CraigOrion
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Posts posted by CraigOrion
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I'm looking for a picture of a guy in DSW, G-Rilla (George Murdoch), if there is one out there? I've tried the search function but nothing showing.
Thanks
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Mike Knox was just a throwaway choice, I didn't want to move an ECW Original to Smackdown and he was the only other heel I was left with after moving Cor Von. Thanks for the advice about paragraphing, I didn't realise that the main event went on that long! HBK's time off has admittedly been forgotten but I can work something out. Kenny and Cena was a non-title match because Super Crazy beat Kenny (by DQ) the week before. I agree, I hate it when the Champion goes over in a non-title match but that was the reason it was non-title this week. Again Bret in WWE is completely unrealistic but there’s a world of possibilities in a diary! Thanks for your feedback!
WWW.WRESTLEZONE.COM
WWE Update
- The move by Marcus Cor Von was expected, it was just a case of which main brand he went to as he has been groomed for this draft since his debut with ECW. Cor Von will have his in-ring Raw debut this week, watch out for the POUNCE!.
- Big news on Smackdown, the draft from Raw was Snitsky. Snitsky immediately made an impact in his original heel mode by attacking his former nemesis Kane and then challenging The Undertaker to a World Championship Match. Batista had something to say about this and it ended in a wild brawl as Smackdown went off the air.
- Even bigger news on ECW as the draft continued to throw WWE into chaos with Chavo Guerrero arriving on ECW from Smackdown. Chavo hadn't done much since his series of (excellent) matches with Rey Mysterio and then Chris Benoit so it wasn't a surprise to see Chavo shifted from Smackdown. After being introduced, Chavo got into an argument with week 1's pick Carlito and the two are scheduled to face off in a match this coming week in what should be a superb contest.
- Matt Hardy is no longer 100% confirmed to move in the draft, although Jeff Hardy is expected to gain some backup against MNM. Whether this is an old OMEGA colleague, a fellow face on Raw or Matt Hardy is unknown.
- Backlash plans are being changed daily as confusion has hit the WWE writing team. Vince McMahon wants to present a memorable PPV to rival Smackdown's No Way Out just before Wrestlemania and is continually asking for new ideas so there is a bank to choose from.
- Ric Flair will return soon in a non-wrestling role until after Backlash.
- Former Spirit Squad member Johnny Jeter is to be repackaged and brought back onto Raw around Summerslam.
- Kip James (former Bad Ass Billy Gunn) has been contacted about returning to WWE to team with Shawn Michaels as an interim DX team until Triple H is healed. Gunn admitted shortly before Wrestlemania that he'd return to WWE in a heartbeat if an offer was made to him. His partner BG James has not offered a comment.
- Rhino's contract with TNA is expiring shortly and is yet to sign another deal. It is known that Vince McMahon holds no grudges against Rhino or the Dudleyz for their insults towards the reborn ECW and would do business with them if it would be profitable. There is a possibility that Rhino could sign for WWE and be most likely placed on Smackdown given a choice of Raw or Smackdown, avoiding any ECW issues.
- An article at WWE.com contains the information that on behalf of The Great Khali, Vince McMahon has rejected Super Crazy's challenge for next week. However, Crazy must take on Viscera instead on Raw. The Great Khali vs. Super Crazy will instead happen at Backlash.
WWE Backlash PreviewThe announced matches for Backlash are as follows:
Challenge Match
Super Crazy vs. The Great Khali
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MONDAY NIGHT RAW
Papa Roach’s “To Be Loved” thunders around the arena as pyro dazzles the fans in attendance! Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are tonight’s commentators. They welcome us to Raw where tonight we will see the Backlash no.1 contender to John Cena's WWE Championship determined as the Samoan Bulldozer Umaga meets HBK Shawn Michaels and RKO put their Tag Team Championships on the line against Cryme Tyme!
The Cutting Edge
The ring is already lined with carpet and two wooden stools, the camera pans around to see the beginning of the Rated RKO video and the sound of the World Tag Team Champions fills the arena. Rated RKO appear and head straight for the ring, not even caring about taunting the capacity crowd. Edge is the first one to speak and he complains about the Backlash WWE Title contenders match booked for tonight’s main event. He ‘doesn’t want to’ but he accuses Coachman and Vince McMahon of holding back Rated RKO! Edge speculates that the powers here on Raw know that either one of Rated RKO could defeat Umaga or Shawn Michaels so they’re scared and they’re protecting John Cena from the real threats. Instead they are made to defend the tag titles against a couple of common thieves! Edge and Orton appear to have put their differences aside for now as Randy Orton continues, Rated RKO are conducting a sit-in protest of this match being made without the presence of the ‘Legend Killer’ or the ‘Rated R Superstar’. Orton and Edge sit on the wooden stools in an act of defiance until the music of Umaga is heard! Umaga and his handler Estrada come to the ring, Estrada picks up one of the microphones as Umaga glares at Rated RKO. Estrada wants to know the true reason for this protest and he thinks that it has something to do with Rated RKO not getting along recently. Orton repeats that they aren’t happy Umaga versus Michaels has been signed without Rated RKO involved. Umaga squares up to Orton! Edge stands too and Umaga does not back down from both the World Tag Champions! Estrada reveals that Umaga has no problem showing everybody why he could become number 1 contender tonight by kicking the asses of Rated RKO as a warm up! Orton is ready to fight but Edge whispers something in his ear and persuades Randy to back away. Edge tells Estrada that he understands why Umaga is in the mix, just not why Shawn Michaels is since Cena cheated him at Wrestlemania and Rated RKO were on the winning team in last week’s main event (with Umaga). The very mention of the word Wrestlemania draws a raised eyebrow from Orton; obviously he hasn’t forgotten the spear from Edge. After looking at Umaga, Rated RKO decides that they won’t be pissing the big Samoan Bulldozer off tonight and they leave the ring. Estrada tells the fans to applaud the next WWE Champion…Uummmagggaaaaaaaaa!
Snitsky vs. Chris Masters
With Snitsky already in the ring, the ‘Masterpiece’ Chris Masters makes his elaborate entrance as highlights of his win over Val Venis last week are seen. Masters tries to get a jump on Snitsky but Snitsky turns around just in time. Snitsky and Masters lock up, a fairly even contest until Masters goes downstairs with a kick to Snitsky’s left knee. Masters then overpowers Snitsky and slams him down with a back suplex. Masters kicks away at the torso of Snitsky, posing for the crowd before dropping an elbow across his chest. Masters does push ups alongside Snitsky until Snitsky punches Masters in the face from his grounded position. Snitsky is first to his feet and connects with right hands to Masters. He backs up and knocks the Masterpiece down with a running clothesline! Snitsky is feeding off the fans as he knocks Masters down with a second clothesline. Snitsky waits as Masters finds his feet, he scoops him up into a slam position and parades Chris Masters around the ring asking where the fans would like him dropped. Snitsky drives Masters down in the delayed scoop slam. Snitsky waits as Masters slowly gets back up, Snitsky runs into the ropes and rebounds off with momentum for his big running boot but Masters ducks underneath! Masters picks Snitsky up and nails him with a backbreaker. Masters pulls Snitsky to his feet, he goes behind Snitsky and attempts to lock in the Master Lock but Snitsky fights out of it before it’s even on! Snitsky lands ferocious elbows back into Masters’ face to loosen his grip. Snitsky kicks him in the gut to double him over, Snitsky looks for a pumphandle but Masters sneaks out onto his feet behind Snitsky…Master Lock! Snitsky reaches out for the ropes but Masters has it locked in tight! Snitsky fights and struggles against it, he moves closer to the ropes but Masters pull him back and Snitsky has no choice but to submit.
Winner - Chris Masters by submission
Super...Crazy!
Backstage the lovely Maria is standing by with Super Crazy. Crazy rants at Maria about The Great Khali interfering in his match last week with Kenny Dykstra. Super Crazy challenges The Great Khali to a match here on Raw next week! Crazy is about to leave but he stops to remind Maria that he's Super and he's Crazy!
