season Premiere, Los Angeles)

World Heavyweight Championship

(1) Batista (April 3, 2005 - January 29, 2006)
defeated Triple H (WrestleMania XXI, Los Angeles)
lost to Edge (Royal Rumble, Houston)

(1) Edge (January 29, 2006 - May 21, 2006)
defeated Batista (Royal Rumble, Houston)
lost to Kurt Angle in Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match (Judgment Day, Kansas City)

(1) Kurt Angle (May 21, 2006 - October 08, 2006)
defeated Edge in Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match (Judgment Day, Kansas City)
lost to Edge (No Mercy, Raleigh)

(2) Edge (October 08, 2006 - July 6, 2007)
defeated Kurt Angle (No Mercy, Raleigh)
lost to MVP via Money in the Bank Cash In (SmackDown, Dallas)

(1) Montel Vontavious Porter (July 6, 2007 - November 2, 2007)
defeated Edge via Money in the Bank Cash In (SmackDown, Dallas)
lost title via vacating after controversial finish (SmackDown, Long Island)

Vacant (November 2, 2007 - November 18, 2007)

(1) Umaga (November 18, 2007 - Present)
Won vacant title in Elimination Chamber (Survivor Series, Orlando)

Intercontinental Championship

(1) Ric Flair (September 18, 2005 - January 2, 2006)
defeated Carlito (Unforgiven, Oklahoma City)
lost to Chris Masters in a Six Pack Challenge (Raw: Night of Champions, East Rutherford)

(1) Chris Masters (January 2, 2006 - March 18, 2006)
defeated Ric Flair in a Six Pack Challenge (Raw: Night of Champions, East Rutherford)
lost to Shelton Benjamin in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Detroit)

(2) Shelton Benjamin (March 18, 2006 - September 17, 2006)
defeated Chris Masters in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Detroit)
lost to Jeff Hardy in a Ladder Match (Unforgiven, Toronto)

(2) Jeff Hardy (September 17, 2006 - May 20, 2007)
defeated Shelton Benjamin in a Ladder Match (Unforgiven, Toronto)
lost to Charlie Haas (Judgment Day, St. Louis)

(1) Charlie Haas (May 20, 2007 - June 24, 2007)
defeated Jeff Hardy (Judgment Day, St. Louis)
lost to Brent Albright (Night of Champions, Houston)

(1) Brent Albright (June 24, 2007 - October 28, 2007)
defeated Charlie Haas (Night of Champions, Houston)
lost to Gregory Helms in a Winner Takes All Tag Match (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)

(1) Gregory Helms (October 28, 2007 - Present)
defeated Brent Albright in a Winner Takes All Tag Match (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)

WWE Tag Team Championships

(2) MNM (October 28, 2005 - April 2, 2006)
defeated The Legion of Doom in a Fatal 4 Way Match (SmackDown, Daly City)
Lost to Brian Kendrick and Paul London in a 2 of 3 Falls Match (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)

(1) Brian Kendrick and Paul London (April 2, 2006 - February 9, 2007)
defeated MNM in a 2 of 3 Falls Match (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)
lost to Deuce & Domino (SmackDown, Omaha)

(1) Deuce & Domino (February 9, 2007 - March 30, 2007)
defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London (SmackDown, Omaha)
lost to The Mexicools (SmackDown, Grand Rapids)

(1) The Mexicools (Psicosis and Super Crazy) (March 30, 2007 - July 6, 2007)
defeated Deuce & Domino (SmackDown, Omaha)
lost to Jesse & Festus in a Fatal 4 Way (SmackDown, Dallas)

(1) Jesse & Festus (July 6, 2007 - August 31, 2007)
defeated The Mexicools in a Fatal 4 Way (SmackDown, Dallas)
Lost to John Morrison and The Miz (SmackDown, Albany)

(1) John Morrison & The Miz (August 31, 2007 - October 28, 2007)
defeated Jesse & Festus (SmackDown, Albany)
lost to Jeff Hardy & Paul London (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)

(1) Jeff Hardy & Paul London (October 28, 2007 - December 16, 2007)
defeated John Morrison & The Miz (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)
lost to John Morrison & The Miz (Armageddon, Pittsburgh)

(2) John Morrison & The Miz (December 16, 2007 - Present)
defeated Jeff Hardy & Paul London (Armageddon, Pittsburgh)

Cruiserweight Championship

(5) Juventud (November 25, 2005 - January 20, 2006)
defeated Nunzio (SmackDown, Sheffield)
lost to Jamie Noble (SmackDown, Florence)

(2) Jamie Noble (January 20, 2006 - April 1, 2007)
defeated Juventud (SmackDown, Florence)
lost to Paul London in a Triple Threat Match (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)

(2) Paul London (April 1, 2007 - May 20, 2007)
defeated Jamie Noble in a Triple Threat Match (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)
lost to Gregory Helms (Judgment Day, St. Louis)

(3) Gregory Helms (May 20, 2007 - June 29, 2007)
defeated Paul London (Judgment Day, St. Louis)
Forfeited the title after throwing into Gulf of Mexico

Vacant (June 29, 2007 - October 7, 2007)

(4) Gregory Helms (October 7, 2007 - January 4, 2008)
Captured title in Cruiserweight Chaos Match (No Mercy, Rosemont)
lost to Evan Bourne (SmackDown, Richmond)

(1) Evan Bourne (January 4, 2008 - Present)
defeated Gregory Helms (SmackDown, Richmond)

*********

Upcoming PPV Schedule

WrestleMania XXIV | March 30, 2008 | FedEx Field | Washington D.C.
Backlash | April 27, 2008 | Wells Fargo Center | Philadelphia, PA
Judgment Day | May 18, 2008 | Qwest Center | Omaha, NE
Bad Blood | June 1, 2008 | San Diego Sports Arena | San Diego, CA
King of the Ring | June 29, 2008 | American Airlines Center | Dallas, TX
Retribution | July 20, 2008 | Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum | Uniondale, NY
SummerSlam | August 17, 2008 | Conseco Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, IN
Unforgiven | September 7, 2008 | Quicken Loans Arena | Cleveland, OH
No Mercy | October 5, 2008 | Rose Garden | Portland, OR
Vengeance | October 26, 2008 | US Airways Center | Phoenix, AZ
Survivor Series | November 23, 2008 | TD Banknorth Garden | Boston, MA
Armageddon | December 14, 2008 | HSBC Arena | Buffalo, NY​

 

[Stojy]

Well, this feels like groundhog day... I didn't actually read the Rumble yet over on WC. I might just wait now and live through the recaps again, before jumping into the Rumble. Happy to see you make the jump across. Let's go!!!

 

[KOP]

Somehow forgot to keep the remainder of 2006 post WrestleMania write up that I did on WC and just not feeling doing an elaborate post before continuing the thread so that's why the format changed midway through. Working on getting stuff up quick in order to get to Royal Rumble and start posting new shows.

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Unleash the Fury History Recap

With a new year comes lots of new changes and championship title changes were aplenty in the first week of the new year in WWE. First, Kurt Angle defeated John Cena on the first Raw of the new year in a Steel Cage Match to earn his 5th WWE title. On the blue brand, Rey Mysterio won his first United States Championship by outlasting nine other competitors in a Battle Royal for the vacant title. And finally “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters captured his first singles title when won the Intercontinental Championship in a Six Pack Challenge the same night Angle won the WWE Championship.

Stone Cold Steve Austin who had made sporadic appearances on Raw in the previous years returned back in December and immediately became a thorn in the side of Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff once again. Mr. McMahon and Bischoff both butted heads with one another on Bischoff’s handling of Raw and Stone Cold interjected himself into the situation with McMahon proposing a match at Royal Rumble with the winner becoming Raw GM

Christian finds himself in uncharted territory with The Undertaker but he scores a huge victory on the first SmackDown of 2006 over “The Deadman” and he certainly doesn’t let the fans forget it! Even after losing to “The Deadman” in a rematch the following week on SmackDown - “Captain Charisma” ends up being named #1 Contender along with The Undertaker to challenge Batista for the World Heavyweight title at Royal Rumble.

Jamie Noble kicks off what would turn out to be a 14 month title reign as Cruiserweight Champion when he defeats Juventud Guerrera of the Mexicools on the SmackDown on January 20th.

Chris Jericho makes his return at the Royal Rumble appearing as the surprise entrant from Raw in what was his first appearance since SummerSlam 2005.

Royal Rumble
January 29, 2006
Houston, Texas

MNM def. Brian Kendrick & Paul London to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Chris Masters def. Ric Flair to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Eric Bischoff def. Stone Cold Steve Austin in a No DQ Match to remain Raw General Manager thanks to help from Triple H hitting Stone Cold with a Pedigree

Batista def. Christian & The Undertaker to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Edge def. Batista via Money in the Bank Cash in to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion

Kurt Angle def. John Cena in Hell in a Cell to retain the WWE Championship

Rob Van Dam wins the 2006 Royal Rumble Match after entering at #15 and eliminating Randy Orton last to earn a title shot at WrestleMania XXII

**********

A lot of things to unpack following The Royal Rumble but Edge jumping ship to the blue brand and cashing in Money in the Bank on Batista certainly was one of the biggest surprises in a long time! This throws a wrench in the Road to WrestleMania for many people including Royal Rumble winner Rob Van Dam and gives him a dilemma in deciding whether to stay on Raw and challenge the WWE Champion or make the move to SmackDown and challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship

Triple H shocked many fans and superstars alike when he interfered in the Battle for Raw GM Match between Eric Bischoff & Stone Cold costing Stone Cold his opportunity to become Raw GM. Mr. McMahon ends up shocking Edge on his final night on Raw the night after the Royal Rumble by giving Triple H a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship! Triple H though is unsuccessful in his bid for another title reign as none other than Stone Cold appears gifting Triple H a Stunner and preventing The Game from becoming a 11 time World Champion.

Finlay debuts on SmackDown aligning himself with William Regal and Paul Burchill in forming a group called UKliq. Finlay first appears on SmackDown wielding a shillelagh and wearing a mask before attacking the Mexicools in their match against Regal and Burchill.

Finally, the build to No Way Out starts to take place as several of the undercard matches begin to form. Brian Kendrick & Paul London earn themselves another WWE Tag Team Championship shot against MNM after beating Kid Kash & Jamie Noble; MNM propose a Tornado Tag Elimination Match much to the delight of the wiry challengers. Booker T earns himself a US title match against Rey Mysterio at No Way Out after having pinned Mysterio in a tag match; this continues their budding feud that has been escalating ever since Mysterio first won the title back in January. Batista revokes his rematch clause to face off against Edge and the rivalry between Christian & Undertaker continues to evolve as Teddy Long books a third match between ‘Taker and Christian with the winner advancing to WrestleMania to earn a title shot against the winner of Edge vs. Batista

**********

No Way Out
February 20, 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada

The Mexicools (Juventud, Psicosis, & Super Crazy) def. UKliq (Finlay, Paul Burchill, & William Regal)

JBL def. Bobby Lashley

Jamie Noble def. Kid Kash to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

MNM def. Brian Kendrick & Paul London in a Tornado Tag Elimination Match to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Mr. Kennedy def. Matt Hardy in a Mr. Kennedy’s Open Challenge

Rey Mysterio def. Booker T to retain the United States Championship

Randy Orton def. Chris Benoit

Christian def. The Undertaker to become the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXII

Edge def. Batista to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

**********
Rob Van Dam makes the decision to stay on Raw and challenge Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania. Throughout the buildup to WrestleMania, Angle constantly reminds RVD of his Olympic Medal and his wrestling prowess. Angle lets RVD know that he doesn’t have to jump off ladders; jump through flaming tables, etc. just to get a reaction out of fans - he does so by being the greatest pure wrestler and biggest name to ever step foot in a WWE ring. RVD battles Angle’s insults but doesn’t back down stating that he’s looking to fulfill a lifelong dream and finally become WWE champion. People have counted him out since he first stepped foot in a ring and when ECW folded and he came over to WWE he was an outcast. A few weeks before WrestleMania Angle proposes that he steps into “RVD’s yard” and RVD handpicks Sabu to take on Angle in an ECW Rules Match which Angle wins and immediately declares that ECW was a joke and that RVD’s title dreams will die a quick death just like ECW.

Stone Cold forms an alliance with Shawn Michaels in an effort to take down Triple H and also Eric Bischoff. Bischoff becomes disgusted when Mr. McMahon informs him that Austin was signed to a contract prior to the Royal Rumble Match and that he will not fire Stone Cold despite the GM’s wishes. Following a Lumberjack Match on Raw which saw Stone Cold & HBK fight Triple H and WWE Champion Kurt Angle to a No Contest; Triple H drops a bombshell that he will face Stone Cold at Saturday Night’s Main Event and if Stone Cold wins he will be the special referee for the WrestleMania Match between the former D-X members. Triple H ends up winning at SNME and the following night on Raw Mr. McMahon ends up firing Stone Cold!

An old rivalry rears its head on the February 13 episode of Raw when Chris Jericho turns heel on John Cena - the very man who he lost to in a “You’re Fired” Match for the WWE championship back in August 2005. Jericho ends up low blowing Cena before committing a beatdown to prove that he has not forgotten who sent him packing from WWE last year. In a rather interesting move; Chris Jericho recruits the services of five male cheerleaders revealed to be the Spirit Squad to help him in his feud against Cena. Jericho’s plan seems to be foiled though as Cena fights all five members in a Hardcore Handicap Match on Raw and emerges victorious proving the odds being stacked against him does not faze him in the slightest. Cena battles various members of the Spirit Squad leading up to WrestleMania as Jericho constantly tries to find new and innovative ways to try and beat down the “Chain Gang Soldier”.

Randy Orton continues “The Legend Killer” gimmick after defeating Chris Benoit at No Way Out. He proposes that at WrestleMania he needs to face a true legend, a true pinnacle, a true icon in order to cement his legacy as “The Legend Killer”. What Orton doesn’t expect is The Rock to interrupt him on SmackDown and accept the challenge! The Rock makes his return for the first time in nearly two years and after verbally eviscerating Orton - he accepts the challenge! Orton tries to revive a popular show but with a twist - This Is Your Life…Randy but Mick Foley & The Rock sabotage the show. Orton plans on bringing his dad “Cowboy” Bob Orton onto the show but Mick Foley instead comes out dressed as “Cowboy” Bob and not long after The Rock appears before laying Orton out cold in the ring. Orton gets his revenge at Saturday Night’s Main Event when he RKO’s Mick Foley through a table with thumbtacks spread on it to earn a huge victory in a Hardcore Match.

The re-debuted 3 Minute Warning captured their first World Tag Team titles by defeating Big Show & Kane on the February 21st episode of Raw. A feud ensues and a Tables Match is set up for WrestleMania 22 between the two teams.

After losing his rematch at No Way Out, Batista turns his attention to The Undertaker. Batista is convinced that he will become the first man to ever defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. The Undertaker plays mind games throughout the lead up to WrestleMania but for once it doesn’t appear to faze Taker's opponent very much.

Carlito proposes the idea of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match returning for a second straight year. Eric Bischoff strikes up a deal with Teddy Long making this year’s match an Interpromotional match featuring three superstars from Raw and three from SmackDown. The Intercontinental Champion, Chris Masters, qualifies first with a victory over Chavo Guerrero. Masters’ former friend Carlito confronts him following his victory and assures him he will be meeting him at WrestleMania in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Carlito follows up that promise with a victory over “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair to qualify and become the second Raw participant. Finally, Shelton Benjamin joins the fray as he defeats Gregory Helms to pick up the final Raw spot. JBL, Matt Hardy, and Mr. Kennedy became the first ever SmackDown superstars to participate as they all earned the final three spots.

Shelton Benjamin captures the Intercontinental title once more as he defeats Carlito & Chris Masters at the revival episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

A double countout occurs in the #1 Contender’s Match for the US title between longtime rivals Booker T & Chris Benoit.

The saga between Mickie James, Trish Stratus, and Ashley Massaro continued on with Trish being genuinely confused at Mickie’s motives and why she constantly interferes in Trish’s matches. Mickie walks in on Trish and Ashley discussing what Mickie’s motives could possibly be and as she calls Trish and Ashley out for possibly talking about her - both women assure Mickie that they were just talking about Ashley’s upcoming match. In said match, Mickie accidentally Mick Kicks Ashley costing her the victory against Victoria. The next week on Raw following a six woman tag match Mickie finally turns heel after a victory. Mickie kicks Ashley with a Mick Kick before confronting Trish and hitting her with a Running Bulldog before emphatically asking Trish “Who’s the bitch now”.

Kid Kash ends up earning himself another Cruiserweight Championship match against his once former friend and very brief tag partner Jamie Noble.

Brian Kendrick & Paul London earn their third and final shot at MNM as they will face off against the champs in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match.


WrestleMania XXII
April 2, 2006
Phoenix, Arizona

Rey Mysterio def. Booker T & Chris Benoit to retain the United States Championship

Mickie James def. Trish Stratus to become the NEW Women’s Champion

JBL def. Mr. Kennedy, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, and Chris Masters in the Inter-Promotional Money in the Bank Ladder Match to secure the MITB contract giving him a future title shot anytime in the next 12 months

3 Minute Warning (Rosey & Jamal) def. Kane & The Big Show to retain the World Tag Team Championships in a Tables Match

Jamie Noble def. Kid Kash to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

Brian Kendrick & Paul London def. MNM in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions

John Cena def. Chris Jericho

The Undertaker def. Batista

Randy Orton def. The Rock

Shawn Michaels def. Triple H

Edge def. Christian to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Rob Van Dam def. Kurt Angle to become the NEW WWE Champion

WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2006: Bret “The Hitman” Hart; “Latino Heat” Eddie Guerrero; Owen Hart; “The Macho Man” Randy Savage; “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase; Jake “The Snake” Roberts

**********

WWE Backlash
Sunday April 30, 2006
Boston, MA

Matt Striker def. Charlie Haas

3 Minute Warning def. Eugene & Goldust to retain the World Tag Team Championships

Mickie James def. Trish Stratus & Ashley Massaro in a 2 on 1 Handicap Match to retain the Women's Championship

Carlito def. Chris Masters

Shelton Benjamin def. Gregory Helms to retain the Intercontinental Championship

John Cena def. Chris Jericho in a Steel Cage Match

Triple H & Kane def. Shawn Michaels & Stone Cold Steve Austin w/ Shane McMahon as Special Enforcer and Mr. McMahon as Special Referee

Rob Van Dam def. Kurt Angle to retain the WWE Championship

**********
WWE Judgment Day
Sunday May 22, 2006
Kansas City, MO

MNM def. The Mexicools

Jamie Noble def. Chavo Guerrero to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

Brian Kendrick & Paul London def. Finlay & William Regal to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Mr. Kennedy def. Bobby Lashley

Booker T def. Matt Hardy to retain the United States Championship

Batista def. Rey Mysterio

Kurt Angle def. Edge, Christian, JBL, Randy Orton, and Chris Benoit in a Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion

**********

ECW One Night Stand
Sunday June 11, 2006
New York, NY

Chris Benoit def. Dean Malenko

Masato Tanaka def. Mike Awesome

Super Crazy def. Psychosis & Tajiri in a Three Way Dance

The FBI def. The Impact Players (Justin Credible & Lance Storm)

Mick Foley & Terry Funk def. The Sandman & Tommy Dreamer in an Extreme Rules Match

Taz def. Sabu

Rob Van Dam def. Triple H to retain the WWE Championship

**********

WWE Vengeance
Sunday June 25, 2006
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Shelton Benjamin def. Gregory Helms in Match #7 of a Best of 7 Series to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix to retain the Women's Championship

Kane def. The Big Show in a No Holds Barred Loser Leaves Raw Match

Carlito def. Matt Striker

Jeff Hardy def. Chris Masters

MNM def. The Highlanders to retain the World Tag Team Championships

Chris Jericho def. Shawn Michaels

Rob Van Dam def. Triple H & John Cena in a Triple Threat Match to retain the WWE Championship

**********

WWE Great American Bash
Sunday July 23, 2006
Washington D.C.

Jamie Noble def. Super Crazy to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

Finlay def. William Regal & Paul Burchill in a Triple Threat Match

Rated RKO def. Rey Mysterio & Matt Hardy

Brian Kendrick & Paul London def. The FBI to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Mr. Kennedy def. Bobby Lashley in a Steel Cage Match to become the NEW United States Champion

The Undertaker def. Batista via DQ

Kurt Angle def. JBL in a Great American Challenge to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

**********

WWE SummerSlam
Sunday August 20, 2006
Staples Center

Mr. Kennedy def. Rey Mysterio to retain the United States Championship

Carlito def. Booker T

Bobby Lashley def. Finlay

Shelton Benjamin def. Jeff Hardy to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Batista def. The Undertaker in a Last Ride Match

Kurt Angle def. JBL & Mark Henry in a Triple Threat Match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, & Ric Flair) def. Team McMahon (Triple H, Randy Orton, Edge, & Christian) in the Steel Cage Showdown Match

Rob Van Dam def. Chris Jericho to retain the WWE Championship

**********

WWE Unforgiven
Sunday September 17, 2006
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ric Flair & Charlie Haas def. MNM to become the NEW World Tag Team Champions

Victoria def. Mickie James to retain the Women’s Championship

John Cena def. Triple H via DQ

Jeff Hardy def. Shelton Benjamin in a Ladder Match to become the NEW Intercontinental Champion

Chris Jericho def. Carlito

Rob Van Dam def. Shawn Michaels to retain the WWE Championship

**********

WWE No Mercy
Sunday October 8, 2006
Raleigh, North Carolina

Brian Kendrick & Paul London def. William Regal & Dave Taylor to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Mark Henry def. Hardcore Holly

MVP def. Paul Burchill

Jamie Noble def. Jimmy Wang Yang to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

Batista def. Kane

Finlay def. Bobby Lashley in a Last Man Standing Match

Mr. Kennedy def. Rey Mysterio & Matt Hardy in a Triple Threat Match to retain the United States Championship

Edge def. Kurt Angle to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion

**********

WWE Cyber Sunday
Sunday November 5, 2006
Cincinnati, OH

Jeff Hardy def. Gregory Helms to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Umaga def. Sabu in an Extreme Rules Match

Ric Flair & Charlie Haas def. Shelton Benjamin & Carlito to retain the World Tag Team Championships

Shawn Michaels def. Randy Orton via DQ

Victoria def. Mickie James to retain the Women’s Championship

Kurt Angle & Rey Mysterio def. Edge & Mark Henry in a SmackDown Showcase Match

John Cena def. Triple H in a Street Fight

Rob Van Dam def. Chris Jericho to retain the WWE Championship

**********

WWE Survivor Series
Sunday November 26, 2006
Philadelphia, PA

Team Yang (Jimmy Wang Yang, Shannon Moore, & The Mexicools) def. Team Noble (Jamie Noble, Kid Kash, Nunzio, & Chavo Guerrero) in a Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match

Victoria def. Jillian Hall to retain the Women’s Championship

Ric Flair, Charlie Haas, Carlito, Sabu, & Jeff Hardy def. Shelton Benjamin, MNM, Gregory Helms, and Umaga in a Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match

Team JBL (MVP, Finlay, Batista, Mark Henry, and Mr. Kennedy) def. Team Long (Kurt Angle, Brian Kendrick, Paul London, Matt Hardy, and Kane) in a Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match which allowed JBL to become the NEW SmackDown GM

Edge def. Rey Mysterio to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Randy Orton def. Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena, and Chris Jericho in an Elimination Chamber Match to become the NEW WWE Champion

**********

WWE Armageddon
Sunday December 17, 2006
Richmond, VA

Jamie Noble def. Jimmy Wang Yang to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

MVP def. Bobby Lashley

Batista def. Hardcore Holly

Matt Hardy def. Mr. Kennedy

Kurt Angle def. Rey Mysterio in a #1 Contender’s Match

Brian Kendrick & Paul London def. The Mexicools to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Edge def. Kane to retain the World Heavyweight Championship​

2007: The Year in WWE

Rob Van Dam announces on the first Raw of 2007 that he is finally cashing in his rematch clause at The Royal Rumble. In the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, Randy Orton is having to deal with not only RVD and his manager Paul Heyman but also several ECW Originals. Heyman shocks Orton with an announcement on the January 8th episode of Raw during a “Welcome Home” party in St. Louis, informing him that ECW is now BACK! The brand is set to return after Royal Rumble.

The saga between Shelton Benjamin and the team of Charlie Haas & Ric Flair continued into the new year with Benjamin introducing a new tag team partner - Elijah Burke - on the first Raw of 2007. Benjamin earns a tag team title match against his former tag partner and former rival Flair at the Royal Rumble after the duo teamed together and defeated Flair and Haas on Raw.

CM Punk makes his much awaited debut on the first SmackDown of 2007 and immediately defeats OVW stalwart Cassidy Riley. Punk’s debut was originally planned for April 2006 immediately after WrestleMania but creative elected to hold off and wait several months before debuting the “Straight Edge Superstar”. Punk picks up a series of wins against Dave Taylor and Funaki before preparing for his debut in the Royal Rumble Match.

The feud between Edge and the man he won the World Heavyweight Championship back from - Kurt Angle - continues into 2007 after Kurt Angle wins a 20 Man Battle Royal to face Edge at Royal Rumble. Edge is able to set up a I Quit Match thanks in part to SmackDown GM JBL. Knowing he may need additional help in defeating Angle at Royal Rumble - Edge enlists the help of “The British Nightmare” Paul Burchill. Burchill attacks Angle on SmackDown revealing his partnership with the World Heavyweight Champion.

Speaking of JBL - in the wake of Survivor Series he appointed former GM Teddy Long to be his personal assistant - more so in an effort to rub his team’s victory in Long’s face and embarrass his former boss.

*********

Royal Rumble 2007 | January 29, 2007
AT&T Center | San Antonio, Texas

Matt Hardy def. Mr. Kennedy to become the NEW United States Champion

Shelton Benjamin & Elijah Burke def. Ric Flair & Charlie Haas to become the NEW World Tag Team Champions

Randy Orton def. Rob Van Dam to retain the WWE Championship

Edge def. Kurt Angle in an I Quit Match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Shawn Michaels wins the 2007 Royal Rumble earning himself a main event title shot at WrestleMania XXIII

*********

Shawn Michaels opens Raw the night after The Royal Rumble and he prepares to announce who he is challenging at WrestleMania but is interrupted by WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton warns HBK that whether he picks him or his friend (World Heavyweight Champion - Edge) that he awaits the same fate. A loss and pure embarrassment. Edge hits the ring and joins Orton in attacking the Royal Rumble winner with a series of chair shots delaying HBK’s decision for at least another week. A Champions versus Contenders Match is set for No Way Out with Rated RKO facing Shawn Michaels and the #1 Contender for whichever title HBK doesn’t challenge for.

HBK declares the following week that he is going to make the move to SmackDown and challenge Edge! Raw GM Jonathan Coachman announces a Fatal 4 Way Match for later that night on Raw with Chris Jericho, Triple H, Ric Flair, and John Cena all doing battle with the winner going on to earn a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania! SmackDown’s Kurt Angle comes to the ring distracting Triple H during the match allowing Jericho to lock in Triple H in the Walls Of Jericho as Angle stares down Triple H before “The Game” ultimately taps out.

The Royal Rumble saw the end of the unlikely duo of Charlie Haas and Ric Flair. After losing their titles earlier in the night; both men competed in the Royal Rumble match. Following his elimination - Charlie Haas flipped out and helped eliminate Flair before laying waste to him on the outside of the ring. When questioned for why he turned on Flair - Haas simply told Todd Grisham that he used Flair’s clout to push himself up the roster and in turn has made a name for himself now.

Paul Heyman announces that he’s been allowed one superstar from Raw and one superstar from SmackDown to move to ECW. Heyman of course handpicks former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam and in a very shocking move selects Mr. Kennedy from SmackDown. Kennedy immediately berates the brand not looking too fond of his new home. Kennedy’s tone seems to change some though after it’s announced that eight men including Kennedy will compete in a tournament to become the inaugural ECW Champion.

Mr. Kennedy advances after defeating Justin Credible and Rob Van Dam wins his match in the main event against Balls Mahoney moving both men onto the semi-finals. Sabu loses in shocking fashion to Stevie Richards after Marcus Cor Von makes his unannounced debut and absolutely Pounces Sabu out of his boots. In the final first round match Tommy Dreamer emerges victorious joining RVD, Mr. Kennedy, and Stevie Richards in the semifinals.

Mr. Kennedy ends up defeating Tommy Dreamer in the semifinals and advances to the finals of the tournament. ECW General Manager Paul Heyman informs us that at WrestleMania the finals of the Championship Tournament will culminate with the inaugural ECW Champion being crowned.

The controversial finish of the I Quit Match at the Royal Rumble draws the ire of Kurt Angle and he states that he deserves another opportunity. With the help of Paul Burchill at the Royal Rumble, Edge successfully retains after using a tape recorder that Angle had previously said “ I Quit” in a previous promo. This tricked the referee into thinking that Angle did actually say this as he was recovering from being taken down by Paul Burchill. After Angle asks for a rematch which Edge refuses - Raw’s Triple H attacks Kurt Angle beginning to ignite the flames for a future WrestleMania match

The Undertaker is attacked by Batista during his main event match against Mark Henry on SmackDown. Raw’s Umaga comes out, joining in Batista on the attack as his manager Armando Estrada is clearly still upset that Umaga was eliminated by ‘Taker in the Rumble. Kane makes the save for his brother and it’s announced that at No Way Out we will have the Brothers of Destruction team together against Batista and Umaga.

*********

No Way Out | February 19, 2007
ARCO Arena | Sacramento, California

CM Punk def. William Regal

Jeff Hardy def. Carlito to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Charlie Haas def. Ric Flair in a Submission Match

Matt Hardy def. Kenny Dykstra to retain the United States Championship

Mr. Kennedy & Marcus Cor Von def. Rob Van Dam & Sabu in an Extreme Rules Match

Beth Phoenix won a #1 Contender’s Battle Royal to earn a Women’s Championship Match at WrestleMania XXIII

Batista & Umaga def. The Brothers of Destruction

MVP def. John Cena

Rated RKO def. Shawn Michaels & Chris Jericho in a Champions versus Contenders Match

*********

Paul Heyman shocked the world when he aligned himself with Mr. Kennedy and Marcus Cor Von costing Rob Van Dam and Sabu the match at No Way Out. Heyman berated the ECW Originals stating that he only used them to get the brand back but now he’s going to personally embarrass each and every one of them for hanging on to the past. RVD qualifies for the tournament finals at WrestleMania after defeating Stevie Richards. Heyman brings in Mick Foley to be the Special Referee at WrestleMania for the match between Mr. Kennedy and RVD and Heyman says Foley better do the right thing and not screw Heyman over.

At this point I had pretty much eliminated doing any shows heading into WrestleMania and just did a bunch of recaps because I’m impatient so we will just jump right into the results…

*********

WrestleMania XXIII | April 1, 2007
American Airlines Arena | Miami, Florida

Rey Mysterio def. Jeff Hardy, Charlie Haas, Ric Flair, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, Matt Hardy, and CM Punk to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Beth Phoenix def. Victoria to become the NEW Women’s Champion

Paul London def. Jamie Noble & Chavo Guerrero to become the NEW Cruiserweight Champion

Batista def. Kane

John Cena def. Finlay

Rob Van Dam def. Mr. Kennedy in the ECW Tournament Championship Finals (Special Referee - Mick Foley)

The Undertaker def. Umaga in a Casket Match

Edge def. Shawn Michaels to retain the World Heavyweight Championship after Christian makes his return to WWE costing HBK the match

Triple H def. Kurt Angle

Chris Jericho def. Randy Orton to become the NEW WWE Champion

*********

Post WrestleMania saw the brands “shaken up” as the WWE Draft returned for the first time in two years on the April 9th episode of Raw. Eric Bischoff is introduced as the new GM of Raw making his return to WWE for the first time in over a year. Bischoff was handpicked by Mr. McMahon and Bischoff promise him that he will keep the red brand on top.

The Draft format changes from previous years as interpromotional matches take place with the winner’s brand earning a pick for their current brand. Jeff Hardy kicks off Raw with a victory over SmackDown’s Chavo Guerrero to earn a pick for Raw and it turns out to be none other than Jeff’s brother - Matt! Raw also picks up Mr. Kennedy and after the main event surprisingly pick up Batista and The Undertaker!

SmackDown ends up getting Carlito, Charlie Haas, Umaga and Ric Flair while ECW grabs Mark Henry and Kane. A supplemental draft takes place later that week on WWE.com with 24 superstars changing brands amongst the three current brands.

*********

Backlash | April 29, 2007
Phillips Arena | Atlanta, Georgia

Batista def. Mr. Kennedy, John Cena, and Triple H in a Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match to earn a match against WWE Champion Chris Jericho later in the night

Rodney Mack def. The Miz in a White Boy Challenge

The Gold Standards (Shelton Benjamin & Elijah Burke) def. CM Punk & Brian Kendrick

Matt Hardy def. Paul Burchill to retain the United States Championship

The Undertaker def. The Great Khali

Beth Phoenix def. Victoria to retain the Women’s Championship

Chris Jericho vs. Batista for the WWE Championship ends in a No Contest (Special Referee- Randy Orton)

*********

Judgment Day | May 20, 2007
Savvis Center | St. Louis, Missouri

Charlie Haas def. Jeff Hardy to become the NEW Intercontinental Champion

Matt Striker, Test, & Chris Masters def. The ECW Originals (Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, & Balls Mahoney) in an Extreme Rules Match

The Big Show def. Carlito

Gregory Helms def. Paul London to become the NEW Cruiserweight Champion

Rob Van Dam def. William Regal to retain the ECW Championship

Rey Mysterio def. MVP

Mark Henry def. Kane

Shawn Michaels & Ric Flair def. Edge & Christian

*********

Randy Orton announced that he would finally cash in his rematch clause at Night of Champions against Chris Jericho. Or so we thought? Eric Bischoff announced that we would indeed get Jericho vs. Orton but it would be on Raw in a Steel Cage Match the fol the first ever Championship Scramble Match featuring Triple H, John Cena, Batista, and Mr. Kennedy. Jericho ended up retaining on Raw against Orton setting the stage for his biggest challenge to date at Night of Champions.

Matt Hardy is slated to face his biggest challenge to date as the United States Champion after he accepts a challenge from Theodore Long and his client “The Bayou Beast” Rodney Mack.

The mysterious attacker angle began over the summer and initially Chavo Guerrero stated he knew who was doing it. Ultimately, Chavo was pulling everyone’s leg but in turn he introduced Bam Neely as his new bodyguard to protect him from being attacked by the mysterious attacker.

On the SmackDown side of things, Edge & Christian were in bed with GM John Bradshaw Layfield in an effort to protect Edge’s World Heavyweight title run. A rare SmackDown appearance from Mr. McMahon brought a match to determine the number one contender since JBL refused to name a new challenger. Ric Flair would challenge Shawn Michaels with the winner going on to face Edge at Night of Champions. Flair would earn the title match after feigning an injury. A very confused Shawn Michaels didn’t take well to Flair’s tactics asking his friend why he resorted to these tactics. This would eventually lead to the feud that would see Flair be retired later on in 2007.

*********

Night of Champions | June 24, 2007
Toyota Center | Houston, Texas

The Mexicools def. Fashion Inc. (Sylvan & Danny Doring) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Matt Hardy def. Rodney Mack to retain the United States Championship

Rob Van Dam wins a 10 Man Extreme Rules Gauntlet Match to retain the ECW Championship

The Great Khali def. Rob Van Dam to become the NEW ECW Champion

Beth Phoenix def. Mickie James to retain the Women’s Championship

Gregory Helms def. Paul London via countout to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

CM Punk & Brian Kendrick def. The Gold Standards (Shelton Benjamin & Elijah Burke) to become the NEW World Tag Team Champions

Edge def. Ric Flair to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Brent Albright def. Charlie Haas to become the NEW Intercontinental Champion

Batista def. John Cena, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, and Chris Jericho to become the NEW WWE Champion in the first ever Championship Scramble Match

*********

No comment on making Great Khali win the ECW title…it pretty much killed the brand. Well…that and trying to book three shows.

The duo of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase debut on the Raw after Night of Champions dubbing themselves as “Priceless”

Mick Foley is introduced as Co-General Manager of Monday Night Raw by Mr. McMahon much to the dismay of Eric Bischoff.

On the SmackDown after Night of Champions, Ric Flair walks into his locker room he shared with Shawn Michaels to discover that HBK has been laid out in cold blood. Flair accuses SmackDown GM JBL and his duo of Edge and Christian of knowing what happened but JBL promises he has nothing to do with it.

Gregory Helms chunks the Cruiserweight Championship into the Gulf of Mexico proclaiming that he cannot be the “Savior” of a division that is dead.

The duo of Jesse & Festus manage to win the WWE Tag Team Championships in a Fatal 4 Way Match dethroning the Mexicools and earning their first titles in WWE.

Johnny Nitro is repackaged as John Morrison and is prepared to make his re-debut on SmackDown.

Paul Burchill is the next man to proclaim that he may have been involved with the mystery attacker but doesn’t go too deep into detail leaving his statement to be rather ambiguous.

In a #1 Contender’s Match between Finlay & Big Show - Finlay shocks the World Heavyweight Champion Edge when he has an opportunity to hit Big Show with a shillelagh with the referee knocked out but he stops himself. Finlay instead walks into a chokeslam from Big Show eating the pin and interestingly forfeiting a World title opportunity. Edge accuses JBL of setting this entire charade up (Finlay had been working with JBL, Edge and Christian) in an effort to rid him of the title. Edge and JBL went back and forth with JBL assuring him that he would make sure he retains against Big Show on SmackDown the following week.

Edge gets help from Christian to retain against The Big Show to open SmackDown the following week and in an effort to celebrate his victory - JBL announces there will be a Championship Celebration for Edge later that night. It all goes south until Edge finally has had enough and spears the SmackDown GM and Finlay after JBL kicked Christian out of the arena. In the biggest shock of the year - MVP arrives to the ring attacking Edge with Rey Mysterio’s Money in the Bank briefcase and he cashes it in to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! Footage is shown of MVP ambushing Mysterio backstage prior to coming out and a referee in tow counting to three thus awarding MVP the briefcase?!?!

MVP reveals that he had a contract drawn up from his agents and sent to JBL where it stated that since MVP defeated Rey Mysterio in a match on SmackDown a few weeks prior - he would earn a match against Mysterio with the Money in the Bank briefcase on the line. MVP contended too that the contract specifically stated the match never would have to take place in the ring and he made sure his agent drew that up and made JBL very much aware. That is how MVP was able to officially secure the Money in the Bank briefcase and then in the same night cash it in.

Burchill proclaims to Eric Bischoff that “I did it and they’re looking for me” in regards to being the mysterious attacker who attacked The Undertaker on Raw weeks prior. Burchill braves up and asks Bischoff for a match at Great American Bash against The Undertaker to which Bischoff grants him the match.

ECW ends up folding as a brand in July marking only a six month run in their return to the airwaves. The superstars are dispersed to Raw and SmackDown in a draft.

*********

Great American Bash | July 22, 2007
HP Pavillion | San Jose, California

Mr. Kennedy def. John Cena in a First Blood Match

Matt Hardy def. Chavo Guerrero to retain the United States Championship

CM Punk & Brian Kendrick def. The Gold Standards in a Ladder Match to retain the World Tag Team Championships

Paul Burchill vs. Kane ends in a No Contest; Burchill was initially slated to face The Undertaker but Undertaker doesn’t appear on the show presumably due to not having recovered from his prior attack on Raw

Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix to become the new Women’s Champion

Batista def. Triple H & Chris Jericho to retain the WWE Championship

*********

Randy Orton and Chris Jericho’s nearly seven month feud will come to a head at SummerSlam as they will meet in Hell in a Cell

Triple H vs. Batista is also announced with the duo to square off once again reigniting their rivalry from two years prior after Evolution split. The feud becomes personal when Batista attacks Triple H’s brother-in-law Shane McMahon two weeks prior to SummerSlam before driving Triple H’s stolen sledgehammer into the chest of Shane-o-Mac.

Mr. Kennedy proclaims on the Raw after Great American Bash that it was not Paul Burchill who attacked The Undertaker but that it instead was HIM!

The Brand Supremacy Match is announced with Mr. McMahon stating that due to dismal performances from Eric Bischoff on Raw and JBL on SmackDown - he’s looking to shake things up. He announces that each brand will pick one superstar to face the other brand’s superstar and the losing brand will have their GM FIRED! JBL quickly announces Jeff Hardy and in an effort to combat JBL and add someone familiar with Jeff - Bischoff selects Matt Hardy!

JBL has some interesting footage to show Shawn Michaels as it is revealed that the building that HBK was attacked in had some footage and called JBL up showing him the footage. It wsa revealed that Ric Flair entered the locker room himself prior to finding HBK assaulted and that Flair was the only one to go in thus meaning he was the one who ambushed his former friend. Flair reveals the following week on SmackDown following a “Sick leave” when HBK saw the footage that he had to do what had to be done to show the fans he still has it in him. Flair reminds the fans that HBK accidentally hit him at Judgment Day and he also accidentally was cost the World Heavyweight title at Night of Champions after HBK’s interference.

The Miz returns to SmackDown aligning himself with John Morrison.

The mysterious attacker angle takes an is almost ran down in the parking lot. He appears on the go home episode of Raw prior to SummerSlam warning any Raw superstar that if he finds out who tried to run him over that they will be fired on the spot! It doesn’t take long for McMahon to be attacked though because right as he sends his warning - the lights go out and he is laid out cold in the ring with a steel pipe by his lifeless body.

*********

SummerSlam | August 19, 2007
IZOD Center | East Rutherford, New Jersey

Brent Albright def. Charlie Haas, Carlito, & Paul London to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Christian & The Big Show def. Finlay & Umaga

Mr. Kennedy def. The Undertaker

Matt Hardy def. Jeff Hardy in the Brand Supremacy Match; JBL is now fired as SmackDown GM

Ric Flair def. Shawn Michaels

Randy Orton def. Chris Jericho inside Hell in a Cell

MVP def. Edge to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Beth Phoenix def. Mickie James to become the NEW Women’s Champion

Triple H def. Batista to become the NEW WWE Champion

*********

Eric Bischoff is awarded the SmackDown General Manager position by Stephanie McMahon on the Raw after SummerSlam putting him in full power (albeit having a co-GM on Raw in Mick Foley) of Raw and SmackDown.

John Cena returns late August after having been off television since his brutal First Blood Match at Great American Bash against Mr. Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy goes on a full protest after being upset that he defeated John Cena and Undertaker in back to back pay per views and still can’t get a World title match. The Mr. Kennedy/Mick Foley feud begins to kindle as Foley seems indifferent towards Kennedy’s protest.

*********

Unforgiven | September 16, 2007
FedEx Forum | Memphis, Tennessee

Shelton Benjamin def. Elijah Burke & Matt Hardy to retain the United States Championship

Victoria & Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix & Melina

The Undertaker def. William Regal

Batista def. Shane McMahon in a No Holds Barred Match

CM Punk & Brian Kendrick def. Priceless to retain the World Tag Team Championships

John Cena def. John Bradshaw Layfield

Triple H def. Randy Orton via DQ to retain the WWE Championship

*********

No Mercy | October 7, 2007
Allstate Arena | Chicago, Illinois

Gregory Helms def. Psicosis, Kid Kash, & Kofi Kingston in a Cruiserweight Chaos Match to become the NEW Cruiserweight Champion

John Morrison & The Miz def. Shannon Moore & Jimmy Wang Yang to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Rob Van Dam def. Carlito

Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair

Edge def. Umaga in a Hardcore Match

Brent Albright def. Finlay to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Jeff Hardy def. Paul London

MVP def. The Big Show & Christian to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

*********

Mick Foley dresses as a judge and makes a ruling for Cyber Sunday where the protest has ended and that Kennedy will face John Cena at Cyber Sunday! The following week Foley adds an incentive for Kennedy to win - if he wins the match then Mick Foley will resign as Raw co-General Manager.

The saga between Victoria and Mickie James kicks off with Victoria’s odd behavior beginning to confuse Mickie.

Tommy Dreamer is found laid out backstage with a note beside him from the mysterious attacker. The note says “The time is near…” as Raw GM Eric Bischoff ponders just who could be behind the attacks that has been plaguing both of his brands for several months now.

Bischoff announces that at Cyber Sunday there will be a tag team match with major implications on the WWE Championship scene on the line. Three former members of Evolution will do battle as Batista and Randy Orton team together to take on WWE Champion Triple H and a partner of the fans choosing. Bischoff states that whomever gets the pin will earn a championship match against Triple H at Survivor Series. However, if Triple H gets the pinfall victory he will pick his own opponent. Bischoff then announces the three options for Triple H’s tag partner are Kane, Shane McMahon, and the returning Chris Jericho!

On the go home episode of Raw before Cyber Sunday - Randy Orton eliminates Shane McMahon from any possible opportunity of appearing at Cyber Sunday with a deadly punt to the skull.

The Bluebloods reunite as a tag team for the first time in a year and a half with Paul Burchill’s sister Katie Lea joining the duo as their manager.

Victoria begins accompanying Mickie James to ringside for her matches and helping Mickie in a variety of ways to pick up the victories. Mickie assures Victoria that she doesn’t need her help but Victoria lets Mickie know that “friends help friends” and that she considers Mickie to be her best friend.

Crusierweight Champion Gregory Helms picks up a big victory over Intercontinental Champion Brent Albright, setting up a future title shot for Helms.

*********

Cyber Sunday | October 28, 2007
1st Mariner Arena | Baltimore, Maryland

Jeff Hardy & Paul London (selected by the fans out of a pool of superstars) def. John Morrison & The Miz to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions

Beth Phoenix def. Mickie James (selected by fans) to retain the Women’s Championship

Gregory Helms & Finlay def. Brent Albright & Kofi Kingston in the Tag Team Frenzy Match; Helms retains his Cruiserweight Championship and becomes the NEW Intercontinental Champion

Mr. Kennedy def. John Cena in a Steel Cage Match; as a result of the match Mick Foley has been FIRED as co-GM of Monday Night Raw

Shelton Benjamin def. Matt Hardy & Elijah Burke in a Triple Threat Match (selected by fans) to retain the United States Championship

MVP def. Edge (selected by fans) to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

Ric Flair def. Shawn Michaels in a Submission Match (Selected by fans)

Batista & Randy Orton def. Triple H & Chris Jericho (Selected by fans); Batista pinned Triple H thus making him the #1 Contender at Survivor Series

*********

Raw after Cyber Sunday kicks off with Eric Bischoff gloating that he has full power in the WWE now that Mick Foley is gone. Bischoff gives John Cena one more opportunity at Mr. Kennedy as he announces a Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match will end this long standing feud. John Cena gets a surprise though as one of his recruits - The Big Show - turns on him in the main event that night by knocking Cena out cold with a punch. Cena is now forced to find a new partner to join his team of CM Punk, Brian Kendrick, and Chris Jericho after the betrayal by Big Show.

Eric Bischoff shocks the WWE universe with his resignation on SmackDown after having just been appointed GM a few months prior.

The feud between former friends Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels is set to come to a head at Survivor Series after Flair challenges HBK to a Career versus Career Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match.

Rey Mysterio makes his return to SmackDown for the first time in nearly five months and Mr. McMahon awarded him a World Heavyweight title match against MVP in his return. Following some outside interference from Ezekiel Jackson and Edge - a double pin occurs and Mr. McMahon announces that he’s going to hereby vacate the title due to the controversial finish and the only way to determine a new champion will be inside of the Elimination Chamber at Survivor Series!

The season premiere episode of Raw sees Priceless capture their first tag team gold as they defeat CM Punk and Brian Kendrick in the opening match.

Mick Foley makes his return to Raw to say his goodbyes after having been fired as co-GM back at Cyber Sunday. Not surprisingly, Mr. Kennedy hijacks the segment and after verbally eviscerating Foley he attacks Kennedy with a microphone pummeling the legend until John Cena makes the save.

The mystery attacker is finally revealed to be Kurt Angle along with Paul Heyman! Eric Bischoff and Mr. McMahon are attacked after the lights go out on the final segment of the Raw Season Premiere. Angle is introduced as the newest Raw superstar by Eric Bischoff but when the lights go out the only men standing in the ring are Angle…and Paul Heyman!?!? Heyman reveals Angle and he are the masterminds behind the attacks and state that their motives will be very clear soon.

*********

Survivor Series 2007 | November 18, 2007
Amway Arena | Orlando, Florida

Team Cena (John Cena, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Brian Kendrick, & Matt Hardy) def. Team Kennedy (Mr. Kennedy, The Big Show, Priceless, & Kenny Dykstra) in a Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match

Gregory Helms def. Brent Albright to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Beth Phoenix def. Victoria to retain the Women’s Championship; Victoria tries to use the title to hit Beth with it but Mickie James interferes grabbing the title not allowing Victoria to cheat which allows Phoenix to secure the victory

Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Paul London, and Kofi Kingston) def. Team Flair (Ric Flair, Chris Masters, Jamie Noble, & Finlay) in a Classic Survivor Series Career versus Career Elimination Match

Batista def. Randy Orton & Triple H in a Triple Threat Match to become the NEW WWE Champion

Umaga def. MVP, Christian, Edge, Rob Van Dam, and Rey Mysterio in an Elimination Chamber Match to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion

*********

At the end of Survivor Series - Shane McMahon is shown knocked out cold backstage with personnel unsure of who attacked but many of course presuming that Kurt Angle and Paul Heyman have something to do with it.

Stephanie McMahon appears on Raw acting as the head authority figure before giving an update on her father and brother. She says her dad is on the mend and should return soon before vouching that Heyman and Angle are indefinitely suspended. Eric Bischoff makes his return thanking Stephanie for watching over Raw while he was recovering from his injury but in a rather not shocking event giving the recent attacks - Stephanie is laid out cold when the lights go off! Angle and Heyman both prey on Bischoff with Bischoff pleading to not do this again! In a stunning move though - Heyman and Angle help Bischoff up and hold his hand up high as it’s revealed that Bischoff is in cahoots with Heyman and Angle.

Triple H confronts Bischoff the following week threatening his boss about having his wife attacked by Angle and Heyman. HHH is interrupted though by Batista on the jumbotron who says that he “wouldn’t be a good friend of the Helmsley family” if he didn’t go and visit Stephanie at the hospital. The camera cuts back to show Batista bedside by Stephanie as Triple H bails the ring. Hunter makes it to the hospital as Raw comes to a close but the WWE Champion is nowhere to be found.

The Rock makes his return to the WWE for the first time since WrestleMania 23 on the 15th Anniversary of Raw special episode. The Rock is interrupted by Raw’s Resident Loudmouth - John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL, still angered at his mistreatment since being fired as SmackDown GM, bashes The Rock for appearing when he wants when JBL has been here day in and day out making the WWE what it is. JBL makes the mistake of attacking The Rock and he eats a Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow for his troubles.

Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase had been slandering their father’s names for weeks stating that their last names aren’t what got them to the WWE. In fact they declared that they would issue an open challenge to ANY tag team in Raw history to which the NEW AGE OUTLAWS answer the challenge. And not only do they answer - they bring DUSTY RHODES & TED DIBIASE with them! Priceless emerge victorious in the end reigning supreme still as tag team champions and looking to carry their momentum into 2008.

Mick Foley appears once more on Raw - this time on the 15th Anniversary episode - and it once again results in a Mr. Kennedy beatdown. This time though is a little different as TERRY FUNK returns to make the save for his long time friend. Wielding Foley’s barbed wire baseball bat - Mr. Kennedy bails not wanting anything to do with that crazy bastard Funk. But in a non surprising move - Kennedy jumps in and hits Funk with “Barbie” when Funk had his back turned helping Foley back onto his feet.

The Undertaker def. John Cena in the final of the Elimination Chase series which saw three different matches occur on Raw over a period of four weeks. ‘Taker now moves on to the Royal Rumble to face the winner of the Batista vs. Triple H match for the WWE title later on in the night. Big Show shocks the WWE universe when he chokeslams Triple H off the stage through a set of tables allowing Batista to retain the WWE Championship.

Eric Bischoff announces he has revoked the suspensions of Paul Heyman and Kurt Angle and he introduces the men back to Raw to discuss just why they have carried out the attacks. Heyman goes into detail talking about how Vince killed their respective companies but that he wanted them to come and work for him for pennies on the dollar and he still wouldn’t list to either his or Eric’s input. “We were your only options Vince and you’ve made sure to degrade the names Bischoff and Heyman ever since”. Mr. McMahon interrupts this and announces that nex week on Raw will be a Steel Cage Tag Team Match with the McMahon’s taking on Bischoff and Heyman! He then tells the duo that if Bischoff and Heyman lose that the duo and Angle and Big Show will all be FIRED!

*********

Armageddon | December 16, 2007
Mellon Arena | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Gregory Helms def. Billy Kidman to retain the Cruiserweight Championship

MVP def. Rob Van Dam

Christian def. Mark Henry

Gregory Helms def. Rey Mysterio & Test to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Shawn Michaels def. Chris Masters

John Morrison & The Miz def. Jeff Hardy & Paul London in a TLC Match to become the NEW WWE Tag Team Champions

Umaga def. Edge to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

*********

Brian Kendrick informed CM Punk that he would no longer be his tag partner as he’s moving onto bigger and better things. This sets the stage for the new The Brian Kendrick character to debut as Kendrick begins to portray a self important and unaware character.

Bischoff and Heyman shock the world by defeating the McMahon’s inside of the Steel Cage Match albeit some help presumably when the lights went out. When the lights came back on, Eric Bischoff had his arm draped over Mr. McMahon making the three count elementary and assuring the duo that they will remain in WWE for now. Interestingly when the lights went out Kurt Angle and Big Show were nowhere to be found. ​

​

 

[KOP]

Friday Night SmackDown | January 4, 2008
Richmond Coliseum | Richmond, Virginia

***Rise Up***

The opening video for SmackDown kick starts the show tonight before we head into the arena and are welcomed to the first SmackDown of 2008 by our commentating team Michael Cole & Tazz. They discuss tonight's big show including the Contract Signing for the World Heavyweight Championship match at the Royal Rumble and the WWE Tag Team Championships Match which will be starting things off tonight!

Match #1 | WWE Tag Team Championships
John Morrison & The Miz (C's) vs. Jeff Hardy & Paul London

As mentioned SmackDown is started off with the WWE Tag Team Championships being put on the line by the new champions John Morrison & The Miz against the former champs Jeff Hardy & Paul London. Hardy & London are invoking their rematch clauses tonight after their defeat at Armageddon in the TLC Match to Morrison & Miz. The four superstars put on a very worthy opening match getting sixteen minutes to display their talents. Hardy finds himself in trouble in the halfway portion of the match with Miz & Morrison making frequent tags working in on isolating the legs of Hardy. Hardy fights back though breaking free of a chokehold from Miz before spinning around Miz and hitting him with a Swinging Neckbreaker!

Hardy falls onto the mat but ends up making the tag to his tag team partner Paul London bringing in the fresh partner! London comes in all guns blazing as he hits Miz with a big dropkick before running over and knocking Morrison off the ropes! London catches Miz off guard with a Dropsault but only manages to get a two count! London riles the fans up trying to get them behind his team! London heads up to the top rope and as Miz rises to his feet he charges in the corner after London! London counters thinking quickly as he leaps onto Miz connecting with the Mushroom Stomp! Miz collides face first with the turnbuckles and as he turns around he gets drilled with an enzuigiri! London heads into the corner once more climbing the ropes but what he doesn't see is John Morrison come running after him in an attempt to knock London off the ropes! Jeff Hardy runs along the apron sacrificing his body as he leaps off the ropes and hits a Senton onto Morrison knocking one half of the champions down! Unfortunately for London's sake though he was distracted by this action and it ends up backfiring on him! Miz is able to roll out of the way on a Diving Crossbody attempt causing London to collide with the mat! Miz quickly runs up behind London planting him with the Reality Check to wrap up the victory and retain the WWE Tag Team titles in the first match of 2008!

Match Result: John Morrison & The Miz def. Jeff Hardy & Paul London to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Morrison grabs the WWE Tag Team title belts and slides into the ring sliding Miz's title belt to him as the two celebrate their victory perhaps a bit over the top. Both men embrace one another with Miz falling down losing his balance for some unknown reason. Morrison helps Miz back onto his feet as both men taunt the fans on their way up the ramp waving the tag team title belts literally in the faces of some fans near the ramp perhaps proving that they are indeed "The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century" as they claim to be.

After the break Josh Mathews is standing by backstage with "Mr. Friday Night" Rob Van Dam! Mathews thanks RVD for taking the time to speak with him tonight as he wanted to get his thoughts on what he sees himself doing in 2008. RVD thanks Josh for having him and he says that 2007 didn't exactly go as planned for him. He was attacked backstage by the Heyman/Bischoff Alliance causing him to miss several months of significant action. He fell short several times in his pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship but he says that things get back on track for RVD in 2008 because he's officially been announced as the first entrant from SmackDown in the 2008 Royal Rumble Match. Van Dam says he's going to go out there and show the twenty-nine other men in the ring that he still has it in him to be a World champion and that there is no one better than (cue thumb taunt) R...V...D!

Match #2 | Singles Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre

Dolph Ziggler is on next as he goes one on one with Drew McIntyre in the second match of Friday Night SmackDown this week. Ziggler continues his schtick of taunting his opponent by doing rather absurd taunts such as push-ups, posing for the camera, etc. all while his opponent is down and out. Ziggler fends off a comeback from McIntyre in the final seconds of the match avoiding a Big Boot in the corner from McIntyre causing McIntyre to get caught up on the ropes. McIntyre is able to wiggle his way off the ropes but as he does he's dropped with the Zig Zag to help secure the win for the rookie in his second match on SmackDown!

Match Result: Dolph Ziggler def. Drew McIntyre

The double champion Gregory Helms enters into the arena prepared for action but first he calls for a microphone. Helms receives his mic and says that recently he's realized that he's beaten each and every Cruiserweight that he's put his title on the line against! Veteran or rookie, former champion or not, it doesn't matter because Helms takes on all comers! And through it all he's managed to be a double champion through the past two months! So tonight he says he's going to issue an open challenge to any Cruiserweight in the back to come out and fight him with the Cruiserweight Championship on the line!

Helms receives a response but it's not exactly who he envisioned!! Out walks a short combatant (probably around 5'9 and maybe 170 pounds) heading towards the ring. Helms can't help but smirk wondering who exactly this competitor is. The wrestler steps into the ring and Helms asks him if he is lost. The young man tells Helms that he is out here to answer Helms' open challenge! The double champion asks the young man what his name is and the young man responds "Evan Bourne". Helms smirks and before he drops the mic he says "Well Evan...welcome to the big leagues "....

Match #3 | Cruiserweight Championship
Gregory Helms (c) vs. Evan Bourne

Helms attacks Bourne punishing him with several right hands before the referee is finally able to get Helms off of the young Evan Bourne. The referee is able to restore order and call for the bell before placing the title belts on the outside with the timekeeper. Helms wastes no time running at Bourne attacking the smaller competitor in the corner with a series of clotheslines before tossing him out of the corner. Helms grabs Bourne placing him back on his feet planting his challenger back into the mat with a Single Knee Facebreaker causing the smaller Bourne to clutch his face. Bourne turns around right as Helms comes running at him with the Shining Wizard but Bourne moves and shoves Helms face first into the middle turnbuckle! Helms stumbles back and Bourne trips him up getting a small package! The referee counts and Helms is unable to kick out of the count meaning we have a new champion!

Match Result: Evan Bourne def. Gregory Helms to become the NEW Cruiserweight Champion

This newcomer Evan Bourne has stunned the WWE tonight and most of all the former champion Gregory Helms! Michael Cole & Tazz can't believe that Helms is no longer a double champion and of course neither can Helms! Helms demands the match restart but the referee tells him there is nothing that can be done! Helms is throwing a fit in the ring kicking the ropes in anger after falling to a unknown commodity in his first ever appearance on SmackDown! Bourne stumbles up the ramp and is handed the Cruiserweight Championship clutching it and holding it tight embracing the fact that he is a champion in his first ever match in the WWE!

