WWE 2006: Changing History

[Jaze]

Well, this will be my first diary in the EWB and to be honest, I wanted to start things off simple. I originally planned an ECW 2006 diary but thanks to a virus I got, it won’t be happening anytime soon. I chose WWE 2006 as the starting point using BB5 mainly because this is the point where things changed drastically changed for the WWE with big titles switching hands and all.

Due to some scheduling conflicts however, the first show will be the post-NYR RAW. I prefer not to post the results for NYR as I am lazy . Well, here goes the first show…

WWE RAW Preview

Jan. 3, 2006

John Cena retained his WWE title and overcame the odds yet again outlasting five other men in the Elimination Chamber last night. However, Cena was not able to leave the building with the title around his shoulders thanks to the opportunistic Edge. What will the new WWE champion have to say this week on RAW?

Also, last night at the Elimination Chamber, Carlito formed an unlikely alliance with Chris Masters. The two of them dominated their opponents until Chris Masters was low blowed from behind by Carlito while he had the Masterlock on John Cena. Carlito and Masters will have to put aside their difference as they face another unlikely tag team of Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels.

The 2006 Royal Rumble is just within the horizon. 15 RAW and Smackdown! Stars will compete for a chance to main event Wrestlemania 22, there will be several qualifying matches for the Royal Rumble tonight on RAW.

Don’t miss RAW, Monday nights 9/8 CT on USA Network

Edited June 20, 2006 by Jaze

[JairusCain]

Pretty good first show.. One question though, and perhaps I missed it somewhere.. But.. if Edge already cashed in his money in the bank to defeat Cena at New Years Revolution... why is he still carrying around his briefcase?

[Jaze]

Edge Vs Ric Flair

Jan. 3, 2006

RAW kicked off with “the champ” coming out to the ring consummating and celebrating his victory last night. Edge claimed that he used the “Money in the Bank” in the right place at the right time and that John Cena would not be here tonight because of the beating he took last night. Before, Edge could continue, Ric Flair walked out to the ring.

Flair acknowledged the fact that both he and Edge were champions right now, but things were not over between them yet. Edge hit Flair with the MITB Briefcase last night in their intercontinental title match. Flair announced that he already spoke to Mr. Mcmahon and it would be champ VS champ tonight. Edge wasn’t pleased with the decision even though his title wasn’t on the line.

Edge and Flair fought back and forth but the WWE Champion would eventually pick up the win after Lita distracted the referee allowing Edge to use the briefcase again and follow it up with the spear. John Cena then made his presence known by chasing Edge away as he stormed the ring. Cena claimed that he was “cashing in” on his rematch clause. Cena picked up and threw Edge’s briefcase to the crowd.

The Royal Rumble qualifying matches began tonight as Chavo Guerrero defeated Tyson Tomko. Big Show and Kane defeated Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade respectively. In a Todd Grisham interview, Triple H claimed he has been away from what he deserves for far too long. At Wrestlemania, the “king of kings” will go back on his throne according to Triple H.

It was the battle of the unlikely tag teams as Carlito and Masters took on Angle and Michaels. Neither of the 4 men was enthusiastic about joining forces. It didn’t take the match too long to become tainted as Kurt Angle walked out on HBK. Despite the circumstances, Shawn Michaels picked up the win with a superkick on Masters after Carlito accidentally hit Masters with a steel chair while he had the Masterlocked in on HBK.

The Masterlock would find itself a new target after the match, and it was Carlito.

Trish Stratus successfully defended her women’s title against Ashley after a DQ thanks to Mickie James. Trish was visibly embarrassed after the match and walked off quickly.

Match Results

Chavo Guerrero def Tyson Tomko

Big Show def Trevor Murdoch

Kane def Lance Cade

Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels def Carlito and Chris Masters

Ashley def WWE Women's Champion Trish Stratus (DQ)

Edge def Ric Flair

Edited June 24, 2006 by Jaze

[Jaze]

WWE Smackdown! Preview

Jan. 7, 2006

Mark Henry has been taking Smackdown! By storm lately, last week, he displayed his dominance inside a steel cage to the World Heavyweight champion. Mark Henry will compete on Smackdown this week against Rey Mysterio.