The Highlanders vs. World's Greatest Tag Team
The winners of Wrestlemania 23's over the top rope tag team battle royal are introduced next as both Haas and Benjamin look serious about their business. They scoff as Scotland's contribution to the WWE is introduced. Benjamin and Rory start the match off, Benjamin quickly showing his amateur athletics to take Rory down and hold him there for several seconds. Benjamin lets Rory up, then whips him into the ropes only to be reversed. Benjamin ducks under a clothesline attempt and then a second before Rory kicks across Benjamin's chest to knock him down. Rory tags in Robbie as the McAllister cousins make a quick exchange. Benjamin gets back up but he's groggy and vulnerable to a double clothesline knocking him over the top rope from the Highlanders! Rory is sent to his corner by the referee and Robbie heads through the ropes. Robbie slams Benjamin's head into the ring apron before rolling him inside. Robbie sends Benjamin sprawling into a corner with a headbutt. He attempts an irish whip but Benjamin reverses! Robbie though comes charging out of the corner with a running shoulder block to send Benjamin down to the canvas! Robbie tags in Rory and the bald McAllister cousin takes over with his cousin left off, knocking Benjamin down with a clothesline. Rory looks to press his advantage but Benjamin grabs him by the kilt and tosses him through the ropes. Shelton distracts the referee as Haas drops down from the apron and hits an uppercut on Rory. Charlie Haas whips Rory into the barricade before tossing him back inside to his partner. Haas is tagged in legally, he connects with a double underhook suplex and then a pin that Robbie breaks up at one. Haas picks up Rory but the Highlander fights back! He lands shots to Haas' gut and then head before Haas cuts him off with a knee. Haas tags Benjamin back in and the classic WGTT offence comes to the light. Rory's neck is placed across the top rope and Shelton leaps over Haas' head to connect with Rory's back! Benjamin covers and gets a two count when Robbie breaks it up. Benjamin applies a bodyscissors with a rear naked choke, Benjamin has Rory in trouble for several moments before Rory uses the back of his own head as a battering ram to cause a separation. Rory manages to tag Robbie in despite Benjamin trying to drag him back! Robbie nails Benjamin and knocks Charlie Haas down off the apron. Robbie takes Shelton up and over in a back body drop as the stranger half of the Highlanders takes charge. Robbie holds the advantage for several minutes, keeping Shelton trapped into a corner as he weakens the World's Greatest Tag Team member. Charlie Haas tries to come in, which leads to Rory McAllister doing the same. The referee stops Rory coming in and this gives Shelton the opportunity to land a kicked low blow to Robbie! Robbie collapses to the mat in agony and Shelton covers him as the referee turns around. Haas stops Rory from making the save as the referee counts to three.
Winners - World's Great Tag Team by pinfall
Raw's Second Draft Pick is...
Jonathan Coachman comes to the ring, he does his best to flatter the Raw crowd before introducing the second of four draft picks. By way of ECW to Raw, making the trade from Tuesday nights to Monday nights is...MARCUS COR VON! The Alpha Male himself enters and immediately unpopular with the crowd by refusing to touch any fans on his way to the ring. Cor Von shakes hands with Mr. McMahon's Executive Assistant before informing everybody that 'The Alpha Male' Marcus Cor Von is delighted to be here on Raw and soon you'll be looking at not only 'The Alpha Male' but the WWE Champion - The Alpha Male! Cor Von warns the 'boys' in the back that Monday Night Raw is now his territory and he's a hungry Alpha Male looking for his first victims!
MNM Together on Raw
Looking impressed with the arrival of Marcus Cor Von, Melina stops watching her television and starts talking with her team MNM. Melina says that it's so great to have two great draft picks arrive on Raw already. Tonight Marcus Cor Von and last week one half of MNM...Joey Mercury! Still wearing his protective face-mask Mercury tells his teammates that while they are together as a unit, somebody else on Raw is all alone and he's talking about the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy. With Matt Hardy still over on Friday Night Smackdown, Jeff is all alone against the complete unit of MNM. Johnny Nitro reveals that Jonathan Coachman told him that he has made a match for next week, it'll be a non-title match between Joey Mercury and Jeff Hardy. Mercury promises to cripple Jeff Hardy and leave him scarred so that he'll look worse than Mercury does thanks to Jeff at Armageddon. Melina looks pleased as Nitro begins telling Mercury a few things he's learnt about Jeff Hardy in his battles with him.
World Tag Team Championships
Cryme Tyme vs. Rated RKO ©
After a commercial break we come back to find JTG and big Shad Gaspard in the ring. Cryme Tyme are pumping up the crowd but cheers soon turn to jeers as Rated RKO appear. The World Tag Team Champions still look annoyed as a video plays from earlier tonight where Rated RKO were complaining about not being involved in the Umaga/Michaels contenders main event. Rated RKO circle the ring as the opening bell sounds, one on each side and Cryme Tyme head to the outside! JTG and Edge go at it on one side, Gaspard and Randy Orton on the other. Shad takes Orton head-first into the steel steps as JTG blocks a right hand from Edge to land one of his own. Gaspard puts the boots in on Orton and the referee has no control whatsoever, his count useless against these four warring wrestlers. JTG has Edge sat down against the barricade, JTG takes a run up and blasts the Rated 'R' Superstar with a dropkick to his chest. Orton is back in the ring with Shad standing on the apron, Orton grabs Gaspard's head and snaps Shad down onto the top ring rope in a move similar to an RKO. Orton pulls Shad in under the bottom rope and stomps on him in Orton's circle stomp. JTG gets underneath Edge and tries to drop him down across the barricade but Edge blocks it. Edge rakes JTG in the eyes and then unleashes a succession of hard rights on him. With the referee trying to get Orton and Shad on the apron, Edge reaches into the crowd and picks up a chair to nail JTG across the back with! Orton starts to choke Shad with both hands, keeping the big man on the mat is a sound strategy according to JR. Orton leaves Shad, he joins his Rated RKO partner on the outside. Edge whips JTG towards Orton and Randy back drops him on the thin mats at ringside! JTG is hurt and it's only made worse as Edge picks him up for a Russian legsweep where JTG's head bounces off the steel ringside steps like a basketball! Shad Gaspard is back up, he joins the action by knocking Rated RKO down with double clothesline from the apron! Shad Gaspard picks up Edge and rolls him inside the ring, where the match has hardly been contested and Shad soon joins him. Gaspard wraps his arms around Edge's waist for a belly-to-belly suplex! Edge picked up like a ragdoll and just planted into the canvas below by the big man. Randy Orton returns to the ring, shaking off the cobwebs as he does. He sprints at Shad but Gaspard side-steps him and tosses Orton over the top rope! JTG crawls back in to find Edge still down from Shad's suplex. Still a little groggy JTG makes the cover and the confused referee makes the count for just two. JTG pulls Edge to his feet, he sends him into the ropes but Edge holds on to reverse. Edge attempts a spinning heel kick but JTG ducks! Edge gets back up only to receive a spinning heel kick from JTG knocking him straight back down! On commentary JR and Lawler speculate that this could be the best night for Cryme Tyme to upset Rated RKO with their individual focuses on the WWE Championship contenders match. Lawler is cut off by Shad Gaspard slamming Orton's head into the Raw announce desk! Shad tosses Orton onto the table and calls for JTG. JTG mounts the turnbuckle near the announce table and appears to be about to dive off it onto Orton when Edge grabs his foot! Edge climbs up to the second turnbuckle and superplexes JTG down! Shad slaps the face of Orton on the table before he comes back in, Edge though is ready and waiting to nail the Spear! Shad is folded up and he rolls out to the floor underneath the bottom rope. JTG has been left all alone in the ring as Orton joins Edge. Orton pokes JTG with the end of his boot as Rated RKO taunt the smaller Cryme Tyme man. Orton pulls him up as Edge confronts the referee, Orton slaps JTG in the face over and over again! Orton signals for the RKO, he backs into the ropes for momentum but Shad Gaspard is just about up onto his knees and trips Orton! Shad drags Orton out before he too drops to the floor! Edge turns around to find JTG up and JTG dropkicks Edge to the mat! JTG heads outside onto the apron, he climbs up to the top rope and looks out at the crowd before diving off in a flying elbow drop! JTG connects! JTG pins Edge and the referee counts one, two...th-kick out! Edge survived but only just! JTG is disappointed, he holds up three fingers at the referee but the referee shakes his head. JTG goes up to the top rope for the third time, he wastes no time in coming off with a second elbow drop attempt...missed! Edge rolled out of the way! Edge is back up to his feet first with Shad and Randy Orton pounding on each other at ringside. JTG manages to get up to his feet using the ropes and Edge catches him with the Spear! Edge pins JTG for the three count and Rated RKO retain!
Winners - Rated RKO by pinfall
Meeting Between Old Friends
The caption 'Earlier Today' appears in a corner of the screen and Mickie James is seen participating in a photo shoot for a magazine. She is wearing a beautiful long red dress with the Women's Championship across her shoulder. A few flashes occur from the camera as Mickie poses before something distracts her attention. Mickie tells the photographer that she's taking a break. Mickie walks off the photo shoot set to a person standing in the doorway, former and returning Raw diva Beth Phoenix. Mickie approaches Beth confidently and asks what she is doing. Beth Phoenix looks around, then at Mickie and then at the Women's Championship. Beth reintroduces herself to Mickie James, who responds calmly with "I know what your name is." Beth talks about how she's back on Raw after her injury and she thought that the first person she should tell is her friend Mickie. The Women's Champion hardly seems happy to see her 'friend' and becomes a little uncomfortable after saying to Beth that they are no longer friends. Ignoring Mickie, Beth corrects herself that Mickie is the second person she has told. Beth then exits, leaving Mickie looking relieved but then she wonders who the first person was.