After the match Evan Bourne is seen walking backstage carrying his newly won Cruiserweight Championship with a big smile across his face. Bourne is walking towards the locker room and as he approaches the locker room we see Funaki, Shannon Moore, The Mexicools, Jimmy Wang Yang, and Kofi Kingston all backstage congratulating Bourne on dethroning Gregory Helms as the champion! All of the Cruiserweights shake hands with Bourne but as Bourne begins to walk away he's attacked by Helms! Helms ambushed Bourne with his Intercontinental title belt beating him down with the belt! The fellow Cruiserweights rip Helms off of Bourne throwing him off to the side to get him off of Bourne! Helms stumbles back running away from the Cruiserweights as the camera watches him running off into the distance as we head to commercial

"The Rated-R Superstar" Edge is seen making his way towards the arena to a nice pop as Michael Cole & Tazz tell us that he is heading to the ring...NEXT!

***Metalingus***

As previously mentioned "The Rated R Superstar" Edge is out near the halfway mark of the show to come out and speak regarding his recent events. Edge starts off the segment by thanking the fans for continuing to show support for him despite these troubling times he's found himself in recently. He thanks the fans and tells them that he feels he's getting closer and closer to becoming the World Heavyweight Champion for the third time in his career! He then moves on discussing the main reason he came out to the arena tonight – The Royal Rumble Match. Edge is quick to mention the interaction between John Cena & Randy Orton on Raw this past week saying that they are no threat to him when it comes to the Royal Rumble Match nor are any of the other twenty-seven men who will compete in the Royal Rumble.

And while he's on the topic of Orton he brings up his interaction he had with his former Rated RKO member at the 15th Anniversary of Raw show last month. This mention brings up a few pops from the fans as Edge says that a lot has changed in the past year since he was standing in this ring on the first SmackDown of 2007 with Orton but that the main thing that has changed is that Edge and Orton no longer are on the same page together. Edge says he has sat back watching Orton over on Raw and has watched the sadistic and maniacal monster that Orton has turned into and he's not impressed. He's not impressed because he has been He knows that he can take down anyone who gets in his way at the Royal Rumble whether it be a foe, friend, former friend such as Orton, or even family...

***Just Close Your Eyes***

Christian comes out to a nice ovation from the fans in Virginia as he makes his way to the ramp clad in his ring attire. Christian throws the hood on his jacket back after he receives his mic. He tells Edge that he certainly does love him seeing as they are brothers but he does take offense to the throwing family out of the Royal Rumble remark that he just made. Christian tells his brother that for years it's always been about Edge and that's fine because his brother has worked hard for his position in the WWE but so has he and he believes he can go toe to toe with the best in the business as well. Christian then tells Edge that he's lived in the shadow of his brother for long enough and now that he received confirmation he's going to be entered into the Royal Rumble match this year he's looking forward to emerging from that shadow and breaking free finally. Christian attempts to carry on speaking but he's stopped by...

***I'm Comin'***

Out struts MVP along with his bodyguard Ezekiel Jackson to come out and rain on the family party that is taking place in the ring. MVP tells the brothers that it's cute that they are arguing out here about which one is going to win the Royal Rumble but through all of this arguing he never once heard the name MVP brought up into the conversation. And if people want to take offense to comments being made MVP says that he should be the main one taking offense. MVP lets the brothers know that he is the fourth entrant into the Royal Rumble match from SmackDown per GM Jonathan Coachman and if we're being honest he's the biggest name in the Royal Rumble so far. MVP also brags that it's quite fitting that the Royal Rumble is this year in Madison Square Garden because when the lights are on bright MVP always shines baby!

Christian asks MVP if he came out here for any reason but to boast about himself as he always does. MVP informs Captain Charisma that he felt he needed to come out here and let it be known that if anyone is going to be winning the Royal Rumble it will be the man who was robbed of his World Heavyweight Championship when Mr. McMahon stripped him of the belt – Montel Vontavious Porter. But mainly he came out here to let Edge know that he plans on making sure that Edge falls short once again just like he did when he lost his title to MVP last summer! Edge shoves MVP after clearly having heard enough but Big Zeke steps in blocking Edge and Christian from MVP! The brothers do not seem intimidated and they both run at Big Zeke going after the big man but MVP steps in from behind his bodyguard joining in the melee in the ring before it's stopped by the music of the General Manager.

***Hard Hittin'***

The Coach steps out onto the stage demanding that all four men stop their fighting right now because he's got a better idea! We're going to have ourselves a tag team match right now with Edge & Christian teaming together to take on MVP & Ezekiel Jackson. All four men seem excited about this match as we head off to commercial after Coach's announcement.

Match #4 | Tag Team Match
Edge & Christian vs. MVP & Ezekiel Jackson

We return from the break with the action having already started and Big Zeke in the ring working over Edge right now. The big man hits Edge with several clubbing rights across the back before dragging him into the corner and tagging in MVP. MVP comes into the ring ready to go as he greets Edge with a slew of boots to the gut forcing Edge into the corner. MVP grabs Edge trying to Irish Whip him out of the corner but Edge reverses and instead sends MVP into the corner. The Rated-R Superstar explodes out of the corner running at MVP throwing him off guard with a thunderous clothesline. Edge falls into the corner making the hot tag bringing in Christian.

Christian comes in ready to go as he runs at MVP knocking him down with a dropkick before Irish Whipping him into the ropes. MVP comes dashing back at Captain Charisma who catches MVP with an uncharacteristic Spinning Heel Kick! Christian dashes onto MVP trying to cover him but MVP breaks the pinfall count up at two. Christian begins to rise to his feet again in an effort to try and prepare to close the match out as he tries to go for the Unprettier but MVP shoves Christian off into the corner! Porter dives into the corner tagging in Big Zeke who comes running in but Christian ducks and runs knocking MVP off the ropes! Christian turns his attention back to Jackson who charges at Christian in the corner but Christian catches Jackson's head and uses his momentum to throw Jackson into the mat with a Tornado DDT! Christian jumps onto the ropes leaping high off the turnbuckles connecting with a Frog Splash onto Jackson. Captain Charisma covers Jackson earning the big time victory tonight in tag team action.

Match Result: Edge & Christian def. MVP & Ezekiel Jackson

Edge steps into the ring hugging his brother as the duo have their hands raised in victory tonight. MVP waits on the outside holding the back of his head after taking the hard fall from Christian knocking him off the ropes. Edge & Christian celebrate their victory up the ramp as they have earned some major momentum heading into the Royal Rumble in just over twenty-three days time. Back towards ringside though we see some rather interesting events happen as MVP does not go to check on or help his bodyguard Ezekiel Jackson but instead he elects to leave ringside leaving Jackson alone in the ring as we head backstage.

Charlie Haas is backstage standing by with Maria in the interview area. Maria asks Haas about his big win over Rey Mysterio last week on SmackDown and how it has helped him in his recent winning streak. Haas lets Maria know that every time he competes he expects to win. He is after all a former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion. So the fact that he is on a winning streak should not come as a surprise to anyone. But despite him being on a winning streak he tells Maria that some people do not exactly see him as a "big timer" on SmackDown as he sees himself. The main person that continues to underestimate Haas is none other than the SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman. Haas says he's been asking Coach for months for a big opportunity and last week he finally received a match against Rey Mysterio and what did he do – he won! He's quieted the critics recently and for that very reason he is here to ask why hasn't he been announced as an entrant in the Royal Rumble? Haas says that one way or another he will find himself in the Royal Rumble match whether he is officially entered if Coach's brain begins to suddenly work or he will take matters into his own hands. The former IC champion walks away from the set as the screen goes black.

Match #5 | Singles Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Chuck Palumbo

Rey Mysterio is in action tonight against Chuck Palumbo trying to get back on the right track after his loss to Charlie Haas last week. Mysterio takes a beating from Palumbo in the beginning of the match but a timely dropkick to Palumbo sends the big man stumbling into the corner before he takes a Hurricanrana perfectly into the middle ropes. Palumbo is draped over the middle rope giving Mysterio ample time to charge at the big man with the 619 before hitting West Coast Pop off the top rope to earn a victory and hopefully put the "Master of the 619" back on the right track.

Match Result: Rey Mysterio def. Chuck Palumbo

We're sent backstage where we see "The Masterpiece" Chris Masters walking before he bumps into former ally Finlay. Masters seems to think that they are going to be all jovial with one another but Finlay doesn't appear to be in a joking manner. He says he was watching closely at Armageddon what Masters did to Ric Flair and honestly he didn't think that was necessary. Masters asks Finlay who is he to sit here and question the actions of the Masterpiece? Finlay gets into the face of Masters telling him that he better learn to show a bit more respect to his elders or he's going to find himself knocked on his ass if he doesn't change his ways. Both men stand face to face with one another before Finlay takes a few steps back continuing to stare at Masters before turning around and walking out of the scene as the camera keys in on the face of Masters who seems stunned at Finlay's words.

Before we head to another break Michael Cole & Tazz run down the Royal Rumble card hyping up the World Heavyweight title match between Umaga & Shawn Michaels before moving on to the Royal Rumble Match and mentioning the seven names that have been so far confirmed including Edge, Christian, and MVP from SmackDown. They finally end up hyping the Contract Signing for the World Heavyweight Championship match still to come tonight.

Jeff Hardy & Paul London are shown in the locker room discussing their match from earlier tonight against John Morrison & The Miz. Hardy tells London that he appreciated everything he has done for him and that they certainly had a very productive and fun run as WWE Tag Team champions. London agrees with Hardy saying he learned a lot more about not only himself but Jeff as well in that they are very similar in their styles. Hardy thanks London for the compliment and he tells Paul that he's been thinking recently about their futures in the WWE and how they both can certainly go very far in the future. He says he thinks it's time for the team to disband and move on. London doesn't seem very shocked by Hardy's words as he says that their team formed in a rather "different" fashion alluding to them being voted in at Cyber Sunday to compete as a team. So London agrees with Hardy and both men mutually shake hands with one another before saying that they both have one another's backs if they ever need anything. Both men go their separate ways after mutually splitting in an effort to try and further elevate their singles careers on SmackDown.

SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman is seen heading towards the arena in preparation for the Contract Signing. Coach is stopped though by Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms who is pleading his case with Coach about earlier tonight. Helms accuses The Coach of setting him up but Coach assures Helms that he did not set him up. Evan Bourne is a talent that was recently signed to SmackDown and he had every right to answer the open challenge. Helms begs Coach to reverse the decision but Coach asks Helms why it is such a big deal? He reminds Helms of all the bad talking about the cruiserweights that he has done over the past several months and asks Helms why does the title all of a sudden mean so much to him? Coach says he doesn't have any more time because he has a Contract Signing to tend to as Coach walks away leaving Helms to fume over the GM's actions tonight.

It's time for the Contract Signing as The Coach is out with contract in hand. He hypes the match up briefly before introducing first the challenger – Shawn Michaels. HBK strolls out to the ring looking all business tonight but it doesn't stop him from stopping and praying at the bottom of the ramp as he always does. Michaels enters the ring shaking hands with Coach as he takes a seat awaiting the arrival of the champion. Coach moves on once HBK has taken his seat and introduces the champion Umaga! Umaga walks out onto the stage – WHC belt dangling from his mouth – as Armando Estrada escorts him towards the ring. Estrada is beaming from ear to ear as always as he shows Umaga the way to the ring. Once Estrada and Umaga are in the ring Estrada shakes hands with Coach as he directs Umaga to stand behind the chair. Estrada has no interest sitting down either as he leaves his seat unoccupied leaving HBK to be the only one sitting at the table.

Coach prepares to begin the Contract Signing as he holds the clipboard up waving it around in the air talking about the match at the Royal Rumble. Coach tells the fans that the match at the Royal Rumble is going to be one of the biggest World Heavyweight Championship matches in a very long time! He talks up the challenger Shawn Michaels saying he's a four time World Champion and even reminds us that he won the Royal Rumble at last year's event! But of all of the opponents that HBK has fought in his long and storied career he doesn't think he's ever faced anyone like Umaga! Coach says that HBK is in for a challenge at the Royal Rumble against the "Samoan Bulldozer" and the current World Heavyweight Champion. Estrada interrupts Coach saying that it's not a "challenge" but it's really just a death wish on the behalf of Shawn Michaels.

Estrada chuckles after his comment saying that he really wonders if Shawn Michaels got "lucky" when he won the Over the Top Rope Challenge to face Umaga at the Royal Rumble. Estrada tells HBK that while Michaels may consider it another opportunity to try and climb back to the top of the mountain he has some unfortunate news for the Heart Break Kid because Umaga is going to rip him from limb to limb and be the man that ends the storied career of HBK.

HBK stops Estrada and tells him how original. He's heard it since he returned to the WWE over five years ago. He says it's no shocker that Estrada doesn't believe that HBK can win the big one when it matters. He admits that he hasn't a good go of it recently but that doesn't mean that he's going to back down from Umaga at the Royal Rumble. Estrada interrupts HBK this time saying that he doesn't need to back down from Umaga because he's never going to have a chance to stand up to him in the first place. Estrada brags on Umaga saying he's going to throw Shawn Michaels around like a rag doll and rip him from limb to limb before disposing of HBK in the very arena that Shawn Michaels has stolen the show for two decades – Madison Square Garden.

Coach intervenes into the discussion saying that if we will we need Armando Estrada to sign the contract on behalf of Umaga. Coach runs down the match briefly once again before asking Estrada once more to sign the contract. Estrada is handed the contract and after briefly thumbing through it he signs it and pushes it towards HBK. Coach asks HBK to sign the contract but before he can even do so Estrada speaks up once more. Estrada pleads with HBK to not sign the contract because he cannot be held responsible for the reprehensible mauling that Umaga is going to put upon HBK at the Royal Rumble. HBK looks at the contract before looking up at Estrada and he signs the contract! HBK says he seriously doubts Umaga is going to "maul" him at the Royal Rumble but he can show Estrada what is going to happen at the Royal Rumble!

HBK stands up and flips the table over causing Estrada to stumble back! Umaga tries coming at the champion but in just one second he's dropped by Sweet Chin Music! The World Heavyweight Champion is down! It's rare for Umaga to be knocked off his feet but in one swift move he has been swept off his feet by Sweet Chin Music! HBK exits the ring dancing up the aisle as Estrada is absolutely stunned in the ring at what just happened! Estrada checks on Umaga as the champion begins to stir but still the sight of Umaga being knocked down has his handler perturbed. HBK stares from the top of the ramp with his arms crossed looking down the aisle as SmackDown comes to a close.


*********

21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
Official Theme Song: Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll - Airbourne

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns Title Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: John Cena, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, The Big Show, Christian, Edge, MVP, Rob Van Dam
11 Raw and 11 SmackDown Superstars TBA

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shawn Michaels

United States Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. Elijah Burke w/Theodore Long​

 

[KOP]

Monday Night Raw | January 7, 2008
Mohegan Sun Arena | Uncasville, Connecticut

The opening video focuses on the latest Monday Night Raw which occurred two weeks ago on Christmas Eve. The first showing on the video package are the "confrontations" that WWE Champion Batista thought he had with The Undertaker but what really turned out to be just a figment of his own imagination.

The final featured segment on the video package is the main event match with Triple H going up against The Big Show with the thirtieth entrant spot in the 2008 Royal Rumble on the line. A bad interference effort by Eric Bischoff backfires causing Triple H to defeat Big Show with the Pedigree to secure the victory. Triple H brutally beats down The Big Show with his trusty sledgehammer post match to drive home a point towards Bischoff & Paul Heyman. Heyman prevents Kurt Angle from trying to enter the ring during the beatdown as a livid Angle threatens to snap Triple H's ankle if he gets a chance to get his hands on him. The video package comes to a close with Triple H stopping at the ramp with security preventing him from going back down to the ring as the screen immediately turns into the Raw opening video package...

***To Be Loved - Papa Roach***

Once the video is over we're greeted at ringside by Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler as they welcome us to the first Monday Night Raw of 2008! JR informs us that The McMahon's will be making their return to Raw for the first time in over a month to supposedly confront Eric Bischoff & Paul Heyman once again. JR then mentions that Kurt Angle is going to be in action tonight on Raw for the first time in nearly two years. King takes over now saying that tonight he's going to be calling out JBL in regards to him attacking JR and himself (King) two weeks ago post JBL's match. JR tries pleading with King once again to not risk his health and well being by stepping into the ring to call JBL out. King says it has to be done and he will make sure that JBL never messes with them ever again. As King tries to continue hyping up the show he's interrupted...

***I Walk Alone***

The WWE Champion Batista enters the arena clearly pissed off at the mind games The Undertaker has been playing on him for the past several weeks. The champion strolls down the entrance ramp before finally entering the ring with the WWE title thrown over his shoulder. Batista receives a mic and immediately starts off by reminding the fans that he is NOT scared of The Undertaker. There is no man - dead or alive - that Batista fears. The champ states that he wishes The Undertaker would stand in the ring with him face to face without all of his "scary bullshit tactics" that he has to use to try and play mind games because he's not man enough to look him in the eyes.

But he doesn't blame The Undertaker at all for staying wherever he is. He understands that The Undertaker is a mere shadow of his former self. He can't go like he used to and he certainly can't hang with the best the business has to offer. It's why he knows that Undertaker fears the fact that the Royal Rumble is coming up in just twenty days, which is when Batista will destroy Taker's legacy once and for all at the World's Most Famous Arena (Madison Square Garden).

The Animal gets ready to speak another point until flames burst around the ring clearly stirring the WWE Champion! The flames go out quickly and Batista is clearly pissed as he kicks the ropes in anger! He takes back pretty much all he said earlier about The Undertaker demanding to get The Undertaker in the ring right now! Batista shouts out saying that Undertaker's act is all "smoke and mirrors" and that it may have worked on him before but not this time! Batista demands The Undertaker come out right now but it may not exactly be how he wanted to hear and see The Undertaker right now.

The voice of The Undertaker beams across the Mohegan Sun Arena as the Deadman's voice can be heard. The lights go dark in the arena with a spotlight beaming down on the champion in the ring. "Batista...in twenty days you will go one on one with the Phenom! There will be no running or hiding when you enter the ring at the Royal Rumble! Just like there won't be any running or hiding right now...

The lights come back on and Undertaker is behind Batista! The Undertaker grabs Batista by the throat but he struggles in gaining control of Batista as the WWE Champion kicks The Undertaker in the gut! Both men brawl into the corner as the fight turns back into the favor of 'Taker who hits Batista with right hands to the upper chest! Undertaker grabs Batista throwing him into the ropes but he gets absolutely demolished by a Spear from The Animal! The WWE champion jumps back onto his feet roaring as he kicks The Undertaker over on his back and stands over the challenger bringing Raw to an emphatic start! The champion grabs his title and he makes his way up the ramp but as he nears the top he watches on the jumbotron and sees Undertaker sit up! Batista quickly turns his head looking back at the ring absolutely stunned as we head to commercial.

Match #1 | Non-Title Tag Team Match
Priceless (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase) vs. The Colon’s (Primo & Carlito)

Raw's first match of the new year is a tag team match featuring the World Tag Team Champions Priceless facing off against Primo & Carlito in a non title match. Of important note is that The Bluebloods are sitting at ringside and they are certainly not letting the fans or JR & King forget that they defeated Primo & Carlito last week in a six man tag team match. Back to the match we get a twelve minute exciting contest to kick the show off with Priceless dominating the majority of the match. Borrowing his brother's finisher Primo catches Ted DiBiase off guard with a Back Cracker giving Primo & Carlito the shocking win over the champions! Regal & Burchill stand up dropping their headsets as they try to enter the ring but Primo & Carlito are prepared this week! The brothers watch as Regal & Burchill back their way up the ramp snarling at their failed attack on the winners of the opening match.

Match Result: The Colon’s def. Priceless

Todd Grisham is backstage standing by as he says that he has a very special guest that he is getting to interview tonight. This garners a few pops from the fans but they are disappointed when Grisham introduces Brian Kendrick! Kendrick seemingly unaware of the boos walks in beaming from ear to ear. He flips one of his business cards at Todd and informs Todd that he no longer goes by Brian Kendrick. Kendrick says that with a new year comes a new opportunity and that Brian Kendrick is in the past...it's now THE Brian Kendrick! The Brian Kendrick informs Todd that he will be making his re-debut as a singles wrestler next and he hopes that his former tag team partner CM Punk is back in the locker room taking notes.

Kendrick flips his hair back as he adjusts his jacket and begins to walk to the arena but he doesn't get far before he bumps into his former partner CM Punk! Punk doesn't look amused at The Brian Kendrick's actions as of recent and he lets Kendrick know how he feels. Punk says that when he gets the chance he's going to pummel the "pretty face" of Brian Kendrick. Kendrick corrects Punk saying that it's "THE Brian Kendrick" now. Punk says he doesn't care what his name is - he will call him what he wants. Kendrick flicks a business card hitting Punk with it. Punk is livid as Kendrick scampers off to the ring with Punk standing by absolutely pissed.

Match #2 | Singles Match
The Brian Kendrick vs. Goldust w/ Santino Marella

Two of Raw's most enigmatic superstars are in one on one action as recently renamed The Brian Kendrick takes on Goldust with Santino Marella at ringside. The Brian Kendrick struggles from the get go against the long time WWE vet but a well timed eye poke and beautiful enzuigiri causes Kendrick to start dancing in the ring from side to side eagerly awaiting Goldust to rise to his feet. Kendrick throws Goldust's head underneath his arm and runs up the ropes planting Goldust with his also renamed finisher The Kendrick (formerly Sliced Bread) to wrap up the victory.

Match Result: The Brian Kendrick def. Goldust

Paul Heyman and Kurt Angle are shown in a hallway with Angle warming up and doing stretches as Heyman hypes him up. Heyman tells Angle that tonight he steps back into a Raw ring for the first time in nearly two years. He's come a long way since then and tonight he's got an opportunity to prove why Heyman personally handpicked him to be the "man behind the plan". Angle gets back onto his feet after stretching and slaps his head a few times mentally hyping himself up as Heyman tells him let's go. The two men make their way towards the ring as Angle will be in action....NEXT!

Match #3 | Singles Match
Kurt Angle vs. Steven Richards

Kurt Angle is in action in the third match of the night against Steven Richards in what most certainly is a one sided contest. Angle throws the former ECW star around the ring with numerous German Suplexes before dropping Richards with an Angle Slam! Angle throws the straps down on his singlet as Heyman screams out at him to "break his freakin' ankle". Angle takes orders from his boss as he grabs Richards' ankle and locks in the Ankle Lock and it's not long until Richards taps out!

Match Result: Kurt Angle def. Steven Richards via submission

The referee tries pulling Angle off of Richards but Angle falls onto the mat and wraps his legs around Richards' ankle keeping the hold locked in! Extra help comes running out from the back as Heyman gets into the ring and cheers Angle on! Finally security is able to rip Angle off of his opponent and escort him to the back as we see medics come down to check on Richards. Richards has to be helped to the back as he is limping on one foot due to unable to being able to walk on his bad ankle.

JR puts over the sheer damage that Kurt Angle did tonight in his first match on Raw in over a year and a half. He says that the tenacity and the pure meanness that he's seen in Kurt Angle in the past few months is certainly dangerous and a cause of concern for the WWE.

Mr. Kennedy is being interviewed backstage by Todd Grisham primarily about the Royal Rumble Match in just three weeks time. Grisham asks Kennedy if his recent "obsession" with Mick Foley is going to possibly cause him a chance to main event WrestleMania? Kennedy asks Grisham if he is stupid. He tells Todd that nothing can stop him from proving everyone (including Mick Foley) wrong and earning the chance to make history at WrestleMania 24. Mr. Kennedy lets Todd know that he has an agenda f0r the new year - win the Royal Rumble, main event WrestleMania, become WWE champion, and kill the legend of Mick Foley. "And it all starts...January 27th"

King comes over the broadcast and states that he will be entering the ring next to address JBL. JR tries pleading with King once again to not enter the ring but Lawler stands up and takes his headset off entering the ring to a slight pop as we cut to a break

Jerry "The King" Lawler is standing in the ring as we come back from break with a microphone in hand. King says that he has had a bad taste in his mouth recently with the way that a certain talent has been carrying himself. He says that this talent is of course John Bradshaw Layfield. King tells the audience that last week was all that he could handle. He could not allow a talent to bully and embarrass the ringside crew like he did. He watched JBL taunt Lilian Garcia, bully the ring announcer, and disrespect an all-time great in his partner and best friend "Good Ole J.R." Jim Ross.

King says that he is not going to let anyone stand by and bully JR and that's why he stood up to JBL last week. He states that JBL made a big mistake and that he messed with the wrong one when he made the decision to push him (King) down last week. King tries to continue speaking but gets interrupted by JBL who walks out with no music and a microphone already in hand.

JBL cuts King off telling the legendary announcer to go back and sit in his cozy seat if he knows what is good for him. King says that he is not going to back down from JBL which causes JBL to smirk. He says that King sure does have a big set of balls to come stand in the ring with a "Wrestling God" like himself. JBL smirks once again and warns King that he'll even hold the ropes open for him to leave the ring right now before he puts his geriatric self into the nursing home where he rightfully belongs.

King moves up into the face of JBL saying that he's said it already a few times tonight and he will say it one final time - "I'm not going anywhere". JBL laughs at King and he turns his head before reaching back and he attempts to throw a punch but King blocks it! Lawler throws a right stunning JBL before throwing another right causing Layfield to go reeling towards the corner. JBL takes over though quickly with a big knee to Lawler's sternum before shoving King backwards. Lawler turns around into a Clothesline from Hell from JBL! King is knocked out in the ring as JBL falls down onto both knees and grabs a microphone. He grabs King by the head and holds him up looking at him before saying... "I told you to leave Jerry...but you didn't want to listen".

JBL rises back onto his feet grabbing his towel and throwing it around his neck as he begins to walk to the back. JR is concerned at ringside as he wants to enter the ring to check on his long time partner but he knows better. JBL looks on as medics come running past him to check on Lawler as he smirks and walks up the ramp. JR says that he is absolutely disgusted by Layfield and that he knows that this will not be the last thing to happen between these two men.

Backstage after the previous events we see Mickie James standing by talking with a few of her diva friends (Maryse & Melina) about last week's match where Victoria illegally entered the ring and attacking Mickie before the Womens Champion Beth Phoenix came into the ring and pinned Mickie. Mickie tells her friends that she doesn't get what Victoria doesn't understand - that they aren't or never were friends. She doesn't understand why Victoria is so crazy. Melina & Maryse completely agree with Mickie and Mickie says that she's ready to put these issues to bed. She's going to go to Eric Bischoff next week and ask for Victoria one last time.

Match #5 | Singles Match
Elijah Burke vs. Matt Hardy

Our fourth match sees "The Guiding Light" Elijah Burke go one on one with Matt Hardy. Hardy and Burke go at it for several minutes with Hardy actually gaining the advantage for the majority of the match. But right when Hardy tries for a Twist of Fate Burke gets a timely interference from Teddy Long allowing Burke to low blow Hardy and drop Hardy with the Elijah Experience to bring the match to a close.

Match Result: Elijah Burke def. Matt Hardy

The Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin is at ringside sitting down with JR and Todd Grisham who joined JR after the break. Burke leaves the ring and walks over towards the commentating table talking trash to his former friend and opponent at the Royal Rumble. Burke tells Benjamin that his time begins in three weeks at the Royal Rumble when he shows the WWE fans what they've been missing out on this entire time - "A Guiding Light for Good". Burke and Benjamin come face to face but Long pulls his client back from Benjamin as they walk towards the back.

John Cena is backstage heading towards the arena as JR and Todd Grisham hype up the main event of John Cena vs.. Kenny Dykstra. They run over the brief history between Cena and Dykstra and say that Dykstra will try to finally beat Cena tonight. They finally hype up the McMahon's making their return later tonight as well.

Match #5 | The Main Event
John Cena vs. Kenny Dykstra w/ Kelly Kelly

With time being pressed for the McMahon segment later tonight the main event doesn't get as much time as it maybe normally would but Cena and Dykstra make the most out of the nine minutes they got. Dykstra is accompanied to the ring by his girlfriend Kelly Kelly and she does all she can to cheer on Dykstra. Dykstra catches Cena with a flying clothesline off the ropes stunning the former WWE Champion. Dykstra heads to the ropes for a Diving Leg Drop but Cena rolls out of the way! Cena goes through the motions hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle and planting Dykstra with the F-U for the win.

Match Result John Cena def. Kenny Dykstra

Cena stands up celebrating his big victory to kick off 2008 but he isn't able to celebrate long because Randy Orton hits the ring and drops Cena with an RKO out of nowhere! JR is going wild at ringside shouting that no one saw that coming at all. Todd reminds JR of their confrontation on the Christmas Eve Raw two weeks back with both men discussing their entries into the Royal Rumble. Todd says he thinks that this is a message to Cena that Randy Orton will be the man headlining WrestleMania 24 and not John Cena! Orton slithers out of the ring and heads to the back not saying a thing.

A limousine pulls up and it's presumably time for the McMahon's to enter the arena! The limo driver steps out and goes to open the door but all of a sudden we see him run off screen! We hear a vehicle approaching as the camera stays focused on the limousine door but OUT OF NOWHERE THE CAR COMES CRASHING INTO THE BACK OF THE LIMO! Bystanders and arena workers come running over to the McMahon limousine as we hear someone holler "Go get Triple H". The worker runs off as JR & Todd Grisham are frantically panicking about how bad this situation is getting. They tell us we'll be right back with an update on this breaking situation!

Back from the break we see paramedics on the scene helping pull the McMahon's out of the car and tend to their injuries. Vince is complaining about his neck bothering him while Shane's leg is apparently bothering him. The ladies seem to be okay but are still being tended to as they were near the front of the limousine. Triple H is absolutely livid right now as it's pretty damn clear who concocted this plan.

Paramedics go to try and check the car that caused the crash and see some complete random stranger behind the wheel! Triple H walks over and pushes the paramedics away and THROWS the man out of the car onto the ground. He grabs the man by the throat throwing him against the cold hard ground repeatedly asking who he is! The man who is clearly shaken up bad by the wreck stutters out that his name is John Wilson. Triple H continues shaking the man and grabs him and throws him against the car! He asks John why he is backstage? John slurs out that he works at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Triple H finally asks John what he was doing to cause this wreck...and John hesitates but ultimately says that "Bischoff & Heyman paid me".

Triple H lets go of the innocent man and STORMS off as the cameras follow him! We see the paramedics still tending to the McMahon's and it appears they will be alright but perhaps all a bit shaken up from the incidents. Back to Triple H he is running down the hallway and he is banging on Eric Bischoff's locked office but he gets no answer. Triple H shouts at Bischoff "open the damn door Bischoff". Still no answer from Bischoff which prompts HHH to kick open the door! Triple H dashes in and looks around but there is no sign of Triple H!

We hear car tires squealing down in the garage causing Triple H to go running back towards the incident scene! The car peels away as Triple H is seen running back towards the garage but it's too late! The random car got away presumably carrying Bischoff as we see the car ride off into the night! Triple H is seen standing by the wreck scene looking out and hollering out "I'm going to kill you Bischoff" as the first Raw of 2008 comes to a shocking close.

*********

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
Official Theme Song: Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll - Airbourne

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns Title Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: John Cena, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, Christian, Edge, MVP, Rob Van Dam
12 Raw and 11 SmackDown Superstars TBA

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shawn Michaels

United States Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. Elijah Burke w/Theodore Long​

 

[Order]

Hello! Looking forward to reading this and giving you some feedback. Really enjoyed the summary and it sounds like it has been one heck of a ride. Do you use EWR or anything or is this all from your creative brain? Anyway, onto SmackDown.

-Morrison/Miz retain - The right decision as they only just won the titles back and the amicable split between Paul London and Jeff Hardy was great. In my opinion, there should be a lot more of this in real life rather than there always having to be a turn to break up a team. Interested to see who becomes the next challengers for Morrison and Miz who I loved during this era.

-Dolph Ziggler - Was pleased to see him win at the very beginning of his career. Will be keeping tabs to see how you develop him as a character while he picks up some wins and how quickly he gets into a proper feud.

-Debut of Bourne/Helms attack and anger - I love a surprise like this and what better time to do it than the first show of the year? The open challenge is always a classic way of a heel biting off more than they can chew and Bourne being the newcomer and the man to shockingly win the title is a great choice. He immediately adds value and a feud between Helms and him sounds fun if that's what you decide to do given he is a double champion. Other than that the division does look weak so maybe Paul London gets involved in time.

-Edge/Christian/MVP - A nice interaction here which was fun and there is lots to unpack. On the one hand, you have the history with Edge and Christian but with the Royal Rumble coming up we all know that probably won't last. Edge certainly hinted that he needs to go back to being heinous. You've really made MVP into a star and a main-event player and having Ezekiel Jackson as his heater is a good choice. I think Edge and Christian winning the match was the right call for now though. I kind of hope Jackon stays with MVP but looks like you may be about to move him on.

-Michaels and Umaga contract signing - I really enjoyed this and thought it was very well done. Estrada tried to back HBK into a corner but in the end, paying the price was textbook I thought you did it really well. Michaels dropping Umaga with one Sweet Chin Music makes him a major threat to the title immediately. Was a massive fan of Umaga back in the day and was sad he never got a title run so I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this run.

And here goes my comment on your first RAW over here which carried on the great work from SmackDown!

-Batista and the Undertaker - These two always had decent chemistry so I have no problem with them feuding here although I am not a fan of the supernatural stuff. Whether it be Undertaker or anyone else it just isn't for me but I know you won't change that and rightly so. Anyway, it should be a good match when they collide.

-The Brian Kendrick - I was never a major fan of The Brian Kendrick but I bloody loved this gimmick. I think it could actually be a really good rivalry with CM Punk. Intrigued to see how you build him and how it goes differently from what happened in real life without Ezekiel in the fold. I think Punk eventually comes out on top.

-King/JBL - This was enjoyable and although I am not a fan of either man, especially all these years on this would have had my attention during this time period and fans would have been mega-invested in the involvement of JR in it too. Wondering what the end goal for the two of them is.

-John Cena vs. Randy Orton - I mean you have to run it! It was the feud of this period and I always felt they had better matches than they were given credit for. Nice little build here before the Royal Rumble and their involvement in trying to secure the main event match at WrestleMania.

-McMahon limo smash - I don't know what it is but I always love a car crash as part of my wrestling and this was no different. Triple H is going to go mad when he eventually gets hold of Bischoff/Heyman/Angle and I can't wait to read all about it. It feels like a massive storyline and one that will be a match for Mania so maybe none of these people will be in title contention which opens up the scene quite nicely for you.

Overall, a really good RAW show and I think it was slightly below SmackDown but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I enjoyed reading the backstory and these shows and I'm really invested to keep reading on so well done and keep up the great work!

 

[KOP]

Friday Night SmackDown | January 11, 2008
Wachovia Center | Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

***Rise Up***

Michael Cole & Tazz welcome us to Wilkes-Barre, PA tonight as we are only sixteen days away from the 21st Annual Royal Rumble! Both men hype up last week's Contract Signing for the World Heavyweight Championship and the ending which saw the challenger Shawn Michaels lay out the champion Umaga with Sweet Chin Music sweeping the Samoan Bulldozer off his feet in one swift second. Cole tells us that in tonight's main event we will be seeing "The Heart Break Kid" go one on one with another big man – "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry.

Match #1 | Tag Team Match
Evan Bourne & Billy Kidman vs. Gregory Helms & Jamie Noble

We kick off with action for the second straight week with another tag team match. The NEW Cruiserweight Champion Evan Bourne tags with Billy Kidman to take on the FORMER Cruiserweight Champion and current Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms along with his partner Jamie Noble. Michael Cole & Tazz remind us that Evan Bourne debuted on last week's SmackDown and defeated Gregory Helms to capture the Cruiserweight Championship.

It's a very fast paced tag team match with all four men showcasing why they are current or former Cruiserweight champions. Bourne is being zoned in on by the heel team of Helms and Noble for the majority of the match but in the end it is Bourne that takes the fall when Helms catches Bourne off guard with a small package – just like Bourne surprised Helms with last week – (but the difference is Helms has the tights) to earn the win for his team.

Match Result: Gregory Helms & Jamie Noble def. Evan Bourne & Billy Kidman

Helms grabs a microphone post-match as he grabs his Intercontinental Championship and stands up on top of the announce table. He announces to the crowd that last week was a fluke and when he said he would take on "any comers" he meant any active WWE wrestler. The fans boo Helms comments which he clearly said he would take on ANYONE last week. But Helms says that's not the point. The point is that on January 27 at the World's Most Famous Arena he will cement his legacy in WWE lore forever. He's arranged to cash in his rematch clause for the Cruiserweight Championship at the Royal Rumble AND not only is he fighting for the Cruiserweight Championship that night but he's also in the Royal Rumble Match. The Intercontinental Champion closes with hyping himself up by saying that he will be a double champion again come Royal Rumble and when it's all said and done on March 30 we will be looking at the first ever Triple Champion in WWE history! Bourne begs to differ as he raises the Cruiserweight title in the air to an ovation from the fans for the rookie.

Josh Mathews is standing by with Dolph Ziggler who is beaming from ear to ear after beating Drew McIntyre last week. Mathews asks Ziggler why he finds it necessary to "show off" in the ring and do push-ups, sit-ups, and taunt his opponents? Ziggler looks at Josh sideways before smirking and saying that he's not afraid to be himself. If it works for him then he's going to do it. He's always been one to "show off" and damn it...it's Going to stay that way as long as he is successful. Ziggler tells Josh that he asked for this time tonight to speak about a tragedy. He asks Josh if he knows what that tragedy is?

Josh shrugs his shoulders so Dolph asks him again. Josh answers this time "No" which causes Ziggler to state that the tragedy is that he isn't currently in the Royal Rumble Match. How can you have the most talented and most athletic wrestler on the SmackDown roster NOT in the Royal Rumble? He is an up and coming wrestler - the future of SmackDown - and better yet the man that should have been announced as the FIRST entrant from SmackDown in the Royal Rumble yet he's not even in it! Ziggler says that Josh can take notes because he's about to go out there and show ALL of the WWE fans just why he's called "The Show Off".

Match #2 | Singles Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Super Crazy w/ Psicosis

Dolph Ziggler is in action shortly after his tirade as he takes on one half of the Mexicools - Super Crazy. Super Crazy stands no chance against Ziggler who comes out looking heated after his interview throwing wild punches left and right followed up by a big Swinging Neckbreaker. Ziggler drops down on the mat flexing and taunting Super Crazy before pulling the Mexicool up and planting him in the mat with the Zig Zag to push his record in WWE to 3-0!

Match Result: Dolph Ziggler def. Super Crazy

Now back on his own - Jeff Hardy is heading to the ring as he will be going one on one with Chris Masters - NEXT.

Match #3 | Singles Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Masters

As aforementioned Jeff Hardy goes one on one with Chris Masters. Prior to the match it is announced by Michael Cole that Hardy will be competing in the Royal Rumble Match as well as his former tag team partner Paul London. Meanwhile at ringside is Finlay who had a confrontation last week with his former ally Chris Masters. Masters and Hardy go at it for about eight minutes with the main focus being on Hardy being a singles wrestler for the first time in nearly three months. The former IC champion goes to battle against Masters giving it all he has tonight and it appears that it's going to pay off towards the end when he knocks Masters flat into the mat with the Twist of Fate. But as Hardy heads to the top ropes for the Swanton Bomb we see Masters roll out of the ring and walking up the ramp refusing to lose tonight by pin fall but instead taking the loss by count out.

Match Result: Jeff Hardy def. Chris Masters via count out

Finlay says that he's not surprised at Masters' actions but he's going to meet him backstage and have some comments for him just like he did last week. Finlay hurries off to the back as cameras shift backstage to find Masters holding his head. Finlay finally catches up with "The Masterpiece" and asks him what the hell that was about? Masters says "mind your business you old bastard" before pushing his shoulder into Finlay and continuing walking. This clearly lights a fire under the long time vet Finlay who shoves Masters back and a fight is ensuing backstage! Finlay has the upper hand briefly shoving Masters over a coffee break table and onto the floor. The Irishman jumps on top of Masters but Masters rolls him over pummeling his former partner. Security comes over pulling both men away from one another with Masters promising Finlay that next time he sticks his nose in his business he will end Finlay's career for good.

The Coach is backstage talking to some arena workers about how exciting last week's contract signing for the World Heavyweight Championship was! Coach says he hasn't had a bigger match signed for a PPV since he took over as SmackDown GM! He personally can't wait but what he really can't wait for is the Royal Rumble Match. Coach says he can't wait to see what SmackDown superstar is going to emerge victorious and win the thirty man melee and main event WrestleMania 24! We hear someone cough behind Coach and as the camera turns around we hear a "uhm...hmmm" and it's revealed to be Charlie Haas!

Coach shrugs and says not you again to Haas to which Haas takes offense. Haas tells Coach that is no way to talk to a former Intercontinental champion and a man who is on a current winning streak. Haas says he needs to ask Coach something and Coach obliges. Haas asks why he is not in the Royal Rumble Match. Coach says that as of right now he's got a certain amount of spots announced but that he's still trying to narrow down the field. Haas smirks at the GM and asks him if he is even paying attention to what he has accomplished in the past several weeks. He beat Rey Mysterio a few weeks back. So what else does he need to do to earn Coach's respect? Coach says that Charlie can be patient just like the other SmackDown superstars that are waiting to see if they will be entered into the Royal Rumble. Haas says that's not the answer he was looking for and he'd hate to have to take matters into his own hands if he doesn't end up in the Royal Rumble match. Haas gives a friendly pat on the back and a wink to Coach before exiting the area.

MVP is backstage lounging around with a few ladies drinking some champagne and having the time of his life. Interestingly though Big Zeke is nowhere to be found. Well...that is until he walks into the locker room. Big Zeke asks MVP what last week was about when MVP left him at ringside after their tag team match. MVP tells Jackson that it's nothing personal but that he had some business he had to tend to. He assures Big Zeke that nothing is wrong though and that he fully is committed to having Big Zeke behind him as his bodyguard. Big Zeke seems to go along with it and MVP hands him a glass of champagne telling him to sit down and enjoy the rest of the evening before he has to go out and compete later tonight. Big Zeke grabs the glass thinking about it for a second but he obliges and sits down enjoying the champagne with MVP and the fine ladies before the screen cuts black.

RAW Rebound: In a shocking ending to this week's Monday Night Raw we see a vehicle crash into the limousine of the McMahon family as it was preparing to depart the Mohegan Sun Arena. After arriving on the scene, Triple H finds out that the man who crashed into the McMahon's was paid off by Raw GM Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman. Triple H storms off vowing to find Bischoff but it appears to be too late as a car is heard peeling off back in the garage before driving off into the night.

Match #4 | Singles Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Kid Kash

The fourth match of the night gives us a quick match up with Rey Mysterio once again in action this week as he takes on Kid Kash. The match is a bit of an ode to Mysterio's "past cruiserweight" days as both men do their fair share of quickly moving about the ring and high flying moves. Mysterio catches Kash off guard with a seated senton off the ropes for a near fall but Kash rolls through grabbing the tights almost getting a three count but Mysterio is able to wiggle free and break the count. Kash grabs Mysterio off the mat hitting him with a swinging neckbreaker before attempting the Dead Level but Mysterio breaks free shoving Kash into the ropes before connecting with the 619 followed with the West Coast Pop for another win for the Master of the 619!

Match Result: Rey Mysterio def. Kid Kash

After the match Rey Mysterio grabs a microphone and announces that he was informed before the match that he has been entered into the Royal Rumble match! Rey talks briefly about how he's came very close to winning the Royal Rumble and realizing a childhood dream of main eventing WrestleMania. But Rey says that it feels a little bit different this year. He says that he believes that this is the year for him to finally make the jump and win the Royal Rumble. Rey tries to continue speaking but CHARLIE HAAS HITS HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A STEEL CHAIR! Haas is laying into Mysterio with the chair before he throws the chair to the side and locks in the Haastile Takeover!

Michael Cole is heard hollering for someone to come help Rey Mysterio out in the arena! The possessed look in Haas' eyes right now are seriously concerning as Haas looks relentless right now. We see some security come running down to the ring trying to rip the former IC champion off of Mysterio. Haas doesn't budge as security tries to grab him initially but they are finally able to rip him off of Mysterio. Haas is kicking wildly as he lands a few kicks to the head of Mysterio as he gets escorted out of the arena. Tazz reminds us earlier in the show about Haas saying that he would take matters into his own hands if he doesn't find himself in the Royal Rumble and well this may just be what he was talking about. Cole acknowledges that Mysterio is receiving some help from the training team before reminding us that maybe Haas is targeting Mysterio because of him beating Mysterio a few weeks ago on SmackDown and that being Haas' main selling point to Jonathan Coachman in being in the Royal Rumble match. Tazz says he is uncertain about what Haas' motives are but that someone needs to do something about that lunatic!

Post match we have Michael Cole & Tazz hype up the upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view in just sixteen days time! Cole first tells us about the Cruiserweight Championship match which was just announced earlier tonight with the new champion Evan Bourne making his first title defense against Gregory Helms in a rematch from last week. Tazz says that while he has enjoyed seeing the up and coming Bourne compete the past two weeks he has to lean towards the veteran Helms in regaining the gold.

Discussion then moves on to the World Heavyweight Championship match between "The Samoan Bulldozer" Umaga and "The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels. Cole says that HBK has fought a lot of big men in his storied career but perhaps the biggest one he will ever face will come in the form of Umaga in sixteen days time. Tazz lets us know that he's not really sure if HBK can hang in the ring with a giant like Umaga but that if anyone can defy the odds it's certainly Shawn Michaels!

And finally the Royal Rumble match is hyped up by the duo talking about how one superstar's dreams are going to come true on January 27th in "The World's Most Famous Arena". Cole emphasizes that the winner of the Royal Rumble gets to choose what title they want to wrestle for in the main event of WrestleMania and that he has a feeling SmackDown will have the Rumble winner choose to fight for the World Heavyweight Championship again this year just like HBK chose to. Finally, Tazz reminds us of our main event tonight - "The Heart Break Kid" goes up against Mark Henry in what is assured to be a hard hitting contest.

WrestleMania Moment - WrestleMania 2000 - April 2, 2000

In the first ever Triangle Ladder Match in WWE history - the brother duo of Edge & Christian captured the then WWF Tag Team Championships in an exciting mach against their future rivals The Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz in an absolute WrestleMania classic. This would mark Edge & Christian's first reign as WWF Tag Team Champions but certainly not their last as they would go on to win six more tag team titles together.

WrestleMania XXIV - 80 Days Away

Edge & Christian are seen watching the monitor together backstage reminiscing on the good ole days before talking about last week's tag team match talking about how great it was for them to get to team together again. Christian said he appreciates every chance he gets to team with his brother but he lets Edge know that unlike him he hasn't been to the top of the mountain yet. He hasn't been able to taste what it's like to be the top star and have everyone chanting your name when you walk in as World Heavyweight Champion. And he wants that feeling just like Edge has had. Christian says that their bond is definitely strong but if push comes to shove and it's him and Edge out there then you best believe that Captain Charisma is going to do whatever it takes to headline WrestleMania in the Nation's Capital!

Edge says he understands where his brother is coming from. After all they did put on a classic back at WrestleMania 22 against one another. But things have changed since then. They see eye to eye now but what Christian is missing is that Edge has main evented WrestleMania BACK to BACK now and he plans on making it a trifecta. He pats his brother on the back and tells him no hard feelings but he has a feeling that the Royal Rumble is going to end up being Rated R when the night draws to a close in Madison Square Garden. The Rated-R Superstar exits the backstage area as Christian stands there looking off camera to ponder the statements from his brother.

Match #5 | Singles Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Ezekiel Jackson

It's time for another match as Rob Van Dam is in action against "Big Zeke" Ezekiel Jackson. MVP is noticeably absent from ringside which shocks Big Zeke due to their "reconciliation" earlier tonight but the big man doesn't let it bother him. In fact it inspires him against the former WWE Champion as Big Zeke focuses on the sternum of RVD beating him with numerous knees to the stomach and dropping him with a big Military Press Slam causing Van Dam to land hard on his stomach. Ezekiel bends down to grab RVD but interestingly the music of MVP hits.

MVP makes his way to the ring nonchalantly paying no mind to Big Zeke but obviously Big Zeke wants to know what is going on. MVP hollers at Big Zeke telling him to worry about his match he's in right now. The distraction serves long enough for Jackson to turn around into a Spinning Heel Kick from Van Dam. RVD springs off the ropes with the Rolling Thunder before heading up top! Five Star Frog Splash straight onto the body of the big man and it's a one...two...three Count for RVD as he picks up a big win heading into the Royal Rumble match in sixteen days time.

Match Result: Rob Van Dam def. Ezekiel Jackson

While Van Dam is busy celebrating on the outside MVP grabs a microphone and slides into the ring. He kneels down by Big Zeke checking on him before telling him that he's sorry. He helps his bodyguard back onto his feet and begins to walk him towards the ropes but FROM BEHIND BIG ZEKE AND MVP COMES A MYSTERIOUS MAN WHO CLUBS BIG ZEKE FROM BEHIND! The man lays into Ezekiel Jackson with several pummeling blows to the chest before MVP quietly tells him something. The man grabs Ezekiel lifting the huge superstar up and throwing him over his shoulders before connecting with a Facebuster! This big specimen of a man pounds his chest letting out a huge roar as MVP slaps him on the chest saying "job well done".

MVP picks the microphone back up saying that he is truly sorry...sorry that he never went out and hired the best back up that money can buy. MVP lets us all know that when you're the highest paid superstar in the WWE money can cure everything. And when he realized that Big Zeke couldn't measure up to his high standards he needed to do something about it. MVP points to the mysterious man before saying "Enter Big-E". He hypes up Big E saying that no man in the WWE can match up to the sheer strength that Big E possesses. Not even Ezekiel Jackson! MVP lets out a "secret" saying that if he was a betting man (which he is) then he'd put all of his money on himself to win the Royal Rumble! MVP exits with his newly hired bodyguard Big E as Tazz comments on how massive of a man Big E is. The fans cheer for Ezekiel as he gets back onto his feet staring down MVP and Big E at the top of the ramp. Cole & Tazz remind us our main event is coming up NEXT - Shawn Michaels versus Mark Henry one on one as a graphic comes across the screen hyping the match.

We get a pre-recorded segment before the main event is set to kick off from the WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz. Miz says that unfortunately for the fans of Wilkes-Barre that they were unable to make it to SmackDown this week but don't fear - they have a good reason! John Morrison chimes in saying that indeed they do! They are out in Hollywood celebrating their victory last week in the first match of SmackDown for 2008 when they retained their titles over Jeff Hardy & Paul London! Miz says that they've ran into several A-listers while out in Hollywood (and cue horrible photoshopped pictures of Miz & Morrison with these stars) such as Brad Pitt, Leonardo di Caprio, and even Halle Berry! Morrison says it's a shame that they couldn't be at SmackDown this week but he assures the fans that they will be back next week in preparation for the Royal Rumble! This draws some ire from the fans as Miz & Morrison sign off saying that they're going out for a night on the town once again!

Match #6 | The Main Event
Shawn Michaels vs. Mark Henry

The main event kicks off with Shawn Michaels going up against Mark Henry. Prior to the match we get clips of the Contract Signing last week where HBK flipped the table on Umaga's handler Armando Estrada before dropping the World Heavyweight Champion with Sweet Chin Music! HBK has a big task ahead of him tonight though as he faces off against "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry. Henry gains the upper advantage early on when he caught HBK with a Crossbody attempt before slamming down HBK with a Sidewalk Slam! Henry tries to finish off HBK early with a World's Strongest Splash but HBK rolls out of the way before Henry can squish Michaels into the mat.

The wily veteran HBK plays up his intelligence pointing to his head saying he's not going to let Henry beat him that easily. Henry corners HBK and proceeds to go on the attack from there on out focusing on the leg of HBK in an effort to prevent the veteran from having a chance for Sweet Chin Music. Henry gets a bit more offense in on HBK as the match continues to carry on but Michaels finds himself making a comeback. HBK was irish whipped into the ropes by Henry but he came flying back at The World's Strongest Man with a flying forearm. Unfortunately for HBK - Henry doesn't budge! An angry Mark Henry takes off after HBK with a clothesline attempt but Michaels ducks underneath it! Henry turns around - SWEET CHIN MUSIC! Out of nowhere HBK plants the big man with Sweet Chin Music! The fans are going wild but right as HBK tries to cover Mark Henry we hear....

Match Result: Shawn Michaels vs. Mark Henry ended in a No Contest

***Virtual Voodoo***

An angry World Heavyweight Champion comes barging out into the arena with Armando Estrada running behind him. Estrada tries to hold Umaga off but Umaga is going to have none of it! Umaga comes charging into the ring after Michaels and it is on! HBK and Umaga are going at it exchanging blows but a timely headbutt from Umaga stuns HBK causing him to fall onto the mat. Umaga peels HBK off the mat as the attitude of Estrada has suddenly changed. He breaks his cigar in half signaling to finish off HBK! Samoan Spike to the throat of the number one contender! But Umaga isn't done there! He drags HBK into the corner before setting HBK up and hitting him with the Samoan Bulldozer! The fans are in disgust as HBK's head bounces off the turnbuckles hard causing the body of the Heart Break Kid to fall over onto the mat! Armando Estrada steps into the ring as Umaga stands over HBK looking at the carnage he created! Estrada holds the World Heavyweight Championship up over the head of Umaga! Michael Cole says he has no idea how Shawn Michaels is going to be able to overcome arguably the biggest challenge of his career at the Royal Rumble! Tazz agrees with Cole saying that HBK is going to have to pull some type of trick out of his hat if he wants to walk into WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion! Both men thank us for tuning into SmackDown tonight before saying they will see us next week! Good night!

*********

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
Official Theme Song: Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll - Airbourne

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns Title Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: John Cena, Kane, Kurt Angle, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, Christian, Edge, Gregory Helms, Jeff Hardy, John Morrison, MVP, Paul London, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, The Miz
9 Raw and 5 SmackDown Superstars TBA

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shawn Michaels

United States Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. Elijah Burke w/Theodore Long

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Gregory Helms
​

 

[RDK]

WWE: Unleash the Fury - The Return

First off let me introduce myself to the forums. I've been booking since 2005 starting out on WF then followed it up by lurking on WC before joining over there and doing a few small projects before bringing this thread over there earlier this year. I've taken several long hiatuses throughout the years so by no means have I booked for the last seventeen years. Anyways, the interesting thing about this thread is that I've had most of the plans in place for the upcoming WrestleMania in place for now well over a decade. So needless to say if I don't do anything else ever in BTB - it's to at the minimum get to WrestleMania 24 in this thread.

I look forward to posting some recaps I did over on WC to give the history of the thread to any newcomers plus the recent shows before ultimately posting the Royal Rumble which I just finished last week. I think it's a pretty good show and good starting point for anyone that has never read any of my stuff.

So please bare with me as it took me nearly a year to finish the Royal Rumble but I'm working on trying to get this rolling and look forward to meeting everyone here.


