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Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Behind Blue Eyes
Posts: 11,833
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Good to see you sticking with this. Whole I like the idea of NXT, and ECW 2008 had a pretty awesome roster, I feel like this is one of the better BTBs going around over all three brands, and to scrap it would be a real shame. Keep this going for the long haul.
As for this show, it looks pretty damn good on paper. The two promos you've got lined up are guaranteed to be very good, and outside of Kane wrestling, the matches you have set up all looks to be very good. The effort of which you used to put them together by giving em logic, such as Kendrick facing a high flying guy and Batista facing Finlay after being unable to beat him in the beat the clock a few weeks ago is clever too, and something that I feel shouldn't go unrecognised.
Show has a lot of promise. Looking forward to it.
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 4,386
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Originally Posted by
Lots of thanks to BkB Hulk and RatedRKO31 as usual,
you guys are awesome
. Here, have a preview.
Oh, and if anyone was, you know, wondering what font this is in, its Tahoma.
Just so you know...
You left out a name when referring to the awesome people...
Font still sucks, to.
A Chris Jericho promo is always an awesome read, so I'm very happy indeed that this will be on the show. Good to see Batista being challenged by the likes of Finlay, I hate it when things are so one dimensional and the "bigger star" always wins. Punk/Austin at 'Mania would be fairly epic, and something highly original. The current WWE Divas don't really do much for me, although Mickie continuing to hunt down McCool is a good thing, as they're probably the two best divas on the brand. McIntrye to go over Kane I hope, throw in some interference, who cares, but push Mac to the moon. A Hardy/Ziggler feud is something I hope you're not going on with, since, you know, I've got a thread coming up around this time and stuff.
A push of Brian Kendrick also seems on the horizon, which is another thing I won't complain about.
Overall, I don't know much about the goings on in this thread, and I don't plan on catching up, so just give me a few shows to get up to speed.
The Knight
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: England
Posts: 1,746
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Hey guys. Well, it's taken me the entire month to write, and I'm STILL not happy with it, but I'll post it anyway, cause we'll be here all year, and I'm a week away from Saturday Night's Main Event - I figure a good PPV showing will get me back in the scheme of things, if I can manage that.
Enjoy, all - this should mean I can get round to giving the feedback that I have promised/said I will give to people.
Friday Night SmackDown
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
8th January 2010
We see a highlights package from last week, as Batista comes out with a lamppost to demonstrate his strength, before explaining just why he's going to win the World Heavyweight Championship at Royal Rumble. Suddenly, we see a few shots of the Animal tearing apart Big Show and Chris Jericho at Armageddon, before we cut back to the man himself. Big Show comes out to confront him, but Big Dave low blows him, and makes a speedy escape... only for Show to announce... it's gonna be Big Show vs Batista in the Main Event!
Fast-forward to the Main Event itself, where the World Heavyweight Champion and his Rumble opponent are exchanging massive blows in the centre of the ring... and the Animal crunches the big man with a monstrous Spear! We hear Jim Ross over the top, suggesting that may be it... the shot shivers to slow motion a little, as Batista shakes the ropes, and then looks for the Batista Bomb... but Show grabs him round the throat... ...
The video package grinds to a black, black halt for a tiny moment, before it comes to life once more, as Chris Jericho crashes a steel chair into Show's back! We hear the jeers of the crowd over a once again black screen, before we cut to the infuriated face of the Big Show, as the bell chimes for the disqualification...
And finally, we see one last dramatic moment, as Show, in an animalistic fury, sticks a paw around both Jericho's and Batista's throats, and sends them for a ride... with a Double Chokeslam! We see Big Show posing mightily with his World Heavyweight Championship, before we cut –
... to the SmackDown entrance video, showing a variety of SmackDown superstars, before we head to the United Center, which is lit up by the sparkling blue of SmackDown. The pyro is unleashed, and as the Chicago crowd gives it their all, the camera sweeps across the fanatic fans, while we listen to the voices of Jim Ross and Matt Striker at ringside.
Ladies and gentlemen, you are watching Friday Night SmackDown, coming to you from CHICAGO, Illinois! That's right, SmackDown's in the Windy City tonight, and as such, the winds are blowing in our sails here on the Blue Brand, because we have a massive night of action for you!
No kidding, JR, we have a night which is sure to be filled with all sorts of chaos, cause the World Title situation at the moment is hot, hot, hot!
We sweep to ringside, where we see the smiling face of Jim Ross and the smirking one of Matt Striker.
Yes, Matt, after last week's crazy events, the SmackDown locker room is abuzz, and you can be sure we'll be seeing all four of those men who will compete for the World Heavyweight Title at Royal Rumble, right here on SmackDown tonight.
After Big Show's rampage he went on last week, JR, I can only assume that tonight, he'll be looking to send another message to his Royal Rumble opponents, but more importantly, they'll be looking to send one back to him. Express delivery.
JR goes to reply, but he is suddenly cut off:
The crowd begins to boo intensely at the music of Chris Jericho, who comes wandering out, frowning, and wearing a black suit and matching tie. He purses his lips, and strides down the ramp idly, scowling at the entire arena. The camera zooms out to show the entire arena floor, lights visibly sparkling from the rafters, and we can make out the lone figure of Jericho, wandering down the long, thin ramp.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Chris Jericho!
The heat is pretty large for Jericho, who gets in the ring, and soon finds himself with a mic in his hand. He tilts his head and looks about the United Center as the arena lights flash across his face, and you can make out his disapproving expression.
Chris Jericho is a man who is never really pleased at the best of times, but right now, I doubt hes in the best of moods after getting Chokeslammed by the Big Show last week.
Would you be, JR? Big Show clearly has no respect for what a legend like Chris Jericho has done for this business. It's a disgrace.
JR sighs. Jericho's music subsides, and the heat floods in to fill the void. Jericho smirks a little, but it vanishes almost immediately. He raises the mic, then stops. The boos rise up again, and Jericho starts to pace, raising the mic once again as the heat dies down enough for him to speak.
Now, I know what you're all thinking...
Jericho pauses, eyes twinkling, as if empowered by his 'knowledge'.
You're all thinking just how much you enjoyed watching me get Chokeslammed last week. Am I right?
A big pop goes up for this, and Jericho smirks.
And I bet you were all hoping I was gonna come out here, in front of you... gelatinous parasites, and cry about it – you wanted me to be a nervous wreck, shivering at the mention of the Big Show's name!
Another pop.
Oh, that's what you want. But you know what? YOU KNOW WHAT?
Jericho's eyes widen, and he almost scolds the crowd, taunting them.
I won't give you hypocrites
the pleasure
Boos. Jericho grins a sickly smirk.
Yeah, that's right! And you wanna know why?
Jericho pauses, looking out at the crowd with wide eyes. He smirks again.
It's because I'm not afraid... of the Big Show.
See, Big Show likes to walk around with his precious World Title... he tells himself he's the very top dog on SmackDown. And his entire career has been based around his pure... size. You think he would have got anywhere if he wasn't the World's Largest... Man, was it?
More heat for Jericho, who chuckles to himself a little.
But then there's me. Chris Jericho. I've made
name, built
career, on breaking the very men who call themselves the greatest.
The boos rain down on Jericho, who straightens his tie a little.
I've beaten the Rock AND Stone Cold Steve Austin
in one night
to become the first EVER Undisputed Champion, for a start. The two cornerstones of this industry, and they both were no match for me. What does that say, huh?
I've had countless accomplishments, the likes of which you've all never seen... And then there's the Undertaker.
A massive pop goes up for the Deadman!
You remember him?
Jericho smirks.
Why hasn't he been around recently, huh? Oh that's right... I
The Chicago crowd boo him, while Jim Ross mutters 'that's not true' at ringside.
The Undertaker hasn't appeared on this show since I tore him to pieces a few weeks ago... and he joins a long,
list of people who just can't match up to my pure skill level. Because no-one matches up to my legacy.
Boos. Jericho scowls.
I am a true legend. Not the Undertaker. Nobody has achieved what I have achieved. No-one comes close to my level, especially not the Undertaker, and especially not the Big Show. Because I am the best in the world... at what – I – do.
More boos.
And I know the Big Show's game, too. I know him too well. It's all up here.
Jericho softly places a finger on his temple, smirking.
Y'see, just like the Undertaker, the Big Show tries to play with his opponents' minds. He likes to employ petty mind games to beat his opponent, trying to scare them with his massive stomach and his giant, bald head.
Jericho smirks as the heat continues to rain down.
That kind of thing works on your average, run-of-the-mill challenger, but it doesn't work on me. Because I don't fall for mind games, or get scared after one, tiny, Chokeslam. And all you petulant tapeworms in attendance, you all know that at Royal Rumble, I will expose the Big Show as the fraud he is... because in reality... he doesn't deserve to World... Heavyweight... Champion.
The booing becomes more intense from the crowd.
But there's one man who does. One man whose very presence sickens you people... because he's the very embodiment of all the success, that people like you will never, EVER have. Men like him only come along, once in a lifetime... and he's destined to take back his World Championship.
Jericho smirks once more as he raises his free hand, and slowly points towards himself.
Chris... Jericho.
The crowd unleashes some massive heat, and Jericho laps it all up, eyes on fire as he scowls out at the crowd. He raises the mic again.
And whether you like it or not-
THE UNITED CENTER ERUPTS! Jericho turns to the ramp in silent fury as the arena lights flash with reds and yellows and greens, and from behind the curtain, wearing a golden mask, comes the Master of the 619, Rey Mysterio!
Rey Mysterio! The Ultimate Underdog is here in Chicago, and he has come to silence Chris Jericho!
I don't know about that, JR. Who the hell does Rey Mysterio think he is, anyway?
Mysterio charges to both sides of the stage to set off his pyro, then wanders down the ramp, touching heads with the children wearing replica masks – Jericho scowls at him. As Rey Rey gets in the ring, the camera cuts to show a small girl holding up a sign with his face on it, and when we cut back to the ring, the Master of the 619 has a mic in his hand. His music cuts, and he looks at Jericho, tilting his head a little. A '619!' chant kicks off emphatically, and Mysterio smiles casually out at the crowd. Jericho curls his lip and points an accusatory finger at the Ultimate Underdog, frowning as he does.
No. No, no, no. I see what you're doing here, Rey, and let me tell you right now, you have no right to be interrupting me.
The crowd boos, but Rey looks intrigued. He strokes his chin, and Jericho continues to lambast him, albeit rather rapidly now.
You're nothing to me, Rey. You're just like every one of these parasitic people in attendance... you just want your five minutes of fame, and you're willing to steal MY limelight to get it.
Rey looks slightly amused at this, though the crowd continues to boo Jericho.
But that's the thing right there, Rey. You think you can come out here, and let me guess... you're gonna go all moral on me? Tell me off for attacking the Undertaker... again? Huh? Is that it?
Mysterio chuckles a little. Jericho doesn't see the funny side.
You know what, Rey? Little Rey Rey? I've had it up to here with you...
Jericho gesticulates to show just where 'here' is. It's pretty close to the top of his head, apparently.
So I'm going to give you one chance. I'll be merciful. You can turn around... and leave without a word...
Jericho takes a step towards Mysterio.
Or you can join the Undertaker on the list for early retirement.
The crowd boos the hell out of Jericho. Mysterio finally raises his mic.
Actually, Chris, I'm just out here to do all the fans a favour, by shutting you up, man.
The crowd cheers for this, and Jericho scowls.
You tryin' to intimidate me, Chris? Nah, man. I'm not goin' anywhere, ese.
Another big cheer goes up, and Mysterio points straight at a fuming Jericho.
What you did to the Undertaker was wrong for sure, Chris. But I have bigger things on my mind. Like the World... Heavyweight... Championship. And I bet...
Mysterio pauses to smile, as if disbelieving his own words.
I bet you think I don't stand a chance, right? You think you're gonna walk right over me?
Jericho nods furiously, and yells 'Yeah!' at him, cockiness clear in his character.
Well, I gotta give ya a newsflash then, Chris... 'cause it doesn't matter about size in an NYC Brawl. It doesn't matter. It's the man who takes the initiative. The man with the brains, not just the brawn. The man with the biggest heart. And that man is me, ese.
A cheer goes up.
So I guess another reason I'm out here... is to tell you that you're not gonna be World Champion after Royal Rumble. I am!
A big cheer can be heard again from the crowd, but Jericho cuts it off-
HEY! Hey! Now look here, Rey. I don't care for your false promises, I don't care for your propaganda. You pander to your hypocritical 'fans' here in this arena... because that's all you have. Some misguided handful of supporters, egging you on! Yay! Yay!
Boos for Jericho's sarcasm at the end there.
But when it comes right down to it, you're just a very small man... trying to make it in a very big world. And that's why you're not going to be the new World Champion. Because you just don't have what it takes.
More boos. Mysterio frowns.
So I'm giving you one last chance to get out of my ring, Rey. One last chance.
Another '619!' chant breaks out, and Jericho gestures towards the ring ropes.
Don't you get it? I'll snap you in half with the Walls of Jericho, right here, right now! I am being merciful here! I am giving you a golden opportunity! Do you understand... what I am saying to you... right now?
Boos for the catchphrase. Mysterio looks at him like he's stupid.
Yeah, Chris, I understand you. But I ain't leavin'.
Pop for Mysterio. Jericho's eyes widen, surprised by Rey's defiance.
Y'see Chris, whether you like it or not, I'm stayin' here. 'Cause you and I... well, we have a score to settle. And I plan to settle it... right here tonight in Chicago.
A massive cheer goes up for Rey at the mention of the Windy City, and Jericho's face pales a little.
You think you can push me around, Chris? Why don't you just try your luck, huh man? Why don't we get it on, and then we'll see just who really is, the best in the world... at what they do.
The crowd pops big time, and Mysterio tosses his mic to the side, game face now on. He spreads his arms out wide, and begins to bounce on the balls of his feet, beckoning Jericho to hit him. The crowd strikes up the '619!' chant one more time... AND JERICHO REMOVES HIS JACKET! The crowd cheer, in anticipation of some action here, and Jericho tosses his jacket from the ring, before flinging off his tie, too, and undoing his cuffs and collar rapidly. The pair have a staredown for a moment, as if waiting for the other to make the first move... but Jericho suddenly has second thoughts, and leaves the ring! The crowd boos intensely, and Jericho heads for the ramp, shaking his head. Rey Rey looks at Jericho with a bemused expression as he wanders back up the ramp, scowling down at the Master of the 619.
Quite the confrontation there, Matt, between Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho, and I think Rey was about to shut Jericho up for good, if it wasn't for that cowardice that Jericho is so well known for.
Wow, JR. That's pretty rich coming from you. Chris Jericho is smart. He's not gonna get in a fight this early in the evening, he's a busy man, he has things to do. Rey should consider himself lucky, JR.
As JR sighs again, and Rey stares up at Jericho from the ring, SmackDown goes to a break.
As SmackDown returns, the bell chimes emphatically over the silent arena.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
The arena is silent again for a moment, before-
A huge cheer comes from the Chicago crowd, and out comes Matt Hardy, pumped up as ever! The crowd is red-hot tonight, and they give Hardy their all as he confidently strides down the ramp with purpose, adrenaline running through him. He slaps hands with a few fans along the side of the ramp, then throws up the V1 sign up at the crowd as he heads for the ring.
Introducing first, from Cameron, North Carolina, weighing in at 236 pounds... Matt Hardy!
One of the most determined men in the industry today is Matt Hardy, and boy, he is on a mission. He wants nothing more, than to give Dolph Ziggler his comeuppance, for the hardship he's received from him in the past few weeks. Chairshots, backstage attacks... the list goes on.
Look at the big picture, JR. Dolph Ziggler is a smart man. He knows what he's doing. If Matt Hardy can't watch his back properly, why shouldn't Dolph attack him? It's a dog-eat-dog world here on SmackDown.
Hardy gets in the ring, over the middle rope, then gets up on a turnbuckle, letting the cheers flow from the crowd as he does. He produces the V1 sign again, then gets down, awaiting his opponent as his music subsides.
The classic Hart sound blares through the speakers, and the Hart Dynasty arrive to boos. Natalya leads the way down the ramp, as Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith follow her, smirking.
And his opponent, accompanied by Natalya and David Hart Smith... from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, weighing in at 195 pounds... Tyson Kidd!
Tyson Kidd is the man in action tonight for the Hart Dynasty, and it's fair to say that the Hart Dynasty have shown us recently, they're not one-trick ponies.
They've been tearing it up on SmackDown, no doubt about it. Tyson Kidd's showed us all that new Ankle Lock called the Prince's Crown, while David Hart Smith's got himself a Crossface called the Hart Bypass. And boy, are they deadly submission holds or what, JR? I'm telling you right now, these guys are going places on SmackDown.
Kidd gets in the ring, and his comrades head to ringside, to observe the match-up. Kidd smirks across at Hardy, who gives him a stare in return, and tests the ropes with his weight. The referee checks that both men are ready, then calls for the bell.
Match 1
Matt Hardy vs Tyson Kidd
After about five minutes of fairly fast-paced action between these two, we join the action, with Hardy locked firmly in a Surfboard Stretch on the mat by Kidd, who is pulling back on Hardy's arms, looking for the submission victory, or at least to wear his opponent down. The strain is evident on Hardy's face, but he smacks the mat with his foot a couple of times, and soon the crowd is behind him, clapping. Hardy forces himself upwards to a vertical base, Kidd still holding his arms... and Hardy manages to spin out, and kicks Kidd in the gut to free himself! Hardy then sticks an arm around Kidd's head, and lets out a yell, thinking Twist of Fate – but as Hardy spins, Kidd pushes him away, and Hardy then turns round, only to get a giant Leg Lariat to the face from Kidd! The crowd groans with the large 'crack' sound, and Hardy goes down, so the young Canadian leaps over him, hooking a leg... 1... 2... NO! Kickout from Hardy!
The crowd cheers for the spirited Hardy, who gets up, blinking out the cobwebs from the Lariat. Kidd is up too, and lands a few nasty-looking kicks to the side of Hardy, who yells out in pain, before he gets sent to the ropes by Kidd... and floored with a Powerslam on his return! Kidd hooks a leg, smirking... 1... 2... Hardy kicks out again! The crowd cheers again, and Kidd frowns as he gets up. Natalya shouts something at him, and Kidd glances at her briefly before helping a dazed Hardy back to his feet... and flooring him immediately with a Russian Legsweep! The crowd groans with the impact, and Kidd heads out to the apron quickly, before springboarding... but no-one's home for the Springboard Elbow Drop, as Hardy rolls out the way! The crowd roars in anticipation of a big comeback for Hardy after this extended spell of dominance by Kidd, and that's just what Hardy envisions too – he gets up, breathing a bit heavily, but nevertheless heartened, and as Kidd struggles to his feet, Hardy stuns him with a beautiful Northern Lights Suplex, and covers... 1... 2... NO! Kidd just fights out of it!
Hardy beats the mat in frustration, and gets up. Kidd looks a bit dazed on the mat, clearly rocked by the Suplex he just took, and soon he's on his feet again, pulled up by Matt Hardy, who strikes him with a right hand to the gut, and heads for the ropes... but Kidd grabs the referee's attention in the spur of the moment, and David Hart Smith lashes out with his hand, pulling Hardy down by his ankle! The crowd showers Smith with heat, and Hardy grasps his face, which hit the mat hard. Kidd smirks, and drags Hardy into the middle of the ring... and grabs the ankle, thinking Prince's Crown! The crowd comes alive with all sorts of noise, and Hardy is suddenly alert, throwing his arms about, scrambling towards the ropes like a man possessed! Kidd has a grip on Hardy's ankle, but he hasn't managed to lock the Prince's Crown in yet, and Hardy takes advantage, getting up to hop on his one spare foot... and he leaps forward, latching a hand on the middle rope! The crowd cheers, and Natalya smacks the apron in frustration, while Kidd releases Hardy's leg, also not pleased.
Hardy breathes a sigh of relief, and releases the rope, before turning around... to see Kidd, who charges in, and floors him with a big Forearm Smash! The crowd groans, and Hardy gets back up, smarting, so Kidd heads for the ropes, and throws a Clothesline. Hardy ducks it smoothly, however, and suddenly drives the young Canadian down into the mat with the Side Effect! The crowd cheers, and Hardy hooks a leg... 1... 2... BUT KIDD KICKS OUT! It's not over! The crowd groans, and Hardy gets up, running a hand through his hair. He heads up top, perching himself on the second rope, sat on the turnbuckle, and as Kidd struggles to a bent-over position, the crowd cheers, because Hardy throws the V1, before jumping off with the Elbow Drop... but Kidd stands, and brings up a deadly knee to catch Hardy right in the face! The crowd groans with the sickening impact, and Kidd heads to the outside apron, a smirk now growing on his face... Kidd thinks better of hitting a grounded Hardy after last time, so he waits for a dizzy Hardy to get up, before launching with the Springboard again... but he suddenly gets a boot to the gut from Hardy, before...
CONNECTS THIS TIME ROUND!!! David Hart Smith and Natalya throw their arms up in frustration on the outside, and the crowd roars! Hardy flips Kidd into the cover, hooking a leg... 1... 2... 3! Matt Hardy wins!
Winner: Matt Hardy
Match Time: 9:20
The crowd goes wild as the bell chimes, and Matt Hardy's music emphatically hits, confirming the hard-fought victory! Tyson Kidd rolls from the ring, looking particularly sour-faced, and he wanders up the ramp grumpily, accompanied by a disgruntled Smith and Natalya. Hardy has his arm raised, but before JR and Matt Striker can add their final comments, Hardy is beckoning for a mic from ringside hurriedly, desperate to speak. He gets one, and his music quickly cuts. Hardy, breathing heavily after the exhausting contest he's just been through, brings the mic up, and looks out at the crowd, fatigue across his face.
Dolph... Dolph Ziggler.
Did you see that, you spineless coward? DID YOU FREAKIN' SEE THAT?
Hardy is fuming, and he paces around the ring. He acts confused for a moment, looking around him.
What? No surprise attack? Not blindsiding me with a chair this week? Huh Dolph?
Hardy paces again, still visibly furious.
Ziggler, you've been taking the coward's way out. Week after week.
More boos.
You think you're great, right Ziggler? You think you're the top dog right now, don't you? Cause you can take a man out from behind... with a steel chair. Makes you feel really good about yourself to shorten careers? Like R-Truth last week?
Big boos for the attack last Friday.
Who the hell do you think you're impressing, Ziggler? You're a freakin' coward. See, you're not even out to take what you've got
to you.
But there's something I've noticed. This little message you think you're sending... it's always me, right? You like targeting me, don't you? And why is that, Ziggler? WHY IS THAT? You think you're tough? You think you can use me for your own little games, then throw me aside? It doesn't work like that, Dolph! I'm Matt Hardy!
A big cheer goes up, and Hardy continues to rage.
I got something for you, Ziggler! Everything you've given to me, kid, I'm gonna give back! BELIEVE ME.
Pop. Hardy is red in the face.
So... why don't you be a man? BE A MAN! Come out here, and take what you've got coming to you? You attack from behind, you run away from a fair fight... WHY DON'T YOU JUST GET OUT HERE, AND WE'LL SEE WHO'LL WIN WHEN THE SIDES ARE EVEN? C'mon! COME THE HELL ON!
Hardy drops the mic to the mat, and raises his fists. The crowd cheers, awaiting Ziggler's appearance. After about 15 seconds of pure silence, while Hardy rages in the ring, desperate for a piece of Ziggler, we finally hear the tune...
There's massive, massive heat for Dolph Ziggler, who struts out on to the stage cockily, running a hand through his smooth hair. He has a mic in one hand, and a STEEL CHAIR in the other, but he goes no further than the stage. He smirks down at Hardy, whose eyes tell the entire story – they're on fire, anger welling up inside him even more at the sight of Ziggler. The music cuts, and Ziggler chuckles on the steel stage. The crowd boos – Hardy presses himself against the nearest ropes, clearly considering chasing him down. He holds back, possibly because of the chair, and waits as Ziggler raises his mic with a wry smirk.
Hey, cool down there, Matt. Ya don't wanna... burst a blood vessel or somethin'.
Boos. Admittedly, Hardy does look in danger of doing just that, as he fumes at Ziggler from the ring.
Now, I could come down there, and get in the ring with a headcase like you... or could stay up here, and spare you the embarrassment of me kicking your ass on national television...
More boos.
Hardy, you and I both know... I don't need to fight you one-on-one. Hell, I'd probably end what's left of your miserable and... well, very underwhelming career.
Hardy slaps one of the turnbuckles in frustration, close to snapping. He grabs his mic again.
You think I care for your excuses, Ziggler? I DON'T! Just get down here, and get what's coming to you, before I come
up there
and GIVE it to you, steel chair or not!
Big pop for Hardy here. Ziggler chuckles, glances at the chair, and replies sarcastically-
Scary stuff, Matt. Gee, I'd hate to get your bad side... after all, you have beaten me within an inch of my life... at least...
Ziggler looks to his hand, as if about to count, but he thinks for a moment, then looks at Hardy.