John Cena vs. Kenny Dykstra (Non-Title)
Kenny Dykstra once again in his hot pink wrestling attire makes his entrance to a chorus of boos. The music of John Cena hits and the reigning WWE Champion lights up the arena! Cena prances onto the stage with his spinning WWE Title belt before making his Marine salute. Cena heads to the ring as Kenny Dykstra warms up running against the ropes. Cena enters the ring and the bell sounds. Cena and Dykstra go to lock up but Dykstra ducks underneath it to nail Cena with a right hand jab. They go for a second lock up, the same thing happens with Dykstra ducking and then landing a jab to Cena's face. Cena explodes into a sprint towards Dykstra! Dykstra drops to the mat and rolls outside with Cena hot on his tail! Cena chases Dykstra around the ring, Kenny Dykstra slides back in and runs against the opposite set of ropes. He ducks underneath a wild Cena clothesline attempt but then gets blasted on his return with a shoulder block. Cena goes after Kenny, grabbing him by the head and taking him around the ring to send his head into each of the four top turnbuckles. Kenny tries to escape through the ropes but Cena grabs his tights and it's a full moon here tonight on Raw! With half his ass still showing Cena kicks the legs from underneath Kenny. Kenny Dykstra is whipped into the ropes and Cena hits his sit-down hiptoss. Dykstra is quick back up to his feet but Cena back drops him over the top rope and outside the ring! Dykstra pulls up his shorts as he gets back up, Cena dodges the referee to join him on the outside. John Cena tries to get hold of Dykstra but he proves slippery enough to avoid him. Dykstra catches Cena with a boot to the gut and then slams Cena into the barricade. Already Dykstra is having a better match than he had last week against Super Crazy where he was caught largely off-guard by the usual luchadore's style. Dykstra hits Cena with a punch and then a back elbow knockdown. Dykstra rolls in for a moment to break up the count out before rolling out. He is caught by repeated rights to the face from Cena, Cena attempts an irish whip to the ringpost but Dykstra reverses! Dykstra sends Cena back inside and the WWE Champion perhaps has been the victim of taking Dykstra lightly. Cena gets up to find Dykstra perched on the top rope. Dykstra attempts a double axe handle but Cena buries a right hand into his mid-section to flip Dykstra over to the mat. Cena hits his Five-Knuckle Shuffle to applause and gets a two count on the cover. Dykstra is picked up all the way into the air with a waistlock and then stun gunned on the top rope. Dykstra staggers into the centre of the ring for Cena to hit the Throwback neck snap. Another Cena cover gets a two. Cena picks Kenny up and stuns him with a kick to the gut before lifting him up for the FU! Dykstra struggles and escapes, he steps out on the apron to get away but Cena levels him with a right hand to send Dykstra from the apron all the way down to the announce table with a crash! Cena picks Dykstra up and rolls him in. Cena jumps up onto the apron and all the way upwards to the top rope. Dykstra recovers enough to get back to his feet only to be blasted back down with a Cena flying shoulder block from the top rope! Cena covers again but gets two and a half! Cena briefly questions the referee and then pulls Dykstra up but Dykstra on his way hits Cena somewhere around the waistline with a headbutt out of desperation. Dykstra finds Cena doubled over and spins him to the mat with a spinning neckbreaker. Dykstra makes a pinfall attempt of his own but gets two just as Cena has so far. Dykstra is looking cocky as he pulls Cena to his feet...Cena picks Dykstra up and plants him down with his FU! Cena pins for the win!
Winner - John Cena
Chris Benoit to Raw!
As John Cena joins the announce table a second video package for Chris Benoit following on from the one last week. It shows Benoit making legions of ECW, WCW and WWE wrestlers tapping out to his Crippler Crossface and Sharpshooter. The video ends with the message that Chris Benoit will appear LIVE on Raw next week! John Cena tells JR and Lawler that Benoit being here on Raw is a big deal and great for Raw, Benoit being one of the best the business has ever seen.
Backlash WWE Championship No.1 Contender
Shawn Michaels vs. Umaga w/Estrada
The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels makes his entrance, accompanied by a huge ovation the sole surviving member of D-Generation X emerges onto the stage. He sets off his fireworks and walks down to the ring, slapping hands with the fans on his way. Michaels strips off his entrance attire and continues to play up to the fans. Michaels' grin soon changes though as Umaga with his handler Armando Alejandro Estrada head to the ring. Umaga removes his wrap at ringside as Estrada delivers instructions. The match begins and immediately Michaels dives through the ropes onto Umaga! Michaels wants to get this match started quickly and he connects with two hard right hands on Umaga, sending the big Samoan Bulldozer stumbling back. Michaels picks up Umaga's wrap and puts it over his head so Umaga can't see, Michaels then unloads with rights and lefts to the head! Still at ringside, Michaels knocks Umaga down to a knee with a big right. Michaels kicks at Umaga, keeping the Bulldozer on the defensive despite the protests of Estrada to the referee. Shawn Michaels wants to go to Backlash and he gives a lingering look in Cena's direction before rolling Umaga inside the ring. Michaels pushes the 300-pounder into a corner and steps up to the second rope to rain in blows down onto Umaga's head. Umaga pushes Michaels down off the ropes but like a cat HBK lands on his feet. Umaga connects with a forearm smash to send Michaels staggering across the ring holding his jaw. Umaga takes Shawn to a corner, he tries to slam his head into the top 'buckle but Michaels gets a foot up to block. HBK sends Umaga into the top turnbuckle! Umaga turns around into a barrage of blows as Michaels keep the pace very quick. Umaga is unable to respond, continually kept off-balance by the veteran. Michaels makes a mistake, he attempts a headbutt that hurts him more than it does Umaga. Umaga cocks his head to the left and then just simply beats HBK down to the mat with his own attack. Umaga whips Michaels into another corner, Umaga follows in looking for a splash but Michaels moves and there's nobody home! Umaga walks out into a crucifix by Michaels into a count for two! Umaga is up on his feet quickly but Michaels is ready waiting, he takes Umaga down with one of the oldest moves in the book a drop-toehold. Michaels drops an elbow down across Umaga's back. Umaga is pulled up to his feet and whipped to the ropes but the solid base of Umaga assists him to reverse. Michaels comes off the ropes, uses an outstretched Umaga arm for the hiptoss but Umaga blocks and wipes Michaels out with a clothesline. Umaga takes instruction from Estrada before dragging like a grizzly bear Michaels to the ropes and he chokes HBK across the top rope. He releases HBK as the referee approaches five on his count and then rebounds the ropes in so Michaels falls down to the mat. Umaga drops a headbutt onto the grounded Michaels and pins for two. Cena says that this match was a 'Champions Choice' so he got to name who would compete in this match, both Umaga and Michaels put on impressive performances at Wrestlemania. Umaga picks Michaels up by the hair, he lifts him up looking for his Gorilla Press into a Samoan Drop but Michaels sneaks out, he lands behind Umaga and rolls him up for a pin but Michaels gets just a two count. After a commercial break the momentum has shifted as John Cena looks on at ringside, Michaels beats Umaga to the punch not once but twice and then a third time. Michaels irish whips Umaga and then lowers his head early, Umaga puts the brakes on and kicks the shoulder of Michaels up. Umaga goes to the body with punches to the side, stomach and chest. Umaga pulls Michaels out of the corner only to send him careering back through the turnbuckles to the steel ringpost. He pulls Michaels out and throws him back to the post one more time! Umaga scrapes Michaels off the ringpost and turns him upside down into a tree of woe. Umaga backs up to the other side of the ring for a Running headbutt drop! Umaga's head crashing into HBK's body! Umaga pins Michaels but he gets a foot on the ropes at a count of one. Umaga is angry, he stands up and listens to Estrada before walking backwards. Michaels pulls himself up using the ropes and Umaga sprints at him but Michaels back drops him over the top...Umaga lands on his feet! He reaches underneath the ropes and pulls Michaels out by his ankles. Umaga whips Michaels into the steel steps and HBK's back absorbed the impact. Umaga intimidates Cena despite the referee's warnings. At the request of Estrada, Umaga returns into the ring to allow the referee to count Michaels out. JR confirms that the contender can be determined by count out. The referee reaches four before Michaels begins to get up, the impatient Umaga paces back and forth as the referee counts to six. At eight Michaels rolls back in and is easy prey for Umaga to drop a leg across his throat. Umaga pulls a dazed HBK up to his feet and Michaels fires back! HBK kicks at Umaga, then punches and chops across his massive chest! Michaels takes a step back and launches himself at Umaga, both men go over the top rope! John Cena stands up at the desk to see what's happening and Estrada tells him to sit down. Cena squares up to Estrada and he gets spun around by Umaga! HBK blasts Umaga from behind, knocking Cena and Estrada down in the process! Michaels looks down to see Cena on the ground and he shrugs his shoulders, he then throws Umaga across the announce desk! The referee has begun his count as Michaels goes after Umaga but Umaga kicks HBK away from him. Michaels responds with an attempted Sweet Chin Music but Umaga ducks and dumps Michaels onto the timekeeper's table. The referee is now up to five as Estrada can't get to Umaga, he's still down but Cena is back with the announce team. Cena is on the edge of his seat just like everybody else as Umaga mounts Michaels and delivers right hands as the referee reaches his ten count! Umaga and Shawn Michaels have been counted out, the contender has not been determined! Cena is confused, Estrada can't believe it and Michaels is fending off Umaga as the show comes to a close!
Winner - Draw, both men counted out
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I'll just reply to a few of your points quickly, while trying not to reveal much in terms of storylines for the future.
I'm not certain which part of the Masters match annoys you, the writing of it or the booking of it. In my mind I was putting the following points across: A) Venis is an experienced face so should get some good clean offence in. B) Masters is a young heel who is too cocky. C) Masters won cleanly enough with his Master Lock to keep a push going.