*********

Monday Night Raw

Staff:

WWE Chairman: Vincent K. McMahon
Raw General Manager: Eric Bischoff
Commentary Team: Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler
Backstage Staff Members: Maria & Todd Grisham
Ring Announcer – Lilian Garcia

Active Roster:

Batista - WWE Champion
Carlito
Chavo Guerrero
Chris Jericho
CM Punk
Cody Rhodes - World Tag Team Champion
Domino
Elijah Burke
Goldust
Hardcore Holly
John Bradshaw Layfield
John Cena
Kane
Kenny Dykstra
Kurt Angle
Lance Cade
Matt Hardy
Mr. Kennedy
Paul Burchill
Primo
Randy Orton
Santino Marella
Shelton Benjamin - United States Champion
Steven Richards
Ted DiBiase - World Tag Team Champion
The Brian Kendrick
Trevor Murdoch
Triple H
Undertaker
Val Venis
William Regal

Active Divas:

Beth Phoenix - Women's Champion
Jillian
Katie Lea Burchill
Kelly Kelly
Maryse
Melina
Michelle McCool
Mickie James
Victoria

Inactive:

Big Show

Managers:

Paul Heyman (currently managing Kurt Angle)
Theodore Long (currently managing Elijah Burke)

Tag Teams/Stables:

Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
The Bluebloods (William Regal & Paul Burchill)
Priceless (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase)
Santino Marella & Goldust
Primo & Carlito

*********

Friday Night Smackdown

Staff:

WWE Chairman – Vincent K. McMahon
Smackdown General Manager – Jonathan Coachman
Commentary Team – Michael Cole and Tazz
Backstage Staff Members – Josh Mathews
Ring Announcer – Justin Roberts

Active Roster:

Big E
Billy Kidman
Charlie Haas
Christian
Chris Masters
Chuck Palumbo
Deuce
Dolph Ziggler
Drew McIntyre
Edge
Evan Bourne - Cruiserweight Champion
Ezekiel Jackson
Finlay
Funaki
Gregory Helms - Intercontinental Champion
Jamie Noble
Jeff Hardy
Jimmy Wang Yang
John Morrison - WWE Tag Team Champion
JTG
Kid Kash
Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry
MVP
Paul London
Psicosis
Rey Mysterio
Rob Van Dam
Shannon Moore
Shad Gaspard
Super Crazy
Tajiri
Test
The Miz - WWE Tag Team Champion
Umaga - World Heavyweight Champion

Inactive:

Brent Albright (Length of Time TBA)
Shawn Michaels (Length of Time TBA)

Managers:

Armando Estrada (currently managing Umaga)
Matt Striker (managing Test)
Ric Flair (managing Chris Masters)

Tag Teams/Stables:

The Mexicools (Psicosis & Super Crazy)
Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard & JTG)
John Morrison & The Miz


**********

Title History:

Layout Credit: Wolf Beast

WWE Championship

(1) John Cena (April 3, 2005 - January 2, 2006)
defeated John Bradshaw Layfield (WrestleMania XXI, Los Angeles)
lost to Kurt Angle in a Steel Cage Match (Raw: Night of Champions, East Rutherford)

(5) Kurt Angle (January 2, 2006 - April 2, 2006)
defeated John Cena in a Steel Cage Match (Raw, East Rutherford)
lost to Rob Van Dam (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)

(1) Rob Van Dam (April 2, 2006 - November 26, 2006)
defeated Kurt Angle (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)
lost to Randy Orton in an Elimination Chamber Match (Survivor Series, Philadelphia)

(1) Randy Orton (November 26, 2006 - April 1, 2007)
defeated Rob Van Dam in an Elimination Chamber Match (Survivor Series, Philadelphia)
lost to Chris Jericho (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)

(2) Chris Jericho (April 1, 2007 - June 24, 2007)
defeated Randy Orton (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)
lost to Batista in a Championship Scramble Match (Night of Champions, Houston)

(1) Batista (June 24, 2007 - August 19, 2007)
defeated Chris Jericho in a Championship Scramble Match (Night of Champions, Houston)
lost to Triple H (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)

(6) Triple H (August 19, 2007 - November 18, 2007)
defeated Batista (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)
lost to Batista in a Triple Threat Match (Survivor Series, Orlando)

(2) Batista (November 18, 2007 - Present)
defeated Triple H in a Triple Threat Match (Survivor Series, Orlando)

United States Championship

(1)Rey Mysterio (January 6, 2006 - April 14, 2006)
won a Battle Royal for the Vacant Championship (SmackDown, Green Bay)
lost to Booker T in a No Holds Barred Match (SmackDown, Spokane)

(4) Booker T (April 14, 2006 - June 23, 2006)
defeated Rey Mysterio in a No Holds Barred Match (SmackDown, Spokane)
lost to Bobby Lashley in a Street Fight (SmackDown, Milwaukee)

(1) Bobby Lashley (June 23, 2006 - July 23, 2006)
defeated Booker T in a Street Fight (SmackDown, Milwaukee)
lost to Mr. Kennedy in a Steel Cage Match (Great American Bash, Indianapolis)

(1) Mr. Kennedy (July 23, 2006- January 28, 2007)
defeated Bobby Lashley in a Steel Cage Match (Great American Bash, Indianapolis)
lost to Matt Hardy (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)

(1) Matt Hardy (January 28, 2007 - August 6, 2007)
defeated Mr. Kennedy (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)
lost to Shelton Benjamin in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Buffalo)

(1) Shelton Benjamin (August 6, 2007 - Present)
defeated Matt Hardy in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Buffalo)

Women's Championship

(6) Trish Stratus (January 9, 2005 - April 2, 2006)
defeated Lita (New Year's Revolution, San Juan)
lost to Mickie James (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)

(1) Mickie James (April 2, 2006 - July 15, 2006)
defeated Trish Stratus (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)
lost to Victoria in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Dallas)

(3) Victoria (July 15, 2006 - April 1, 2007)
defeated Mickie James in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Dallas)
lost to Beth Phoenix (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)

(1) Beth Phoenix (April 1, 2007 - July 22, 2007)
defeated Victoria (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)
lost to Mickie James (Great American Bash, San Jose)

(2) Mickie James (July 22, 2007 - August 19, 2007)
defeated Beth Phoenix (Great American Bash, San Jose)
lost to Beth Phoenix (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)

(2) Beth Phoenix (August 19, 2007 - Present)
defeated Mickie James (SummerSlam, East Rutherford)

World Tag Team Championships

(1) Kane & The Big Show (November 1, 2005 - February 20, 2006)
defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch (Taboo Tuesday, San Diego)
lost to 3 Minute Warning (Raw, Trenton)

(1) 3 Minute Warning (February 20, 2006 - June 5, 2006)
defeated Kane & The Big Show (Raw, Trenton)
lost to MNM in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Pittsburgh)

(1) MNM (June 5, 2006 - September 17, 2006)
defeated 3 Minute Warning in a Triple Threat Match (Raw, Pittsburgh)
lost to Ric Flair & Charlie Haas (Unforgiven, Toronto)

(1) Ric Flair and Charlie Haas (September 17, 2006 - January 28, 2007)
defeated MNM (Unforgiven, Toronto)
lost to The Gold Standards (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)

(1) The Gold Standards (January 28, 2007 - June 24, 2007)
defeated Ric Flair & Charlie Haas (Royal Rumble, San Antonio)
lost to CM Punk & Brian Kendrick (Night of Champions, Houston)

(1) CM Punk & Brian Kendrick (June 24, 2007 - November 5, 2007)
defeated The Gold Standards (Night of Champions, San Antonio)
lost to Priceless (Raw Season Premiere, Los Angeles)

(1) Priceless (November 5, 2007 - Present)
defeated CM Punk & Brian Kendrick (Raw Season Premiere, Los Angeles)

World Heavyweight Championship

(1) Batista (April 3, 2005 - January 29, 2006)
defeated Triple H (WrestleMania XXI, Los Angeles)
lost to Edge (Royal Rumble, Houston)

(1) Edge (January 29, 2006 - May 21, 2006)
defeated Batista (Royal Rumble, Houston)
lost to Kurt Angle in Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match (Judgment Day, Kansas City)

(1) Kurt Angle (May 21, 2006 - October 08, 2006)
defeated Edge in Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match (Judgment Day, Kansas City)
lost to Edge (No Mercy, Raleigh)

(2) Edge (October 08, 2006 - July 6, 2007)
defeated Kurt Angle (No Mercy, Raleigh)
lost to MVP via Money in the Bank Cash In (SmackDown, Dallas)

(1) Montel Vontavious Porter (July 6, 2007 - November 2, 2007)
defeated Edge via Money in the Bank Cash In (SmackDown, Dallas)
lost title via vacating after controversial finish (SmackDown, Long Island)

Vacant (November 2, 2007 - November 18, 2007)

(1) Umaga (November 18, 2007 - Present)
Won vacant title in Elimination Chamber (Survivor Series, Orlando)

Intercontinental Championship

(1) Ric Flair (September 18, 2005 - January 2, 2006)
defeated Carlito (Unforgiven, Oklahoma City)
lost to Chris Masters in a Six Pack Challenge (Raw: Night of Champions, East Rutherford)

(1) Chris Masters (January 2, 2006 - March 18, 2006)
defeated Ric Flair in a Six Pack Challenge (Raw: Night of Champions, East Rutherford)
lost to Shelton Benjamin in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Detroit)

(2) Shelton Benjamin (March 18, 2006 - September 17, 2006)
defeated Chris Masters in a Triple Threat Match (Saturday Night's Main Event, Detroit)
lost to Jeff Hardy in a Ladder Match (Unforgiven, Toronto)

(2) Jeff Hardy (September 17, 2006 - May 20, 2007)
defeated Shelton Benjamin in a Ladder Match (Unforgiven, Toronto)
lost to Charlie Haas (Judgment Day, St. Louis)

(1) Charlie Haas (May 20, 2007 - June 24, 2007)
defeated Jeff Hardy (Judgment Day, St. Louis)
lost to Brent Albright (Night of Champions, Houston)

(1) Brent Albright (June 24, 2007 - October 28, 2007)
defeated Charlie Haas (Night of Champions, Houston)
lost to Gregory Helms in a Winner Takes All Tag Match (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)

(1) Gregory Helms (October 28, 2007 - Present)
defeated Brent Albright in a Winner Takes All Tag Match (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)

WWE Tag Team Championships

(2) MNM (October 28, 2005 - April 2, 2006)
defeated The Legion of Doom in a Fatal 4 Way Match (SmackDown, Daly City)
Lost to Brian Kendrick and Paul London in a 2 of 3 Falls Match (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)

(1) Brian Kendrick and Paul London (April 2, 2006 - February 9, 2007)
defeated MNM in a 2 of 3 Falls Match (WrestleMania XXII, Phoenix)
lost to Deuce & Domino (SmackDown, Omaha)

(1) Deuce & Domino (February 9, 2007 - March 30, 2007)
defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London (SmackDown, Omaha)
lost to The Mexicools (SmackDown, Grand Rapids)

(1) The Mexicools (Psicosis and Super Crazy) (March 30, 2007 - July 6, 2007)
defeated Deuce & Domino (SmackDown, Omaha)
lost to Jesse & Festus in a Fatal 4 Way (SmackDown, Dallas)

(1) Jesse & Festus (July 6, 2007 - August 31, 2007)
defeated The Mexicools in a Fatal 4 Way (SmackDown, Dallas)
Lost to John Morrison and The Miz (SmackDown, Albany)

(1) John Morrison & The Miz (August 31, 2007 - October 28, 2007)
defeated Jesse & Festus (SmackDown, Albany)
lost to Jeff Hardy & Paul London (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)

(1) Jeff Hardy & Paul London (October 28, 2007 - December 16, 2007)
defeated John Morrison & The Miz (Cyber Sunday, Washington D.C.)
lost to John Morrison & The Miz (Armageddon, Pittsburgh)

(2) John Morrison & The Miz (December 16, 2007 - Present)
defeated Jeff Hardy & Paul London (Armageddon, Pittsburgh)

Cruiserweight Championship

(5) Juventud (November 25, 2005 - January 20, 2006)
defeated Nunzio (SmackDown, Sheffield)
lost to Jamie Noble (SmackDown, Florence)

(1) Jamie Noble (January 20, 2006 - April 1, 2007)
defeated Juventud (SmackDown, Florence)
lost to Paul London in a Triple Threat Match (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)

(2) Paul London (April 1, 2007 - May 20, 2007)
defeated Jamie Noble in a Triple Threat Match (WrestleMania XXIII, Miami)
lost to Gregory Helms (Judgment Day, St. Louis)

(3) Gregory Helms (May 20, 2007 - June 29, 2007)
defeated Paul London (Judgment Day, St. Louis)
Forfeited the title after throwing into Gulf of Mexico

Vacant (June 29, 2007 - October 7, 2007)

(4) Gregory Helms (October 7, 2007 - January 4, 2008)
Captured title in Cruiserweight Chaos Match (No Mercy, Rosemont)
lost to Evan Bourne (SmackDown, Richmond)

(1) Evan Bourne( January 4, 2008 - Present)
defeated Gregory Helms (SmackDown, Richmond)

*********

Upcoming PPV Schedule

WWE No Way Out | Sunday February 17, 2008 | Las Vegas, Nevada

WWE WrestleMania XXIV | Sunday March 30, 2008 | Washington D.C.

WWE Backlash | Sunday April 27, 2008 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

WWE Judgment Day | Sunday May 18, 2008 | Omaha, Nebraska

WWE Vengeance | Sunday June 1, 2008 | San Diego, California

WWE King of the Ring | Sunday June 29, 2008 | Dallas, Texas

WWE Retribution | Sunday July 20, 2008 | Uniondale, New York

WWE SummerSlam | Sunday August 17, 2008 | Indianapolis, Indiana

WWE Unforgiven | Sunday September 21, 2008 | Cleveland, Ohio

WWE No Mercy | Sunday October 5, 2008 | Portland, Oregon

WWE Survivor Series | Sunday November 23, 2008 | Boston, Massachusetts

WWE Armageddon | Sunday December 14, 2008 | Buffalo, New York​

I remember you from some of the BTB world cups over on WF, good to see you here

 

[KOP]

WWE Monday Night Raw | Monday January 14, 2008
Alabama Civic Center | Mobile, Alabama

Monday Night Raw kicks off this week with shocking footage from the end of last week's Raw where the McMahon limousine was crashed into by an unknown person. Arriving onto the scene in time to try and help out his in-laws and wife was Triple H who digs deep into the story of the mysterious driver and finds out that Eric Bischoff & Paul Heyman paid him off to crash into the lim0! Triple H stormed off to the office of the Raw GM Eric Bischoff but Bischoff was nowhere to be seen! Triple H appeared to be a little too late after hearing a car peel off in the parking lot bringing an shocking end to Raw.

***To Be Loved – Papa Roach***

After the opening video package we are welcomed to Monday Night Raw by Jim Ross and Todd Grisham who is filling in for Jerry Lawler after the heinuos attack from John Bradshaw Layfield on Jerry Lawler last week. Only thirteen nights away from the Royal Rumble we are sure to have an exciting night on Raw tonight. Eric Bischoff is scheduled to speak later tonight regarding the ending to Raw last week plus we've been told that WWE Champion Batista will be in action tonight against Matt Hardy in our main event. Todd is attempting to speak but he doesn't even get a chance because of this familiar music...

***Time to Play the Game***

An clearly irate Triple H storms out of the back and heads to the ring not worried about any of his normal gestures or poses. The Game makes his way into the ring grabbing a mic and telling the people in the back to cut the music. Hunter wastes no time saying that he is not out here tonight to beat around the bush and say what he's going to do to Eric Bischoff and company when he gets his hands on them – he's going to give Eric Bischoff one opportunity to get out here right now or he's going to go and find him. And for Bischoff's sake he better choose to come out here right now.

Triple H waits a few seconds and on the jumbotron appears the Raw GM Eric Bischoff in front of a black screen. Bischoff apologizes to Triple H saying that unfortunately he cannot make it out to the arena right now because he's busy talking business with someone. Bischoff informs Triple H that he doesn't owe him anything especially since he took out The Big Show three weeks ago on Raw taking him out of the Royal Rumble Match and sidelining him for the foreseeable future. But Bischoff says that he is a fair man and that he believes every Raw superstar should have an opportunity to compete in the Royal Rumble Match so he's going to give Triple H an opportunity. BUT there's a catch...

Triple H attempts to cut off Bischoff but Bischoff has Triple H's microphone appropriately cut off. Bischoff says he's willing to give Triple H an opportunity spot IF he can run the Gauntlet tonight. Oh and he doesn't think that Triple H should worry about trying to come find him because his first match starts....NOW!

Triple H rips his shirt off in disgust at Bischoff throwing it to the side as Bischoff has once again found a way to one up Triple H. Jim Ross says we'll be right back from the break as Triple H tries to earn his way into the Royal Rumble Match.

Match #1 | Gauntlet Match
Triple H vs. Hardcore Holly

Triple H is already dominating our open match as it comes back from the break and his first opponent turns out to be long time WWE veteran Hardcore Holly. Holly seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time tonight as the relentless Triple H is showing no mercy on the veteran. Triple H beats Holly down with several shots to the face causing Holly to bleed a little from his nose. The Game scoops Holly back up planting him into the mat with a Spinebuster before grabbing Holly once more and planting him with the Pedigree to end the match early at two minutes and thirty three seconds in.

Match Result: Triple H def. Hardcore Holly

Match #2 | Gauntlet Match
Triple H vs. Kenny Dykstra w/ Kelly Kelly

Kenny Dykstra is the next poor soul up to face the pissed off Triple H as he comes out to the ring along with his girlfriend Kelly Kelly. Dykstra gets a kiss from Kelly Kelly before running into the ring and running right into a hard clothesline from Triple H. Triple H works over the body of Dykstra trying his damn hardest to destroy the youngster. The Game grabs Dykstra picking him up but the wily youngster sneaks an eye poke in without the referee seeing it giving Dykstra a chance to turn the tide of the match. Dykstra works over Triple H for the next few minutes trying his hardest to earn that elite victory he's been desperately seeking for months. But unfortunately for Dykstra tonight is not the night because after a premature attempt at a Leg Drop attempt – The Game wisely moved out of the way causing Dykstra to land painfully on his ass. Triple H quickly struck hitting Dykstra with another Pedigree to close the second match out at six minutes and nine seconds.

Match Result: Triple H def. Kenny Dykstra

Match #3 | Gauntlet Handicap Match
Triple H vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

Triple H grabs onto the ropes asking who's next as out comes Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch! Todd Grisham tells us that he's been informed that Cade & Murdoch will BOTH be eligible to compete in this portion of the Gauntlet Match as this will be a Handicap Match! Cade and Murdoch both storm the ring and Murdoch gets greeted by a series of kicks from Triple H to the back but they don't last long as Triple H gets turned inside out from a big clothesline from the Big Texan Lance Cade! Cade begins to lay into Triple H as Murdoch joins the fight and JR informs us that this match will continue after the commercial break.

Back from the break and Cade & Murdoch are doing a number to Triple H slowly starting to wear down The Game and causing a bit of concern for Triple H's chances at entering the Royal Rumble. Cade and Murdoch both double team Triple H planting him into the mat with a double team suplex dropping The Game hard on his back. Triple H sits up holding his back wincing in pain as Cade and Murdoch begin stomping away at Triple H not giving him a chance to breath. Cade picks Triple H up holding him up and putting his arms behind his back. Murdoch runs at The Game preparing to hit him with a hard right hand but Triple H breaks free and Murdoch punches his teammate Lance Cade! Cade grabs his face while Murdoch turns around right into a Spinebuster! Triple H clotheslines Lance Cade over the ropes hard as Cade lands hard on his side before tumbling up against the barricade. Triple H wastes no time grabbing Trevor Murdoch and hitting his THIRD Pedigree of the night before covering Murdoch and moving on once again in the Gauntlet.

Match Result: Triple H def. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

Match #4 | Gauntlet Match
Triple H vs. Kane

The lights go out in the arena before pyro explodes and out comes Kane! Easily the biggest opponent in the Gauntlet that Triple H will have faced head to head tonight! The Big Red Machine enters the ring and both Triple H and Kane are going at it exchanging blows. Kane grabs Triple H by the throat trying for an early Chokeslam but Triple H breaks free and hits Kane with a DDT planting the monster's head into the mat. Triple H tries to take a second to breath but he doesn't have long as Kane sits up! The Game turns around looking at Kane and he walks over to grab Kane but Kane grabs Triple H chunking him into the corner.

Kane hits Triple H with a series of upper cuts knocking Triple H loopy sending the Game stumbling back. Kane goes on the offense from here Irish whipping Triple H into the ropes before Hunter comes back right into a Big Boot from Kane! Kane grabs Triple H hurling him onto his shoulders looking for the Tombstone Piledriver but Triple H slips off Kane's shoulders! Triple H kicks Kane in the sternum before trying to throw Kane's head between his legs for the Pedigree! Triple H looks like he's about to close out the fourth match of this Gauntlet series but it's not meant to be because KURT ANGLE HITS THE RING AND HITS KANE WITH A STEEL CHAIR BEFORE HITTING TRIPLE H WITH THE CHAIR TOO! ANGLE IS GOING NUTS IN THE RING EVEN HITTING KANE AGAIN WITH THE CHAIR A COUPLE OF TIMES FOR GOOD MEASURE! The Wrestling Machine lays into Triple H with the steel chair hitting him with shot after shot after shot as Paul Heyman stands on telling Angle to not give up! Angle finally drops the steel chair as we see blood coming from the head of Triple H who was trying to protect his face from the steel chair shots but was unable to!

Match Result: Kane def. Triple H via DQ

Kurt Angle slides out of the ring with Paul Heyman not wanting to hang around too long and due to him getting his point across tonight! With mic in hand Paul Heyman says it's such a shame that Triple H won't be in the Royal Rumble anymore since he wasn't able to run the Gauntlet tonight. How disappointing! Heyman lets Triple H know that maybe instead of being in the Royal Rumble match he should be more worried about being at the hospital with his family. Heyman says it's such a shame that tragedy found the McMahon family last week – he would never wish anything like that upon anybody! Angle's manager says that he had nothing to do with last week's accident. Heyman insists he has never met John Wilson (the man who wrecked into the McMahon's limo). But Heyman says that now that the Bischoff/Heyman Alliance has gotten rid of the McMahon's and Triple H that their focus is now on Kurt Angle main eventing WrestleMania and the Alliance taking over full control of the WWE.

Heyman pats Angle on the back and tells him a job well done as the cameras shift back into the ring showing a bloodied Triple H sitting back up receiving medical attention. JR says it's a damn shame that Paul Heyman and Kurt Angle felt the need to interfere tonight but that he's not shocked. Grisham chimes in on JR's comments saying that it was rather smart for Angle to attack Kane first in order to get Triple H disqualified and thus make him not an entrant in the Royal Rumble. JR says that he knows Paul Heyman is no idiot but he really wonders if Heyman knows what he's getting himself and Kurt Angle into dealing with the McMahon's and Triple H.

The referee immediately calls for help as we see some medics come down to check on Triple H but Triple H wants none of it. He gets up on his own power for the most part needing little assistance to get back onto his feet. Triple H exits the ring with help down the steps but he stumbles his way up the ramp showing that he will not be denied in his quest to avenge last weeks events.

Triple H is hobbling backstage as we return from commercial and he grabs a random worker by the shirt and throws him against the wall. "Find me Bischoff or it'll be your ass". Triple H tosses the worker to the side as the worker says "Yes sir" and goes about his business quickly as the camera focuses on a bloodied and irate Triple H.

We now cut backstage and see a familiar face back in an old place as Maria is standing by backstage. Maria says that it's great to be back on Raw and that she is making her return to Raw after a year on SmackDown. She is interrupted by the World Tag Team Champions Priceless with Cody Rhodes asking her if the interview is about her or the champions? Maria attempts to apologize to Rhodes but Ted DiBiase chimes in telling Maria not to apologize because she's not truly sorry. DiBiase says he's not surprised that they can't even get a proper introduction because since day one when they arrived on Raw they've been an afterthought. Priceless wins the World Tag Team Championships and they still don't matter to the people in the back!

The Colon's come into the scene now welcoming Maria back to Raw before addressing the champions. Carlito gives a sarcastic "hey" to DiBiase & Rhodes saying that he didn't see them here but it is neat to see the champions this week – especially since Carlito and his brother Primo defeated them last week on Raw! Carlito adds that he believes since they defeated the champions clean last week that maybe they deserve a shot at the gold. Rhodes says that will not be happening and that Carlito and Primo might as well forget that.

Enter The Bluebloods as William Regal and Paul Burchill enter the scene along with Burchill's sister Katie Lea. Regal looks on in disgust at the two teams letting them both know that he is above this hulabaloo. Regal tells the Colon's that if they think they deserve a shot since they defeated Priceless that maybe they are forgetting but the Bluebloods defeated the "supposed" number one contender's on Raw several weeks back. All three teams begin arguing before Maria interrupts saying "Excuse me but I have an announcement to make". All six men stop their arguing as Maria announces that she was trying to inform us earlier on but she has been told from Raw GM Eric Bischoff that we'll be having a Triple Threat Match for the World Tag Team Championships at the Royal Rumble between all three of these teams! Priceless nearly about loses it as The Colon's and The Bluebloods both smirk as all three teams get right back to arguing as we cut away.

The WWE Champion Batista is seen arriving backstage as he exits his limo. Batista exits the limo looking over his back constantly to make sure that The Undertaker doesn't appear from out of nowhere. Batista throws his title over his shoulder and after being handed his luggage he wheels it away towards the locker room. Todd Grisham reminds us that Batista will be in action tonight against Matt Hardy in our main event. Batista makes it down the hallway before he bumps into JOHN CENA! Cena lets Batista know in no short words that if Batista wins at the Royal Rumble that he can plan on seeing Cena at WrestleMania. Batista laughs at Cena telling him that maybe he should worry about Randy Orton attacking him again just like he did last week after Cena's match before he starts worrying about Batista. The champion wheels his luggage off into the distance as we cut to another part of the arena backstage now.

CM Punk is stretching backstage and warming up preparing for his match as JR informs us that CM Punk will be in action next.

​

Match #5 | Singles Match
CM Punk vs. Domino

After a return from the break our next match kicks off as CM Punk is in action against the man formerly of Deuce n' Domino – Domino! Domino tries to preach to CM Punk about Global Dominotion and how he's taking over the WWE in 2008 but Punk responds with a swift roundhouse kick to the back of Domino's head! Punk wastes no time grabbing Domino and locking him into the Anaconda Vice! Domino quickly taps ending this match REALLY quick tonight!​

Match Result: CM Punk def. Domino via submission

Punk calls for a mic after the match and after he receives one from the worker he immediately begins to rip into The Brian Kendrick but refusing to refer to him as THE but rather simply Brian Kendrick. Punk calls Kendrick a piece of scum and he doesn't understand how he could have teamed with someone that is such a pompous jackass like Brian Kendrick! Punk adds that Brian Kendrick can run around flipping these business cards at people all he wants but there is not a SINGLE person backstage or here in Mobile that wants to do business with a jackass like Kendrick!

***Man With a Plan***

The Brian Kendrick walks out from the back mic in hand saying that he is genuinely confused because this "Brian Kendrick" that CM Punk is alluding to does not exist. HOWEVER – There is a THE Brian Kendrick and that may be whom CM Punk is referring to. But surely Punk would not stoop as low as calling his former partner a jackass! Kendrick tells Punk that it's ironic for Punk to call him out and say that no one wants to do business with him because requests for The Brian Kendrick have SKYROCKETED since he turned his back on CM Punk and found the light!

Just like CM Punk brags about being Straight Edge – The Brian Kendrick is STRAIGHT BUSINESS! Punk tells Kendrick to cut the crap and get down to the ring now but The Brian Kendrick tells Punk "Not so fast Punkster, I am above performing for these inbred Alabamians!" This sets off a smattering of boos from the fans in Mobile to which The Brian Kendrick says "You only boo because it's true". Looking for some cheap heat – The Brian Kendrick adds in that he doesn't remember Alabama winning the National Championship in football last week but rather their rival LSU! Heat reigns down around the Alabama Civic Center as Punk interrupts The Brian Kendrick saying that if he doesn't want to come down here – well Punk's going to go up there"

Punk takes off dashing towards the top of the ramp but The Brian Kendrick dashes off towards the back. Kendrick escapes backstage before Punk can get to him. Punk runs backstage as the cameras follow him trying to see if he can find Kendrick but Punk is unable to find his former tag partner as Punk kicks over a chair angered at the fact that Kendrick once again escaped from his grasps.

Mickie James seems to be following up on her promise from last week as she tries to go to Eric Bischoff about getting a match with Victoria tonight but Eric Bischoff is nowhere to be seen! Mickie knocks on the office door of Bischoff but he's not answering the door. Up walks the worker from earlier in the night that Triple H told to find Bischoff and he asks Mickie if Mr. Bischoff is in his office. Mickie tells the worker no which causes the worker to begin to stress out and he walks away from the office. Mickie tries one more time to knock on Bischoff's door but she's BLINDSIDED BY VICTORIA! The maniacal and insane Victoria stands over Mickie repeatedly saying "All you had to do Mickie was be my friend" as we cut down to ringside.

Just over the halfway mark of the night we are out at ringside as we see JBL standing in the ring! JBL says in case you missed it last week he wants to let the entire world see him beating up Jerry "The King" Lawler! Cue clip showing Jerry "The King" Lawler standing up to JBL on Raw last week calling the former WWE Champion out due to JBL bullying King's commentary partner JR two weeks back on Raw. Both men come to blows but it favors JBL as he turns King inside out with a Clothesline from Hell causing King to miss the second half of Raw last week and this week. JBL is smirking after the video goes off and he says that anyone who is dumb enough to stand up to the Wrestling God himself will fall down! Layfield adds in that he has some bad news for 29 other WWE superstars – he's going to be the man that is main eventing WrestleMania 24 after he tosses everyone aside just like he did The King on Raw last week! "How fitting that the Wrestling GOD returns to his hometown and wins the Royal Rumble". JBL tries to add in one more point but he's interrupted by...

***My Time is Now***

John Cena enters the arena laughing at JBL saying that just because JBL beat up a veteran announcer that he thinks he's going to win the Royal Rumble. "You've done nothing but bully people and beat down helpless talent since you were fired as General Manager of SmackDown". Cena asks JBL "And for what reason...."

JBL tells Cena that he doesn't have to answer for any of his actions and that he advises that Cena leave the arena right now or he will end up just like Jerry "The King" Lawler ended up last week. Cena doesn't back down from JBL's threat as he says that he's not going to just sit back and let JBL bully the entire Raw roster – he's going to do something about it! Cena scoops JBL up and throws him onto his shoulders – F-U! JR is going wild at ringside saying that he's glad someone finally put JBL in his place!

Cena bends down grabbing the microphone saying that "Now that is out of the way...let's talk about the Royal Rumble!" Cena talks briefly about his win last week over Kenny Dykstra in the main event and how he had gotten 2008 off to a great start until Randy Orton dropped him with an RKO after his match! The tone in Cena's voice now suddenly drops as he says that he will not have another 2007 happen to him again where absolutely anything that could go wrong did! And he will be damned if he lets ANYONE – Randy Orton included – stop him from leaving Madison Square Garden as the winner of the Royal Rumble Match!

Just on cue – it' s RANDY ORTON! Orton tries hitting the ring to surprise Cena but Cena was prepared tonight! Orton leaps at Cena trying for an RKO but Cena counters shoving Orton into the ropes! Orton springs back at Cena and Cena loads Orton onto his shoulders – F-U! F-U TO RANDY ORTON! Mobile is going nuts as John Cena bends down and grabs the mic leaning over Randy Orton before saying "My time...is now!"

Cena drops the microphone and exits the ring slapping hands with fans on his way up the ramp as he's made it clear to both JBL and Randy Orton (and Batista earlier in the night) that he is all buisness and that he's a face to watch in this year's Royal Rumble match!

The screen goes black before we see bright lights begin to emerge as a helicopter can be seen flying over what we presume to be New York City. The lights begin to shine brighter as we see familiar landmarks begin to emerge with the lights shining on the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and Central Park. The lights begin to disappear once again before we see a lone light coming towards us at a very fast rate. We begin to now hear a horn blowing and as the lights get closer they get brighter. It's becoming very clear now that we are now looking at a Subway train and the train immediately comes to a halt in the station.

Passengers begin to board the train and we see several WWE wrestlers such as MVP, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Finlay, Rob Van Dam, John Cena, Batista, and Randy Orton all board the train. As they board the train we see the wrestlers begin to realize that they are not the only wrestlers on the train as the camera reveals that Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Christian, Edge, and Umaga are all already on the train! This draws some ire from the wrestlers who board the train and there seems to be some tension between all of the wrestlers on the train. The voice of the Subway drive comes over the intercom as the wrestlers listen closely.

Subway Driver:
Please stand clear of the doors. The train will be departing soon.

Several of the superstars can be seen sharing laughs with one another while there seems to be some very anxious superstars though as well who are ready to bolt off the train at any given second.

Subway Driver:
Our next stop will be Madison Square Garden. Please be considerate of other passengers boarding and exiting the train!

We see some tension now on the Subway as the wrestlers all seem to be preparing for the train to come to a halt. The train slowly enters the station and at this time we see a second car (the one behind the main one featuring the other superstars) open up as WWE superstars bolt out of the cars from each and every direction. Finlay clotheslines a random pedestrian, Mark Henry trucks a lady carrying groceries, Triple H threatens someone if they don't get out of his way and we see other random interactions with wrestlers and random pedestrians.

Narrator:
It's a race against time...

Christian takes off dashing for the entrance of Madison Square Garden as we see CM Punk, Edge, Umaga, The Hardy's, Mr. Kennedy, and others right behind him. Big Show tries getting through the turn stalls but unfortunately he gets stuck! Mark Henry comes running right behind Big Show and is laughing uncontrollably until he gets stuck as well! Rob Van Dam dashes past both men patting them on the back before telling them "It's every man for themselves".

We now cut into Madison Square Garden where the lights are dimmed and we see twenty-nine men brawling in the ring before the clock starts counting down from 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...

A buzzer sounds around the arena as the twenty-nine men in the ring turn their attention to the ramp as the Royal Rumble logo flashes bright across the jumbo tron and the jumbo tron doors that they use at Madison Square Garden swing open. The lights shut off across the arena except in the ring and a beam light shines down on the swinging doors as we see just a silhouette standing there in the entrance way.

Narrator:
Only one man will emerge...

The beam light remains focused on the mystery silhouette superstar before the Royal Rumble flashes across the screen for the final time.

Narrator:
As the winner of the 2008 WWE Royal Rumble! Live on Pay-Per-View Sunday January 27 from the World famous Madison Square Garden in New York City!

*********

It's time for some action again as we have Mr. Kennedy in action next for the first time in 2008 on Raw! Kennedy is waiting in the ring for his opponent to come out before he says that he guesses his opponent is afraid to show his face just like Mick Foley is since he was fired as Co-GM by Mr. Kennedy himself! Kennedy tells his opponent whomever it may be that it is probably just wise to sit in the back and not come out here tonight. "It is best to just quit in front of these fans just like Mick Foley did...instead of come out here and get beat down by Misterrrrrrrrrr Kennedyyyyyyy! Kenn...

***Wreck***

IS IT?!? The music of none other than the "Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley hits as the fans in Mobile have ERUPTED! Is the former RAW Co-General Manager and former WWE Champion in the building tonight? Kennedy looks shocked as his jaw drops not expecting Mick Foley to be here tonight – especially after all of the shit talking he has done towards Foley in the past month! Out walks – A FOLEY IMPERSONATOR! A bad one at that! The man clearly has a pillow in his Cactus Jack shirt with a ripped in half flannel vest on as well. The Foley impersonator walks around constantly saying "Bang Bang" as Kennedy is standing in the ring looking intimidated. He even rolls to the outside of the ring standing back from "Foley".

"Mick Foley" enters the ring and tries to climb the ropes but it's clear that he's struggling and can't make it up to the second rope. Mr. Kennedy rolls back into the ring now as the referee doesn't seem amused at what is presumably Mr. Kennedy's tactics. "Mick Foley" asks for a microphone and after he receives one he goes for the trademark Foley cheap pop and says "It's great to be here tonight....in Birmingham!" The fans don't find it amusing though as we hear some fans holler "We're in Mobile". Kennedy smirks a little at "Mick Foley" not having a clue where he even is. "Foley" then challenges Kennedy to a Hardcore Match RIGHT HERE...RIGHT NOW!

Kennedy shakes his head no and waves his arms saying absolutely not! "Foley" rolls to the outside of the ring falling down onto his stomach on the outside drawing a few chuckles but many fans aren't amused. "Foley" grabs a trash can full of weapons and walks back into the ring with them. "Foley" looks exhausted as he has to stop and take some deep breaths. Kennedy asks for the mic and lets "Foley" know that he WILL NOT wrestle "Mick Foley" in the environment that makes him most comfortable! "Well...on second thought I just may..."

Match #6 | Hardcore Match
Mr. Kennedy vs. "Mick Foley"

Kennedy bashes "Mick Foley" in the head with the microphone as the referee begrudgingly calls for the bell and we have ourselves a Hardcore Match tonight. Kennedy repeatedly bashes the mic into the head of "Foley" before grabbing a kendo stick out of the trash can and hitting "Foley" with it across the chest. Kennedy dumps out the trash can as boos are reigning down in Mobile before laying the trash can on the mat. Kennedy grabs "Foley" and climbs up to the middle ropes – Green Bay Plunge! "Foley's" body collides with the trash can as Mr. Kennedy hooks the leg of "Foley" and defeats "Foley" in his own domain! Kennedy has the referee hold his hand up in victory before his mic descends from the heavens and he announces the winner as Misterrrrrr Kennedyyyyyyyy! KENNEDY!

Match Result: Mr. Kennedy def. Mick Foley

JR says that Mr. Kennedy should be ashamed of himself but he knows that he is not! It is sick to come out here and call out Mick Foley and have this imitator of him come out instead! We now move on to both commentators hyping up the Royal Rumble and running down the Raw Matches – Shelton Benjamin versus Elijah Burke for the United States Championship with two former tag partners going to head to head. JR says that this is a must win for both men but he believes that the man who has held the US Championship for over five months – Shelton Benjamin – will find himself as reigning champion when it's all said and done. Grisham adds in that he believes "The Guiding Light" may be the hardest opponent that Benjamin has faced to date though and Burke has an advantage in that he knows how Benjamin works since they teamed together. JR says that the same can be said for Benjamin though so we will for sure have an exciting match between these two men.

They move on next to the World Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Match that was announced earlier tonight with Priceless putting their gold on the line against The Bluebloods and the Colon's. Priceless are a downright dirty team says JR but until someone steps up and stops them he doesn't see their reign ending anytime soon. Grisham adds though that this will be the biggest test for Priceless since coming to the WWE as they have to contend with the brothers duo of the Colon's and the wily veteran William Regal and his partner Paul Burchill – The Bluebloods.

And Raw's main event for the Royal Rumble will see Batista defend his WWE Championship against "The Phenom" The Undertaker! JR adds that Batista and The Undertaker have both been engaging in mind games recently with one another but no one does mind games better than The Undertaker! If Undertaker can get into Batista's head enough before the Royal Rumble we may be seeing a new champion at the Royal Rumble!

And finally we have the main event – the 30 Man Royal Rumble Match with the winner earning a World title shot of their choice at WrestleMania 24! JR says that we're seeing many men step their game up heading into the annual Royal Rumble and he has no clue who is going to win the Royal Rumble Match but what we do know so far is the eight men who will be representing Raw so far in The Royal Rumble. JR runs down the list of previously announced candidates – John Cena, Randy Orton, Kane, JBL, Kurt Angle, and Mr. Kennedy before announcing that CM Punk and his former tag partner The Brian Kendrick have now been added to the entrants list! "One man's dream will be realized at the Royal Rumble while twenty-nine others will come crashing down".

Matt Hardy is seen warming up backstage hyping himself up for his main event match against the WWE Champion Batista! Hardy feels a hand slap him on the back and he turns around to see the United States Champion Shelton Benjamin! Benjamin shakes Hardy's hand saying that he knows that they've had their differences in the past but he wants to wish Hardy good luck out there tonight. He knows how big of an opportunity this is for Matt and he wants him to go out there and do what no one thinks he can do and force his way into the WWE title scene by defeating Batista! Hardy thanks Benjamin saying that he's going to do what the Hardy's have done since birth and that is never give up! He thanks Benjamin for the encouragement and heads towards the arena as the main event is about to begin...

But first we hear the voice of Teddy Long as he enters the area where Benjamin is along with his client "The Guiding Light" Elijah Burke. "Ay Elijah....that was pretty cute wasn't it? This playa over here trying to act like he's buddy-buddy with Matt Hardy. Well lemme tell ya something Shelton...this man right here...Elijah Burke don't need no friends around here because he is here for one reason. Elijah Burke is here to enlighten the world and guide them on the right path playa and that all starts at tha Royal Rumble when we defeat you Shelton and take that title (pats the title) and enlighten these fans as to what a real champion is. You feel me playa?" Long points Burke off to the side but Burke doesn't walk away just yet. Tension is boiling over backstage as Benjamin and Burke come nose to nose ready to explode but Long grabs Burke telling him to come on as Burke does what his manager wants leaving the US Champion Benjamin to stand there seething over what Teddy Long just told him. JR and Todd hype up our main event – WWE Champion Batista versus Matt Hardy – NEXT!

***WrestleMania Rewind – WrestleMania X-Seven – April 1, 2001***

Stone Cold Steve Austin stuns the world aligning himself with Mr. McMahon during the WWF Championship match against The Rock. Mr. McMahon hands Stone Cold Steve Austin a chair to hit The Rock with and after sixteen consecutive chair shots Stone Cold Steve Austin left the Reliant AstroDome as the NEW WWF Champion!

WrestleMania XXIV – 77 Days Away
Carnage in the Capital
Sunday March 30, 2008 - FedEx Field - Washington D.C.

*********

Match #7 | The Main Event
Batista vs. Matt Hardy

Batista is set to go one on one with Matt Hardy in our main event and right as both men go to lock up THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN THE ARENA! A lightning bolt strikes the ring post as Matt Hardy high tails it ouf of the ring leaving the WWE Champion Batista to stay in the ring! Batista is going nowhere as he's shouting at Undertaker to come out here now! Batista gets what he wishes for but only because he BACKS INTO THE UNDERTAKER! The Undertaker GRABS BATISTA BY THE THROAT LIFTING HIM UP WITH A CHOKESLAM! Batista had nowhere to go and nowhere to hide and unfortunately for him The Undertaker is playing no games tonight! Undertaker scoops the champion off his shoulders looking to finish the champion off with a Tombstone Piledriver but somehow Batista slides off the shoulders of Undertaker and escapes the ring! He stumbles up the ramp calling the referee to give him his title! Mobile is going WILD now as Undertaker is standing in the ring tall! Batista continues stumbling up the ramp but stops when LIGHTNING STRIKES THE STAGE! Batista jumps off the rampway and heads around the stage to the back of the arena looking to high tail it out of the arena!

Match Result: Batista vs. Matt Hardy never officially got underway

JR says The Undertaker looks to be continuing to get into the head of Batista and that does not look good for the champ. Grisham adds in that it was a shame that we didn't get to see our main event tonight but man what an ending to Raw! JR begins talking again saying that we have a final update on whether Eric Bischoff was to be found anywhere tonight backstage. Let's send you backstage right now!

After our main event we see the worker Triple H sent to go and find Eric Bischoff earlier in the night come and inform Triple H that he could not find Mr. Bischoff anywhere. Triple H is sitting on a medical table in the training room and he looks ready to snap on the worker but he gets up with the trainer telling him he can't leave yet and makes his way towards his locker room. Hobbling out of the locker room Triple H has sledgehammer in hand! The Civic Center pops loudly as Triple H grabs his sledgehammer and heads towards the garage! He looks around at vehicles trying to see if he can spot Eric Bischoff's car but it's nowhere to be found so Triple H instead takes his rage out on a random car! TRIPLE H SWINGS HIS SLEDGEHAMMER AT A CAR WINDOW BUSTING IT OPEN! He bashes the sledgehammer against the rear window causing glass to go flying everywhere! Triple H knocks the side mirrors off the car before bashing the tail lights out! He steps back taking a look at what he has done and soaking in this enjoyment BEFORE A CAR COMES DRIVING BY AT A HIGH SPEED! TRIPLE H JUMPS OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME AFTER DAMN NEAR GETTING RAN OVER!

The Game takes off running after the vehicle but just like last week whenever the presumed vehicle of Eric Bischoff escaped into the night – the car drives out of the arena as Triple H is seen standing on the sidewalk in the cold night air outside the arena screaming "Your ass is mine Bischoff" as Raw draws to a close tonight in Mobile, Alabama.

Quick Results:

Triple H def. Hardcore Holly in the first Gauntlet Match
Triple H def. Kenny Dykstra in the second Gauntlet Match
Triple H def. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch in the Handicap Gauntlet Match
Kane def. Triple H via Disqualification in the fourth Gauntlet Match.
CM Punk def. Domino via submission
Mr. Kennedy def. "Mick Foley" in a Hardcore Match
Batista vs. Matt Hardy never got underway

*********

​

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
Official Theme Song: Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll - Airbourne

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns Title Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: CM Punk, John Cena, Kane, Kurt Angle, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, The Brian Kendrick, Christian, Edge, Gregory Helms, Jeff Hardy, John Morrison, MVP, Paul London, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, The Miz
7 Raw and 5 SmackDown Superstars TBA

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shawn Michaels

United States Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. Elijah Burke w/Theodore Long

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Gregory Helms

World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Match
Priceless (c's) vs. The Colon's vs. The Bluebloods​

 

[KOP]

Friday Night SmackDown | January 18, 2008
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex | Birmingham, Alabama

***Rise Up***

After our SmackDown opening video package plays we head into the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex where Michael Cole & Tazz welcome us to Friday Night SmackDown! We're reminded that we are only NINE days away from the 2008 Royal Rumble where one man's dreams will come true! Michael Cole tells us that we are unsure if Shawn Michaels is going to be able to appear tonight in Birmingham or even compete for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble after the brutal beat down he suffered from Umaga last week on SmackDown! Speaking of Umaga – he will be facing Finlay in tonight’s main event!

***Virtual Voodoo***

The World Heavyweight Champion's music sounds off in Birmingham to kick our night off as the Samoan Bulldozer walks out with his handler Armando Estrada not too far behind! Estrada has a beaming smile on his face as he points to the ring telling Umaga to head towards the ring. Estrada walks happily up the steps once Umaga is in the ring and receives a mic from Tony Chimel at ringside before "punking" Chimel out.

Estrada walks to the middle of the ring patting Umaga on the back. The handler for the World Heavyweight Champion immediately asks for the fans to shut up and stand up and honor their World Heavyweight Champion! Boos sound off around the arena as Armando Estrada says that it's a shame that all of ju’ fans came here tonight paying to see Shawn Michaels and he most likely won’t even be here! But yet the World Heavyweight Champion shows up and THIS is the type of respect he gets? Estrada hollers on the mic for the people backstage to roll the footage of what Umaga did to Shawn Michaels last week and maybe that will change some opinions of why they should respect their champion!
​

An angry World Heavyweight Champion comes barging out into the arena with Armando Estrada running behind him. Estrada tries to hold Umaga off but Umaga is going to have none of it! Umaga comes charging into the ring after Michaels and it is on! HBK and Umaga are going at it exchanging blows but a timely head butt from Umaga stuns HBK causing him to fall onto the mat. Umaga peels HBK off the mat as the attitude of Estrada has suddenly changed. He breaks his cigar in half signaling to finish off HBK! Samoan Spike to the throat of the number one contender! But Umaga isn't done there! He drags HBK into the corner before setting HBK up and hitting him with the Samoan Bulldozer! The fans are in disgust as HBK's head bounces off the turnbuckles hard causing the body of the Heart Break Kid to fall over onto the mat! Armando Estrada steps into the ring as Umaga stands over HBK looking at the carnage he created! Estrada holds the World Heavyweight Championship up over the head of Umaga!​

Armando Estrada chuckles at the footage before speaking out about last week's events. Estrada informs the fans that there is not a single man that can stop the World Heavyweight Champion Umaga and that was made clear last week on SmackDown. Umaga has decimated opponent after opponent after opponent since coming to the WWE and next he's going to take out the legendary "Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble! "It will be a cold day in hell when Shawn Michaels steps into a ring with Uuuuuuumaga and walks out victorious. Shawn Michaels will be lucky if he can even walk out on his own power in Madison Square Garden IF he steps into the ring with the Samoan Bulllldoooozer....UUUUUMAGA!"

"Ju think 'ju are capable of defeating Uuuuumaga....Shawn Michaels? 'Ju don't even know what 'ju are getting yourself into. No man can take down my Samoan Bulldozer...no force is strong enough to stop my Samoan Savage...no natural disaster can destroy this beast!" This man beast Umaga is one of a kind...and at the Royal Rumble Shawn Michaels...it will be Umaga breaking hearts when he ends not only your career but 'jur life!" "Ju have made your bed Shawn Michaels and now 'ju must rest in it. Enjoy it Shawn...eleven days until it's over....haha!"

Estrada breaks a cigar in half - just like last week - showing off to the fans what is going to happen to Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble. Estrada taps the World Heavyweight Champion on the back preparing to exit the arena but he's interrupted by...

***Lambeg***

Interestingly enough - it's not the music of Shawn Michaels - but rather Finlay. Michael Cole reminds us that Finlay is set to be in one on one action tonight against Umaga in the main event so maybe he has a bone to pick with Umaga before the match. Tazz adds in that if Finlay has a bone to pick with Umaga he may be barking up the wrong tree.

Finlay stays on the ramp with mic in hand as he tells Estrada that he takes offense to Armando Estrada coming out here disrespecting Shawn Michaels and for that matter all of the SmackDown superstars by saying that NO ONE can stop Umaga. Estrada cuts Finlay off first by saying "Ju know it's true" and secondly asks Finlay why he is out here right now. "Do ju' have a death wish Finlay?"

Finlay responds back by letting Estrada know that he doesn't have a death wish but being a proud Irishman he loves a good fight! And he doesn't back down ever from a fight. He showed that to everyone last week when Chris Masters got into his face and he shoved the brash youngster! "So don't underestimate the fight in this old Irishman". And right on cue we see "The Masterpiece" CHRIS MASTERS AMBUSH FINLAY FROM BEHIND! Masters pummels Finlay with clubbing blows to the head before kicking the vet repeatedly in the chest! Security and backstage agents make their way out pulling Masters away from Finlay just in the nick of time! Estrada and Umaga are still in the ring watching the melee at the top of the ramp. Masters gets escorted to the back as Finlay is tended to but he refuses help and gets back onto his feet and stumbles backstage as we head to our first commercial.

Match #1 | Singles Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre

Opening action tonight sees Jeff Hardy going one on one against Drew McIntyre. What we get is a pretty exciting opening contest with Hardy competing for one of the first times in months in a singles match due to his previous tag team with Paul London. Hardy and McIntyre open up the night with a well-paced match. McIntyre looks as if he's going to close out the match after a Big Boot catches Hardy off guard. "The Chosen One" grabs Hardy looking for the Aftershock but Hardy breaks free and catches McIntyre with a Spinning Neckbreaker followed by Twist of Fate! Hardy climbs the ropes racing to the top before landing right on McIntyre with the Swanton Bomb! Hardy hooks the leg of McIntyre earning a victory to open up SmackDown in some good warm up competition for the Royal Rumble.

Match Result: Jeff Hardy def. Drew McIntyre

After the match we cut backstage to see Josh Mathews standing by. He says that he has a special guest right now and it’s revealed to be “Captain Charisma” Christian! Christian steps into the scene patting Josh on the back and Josh immediately asks Christian if he has been feeling some tension recently between his brother Edge and himself heading into the Royal Rumble. Christian tells Josh that he doesn’t believe its tension one bit. Rather it’s just friendly brother versus brother competition. He does believe that he has a chip on his shoulder and that he needs to finally break through the glass ceiling just like his brother Edge did when he first became World Heavyweight Champion! “So no Josh…I don’t believe its tension but just like I said last week – if it’s Edge and myself still standing in the ring as the final two…you best believe that I will be the brother that comes out on top and goes on to WrestleMania no matter what it takes.” Christian walks off heading towards the arena as Michael Cole & Tazz tell us he will be in action – NEXT!

***WrestleMania Rewind – WrestleMania IX – April 4, 1993***

“The Hitman” Bret Hart defends his WWF Championship against Yokozuna in the main event of WrestleMania IX. Hart looked to retain his championship against the massive challenger by applying the Sharpshooter but Yokozuna’s manager Mr. Fuji threw salt into the eyes of the champion allowing Yokozuna to become the NEW WWF Champion!

Only minutes after Yokozuna’s win though – out came Hulk Hogan to check on Bret Hart. Mr. Fuji would challenge Hogan to face Yokozuna for the WWF Championship right then and there! Fuji would attempt to throw salt into the eyes of Hogan but Fuji missed and instead threw salt into the eyes of Yokozuna! This allowed Hogan to hit the Leg Drop before pinning Yokozuna in 22 seconds to become the NEW WWF Champion!

WrestleMania XXIV – 73 Days Away
Carnage in the Capital
Sunday March 30, 2008 – FedEx Field – Washington D.C.

Match #2 | Singles Match
Christian vs. Chuck Palumbo

Back from the break is our second match of the night as “Captain Charisma” Christian is in one on one action against SmackDown’s resident bad boy biker – Chuck Palumbo. Palumbo gives Christian a big challenge to start the match off as he caught Christian off guard with a Crossbody attempt and turned it into a Fallaway Slam. Palumbo was able to go on the attack after the Fallaway Slam and turned it into an offensive attack where he comes very close to defeating Christian with a Discus Elbow Smash stunning Captain Charisma. The move almost nets Palumbo a two count but an argument with the referee ends up backfiring on Palumbo as it earns Christian some recovery time allowing him to sneak behind Palumbo and hit the Impaler DDT before following it up with the Unprettier for the victory!

Match Result: Christian def. Chuck Palumbo

Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms is backstage standing by himself in the interview area with mic in hand. Helms says he’s tired of hearing people talk about the fluke win that Evan Bourne pulled off against him to take away his Cruiserweight Championship on the first SmackDown of 2008. He proved it was a fluke last week when he pinned Evan Bourne in the middle of the ring! “The opinions of other people are irrelevant and mean nothing to me! 2008 is the dawn of a new day…it is the year that Gregory Helms finally reaches the pinnacle of the WWE! It all starts with defeating and getting back MY Cruiserweight title, remaining Intercontinental Champion, and winning the Royal Rumble and becoming the first ever superstar to hold all THREE singles titles on one brand when I become World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania! Sorry Evan it’s nothing personal…. It’s just I’m that good!” Helms drops the mic and walks off with a purpose carrying his Intercontinental championship off with him as we cut to commercial.

Raw Rebound: Before the main event between Batista and Matt Hardy can even begin – THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND UNDERTAKER IS IN THE RING! Batista backs into The Undertaker completely unaware of the Phenom’s presence in the ring before being slammed into the mat with a Chokeslam! Undertaker attempts to Tombstone Piledriver Batista but Batista escapes away and heads up the ramp before lightning strikes the stage! The WWE Champion high tails it off the ramp and out of the arena escaping the wrath of The Undertaker.

Match #3 | Six Man Tag Team Match
Evan Bourne & The Mexicools vs. Jamie Noble, Kid Kash, & Tajiri

It’s time for six man tag team action now as SmackDown returns from the break as we get Cruiserweight Champion Evan Bourne teaming together with The Mexicools to take on Jamie Noble, Kid Kash, and Tajiri. Fast paced Cruiserweight action is of course the theme tonight with Bourne and The Mexicools earning the victory after Bourne lands on Tajiri with Air Bourne. Psicosis & Super Crazy clear the ring of Kash and Noble trying to enter to break the pin fall up while Bourne pins Tajiri to earn the victory and keep the momentum going for the new Cruiserweight Champion.

Match Result: Evan Bourne & The Mexicools def. Jamie Noble, Kid Kash, & Tajiri

There’s no time for Bourne to celebrate the victory as Kash and Noble pull Psicosis and Super Crazy out of the ring brawling with them and GREGORY HELMS hits the ring! Helms attacks Bourne from behind and lays him out with the Nightmare on Helms Street before ditching the ring and grabbing his Intercontinental title off the ground! Bourne never stood a chance as he wasn’t even able to earn a fair fight with the Intercontinental Champion. Helms stands at the top of the ramp surveying the damage as Michael Cole and Tazz discuss the attack from Helms. Tazz says that Bourne is here to revitalize the Cruiserweight division and with his recent luck there will be people gunning to take him down. It just so happens that Gregory Helms happens to be that man right now. Cole agrees with Tazz saying that he’s very excited for the future of the Cruiserweight division and he believes that it will go places it hasn’t been in years with talent such as Bourne headlining the division.

The camera now heads backstage as we see Josh Mathews in the office of SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman. Mathews asks the GM about the Charlie Haas attack on Rey Mysterio last week on SmackDown and if there will be any punishment handed down to Charlie Haas. Coach says that the situation is being handled by the Board of Directors but he can confirm that Charlie Haas is NOT here tonight and has been suspended from tonight’s show without pay due to causing Rey Mysterio to miss SmackDown tonight. Coach lets Josh know that he will not tolerate his talent acting how Mr. Haas acted last week. He simply told Charlie Haas to wait his turn to see if he would earn a Royal Rumble spot and Mr. Haas tried to take matters into his own hands. And for that reason Coach can confirm that Charlie Haas WILL NOT be in the Royal Rumble Match. Josh asks Coach if he fears that Haas will try to take matters into his own hands again if given the opportunity. Coach simply says that there will be serious repercussions if Mr. Haas tries his shenanigans he pulled last week again under the GM’s watch. Coach dismisses Josh saying that he has a lot of work to do and that he’d like to enjoy the show if he can.

***Metalingus***

The Rated-R Superstar enters the arena pumped up and ready for the Royal Rumble which is now only NINE days away! Edge strolls down the ramp shaking hands with fans as he receives a great ovation from the Birmingham faithful. The two-time World Heavyweight Champion enters the ring and receives a mic from Tony Chimel and is hyped for tonight’s show! Edge grabs the mic and tells the fans that he appreciates the ovation but he wants to get something off his chest. He heard the comments his brother made earlier regarding the supposed “tension” that has been brewing between Christian and himself and he disagrees that there is tension between both men.

Edge does say though that he understands where it may be coming from though because he sees how both men have been talking about how they’re going to win the Royal Rumble and how they’ll eliminate each other if necessary. But Edge says it’s not tension and just like his brother said earlier – it’s simply a little brother versus brother competition…that Edge will win!

Edge speaks out about how he’s main evented WrestleMania XXII and XXIII and that it’ll be a three peat with Edge main eventing WrestleMania XXIV! “I can’t explain the feeling when you walk out onto that stage and look around and realize where you are! You realize that you’re in front of the best fans in the world and working for the best company on the biggest night of the year! My feelings can barely be put into words! It’s a night that is saved for the best of the best that WWE offers and everyone puts on the best performances that they can! And just for fun facts…I’m 6-0 at WrestleMania” This fact earns a few pops for Edge who smiles and takes a brief break but interestingly he’s interrupted by…

***Here to Show the World***

It’s Dolph Ziggler?!?!? The brash and arrogant “Show Off” walks out onto the stage flipping his blonde hair as Edge stands in the ring a little confused. Edge sarcastically asks if he can help Ziggler to which Ziggler responds by saying let me introduce myself. I’m Dolph Ziggler…and I’m the man who is going to steal the spotlight at this year’s Royal Rumble because I am here to announce that I have just been entered into the Royal Rumble!

Edge sarcastically claps for Ziggler getting a few laughs from the fans. Ziggler looks offended and he immediately calls Edge out for doubting him. “I heard you were talking about being undefeated at WrestleMania and well I’m here to talk about my own undefeated streak. I’m 3-0 on SmackDown baby!” Ziggler strolls down to the ramp ignoring the fans booing him before he gets into the ring with the Rated-R Superstar!

Edge tells Ziggler that he has some mighty bold statements like saying he’s going to win the Royal Rumble when he hasn’t even competed in one before! Ziggler informs Edge that he doesn’t need to have competed in the Royal Rumble before to know that he’s capable of winning it. “I excel at everything I do and I do it by showing off too! There’s not a single Raw or SmackDown superstar who can do what I do”. Edge asks Ziggler what exactly is it that he can do that no other superstar can.

Ziggler tells Edge that no one can look as good and show off as well as he does and win at the same time! Edge says in case Ziggler was also unaware – his brother Christian and he invented the five second pose – for the benefit of those with flash photography! Cheap pop as Edge says that he invented looking good and showing off before Ziggler was even thought of! Ziggler tells Edge “that he’s had enough of bragging about events from eight years ago. Edge needs to wake up and realize that it’s 2008 and not 2000 anymore! You’re washed up and you need to leave MY ring you has been!”

Ziggler pokes at the chest of Edge telling him to leave the ring to which Edge of course does not appreciate being touched by the rookie. Ziggler pokes at Edge again telling him once more to leave but Edge has enough and shoves Ziggler back first into the ropes before charging at him – SPEAR! The brash Ziggler is torn nearly in half by the Rated-R Superstar! Edge stands up posing for the fans but he doesn’t have long to pose because RAW’S RANDY ORTON RKO’S HIM FROM BEHIND? What has just happened? Michael Cole is very confused right now but Tazz reminds Cole quickly of the heated interaction the former Rated RKO members had back at the 15th Anniversary of Raw show last month with Edge calling out Randy Orton for his recent behavior and calling him a lunatic! Orton stands over Edge staring down at the body of his former friend and partner as Cole is still very confused as to why Raw’s Randy Orton appeared on SmackDown tonight and attacked Edge!

The screen goes black before we see bright lights begin to emerge as a helicopter can be seen flying over what we presume to be New York City. The lights begin to shine brighter as we see familiar landmarks begin to emerge with the lights shining on the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and Central Park. The lights begin to disappear once again before we see a lone light coming towards us at a very fast rate. We begin to now hear a horn blowing and as the lights get closer they get brighter. It's becoming very clear now that we are now looking at a Subway train and the train immediately comes to a halt in the station.

Passengers begin to board the train and we see several WWE wrestlers such as MVP, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Finlay, Rob Van Dam, John Cena, Batista, and Randy Orton all board the train. As they board the train we see the wrestlers begin to realize that they are not the only wrestlers on the train as the camera reveals that Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Christian, Edge, and Umaga are all already on the train! This draws some ire from the wrestlers who board the train and there seems to be some tension between all of the wrestlers on the train. The voice of the Subway drive comes over the intercom as the wrestlers listen closely.

Subway Driver:
Please stand clear of the doors. The train will be departing soon.

Several of the superstars can be seen sharing laughs with one another while there seems to be some very anxious superstars though as well who are ready to bolt off the train at any given second.

Subway Driver:
Our next stop will be Madison Square Garden. Please be considerate of other passengers boarding and exiting the train!

We see some tension now on the Subway as the wrestlers all seem to be preparing for the train to come to a halt. The train slowly enters the station and at this time we see a second car (the one behind the main one featuring the other superstars) open up as WWE superstars bolt out of the cars from each and every direction. Finlay clotheslines a random pedestrian, Mark Henry trucks a lady carrying groceries, Triple H threatens someone if they don't get out of his way and we see other random interactions with wrestlers and random pedestrians.

Narrator:
It's a race against time...

Christian takes off dashing for the entrance of Madison Square Garden as we see CM Punk, Edge, Umaga, The Hardy's, Mr. Kennedy, and others right behind him. Big Show tries getting through the turn stalls but unfortunately he gets stuck! Mark Henry comes running right behind Big Show and is laughing uncontrollably until he gets stuck as well! Rob Van Dam dashes past both men patting them on the back before telling them "It's every man for themselves".

We now cut into Madison Square Garden where the lights are dimmed and we see twenty-nine men brawling in the ring before the clock starts counting down from 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...

A buzzer sounds around the arena as the twenty-nine men in the ring turn their attention to the ramp as the Royal Rumble logo flashes bright across the jumbo tron and the jumbo tron doors that they use at Madison Square Garden swing open. The lights shut off across the arena except in the ring and a beam light shines down on the swinging doors as we see just a silhouette standing there in the entrance way.

Narrator:
Only one man will emerge...

The beam light remains focused on the mystery silhouette superstar before the Royal Rumble flashes across the screen for the final time.

Narrator:
As the winner of the 2008 WWE Royal Rumble! Live on Pay-Per-View Sunday January 27 from the World famous Madison Square Garden in New York City!

Match #4 | Singles Match
Paul London vs. Deuce

Paul London is in action next as we get a fast match with him going up against Deuce in a real quick match to get London on the card to showcase him for the Royal Rumble. London works quickly against Deuce catching the former WWE Tag Team Champion with a quick London Calling to earn a victory heading into the Royal Rumble with it only nine days away now!

Match Result: Paul London def. Deuce

Post-match we head backstage and see Rob Van Dam standing by with Josh Mathews. Mathews asks Van Dam on his odds of winning the Royal Rumble. RVD says his odds are always high as long as he’s still going out there and remains the “Whole Dam Show”. Josh asks RVD if he has any ideas on how to win his second Royal Rumble Match. “I don’t know about you Josh but yeah I’ve certainly got some ideas dude. I can’t give them away of course but I promise you that when I walk into Madison Square Garden I will do everything I can to win my second Royal Rumble and go on to main event WrestleMania. Josh, you can always count on Rob…Van…Dam!”

The WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz are headed to the ring right now after taking a night out on the town in Hollywood last week. They’re in action – NEXT!

Match #5 | Non-Title Tag Team Match
John Morrison & The Miz vs. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore

The WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz compete in the fifth match of the night against Shannon Moore & Jimmy Wang Yang. Moore & Yang stood no chance unfortunately from the get go though as Morrison & Miz dominate the match with Morrison catching Moore with Moonlight Drive while Miz takes down Yang with the Reality Check to wrap up the victory and make the WWE Tag Team Champions look good heading into their appearances in the Royal Rumble Match.