Oh wait. Zero times. Boy, that sucks for you, doesn't it, huh?
Hardy begins to shiver with anger. He puts a foot over the middle rope, and the crowd cheers. Ziggler puts up a hand, smirking.
Woah, hold up there, Matt... don't ya wanna know why I targeted you? Huh? Isn't that what you asked me?
Hardy withdraws his leg, still furious. Ziggler smirks.
It's because... you're
The crowd boos – Ziggler smirks and takes it all in.
Teddy Long didn't respect me. He didn't take me seriously. But now, he has to. Because how else would I get his attention? Prove that I am one of his greatest assets? By crushing the famous... the fan favourite... the man who
will not die
... Matt Hardy.
More boos.
And now, Teddy Long gives me what I deserve. Thing is, I thought it would be seen as an accomplishment to crush you... but like I said... you're weak. You're spineless. You're a
of your former self. Nobody cares about you, and nobody thought it was impressive when I destroyed you, week after week.
The boos continue.
Why? Cause my dog could do it! You're pathetic!
Hardy clamps his jaw with his hand.
And at the Rumble, I'll be booking my place at Wrestlemania. While I headline the Grand-daddy Of 'Em All, you'll be wallowing in your own misery – I doubt you'll even make it on the card, Matt. That's how pathetic, and lowly you are now.
The heat for Ziggler is impressive.
This little tantrum of yours? This is just your last, desperate plea for attention. You're clutching at straws, Matt. You're struggling, I can see it in your eyes. You hide behind your shouting and your screaming... but in reality, you're nothing but a has-been, a never-was, just looking to stay alive here on SmackDown.
Massive, massive boos. Ziggler looks casually at the chair in his other hand, then back to Hardy.
I didn't break a sweat when I beat you down all those times, week after week. I was expecting a fightback. I was expecting MATT HARDY. They told me to watch out, because "Matt Hardy never quits", and "he'll get his revenge"... but Matt?
Ziggler pauses, but Hardy doesn't look at him.
It looks like you quit a
long... time... ago.
The boos just rain down on Ziggler, who runs a hand through his hair, and turns to leave the stage with a smirk.
...wait just a minute.
Ziggler turns back to face Hardy, smirking still. Hardy is almost shaking, looking up at Ziggler with pure hate.
...I haven't... I haven't quit.
Hardy breathes heavily, and presses a finger to his chest.
I'm the same man I always was, Ziggler. You can't put me down, kid. You got nothing... you got nothing on me.
Ziggler smirks, and slowly begins to make his way down the ramp with the chair, intrigued.
Yeah? You're the same man? So tell me, Matt... why are you shivering?
Hardy glares at him from the ring, clearly shaking, more with rage than anything else.
I saw it in that match just now, Matt. You're falling apart. The "mighty" Matt Hardy? I can see right through you. You can't take the strain. I saw the fear in your eyes, scrabbling to get to the ropes to escape that submission, because you knew your brittle bones would SNAP LIKE TWIGS.
Lots of boos from the Chicago crowd, while Hardy clenches his eyes, channelling his rage. Ziggler reaches the bottom of the ramp, still gripping the steel chair.
Or what about the
, Matt? Huh? Or the fabled
, where you tell us all... "this year, it's gonna be the year of Matt Hardy." Well you know what, Matt? I'm still waiting.
More boos. Hardy takes each insult like a stab to the heart.
When's it gonna end, Matt? You can tell us all you like about your faded career, about the victories you're gonna achieve, the titles you're gonna win... but I know you, Matt. You're a liar.
Boos. Ziggler tilts his head, delving deeper into Hardy's emotions.
I see these videos... and there's doubt there. In your face. You don't believe a word you say, Matt... you're clinging on to a dream that just
won't come true.
More heat is showered on Ziggler, and Hardy's eyes are wide, looking down at Ziggler with unimaginable rage. He looks away, barely able to stand Ziggler's expression – the youngster looks like he's enjoying himself.
And dare I say the word...
A massive mixed reaction goes up here, and Hardy looks at Ziggler with blazing eyes. Ziggler smirks.
How does that one feel, Matt... huh? Knowing...
just knowing
... that you'll never match up to him?
Boos for Ziggler's arrogance, and Hardy looks like he could kill him any moment, barely able to contain himself. He paces around the ring, seething, and stares straight at Ziggler, teeth bared.
And even now... months after he's gone... you're still the same pathetic man. It's kinda sad, you know?
Hardy looks set to tear his hair out.
And even when you stood up to him... you ended up, strapped to a table, screaming like a little girl...
Hardy grips the rope, and his knuckles go wide.
Looks like he's always had your number, right? You're always been... "the other Hardy".
Boos. Ziggler smirks, and continues to belittle a furious Hardy.
But you know what, Matt? You're not even that. These people don't believe in you, and neither do you. You deserved... every... last... beating... I gave you.
Hardy shakes with rage, barely believing that he hasn't attacked Ziggler yet, and the crowd gives Ziggler hell.
Y'see Matt, I know you. I've watched you. And you're pathetic. You're nothing.
Hardy is about to explode. His face is bright red with pure rage, and Ziggler remains cool as a cucumber, thoroughly enjoying himself.
And it gives me a great pleasure to say...
Ziggler smirks, and after a few moments of silence...
The ONE, the ONLY... MATT HARDY, ladies and gentlemen.
The cool and cocky nature of Ziggler's ice-cold words is the final straw... BECAUSE HARDY SNAPS! The crowd goes wild, because Hardy flings himself from the ring and launches himself at Ziggler like an animal, throwing them both to the floor – AND HARDY STARTS UNLOADING WITH FURIOUS RIGHT HANDS, PUMMELING ZIGGLER LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW! THE UNITED CENTER IS ROCKING, AND HARDY WON'T RELENT, HAMMERING ZIGGLER WITH EVERYTHING HE HAS!
Hardy gets up, panting like a crazed animal, and looks down at Ziggler, then to the steel chair on the floor... AND HE DECIDES IT'S TIME FOR SOME REVENGE! Hardy grabs the weapon, and hoists it high above his head, the whole crowd cheering him on... he swings downwards with the force of a freight train... BUT ZIGGLER ROLLS OUT THE WAY, AND THE CHAIR CRASHES INTO THE FLOOR! The crowd groans, and suddenly, Ziggler floors Hardy with a massive tackle – AND STARTS PAYING BACK ALL HARDY'S BLOWS WITH SOME VICIOUS RIGHT HANDS OF HIS OWN! The crowd comes alive with heat, and Ziggler goes red in the face, rocking a stunned Hardy with some brutal punches!
Hardy manages to throw Ziggler off, however – but his face is a mess, having taken some really nasty shots to the nose and jaw. He kneels, grasping his face in pain, then stands up, looking to Ziggler with a furious look! Hardy moves towards his enemy, growling...
MASSIVE CHAIRSHOT TO THE HEAD FROM ZIGGLER!!! THE IMPACT IS SICKENING! Hardy goes down like a sack of potatoes, clutching his head, and the crowd unloads heat on Ziggler! The youngster lets out a giant cackle of disrespect, and starts swinging for the hills with the chair, lashing the steel on to Hardy's back over and over! The crowd hurls abuse at Ziggler, but he doesn't care! JR is yelling about Ziggler's brutality, while Striker is having an absolute field day at ringside!
Ziggler picks up the barely lifeless Hardy, then rolls him into the ring, while the Chicago crowd craps all over him. Ziggler makes sure to bring the chair into the ring too, and raises it high, both arms spread wide. The crowd gives him hell, and he smirks, breathing heavily. He points to Hardy, barely conscious, and yells 'WHO'S THIS? IT'S NOT MATT HARDY! HE'S A FREAKIN' JOKE!'
The crowd just boos like a mob, and Ziggler licks his lips, before turning back to Hardy. He drops the chair, then pulls Hardy to his feet... before picking up the chair again! The crowd boos in anticipation, and Ziggler bares his teeth in a scary manner... BEFORE DRIVING THE CHAIR STRAIGHT INTO HARDY'S FACE WITH ONE OF THE MOST BRUTAL CHAIRSHOTS YOU WILL EVER SEE!!! The crowd boos the hell out of Ziggler as Hardy collapses... and the camera zooms in on Hardy... HE'S BEEN
!!! The camera shows a boy with a Matt Hardy shirt, looking like his entire world has been torn apart, before it cuts back to Ziggler, standing tall over Hardy, and letting the heat rain down. The cocky attitude vanishes from Ziggler's expression, and he drops to his chest by Hardy's bloody face, giving himself the possible view of Hardy's suffering. He speaks in an eerily low tone, just audible to the camera...
"You quit a long... time... ago."
SmackDown goes to a break.
CM Punk standing on the turnbuckle.
CM Punk:
I will be the one.
Rey Mysterio hitting the 619.
Rey Mysterio:
I will be the one.
John Cena showing the crowd his 'Word Life' sign.
John Cena:
I will be the one.
Quick shots of various superstars:
Shawn Michaels:
Randy Orton:
John Morrison:
Matt Hardy:
Kofi Kingston:
'ROYAL RUMBLE' crashes on to the screen...
Who will be... THE ONE?
WWE Royal Rumble
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
January 31st, 2010
Who Will Be The One?
Event Theme Song:
'Hero' by Skillet
We return to SmackDown, where we see JR and Matt Striker again.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are getting ever closer to Royal Rumble, where we'll see who'll headline Wrestlemania 26, but for now, let's travel back to what just happened before the break, when Dolph Ziggler belittled Matt Hardy, before beating him down ruthlessly with a steel chair.
That's a bit of an exaggeration, JR. Dolph Ziggler was just exposing Matt Hardy for the fraud he is – when he couldn't handle the truth, he attacked Ziggler. He deserved everything he got.
Now hang on a minute, Matt. Hardy didn't deserve that, not by a long shot. Ziggler went way too far, and you know it.
Can't agree with you there, JR. Dolph gave Matt Hardy a dose of reality for sure, and I doubt anyone will be forgetting the name 'Dolph Ziggler' any time soon.
Well, regardless, the show must go on, and tonight, we have heard from backstage – after their confrontation earlier, Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio WILL go one-on-one in our Main Event here tonight on SmackDown, by order of our General Manager, Teddy Long.
I am licking my
at that one, JR. I can't wait to see Chris Jericho finally teach Rey that lesson that he's had coming to him for a long time now.
The bell chimes, and our screen at home turns gold, showing the smiling face of Drew McIntyre on the TitanTron. His name appears in blotchy writing, and the crowd begins to boo.
Moderate heat comes from the Chicago crowd, and out steps the 'Chosen One', smirking. He wanders down the ramp, looking confident as usual.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first... from Ayr, Scotland, weighing in at 250 pounds... the "Chosen One", Drew McIntyre!
This young man is fairly new on the scene here on SmackDown, but he is ruthless, and he likes to inflict pain for sure. He'll be in the Royal Rumble match in just over three weeks' time, where he'll compete for the chance to headline Wrestlemania 26.
And you gotta feel Drew's got a great chance of winning that, JR. Drew McIntyre is the future of this business, and I think we'll be in for a master-class here.
McIntyre gets in the ring, looking calmly out at the crowd, then beckons for a mic from ringside. He gets one, and his music subsides. He waits for a moment in the silence, then speaks.
You people are looken'... at the future winner, of the 2010, Royel Rumble match.
And you knoo' why? Because I'm the "Chosen One".
A few more boos.
Soo, I'm putten' the entire SmackDoown locker room on notace. I'm the best there is on this shoo' right noo'w. So when the Rumble comes around... watch oot, for Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre smirks as he receives some heat.
Oh, and another thing-
The crowd goes wild – IT'S KANE! The red pyro explodes from the stage, and out comes the Big Red Machine, looking pretty serious. He storms down the ramp, and McIntyre eyes him, slightly nervously.
And his opponent... weighing in at 323 pounds... KANE!
A big cheer goes up, and Kane heads for the ring. The camera flashes briefly backstage, showing ECW General Manager Tiffany watching on a small screen. We head back to Kane, who steps ominously over the top rope.
Kane will be present at ECW Invades: Saturday Night's Main Event in just eight days' time, when he'll face Big Daddy V, with the whole landscape of ECW subject to change.
Indeed it can – if Kane loses, Abraham Washington WILL become the new ECW General Manager, but if he wins, that same man is FIRED from ECW, and that tyrant Tiffany remains at the helm.
Oh hush, Matt. Tiffany is no such thing.
Hey, Abraham makes some good points over there on Tuesday nights, JR. Tiffany is an egotistical freak, drunk on power. Hopefully we'll see a new, better GM crowned in eight days' time.
As JR shakes his head, Kane gets in the ring – McIntyre scarpers to the outside, worried. The Big Red Machine raises his arms, then brings them down in explosive fashion, unleashing the traditional pyro from the ring posts. He chuckles a little, then turns to face McIntyre with a slightly twisted smile. The Scotsman slowly enters the ring, glaring at the big man in front of him. Kane's music and red lighting fade away. The bell chimes, and we are underway.
Match 2
Drew McIntyre vs Kane
After about five minutes of mostly striking moves and corner punches, we join the action, with McIntyre pressing Kane against the turnbuckle, trying to contain him. He then tries to whip him to the other corner, but Kane sets his feet in the centre of the ring, and fires the Scot there himself – before he crushes him with a brutal Corner Clothesline! The crowd groans, and McIntyre lets out a grunt, air smashed from his lungs. He staggers into the centre of the ring... BIG BOOT FROM KANE! The crowd cheers, and the Big Red Monster covers... 1... 2... McIntyre kicks out though! Kane pulls McIntyre back to his feet, and rocks him with a right hand, before pulling him up into the Oklahoma... but McIntyre escapes out the back door, and manages to floor Kane with a big Clothesline! The crowd groans with surprise, and McIntyre pounces on the big man... 1... 2... but Kane kicks out this time!
McIntyre stands, frowning, and starts to stomp on Kane all over – the Big Red Monster sees one coming, though, and rolls out the way, before making his way to his feet... only to get booted in the gut, and flung into the ring post! The crowd groans with the sickly impact, and Kane detaches himself, clearly pained by that one. McIntyre hovers, waiting for Kane to turn round – he does, so the Scotsman boots him in the gut, and hooks the arms! The crowd boos as McIntyre thinks Future Shock... only for Kane to release one of his arms – AND STICK A GIANT HAND AROUND THE CHOSEN ONE'S THROAT! The crowd roars, and the Big Red Machine stands up fully, a disturbing smile on his face – and he sends McIntyre for one unpleasant ride... WITH THE CHOKESLAM!!! Jim Ross roars 'STRAIGHT FROM HELL!' at ringside, and Kane covers... 1... 2... 3! What a return for the big man!
Winner: Kane
Match Time: 6:29
Kane has his arm raised, before he lifts the other one, and brings them both down emphatically, unleashing the pyro again. McIntyre looks up on the ceiling on the mat, blinking in surprise, and we cut backstage, where Tiffany is grinning, and nodding her head. As we see Kane leave the ring with a strong stride, the crowd cheers.
A good win for Kane here on his return to SmackDown – looks like Drew McIntyre may have bitten off more than he could chew with the Big Red Monster here tonight.
Kane's a freak, JR. Even someone with immense talent like Drew McIntyre will struggle when forced to take on an unfair opponent, just like the injustice we saw tonight. I'm sickened.
We head backstage, where Mickie James is standing, chatting to... Kung Fu Naki! The crowd pops for them both, and after they talk rhubarb for a moment, Fu Naki bows with his hands together, and Mickie smiles and humours him by doing the same. Fu Naki shuffles off to jobberland, and Mickie turns to the opposite direction, walking down the corridor with a little smile. But suddenly, from the side of the shot, she gets totally blindsided-
BY MICHELLE MCCOOL! The crowd boos heavily, and the Women's Champion snarls, pounding Mickie on the floor with lefts and rights! Suddenly, from nowhere comes Layla, too, and the crowd boos as she joins in with her friend, stomping all over McCool's Rumble challenger. The pair beat Mickie over and over, to the point that she has no chance of getting up, and they finally stop, moving away with smirks. They look down at her, and do a weak high five. McCool kneels down beside Mickie, who is panting heavily, not facing the camera. It looks fairly ominous.
What did you say, Mickie? Karma's a bitch? Yeah, it sure is.
McCool gives her Rumble opponent one more sharp kick to the spine, then beckons to Layla for them to leave. They do, and a host of workers and medics come rushing in to check on Mickie. SmackDown goes to a break.
And now, it's time for
Shane McMahon in the ring, smiling...
Do not adjust your sets, this is real!
Flashing images of various superstars... John Cena... Kofi Kingston... Randy Orton... Triple H... Shawn Michaels... Sheamus... Ted DiBiase... Cody Rhodes...
One of these men is going to be facing Jack Swagger at Royal Rumble, with the WWE Championship on the line!
A quick shot of Jack Swagger hitting John Cena with the Gutwrench Powerbomb... and then another of him hoisting the WWE Title high at Armageddon...
We then see the eight men in the Battle Royal colliding as the bell chimes...
One of these men could themselves an opportunity of a lifetime, here tonight in this 3-Hour edition of Raw!
The video skips forward as John Cena flings Orton to the outside, leaving just three men involved...
John Cena, Triple H and Shawn Michaels are left in this match!
Michaels lashes out with Sweet Chin Music, missing the Game, only to send Cena soaring over the ropes...
JOHN CENA'S GONE! The dream is over for the Champ!
Michaels turns round... and his tag team partner, Triple H, clotheslines him over with the sneaky move, sending the Heartbreak Kid to the outside mats...
Triple H steals it! Shawn Michaels is in disbelief!
The camera shows Michaels' stunned expression, in shock that his partner, who he's had so much tension with recently, eliminated him from the Battle Royal without a fair fight...
It's gonna be Triple H versus Jack Swagger at the Rumble for the WWE Championship!
The Game roars from the top turnbuckle at the crowd, then mouths down at his friend and partner...
"It's just business."
The video package cuts away, and we head back to SmackDown, where the music of Batista hits, and the Animal arrives, scowling. The crowd boos him, and the bell chimes
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first... from Washington DC, weighing in at 320 pounds... BATISTA!
More heat goes up for the Animal, who begins to stride down the ramp, frowning.
If you didn't realise already, the Animal is not a good mood here tonight, ladies and gentlemen, akin to Chris Jericho earlier.
Well, Batista was about to beat the Big Show last week before Jericho's interruption, so no wonder. Not to mention the Chokeslam, which was one of the most uncalled for things I've seen in my time at this desk, JR.
Batista gets in the ring, and roars at ringside to hand him a mic. A member of the ringside staff proffers him one, and he snatches it away, scowling.
Cut the music, and cut it now.
The music abruptly ceases. Boos flood in.
The Big Show...
Batista pauses – a 'You got Chokeslammed!' chant has started up, and the Animal snarls in typical fashion, raising his voice.
The Big Show...
Batista scowls again as the chant grows louder.
The Big Show is NOT the real... World... Heavyweight... Champion.
A guy like the Big Show doesn't deserve to be World Champion. There's only one man on this damn roster who was BORN to hold that belt, and that's ME.
More boos – Batista scowls out at the Chicago crowd.
No-one gets away with Chokeslamming... Dave Batista. NO-ONE. So Show... I'd watch your back.
Big Dave smirks.
Yeah. Because I'm not takin', what you did to me, lightly. I don't do that. If you give me something, I'll be giving it back 5 times harder, Show. I don't care whether you're 500 freakin' pounds... I can inflict pain like you've never experienced, big man.
More boos.
I want my World Title back. And if I have to go through 3 other men to do it, believe me... I will.
Batista flexes his muscles a little.
I will tear each and every person who has gotten in my way... to shreds. And anyone who plans to get in my way... they'll be heading the same way. The nearest... ICU ward.
So Big Show... Chris Jericho...
'Tista smirks.
And little Rey Rey. Finlay got in my way three weeks' back... now watch me destroy him – it'll be just what you'll experience at Royal Rumble.
The Animal throws his mic to the side, and the crowd boos. That heat soon turns to cheers though, as Finlay's hardy Irish music strikes up, and the Fighting Irishman wanders out, stony-faced. He grips his shillelagh in his right hand, and coldly points it at Batista, no fear in his eyes.
And his opponent... from Belfast, Northern Ireland, weighing in at 233 pounds... FINLAY!
Finlay did indeed "get in Batista's way" three weeks back – he held the Animal to a time limit draw in the Beat the Clock Challenge, something that eventually lead to the stipulation being announced as an NYC Brawl by the Big Show.
Finlay got lucky three weeks ago, JR, but I don't like his chances tonight. They say the Irish get lucky an awful lot, but it's gonna take more than a shillelagh to save him from a man like Batista.
Finlay walks down the ramp, then gets in the ring, and places his shillelagh in the corner. He eyes Batista with a quiet confidence, and twists his wrists a little, preparing for a fight. His music subsides, and a mild 'Finlay' chant starts up from the casuals in the crowd. The bell chimes, and immediately Batista presses Finlay into the corner, unloading with his traditional Corner Shoulder Blocks.
Match 3
Batista vs Finlay
Batista's bad mood doesn't bode well for Finlay, and you'd imagine that this one wouldnt last long, but this isn't Finlay's first dance, and he keeps himself well in this contest with some sweet takedowns and brawling offence, as he did three weeks ago. We join the action with six minutes gone, as Batista has Finlay in a headlock, with both men standing in the centre of the ring. Finlay manages to spin out, and gives the Animal a boot to the gut, before heading for the ropes... and cracking a big knee shot to the ribs, forcing Batista into a bent position! The crowd cheers with the resounding crack, and Finlay turns the Animal over, going back to basics with a simple but firm Neckbreaker! The crowd cheers, and the Fighting Irishman drapes an arm over his opponent... 1... 2... but Batista forces a shoulder up! The crowd lets out an almost mandatory 'ooh' at the kickout, and Finlay gets up, pulling the Animal to his feet too... and whips him to the turnbuckle. Big Dave collides hard with the turnbuckle, and he groans... so Finlay charges in, looking for a Corner Splash – BUT THE ANIMAL FLINGS HIM UP, AND DRIVES HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE WITH SNAKE EYES! The crowd groans, and Finlay staggers away, dazed, while the Animal heads for the ropes... BEFORE COMING TO LIFE WITH A FEROCIOUS CLOTHESLINE, NEARLY TAKING FINLAY'S HEAD OFF!
Finlay crunches to the mat, practically lifeless, and the Animal growls appropriately as he hooks a leg... 1... 2... 3-NO! Finlay kicks out! The crowd cheers, but Batista isn't as pleased, and grabs Finlay by the neck, pulling him straight to his feet to show off his power. He then swings the Irishman up on to his shoulders with the Oklahoma... and takes a few steps forward to gain a bit of momentum, before laying Finlay out on the mat with a Running Powerslam! The crowd groans, and Finlay yells out, the big power move really taking its toll. Big Dave just presses a forearm into Finlay's jaw for the cover... 1... 2... but Finlay stays resilient, forcing a shoulder up to deny the Animal again! The crowd really starts to back Finlay's spirited display, and the veteran stumbles to his feet as Batista scowls out at the Chicago fans. Batista then turns back to Finlay, and smirks – he charges in, thinking Spear... but Finlay avoids it, pulling the Animal down with a Drop Toe Hold... and pulling up Big Dave's right leg for the Single-Leg Boston Crab! The crowd cheers, and suddenly the Animal is yelling, red in the face as he screams in pain – the veteran Finlay applies the hold expertly, and Batista is alive, arms flailing in agony! He scrambles towards the ropes... and latches out with a desperate arm, securing the bottom one!
The crowd boos, and Batista screams 'GET HIM OFF ME!' frantically, which prompts the referee to begin a five count, which Finlay decides to make the most of, enjoying his right to wait 'til four before releasing the Animal's leg. He then takes a step into the middle of the ring, knowing the official will only admonish him if he touches Batista again while he has a grip on the bottom rope. The Animal gingerly removes himself, and turns to face Finlay, who almost smiles – but the smile quickly vanishes as 'Tista flings a punch... which Finlay smoothly reverses into an Arm Wringer, and sweeps out Batista's legs with the easy reversal! The crowd cheers, and Finlay begins to punish the Animal for his arrogance, dropping numerous Elbow Drops to the heart of Big Dave! The Animal groans with every hard point to the sternum, and the Fighting Irishman lands a fifth one, before hooking a leg, hard-faced... 1... 2... but Batista kicks out this time! The crowd chants Finlay's name a bit, and the Fighting Irishman pulls Batista to his feet – only for the Animal to push Finlay away! The Irishman immediately darts back in... SPEAR!
The monstrous Spear from the Animal tears Finlay in two, and the crowd is stunned! The move came from nowhere, and the Irishman is now on the mat, clutching at his ribs, and gasping for air! Batista looks down at his adversary, and slowly, a smirk appears on his face. He pulls Finlay back up to his feet by his head, then rocks him with a sharp right hand for good measure... before he puts him in Powerbomb position, sending the crowd into a frenzy of boos! The Animal roars, and swings Finlay up...
!!! The impact rattles through the arena, and Big Dave crawls over to Finlay, eyes cold as he presses his forearm over the Irishman's head for the cover... 1... 2... 3!