Things have been heating up in the best of 7 series between Chris Benoit and Booker T. Tonight will be the final match to determine the United States Champion. It will be Chris Benoit against Randy Orton.

The 2006 Royal Rumble will begin in three weeks. The qualifying matches will begin this week to determine the 15 smackdown superstars.

Don’t miss Smackdown, Friday nights 8/7 CT on UPN

[Jaze]

Henry VS Mysterio

Jan. 7, 2006

The World’s strongest man is on top of the Smackdown ranks. This week, he took on Rey Mysterio. Rey fought well despite interference from MNM trying to use his speed to outsmart Henry. Mark Henry still came out the victor when he caught Mysterio in midair after a seated senton attempt, Henry destroyed him with 2 back to back ”World’s Strongest Slams” for the pinfall.

Henry looked to add more injury when Batista’s music started playing. Batista attacked Henry from behind with a steel chair and took him down with a vicious spear. Batista will be going 1 on 1 with Mark Henry at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Speaking of the Royal Rumble, 2 of 15 participants from the Smackdown! Side was determined. Sylvan defeated Scotty 2 Hotty and Bobby Lashley defeated JBL after Lashley had some “help” from the Boogeyman. JBL and Jillian Hall looked nervous making their ring entrance. Mid-match The Boogeyman’s music played distracting JBL long enough for Lashley to hit the Dominator.

The ring was engulfed in red smoke as The Boogeyman made his entrance with a mouthful of worms. JBL hightailed it out of the ring throwing Jillian in the way. Boogeyman laid out Jillian in the middle of the ring with a pumphandle slam. Thousands of worms then fell down from the ceiling filling the ring as JBL looked on horrified. Later on in the night, JBL claimed that he was not afraid of The Boogeyman and JBL would prove it by calling him out next week.

It was match 7 of the best of seven series between Chris Benoit and Booker T (subbing with Randy Orton) for the United States Championship. Much to Booker T’s dismay, he and Sharmell were kicked out of ringside by Referee Nick Patrick before the match even began. Booker would still end up with the last laugh and the United States championship when he ran in late in the match with a cheap shot to Benoit as the referee was knocked out. Thanks to an RKO afterwards, Booker had won the series 4-3. Before the match began, Orton reminded Booker that when he beats Benoit, (not if) Booker will owe him a favor.

Kid Kash defeated Psicosis to retain the Cruiserweight title. Psicosis missed a top rope leg drop and walked right into the Dead Level.

Also, the “fighting Irishman” Finlay will debut on Smackdown! In two weeks time.

Match Results

Bobby Lashley def JBL

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash def Psicosis

Randy Orton def Chris Benoit (Booker T wins the United States Championship)

Sylvan def Scotty 2 Hotty

Mark Henry def Rey Mysterio

Edited June 24, 2006 by Jaze

[Jaze]

WWE RAW Preview

Jan. 10, 2006

Monday Night RAW rolls into Raleigh, North Carolina as the former WWE Champion John Cena is in action against ½ of the tag team champions, Kane. Will Cena’s opponent at the Royal Rumble, Edge have anything to say?

Meanwhile, the other half of the tag team champions, Big Show will take on Triple H in a New Year’s Revolution rematch. Will Big Show finally get revenge from The Game for breaking his hand with a sledgehammer a few weeks ago?

Last week, Mickie James stuck her nose in Trish Stratus' business again as she interfered during a Women's Championship against Ashley. Mickie James will take on Ashley tonight.

Plus, more 2006 Royal Rumble qualifying matches!