Match Result: John Morrison & The Miz def. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore

The Miz gets a microphone and immediately begins to talk about how Morrison and he are bored with their competition here on SmackDown. Morrison agrees with Miz saying that it’s not easy carrying the entire weight of the division on their back each and every night but it’s a job someone has to do! Miz takes over once again by saying “With that being said we’re going to see something unprecedented happen at the Royal Rumble…we’re going to see the Royal Rumble come down to the WWE Tag Team Champions as the final two men and ONE of us is going to WrestleMania! Morrison nods his head in agreeance with Miz but he says that ONE man is going to be him! Miz disagrees with Morrison saying clearly it’s going to be him to which the two men argue for a minute before embracing and saying that they BOTH deserve to main event WrestleMania since they are A-Listers after all! Morrison & Miz exit the ring taunting the fans and waving the WWE Tag Team title belts in the air for everyone to know they are the champions after all.

MVP is standing by backstage with his newly hired big muscle – Big E! MVP pats Big E on the back and shows him the door to his locker room where women are lying around with two women having a bottle of champagne waiting for MVP and Big E! MVP tells Big E to enjoy – he’s giving him the treatment of a big time player because he is that unlike Ezekiel Jackson! Big E walks in and takes a seat as one woman begins to massage him and another brings him a glass of champagne! MVP receives his glass too and he sits down and starts to receive a massage before he proposes a toast to Big E! “Cheers to a successful partnership and the downfall of Ezekiel Jackson”.

Match #6 | The Main Event
Umaga vs. Finlay

Its main event time as Finlay has one of the biggest battles of his WWE career as he has to go head to head with the World Heavyweight Champion Umaga. It’s announced before the match begins that Chris Masters has been BANNED from ringside due to his attack earlier on Finlay or he will LOSE his spot in the Royal Rumble. On to the match Finlay and Umaga lock up and it immediately becomes a one sided assault that the veteran from Ireland cannot match up against. Umaga tosses Finlay around the ring with amazing power and sheer strength before crushing him into the mat with an impactful Samoan Drop!

Umaga rears his head as his handler Armando Estrada seems to be barking orders at him and he sees Estrada point to Finlay and then break a cigar in half! The fans know what this means as Umaga drags the body of Finlay into the corner and throws his head up against the turnbuckles! The fans groan as they know what is coming as Umaga makes his way to the opposite corners turnbuckles! The wild Samoan throws his body in the air and takes off running into the corner before blasting the head of Finlay into the turnbuckle with brute force as he connects with the Samoan Wrecking Ball! The World Heavyweight champion drags the nearly lifeless body of Finlay to the center of the ring and looks ready to strike with the Samoan Spike but ----HE GETS HIT WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC! SHAWN MICHAELS DROPS THE CHAMPION OFF HIS FEET WITH HIS SIGNATURE MOVE!

Match Result: Umaga def. Finlay via DQ

The referee calls for the bell awarding Umaga the DQ win due to outside interference but that is of no consequences to HBK! The challenger stands over the body of Umaga as Armando Estrada tries to enter the ring but HBK hobbles a few steps towards him and Estrada backs off the apron! Estrada is livid at ringside at HBK coming in and interfering in Umaga’s match! The Heart Break Kid stands over the body of the champion looking in pain after last week’s attack from the champ as Michael Cole and Tazz discuss how big the Umaga vs. Shawn Michaels match is going to be at the Royal Rumble! Tazz says HBK made sure to avenge last week’s main event match he was in that Umaga interfered in. Michael Cole notes that HBK didn’t look 100% tonight and that has to be brought into question as to whether or not he will be ready for the Royal Rumble. Tazz closes SmackDown out by telling Cole that you never have to question whether Shawn Michaels will be ready or not. He says you can bank on HBK bringing everything he has to Madison Square Garden in nine nights!

Quick Results:

Jeff Hardy def. Drew McIntyre
Christian def. Chuck Palumbo
Evan Bourne & The Mexicools def. Kid Kash, Jamie Noble, & Tajiri
Paul London def. Deuce
John Morrison & The Miz def. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
Umaga def. Finlay via DQ


*********

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
Official Theme Song: Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll - Airbourne

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns Title Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: CM Punk, John Cena, Kane, Kurt Angle, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, The Brian Kendrick, Christian, Chris Masters, Edge, Gregory Helms, Jeff Hardy, John Morrison, MVP, Paul London, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, The Miz
7 Raw and 3 SmackDown Superstars TBA

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shawn Michaels

United States Championship Match
Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. Elijah Burke w/Theodore Long

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Gregory Helms

World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Match
Priceless (c's) vs. The Colon's vs. The Bluebloods​

 

[KOP]

WWE Monday Night Raw | Monday January 21, 2008
Hampton Coliseum | Hampton, Virginia

***To Be Loved by Papa Roach***

The regular Raw opening video package plays before we cut backstage to see a limousine arriving to the Hampton Coliseum. Todd Grisham is strongly speculating that it may be a member of the McMahon family but JR tells him that is nonsense and that no member of the McMahon family could possibly be here after that life altering car crash a few weeks back. The limo door opens and out steps the WWE Champion - Batista! Batista has his suit case in hand and title belt over his shoulder as the fans welcome the champion to Virginia with a showering of boos. The champ shuts the limo door and tries to walk off but is stopped by Maria. Maria tries speaking to Batista about last week’s events where Undertaker brutally attacked Batista during his main event match against Matt Hardy before Batista escaped but was nearly struck by lightning on the stage. Batista looks at Maria with a cynical look on his face before grabbing his bag and walking away with no comment made from the champion.

JR and Grisham then promptly welcome us to Raw tonight and discuss tonight’s main event featuring the WWE Champion Batista taking on Matt Hardy in a rematch from last week due to their match never starting. JR says King will not be here against after JBL’s attack on him two weeks ago but he will return this Sunday at the Royal Rumble. Also, there was breaking news earlier today from the office of Eric Bischoff stating that Triple H has been BANNED from the arena tonight due to his dangerous actions last week where he decimated a car with a sledgehammer. The Raw GM is set to appear later tonight to address the future of Triple H.

Match #1 | Tag Team Match
The Bluebloods vs. The Colon’s

We kick off action tonight with some tag team competition between two of the three teams in the Triple Threat Match at the Royal Rumble - The Colon’s and The Bluebloods. The World Tag Team Champions, Priceless, are at ringside scouting their competition. Both teams get their fair share of action tonight in an effort to help promote the tag team match at the Royal Rumble this Sunday. The dastardly duo of Regal and Burchill isolate Primo and work on his leg making frequent tags and attacking the leg of the high flyer. Regal grabs Primo’s leg twisting it around before jumping up with a knee drop causing Primo to roll around in pain.

Regal grabs Primo peeling him off the mat before throwing him hard into the corner and tagging in Burchill! Burchill runs into the ring head butting Primo before lifting him high into the air with a Spinebuster! Burchill bends down trying to pick Primo up but Burchill is kicked in the head by Primo! Primo slowly crawls towards the corner trying to make the hot tag to his brother but Burchill rises back onto his feet and rips Primo out of the corner! Primo fights back at his much bigger opponent before leaping into the air with an Enzuigiri giving Primo enough time to make the hot tag! Carlito comes charging into the ring catching Burchill with a clothesline followed by a series of headbutts before backing him into the corner. Carlito tries to mount Burchill for a series of punches but Burchill shoves Carlito off of him right into Primo! Primo falls off the apron as Carlito looks concerned that he accidentally knocked his brother off the apron! This distraction allows Burchill to shove Carlito into the turnbuckles stomach first before he turns around right into the arms of Burchill! C-4! Burchill hooks the leg of Carlito and gets the victory giving The Bluebloods a huge win heading into Sunday.

Match Result: The Bluebloods def. The Colon's

Rhodes & DiBiase though do not seem impressed by The Bluebloods and they let both men know that! They come face to face with Regal and Burchill in a rather tense moment with both teams talking trash to one another at ringside. Burchill and Regal eventually exit ringside but Rhodes and DiBiase make their intentions for Sunday known when Cody grabs Primo and hits the Cross Rhodes on the outside of the ring while DiBiase hits Carlito with a High Knee! The World Tag Team champions exit ringside while JR sells the brutal match and attack at ringside that Carlito and Primo took tonight. He questions who is the true favorite for Sunday’s Triple Threat Match.

Before we head to a commercial break we’re sent backstage to Maria who is standing by with her guest - the United States Champion Shelton Benjamin. Maria discusses the difficult situation Shelton Benjamin finds himself in regarding his title defense this Sunday against his former best friend and tag partner - Elijah Burke. Benjamin tells Maria that Elijah is indeed one of his biggest challengers to date since he came to the WWE. Burke knows him inside and out but the same can be said for Benjamin knowing the ins and outs of Burke. Benjamin lets Maria know that he’s looking forward to showing Sunday that he is the premier athlete in the WWE and as he tries to carry on with his interview he is AMBUSHED BY BURKE! Theodore Long is barking orders at Burke as Burke grabs Benjamin and slams his head into the television monitor! The monitor collapses and falls while Benjamin grabs his head clutching it in pain. Burke leaps on top of Benjamin wailing him with some fierce punches before security comes charging into the interview area. Burke is ripped off of Benjamin by security and as he prepares to walk away Teddy Long surveys the scene before asking Maria for the microphone. Teddy tells Maria that he put in a favor earlier tonight with Eric Bischoff and was able to get the United States Championship match booked for TONIGHT with the winner also earning a spot in the Royal Rumble match Sunday! Long lets out a “Holla Holla” sarcastically towards the champion who is sprawled out on the ground. Meanwhile, JR is livid at ringside discussing the vileness of Burke, Teddy Long, and Bischoff to book a match tonight (especially after the heinous attack on Benjamin).

The screen goes black before we see bright lights begin to emerge as a helicopter can be seen flying over what we presume to be New York City. The lights begin to shine brighter as we see familiar landmarks begin to emerge with the lights shining on the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and Central Park. The lights begin to disappear once again before we see a lone light coming towards us at a very fast rate. We begin to now hear a horn blowing and as the lights get closer they get brighter. It's becoming very clear now that we are now looking at a Subway train and the train immediately comes to a halt in the station.

Passengers begin to board the train and we see several WWE wrestlers such as MVP, Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Finlay, Rob Van Dam, John Cena, Batista, and Randy Orton all board the train. As they board the train we see the wrestlers begin to realize that they are not the only wrestlers on the train as the camera reveals that Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Christian, Edge, and Umaga are all already on the train! This draws some ire from the wrestlers who board the train and there seems to be some tension between all of the wrestlers on the train. The voice of the Subway drive comes over the intercom as the wrestlers listen closely.

Subway Driver:
Please stand clear of the doors. The train will be departing soon.

Several of the superstars can be seen sharing laughs with one another while there seems to be some very anxious superstars though as well who are ready to bolt off the train at any given second.

Subway Driver:
Our next stop will be Madison Square Garden. Please be considerate of other passengers boarding and exiting the train!

We see some tension now on the Subway as the wrestlers all seem to be preparing for the train to come to a halt. The train slowly enters the station and at this time we see a second car (the one behind the main one featuring the other superstars) open up as WWE superstars bolt out of the cars from each and every direction. Finlay clotheslines a random pedestrian, Mark Henry trucks a lady carrying groceries, Triple H threatens someone if they don't get out of his way and we see other random interactions with wrestlers and random pedestrians.

Narrator:
It's a race against time...

Christian takes off dashing for the entrance of Madison Square Garden as we see CM Punk, Edge, Umaga, The Hardy's, Mr. Kennedy, and others right behind him. Big Show tries getting through the turn stalls but unfortunately he gets stuck! Mark Henry comes running right behind Big Show and is laughing uncontrollably until he gets stuck as well! Rob Van Dam dashes past both men patting them on the back before telling them "It's every man for themselves".

We now cut into Madison Square Garden where the lights are dimmed and we see twenty-nine men brawling in the ring before the clock starts counting down from 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...

A buzzer sounds around the arena as the twenty-nine men in the ring turn their attention to the ramp as the Royal Rumble logo flashes bright across the jumbo tron and the jumbo tron doors that they use at Madison Square Garden swing open. The lights shut off across the arena except in the ring and a beam light shines down on the swinging doors as we see just a silhouette standing there in the entrance way.

Narrator:
Only one man will emerge...

The beam light remains focused on the mystery silhouette superstar before the Royal Rumble flashes across the screen for the final time.

Narrator:
As the winner of the 2008 WWE Royal Rumble! Live on Pay-Per-View Sunday January 27 from the World famous Madison Square Garden in New York City!

Match #2 | Women’s Singles Match
Victoria vs. Melina

Back in the arena we are set for our second match tonight on Raw with some divas action as Victoria goes one on one with Melina. Mickie James is not at Raw tonight after the attack she suffered from Victoria last week but we are told that Eric Bischoff has booked a match between Victoria and Mickie James for Sunday at the Royal Rumble and the winner will become the next #1 Contender for Beth Phoenix’s Women’s Championship. JR also announces that a stipulation of Falls Count Anywhere has been added and you can bet your bottom dollar that these two women will take their fight to all parts of Madison Square Garden come Sunday!

Meanwhile, Phoenix is backstage watching Victoria’s match against Melina which doesn’t last too long as Victoria absolutely dominates Melina tonight taking her rage out against poor Melina. Victoria tosses poor Melina around like a rag doll for the majority of the match and uses the turnbuckles to her advantage smashing Melina’s face off of the turnbuckles repeatedly. The referee has to stop Victoria threatening to disqualify her if she continues bashing Melina’s head against the turnbuckles. Victoria throws her hands in the air and takes a few steps back before knocking Melina back onto the mat with a thunderous clothesline. The dominant former Women’s Champion grabs Melina and tries lifting her up for the Widow’s Peak but surprisingly Melina fights back. Melina is wailing away at Victoria throwing as many wild punches as she can but Victoria knees Melina in the face turning the tide of the match once again in her favor. Melina is simply easy pickings at this point and Victoria wraps the match up quickly with the Widow’s Peak!

Match Result: Victoria def. Melina

The Brian Kendrick is spotted outside the Hampton Coliseum in a prerecorded segment from earlier in the day. Kendrick is handing out his business cards and wearing a shirt that says “Straight Business”. Kendrick doesn’t get much response from the fans and many fans refuse to take business cards from him. Kendrick walks over towards a statue and grabs a ironically placed bullhorn and begins to berate the fans. “Ladies and gentlemen what we have here is a true travesty. Not only have you chosen to embrace a hypocrite in CM Punk but you refuse to recognize greatness when it is literally standing right in front of you. I am not a “man of the people” but rather I am “above the people” and you should be pleased that The Brian Kendrick has even embraced you with his presence in this backwoods Virginia town! But fear not because The Brian Kendrick is pleased to let you all know that in just six short days that not only will I be competing in the Royal Rumble…”. Kendrick’s bullhorn apparently is no longer working as he tries tapping on the back area where the batteries go but he has no luck. The fans boo Kendrick as he leaps off the statue and slams his bullhorn down in anger before grabbing his business cards and flicking them at the angry fans in a rather comical fashion as we head to another commercial.

John Cena is spotted walking backstage before Kenny Dykstra and his girlfriend Kelly Kelly ironically happen to bump into Cena. Dykstra tells Cena that he needs to watch where he is going and to recognize that Cena’s not the big deal that he once used to be around here. Cena smirks at Dykstra reminding him that he did beat Dykstra just two weeks ago here on Raw and that despite what many of these people backstage think - he still has it. Dykstra questions what “it” is that Cena claims to have because Cena hasn’t had a championship in two years now. Dykstra lets Cena know that he plans on being the man who eliminates Cena in the Royal Rumble this Sunday. Cena laughs Dykstra off telling him that he’s hearing a lot of bark from a little dog who hasn’t proven he can hang with the big dogs. “You haven’t proven a damn thing since coming to the WWE and for you to come at me and run your mouth like you’re a big deal around here is really rich. So my recommendation to you Kenny is to get to stepping before I MAKE you leave”. Dykstra taps Kelly on the shoulder and looks at Cena before saying “I’ll see you Sunday” as the couple walk away with Cena clearly getting his point across.

Cena starts to walk away but as he does he bumps into none other than Randy Orton! Orton wipes his mouth as it appears he is going to say something but we simply get a intense stare down between both men! JR and Grisham are selling the confrontations between both men the past two weeks on Raw with Orton RKO’ing Cena out of nowhere two weeks ago. Both men also discuss Orton attempting another sneak attack but Cena planted Orton with an F-U to exact his revenge. The tension is building between Orton and Cena as neither men say a word but the confrontation is more than enough to sell the budding rivalry between both men as the interaction is very tense.

Match #3 | Singles Match
Domino vs. Santino Marella

Back in the arena it’s time for a singles match as Domino is back on Raw this week presenting his Global Domination plan and how he will take over the WWE in 2008! Domino is set to take on Santino Marella but right as the bell rings the music of Kurt Angle hits! The dangerous Angle makes his way out with Paul Heyman on the microphone commanding orders to Angle. Angle slides into the ring and looks at Santino and Domino and promptly hits Santino with a brutal head butt causing the nose of Santino to begin gushing blood! The referee calls the match immediately as being unable to start.

Match Result: Domino vs. Santino Marella never officially started

Domino is left stunned in the ring looking down at the unfortunate fate of his supposed opponent in Santino Marella. Domino turns his attention to Angle now pleading with “The Wrestling Machine” to let him leave the ring unharmed. Angle holds his hand out dismissing Domino but as Domino begins to leave Angle pulls him back and drops Domino with an Angle Slam! Angle grabs the ankle of Domino twisting and wrenching away with the Ankle Lock as Domino is tapping out! The referee is pleading with Angle to break the hold but Angle falls on his back and secures the Ankle Lock completely by wrapping his legs around the body of Domino! Angle is determined to make a statement tonight as the referee is calling for backup! Several other referees come running down the ramp and slide into the ring trying to rip Angle off of Domino but Angle doesn’t break the hold until…

***Time to Play the Game***

IS IT? IS THE GAME IN THE BUILDING? Angle’s eyes widen in concern as this may be the moment we’ve been anticipating for weeks! The fans are looking around as Triple H is nowhere to be seen! Paul Heyman is fervently searching around the arena as Angle keeps on looking around as well trying to ensure there is no ambush opportunity from Triple H. JR tells Todd Grisham that he wouldn’t be surprised one bit if Triple H managed to find his way into the arena somehow despite being banned! The camera cuts backstage as the feed switches to the Jumbotron now.

A roll up door to the outside of the arena has been revealed to be open and we see a few arena workers laid out backstage! The fans pop loudly as Angle doesn’t look quite as concerned as earlier when he first heard Triple H’s music but he’s more or less bracing himself for “The Game” to potentially appear out of nowhere at any given moment. Heyman begins to squeal loudly at Angle telling him to leave the ring as one portion of the crowd begins to cheer loudly. Angle walks over towards that corner of the ring trying to scan the crowd looking for Triple H but he’s nowhere to be found. Angle scans the entire crowd again but what he doesn’t see is TRIPLE H JUMPING OVER THE BARRICADE NEAR THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! Triple H furiously grabs Angle and pulls him out of the ring! Paul Heyman is losing it as he’s hollering for someone backstage to come out here and arrest Triple H for trespassing!

Triple H shoves Angle back first into the ring apron before grabbing Angle and hurling him into the barricade! Triple H jumps on top of Angle wailing him with left and rights before grabbing Kurt once again and smashing him into the barricade once more! Heyman is pleading with the referees to bring this to an end but the referees are simply pushed away from Triple H as he’s not going to let any referees end his comeuppance. Triple H grabs Angle and throws him shoulder first into the steel steps! The fans are much enjoying Angle getting a taste of his own medicine due to the heinous attacks he carried out over the course of the last year. Triple H grabs Angle’s head slamming it off the steel steps repeatedly creating a cut right above the right eyebrow of Angle.

The Game finally stops himself and looks towards the ring apron as he suddenly has an idea. He gets onto one knee and looks underneath the ring apron and low and behold his trademark sledgehammer is conveniently located under the ring! Triple H grabs his sledgehammer and lifts it high into the air as several referees try ripping the sledgehammer away! Triple H rips away from the referees and the camera shows Angle pleading with Triple H to not do this! The fans are begging Triple H to take Angle out as the loudest pop of the night easily comes with Triple H holding the sledgehammer high into the air and threatening Angle! Triple H wraps his hand around the front of the sledgehammer and right as he prepares to charge at Angle…Paul Heyman slides right in front of his client! Heyman is pleading with Triple H to not do this! Triple H tries ripping Heyman away from in front of Angle but we hear the voice of Eric Bischoff!

“Hunter…don’t you take one more step. If you even think about hitting Kurt or Paul with that sledgehammer I will ensure that you never work another day in the WWE! You’re trespassing right now! But as for right now and the foreseeable future, I’m officially BARRING you from the competing at the Royal Rumble this Sunday!” Bischoff cackles on the big screen as the screen goes black!

The Game is livid right now as he throws his sledgehammer causing it to hit a barricade! While The Game was announced last week as not being a participant, it was widely speculated that he’d still find his way somehow into the match Sunday. Triple H is about to turn around and walk towards Angle and Heyman but Angle low blows him from behind! The Olympic Gold Medalist then picks Triple H up and plows him through the announcer’s table with a thunderous Angle Slam causing the table to break immediately upon impact! Angle rips his straps off and stands over Triple H holding his arms high in the air as Paul Heyman grabs his hand and raises it high for everyone to see that the Bischoff/Heyman Alliance continues to remain on top!

Back from the break we see footage from during the commercial break where Triple H was helped up the ramp. But once he reached the ramp he refused help and hobbled his way backstage. The Game is seen making a beeline towards Eric Bischoff’s office but conveniently Bischoff is not in there. He rips a huge photo of Bischoff off the wall and slams it hard on the ground breaking the photo and the frame before throwing it against the wall! He flips over the desk and throws the chair hard against the wall before leaving the office still clearly irate over Eric Bischoff removing him from the Royal Rumble Match this Sunday!

Triple H takes a right out of the office where he comes face to face with several producers. “Where’s Bischoff” The Game asks but the producers are unable to tell Triple H where Bischoff is at since he hasn’t been seen all day! Triple H tells them they better fess up because he knows Bischoff is somewhere in this damn building! The Game prepares to leave but security comes from behind and grabs Triple H and Hampton Police arrive and handcuff Triple H due to trespassing after being banned from the arena tonight. The Game tries to fight off police but ultimately he’s overmatched as the police officers place him into the police car and we see the car ride off into the night. It seemingly appears that Raw GM Eric Bischoff has once again gotten his way with banishing The Game from Raw for the remainder of the night.

Match #4 | United States Championship
Winner Earns Spot in the Royal Rumble Match
Shelton Benjamin (c) vs. Elijah Burke w/ Theodore Long

It’s time for some more action as we will be getting the presumed blow off match between two former tag team partners and best friends in Burke and Benjamin. Both commentators discuss how the match was originally set to take place at the Royal Rumble this Sunday but the bad blood between these two men led to the match taking place here tonight on Raw! Both Benjamin and Burke immediately get after it with there being no initial feeling out process between two men who are well versed in the skill set of their opponent. Burke works over the leg of Benjamin trying to prevent the skilled mat wrestler from being able to use his well versed mat skills but also eliminate his high flying ability.

The challenger flips Benjamin over with a snap mare before quickly kicking Benjamin in the back before charging off the ropes and springing off with a well finessed and timely dropkick to the face of the champion! Long commands Burke to make the cover but Benjamin gets his shoulder up at two. Teddy Long tells the referee there is no way that Shelton managed to get his shoulder up and he leaps onto the apron to try and argue his cause. This allows Elijah Burke the time he needs to try and use some underhanded tactics.

“The Guiding Light” rips the US championship belt out of the hands of Lilian Garcia and rolls into the ring sizing Benjamin up. Burke runs at the champion but Benjamin moves and grabs Burke by the tights throwing him shoulder first into the middle turnbuckle! Burke stumbles out of the corner clutching onto his shoulder and he turns around right into a big Superkick from Benjamin! The USChampion jumps on top of his former tag partner and covers Burke but the referee is still seen arguing with Teddy Long! Benjamin realizes he could have won the match easily had it not been for the meddling of his former manager.

The champion makes his way over to the side of the ring where Teddy Long is arguing with the referee as Benjamin is now jaw jacking with Long. The champ tells Long to get off the apron but Long doesn’t take too kind to his former client talking to him that way. Benjamin grabs Long by the coat but just in time Elijah Burke is back on his feet! Burke runs at his opponent but in a well timed effort Benjamin moves causing Burke to run right into his manager and cause Long to fall off the ring and land hard on the outside! Burke is distraught now and clearly distracted because right when he turns around he’s hit with Paydirt! Benjamin hooks the leg of Burke as the referee slides over and makes the count..1…2..3!

Match Result: Shelton Benjamin def. Elijah Burke to retain the United States Championship; also qualifies for the Royal Rumble Match

Shelton Benjamin has done it again! JR says that this young man is one of the most talented up and comers today in the business and now his US championship reign has reached five months. Benjamin has his hand raised as he makes his way up the ramp and is handed back his championship belt! The fans applaud Benjamin for his performance tonight and as he turns around to head towards the back he’s greeted with a huge CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! JBL? JR is absolutely livid that JBL just laid out Shelton Benjamin who hasn’t done a single thing to JBL to even deserve being attacked! Todd Grisham joins JR in taking offense to the dangerous attack from JBL. JBL stands over Benjamin and kicks the United States Championship title away before marching towards the ring. He steps over fellow former Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long before getting into the ring and literally kicking Elijah Burke out of the ring until he rolled out and landed on the mats on the outside.

JBL demands a microphone as a worker hands him the mic and JBL tells him to “get out of my ring now son”. “Now let’s get one thing straight. I have nothing against Shelton Benjamin. It’s just that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the same can be said for the other poor twenty nine men that will walk into MY hometown of New York City this Sunday for the Royal Rumble Match”

A few boos ring around the arena prompting JBL to tell them that these morons in Virginia should recognize that they are living in a era of greatness. They are getting to watch some of the biggest names in wrestling all compete but most of all they get to see John Bradshaw Layfield day in and day out. JBL then tells the crowd that Virginia is no different than his former proclaimed home state of Texas - full of backwoods country hicks who have never ventured out of their home state. He says his move to New York City was the greatest move he could ever have made and that it opened his eyes to help create the most successful businessman in not only the WWE but also in New York City and in the United States of America! And this Sunday the JBL Comeback Tour continues as he will rise to the occasion and ensure that his hometown will have a Royal Rumble winner that they not only deserve but that they NEED in JBL! He tries to start a slow J…B…L…chant in order to mock the crowd but Shelton Benjamin is back on his feet and he runs into the ring dumping JBL over the top rope and right back onto the outside of the ring. JBL stumbles back towards the ramp stunned that Shelton Benjamin was able to catch him off guard so quickly. Benjamin stands on the ropes intently staring down JBL and tells him that “I’ll see you Sunday”. JBL contemplates entering the ring to go back after Benjamin but he grabs his cowboy hat that was knocked off his head and makes his way to the back before we slowly cut out to commercial break.

**********

WrestleMania Rewind
WrestleMania 21 | Los Angeles, California
April 3, 2005

Edge defeats Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, and Christian in the FIRST EVER Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Edge would go on to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase at the Royal Rumble against Batista to capture his first ever World Heavyweight Championship.

WrestleMania XXIV | 70 Days Away
Carnage in the Capital
Sunday March 30, 2008 | FedEx Field | Washington D.C.

**********

Mr. Kennedy is backstage with Maria as Maria is wanting to speak with Mr. Kennedy regarding last week’s Hardcore Match against “Mick Foley” or rather the Foley impersonator that Mr. Kennedy hired. Kennedy refused to acknowledge that it was not the real Mick Foley in the ring last week. He says that now that things with Foley are over - he’s got his sights set on Sunday and winning his first ever Royal Rumble. Kennedy runs through the names of several participants in the Royal Rumble stating that they are no match for the man from The City of Champions…Green Bay, Wisconsiiiiiin. Mr. Kennedy informs Maria and the fans that while he’s been overlooked since arriving to the WWE just a little over two years ago, he’s going to make his mark in the unofficial home of WWE - Madison Square Garden this Sunday when he wins the Royal Rumble…Rumble. After making his remarks Kennedy smacks the microphone out of Maria’s hand and exits the interview area before we cut down to ringside.

The Brian Kendrick is seen sitting at ringside with JR and Todd Grisham with the remnants of the commentary table still in shambles. Kendrick is of course mocking Punk on the microphone and even sporting his new shirt seen earlier in the night that says “Straight Business” with a mock up of one of his business cards on it. JR welcomes Kendrick to the audience watching at home to which Kendrick tells JR that it is his privilege to make a special guest appearance to try and lighten the mood up here on such a tense night on Monday Night Raw. Kendrick is at ringside to watch the following match which gets underway but not before Punk and Kendrick exchange glances.

Match #5 | Singles Match
CM Punk vs. Chavo Guerrero

A real quick singles match to get CM Punk on the card tonight in an effort to further highlight him heading into the Royal Rumble this Sunday. Guerrero interestingly gets an early advantage and dominates the beginning of the match before trying to wrap the match up with the Three Amigos. Chavo lands the first two of the series of suplexes before the wily Punk catches Chavo with a knee to the head! Punk regains his footing and catches Guerrero with a swift Roundhouse Kick! Chavo bounces off the middle rope off impact giving Punk an opportunity to head to the outside of the ring and catch Guerrero with a Running Knee to the head.

Punk turns his attention to the top rope as he ascends the ropes and looks down at Guerrero eagerly anticipating Chavo to rise back onto his feet. Punk leaps off the ropes and catches Chavo with a well executed Crossbody Splash! Punk attempts the pinfall cover but Guerrero manages to kick out just in time to keep this match going. Punk rises back onto his feet calling for the fans to rally behind him as he’s setting up for the GTS! Chavo rises back onto his feet and turns around right into the grasp of Punk who lifts Guerrero onto his shoulders. However, Chavo counters similar to how Punk countered earlier in the match with a series of knees to the head causing Punk to drop Chavo!

Chavo springs onto the ropes and leaps off for a Frog Splash attempt but Punk gets his knees up! Rolling around the mat and clutching his ribs, Guerrero is pretty much a sitting duck now as Punk rises back onto his feet and scoops Guerrero up this time successfully connecting with the GTS! He covers Guerrero and the referee dashes over making the 1…2…3…count!

Match Result: CM Punk def. Chavo Guerrero

The Brian Kendrick removes his headset and taps on a microphone that he received from Lilian Garcia. “Pardon me Punk but I want to continue in the tradition of declaring the many reasons why I, The Brian Kendrick, will emerge victorious this Sunday at Madison Square Garden!" Kendrick receives a few boos and this clearly distracts him long enough to loose his sights on CM Punk who comes over and lifts Kendrick’s chair dumping him over the barricade and into the lap of the fans behind the commentary team. Kendrick is taken aback and stunned by CM Punk’s actions. He thinks quickly though and stumbles out of the laps of the fans and runs off into the second level as CM Punk is left standing at ringside watching his former tag partner once again escape from his grasps.

Matt Hardy is seen making his way to the ring as he receives a few good lucks from some lower card wrestlers backstage such as Stevie Richards and Val Venis. JR hypes Matt Hardy up saying that this is a big opportunity for the former Hardy Boys star after having a rough several months since coming over to Raw last year. This could be a big turning point for Matt Hardy if he’s able to defeat the WWE Champion tonight. The camera switches over to show the aforementioned champion heading towards the ring building himself up not only for the match but a possible appearance once again with his opponent on Sunday - The Undertaker. Our main event is next!

We’re back from the break and it’s main event time as JR and Todd Grisham run down the card for this Sunday at the Royal Rumble before finally discussing the WWE Championship main event between The Undertaker and Batista. Grisham questions whether Batista will be able to overcome the mind games he has encountered from Undertaker so far. JR believes that while Batista is perhaps surprised at the levels the Undertaker will go to scare his opponents - he does believe that Batista has a plan for not only Sunday but also tonight.

Match #6 | Main Event Non-Title Match
Batista vs. Matt Hardy

Immediately after the referee calls for the bell Batista charges at Hardy exploding into the corner and connecting with a series of knees to the gut of Hardy! Batista throws Hardy out of the corner like a rag doll throwing him from one side of the ring to nearly the other. Hardy backs himself into the corner by scooting his way near the bottom turnbuckle and as Batista bends down to try and pick Hardy up, Hardy trips him up head first sending the WWE champion reeling into the middle turnbuckle head first!

Hardy takes this opportunity to go on the offensive attack and to try and make a statement tonight against the reigning WWE champion. Hardy dropkicks Batista causing the head of the champion to ricochet once more off the turnbuckles. Hardy tries to mount Batista with a series of punches but Batista counters and throws Hardy off the middle rope shoving his opponent off of him causing Hardy to land awkwardly on his head. Batista takes a breather before rising back onto his feet as he is now looking to turn the match back into his favor.

The WWE champion wraps his huge biceps around the neck of Hardy wrenching away with a headlock. Hardy rallies the fans behind him by hitting his boot on the mat causing the fans to clap and rally Hardy to try and break free of the hold. Hardy does get back onto one knee but Batista ends up kneeing Hardy in the chest before pulling him in and planting Hardy into the mat with a sick Spinebuster. The champion hooks the leg of his opponent…1…2…kick out from Hardy.

Batista grabs Hardy by the hair lifting him up and slamming his head repeatedly into the mat. The champion pulls his opponent back off the mat and drives Hardy back first into the turnbuckles before laying into Hardy with several right hands to the face. Hardy tries to deflect the punches from The Animal but he can’t stop the dangerous right hands from Batista. The champ grabs Hardy and begins to work vigilantly on the neck of Hardy twisting it and wrenching it in ways that a neck should not be twisted as JR says.

The Animal grabs Hardy and throws him into the ropes but instead of charging back at Batista, he stops himself dead in his tracks! Batista takes this opportunity to run at Hardy but Hardy pulls the ropes down and watches as Batista goes diving over the ropes and onto the outside of the ring! Hardy shows his daredevil side by running off the ropes and hitting a Suicide Dive sending the champion back first into the barricade! Batista is clutching his shoulder which may have awkwardly hit the barricade in the process.

Hardy tries his hardest now to work towards continuing the momentum he just built up as he grabs Batista and throws him head first into the turnbuckles! He then grabs the champion and rolls him into the ring before attempting a pin fall cover, 1…2…shoulder up from the WWE Champion! Hardy pulls at his hair but realizes that he cannot deter from keeping his momentum rolling. He climbs onto the middle turnbuckle attempting a Diving Leg Drop which he connects with! JR is excited as Matt Hardy hooks the leg of Batista. May we see a big upset victory tonight? 1…2…2 1/2! Hardy looks down at Batista and realizes he’s going to have to try and close the match out now if he wants to cement himself as a potential contender for the WWE championship come post Royal Rumble.

Hardy grabs Batista pulling him off the mat as the fans begin to rally behind Matt Hardy as this may be the beginning of the ending for Batista tonight! Hardy peels Batista off the mat lifting him up and trying for a Twist of Fate! Batista counters though shoving Hardy away from him before turning Hardy inside out with a monstrous clothesline! And just like that Batista has turned the match back in his favor. Batista collapses onto the mat as the referee begins to countdown both Hardy and Batista! 1…2…3…4…5….Hardy begins to stir a little but Batista is rising himself and is up onto one knee. 6…7…The Animal is back up and as Hardy gets back onto his feet, Batista rips Hardy towards him and plants him right into the mat once more with a gigantic Spinebuster! It’s almost elementary from there as he gets back onto his feet and pulls Hardy in and Hardy is unable to put up a fight now as Batista plants him into the cold mat with a Batista Bomb before hooking the leg. 1…2…3!

Match Result: Batista def. Matt Hardy in a Non-Title Match

***I Walk Alone***

The music of the WWE Champion sounds around the arena as Batista just put up a big fight against an opponent that he perhaps overlooked initially. Batista rips his WWE Championship belt out of the hands of the referee throwing it over his shoulder as he points to the crowd and mocks a few of the fans. He exits the ring and makes his way down the steel steps before preparing to exit the arena. The Animal does seem a little timid as he continuously looks around checking over his shoulder and looking all around to ensure that The Undertaker is nowhere to be found.

Batista seems to believe that Undertaker is nowhere to be found tonight as he continues to make his way up the ramp. He turns his back to the titantron and the stage and perhaps that was a mistake because the voice of The Undertaker comes over the PA startling the WWE Champion. “Batista…” The champion fervishly looks around the Hampton Coliseum screaming “Show yourself Deadman”. The Undertaker speaks once again telling Batista “Last week you escaped the wrath of the Deadman but this Sunday…you will Rest…In…Peace”. Batista doesn’t seem fazed one bit at the words from The Undertaker but what is concerning is when he turns around to go back he turns right into the clutch of The Deadman himself! Undertaker grabs Batista and lifts him up for a Chokeslam onto the cold steel stage! The Deadman gets down onto one knee and does his trademark throat slice as Raw comes to a close just mere nights away from The Royal Rumble.

**********

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden - New York City, New York
Official Theme Song: Stand Up for Rock 'N' Roll - Airbourne

30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns Title Match at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: CM Punk, John Cena, Kane, Kurt Angle, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mr. Kennedy, Randy Orton, Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick, Christian, Chris Masters, Edge, Gregory Helms, Jeff Hardy, John Morrison, MVP, Paul London, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, The Miz
6 Raw and 4 SmackDown Superstars TBA

WWE Championship Match
Batista (c) vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Umaga (c) w/ Armando Estrada vs. Shawn Michaels

Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Gregory Helms

Falls Count Anywhere | #1 Contender's Match
Mickie James vs. Victoria

World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Match
Priceless (c's) vs. The Colon's vs. The Bluebloods​

 

[KOP]

Friday Night Smackdown | January 25, 2008
John Paul Jones Arena | Charlottesville, Virginia

***Rise Up***

And just like that we are live and on the air coming to you this week from Charlottesville, Virginia where we are just two nights away from the Royal Rumble! Michael Cole greets us reminding us that the Road to WrestleMania officially kicks off in two nights! A superstar’s dreams will come true when they realize the opportunity to main event WrestleMania 24 in our Nation’s Capital! Tazz lets the fans know we have a big night ahead of us with Finlay set to team together with Shawn Michaels to take on Umaga and Chris Masters in our main event!

***Metalingus***

The music of “The Rated R Superstar” rattles around the John Paul Jones Arena as we are set to hear from Edge to kick off the go home episode of SmackDown! A very disgruntled Edge makes his way out to the arena looking ready to address the shocking RKO from his former tag partner Raw’s Randy Orton last week here on SmackDown! Michael Cole and Tazz discuss the RKO as it is shown on the jumbotron and after the clip cuts away we see Edge standing in the ring with mic in hand.

“The Rated R Superstar” kicks off SmackDown discussing all of the alleged “issues” he’s had recently with rumors starting that his brother Christian and him are at odds plus this self proclaimed “Show Off” jackass Dolph Ziggler being a thorn in his side. But perhaps the biggest surprise was the fact that Randy Orton had the balls to show up on Edge’s show and attack him last week. Edge alludes to their time in Rated RKO and how they took the WWE by storm but that those days are long over. Orton showed his true colors and is an absolute maniacal madman now that cannot be trusted under any circumstances.

Edge says he will take great joy in eliminating Randy Orton at the Royal Rumble this Sunday when he wins his first ever Royal Rumble Match. Edge continues hyping up the match talking about how he’s looking to be in his third straight World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania but not surprisingly we hear the voice of Randy Orton interrupting Edge!

“Edge…up here!”... The maniacal Orton appears on the jumbotron asking Edge how he is feeling after being RKO’d last week. Orton smirks after saying that and he tells Edge that it’s nothing personal - it’s just business. And the fact that he had to carry Rated RKO on his back further proves that he was the strong link between the two. Edge has had some legendary tag team partners in the past including Christian, Hulk Hogan, Rey Mysterio and many more but that NONE of them compares to “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton.

Edge asks Orton if he’s done rambling now because quite frankly he along with the fans in Charlottesville are tired of hearing him run his damn mouth. It’s time to put up or shut up and Edge is challenging Orton to come out and meet him face to face right now. Orton chuckles as he tells Edge that he’s not in the building tonight because he’s already in New York preparing for the Royal Rumble Match and right as Orton finishes speaking - DOLPH ZIGGLER HITS EDGE WITH A ZIG ZAG FROM BEHIND! Ziggler slid into the ring from behind the timekeeper’s table laying out Edge in what should have not been a surprise after he ate a Spear from Edge last week. Ziggler hurries up the ramp clearly not wanting to stay around. Michael Cole and Tazz discuss our opening match - John Morrison & The Miz versus Cryme Tyme in a non-title match and it’s NEXT!

Match #1 | Non-Title Tag Team Match
John Morrison & The Miz vs. Cryme Tyme

After a one week sabbatical to celebrate their championship victory in Hollywood - the WWE Tag Team Champions find themselves in action against a formidable threat tonight. Morrison & Miz seem to be taking their opponents lightly however as majority of their focus recently has been on their training for The Royal Rumble Match. Morrison & Miz try their hardest to hone in on JTG and alienate him from Shad for the majority of the match and they seem to be successful in the early goings of the match.

A series of successful tags and focusing on the knee of JTG allows Morrison & Miz to keep JTG away from his partner in the corner. Miz ends up losing control momentarily though as he eats a big dropkick from JTG that seems to be turning the tide of the match. JTG is able to finally leap over and make the hot tag bringing in big Shad Gaspard right as Miz tags in Morrison! Shad hits Morrison with a series of hard shoulder blocks before pressing Morrison into the air and dropping him with a Military Press Slam!

The Miz jumps in trying to help his tag team partner but he’s knocked down with a big clothesline from Shad and he ends up taking a clothesline over the top rope to follow it up. Shad grabs Morrison, throwing him onto his shoulders again before JTG dashes across the ring and they hit the G9! Shad flips Morrison over as he hooks the leg and JTG counts along with the referee for the victorious three count

Match Result: Cryme Tyme def. John Morrison & The Miz in a Non-Title Match

The Miz barely misses sliding in to make the save for his tag team partner and he sits on the mat shaking his head in disappointment after the upset loss. JTG and Shad slide out of the ring and grab Miz’s fedora, taking it with them as JTG throws it on his head as the duo dance their way up the stage! Miz is livid as he stands over the ropes shouting at Cryme Tyme to bring back his hat but they ignore him as they celebrate their huge victory tonight.

Josh Mathews is backstage standing by as he welcomes his guest at this time - the Cruiserweight Champion - Evan Bourne! Mathews talks with Evan about how his first whirlwind of a month in WWE is coming to a close soon but how impressive of a first month it has been! Bourne thanks Josh and tells him that never in his wildest dreams would he have envisioned winning the Cruiserweight Championship in his WWE debut match! He is living proof that hard work and dreams do pay off! Evan says he’s overseeing a revitalization of the Cruiserweight division and he’s going to put some respect back into the Cruiserweight Championship which was something Gregory Helms couldn’t be bothered to do.

Josh reminds the fans of the time Helms relinquished the title, throwing it into the Gulf of Mexico last summer causing the title to be vacated for nearly a three month period. Bourne lets Josh know that is exactly what he is talking about and how Helms isn’t even worried about the Cruiserweight Championship - he’s just worried about losing ground in the rankings to up and coming superstars like himself (Bourne). Bourne lets Josh know that once he defeats Gregory Helms this Sunday at the Royal Rumble and retains his Cruiserweight Championship that he’s coming for Helms’ Intercontinental Championship next. Bourne walks away heading into the arena as he is in action - NEXT!

Match #2 | Non-Title Singles Match
Evan Bourne vs. Tajiri

A tough matchup tonight for the young champion as he’s set to face off against the veteran “The Japanese Buzzsaw” Tajiri. Michael Cole reminds us that last week Bourne pinned Tajiri in a Six Man Tag Team Match earning the victory for his team. Tajiri’s frustrations with losing last week to the rookie is clearly still evident as he has an aggressive sense to him early on in this matchup. Tajiri throws a series of martial arts kicks at Bourne grounding the champion in an effort to prevent Bourne from using his high flying tactics.

Tajiri continues chopping away at the legs of Bourne using his veteran experience to ground Bourne. Tajiri uses a variety of submission moves on Bourne trying to force the champion to submit but Bourne is not going to give in that easily. Tajiri gets Bourne locked in the Tarantula and the referee forces Tajiri to break the hold at four or otherwise risk being disqualified. Once he breaks free of the hold - Tajiri attempts to hit Bourne with a Bridging German Suplex but he only gets a two count.

The Japanese Buzzsaw begins to set up for the Buzzsaw Kick but not surprisingly out saunters Bourne’s rival Gregory Helms. Helms is on the stage with his Intercontinental Championship belt over his shoulder watching on. Tajiri doesn’t seem to be distracted from this at all and as he goes for the Buzzsaw Kick he misses Bourne after Bourne smartly ducks underneath the kick attempt. Bourne rolls Tajiri up with a cradle and gets the huge victory earning himself another big win in his first month in the WWE.

Match Result: Evan Bourne def. Tajiri in a Non-Title Match

Lost in all of the celebration for Bourne is that he never saw Gregory Helms come out onto the stage. Bourne backs up celebrating his victory after the referee gives him his Cruiserweight Championship but in the matter of seconds he’s ambushed by Helms from behind with the Intercontinental Championship. Helms shouts at Bourne saying that he’s never going to get an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship and that despite what Bourne said earlier tonight - Helms does in fact want the Cruiserweight Championship back because when it comes time for WrestleMania - he will be the first superstar to ever hold every singles title available on SmackDown. Helms throws one foot on top of Bourne’s chest as he is now holding up his Intercontinental Championship in one hand and Bourne’s Cruiserweight Championship in the other.

We’re sent backstage once again as General Manager Jonathan Coachman is sitting in his office doing some paperwork as he’s interrupted by MVP and Big E. MVP introduces his newly hired muscle to Coach and says that he had to get rid of the dead weight in Big Zeke and that’s why he’s moved on to a bigger and stronger bodyguard in Big E. Coach asks MVP to cut to the chase on why he’s in his office and MVP obliges by saying that next week MVP is expecting the BIGGEST and the BADDEST Royal Rumble victory party the WWE has ever seen.

MVP lets Coach know he has a long running list of what all he wants at the party - the finest wines, the best bourbons, the red carpet treatment for all of the VIP’s who will be there but most of all - he doesn’t want Big Zeke anywhere in the building. “Because ya’ see this is about Montel Vontavious Porter - this isn’t about Zeke. Zeke has a habit of making everything about him and I’m not going to let him rain on my championship parade”.

Coach asks MVP how he is so certain he is going to even win the Royal Rumble - after all it is the most star studded Royal Rumble match in years! MVP scoffs at Coach saying that no one can compete with MVP in that ring. Once the bright lights hit in Madison Square Garden everyone will know why he’s the highest paid superstar in WWE history. MVP pats Big E on the shoulder as Big E hesitates for a second and stares down Coach with his arms crossed before the duo walk out as we fade to black.

***

WrestleMania Rewind

WrestleMania VI

April 1, 1990

***

In the first WrestleMania to take place outside of the United States - The Ultimate Warrior goes head to head with Hulk Hogan in a Winner Takes All Match for the Intercontinental and WWF Championships. Ultimately, The Ultimate Warrior emerges victorious, capturing his first (and only) WWF Championship in the main event.

WrestleMania XXIV | 65 Days Away
Carnage in the Capital
Sunday March 30, 2008 | FedEx Field | Washington D.C.

**********

The Miz is backstage clutching at his head clearly still irate at losing his fedora (oddly more upset about the fedora than losing). Miz and Morrison are both discussing how they let Cryme Tyme defeat them before in walks “Captain Charisma” Christian to a loud ovation from the fans in Charlottesville! Christian pats both men on the back sarcastically and says that he hates to see the “Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century” suffer a defeat earlier tonight which leads him to his next point. “How exactly did you two determine that you were the greatest tag team of the 21st century to begin with?”

Morrison begins to chime in but Miz stops him and lets Christian know that he already knows where he’s going with this. Miz and Morrison have defeated the best the WWE has to offer and that Christian and his brother Edge do not pale in comparison to what Miz and Morrison have done in a very short time span in the WWE! Christian chuckles at Miz saying “that’s cute but in case you forgot I’m a 9 time tag team champion and that’s including 7 times with Edge so I think we have more of a claim to the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century than you two bozos do.” Christian walks away leaving the champions blindsided by his comments but the fans certainly seemed to enjoy someone shutting Miz and Morrison up for once.

Match #3 | Singles Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Chuck Palumbo

Up next in action is Rob Van Dam as he receives a big test ahead of his goal of becoming a two-time Royal Rumble winner this Sunday. RVD must deal with Chuck Palumbo first before he reaches the bright lights of Madison Square Garden this Sunday. Palumbo gives Van Dam a run for his money as the tough and nasty biker wears down the body of Van Dam with a set of Bear Hugs squeezing the life out of Van Dam and taking away a good chunk of his energy. Van Dam begins a comeback though as he slides off the shoulders of Palumbo on a power slam attempt and quickly chops Palumbo’s legs out from underneath him with a Leg Sweep.

Palumbo rises back onto his feet and blocks a kick attempt from RVD before clotheslining Van Dam into the mat causing him to spin inside out in the process. Palumbo tries for a cover but gets a kick out at two and an enraged Palumbo looks ready to do whatever it takes to put Van Dam away. Palumbo slides to the outside of the ring making his way over to his bike and he grabs his biker chain and brings it into the ring.

The referee warns Palumbo to not use the chain and after an argument with the referee he never even gets a chance to use it after he takes a spinning heel kick from Van Dam! It’s almost elementary from there as Van Dam follows it up with the Rolling Thunder and immediately afterwards hits the Five Star Frog Splash to wrap up the victory and send RVD flying high into the Royal Rumble Match this Sunday.

Match Result: Rob Van Dam def. Chuck Palumbo

“The Whole Dam Show” emerges victorious with a big singles victory tonight to give him some momentum heading into The Royal Rumble on Sunday. Cole & Tazz discuss Van Dam’s chances of becoming a two time winner and Tazz points out that RVD has been toiling away for a while now but that he’s seen a spark in him recently that he hasn’t seen since he main evented WrestleMania two years ago and won his first ever WWE Championship.

The World Heavyweight Champion - Umaga - and his manager Armando Estrada are seen preparing backstage for their main event match and we see Chris Masters join the two as they seem to be prepared to discuss strategy. Cole & Tazz hype up the main event and discuss how both of these feuds are set to come to a head tonight with Umaga and HBK in the same ring for the final time before the Royal Rumble and Masters and Finlay finally getting their hands on one another in the ring.

Damien Sandow
Coming Soon

*********

Josh Mathews is backstage once again as we return from the break and he welcomes back his guest at this time - Rey Mysterio! Mathews shows footage of Charlie Haas brutally attacking Rey two weeks ago with a steel chair before having to be forced off of Rey by security. Josh informs Rey that he spoke with SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman earlier today and he was informed that Charlie Haas has been suspended through the end of the month and that he will not be at The Royal Rumble on Sunday.

Mysterio nods his head acknowledging Josh but it appears that Rey would rather get retribution after being forced from missing SmackDown last week. Josh asks Rey how he is feeling after the attack and Rey does say that he still has some nagging pains but that Charlie Haas cannot and WILL NOT keep him down and he’s not going to let the brutal attack stop him from winning the Royal Rumble on Sunday.

Rey says he knows he’s at a disadvantage due to his size - something that he doesn’t have to say often because it’s evident but you can’t beat heart and desire and Rey says he’s going to finally realize his dreams and earn a main event spot at WrestleMania for the first time in his career. Rey thanks Josh and says that he’s going to win on Sunday in honor of all the men and women who have been told before that they can’t do something, that they’re undersized, that they don’t have the will power or the want to. “I am the ultimate underdog Josh but don’t be surprised when I have my hand raised and announced as the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble”. Rey pats Josh on the back and walks off as we head into the arena for our fourth match of the evening.

Match #4 | Singles Match
Mark Henry vs. Jimmy Wang Yang

Not a whole lot to write about here other than poor Jimmy Wang Yang. Yang is thrown about the ring like a rag doll as Henry decimates the cruiserweight through the entire match. A huge Body Press brings Yang crashing into the mat before Henry hits a World’s Strongest Splash to cover Yang and get a big statement victory heading into the Royal Rumble on Sunday

Match Result: Mark Henry def. Jimmy Wang Yang

We return from the commercial break and see “HBK” Shawn Michaels stretching in the hallway preparing for his main event match coming up later tonight. HBK is approached by MVP and Big E - the intimidating muscle of Montel Vontavious Porter. MVP gives HBK a jovial greeting and informs Michaels that he’s looking forward to his match against Umaga this Sunday. “Ya know Shawn…I don’t tell many people this very often but I looked up to you when I was younger. The style, the swagger, the way you carried yourself professionally and personally…Shawn you were a superstar! Key word there though is…WERE”

MVP quickly turns the tide of the conversation as many expected as he continues on with letting HBK know that his days in the WWE are numbered. “When you’re talking about the future of the WWE - it starts with one man and that man is me - Montel Vontavious Porter. The most sought after free agent in professional wrestling history. The man who signed the biggest contract that the World Wrestling Entertainment has ever given to any superstar. And the man who is going to win the Royal Rumble this Sunday and cement his legacy at WrestleMania”. HBK hasn’t said anything yet and quite frankly when has he had a chance?

“I hope to see you at WrestleMania so I can put you out to pasture” - MVP pats Big E on the back as Big E muscles up towards HBK who doesn’t seem intimated in the slightest. Michaels goes to speak but Big E acting as the formidable shield between MVP and HBK stands strong as MVP tells Big E let’s go as the two walk off.

Match #5 | Singles Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Deuce

The weekly Jeff Hardy Royal Rumble preparation match takes place once again with this week’s opponent being Deuce. Deuce gives Hardy a good fight in the beginning of the match but the veteran instincts of Hardy kicks in in what was always going to end up in a victory for The Charismatic Enigma. Hardy fends off a last minute attempt from Deuce to complete a victory as Hardy counters a vertical suplex before dropping Deuce with a DDT. Hardy fends off Deuce once again as the second generation superstar works on Hardy with some right hands but a swift Twist of Fate plants Deuce into the mat setting Hardy up with the opportunity for the Swanton Bomb and it connects allowing him to pick up the three count and earn another victory heading into Sunday’s Royal Rumble match.

Match Result: Jeff Hardy def. Deuce

Cole & Tazz run down the Royal Rumble card for this Sunday in Madison Square Garden highlighting first off the Royal Rumble Match with 15 Raw and 15 SmackDown superstars doing battle with the winner earning a main event WWE or World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania! Also on the card from SmackDown is Gregory Helms challenging Evan Bourne for the Cruiserweight Championship and Umaga defending the World Heavyweight Championship against “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels. And speaking of that match - we get a split screen showing HBK and Finlay talking backstage while Umaga and Chris Masters are still in their locker rooms as seen earlier tonight - that main event match is NEXT!

***LAMBEG***

The tough Irishman Finlay is out first for our main event as he looks all business as he pats his shillelagh on his way towards the ring. Finlay has his head on a swivel looking for Chris Masters anywhere and everywhere as he makes his way down the aisle. Finlay slides into the ring continuing his usual non-eventful entrance and as he awaits his tag team partner to arrive we hear Michael Cole & Tazz talk about how we’ve received word that there is an event going on backstage. The camera quickly cuts backstage and we see Shawn Michaels on the ground being stomped on by Chris Masters and Umaga!

Armando Estrada is circling the two superstars shouting orders for Umaga and Masters to attack Shawn Michaels! The camera quickly cuts into the arena to see Finlay come charging out of the ring as one camera follows him backstage while we cut back to the chaos going on backstage in the undisclosed area. Masters picks HBK up and holds HBK’s hands behind his back allowing Umaga to headbutt Michaels before dropping him with the Samoan Spike! HBK is choking up blood as the two continue to stomp away at the beaten down Michaels.

Finlay is shown looking around backstage before he finally hears the chaos is just down the hallway and he charges in and hits Masters with a Lariat knocking down The Masterpiece! Finlay turns towards Umaga now who simply responds with a Headbutt to Finlay! Umaga grabs Finlay and throws him against a steel cage storage structure with Finlay hitting his back against the cold steel and collapsing onto the floor in agonizing pain.

SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman emerges onto the scene now with security as the one referee who was trying to break this up simply had no way to do it alone. Security circles Umaga pleading with Armando Estrada to stand down as the damage has already been done. Medical personnel come running in to check on Shawn Michaels first in an effort to try and stop the coughing blood. Coachman surveys the scene, obviously disappointed that the main event he signed for tonight cannot go on after the pure decimation that has just happened here tonight backstage.

The show comes to an end with Michael Cole & Tazz apologizing that tonight’s main event will not take place but that there is simply no way that neither Shawn Michaels nor Finlay would be able to compete tonight after these heinous attacks. Tazz talks about how the Umaga versus Shawn Michaels feud has become just that more personal now and also that when Finlay and Chris Masters finally butt heads in the ring it’s going to get ugly! The show closes with security still surrounding Umaga and Armando Estrada with Estrada having given clear orders to Umaga to stand down as the camera hones in on The Samoan Bulldozer as the screen goes black.

SD and RR Graphics Courtesy of BattleTank

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York

The 30 Man Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns either a WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship Main Event Match of their choosing at WrestleMania XXIV
Confirmed Entrants: Christian, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler, Edge, Gregory Helms, Jeff Hardy, John Cena, John Morrison, Kane, Kurt Angle, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mr. Kennedy, MVP, Paul London, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick, The Miz plus 6 Raw and 3 SmackDown Superstars to be Named!

WWE Championship Match
"The Animal" Batista (champion) vs. "The Phenom" The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
"The Samoan Bulldozer" Umaga (champion) w/ Armando Estrada vs. "The Heart Break Kid" Shawn Michaels

Falls Count Anywhere #1 Contender's Match
Mickie James vs. Victoria

Cruiserweight Championship Match
Evan Bourne (champion) vs. Gregory Helms

World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Match
Priceless (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr. - champions) vs. The Colon's (Primo & Carlito) vs. The Bluebloods (William Regal & Paul Burchill)​

 

[KOP]

RR Graphics Courtesy of BattleTank

The 21st Annual WWE Royal Rumble
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden
New York, New York

**********

The 21st Annual Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns a WWE or World Heavyweight Championship Main Event Match at WrestleMania XXIV

Confirmed Entrants: Christian, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Dolph Ziggler, Edge, Gregory Helms, Jeff Hardy, John Cena, John Morrison, Kane, Kurt Angle, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mark Henry, Mr. Kennedy, MVP, Paul London, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick, The Miz plus 6 Raw and 2 SmackDown Superstars to be named!

Winners of the Royal Rumble

1988: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan
1989: Big John Studd
1990: Hulk Hogan
1991: Hulk Hogan
1992: Ric Flair
1993: Yokozuna
1994: Bret Hart & Lex Luger
1995: Shawn Michaels
1996: Shawn Michaels
1997: Stone Cold Steve Austin
1998: Stone Cold Steve Austin
1999: Mr. McMahon
2000: The Rock
2001: Stone Cold Steve Austin
2002: Triple H
2003: Brock Lesnar
2004: Chris Benoit
2005: Batista
2006: Rob Van Dam
2007: Shawn Michaels

Thirty superstars are set to compete in the 21st Annual Royal Rumble Match this Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The last time the Royal Rumble emanated from Madison Square Garden was in 2000 when The Rock emerged victorious and earned a WWE Championship match for WrestleMania 2000. This year’s field sees only one previous winner - Rob Van Dam - competing in the match which means the odds are strong in the favor of a new winner being crowned this year.

Last year’s match saw Shawn Michaels become the first ever three time Royal Rumble winner as he earned a championship match at WrestleMania 23 against Edge. Despite this, Edge emerged victorious at WrestleMania defeating “The HeartBreak Kid” and putting a stop to Mr. WrestleMania’s first opportunity at a championship match at WrestleMania in three years.