Winner: Batista
Match Time: 10:03
The crowd boos as Batista's music hits emphatically, and the Animal has his arm raised. He glares out at the Chicago crowd, before he leaves in the ring, still visibly annoyed despite the win. He storms up the ramp as Finlay sits up, wincing in pain.
A convincing win for the Animal here tonight. He might have put some demons to bed with that one.
Looks like Finlay's luck ran out, JR. Great win for that man there.
The camera shows Batista storming backstage, and we cut away...
Tommy Dreamer raising a Singapore Cane above his head.
I'm bringing Extreme back...
Zack Ryder popping his collar in the ring.
I'm pulling Extreme down...
Quick shots of Ezekiel Jackson, William Regal, Shelton Benjamin, Paul Burchill... and finally, Christian.
E... C... W... Invades... Saturday Night's Main Event. Live, in Philadelphia...
Christian on the top turnbuckle, raising his title belt high.
Extreme Returns...
ECW Invades: Saturday Night's Main Event
Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
16th January 2010
Extreme Returns...
As SmackDown comes back, we see a moderately quiet arena for a moment, before the stage lights up with a variety of flashes, and CM Punk's music hits – THE HEAT IS EXTRAORDINARY! There is barely room to hear yourself THINK in the United Center right now, and the Straight-edge Superstar arrives, scowling.
Oh... oh my lord, would you listen to the noise inside this arena?
Sounds like applause to me, JR! Yep, these fans are showing some love for their hometown boy tonight!
What a load of bull, Matt! These fans couldn't care less for CM Punk, the man is a shameless radical!
You know what they say, JR, one man's radical is another man's REVOLUTIONARY!
Punk begins to make his way down the ramp, wearing one of his own t-shirts, and tugs at his beard a little.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... C... M... PUNK!
Another giant plethora of heat greets the announcement, as Punk gets in the ring. He takes the mic from Tony Chimel's hand, before shoving him towards the ropes, ushering him out forcefully.
Well, last week on SmackDown, CM Punk called out WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin-
-and he exposed him for what he is, well said, JR. Austin is the very reason why CM Punk can't convert everyone to his Straight-edge way of life... he's inspired a generation of drunks and smokers!
Oh, please.
CM Punk has come here to save us, JR. He could teach you a thing or two, you know. What's the alcohol content of that barbeque sauce of yours?
Punk turns to face the crowd, and his music subsides. He closes his eyes and runs a hand through his long hair, a strange expression on his face. As his music fully dies down, the boos become even more prominent, blocking out any other noise. That is, until Punk opens his eyes, and brings up the mic...
CM Punk:
Chicago... I have come home.
Lots of heat for the Straight-edge Superstar here.
CM Punk:
Yes – the prodigal son... has
The biblical reference gets the "Straight-edge Messiah" plenty of ironic heat, too. He takes in a deep breath, then continues.
CM Punk:
Chicago... it's funny.
No-one laughs, not least Punk himself.
CM Punk:
When I was last here... this place was still the same. It hasn't changed, even now.
Silence. Punk's eyes sweep about the arena slowly.
CM Punk:
It's STILL a wretched, booze-filled, drug-infested, tobacco-addicted scumhole of a city, just like it was when I arrived here last time.
The crowd gives Punk hell! The booing is intense from Chicago crowd, and Punk frowns.
CM Punk:
But you know what HAS changed? Me. I've changed.
CM Punk:
I don't turn a blind eye to the horrors of this city any more. I used to ignore it all, just pretend... that this city wasn't a hellhole.
More intense heat.
CM Punk:
But there's only so long you can keep on living a lie, Chicago, and when I came back, I saw this place for what it was.
The heat just keeps coming from the furious crowd.
CM Punk:
And you wanna know what I saw? I finally saw the ONE good thing that had come out of this crappy city I used to find a haven...
The crowd quietens a little...
CM Punk:
C... M... Punk.
Oh, the giant heat. The whole arena gets to its feet to boo him, but the Straight-edge Superstar just smiles, more out of contempt than anything. He raises the mic, and a veracious 'You suck!' chant kicks off from the Chicago crowd. It dies down, and Punk continues:
CM Punk:
I've graced you people with my presence tonight... for one reason only.
A small 'WHAT?' can be heard from some of the fans in the top tier.
CM Punk:
See, last week I told you all just why you were all hopeless – why you were all doomed to shortened lives, doomed to slowly kill yourselves with drugs and alcohol. One man.
CM Punk:
And the man who has doomed you all... you cheer him? You worship him like a HERO!
Cheers go up around the arena, and Punk scowls. An 'Austin! Austin!' chant slowly fades in from the fans...
CM Punk:
But you people don't see what he's done to you! He's made you think that's it's OK to have crazy beer bashes, and consume alcohol like there's no tomorrow!
'Austin! AUSTIN!'
CM Punk:
But the thing is... if you follow in the footsteps of your little idol... there will be no tomorrow.
Some heavy boos rain down from the crowd, and Punk smirks.
CM Punk:
Y'see, you people are killing yourselves, and I hoped I could save you. I hoped I could unite you all under my banner... to help you live happier lives!
CM Punk:
The 'AUSTIN!' chants grow louder, and soon, the whole arena is at it, just like last week!
CM Punk:
But yet, as much as I try to tell you people about how he has ruined your lives... you SHUN me, and embrace Steve Austin!
A huge cheer goes up here, and the chants kick off again!
CM Punk:
But I am determined! I am the real hero, whether you realise or not! AND I WILL – NOT – STOP, UNTIL I CAN SAVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU... FROM WHAT AUSTIN HAS BROUGHT UPON YOU ALL!
CM Punk:
Are you listening to me? I said I WON'T STOP UNTIL I SAVE YOU ALL!
CM Punk:
And if that means I come out here every week, and belittle Stone Cold, believe me... I WILL!
Lots of heat here. Punk scowls.
CM Punk:
So get used to seeing my face, people, because I am bringing Steve Austin's legacy... down. I am destroying the lessons he taught you all... in a hope that you can all find a better way of life... under the Straight-edge banner.
More boos for Punk, who frowns as he looks out at the crowd.
CM Punk:
See, I'm trying to help you all. Stone Cold Steve Austin is a MENACE. He's not your saviour – he's not your Messiah!
CM Punk:
But I am. And Steve? When you want to APOLOGISE to these people... when you want to TELL THEM, that you've betrayed them all... when you want to CONVERT, to the ways of Straight-edge...
The crowd unleashes a ton of heat on the smiling Straight-edge Superstar.
CM Punk:
You just let me know... because I want nothing more than to hear you say it for yourself...
Punk smirks.
CM Punk:
That Stone Cold Steve Austin is a TRAITOR... to you all.
THE ARENA BOOS THE HELL OUT OF PUNK! It's the biggest heat of the night as Punk drops his mic to the mat, and his music hits – the Straight-edge Superstar turns, and leaves the ring with a cold glare. The 'AUSTIN! AUSTIN!' chant kicks off again, and as Punk makes his way up the ramp, the crowd roars Austin's name at him, over and over.
Once again, CM Punk leaves with the WWE Universe on his back.
Hey, he spoke the truth out there, JR. Truly a great man... it sickens me to see these fans, from his hometown no less, giving him such a disrespectful fanfare.
Well, CM Punk isn't the only man who has got on the wrong side of the fans tonight, as we saw Chris Jericho out here earlier, when he had a confrontation with the Master of the 619, Rey Mysterio. These two will go head-to-head tonight, in our Main Event, as Royal Rumble opponents collide, here on Friday Night SmackDown.
SmackDown goes to a break.
SmackDown comes back to the sound of...
The crowd pops big time for the Insane Luchador, Super Crazy, who charges out on to the stage, eyes wide like an absolute maniac! The bell chimes, and Crazy throws himself about the stage, waving his arms like pincers at the cheering Chicago crowd.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico, weighing in at 200 pounds... SUPER – CRAZY!
Another big cheer goes up, and Crazy starts to jump down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans at ringside. The camera cuts to show JR and Striker at ringside, with the added bonus of having Intercontinental Champion John Morrison sat next to Ross, smiling from behind his shades.
Welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown! Joining us at ringside for this upcoming contest is the Intercontinental Champion, John Morrison. Good evening, John.
Hey, JR. Good to be here. Liking the hat, by the way.
He got it at Fat Cowboys 'R' Us.
Isn't that where you work on weekends?
Striker falls silent, scowling. Super Crazy leaps up on to the apron, then catapults himself into the ring, landing with both feet on the top turnbuckle, and backflipping off it, landing on his feet in the centre of the ring! The crowd cheers wildly for the athletic stunt, and Crazy leaps about like the Insane Luchador he is, yelling out at the arena with a big grin.
Well John, you were pinned by The Brian Kendrick last week... do you think Super Crazy can do the same to
JR, I've got tremendous respect for Super Crazy and what he's accomplished. Hell, I've learnt a ton from watching him in the ring, and I have all the faith in the world that he can do the job tonight. As for last week, accidents happen. Kendrick surprised me with the School Boy, and I have myself to blame for that. Maybe if I'd hit Starship Pain, we wouldn't be talking about this now.
See, are you sure it wasn't just down to a complete gulf in quality?
Maybe it was, Matt. Then again, I could say the same about JR's announcing skills when comparing them to yours, but that would just be cruel.
Super Crazy's music subsides, and it's replaced by that of The Brian Kendrick, who gets some huge heat from the Chicago crowd as he struts out, smirking.
And his opponent... from Venice, California, weighing in at 184 pounds... THE... BRIAN... KENDRICK!
Boos greet the announcement, and Kendrick tilts his body to the side, raving to his music a little, then begins to wander down the ramp, wearing his typical white jacket.
The Brian Kendrick is a man who lives the high life, and makes sure he tells us about it, whenever possible.
You left out future Intercontinental Champion, JR.
I know.
Morrison smiles, and as Kendrick gets in the ring, he
a microphone from ringside. Super Crazy frowns, and the cocky youngster receives one. He twirls it in his hand, and as his music dies down, he swings it up sharply:
Ladies and gentlemen, you are watching... FRIDAY – NIGHT – KENDRICK!!!
Lots of heat here.
Now, I call it that because... well, you people paid to see me, right?
The crowd boos wildly.
And all the people tuning in... they turned on their sets... for me, too!
More boos.
So, seeing as I'm the ONLY watchable man on this here show... this is MY show!
Morrison chuckles on the outside. The crowd continues to jeer.
Now, if you weren't listening to me last week... got lost looking at my golden hair or something, I don't know... let me just refresh your memory.
I, THE Brian Kendrick, The California Kid, The Venice Menace, am the hottest thing on this brand right now. Hell...
JR sighs at ringside. Kendrick points to various people outside the ring.
You! Yeah, security. Make sure no hot women try to jump the barricade during my match, 'kay? I don't need any distractions right now...
Kendrick sees something out of the corner of his eye, and points to someone in the crowd.
Except you, baby. Should I know you?
Super Crazy yells something Spanish impatiently, and Kendrick turns back to him with a slightly surprised expression, before the smirk returns.
Hi. Yeah, I'm trying to talk here.
Lots of heat for Kendrick, who begins to pace. Crazy stares at him, incredulous, and takes a step towards him. Kendrick throws his arms up in a mock shame.
Oh, I'm sorry. How stupid of me. You don't speak English.
Boos. The Insane Luchador scowls. Kendrick takes a few more steps towards him, then speaks in a slow, patronising tone.
ME... GOOD! YOU... CRAP. You understand that? Comprende?
Lots of boos for Kendrick, while Crazy clenches his fists, and looks at the referee, who shrugs confusedly. Kendrick tilts his head, then turns around, and walks across the ring, pointing to Morrison at ringside.
And you... John Morrison.
A big cheer goes up for the Shaman of Sexy!
I sure kicked YOUR ass, didn't I?
Immense heat for Kendrick, while Morrison stays nonchalant from behind his shades.
And if ANY more proof were needed, that I'm going to take that Intercontinental Title from you...
Kendrick winks with a smirk.
Watch what I do to this...
The crowd boos, and Kendrick tosses his mic from the ring. He then pulls off his jacket – and throws it towards the announce table, yelling 'CATCH!' as he does! It lands in Morrison's lap... and the Intercontinental Champion casually flings it over his head, where it sinks like a ship into the eager Chicago crowd! Kendrick narrows his eyes, then focuses on a scowling Super Crazy. Kendrick bounces on the balls of his feet, then smirks – the bell chimes!
Match 4
Super Crazy vs The Brian Kendrick
After a particularly entertaining match, filled with plenty of enjoyable high-flying moments, we join the action at five minutes, with Kendrick attempting to hold Super Crazy down with an Armbar – Crazy rolls through it, though, and leaps up, cracking Kendrick with a HUGE Enzuigiri! The crowd cheers, and Kendrick collapses to the mat like he's been shot! Crazy rolls Kendrick on to his back... 1... 2... but the youngster kicks out! The crowd groans, and Super Crazy pulls Kendrick up... only for the California Kid to pull him down with the shock Small Package... 1... 2... NO! Crazy kicks out! The crowd cheers for the Mexican here, who rolls as he gets up – straight into a boot to the gut from Kendrick, who then heads for the ropes, and smacks both feet through the Insane Luchador's very face with a nasty Dropkick! The crowd groans with the brutal impact, and Kendrick hooks a leg... 1... 2... but the Mexican kicks out again! Kendrick sits back, and yells 'OH, COME ON!' out of exasperation, before he hooks
legs... 1... 2... NO! Super Crazy refuses to let this one end, and kicks out once more!
Kendrick gets up, running a hand through his hair cockily... and begins to strut about the ring, taunting the fans! The crowd boo him, and when JR asks Morrison what he thinks of this at ringside, the Intercontinental Champion says 'Bad idea', which turns out to be right... because Kendrick turns around – BOOM! GIANT SUPERKICK TO THE FACE FROM SUPER CRAZY! Kendrick goes down like a rag doll, and the Insane Luchador moves to outside apron... before springboarding, and coming down on the California Kid's abdomen with a superb Springboard Frog Splash! The crowd cheers, and the Mexican covers... 1... 2... 3-NO! The "Venice Menace" kicks out emphatically, and Crazy is sent rolling away! The Mexican tries to move back in, but Kendrick is up in a flash, and he lashes out with a MASSIVE kick to the head, flooring Super Crazy in an instant! The crowd groans with the sickening impact, and Crazy lies on the mat, unmoving. Kendrick heads up top with a smirk, and raises his arms to taunt the jeering fans... before he launches off, and nails the Diving Double Footstomp to the gut of Super Crazy! The crowd groans with the impact, and the California Kid presses himself over the Mexican... 1... 2... BUT CRAZY LATCHES OUT WITH A LEG, AND FINDS THE BOTTOM ROPE!
The crowd cheers crazily – this match is still going! Kendrick sits up, eyes wide in shock and horror, and the camera briefly shows John Morrison applauding at ringside. Kendrick pulls Crazy to his feet... but the Mexican pushes him away – and then leaps up, taking Kendrick down with a brilliant Spinning Heel Kick! The crowd cheers for the exciting move, and Super Crazy shoots the half... 1... 2... Kendrick forces a shoulder up! Crazy wasn't far away that time, and the crowd gets behind him, clapping in unison... so the Insane Luchador gets up, and goes up top, thinking to hit his patented Moonsault! Crazy lets out one of his usual screams, then launches with the Moonsault... BUT NOBODY'S HOME! Kendrick rolls out the way, and Crazy's body crunches into the mat, spasming on impact! The Mexican rolls across the ring, holding his ribs, and Kendrick stands, smirking out at the crowd... before he pulls the Insane Luchador to his feet, grabs his head, and scales the turnbuckle... BEFORE CONNECTING WITH
!!! The crowd groans, and the California Kid hooks a leg, smirking... 1... 2... 3!
Winner: The Brian Kendrick
Match Time: 8:04
Kendrick's music hits hard, and the self-proclaimed "Venice Menace" has his arm raised by the referee, who then leaves the ring. Kendrick gets up on one of the turnbuckles by the announce table side, and he points down at John Morrison with a cocky smile – the Shaman of Sexy gets up, removing his headset, and hoisting his title way above his head. The crowd starts up a "Morr-i-son!' chant, and Kendrick makes title motions around his waist for the second time in two weeks.
A message sent from challenger to champion here tonight – a big win for The Brian Kendrick here on SmackDown.
You mean
big win for Kendrick, JR. There's no doubt about it now – The Brian Kendrick, the California Kid, is owed an Intercontinental Championship match sometime soon, and I have total faith that he can end the reign of John Morrison when he's called upon.
The camera cuts backstage, where we see Eve Torres.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... the World Heavyweight Champion, the Big Show!
A massive cheer goes up for the World's Largest Athlete, who appears in the shot, smiling a little, and resting his World Title on his right shoulder.
Big Show, tonight you'll see two of your Royal Rumble challengers go head-to-head, when Rey Mysterio takes on Chris Jericho. What are your thoughts on this contest, and will you be watching it?
Show turns to look at Eve with a small grin.
Big Show:
Well, Eve, you ask a very intriguing question. See, the thing is, I
watch it, you know, to try and scope my opponents a bit more before Royal Rumble.
Show strokes his jaw thoughtfully.
Big Show:
But on the other hand... well, I'm kinda getting a bit sick of seeing Chris Jericho's face.
The crowd cheers, and Show smirks.
Big Show:
And if I have to see that grumpy, disapproving expression of his much more, I might just punch my TV screen, you know?
More cheers here.
Big Show:
Look. I don't care about whatever problems Rey and Chris have with each other, but all I'm focused on... is a successful defence of MY World Championship.
Another big pop for the World's Largest Athlete.
Big Show:
I know my opponents have been saying their bit about me... so let me just return the favour.
Mixed reaction. Show raises an eyebrow.
Big Show:
Chris Jericho.
Big Show:
You can make your jokes about my weight, Chris... you can say you know me... but deep down... you don't know me. Not one bit. You think 'cause we teamed together, that you know who I am? You know my style? You know how I do my
A big mixed reaction goes up, and Show looks to be getting more and more infuriated by the thought of Jericho.
Big Show:
But you know NOTHING about me, Chris. It's not about the mind games. It's not about
the mental battle
. It's about the WAR. That fight inside a man like me, which got me this title in the first place, Chris. And at Royal Rumble, I'll unleash that once again, and retain what belongs to me.
A big pop for Show as he slams his title with a hand.
Big Show:
Hm... Rey Mysterio.
A massive pop from the Chicago crowd!
Big Show:
I admire you, Rey, believe me, I do. And hell, you've held this thing before. I guess that proves that size doesn't matter.
Show chuckles.
Big Show:
Unfortunately... this time around... the odds are too high for you, Rey. And if we meet in those streets... I won't hesitate to do what it takes, if it means I keep my World Title.
The crowd cheers, and Show smirks a bit again.
Big Show:
And that leaves me... with Batista.
The crowd boos intensely for the mention of the Animal!
Big Show:
Dave Batista... is a man who loves to tear guys apart. But this is one guy you CAN'T do that to, Dave. I don't care-
Show stops, and looks beyond Eve – AND HE GETS FLOORED BY THE ANIMAL HIMSELF,
!!! The crowd comes alive with boos... AND BIG DAVE RIPS INTO THE BIG MAN, UNLEASHING WITH RIGHT HANDS! But Show's not in the mood... BECAUSE HE ROARS LIKE A BEAST, AND GRABS BATISTA BY THE THROAT! There is a massive cheer in the arena, and Show grips on to Dave's throat like a vice, before getting to his feet... but the Animal stuns him with a poke to the eye... AND RUNS AWAY! The crowd jeers and boos, and Show bends over for a moment, gasping, before he looks down the corridor... and sees Batista turning the corner... SO THE WORLD CHAMPION SETS AFTER HIM!
The crowd goes wild, and the cameraman follows Show as he rushes down the backstage corridors... and we see Batista in the distance, shoving workers and superstars alike out of his way, desperate to get away from the furious giant headed his way! Show begins to roar 'GET BACK HERE, DAVE!', which only serves to make the Animal run faster! Batista disappears round the corner again, and Show turns it – leading us into the outside parking lot! The crowd cheers wildly, and Show slows down, unable to see where Batista is in the evening gloom... and we catch movement, as we see Batista scrambling to get into a black SUV! The crowd comes alive with noise inside the arena, and Show rushes over to the car... BEFORE HE RIPS THE CAR DOOR OFF, AND YANKS BATISTA OUT BY HIS HEAD!!! INSANITY!!!
The crowd goes INSANE for Show's strength, and the Animal suddenly fights back, lashing out with right hands... but Show's rage makes him ignore them, and he grabs Batista by the throat again – before flinging him across the parking lot! Batista crashes into the concrete floor with a yell, and Show roars "Let's bring the Rumble a bit closer! C'MON DAVE!" The Animal gets up, seething out of rage and desperate pain... and LAUNCHES himself at Show, smashing the World Champion into the car! Show roars out like an elephant being shot, and pushes the Animal away... THEN SWINGS WITH THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH... NOBODY'S HOME!!! The Animal ducks the move... then charges the big man, grabbing him round the stomach... AND FORCING HIM OUT OF THE PARKING LOT... AND INTO THE STREETS OF CHICAGO!
The people milling about the back-street in the Windy City are all rather surprised, and a couple of people move out the way as the two behemoths come CHARGING down through the street, tumbling to the concrete in sick fashion! The crowd in the arena is barely audible, but we hear the reaction of the people watching live, who let out groans and shrieks at the nasty impact! The pair get up... and Show grabs the Animal round the throat again! Batista's eyes go wide, but he has a stroke of genius – AND FLATTENS THE BIG SHOW WITH THE LOW BLOW! The World Champion tumbles to the floor, holding his family jewels, and Big Dave, panting, picks him back up... BEFORE DRIVING HIM RIGHT INTO THE BRICK WALL OF THE NEXT BUILDING ALONG! The people nearby scatter, as things escalate out of control, and Batista looks to one of the cars nearby... and he pulls Show over to it, smirking! A passerby tries to convince 'Tista out of whatever he's thinking – but the Animal tells him to mind his own business, before sticking the World Champion in the usual Powerbomb position... oh sweet God no... AND PULLS HIM INTO THE AIR, BEFORE CRASHING HIM DOWN WITH A BATISTA BOMB, RIGHT ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR!!! The crowd in the arena groans as the hood crumples like paper, and suddenly, the brutality of this match at the Rumble becomes clear! Show screams out in brutal, brutal agony, and the Animal ROARS out, pumping his arms like a total freak! THE ANIMAL HAS MADE A HUGE STATEMENT!
As Show lies in the wreckage, and Batista wanders off, wiping the blood from his bleeding lip, SmackDown goes to a very cold, and emphatic, commercial break.
The crowd boos, but it is rather half-heartedly – the arena is shaken from what we just saw, and as Chris Jericho arrives, he looks somewhat pale.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Manhasset, New York, weighing in at 226 pounds... CHRIIIIIIIIS... JERICHO!
Ladies and gentlemen, we are set for our Main Event here tonight on SmackDown, but after the sickening brawl in the street between Batista and the World Heavyweight Champion, Big Show, don't be surprised if their Royal Rumble opponents are slightly distracted in this match.
I can't lie to you, JR. That was brutal out there. These men will be putting their careers on the line, for sure.
Jericho stares out at the arena coldly, then gets in the ring, a bit tentatively, considering he never planned to compete tonight. His music dies down...
And for the second time tonight, the fans go NUTS for Rey Mysterio, who comes charging out, popping about all over the stage! A MASSIVE '619!' chant starts up, and Rey Rey grins out at the crowd, before charging to one end of the stage, pointing out, and unleashing his pyro, before turning to do the same to the other side. He turns, and begins to make his way down the ramp, touching heads with the young children wearing replica masks.
And his opponent... from San Diego, California, weighing in at 175 pounds... RRRRRRREEEEEEYYYY... MYSTEEEEEEEEERIO!
Another giant pop goes up for the Master of the 619, who leaps up on to the apron athletically, before sweeping into the ring, and heading to the turnbuckles, where he touches his head and chest, before launching his arms up into the air.
You saw him earlier this evening, but Rey doesn't look any more shaken up from how he was earlier, which is odd considering what we just saw.
Must have not seen it, JR. He'd probably be a nervous wreck if he had.
Well, regardless of the events we saw before the break, this is our Main Event for the evening, and it's going to be Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio one-on-one here – these two have had quite a rivalry going on recently, and Rey said it best earlier. These two have a score to settle, and they'll do it right here tonight, in Chicago.
Mysterio hops back off the turnbuckle, and points to Jericho with narrowed eyes – he gets the same look straight back, and the referee gets in between them, just in case. As Rey's music subsides, the official checks both men, then calls for the bell...