Don’t miss RAW, Monday nights 9/8 CT on USA Network

Edited June 23, 2006 by Jaze

[JairusCain]

Henry VS Mysterio

Jan. 7, 2006

The World’s strongest man is on top of the Smackdown ranks. This week, he took on Rey Mysterio. Rey fought well despite interference from MNM trying to use his speed to outsmart Henry. Mark Henry still came out the victor when he caught Mysterio in midair after a seated senton attempt, Henry destroyed him with 2 back to back ”World’s Strongest Slams” for the pinfall.

Henry looked to add more injury when Batista’s music started playing. Batista attacked Henry from behind with a steel chair and took him down with a vicious spear. Batista will be going 1 on 1 with Mark Henry at the Royal Rumble for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Speaking of the Royal Rumble, 2 of 15 participants from the Smackdown! Side was determined. Sylvan defeated Scotty 2 Hotty and Bobby Lashley defeated JBL after Lashley had some “help” from the Boogeyman. JBL and Jillian Hall looked nervous making their ring entrance. Mid-match The Boogeyman’s music played distracting JBL long enough for Lashley to hit the Dominator.

The ring was engulfed in red smoke as The Boogeyman made his entrance with a mouthful of worms. JBL hightailed it out of the ring throwing Jillian in the way. Boogeyman laid out Jillian in the middle of the ring with a pumphandle slam. Thousands of worms then fell down from the ceiling filling the ring as JBL looked on horrified. Later on in the night, JBL claimed that he was not afraid of The Boogeyman and JBL would prove it by calling him out next week.

It was match 7 of the best of seven series between Chris Benoit and Booker T (subbing with Randy Orton) for the United States Championship. Much to Booker T’s dismay, he and Sharmell were kicked out of ringside by Referee Nick Patrick before the match even began.

Booker would still end up with the last laugh and the United States championship when he ran in late in the match with a cheap shot to Benoit as the referee was knocked out. Thanks to an RKO afterwards, Booker had won the series 4-3. Before the match began, Orton reminded Booker that when he beats Benoit, (not if) Booker will owe him a favor.

Kid Kash defeated Psicosis to retain the Cruiserweight title. Psicosis missed a top rope leg drop and walked right into the Dead Level.

Also, the “fighting Irishman” Finlay will debut on Smackdown! In two weeks time.

Match Results

Bobby Lashley def JBL

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash def Psicosis

Randy Orton def Chris Benoit (Booker T wins the United States Championship)

Sylvan def Scotty 2 Hotty

Mark Henry def Rey Mysterio

[Jaze]

you still didnt answer me about Edge.. why the hell is he still using the briefcase if he already cashed in and won the title?

as for smackdown.. mark henry main eventing anything = booooo.. fire him. lashley beating jbl is good.. but im not a fan of the boogeyman.. just dont use him retardedly if you're going to use him. please do something interesting with the US title if it's going to be on booker... same with the cruiserweight division.. kid kash is a phenomenal talent.. use him right . as for Finlay... make him the dominate bad ass that he should be. do us all a favor . oh, and again, fire mark henry... hes a piece of poop.

[Jaze]

John Cena VS Kane

Jan. 10, 2006

RAW started off this week as the WWE Champion made his way to the ring with the classic WWE Championship. Edge explained to the crowd along with everything else that he threw out Cena’s “bling-bling sideshow” in the garbage much like Cena threw out his briefcase at garbage last week. Edge also claimed that he will not lose to John Cena at the Royal Rumble and become just another forgettable transitional champion.

In the main event, it was John Cena against Kane. Cena got the hard fought victory after reversing the chokeslam in mid-air into a DDT and capitalizing with the F-U. The WWE Champion stormed the ring afterwards looking to 1-up his opponent from behind with a Spear. Cena sidestepped Edge and caught him in the F-U position. Edge slid out of Cena’s shoulders and retreated up the entrance ramp along with Lita.

Another huge match went down on RAW as Big Show took on Triple H in a rematch from New Year’s Revolution. Several weeks ago, Triple crushed Show’s hand with his trusty sledgehammer during a contract signing on RAW. Show looked to gain revenge at NYR using his make-shift weapon, a cast but was unsuccessful. Big Show was brutal and didn’t really care about the match. His anger would be his downfall, as Show tried to spear his opponent through the guardrail on the outside. Triple H moved out of the way just in time and the rest explained itself.