Eugene did turn on Duggan but then turned back face in January, since the diary starts in April I've kept Eugene as a face. Teaming up (and not quite being on the same page) is part of them trying their friendship again.
Again I'm not sure what the issue is with Viscera vs. Hardy, the booking or the writing. The wrtiting is obviously down to me but I like Vis (explains the possible push coming) and again the face wins despite adversity.
Personal preferences are always going to come through in a diary, I have a soft spot for Vis and Val so they may appear sometimes more competitive that you will see actually on Raw.
It's looking like I am going to continue MNM as a team, I personally prefer them together than apart and it adds to a competitive tag team division, which is always good.
Mike Knox has been on ECW TV as I said in the update. With a lot of people that haven't been on television, there is that period between the Rumble and Wrestlemania where I might not have published every little detail so I left myself leeway to explain things like that. I suppose the Eugene/Duggan can be put in that category aswell since I didn't comment on it one way or the other in the update.
Thank you for your feedback, it is much appreciated and it really drives me forward to come up with things that appeal to most.
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WWW.WRESTLEZONE.COM
WWE Update
- Wrestlemania 23 was not as well received as past Wrestlemania's, although comparing it to Wrestlemania's 17, 20 and 21 would be stiff competition for any PPV. Wrestlemania 23 though had its moments with the return of Piper with an appearance by Stone Cold Steve Austin, Undertaker's title win and Cena surviving with his title.
- Vladimir Kozlov debuted alongside fellow OVW trainee Boris Alexiev on Smackdown this week with a win over Vito.
- Draft Update: Joey Mercury going from Smackdown to Raw has prompted assumptions that Matt Hardy will also move in coming weeks to Raw. Mike Knox moving to Smackdown was met with little fanfare but the big mover is Carlito. Straight from the Raw main event (where he was pinned by Umaga) to ECW on Tuesday night was a rather shocking move considering that Carlito was almost being groomed as the next big main eventer.
- The 'Mysterious Deal' between Smackdown and Raw to have 3 Smackdown superstars in the Money In The Bank ladder match appears to have been Chris Benoit moving brands again. This is reportedly due to a big storyline coming up that 'only' Chris Benoit could have filled.
- Kevin Federline's custody court battle with Britney Spears starts next week so expect not to see K-Fed on Raw for some time, his appearance to introduce Edge likely his last WWE involvement for a while. Don't rule out K-Fed returning after it's over as he's very popular backstage especially with John Cena.
- The Backlash Main Event could be one of four matches right now - Cena vs. Edge, Cena vs. Orton, Cena vs. Michaels or Cena vs. Umaga. It is generally accepted that it'll be a one-on-one rather than a multi-man scramble.
- Possible future draft movers from Raw look to be Ric Flair and Kenny Dykstra from Raw, The Boogeyman and Mark Henry from Smackdown, Kevin Thorn and CM Punk from ECW. Speaking of Flair, he has not been seen on Raw since the Royal Rumble due to a groin injury suffered as he was eliminated. Flair is healthy and ready to go but his return has been delayed until Backlash as the draft happens.
- Viscera is set to receive a push in the weeks leading up to Backlash and possibly after depending on crowd reactions.
- The King of the Ring tournament has been just announced on WWE.com as Raw exclusive this year for two reasons, firstly Smackdown had it last year and secondly the writers don't want to mess with King Booker's highly successful character.
- No matches have yet been announced for Raw's Backlash on 29 April 2007.
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MONDAY NIGHT RAW
Papa Roach’s “To Be Loved” thunders around the arena as pyro dazzles the fans in attendance! Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are tonight’s commentators. They welcome us to Raw where tonight we will see a Major Announcement from Vince McMahon to shake up the entire WWE and a Six-Man Tag Team Main Event featuring WWE Champion John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Carlito up against Rated RKO and Umaga!
An Old Rivalry?
WWE Raw opens with the charismatic WWE Champion John Cena! Cena comes out to a huge reaction from the crowd as he salutes in Marine fashion. Cena heads for the ring slapping hands with as many fans as he can reach as we see clips from Wrestlemania’s WWE Title match where Cena defeated Shawn Michaels. Cena climbs in the ring to celebrate retaining the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania with his 'Chain Gang'! Cena quickly pays compliments to Shawn Michaels, saying that HBK’s challenge was the most difficult match he has ever had. Cena continues to talk himself up until Cena is interrupted by Kevin Federline! America’s Most Hated is back on Raw to say that Cena wouldn't have retained if he weren't being attended to backstage thanks to 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's blindside assault on him! Cena challenges K-Fed to come down to the ring and fight him, K-Fed starts to walk down but then backs up. Federline instead introduces somebody who wants to fight Cena...Raw’s Rated ‘R’ Superstar - Edge! Edge and Cena renew their rivalry, Edge runs down to the ring and the two men go at it! Cena delivers hard right hands to Edge but Edge comes back with a rake of Cena’s eyes! Edge prepares for a spear but officials and backstage agents pour out of the entrance to break up the fight as we cut to a commercial break.
Torrie Wilson vs. Beth Phoenix
Back from the commercial JR and Lawler are still trying to get their breath back from an awesome start to Raw. Beth Phoenix is returning to Raw after a fractured mandible and she looks mean. Beth Phoenix goes straight to work on Torrie Wilson, nailing Wilson with a series of right hands before sending her sprawling back to the ropes. Phoenix choked Torrie against the middle rope before viciously kicking away at her back. A dazed Wilson is dragged up for Phoenix to nail with a big dropkick. Torrie Wilson tries to mount a fight back but she has been dominated in this match, Beth Phoenix blocks her feeble comeback and drives her down to the ground with a gutwrench suplex. Phoenix rubs Torrie’s face into the mat before dragging Torrie to her feet and scooping her up in Beth’s Down in Flames finishing move. Beth Phoenix pins Torrie for the three count.
Winner - Beth Phoenix by pinfall
McMahon’s Announcement
The Chairman of WWE’s music hits and the famous strut to the ring is seen. McMahon is in a good mood, something probably to do with Umaga defeating Donald Trump’s representative Rob Van Dam last night at Wrestlemania. McMahon praises himself for beating Donald Trump at Trump’s own game and then continues on to say that he’s going to make history once again. McMahon announces that the WWE Draft will take place starting tonight LIVE on Raw and end at the upcoming Raw brand Pay-Per-View Backlash. Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long, ECW’s new representative Shane McMahon and Raw’s Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman will each gain wrestlers from the other two brands. The other specifics of the draft are available right now on WWE.com but things will all become apparent over the next few weeks.
Val Venis vs. Chris Masters
‘The Masterpiece’ Chris Masters, who was not in action at Wrestlemania, next came to the ring where he found Val Venis. Val controls for the early going, the former Intercontinental and European Champion keeping Masters on the move so the powerful young superstar can’t gain any footing. Masters responds with a low blow out of view of the referee and then slows down the pace of the match. Masters knocks Venis down with a hard clothesline and poses to the crowd, who respond in jeers. Chris Masters lands a succession of high impact moves, drilling Venis into the mat with a backbreaker and a delayed vertical suplex. Masters pins Venis for several near falls but can not put him away. Masters allows Venis back into the match, arguing with the referee about the speed of his count. Venis spins Masters around and goes to work with knees to the stomach, then right hands to Masters’ face. Venis knocks Masters down with a series of running clotheslines before going up top. Venis attempts his ‘Money Shot’ but Masters moves out of the way! Masters locks in the Master Lock and Venis submits.
Winner - Chris Masters by submission
Eugene & Jim Duggan vs. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Cade and Murdoch are clear favourites in this match, them being a more regular team than Eugene and Duggan. Eugene’s spell of angriness seems to be pretty much over as Duggan looks to have got through to the youngster. Eugene starts the match for his team and locks up with Cade. Cade is moved into a headlock and then Eugene embarrasses Cade by holding onto his hair when he tries to push Eugene to the ropes. Eugene holds onto his long blond hair as Cade again tries to push him off. Cade's third attempt is successful, he manages to lift Eugene up and suplex him down to the canvas. Lance Cade unloads with several vicious elbows dropped down across Eugene's chest. Cade makes a quick tag to Murdoch and the bitter-looking trucker comes in to deliver heavy boots to Eugene's face. Murdoch pins for just two. Trevor Murdoch picks Eugene up and tosses him into the Cade/Murdoch corner as they look to cut off the ring. Murdoch strikes Eugene down before tagging back Cade. Lance Cade and Murdoch whip Eugene across the ring, then knock him down with a double shoulder block. Murdoch is sent to the apron by the referee as Cade takes over on Eugene. Cade locks in a sleeper but Eugene fights back! Eugene escapes and back body drops Cade to the mat. Eugene makes the pin but Trevor Murdoch comes in illegally to break up the cover and he gets a Rock Bottom from Eugene for his troubles! Cade is back up and Eugene connects with a Stone Cold Stunner! Eugene is left hurt on the mat and he crawls to his corner...to tag Duggan! 'Hacksaw' builds up a head of steam to shoulder charge down Murdoch and then Cade! Duggan knocks them both down one more time with a double clothesline before belting out his signature "HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!". On the apron Eugene has Duggan's 2 x 4 and offers it to the WWE veteran but Duggan shakes his head. Duggan persuades Eugene to put the 2 x 4 down at risk of disqualification. Eugene drops the weapon and then blind-tags himself back in. Duggan reluctantly leaves the ring as Eugene attacks Murdoch but Cade is the legal man and he spins Eugene around. Murdoch and Cade back into the ropes, Eugene doesn't know what is happening until it's Sweet and Sour! Cade makes the pin for three as Murdoch ties up Duggan.