Match 5
Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio
These two have had plenty of great contests in the past, and as the clock ticks past eight minutes, it's Jericho in control of a tired Rey Rey, after some fairly decent back-and-forth action. Rey is trapped by Jericho in a side headlock on the mat, but the crowd gets behind him, and he manages to make it to a vertical base... before he swings his legs up, and just manages to apply the Crucifix... and pull Jericho down into the pinning predicament! The crowd chants along... 1... 2... NO! The inevitable groan goes up with the kickout from Jericho, and Rey gets up... when Jericho sits up, blinking, Rey heads for the ropes, then lashes out with a big Dropkick to the chest! The crowd cheers, but Jericho rolls away under the force of the move, and lies under the bottom rope! Mysterio tries to pull him back into the ring by the leg, but Jericho grips the bottom rope, eyes wide, screaming at the referee for him to get off – the official tells Mysterio to let go, and he does, begrudgingly.
Jericho struggles up, and Mysterio charges immediately, swinging up for the Hurricanrana... but Jericho suddenly transitions, and hits Rey with a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker! The crowd groans, and Mysterio yells out in pain... so Jericho takes advantage, and goes crazy on the Ultimate Underdog's back with Knee Drops, Elbow Drops, you name it! The crowd boos, and Rey gasps with every blow... and Jericho pulls him up, only for the purpose of hitting him with some sharp kicks to the side – but Rey catches his leg on the third! The crowd cheers, but Jericho suddenly leaps up for the Enzuigiri... but Mysterio telegraphs it, ducking, then spins Jericho out, sending him spinning... AND WHEN JERICHO TURNS BACK TO REY, HE GETS SMACKED RIGHT THROUGH THE FACE WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK BY MYSTERIO!!! Rey leaps heroically into a cover, hooking a leg... 1... 2... 3-NO! Jericho kicks out again, and Rey rolls away, frustrated! Jericho pulls himself up, dazed... and Rey leaps up, flinging him across the ring with the Hurricanrana, which works a treat this time! Jericho sits up on impact, his face covered with pain to sell the move, before he flops on to his back... and Rey heads to the top turnbuckle!
The crowd cheers, and Rey looks out at them, smiling... but he turns back to the ring with a start, because Jericho is up, and he heads for the ropes... springboarding... and hitting Rey with the Triangle Dropkick! The crowd groans, and Jericho clambers up to the top turnbuckle, with Rey... before draping the Master of the 619's arm over his neck, and looking for the Superplex! Jericho goes for it, but Mysterio grabs the top rope with an iron grip... then rocks Jericho in the face with that same hand, sending him careering off the turnbuckle! The crowd cheers, and Jericho struggles back up... straight into the Seated Senton... NO! JERICHO SEES IT COMING, AND GRABS REY'S LEGS IN MID-AIR, PULLING HIM DOWN TO EARTH... AND FLIPPING HIM OVER, STRAIGHT INTO THE
!!! The crowd goes completely insane for the reversal, and soon, the arena is booing Jericho as usual, as Rey screams in pain! Jericho is yelling out of pure adrenaline, and Mysterio reaches out for the ropes... but he's nowhere near! The crowd urges him on, and he manages to gain a few inches... before he raises his hand, as if about to tap... Jericho roars for him to do just that, but Rey is determined... AND HE LAUNCHES HIMSELF TOWARDS THE BOTTOM ROPE, CATCHING IT WITH HIS RIGHT HAND, AND GRIPPING IT TIGHT!
The crowd cheers wildly, and Jericho is in disbelief! The referee gives him 'til five to break, and he does so at four, moving away in disgust... but he turns again, and grabs Rey, pulling him to his feet! Jericho deals Rey a nasty Knife Edge Chop (eliciting the necessary 'Woo!'s from the fans), before he heads to the ropes, and comes back... but Rey leaps with a Low-Angle Dropkick to the knee – AND JERICHO FALLS COINCIDENTALLY ON THE SECOND ROPE! The crowd goes wild, and Mysterio points to the sky, before going for it... AND DIALS UP THE
ON JERICHO! There's a massive pop around the arena, and Jericho staggers back into the ring, wobbling like he was made of jelly... and Mysterio springboards, before launching...
OUT OF THE AIR! HOLY CRAP, WHAT A COUNTER!!! The crowd roars with a giant, simultaneous groan as the move impacts straight through Mysterio, and Rey launches up through the air, completely destroyed by the move! Both men stay down, unmoving, and the crowd roars with excitement, begging for Rey to get up... but there is still no movement, and the referee begins the count... 1... 2... 3... 4... both men begin to stir... 5... 6... 7... and both get to their knees... 8... 9... and they both struggle up, barely beating the count, and lean against opposite turnbuckles, totally exhausted. The crowd starts off another '619!' chant, but their hero is going nowhere, and neither is Jericho...
Oh no. The crowd begins to boo, and suddenly, with one of the most ominous walks you will ever see, the Animal arrives from behind the curtain, frowning. He stares down at the ring, then slowly begins to march down the ramp, as Rey looks at him with an exasperated expression, and Jericho slumps to a seated position in the corner, gasping for air. The Animal gets up on to the apron... and despite the referee's warnings, he gets in the ring! The official waves his arms at him, frowning, and Batista looks at him for a moment... THEN DECKS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! The crowd groans as the referee hits the mat hard, and rolls from the ring, clutching his face, and boos flood in to greet Big Dave once more.
Batista turns his attention to Rey, and heads for the corner – Rey tries to fight him off with a couple of right hands, but they mean nothing to the Animal, who just drags him into the middle of the ring... AND LAYS HIM OUT WITH THE SPINEBUSTER! The crowd boos as Rey cries out in pain, and Batista looks down at him, emotionless in his expression. He then moves towards the other corner... and picks Jericho out of the corner, lining him up in the middle of the ring in the Powerbomb position... up goes Jericho... AND THE ANIMAL LAYS HIM OUT WITH THE
, RIGHT INTO MYSTERIO ON THE CANVAS!!! The crowd boos as the pair lie crippled in the middle of the ring, and Batista turns away, leaving the ring.
Winner: No Contest
Match Time: 11:56
There is no commentary. We see a shot backstage, of a host of medics and referees tending to the Big Show, who is being moved into an ambulance on a stretcher outside in the street, having only just cleared him for transport. We then cut back to the ring, where Rey tilts his head upwards, only to collapse again, and close his eyes. Jericho lies in the corner of the ring, flat on his front. As Batista strides up the ramp, and the crowd boos intensely, we see the SmackDown end-of-show logo appear, and SmackDown fades away from the Animal's cold, and emotionless face.
Quick Results
Matt Hardy bts. Tyson Kidd
Kane bts. Drew McIntyre
Batista bts. Finlay
The Brian Kendrick bts. Super Crazy
Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio fought to a No Contest
WWE Royal Rumble
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
January 31st, 2010
Who Will Be The One?
Event Theme Song:
'Hero' by Skillet
WWE Championship
Jack Swagger (c) vs Triple H
World Heavyweight Championship
Big Show (c) vs Chris Jericho vs Batista vs Rey Mysterio
New York City Brawl
ECW Championship
Christian (c) vs Shelton Benjamin vs Paul Burchill
United States Championship
The Miz (c) vs Evan Bourne
Women's Championship
Michelle McCool (c) vs Mickie James
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
CM Punk
Cody Rhodes
David Hart Smith
Dolph Ziggler
Drew McIntyre
Gregory Helms
John Morrison
Matt Hardy
Mike Knox
Super Crazy
The Brian Kendrick
Ted DiBiase
Tyson Kidd
William Regal
Yoshi Tatsu
Zack Ryder
vs 12 Other Superstars
News and Notes
It is thought the reasoning behind the Batista's rampage on SmackDown is for the purpose of a specific angle, as opposed to just a mindless burial of his Royal Rumble opponents by the creative team for SmackDown. The brawl between Batista and Show was to document the brutality of a NYC Brawl, something which will also be played on during the angle that creative have in mind.
The feud between Matt Hardy and Dolph Ziggler has become very personal following Ziggler's promo on SmackDown this past Friday, but it is understood that the pair are good friends backstage, who are both quoted as saying they're pleased with the potential the feud has. The feud will most likely run until No Way Out, where they will be given plenty of time by creative to put on a good match. There were thoughts of making their match a gimmick match or No-DQ match at No Way Out, but with the Royal Rumble fast approaching, creative have decided to let the feud develop a bit more before making the decision.
Speaking of the Royal Rumble, plans for the 2010 Royal Rumble match are coming along smoothly, and creative are confident they can provide some shocks and surprises, as well as giving the fans a good match to watch in general. Someone like Kofi Kingston, who is coming off a red-hot win over Randy Orton at Armageddon, could be tipped as a dark horse in the match, if and when he qualifies, with other men like John Cena and Shawn Michaels being possible favourites when they are inevitably added to the match. Veterans like Finlay could spend a long time in the match to help carry the youngsters if necessary, and if it's not him, there will no doubt be a knowledgeable mid-carder in the mix throughout to keep things moving.
CM Punk's current storyline is set to continue, somewhat predictably, all the way to Wrestlemania 26, where he will most likely take on WWE Hall of Famer, Stone Cold Steve Austin, though it is unknown as to what Austin's thoughts are on the storyline as of yet. He is expected to make a return – either WWE will go all out with hype for it to draw ratings, or Austin will appear unexpectedly on SmackDown, for a special, unexpected moment to wow the fans and viewers.
Creative are especially high on The Brian Kendrick right now – his mic skills have been particularly picked out for praise, and he may just take the Intercontinental Championship from John Morrison when their title match arrives. Nothing is set in stone, of course, but whatever happens, good things are in store for Kendrick it seems, as proved by the fact he is 2 for 2 on SmackDown at the moment.
In New Talent We Trust
Raw NOW POSTED
Captain Cally
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,673
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Smackdown Review
Chris Jericho a good little way to start off tonight's show. I wanted him to hype the NYC brawl a bit more than he did with the interaction with Rey, however saying that he retired the Undertaker, was good to really get the heat on him. Everything was good in character from Chris so great writing. I was a bit surprised Rey came out, but hey with Show being hyped last week, double chokeslamming everyone, Rey needs some spotlight. I liked the little underdog speech from Rey Rey, and I was hoping for a little bit of action but once again Jericho gets the heat on him for leaving the ring, after the confrontation.
The match between Kidd and Matt was good as Kidd even though losing looked really good. Matt's speech afterwords and interaction with Dolph reminds me a lot of what they are doing now with him and Mac IRL, and of course I think you had this storyline before they started doing it. Anyway Ziggler's speech about the blogs and Matt never being able to be the man Jeff was in the WWE, was amazing. Ziggler's promo and your writing for him was amazing. Its kind of sad that you are hyping all of this at the Royal Rumble, where I can't really see them having a match. To me this would have been a perfect feud for after the Rumble, getting closer and closer to WM, because it seems like your taking this feud and making it really personally which would make this a great upper-mid card feud for Mania, but nonetheless, I just hope if we don't see a match at the Rumble, we see a match at the next Pay Per View. Also the attack afterwards was awesome and Ziggler's final words sums up everything he basically was saying perfectly.
McIntyre shorts little speech was fine, and I love Striker calling Tiffany a tyrant. Anyway decent match, as Kane picks up the win, and I think SNME is before RR, that's why Kane got the nod to hype SNME, and plus Mac has more time to hype himself as a legitament contender for the Rumble.
McCool/Mickie was fine with McCool saying Bitch…that's not PG!!!! JK. Also shout-out to Kung Fu Naki, and him going back to jobberland.
Batista talking before his match, that's the third person tonight who has spoken either before or after his match three for three. Not a big fan to be honest. To much talking so early into the evening. I feel that means Mac's speech earlier could have been left out since everyone seems to be chatting away. Also Batista said he was going to destroy Finlay. I mean I believed he was going to do it, since Finlay is in his 50's or so, so I really didn't like Finlay keeping up with Batista especially for 10 minutes. Really? As Batista would say, YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN' ME!!!
AH CM Punk, glorious promo. Excellent job of maintaining his heel status even though he is in his hometown. My only problem with a promo like this is Punk's road to the Rumble and to WrestleMania is pretty much written. No one does he have a shot to win the Rumble. He goes on to face SCSA, and of course I see him in no way winning against a legend like Austin. It is kind of like Vince vs. Bret this year. No way was Bret going to lose, that would of just been plain stupid, and I feel that is going to be the faith of Punk.
Ah being a huge TBK mark I loved every second of this. The Venice Menace a nice little nickname you've came up with. Anyway I can tell your very high on him, which is fine by me. A win over Morrison and another win over Supercrazy, with Morrison at ringside, means very big things for Kendrick. Your giving him the push he always deserved.
Wow amazing stuff with Show and Batista out in the streets of Chicago. I do like Batista's character running away first then manning up. Anyway great description all the way through. Reversing to Big Shows interview before being attacked, it was alright. I really don't know with Show saying grumpy I can take him seriously, kind of like WWE making him a jokester big man now. I don't know if you're doing that but it just felt like he was trying to act funny, which to me made this promo a bit annoying.
Wow another Dave Batista sighting. Anyway the match was pure awesome. Love the 619 but then the springboard into the codebreaker was awesome. A good way to get Batista in there with both men down, and in a very exhausted state. I feel Batista should have been a bit worn down I mean he was just out in the streets going against a man who weighs like 500 pounds. You did say he was walking slowly down the ramp, but I don't know maybe breathing heavy or something could of added more, or saying he had sweat pouring down him would of helped. Batista pure domination from there. Awesome way to end the show.
Overall I really enjoyed it. I felt we dealt with more in ring promos before and after matches then actually interviews backstage and stuff, which got a bit annoying at times. Would have liked to see you spice that up some more. Hell maybe even taken out the Mac speech, because all the other promos needed to be there. Anyway only other complaint was Finaly lasting 10 mins against a very angry Animal, but overall great stuff man. TBK push is pure gold and one of the best things I like in this thread. Keep it going.
The Analyst
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 45
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Melvisboy I was a keen follower of this thread when it was in its baby stages, so congrats with sticking around with it. Its been a long time, but I think the quality of your shows demonstrates your determination to make this succeed.
Smackdown Review
* I like how your focus is on building the PPV, and you do this well with a series of mini-feuds such as Jericho/Rey and Show/Batista. When that all comes together it will lead to one heck of a match, with each man genuinely wanting to win.
* Typical Jericho promo, and 'cowardice' to start the show and builds towards a match later on. Which is a good match that does its job. As Jericho and Mysterio will need to be aware of more than each other... the added factor of Batista! Btw. good way to further put Tista over with a solid victory over Finaly.
* Good interaction with Ziggler/Hardy interested in where this will be going. A feud in the Rumble match possibly leading to a match at EC?
* Not to familiar with the Kane/GM storyline, but will try and continue to follow it. Seems interesting.
* A liked Punks promo, and I am very interested to see where this is headed. This would be a money feud heading towards Mania.
* Nice C/W match, have you thought of signing up some more and restarting the C/W Division?
On a slight negative note. I think that your Royal Rumble is wayyyy to stacked, its something that the WWE is guilty of. But guys like Miz and Bourne should be trying to win the Rumble and headline WM. A triple threat and fatal-fourway is not only overkill, but takes away the quality of the Rumble Match (if the losers don't backup). Out of the 18 men announced for the Rumble,the only man who has any chance of winning is Punk. Now I know that the Rumble isnt as important any more (with EC) but still not enough significance is being placed on it, and the Rumble would be totally overshadowed by the other matches.
Overall still an impressive read, and best of luck I know that you will make it work some how!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Behind Blue Eyes
Posts: 11,833
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
SmackDown! Feedback
Good to see that my bugging has paid off and that youve now got this thing up.
Nice video package to start the show of, reminding us of the events of last week. Honestly, it had been that long that it felt like that show was a few SmackDown!s back, so hopefully this show triggers a few more coming out in quicker succession.
Jericho to open up the show? A little surprised by that, but its good to see as he has ammunition having been Chokeslammed at the end of last show following a failed attack of his own on Big Show. Of course, its also good to see all of the members of the fatal four way get appropriate on screen time, and while Mysterio has been the one who has missed the most, Jericho too has been somewhat in the background behind Show and Batista. A bit surprised by the way the promo started from Jericho, going in the opposite direction to which I just alluded, but trust me, thats not a bad thing. The way you went about this sounded just about perfect for Jericho, with him not giving the fans the pleasure of feeding off his dismay in his own way. Jericho then talking himself up, while talking Big Show down, was also done very well. Jericho talking of his legacy and adding the recent events of how he took out The Undertaker, almost as if it were one of his crowning moments, was also great, really putting a huge emphasis on that storyline, and reminding us of it taking place. The comparison of Show to Taker was smart, as it gives Jericho genuine reason to look like a threat, and his talk of why he deserved to be champion, over the fraud Big Show was in typical Jericho manner, up until he was interrupted by Mysterio. As I said earlier, Mysterio hasnt really had enough of a look in in this four way feud, so for him to be interrupting Jericho is a positive sign, and it also makes sense, considering hes been the chief agitator for Jericho, constantly reminding him of Taker. Jericho cutting Rey off right away was good and attacking him, while Rey was, well, Rey. He was the underdog type of character, talking up his big heart and that. Nothing wrong with it, but its Rey, so its not necessarily riveting stuff (unlike the Jericho stuff earlier). Mysterio calling Jericho and Rey staring down only for Jericho to leave? I love it, as it gets that cheap heat going for Jericho, and shows the type of character he is. Good start to the show here, especially from Jericho, who was absolutely on fire.
Very nice match to start the show off here with two of the more fast paced, able wrestlers on the roster. Good to see you giving it some good time too, so not only does Hardy, the inevitable winner look good, but so does Kidd in the process. Good start from a match perspective.
Promo from Hardy here was fine. Nothing too complex about it, just showing how pissed off Hardy is with the recent spate of attacks at the hands of Ziggler, which he did fine. Ziggler coming out only onto the stage and with a steel chair in hand is a nice way to get some heat, showing what a coward Ziggler is. The start of the promo from Ziggler was just okay, nothing great, but I thought his explanation as to why it is that he attacked Hardy was well done, and was certainly a fine reason (well, for a deranged heel
). Zigglers speech on how weak Hardy is and how he probably wont make it to the Rumble was pretty great, and it only got better with the stuff about how Hardy has quit already. Very good stuff. The use of the real events the weight gain and the blogs, along with the match, was well done as well, as was the line that hell never be as good as Jeff. Doidnt know you could have so much material against Matt, but youve used everything well. The way it built up to Hardy snapping was great, and the brawl that followed, with Ziggler again looking like a badass, well done too. Good segment here.
Royal Rumble should be a great event. Definitely looking forward to it.
Jericho vs. Rey? Thats a damn big main event, especially considering I thought it woul;dnt happen until No Way Out.
Small McIntyre promo here, which I guess really did nothing other than to serve as a way to make Kanes entrance more appealing to the fans. While not a total squash, the match did its job of allowing Kane to look good in his return. Glad to see McIntyre doesnt look too bad in the process either.
Nice little way to progress the angle towards the Rumble and show McCools rage after being owned by Mickie the previous week.
Ehh, okay promo from Batista, although I dont feel like it was on the level of the others weve seen so far. No real talk that made it distinctively Batista, with no spotlight mention which I felt it needed. Twas okay, as the big man signaled his intentions, but nothing more.
Nice enough match here, allowing Finlay to continue to look strong, while Big Dave keeps his momentum going headed to the world title match at Royal Rumble, which he of course needs.
Following last week this promo was probably what I was looking forward to the most on this show, and the fact that the show is in Chicago, Punks hometown, makes it even better. Punk talking down on Chicago upon his return and how he has changed, explaining almost why hes a heel now was done well, and the line that hes the only good thing to come out of Chicago was great. The talk of Austin was good, although I thought you missed a bit of a chance to heel it up even more, going back on Punk being the one good thing to come out of Chicago by saying that the fans should consider him a hero, because he has given them hope by making himself as great as he is, despite being from Chicago. Still, the talking down of Austin as a negative influence, and the talking up of himself was good from Punk, and the emphatic statement to end the promo was a nice touch. As I said for last weeks SmackDown!, not to sure on Austin actually wrestling because Im quite the fan of realism, but the way youre building this is very good.
Morrison on commentary? Good to see, as it keeps him well involved with Kendrick following his loss to him last week. The banter on commentary was quite nice between Morrison and Striker too, I must say. Kendrick cutting a promo? Didnt expect it with Morrison on commentary anyway, but I cant say its a bad thing.
@ Friday Night Kendrick, and his reasoning behind it. Love it. Kendrick with the cheap heat after that was pretty cool too, as was the attack on Super Crazy with the poor English bit. The little address to Morrison was fine too, and the tossing of the jacket at him at the end was a nice little spot to just show the arrogance of Kendrick.
Match between these two was nice, although I thought this was maybe one match where you could get away with having it go a bit shorter to show how dominant Kendrick is in his pursuit of the Intercontinental Title. I mean, I cant really see Super Crazy being used for anything major, so using him as more of a jobber wouldnt really hurt, imo.
Nice little promo here from Big Show, with a clever start to get a cheap pop, before addressing his opponents, up until being jumped by Batista, which is good to see to keep these guys doing something with each other tonight. Them taking it into the street was cool, giving us a real preview of the match at Royal Rumble and showing what its all about, while the showing of strength of both men was good too, even if Batista being able to get Show up for a Batista Bomb is a bit questionable.
Nice little segment that does a fair bit to hype the title math at Royal Rumble.
Some great action here in your main event with some really good counter wrestling used. Would have liked some mention of their past battles on commentary before the match, but I guess selling the previous angle between Show and Batista was necessary, and this match did enough of a job of being awesome itself. The attack from Big Dave was pretty cool too, sending a message to everyone before Royal Rumble, with the shots of all three other men he has laid out to finish the show, before we ultimately see him, being a pretty great way to end it.
Another impressive show for sure here, Melvisboy. These past few shows have definitely got me believing that this is one of the best things going right now. Your feuds all seem to be building well, and your writing is great too. My only concern is that you maybe havent put enough emphasis on the Royal Rumble Match itself, with only a few fleeting mentions of it on this show from McIntyre and Ziggler. Still, everything else is building well, and this was certainly an enjoyable read. Hopefully you get some consistency going now, because I think itll help this thread get even better. Good work, my man.
The Knight
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: England
Posts: 1,746
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Hello all. Raw is coming along nicely, very nearly finished. I would just like to thank RatedRKO31, The Analyst, and BkB for their feedback, much appreciated as always. And to Stojy, you're very cool too. Just in case you were feeling left out, like last time.
Have a preview, dedicated readers. As I say, I should finish it in the next couple of days, though of course, there is the tourney results to consider, and if I hypothetically get through, finishing Raw or starting on ECW may be a little delayed, though I doubt they will, seeing as Raw, for the third time, is nearly finished.
There are some notes to keep you occupied, too. You may have noticed I've dropped the annoying sub-headers above each paragraph in the preview, it's because I can't keep coming up with witty word play that works with the nicknames of two superstars who are feuding. So there.
Originally Posted by
World Wrestling Entertainment are glad to announce the signing of Alex Whybrow, better known as Larry Sweeney.
News and Notes
At a Raw house show in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Saturday night, Randy Orton beat a man by the name of Joe Hennig to qualify for the Royal Rumble. Hennig is currently working in FCW, and is the son of WWE Hall of Famer, "Mr Perfect" Curt Hennig. The match in Green Bay was very well received by the crowd, and Orton himself was heard to have praised Hennig after the show for his in-ring work. The creative team are, as a result, considering bringing Hennig up to the main roster at some point during the future, though it is likely he'll spend some more time in developmental and working dark matches before he moves to the world of Raw, SmackDown or ECW. Orton, meanwhile, is now in the Rumble match, and it is likely he will begin a mini-feud of sorts with a Raw superstar for a couple of weeks to lead up to the Rumble.
Similarly to Joe Hennig's success in dark matches, Bryan Danielson is getting ever closer to being "ready" to join the main roster, too. As previously reported, Danielson was spending some time in developmental after he complained of "ring rust" in a dark match with Chavo Guerrero a few weeks ago, but after a few more matches, he is becoming increasingly more confident that he can work weekly TV shows.
With both these men being high on creative's list when it comes to new talent, ideas were being tossed around backstage about the idea of a new show in WWE programming – the show would be called "WWE NXT", and would feature 8 new "NXT Rookies", each with their own "WWE Pro" to guide them through their rise to the WWE stage. The show would take on a different format to the other shows, utilising a more "reality show" style, with Rookies being eliminated from the competition at certain points, until one man (or woman, as nothing is set in stone yet) was left, and they would receive a shot at a title of their choosing at a pay-per-view of their choosing, or some other reward, as well as a WWE contract. The idea is just that, an idea, for now, and it has split the creative team on whether they should pull the trigger on it or not. Vince McMahon, when presented with the idea, asked whether they expected a fourth time slot – creative replied with saying it COULD replace ECW on Tuesday nights. Whatever the final decision is, it won't be made for a while, as there are plenty of plans for a now-thriving ECW, and this Saturday's "ECW Invades: Saturday Night's Main Event" could serve as a major talking point when it comes to whether or not this "NXT" idea will be implemented. There is, however, lots of promising talent waiting to spring up from FCW, such as Hennig and Danielson, of course, as well as other young talents like Wade Barrett, Michael Tarver, Alex Riley, Kaval, and the current FCW Heavyweight Champion, Justin Angel. Transferring ECW talent to Raw and SmackDown will most likely occur if "NXT" is brought in – if it is brought in (and that's a big IF, according to backstage gossip), then it probably won't be until
Wrestlemania 26.