Another confrontation between Mr. Mcmahon and Shawn Michaels went down on RAW. The Heartbreak Kid was out in the ring talking about the Royal Rumble when Mr. Mcmahon’s music hit. The interim RAW GM explained that the Royal Rumble was not that easy. Next week, a huge Royal Rumble qualifying match would go down on RAW, it will be Shawn Michaels against Kurt Angle.

Speaking of Kurt angle, the Olympic Gold Medalist forced Chris Masters to submit on RAW. Angle avoided the Masterlock throughout the match and was able to outwrestle the powerful Masters. Following the match, Carlito entered the ring and helped Masters back up on his feet… Only to give him a vicious back-cracker and then spit an apple onto his face.

Mickie James took out Ashley at the entrance ramp before their scheduled match even began. Mickie planted her opponent with a DDT to grab the easy win. After the match, Mickie tried to catch up with Trish but the Women’s Champion simply walked away.

The Royal Rumble took shape even more as Shelton Benjamin defeated Val Venis and Ric Flair defeated Rob Conway to qualify. Ric Flair told Shelton backstage that “mama’s boys don’t challenge for the Nature boy’s intercontinental championship in Flair country” when Shelton told him he was looking to capture both the intercontinental and the WWE Championships.

Also, Rob Van Dam will return at the Royal Rumble after nearly a year away from wrestling.

Match Results

Ric Flair def Rob Conway

Shelton Benjamin def Val Venis

Triple H def Big Show

Mickie James def Ashley

Kurt Angle def Chris Masters

John Cena def Kane

Edited June 22, 2006 by Jaze

[I Don't Mind]

Very good start I have to say. I really like the simple layout and format, it's very easy on the eyes. I like how Cena disposed of Edge's briefcase instead of everyone just forgetting about it. Royal Rumble looks to be shaping up well and I'm very curious if you'll go with Rey Mysterio as the winner like in real life. Keep it up (Y)

[Jaze]

WWE Smackdown! Preview

Jan. 14, 2006

The World Heavyweight Champion, Batista has finally stepped up to the plate as shown last week on Smackdown! Batista will take on Mark Henry at the Royal Rumble but first Batista has to go through MNM in a handicap match. Will Melina make Batista pay for “sexual assault” a few weeks ago?

Last Friday, Randy Orton won the United States championship for Booker T. We now know that “Booker owes Randy one.” Smackdown! GM Theodore Long has announced that Booker T will be in action tonight in the ring.

John "Bradshaw" Layfield has been running scared of The Boogeyman as of late. Jillian Hall has been taking the blows for JBL over the past two weeks. JBL claimed last week on Smackdown! that he will call out The Boogeyman and come face to face with him man to man in the middle of the ring.

The road to the Royal Rumble grows ever closer as the qualifying matches continue.

Don’t miss Smackdown, Friday nights 8/7 CT on UPN.

Edited June 23, 2006 by Jaze

[Jaze]

Batista VS MNM

Jan. 14, 2006

It certainly wasn’t about Melina anymore, Batista proved that when he was beating MNM mercilessly tonight. As Melina was getting MNM ready earlier on in the night, GM Theodore Long came in and informed her that Mark Henry was banned from ringside during the match. The Animal sent out a message to Mark Henry as he destroyed both Nitro and Mercury with spinebusters and put both his feet on top of their chest for the 3 count.

Booker T and Sharmell were definitely not happy about Teddy Long’s decision to book Booker T in a match tonight as he was still suffering from his groin injury. Long said that after the actions last week, he is confident that Booker can and will wrestle tonight or else he won’t be entered in the Royal Rumble.

As a result, Booker T and Randy Orton faced off against Chris Benoit and Bobby Lashley. Booker didn’t see action in the match nor did he tag in Orton. Benoit eventually made Orton tap out to the Crippler Crossface. After the match, Orton explained that he took another “one” for Booker T so he can repay him.