This year’s field of competitors is perhaps one of the strongest compilations of names we have ever seen! Running down the list starting in alphabetical order we have Christian - a former three time Intercontinental and nine time WWE Tag Team Champion. “Captain Charisma” has been on a tear for the past few years in the WWE and looking to cement his name in WWE lore. But he’s yet to have that one true defining moment despite having had a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 22. Christian fell short that night against his brother Edge but he looks to win his first ever Royal Rumble Match and find himself back in the main event at WrestleMania

“The Masterpiece” Chris Masters is now the protege of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and who better to teach Masters the tricks of the trade than the winner of the 1992 Royal Rumble himself? Flair knows all the tricks (dirty and clean) in the book and has helped Chris Masters immensely since his forced retirement back at Survivor Series. A former Intercontinental Champion (having ironically defeated Flair) - Masters finds himself embattled in a feud with Finlay with the two being former friends turned bitter rivals. Depending on his draw - Masters poses a threat to all twenty nine other men but ultimately the odds of him winning may be down to whether or not he has Ric Flair at ringside with him.

“The Straight Edge Superstar” CM Punk burst onto the scene in 2007 in the WWE and has quickly impressed WWE brass and shown that he has the talent to be a big draw in the near future. Punk has been toiling away recently though after having lost his first title - the World Tag Team Championships - with former partner Brian Kendrick who now goes by The Brian Kendrick. Kendrick has been a thorn in Punk’s side since losing the titles and if these two get their hands on one another this Sunday things are sure to get very interesting. Kendrick has ducked and dodged Punk for weeks but has been sure to run his mouth about Punk in the process. Punk must not let Kendrick get to him if he envisions winning in his first ever Royal Rumble Match.

Two superstars currently linked together - Dolph Ziggler and Edge - have seen their paths cross several times on SmackDown recently. The undefeated Ziggler has “shown off” his talents to the SmackDown roster by arrogantly and confidently bragging every week about his amazing athleticism and undefeated streak. Ziggler though may have met his match with “The Rated-R Superstar” Edge who is having none of Ziggler’s nonsense. Edge has been the victim of attacks from former tag team partner Randy Orton and now Dolph Ziggler who surprised him with a Zig Zag just this past week on SmackDown. Ziggler is looking to shock the world by winning the Royal Rumble while Edge is going to have to keep his eyes locked and loaded at all times for not only Ziggler and Randy Orton but any other competitor who has visions of eliminating the dangerous threat of Edge.

The Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms will enter the Royal Rumble after having competed earlier in the night against Evan Bourne for the Cruiserweight Championship. Will Helms be a double champion again by the time the Royal Rumble Match rolls around? Helms has confidently stated he will be the first ever Triple Champion come WrestleMania time - a feat that seems insurmountable.

Two superstars who have seemingly lost their ways recently - Jeff Hardy and John Cena are prepared to get back on the right track at the Royal Rumble this Sunday. Hardy has picked up several single victories since his split with former tag team partner Paul London but Hardy has seemed directionless for the last few months. Meanwhile, ever since losing the WWE Championship back in January 2006 to Kurt Angle, John Cena has yet to recapture the gold or any gold for that matter. Cena has stated the road to redemption for him kicks off this Sunday at the Royal Rumble and that he will finally main event WrestleMania!

The WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz will both compete in the Royal Rumble Match with both having their eyes set on earning their respective first World championship opportunities. The “A-Listers” have both taken the tag team division by storm on SmackDown and are now 2-time champions in their short tenure as a tag team. As many people know tag team and friend alliances go out the window at The Royal Rumble as it’s every man for himself. Will Morrison and The Miz be able to coexist with such huge stakes on the line?

“The Big Red Monster” Kane enters his 11th Royal Rumble Match and currently holds the all-time record for total eliminations - he will look to build on this total this Sunday at Madison Square Garden. One man that stands in his way though is “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry. The imposing force of Henry is certainly going to help the veteran as he looks to be an odds-on early favorite to outlast the other twenty-nine men entering the match.

Kurt Angle - The associate of Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff - enters this year’s Royal Rumble Match with a HUGE target on his back thanks in large part to the anonymous attacks he carried out with Heyman over the summer of 2007. The masked Angle attacked and beat several superstars down reigning terror on Raw and SmackDown for several months before revealing himself just in November last year. The Bischoff and Heyman Alliance has gone to battle with The McMahon Family for the last several months as a result and Raw GM Eric Bischoff has gone as far as forcing Triple H to have to forfeit his spot in the Royal Rumble Match. It would appear that having Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff on your side would certainly lead to Angle having a great chance at winning the thirty man melee this Sunday.

Another veteran entering the Royal Rumble Match is the former troubled SmackDown General Manager and WWE Champion - John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL has been on somewhat of a redemption tour since being fired as GM of SmackDown last summer and is working on repairing his image that he feels was tattered when he was canned by Mr. McMahon. An irate JBL looks to make history and join an elite list of winners and he has the opportunity to do so in his hometown of New York City.

The foul mouthed Mr. Kennedy has been on a Mick Foley tear recently, absolutely berating the former Raw co-GM at every opportunity. Kennedy has even went as far as bringing in a Mick Foley imposter to defeat him in a Hardcore Match. Kennedy has trashed Foley’s background calling him nothing more than a “glorified stuntman” and an embarrassment to professional wrestling. The brash Kennedy will look to emerge victorious after previous strong showings in The Royal Rumble in his first two appearances. Kennedy finished as the runner up last year merely falling to Shawn Michaels in the final seconds.

Having already self declared himself the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble Match - Montel Vontavious Porter or better known as MVP has to ensure his actions can back up his words this Sunday. MVP informed SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman that he should have a party ready for next Friday on SmackDown worthy of the highest paid star of the WWE. Having ditched his previously hired muscle of “Big Zeke” Ezekiel Jackson and now moving onto Big E - MVP seems like a safe bet to drop your money on as the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble Match.

A trio of high flyers from Friday Night SmackDown are set to appear in this year’s free for all with Rey Mysterio, Paul London, and Rob Van Dam all looking to conquer the odds and move on to main event WrestleMania. As mentioned earlier Rob Van Dam is the only prior winner to compete this year which certainly gives him great odds at having the knowledge of what it takes to outlast twenty-nine other competitors. Rey Mysterio is perhaps one of the smallest competitors but he’s overcome challenges his entire career and he will look to finally earn a World championship to add to the accolades of his over ten year illustrious career. Finally, the former Cruiserweight and WWE Tag Team Champion Paul London has proven time and time again that size doesn't matter either and that he’s an up and coming star in the WWE realm.

“The Legend Killer” Randy Orton’s sadistic side has taken a turn for the worse ever since he debuted the deadly Punt Kick. Orton has laid out many victims in his path and he is considered by many the most dangerous man in the WWE today and perhaps ever. The vile Orton looks to move on to WrestleMania but with many of his former bitter enemies including Edge participating in this year’s match - one has to wonder if an attempt to gang up on The Legend Killer would happen in an attempt to eliminate one of the deadliest threats in the Royal Rumble Match.

Previously slated to defend his United States Championship at the Royal Rumble event - Shelton Benjamin qualified for the Royal Rumble Match by defeating former tag team partner Elijah Burke to retain his championship gold. The athletic Benjamin is always considered a favorite in any match he steps in due to his athletic prowess and in ring savviness. Could we see the US Champion go head to head with either the WWE Champion or World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania?

Last but not least for announced competitors - The Brian Kendrick has undergone an entire personality change over the course of the last several months. The businessman has went into business for himself and has been a nuisance to his former partner CM Punk since their split back in November. Kendrick is confident that he can go on to main event WrestleMania but will his ego prevent him from going the distance?

Eight additional superstars are slated to appear in the Royal Rumble. The Royal Rumble Match is known for its variety of surprises and you never know who may appear when the countdown timer begins. One can be sure though that the element of a surprise return can certainly throw off many competitors in the ring and can be a huge advantage for said returning superstar.

Who will emerge victorious on Sunday January 27 and join an illustrious list of legends to win the Royal Rumble Match? Tune in as thirty men from Raw and SmackDown do battle with an opportunity of a lifetime on the line.

**********

WWE Championship
“The Animal” Batista (champion) vs. “The Phenom” The Undertaker

The history of Batista and The Undertaker is well documented. Their first singles match took place on Sunday April 2, 2006 at WrestleMania 22 where The Undertaker pushed his streak to 14-0 at WrestleMania. The two would continue feuding throughout the summer with Undertaker getting a disqualification victory at The Great American Bash after Batista attacked him with a chair blatantly in front of the referee. Finally, “The Animal” would ultimately defeat The Undertaker at SummerSlam in a Last Ride Match thanks in large part to the shocking debut of Umaga who helped shove ‘Taker into the hearse for his Last Ride.

Fast forward over a year later and both men find themselves on the red brand now with Batista having held the WWE Championship twice since moving to Raw in the 2007 WWE Draft. Undertaker would earn a match with Batista after surviving the first ever #1 Contender’s Elimination Chase Series which saw Undertaker defeat John Cena in the finals.

We all know what Undertaker thrives with when it comes to making his opponent uneasy: mind games. And the mind games began almost immediately after Undertaker became the number one contender. On the Christmas Eve edition of Raw - the face of The Undertaker was seen in Batista’s mirror in his locker room right as he arrived at the arena. When “The Animal” turned around though there was no Undertaker to be seen anywhere.

Knowing that he’s not crazy - Undertaker goes to Raw GM Eric Bischoff and asks where Undertaker is. Bischoff assures Batista that Undertaker is not here tonight and that he should just take the night off and have a Merry Christmas. Batista assures himself that Bischoff is right and that he should listen to him and just take the night off. He decides to leave the arena and as he does so he looks into his rear view mirror and again sees The Undertaker! Panicking, the Animal turns around but Undertaker is nowhere to be seen! Batista speeds out of the arena into the cold snowy night with Undertaker clearly getting into the head of Batista early on in the renewal of this rivalry.

Two weeks later when Raw comes back on the live air after a Holiday break, “The Animal” opens Raw and says he will not fall prey to the bullshit scare tactics that Undertaker utilizes. Batista dares The Undertaker to stand in the ring with him tonight but as this happens we see a flame burst around the ring. Batista doesn’t seem fazed and once again demands for The Deadman to get here now! The voice of the Phenom rings around the arena and right as it comes to an end we see Undertaker in the ring! He tries chokeslamming Batista but Batista breaks free and ultimately hits Undertaker with a Spear!

The following week Batista was set to take on Matt Hardy in the main event but the match never got underway after a lightning bolt struck the ring post. Matt Hardy high tails it out leaving Batista in the ring and he gets what he wants as Undertaker appears behind him for the second week in a row! Undertaker plants Batista with a Chokeslam and tries to finish him off with a Tombstone Piledriver but Batista slides off the shoulders of Undertaker nearly escaping the deadly move. But Batista gets another surprise as he makes his way up the ramp and is almost hit by another bolt of lightning!

Finally, Batista goes one on one with Matt Hardy on the go home show of Raw and following the victory Batista looks around the arena paranoid that The Undertaker is watching. Batista shouts maniacally for Undertaker to “show himself” and as the voice of ‘Taker beams around the Hampton Coliseum Batista knows that ‘Taker is not far away. But for the third straight week we see Undertaker appear behind Batista before chokeslamming Batista onto the stage!

The Undertaker’s mind games have the WWE Champion scrambling to figure out how he will fend off his biggest challenger as WWE Champion. Batista assures these mind games are nothing though and that he has proven he can go toe to toe with The Deadman and be the last man standing. Will Undertaker emerge victorious or will it be Batista with the last laugh as the Road to WrestleMania begins to heat up?

**********

World Heavyweight Championship Match
“ The Samoan Bulldozer” Umaga (champion) w/ Armando Estrada vs.
“The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels

The landscape of SmackDown changed forever on November 18, 2007 when Umaga outlasted five other competitors to capture his first World Heavyweight Championship. “The Samoan Bulldozer” has been on an absolute tear ever since proving why he is the most dangerous man on the WWE roster today.

Shawn Michaels earned himself this title shot on the December 21st episode of SmackDown when he won an Over the Top Rope Challenge Match to earn a date with Umaga at The Royal Rumble.

On the January 4th episode of SmackDown - Jonathan Coachman held a Contract Signing for this ultimate match between Umaga and Shawn Michaels. Armando Estrada pleaded with Shawn Michaels to not sign the contract because he cannot be responsible for the mauling that Umaga will put upon him at The Royal Rumble. Having his doubts HBK signed the contract and proceeded to flip the table over on Umaga and Estrada before pulling off a rare feat in knocking Umaga off his feet with Sweet Chin Music!

The following week Shawn Michaels went one on one with “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry in the main event match. However, this would be cut short after Umaga and Armando Estrada entered the arena right as it appeared Michaels was going to defeat Henry after the Sweet Chin Music. Estrada tried holding Umaga back briefly but “The Samoan Bulldozer” was having none of it as he absolutely decimated HBK leaving him in a pile of destruction to close out SmackDown.

Michaels returned the favor the following week by interfering in Umaga’s main event match against Finlay and hitting Umaga with Sweet Chin Music once again! Earlier in the night Armando Estrada had been bragging on how HBK’s death wish would come true at The Royal Rumble and that there was absolutely no way that he would be in the building on SmackDown that night but HBK proved Estrada more than wrong and dropped Umaga for the second time in three weeks.

On the go home show of SmackDown it was set to be Umaga and Chris Masters vs. Finlay and Shawn Michaels but before the main event match could even take place Umaga and Chris Masters attacked HBK backstage with Finlay left waiting in the ring for his tag partner to arrive. Finlay made a mad dash to the backstage area but the damage had been done already with Umaga hitting Michaels with a Samoan Spike causing the legend to spit up blood with medical personnel begging Umaga to stand down.

This personal feud finally comes to a head this Sunday at the Royal Rumble with the World Heavyweight Championship to be decided. HBK has proven that he has what it takes over the entire course of his twenty year career in the WWE but he’s now went six years without a World Championship. “The Samoan Bulldozer” Umaga has been decimating opponents left and right since his debut in the WWE in 2006 but he’s yet to square off with a veteran with as much in ring savviness as HBK to date. Will HBK capture the World Heavyweight Championship in the very same building he last did so in 2002 at Survivor Series or will Umaga continue his rampage through the SmackDown roster and set himself up on the Road to WrestleMania to head into main eventing in the Nation’s Capital?

**********

World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Match
Priceless (c’s) vs. The Bluebloods vs. Primo & Carlito

The brash second generational superstar tag team of Priceless faces their biggest challenge to date as the World Tag Team Champions this Sunday at The Royal Rumble. The duo certainly have a bonafide reason for their arrogance recently after defeating The New Age Outlaws in an open challenge match on the 15th Anniversary of Raw. For weeks leading up to this open challenge, both Rhodes & DiBiase implied that they are the greatest tag team alive and they don’t have to ride the coattails of their fathers because of their last names.

Cody and Ted Jr. would certainly be in for a set of huge surprises at the 15th Anniversary of Raw - one being the New Age Outlaws answering their open challenge - but the main surprise being their fathers appearing at ringside. Despite their constant jaw jacking and perhaps too much attentiveness to their legendary fathers; the duo emerged victorious when Ted Jr. pushed Road Dogg off the apron causing him to land on both Dusty and Ted Sr. allowing Priceless to secure the victory after Rhodes connected with Cross Rhodes on “Bad Ass” Billy Gunn

The week after on Raw; Carlito & Primo confront Priceless telling the rookies how disgusted they are with the blatant disrespect they have been showing their fathers recently. Both Rhodes & DiBiase let Carlito know that they haven’t disrespected their fathers - they’ve simply stated the cold hard truth. Rhodes challenges Carlito to a match and later that night on Raw before the match can truly get started - The Bluebloods hit the ring and a big six man brawl ensues

The Bluebloods pick up a victory on the final Raw against Primo & Carlito with Burchill pinning Primo. On the first Raw of 2008, Primo & Carlito earned a huge non-title victory against Priceless and picked up another victory two weeks later defeating The Bluebloods.

With backstage interviewer Maria making her return to Raw; she drops the news to Priceless letting them know that Eric Bischoff has set up a Triple Threat Match at the Royal Rumble with Priceless having to defend against Primo & Carlito and The Bluebloods!

Can the young duo of Rhodes & DiBiase retain their titles in their toughest battle to date? Will Carlito & Primo keep their winning streak going and emerge with their first ever tag team titles? Or will the wily veteran William Regal and his long time tag partner Paul Burchill secure the gold and start off 2008 on a hot note?

**********

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
Evan Bourne (champion) vs. Gregory Helms

What started as an open challenge led to a debut of an up and comer that has captured the attention of the Cruiserweight division and kick started a revolution amongst the previously troubled division. The Cruiserweight Championship in recent years has been highly respected amongst it’s combatants thanks in large part to the fifteen month reign of previous champion Jamie Noble that helped bring prestige back to the championship. That goodwill would go out the window just a few months later after Gregory Helms captured the Cruiserweight Championship and in shocking fashion forfeited the title by chunking it into the Gulf of Mexico on an episode of SmackDown in June 2007.

The title remained vacant until No Mercy where interestingly enough Helms would capture the belt once more in the first ever Cruiserweight Chaos match much to the chagrin of the competitors in the division. Helms considered this a power move and a slap in the face to the other competitors because even though he may not have necessarily “wanted” the championship initially - he needed it in his quest to hold every championship belt on SmackDown simultaneously. And just three weeks later he became a double champion at Cyber Sunday when he captured the Intercontinental Championship.

Entering 2008 Gregory Helms was on top of the world having been a double champion for over two months until that fateful night in Richmond where Evan Bourne answered the challenge. Scoffing at his opponent - Helms would be caught off guard with a small package roll up that would give Bourne the championship in his first ever WWE match! Bourne was congratulated by members of the SmackDown roster backstage upon his return to the back but was ambushed by an irate Helms with the Intercontinental Championship.

Pleading with SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman didn’t go very far because his attempt to have Coach reverse the decision from the match was ignored. Helms did get some revenge the following week in a tag team match where he used Bourne’s small package maneuver from the week before and thanks to a handful of tights he was able to secure the victory for his team. Following this match Helms says that he was wronged and that when he issued the Open Challenge he meant any ACTIVE WWE wrestler and not some scrub from off the streets. Coachman had assured Helms though that Bourne was a legitimate WWE superstar and had just been signed at the turn of the new year.

The next two weeks Helms would ambush Bourne following his victorious matches and declared that while initially he may have not wanted the Cruiserweight Championship last summer - he wants it now to become the first superstar to hold all three major single titles on SmackDown.

Will Evan Bourne be able to keep his red hot momentum going as he makes his debut at Madison Square Garden? The young up and comer has cultivated the interest of the WWE fans with his flying maneuvers and impressive Shooting Star Press. Bourne has helped revitalize the Cruiserweight division in less than a month and will look to keep that momentum heading into Sunday’s match against Gregory Helms. With both men having a pinfall victory over the other so far in their rivalry - who will emerge with the gold on Sunday?

**********

#1 Contender’s Match
Falls Count Anywhere
Mickie James vs. Victoria
Winner Earns Future Womens Championship Match

Former “friends” turned bitter enemies - two of the best women in the WWE Women’s division today are set to collide on January 27 at Madison Square Garden! The 3-time Women’s Champion Victoria has staked her claim to ending not only the “friendship” she used to have with Mickie James but also having the ultimate goal of ending James’ tenure in the WWE.

For months, Victoria has claimed that Mickie has been a “terrible friend” to her and that Mickie has turned her back on their friendship, tossing Victoria to the curb. Mickie was spotted backstage on an episode of Raw earlier this month talking with Melina and Maryse about how she was never friends with Victoria and that Victoria has their friendship all in her head. As the camera backed away from the locker room, it was revealed that Victoria was within earshot of hearing these comments. Just one week later Victoria ambushed Mickie, laying her out backstage before telling her “All you had to do was be my friend Mickie.”

Things truly started to boil over initially back at Survivor Series in November when Victoria challenged “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix for her Women’s Championship. Mickie was sitting at ringside on commentary for the match - which led Victoria to believe that Mickie was sitting out there to support her. Mickie repeatedly reminded JR and King that she was just at ringside to take in this match and scout “The Glamazon” - the same woman who she lost the Women’s Championship to at SummerSlam.

Victoria found herself distracted constantly throughout the match looking towards Mickie at the commentary table a lot - perhaps for reassurance that Mickie had her back. The match came to a conclusion once Victoria tried to attack Beth with her championship belt but Mickie jumped onto the apron ripping the title away from Victoria preventing her from doing so! This caused confusion on Victoria’s part and after a brief confrontation - Mickie slapped Victoria across the face to a loud ovation from the Orlando crowd which ultimately led to the defeat of Victoria allowing “The Glamazon” to retain her title.

The next night on Raw - Victoria confronted Mickie asking Mickie why she interfered in the match and that a “friend doesn’t do such things”. Mickie promptly assured Victoria that they were never “friends” and that Victoria has this whole idea concocted in her head. Victoria started to pull on her hair in frustration and after teasing leaving the room - she ambushed Mickie, beating down her former “friend”in the locker room before Melina and Maryse made the save.

After months of brutal attacks and heated confrontations, Eric Bischoff has finally had enough and announced this past Monday on Raw that Victoria and Mickie will compete at the Royal Rumble in a Falls Count Anywhere Match where the winner becomes #1 Contender for the Womens Championship. Who will emerge victorious in the battle between these two veterans?​

 

[KOP]

WWE Sunday Night Heat Pre Show
Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden | New York City, New York



The first thing we see once the opening video package ends is Raw’s Todd Grisham and SmackDown’s Josh Mathews standing outside amongst the crowd filing in for tonight’s Royal Rumble event. Both men welcome us to the 21st Annual Royal Rumble event and discuss how tonight is going to be a life changing night for one superstar. Someone’s dreams will come true as they move on to main event WrestleMania in sixty-three days time in our nation’s capital.

Both men run down the card for the Royal Rumble show tonight quickly before settling on the WWE Championship Match between Batista and The Undertaker. We get a synopsis of the history of the feud between these two men with ‘Taker owning two wins over Batista - albeit one being a DQ victory and Batista’s win coming at SummerSlam in a Last Ride Match. The classic mind games of ‘Taker have been instrumental in this rendition of the feud and the final clip we see is Batista nearly being struck by lightning on the stage.

Todd and Josh discuss this match once more with Todd saying that he’s noticed that he’s never noticed Batista to be this distracted heading into a title match. Josh says that it’s rather ironic that Batista says he’s not afraid of the Deadman but that his recent actions may be showing that he’s not telling the whole truth. Todd says that tonight he’s favoring The Undertaker to capture the WWE Championship and Josh agrees with him stating that he believes The Deadman will indeed reign supreme tonight.

Both Josh and Todd discuss that tonight’s pre show match will feature Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore teaming together against “The Japanese Buzzsaw” Tajiri and Kid Kash.

We come back from the commercial break and we have Maria standing backstage with Mickie James. Maria asks Mickie how she is mentally feeling heading into tonight’s match with her longtime rival and in Victoria’s mind “former friend” in Victoria. Mickie tells Maria that the past few months have been mentally draining for her because Victoria has insisted that the two are friends but Mickie says that’s just not the case. Mickie knows a thing or two about delusion since she herself was once a “crazed fan” of Trish Stratus but Mickie says she snapped out of that once she realized she was taking it way too far.

Maria discusses the history between the two women and talks about how it all comes to a head tonight with a huge opportunity for both women with a future Women’s Championship match up for grabs. Mickie reminds Maria and the fans that Beth Phoenix has been Women’s Champion since SummerSlam last year and that Beth beat her (Mickie) to take her championship away. “I’ve fought and clawed my way back to the top of the Women’s division and I’ve been working my ass off to get this opportunity and will not let Victoria get in my way.” Maria thanks Mickie as she walks away looking intent on putting Victoria away and ending their several years long feud for good.

We go back to Josh and Todd who are standing outside on a raised platform now near the main entrance. Their attention now turns to the World Heavyweight Championship Match tonight between Umaga and Shawn Michaels. Josh points to the clip of Umaga and Chris Masters attacking Shawn Michaels backstage prior to what was supposed to be the main event match on SmackDown. The Samoan Spike that caused HBK’s to cough up blood is the final image we see and both men question whether HBK is in any health to compete tonight. Josh lets Todd know that he spoke to SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman earlier in the night and he did confirm that HBK has been medically cleared and while he may not be 100% he will still compete here tonight.

As we come back we see Maria standing backstage once more as she welcomes in her guest at this time - Rob Van Dam! Maria greets RVD and asks him what his preparation has been as he prepares to compete in another Royal Rumble Match. RVD informs Maria that luckily he’s got prior experience in winning a Royal Rumble Match so he knows the endurance that is necessary to outlast twenty-nine other men. Maria asks RVD now what it would mean to him to come into Madison Square Garden and win his second Royal Rumble in three years. RVD is about to speak but he’s interrupted by Gregory Helms.

Helms walks past Van Dam and asks Maria why she’s talking to a reject like Rob Van Dam. Helms tells Maria that ever since ECW closed for good in the summer that RVD has been wandering aimlessly around SmackDown while Gregory Helms has been winning championships left and right. RVD chuckles a little and reminds Helms that he’s a former world champion unlike Helms! “Look dude - the difference between myself and you is that I’ve actually won the WWE Championship while all you do is talk about how you have to win the championship”. Helms clearly takes offense to RVD’s comments and comes face to face holding his Intercontinental Championship up in the face of RVD.

Helms speaks up now “Let’s not talk about the past…let’s talk about the present! Let’s talk about how you’re looking at the CURRENT Intercontinental Champion, the NEXT Cruiserweight Champion after I dispose of that fraud Evan Bourne, and then the NEXT World Heavyweight Champion after I win the Royal Rumble tonight.”

Helms puts the championship belt in the face of Van Dam, driving home the point that he is the champion. RVD looks at Maria and says “what’s that dude’s problem” as the camera hones in on RVD staring off at Helms as he walks off.

Footage of Eric Bischoff arriving earlier tonight as he’s dropped off in a black SUV is shown next. Bischoff gets out and adjusts his jacket before checking his phone and once he receives his luggage from the driver he walks off into the backstage area. He continues walking as we see Todd Grisham try to get him to stop but Bischoff won’t do so. “Mr. Bischoff….have you heard the news?” Bischoff continues walking as he rolls his luggage down the hallway acting as if he didn’t hear it. “Mr. Bischoff…I think you’ll want to know this breaking news!” Bischoff doesn’t stop as Grisham finally pipes up and tells him that Triple H has been spotted in New York City earlier today.

Bischoff stops dead in his tracks and he looks like he’s seen a ghost. “Excuse me…what did you just say?” Bischoff looks absolutely stunned and is completely speechless. Bischoff turns around and wheels his luggage down the hallway in a hurry now as the camera catches him making his way all the way down the hallway until he disappears off camera.

Tajiri walks into the locker room of one of his opponents tonight - Jimmy Wang Yang - and Tajiri looks at Yang with disgust. Yang asks him if he has a problem and if he does he can go ahead and speak up. Tajiri looks at Yang and tells him that he needs to stop “playing cowboy”. Yang tells Tajiri that this isn’t an act - that this is who he truly is. Tajiri shakes his head disagreeing with Yang. Tajiri speaks in his native tongue towards Yang with an aggressive tone before walking off. Tajiri bumps into Yang’s tag partner - Shannon Moore - on the way out with the two coming face to face. Moore enters the locker room and asks Yang what that was about and as Yang is lacing up his boots he tells Moore it was “nothing” and they need to get focused on their match.

A promo hyping up the statistics of the Royal Rumble airs next with focus on multi-time winners Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. It also goes through the record of most eliminations by Stone Cold Steve Austin with Kane lurking very soon, possibly breaking the record. We get a rundown on how many superstars have entered the match over the years and the shortest elimination, etc. Finally the video ends with every superstar who is confirmed appearing on screen in quick flashing clips before the voice over asks “Who will be the one?”

Todd and Josh run down the card once more as they are now in the arena at the commentary table ready for our Heat main event match!

Pre-Show Match
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore vs. Tajiri & Kid Kash

With the show being less than ten minutes from the start at the time of the bell - these four men don’t get as long tonight as the Cruiserweights usually do on SmackDown. It ends up being a by the numbers tag team match with Tajiri and Kid Kash working over on Shannon Moore before Moore gets the hot tag bringing in Jimmy Wang Yang! Yang comes in and cleans house knocking Kash off the apron with a dropkick before coming face to face with his former tag partner Tajiri! Tajiri attempts a Buzzsaw Kick on Yang but Yang knowing Tajiri like the back of his hand ducks and avoids the deadly move! Yang grabs Tajiri by the tights pulling him backwards and rolling him through but he only gets a two count! Kid Kash hits the ring and breaks up the count.

The referee tells Kash he needs to exit the ring but Kash helps Tajiri up and they stomp away on Yang consecutively! Shannon Moore hits the ring now jumping off the top rope with a Moonsault landing on Tajiri and Kash perfectly! Moore gets back onto his feet pulling Kid Kash back up but Kash counters and grabs Moore and hits a Brainbuster! Yang sneaks behind Kash throwing him over the top rope (perhaps symbolically considering what the event is tonight) but Tajiri sneaks behind him and rolls him up. Tajiri has a handful of tights but the referee doesn’t see as he counts to three and Tajiri and Kid Kash are victorious tonight.

Match Result: Tajiri & Kid Kash def. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore

Tajiri backs up the ramp smiling at Yang as Yang sits in the center of the ring with his head tucked between his legs in shame after losing to his former partner. Yang checks on Moore as Grisham and Mathews both discuss whether Tajiri’s comments towards Yang earlier in the night are getting to him.

We get some additional last minute hype for the Royal Rumble Match with Grisham and Mathews running down some of the participants before discussing how careers can be defined on events such as tonight. Both men thank the fans for watching Sunday Night Heat tonight and sign off saying that the Royal Rumble event is NEXT!​

 

[KOP]

A pitch black screen is the first thing we see once the WWE opening video package ends. The darkness stays on for around ten more seconds before we slowly start to see a light in the distance. The light continues to move closer and closer until it’s very obvious that the light is that of a train! The train begins to come into sight as we hear the horn and the lights begin to become almost blinding. The train finally comes crashing through the screen as the screen “explodes” and the video now shifts to the bright lights of New York City.

Narrator
The bright lights of New York City…

Shots of Times Square with several lapses showing the bustling quickness of tourists moving quickly through the area before the camera settles on Madison Square Garden

Narrator
The history and grandeur of “The World’s Most Famous Arena”...

Shots of historic moments over the years of WWE at Madison Square Garden - the three WrestleMania’s that have occurred, Triple H returning to WWE in 2002, Kane unmasking in 2003 among some of the most iconic moments in WWE at Madison Square Garden.

Narrator
The historic moments that have transcended time…

Highlights of huge moments at MSG - WrestleMania 1, WrestleMania 10, WrestleMania 20 and the last Royal Rumble to emanate from MSG - 2000 - are shown.

Narrator
Tonight the superstars of the WWE return home for the BIGGEST Royal Rumble ever…

Various sped up clips of WWE superstars such as WWE Champion Batista, The Undertaker, World Heavyweight Champion Umaga, Edge, Christian, Randy Orton, John Cena and Rob Van Dam all come flashing across the screen. Suddenly, the voice of Shawn Michaels comes across the screen.

Shawn Michaels
You can knock me off my feet but there is no way you can keep the Heart Break Kid down for the three count

Next we see HBK being attacked with the Samoan Spike from Umaga with blood emerging from the mouth of HBK after the brutal attack backstage prior to their main event tag team match that never took place

Armando Estrada
Estude me Shawn but listen mi amigo! Senor ju’ do not belong in the same ring as the Samoooooooan Bulldozer…UUUUUMAGA! At the Royal Rumble…Umaga will put ju’ out to pasture and end ‘jur career for good!

Estrada can be heard chuckling as a clip of Umaga knocking HBK out with the Samoan Wrecking Ball with HBK’s head whipping back hard against the turnbuckle.

Shawn Michaels
At the Royal Rumble the mighty Umaga will fall prey to some ole’ fashioned Sweet Chin Music

Two different clips of Sweet Chin Music being delivered to Umaga on SmackDown is shown before the camera switches over to a clip of Batista in his locker room on Christmas Eve night. Batista takes a deep breath and as he looks in the mirror he sees The Undertaker but when he turns around ‘Taker is nowhere to be seen

Batista
The time for mind games is over now Deadman. There’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

The fiery scenes from Raw where Undertaker set the ring posts on fire before nearly striking the stage where Batista was standing are shown next

The Undertaker
You are nothing more than a mere mortal Batista. Your road to WrestleMania comes crashing down when you step into my yard at the Royal Rumble

Clips from their past matches over the years including Undertaker defeating Batista at WrestleMania 22 and Batista defeating ‘Taker at SummerSlam 2006 in the Last Ride Match are shown next with Batista throwing Undertaker into the hearse and slamming the door shut

Batista
I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE UNDERTAKER!

An angry Batista can be seen hollering into the microphone on Raw that very line a few weeks back

The Undertaker
Your time is up Batista…it’s time for you to Rest…In…Peace!

The scene now shifts to the various events of the McMahon/Heyman/Bischoff feud the past few months with the mystery attacks taking center stage over the WWE for the great course of the second half of 2007

Eric Bischoff
Paul Heyman and myself have aligned for one reason and one reason only and that is to rid the company of the cancer that is the McMahon Family and to finally gain full control of the WWE

Paul Heyman
The name McMahon is synonymous with success and fame yet that name has always disgusted me. Vince had the gall to take down my company not only once but TWICE when he destroyed ECW last year after a short revival.

Some shots of ECW from 2007 are shown with the penultimate moment being Rob Van Dam capturing the ECW Championship at WrestleMania

Eric Bischoff
There is no one in the WWE that can stop the Bischoff-Heyman Alliance! We are the two most powerful men in sports entertainment today and we will gain control of what is rightfully ours!

Bischoff & Heyman shockingly defeating Mr. McMahon and Shane McMahon in a Steel Cage Match on Raw last month are shown before we see a series of attacks on the McMahon family that has been carried out with Shane being attacked at Survivor Series, Stephanie being attacked in the ring during a WWE Championship Contract Signing and finally the shocking limousine crash on Raw where it was later revealed a worker was paid to crash into the limo.

Paul Heyman
Welcome to a new era of World Wrestling Entertainment…welcome to Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman’s WWE!

The camera starts to go grainy as Bischoff, Heyman, and Angle all standing in the ring slowly becomes a fuzzy graphic and it eventually fades away. What we see next is Triple H hopping the barricade at Raw this past week despite being banned from the arena and creating absolute chaos. Angle and Triple H brawl around the ring before HHH grabs his sledgehammer and tries to knock Angle out with it but Paul Heyman steps in Triple H’s way pleading with Triple H to not attack him. We get a flashback from Raw with Bischoff laying down the law for the Royal Rumble Match

Eric Bischoff
Hunter…don’t you take one more step. If you even think about hitting Kurt or Paul with that sledgehammer I will ensure that you never work another day in the WWE! I’m officially BARRING you from competing at the Royal Rumble this Sunday!

Triple H is seen later backstage being arrested and led out of the arena with his status for the Royal Rumble up in the air. Suddenly though we hear the voice of Triple H enter the video and we see images of The Game in a secluded area with a spotlight keying in on him.

Triple H
I’ll be damned if you think you can stop me from getting my hands on all of you!

Triple H hunting the halls for Bischoff on Raw the past few weeks are shown with Triple H questioning the guy who was paid off in the car crash as well appearing on screen.

Triple H
You all made this personal when you attacked my wife and her family! Bischoff and Heyman - you are both cowards and I will do whatever it takes to get my hands on Kurt Angle and there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop me!

Various clips of the attacks on the McMahon Family over the course of the last several months are shown

Triple H
You are going to have to call in the National Guard to keep me away this Sunday at the Royal Rumble

The spotlight on Triple H goes out as we now turn our attention to the main event - the Royal Rumble Match as graphics of the announced superstars come flying across the screen and we see some highlights from the last few years of Royal Rumble Matches.

Narrator
An opportunity of a lifetime

Shots of Rob Van Dam winning the 2006 Royal Rumble followed up with him holding the WWE Championship high in the air at WrestleMania 22 as pyro and confetti shoots off around him

Narrator
Awaits the winner of the thirty man melee

Batista winning the 2005 Royal Rumble despite the controversial initial finish and the restart of the match are shown

Narrator
The opportunity to forever etch their name in the record books with the legends of yesterday

Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, The Rock, and Stone Cold’s victories at the Royal Rumble all flash across the screen

Narrator
Thirty men seeking to secure their spot

The WrestleMania 24 logo appears next on the screen

Narrator
And earn a main event championship match at the Showcase of the Immortals

Flashing images of past championship victories at WrestleMania including John Batista at WrestleMania 21, Chris Benoit at WrestleMania XX, Triple H at WrestleMania 18, Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 12 are amongst just some of the iconic moments that appear.

Narrator
It’s a race against time and only one superstar will be declared the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble winner! Who will be the one?

Now the video shifts its attention to the modern day roster as we see a myriad of superstars once again appear and we start to hear feedback from them on why they will be the winner of the Royal Rumble Match.

Christian
2008 is going to be the year of Christian and it all starts at The Royal Rumble. The Peep Show is going to be rolling into the Nation’s Capital to main event WrestleMania for the first time EVER in my career!

Dolph Ziggler
People tell me that there is no time to show off in the Royal Rumble match but I beg to differ. The Royal Rumble to me is about finding innovative ways to stay alive and let’s just say I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure that I am moving on to WrestleMania 24!

John Morrison
The Royal Rumble is going to have its sexiest winner ever when The Shaman of Sexy wins tonight!

Suddenly we hear the voice of his fellow tag team champion The Miz chime in in a defensive mood

The Miz
Whoa whoa whoa John! Look I love you like a brother but we both know that the Chick Magnet himself is going to outlast the twenty nine other men in the ring and move on to WrestleMania!

Some friendly banter between the duo continues as thankfully the video keeps going cutting the WWE Tag Team Champions off as neither one can decide which one of them is going to be winning.

John Bradshaw Layfield
I will take my rightful place at the top of the mountain with the immortals at WrestleMania after I win the Royal Rumble and prove to each and every one of you why I am a Wrestling GODDDDDDD!!!

The Brian Kendrick
In case you are unaware my name is THE Brian Kendrick and right now you are looking at THE winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble!

Rey Mysterio
The odds have always been stacked against me my entire career but I’ve always found a way to overcome each and every obstacle. Tonight I will become the smallest competitor to EVER win the Royal Rumble Match!

Mr. Kennedy
When the lights go dark and there is only one man left standing after the Royal Rumble…my voice will echo across Madison Square Garden as I announce myself as the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble….MISTERRRRRRR KENNEDYYYYYYYY!

Kennedy pauses for a breath before whispering into the microphone.

Mr. Kennedy
Kennedyyyyyyy!

Rob Van Dam
Just two years ago Mr. Friday Night shocked the world and won the Royal Rumble Match and tonight you will see the same exact outcome!

CM Punk
Moments like these are why I came to the WWE! This is what I live and breathe! This is the night…the night that CM Punk finally arrives in WWE

Randy Orton
There isn’t a single soul in the WWE who can stop me. Tonight…is my night!

Jeff Hardy
For over a decade I’ve made my mark in the WWE but I’ve never main evented a WrestleMania! This is my opportunity to prove that I am one of the best and that I have what it takes to become the World Heavyweight Champion

John Cena
My road to redemption begins…TONIGHT!

Edge
WrestleMania is about to be Rated R!

The graphics begin to slow down now before we move to once again see a Subway train coming barreling down the tracks. The camera zooms towards the inside now as we see several wrestlers brawling on the inside of the train before we hear the narrator once more.

Narrator
Ladies and gentlemen…this is our final stop…Madison Square Garden! Please exit right and don’t forget…

A dramatic pause occurs as the wrestlers all exit the train still brawling amongst one another on the platform. We see wrestlers being thrown down left and right before the Royal Rumble logo flashes across the screen.

Narrator
It’s every man for himself!

WWE Royal Rumble | Sunday January 27, 2008
Madison Square Garden | New York, New York

**STAND UP FOR ROCK N’ ROLL**

The chorus of Airbourne’s song hits as we are brought into Madison Square Garden now with several signs being shown to include…

Rated R Royal Rumble
Ringside Seats to see DiBiase & Rhodes Lose…PRICELESS!
I Came Here for The Game
Batista Fears The Deadman

Once we pan out to the stage we see a rather basic stage with a huge jumbotron with the Royal Rumble logo placed atop the tron. There is a smaller ramp than usual and it looks to be modeled after train tracks. The pyro shoots off in Madison Square Garden as we are sent to the Raw commentary team that is positioned near the stage

Jim Ross
Welcome to the 2008 Royal Rumble! Twenty thousand seven hundred ninety eight people have sold out Madison Square Garden tonight! The Road to WrestleMania officially kicks off right here in New York City as thirty men will battle it out in tonight’s main event to determine who is the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble Match!

Jerry Lawler
The excitement in the air as the Road to WrestleMania officially kicks off tonight is something else JR! This is one of the most exciting nights of the year in the WWE and man I can’t wait to get it kicked off!

Jim Ross
Well luckily for you King Raw is going to be kicking off the Royal Rumble tonight with the Triple Threat World Tag Team Championship match but first let’s send it over to our partners from SmackDown - Michael Cole and Tazz!

Michael Cole
Thanks JR! This is the night that we have all anxiously been waiting for since WrestleMania 23 went off the air last year in Miami! The road to WrestleMania officially kicks off tonight right here in the most famous building in the world - Madison Square Garden!

Tazz
It feels great to be back home Cole and this brings back some strong feelings because right here in Madison Square Garden eight years ago is where I made my WWE debut!

Michael Cole
I know you’re excited to be back here then Tazz! I’m excited to see the return of the annual spectacle that is the Royal Rumble Match! One superstar’s dreams will come true tonight as they will realize the opportunity of a lifetime when they get to main event WrestleMania in just two months time!

Tazz
This is the night where careers are made and for one lucky superstar they will be on the fast lane towards cementing their legacy with a monumental opportunity at WrestleMania

Michael Cole
Let’s send it back over to King and JR…it’s time to kick off the twenty first annual Royal Rumble event! Gentlemen…take it away!!!

**COOL**

And out first tonight are the duo of brothers - Primo and Carlito - as they are looking to earn their first tag team title victory together as a team! Primo and Carlito come walking down the ramp ecstatic at this opportunity but mostly perhaps because they are the first people out tonight! The brothers shake a few hands on the way down the ramp before we see both roll into the ring and anxiously await the other two teams to make their arrival.

Lilian Garcia
The following contest is a Triple Threat Match and it is for the World Tag Team Championships! Introducing first the challengers from San Juan, Puerto Rico weighing in at a combined weight of 430 pounds - Primo and Carlito - The Colon’s!

Jim Ross
What an exciting tag team we have here consisting of older brother Carlito and younger brother Primo who are looking to secure their first ever World Tag Team titles in the WWE!

Jerry Lawler
Carlito has taken his little brother Primo under his wing since he made his debut in the WWE and the brothers have had some great success in the early stages of their tag team careers with one another.

Jim Ross
The Colon’s recent victories over The Bluebloods and the World Tag Team Champions Priceless in a non-title match are what set the stage for this Triple Threat Tag Team Match tonight and what a huge opportunity this is for Carlito and his younger brother Primo.

Jerry Lawler
This team is set for success and need we remind you of what happened the first time Carlito wrestled for the Intercontinental and United States Championships respectively - he won both with both coming on his debuts on Raw and SmackDown!

**REGALITY**

Out next is the veteran William Regal along with his longtime partner Paul Burchill. The duo are accompanied to the ring tonight by Paul’s sister Katie Lea Burchill. The no nonsense Regal heads down the ramp with his eyes fixated on The Colon’s who the Blueblood’s have had recent run-ins with. Burchill meanwhile is mouthing off to a fan while heading down the ramp before Katie Lea pulls him back and tells him to stay fixated and focused on the match. The duo roll into the ring with Regal having to stand between Burchill and Carlito as the two exchange words.

Lilian Garcia
Introducing the next set of challengers weighing in at a combined weight of 490 pounds - William Regal and Paul Burchill - The Bluebloods!

Jim Ross
While I’m not the biggest fan of William Regal’s tactics - I do have to admit that there are very few people I respect in this business more than Mr. Regal. Rest assured that he has a well thought out plan for tonight’s match.

Jerry Lawler
The wildcard in this match in my opinion is Paul Burchill and as you are seeing right now JR if Burchill can maintain his composure it’s almost a foregone conclusion that The Blueblood’s are favored to win the World Tag Team Championships tonight!

Jim Ross
This is certainly a dastardly duo of Brits that can easily control the tide of this match. They are easily one of the most dangerous teams in the WWE today!

**PRICELESS**

And finally out last are the World Tag Team Champions - Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase - better known as Priceless. The champs enter the arena to a resounding chorus of boos but alas this does not affect the rookies. Rhodes and DiBiase keep their eyes set on the ring with their opponents bouncing back and forth eagerly anticipating their arrival so the match can officially start. The champions slowly remove their titles and hand them over before slowly walking up the steps.

Lilian Garcia
And finally weighing in at a combined weight of 434 pounds…they are the World Tag Team Champions…Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase…Priceless!!!

Jim Ross
Ladies and gentlemen you are looking at perhaps two of the most arrogant youngsters in the WWE today and honestly…

Jerry Lawler
Honestly JR they deserve the right to be as arrogant as they are! They’ve accomplished what very few people have done in their entire careers and it’s only taken them the short time span of six months!

Jim Ross
If being disrespectful to their legendary fathers is what gives them the right to be arrogant then shame on them! These two need a good ole fashioned ass whoopin’ and I have a strong feeling they may get their comeuppance tonight.

Jerry Lawler
Say what you want JR but these two are two of the brightest superstars in the WWE today and I have a feeling that you may be eating your words later on if Priceless ends up retaining their championships.

Match #1 | World Tag Team Championships | Triple Threat Match
Priceless (champions) vs. The Bluebloods vs. The Colon’s

Our referee for our opening contest calls for the bell and we’re informed there will be only two competitors allowed in the ring at one time. Burchill volunteers himself to enter the match first and Carlito does as well as Priceless seems to be okay with the early break. Carlito and Burchill both circle around the ring for a few seconds before the bell rings and we see Burchill charge after Carlito into the Colon’s corner! Carlito dodges Burchill as Burchill collides chest first with the turnbuckle! Carlito leaps into the air looking for an early Back Stabber but Burchill holds onto the ropes with Carlito landing hard on his back!

Carlito pulls himself but immediately gets knocked right back down thanks to a running knee from Burchill! Burchill pulls Carlito up off the mat and begins to pound away at the chest of Carlito with a series of clubbing blows. The chest of Carlito immediately turns beet red and Burchill follows this up by lifting Carlito high into the air and holding him straight up for five seconds before sending him crashing down into the mat with a Vertical Suplex. Burchill hooks Carlito’s leg for the first pinfall attempt of the night.

One…

Two…

The kick out from Carlito keeps our opener rolling and allows Burchill to peel Carlito off the mat before making an early tag to his partner William Regal! Burchill pulls the arms of Carlito behind his back allowing Regal to hit Carlito square in the jaw with a hard right hand! Regal immediately jumps on Carlito as Burchill stands by in the ring to ensure no one tries to interfere.

One…

Two…

Another kick out from Carlito keeps this match going and the referee tells Burchill that he needs to leave the ring. This early distraction from Burchill sees the big man argue with the referee for a few seconds allowing Regal to claw away at the eyes of Carlito! Carlito lets out a scream of agony and as the referee comes back we see Regal stop the maneuver. Regal places his knee into the back of Carlito pulling the arms of Carlito backwards and holds this maneuver for around ten seconds before finally breaking free of the hold. The ring savvy Regal jumps back onto his feet and pulls Carlito in towards him before connecting with a perfect Butterfly Suplex! Here comes another hook of the leg from Regal.

One…

Tw0…

A third consecutive kick out at two from Carlito! Regal seems a little annoyed at the continuous kickouts from Carlito but he keeps his calm composure and proceeds to back Carlito into the corner before throwing a set of left hands to the chest repeatedly. Regal then follows this up by pulling Carlito towards him and hitting an Exploder Suplex! Regal follows this up with his third pinfall attempt on Carlito and it seems that Regal is convinced he may have Carlito finally down for the three count.

One…

Two…

Fourth straight kick out and finally we see a scowl from Regal as it’s clear that he is irate about not being able to keep Carlito down. Regal grabs Carlito by the hair dragging him towards The Blueblood’s corner before making the tag to bring Burchill back into the match. Burchill immediately jumps in and connects with a series of kicks to the sternum. Burchill then pulls Carlito in towards him thrusting him onto his broad shoulders as he follows this up with a Rolling Firemen’s Carry Slam driving Carlito into the mat with a thud!

Burchill finds himself backing up into the corner awaiting Carlito to get back onto his feet but he makes a rookie mistake as he is now in the corner of Priceless! This allows Cody Rhodes to reach out and tag himself into the match by slapping the back of Burchill! Rhodes jumps into the ring as Burchill tries to argue with the referee but the referee tells him it’s a legal tag and he needs to leave the ring. Burchill is insistent on arguing with the referee.

Rhodes takes this opportunity and capitalizes on it by holding the ropes and pushing his boot down on the throat of Carlito! Once the referee finally gets Burchill out of the ring he turns his attention back to the match and sees Rhodes using the illegal maneuver and begins a five count. Rhodes breaks free of the hold at a four count. Rhodes takes a step back before leaping into the air and connects on Carlito with a Knee Drop! Rhodes jumps on top of Carlito with his first pin fall attempt of the evening.

One…

Two…

T…

The latest kick out from Carlito so far in the match and it’s clear he’s starting to show a little fatigue after having to exude so much energy to kick out. Rhodes rises back up immediately jumping back on Carlito before pulling his opponent back onto his feet. Cody Irish whips Carlito into the ropes but Carlito doesn’t come back as he hangs onto the ropes! Rhodes stalls for a second debating on what to do but he elects to charge after Carlito who dumps Rhodes onto the outside of the ring with a Shoulder Toss. Carlito struggles for a second but he reaches over and tags in his tag team partner and brother - Primo!

Primo immediately ascends to the top turnbuckle and he glances over his shoulder because right as Cody Rhodes stands back up and turns around Primo leaps off the turnbuckle with a Moonsault! Primo lands on Rhodes with some of his legs hitting the barricade and both men taking a rough landing on the outside of the ring! Ted DiBiase jumps off the apron and pulls Carlito off the apron before clotheslining him down onto the outside of the ring!

Not wanting to be left out - Regal and Burchill come rushing over as they double team DiBiase and back him up against the barricade. Both Regal and Burchill lift DiBiase into the air together and hit a Snap Suplex together with DiBiase’s back colliding hard against the mat on the outside. DiBiase pulls himself up arching his back in pain. The Bluebloods then turn their attention to Primo and Rhodes and stomp away at the two legal men in the ring.

The referee slides to the outside of the ring finally realizing he has to regain order and get this match back on track! The referee warns Burchill and Regal telling them they need to get back into their corners now. The two try arguing with the referee but he’s having none of it and he walks towards the Blueblood’s corner forcing Burchill and Regal to back up and make their way back into their corner of the ring. As this is happening we see Primo slowly pulling himself back up and he proceeds to grab Rhodes and throw him under the bottom rope and back into the ring.

Primo pulls himself up onto the ring and uses the ropes to aid himself in getting back onto his feet. Primo looks at Rhodes laying in the center of the ring and suddenly he jumps onto the top rope and tries for a Diving Somersault Senton but Cody Rhodes gets the knees up! Rhodes looks towards his corner realizing DiBiase is not yet back in the corner. Rhodes crawls towards the ropes pulling himself back up holding his lower back still showing some pain from being driven into the barricade.

Rhodes makes his way towards Primo and pulls Primo off the mat before flipping him off his feet and onto his shoulders! Rhodes looks like he’s trying for an Alabama Slam but Primo rolls through by flipping forward and pulling Rhodes off his feet! Primo rolls Rhodes through keeping the leg hooked!

One…

Two…

Th…

Primo jumps up as an irate Cody Rhodes immediately springs back onto his feet as well! Rhodes swings wildly at Primo but Primo ducks and as Rhodes turns back towards Primo he’s met with a Hurricanrana from Primo with Rhodes landing in the Colon’s corner. Primo runs towards the corner as Rhodes tries to prop himself up on the turnbuckles but he eats a Running Knee Lift from Primo for his trouble! Primo reaches over and tags in his brother Carlito as Carlito is looking to erase the bad start he had earlier!

Carlito comes in all guns blazing as he stomps away at Rhodes! Carlito pulls Cody out of the corner and proceeds to Irish Whip Rhodes but Rhodes counters and instead sends Carlito into the ropes! Rhodes comes dashing after Carlito but Carlito leaps onto the middle rope before jumping backwards towards Rhodes and he hits a Springboard Back Elbow! Rhodes grabs at his face after catching the hard elbow there but he’s knocked off his feet this time with a picture perfect dropkick! Carlito pounces on Rhodes, finally getting his own pin fall attempt in the match and not being the one pinned!

One….

Two…

Th…

Paul Burchill breaks up the pin fall attempt as he stomps away at the neck of Carlito! Primo hits the ring going after Burchill but he’s intercepted by William Regal who throws Primo underneath his arm and hits a Regal Plex on Primo! The Bluebloods stomp away at Rhodes and Carlito for a few seconds before we see Ted DiBiase finally back onto his feet and he hits the ring unbeknownst to The Bluebloods! DiBiase knocks both Burchill and Regal off their feet and through the middle ropes with a dropkick!

DiBiase checks on his partner Rhodes quickly before grabbing Carlito and trying to pull Carlito onto his feet but Carlito fights off DiBiase, sending DiBiase scrambling into his corner. DiBiase throws his hands up trying to block the punches from Carlito but he’s unable to do so! This doesn’t last for long though because Rhodes ambushes Carlito from behind and pulls him back first towards him before hitting a Russian Leg Sweep! DiBiase steps to the outside of the ring and Rhodes tags his partner in as DiBiase officially enters the match for the first time legally tonight!

DiBiase wastes no time getting after Carlito as he pulls Carlito in and hits a Sitout Spinebuster! DiBiase throws Carlito’s leg up, hooking it for a hopeful three count!

One…

Two..

The…

The latest kick out from Carlito in the match so far but it was still good enough to keep The Colon’s chances at retaining the titles alive! DiBiase drops a series of elbows onto the head of Carlito trying to beat down Carlito even more after some of the tough blows he’s taken to the head tonight! DiBiase rises back onto his feet taking a few steps back towards the ropes and as he does so he’s swept off his feet and pulled to the outside of the ring by Regal and Burchill! Burchill grabs DiBiase, driving him back first into the barricade before pounding away at DiBiase!

The referee is completely unaware of what William Regal has on his knuckles and it’s just what you think it is - a set of brass knucks! Burchill tells Regal to hold DiBiase up for him so he can swing at him and hit him with the brass knucks but before he can even attempt it Burchill is attacked by Cody Rhodes! Rhodes takes matters into his own hands in an effort to save his tag team partner! Burchill falls onto the mat and after a failed swinging blow attempt from Regal - Rhodes pulls Regal in and hits CROSS RHODES ONTO THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!

Back onto his feet now - Primo comes running around the ring on the outside apron and leaps off the ropes, but Cody Rhodes catches Primo with a big European Uppercut! DiBiase acts fast and pulls Primo up off the mat before hitting him with a DDTonto the cold hard floor! DiBiase surveys the scene seeing that all of the men on the outside are down right now and he notices that the legal man Carlito is still down in the ring too!

DiBiase rolls under the bottom rope into the ring and he pulls Carlito up looking for his finisher - Dream Street! DiBiase goes to lift Carlito up for the maneuver but Carlito elbows DiBiase in the head breaking free of the hold DiBiase has on him. Carlito slides underneath the legs of DiBiase and shoves DiBiase to the corner but DiBiase thankfully stops himself in time or otherwise he would have landed on the referee! DiBiase holds his hands up assuring the referee that he did not intend on almost landing on him!

Cody Rhodes hops on the apron now and tries to come through the middle rope which draws the attention of the referee and he turns his back to DiBiase and Carlito in the ring in an effort to get Rhodes to stay out of the ring. Carlito attempts to make his way over to Rhodes but with the referee’s back turned and him still preoccupied with Rhodes interference we see DiBiase spin Carlito around and lift his leg up kicking Carlito square in the nuts!

Carlito falls onto both knees grasping at his groin and the referee who was preoccupied with Carlito is unaware of the kick. DiBiase pulls Carlito up and after getting him back onto his feet hits Dream Street! DiBiase throws Carlito over onto his side and immediately hooks the leg looking to secure the victory!

One…

Two…

Three!!!

Paul Burchill was just a fraction of a second late trying to hit the ring to break up the pin fall attempt and unfortunately for him this match is over!

Lilian Garcia
Here are your winners and STILL the World Tag Team Champions…Priceless!!!

Match Result: Priceless (Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase) def. The Bluebloods (William Regal & Paul Burchill) and The Colon’s (Primo & Carlito) to retain the World Tag Team Championships at 11:24

Jim Ross
Those no good SOB’s have done it again King! They had to use underhanded tactics to retain their championships tonight and honestly I am not surprised in the slightest!

Jerry Lawler
Whatever it takes JR! These two youngsters know that they have a lot of people gunning after them to take their World Tag Team Championships away and they had to resort to any means necessary!

Jim Ross
Oh please King! You can’t defend the actions of these two narcissists! Ted DiBiase had to resort to kicking Carlito square in the nether regions in order to retain their championships and they oughta’ be ashamed of themselves for resorting to such tactics.

Jerry Lawler
Having shame is for the weak! Both Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase knew that they could lose the gold without even being in the match so they had limited opportunity to ensure they retained the World Tag Team Championships and they did just that JR! Can you for once appreciate these young superstars!

Jim Ross
I’ll appreciate them the day they stop disrespecting their daddies and don’t resort to using dirty tactics to cheat to win.

Jerry Lawler
Well I guess you’re going to be waiting a while then because I don’t see Priceless losing or changing their ways anytime soon!

Jim Ross
It’s a damn shame though King! Ladies and gentlemen, let's send you backstage as we’re told we have a few superstars who are ready to make their Royal Rumble entry selections right now!

We’re now sent to the hospitality area/office set up backstage where Raw GM Eric Bischoff and SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman are seen conversing and rightfully so as it’s time for superstars to make their selections for their entry numbers in the Royal Rumble Match!

Eric Bischoff
Coach! It’s so great to see you again! How have you been?

Bischoff extends his hand out to Coach to shake it but Coach has to take a second to decide whether he wants to shake Bischoff’s hand or not. Perhaps against his better judgment he reaches out and ultimately shakes his hand

Jonathan Coachman
I’ve been doing well Eric. Just trying to keep some control of the roster on SmackDown - something that you know nothing about considering the current state of Raw

Some ooo’s come into the picture as Bischoff’s smile immediately turns to a frown and disappointment in his former assistant. Bischoff is about to address Coach’s comments but before he can in walks MVP and Big E!

MVP
Coach! My man…how are you doing tonight?

MVP extends out his hand to Coach and albeit their differences Coach immediately shakes MVP’s hand which draws some disdain from Bischoff.

Jonathan Coachman
That’s Mr. Coachman to you MVP but listen…we’ve got a lot of picks to get to so I’m going to need you to go ahead and make your selection so we can keep this thing rolling.

MVP wraps his arm around Coach letting him know that he’s not finished.

MVP
Oh…I wasn’t done yet Coach!

Big E now takes a step forward keeping the stern look on his face letting the GM know that MVP is going to say what he has to say and there are no if’s, and’s or but’s about it.

MVP
I’m just wanting to give you a heads up for my celebration party this Friday that I’ve ordered some of the finest cognacs, the fanciest decor, and the grandest entrance way that’s set to be delivered a day early so I need you to make sure you have everything lined up and ready to go so my Royal Rumble celebration party goes as planned. Is that understood Coach?

MVP reaches into the tumbler while awaiting to hear what Coach has to say. MVP pries the ball open and grabs the piece of paper before surveying it and smiling.

MVP
I knew I liked you for a reason, Coach!

The GM looked as if he was going to address MVP’s comments regarding the party but MVP instead motions for the door and he walks out first with Big E standing firm giving Coachman a stare down for a few seconds before exiting behind MVP.

Eric Bischoff
Oh yeah Coach…what great control you have of your roster letting superstars talk to you like that!

Bischoff can’t help but chuckle but he doesn’t get to laugh for long because in walks Mr. Kennedy.

Eric Bischoff
Great to see you Ken!