Larry Sweeney has signed a WWE contract – backstage reports suggest the contract is not particularly long-term, as creative wish to gauge how well he works for what they're thinking in the time he's given. If he impresses, he will most likely be offered an extension. Sweeney has made two appearances on Raw already, as a part of Evan Bourne's current storyline with the Miz, leading to the Royal Rumble, and this coming week, he will be in tag team action with Bourne, to show that he is completely capable in the ring, as well as on the mic.
Monday Night Raw
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
11th January 2010
Raw is in Detroit, Michigan for the show tonight – the Motor City always gives the Raw superstars a warm welcome, and it'll be no different tonight, as the road to the Royal Rumble pay-per-view continues in front of a capacity crowd in the Joe Louis Arena.
Last week, it was Triple H who won the 8-Man Battle Royal on Raw, earning himself a shot at Jack Swagger's WWE Championship at Royal Rumble. Swagger beat John Cena at Armageddon in a shock result, before controversially, but successfully, defending it against the same man the following night on Raw. As such, the match at the Rumble will be Swagger's second title defence, and he'll be facing the Game, who has a long list of accomplishments in the business. Tonight on Raw, Swagger is set to open the show, to speak about his Royal Rumble opponent. What will the All-American American have to say? And with Triple H preoccupied with his troubles with his fellow DX member and friend, Shawn Michaels, what kind of mindset is HE in, as he gets closer to taking on Swagger in their first ever encounter?
Sheamus must be feeling a mixture of feelings right now – last week on Raw, he mercilessly attacked Jamie Noble after their match, possibly putting him out of action for weeks or months, but there was also a bad side for Sheamus. During the 8-Man Battle Royal in the Main Event, Noble's music hit, and Sheamus was distracted for long enough to allow Shawn Michaels to knock him from the ring with Sweet Chin Music, costing him his WWE Title opportunity at Royal Rumble. What will Sheamus do tonight? With no word of Jamie Noble being in the building, the Celtic Warrior has little to do except look to finding a way to obtain what he wants – the WWE Championship.
The Divas Champion, Melina, has faced some fierce opposition of late – not only is she having to mentally prepare for a title defence against her best friend Gail Kim in a few weeks, but the woman she beat at Armageddon, Maryse, has been on a mission, desperate to get another shot at the title. The Sultry Diva blamed Kelly Kelly for costing her a title rematch a few weeks back, when Gail Kim pinned Kelly in a Triple Threat match. Tonight on Raw, Gail faces Alicia Fox, and Melina herself will be joining Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler at ringside to watch. Even with the added influence of the Divas Champion, will we see Maryse make an appearance? And will Gail Kim be able to find a win against the tenacious Alicia, with her future opponent scouting her every move from ringside?
In a few weeks' time, another title match will occur – it'll be Legacy, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, defending their Unified Tag Team Championships against Gregory Helms and Yoshi Tatsu from ECW. Last Tuesday on ECW, we saw Cody Rhodes and Gregory Helms face off, but the match ended prematurely when Rhyno interfered, hitting Helms with the Gore. Tonight on Raw, the other two men in the two teams compete – Yoshi Tatsu comes to Raw to face Ted DiBiase, and no doubt he will bring Helms with him. With Rhyno challenging Helms to a match this Saturday at ECW Invades: Saturday Night's Main Event, how will Helms and Tatsu cope with the mental strain of having to watch out for both Legacy AND the Man Beast?
Kofi Kingston just couldn't get the job done in the Battle Royal last week, being eliminated by his old rival, Randy Orton, who he beat at Armageddon inside a steel cage after an incredibly personal rivalry. Tonight, however, he faces the brute force of Chris Masters, and a place in the Royal Rumble is at stake for both men. You can be sure Kofi will want to take advantage of this opportunity to qualify for one of the biggest matches of the year, and the chance to headline Wrestlemania 26.
Also tonight, you can expect to see Evan Bourne teaming with Larry Sweeney for Sweeney's first WWE match, as well as appearances from Randy Orton, John Cena, Chavo Guerrero, The Miz, and Shawn Michaels!
Confirmed For Raw
Jack Swagger to open the show
Royal Rumble Qualifier
Kofi Kingston vs Chris Masters
Yoshi Tatsu vs Ted DiBiase
Gail Kim vs Alicia Fox
In New Talent We Trust
Raw NOW POSTED
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Behind Blue Eyes
Posts: 11,833
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
A pretty nice lineup you've got here. Maybe not as good as what we saw on SmackDown!, but there's still promise on the card, A bit disappointed Masters is going to be jobbing (he has no chance against Kofi), but Tatsu/DiBiase could be a pretty good match, and Fox should prove a good chance for Gail to gain some momentum. What I'm looking forward to most is definitely the confrontation we should see between Swagger and Trips when Trips inevitably interuptsm kickstarting the hype to the Rumble.
To quickly touch on the news, I would actually love to see you bring in NXT, as I think the concept is fantastic. ECW has been done pretty well by you, and I feel like you have a real attachment to the brand, but seeing something like Burchill being the last ECW CHampion before we get NXT would be great. The names you've listed to possibly start off on the show, if it does indeed happen, all look good too. If it happens, Tarver or AmDrag to win please.
Looking forward to the show, man. Hopefully it won't take too long.
The Knight
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: England
Posts: 1,746
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Hey guys. I know it's taken me pretty damn long again, but I'm pretty pleased with how this has turned out, and I'm happy to say, when I get back from the USA in a couple of days, I've got much more time to be able to pump these shows out, starting with ECW, SD and the subsequent ECW PPV, as well as giving feedback to guys like amrocky25, RatedRKO31, etc, who are usually kind enough to read my work. I've been really strapped for time, so I've managed about one review in the whole of July, but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things soon. Anyway, here's the long-awaited Raw.
Monday Night Raw
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
11th January 2010
We see a highlights package from last week, during Raw's 3 Hour Special, when it came down to Triple H, Shawn Michaels and John Cena in the Main Event, fighting to earn a WWE Title shot at Royal Rumble. After plenty of exchanging of finishers, it's John Cena who is eliminated first, before a shocked and unprepared Michaels is dumped out unexpectedly by his tag team partner, the Game, Triple H. As the video package comes to a close (it's nothing special), we just see Triple H on the turnbuckle, celebrating, before turning to look down at his bemused friend, and saying... "It's just business."
The camera sweeps through into the Raw opening video, filled with a variety of Raw superstars, before the shot bursts into a glorious view of the arena stage, where fireworks explode across like a dozen cannons firing. We then sweep across the roaring Motor City crowd, signs covering the entire scene. We see a few "Let's Rumble" and "HHH" signs in particular, before we head to ringside, where we see Michael Cole and Jerry "the King" Lawler. Fancy that.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen – this is Monday Night Raw, LIVE in Detroit, Michigan! I'm Michael Cole, sitting alongside WWE Hall of Famer, Jerry "the King" Lawler at ringside, and King, we are three weeks away from the Royal Rumble!
Oh boy, Michael, I am SO hyped! One man is gonna headline Wrestlemania 26, and tonight, we're gonna find out one more man in that match on the Raw side of things – it's gonna be Kofi Kingston versus Chris Masters in a first time ever contest, and one of those men are going to book themselves a chance of a lifetime!
Very true, King, but another massive issue on Monday Night Raw at the moment is the fact that we have a NEW No. 1 Contender to the WWE Championship! The Game, Triple H, beat seven other men last week to earn a shot at Jack Swagger's WWE Title, and it remains to be seen if Swagger's stunning, inaugural World Title reign can continue in three weeks, against one of the cornerstones of this industry, in the Cerebral Assassin.
I can't wait to see that match, Michael! The King of Kings will take Swagger to the limit, that's for sure.
The crowd comes to life with intense boos as the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger appears from behind the curtain. He wears a massive smirk across his face, and casually rests his title belt on his shoulder, looking at it endearingly for a moment, before he begins to make his way down the ramp.
Ladies and gentlemen... please welcome... the WWE Champion, the All-American American... Jack Swagger!
Another heap of boos fall on Swagger, who ignores the Detroit fans, and heads for the ring – he takes a mic from ringside as he gets in, then beats the title with his fist a couple of times.
Jack Swagger, who of course won that WWE Championship a few weeks ago at Armageddon, is out here to start off Monday Night Raw, and King, he doesn't look overly worried about the prospect of facing Triple H in three weeks.
You're right, Michael. I have a feeling he's not worried because he doesn't think the Game is a challenge – I don't know about that, but he didn't become WWE Champion by luck.
Swagger's music subsides, and the All-American American adjusts the straps on his singlet (on which the jagged stripes are silver this week), before looking out at the booing crowd with a look of disgust. He runs a fist over his hair, almost bored, then raises his mic.
You are looking, right now, at the most talented man... in the wrestling industry.
The boos flood in.
I am the pinnacle of wrestling ability, and if you people needed any more proof... you only need to look at the title on my shoulder.
More boos. Swagger looks at the title briefly.
And when I won this title off John Cena at Armageddon... people were shocked. Nobody expected me to win. But that's because they underestimated me. And some people still do. They call my title win LUCKY. They say I don't DESERVE to be WWE Champion!
The crowd begins a "You suck!" chant, and Swagger scowls.
But the fact is, it's the other way around. I am the ONLY man... who deserves this championship. Nobody else does. Not John Cena, not Triple H, not a single man on this roster.
More heat for Swagger.
Except me. Because I'm a two-time All-American American – nobody can just...
quite like I can. I am one of a kind. I am a natural CHAMPION.
The heat grows, and the whole arena begins to get on the All-American American's back, booing intensely.
And like the natural Champion I am, I plan to defend my title in three weeks at Royal Rumble.
Swagger smirks.
But that match... is a foregone conclusion.
Triple H is just as pathetic as John Cena. And just like Cena, I'll crush him like a bug, like only I can.
More heat. The WWE Champion smirks.
While I am at the top of the youth movement here on Raw, Triple H is on his way out. Or at least, he should be. Because he has nothing on my athleticism, my pure ability, and my YOUTH.
And not only is Triple H past his prime... he betrays his friends.
The crowd showers Swagger with boos, and the "You suck!" chants kick off once more.
That's right, you all saw it last week... Triple H is a traitor to his friends. He values championships over friendships, and yet you people cheer him like a role model.
Boos for Swagger.
On the other hand, there's me. I don't sacrifice my friends for accomplishments like Triple H does... mainly because I can accomplish everything I need to, on my own. And not only am I WWE Champion... but I have an amazing social life, too.
The crowd boos Swagger's cockiness. The man himself can't help but continue to smirk.
See, I can balance what I have. But Triple H... he's not just physically inferior to me – no, he's mentally inferior, too.
More boos.
So at Royal Rumble, you can bet your house... that YOURS TRULY, Jack Swagger, is going to-
THE CROWD GOES NUTS! The arena lights begin to flash red and green, and out comes Triple H in street clothes, no emotion in his face!
Swagger turns to the stage with blazing eyes, and the Game begins to stride down the ramp, while the crowd roars for his presence!
Triple H is here! The Game has arrived!
He sure has, Michael, and things could explode quickly in this situation, especially after what Swagger said about him!
Triple H reaches the ring, then climbs up the steel steps. He enters the ring from the apron, over the middle rope, and walks across the ring as Swagger watches him with narrowed eyes. The camera shifts to show a child with a "The Game" sign in his hands, and when we cut back to the ring, the Cerebral Assassin is standing across from Swagger, with a mic in his hand. Swagger frowns, and as the music subsides, a "Triple H!" chant begins, to the WWE Champion's annoyance. The Game looks out at the crowd, then adjusts his leather jacket, and raises his mic.
Triple H:
Y'know Jack, I've met a lot of young and cocky assholes in my time... but you might just take the cake.
The crowd cheers, and Swagger scowls.
Triple H:
I mean, don't take it to heart or anything, but you really need to give yourself a reality check, kid.
Another big cheer goes up, while Swagger watches the Game through narrowed eyes again.
Triple H:
You won the WWE Title, great. Good for you. But this is your first reign. And you've beaten one guy.
Swagger shrugs at him.
Triple H:
Me? I've held a World Title THIRTEEN TIMES, KID. The most out of anyone still in this company. You think you're special? You're nothing special, Swagger. You're the same cocky up-and-comer who tries to make their name, taking on the big guns in the business. You see them every single year.
Swagger shakes his head, as if disappointed.
Triple H:
But you know what happened to each and every one of them?
You buried them, Hunter?
Triple H:
They all fell to me. Not a single one of them could back up their words. Some were giants, some were tiny. But not one of them could take me on in a match, when it came to the WWE Championship.
Swagger smirks.
Triple H:
So don't for a second think you're special, Swagger, 'cause-
THINK I'm special? Hunter, I KNOW I'm special!
Massive boos for the All-American American!
I don't care about your titles, I don't care about your accomplishments. All that matters is ME. I'm the man you've gotta beat in three weeks, and you know just as well as I do... that's not gonna happen.
Tripper raises his eyebrows.
Thirteen time Champion? That means you've lost thirteen title matches, old man. You know how many I've lost? NONE. I'm two and zero, Hunter!
The crowd boos.
So you can take your nicknames, your title reigns, your accomplishments... and you can shove them up your ASS for all I care.
More boos. Triple H frowns as Swagger takes another step towards him.
Because all of it... means nothing in comparison, to a phenomenon like me.
More boos flood in.
But you've made history plenty of times in this company, Hunter, I'll give you that. I guess you're lucky... because in three weeks, you'll make history once again...
HHH frowns. The WWE Champion leans in towards him.
And when you're working in a high school gym, or sitting in some run-down bar in the back end of some grungy city... you can tell anyone who will listen, that you used to wrestle against the great Jack Swagger... during his famous inaugural reign as WWE Champion.
Lots of heat for the All-American American.
The thing is... it's not going to be your hand being raised when our match is over at the Rumble. It's gonna be mine.
More boos.
And once again, I will retain my W... W... E... CHAMPIONSHIP!
The arena comes to life to boo Swagger, who just smirks! Triple H tilts his head, and waits for the heat to die down, as Swagger takes a few steps back, the grin still on his face.
Oh, and if you can only beat a man by blindsiding him... like last week... then you have no chance at all, do you?
Triple H's mouth curls into a smile, and he begins to pace as he talks.
Triple H:
You can say I "betrayed" Shawn all you like, Jack. You can say I'm old, or that you're some kind of legend already – but when you step in the ring with me, maybe then you'll realise...
The Game takes some determined steps towards Swagger.
Triple H:
...that I'm still the most dangerous man on this roster!
The crowd cheers wildly, and the Game snarls a little, before continuing, eyes locked on the All-American American.
Triple H:
And I've always said – it ain't bragging, if you can back it up... but kid, you're facing the Game!
Another huge cheer goes up!
Triple H:
I'm not just any old opponent... I'm the best, of the best. I LIVE to be WWE Champion, Swagger. When I wake up in the morning, you know what I think?
Swagger frowns.
Triple H:
I think, "How can I get the WWE Title today?" I think, "WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?"
Another massive pop for the Cerebral Assassin!
Triple H:
I live, eat, and BREATHE the WWE Championship, Jack. You don't know the half of that desire. That NEED to hold that belt!
Swagger scowls, but there's another pop for Triple H, who snarls straight into the face of the All-American American.
Triple H:
You think you're the greatest man to ever hold that title... but you're in for a big surprise when the Rumble rolls around, that's for sure.
The Game cracks a smile, but he's pumped full of adrenaline, and his face turns slightly red as he proclaims:
Triple H:
Because come the Rumble, YOU WILL BOW TO THE KING!
Swagger goes pale, and the crowd goes nuts! The WWE Champion looks around wildly, and the Game snarls, before turning to the crowd to let out a giant roar! The Detroit crowd roars back, and he spins towards Swagger, a massive smile across his face! Swagger takes a few steps back, scowling, and Tripper raises his mic again...
Triple H:
Game on.
As the crowd roars, Triple H smirks... BUT HE GETS BLINDSIDED BY A FURIOUS SWAGGER, WHO CLUBS HIM WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE! The crowd comes alive with a ton of boos, and Swagger starts pummelling the Game on the floor, red in the face! Michael Cole screams all sorts of crap on the outside, and in the ring, Swagger gets off his Rumble opponent, then snatches the WWE Title belt from the canvas... so when the Game struggles up, the All-American American charges across the ring – AND NAILS TRIPLE H IN THE FACE WITH THE BELT! The Cerebral Assassin goes down clutching his face, and the crowd boos like crazy! Swagger looks down at the King of Kings, and turns to leave, smirking...
BUT HE GETS CLOCKED WITH SWEET CHIN MUSIC! The crowd goes INSANE, and Swagger falls over, completely destroyed by the Superkick, and above him, stands the inevitable figure of the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! The Detroit fans are roaring like there's no tomorrow, but there's no emotion in HBK's face as he looks down at both men on the mat, before leaving the ring, and beginning to head up the ramp! Michaels shakes his head, and as he reaches the bottom of the ramp, he turns to look back at the ring...
There's a HUGE mixed reaction here, and the stage turns green – AND HERE COMES SHANE O' MAC! The Raw General Manager pops out on to the stage, grinning, and Michaels look up at him, stunned! McMahon has a mic in his hand, and he smiles down at Shawn – his music dies down, and he looks at the ring with a bit of a grimace.
Ok, I was a bit late on this one to stop the carnage...
Mixed reaction. Swagger and Triple H begin to stir in the ring.
But I just thought I'd have to get out here, and tell you all about the big Main Event for tonight!
A small pop goes up.
For the first time ever, it's gonna be WWE Champion, Jack Swagger...
Boos for Swagger, who clutches at the ropes near the ramp, and looks up at Shane.
...versus the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS!
THERE'S A MASSIVE POP FROM THE DETROIT CROWD! Swagger's eyes go wide, and HBK turns to face the ring again, staring right into the eyes of the All-American American! Shane O' Mac isn't finished, though...
But that's not all! No, to make sure there's no interference... there's going to be a SPECIAL, Guest Enforcer at ringside!
A big pop goes up, and the crowd waits to see who Shane says...
And that Special Guest Enforcer... is gonna be the Game – TRIPLE H!
AGAIN, THE CROWD GOES NUTS! Swagger curses the lord above, while HBK looks up at Shane, eyes blazing! Michaels looks visibly frustrated at the match made by Shane and its participants, while Triple H just breathes heavily, slumped against the turnbuckle! Shane's music hits, and the Raw GM wanders behind the curtain. In the ring, Triple H cracks a small smile at Swagger, who scowls, then looks up at the ceiling, exasperated.
OH MY! It's gonna be Shawn Michaels versus the WWE Champion for the first time ever, and Triple H is going to be at ringside as Special Guest Enforcer! He's had problems with both these men recently – what will happen when these three men collide in tonight's Main Event, LIVE on Raw?
On that note, Raw goes to its first commercial break of the evening.
When Raw returns, we head to ringside, where we see Michael Cole and Jerry "the King" Lawler.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night Raw, where before the break, we heard about a monumental Main Event – the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, taking on the WWE Champion, Jack Swagger!
That's for the first time ever, Michael! Not to mention, Jack Swagger's opponent in three weeks, Triple H, is gonna be at ringside as Special Guest Enforcer! I'm on edge here! I can't wait!
As King tries to calm himself, the music of Melina hits, and the Divas Champion arrives to a solid pop from Detroit crowd. She swings her title up into the air with a smile, then begins to make her way down the ramp, walking round the ring, and taking her seat at the announce table.
Well, we're about to watch some Divas action, so it's fitting that we're joined at ringside by the Divas Champion herself, Melina. Great to have you here.
Thanks, Michael. Best seats in the house, right? Couldn't say no.
Melina smiles, and the camera cuts up to the stage, where the music of Alicia Fox hits, and the lighting in the arena turns sharply to a sparkling purple. There is a minimal reaction for Fox as she struts down the ramp, and the bell chimes.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida... Alicia Fox!
Alicia Fox is always a tough opponent, no matter who you are, but she's facing Gail Kim tonight – who's your pick for this one, Melina?
Hey, they're both great competitors, but I've gotta give the edge to Gail here. I've taken on both of them before, but no-one gives you a fight quite like Gail does.
Alicia gets in the ring, and Gail Kim's music kicks off, prompting a small pop from the crowd. She smiles out at the crowd, then begins to jog down the ramp, slapping the outstretched hands of the fans at ringside.
And her opponent... from Toronto, Ontario, Canada – GAAAAAIL... KIM!
Kim rolls into the ring, and glances briefly at Melina at ringside, before heading for the turnbuckles, and pointing out at the crowd with a grin. She hops off, and focuses on Alicia Fox, who is doing a few last minute stretches.
Well, Gail Kim will face you for the Divas Championship sometime in the next few weeks, Melina, and there's been a lot of controversy over whether you'll give your all when you come up against your best friend-
I don't know about that, Michael. Gail and I are great friends, sure, but I don't hold back when it comes to the Divas Championship.
What about Maryse?
Maryse... well, I've beaten her already. If she thinks Gail screwed her or something, that's her problem. But she better not try and hurt me, or my friends. Because I'll make her sorry if she does.
The referee checks both women are good to go, then calls for the bell.
Match 1
Alicia Fox vs Gail Kim
After about 3 minutes, we join the action, with Fox holding Gail down in a Leg-scissors, attempting to force a submission – after a few moments of Gail struggling, she lashes out with a frantic elbow, which catches Alicia in the face, and causes her to release the hold in pain! Gail forces herself to her feet, and Alicia gets up, before charging... straight into a boot to the gut from Gail Kim, who then drills her into the mat with a Falling Facebuster! Alicia yelps as her face hits the mat hard, and she bounces up from the move, falling on her back! Gail makes the cover... 1... 2... kickout from Alicia! The crowd groans, but Gail stays on the offence – Alicia sits up, and gets a HUGE kick to the chest, flooring her again! The crowd groans with the impact, and this time, Gail heads up to the top turnbuckle... Alicia stands, and Kim soars with the Missile Dropkick... NOBODY'S HOME! Alicia rolls away, and Gail crashes and burns on to the canvas!
Melina says "ouch" on the outside as Gail crunches into the mat, and Alicia capitalises, throwing herself over her opponent for the cover... 1... 2... NO! Kickout by Gail Kim, keeping the match alive! The crowd cheers, but Alicia isn't as happy, and yanks Gail up by the hair, ignoring the warnings by the official... and rocks her with a big European Uppercut, sending her wobbling over into the corner! Alicia takes a few steps back, then charges... and lands a big Corner Clothesline to Gail Kim, crushing her against the turnbuckle! Kim cries out, and collapses on to the mat, before Alicia tosses her further into the centre of the ring, and covers... 1... 2... 3-NO! Kickout again by Gail!!! Alicia screeches that "IT WAS THREE!" right in the referee's face, who shows her the dreaded two fingers – and when Alicia turns back round, Gail Kim is up, and she soars like an eagle... BEFORE FLINGING ALICIA ACROSS THE RING WITH A HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN! The crowd cheers wildly, and Alicia leaps back to her feet, dazed... and Gail grabs her, before setting up – AND CONNECTING WITH THE
!!! Fox collapses, barely conscious, and Gail hooks the leg... 1... 2... 3!
Winner: Gail Kim
Match Time: 4:54
Gail Kim's music hits, and the crowd cheers for her as she has her arm raised. The referee leaves the ring, and she hops up on to the turnbuckle, smiling – suddenly though, the cheers turn to boos, and Gail discovers why, because when she turns round... SHE GETS A MASSIVE BOOT TO THE FACE FROM MARYSE! The whole arena comes to life to boo the Sultry Diva, who stomps all over Gail, clearly furious... BUT HERE COMES MELINA! Maryse scarpers from the ring, stunned, as the Divas Champion comes sliding in! The Sultry Diva looks up at Melina, who yells "Come on! I dare you!" at her, pressed up against the ring ropes, a look of pure anger on her face! Maryse just scowls back at her, then slowly makes her exit up the ramp. Melina helps Gail back to her feet, and we cut back to ringside.
Well, Maryse thwarted in her attempts to make a statement here tonight by Melina's presence, and for Gail's sake, it sure was a good thing Melina was here at ringside.
They're pretty good friends for sure, Michael – it's no surprise Melina got in there to help Gail out.
We cut backstage, where we see Shane McMahon, sitting at his desk in his office. He looks up at the sound of his door opening, and he smiles, standing up from his chair.
Just the man I wanted to see.
The camera zooms out... to show the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, standing in front of Shane, wearing street clothes. He scowls, and the crowd in the arena unloads heat on him.
Ya wanted t' see me, Shane? Really, fella? 'Cause I came here to sort somet'in out wit YOU.
Boos. Shane raises an eyebrow.
Ya saw it last week, in t'at Battle Royal. Jamie Noble's music played, and it distracted me long enough... to let Shawn Michaels doomp me out. He cost me my shot at the Dubya-Dubya-E Champ-yan-ship!