JBL kept his promise in calling out The Boogeyman tonight. However, that is the only part of the promise he kept because JBL scurried before The Boogeyman could even get into the ring!

Rey Mysterio and Orlando Jordan defeated William Regal and Vito respectively in order to qualify for the Royal Rumble. The World Heavyweight Champion, Batista wished Rey Mysterio good luck in the Rumble.

Kid Kash continued to defend his Cruiserweight Championship as he defeated Super Crazy with the Dead Level.

Finlay will make his debut on Smackdown! next week.

Match Results

Rey Mysterio def William Regal

Orlando Jordan def Vito

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash def Super Crazy

Chris Benoit and Bobby Lashley def Booker T and Randy Orton

Batista def MNM

Edited June 24, 2006 by Jaze

[JairusCain]

Batista VS MNM

Jan. 14, 2006

It certainly wasn’t about Melina anymore, Batista proved that when he was beating MNM mercilessly tonight. As Melina was getting MNM ready earlier on in the night, GM Theodore Long came in and informed her that Mark Henry was banned from ringside during the match. The Animal sent out a message to Mark Henry as he destroyed both Nitro and Mercury with spinebusters and put both his feet on top of their chest for the 3 count.

Booker T and Sharmell were definitely not happy about Teddy Long’s decision to book Booker T in a match tonight as he was still suffering from his groin injury. Long said that after the actions last week, he is confident that Booker can and will wrestle tonight or else he won’t be entered in the Royal Rumble.

As a result, Booker T and Randy Orton faced off against Chris Benoit and Bobby Lashley. Booker didn’t see action in the match nor did he tag in Orton. Benoit eventually made Orton tap out to the Crippler Crossface. After the match, Orton explained that he took another “one” for Booker T so he can repay him.

JBL kept his promise in calling out The Boogeyman tonight. However, that is the only part of the promise he kept because JBL scurried before The Boogeyman could even get into the ring!

Rey Mysterio and Orlando Jordan defeated William Regal and Vito respectively in order to qualify for the Royal Rumble. The World Heavyweight Champion, Batista wished Rey Mysterio good luck in the Rumble.

Kid Kash continued to defend his Cruiserweight Championship as he defeated Super Crazy with the Dead Level.

Finlay will make his debut on Smackdown! next week.

Match Results

Rey Mysterio def William Regal

Orlando Jordan def Vito

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash def Super Crazy

Chris Benoit and Bobby Lashley def Booker T and Randy Orton

Batista def MNM

[Jaze]

WWE RAW Preview

Jan. 17, 2006

Things heat up on the way to the Royal Rumble between John Cena and Edge tonight as they will both face each other in a tag team match with mystery partners. In 6 days, John Cena will battle Edge in a WWE Championship match.

Mr. Mcmahon has announced that in the spirit of the Royal Rumble, there will be a “5 man Royal Rumble preview battle royal.” 5 rumble participants from RAW will compete in a 5 man over the top rope battle royal. Will the same person that comes out on top this week be the rumble winner?

Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels are currently 1-1-1 but that all will change after tonight. Kurt Angle made HBK tap out last year at Wrestlemania 21. A few months later, Michaels would get one over Angle at Vengeance. Then at WWE RAW homecoming, HBK and Angle would be one fall a piece in a 30 minute Ironman match.

Tonight, they will go one on one for the fourth time. Due to the importance of the match, neither man can afford a loss or a tie. Tonight, Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle will face off in a Royal Rumble qualifying Rubber Match.

Don’t miss RAW, Monday nights 9/8 CT on USA Network.

[Jaze]

Royal Rumble Preview

Jan. 16, 2006

The self proclaimed “King of Kings” claimed that he was done creating new stars and his only goal was to win the WWE Championship once again. He has a good chance of fulfilling that goal after an impressive performance in the Royal Rumble Preview battle royal.