Winners - Cade & Murdoch by pinfall
Chris Benoit on Raw?
A video package airs of Chris Benoit. The former United States, Tag Team, Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Champion is seen winning each of his titles against men such as Randy Orton, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Jericho.
Jeff Hardy vs. Viscera (Non-Title)
The World Largest Love Machine is waiting in the ring as the music of Jeff Hardy sounds throughout the arena. The reigning Intercontinental Champion appears to a huge ovation. Hardy makes his way down to the ring and nervously looks across the ring to see the big Viscera staring at him. Referee calls for the bell and Hardy immediately goes on the offensive, delivering big swinging right hands to Big Vis. Viscera is dazed as Hardy backs into the ropes for momentum. Jeff attempts a dropkick but Viscera swats him away. Viscera lands a big elbow drop, all 485 pounds dropping straight south across the frail body of daredevil Jeff Hardy. Viscera gets cocky, taunting Hardy and live crowd with his swooning movement. Viscera attempts a second elbow drop but Hardy slides out of his way. Hardy jumps up to the second turnbuckle and knocks Viscera down with a cross body! Hardy stomps away at Viscera before Vis kicks him away. Viscera is back up and dangerous, he knocks Hardy down with a clothesline but Jeff gets back up showing his resilience. Viscera attempts a rolling heel kick but Hardy ducks out of the way. Jeff Hardy leaps up onto the top rope for his Swanton Bomb but Johnny Nitro is running down to the ring! Nitro jumps up onto the apron and Jeff drops down from the turnbuckle. The referee tries to get Nitro down but Jeff does it for him, knocking Nitro to the floor with a dropkick! Hardy then turns into a sidewalk slam from Viscera! Vis covers for one…two…th-kick out as more referees arrive to escort Nitro away. Viscera grabs the referee to protest about the count, he spends several moments getting angrier but then turns around into a DDT from Hardy! Hardy goes to the top rope for the Swanton Bomb and the pinfall quickly follows. Jeff Hardy’s arm is raised but he snatches it away to motion for Nitro to come down to the ring…
Winner - Jeff Hardy by pinfall
Raw’s First Draft Pick is…
With Nitro still being held back, Jonathan Coachman appears on the screen. He says that he was very happy to learn of Raw’s first newcomer…JOEY MERCURY! Jeff Hardy can hardly believe it as a smirk appears on the faces of Johnny Nitro and Melina! Mercury jumps over the announce table behind Hardy with his protective mask in hand and he nails Jeff in the back of the head! Nitro breaks free and runs to the ring, he joins his MNM team-mate in kicking the life out of Hardy before the officials and referees catch up. They surround the grounded Hardy so MNM can’t get their licks in. Melina, Nitro and Mercury head to the back looking pleased with themselves.
Super Crazy vs.Kenny Dykstra
After another commercial break, Kenny Dykstra comes to the ring in his hot pink wrestling attire. Super Crazy then makes his entrance to a positive reaction. Kenny and Super Crazy lock up with Kenny going behind into a waistlock. Kennedy takes Crazy down and then slaps him around the head. Kenny is arrogant as he gets back up and motions for Crazy to do the same. Crazy and Kenny lock up again, Kenny Dykstra applies a headlock and then shifts around into a hammerlock. Crazy reaches underneath to grab the leg and sweeps Dykstra off his feet. Crazy gets on top for a quick two count. Kenny takes over, annoyed at the two count and pushes Crazy into a corner. Dykstra punches, kicks and unloads on Super Crazy. He whips him across the ring and follows in with a clothesline. Super Crazy staggers out of the corner into a dropkick from Dykstra. Dykstra pins for two. Dykstra attempts a vertical suplex, Crazy though flips out of it and lands on his feet. He comes back with a hiptoss to send Dykstra crashing to the mat. Dykstra is quickly back up, he lands a knee into Super Crazy before hitting a DDT! Dykstra goes to the apron, then steps up onto the top rope. He dives off with a leg drop but Crazy rolls out of the way! Crazy goes up top himself, he comes off with a splash that connects on Kenny's chest! Suddenly The Great Khali storms onto the stage and walks down to the ring. Khali enters the ring and grabs Super Crazy by the throat! The referee throws the match out as Khali picks Crazy up in a gorilla press slam and throws him down to the canvas with a thud. Khali turns his attention to Kenny Dykstra, who's eyes widen and he slides out of the ring in an instant. Crazy pulls himself up using the ropes and Khali just chops Crazy down. Khali leaves the ring and walks up the ramp to the back slowly.
Winner - Super Crazy by DQ due to interference
Orton Talks Up His Championship Credentials
Backstage Randy Orton is standing by with Maria, she asks him why he requested this time before the Main Event. In his usual smug attitude Orton says that he wants the next shot at John Cena for the WWE Championship and he'll be proving it tonight. He adds that it was him who was robbed last night at Wrestlemania when a series of unfortunate events led to him being first eliminated and he was a victim of circumstance. Edge approaches, asking just exactly what Randy was doing. Orton and Edge go face to face, Orton recalling Edge's spear on him at Wrestlemania and Edge dismissing it as 'accidental'. Rated RKO look hardly on the same page as they begin to walk away for the match, Edge stopping for a moment to tell Maria that he's the one who deserves the next title shot.
John Cena, Shawn Michaels & Carlito vs. Rated RKO & Umaga w/Estrada
Rated RKO continue to have problems, not even being able to decide who would start the match. Estrada proved to be the mediator as Edge started the match against John Cena. Seeing this Randy Orton tags himself in to start off against the reigning WWE Champion. Orton and Cena lock up with neither man budging an inch. Orton is pushed back, only to respond with a rake of Cena's eyes. Orton takes Cena down to the mat and grinds his arm into Cena's face. Having gained the advantage, Randy Orton tags in Edge. The World Tag Team Champions make the quick exchange with Edge keeping Cena down against the mat. Cena escapes and nails Edge with a running clothesline. John Cena quickly pins Edge but Edge kicks out at two. Cena tags in Carlito, bringing in the fresh man. Edge motions to Carlito for a test of strength, Carlito accepts onto to be kicked in the stomach by Edge. Edge scoops up Carlito for a slam but Carlito struggles free to knock Edge down with a bulldog. Edge is up quickly but meets a few forearms across his chest by Carlito. Carlito whips Edge into a turnbuckle, Carlito steps up to the second rope and waits as Edge stumbles out into a flying clothesline! Carlito pins for just two. Carlito tags Michaels in, only Umaga has not been in now. HBK goes to work on Edge with signature jabs and then roundhouse rights. Edge comes back, irish whipping Michaels into the ropes but Michaels springs at him with a flying forearm. Edge crawls towards his corner but Michaels grabs his foot. HBK pulls Edge back near to the Cena/Michaels/Carlito corner and tags back Carlito. Carlito jumps in over the top rope, dropping an elbow down on Edge's back in the process. Carlito stomps down on Edge before pulling him up. Carlito unloads on Edge in a corner, Edge slumps down and as he does he grabs Carlito's shorts to send him crashing into the turnbuckles. Edge tags in Orton, Rated RKO double team Carlito by whipping him into the ropes but Carlito ducks a double clothesline. He spins and knocks down Rated RKO with a double clothesline of his own! Shawn Michaels and John Cena come in to even up the numbers, Cena punches Orton into the Rated RKO/Umaga corner and Umaga makes the blind tag before he too comes in. All six are in the ring as Cena clotheslines down Orton before knocking Edge down with a running shoulder block. Umaga meanwhile blocks a superkick from Michaels and tosses him through the ropes to the outside. Edge picks off Cena and two men fall through the ropes still brawling! Carlito hits his Back-Cracker on Orton but doesn't see Umaga coming with the Samoan Spike! Umaga covers for three, the team of Rated RKO and Umaga win the match! Umaga's arm is raised by the referee and he snatches it away for Estrada to raise. Rated RKO return to the ring, Orton wincing still from the Back-Cracker and Edge tries to help him up. Edge is trying to mend broken bridges with Orton but Orton doesn't know who it is and attempts an RKO...but Edge blocks it! Edge stares at Orton and Orton returns it as Raw goes off the air.
Winner - Umaga and Rated RKO by pinfall
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Thank you for your initial thoughts, the Finlay error has been corrected in the update post.
From WWE.COMWWE Draft
The annual WWE draft is due to take place in a triangle system. 4 from each brand will move around in this system (12 in total):
2 from ECW to Raw
2 from ECW to Smackdown
2 from Raw to Smackdown
2 from Raw to ECW
2 from Smackdown to Raw
2 from Smackdown to ECW
These moves will take place starting (tonight) the night after Wrestlemania on Raw and conclude at Raw's Pay-Per-View Backlash.