Mixed reaction.
What I want... is fer Jamie Noble to be punished. T'night.
Boos – Sheamus leans in towards Shane.
Or I can't be held responsible... for what I do t' him in return.
Lots of heat from the fans in the arena. Shane tilts his head.
Sheamus, last I remember... you put Jamie Noble in a hospital bed, right?
Sheamus smirks a little.
Yeah, that's right. You kicked him in the face – after you'd already beaten him, and when medics were trying to help him out of the arena with a suspected broken back,
you kicked him in the face.
More heat for the Celtic Warrior, who seems to be enjoying Shane's recollection.
So... no. I'm not gonna punish Jamie – hell, he wasn't even in the arena when his music played, Sheamus.
Sheamus scowls. Shane casually looks down at a paper on his desk, then back up at Sheamus with a smile.
But if you're in the mood for a fight... The Miz needs a partner for his match tonight against Evan Bourne and Larry Sweeney. Feel like helping out?
Sheamus scoffs in his typical fashion.
And what makes ya think I'd do t'at?
Shane smiles.
How about, on Raw next week, I give you a Royal Rumble Qualifier – with it, a chance to headline Wrestlemania 26.
Shane raises an eyebrow, and Sheamus looks at him for a moment, emotionless. The Raw GM offers his hand, and the Celtic Warrior stares at it, before looking up at Shane again.
Foine. Deal.
The Irishman leaves the shot to a chorus of boos, leaving Shane's hand to hang in mid-air. He retracts it slowly, then sits down, a corner of his mouth curved upwards a little. Raw goes to a break.
As Raw returns, the bell chimes.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
The Japanese pop tune of Yoshi Tatsu hits, and the crowd pops big for Yoshi's first ever Raw appearance! Tatsu comes bouncing out on to the stage, grinning, and behind him follows Gregory Helms, smirking.
Introducing first... accompanied by Gregory Helms... from Japan, weighing in at 220 pounds... Yoshi Tatsu!
Yoshi Tatsu is one of the most exciting superstars to watch in the business today, and in just a few weeks, he'll be one of many men from Raw, SmackDown, and his own ECW to compete in the 2010 Royal Rumble match.
We all know the stakes in that one, Michael – the chance to headline Wrestlemania 26!
Yoshi's tag team partner, Gregory Helms, will also be in that all-important match, when it will be every man for himself, but these two are No. 1 Contenders to the WWE Unified Tag Team Championships, and as such, Tatsu takes on Ted DiBiase here on Raw tonight.
Tatsu jogs down the ramp, excitedly slapping the hands of the ringside fans on one side, while Helms casually covers the other side with a small smile. The pair get in the ring, and Tatsu calls for a mic. Their music subsides, and Tatsu raises the mic-
The Japanese Superstar looks out at the crowd, as if he'd just said something, but then hands the mic over to a satisfied Helms, who raises it himself.
Wise words.
A small mixed reaction.
Now, we came to Monday Night Raw... because Legacy came to our brand, and took US on – so now we're returning the favour.
Cheers for Helms, who adjusts his beanie.
Now... before Yoshi unleashes his unique brand of Japan-style, kick-ass offence on Ted DiBiase, there's one more thing we've gotta clear up.
Helms pauses.
Lots of boos for the Man Beast.
I bet you really felt like attacking us again this week... but unfortunately, you're not a Raw superstar, and you're not authorised to come here... so if you take two steps into this building, security will escort you out of here faster than you can say... well, anything. I'm just sayin'.
Small pop.
As for your little challenge for this Saturday...
Helms looks around the arena with a little smile.
You and I haven't ever gone one-on-one, and ever since you arrived on ECW, it's my head you've been after. You've been tryin' to make an example of me, right?
This Saturday, I'll make an example out of YOU. This Saturday... it's time.
A big cheer goes up!
That's right, this Saturday, Rhyno versus Greg Helms for the first time ever... IT – IS – ON!
There's a HUGE cheer from the Detroit crowd, and Helms tosses his mic to the side with a grin. He high fives Tatsu, then exits the ring, allowing his friend to get in some last-minute preparation.
The crowd begins to boo, and Legacy arrive on the stage, smirking. It's Ted DiBiase's name that appears beneath the picture, along with "One half of the Unified Tag Team Champions". Justin Roberts will just confirm that for us:
And his opponent... accompanied by Cody Rhodes... from West Palm Beach, Florida, weighing in at 235 pounds... he is one half of the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions... Ted – DIBIASE!
Thanks, Justin. Anyway, DiBiase and Rhodes, holding their titles in a typical cocky fashion, and wearing their usual smirks, begin to make their way down the ramp. Rhodes insults one of the fans alongside the ramp, just for the hell of it.
The Unified Tag Team Champions will also be in the Royal Rumble match, but they are yet to have their first title defence, King.
Well, that'll come against these guys, Michael – Yoshi Tatsu and Greg Helms are no pushovers, but neither are Legacy, and I bet we're in for a great contest when that title match rolls around.
DiBiase gets in the ring, and stares down Tatsu coldly. He hands his title belts to ringside, then catches Yoshi looking at them, and screams "YOU'RE NOT GETTING THEM!" right in his face! Tatsu's expression hardens, but he stays silent as always. DiBiase continues to lambast him, yelling "What? Cat got your tongue?" and when he gets nothing back, he roars "HEY! I ASKED YOU A QUESTION!"... and SLAPS Tatsu round the face! The crowd lets out the mandatory groan, and Tatsu reels away – then comes back with a giant Jumping Enzuigiri... WHICH CONNECTS, SMASHING HIS BOOT RIGHT INTO DIBIASE'S FACE!
The crowd goes wild, and the Tag Team Champion goes down, completely shocked! Helms punches the air on the outside, and the official has to RESTRAIN the fuming Tatsu as DiBiase gets to his feet, equally furious! The referee manages to get between the two, then eventually calls for the bell... WHICH ONLY KICKS THINGS OFF FOR REAL, AS THE PAIR COLLIDE LIKE A TRAIN CRASH! DiBiase throws Yoshi to the floor, and starts pummelling him, furious, but the Japanese Superstar escapes the hold, and swings with the ROUNDHOUSE KICK... but DiBiase ducks it, and escapes the ring, where he finds Cody Rhodes, who starts talking tactics – ONLY FOR TATSU TO CLEAR THEM BOTH OUT WITH A SICK BASEBALL SLIDE! The crowd goes wild, and this match is well underway!
Match 2
Yoshi Tatsu vs Ted DiBiase
Given the proceedings prior to the bell, this one got quite heated, and when we join the action, it's DiBiase in control, as he's just floored Tatsu with a basic Scoop Slam, and now he begins to go to work on him, as he lands an Elbow Drop... and gets up, smirking out at the crowd! The Detroit masses begin to boo, as DiBiase lands the second Elbow Drop... and then the third! Rhodes begins to applaud on the outside, as DiBiase nails the fourth in succession, before heading to the ropes, and bouncing off for a leaping fifth... BUT TATSU ROLLS AWAY, AND DIBIASE CRUNCHES INTO THE MAT! The crowd cheers, and the Japanese Superstar is up quickly – so he hits DiBiase in the gut with a Heel Kick, then leaps up with the Spinning Savate Kick, flooring the Tag Team Champion in a mere second! Tatsu covers... 1... 2... but DiBiase flings him off, red in the face! The camera zooms in on DiBiase's blinking eyes as he tries to rid himself of the cobwebs, and he pulls himself up – only for Tatsu to grab his wrist, and try to send him to the ropes... but DiBiase stands firm, and sends Tatsu there himself – DiBiase follows up in his typical fashion, and Tatsu turns around in the middle of the ring – AND GETS HIS HEAD NEARLY TAKEN OFF WITH A BRUTAL CLOTHESLINE BY DIBIASE!
The crowd groans as one, and DiBiase hooks a leg in a somewhat violent way... 1... 2... 3-NO! The crowd can't believe it, and DiBiase is in the official's face immediately, SCREAMING for the slow count! The referee puts up his hands, surprised... AND TATSU PULLS DIBIASE DOWN WITH THE SHOCK SCHOOL BOY... 1... 2... 3-NO! "TWO AND SEVEN-EIGHTHS!" cries Jerry Lawler at ringside, and DiBiase is up almost immediately, eyes wide in horror at what nearly happened! Helms is pumping the crowd up on the outside, and soon, the entire arena is going at it with a huge "LET'S GO TATSU!" chant! Helms grins out at the crowd, impressed, and Tatsu takes it to heart – DiBiase turns around, and tries to take the initiative with the Clothesline... no dice though! Tatsu ducks, and finds the ropes for the rebound – BEFORE SWEEPING RIGHT THROUGH DIBIASE WITH A MASSIVE CROSSBODY... AND THE PIN! 1... 2... NO! Kickout from the Million Dollar Prince, who looks out to Rhodes, clearly a bit swamped here – and Tatsu heads up top! The crowd cheers wildly, and Tatsu launches – MISSILE DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE CHEST! Tatsu lands hard, but DiBiase is completely floored by the brilliant move, and the crowd is still going crazy as Tatsu flings himself over DiBiase for the cover... 1... 2... 3-NO! KICKOUT!
Tatsu rises to his knees, and runs a hand through his hair, stunned! Helms is just as shocked on the outside, and DiBiase crawls away, breathing heavily. The Tag Team Champion uses the ropes to get up, and Tatsu moves in – but DiBiase lashes out with an instinctive elbow, which hits Tatsu in the gut, and sends him reeling away in pain! The Japanese Superstar moves in again, a grimace on his face... but DiBiase darts straight for him, and sweeps the legs, connecting with an STO! Tatsu lands hard, and the ring shakes a little! DiBiase grins... he waits behind the Japanese Superstar patiently as he gets up... and grabs him with the Cobra Clutch, thinking Dream Street! The arena comes alive with boos, and Helms' eyes go wide at ringside... but Tatsu spins out of the clutch, and leaps up, pulling DiBiase down with an Arm Drag! The crowd cheers, and both men are up almost immediately... CRACK!
FROM TATSU! IT'S LIGHT OUTS FOR DIBIASE, AND THE JOE LOUIS ARENA ROARS... Tatsu screams out with a massive adrenaline rush, then shoots the half, as the Detroit masses count along with the official... 1... 2... 3! Cody Rhodes is furious on the outside, but Helms is on Cloud Nine! Tatsu has won it!
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
Match Time: 9:08
The crowd cheers wildly, and the official raises Tatsu's arm – he heads for the turnbuckle in jubilation, and yells out at the crowd with a huge smile! He just pinned one half of the Tag Team Champions! Helms joins him in the ring, and raises Yoshi's arm to the crowd, who roar back at the pair – Legacy slowly back up the ramp, scowling.
A big win here tonight for Yoshi Tatsu over Ted DiBiase, and you only need to look at his face to see how much that means to him.
Tell me about it, Michael! Yoshi put in a great performance there, and he fully deserved that win. What a momentum boost that must be!
We cut backstage, where we see Todd Grisham.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... the Mexican Warrior, Chavo Guerrero.
Boos for Chavo, who enters the shot, frowning, and wearing his usual poncho and bandana.
Chavo, you asked for this time because-
Chavo wrenches the mic from Grisham's hand.
I know why I'm here. Now, Shawn Michaels may have screwed me over last week with that dangerous move when I was coming off the top turnbuckle... hell, I'm lucky to be alive... but let me tell you, Chavo Guerrero is going places on Monday Night Raw, ese.
I've been a victim of poor decisions from General Manager Shane McMahon... but it's because he doesn't respect the Guerrero family legacy. And that makes me sick.
More boos. Chavo scowls.
Shane McMahon likes to think that he is a part of the greatest wrestling family of all time, but he's dead wrong, ese. That would be the Guerrero's. And like a true Guerrero, I don't stop fighting until I get what I deserve.
Chavo smirks a little.
And what I deserve... is another chance at qualifying for the Royal Rumble match. So I expect to be given one. Because as wrestling royalty, I deserve nothing less.
The crowd boos loudly.
And when I finally get my chance in the Rumble match, I plan to take it. And after that, I WILL... headline... Wrestlemania 26.
As the crowd jeers and boos, the Mexican Warrior turns, and leaves the shot with a frown. Raw goes to a break.
As Raw returns, the bell chimes, and Evan Bourne's music hits to a MASSIVE pop from the crowd! The lights in the arena flash like crazy, and the TitanTron lights up with Bourne's video, showing some of his insane offence. The No. 1 contender to the United States Title arrives with a huge grin, and from behind him appears the strutting figure of Larry Sweeney, smirking.
The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, at a combined weight of 366 pounds... the team of Evan Bourne, and "Sweet 'n' Sour" Larry Sweeney!
The crowd cheers for the announcement, and Bourne starts to jog down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans, while Sweeney swaggers down the other side, chewing some gum, but not bothering to stretch out his hand. Bourne throws up the peace sign a few times, then heads for the apron by the hard camera, where he springs up, and crouches with his arms on the middle rope, grinning out at the camera. We briefly cut to the other side, where Sweeney, wearing his purple ring gear, complete with feather boa and black shades, clambers up the ring steps, and stands on the apron too, looking out at the arena.
Well, tonight is the first time we'll see Larry Sweeney in action, but if he can wrestle half as well as he can talk about how great he is, we might be in for a treat here.
He's partnering his good friend Evan Bourne here tonight, Michael – Evan's gonna take on the Miz for the United States Championship at Royal Rumble, so a win tonight would be a huge boost in confidence for him ahead of that title match.
Both men get in the ring, and Bourne heads to a turnbuckle to do the peace sign for the crowd. Sweeney leans against another turnbuckle, continuing to chew his gum, and Bourne hops down, giving a wry smile when he sees Sweeney standing casually in the corner. Bourne mouths "You ready?" at his partner, and Sweeney pulls off his shades and boa, heading across the ring to hand them to ringside, before turning back to Bourne, and nodding his head, as if it was a stupid question.
The crowd boos intensely, and the Miz comes strutting out, title on his shoulder. He wanders down the ramp, smirking down at Sweeney and Bourne – while the latter stares at him determinedly, Sweeney just chews, and looks around the arena with a look of disinterest.
And their opponents... first, from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing in at 231 pounds... he is the United States Champion... The Miz!
The Miz is set to defend his United States Title against Evan Bourne in three weeks, but it's fair to say he hasn't taken his challenger as much of a threat.
Yup, well the Miz beat Carlito in one of many successful title defences a couple of weeks back at Armageddon, so he's not too fussed about where his next challenge comes from – he's confident he can beat whoever steps up to face him.
The Miz launches up on to the side of the apron by the ramp, and smirks out at the fans, before sweeping into the ring, and heading over to his corner. Bourne stares at him, and he raises his title above his head, frowning. He hands it to ringside reluctantly, and his music dies down. The arena isn't silent for long, however...
The crowd boos again, this time for the Celtic Warrior, who arrives on the stage with a deadly scowl. He swings him arms as he strides down the ramp, his usual chain around his neck.
And his tag team partner... from Dublin, Ireland, weighing in at 272 pounds... the Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS!
For a man who came to the WWE only six months ago, Sheamus has a very unique attitude, especially for someone so new to the company – he's had a brutal rivalry as of late since he joined the Raw roster from ECW, when he tried to end the career of the veteran, Jamie Noble.
Only thing was, Jamie wasn't in the mood to retire early, and he fought back, even beating Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match at Armageddon!
But Sheamus didn't take too kindly to that, King, and last week, we saw him beat down Jamie Noble brutally, even giving him a nasty Pump Kick to the skull as medics were helping him up, and once again, Jamie Noble's health and welfare are in doubt.
Sheamus gets in the ring, and glances coldly at Sweeney and Bourne, before joining the Miz in the far corner of the ring. He tosses his chain off, and flings it to ringside, while the Miz takes to the ring to face a grinning Evan Bourne. The United States Champion stares at Bourne for a moment, and as the bell chimes, he decides he doesn't fancy his chances, and turns around to face his Irish tag team partner, and slaps his shoulder, tagging him in. Sheamus looks at him with an expression of slight bemusement, then gets in the ring, and locks up with Bourne to start the match...
Match 3
Evan Bourne and Larry Sweeney vs The Miz and Sheamus
As we join the match after about five minutes, the heels have worked fairly well together, isolating Sweeney, while Bourne stands on the apron, frowning. Sheamus is the man beating on Sweet 'n' Sour, pummelling him with some big right hands on the mat – he gets off at the count of four from the referee, and as Sweeney struggles to his knees, Sheamus pulls him fully up, and hoists him up into the Oklahoma... before laying him out with the Running Powerslam! The crowd groans, and Sheamus covers, smirking... 1... 2... kickout by Sweeney! A big cheer goes up around the Joe Louis Arena, and Sheamus slaps the hand of the Miz on the apron, making him the legal man, and the Awesome One comes in, giving Sweeney a big stomp to the abdomen as he does. He then yanks him to his feet, only to throw him back down with a basic Scoop Slam... before the cover comes from the US Champion... 1... 2... again, Sweeney kicks out! The Miz pulls Sweet 'n' Sour to his feet once more, and flings him to the ropes... he comes back, and the Awesome One is bending over... CRACK! Massive kick to the face from Sweeney! Miz reels back, then flings a dizzy Clothesline... but Sweeney ducks under it, and allows the US Champion to wobble right into his grip – SPINEBUSTER FROM SWEENEY! The crowd roars, the ring shakes, and both men lie still in the ring – the crowd are desperate to see the hot tag, and Sweeney begins to crawl... the Miz begins to struggle to his feet... BUT SWEENEY LAUNCHES – AND GETS THE HOT TAG TO EVAN BOURNE!
The crowd goes wild, and the Miz looks up with horror as Bourne comes hurtling in like a rocket – the United States Champion flings a punch, but Bourne ducks it, and heads for the ropes... THEN BRINGS SOME LUCHA TO DETROIT WITH THE HURRICANRANA! The Miz goes flying across the ring, and the crowd roars, as does Bourne, grinning – but the United States Champion gets back up... CRACK! HE GETS A BIG KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE! The Awesome One staggers across the ring, clutching his face, and Bourne launches up, hitting him between the eyes with the Spinning Heel Kick! Larry Sweeney screams "YEAH BABY!" for some reason on the apron, and Bourne covers... 1... 2... no! Kickout by the Miz! Bourne heads to the outside apron, then springboards... and as Miz gets up, Bourne floors him with the Diving Double Knee Drop! Bourne hooks both legs, and the crowd chants along... 1... 2... 3-NO! The Miz scrambles out of the cover, and the crowd groans – how close was that? Bourne tags Sweeney in, and Sweet 'n' Sour comes charging in – the Miz stands up, and Sweeney lays him out with a Spinning Neckbreaker! The crowd groans with the impact, and Sweeney yells "THAT'S THREE!" before shooting the half with a smirk... 1... 2... Kickout from the Miz! Sweeney is delirious, and Sheamus holds out his hand, frowning, offering the tag... but Sweet 'n' Sour pulls the Awesome One to his feet, and nails a Hangman's Neckbreaker, only to spin into a front facelock, looking to finish this one... BUT THE MIZ PUSHES HIM AWAY, AND LAYS HIM OUT WITH A BIG BOOT! The crowd groans, and the Miz looks to his corner, reaching out for the tag...
BUT JAMIE NOBLE'S MUSIC HITS! THE CROWD GOES INSANE, AND SHEAMUS LOOKS TO THE RAMP IN PURE FURY! The Miz swings his hand towards Sheamus'... BUT THE CELTIC WARRIOR DROPS FROM THE APRON, AND STARTS WALKING UP TO THE STAGE, ENRAGED! The crowd is going crazy, and the Miz is completely delirious in the ring! Sheamus disappears behind the curtain, furious, and Noble's music subsides – the Miz is all alone! The United States Champion turns around... and he gets that Hangman's Neckbreaker again from Sweeney, who then smoothly spins him, and lands the DDT – THAT'S THE
RIGHT THERE! The Miz lies still, and Sweeney puts out his hands cockily, very pleased with his work... before he drags the United States Champion to Bourne's corner, and tags in the man himself! Bourne clambers up on to the top turnbuckle with a grin... and Sweeney heads to the outside apron, smirking like he's won the lottery... AND BOURNE LAUNCHES, HITTING THAT BEAUTIFUL
Winners: Evan Bourne and Larry Sweeney
Match Time: 8:42
Evan Bourne just pinned the United States Champion! The entire Joe Louis Arena is rocking, and Larry Sweeney is the man to yank him up to his feet, throwing his arm into the air, and screaming "THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE GONNA SEE AT THE RUMBLE, BABY!" out at the fans – and for once, he might be right!
A massive distraction for Sheamus here tonight, as Jamie Noble's music played again, like last week, prompting the Celtic Warrior to leave the Miz all alone – and that proved costly, as he was pinned by his Royal Rumble opponent, Evan Bourne.
Larry Sweeney hit him with the '68 Comeback Special, Michael, and when Evan hits that Shooting Star Press, you know it's over!
We head backstage, where we see Todd Grisham.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... John Cena!
There's a BIG pop from the crowd in the arena, and Cena enters the shot, looking fairly serious.
John, last week on Raw, you were eliminated in the Battle Royal, and as such, you will NOT face Jack Swagger for a third time at Royal Rumble, with the WWE Championship on the line. What are your thoughts?
Cena grimaces a little.
Todd, when I lost my WWE Title to Jack Swagger, a lot of things ran through my head. Regret... disappointment... anger... and pride.
Mixed reaction. Grisham looks confused.
Yeah. In a way, I was sort of proud of what Swagger did... he had the opportunity, and he took it – now's he the WWE Champion.
When I first came to this business, I was a lot like him. Self-centred, egotistical... I looked out for myself, and what I wanted. I always put personal success first. Nothing would stop me trying to get the WWE Title, and I didn't care what I had to do. Sometimes I went down the wrong road to do it... but somehow, I could always look at myself in the mirror, and say that I was proud of what I did.
Mixed reaction.
But Todd, I'm a lot different now. It's not just about the title belt. It's not just about the success. It's about the love of the game, that THRILL... you get when you're in the ring, thousands of fans chanting your name!
A big "CENA!" chant kicks off from the crowd, and he smiles.
And at Armageddon, I let those men and women down. Those diehard fans, sitting in the crowd, willing me on – I let... them... down.
Mixed reaction. Cena clamps his jaw, then takes his hand away.
And the very next night, I hoped I could make up for it – I hoped I could still be "the Champ" to these people, the guys who made me who I am.
The "CENA!" chant continues in the arena, picking up a bit.
But maybe it was fate or something, I don't know, that made me get unlucky in that rematch – my hand was on that rope, and everyone knows it. I knew it, the fans knew it... Jack Swagger knew it.
But I guess that's how it goes sometimes – the luck of the draw, right? But still, I just couldn't give up. I had a duty, to keep trying – for the fans. For the CeNation.
A big pop comes from the crowd, and Cena smiles a little.
So last week... I gave my ALL in that Battle Royal. Every last ounce of the energy I had, went into trying to win that match, so I could face Jack Swagger one more time.
I got caught off guard, but I can't make excuses for myself, that's not what I do. I'm facing up to the mistakes I've made... and I know what I need to do. Because whether Triple H beats Jack Swagger at the Rumble, or it's the other way around, I plan to face the winner. My business with the WWE Title isn't over.
Another pop from the crowd.
And when the 2010 Royal Rumble match rolls around, you all better believe, that I will be in it, and I will there, in Madison Square Garden, to win that bad boy.
Two years ago, I won the Royal Rumble in Madison Square Garden... I'm gonna do it all over again, or my name isn't John Cena.
Cena smiles.
And when I face the WWE Champion again... at Wrestlemania 26... I'll do the CeNation proud.
Cena nods at Grisham, then wanders out of the shot – the crowd continues to chant "CENA! CENA!" as he leaves, and Raw goes to a break.
CM Punk standing on the turnbuckle.
CM Punk:
I will be the one.
Rey Mysterio hitting the 619.
Rey Mysterio:
I will be the one.
John Cena showing the crowd his 'Word Life' sign.
John Cena:
I will be the one.
Quick shots of various superstars:
Shawn Michaels:
Randy Orton:
John Morrison:
Matt Hardy:
Kofi Kingston:
'ROYAL RUMBLE' crashes on to the screen...
Who will be... THE ONE?
WWE Royal Rumble
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
January 31st, 2010
Who Will Be The One?
Event Theme Song:
'Hero' by Skillet
Raw returns to the Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit, Michigan, and the stage turns gold...
The crowd boos and jeers fierily, and out from behind the curtain, stalking coldly on to the stage, comes the Viper, Randy Orton.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Randy Orton!
The crowd boos again, and Orton begins to slowly wander down the ramp, coldly glaring at the arena as a whole.
Randy Orton was eliminated from the Eight-Man Battle Royal last week by John Cena, but he still has a chance to headline Wrestlemania, because this past Saturday, during a Raw house show in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Orton qualified for the Royal Rumble match.
He did indeed, Michael – it was a pretty impressive showing from the Viper, and now he'll be a part of the match that, well, he WON last year. And I don't doubt that he's going to remind us about that in just a moment.