Big Show, Kane, Chris Masters and Shelton Benjamin also took part in the match up. Benjamin was the first one out after receiving a brutal clothesline from The Big Show that sent him tumbling over the top rope. Chris Masters was then double teamed and lifted and thrown over the top by Big Show and Kane. The tag team champ started to play the numbers game against Triple H. Shockingly enough, Show chokeslammed his partner and threw him over the top as it was every man for himself.

Big Show looked to have the match won when he charged at Triple H but “The Game’ would sidestep him once again like last week and pull down the rope eliminating him. Show returned to the ring, looking for revenge but he would only be planted with a Pedigree. Will the same scene occur in the Royal Rumble?

RAW kicked things off with Shawn Michaels VS Kurt Angle this week. The match was another classic and exceeded the 20 minute mark when Michaels found himself locked in the Angle Lock. The Olympic Gold Medalist tried frantically to rip HBK’s ankle out. Michaels tried to reach the ropes but Daivari, standing at ringside pulled them back. The referee noticed this and started to administer Angle’s manager. This caused Angle to release the hold and fall victim to a school boy from HBK, he grabbed onto Angle’s tights as the referee counted to three in order to win the match.

After the match, Mr. Mcmahon caught up with Kurt Angle backstage and told him he had an empty spot in the rumble. Angle was the man for it, since he put on such a good show tonight and he only lost because Michaels cheated. Angle couldn’t thank him enough and said that he will prevail this Sunday just for him.

RAW aired live from Charlotte, North Carolina tonight. It was WWE Champion Edge and Carlito against John Cena and the “Hometown Hero” himself, Ric Flair. Despite Edge’s and Carlito’s best, Flair fed off of the energy of the Charlotte crowd and he eventually made Carlito tap out to the Figure 4 Leg Lock. At the same time, Cena forced Edge to submit with the STFU submission.

Carlito has his work cut out for him this Sunday as he will not only participate in the Royal Rumble but also face “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters. Carlito said that Masters was simply a warm up for the Royal Rumble. Masters made his presence known instantly by saying that in the Royal Rumble, Carlito’s going to be spitting teeth instead of apples.

Chavo Guerrero defeated Gregory Helms with the Frog Splash. Chavo picked up momentum heading into this Sunday at the Royal Rumble.

Mickie James was scheduled for a match one more time but it turned into a catfight quickly as Mickie pounced on Ashley and she fought back. The fight had to be broken up by RAW agents and referees. At the Royal Rumble, it will be Mickie James against Ashley in a No. 1 contenders match for the Women’s Championship with the Special Ref being none other than the champion herself, Trish Stratus.

Match Results

Shawn Michaels def Kurt Angle

Chavo Guerrero def Gregory Helms

Mickie James VS Ashley (No Contest)

John Cena and Ric Flair def Edge and Carlito

Triple H won a 5 man Royal Rumble preview battle royal

Edited June 26, 2006 by Jaze

[JairusCain]

pretty good show. triple h winning the battle royal was nice... kinda hope to see him in the final two of the rumble, just to get eliminated, further delaying his next title reign.

i liked how carlito and edge both tapped out to each man's respective submission at the same time. nice little win for the nature boy in his hometown.

glad to see chavito getting a victory... always been a fan of his.

what's up with HBK cheating?

looking forward to the rumble man.. keep it up. BUT.. watch the typos in your write-ups, as I'm noticing a few here and there.

[Jaze]

WWE Smackdown! Preview

Jan. 20, 2006

The final stop to the Royal Rumble is at Florence, SC tonight on Smackdown.

Batista will go one on one with the returning Mark Henry in two days. Michael Cole will interview the World Heavyweight Champion tonight after he destroyed MNM last week. What does Batista have to say about his dance partner at the Rumble?

Also, 5 Smackdown! Royal Rumble participants will compete in the Royal Rumble preview battle royal. Triple H came out on top on the RAW side, who will come out on top on Smackdown?

The “Fighting Irishman” Finlay will make his debut tonight on Smackdown!