It was also noted that NO Championship will switch brands, should a title holder be drafted then he or she would be stripped of that title but awarded a shot at an equivalent title on their new show. Also, for the first time since the initial draft lottery tag teams are eligible to be drafted together (due to Edge spearing and eliminating Orton in the WM title match Rated RKO refused this right).
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I agree, it's not realistic but I think it'll be fun to play around with and write. The basic premise is that you (the reader) are aware of Hart being back with WWE but the in-game wrestling audience is not. As for Shawn Michaels, the WM 23 WWE Championship fatal four way was an elimination match. Randy Orton was eliminated first, then Edge and then finally Michaels by Cena.
Promotion Information:Owner: The McMahons
Money: $10,000,000
Public Image: 70
Size: Global
Based In: America
Risk Level: 75%
Production Values: 100%
Merchandising: 100%
Advertising: 100%
Top 5 Faces:
1. Triple H
2. Shawn Michaels
3. Ric Flair
4. John Cena
5. Jeff Hardy
Top 5 Heels:
1. Vince McMahon
2. Edge
3. Randy Orton
4. Umaga
5. Johnny Nitro
WWE Raw Active Roster:
Faces Heels Tweeners
Main Eventers:
Edge
John Cena
Randy Orton
Shawn Michaels
Triple H (injured currently)
Upper Midcarders:
Ric Flair
Umaga
Midcarders:
Carlito
Chris Masters
Jeff Hardy
Johnny Nitro
Kenny Dykstra
Snitsky
Shelton Benjamin
Torrie Wilson
Lower Midcarders:
Charlie Haas
Eugene
Jim Duggan
JTG
Lance Cade
Maria
Robbie McAllister
Rory McAllister
Scotty 2 Hotty
Shad Gaspard
Super Crazy
Trevor Murdoch
Val Venis
Victoria
Viscera
Openers:
Beth Phoenix
Candice Michelle
Managers:
Armando Alejandro Estrada - Handler of Umaga
Melina - Manages Johnny Nitro
The Great Khali - Mr. McMahon's Bodyguard
Non-Wrestlers:
Jerry Lawler - Commentator of Raw
Jonathan Coachman - Raw Executive Assistant
Kevin Federline - Celebrity Guest
Vince McMahon - Chairman of WWE
Tag Teams:
Cade & Murdoch - Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Cryme Tyme - JTG & Shad Gaspard
DX - Triple H & Shawn Michaels
Highlanders - Rory & Robbie McAllister
Rated RKO - Edge & Randy Orton
World's Greatest Tag Team - Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas
Staff:
Howard Finkel
Jim Ross
Lillian Garcia
Steve Romero
Todd Grisham
Current Champions:
WWE Champion: John Cena
WWE Intercontinental Champion: Jeff Hardy
World Tag Team Champions: Rated RKO - Randy Orton & Edge
WWE Women's Champion: Mickie James
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Our journey will start the night after Wrestlemania 23 so here are the happenings between the Royal Rumble in January and Wrestlemania on 1st April 2007.
ROYAL RUMBLE 200728 January 2007
AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas
Interpromotional Tag Team Match
MNM (Johnny Nitro & Joey Mercury) w/Melina vs. The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff)
The Hardy Boyz defeated MNM by pinfall following a Swanton by Jeff Hardy on Johnny Nitro.
ECW World Championship
Bobby Lashley © vs. Test
Bobby Lashley defeated Test by count out to retain.
World Heavyweight Championship
Batista © vs. Mr. Kennedy
Batista defeated Mr. Kennedy by pinfall following a Batista Bomb to retain.
WWE Championship - Last Man Standing
John Cena © vs. Umaga w/Armanda Alejandro Estrada
John Cena defeated Umaga to retain after choking him unconscious with a loose ring rope in his STFU submission hold.
Royal Rumble Match
Ric Flair, Finlay, Kenney Dykstra, Matt Hardy, Edge, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Gregory Helms, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, CM Punk, King Booker, Super Crazy, Jeff Hardy, The Sandman, Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Rob Van Dam, Viscera, Johnny Nitro, Kevin Thorn, Hardcore Holly, Shawn Michaels, Chris Masters, Chavo Guerrero, Montel Vontavious Porter, Carlito, The Great Khali, The Miz & The Undertaker
Undertaker won the Royal Rumble, last eliminating fellow veteran Shawn Michaels by countering the Sweet Chin Music and tossing Michaels over the ropes to the floor.
Raw/ECW/Smackdown Update for between Royal Rumble and No Way Out...
RawJohn Cena & Shawn Michaels became World Tag Team Champions over Rated RKO as Edge & Orton began having problems continuing from the Royal Rumble. The issues between Jeff Hardy and Johnny Nitro continued as Nitro continually came up short in his efforts to become Intercontinental Champion again. The Great Khali has become Mr. McMahon's personal enforcer and has joined Umaga in being McMahon's back up. The tag team division underneath Cena/Michaels and Rated RKO has exploded with Cade & Murdoch, Cryme Tyme, World's Greatest Tag Team and the Highlanders gaining wins over each other as they jockey for the next title opportunity.
ECWHardcore Holly is being built as Bobby Lashley's Wrestlemania opponent with big wins over Rob Van Dam, Test, Sabu and CM Punk. The ECW Originals are continuing their crusade to rid ECW of the newcomers. They have been attacking the likes of Matt Striker, Mike Knox and Rene Dupree. 'The Alpha Male' Marcus Cor Von has remained undefeated, his latest win over Danny Doring. ECW’s new representative to replace Paul Heyman was announced as Shane McMahon, who Mr. McMahon sent to ECW to ensure the brand becomes a rival the other two brands.
SmackdownThe partnership between Royal Rumble Winner Undertaker and World Heavyweight Champion Batista has dominated Smackdown in the build up to No Way Out. Kane and King Booker's experience at the Royal Rumble has led to their match at No Way Out. Mr. Kennedy appears to be on his way to a full face-turn, his rivalry with old partner MVP has been revisited as Kennedy is receiving more and more cheers from the Smackdown fans. Matt Hardy cannot get Joey Mercury out of his life. Everywhere Hardy has been he has been followed by the Smackdown half of MNM along with his protective face mask.
NO WAY OUT 200718 February 2007
Staples Center in Los Angeles, California
Finlay vs. The Boogeyman
Finlay defeated The Boogeyman with his signature Celtic Cross following an attack with his shillelagh as the referee was distracted by Little Bastard.
WWE Tag Team Championships:
Paul London & Brian Kendrick © w/Ashley Massaro vs. Deuce & Domino w/Cherry
Kendrick & London retain the Tag Team Championships when Paul London pinned Deuce following a 450 splash.
Kane vs. King Booker w/Queen Sharmell
A match made out of the Royal Rumble where King Booker was eliminated by Kane and returned to the match to toss Kane out. Kane pinned King Booker following a chokeslam despite repeated Queen Sharmell interference.
WWE United States Championship:
Chris Benoit © vs. The Miz
The Miz gained this title shot as a result of defeating Matt Hardy on Smackdown. Benoit retained easily with his Crippler Crossface, not quite matching his Summerslam time against Orlando Jordan but somewhere close.
Dance Competition
Jillian Hall, Kristal Marshall & Ashley Massaro vs. Leyla, Kelly Kelly & Brooke
Jillian Hall, Kristal Marshall and Ashley Massaro from Smackdown took on ECW's Extreme Expose in a Dance Competition, which the Smackdown trio won by way of crowd vote.
Mr. Kennedy vs. Montel Vontavious Porter
Kennedy put MVP away with his Kenton Bomb.
Matt Hardy vs. Joey Mercury
Joey Mercury gained a measure of revenge in his mind for the injuries suffered back at Armageddon at the hands of the Hardy Boyz as he defeated Matt Hardy with his feet all over the ropes.
Interpromotional Tag Team Match:
John Cena & Shawn Michaels (World Tag Team Champions) vs. The Undertaker & Batista
John Cena pinned Batista for the victory after mis-communication between him and Undertaker led to Batista being nailed with a running boot into Cent’s FU. Batista then blamed Undertaker for the loss and shoved him, Undertaker responded with a chokeslam.
Raw/ECW/Smackdown Update for between No Way Out and Wrestlemania 23...
RawOn the home stretch to Wrestlemania the WWE Championship match has been in the thoughts of everybody. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon then made a fatal four way, pitting the WWE Champion John Cena against the last 3 Raw participants in the Royal Rumble match - Randy Orton, Edge and Shawn Michaels in a fatal four way elimination match. Rated RKO earned the early momentum, regaining the World Tag Team Titles from Cena & Michaels. Johnny Nitro managed to hold onto his no.1 contender slot to the Intercontinental Championship despite challenges from Chris Masters, Super Crazy and Kenny Dykstra. Raw's Money In The Bank representative was Carlito. Ron Simmons was 'injured' at the hands of Chris Masters and the Masterlock as Masters looked to prove his legitimacy. The Trump/McMahon rivalry continued until a match was announced for Wrestlemania, both men to find a representative to put the issue to bed on the grandest stage of them all.
ECWWith ECW joining the Wrestlemania party for the first time, almost all of their television programming was dedicated in some way to WM 23. Hardcore Holly was named ECW World Title contender for Lashley at Wrestlemania and then Holly sat on commentary for three weeks while Lashley put away various opponents. Rob Van Dam was recruited by Donald Trump for the match with Mr. McMahon's representative Umaga. Two ECW Originals Sandman & Dreamer won tag team matches. Marcus Cor Von defeated Sabu and CM Punk defeated Test to qualify for the Money In The Bank.