Orton steps up onto the apron, and gets in the ring over the middle rope. He heads across the ring to take a mic from ringside, then steps back into the centre of the ring, waiting for his music to die down. It does, but his gold lighting remains, hanging over the whole arena to set the scene for the Viper to speak. He looks out coldly once more, then slowly raises his mic, as "You suck!" chants start in one corner of the Joe Louis Arena.
The Viper drops the mic to his side with a scowl, as the "You suck!" chants reach infuriating volume levels, for him, anyway. He brings the mic back up, furious:
There's a ton of heat here, and Orton starts to walk around the ring a little as he talks.
Firstly, what happened to Legacy... was a massive
My protégés don't lose. Especially not to men like...
Yoshi Tatsu
There's a big pop for Yoshi! The Viper frowns, then turns to face the ramp.
Ted... I know you're listening. Next week, I want you to take him on again. So you can prove to all these pathetic people...
That any man mentored by ME, is capable of DEMOLISHING a man like Yoshi Tatsu.
The corner of Orton's mouth curls up a little.
He's not on our level.
More boos. Orton turns to face the crowd again.
But let me point out... I am NOT out here, to talk about Legacy. I'm here to TELL you all, exactly what you're all going to see in three weeks, at the Royal Rumble.
That's right. See, this past Saturday... I qualified for the Royal Rumble match.
More heat.
Personally... I see no reason whatsoever, which suggests I, of all people, should have to QUALIFY for the 2010 Royal Rumble. And you know why?
Orton pauses, and a smirk forms.
Because last year, I WON THE ROYAL RUMBLE.
Massive heat for the Viper! Orton bares a slightly scary smile, clearly pleased by the memory.
And last year, I headlined Wrestlemania. And the year before that... I headlined Wrestlemania.
I was BORN to headline the biggest show in the wrestling calendar. Just like my father, who headlined the very FIRST Wrestlemania. It's in my blood... IT'S MY DESTINY.
Lots of heat for the Viper.
No-one can stop me from headlining Wrestlemania 26 – it's fate, just like in years gone by. And when I win the Royal Rumble match, I don't care who is WWE Champion – whether it's Jack Swagger...
Boos for the All-American American. Orton seethes for a second, then hisses out his next line...
...or if I have to go through Triple H again...
A giant pop goes up for the Game, and Orton bares his teeth in anger.
...whoever I face at Wrestlemania, I plan to take back the WWE Championship... because that's my destiny too.
Boos. Orton's eyes widen a little with a stroke of inspiration.
And if you people want proof that I am going to do a repeat of my brilliance from last year... then maybe I should make an example of one member of the Raw locker room.
Lots more boos for the Viper, who turns to the ramp with a small smirk, and raises his free arm.
So, if anyone thinks they can prove me wrong... well, they are welcome to try.
There is silence in the arena. After about fifteen slightly tedious seconds, Orton's smile flourishes, and he turns to face the hard camera again.
And that, right there, proves that I am THE most dangerous-
THE JOE LOUIS ARENA GOES WILD! Orton slowly turns his head to the ramp, incredulous, and the camera shows the crowd – they are rocking! Various MVP fans in attendance are shown on their feet, roaring as loud as they can, and back on the stage, the man himself bursts out to a BIG reaction, a massive grin on his face, and dressed to compete! Orton's eyes are wide in shock, and the Ballin' Superstar beats his chest a couple of times, then begins to charge down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans at ringside. He stops halfway down the ramp, and bends down, before doing his usual taunt, unleashing his pyro behind him on the stage.
Well, it looks like Randy Orton has found someone to answer that open challenge, King!
He sure has, Michael! MVP's gonna be in the Royal Rumble match in three weeks, too, so I can't wait to see what happens here!
MVP rolls himself into the ring, and stands in front of Orton with a small smirk. The Viper glares at him, and he briefly skips across the ring to grab a mic, before his music dies down. "MVP! MVP!" chants start off inside the atmospheric Joe Louis Arena, and Orton scowls out at the arena. He turns back to face Porter, who has a big smirk on his face, pleased with the reaction he's received. He raises the mic-
Randy... you got yourself an opponent.
A big pop goes up from the masses in Detroit! Orton frowns, but MVP continues.
No, no, I get it, you're in your whole "holier than thou" stage right now, sure. You've got your "it's my destiny" thing going on, and I'd hate to get in the way of that and all...
MVP takes a step forward.
But you made a couple of mistakes, Randy. You ain't gonna headline Wrestlemania!
Another big cheer goes up. Orton is furious!
Nah, y'see this is the year 2010. I like to call this MY YEAR. 'Cause Randy, as I bet you wanna point out right now, I've never won a Rumble, and I've never won a World Championship.
The crowd boos, and MVP shrugs.
It's true, it's true. I've never "held the big one", I've never headlined Wrestlemania, I've never outlasted 29 other men in the Royal Rumble.
Orton smirks.
But there's a first time for everythin', right Randy?
Orton's smile vanishes, and a small pop goes up.
And you know, I'd be lyin' if I said I was just out here to plug my chances at the Rumble, 'cause, well... I figure everyone here in Detroit would love to see you get taken down a peg!
Lots of cheers go up around the arena for the Ballin' Superstar! Orton frowns, then rages:
Boos for Orton. It's MVP's turn to frown now, and Orton's face turns red a little.
Montel, you want to "take me down a peg"? Are you kidding me? YOU'RE NOT WORTHY OF LICKING THE MUD, OFF MY SHOES!
There's a ton of heat for the Viper!
No, Montel, you see, when I issued that open challenge just now... I meant someone who could at least provide me with a CHALLENGE. That's why they call it that. But you... I BEAT you a few weeks back with ease – you don't think I can just do the same tonight? 'CAUSE I WILL. I'LL DESTROY YOU!
More boos.
You're pathetic. You barely deserve to be in this ring... with a LEGEND like me!
MVP raises his mic with a small smile.
Randy, if I'm such a "pathetic" opponent... then I guess y'all have nothing to lose, right?
The crowd cheers, and the atmosphere begins to pick up in the arena again.
Unless... you're
to take me on?
A big 'OHH!' goes up from the crowd, and Orton stares a massive hole through the Ballin' Superstar! The Viper pulls his mic up speedily:
You know what, Montel? This won't take long. Get me... a referee.
A HUGE pop goes up around the Joe Louis Arena, and MVP smirks, before tossing his mic to the side! Orton hands his mic to ringside too, scowling, and points at Porter, mouthing "Let's do this". A referee comes hurtling out from behind the curtain, and MVP jogs on the spot a little, then tests the ropes with some leverage.
Wow, it looks like we're going to see this contest after all!
Oh my god, Michael! I'm so excited!
Justin Roberts scrambles into the ring for the impromptu announcement, as the bell briefly chimes:
Uh... ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, in this corner, from St Louis, Missouri, weighing in at 245 pounds... RANDY ORTON!
There's plenty of boos for the Viper once more.
And his opponent, in this corner... from Miami, Florida, weighing in at 249 pounds... Montel Vontavious Porter... MVP!
The Detroit crowd gives Porter a big cheer, and he turns to face them with a smile. The official hurriedly checks both men, and as Roberts leaves the ring, the man in the middle calls for the bell.
Match 4
Randy Orton vs MVP
This impromptu match-up, which of course spawned from Randy Orton's open challenge of sorts, gets some good time, as MVP holds his own against the Viper. After about six minutes, we join the action, with Orton punching the Ballin' Superstar in the corner. The referee eventually begins a count as Orton continues to hammer away, and the Viper moves away at four. Orton goes marching into the centre of the ring, anger on his face, before he turns back around... AND GETS A BIG BOOT TO THE FACE FROM MVP! The crowd cheers, and MVP makes the cover... 1... 2... NO! Kickout by Orton, who staggers hurriedly back to his feet, holding his jaw! He then turns back round, and gets two big fists to the face from Porter, who then rams Orton's head right into his knee with the Facebuster! The Viper wobbles a little, then falls over, dead in the centre of the ring – MVP looks down at him with a small smile... and heads to the ropes, springboarding, and coming back with the jump shot taunt – the crowd cries "BALLIN'!" – and MVP lands the Ballin' Elbow! The Joe Louis Arena cheers wildly, and MVP rises with a grin, before taking up a position in the corner of the ring, his eyes locked on Orton's pained figure on the mat. The camera shows Orton's face, pain across it from that hard elbow, and as he struggles up, MVP looks to make a move, thinking Drive-By Kick... BUT ORTON MAKES A BREAK FOR IT, ROLLING FROM THE RING!
MVP careers into the ropes angrily, and looks down at the Viper with a frown. The crowd boos Orton's actions, but King mentions that it's probably good strategy at ringside. Orton has one hand on his chest, and another on his jaw, but MVP gives him no time to relax, as he steps out on to the apron – BUT ORTON LOOKS UP, THEN CUTS PORTER'S LEGS FROM THE APRON! MVP goes clattering on to the outside floor with a nasty impact, and the crowd boos Orton wildly, as he looks down at his opponent, and a slow, sick smirk begins to form. He starts stomping all over the Ballin' Superstar, as the referee's count reaches three, and then pulls him up... but MVP knees him in the gut, and slams his head into the ring apron! A big cheer goes up from the crowd as Orton rattles away, stunned, and MVP charges in, looking for a clothesline, but Orton instinctively ducks, and drives MVP down with the Inverted Backbreaker! Porter cries out, and falls down – the referee reaches six in his count, but the crowd's focus is on the action, as Orton nails a big Knee Drop to MVP's head! Porter rolls away in pain, but pulls himself up with the aid of the barricade... Orton charges in again, but MVP telegraphs it, darting out of the way, and ramming Orton against the barricade instead! A big groan goes up from the crowd, and suddenly, MVP starts unloading with right hands, pummelling the Viper with everything he has! The referee calls eight in his count, but again, the competitors ignore him, as Orton fires back with a big punch of his own! MVP wobbles backwards, and the Viper smacks him hard again, sending him staggering away, and as he turns back round – ORTON THINKS RKO – but MVP pushes him away! The crowd cheers, and suddenly, Porter dumps Orton to the ground with a tackle, and the pair begin to roll about, nailing each other with right hands! The referee's count reaches ten – this one is over!
Winner: Draw by Double Count-out
Match Time: 9:10
The crowd boos as the bell rings without a result – BUT MVP AND ORTON ARE STILL GOING AT IT ON THE OUTSIDE! The pair continue to smack each other with punches, and the referee steps to the outside to try and break it up. Orton rolls away from the brawl briefly, and the pair stand up – only to go straight back to beating the hell out of each other! The crowd is going crazy, and the referee catches an accidental elbow from Porter, and collapses! MVP barely spares him a thought, as the pair slide into the ring simultaneously – but they don't get up, instead just pounding each other on the canvas some more!
Michael Cole is having a fit at ringside, yelling about how this isn't right, but MVP and Orton just keep punching and kicking, beating the holy crap out of the other man! Suddenly, a host of security men come charging out from behind the curtain, and they slide in the ring, pulling the two men apart... BUT THEY FEROCIOUSLY BREAK FREE FROM THEIR CLUTCHES, AND START WAILING ON EACH OTHER AGAIN! The Joe Louis Arena is going MAD, and Porter suddenly decks Orton with a sneaky Legsweep, before leaping on top of him, and smacking him with some BRUTAL right hands! A GIANT "MVP! MVP!" chant booms from the crowd, and finally, security manage to pull the pair apart for good, as they begin to scream abuse at each other from across the ring! There's a massive sea of security in between the two men, both furious, and although the security are many in number, it doesn't stop the pair from trying to break free! Suddenly, a voice rings out:
Oh, and it's a BIG mixed reaction for Shane McMahon as he arrives for the second time in the evening, walking purposely on to the stage! MVP and Orton keep trying to attack each other, still restrained by security, who begin to usher both men slowly from the ring, on opposite sides.
Ok... HEY!
Shane's outburst is sharp and loud – BECAUSE MVP IS FREE OF HIS CAPTORS AGAIN, AND HE STARTS NAILING THEM WITH RIGHT HANDS, BEFORE HEADING RIGHT FOR ORTON ACROSS THE ARENA! The crowd goes nuts again, and MVP smashes right into the first wave of security near Orton, who is desperately scrabbling, DYING to get his hands on the Ballin' Superstar! MVP just smashes right through the security, wailing on each man with right hands – then finds a gap, and manages to get one shot to the side of Orton's face, and gets one back from the Viper... before security swarm in again, and RIP Porter away from Orton, as both men continue to roar and curse at the other. McMahon is incensed on the stage-
MVP and Orton calm down, both restricted by several members of security now, who are vigilant, and determined not to let the two get at each other.
Ok, you two are gonna cool down... and then next week, we're gonna see a finish to this contest! Randy Orton versus MVP, this time with no countouts!
The crowd cheers, and MVP and Orton keep their eyes locked on the other, furious. McMahon's music plays once again, and the Raw GM tentatively wanders backstage, as the camera cuts elsewhere...
...to a locker room, where Triple H is sitting, drinking water from a bottle. The crowd roars for the sight of him, and after a few moments, the Game looks up – to see the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels! Another big cheer goes up, and Hunter stands to greet him. The pair stand across from each other for a moment, before the Cerebral Assassin begins to quietly talk.
Triple H:
Hey, Shawn.
Michaels doesn't reply. He just looks at his partner, emotionless.
Triple H:
Look, man, I know you're still not happy about-
Just... don't worry about it.
HBK looks at the Game, and blinks.
I'll... I'll do this to help you out tonight, Hunter. I'll take on Swagger.
Tripper cracks a smile.
But if you think I've forgotten what happened last week... well, I haven't.
The Game's expression hardens.
Triple H:
Shawn, I told you. It's nothing personal, ok?
Michaels doesn't reply.
Triple H:
You would have... you would've done the same, Shawn. Don't try and tell me, if I'd been the one standing there by the ropes, that I wouldn't have got a mouthful of Sweet Chin Music. Don't try and tell me-
No, Hunter, you wouldn't.
The King of Kings frowns, and Michaels tilts his head a little.
I would have made it fair. A fair fight, you and me.
Michaels pauses, and looks at his friend. He gets nothing.
I would have given you a chance. I would have-
Triple H:
Yeah? You needed a chance? You needed a damn
Michaels frowns. The pair are still talking in deadly, low tones.
Triple H:
Well, lemme tell ya something, Shawn. You should know, more than ANYONE, that in this business, you don't get favours from anyone. You don't get a fair fight, you don't get... a chance. If you're not the better man... you don't win.
Michaels looks at him with a look of frustration. He goes to leave, then turns around.
You know what? Fine. Don't do me any favours tonight then, Hunter. Please, don't.
Michaels' tone is slightly sarcastic.
You've done more than enough.
The Heartbreak Kid turns, and leaves with a sweeping motion. We hear the locker room door SLAM loudly, and Triple H sits, clearly angered by the exchange. Raw goes to a break.
Batista standing in the ring on SmackDown...
Cut the music, and cut it now.
The music abruptly ceases. Boos flood in.
The Big Show...
Batista pauses – a 'You got Chokeslammed!' chant has started up, and the Animal snarls in typical fashion, raising his voice.
The Big Show...
Batista scowls again as the chant grows louder.
The Big Show is NOT the real... World... Heavyweight... Champion.
A guy like the Big Show doesn't deserve to be World Champion. There's only one man on this damn roster who was BORN to hold that belt, and that's ME.
More boos – Batista scowls out at the Chicago crowd.
No-one gets away with Chokeslamming... Dave Batista. NO-ONE. So Show... I'd watch your back.
Big Dave smirks.
Yeah. Because I'm not takin', what you did to me, lightly. I don't do that. If you give me something, I'll be giving it back 5 times harder, Show. I don't care whether you're 500 freakin' pounds... I can inflict pain like you've never experienced, big man.
More boos.
I want my World Title back. And if I have to go through 3 other men to do it, believe me... I will.
Batista flexes his muscles a little.
I will tear each and every person who has gotten in my way... to shreds. And anyone who plans to get in my way... they'll be heading the same way. The nearest... ICU ward.
As the crowd boos heavily, the shot fades away, and we cut to the Animal's match with Finlay, as Batista drives through the Irishman with a Spear. He then nails the Batista Bomb to win the match...
The Animal has beaten Finlay, and by gawd, he was convincing! Do not get in the way, of that man right there!
We then cut to late in an interview with the Big Show backstage later in the show...
Big Show:
And that leaves me... with Batista.
The crowd boos intensely for the mention of the Animal!
Big Show:
Dave Batista... is a man who loves to tear guys apart. But this is one guy you CAN'T do that to, Dave. I don't care-
Show stops, and looks beyond Eve – AND HE GETS FLOORED BY THE ANIMAL, BATISTA!!! The crowd comes alive with boos... AND BIG DAVE RIPS INTO THE BIG MAN, UNLEASHING WITH RIGHT HANDS! But Show's not in the mood... BECAUSE HE ROARS LIKE A BEAST, AND GRABS BATISTA BY THE THROAT! There is a massive cheer in the arena, and Show grips on to Dave's throat like a vice, before getting to his feet... but the Animal stuns him with a poke to the eye... AND RUNS AWAY! The crowd jeers and boos, and Show bends over for a moment, gasping, before he looks down the corridor... and sees Batista turning the corner... SO THE WORLD CHAMPION SETS AFTER HIM!
The crowd goes wild, and the cameraman follows Show as he rushes down the backstage corridors... and we see Batista in the distance, shoving workers and superstars alike out of his way, desperate to get away from the furious giant headed his way! Show begins to roar 'GET BACK HERE, DAVE!', which only serves to make the Animal run faster! Batista disappears round the corner again, and Show turns it – leading us into the outside parking lot! The crowd cheers wildly, and Show slows down, unable to see where Batista is in the evening gloom... and we catch movement, as we see Batista scrambling to get into a black SUV! The crowd comes alive with noise inside the arena, and Show rushes over to the car... BEFORE HE RIPS THE CAR DOOR OFF, AND YANKS BATISTA OUT BY HIS HEAD!!! INSANITY!!!
The crowd goes INSANE for Show's strength, and the Animal suddenly fights back, lashing out with right hands... but Show's rage makes him ignore them, and he grabs Batista by the throat again – before flinging him across the parking lot! Batista crashes into the concrete floor with a yell, and Show roars "Let's bring the Rumble a bit closer! C'MON DAVE!" The Animal gets up, seething out of rage and desperate pain... and LAUNCHES himself at Show, smashing the World Champion into the car! Show roars out like an elephant being shot, and pushes the Animal away... THEN SWINGS WITH THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH... NOBODY'S HOME!!! The Animal ducks the move... then charges the big man, grabbing him round the stomach... AND FORCING HIM OUT OF THE PARKING LOT... AND INTO THE STREETS OF CHICAGO!
The people milling about the back-street in the Windy City are all rather surprised, and a couple of people move out the way as the two behemoths come CHARGING down through the street, tumbling to the concrete in sick fashion! The crowd in the arena is barely audible, but we hear the reaction of the people watching live, who let out groans and shrieks at the nasty impact! The pair get up... and Show grabs the Animal round the throat again! Batista's eyes go wide, but he has a stroke of genius – AND FLATTENS THE BIG SHOW WITH THE LOW BLOW! The World Champion tumbles to the floor, holding his family jewels, and Big Dave, panting, picks him back up... BEFORE DRIVING HIM RIGHT INTO THE BRICK WALL OF THE NEXT BUILDING ALONG! The people nearby scatter, as things escalate out of control, and Batista looks to one of the cars nearby... and he pulls Show over to it, smirking! A passerby tries to convince 'Tista out of whatever he's thinking – but the Animal tells him to mind his own business, before sticking the World Champion in the usual Powerbomb position... oh sweet God no... AND PULLS HIM INTO THE AIR, BEFORE CRASHING HIM DOWN WITH A BATISTA BOMB, RIGHT ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR!!! The crowd in the arena groans as the hood crumples like paper, and suddenly, the brutality of this match at the Rumble becomes clear! Show screams out in brutal, brutal agony, and the Animal ROARS out, pumping his arms like a total freak! THE ANIMAL HAS MADE A HUGE STATEMENT!
As Show lies in the wreckage, and Batista wanders off, wiping the blood from his bleeding lip, the shot vanishes for a moment, only to return in SmackDown's main event for the evening, as Rey Mysterio takes on Chris Jericho.
After the brutality we saw earlier... what is going through the minds of these two men?
We see Jericho lock in the Walls of Jericho, only for Rey to find the bottom rope... before the shot joins the contest, with both men going back and forth...
Jericho deals Rey a nasty Knife Edge Chop (eliciting the necessary 'Woo!'s from the fans), before he heads to the ropes, and comes back... but Rey leaps with a Low-Angle Dropkick to the knee – AND JERICHO FALLS COINCIDENTALLY ON THE SECOND ROPE! The crowd goes wild, and Mysterio points to the sky, before going for it... AND DIALS UP THE
ON JERICHO! There's a massive pop around the arena, and Jericho staggers back into the ring, wobbling like he was made of jelly... and Mysterio springboards, before launching...
OUT OF THE AIR! HOLY CRAP, WHAT A COUNTER!!! The crowd roars with a giant, simultaneous groan as the move impacts straight through Mysterio, and Rey launches up through the air, completely destroyed by the move! Both men stay down, unmoving, and the crowd roars with excitement, begging for Rey to get up... but there is still no movement, and the referee begins the count... 1... 2... 3... 4... both men begin to stir... 5... 6... 7... and both get to their knees... 8... 9... and they both struggle up, barely beating the count, and lean against opposite turnbuckles, totally exhausted. The crowd starts off another '619!' chant, but their hero is going nowhere, and neither is Jericho... BUT BATISTA'S MUSIC HITS!!!
Oh no. The crowd begins to boo, and suddenly, with one of the most ominous walks you will ever see, the Animal arrives from behind the curtain, frowning. He stares down at the ring, then slowly begins to march down the ramp, as Rey looks at him with an exasperated expression, and Jericho slumps to a seated position in the corner, gasping for air. The Animal gets up on to the apron... and despite the referee's warnings, he gets in the ring! The official waves his arms at him, frowning, and Batista looks at him for a moment... THEN DECKS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! The crowd groans as the referee hits the mat hard, and rolls from the ring, clutching his face, and boos flood in to greet Big Dave once more.
Batista turns his attention to Rey, and heads for the corner – Rey tries to fight him off with a couple of right hands, but they mean nothing to the Animal, who just drags him into the middle of the ring... AND LAYS HIM OUT WITH THE SPINEBUSTER! The crowd boos as Rey cries out in pain, and Batista looks down at him, emotionless in his expression. He then moves towards the other corner... and picks Jericho out of the corner, lining him up in the middle of the ring in the Powerbomb position... up goes Jericho... AND THE ANIMAL LAYS HIM OUT WITH THE
, RIGHT INTO MYSTERIO ON THE CANVAS!!! The crowd boos as the pair lie crippled in the middle of the ring, and Batista turns away, leaving the ring.
Winner: No Contest
Match Time: 11:56
There is no commentary. We see a shot backstage, of a host of medics and referees tending to the Big Show, who is being moved into an ambulance on a stretcher outside in the street, having only just cleared him for transport. We then cut back to the ring, where Rey tilts his head upwards, only to collapse again, and close his eyes. Jericho lies in the corner of the ring, flat on his front. As Batista strides up the ramp, and the crowd boos intensely, we see the SmackDown end-of-show logo appear, and SmackDown fades away from the Animal's cold, and emotionless face.
As Raw returns, we're at ringside.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Monday Night Raw, where you've just witnessed the frankly, quite disturbing footage from this past Friday night on SmackDown, where the Animal, Batista, was on a warpath, and completely decimated his three Royal Rumble opponents.
Words can't really describe what we saw, Michael. I mean, it was just... as you say, disturbing.
Speaking of the Royal Rumble, in three weeks, one man will outlast 29 others, and go on to headline Wrestlemania 26 in Glendale, Arizona. Not to mention, WWE Champion Jack Swagger, taking on the Game, the Cerebral Assassin, the King of Kings himself, Triple H, with the biggest prize in the industry up for grabs.
And later tonight, Jack Swagger is taking on Triple H's DX partner, Shawn Michaels – and Triple H is gonna be the Special Guest Enforcer! How huge is that?
But before that, King, we have a qualifying match for the Rumble itself, as Kofi Kingston takes on the Masterpiece, Chris Masters.
As such, the bell rings, and the music of Chris Masters hits, to boos from the crowd. The man himself slowly wanders out on to the stage, frowning, and kneels down on the stage, before standing with his arms spread wide – pyro sprays either side of him as he does. He then begins to walk down the ramp, with his name flashing underneath him.
The following contest is a Royal Rumble Qualifier! Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 275 pounds... the Masterpiece, Chris Masters!
This man right here, Chris Masters, is a brutal soul. A few weeks ago, he brutally attacked poor Paul London in an act of rage, but last week, he got in the way of John Cena as he sought to recover the WWE Title, and the results weren't pretty.