Don’t miss Smackdown, Friday Nights 8/7 CT on UPN.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Jaze

[I Don't Mind]

Really looking forward to the debut of Finlay to see how you handle his character. Also really looking forward to the Royal Rumble match itself, as I don't see Mysterio winning it this time. Maybe Kurt Angle will win it since he's rediculously popular and even though he loses he gets put in the match.

Good ending to the battle Royal on RAW, in my opinion with Triple H using his speed and smarts to win over the Big Show. Personally I would have rather seen a Gregory Helms push rather than a Chavo Guerrero push but that's alright as they're both talented individuals.

Keep it up! (Y)

[Jaze]

Ready To Rumble

Jan. 20, 2006

The “Rabid Wolverine” has a good chance of becoming the next 2 time Royal Rumble winner. MNM, Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton were also a part of the Smackdown! “Royal Rumble preview” main event.

MNM were working together as a unit with the help of Melina against Benoit and Mysterio while Orton sat back and relaxed. Opportunity knocked for Orton and he answered it. MNM set Benoit up for a Snapshot, Orton would be there to break it up and hit 2 vicious RKOs on MNM tossing them over the top rope.

Orton would go after Mysterio next, trying to toss him over. After a long battle of hanging on, Mysterio locked on a Headscissors flipping Orton over the ropes. Benoit would clothesline Mysterio off the apron immediately in order to get the win.

In another huge Royal Rumble match, Batista will be taking on Mark Henry in 48 hours for the World Heavyweight Championship. When asked about his opponent by Michael Cole, Batista would admit that Henry was his toughest opposition as of yet. It will be the first time that Batista will defend his title against someone bigger than him.

Mark Henry would then come out to the ring, surprising Batista. A man of a few words, Henry would engage in a fist fight with Batista. The champ set Henry up for the Batista Bomb, but he would reverse it easily by back body dropping Batista over the top rope. Mark Henry made it perfectly clear that The Animal will have to rethink his strategy for the Royal Rumble.

Kid Kash has been defending his title successfully against The Mexicools for the past 3 weeks. This week, he took on all three of them in a fatal 4 way match for the Cruiserweight Title. It was every man for himself, so the Mexicools could not work as a unit. Juventud went for the 450 Splash as Super Crazy and Psychosis held onto Kid Kash. Kash would move out of the way just in time causing Juvi to take out his partners. Kash rolled him up for the win. The Mexicools were definitely not happy.

Theodore Long informed an already irate JBL backstage that he will be taking on The Boogeyman at the Royal Rumble. Boogeyman made short work of Nunzio and Vito in Smackdown! action tonight. They were both spat with worms afterwards.

Finlay made his Smackdown! debut against Funaki. The “Fighting Irishman” destroyed Funaki with a powerful clothesline. Finlay would then add even more injury with a steel chair afterwards.

Booker T offered to settle his debt with Randy Orton earlier on in the night by being at his corner for the “Royal Rumble preview” Orton refused. Speaking of Booker T, the United States champion came out to the ring and announced that the Doctor cleared him to wrestle this Sunday. Booker bragged about how he was going to make mincemeat out of the 29 other participants when the lights went out in the arena. It signaled The Deadman’s entrance as Booker T and Sharmell froze. A video played on the screen, stating that The Undertaker would return at the Royal Rumble.

Also, Lashley claimed that he was going to face Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Wrestlemania 22 main event since he knows that they will both win their respective matches this Sunday.

Match Results

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash def Psychosis, Super Crazy and Juventud Guerrera

Finlay def Funaki

The Boogeyman def Vito and Nunzio

Chris Benoit won a 5 man Royal Rumble preview battle royal

[Jaze]

[

Carlito VS Chris Masters

Mickie James VS Ashley (Special Referee: Trish Stratus)

John Bradshaw Layfield VS The Boogeyman

John Cena VS Edge (WWE Championship)

Batista VS Mark Henry (World Heavyweight Championship)

2006 Royal Rumble Match

Edited June 29, 2006 by Jaze