SmackdownThe Undertaker officially announced his intentions to fight Batista at Wrestlemania in the main event. They jockeyed for the momentum going into this match, both remaining undefeated between No Way Out and Wrestlemania. The United States Champion Chris Benoit and the determined Mr. Kennedy both qualified for the Money In The Bank with wins over Chavo Guerrero and Matt Hardy respectively. A three-way rivalry developed between Finlay, Kane and King Booker which was added to by MVP's apparent want to join forces with King Booker. A mysterious deal was concocted between Theodore Long and Coachman to allow three Smackdown superstars into the Money In The Bank ladder match rather than the original two, MVP benefited. The Smackdown tag teams matched Raw's tag efforts as Regal & Taylor, Deuce & Domino, WWE Tag Champions Kendrick & London all put on great matches against each other. Benoit lost the United States Championship a week before Wrestlemania to MVP.
WRESTLEMANIA 231 April 2007
Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
CHALLENGE MATCH
Kane vs. Finlay vs. King Booker
Three of Smackdown's finest opened Wrestlemania in Detroit, a hard hitting match followed with an appearance by the Little Bastard too! Little Bastard terrorised Queen Sharmell before King Booker got hold of him and whipped him into a Kane chokeslam on the Little Bastard. While the referee was rolling him under the ropes to the outside, Finlay blasted both of his opponents with his shillelagh. MVP came to the ring to try and help King Booker but Kane quickly took him out. Finlay got a near fall on King Booker and was then subject to a chokeslam for a Kane win. Could the Brothers of Destruction start and end Wrestlemania with wins????
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Jeff Hardy © vs. Johnny Nitro w/Melina
Early in the match Melina was sent to the back by the referee for constant interference, which left Nitro to do it on his own. Johnny Nitro put on the performance of his career, coming so close to becoming the new Intercontinental Champion but the resilient Jeff Hardy fought back at every avenue. Hardy won the match after rolling Hardy up in a victory roll! After the match Matt Hardy came to the ring and congratulated his brother on the defence of his title.
INTERPROMOTIONAL 8-TAG TEAM BATTLE ROYAL
Kendrick & London (WWE Tag Team Champions) w/Ashley Massaro vs. William Regal & Dave Taylor vs. Cryme Tyme vs. Deuce & Domino w/Cherry vs. Highlanders vs. Cade & Murdoch vs. World's Greatest Tag Team vs. Sandman & Dreamer
A special late addition to the Wrestlemania card was this tag team battle royal between teams from Raw, Smackdown and ECW. The Highlanders were eliminated first, they began fighting among themselves aswell as the other teams and were picked off by Cade and William Regal. Second team to go was Deuce & Domino despite Cherry's efforts to cheer them on. Cryme Tyme and Cade & Murdoch eliminated each other on opposite sides of the ring. Showing their credentials for a two-on-two WWE Tag Team Championship shot William Regal & Dave Taylor tossed out Kendrick & London. ECW representatives The Sandman & Dreamer were next to be eliminated by WGTT. This left two teams, the World's Greatest Tag Team and Smackdown's Regal & Taylor. Taylor tossed Shelton Benjamin over the top rope but Shelton held on! Taylor and Regal thought they had won but Haas joined the surviving Benjamin to throw the Englishmen over the top!
DONALD TRUMP VS. MR. MCMAHON REPRESENTATIVE MATCH
Donald Trump's Representative - ECW's Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. McMahon's Representative - Raw's Umaga w/Armanda Alejandro Estrada
With both McMahon and Trump at ringside, Van Dam used all of his aerial offence to keep Umaga on the back foot until Umaga caught RVD in mid-air and delivered a Samoan Drop to stop Van Dam's attack. Umaga dominated the ECW Original as he targeted Van Dam's neck to set him up for the Samoan Spike. Van Dam fought back, taking it to the air once again but RVD went for his diving kick from the top rope only to be blasted with that Spike and Umaga covered RVD for three.
MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Raw's Carlito vs. ECW's Marcus Cor Von vs. Smackdown's Mr. Kennedy vs. ECW's CM Punk vs. Smackdown's Chris Benoit vs. Smackdown's MVP
The Great Khali entered also at the start of the match seemingly angry he didn't have this opportunity, he put a heavy beating for 5 minutes on all of the Money In the Bank competitors before it took all of the six men to hit their finishing moves on him in succession for Khali to be left down on the outside as the ladders came into play. After a battle among the original six, Mr. Kennedy suplexed MVP off the top of the ladder to pull down the briefcase!
ECW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Bobby Lashley © vs. Hardcore Holly
Hardcore Holly's big roll in ECW had built him up for this challenge but it was the former Army sergeant who dominated most of this match, finally putting Hardcore away with a Running Powerslam.
PIPER'S PIT
Rowdy Roddy Piper with...Kevin Federline!
An unadvertised treat for the fans was the legendary Rowdy Roddy Piper returning to WWE after surgery to conduct a Piper's Pit with K-Fed himself. Federline did not endure himself to the WWE fans as he mocked his former opponent John Cena. Suddenly glass shattered and 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin came down to the ring to give a Stone Cold Stunner to Federline and share a beer with Hot Rod! Austin and Piper left the ring, leaving Federline on the mat. Out next was John Cena and he found a groggy K-Fed in the ring! Cena delivered an FU on Federline!
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP - FATAL FOUR WAY ELIMINATION
John Cena © vs. Randy Orton vs. Edge vs. Shawn Michaels
Randy Orton was the first eliminated by his own Rated RKO tag team partner Edge after Rated RKO dominated the early going with their teamwork. Edge then turned on Randy Orton with a devastating spear and the pinfall. Shawn Michaels soon after nailed his Sweet Chin Music on Edge and Cena made the Canadian superstar tap out to his STFU. A lengthy battle followed between HBK and Cena with Michaels several times almost winning. John Cena eventually retained with an FU on Shawn Michaels.
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - TITLE VS. UNDEFEATED AT WRESTLEMANIA
Batista © vs. The Undertaker
With the Undertaker's undefeated streak at Wrestlemania on the line in addition to Batista's World Heavyweight Championship this match was a titanic tussle between two big men. Batista hit all of his trademark moves - a military press slam, a spinebuster and his Batista Bomb but still he could not put away the Deadman. Undertaker rallied back with a chokeslam followed by a Tombstone Piledriver to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion!
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- Raw is seen by Mr. McMahon as World Wrestling Entertainment's flagship programme over its sister programs, Friday Night SmackDown and ECW, this is due to its longer history and Vince’s personal preference over the other brands.
Vince McMahon's flagship show is suffering.
- There have been chants of TNA at WWE Pay-Per-Views, House shows and television tapings.
- Raw’s dip in ratings has been the most alarming - ECW remained fairly consistent at 1.5 (much better than the network expected) and Smackdown’s rating was slightly improving week-to-week due to its reputation as WWE’s best wrestling show.
- The last few brand Pay-Per-Views were among the least bought of recent times (New Year’s Revolution and No Way Out) and even the annual Royal Rumble did poorly in sales compared to UFC offerings in the same months.
- TNA are slowly growing, piece by piece. They had acquired genuine main event talent in Christian Cage, Sting, Kurt Angle and TNA (and ROH) protégée Samoa Joe. TNA also managed to gain several more two hour shows as they looked for ratings to improve.
- The negative crowd reaction to John Cena remained through Wrestlemania. This was becoming a concern for backstage officials; at first against Jericho, Angle, Edge and Triple H it was seen as a positive step to create a wrestler who was controversial but the Wrestlemania main event saw Cena wildly jeered by all sections of the crowd and this was not in the game plan.
- Internet reports often predicted that established WWE superstars such as Rob Van Dam, Chris Benoit, Edge and Shelton Benjamin were looking for a way out to TNA or onto the independent circuit because of unhappiness.
- With profits falling Vince McMahon scrambled in his brain for the answer, even early estimates of Wrestlemania purchases were low. Then it hit him, the answer was simple…maybe too simple. There was one angle Vince had played off many times in the past but it had never been really delved into in a way that the fans could connect with. It was the single biggest incident to ever happen in the entire history of World Wrestling Entertainment and now McMahon needed it to bring his WWE back to the promise land. One man and one man alone was crucial to the storyline and it’d take a mammoth McMahon effort to bring him onboard but he spent all of Wrestlemania night on the telephone and somehow got the answer that he wanted…
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Thanks Syrjis
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Does anybody have a K-Fed EWR picture? I've looked on the search engine but there's nothing coming up under kfed, federline or k-fed.