No kidding, Michael – Masters put up a good fight, but Cena was on a roll, and he just tore the Masterpiece... well, to pieces! He even broke the Masterlock by smashing him into the turnbuckle, then hit the Attitude Adjustment!
Masters gets in the ring, and his music dies down. He flexes his muscles a bit, then looks to the ramp.
The crowd cheers wildly, and from behind the curtain, grinning, steps Kofi Kingston.
And his opponent... from Ghana, West Africa, weighing in at 221 pounds... Kofi Kingston!
Kingston slaps his hands three times on the stage, to unleash his pyro, then starts to jog down the ramp, hitting the hands of the fans at ringside.
Kofi couldn't quite get it done in the Battle Royal last week, being eliminated by his long time rival, the Viper, Randy Orton.
Kofi got a big win over Orton at Armageddon inside a Steel Cage, but as you say, it just wasn't his week last week. Remember though, Michael – if he wins the Royal Rumble, he'll get the chance to headline Wrestlemania, taking on the World Champion of his choice!
Kingston gets in the ring, opposite Masters, and bounces on the balls of his feet. He allows the referee to check him for foreign objects, then says "Let's go!" at both the official, and his opponent. Masters stretches out his shoulders with a smirk, then awaits the chime of the bell. The referee swings his arm over to the timekeeper, and the bell does indeed chime, initiating the contest.
Match 5
Chris Masters vs Kofi Kingston
Royal Rumble Qualifier
After about five minutes, we join the contest, as Masters is trying to bring the ground game into play, holding Kofi down with a side headlock. Kingston garners some support from the crowd, and begins to force himself up. Despite Masters trying his hardest to keep the Ghanaian down, Kofi is just as determined, and he finds a vertical base – Masters transitions into a waist lock, but Kofi starts lashing out with elbows, and Masters is forced to release the hold. The crowd cheers, and Kingston immediately goes on offence, heading for the ropes, and leaping up, catapulting Masters across the ring with the Monkey Flip! The crowd cheers again for the exciting move, and as Masters gets up, he darts in dizzily, only to get nailed with a big Dropkick from Kofi! Masters is back up again, and gets a forearm to the face, knocking him straight back down. Again, the Masterpiece forces himself up, and Kingston launches with another, more powerful, forearm, which catches Masters in the jaw again, and sends him clattering to the mat.
Kofi looks around... and the crowd begins to cheer! Kofi starts charging around the ring, limbs flailing, then heads for the ropes, coming back to theatrics... then "boom"... "boom"... BOOM DROP CONNECTS FROM KOFI KINGSTON! Masters spasms away, clutching his ribs, but Kofi is quick to press his shoulders to the mat... 1... 2... NO! Kickout from Masters! Kingston stretches out his shoulders a bit, then looks to the turnbuckle – the crowd cheers as the Ghanaian heads up top, while Masters forces himself to his feet, pained... and Kofi launches with the Crossbody – ONLY FOR MASTERS TO CATCH HIM, AND NAIL A BACKBREAKER! The crowd groans, and Kofi yells out in pain as Masters covers eagerly... 1... 2... but Kofi kicks out! Masters gets up, running his forearm over his jaw in pain briefly, before pulling Kofi to his feet, and then up into the Military Press! The crowd groans in awe, and Masters begins to smirk, showing off to the crowd! He carries Kofi all around the ring above his head, cockily showing his strength... but Kingston has all the time in the world to escape, and he does just that, wriggling out the back door! Masters turns around in horror, and Kofi leaps up, NAILING
!!! Masters goes down, pretty much unconscious, and Kingston hooks a leg... 1... 2... 3! Kofi Kingston is in the Royal Rumble!
Winner: Kofi Kingston
Match Time: 7:17
Kingston's music hits, and the crowd goes crazy as Kofi has his arm triumphantly raised by the referee! The camera shows Chris Masters, essentially asleep on the canvas, before Kofi launches on to the turnbuckle, pointing out at the crowd with a big grin.
Looks like Kofi Kingston just qualified for the 2010 Royal Rumble, King!
Damn right, Michael! Chris Masters got cocky, so Kofi made him pay!
As Kofi leaves the ring and celebrates his win with the fans at ringside, we cut backstage, to see Todd Grisham.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time... she is the WWE Divas Champion, Melina.
Melina comes into the shot to a small pop from the crowd, many of whom are still watching Kofi at ringside.
Now Melina, we saw you briefly earlier this evening, when you saved Gail Kim from an attack by Maryse. What are your thoughts on that upcoming title match with Gail?
Melina thinks for a second.
Y'know Todd, I've been Divas Champion for a couple of months now. I mean, who's counting, but it was about October when I won it, I think? That sounds right.
Grisham shrugs. He hasn't got a clue.
And since I won this title, I've defended it against girls like Jillian, Alicia Fox, and even Maryse now – but there isn't a challenger out there, who is more talented, or more deserving, than Gail Kim.
Cheers from the crowd.
Gail's worked her ass off to get this shot. On the other hand, there's Maryse. What she's doing... it makes me sick to my stomach. It's a damn good thing she's not Champion, because a Champion sets an example.
Melina pauses to shift her title belt a bit.
A Champion is the cream of the crop. They set the standard that everyone should follow. And when I first won this title, I don't think people saw as much of an accomplishment, cause you know, my baby here hasn't been around for as long as the Women's Championship or anything. I don't think people really see this title for what it is.
Melina smiles.
But to us, the Raw Divas, it means one hell of a lot, and I won't see someone attack MY friends and think they get the next shot. That's not the way it works.
Maryse is dead wrong. She doesn't deserve another shot at this title. I beat her at Armageddon... and now, I want to have the match of my life against Gail.
More cheers from the crowd. Melina's expression hardens.
And I'd like to see Maryse interfere in our match... 'cause Maryse? We'll send you running back with your tail between your legs.
A final cheer goes up, and Melina smiles, before nodding gratefully at Grisham, and exiting the shot.
We cut elsewhere backstage, where three split-screen shots show us Jack Swagger, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H. Swagger is walking down a corridor, WWE Title firmly on his shoulder. Michaels is taping his wrists in a changing room. The Game is also walking down a corridor, frowning, and running a hand through his long, iconic hair. Michaels turns towards the camera, and begins to walk, as 'NEXT' appears in the corner of the screen.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, after the break, it's a first-time-ever contest. The WWE Champion, Jack Swagger, taking on the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, with Triple H at ringside as Special Guest Enforcer. You don't want to miss this, I can guarantee it.
Raw fades to its final break of the evening.
As Raw returns, we're in the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, where the bell chimes, and Justin Roberts stands in the middle of the ring to make the announcement.
The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
The arena comes to life, cheering wildly for Triple H!
From behind the curtain, wearing a cold, emotionless glare, steps the King of Kings, Triple H. He begins to walk down the ramp in his ring attire, nonchalantly slapping the fans' hands at ringside.
Introducing the Special Guest Enforcer for this contest... he is the Game... TRIIIIIIIPPPPPPLE 'AITCH!
A big cheer goes up around the arena again, and the Cerebral Assassin heads to ringside, where he grabs a steel chair, and unfolds it by the timekeeper, taking a seat. He waits.
Of course, the Game is out here tonight as the Special Guest Enforcer, which means he'll prevent any outside interference, not to mention keeping an eye on proceedings in the main event tonight.
Triple H has had his problems with both these men in the last couple of weeks, Michael – how do we know he's going to be impartial? Being a Special Guest Enforcer is a big responsibility!
Triple H's music subsides...
...and the crowd goes wild for the music of HBK, Shawn Michaels! The Showstopper comes storming out, striding on to the stage in a very sombre fashion, before heading down the ramp in poncho and cowboy hat, where the squared circle awaits him.
Introducing first... from San Antonio, Texas, weighing in at 225 pounds... the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels!
Shawn Michaels, the other half of D-Generation X, is taking on young Jack Swagger for the first time ever tonight, but King, how focused can he be with the distractions of his ongoing difficulties with Triple H?
Well, the only real way to tell is how he gets on against the WWE Champion here tonight, Michael. Should be an interesting one.
Michaels gets in the ring, and removes his hat and poncho in a slightly menacing fashion, as his music dies down in the background. Coldly, he looks up at the ramp, where the music of Jack Swagger breaks the silence...
There's massive heat for the All-American American as he arrives on the stage, smirking a little. He beats his chest a little, then starts to walk down the ramp, eyes locked on Shawn Michaels.
And his opponent... from Perry, Oklahoma, weighing in at 263 pounds... he is the W – W – E CHAMPION... THE ALL-AMERICAN AMERICAN, JACK... SWAAAAAGGER!!!
That rousing introduction from Justin Roberts gets Swagger a bit more heat, and he enters the room, staring down HBK from across the ring. He slowly removes his title belt from his waist, then hands it to the referee. The official hands it to ringside, then begins to check both men for foreign objects.
Jack Swagger has really begun to impress me, I have to admit, King. He's cocky, arrogant and brash, but there's no denying, he IS the WWE Champion, and he's done pretty well to get where he is.
I don't agree with his methods or the way he acts, Michael, but I suppose Jack Swagger is right – he's the holder of the biggest prize in the industry, and I guess we've got to give him props for that. I think tonight should be a good test, to see if he compete with one of the greatest of all time.
With the referee satisfied, he calls for the bell, and Swagger and Michaels stare each other down. After a few moments of "HBK! HBK!" chants filling the arena, the pair move in, and lock up, as this contest kicks off.
Match 6
Shawn Michaels vs Jack Swagger
Special Guest Enforcer: Triple H
After about seven minutes of back-and-forth action, we join the contest as Michaels gets flattened by a big Clothesline from Swagger. The crowd groans with the impact, and with both men in the centre of the ring, the WWE Champion hooks a leg... 1... 2... but Michaels gets a shoulder up! Swagger beats the mat once in frustration, then yanks the Showstopper up by his hair, which gets a telling-off from the sharp-sighted official, before whipping him to the turnbuckle. Swagger follows up, looking to crush him in the corner, but Michaels gets well out of the way, and the All-American American slams right into the turnbuckle! The crowd cheers, and as Swagger wobbles back into the middle of the ring, clutching his ribs, Michaels is there, and he nails Swagger right in the chest with a big Knife Edge Chop! The crowd cries "WOOO!", and Michaels gives him another one, before sending him to the ropes... but Swagger crashes through him with the Running Shoulder Block on his return, flooring the Heartbreak Kid in an instant! Swagger covers aggressively, hooking both legs... 1... 2... NO! Michaels kicks out, keeping the contest alive! Triple H strokes his beard a little at ringside, and Swagger pulls Michaels up again. He then lifts him into the Oklahoma position, and charges at the turnbuckle, driving HBK's back into the corner hard! Michaels cries out, and Swagger heads for the other corner... except the Showstopper escapes out the back door suddenly! Swagger turns around, and flings a rash clothesline, which Michaels smoothly ducks, before heading to the ropes, and then taking both men down with the Flying Forearm Smash! The crowd cheers, and there's a buzz in the arena as we wait for... YES! MICHAELS KIPS UP!
The crowd goes wild, and Michaels heads up to the top turnbuckle, smiling a little... before he balances for a moment, THEN LAUNCHES WITH HIS PATENTED ELBOW DROP, STRAIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE WWE CHAMPION! The Joe Louis Arena roars as the move connects, and HBK is quick into the cover... 1... 2... 3-NO! Swagger manages to kick out somehow! Michaels runs a hand through his long hair, stunned, and decides he needs to do something a bit special... so he stands, and heads for the corner! The crowd comes alive with a massive roar, and Michaels grabs the top rope with a slightly crazed look... BEFORE HE STARTS TUNING UP THE BAND! The crowd counts along eagerly as Swagger begins to stir... 1... 2... 3... 4... Swagger gets up, and Michaels lashes out with Sweet Chin Music – NOBODY'S HOME! Swagger ducks right under the Superkick, and smoothly grabs Michaels on his way through, driving him into the mat with the Belly-to-Belly Suplex! The move crushes Michaels into the canvas hard, and the WWE Champion covers... 1... 2... NO! Michaels kicks out again, and Swagger doesn't believe it! He gets up, and drags the Heartbreak Kid to the corner... and then takes a few strides back across the ring, preparing for a signature Swagger move! The crowd begins to boo, and the All-American American charges, leaping on to the second turnbuckle, and... CONNECTING with the Corner Slingshot Splash! The crowd groans, and Swagger stays where he is, making a pin attempt... 1... 2... 3-NO! Michaels kicks out AGAIN!
Swagger pulls Michaels back to his feet, frowning, and puts him in the Gutwrench position! The crowd boos loudly, and Michaels suddenly comes to life, clutching on to Swagger's right leg, and refusing to let go! Swagger scowls, and knees Michaels hard in the stomach to subdue him – he then pulls the Showstopper up... ONLY FOR MICHAELS TO ROLL OVER THE TOP OF SWAGGER, AND PULL HIM DOWN WITH THE ROLL UP! 1... 2... 3-NO! KICKOUT BY SWAGGER! The WWE Champion looks out at the arena, totally shocked at how close he came to losing there, and Michaels runs a tired hand through his hair. Michaels forces himself to his feet...
THE CROWD COMES ALIVE WITH SOME BIG HEAT, AS FROM BEHIND THE CURTAIN, COMES CHAVO GUERRERO! Michaels looks up at the stage, furious, and the Mexican Warrior begins to strut down the ramp, smirking! Michaels takes all his attention away from Swagger, and stares a hole right through Chavo, who looks at Michaels with a sudden cold glare, before pointing to him, and mouthing "You don't make fools outta the Guerrero family, ese!"
Chavo reaches ringside, and Michaels breathes heavily, ready for a fight... except there's one thing Chavo's forgotten! The Mexican Warrior looks to the side – AND STANDING THERE, COOL AS A CUCUMBER, IS THE GAME, TRIPLE H! The crowd roars, and suddenly, Chavo thinks better of fighting Shawn Michaels, and slowly begins to back away, much to the approval of the Detroit masses! The fans along the ramp send all sorts of abuse in the direction of the cowardly (yet smart) Chavo as he walks backwards up the ramp, pointing nervously at the Game. Michaels smirks as Chavo disappears up the ramp, then turns round... WHERE HE GETS A KICK TO THE GUT FROM JACK SWAGGER, AND THEN SENT FOR A RIDE...
CONNECTS FROM SWAGGER TO MICHAELS! The crowd unleashes loads of heat on the opportunistic Swagger, who hooks the leg, smirking... 1... 2... 3! Triple H is just as stunned as us all on the outside, and the bell chimes – Jack Swagger has beaten the Heartbreak Kid!
Winner: Jack Swagger
Match Time: 11:39
Swagger has his hand raised by the referee, and he grabs the WWE Title from ringside hurriedly, before making his way from the ring, and wandering up the ramp. The All-American American watches with a sly smirk as Triple H enters the ring, stunned by Swagger's smooth smash-and-grab win. Swagger arrives at the stage, where he raises the title above his head to boos, before taking a sharp glance at Chavo, who returns the glare. Both heels shoot each other cold looks, proving that this wasn't co-ordinated, and Swagger heads backstage. Chavo takes one last look at what he caused, then disappears backstage too.
In the ring, Triple H stands over his friend, then offers his hand to help him up as he stirs. Michaels looks at the hand, but doesn't take it, struggling up himself. The Game looks at him quizzically, and mouths something, shrugging his shoulders. Michaels stares at him coldly for a few moments... then turns around, and LEAVES the ring! The crowd comes alive with a mixed reaction, and Michaels storms up the ramp, refusing to look at the ring. The expression on his face is one of frustration and anger, and as we see Triple H's confused face in the ring, the Raw end-of-show logo fades into view, and Michael Cole voices what we're all thinking...
What is going on with D-Generation X?
Raw fades to black.
Quick Results
Gail Kim bts. Alicia Fox
Yoshi Tatsu bts. Ted DiBiase
Evan Bourne and Larry Sweeney bt. The Miz and Sheamus
Randy Orton and MVP fought to a Double Count-out
Kofi Kingston bts. Chris Masters
Jack Swagger bts. Shawn Michaels
WWE Royal Rumble
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
January 31st, 2010
Who Will Be The One?
Event Theme Song:
'Hero' by Skillet
WWE Championship
Jack Swagger (c) vs Triple H
World Heavyweight Championship
Big Show (c) vs Chris Jericho vs Batista vs Rey Mysterio
New York City Brawl
ECW Championship
Christian (c) vs Shelton Benjamin vs Paul Burchill
United States Championship
The Miz (c) vs Evan Bourne
Women's Championship
Michelle McCool (c) vs Mickie James
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
CM Punk
Cody Rhodes
David Hart Smith
Dolph Ziggler
Drew McIntyre
Gregory Helms
John Morrison
Kofi Kingston
Matt Hardy
Mike Knox
Montel Vontavious Porter
Randy Orton
Super Crazy
The Brian Kendrick
Ted DiBiase
Tyson Kidd
William Regal
Yoshi Tatsu
Zack Ryder
vs 10 Other Superstars
In New Talent We Trust
Raw NOW POSTED
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 8,846
Re: Melvisboy's WWE: The Comeback
Raw Review
This is my first time reading this thread so bear with me, please.
The video package leads me to believe that Michaels could look for some sort of revenge on Triple H and lead to a feud. I'll go out on a limb and say it's possible that we could see Triple H/Michaels @ 'Mania, with Michaels maybe retiring after that?
Hmm, I'm a little surprised that Swagger is WWE Champion and it's only mid-January 2010. Hopefully you made him credible before you put the title on him. Swagger seemed to be nicely in character for this segment. I felt it was a bit too over the top in the sense that he was so involved with himself. Obviously you're trying to portray him as that cocky heel who thinks he's the greatest thing going, but at times I felt like it was a bit much. He was also pummelled with heat after every sentence or two, which is good, but again can be a bit much. Triple H addressed Swagger by 'kid' twice in a short time span, and so I was getting a bit worried, but luckily he got away from that. A pop after referring to the fact that he's a 13-time World Champ would've been nice. Swagger was going really strong once he interrupted - I was really enjoying what he was saying and picturing it really well until he said "I'm two and zero" ... that's not exactly something to brag about haha. Ahhhh he said kid again
. To be honest, I was hoping that the segment would have ended right there, but what you did served a purpose as it set up a main event, which is always helpful.
It's good to hear Melina giving some positive comments about Gail Kim. Of course, it's in character, but it's the truth - push her if possible please and see what you can do with her mic skills to try and get her over. A solid diva's match here, both are pretty good workers. Is her finisher actually called Eat Defeat, or did you just make that up? I lol'd at it. It should be interesting to see what happens with Melina and her title and defending it and all that jazz. I would be happy with her dropping it to Maryse or Gail, but even happier with her keeping it for a while longer since she's the most over diva on the roster (along with Mickie James, but she's on SmackDown iirc).
It's always funny to read someone trying to write an accent. You did a pretty good job with it, though. The good part about this promo is that it served a purpose, which is what everything on the show has done thus far from what I can tell. Nothing has happened that is insignificant, so good booking skills there.
Clearly I have to catch myself up on this whole situation involving Rhyno. Assuming he debuted recently, although I haven't followed the 'E in quite some time so he could be there and I just don't know it (but I don't think that's the case). I'm intrigued to see what you do with Rhodes & DiBiase. Right now in the 'E they both seem to be getting pretty good pushes, but I see DiBiase coming out successfuly simply because his gimmick has been done and works, whereas Rhodes' gimmick is just awful (DASHING). As a suggestion for future shows, stating someone's whole name for dialogue is recommende and helps quite a bit, especially if there is more than one superstar with the same last name (example, the McMahon family). And besides, it looks more professional. It's good that you're building a solid feud in the tag team division. I have felt that the WWE's tag team division hasn't received proper attention in recent years, so hopefull you can turn it around. Rhodes clapping doesn't seem to fit his character, or the team's character, especially after DiBiase was a raging asshole before the match started. DiBiase came across as bland in this match. I know his arsenal is pretty basic, but try taking more risks with him if you can (not as in off the top rope, but new moves and stuff like that). I'm so glad that Tatsu went over, this is what was needed. Rhodes & DiBiase don't need to build any more momentum for the time being. Legacy heading up the ramp seems unlikely. An attempted attack afterwards would have been better after they were so vicious before the match started.
Very good interview segment, great stuff. I would have to go out on a limb and say you're a better promo writer and match writer, but that isn't saying you aren't a good match writer (I've never read a match in full of yours so I suppose I can't make an accurate assessment). Anyways, I don't see this promo serving as a whole lot since Chavo won't main event WrestleMania and will probably be lucky to get on the card (although I wouldn't mind seeing him on the card tbh).
I'm sorry, I had to go google Larry Sweeney
. That combined weight is a bit pathetic haha. Also, I'm not sure what to say about the Bourne push. It could go good, but he strikes me as a bit of a little kid (just the way he looks), so if you can pull it off than go for it, but otherwise, stay away from pushing him please. Good stuff @ The Miz being champion. He turned out a lot better than what I would have ever expeted ... push him to the moon. I'm assuming that this match is around the mid-way point of the show, although it's a bit early. The match would work as the semi-main event, though. A suggestion for your match writing - try not to overuse the ellipsis all the time, and instead, use commas and periods. Ellipsises (?) are good in certain situations, but not in every sentence. So I'm getting a little bit concerned about this whole Jamie Noble/Sheamus business. Either you don't agree with the 'E pushing Sheamus and are dropping him to the level that Noble's at, or you see something in Noble I don't and are pushing him to a higher level. Hopefully it's not the latter. Thus far I've noticed that only faces have won their matches. It could be merely for booking purposes, but it could also be for entertainment purposes. Be careful about going for entertainment purposes (if that is the case) because people on here prefer better booking choices, although we all like to be entertained every once in a while.
Another solid promo. Sometimes I felt like you were trying too hard with the crowd reactions, meaning you put them in when perhaps they shouldn't have. It isn't unusual for a crowd to be pretty boring since it happens quite a bit. It's good to see a Cena promo where he isn't yelling into the camera to the point where his veins start popping out of the neck, or where he's trying so hard to be funny we start laughing at him, not with him.
Like the last promo, I think the crowd was overreacting. I guess that's something in your promo writing to work on since the rest of it is pretty flawless from what I can see. I felt like Orton's character was slipping as the promo carried on. He isn't usually someone who gets phased by the audience much, but instead, relishes on the heat and becomes more aggressive and 'viporous'. He's also not usually the type to host an open challenge, although it could work and will be acceptable if it leads to something big/good. MVP was in pretty good character, it's just that Orton slipped more and more as the promo carried on, I'm afraid
. That's okay, at least it means there's room for improvement, which is always good. Idk about an Orton/MVP feud, I'll have to wait and see if it develops into something long-term or not. Preferably, I'd like to see MVP as a heel and being pushed to the moon, but he's an entertainer so he's good value as a face. The match next week should be pretty good.
SOUR GRAPES! Pft, love Shawn to death (in a BTB sense he isn't the greatest, unfortunately) but he needs to stop being butthurt. Meh, should lead to an interesting feud between the two. If you give these two 30 minutes at WrestleMania, that would be pretty damn awesome. Everybody always complains that we don't wanna see it again, but fuck it, if it leads to some sort of retirement and buries the hatchet or something, idk, it'd be worth it.
Ahhhhhh @ Big Show being champion. Well, that's a little bias since I don't like him from a BTB standpoint. Still .. ahhhhhhhh!
Jesus that SmackDown recap was outrageously long. Don't do that again, please just include the key key key points of the main event/important segment and don't do anymore (30-45 seconds max would do imo).
This is the match that I am looking forward to quite a bit as a first-time reader. Naturally, I would expect Kofi to win, but there is always the possibility that you have plans for Masters. Both should be in the rumble anyways. Masters looked fairly strong in this match, which was what I had hoped for. I think he could have been even more dominant, but I guess you were smart and played it safe by not ruining Kofi's credibility. In the end, the right person won.
A Melina interview was unnecessary due to the fact that she did commentary already, which means we've already heard her thoughts on the title situation. The plus to this promo is that you didn't whore out the crowd reactions
I feel pretty stupid. When I saw 'NEXT' appears in the corner, I didn't realize it meant that their match was next. I immediately jumped to detective mode and assumed you were introducing NXT or the Nexus or something like that. Oh man ... well, anyways haha ... Chavo interrupting the match is a little strange. Not because I'm out of the loop, but because I don't expect Chavo being involved in the upper card/main event picture. Also, I wasn't aware (probably missed it earlier on in the show anyways) that they were still together as DX, I figured there was confrontation because they were friends. Swagger winning maintains his credibility and builds him up even stronger, which was necessary after calling himself great 100 times at the beginning of the show, and because he is a young, new champion.
Overall, I decided I should go review a show and chose yours randomly, and I must admit, I am very happy that I did that. It was quite a good show and impressed me from start to finish. You know what you're doing, especially with some good booking decisions as well as good match writing, but just use full names, cut back on ..., and work on Orton's character in your writing. But otherwise, a good show, you've got my attention and I plan on becoming a full-time reader
Also, kudos to you for sticking with ECW. It's definitely not an easy thing to do 3 shows a week.
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