Bischoff tries to yuck it up with his Raw superstar but Kennedy doesn’t appear to be in the mood and for once is short on words. Kennedy reaches into the tumbler and pulls out his ball and cracks it open before taking a look at it and his reaction is somewhat mixed. It’s neither a sigh or excitement. Kennedy does speak up eventually with a concerned tone in his voice.

Mr. Kennedy
Eric….listen I need a HUGE favor from you tonight. I need you to assure me that…

Bischoff’s phone begins to ring right in the middle of Kennedy speaking to him.

Eric Bischoff
Ken…I’m sorry…I’ve got to take this call!

Kennedy doesn’t seem too excited with Bischoff ignoring his statement but he has really no other choice but to exit after Bischoff shoos him away. Bischoff answers the phone and after Kennedy exits he takes a step to the outside corridor all while looking over his shoulders repeatedly.

Eric Bischoff
Yes…I’ve got it covered Paul!

It’s very evident now who is on the other line and it’s Bischoff’s business partner - Paul Heyman!

Eric Bischoff
We’ve secured the perimeter and hired extra security for tonight…

Bischoff pauses for a second as he is listening to what Heyman has to say and Bischoff nods all while listening.

Eric Bischoff
Paul I assure you there is absolutely NO WAY that Triple H can get into this building tonight!

A loud resounding POP from the fans in the arena at the mention of Triple H’s name

Eric Bischoff
There are simply too many security barriers he would have to cross tonight! We’ve got private security and several of New York’s finest working tonight! There is NO WAY he can get in tonight Paul! You have my word!

Bischoff hangs the phone up and slumps down against the wall with the realization of what else the night may hold ahead, finally hitting him all at one time like a ton of bricks. He slumps against the wall hoping that tonight ends up going smoothly.

Maria is standing backstage in the interview area looking jovial in regards to how the show has started tonight.

Maria
Ladies and gentlemen please welcome my guests at this time…Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase…Priceless!

Rhodes & DiBiase walk into the picture with the World Tag Team Championship belts slumped over their shoulders . Neither Rhodes nor DiBiase have hit the showers yet as they are still sweating from their tag team title defense earlier in the evening.

Cody Rhodes
Ah hum…Maria what I think you meant to say was the WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS…Priceless!

Maria notices Rhodes snarl at her and she gestures towards Rhodes that she is sorry.

Maria
My apologies Cody.

Cody Rhodes
As you should apologize! You need to put some respect on the greatest tag team that has ever stepped foot in the WWE! Maria…quite frankly I don’t know any duo that has set the WWE ablaze in a shorter time span than Ted and myself.

Ted interjects now clearly wanting to add in his two cents.

Ted DiBiase
What you are looking at is not only the greatest tag team in WWE history but the greatest up and coming superstars in the WWE today. Two future World champions are standing right here in your presence Maria and you failed to acknowledge the fact that we currently hold gold now! How exactly did you get this job again?

Cody Rhodes
Since day one when we made our debuts on Monday Night Raw we have bested each and every tag team that has tried to stop us. You name them and we’ve defeated them. Hell, we’ve even put those old geriatric geezers Road Dogg and Billy Gunn out to the shed and ended any hopes of them ever returning full time to the WWE. But you know what Maria….

Maria
What?

Cody Rhodes
Our biggest accomplishment wasn’t only defeating The New Age Outlaws…no no no!

Rhodes waves his finger in the face of Maria in a rather aggressive tone.

Cody Rhodes
Our biggest accomplishment in the WWE so far is embarrassing both of our fathers on Monday Night Raw and proving that they are an embarrassment to what Ted and I have built for OURSELVES in the WWE. We’ve made a name for ourselves and built a legacy that our future children can be proud of because they sure as hell won’t be proud of what their grandfathers accomplished in this ring!

Boos start to pour in from the MSG crowd as Ted pats Cody on the back letting him know he’s ready to take over once again.

Ted DiBiase
You saw it just now Maria! We handled business and defeated two of the alleged “best tag teams WWE has to offer” in one match and because of that we have officially staked our claim as the BEST TAG TEAM IN WWE TODAY!

Maria
But Ted didn’t you have to resort to low blowing Carlito to get the vi…

Ted DiBiase interjects as he doesn’t take too kind to Maria’s question

Ted DiBiase
Maria…I said what I meant and I meant what I said! You are looking at the BEST TAG TEAM IN THE WWE TODAY…and that is not up for debate!

We hear some noise coming in on the camera from the side of the interview area and in walks the WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz! Morrison and Miz stroll into the interview area looking confused as if they misunderstood DiBiase.

The Miz
Best tag team in the WWE? Did I really just hear you say that?

Miz looks towards John Morrison asking for reassurance from JoMo that he did in fact hear DiBiase say that and Morrison nods his head letting Miz he did in fact hear that.

The Miz
If you think you two are the greatest tag team in the WWE today then clearly you haven’t been paying any attention to Friday Night SmackDown for the last several months. Because had you done so you’d know that John and myself have established ourselves as the greatest tag team of the 21st century!

John Morrison
Go ahead and tell them Miz…tell these two dorks why the Chick Magnet and the Shaman of Sexy…the Guru of Greatness…the Demon of Desire..John Morrison and The Miz are the PREMIER TEAM in WWE and why one of us will win the Royal Rumble Match tonight and go on…

Cody Rhodes doesn’t show any patience as he interrupts Morrison’s incessant rambling.

Cody Rhodes
The difference between Ted and myself and you two clowns are that we don’t need to make up lame nicknames or wear stupid looking hats. We handle our business in this ring and we proved earlier tonight when we beat The Colon’s and The Bluebloods that we are the best…

Ted DiBiase
And when you’re the best you get all of the perks, all of the…

The Miz
The A-List treatment, hanging out with Hollywood superstars on the regular, courtside seats at Staples Center to watch Kobe Bryant defeat the worst team in the NBA….the New York Knicks…

Boos pour in as Miz had to throw in the cheap heat insult towards the hometown team as Miz chuckles a little before carrying on.

The Miz
We know a thing or two about being the best because we ARE THE BEST and that’s the reason why we’re in the Royal Rumble Match tonight and you two aren’t! We’ve got the charisma, we’ve got the skills, we’ve got the chicks, and most importantly we have the tag team championship gold that actually matters - the WWE Tag Team Championships!

Miz holds his WWE tag team title up in the face of Rhodes and DiBiase as Morrison raises his as well as both teams face off with all four belts being raised in the air.

The Miz
And that…

John Morrison
That’s priceless!

Miz tips his fedora towards the World Tag Team Champions mocking the duo as Morrison and Miz walk away with Rhodes & DiBiase left standing in the interview area insulted by the fact that not only did Miz and Morrison steal their catchphrase but that they had the audacity to actually claim that they are better than them.

We come back into the arena with the camera focused on the Raw commentary team.

Jim Ross
Eric Bischoff’s night is just getting started and I have a strong feeling that he’s going to need all of the reinforcements he claims to have lined up to keep an angry Triple H out of Madison Square Garden tonight!

Jerry Lawler
There is no way that Triple H is getting in tonight JR! The constant attacks on Bischoff and Heyman’s business partners means that he is a security threat and there is no way that New York’s Finest let this man breach the property tonight

Jim Ross
You can’t be serious right now King! Are you failing to remember all of the constant attacks on BOTH Raw and SmackDown this past year from Kurt Angle and Paul Heyman or are you just choosing to forget those events?

Jerry Lawler
All I have to say is that I trust Eric Bischoff to keep the superstars of Raw and SmackDown safe tonight from that deranged lunatic Triple H!

Jim Ross
Speaking of deranged lunatics - it’s time for the number one contender’s Falls Count Anywhere Match between Victoria and Mickie James! For months Victoria has had it ingrained in her brain that Mickie James and her are best friends and well…that’s not exactly the case!

Jerry Lawler
I’d be careful calling Victoria a lunatic JR! You do know that these two men are allowed to fight ANYWHERE in Madison Square Garden tonight and they may just take the fight to our commentary table. I’d hate to have to see Victoria slap some respect into you.

Jim Ross
I can say the same to you regarding Triple H! But let’s take a look back at how we got to this point between these two long time rivals.

Mickie James vs. Victoria
Video Package

The video starts off showcasing some of Victoria and Mickie James’ feud in 2006 with Victoria winning on three straight PPV’s over Mickie. Fast forward to Unforgiven 2007 though where we have Victoria and Mickie team together to take on Beth and Melina. Beth Phoenix had attacked Mickie following a match on Raw a few weeks prior to Unforgiven and shockingly it was Victoria who made the save running Beth away. The two would team together in the aforementioned tag match at Unforgiven and defeat the Women’s Champion and Melina.

Just one month later Mickie would be selected by the WWE fans in a poll for Cyber Sunday over Victoria and Melina. Victoria took some offense to this but didn’t let it hinder her “friendship” with Mickie. Victoria supported Mickie and helped her prepare for the match despite the short notice but it wouldn’t matter much after Beth defeated Mickie to retain the title once more continuing her long reign of dominance over Mickie James.

Victoria would earn herself a title shot at Survivor Series against Beth Phoenix and it appeared as if Victoria was going to finally regain her former prized possession but Mickie James would interfere once she saw Victoria trying to cheat and attack Beth with the Women’s Championship belt. Mickie pulled the championship away from Victoria allowing Beth to retain the championship.

Victoria confronted Mickie on this and Mickie simply informed Victoria that she was not going to stand back and watch Victoria cheat. Victoria informed Mickie though that considering they are friends she would have thought that Mickie would have her best interests at heart. Mickie would inform Victoria though that she doesn’t really consider them friends after their long history with one another and she’s uncertain where Victoria got this from.

A personality change would soon develop in Victoria as she began to become more erratic and question whether Mickie truly was her friend or not. Victoria would overhear Mickie casually talking with Melina and Maryse backstage about how Victoria has their friendship made up in her head. Victoria would attack Mickie backstage on Raw the following week before informing Mickie that “all she had to do was be her friend”.

Ever since then these two women have attacked one another backstage and finally it took Raw GM Eric Bischoff stepping in to announce that due to the nature of the history between these two women that this match could truly end up anywhere. So with that he confirmed that this would be a Falls Count Anywhere Match with the winner earning a future Women’s Championship Match!

**I AIN’T THE LADY TO MESS WITH**

First out for this next match is Victoria! Victoria walks out onto the stage doing her traditional hair pull as she walks towards the ring eyeing the WrestleMania sign hanging high in the rafters. She slaps herself in the head a few times presumably hyping herself up but perhaps just showing that she may not truly be all there. Victoria rolls into the ring hanging over the ropes looking ready to go after Mickie first thing she makes her way out.

Lilian Garcia
The following contest is a Falls Count Anywhere Match! Pin falls or submissions can occur anywhere in the arena and the winner of this match will earn a future Women’s Championship opportunity! Introducing first from Los Angeles, California…VICTORIA!

Jim Ross
Well here’s a woman that is just a few fries short of a Happy Meal!

Jerry Lawler
Victoria may not be the most sane person but I do believe that she is one of the most dangerous persons - man or woman - on the WWE roster today.

Jim Ross
Now that I can agree with you on King but let me just say that for anyone to have been convinced for as long as she was that Mickie James was truly her friend - then I can’t honestly say that they are a sane person.

Jerry Lawler
Perhaps not JR but I assure you that Mickie is going to wish that she just befriended Victoria instead of getting herself into this mess because this one is going to be an all out war tonight!

**OBSESSION**

The two-time Women’s Champion Mickie James comes out next and she isn’t quite as happy-go lucky as she usually is. Tonight she means business and she’s not jumping around and excited as she would normally be. Mickie does slap a few fan’s hands on the way down as she receives a good ovation from the New York fans tonight. But before she can even slide into the ring we see Victoria roll to the outside and throw a clubbing blow towards Mickie!

Victoria grabs Mickie and drives her back first into the ring with the referee sliding to the outside and warning Victoria that he will not start this match until there is some control! Victoria knees Mickie in the sternum as Mickie folds over grabbing at her stomach! The referee points to the ring telling Victoria she needs to get into the ring now and she finally does oblige but not until she slaps Mickie square in the face! Victoria rolls into the ring and the referee checks on Mickie asking her if she is good to go.

It’s taking Mickie a few seconds to respond as she is still doubled over but thanks to help from an additional referee who runs to the ring and slides in holding Victoria back - the match should be beginning soon! Victoria is held back by the other referee as previously mentioned and once Mickie rolls in the actual referee for the match checks with Mickie if she’s good to start the match and Mickie is seething and says “start the match”.

Match #2 | #1 Contender’s Match
Falls Count Anywhere
Mickie James vs. Victoria

The referee finally has gained some control of these two women as he’s able to call for the bell and after a tumultuous opening we are officially underway. But just like when we first saw these two women meet up - it’s on once again! Mickie charges at Victoria, knocking her down with a Lou Thesz Press and begins to throw haymakers at her former “friend” Victoria. Mickie is laying into Victoria with several hard punches and this continues until Victoria is able to push Mickie off of her and roll to the outside of the ring.

Mickie follows suit joining Victoria on the outside as Victoria begins backing up to the barricade by scooting herself across the floor. She’s begging Mickie to not hurt her and remember their friendship! Mickie isn’t playing mind games with Victoria tonight as she rushes towards Victoria and knees her right in the face! Mickie grabs Victoria’s head, throwing it against the barricade wall repeatedly as the maniacal side of Mickie we’ve seen in the past is revealing itself tonight.

Mickie grabs Victoria off the mat and lifts her up before dumping her body right back on top of the barricade! Victoria lets out a scream of agony and pain but she’s dumped right back onto the floor again as Mickie lifts her legs up and dumps her into the crowd! Mickie hops the barricade and tells a fan to move before she picks his chair up and grabs Victoria by the hair slamming her face repeatedly into the chair! Mickie then grabs the chair pulling it up and looks as if she is going to hit Victoria with the chair but Victoria musters enough strength to kick Mickie back first into the barricade!

Victoria begins to retreat through the crowd as she tries crawling away showing the true desperation that she has to get away from her rival Mickie James. Victoria doesn’t get too far though as she makes it near the back of the floor section where the fans are before Mickie grabs her by the leg keeping Victoria from retreating any further! Victoria tries kicking Mickie off but Mickie grabs Victoria, peeling her off the cold hard concrete before ramming her head into the railing near the stairways.

Mickie seems to have other ideas now as she grabs Victoria and drags her towards the ringside area with Victoria working her hardest to try and fight back against Mickie to no avail. The two women advance through the crowd before finally making it near the commentators table and Mickie proceeds to smash Victoria’s face off the table. Victoria falls backwards with a thud as we see Mickie call the referee over for a pinfall attempt now.

One….

Tw…

Kick out at two count from Victoria as Victoria is not going to let her next title opportunity slip away that easily. Mickie walks towards the timekeeper’s table and grabs the bell. The timekeeper initially tells Mickie she cannot have the bell but Mickie obliges anyway and brings it with her over to Victoria. Unfortunately for Mickie though she’s tripped up by Victoria with a perfect drop toe hold and Mickie face plants right into the timekeeper’s bell! That one is certainly going to hurt and Victoria wastes no time as she flips Mickie over with her first pinfall attempt of the night.

One…

Tw…

Strong kick out from Mickie despite the obvious pain she must be feeling from getting her clock cleaned with that brutal fall. Victoria tells the cameraman to get out of the way but something suddenly clicks in her head as she grabs the cable and wraps it around Mickie’s neck choking out Mickie! Victoria sits on the back of Mickie pulling away at the neck of Mickie with the cable for a solid twenty seconds before finally letting go of the hold and grabbing Mickie by the head and slamming her once again face first into the bell.

Victoria looks around Madison Square Garden as she lets out a maniacal chuckle and asks a few fans if Mickie is still “pretty” after having her face smashed twice into the bell. Victoria picks Mickie off of the mat lifting her up into the air and in a display of strength keeps Mickie vertical for five seconds before bringing her crashing down onto the padding with an impressive Vertical Suplex. Mickie lets out a screech as Victoria rolls her over and goes for another pinfall attempt looking to secure her number one contendership.

One…

Two…

A delayed kick out from Mickie James but she’s still able to keep her opportunity of facing Beth Phoenix once again for the Women’s Championship alive! Victoria grabs Mickie by the hair pulling her up and dragging her by the hair back into the ring telling her that “it didn’t have to end like this Mickie. YOU DID THIS!” Victoria rolls Mickie back into the ring and instead of following Mickie in she looks underneath the ring and pulls out a trash can lid before disposing of it into the ring. She rolls back into the ring and after getting back onto her feet grabs the trash can lid and hits it right across the back of Mickie James!

Victoria slips the trash can lid now underneath the head of Mickie before repeatedly slamming her head into the lid! Victoria appears to have another idea come across her twisted mind as she scoops Mickie back up and swiftly drives her back into the mat and the trash can lid with a Snap Suplex! Mickie sits herself up screeching in pain after the brutal series of face smashes to the lid and the suplex to her back. Victoria pushes Mickie back down and hooks the leg, easily convinced that she is going to become the number one contender now…

One…

Two…

T…

And Mickie keeps herself alive in the hunt for the number one contendership! Victoria grabs Mickie off the mat and proceeds to throw her like a rag doll through the middle ropes and back onto the cold mat on the outside of the ring. Victoria slides under the bottom rope sitting on the ring for a few seconds taunting and laughing maniacally at Mickie. She hops off the ring and grabs Mickie, throwing her into the barricades back first!

Victoria pushes Mickie’s neck against the barricade with her boot and repeatedly sends Mickie’s head jarring back into the barricade with a series of boots to the head. After pulling Mickie away from the barricade, Victoria pulls her former friend up by the hair and drags her up the aisle as it’s clear they are making their way to the backstage area now. Victoria gets past gorilla position and takes Mickie hurling her onto a catering table right outside gorilla position.

Mickie goes flying onto the table causing numerous bottles of water and juices to go flying off the table. Victoria grabs a pastry and smashes it in the face of Mickie twisting it and attempting to shove the pastry down Mickie’s throat but Mickie fights back with a headbutt! Mickie gets Victoria away from her briefly and a charging Victoria ends up making a big mistake because Mickie ends up side stepping Victoria and sends her face first into a storage cage! Victoria’s head bounces off the cage and Mickie picks Victoria up and suplexes her right through the catering table! Mickie falls on top of Victoria throwing an arm over her longtime rival and this may be it!

One…

Two…

Th…

Victoria gets her shoulder up keeping this match going! How did Victoria do it? Mickie shifts her attention now to what surrounds her as far as what can be a weapon and it seems that she’s looking to use anything and everything she can to finally defeat Victoria. Mickie gets back onto her feet and grabs Victoria up before dragging her down the hallway and slamming her face first into an elevator door! Mickie grabs Victoria’s head repeatedly slamming it into the elevator door very similar to how Mickie had her head driven into the steel trash can lid. Mickie decides she wants to take a trip with Victoria as she pushes for the elevator door to open and it opens up and she throws Victoria onto the elevator.

Victoria climbs into the corner of the elevator begging Mickie to stop but Mickie follows up with a knee to the face of Victoria. The elevator begins making its way up to the suite level but not before Victoria turns the tables on Mickie and pushes her back into the elevator and tries to escape! The door is slowly shutting but Mickie is able to stumble out and she’s met with a kick to the face causing her head to hit the elevator door right after it closes! Victoria throws Mickie over hooking the leg once more.

One…

Two…

The…

Thr….

Mickie keeps her chances of earning another title shot alive much to the chagrin of Victoria! Realizing she needs to capitalize while Mickie is still down - Victoria grabs the former two time Women’s Champion and drags her to a suite door down the hallway before barging in and tossing Mickie onto a couch in the suite. Victoria kicks the “fans” that are in the suite out before she grabs a tray of cookies and dumps it and follows it by hitting Mickie in the face with the cookie tray!

Victoria disposes of the tray before dragging Mickie towards the suite seats overlooking the arena! Victoria throws Mickie’s body over the railing threatening to dump Mickie into the stands! Mickie holds on for dear life not wanting to take a plunge into the seating and she finally breaks free of Victoria’s hold by kicking Victoria backwards with a series of stiff kicks. Mickie pulls herself off the railing and as Victoria walks back towards Mickie she’s immediately pounced upon by Mickie who’s tossing some hard lefts and rights looking to shift the tide of the match.

Mickie gets back up and pulls Victoria out of the suite seating area and back into the hallway as she’s clearly looking to make her way with Victoria back onto the main portion of Madison Square Garden. Mickie opens the elevator and tosses Victoria in before jumping back into the elevator herself. Victoria pleads with Mickie the entire way back down before crawling backwards once the elevator arrives on ground level. Mickie pulls Victoria back up dragging her towards the main entrance into the arena.

Mickie throws Victoria down the ramp causing the villainous Victoria to take a tough tumble down the ramp. Mickie slowly waltzes towards Victoria enjoying the beating that she’s finally been able to give Victoria and it looks like she’s wanting to try and end this now! Mickie anxiously awaits Victoria rising back onto her feet and right as she gets up she’s greeted with a Mick Kick! Mickie pounces on top of Victoria and the WWE fans are certain that is it!

One…

Two…

Thre…

WAIT! NO! Victoria gets her shoulder up! How!?!? Mickie checks with the referee and he tells her that it was a very close three count. Mickie grabs Victoria, grabbing her and throwing her back down the ramp! Victoria lands against the steel steps and Mickie perhaps in a quick moment of action makes a big mistake as she charges at Victoria but Victoria moves and Mickie goes shoulder first into the steel steps! Mickie is screaming in agony grasping at her shoulder as Victoria drags herself on the floor to the ring as she lifts up the ring apron and pulls out a KENDO STICK!

Victoria pulls herself back up slowly before walking towards Mickie James and she starts laying into Mickie with consecutive kendo shots to the back and to the same shoulder that Mickie just rammed into the steel steps! Victoria throws the kendo stick under the arm of Mickie and pulls it backwards adding even more excruciating pain to the recently hurt shoulder of Mickie! Victoria holds this maneuver for a good fifteen additional seconds before hitting Mickie one more time in the shoulder with the kendo stick before attempting a pin fall attempt.

One…

Two…

Thre…

The closest call we’ve had so far tonight in this match! Victoria looks like she is about to snap as she clutches at her hair and even pulls some of it out in a moment of rage! Victoria looks underneath the ring apron apparently reaching desperation mode now as she pulls out a table! Madison Square Garden erupts in excitement as Victoria grabs the title and props it up against the ringside barricade vertically! Once she has this executed she grabs Mickie off the mat and attempts to Irish Whip her into the table but Mickie stops and reverses by sending Victoria towards the table! Victoria stops in her tracks though sparing herself from going through the table!

Mickie lunges towards Victoria but is hit with a big elbow to the face! Mickie clutches at her face checking to make sure she’s not bleeding but as she turns around she’s lifted high into the air by Victoria! Victoria is looking for a Vertical Suplex through the table but Mickie counters by kneeing Victoria in the head! Victoria tries her best to hold on but Mickie slides off the shoulders of Victoria and hits Victoria with another Mick Kick!

Mickie doesn’t look like she’s going to stop there though as she grabs the table pulling it off the barricade and sets it up on the ground in a normal position. She grabs Victoria and tosses her onto the table back first before climbing on top of the table herself. Mickie pulls Victoria up as the body of Victoria looks limp. Mickie throws Victoria under her arm and leaps up DRIVING VICTORIA THROUGH THE TABLE WITH THE MICKIE-DT! Taking some of the fall herself - Mickie turns over throwing an arm over Victoria as the referee dashes over.

One…

Two…

Three!!!

Match Result: Mickie James def. Victoria @ 11:49 to become the NEW #1 Contender for the Women’s Championship

***OBSESSION***

The battle is finally over! Mickie James is helped onto her feet by the referee as he holds her hand high in the air and it appears that the feud between Mickie and Victoria may have finally come to an end! Mickie is having trouble standing on her own two feet but she is able to leave ringside clearly excited at earning another coveted Women’s Championship match in the future. The referee checks on Victoria after Mickie exits the arena and after some time is finally able to help Victoria away from the table rubble. Victoria shoves the referee away though telling him he doesn’t need her help! She kicks the barricade in frustration as she exits the arena and stops at the top of the ramp before letting out a loud shriek in anger as we cut to the Raw commentary team now at this time.

Jim Ross
What a crazy woman King! Someone really needs to help her out before she loses her mind!

Jerry Lawler
Victoria is what I like to call a few fries short of a Happy Meal JR! But enough of Victoria - how about that huge win tonight for Mickie James!

Jim Ross
After a brutal physical battle tonight and months of mental turmoil between Mickie and her “former friend” Victoria - it’s Mickie that gets the last laugh and will earn a future Women’s Championship match!

Jerry Lawler
These two women tonight went to absolute war with one another but it’s Mickie James who emerged victorious. If I am “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix I’d certainly be concerned after seeing the depths these women will go to to earn another title shot.

Jim Ross
I’m being told that Maria is standing backstage with the victor of this match…Mickie James. Let’s send it to Maria…

Maria catches up with Mickie James backstage as Mickie walks into the interview area immediately after winning her match. Mickie is showing some battle scars and looks to be exhausted after the match but nevertheless she’s a victorious combatant tonight.

Maria
Mickie thank you for joining me at this time and let me be the first to congratulate you on becoming the NEW number one contender to the Women’s Championship!

Mickie shakes her head thanking Maria for acknowledging her victory.

Mickie James
Thank you Maria! I appreciate that!

Maria
We just witnessed what should be the end of what has been a tumultuous rivalry between Victoria and yourself come to a head and now it looks like we may be seeing you reignite your feud with the Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix? What are your thoughts on your potential upcoming match against Beth?

Mickie James
First off let me say that I am glad to finally have shut Victoria up for good! She’s been running her mouth for a while now saying that I screwed her over and ended our friendship but let me just say that I am VERY glad to move on to my next focus and that is regaining the Women’s Championship.

Mickie takes a deep breath clearly still selling the effects of the match.

Mickie James
Now as for Beth Phoenix…Beth has had my number recently. I’m not going to sit here and lie about that but one thing Beth doesn’t have is the…

As if on cue - the Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix interrupts Mickie James as she comes face to face with the new number one contender with her title sitting perfectly around her waist. Beth pats the championship gold as she looks at Mickie.

Beth Phoenix
Mickie…it’s so great to see you again!

Mickie clearly senses the sarcasm from the champion and she gives a fake smile back to Beth letting her know that she’s not here for Beth’s comments.

Beth Phoenix
I couldn’t help but here you talking about what I allegedly don’t have but one thing I am certain you don’t have is THIS…

Beth points to her championship belt.

Beth Phoenix
And just in case everyone has forgotten - this is the Women’s Championship that I won from you back at SummerSlam. And here we are over five months later and “The Glamazon” is still on top of the mountain looking down at all of the failed women of the WWE including yourself Mickie!

Mickie James
Failed is a very strong word to call any of the women in the locker room - including myself - who in case YOU’VE FORGOTTEN…was the woman who ended your first Women’s Championship reign here in WWE. So Beth…you need to put a little more respect on my name!

Mickie steps up towards Beth as the tension is rising between these two very talented and arguably biggest women in WWE today.

Beth Phoenix
I’ll never respect you as long as you are in the WWE and Mickie…you got VERY lucky tonight that Victoria didn’t tear you to shreds. But one thing is for sure…you aren’t going to be as lucky when we step into the ring again because I will DESTROY YOU AND END YOUR WWE CAREER!

Beth walks past Mickie bumping into her with her shoulder rather aggressively which angers the number one contender. Mickie looks ready to go after Beth but Maria holds her back telling her it’s simply not worth it. Mickie eyes Beth as she walks down the hallway and the screen goes to black…

WWE No Way Out | Sunday February 17, 2008
Thomas & Mack Center | Las Vegas, Nevada

The camera cuts back into the arena as we’re sent to Michael Cole and Tazz!

Michael Cole
In just three weeks time we will be coming to you live on a SmackDown exclusive event - No Way Out - in Las Vegas and I cannot wait!

Tazz
I can’t wait either Cole but what about tonight? We’re just getting our night kicked off!

Michael Cole
That’s right because right now it is time for SmackDown to get in on the action now and I can’t think of a better way to kick off our night than with the World Heavyweight Championship Match!

Tazz
Oh man Cole this is one I’ve been waiting for for quite a while now! The World Heavyweight Champion Umaga is set to have his biggest challenge to date - “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels!

Michael Cole
“The Samoan Bulldozer” Umaga captured his first ever title in the WWE back in November at Survivor Series and ever since then has been on an absolute tear!

Tazz
The landscape of SmackDown changed forever that night in Orlando because Umaga has proven to be an absolute freak of nature ever since and has been unbeatable since that night in November!

Michael Cole
There is one person though who has proven to be the biggest threat to Umaga as you mentioned earlier and that is Shawn Michaels! HBK has knocked Umaga off his feet TWICE with Sweet Chin Music and quickly proven that he will not back down from the Samoan Bulldozer!

Tazz
Shawn is going to need a whole lot of luck tonight though because he has never faced anyone quite like Umaga in his illustrious career. There is really no true way to describe just how imposing of a figure Umaga truly is. Plus couple that with the damage that HBK had done to him this past week on SmackDown where Umaga made him cough up blood after a Samoan Spike!

Michael Cole
One has to wonder if HBK is truly at full health but with a golden opportunity literally lying ahead to regain the World Heavyweight Championship he last won in this exact building - one has to think that HBK is going to give it his all tonight.

**SEXY BOY**

Shawn Michaels emerges from the back playing to the fans before setting off his pyro after his usual entrance. It appears that Michaels’ demeanor is that it’s just another night for him in the ring and perhaps that’s a good thing. HBK goes through the motions of his usual entrance before taking off his vest and placing it at ringside. Michaels hops into the ring posing and flexing before making his way to a corner and anxiously jumping from side to side to stay fresh. Cole and Tazz discuss how HBK has coughed a few times since getting into the ring and how he may still be feeling the effects of the brutal attack backstage on Friday night.

Tony Chimel
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the World Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first the challenger from San Antonio, Texas weighing in at 225 pounds…”The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels!!!

**VIRTUAL VOODOO**

The champion has arrived and he does so by having his coveted championship dangling from his mouth. Estrada grabs the title midway down the ramp hoisting it in the air, waving it around repeatedly in an effort to try and get a reaction from Michaels. HBK pays no mind to Estrada though with his full attention instead going towards Umaga. Umaga makes his way up the steel steps and into the ring and stands in the corner opposite from HBK as the two rivals stare one another down as we are just mere seconds away from kicking this match off.

Tony Chimel
And his opponent hailing from the Isle of Samoa weighing in at 350 pounds…he is the current World-Heavyweight Champion…”The Samoan Bulldozer” Um….

Armando Estrada taps on a microphone interrupting Chimel and as he is doing so he leaves the timekeeper’s area and makes his way into the ring.

Armando Estrada
Estude me Tony…but I…I got dis!

Estrada dismisses Chimel and Chimel exits as told.

Armando Estrada
Ju’ all are lookin’ at the strongest, the fastest, the biggest World Heavyweight Champion in all of the WWE history…”The Samoan Bulldozer”....UMAAAAAGGGGGAAAAAAAA!

Match #3 | World Heavyweight Championship
“The Samoan Bulldozer” Umaga (champion) vs. “The Heart Break Kid” Shawn Michaels

Armando Estrada throws his microphone at HBK who catches it as Estrada is making his way to the outside of the ring. Estrada throws the mic at Estrada on the outside and once he turns his attention towards the match the referee calls for the bell! Umaga takes this opportunity to charge after HBK in the corner but the veteran instincts of Michaels kicks in and he hits Umaga with SWEET CHIN MUSIC! The problem is though that Umaga doesn’t fall down off his feet! Umaga staggers towards the ropes selling the impact of the move as he’s hanging onto the ropes for dear life not trying to fall off his feet.

HBK lines himself up with Umaga and he charges full speed at the champion trying to clothesline him over but he’s unsuccessful as Umaga is just too much for him to knock over the ropes and Umaga doesn’t budge. HBK realizes he needs to try again and he follows through with the same exact move but this time he is Back Body Dropped to the outside of the ring as Umaga uses his large frame to dump HBK over the ropes and onto the outside as if this was the Royal Rumble Match!

Umaga drops down to one knee sighing in relief that he avoided not only losing his championship but also in the matter of mere seconds. Umaga rolls to the outside listening to Armando Estrada barking orders about needing to jump on the attack now! The champion grabs HBK off the mat, lifting him into the air and bench pressing him straight up before holding him in the air for five seconds and dropping HBK right on the barricade! The referee rolls to the outside to try and get both men back into the ring and regain control early on in this important title match.

Umaga pulls HBK off the barricade and proceeds to drive him back first into the ring structure consecutively focusing on the well known bad back of Michaels. Umaga grabs Michaels and proceeds to swing him back first into the barricade as we see HBK let out a yelp of pure pain as Armando Estrada laughs it up on the outside. The referee finally tells Umaga that he needs to get back into the ring and Estrada communicates to Umaga to move it back into the ring to keep this destruction going. Umaga proceeds to pick HBK up like a rag doll and roll him underneath the ropes before rolling into the ring himself.

Umaga hollers out to the crowd before springing off the ropes and connecting with a Running Splash onto the back of HBK! Umaga rolls over HBK hooking the leg for the first pin fall attempt of this match.

One…

Two…

T…

A late kick out from HBK after the early beating he’s taken is to be expected but he is able to stay alive right now! Umaga pulls his large frame back onto his feet before pulling Michaels back up and Irish whipping HBK off into the turnbuckles! HBK sells it as well as he usually does by hitting the turnbuckle hard and flipping over but instead of falling down he finds himself trapped in the Tree of Woe position hanging upside down!

Armando Estrada has a huge smile come across his face as he barks another order at Umaga telling him to attack! Umaga backs himself into the opposing turnbuckle and takes off running before hitting a Jumping Headbutt onto HBK sending the challenger out of the Tree of Woe position and crashing back onto the mat! Umaga kicks the body of Shawn Michaels as HBK retreats away from the corner and Umaga grabs his body moving him a little closer towards the corner.

The champion proceeds to ascend to the top rope now as Armando Estrada looks on and cheers on his client! Umaga stands on the top rope for a second looking around Madison Square Garden and he takes flight! It’s a Samoan Splash attempt for Umaga but Michaels rolls away and Umaga misses him and lands chest and face first onto the mat! Umaga’s head bounces off the mat with a thud and we see HBK crawling towards the ropes. With both men down the referee has to begin a ten count.

One…

Two…

Three…

Four…

Umaga begins to stir looking dazed from his missed Samoan Splash but he’s pulling himself up now on one knee.

Five…

Six…

HBK has himself up on both feet now and he makes his way over to Umaga and immediately goes to throw a right hand at Umaga but Umaga blocks it and shoves HBK backwards! HBK hangs onto the ropes as Umaga charges at him but Michaels pulls the ropes down and Umaga goes flying over the ropes and tumbles to the outside onto the floor! HBK steps under the ropes and stands on the apron awaiting Umaga to get back up. Umaga pulls himself up and turns around right into a Flying Clothesline from HBK! Umaga is knocked off his feet but now it’s just a matter of HBK getting Umaga back into the ring!

Michaels bends down and grabs Umaga trying to roll him into the ring but Umaga instead kicks HBK’s leg out from underneath him causing him to drop to one knee. This gives Umaga time to get back onto his feet before headbutting HBK causing him to stumble backwards and hit his back on the outside turnbuckle before falling down once again. The champion grabs HBK rolling him into the ring and he pounces on top of the challenger looking to get another pin fall attempt.

One…

Two…

A quicker kick out than earlier from HBK which is shocking but HBK’s head has to be rattling after that brutal headbutt and we all know his back is bothering him as well. Umaga gathers himself and gets back onto his feet before pulling Michaels up with him and throwing him onto his shoulders! It looks like Umaga is trying for a Samoan Drop but HBK wiggles free and after a knee to Umaga’s head he slides off breaking free of the death like hold that Umaga had on him!

HBK springs off the ropes and hits a Flying Forearm Smash to Umaga’s face but the champion doesn’t go down! Michaels knows another attempt is necessary and he kips up before he charges off the ropes once more and leaps into the air for another Flying Forearm Smash and he knocks Umaga off his feet! HBK jumps on top of Umaga, hooking the leg for his first pin fall attempt of the evening.

One…

T…

Very quick kick out from Umaga! Michaels pulls himself back up with his arm going behind his back as we see him clutching his back momentarily. Umaga is back up after the quick kick out and we see him charge after HBK with a Running Clothesline but Michaels ducks and looks to spring off the ropes but he stops himself dead in his tracks before Umaga can turn around and face him and HBK goes for a chop block to the back of Umaga’s knee and he is successful because he takes down Umaga to one knee! Michaels knows he needs to follow this up with the same maneuver and that is exactly what he does because he chop blocks the other back of the leg knocking Umaga down onto both knees!

HBK squares Umaga up with a series of punches to the head and follows it up with a series of knife edge chops as the Samoan Bulldozer is unable to fend away the moves. HBK bounces backwards springing off the ropes but as he comes back Umaga uses his head as a battering ram driving it into the chest of HBK and the momentum of the move from the big man sends HBK tumbling through the middle rope to the outside of the ring!

Armando Estrada comes around to Umaga’s side and checks on the champion who is now up onto one knee but he elects to not get back onto his feet because he instead simply rolls to the outside of the ring. Michaels finds himself near the steel steps and he crawls over to the steps to hopefully aid himself in getting back onto his feet. Estrada walks over to HBK bending down to say something to HBK but HBK kicks him away! This angers Umaga who is back up on his feet now and he comes running full speed at HBK but HBK moves - rolling away from the steel steps and Umaga collides with the steel steps!

This should hopefully buy HBK some time to recover after the beating he’s taken so far in the early stages of this championship bout. He won’t have too much time though because our referee begins another ten count needing to get both men back into the ring in order to keep this contest going.

One…

Two…

Three…

Four…

Michaels has his back against the barricade at this time and he’s starting to ease himself back up off the ground.

Five…

Six…

He’s back fully on his feet now and he goes to try and grab Umaga but Armando Estrada grabs HBK’s arm causing HBK to have to turn around and HBK has finally had enough because he punches Estrada right in the face! The fans in Madison Square Garden go wild as finally Estrada who has been sticking his nose in this match from the get go has finally been subdued. Estrada falls onto the mat holding his face and selling the punch well by rolling all around on the floor. All while this is going on we see Umaga back onto one knee.

Seven…

Eight…

Umaga has rolled back into the ring and HBK slides in himself, beating Umaga before he can get to his feet and he proceeds to repeatedly stomp away at the chest of Umaga! Michaels knows that he has to keep Umaga grounded to have any chance to change the tide of the match and the series of stomps has so far helped him regain some momentum. HBK eyes the top rope now knowing that with Umaga down he may have a chance for the Diving Elbow Drop! Michaels ascends the ropes looking down at Umaga who hasn’t moved and he leaps off the top rope driving his elbow right into the chest of Umaga! It’s a beautiful Diving Elbow Drop from HBK and with him being on top of Umaga already all he has to do is hook the leg. Is this going to be it?

One…

Two…

Thr…

UMAGA KICKS OUT AND THROWS SHAWN OFF OF HIM SENDING HBK FLYING INTO THE AIR! Is there anything that HBK can do to survive Umaga anymore? HBK is stunned at how Umaga threw him into the air with ease. Michaels drives his hands through his sweaty hair realizing he has to come up with another solution.

HBK elects to head into the corner as he begins to tune up the band! Michaels taps his foot repeatedly on the mat eagerly awaiting Umaga to get back up! Madison Square Garden is going wild and beyond thrilled that we may be seeing a new champion here if HBK can connect with Sweet Chin Music! Umaga is back up now pulling his large frame up and moving towards HBK and Michales comes at him with Sweet Chin Music but Umaga catches Michaels’ foot! Umaga throws the foot of HBK down and he tries for a clothesline on HBK but HBK ducks and Umaga instead goes flying into the corner!

HBK takes several steps back and charges into the corner hitting a big Running Corner Splash and while the impact may have hurt Umaga’s chest - it doesn’t knock the champion off his feet! This has been an all too common theme tonight and HBK is beginning to run out of ideas on what to do! HBK steps back once more and runs into the corner once again at Umaga but Umaga shocks him with a Spinning Wheel Kick using his large frame to knock the challenger off of his feet and possibly out of the match for good! Umaga drags himself towards HBK and throws an arm over Michaels? Will this be it for HBK?

One…

Two…

Thre…

A last minute kick out from Shawn Michaels! The match continues on as HBK is able to muster up enough strength to barely get his leg up but regardless he keeps this golden opportunity going! Umaga’s handler - Armando Estrada - is back up now holding onto his face still selling the after effects of the punch from earlier and he pulls out his cigar out of his pocket and breaks it in half demanding that Umaga finish this match off now! The champion drags the limp body of HBK into the corner, placing his body against the bottom turnbuckle.

Umaga walks over towards the opposing corner as Estrada shouts at HBK that this match is about to be over! And that it may because Umaga comes running at Michaels and hits the SAMOAN WRECKING BALL! HBK’s body goes fully limp this time as he falls forward. The referee tries to check on HBK to make sure that he can still keep going but Umaga pulls Michaels up and drags him away from the referee before he can do anything! The referee tells Umaga he needs to check on HBK but by now Umaga already has HBK up and has thrown him onto his shoulders and hits a SAMOAN DROP!

At this point you’d think that Umaga would pin HBK and call it a night but Armando Estrada doesn’t want that and he is conveying to Umaga that he wants to knock HBK out cold! The champion peels Michaels off the mat once more, lifting him into the air and holding him up high for five seconds before sending him crashing onto the mat with a Two Handed Chokelift! Umaga takes a step back not giving in to the referee but instead listening to what Armando Estrada has to say. The referee takes this time to check in on HBK and he does the lift the arm check and the first arm lift fails. He lifts HBK’s arm once more and it falls for the second time but on the third time - HBK powers through and keeps his arm up!

The referee asks HBK if he is sure he wants to continue and he gets a quick “yes” from Michaels despite HBK being in a clear groggy state. The challenger doesn’t have time though to think about what is going to happen next because Umaga hurries over towards Michaels and pulls him up with both hands before grabbing HBK by the throat! Umaga lifts his hand into the air and DRIVES THE THUMB INTO HBK’S THROAT WITH THE SAMOAN SPIKE! Umaga looks content and ready to cover HBK but Estrada begs Umaga to hit him with the Samoan Spike once more! He signals the thumb and acts as if he is hitting his own throat and Umaga has gotten the sign from his handler and apparently will oblige!

Michaels is coughing up a storm and can barely move at all and it doesn’t help matters when Umaga pulls him up once more and hits ANOTHER SAMOAN SPIKE! The champion drops down this time as his handler tells him that should be it and he hooks one leg of HBK as the referee looks on and mercifully begins the count.

One..

Two…

Three…

Match Result: Umaga def. Shawn Michaels @ 13:00 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

For the second time in three days - Shawn Michaels is coughing up blood. While Umaga celebrates retaining his championship - the referee calls down for medical officials to come take a look at HBK. Armando Estrada takes the opportunity to gloat over Umaga defeating the legendary performer by placing his foot on HBK’s chest and holding Umaga’s hand high in the air!

The referee tells Estrada to back up which angers the handler of Umaga and causes Estrada to bark out one final order towards Umaga! Estrada points at HBK’s body and tells him to pick up HBK! The referee tries blocking Umaga from getting to HBK but Estrada gets in between the referee and Umaga allowing the champion to pull Michaels up and hit another Samoan Drop before following it up with a SAMOAN SPLASH! The impact of Umaga’s large frame landing on the chest of HBK causes more blood to pour out of HBK’s throat as he’s choking for air and finally the referee is able to get Umaga and Armando Estrada away but it’s too late!

Paramedics and medical officials come running down the ramp with a gurney in tow but honestly this may be too late. Umaga rolls to the outside of the ring, throwing his championship over his shoulder as Armando Estrada leads him up the ramp. The champion and Estrada stop at the ramp and look on as the medical officials check on HBK and determine that he’s going to need to be placed on a gurney and wheeled out of here. HBK is still coughing up blood with the official slowing it down some but the damage that was done to his throat and chest tonight may have been too much for him to handle. Umaga and Estrada disappear to the back as we see HBK loaded onto the gurney and rolled away to a huge ovation from the fans in New York tonight.

Michael Cole
The post match attack from Umaga towards Shawn Michaels was absolutely unnecessary and quite frankly I am disgusted at the actions of Armando Estrada and Umaga tonight.

Tazz
We knew this match was going to be an all out physical war between the freak of nature Umaga and HBK but man I did not expect HBK to get thrown around like a rag doll all night.

Michael Cole
There is honestly no telling the next time that we are going to see Shawn Michaels in a WWE ring. The amount of damage that may have been done to his throat may have him shelved for quite a while.

Tazz
I certainly hope that is not the case Cole because what would WrestleMania be without Mr. WrestleMania himself? I can’t even begin to fathom a WrestleMania without the Heart Break Kid wrestling and stealing the show!

Michael Cole
Well we certainly wish the best of recovery to Shawn Michaels but the show must still go on. We’ve got the Cruiserweight Championship Match between Gregory Helms and Evan Bourne coming up next but first let’s send it backstage.

We come back into the hospitality area once more with Raw GM Eric Bischoff and SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman watching on the television screen HBK being wheeled out on the gurney.

Eric Bischoff
Coach…it looks like SmackDown is just a complete free for all where there are no repercussions for actions!

Jonathan Coachman
No Eric it actually isn’t a free for all but I’m working hard to clean up the big steaming mess you left when you resigned as General Manager just a few months ago!

The fans are excited at Coach’s burn towards Bischoff and immediately Bischoff wants to change the subject and probably rightfully so.

Eric Bischoff
Let’s get back to business shall we? Who do we have next?

Bischoff ponders who is coming in next to select their spot in the Royal Rumble when in walks Raw’s United States Champion Shelton Benjamin.

Eric Bischoff
Shelton! It’s great to see you!

Benjamin is very weary of Bischoff - especially after the favoritism that Bischoff has shown towards his former tag partner and current rival Elijah Burke.

Shelton Benjamin
I’m good Mr. Bischoff. Look, I’m just here to make my pick and get going.

Benjamin looks ready to reach in and make his selection but before he can do so we see a hand reach into the tumbler before he can - effectively skipping Benjamin. The camera pans back to reveal the hand is that of SmackDown newcomer Dolph Ziggler!

Dolph Ziggler
Not so fast…champ (sarcastically)

Smacking gum and shoving his way in front of the United States Champion - Ziggler pulls a ball out of the tumbler and opens it up before looking disappointed. Ziggler looks at Benjamin reaching into the tumbler and pulls out his number and a smile comes across the champ’s face. Ziggler tries peaking at Benjamin’s number but the champion doesn’t oblige and show Ziggler. Instead - Ziggler RIPS the number out of Benjamin’s hands causing Benjamin to come face to face with Ziggler.

Dolph Ziggler
There’s got to be something that can be done about this! This should have been my number! Shelton was here first…

Crying wolf isn’t looking to good on Ziggler as it’s clear that he’s upset that he jumped over Benjamin with Benjamin presumably drawing a better spot in the Royal Rumble.

Jonathan Coachman
We’re not going to do this right now Dolph! You barged in here and reached in front of Shelton and YOU made your pick! You’ve selected your position in the Royal Rumble and Shelton has selected his too and there is nothing that will be done to swap your numbers. Maybe you’ll wait your turn next time.

An irate Ziggler looks at the GM as if he is serious right now.

Dolph Ziggler
How are you going to treat DOLPH ZIGGLER like this?

Looking to stir the pot a little - Bischoff sarcastically changes his tone to get under the skin of Coach.

Eric Bischoff
I mean surely there is SOMETHING you could do for him Coach!

Dolph Ziggler
You heard the man…do something!

Bischoff chuckles once again at Coach’s expense but Coach is having none of it and finally motions to the door for Ziggler. Ziggler is about to get ready to leave the area before he walks EDGE! Ziggler looks like he’s seen a ghost as Ziggler tries to sneak past Edge but Edge blocks the doorway preventing Ziggler from leaving!

Edge
Where do you think you’re going?

Dolph throws his hands together pleading with Edge to move so he can leave but Edge isn’t going to let the man who attacked him on SmackDown this past Friday off just that easily.

Jonathan Coachman
You know Dolph…I’ve had a change of heart! While there is nothing I can do regarding your Royal Rumble entrant number…I can give you something else you clearly want.

With Edge still blocking him at the door - Ziggler pokes his head over Edge and appears to be giddy.

Jonathan Coachman
This Friday on SmackDown you will compete in your first ever main event match…

Ziggler perks up after hearing this huge news

Jonathan Coachman
Against the “Rated R Superstar”...EDGE!

Edge is thrilled but Ziggler is livid! Edge moves out of the doorway now as Ziggler storms out livid at the decision his boss just made regarding SmackDown on Friday Night. Edge is quick to comment on the nuisance that has been a thorn in his side recently.

Edge
Someone doesn’t seem too happy…

Edge makes his way over to the tumbler with a big smile on his face as he reaches in and pulls out a ball before opening it and looking at it for a few seconds. Coach tries to peak at Edge’s ball to see what he has but Edge doesn’t show him. Edge folds the paper up, putting it in his pocket as he sighs and talks to himself aloud.

Edge
Looks like it’s going to be a long night for the Rated R Superstar

He then thanks the GM as he walks out of the hospitality area as we are sent back down to ringside to the commentary team of Michael Cole and Tazz.

Michael Cole
Well Edge didn’t seem too enthused with his selection. I wonder what number he drew?

Tazz
It certainly didn’t seem from his mannerisms that he drew a favorable number but I guess we are going to just have to wait and find out later tonight.

Michael Cole
Well ladies and gentlemen moving on now we are halfway through the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View but coming up next we have the Cruiserweight Champion Evan Bourne making his first Cruiserweight Championship defense against the man he took the title from early this year - the Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms!

Tazz
Evan Bourne shocked the entire WWE fanbase when he debuted out of nowhere and pinned Helms in his first ever WWE match. Tonight though Bourne may have just ran out of luck because he’s going to have an uphill battle having to defeat Gregory Helms once more to retain his title.

Michael Cole
A lot is on the line though tonight Tazz because the argument can be made that if Evan Bourne defeats Gregory Helms tonight then he may be in the running for a future Intercontinental Championship shot. Plus Gregory Helms is set to compete in the Royal Rumble later tonight so he’s going to look to go 2 for 2 tonight by winning back the Cruiserweight Championship and also winning the Royal Rumble Match1

Tazz
Talk about a struggle but if anyone can pull off the ultimate two for two it’s the Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms! He said he’s on a mission to hold EVERY championship on SmackDown and it starts with defeating Evan Bourne tonight!

**IT’S TIME**

Out first is the current Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms and he looks to be a man on a mission tonight. Helms throws his championship belt over his shoulder after removing it from his waist as he mouths off to a few fans at ringside who are shouting at him that Bourne is better than him! Helms pats the steps before running up them and jumping into the ring hoisting his IC title high in the air for everyone to see before motioning to his waist that he’s going to become a double champion once more.

Tony Chimel
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship! Introducing first from Raleigh, North Carolina weighing in at 215 pounds, he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion…GREGORY HELMS!

Michael Cole
For a man who trashed the Cruiserweight Championship literally just last summer - Helms sure does seem intent on winning back the gold tonight.

Tazz
The man has had a change of heart Cole! He’s setting out to hold EVERY title available on SmackDown and quite frankly if he is successful he will probably be the ONLY person ever to do so in WWE history.

Michael Cole
It appears to me though that Helms is just upset that there has been a changing of the guard in the division with the arrival of Evan Bourne and he’s just disgruntled that Bourne defeated him earlier this month to win the Cruiserweight Championship.

Tazz
Wouldn’t you be upset too if you lost to a rookie? Look I understand what you’re saying but let’s not forget that Helms was just recently a DOUBLE champion - something that is rarely ever done and he easily can win back his Cruiserweight Championship tonight and then work towards becoming a QUAD champion - a feat never accomplished before.

**BORN TO WIN**

Riled up and ready to go - out next is the Cruiserweight Champion! Bourne comes out playing to both sides of the crowd before hoisting his title in the air and giving the peace sign before charging down to the ring. Bourne stops at the ring taking a second to breathe deep and take it all in that he’s about to make his WWE PPV debut. Bourne rolls into the ring handing the title off to the referee.

Tony Chimel
Introducing next from St. Louis, Missouri weighing in at 185 pounds…he is the WWE Cruiserweight Champion….EVAN BOURNE!

Michael Cole
Pure heart and soul is what you get out of Evan Bourne each and every time he steps into that ring!

Tazz
The one thing he does lack though is experience - something Gregory Helms has and has earned by performing on the big stage of the WWE and WCW for years now! Experience is something that cannot be taught!

Michael Cole
Bourne has taken SmackDown by storm the last month and he has gone toe to toe with the best SmackDown has to offer including Helms himself!

Tazz
I’m not saying he doesn’t have a chance tonight Cole but let’s be honest - Gregory Helms hasn’t gotten this far in the WWE because he’s a nobody. He’s the Intercontinental Champion for a reason and let’s not overlook his accomplishments since coming to SmackDown!

Match #4 | Cruiserweight Championship
Evan Bourne (c) vs. Gregory Helms

Right after the referee calls for the match to begin we see Helms ambush Bourne with a swift kick to the gut and follows it up with an European Uppercut sending the champion staggering into the corner turnbuckles. Helms mounts Bourne with numerous hard right hands before pulling the champ back out of the corner. Helms follows up the quick start by ramming Bourne back first into the turnbuckles as we see the champion collapse onto the mat.

Helms continues to show his aggressiveness with several stomps to Bourne’s chest before using the ropes as leverage to stand on the chest of Bourne! The referee warns Helms that he needs to break the hold and finally after a four count warning the former champion breaks free of the hold. Helms pulls Bourne back onto his feet and lifts the champion up, executing a perfect Snap Suplex before looking for the first pin fall attempt. Helms jumps on top of Bourne hooking the leg.

One…

Two…

Aggressive kick out from Evan Bourne as the champion has a lot to prove tonight in his first pay-per-view match in the WWE. Helms throws his arms around the neck of Bourne locking in a headlock on the champion. Bourne begins to fight off Helms but his efforts seem to be failing as Helms just ends up tightening the hold and keeping a firm grasp on the neck of the champion. Bourne gets himself up onto one knee and begins to throw a series of elbows to the sternum of the challenger, Helms.

Helms is thwarting off the attempt from Bourne to break free of the chokehold initially but once Bourne continues with repetitive elbow thrusts to the chest - Helms is forced to break free as he’s now gasping for air after consecutive blows to the chest. Bourne begins to regain energy and he looks to finally get his first offense in as he springs off the ropes and comes charging back at Gregory Helms but Helms spins Bourne around before bringing his back hard into his knee with a Swinging Side Slam Backbreaker! Helms jumps on top of Bourne sensing that he may be able to close this one away early.

One…

Two…

Another strong kick out from Evan Bourne as the champion is not wanting to lose his first WWE match in Madison Square Garden! Helms springs back onto his feet before dropping a knee onto the chest of Evan Bourne. Helms follows this through with another knee before getting back up and continues with numerous stomps onto the chest of Bourne. Bourne is coughing up a storm as his chest continues to be targeted by the challenger.

Gregory Helms pulls Bourne back up onto his feet, taunting and teasing the champion while mocking Bourne and telling him that he’s about to take his Cruiserweight Championship. Bourne goes to kick Helms but Helms catches Bourne’s leg and points to his head saying he’s not going to be outsmarted by Bourne! Still having a grasp on Bourne’s leg - Helms tries to reel Bourne in but Bourne leaps into the air and turns the tide of the match with an Enzuigiri! Bourne falls on top of Helms covering the challenger hoping that this may be enough!

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Very quick kick out from Gregory Helms as the challenger decides to roll outside and try to stop any possible momentum that Bourne may be able to begin to muster up. Helms stands outside the ring with his back turned to the ring looking to catch a quick breather but Helms makes a huge mistake by turning his back! As he turns around we see Evan Bourne come diving through the middle rope with a Suicide Dive taking down Helms!

The referee surveys the scene for a second before realizing he must begin a ten count.

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Evan Bourne is back on his feet and he grabs Helms by the neck, throwing the challenger back into the ring. Helms backs himself into the corner as Bourne begins to ponder on whether he should kick away at the chest of Helms as Helms had done to him earlier. And that’s exactly what Bourne does! Much to the chagrin of Helms - Bourne stomps away at the chest of Gregory Helms driving his boot repeatedly into the chest of Helms as the fans in Madison Square Garden count along with Bourne until ten!

After finishing the series of stomps - Bourne hops to the outside of the ring as he stands over the ring ropes and begins to get the crowd behind him as he leaps over the ropes catapulting himself into a beautiful corner dropkick right as Helms was pulling himself up in the corner with the aid of the ropes. Bourne leaps over Helms jumping onto the middle turnbuckle before pushing himself towards the top rope. Helms staggers out of the corner and as he turns around Bourne leaps off the top ropes but midair he has to correct himself because Helms falls backwards avoiding Bourne after seeing Bourne go airborne!

The champion smartly lands on his feet though and doesn’t end up coming crashing down. Helms points to his head showing Bourne that he’s one step ahead of him but alas that doesn’t prove to entirely be the case because after Helms charges at Bourne - Bourne leaps up catching Helms with a perfect Hurricanrana that sends Helms onto the middle rope! Helms looks defeated and in big danger. Right as we see Bourne come charging off the opposite set of ring ropes - Helms slides out underneath the bottom rope to the outside of the ring in an effort to save himself from Bourne!

Helms staggers towards the barricade grabbing hold of the top of the barricade and taking a breather as it seems that he’s been caught by surprise at the fight that Evan Bourne has put up tonight. Bourne heads to the top turnbuckle looking ready to sacrifice it all and right as the challenger turns around - Bourne jumps off the top turnbuckle but Helms moves and BOURNE COLLIDES WITH THE BARRICADE!

The body of the champion Evan Bourne collapses onto the floor as that one move may very well cost Bourne his Cruiserweight Championship. Instinctively, Gregory Helms realizes he needs to capitalize on this pivotal moment and he scurries to pick Bourne up and slide him back into the ring. Helms dashes in quickly pouncing on top of Bourne looking for a three count to secure the Cruiserweight Championship once again.

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Late kick out from Bourne but he’s able to get his shoulder up to ensure that this match keeps on going. Helms quickly jumps on Bourne pushing him forward before pulling his neck back in a very harsh way locking in a neckbreaker on the champion. Helms is looking to capitalize on Bourne’s misstep when he collided face first with the top of the ring barricade. Helms keeps the hold locked in tight on Bourne but Bourne begins to mount a comeback attempt as he pulls himself up onto one knee and tries to break free but as he does so he’s driven into the mat with a Jumping Neckbreaker. Helms throws himself on Bourne once more looking for a three count.

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Once again a later kick out from Evan Bourne but what matters is that he is able to keep the match going after kicking out at the last second. Helms pulls himself back up first before grabbing the champion and sending Bourne off into the ropes via Irish whip. Bourne ducks underneath a swinging Gregory Helms but as he comes back Bourne is knocked right back down with a Flying Clothesline. The impact causes Bourne’s neck to fly back and hit the mat at an awkward angle and it appears that Helms thinks that may have been enough to wrap this one up.

Gregory Helms backs his way into the corner as he begins to jump up and down patting both of his legs in anticipation of Bourne rising back up. Helms taunts the champion continuously during this by saying that “the gold is coming back home to a real champion” and daring Bourne to get back up. Looking completely shaken up - Bourne pulls himself back up into sitting position with his legs extended outwards and Helms comes dashing in looking for the Shining Wizard but Bourne drop toe holds Gregory Helms face first into the bottom turnbuckle!

Bourne ends up falling back onto the mat looking as if he used up all his energy in that drop toe hold to keep this match alive. The referee checks on both men and begins another ten count as the fans in Madison Square Garden begin to count along.

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Gregory Helms has himself back up in the corner now on both feet and we see Evan Bourne on one knee slowly getting back up himself. Still reeling from the surprising move, Helms dashes out of the corner looking to drive a knee into the head of Bourne but Bourne instinctively moves out of the way as Helms comes up limping after a Running Knee attempt. Helms grabs at his knee but it’s too late as he turns around because Bourne hits him with a Spinning Savate Kick and follows that up immediately with a Standing Moonsault! Bourne pounces on top of Helms hooking the leg of the challenger as the fans in New York feel that Bourne may be the victor here!

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HELMS GETS THE SHOULDER UP! The Cruiserweight champion is stunned as he comes to grasps with the fact that Helms was able to keep this match going. Bourne doesn’t waste any time though by peeling Helms off the mat and carrying him towards the corner as he tries to slam Helms head off the turnbuckle. Helms gets his foot up on the turnbuckle blocking the offensive attempt from Bourne before following it up with an elbow to the back of Bourne’s head. Bourne stumbles backwards as Helms repositions himself on the middle turnbuckle before leaping off and catching Bourne with a Tornado DDT! The head of Bourne is spiked into the mat as Helms flips the champion over hooking the leg once more.

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BOURNE KICKS OUT! Gregory Helms sits up pulling on his headband as the sweat drips down his face and the confusion of how he didn’t pull off the victory is engulfing his mind. Helms tells the referee that he needs to count faster next time and the referee assures him that it was indeed only a two count. Helms claps his hands together letting the referee know that he has to do better and that he’s not going to let him screw him over tonight. The challenger makes his way back towards Bourne as he bends down in an effort to pick up the champion but Bourne catches him off guard with a cradle!

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Gregory Helms breaks free of the pin fall keeping our championship match going! Helms springs up almost immediately charging at Bourne looking for a Backbreaker onto Bourne but the champion grabs the ropes holding on for dear life and Helms collides on the mat back first. Helms grabs at his back playing off the hard landing impact. Bourne leaps over the ropes onto the outside before jumping onto the top rope and landing on Helms with a picturesque Springboard Senton!

Bourne pumps his fist in excitement as the fans in Madison Square Garden begin to rally behind the Cruiserweight Champion! Bourne finds himself in the corner anticipating Helms to get back up and right as the challenger is rising back onto his feet - Bourne dashes out of the corner like a madman but Helms catches Bourne off guard with a hard right hand to the face and follows it up by pulling Bourne back in and dropping him with NIGHTMARE ON HELMS STREET! Helms cockily plops himself on top of Bourne as he throws his back over Bourne, hooking the leg with one hand and counting to three with the other hand.

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A SURPRISE KICK OUT FROM BOURNE! How did Bourne manage to kick out? Helms is irate with the referee for the second time in the match and he lets him absolutely have it now. Helms tells the referee there is no way in hell that was not a three count. The challenger gets into the face of the referee backing him up against the ropes and the referee warns him that he will disqualify him if he touches the referee. Helms wags his finger in the face of the referee telling him that he will do better!

Helms continues berating the referee for a few extra seconds and all the while this is taking place we see Bourne beginning to stir a little. It appears Helms has finally given the referee enough of a verbal beating now as he turns his attention to Bourne but it may be too late because Bourne is back onto his feet at this time and he dashes towards Helms and plants the challenger with a Spinning Heel Kick!

The champion jumps back up quickly running the ropes before jumping over the body of Helms but when he springs off the opposing ropes he is caught by Helms who is back on his feet now! Helms throws Bourne’s head underneath his shoulder looking for a second chance at Nightmare on Helms Street but Bourne sweeps the leg of Helms tripping up the challenger and driving him face first into the mat.

An irate Gregory Helms pulls himself back up as he runs at Bourne but Bourne catches him with a Headscissors Takedown! The Cruiserweight champion is building some big momentum as he grabs the challenger once more and tries to Irish whip him into the opposing corner but Helms reverses sending Bourne instead into the corner. Gregory Helms comes full sprint towards Bourne in the corner but Bourne moves out of the way of a Corner Splash as Helms connects chest first with the turnbuckles!

Helms ends up staggering out of the corner looking dazed and in pain and Bourne knows he must capitalize at this very moment. The champion hops onto the middle rope leaping towards Helms contorting in mid air and hitting a Springboard DDT! Bourne interestingly elects to not cover Helms for a pin fall attempt but instead he seems to have his mind set on bigger things! The champion pulls the body of Gregory Helms towards the corner and after he gets Helms right where he wants him he begins his ascension to the top rope.

Bourne finds himself nervously standing on the top rope now as he takes a second to position himself before jumping off the ropes and executing a stunning SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Bourne gathers himself for a few seconds selling the brunt of the impact being done to him before he crawls over towards his adversary and hooks the leg of Gregory Helms.

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Three!!!

Match Result: Evan Bourne def. Gregory Helms to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship (12:38)

Tony Chimel
Here is your winner and STILL the WWE Cruiserweight Champion…EVAN BOURNE!!!

Bourne rolls to the outside of the ring as he’s handed his championship belt and he stumbles backwards towards the barricade clutching the title in his arms. A few fans at ringside pat Bourne on the back as the champion takes a second to gather himself and to revel in the moment and enjoy his first ever WWE match at Madison Square Garden! Bourne high fives a few fans on the way up the ramp as it’s evident that Evan Bourne has made his mark on the WWE in only one month’s time.

His opponent though, Gregory Helms, is absolutely livid after being defeated and after he rolls to the outside of the ring he grabs his Intercontinental Championship waving it in the fans of faces who mock him for losing tonight. Helms says that he has a REAL championship right here in his hands and not a pretend title like the Cruiserweight championship. Perhaps not the best thing to tell the fans of New York - especially considering he has to come back out here later tonight for the Royal Rumble Match!

Michael Cole
Big congratulations go out to Evan Bourne as he has wrapped up his first month in the WWE with a very impressive title retaining victory over Gregory Helms tonight in New York City!

Tazz
I tell you what Michael - this kid has made me a believer in such a short time span! When we first saw him he was a nobody who answered Gregory Helms open challenge and just four weeks later here he is defeating Gregory Helms once more in the World’s Most Famous Arena! Amazing!

Michael Cole
I’d have to also believe that SmackDown General Manager Jonathan Coachman is taking notice of his Cruiserweight Champion and now the fact that he has pinned Gregory Helms in TWO Cruiserweight title matches surely means he should have a future opportunity at an Intercontinental Championship match right?

Tazz
I’d certainly think he would be a favorite but who knows what the future holds?

Michael Cole
One thing we are certain of is that Gregory Helms will be competing later tonight in the Royal Rumble match in an effort to try and move on to main event WrestleMania! Will he be successful against twenty-nine other men in his quest to become a double champion once again?

Tazz
That’s going to be a tough uphill battle for him - especially after having to compete earlier in the night plus suffering an agonizing defeat but anything is certainly possible.

Closing images of WrestleMania XXIII with pyro shooting off in the arena after the conclusion of the event.

Narrator
It’s the one night of the year that WWE superstars, fans, and the world pencil in on their calendars each and every year…

Highlights of rowdy fans over the years at WrestleMania events are shown before jumping into WrestleMania moments over the years - Shawn Michaels ascending from the rafters at WrestleMania XXII, Hulk Hogan capturing the WWF Championship at WrestleMania IX from Yokozuna, and finally the initial WrestleMania with Hogan and Mr. T teaming together in what has set the stage for the spectacle we know as WrestleMania today.

Narrator
The night where dreams come true for men and women alike…

Ultimate Warrior pulling off the upset at WrestleMania XI, Eddie Guerrero retaining at WrestleMania XX, John Cena and Batista winning the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championships respectively at WrestleMania XXI and Trish Stratus winning the Women’s Championship at WrestleMania XIX

Narrator
Where celebrities and entertainers make their mark on WWE history…

Mike Tyson knocking out Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV, Lawrence Taylor defeating Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania XI, Pete Rose’s numerous appearances throughout the years, Pamela Anderson accompanying Diesel at WrestleMania XI, and finally some of the musical acts over the years - Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Limp Bizkit, the Harlem Boys Choir, and Boyz II Men

Narrator
But this year…this year is a little different…

The WrestleMania XXIV logo now flashes across the screen with the official tagline appearing underneath it flashing across “Carnage in the Capital”

Narrator
For this year…our superstars invade the Nation’s Capital…

Cue the official theme song of this year’s WrestleMania - Light it Up by Rev Theory as the video picks up a little in speed and begins to insert more of our modern day combatants. A variety of superstars flash through as the Rev Theory song picks up in intensity.

I ignite

So hold on

Cause we're about to light it up

It's on tonight

So hold on

Cause we're about to... about to light it up

Narrator
And Washington D.C. will never be the same again…

The WrestleMania logo appears once more as we see fireworks emanate from behind the logo - fireworks of the USA variety with red, white and blue prominently displaying.

Narrator
WrestleMania 24….Carnage in the Capital!

WrestleMania XXIV | Carnage in the Capital
FedEx Field | Washington D.C.

ONLY 63 DAYS AWAY!

Maria Kanellis walks towards Batista who is stretching in the hallway as we are just minutes away from the huge WWE Championship Match. Batista is bent over stretching as Maria sticks the microphone out after approaching him.

Maria
Batista if I can have a word with you please?

Batista looks perturbed at Maria walking up on him and he lets her know it as he stands up and looks at her wondering why she’s here.

Batista
Can’t you see I’m a little busy here?

Maria
I was just wanting to ask you a few questions ahead of your WWE Championship match against The Undertaker.

Batista
Might as well go ahead and ask whatever you want now since you’ve interrupted me

The champion scoops his championship belt off of the road luggage cases that are nearby and he also grabs a towel wiping the sweat off his head.

Maria
My apologies! I’m wanting to ask if the mind games that The Undertaker has played on you the last month have…

Batista
Not this shit again! Let me go ahead and stop you there before we go any further!

Maria is startled as she takes a step back holding the microphone out in fear

Batista
I’ve told you and I've told EVERYONE in the WWE that I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE UNDERTAKER!

The veins of the Animal are nearly popping out of his neck as the shift in his tone is very evident right now.

Batista
He has tried every single trick in the book he has and I am still standing here as WWE Champion and will STILL be standing here as WWE Champion at the end of our match.

Batista stares into the camera for five seconds before speaking up and preparing to walk off

Batista
This interview is over!

Batista walks away from Maria leaving her to be left standing with presumably more questions that she still had to ask but clearly she got under the skin of the Animal tonight.

Jim Ross
It’s been a hot start to the Royal Rumble pay per view tonight but things are really about to heat up next because it’s time for the WWE Championship Match between Batista and The Undertaker!

Jerry Lawler
The historic rivalry between these two superstars comes to a final conclusion tonight with the biggest implications that we’ve ever seen between these two. The man who wins tonight will most likely find himself main eventing WrestleMania as the WWE Champion.

Jim Ross
These two men have met three times prior on pay per view with Undertaker having defeated Batista at WrestleMania 22, Batista losing to Undertaker by disqualification at the Great American Bash that same year and finally tying the score at 1-1-1 when he sent Undertaker on his last ride in a Last Ride Match!

Jerry Lawler
So much is on the line tonight compared to the previous matchups these two have gone through with a spot in the main event at WrestleMania up for grabs! These two men are going to go to absolute war tonight to do whatever it takes to come out on top as WWE Champion!

**I WALK ALONE**

Out first is “The Animal” Batista and the WWE Champion is locked in and laser focused on what lies ahead of him tonight. A huge obstacle for sure in The Undertaker but Batista has been there and done that before. The champion goes through the motions of his entrance and after his pyro goes off it seems to have (pun intended) ignited a flame in him. The intensity of Batista is ratcheted up a notch as he walks the ramp before getting into the ring and staying fresh as he awaits the entrance of The Deadman.

Lilian Garcia
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the WWE Championship! Introducing first from Washington D.C weighing in at 290 pounds….he is the WWE Champion…”The Animal” Batista!!!

Jim Ross
The intensity of Batista is resonating throughout Madison Square Garden now as the Animal appears locked and loaded and ready to go tonight!

Jerry Lawler
Batista has been in the big matches so many times in his career that he seems unfazed with what lies ahead tonight. But he must be careful because The Undertaker is not truly like most men! He’s one of a kind!

Jim Ross
Batista has the once in a lifetime opportunity to walk into his hometown as WWE Champion in sixty three days time but can he overcome The Deadman? That is the question many people are wondering tonight as these two men are set to do battle for what may be the last time in their illustrious careers.

Jerry Lawler
This is going to be a physical knock down drag out fight and when it’s all said and done whoever emerges victorious tonight will have certainly earned the victory.

**GONG**

The lights go down in Madison Square Garden and it’s completely pitch black as the gong sounds! The smoke rises on the stage and suddenly the Undertaker appears on stage! Undertaker looks down the aisle at Batista who is hanging on the back ropes anxiously awaiting The Undertaker to make it into the ring. The Deadman slowly begins his walk towards the ring taking his time as usual. Once Undertaker reaches the ring he climbs up the steps in a slow manner before removing his hat and rolling his eyes back in his head. Undertaker begins to remove his coat before finally settling in the ring awaiting for this championship match to commence soon.

Lilian Garcia
And his opponent hailing from Death Valley weighing in at 309 pounds…he is “The Deadman” The Undertaker!!!

Jim Ross
It’s go time! The Undertaker is in the ring and we are just mere moments away from what is sure to be a slobber knocker tonight!

Jerry Lawler
A slobber knocker indeed! These two men are no strangers to one another as we’ve mentioned several times and it’s going to take everything they have inside of them to win tonight.

Match #5 | WWE Championship
“The Animal” Batista (champion) vs. “The Deadman” The Undertaker

The referee motions for the match to begin and once the bell sounds we are underway. But for a brief moment we get a staredown across the ring from these two men as both men lock eyes and neither one flenches. The tension is high tonight with so much on the line and as the crowd continues to get behind The Undertaker - Batista looks to strike first! The Animal charges at Undertaker in the corner but Undertake side steps Batista and throws him with one hand into the corner!

Undertaker pounces on Batista throwing a left, a right, another left and another right before stepping back and trying to punch him in the face but Batista moves and grabs Undertaker throwing him into the corner! Batista hits two quick turnbuckle thrusts on ‘Taker but on the third attempt Undertaker scoops Batista up and drives him into the mat with a big Spinebuster! Undertaker goes to mount Batista and he gets two more punches in on the champion before Batista blocks a third and proceeds to push ‘Taker off of him.

Batista backs himself towards the ropes and pulls himself back up on his feet but he has very little time to respond because ‘Taker is right back on him but Batista powers through by lifting The Deadman off his feet and driving him back first into the corner turnbuckles! Batista then follows it up by grabbing Undertaker and Irish whipping him into the opposing corner but ‘Taker reverses and instead sends Batista into the corner. Undertaker comes sprinting full speed at Batista but the champion gets his boot up kicking Undertaker right in the face! Undertaker stumbles backwards a few steps and when he turns around he’s turned inside out with a gigantic clothesline from the champion Batista!

The champion bends down to pick Undertaker off the mat but he gets hit with a right hand from ‘Taker! Batista grabs at his face and clearly his mood has changed because as he turns around The Undertaker sits up! Batista is startled as he jumps back towards the corner and has to shake his head to try and reset himself from what he just saw! Batista charges at Undertaker trying to kick him in the face while he is still seated but Undertaker trips him up with his feet causing Batista to face plant into the mat!

An even angrier Batista gets back onto his feet and runs at Undertaker but this time he eats a Big Boot! Undertaker goes to try and get Batista off the mat but the champion rolls underneath the rope and saunters towards the barricade grabbing at his face trying to catch a breather! Batista is facing the crowd as he hears a few comments from the fans near him but when he turns around - UNDERTAKER SOARS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND THROUGH THE AIR WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! The Deadman cleared the top rope perfectly showing that he still has the agility and athleticism that he had in his earlier days! Batista’s back collides with the turnbuckle and both men are down!

We’ve had a very fast paced start to this match so far and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be an easy victory for whomever wins tonight. The referee surveys the scene momentarily before beginning a ten count.

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Undertaker is back up first and he grabs Batista pulling him towards the ropes but Batista drives Undertaker back first into the ring! He follows it up by rolling ‘Taker into the ring under the bottom rope and then rolls in himself. Batista is clutching at his back now as he slides himself towards the corner and sits up against the bottom turnbuckle for a brief second. He propels himself upwards with the aid of the ropes and after he gets back onto his feet he pulls Undertaker back up with him looking to capitalize on the tide of the match.

Batista grabs The Undertaker lifting him up into the air showcasing his strength as he holds the Deadman straight up vertically for five seconds. The Animal then brings his opponent crashing into the mat with a Vertical Suplex Powerslam and he hooks the leg immediately.

One…

Two…

Firm kick out from The Undertaker keeps us rolling after the first pin fall attempt of this championship match. Batista gets back onto one knee and he pulls ‘Taker up by the hair. Batista wraps his large bicep around the neck of Undertaker looking to cause his opponent to go to sleep! The champion strengthens his grip on the neck of Undertaker as the Deadman begins to wear down and it seems he may be fading away. Batista tries to tighten the grip on Undertaker but Undertaker pulls himself up onto one knee. The Animal isn’t budging though on breaking the hold but surprisingly Undertaker is able to pull himself back up onto his other knee and eventually his feet!

Batista is holding onto ‘Taker’s neck still and it appears ‘Taker may be going back down soon but no! He ends up flipping Batista over his shoulders onto the mat in a very impressive feat of strength! This may have taken the wind out of ‘Taker though because he drops down to one knee grasping for breath. Moments later Undertaker rises back up and picks the WWE Champion off the mat and hits him with a Knee Lift driving the huge knee of the Deadman into the stomach of the champ.

Undertaker gets the crowd behind him as he begins to showcase one of his older moves from his set - the sparring lefts and rights catching Batista in the chest. Batista grasps at his stomach trying to block the powerful rights and lefts but Undertaker is throwing the punches so fast Batista is unable to block them! Undertaker hits him with a huge upper cut to the throat sending Batista flying back into the ropes. The Animal is propped up against the ropes clutching at this throat after that last deadly punch but he’s not there for long because Undertaker dashes him and uses his entire body to drive Batista (and himself) over the ropes and crashing down onto the floor with a clothesline!

Undertaker lands on his feet somehow but The Animal wasn’t lucky enough as he lands hard on his back. The Deadman has something big on his mind now as he clears off the Spanish announce team table throwing monitors and removing the cover as the table is now bare. Once this is done -Undertaker turns his attention back to The Animal now as he grabs Batista and drags him over to the Spanish commentary table and proceeds to slam his face off of the table! Undertaker does this an additional two times before he hears the referee has started a ten count. Only at three - ‘Taker rolls into the ring and right back out in order to break the count.

Undertaker now makes his way right back over to Batista who is now slumped over the table and he proceeds to pick Batista up and turn him around facing towards The Deadman. Undertaker goozles Batista and goes to lift him up for a Chokeslam through the table but Batista somehow manages to kick Undertaker and break free of the hold. He then proceeds to charge after Undertaker and drive him back first into the ring post knocking the wind out of Undertaker. The referee began another ten count as well but at the count of four Batista rolls ‘Taker back into the ring and goes for a pin fall cover.

One…

Two…

Undertaker gets his shoulder up but you can tell that it hurt him as his shoulder and back just took a beating. The Animal rises back up and immediately pounces on the attack stomping Undertaker repeatedly on the chest! Undertaker rolls over trying to avoid Batista’s constant stomp but he makes a big mistake there because Batista stomps away now at the back of ‘Taker driving his boot repetitively into the back now of The Deadman.

Once that attack is done the WWE Champion proceeds to turn his attention to what his next move may be! Batista bends down picking up Undertaker before whipping him off into the corner! The champion takes a second to build up some steam and he takes off full sprint towards the corner but as he looks to Spear Undertaker into the corner- UNDERTAKER MOVES! Batista somehow stops his momentum before he could crash into the middle turnbuckle but when he turns around and charges at ‘Taker once more - he’s lifted high into the air with a Back Body Drop!

Undertaker dashes off the ropes now and when he makes it back to the center of the ring Batista is up and he’s pulled in with a Running DDT spiking the head of the champion hard into the mat! ‘Taker goes for (believe it or not) his first pin fall attempt of the evening as he throws Batista over and hooks the leg.

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Two…

A kick out and smart maneuver from Batista as not only does he get his legs up to break up the count but he proceeds to roll to the outside of the ring once more. Batista falls onto his knees on the outside still trying to recover from the DDT but he’s followed to the outside of the ring by Undertaker! After rolling underneath the ropes Undertaker grabs Batista and walks him back over towards the Spanish commentary table he had just cleared off minutes ago. And this time it pays off because Undertaker lifts Batista high into the air and CHOKESLAMS HIM THROUGH THE SPANISH COMMENTARY TABLE!

Batista goes crashing through the table and maybe just maybe that may be the change in the pace of the match that Undertaker has been fighting to get for the duration of the match! Batista lays in the rubble of a broken table as Undertaker looks on standing over The Animal! Madison Square Garden has come alive now as Undertaker may be working towards securing another WWE Championship for his illustrious career. After a few seconds pass by the referee begins a ten count needing to get both men back into the ring.

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Four…

Knowing a count out will not help him at all - Undertaker picks Batista up and drags him over to the ring and rolls him underneath the bottom rope. The Deadman rolls into the ring himself and goes for another quick pin fall cover. Could this perhaps be it for The Animal? This knock down drag out fight has taken a physical toll on him and it may be tough for him to kick out. ‘Taker hooks the leg looking to secure the gold once again!

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Th…

A later kick out from Batista but he’s able to get his shoulder up! Batista is not going to go down without a fight and he’s proving it after having just been driven through a table! Getting back onto his feet now - Undertaker scoops Batista up who is still having trouble standing on his feet but he’s pulled into the corner by Undertaker who ascends the top rope! The fans come alive once more as they know what is coming next! Undertaker walks across the top rope before leaping off - OLD SCHOOL! Batista falls backwards as Undertaker stands over his opponent contemplating his next move!

The Deadman pulls his opponent off of his back and lifts him onto his shoulders! He runs full speed towards the corner showing off his power and athleticism and throws Batista face first onto the top turnbuckle with SNAKE EYES! ‘Taker then comes charging off the ropes and blasts across the ring with a RUNNING BIG BOOT! He jumps on top of the WWE champion with another pin fall attempt!

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Thr…

BATISTA KICKS OUT AGAIN! This one was the latest kick out he has had in the match but he’s able to keep this match going! Undertaker pulls himself up onto one knee and he motions for the end by doing the Cutthroat! After doing so - Undertaker rises back onto his feet and scoops Batista up once again! He grabs Batista and tries to flip him over for the Tombstone Piledriver but Batista slides off his shoulders shoving Undertaker away from him buying himself a last minute attempt to prevent himself from losing the championship!

Undertaker stumbles forward after the shove from Batista and when he turns around he GETS SPEARED BY BATISTA! The WWE Champion was able to dig down deep and muster up the strength to Spear Undertaker and perhaps assure that he wouldn’t fall victim to The Undertaker! Both men are down now and we are now left to wonder whether Batista will be able to try and get a pin fall cover on Undertaker. Batista drags his body over towards Undertaker throwing an arm over The Deadman! Could this be it?

One…

Two…

Thre…

KICK OUT FROM UNDERTAKER AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND! Batista rolls over grabbing at his head, perhaps a little stunned that Undertaker was able to kick out. Batista rolls over towards the ropes grabbing at the bottom rope needing to get back up and take advantage immediately. He maneuvers himself up onto his feet by way of the middle rope now and limps back towards Undertaker. The champion gives a few good kicks to the chest of Undertaker perhaps for good measure before bending over and pulling up Undertaker off of the mat. He proceeds to lift Undertaker up and drives him right back into the mat with a Spinebuster shaking the ring! Batista stays on the mat hooking the leg of Undertaker for another pin fall cover.

One…

Two…

Thre…

ANOTHER LATE KICK OUT FROM UNDERTAKER! The champion slaps himself in the head a few times trying to psych himself up but not let the near falls get to him. He knows he has to keep his head focused on the match in an effort to ensure that he’s able to try and retain the gold tonight. Batista gets back onto his feet commencing to walk towards the corner again and maybe he’s setting up for another Spear? It sure looks like it as he holds onto the ropes ready to pounce the moment Undertaker gets back up.

Batista is seething waiting for Undertaker to get back up and to put him away for good! The Deadman gets onto one knee and Batista looks ready to come dashing across the ring but as he does A LIGHTNING BOLT STRIKES THE RINGPOST RIGHT BEHIND WHERE BATISTA WAS JUST AT! Luckily for the WWE champion he moved away from the ringpost but he is startled for sure! Batista jumps back looking at the ringpost, absolutely confused on what is going on and he proceeds to take his anger out at the lightning bolt strike by shouting at the referee telling him that this is not allowed in the match! Batista argues with the referee for a few seconds longer before he turns around INTO THE RIGHT HAND OF THE UNDERTAKER!

Undertaker grabs the throat of Batista, squeezing it with everything he has before he lifts Batista high into the air holding him there for three seconds before bringing him crashing down with a CHOKESLAM! The ring shakes as the body of the WWE Champion is driven into the mat and Undertaker falls on top of Batista hooking the leg. Are we going to see a new champion tonight?

One…

Two…

Thre..

BATISTA GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! Undertaker is stunned as he sits up straight and looks out into the crowd for a few mere seconds startled that Batista was able to get his foot over onto the ropes to keep us going. Undertaker pushes himself up onto his feet as we can see the body of Undertaker slowly starting to show the wear and tear of not only tonight but over the course of his career starting to play a role in this match. Undertaker is now back onto his feet and he bends down to pick up The Animal knowing full well that he needs to strike fast if he wants to put away The Animal for good.

Undertaker proceeds to Irish whip Batista into the ropes and as Batista comes back - Undertaker pushes himself off the ropes and leaps into the air with an astounding Flying Clothesline knocking Batista onto his back once more! Undertaker muscles the strength to pull himself up and as he bends down to grab the champion Batista pulls Undertaker by the tights and throws him forward presumably towards the corner turnbuckle but unbeknownst (presumably) to Batista - the referee is right behind him and Undertaker is driven head first into the abdomen of the referee! The referee falls backwards and goes through the ropes dropping out of the ring and taking a hard fall onto the outside!

The shock on the Undertaker’s face is real as he is greatly concerned that he may have just opened up the gates for Batista to use dirty tactics against him to retain the championship. Undertaker is propped up on the middle ropes now as he looks to the outside at the referee and as he pushes himself up and gets back onto his feet he’s greeted from behind by a GIGANTIC CLOTHESLINE turning him inside out and perhaps changing the tide of this match for good!

Undertaker is laid out on the ground now as Batista props himself up on the ropes standing over Undertaker and looking out across the arena as a big smirk comes across his face now. Despite the mysteriously timed lightning bolt and the fight that ‘Taker has put up in tonight’s match - it looks as if The Animal is going to retain the gold now. The champion stands over Undertaker shouting “I told you I wasn’t afraid of you Deadman!” before scooping the challenger up.

Batista throws a hard right at Undertaker but he’s absolutely stunned when Undertaker counters with a right of his own with spaghetti legs and all! Batista takes a step back before throwing another right and it commences with both men using their last bits of strength to throw a series of right at one another! This slugfest is starting to show it’s toll on both men but it’s Batista who brings it to an end when he finally is able to get his arm up and block the right hand from ‘Taker before kicking Undertaker in the gut and driving him into the mat with a Two Handed Chokelift!

Unable to get a pinfall count since the referee is still down - Batista turns his attention now to what it may take to put away Undertaker for good! He realizes it may be time to bring out the finisher and that’s exactly what he elects to do after he pulls Undertaker back onto his feet! The champion throws Undertaker between his legs and brings him crashing into the mat with a thunderous BATISTA BOMB! The large frame of the Deadman hits the ring with an impactful thud! Batista instinctively hooks the leg of The Undertaker but realizing that will do no good he looks as if he is going to try and go to the outside of the ring to grab the referee.

The champion tries crawling towards the side of the ring to look for the referee but he’s stopped DEAD IN HIS TRACKS! Batista doesn’t even make it inches away from Undertaker before Undertaker pulls him back in with his legs! Batista maneuvers his body back towards facing ‘Taker now and that turns out to be a costly mistake because once Undertaker has his legs wrapping around the frame of Batista he locks in a MODIFIED GOGOPLATA! JR is going nuts at ringside stating that Undertaker is using any and all moves necessary to become the WWE Champion again for the first time in five years!

Undertaker has a firm death grip hold on Batista now and within seconds of the submission move being locked in, Batista looks to be fading away! However we hear commotion coming from the fans at ringside as presumably the referee is back on his feet but no that’s not the case! Unbeknownst to Undertaker - A MYSTERIOUS PERSON DRESSED IN AN ALL BLACK JUMPSUIT HAS EMERGED FROM THE CROWD AND PROCEEDS TO LEAP OVER THE BARRICADE! With the referee still down and out - the person slides underneath the ropes and into the ring and CLUBS UNDERTAKER IN THE HEAD WITH A LEAD PIPE! Undertaker immediately loses his grip on Batista of course and looks to be knocked out cold!

The mysterious attacker slides to the outside and immediately grabs the referee, throwing his body back into the ring and with the referee still appearing to be unconscious - the referee has no idea who just placed him back into the ring. Once this has been done the person leaps over the barricade and escapes through the crowd where he initially came from and begins to make his way up the stairs. He doesn’t appear to be in too much of a hurry though as he slowly makes his way up the steps, perhaps eager to watch what the final outcome of this match will be thanks to their actions.

Batista muscled up the strength to push himself back up despite almost submitting to the Gogoplata but thankfully he was able to get out of the submission hold quickly thanks to the mysterious attacker. The champion pulls his large frame up and slowly steps towards ‘Taker before pulling the lifeless challenger off the mat and throwing him between his legs once more. Batista struggles initially to lift The Undertaker up but adrenaline kicks in and he brings him crashing down into the mat with A SECOND BATISTA BOMB! After letting go of ‘Taker - Batista drags himself over to Undertaker taking a few seconds in the process but he makes it over and throws one arm over The Deadman. The referee conveniently is now back to his senses as he pulls his body over using what little energy he still may have and slaps the mat…

One…

Two…

Three…

Match Result: Batista def. The Undertaker @ 18:38 to retain the WWE Championship

The camera is fixated on Batista lying on the lifeless body of The Undertaker and with both men down still the camera turns it’s attention to the mysterious attacker who is now conveniently positioned at the top of the stairway looking out across Madison Square Garden. Still covered with a ski mask on their face - the mysterious person looks out across Madison Square Garden before pulling the mask off to reveal CHRIS JERICHO!

The fans are absolutely stunned as Chris Jericho has returned to WWE after nearly a two month hiatus but after he said he had some soul searching to do to rediscover himself. The boos begin to pour in on Jericho as he stares emotionless towards the ring and not acknowledging any of the fans that surround him. The camera zooms in on the expressionless face of Jericho as it gets up close and shows the blank stare in his eyes before cutting back down to ringside.

Jim Ross
What in the hell…that’s Chris Jericho! I’m speechless at what we just witnessed…

Jerry Lawler
I don’t think there is a way to make any sense of this at all JR. Chris Jericho clearly has a vendetta against The Undertaker for whatever reason and he has certainly shocked the WWE universe tonight with this heinous attack

Jim Ross
The last time we saw Chris Jericho was back in December and he clearly didn’t seem in the right state of mind at that time thus why he took time off from WWE. I just can’t wrap my head around why he would attack The Undertaker!

Jerry Lawler
Well we will just have to wait and see if Chris Jericho gives us an answer on Raw tomorrow night but let’s not discredit the WWE Champion Batista! Batista and The Undertaker went to absolute war tonight and it took everything The Animal had to retain his championship.

Jim Ross
I’ll give credit where credit is due and Dave Batista certainly does deserve some credit but it’s hard to not believe that The Undertaker wasn’t about to win the championship had it not been for Jericho

Jerry Lawler
Woulda…coulda…shoulda JR! The facts are that Batista is still the WWE Champion and he may just have an idea very soon of whom he may face at WrestleMania.

Jim Ross
That no good son of a bitch is going to have to answer for what he did tonight!

Jerry Lawler
Moving on JR…we are just moments away from the main event! Thirty men from Raw and SmackDown are set to compete in the 21st Annual Royal Rumble Match tonight! I’m turning this seat over now to Tazz who will be calling the Royal Rumble Match tonight with JR! Goodnight!

Tazz
Thanks for that King and I’m excited for the fifth year in a row at the opportunity to call the Royal Rumble Match with the legendary Jim Ross.

Jim Ross
It’s a pleasure to be calling this match with you again Tazz. Thirty men competing for the opportunity of a lifetime…to main event WrestleMania 24! It’s going to be a career making night for one lucky superstar and we are just MOMENTS AWAY from starting this match. But first we will take a look at the history of the Royal Rumble Match…

The screen goes black before flashing images of the inaugural Royal Rumble match in 1988 are shown with “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan emerging as the winner.

Narrator
For the last twenty years the Royal Rumble Match has seen the best of the WWE do battle…

Images of superstars over the years competing in this illustrious match are shown

Narrator
We’ve seen odds on favorites win…

Hulk Hogan’s 1990 and 1991 victories, Brock Lesnar’s 2003 win, Yokozuna in 1993, and Big John Studd in 1989 are shown

Narrator
Underdogs shock the world…

Rob Van Dam in 2006 winning and Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit going the distance from number one in 1995 and 2004 respectively are shown

Narrator
Controversial endings…

The infamous Bret Hart/Lex Luger and Batista/John Cena same timed landings plus Mr. McMahon’s shocking 1998 victory are shown.

Narrator
And feel good stories…

Shawn Michaels' surprising yet well earned victory in 2007 plus Stone Cold’s three victories are all shown next.

Narrator
Yet through the years one thing has remained true…

Flashing images now of various moments in the Royal Rumble Match throughout the twenty years of its existence.

Narrator
Each man that has emerged victorious in the Royal Rumble match has fought, scratched, and clawed to be the ONE…

Speeding images of the winners with the years displayed beside their images of them celebrating in victory

Narrator
Who will be this year’s ONE?

All of the announced competitors in this year’s Royal Rumble Match now appear on a screen with the logo at the bottom (ala the match graphics) before we hear the ever familiar voice of Michael Buffer….

Michael Buffer
LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!

The screen then shows the question “Who will be the ONE?” as it fades away before we are sent back down to ringside to the commentary duo of Jim Ross and Tazz!

Jim Ross
Well the time has come! Thirty competitors with one goal in mind and that is to outlast twenty-nine of their peers to win the 21st Annual Royal Rumble Match! If you’re new to watching the Royal Rumble Match then you are in for quite a treat!

Tazz
Yes indeed they are JR! The Royal Rumble Match is a true free for all with so much on the line! A guaranteed main event at WrestleMania! These opportunities are not often just handed out like this!

Jim Ross
The chance to main event WrestleMania could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for whomever emerges victorious tonight!

Tazz
What are we waiting for JR?!?! Howard Finkle is ready in the ring! Let’s send it to him and get this thing kicked off!

The camera cuts into the darkened arena with the lights out and a spotlight on Finkel in the center of the ring.

Howard Finkel
Ladies and Gentlemen it is now time for the Royal Rumble Match!

A GIGANTIC POP from the fans in Madison Square Garden as it’s time for the main event!

Howard Finkel
And here are the rules…in just a few moments the individuals who drew number one and number two respectively will enter the ring and the match will begin. Then every ninety seconds another superstar enters the ring and the match continues. Elimination occurs when an individual is thrown over the top rope and both feet must touch the floor! The last man standing once all thirty men have entered the match will be declared the winner and earn a title shot at WrestleMania 24!

Howard Finkel
And now for the superstar who drew number one…

**METALINGUS**
Entrant #1 - Edge (SmackDown)

Out first for tonight’s thirty man melee is “The Rated R Superstar” Edge! Madison Square Garden erupts in cheers as Edge comes down the short entrance sliding into the ring, hyping himself up before removing his jacket and tossing it over to the referee. Edge is pacing from side to side anxiously awaiting to see the superstar who drew number two.

Jim Ross
I can’t think of a better superstar to kick off the Royal Rumble match tonight with than Edge!

Tazz
While it is great to see “The Rated R Superstar” out here tonight - he’s got the odds stacked against him from the get go already by drawing the infamous number one spot.

Jim Ross
The number one spot is certainly not the most desirable number but make no mistake about it Edge is looking to join elite company tonight! If Edge can go the distance he will be the third man to ever win the Royal Rumble match from the number one entrant spot.

**THE TIME IS NOW**
Entrant #2 - John Cena (RAW)

If you thought Edge’s entrance was loud - John Cena’s ovation nearly causes permanent hearing loss upon the majority of fans at MSG! Cena comes out riled up tossing his hat quickly into the crowd and giving a salute to the fans and the ring before darting down the aisle and sliding into the ring head first! Cena hops back onto his feet before taking his shirt off and tossing it into the first few rows of ringside and follows it up by adjusting his wristbands. Cena takes a brief look at the crowd that has assembled here tonight in New York before turning his attention to Edge - a man that Cena is not too familiar with due to having been on different brands for nearly two years now.

Jim Ross
A man on a mission! John Cena is here to prove tonight that he may have been down on his luck ever since losing the WWE Championship two years ago to Kurt Angle but that the past is the past! Cena has vowed that 2008 is going to finally be his year again and let me say Tazz I fully believe that he is right!

Tazz
While the odds are certainly stacked against him due to entering at number two for the second year in a row- if I was a betting man JR I’d certainly say that Cena is a favorite tonight! After having watched Raw and seeing the demeanor that he’s had recently it’s safe to say that John Cena is not here to play around tonight. Most importantly though Cena better not take that very man standing across from him in the ring right now lightly.

Match #6 | 21st Annual Royal Rumble Match
Winner Earns WWE or World Heavyweight Championship Match of their Choosing at WrestleMania XXIV

The head referee calls for the bell and we are underway! Cena and Edge both take a second to look around Madison Square Garden and let the energy and realization of the arduous task that lies ahead of them settle in. The two don’t wait too much longer as they both meet in the center of the ring locking up. Edge powers Cena into the corner pushing Cena back first into the turnbuckles and he goes to throw a hard right at Cena but Cena ducks the attempt and turns the tables by shoving Edge into the corner. Cena attempts to throw a right of his own but Edge slides under it maneuvering back to the center of the ring.

Edge points to his head letting Cena know that he’s not going to be outsmarted tonight by Cena or anyone else in the Rumble. Cena cracks a smirk and both men meet in the center of the ring once more but this time Cena takes charge and shoves Edge off onto the ropes. As Edge comes back Cena catches him with an aggressive shoulder block sending Edge flying onto the mat. Cena jumps on top of Edge throwing his arms around Edge locking in a chokehold followed up by pulling Edge back onto his feet.

Edge uses his weight to push Cena back towards the ropes and he’s able to wrestle his neck out of the chokehold before shoving Cena back towards the center of the ring. Cena stumbles back and as he turns back around towards Edge he’s greeted with a huge SPEAR! The Rated R Superstar drives Cena into the mat with the Spear causing MSG to erupt! Edge scurries back onto his feet pulling Cena up realizing instantly that he has a huge opportunity on his hands to eliminate one of the biggest favorites to win very early on in the Rumble!

Edge tries dumping Cena over the ropes but Cena is not going to let his opportunity slip by that easily! With Cena dangling on the ropes and Edge trying to power him over the top rope to eliminate him - the countdown begins for the third superstar to enter the match.

10….

…..9

8…..

…..7

6…..

…..5

4…..

…..3

2…..

…..1

**BUZZER**

**PURE CONTROL A**
Entrant #3 - Kenny Dykstra (RAW)

Jim Ross
At the third spot from Monday Night Raw is one of the brightest young talents in the WWE today- Kenny Dykstra! At only twenty one years old, Dysktra enters his second Royal Rumble Match and just like last year he’s entering at number three!

Tazz
If looks could kill! The daggers that Dykstra is staring down John Cena with could pierce the skin and cause serious damage! Dykstra doesn’t need to let his recent history with Cena impair his focus tonight with so much riding on the line.

In another oddity similar to last year’s Royal Rumble - Kenny Dykstra enters at number three once again! Dykstra makes his way out with his girlfriend Kelly Kelly and after he rips his shirt off he hands it off to her and makes a beeline towards the ring. Dykstra slides in pushing Edge off to the side as Dykstra wants a piece of Cena. The two have had an exchange of words and a match on Raw in the last several weeks which saw Cena emerge victorious over the brash up and comer.

Dykstra knees Cena in the gut backing him into the corner before pummeling Cena with a series of elbows to the face. Cena throws his arms up trying to shield off the elbows but Dykstra powers through driving the impactful elbows right into the money maker of Cena. All the while this is happening Dykstra is jawing it up with Cena letting Cena know that he’s going to be the one to eliminate him.

Dykstra grabs Cena and moves him out of the corner preparing to throw him into the opposing turnbuckle but Cena reverses the attempt and instead sends Dykstra off into the corner! Or so he thought! Dykstra runs right into a kick to the sternum from Edge before being driven into the mat with the Edgecution! Edge drops to the mat jawing with Dykstra now and he goes to grab Dykstra but Cena grabs Edge and attempts to toss The Rated R Superstar onto the floor. Edge thwarts the attempt as he kicks Cena away from him once he is dangling on the ropes.

Following the kick from Edge, Cena stumbles back a few steps to the center of the ring! Edge regains his footing after getting off the ropes and charges at Cena but Cena kicks him in the groin and throws Edge onto his shoulders! F-U! F-U! Cena plants Edge into the mat and in somewhat poetic justice returns the favor from the Spear earlier by connecting with his own signature move on Edge! Cena begins pulling himself back onto his feet and as he is doing so the countdown begins for the next entrant into the thirty man melee.

10….

…..9

8…..

…..7

6…..

…..5

4…..

…..3

2…..

…..1

**BUZZER**

**REALITY**
Entrant #4 - The Miz (SmackDown)

Tazz
Alright JR! Some more blue brand talent in the Royal Rumble and it’s the A-Lister and one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions - The Miz! I was able to catch up with Miz earlier today backstage and let me just say he talked my head off about why he’s favored to win tonight.

Jim Ross
That doesn’t surprise me one bit Tazz! The self proclaimed A-Lister has bragged about meeting and hanging out with some of the most talented and famous people in the world but fortune and fame doesn’t matter tonight! The Miz is going to have to outlast twenty nine of his peers tonight in order to emerge victorious.

The Miz comes dashing down the aisle and slides in going after John Cena throwing some hard lefts but Cena blocks the punches! Cena connects with a series of shots to The Miz but The Miz counters with a rake to the eyes of Cena before finally throwing some trademark lefts again and connecting. The Miz backs Cena into the ropes and with a half hearted attempt tries lifting Cena over the ropes but he’s going to certainly need more than that as Cena doesn’t budge.

Meanwhile in the corner Kenny Dykstra has emerged once more as he joins The Miz in double teaming Cena. Miz tells Dykstra to help him whip Cena into the ropes but the plan backfires because as Cena comes running back he connects with a thunderous double clothesline knocking the tandem of Dykstra and Miz onto the cold mat. Cena pulls himself back up and as Dykstra gathers himself he charges at Cena and Cena lifts Dykstra up throwing him over his shoulders momentarily before dumping Dykstra out of the ring right in front of his girlfriend Kelly Kelly! Dykstra is in shock as he finds himself eliminated early on for the second consecutive year.

Elimination #1: Kenny Dykstra by John Cena

Miz now attempts to surprise Cena and toss him over the ropes but Cena sidesteps Miz and tosses him over the top rope! Miz lands on his feet on the apron and has to end up fighting off Cena once more from being eliminated! A poke to the eye from Miz allows him to get back into the ring quickly and helps keep his WrestleMania hopes and dreams alive for now.

10….

…..9

8…..

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6…..

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4…..

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2…..

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**BUZZER**

**Ain’t No Make Believe**
Entrant #5 - John Morrison (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
And right on cue comes the other half of the WWE Tag Team Champions - John Morrison. The Miz certainly can use some help from his tag team partner in trying to stave off John Cena

Tazz
Talk about perfect timing JR! The Shaman of Sexy is coming out at the number five spot - the same spot that Shawn Michaels drew last year and won the third Royal Rumble Match in his career.

Jim Ross
That’s certainly some big shoes to fill but John Morrison has been on fire recently with his tag team partner The Miz and if they are able to coexist with all of the stakes on the line tonight then look out because Morrison can certainly be a favorite to win this whole thing.

Morrison takes his fur coat off throwing it down at ringside before he slides in immediately going over to his tag team partner The Miz! Miz is back in the ring now and he tells Morrison to help him throw John Cena out. Morrison and Miz both team up on Cena but the champions are greeted with Edge attacking Miz from behind and grabbing him before trying to hurl him over the ropes! Miz hangs on and is pulled back in thanks to Morrison who hits Edge with a hard right causing him to take a few steps back.

Morrison taunts Edge by slapping him around a few times getting a reaction out of the MSG crowd in return. Miz is busy with Cena in the other corner as he’s having to fend for himself now from a barrage of right hands from Cena! Morrison sneaks up behind Cena taking him down with a chop block causing Cena to fall down onto both knees. Miz escapes out of the corner and takes a running start and dropkicks Cena face first into the bottom turnbuckle causing his head to ricochet off the bottom rope!

Edge grabs Morrison spinning him around but Morrison quickly gets help once more from Miz as Miz cold cocks Edge from behind with a big left fist causing The Rated R Superstar to join the same fate of John Cena right now in being knocked out cold on the cold hard mat. The WWE Tag Team Champions take a “five second” pose in the ring taunting Edge and saying that they are the greatest tag team of the 21st Century! The champs share a high five together and turn their attention to the entrance as they notice that it is now time for the sixth entrant to enter as the countdown begins.

10….

…..9

8…..

…..7

6…..

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4…..

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2…..

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**BUZZER**

**JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES**
Entrant #6 - Christian (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
Business is about to pick up! The sixth entrant in the Royal Rumble is the former tag team partner of Edge! And I know Captain Charisma is not going to take very kindly to the words that Miz & Morrison just said to Edge regarding being the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century!

Tazz
Oh boy! I think it’s safe to say that Miz and Morrison may have bitten off more than they can chew! An irate Christian is certainly not a person that I’d want to pick a fight with! Here we go JR!

Christian hits the ring and immediately comes to blows with Miz as a flurry of fists are being thrown! Morrison tries to connect with one of his own on Christian but Christian side steps Morrison and tosses him over the ropes! Morrison hangs onto the ropes and shows off his athleticism by skinning the cat and pulling himself back into the ring quickly. Right as Morrison gets back into the ring though he’s greeted by Miz who is thrown right into his chest like a lawn dart! Morrison falls to the mat grasping his stomach. Christian grabs Miz but a cold hard left shakes Christian and allows Miz time to check on his partner briefly!

Miz doesn’t have too much time though as John Cena scoops Miz up from behind and tries once more to toss him over the top rope. Miz holds on for dear life and John Morrison can be seen propped up against the ropes but pulling on Miz’s leg keeping him in the ring at all costs! Cena knees Morrison in the face causing him to break his hold but in the meantime Miz breaks free with a knee of his own to the face of Cena! Miz attempts to turn his attention now to Christian but out of nowhere he’s hit with a SPEAR!

The fans in New York are loving it tonight as Miz has been damn near speared out of his wrestling boots! Christian scoops Morrison up out of the corner and hits the Unprettier! Edge signals to Christian to dump Morrison out of the ring and Edge will take care of Miz! Edge grabs Miz throwing him over the ropes and Miz lands hard on the mats on the outside with a thud. Christian follows suit grabbing Morrison and hurling him over the top and Morrison lands on Miz joining his tag team partner and fellow champion in being eliminated.

Elimination #2 - The Miz by Edge
Elimination #3 - John Morrison by Christian

Christian wraps his arm around the neck of Edge as they hang over the ropes laughing at Miz and Morrison’s fate and perhaps proving that they are indeed the greatest tag team of the 21st Century and not Miz and Morrison.

10….

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2…..

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**BUZZER**

**TUSK**
Entrant #7 - Rhyno (Surprise Entrant)

Jim Ross
Oh my God! We haven’t seen Rhyno in nearly four years! The former ECW Champion makes his return to WWE tonight and what a better way to make a return than possibly winning the Royal Rumble Match!

Tazz
Rhyno looks to be in great shape and it’s always great to have some ECW blood in the Royal Rumble! I’m ready to see Rhyno Gore everyone on his way to WrestleMania!

Three members of the group RECK are all in the ring right now but it doesn’t look like there is going to be a reunion tonight! Rhyno hits the ring and immediately takes Christian off his feet with a big shoulder block! Edge tries retaliating but Rhyno lifts him over his shoulder throwing him high into the air with a back body drop! Rhyno staggers back and charges at Edge and Christian both knocking them down with a thunderous double clothesline! Rhyno pounds his chest to a nice reaction from the fans in New York as a GORE chant begins to break out!

Rhyno perches himself in the corner eagerly awaiting the moment to strike! As he sees Christian get back onto his feet albeit groggy he charges at Christian trying for the GORE! Rhyno ends up connecting for the Gore but it’s on John Cena and not Christian! Cena had just gotten back up but Christian slyly sidestepped Rhyno on the Gore attempt causing Cena to take the move! Christian still earns his keep though after he charges at Rhyno right into a Spinebuster from the Man Beast!

Rhyno pops back onto his feet pulling Captain Charisma off the mat dragging him towards the ropes. Rhyno throws Christian on his shoulder in an attempt to throw Christian over the ropes but Edge makes the save pulling Christian off Rhyno’s shoulder and back onto his feet!

Christian stumbles away as he looks to find a little time to recuperate as Edge and Rhyno go at it now! Edge ends up cornering Rhyno and taking charge with a series of right hands before attempting to lift Rhyno’s legs onto the middle rope in an attempt to hang Rhyno over and dump him out! Rhyno doesn’t budge though and in fact ends up pushing Edge away from the corner with a big headbutt sending the Rated R Superstar stumbling back.

Christian hurriedly goes back to help Edge out but it may not have been the greatest idea for Captain Charisma as he gets scooped up and powered back down with a thunderous Belly to Belly Suplex from Rhyno!

10….

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**BUZZER**

**LONGHORN**
Entrant #8 - John Bradshaw Layfield (RAW)

Jim Ross
Out at number eight is the business mogul and New York resident John Bradshaw Layfield! JBL is no stranger to the Royal Rumble match as he’s entering the eighth Royal Rumble match in his career tonight.

Tazz
Since returning to active competition last year JBL has been on a mission to make his way back to the WWE Championship and tonight is one of the biggest opportunities he’s had to date.

JBL immediately goes after Rhyno as the two men trade blows and Rhyno ends up overpowering JBL but as he Irish whips JBL off into the ropes - Rhyno gets knocked on his back thanks to a Big Boot from JBL! JBL turns his focus now to John Cena as he looks to capitalize on throwing a groggy Cena out of the ring! JBL peels Cena off the mat but before he can even get Cena on his feet he gets attacked from behind with a clubbing blow from The Rated R Superstar!

Edge wraps JBL up but JBL quickly counters by Irish whipping Edge off into the ropes! Edge comes running back at JBL and ducks underneath a clothesline attempt and as he comes off the ropes again he connects with a Spinning Heel Kick! JBL may have oversold a little bit as he rolls to the outside of the ring under the bottom rope but Tazz gives JBL credit for playing it smart and taking time to regather himself on the outside.

Edge walks over towards his brother Christian checking on him and helping him once more back on his feet. Both brothers agree to work on Rhyno and Cena respectively. Both men grab Rhyno and Cena and simultaneously attempt to dump both Cena and Rhyno out but a struggle ensues with both Rhyno and Cena holding on for dear life! Christian is struggling with Cena as his attempt to throw Cena over doesn’t look very likely! Cena ends up kicking Christian in the shoulder causing Christian to fall back and as the countdown begins we see Cena fall onto the mat with Edge still struggling to lift Rhyno out of the ring.

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**BUZZER**

**I AM PERFECTION**
Entrant #9 - Dolph Ziggler (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
Entering the first Royal Rumble match of his young career is “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler from SmackDown! Ziggler has had a few run ins with The Rated R Superstar recently and you just know he’s itching for the opportunity to eliminate “The Ultimate Opportunist” in Edge!

Tazz
The bright lights of New York City do not scare Dolph Ziggler! And neither does going toe to toe with the best in the WWE today! Ziggler is here to prove his keep and if he’s able to survive tonight he will have one of the quickest rises in WWE history from debut to main eventing WrestleMania!

As the camera cuts to the ramp we don’t see Ziggler coming out and both JR and Tazz try to convey that they are uncertain where Dolph Ziggler is! The crowd begins to make some noise as we see Ziggler emerge from the barricade near the commentary crowd! Ziggler hops the ropes making a beeline towards Edge and he grabs Edge’s legs throwing him over the top ropes causing Edge to break free of his hold of Rhyno! Ziggler is using all of his might to dump Edge out of the ring to make a huge statement in his first Royal Rumble!

Christian quickly makes the save for his brother attacking Ziggler from behind but his attention quickly turns back to John Cena who grabs Christian and plants Captain Charisma into the cold mat with a Belly to Belly Suplex! Edge and Ziggler come to blows now as Ziggler ends up cornering Edge and gets some offense in on the former World Heavyweight Champion before hopping onto the middle rope and mounting a series of punches on Edge! Edge slides underneath Ziggler and scoops the brash rookie up onto his shoulders before sending Ziggler into the mat with an Electric Chair Drop!

We head over now to see JBL propped up against the steel steps letting the others do battle while he watches from the outside. Rhyno looks around the ring as the others are occupied and it suddenly comes to his attention that JBL must be outside the ring! Rhyno slides under the bottom ropes and walks around the outside of the ring before walking around and coming face to face with JBL!

JBL’s eyes widen as he holds his hands up begging Rhyno not to touch him! JBL rises back onto his feet backing away from Rhyno as the Man Beast gives chase causing JBL to take off running around the ring in an attempt to escape Rhyno! The two men circle the ring once before JBL slides into the ropes and as Rhyno slides back in JBL stomps away at Rhyno as the countdown begins.

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**BUZZER**

**DOMINANCE**
Entrant #10 - Bobby Lashley (Surprise Entrant)

Jim Ross
By gawd Bobby Lashley is back in the WWE! We haven’t seen Lashley in over a year! What a surprise tonight for the fans of the WWE but also the twenty nine other men competing tonight!

Tazz
JR I can’t believe that Lashley is making his return tonight! I’m changing my odds on favorite to win now to Lashley! How do you bet against a man that is such a physical specimen and a powerhouse like Bobby Lashley! The rest of these men have been put on notice tonight!

JBL turns around and it’s almost as if he’s seen a ghost as he locks eyes with his old rival Bobby Lashley! Lashley’s first move back in WWE is a thunderous clothesline turning JBL damn near inside and out! Lashley and Rhyno now lock eyes as Rhyno pounds his chest and throws his hands in the air to a round of applause from the fans! Lashley flexes and does his signature point before Rhyno interrupts it and charges at Lashley! Lashley throws Rhyno off into the ropes sidestepping the Man Beast and as Rhyno comes back - LASHLEY HITS RHYNO WITH A SPEAR! Lashley springs back up grabbing Rhyno and chunks him over the ropes getting an elimination early on and the first elimination in nearly five minutes.

Elimination #4 - Rhyno by Bobby Lashley

Lashley turns around after eliminating Rhyno he’s met by John Cena! Cena smirks welcoming Lashley back to WWE and the two men come face to face as the fans in New York are growing anxious for the first time these two have ever met face to face! The staredown continues for a few more seconds but is interrupted when JBL pushes Lashley into Cena sending Cena reeling into the corner. This gets a groan from the fans to which JBL scoffs and goes on the offense of Lashley hitting Lashley with a series of closed fists.

Christian gets involved once more as he attacks JBL now causing JBL’s brief attack on Lashley to come to a halt. Christian and JBL brawl as the camera cuts over to Ziggler and Edge. Ziggler knocks Edge down with a picture perfect dropkick! Ziggler kips up and as Edge rises back onto his feet Ziggler jumps onto Edge’s back locking in a Sleeper Hold! Ziggler wraps his legs around Edge’s stomach prying at the neck of Edge trying to get the Rated R Superstar to go to sleep as the countdown for number eleven begins now

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**BUZZER**

**SLOW CHEMICAL**
Entrant #11 - Kane (RAW)

Jim Ross
It’s time for the Big Red Machine! Kane is entering his tenth consecutive Royal Rumble Match and he’s looking to pile on his career elimination total of twenty six!

Tazz
It’s heating up now JR! The Big Red Machine Kane coming out at number eleven should strike some fear into the superstars in the ring now but the other nineteen men that still have to enter!

Kane steps in and immediately makes his way towards Cena hitting Cena with a thunderous Uppercut causing Cena to back into the corner once more! Cena comes stumbling out of the corner and Kane latches onto the throat of Cena! The Big Red Machine tries lifting Cena into the air for a Chokeslam but Cena holds off standing his ground and tries chopping away at the arm of Kane! Cena gets some help from Lashley though as Lashley comes over wanting a piece of Kane and in turn when he attacks Kane he inadvertently helps Cena break free of the Chokeslam grip.

Back to Dolph Ziggler and Edge; we see Ziggler still has the Sleeper Hold locked in and he now has Edge down to one knee. Edge begins to reel though as he pulls himself back off of his knee he’s down on and slowly backs towards the corner with Ziggler on his back! Edge rams Ziggler back first into the turnbuckles but Ziggler is not budging! A second attempt breaks Ziggler off of Edge! Ziggler props himself on the middle rope and as Edge comes back towards the corner Ziggler gets his boot up trying to combat Edge’s attack but Edge catches the leg of Ziggler and he rips Ziggler off the turnbuckles and onto the mat with a loud thud!

Ziggler gets back up holding his head and comes charging at Edge! Edge shows his veteran savviness as he pulls the ropes down causing Ziggler to launch himself over the ropes! The athletic Ziggler though grabs the ropes before he can go tumbling down onto the floor but it’s all for naught because as Ziggler turns around he’s SPEARED OFF THE APRON BY EDGE ELIMINATING ZIGGLER!

Elimination #5 - Dolph Ziggler by Edge

An irate Ziggler pounds the mat in frustration, absolutely enraged that not only was he eliminated from the match but that he was eliminated by Edge! Ziggler tries sliding into the ring again but the referees hold him back! Christian who had been brawling with JBL last time we saw him, hits a baseball slide kick to Ziggler to send Ziggler flying back first into the commentary table to ensure Ziggler doesn’t try to retaliate and interfere with Edge.

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**BUZZER**

**IT’S TIME**
Entrant #12 - Gregory Helms (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
At number twelve comes the Intercontinental Champion Gregory Helms! Helms may not be the biggest man in the ring but he’s proven in the last several years he can hang with any superstar in the WWE!

Tazz
No doubt JR! After a disappointing loss earlier tonight to Evan Bourne - Helms has an opportunity to become double champion once again if he wins the Royal Rumble and earns himself a world championship match of his choosing!

Helms eagerly enters the free for all and finds himself immediately gunning for John Cena as he hits Cena with a Running Knee to the face! Helms runs at Christian now trying to dump Captain Charisma over the ropes but he’s unable to get Christian off of his feet thanks to Kane grabbing Helms from behind and spinning him around before driving Helms into the mat with a THUNDEROUS CHOKESLAM!

Christian turns around into a huge Uppercut from Kane damn near knocking Christian out of his boots! We now cut over to Lashley and JBL who have been fighting each other still this whole time and it appears that JBL has turned the tables now on Lashley as he stomps away at Lashley who’s propped against the bottom turnbuckle. JBL continues stomping away at Lashley but is pushed away with a powerful kick from Lashley and as he comes flying out of the corner he bumps into Kane!

JBL knows he bumped into someone but as he turns around he realizes it was Kane! JBL begins to cower and plead with Kane to not touch him and instead proposes to Kane to team up with him and take out Bobby Lashley! Kane oddly seems to go along with the idea or so JBL thought! As Kane and JBL walk towards Lashley; Kane changes his mind and grabs JBL by the throat! JBL pleads once more with Kane but Kane overpowers JBL pushing him over the ropes and out of the ring with one hand! JBL lands on the outside with a thud, absolutely shocked at his disappointing early elimination.

Elimination #6 - John Bradshaw Layfield by Kane

Edge and Christian are seen in the corner talking strategy and they both immediately pounce on the opportunity of possibly eliminating Kane! They attempt to sneak behind Kane to dump him over the ropes but it’s not going to be as easy as they think! Kane doesn’t budge and after he pushes both men away with two hard elbows (one respectively to each Edge and Christian’s face) he grabs Edge and Christian by the throat and drives them both into the mat with a DOUBLE CHOKESLAM!

Kane is handing out chokeslams to everyone tonight and he stands tall in the ring as the only man on his feet or so he thought! John Cena sneaks behind Kane trying to lift Kane up for an F-U but Kane counters by flipping Cena over his shoulder with a Back Body Drop as we prepare for our thirteenth entrant.

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**BUZZER**

**TURN UP THE TREBLE**
Entrant #13 - Mr. Kennedy (RAW)

Jim Ross
At unlucky number thirteen - it’s Raw’s resident loudmouth Mr. Kennedy.

Tazz
Speaking of unlucky JR - I’d hate to be Mr. Kennedy right now who’s having to enter the ring and come face to face with Kane!

Mr. Kennedy doesn’t enter the ring immediately as he clearly has no desire to go head to head with Kane and you can’t blame him. Kennedy chirps at Kane pointing at his imaginary watch on his hand saying “he’s biding his time”. Bobby Lashley walks up towards Kane and we finally get the two biggest men in the ring right now meeting face to face!

Lashley attempts a headbutt on Kane but The Big Red Machine stands his ground and doesn’t budge. Lashley tries for a right hand but Kane hits an Uppercut to Lashley to which Lashley doesn’t budge! A free for all melee soon breaks out with both men trading blows with one another as they back into the corner and we turn our attention now to Mr. Kennedy who is entering the ring now!

Kennedy sneaks up behind John Cena and spins him around for the MIC CHECK immediately making a statement within the first few seconds of his time in the Royal Rumble! Gregory Helms pounces on Cena punching him repeatedly while Kennedy gets greeted anyways with an Uppercut from Kane! His plan to avoid Kane seems to have been foiled.

Meanwhile, Edge and Christian are still down from the Double Chokeslam earlier but seem to both be beginning to stir. Helms has climbed on top of Cena slapping him repeatedly showing blatant disrespect to the former WWE Champion! Cena blocks a right from Helms and kicks him away momentarily. Helms tries to come at Cena again but he gets tripped up into the bottom turnbuckle with a Drop Toehold.

Kennedy is doing his damndest to fight off Kane but the Big Red Machine seems to be too overpowering for the brash and arrogant Kennedy. Kane irish whips Kennedy out of the corner right into the arms of Lashley! Lashley lifts Kennedy up into the air, hoisting Kennedy for a solid five seconds above his head before sending Kennedy crashing back down with a Military Press Slam! Lashley and Kane once again meet in the middle of the ring but Lashley gets the better of Kane this time as he connects with a gigantic Exploder Suplex showcasing his elite strength.

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**BUZZER**

**THE MAN WITH THE PLAN**
Entrant #14 - The Brian Kendrick (RAW)

Jim Ross
Here comes a man who’s never once disliked hearing himself talk! Brian Kendrick is entering at the fourteen mark of the 2008 Royal Rumble.

Tazz
Come on JR! It’s THE Brian Kendrick. You have to put THE in front of his name just like THE Ohio State University or The University of Miami! He’s the one and only, the one of a kind - he’s THE Brian Kendrick!

Kendrick slowly waltzes towards the ring but instead of entering the Rumble he makes his way towards the commentary table where JR and Tazz are seated near the stage. Kendrick reaches into his coat’s pockets and pulls out several business cards, flicking them into the crowd on his way over to join JR and Tazz. Kendrick hands JR and Tazz a card with Tazz eagerly accepting the card but JR doesn’t seem to be as giddy as Tazz. Kendrick throws on a headset while taking a seat by Tazz as he looks to watch the action from a more comfortable location.

The Brian Kendrick
Please let me reintroduce myself Tazz…my name is THE Brian Kendrick!

Tazz shakes Kendrick’s hand and thanks him for the business card as JR just shakes his head in disgust.

Jim Ross
Well ladies and gentlemen we are joined by an unexpected guest at this time - The Brian Kendrick. If I may ask you one question - why are you not in the ring?

The Brian Kendrick
Oh JR! You’re a funny one! In case you’ve never listened to my theme song you’d know that I am “the man with the plan”. And while you may want to inquire on what said plan is, unfortunately I cannot grant you the privilege of knowing what I have planned. You’ll just have to sit here and wait patiently like everyone else to see what I’ve got up my sleeve.

The Brian Kendrick sees that JR has crumpled up his business card and he conveniently pulls out another card out of his coat for JR and firmly places it on JR’s notes making sure that JR knows what his name is this time.

The Brian Kendrick
Here you go JR! I noticed you accidentally crumbled up my business card I gave you so I figured I’d kindly give you another one!

Tazz
JR I can’t believe you’d treat our esteemed guest The Brian Kendrick with such disrespect! I expected better from you!

JR shakes his head as Tazz’s comments playing up to TBK are easily irritating him but nevertheless we cut back into the ring now as the action continues with the other seven men who are actually in the ring.

Gregory Helms is propped on the middle rope before he takes a leap of courage at Lashley but gets caught in the arms of The Dominator! Lashley throws Helms onto his shoulders before driving him into the mat with a Pumphandle Slam! It’s almost elementary at this point as Lashley grabs the Intercontinental Champion, chunking him over the ropes and in the process earning his second elimination of the evening!

Elimination #7 - Gregory Helms by Bobby Lashley

We cut over to see Edge paired off with Mr. Kennedy and Christian and Kane doing battle as Christian is holding on for dear life on the ropes. John Cena makes his way over attacking Kane on the back with some clubbing rights. Cena grabs the legs of Kane trying his best to lift The Big Red Machine over the ropes and in doing so he frees up Christian who pulls himself back into the ring and begins to try and help Cena out.

Christian and Cena are both able to get Kane over the top rope and onto the apron onto the outside of the ring on the apron. As Kane regains his footing he quickly retaliates with a headbutt to Cena and a headbut to Christian in a last ditch effort to prevent him from being eliminated. However, this is all for naught as Edge comes dashing across the ring and SPEARS KANE THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE CAUSING KANE TO GO BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Edge’s momentum sent him flying to the outside of the ring but as JR and Tazz remind us - Edge did not go over the top rope so he has not been eliminated!

Elimination #8 - Kane by Edge

The referees check on Edge and Kane separately and both men appear to be fine but it doesn’t look like Edge will be getting back into the ring immediately as he’s grasping at his shoulder possibly due to the landing he made. Christian and Cena are both shocked as they look on from the ring. We get a quick glimpse of Lashley and Kennedy in the corner with Kennedy mounting Lashley with numerous rights as the countdown begins for our fifteenth entrant.

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**BUZZER**

**WRECK**
Entrant #15 - Mick Foley (Surprise Entrant)

Jim Ross
OH MY GAWD! He’s back! He’s back! Mr. Kennedy looks like he has just seen a ghost! For months Mr. Kennedy has put Mick Foley through living hell - costing him his job as co-GM of Raw, beating Foley’s friend Terry Funk to a bloody pulp at the 15th Anniversary of Raw, and mocking Mick with an imposter several weeks ago on Raw! It all comes to a head now! There’s nowhere for Mr. Kennedy to run and hide now!

The Brian Kendrick
IT’S ABOUT TO BE A SLOBBER KNOCKER! (clearly mocking JR with his tone). Did I do that right Tazz?

Tazz
That sounded perfect! Before you know it you’ll have good ole’ JR’s job!

Jim Ross
Don’t you think it’s about time for you to get into the ring and compete like you’re supposed to be and stop acting like a jackass?

The Brian Kendrick shakes his head in disappointment at JR once more forgetting his name as he grabs JR’s pen and underlines his name so JR will be certain to remember his name

Madison Square Garden is going wild as Mick Foley emerges from the entrance but there’s no smile on Foley’s face. He’s not here to go to WrestleMania. He’s here for one reason and one reason only - to ruin Kennedy’s dreams of main eventing WrestleMania! Foley throws his flannel jacket vest onto the ground as he makes a mad dash towards the ring!

Mr. Kennedy tries to stomp on Foley as he gets into the ring but Foley grabs Kennedy’s legs sweeping his feet from underneath him! Foley is laying into Kennedy absolutely pummeling the loudmouth and in return doing his damndest to make sure Kennedy shuts up! Kennedy flips Foley over and throws a wide array of rights himself as both men roll around the ring exchanging blows!

Foley ends up getting back on top of Kennedy for a few brief seconds but ends up eating a facefull of turnbuckle once Kennedy is able to break Foley off of him and trips up Foley face first into the mat! Kennedy scurries out of the corner but he backs right into Bobby Lashley! Lashley signals to Kennedy not so fast and that he’s not going anywhere! Mr. Kennedy strokes his goatee taking a second to think about what he’s going to do but Lashley easily predicts and blocks the right handed punch from Kennedy!

Lashley catches Kennedy’s hand and applies a ton of pressure squeezing the hand of Kennedy! Mr. Kennedy is begging Lashley to let go but Lashley shakes his head no! Lashley ends up backing Mr. Kennedy onto the ropes and out of his peripheral he sees Mick Foley is back on his feet! Lashley breaks free of the hold as Mr. Kennedy is shown propped against the ropes holding his hand and wincing in pain. He doesn’t have to worry about remaining in the math much longer though as Mick Foley comes running full speed at Mr. Kennedy! Foley uses his massive body frame as a battering ram clotheslining Kennedy causing both men to go flying over the top rope!

Elimination #9 - Mr. Kennedy by Mick Foley
Elimination #10 - Mick Foley by himself

Replays show Foley throwing his body at Kennedy splashing Kennedy over the ropes! JR once again insinuates that Foley was not here to win the Royal Rumble but to make damn sure that Mr. Kennedy did not win it! Foley pounces on top of Kennedy as Kennedy backs himself towards the barricade but Foley is laying into Kennedy with right hands! Kennedy does break free after a series of punches kicking Foley back first into the side of the ring!

With the three men remaining in the ring - Cena, Christian, and Lashley all looking on stunned at what they’ve seen - the countdown begins for the second half of entrants to make their way out now with number sixteen due up next.

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**BUZZER**

**MASTERPIECE**
Entrant #16 - Chris Masters (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
Coming in now at number sixteen is the former Intercontinental Champion and the protege of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair - Chris Masters! Masters can propel his career immensely tonight with a victory in the Royal Rumble.

Tazz
Alright! The Masterpiece has been on a roll recently and with “The Nature Boy” mentoring him I’d be willing to bet that Flair has given him a handful of tips and tricks on how to survive the other twenty-nine men in the ring.

The Brian Kendrick
I’ll be honest here guys…I’m not really sure what’s so impressive about Chris Masters. He has the personality of a wet sock.

Jim Ross
Well that is certainly your opinion but might I recommend if you have such a strong opinion on Chris Masters that maybe you get in the ring like you’re supposed to be and let him know what you think of him?

The Brian Kendrick
We’ve been over this already JR! I’m not going to tell you again! Poor preparation prevents perfect plans from being executed. What I’m doing right now is preparing to execute my plan and strike when the time is right. Just be patient ole Jim!

TBK pats JR on the back telling him he’ll be the first one to know when his plan is put into place.

As The Masterpiece prepares to enter the ring (with no Nature Boy by his side tonight) we get a glimpse of Edge starting to stir as he’s sitting up on the outside of the ring after his brutal Spear onto Kane earlier. Lashley and Christian have paired off and that leaves John Cena alone. Cena greets Masters in the middle of the ring but Masters floors Cena with a Polish Hammer! Masters grabs Cena hurling him towards the ropes as another attempt to hurl Cena over the ropes begins.

Meanwhile, we get a glimpse back towards Kennedy and Foley and now they are brawling up the ramp. Kennedy headbutts Foley and escapes away but he loses his footing and stumbles on his way up the ramp to the top! Foley grabs at his head but he’s not going to let a headbutt prevent him from getting to Kennedy once again! Foley follows after Kennedy as Kennedy is pleading with Foley begging him to stop! Kennedy gets back up onto his feet and he tries to throw a desperation right hand but Foley blocks in and reaches into Kennedys mouth locking in the Mandible Claw!

The fans in New York erupt as Kennedy is kicking and doing everything he can to break free of the hold but he has nowhere to go now! Kennedy is throwing his arms around trying to break free! Foley looks relentless as his face turns red and he’s putting everything he has into the Mandible Claw! Foley backs Kennedy towards the edge of the ramp near the Raw commentary team table! We see Foley apply even more pressure on the Mandible Claw holding it in place for another ten seconds before he breaks free of the hold and PUSHES KENNEDY OFF THE STAGE AND THROUGH A SET OF TABLES ON THE SIDE OF THE STAGE!

Holy shit chants break out as Mick Foley has a sadistic smirk on his face as he stands on the top of the stage staring down into the carnage he has created! We quickly move back to action in the ring as we see John Cena has broken free of Chris Masters' attempt to eliminate him but Masters still is on the offense working on a rear naked chokehold on Cena. Cena is reeling working the fans trying to get them to help change the momentum.

Edge slides back into the ring for the first time in nearly three minutes as he runs into the corner and hits a Big Splash on Lashley! The Rated R Superstar pounds his chest as Lashley groggily stumbles out of the corner and walks right back into Edge’s arms! Edge tries lifting Lashley up in the air for a Vertical Suplex but Lashley is not budging! The big man fights off Edge’s attempt and counters after holding his ground before connecting with a Vertical Suplex of his own! Lashley doesn’t have too long to gloat though as Christian hits a running dropkick to Lashley’s head right after he sat back up. Christian pulls himself onto his knees and watches as the countdown begins for our next superstar to enter.

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**BUZZER**

**THIS FIRE BURNS**
Entrant #17 - CM Punk (RAW)

Jim Ross
Entering his second Royal Rumble is CM Punk and Brian…it looks like you’re a little startled by Punk coming out right now!

JR and Tazz watch as The Brian Kendrick stands up on his feet pointing at his former tag team partner CM Punk telling him he better mind his own business and get to the ring! Punk points to his wrist before hollering out “It’s clobberin time” followed by pointing at Kendrick! Kendrick looks startled but Punk instead heads off to the ring easing Kendrick’s worries. Kendrick takes a seat as he adjusts his jacket and it’s noted by JR that Kendrick is shaking a little

Jim Ross
What’s wrong Brian? Cat got your tongue finally?

TBK sits down ignoring JR’s comments as he drops his headset and stares off into space clearly startled at Punk entering the Royal Rumble now. Punk rushes down the ramp and hops onto the apron before springing off the top rope with a Flying Clothesline onto Christian! Punk attacks Chris Masters who came dashing towards him with a series of kicks to the chest before hitting a Running Bulldog! Punk then meets John Cena in the center of the ring as Cena and Punk come face to face for the first time ever but it’s quickly thwarted by Christian!

Christian tries spinning Punk around for the Unprettier but Punk counters and hits a Roundhouse Kick before throwing Christian onto his shoulders - GTS! Punk plants Christian into the mat as he turns his attention once more towards Cena! Punk and Cena are about to lock up when The Brian Kendrick finally slides into the ring and sneaks up behind Punk trying to dump him over the ropes! Kendrick gets Punk over the top rope but makes a rookie mistake by taking a few steps back and charging after Punk! Punk drops down pulling the ropes down with him as Kendrick goes flying over the top rope and out of the ring! Kendrick has been eliminated after only about ten seconds in the match! Punk rolls under the bottom rope waving at Kendrick as his time in the Royal Rumble has come to a close.

Elimination #11: The Brian Kendrick by CM Punk

Punk pulls himself back onto his feet but is immediately knocked back down with a Lariat from Chris Masters! Masters flexes at John Cena telling him he’ll make Cena go to sleep with the Masterlock! Cena challenges Masters to do so if he’s bold enough! Masters shoves Cena before hitting a pose for Cena showing off his impressive physique. Masters goes to shove Cena once more but Cena scoops Masters up and onto his shoulders! Masters is spared though as Lashley sneaks up behind Cena taking his legs out from underneath him with a chop block as the timer begins to countdown once again.

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**BUZZER**

**SOMEBODIES GONNA GET IT**
Entrant #18 - Mark Henry (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
Oh boy! “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry is our eighteenth entrant and I’ve noticed after watching SmackDown recently that he’s not really been too thrilled with SmackDown GM Jonathan Coachman.

Tazz
That’s a nice way of putting it JR! Henry has certainly been disgusted with his recent treatment or neglect as he told Coach just recently on SmackDown! But man what a way to get back at the GM with your claims than by winning the Royal Rumble!

Mark Henry enters the ring and immediately headbutts Edge back onto the mat. Edge lands beside his brother Christian who’s still down from the GTS earlier! The World’s Strongest Man gets a running start and hits the WORLD’S STRONGEST SPLASH ON BOTH EDGE AND CHRISTIAN! Henry rises back onto his feet and dashes into the corner with a Big Splash on Bobby Lashley in the corner! Henry grabs Lashley showing off his impressive power as he military presses Lashley in the air before letting him come crashing back onto the mat!

Henry rears his head around as The Masterpiece tries to sneak behind Mark Henry and lock in the Masterlock! Masters doesn’t even come close to locking in the submission hold thanks to Henry hitting Masters with a thunderous elbow to the face! Masters clutches at his face and as he turns around he’s clotheslined over the top rope by Henry! Masters goes tumbling out of the ring and onto the outside becoming the twelfth elimination of the evening.

Elimination #12 - Chris Masters by Mark Henry

Punk is targeted next by Mark Henry as he bends down to grab CM Punk out of the corner but John Cena attacks Mark Henry from behind! Cena clubs Henry before throwing several shots at the back of Henry. Punk sneaks out of the corner and comes back at Henry hitting him with a Chop Block but the big man doesn’t budge. Punk hits another Chop Block and this one is successful in getting Henry down onto one knee! Bobby Lashley joins the duo of Punk and Cena as all three men begin to work together on getting Henry out of the ring!

Henry backs himself into the corner and pushes Punk away but he can’t overcome Cena and Lashley who begin to simultaneously kick Henry eventually causing Henry’s other knee to give out under him. Henry is now cornered on the bottom ropes as Punk rejoins Cena and Lashley and all three men are stomping away at Henry as we await our nineteenth entrant.

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**BUZZER**

**BOOYAKA 619**
Entrant #19 - Rey Mysterio (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
As the smallest competitor in this year’s Royal Rumble - Rey Mysterio enters at a size disadvantage but one thing he doesn’t have a disadvantage at is having heart and courage!

Tazz
Rey Mysterio has gone toe to toe with the best the WWE has to offer for years but one thing he has yet to do is become WWE or World Heavyweight Champion! He can change that all tonight by winning his first ever Royal Rumble!

Rey Mysterio immediately joins Punk, Lashley, and Cena in the corner as Cena tells the men that they need to get Henry up and get him over the ropes! Cena and Lashley both pull Henry up out of the corner and hang him over the ropes as all four men try to get Henry to teeter on the ropes. Henry doesn’t leave his feet though but instead sends Cena and Lashley reeling by throwing reverse elbows to Cena and Lashley’s faces! Punk tries to jump on the back of The World’s Strongest Man but Henry quickly flips him over his head sending Punk into the mat with a thud!

This leaves Rey Mysterio who is stunned and at a loss at what to do with this clear size disadvantage! Henry lunges at Mysterio but Mysterio slides underneath the legs of Henry escaping possible injury! Henry reaches underneath his legs trying to grab Mysterio but as Henry pulls himself up straight he’s SPEARED BY LASHLEY! The ring rumbles as Henry is down! Christian and Edge both recruit Lashley and Cena to help them get Henry onto the middle rope! All four men prop Henry up and they point to Rey!

Madison Square Garden erupts as it’s almost time for the 619! Rey springs off the ropes running at Henry and he CONNECTS WITH THE 619! Mysterio doesn’t go for West Coast Pop though knowing the circumstances of the match and not wanting to risk elimination. Henry stumbles backwards towards the ropes as the remaining six men make their way over and dump Henry over the ropes sending the World’s Strongest Man back to the locker room.

Elimination #13 - Mark Henry by Edge, Christian, John Cena, Bobby Lashley, & Rey Mysterio

JR and Tazz are both stunned but discuss how it took six men to eliminate The World’s Strongest Man tonight. Edge and Christian both stumble off to the corner clutching at their ribs showing some lingering pain from the World’s Strongest Splash earlier. The brothers are still working together successfully so far as we await the twentieth entrant into the Royal Rumble.

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**BUZZER**

**AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ ME NOW**
Entrant #20 - Shelton Benjamin (RAW)

Jim Ross
The United States Champion Shelton Benjamin enters the Royal Rumble now and ladies and gentlemen let me remind you that you are looking at one of the greatest athletes to ever step foot in a WWE ring in Benjamin!

Tazz
A gifted athlete is an understatement JR! Shelton Benjamin can do it all! He can wrestle on the mat, he can hang with the big boys, and he can fly off the ropes! Is there anything the United States Champion can’t do?

Shelton Benjamin immediately hits a corner splash on Rey Mysterio! Benjamin hurries over towards John Cena now as he seizes an opportunity to try and take down a man who’s been in the ring for nearly thirty minutes. Benjamin leaps into the air hitting Cena with a picture perfect dropkick that stuns Cena and sends him bouncing into the ropes and follows it up with a beautiful T-Bone Suplex!

Punk and Mysterio are working on one another while Edge and Christian are both standing in the corner together talking strategy to which Edge side steps an incoming Bobby Lashley! Edge ducks a clothesline from Lashley which connects with Christian instead! Christian’s head bounces off the turnbuckle as he collapses onto the mat! Edge reels Lashley back in catching him off guard with a Sitout DDT! The Rated R Superstar goes to check on his brother but gets HIT WITH PAYDIRT FROM SHELTON BENJAMIN!

Benjamin stomps away at the bodies of Lashley and Christian in the corner now as he’s looking to make a huge statement in this year’s Royal Rumble! Benjamin grabs Christian Irish whipping Captain Charisma into the ropes and as Christian comes back he’s knocked back down with a back elbow from the United States Champion! Benjamin spins around the mat before popping up quickly before repeatedly driving his knee into Christian’s neck. Rey Mysterio apparently breaks free from his battle with CM Punk momentarily because he catches Benjamin off guard with a Hurricanrana sending Benjamin into the middle ropes!

Mysterio gets ready to dial up the 619 once again but before he can even make it halfway across the ring he gets hit with a Running Knee from Punk! Punk puts his hands near his head signaling it's time for someone to go to sleep! Punk notices Cena is now in the corner pulling himself back up and he immediately strikes with the Step Up High Knee! Punk pulls Cena out of the corner and hits a Running Bulldog! Punk gets down on one knee as Madison Square Garden breaks out into CM Punk chants as we await the twenty-second entrant.

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**BUZZER**

**BURN IN MY LIGHT**
Entrant #21 - Randy Orton (RAW)

Jim Ross
The vile sadistic Randy Orton enters the Royal Rumble now at number twenty one and I fear for everyone in that very ring right now! Orton is a very disturbed young man that has left a path of victims on his trail of destruction over the course of his career

Tazz
Both Edge and John Cena still remain from number one and two, Christian entered at number six and Bobby Lashley at ten which means over half the men in the ring have now been in here for at least twenty minutes! A fresh Randy Orton poses a threat to every single person in the ring right now!

For his first action in this year’s Royal Rumble - ORTON IMMEDIATELY PLANTS CM PUNK WITH AN RKO! Orton senses someone breathing down his neck and as he turns around he sees Lashley dashing right at him! Orton HITS LASHLEY WITH AN RKO! - before chunking him over the top rope and getting his first elimination of the evening thus bringing Bobby Lashley’s huge run on his return to a halt!

Elimination #14 - Bobby Lashley by Randy Orton

Shelton Benjamin tries jumping on the back of Randy Orton but Orton unceremoniously flips him over his head and onto the outside of the ring! Benjamin hangs on for dear life as he grasps the ropes! Orton dashes at Benjamin but the United States Champion kicks Orton in the head with a Roundhouse Kick sending Orton reeling backwards! Benjamin leaps onto the top rope for a Flying Clothesline attempt but HE IS CAUGHT BY RANDY ORTON WITH A MID-AIR RKO! Orton grabs Benjamin and throws him over the top rope sending the US Champion onto the mat on the outside giving him his second elimination and paring down the competitors in the ring within the matter of seconds!

Elimination #15 - Shelton Benjamin by Randy Orton

Randy Orton is on absolute fire right now as several boos begin to pour in around MSG but several are drowned out by the Holy Shit chants resonating around the arena still from the airborne RKO! Orton whips his head around as he now sees his former Rated RKO partner Edge getting back up on his knees! Orton retreats to the corner as he looks ready to strike with the Punt but Christian throws his body over Edge’s pleading with Randy to not punt Edge in the head! Christian slides forward covering the body of Edge and as his head goes down; Orton charges in and PUNTS CHRISTIAN IN THE HEAD KNOCKING CAPTAIN CHARISMA OUT COLD!

Orton falls onto the mat pounding his fists on the mat as the fans are absolutely stunned at the unforgiving punt and the manner in which Christian just sacrificed his body for Edge! Orton springs back onto his feet grabbing Captain Charisma lifting the lifeless body of Christian over the ropes giving Orton his third elimination in a ninety second span!

Elimination #16 - Christian by Randy Orton

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**BUZZER**

**LIVE FOR THE MOMENT**
Entrant #22 - Matt Hardy (RAW)

Jim Ross
I am in absolute disbelief at the last ninety seconds! Randy Orton came in and just cleaned house! If I’m Matt Hardy I’m doing everything I can to steer clear of Randy Orton right now!

Tazz
Well unfortunately for Matt Hardy he’s entering right after Randy Orton just eliminated three men and I’m afraid that Hardy may end up being elimination number four

Jim Ross
One thing that is greatly understated right now is that Christian sacrificed himself for his brother! Christian literally fell on top of Edge preventing him from taking a Punt kick to the head!

Tazz
A foolish move if I say so myself JR! Christian just gave up an opportunity to main event WrestleMania in order to save his brother from Randy Orton’s punt kick! If I were Christian I would have just had to let Edge fight his own battles!

Matt Hardy doesn’t back down from Orton as he immediately brings the fight clubbing Orton with a set of right hands! The Legend Killer gets his hands up fending off several of the punches before raking the eyes of Matt Hardy! Christian is absolutely knocked out cold on the outside of the ring as we see Edge sitting up and looking around the ring for Christian! Edge notices the referees on the outside tending to Christian and once he notices Orton in the ring he immediately springs into action!

Edge is absolutely laying into Orton with the hardest right hands we’ve seen so far tonight and it is on! Edge pounces on Randy causing him to fall onto the mat and Edge is just laying into Orton with a barrage of rights! The Legend Killer tries kicking Edge off him but The Rated R Superstar stays perched on Orton just laying into him repeatedly! Edge pulls Orton up by the head and despite Orton trying to fend off Edge - the aggressive hold that Edge has on Orton becomes too much as Edge hits EDGECUTION ON ORTON! Edge is seething right now pulling on his hair as he rolls under the ropes and heads over towards Christian.

A team of medics arrives at ringside as the referees have to keep Edge away telling him he needs to get back into the ring! Edge knows what he must do now as he reaches under the ring and grabs two steel chairs! He slides one of the steel chairs into the ring before throwing the other one over the ropes nearly hitting Orton in the process! Edge slides back in and immediately makes a beeline for Orton before placing one of the chairs underneath Orton’s head! Edge grabs the other chair and lifts the chair high into the air for the Con-Chair-To but REY MYSTERIO DROPKICKS EDGE FROM BEHIND! EDGE’S FACE COLLIDES WITH THE STEEL CHAIR AND THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Mysterio quickly dials up the 619 again as he dashes across the ring and hits EDGE WITH THE 619! Mysterio lands on his feet on the apron of the ring and immediately Matt Hardy charges at Mysterio trying to knock him off the ring onto the floor. Mysterio uses the ropes to swing himself as a pendulum between the middle ropes kicking Hardy in the stomach! Hardy rolls backwards from the impact and lands in the center of the ring!

Mysterio surveys the ring before leaping off the top rope for West Coast Pop but he unluckily jumps right onto the shoulders of John Cena who appeared out of nowhere! Mysterio struggles trying to break free of the grip of Cena. Cena carries Mysterio over to the ropes with Mysterio grasping the ropes doing everything he can to hold on! Cena overpowers the smaller man, ripping Mysterio away from the ropes before MUSCLING MYSTERIO OVER THE ROPES WITH AN F-U! Mysterio lands on the outside of the ring clearly disappointed at this year’s effort as we await our next entrant

Elimination #17 - Rey Mysterio by John Cena

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**BUZZER**

**ONE OF A KIND**
Entrant #23 - Rob Van Dam (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
The winner of the 2006 Royal Rumble enters at number twenty-three! Rob Van Dam is looking to right the ship in 2008 and earn his first World Heavyweight Championship! He main evented WrestleMania 22 defeating Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship and looks to get back to the main event for the second time in three years with a victory tonight!

Tazz
Mr. Friday Night is looking to get back on track and I’ve said from the beginning that he’s a favorite to win the Royal Rumble again. RVD excels when people count him out and overlook him so he may be able to use that to his advantage and win the Royal Rumble once more.

John Cena greets Rob Van Dam in the ring as these two men certainly have history between one another! Cena taunts RVD with the “You Can’t See Me” wave to a good reaction around Madison Square Garden but RVD gets a louder reaction to his thumb taunt! A dual RVD/Let’s Go Cena chant breaks out amongst the fans! Rob Van Dam is the first to strike after he quickly drops Cena with a Roundhouse Kick! RVD springs off the ropes looking for Rolling Thunder and he connects landing hard on the chest of Cena causing Cena to cough repeatedly as that attack from RVD took the breath right out of him.

RVD looks ready to jump on the attack once more but he’s blindsided by Matt Hardy who pushes RVD chest first into the turnbuckles! Van Dam falls backwards out of the corner and right into Hardy who swiftly lifts Van Dam up hitting a side suplex causing RVD’s head to ricochet off the mat. Hardy drops an elbow onto the chest of RVD but he too is taken down after CM Punk hits a dropkick sending Hardy back first into the turnbuckles! Punk hits another Step Up High Knee - this time on Hardy though! Punk wraps his arm around Hardy running out of the corner with Hardy’s head tucked underneath his arm but Punk is turned inside out with a clothesline from Edge!

Edge rushes back up grabbing Punk and pulling him into the corner near the ropes trying to dump Punk out! Punk wraps his legs around the top rope trying to prevent Edge from being able to dump him over the ropes. Edge has Punk teetering over the top rope but it’s not long before he’s attacked from behind by Randy Orton! Orton corners Edge, laying into him with some aggressive punches! Orton tries Irish whipping Edge off into the ropes but a counter reversal from Edge sends Orton into the turnbuckle instead! Edge goes from 0 to 100 as he charges full speed aggressively running at Orton with a Spear attempt but Orton sidesteps Edge and EDGE GOES SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST! Edge lets out a scalding scream of pure pain and agony and is unable to put up a fight as Orton grabs The Rated R Superstar throwing him over the top rope ending his nearly thirty-three minute stint in the Royal Rumble match.

Elimination #18 - Edge by Randy Orton

Orton drops down with his head resting on the bottom rope watching as Edge hits the mat with a thud! Edge is holding his shoulder as he looks up at the sadistic Orton staring bullets right back at him as the countdown for our next entrant is now underway.

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**BUZZER**

**RAP SHEET**
Entrant #24 - Booker T (Surprise Entrant)

Jim Ross
I can dig it! Madison Square Garden is on their feet as Booker T makes his return to the WWE after a one year hiatus! Booker has certainly been missed on WWE television and now is his opportunity to get back to the main event of WrestleMania!

Tazz
Alright JR! I’m beyond excited to see that the five time...five time…five time…five time…five time WCW Champion is back in action! Booker T is one of the best to ever do it in that ring and the fact he’s returning in the Royal Rumble makes his return even sweeter!

Booker T enters at number twenty-four and immediately gets involved with some right hands to Matt Hardy! The two former rivals go at it for a second before Booker starts lighting into Hardy with aggressive chops painting the chest of Matt Hardy red! Booker pushes Hardy off near the ropes and sends him across the ring with an Irish whip. Hardy comes back at Booker and Booker catches him with an elbow to the face! Booker T ducks an RVD roundhouse kick attempt before hitting Van Dam with a Superkick! Van Dam falls near the corner as Booker T is absolutely feeling it right now in his return to WWE!

Randy Orton is back up on his feet and he tries to sneak behind Booker T and spin him around for an RKO but Booker stands tall in his tracks and doesn’t go down with the RKO! Orton lands on his back and as he comes back up he’s planted right back down with the Book End! CM Punk decides he wants some of the action and maybe it was best to stay out of it because he eats a Spinebuster from Booker T! Booker drops down as Madison Square Garden is calling for it! Booker T is feeling it and he does the SPINAROONIE much to the delight of the fans in New York!

As Booker attempts to come back to his feet John Cena flips over Booker T and hits the Throwback! Cena gets back up and turns right into the arms of Matt Hardy…TWIST OF FATE ON CENA! Matt Hardy has dropped the former WWE Champion with a huge Twist of Fate and this may be his opportunity to eliminate Cena! Hardy hurriedly pulls Cena off the mat and drags him to the ropes! Hardy tries tossing Cena over but Cena coils his body around the ropes hanging on for dear life! Cena finds himself in trouble once more but as he is teetering on the ropes desperately trying to stave off elimination - we see the countdown begin as it’s almost time for our next entrant!

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**BUZZER**

**LOADED**
Entrant #25 - Jeff Hardy (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
“The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy enters the fifth Royal Rumble of his career and what a time to come out as he has an opportunity to possibly help his brother Matt eliminate John Cena!

Tazz
Jeff certainly could go down that avenue but what if Jeff turns the tables and was to go after his brother instead? It is every man for himself after all JR!

Jeff comes full speed down the ramp and as he enters he’s immediately met by a Spinning Heel Kick from Rob Van Dam! Hardy doesn’t get the first move of offense upon entering the ring which seems to be the outlier of the night so far. RVD drops a knee on the face of Hardy but is taken down himself with a Running Boot to the back of the head from CM Punk!

Matt Hardy’s attempt to get John Cena over the ropes appears to have been thwarted by Cena and he gets some help from CM Punk who joins Matt Hardy in double teaming Cena! Both men lift Cena up for a huge Vertical Suplex bringing Cena crashing down onto the mat. Hardy tries pulling one over on Punk as he grabs Punk and tries to throw him over the ropes but Punk counters by shoving Hardy and leaping into the air with a step up enzuigiri! Punk is riled up but it’s all for naught because Orton sneaks behind Punk and pulls him backwards with a backbreaker! As Orton pulls himself back up he’s hit with the Scissor Kick from Booker T!

Booker now meets up with Jeff Hardy as he greets the Charismatic Enigma with a series of chops lighting up the chest of Hardy. Booker corners Hardy trying to throw one of his legs over the ropes and works his way towards eliminating Hardy but Jeff counters with a right hand before propelling himself with the ropes for a big dropkick sending Booker stumbling! Booker comes right back after Jeff Hardy but the resilient Hardy catches Booker off guard with a Sitout Jawbreaker! Booker falls backwards into the corner as Jeff checks on his brother and pulls him back up onto his feet!

Jeff tells Matt to go into the corner and Matt drops down to all fours! The fans are ecstatic at Madison Square Garden as they know what’s coming next! Jeff Hardy comes dashing across the ring like a madman taking a gigantic risk on something possibly going wrong but he luckily pulls off the Whisper in the Wind! The fans begin counting down as the camera pans out as we see seven men in the ring as they await the eighth entrant to join the free for all.

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**BUZZER**

**ROCKER**
Entrant #26 - Paul London (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
Here’s a young superstar that I admittedly don’t know much about due to him always having been a Smackdown exclusive superstar but the little I do know about him is that he’s made a meteoric rise up the ranks of SmackDown since 2007!

Tazz
No doubt JR! A former Cruiserweight Champion and multi time tag team champion including once with one of the men in the ring right now in Jeff Hardy! Paul London is a name that many WWE fans are certainly going to know for years to come!

London comes full-guns blazing after throwing his jacket on the ground and he immediately rushes into action by going after Randy Orton! London shows he’s not afraid of any competitor in the ring as he leaps onto the top rope and hits a beautiful Springboard dropkick on Randy Orton! London then follows it up by leaping onto the shoulders of Rob Van Dam, throwing him across the ring with a Hurricanrana! London pumps his fist in the air getting the fans in New York riled up and excited for him as he turns his sights towards his former tag team partner - Jeff Hardy!

Jeff Hardy and Paul London certainly ended their tag team on good terms after they lost the titles to John Morrison & The Miz but that’s all for naught tonight because tonight you can trust no one! London and Hardy share a quick handshake and it looks like the two are about to square off but Jeff’s brother Matt Hardy comes in and blindsides London! Matt grabs London’s arms holding him back telling Jeff to strike London! Jeff seems a little uneased at first knowing it’s his former tag partner but Matt reminds him that it’s every man for themselves and that Paul would eliminate you if he had the chance to! Jeff moves towards London but London kicks Jeff backwards which in turn causes Matt to break free! Matt tries to advance towards London but he’s knocked back on his ass with a Dropsault from London!

Meanwhile in other action, Booker T has John Cena covered as the two former rivals duke it out with Cena trying to remain alive in the match after entering at number two. Booker hits Cena with an Uppercut causing Cena to jump almost out of his boots from the impact. Booker then attempts to capitalize by pulling Cena out of the corner but Cena has other ideas in mind as he hangs onto the turnbuckles refusing to budge. Booker tries pulling Cena out once again but Cena continues holding onto the ropes standing his ground! Booker attempts to pull Cena out of the corner a third time but his insistence ends up backfiring on him because CM Punk sneaks up behind Booker T throwing the veteran over the ropes and earning himself a huge elimination right as the countdown for number twenty-seven is set to begin.

Elimination #19 - Booker T by CM Punk

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**BUZZER**

**I’M COMIN**
Entrant #27 - MVP (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
Flanked by his big man Big E; entering at lucky number twenty-seven is former World Heavyweight Champion Montel Vontavious Porter or as many people know him by - MVP! MVP certainly has history on his side tonight as number twenty-seven is the entrant spot that has produced the most Royal Rumble winners in history - four to be exact!

Tazz
Luck doesn’t mean a thing to MVP though and he’ll tell you that there is a reason SmackDown is now a must watch television and it’s all because of him! He’s a prime time and impact player that brings in ratings and as I said earlier tonight he is my pick to win it all!

MVP takes his chain adorning his initials on it, handing it to his enforcer Big E to take watch over it as he does battle in the Royal Rumble. Once in the ring MVP goes after the smaller man in Paul London pulling him in and dropping him down with the Playmaker! He then turns his attention to an old rival in Rob Van Dam who attempts a Sweeping Leg Kick on MVP but MVP jumps over Van Dam’s leg sweep! He then hits a running knee to the face of RVD!

CM Punk comes out of the corner charging at Porter but MVP makes a split second decision scooping Punk up and hitting the Straight Edge Superstar with a Snap Overhead Belly to Belly Suplex! MVP gets back up slapping his chest as we see Big E with a stoic face nodding and acknowledging the quick start that MVP is off to so far. But it won’t come that easy because The Hardy Boyz realize they have an opportunity to once more team together and try to take down a superstar. MVP begins to jaw at the brothers running his mouth about how it takes two men to take him down!

While this is all going on though we see Randy Orton sneak behind Matt Hardy before low blowing him! Orton grabs Matt dumping him over the ropes and he immediately joins MVP in double teaming Jeff Hardy as they both stomp away at the lone remaining Hardy!

Elimination #20 - Matt Hardy by Randy Orton

John Cena is still in the Royal Rumble after nearly thirty-eight minutes and it’s starting to take a toll on him. Cena’s punches he begins to throw at CM Punk seem a little winded to which the fresher CM Punk instinctively blocks and counters with a series of chops to the neck of Cena! Punk grabs the exhausted body of Cena carrying him to the ropes but Cena pushes Punk away showing that it won’t be as easy to eliminate him like that! Punk springs right back at Cena who drops down pulling the ropes down and CM Punk goes flying over! Cena thinks that Punk has been eliminated but as he turns around he’s hit with a Springboard Crossbody off the top rope right as the countdown begins for number twenty-eight.

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**BUZZER**

**La Vittoria’ e Mia**
Entrant #28 - Santino Marella (RAW)

Jim Ross
Well here’s a wildcard at number twenty-eight -the previously unannounced entrance of Santino Marella! Marella is a charismatic yet goofy superstar who could break out tremendously if he somehow survives the Royal Rumble tonight.

Tazz
I’ve seen crazier things happen in the WWE so anything is possible but I think it’s safe to say that he’s certainly more of an underdog than a favorite.

Santino Marella enters at number twenty-eight as he joins a field of who’s who that remain in the Royal Rumble. Unfortunately for Santino the first person he meets in the ring is Randy Orton! Santino extends his hand to Randy introducing himself! Orton looks down at Santino’s hand before interestingly enough extending his own hand for a handshake! The fans in Madison Square Garden don’t quite know how to react to this uncharacteristic action from Orton but his motives are soon made known after he refuses to break free of the handshake from Santino!

Orton squeezes harder at the hand of Santino as Santino lets out a yelp before being turned inside out with a gigantic clothesline! Orton picks Santino up, hurling him over the ropes with ease as he picks up his sixth elimination of the evening.

Elimination #21 - Santino Marella by Randy Orton

A small smirk appears on the face of Orton finally showing some form of emotion tonight after all of the dastardly acts he’s pulled off so far. Orton now has his sights set on another smaller competitor - this time Paul London! Orton rushes into the corner after London but a well timed and executed drop toe hold sends Orton face first into the middle turnbuckle. London uses his athleticism to run into the corner propelling himself up into the air with the aid of the top ropes before swinging his legs high into the air doing a handstand momentarily before coming back down and drop kicking Randy Orton right in the head!

CM Punk is back up and he immediately pounces on John Cena locking in the Anaconda Vice! Punk knows submissions do not matter tonight but a incapacitated John Cena surely makes for an easier elimination. Punk wrenches away at the neck of Cena showing unwilling relentlessness as we see Cena start to fade! It appears as if Cena is about to start fading out and pass out completely but Rob Van Dam strikes leaping into the air with a Rolling Thunder landing on Punk and Cena causing Punk to break the Anaconda Vice!

Meanwhile, MVP has Jeff Hardy sprawled out on the bottom rope choking the life out of Hardy with his boot applying pressure to the throat of the Charismatic Enigma! There is nothing the referees can do though as far as rope breaks go! Big E finally gets involved after being relatively quiet so far as he pulls Hardy’s body out teetering it halfway across the bottom rope before repeatedly pounding away at the neck of Jeff Hardy as we await to see who number twenty-nine will be!

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**BUZZER**

**MEDAL**
Entrant #29 - Kurt Angle (RAW)

Jim Ross
Here comes that no good son of a bitch Kurt Angle! Of course he couldn’t come out here alone tonight either - he’s flanked by both of the jackasses that he answers directly to - Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff!

Tazz
What respect I used to have for Kurt Angle went out the window when it was revealed that he was working with both Heyman and Bischoff. These three men along with The Big Show have struck literal fear into the hearts of the superstars backstage for months on end and have tried taking down the McMahon Empire in the process.

Jim Ross
May the good Lord forgive me for what I’m about to say but I hope this son of a bitch gets everything that he has coming to him tonight!

No gold medals and no flashy gear tonight - Kurt Angle is out here in a black simplistic singlet with his name on it in silver writing. JR says that his attire is fitting because it’s black just like Kurt Angle’s heart! Heyman whispers into Angle’s ear as Bischoff stands back letting Heyman do his work before we see Angle pound his head with both hands before charging into the ring.

Paul London attempts to be the first man to go after Angle once he hits the ring but that’s immediately proven to be a huge mistake on London’s part! Angle scoops London up pulling him in squeezing the life out of London with a Bear Hug! Angle continues squeezing London as hard as he can with London’s face turning beet red before Angle backs up towards the ropes and BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEXES LONDON OVER THE ROPES! London lands on his back with a sickening thud as Eric Bischoff stands in awe of Kurt Angle applauding his and Paul Heyman’s client for the dastardly move he just pulled off on the much smaller Paul London!

Elimination #22 - Paul London by Kurt Angle

An eager CM Punk seeks to be the next man to do combat with Kurt Angle! Punk and Angle trade blows briefly before Punk tries chopping away at the legs of Angle with a series of tough kicks to the legs. Angle headbutts CM Punk ending the series of kicks quickly before scooping him up and planting Punk into the mat with an Angle Slam! Angle grabs Punk hurling him over the ropes bringing Punk’s night to a close

Elimination #23 - CM Punk by Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle lets out a loud roar daring anyone to come head to head with him right now! Enter Rob Van Dam! The main who main evented WrestleMania 22 with Kurt Angle walks up to Angle as a brief staredown ensues before Angle tries striking RVD first. RVD blocks the punch attempt from Angle before sweeping Angle off of his feet with a Legsweep. Van Dam attempts a Standing Moonsault but Angle rolls out of the way as Van Dam collides stomach first onto the mat! Angle pulls himself back up knowing he has to act quickly as he grabs Van Dam releasing him with a huge German Suplex!

Meanwhile, we check in on CM Punk and John Cena who has Punk dangling over the ropes and MVP has Jeff Hardy locked in with a rear naked chokehold trying to wear down the Charismatic Enigma as we prepare for number thirty. Kurt Angle stands center of the ring jumping on the mat eagerly preparing himself for the final entrant.

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**BUZZER**

**LAMBEG**
Entrant #30 - Finlay (SmackDown)

Jim Ross
It’s the luck of the Irish in drawing number thirty! We’ve finally reached the number thirty entrant and it’s the “Fighting Irishman” Finlay! Finlay doesn’t ever back down from a fight and it looks like he has a date in the ring with Kurt Angle right now!

Tazz
The toughness of Finlay makes him a prime candidate to win the Royal Rumble match and it certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s the final entrant out tonight!

Finlay dashes down the ramp looking ready for a fight with Kurt Angle who’s prone and ready to meet Finlay in the ring! Once entering the ring Finlay strikes Angle with two rights but on the third Angle reels him in with an Overhead Belly to Belly Suplex! Randy Orton begins to stomp away at Finlay as we see him getting once more involved in action!

Rob Van Dam attempts to go after Kurt Angle once more who has his back turned to the ropes. Van Dam attempts a spinning heel kick on Angle but Angle ducks underneath the kick attempt causing RVD to get his legs caught on the top rope! Angle grabs the Ankle of Van Dam locking in the Ankle Lock with RVD perched on the ropes! Angle rips away at the ankle of Van Dam as RVD tries kicking free but there’s not much he’s able to do to break free! Angle holds the Ankle Lock in for an additional ten seconds before letting go of the hold and tossing Van Dam over the ropes! Van Dam lands on the apron but is hobbling on one leg unable to stand on the other leg! Angle headbutts Van Dam off the apron eliminating Van Dam and paring the field now down to six men.

Elimination #24 - Rob Van Dam by Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle perches himself over the ropes watching Van Dam hold onto his ankle. Angle looks to be on absolute fire right now as Tazz questions if there is anyone in the ring who can stop this man right now? Maybe not in the ring but Kurt Angle is absolutely stunned as we see Paul Heyman shout at him to watch out! OUT OF NOWHERE TRIPLE H APPEARS WITH SLEDGEHAMMER IN HAND! It appears that The Game has jumped over the barricade at ringside and has his eyes set on eliminating Kurt Angle literally and metaphorically. Heyman’s distraction cost Angle immensely though because it allowed Triple H to jump onto the apron and HIT ANGLE IN THE FACE WITH THE SLEDGEHAMMER! Angle goes limpless hanging on the ropes but he doesn’t stay there for much longer because John Cena grabs Angle’s legs throwing him over the ropes and right out of the ring!

Elimination #25 - Kurt Angle by John Cena

Eric Bischoff calls for security and police to come rushing down the ramp as Triple H pounces on Angle and starts beating down Angle! Bischoff makes his way over to Triple H once security comes charging down the ramp and Bischoff demands that Triple H be thrown out of the arena and arrested once again! JR is absolutely stunned as he reminds us that Triple H was arrested this past Monday on Raw for trespassing after having been banned from Raw!

Triple H is pulled off Angle by security but he breaks free and charges at Eric Bischoff now! Bischoff has a wall of security blocking him as he clearly wants nothing to do with The Game! Three police officers are able to grab Triple H thanks in help to the security taking Triple H’s legs out from underneath him! New York’s finest hand cuff and detain Triple H but The Game doesn’t even seem to put up a fight anymore. He got what he came here for tonight much to the chagrin of the Bischoff-Heyman Alliance. The fans in Madison Square Garden erupted in cheers for the beatdown but their cheers quickly turned to deafening boos as Triple H is carried up the ramp by the NYPD officers.

We’re now brought back to the action in the ring as five men remain with a chance to main event WrestleMania on the line. Finlay is immediately pounced on by MVP who grabs Finlay after dropping a knee to the face of the Fighting Irishman and carries him over to the corner throwing a lethal combo of punches to the sternum before following it up with a snapmare. MVP runs off the ropes looking for a Drive By Kick on Finlay but he instead runs right into the arms of Jeff Hardy - TWIST OF FATE! Hardy plants Porter with the Twist of Fate and carries him over to the ropes looking to dump the former World Heavyweight Champion out of the ring! But Hardy is in for a surprise because as he carries MVP over he’s met by Big E who jumps onto the ring apron!

Big E stands on the apron, arms crossed letting Jeff Hardy know that he’s not going to let him throw MVP out of the ring! Hardy tells Big E to get off the apron and the two have an exchange of words before Finlay comes over and joins the argument. Finlay tells Big E to get down but Big E is not going to move! Finlay has finally had enough as he rares back to throw a punch at Big E but Big E blocks it and proceeds to headbutt Finlay away from him! With Finlay holding his head he stumbles away from Big E and Hardy and we see Randy Orton slither behind Finlay dumping him over the ropes and bringing the field down to four competitors.

Elimination #26 - Finlay by Randy Orton

Big E now has Jeff Hardy in a headlock as the referees try finally to get Big E off the ropes but he’s not listening! MVP gets up on one knee and commands Big E to hold Jeff Hardy on the ropes for him! Big E twists Hardy around holding his arms over the ropes while still standing on the outside apron basically holding Hardy hostage for whatever MVP has planned! MVP gets back on both feet and runs towards Hardy but Hardy kicks MVP with both legs! Big E pounds Hardy in the chest breaking free of the hold to which Hardy falls onto one knee holding his chest!

An angry MVP turns around and hurriedly makes his way back to Hardy looking to possibly eliminate the Charismatic Enigma! MVP goes to grab Hardy but Hardy trips MVP up sending him into the middle rope hitting Big E right in the chest and causing the big man to fall back first off the ring! MVP is stunned at what just happened, clearly not meaning to take out his bodyguard and the concern on his face is really starting to set in! Jeff Hardy gets back onto his feet and tries to lift MVP over the ropes but an elbow from MVP sends Hardy backwards!

After fending off the attack from Jeff Hardy - MVP catches Hardy with the Play of the Day after he stumbled right into the path of MVP once more! The talented MVP grabs Hardy off the mat and receives some help from Randy Orton who just seconds earlier eliminated Finlay as both men unceremoniously dump Jeff Hardy out of the ring bringing this match down to three competitors.

Elimination #27 - Jeff Hardy by MVP & Randy Orton

MVP looks at Randy Orton and then proceeds to look in the corner where John Cena is propped up against the ropes having endured a series of stomps to the head from Orton once he finally regained some energy after being locked in CM Punk’s Anaconda Vice. MVP proposes to Orton that with the two of them remaining that they should both team together and work on eliminating John Cena! Orton seems intrigued at the idea and he seems to go along with it! Or so MVP thought! MVP walks out of the corner towards John Cena but he doesn’t make it too far before Orton spins him around and HITS AN RKO! Orton proves that this match is truly about trusting absolutely no one but yourself as he grabs MVP and drags him a few steps over to the ropes, throwing MVP over thus bringing this match to only two competitors remaining - Randy Orton and John Cena!

Elimination #28 - MVP by Randy Orton

And then…there were two!

The anticipation and excitement in the arena is reaching an all time high as two of the brightest talents and biggest names in the WWE today remain with only one earning a main event championship match at WrestleMania! John Cena finds himself on one knee in the corner holding onto the ropes breathing in deeply realizing just how close he’s come to elimination several times tonight. But he’s survived nearly fifty minutes now after entering number two. On the other hand Randy Orton entered at twenty-one and has eliminated EIGHT wrestlers on his own and assisted in the elimination of one meaning that if he eliminates Cena and wins he will have reached double digit eliminations tonight!

Cena lets out a deep breath and both men meet in the center of the ring locking up. Both Orton and Cena struggle to gain an advantage as they remain locked tight and dance around trying to overpower one another. Orton finally breaks free overpowering Cena thanks in part to a knee to the gut before sending Cena flying into the corner with an European Uppercut. Cena stumbles back with his back hitting the corner turnbuckle hard. Orton saunters over towards Cena grabbing Cena in an attempt to Irish Whip him into the opposing corner but Cena reverses.

Orton instead finds himself flying into the corner and Cena makes perhaps a huge mistake once he charges at Orton but Orton ducks, tossing Cena over the ropes. Cena lands on the apron gracefully though knowing what is on the line tonight. Orton grabs Cena’s neck trying to pull it down towards the ropes and perhaps springboard Cena off the ropes and onto the ground but Cena reverses with a set of punches to the face of Orton. Cena tries to get back into the ring but Orton pulls Cena’s head in locking it under his biceps before having Cena’s legs dangle on the middle ropes and he hits it - the Elevated DDT! Cena’s head hits the mat with a thud as Orton begins to pound the mat in anticipation of perhaps the Punt Kick!?!?!?

The Legend Killer slithers towards the opposing turnbuckle preying on Cena as he pounds the mat repeatedly to the disdain of the fans here in Madison Square Garden. Dread fills the air in the World’s Most Famous Arena as many people feel that John Cena’s time is indeed not now and that it is up. Orton springs back onto his feet as we see some movement from Cena as he pulls himself slowly back up. The Legend Killer takes this time to hype himself up more before sprinting across the ring for the Punt Kick! But he’s met with a drop toe hold instead! Orton goes flying face first into the middle turnbuckle and right off the ricochet he’s met with a dropkick from Cena sending him right back into the turnbuckles!

Orton lands face first in the turnbuckle and Cena takes this opportunity to dash over and try to toss Orton onto the floor. Cena is able to hang Orton over the ropes but Orton begins to fight back letting Cena know that he is not going to go that easily tonight. Orton fights back against Cena hitting him with a series of elbows to the head as Cena continues to try to send Orton flying but finally his grip breaks free as he stumbles back to the center of the ring from one stiff shot to the head from Orton.

Cena looks dazed and confused momentarily as to where he is at and after Orton pulls himself off the ropes - he plants Cena with a gigantic clothesline. Cena falls down but gets back up quickly so Orton hits him with another clothesline! Orton proceeds to follow it up with a Jumping Knee drop to Cena’s head which is surely still suffering from the huge shot Orton just gave him moments ago. The Legend Killer wastes no time as he grabs Cena and hurries over to the ropes once again trying to hurl Cena over but Cena counters and instead he somehow gets Orton over the ropes and onto the apron on the outside.

A series of blows commences as Cena throws a right followed by a tough right from Orton! This goes on for about three punches each until Cena finally hits perhaps the deciding blow as it sends Orton reeling and he’s hanging on for dear life with just one hand now. Orton seems to be losing his balance but somehow he outsmarts Cena because as Cena goes to try and push his hand off the rope - Orton grabs Cena’s neck pulling it onto the ropes causing Cena to stumble away from the ropes allowing Orton time to slither back into the ring.

Orton is still on the mat pounding away once more as it seems that perhaps it is time for the RKO! This may be it for John Cena because if Orton can somehow hit the RKO it’s most likely over for Cena’s road to redemption. Dreadness fills the air as it does appear that Orton may be inching his way towards victory. The Legend Killer rises up as Cena gets back onto one knee and he approaches Cena going for the RKO but Cena pushes him off! Orton turns around and is scooped up onto the shoulders of Cena! Could it be?

Cena tries for the F-U but Orton breaks free of Cena’s signature move thanks in part to repetitive knees to the head before he slides right off the shoulders of Cena. Orton spins Cena around attempting another RKO but Cena stands tall and pushes Orton off of him once more and as Orton was in midair - he ends up landing on his back. Orton clutches at his back as Cena looks down and Madison Square Garden is erupting! Cena and the fans know what time it is - it’s Five Knuckle Shuffle time! Cena bounces off the ropes before dropping the Five Knuckle Shuffle onto Orton!

Cena knows there is no time to waste though and that this may be his opportunity to emerge victorious. Cena grabs Orton and drags him over towards the ropes but NO…Orton is not going to go down that easy! Orton somehow breaks free of Cena’s grip before taking a step back and reeling Cena in under his arm once more but this time Orton plants Cena with a Inverted Headlock Backbreaker. The anger of Orton truly comes out now as he aggressively stops Cena repeatedly forcing Cena to try and fend for himself as he throws his hands up trying to block the kicks.

Orton bends down to grab Cena but Cena grabs the legs of Orton sweeping him off his feet with a big Legsweep. Orton face plants into the mat and Cena leaps on top of Orton trying for the STFU and he locks it in! Cena pries away at the face of Orton with his submission move and Orton’s arms are wildly swinging trying to do anything and everything he can to break the move. He reaches over to the ropes and grabs them but he apparently has had a brain fart as the ring ropes will not help him much in this match.

Cena keeps the hold locked in for another twenty seconds doing everything he can to wear down his last remaining obstacle on the Road to WrestleMania! Cena finally breaks free feeling confident that he has done enough to wear Orton down but the fatigue is truly setting in now as Cena has to take a breather on one knee. He scurries back up though and peels Orton off the mat and throws him onto his shoulders! Cena is looking for another F-U! Cena goes to toss Orton off his shoulders but Orton is hanging onto the ropes for dear life!

Cena is able to outmuscle Randy as he rips Orton away from the ropes! This is going to be it! F-U…NO! Orton slides off Cena’s shoulders after another knee to the head and he PLANTS CENA WITH AN RKO AS CENA TURNS AROUND!

Let’s Go Cena chants echo around Madison Square Garden in a last ditch effort to will Cena on towards victory but that RKO may be it. Orton is having trouble getting back onto his feet though as the aftereffects of the STFU are truly showing now on Orton as he’s having a hard time standing on one of his feet.

Orton falls down onto his knees having to hold himself up with the ropes and he’s struggling to get back up as about twenty seconds pass by. He wills himself up though thanks to the help of the ropes and he staggers over towards Cena with his legs almost giving out on him but he musters through and walks back over to Cena. Orton pulls Cena back on his feet as he’s looking for another RKO! Orton finally gets a groggy Cena up and gives him a big slap to the face before jumping into the air for the RKO once more but Orton lands on his back again!

Cena uses all of his energy to spring off the ropes and hit Orton with a shoulder block followed by another shoulder block before grabbing Orton and throwing him onto his shoulders once more - F-U! Cena powers through the pain he’s endured and struggles initially holding Orton up and almost falls over but he pulls himself up grabbing Orton and tossing him over the ropes and he watches as Orton falls off the ring and lands on his back on the outside meaning that Cena is the winner of the Royal Rumble!

Elimination #29 - Randy Orton by John Cena

He’s done it! John Cena has survived 29 other men to win his first ever Royal Rumble and as the referee raises his hand he’s brought onto his knees somewhat due to fatigue but mostly to the realization he’s going to main event WrestleMania in just a little over two months. Cena grasps at his face in awe of the monumental task he conquered tonight and he looks up at the WrestleMania XXIV sign soaking in the moment in Madison Square Garden. A huge “You Deserve It” chant breaks out amongst the fans as pyro shoots off celebrating Cena’s huge victory tonight.

Jim Ross
Oh my god he’s done it! He’s finally done it! The Road to Redemption for John Cena has officially kicked off tonight and it’s next stop is WrestleMania in our Nation’s Capital!

Tazz
What a courageous effort from John Cena to enter at number two and last over fifty minutes in the Royal Rumble! Props to John Cena as he looks to capture his second world title at WrestleMania

Jim Ross
Dreams do come true Tazz! John Cena has finally won the Royal Rumble Match and after two down years in his young career - he’s going to main event WrestleMania for the second time ever!

Tazz
It couldn’t have happened to a better guy JR. While I’d love to have seen a blue brand superstar emerge victorious tonight - John Cena more than deserves it for his courageous and hard fought victory tonight

Jim Ross
John Cena has put both world champions on notice tonight. Now it’s just a matter of who he will be facing come March 30 in Washington D.C. Ladies and gentlemen we thank you for tuning in for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view tonight and we will see you LIVE tomorrow night on Monday Night Raw! Goodnight!​