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BAD BLOOD
Date: 25th March 2007
Announcers: Mean Gene Okerlund & Josh Matthews
DARK MATCH
Orient Express w/Sunny vs. Natural Disasters
The first match of the evening is being taped for internet showing only. Starting off the match are Typhoon and Dark Magus. After a brief stare down the pair lock up. Magus wrenches the arm of Typhoon but the big man Typhoon reverses into an arm wrench of his own. Typhoon releases the hold and the pair lock up again, this time Magus grabs Typhoon in a headlock. Typhoon shoots Magus off the ropes, he goes for a clothesline but Magus ducks and takes Typhoon down with a quick leg sweep. Magus goes to drop an elbow but Typhoon moves out of the way. Typhoon backs off and Magus tags in Tomoko. Tomoko runs in but Typhoon takes him over with a hip toss. Tomoko quickly gets up and charges but is taken over by another hip toss by Typhoon! The pair go to lock up but Tomoko nails Typhoon with a quick forearm to the face. He goes to whip Typhoon to the corner but Typhoon easily reverses, Typhoon charges at Tomoko looking for a shoulder strike but Tomoko moves at the last second sending Typhoon crashing shoulder first into the corner!
Tomoko makes the tag to Magus, who climbs to the top rope and leaps off delivering a beautiful missile dropkick! He waits for Typhoon to get to his feet and charges but Typhoon takes him down with a desperation clothesline! Looking to get some breathing space Typhoon tosses Magus out of the ring. Magus quickly gets to his feet and reaches through the bottom rope, tripping Typhoon and dragging him to the outside. Tomoko hops off the ring apron and joins Magus in wearing down Typhoon with punches and kicks. Tsunami suddenly enters the ring, he bounces off the ropes, comes off and leaps to the outside with a SUICIDE DIVE taking down Magus and Tomoko! Typhoon rolls Magus back into the ring and re-enters with Tsunami. Tsunami comes off the ropes and Typhoon lifts him up into a gorilla press before slamming him down onto Magus! The ref ejects Tsunami as Typhoon pumps up the crowd. Typhoon comes off the ropes but Sunny grabs his leg! Typhoon glances at Sunny then quickly turns around into a dropkick from Magus Magus stomps away on Typhoon. Magus pulls Typhoon up and takes him over with a snapmare. He tags Tomoko who springboards into the ring dropping an elbow on Typhoon!
Tomoko Onamari hooks the near leg for 1-2-Kick Out! Tomoko raises Typhoon up but Typhoon retaliates with right hands. Typhoon whips Tomoko off the ropes, Magus makes a blind tag as Typhoon takes Tomoko over with a powerslam! Typhoon goes for the cover but Magus breaks it up with a stomp to the head. Typhoon gets up but Magus takes him down with a power clothesline! Magus makes the cover for 1-2-Kick Out! Magus tags in Tomoko, he holds Typhoon in place while Tomoko comes off the ropes and nails a leg drop! Tomoko makes the cover, 1-2-Shoulder Up! Tomoko is getting slightly frustrated, locks in a front face lock on Typhoon. As Tomoko wrenches in the hold as Tsunami claps his hands on the apron getting the crowd to join him in willing Typhoon along. Typhoon manages to struggle to his feet and goes for his corner, but Tomoko takes him down with a clubbing blow, releasing his grip. He then nails Tsunami with an elbow knocking him off the apron!
Tomoko turns around to Typhoon but Typhoon take him over with a back body drop! Typhoon goes to make the tag but there’s nobody there! Tomoko comes behind him and takes him down with a reverse DDT! Tomoko mounts Typhoon and nails him with stiff right hands. As the ref admonishes him he locks in a reverse chin lock. Tomoko applies pressure to Typhoon as Sunny looks on gleefully from ringside. Typhoon struggles to his feet and takes Tomoko over with a back suplex but Tomoko still manages to maintain his grip. In a great display of strength Typhoon again manages to get to his feet and take Tomoko down with a back suplex. This time the hold is released. Typhoon again goes for his corner but is taken down from behind by a Tomoko side kick. Tomoko backs Typhoon into his corner and tags in Magus. Magus comes in and takes Typhoon down with a neckbreaker! Magus jumps up to the second rope and jumps off delivering an elbow, but NO! Typhoon gets his boot up taking Magus down! The crowd pop as Typhoon crawls to his corner. Typhoon reaches up and manages to tag Tsunami!
Tsunami rushes in, ducks a Magus clothesline, and charges at Tomoko taking him off the apron with a dropkick! Tsunami nails Magus with swift right hands, Tomoko enters the ring only for Tsunami to whip Magus into him taking both men down! Tomoko quickly gets to his feet but Tsunami dropkicks him down, Magus gets up but he too is dropkicked down! Tsunami hops up to the second turnbuckle and grabs Magus, he swings out of the corner taking Magus down with a tornado DDT! 1-2-Saved by Tomoko! Typhoon comes in and takes both men down with a double clothesline! Typhoon picks Tomoko up and tosses him to the outside, he follows him out leaving Tsunami and Magus in the ring. Sunny climbs onto the apron but Tsunami quickly takes her down with a right hand! Tsunami turns around into a Magus clothesline.. but NO! Tsunami ducks and in one swift motion takes Magus down with a German Suplex! 1-2-3! Tsunami stole one from the Orient Express and Sunny is devastated on the outside.
BAD BLOOD
Fireworks erupt and the arena rocks as the camerapeople pan around the fans! Mean Gene Okerlund and Josh Matthews open the show, officially introducing Hall Of Fame Wrestling from the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York!
Greg Valentine vs. ???
Everybody looks towards the entrance after Valentine's entrance, they await the Mystery Opponent and it's...KEN SHAMROCK!
Once the bell rings, Shamrock allows Greg Valentine no opportunity to prepare as he pushes past the referee and starts laying into Greg with some big clubbing forearms, and they are making a slapping noise off the back of Valentine as Shamrock continues to throw the heavy lumber. Greg backs up into the corner to possibly curb this assault but all Shamrock does is start laying in boots to Greg’s midsection. The only thing that happens to stop this offence of course is when the referee tries to get Shamrock off of Greg, he gets in an unseen poke to the eyes, surprising the referee but stunning Shamrock and allowing Greg to take him down with a hard clothesline. Greg follows this up by picking up Shamrock’s leg which and starts laying in brutal kicks to the knee joint and the shin, trying to soften up the former UFC fighter and wear him down, but Shamrock after a few more kicks manages to hunker down and shove him away, using his frightening leg strength to do so, and comes barrelling at Greg but Valentine avoids the contact, making Shamrock slam sternum first into the turnbuckle, Greg scoots around Shamrock and picks his leg up, wrenching it with a Dragon Screw takedown!
Greg gives the leg another harsh stomp, then drops an elbow onto Shamrock’s knee, making the tough man roar in pain as Greg tightens up on the lock, the referee asking Shamrock if he wants to submit. Shamrock starts pulling himself towards the ropes, grabbing it with one sledgehammer-sized hand. Greg finally breaks the hold and he continues the attack on Shamrock’s leg with a couple more stomps. He picks up Shamrock and whips him toward the corner, rushing in for a clothesline but Shamrock bounces right off the turnbuckle and meets him with a shoulderblock, he hauls Greg to his feet by the throat, ramming him down to the mat! Shamrock runs into the ropes and just as Greg gets back up he’s put down by a debilitating clothesline! Ken Shamrock dives onto Greg for the cover or 1-2-Kick Out! Shamrock hauls Greg back to his feet and picks him up sideways, holding him there for a moment before slamming him down with a sidewalk slam! He goes to drop an elbow but Greg rolls out of the way, making Ken slam hard against the mat, Shamrock rolls to his feet but is caught by Greg darting behind him and synching up a reverse waistlock, trying for a German Suplex but Greg can’t get Shamrock all the way up, Shamrock hurls a big back elbow at Greg Valentine which he luckily dodges and DDT’S SHAMROCK INTO THE MAT!
Greg rolls over and throws an arm across Shamrock to get 1-2-Kick Out! Greg looks frustrated about the count and yells at the ref, then continues his assault on Shamrock, keeping him down with a hard stomp to the back of the head when Shamrock gets to all fours and then goes to ascend the turnbuckle. Greg jumps, looking to connect with a second rope legdrop…and does! Shamrock’s legs shoot up into the air on impact and Greg covers again, this time hooking the leg for 1-2-Shoulder Up! Greg is now increasingly frustrated and slams his hands angrily on the mat, 'The Hammer' turns Shamrock over and signals for the Figure Four, he picks up Shamrock’s leg and wraps up the ankle but almost immediately Shamrock kicks him away! Greg stumbles back, surprised, and comes rushing in only to be blasted with another clothesline from Shamrock! Shamrock then turns and picks Greg up, shooting him off into the far side ropes and when he comes back, Shamrock applies a sleeper hold! The ref immediately comes to check in as Shamrock wraps an arm around his throat and Valentine uses the opportunity to rear back with a kicked low blow! Greg then grabs the ankle and turns into the FIGURE FOUR! Shamrock refuses to give up as he stretches an arm towards the ropes, Greg however will not be deterred as he pulls Shamrock back to the centre of the ring! Shamrock tries again, crawling to the ropes and refusing to submit every time he inches that much closer to the ropes as Greg twists as hard as he can trying to make Shamrock tap or break his ankle, whichever comes first. But Shamrock reaches out his hand and grabs the bottom rope!
Finally, Greg releases the Figure Four, leaving Shamrock clutching his ankle on the mat as the referee backs Greg up to the far corner, berating him about breaking the hold but Greg doesn't react. Shamrock pulls himself up with the help of the ropes, leaning against the corner, holding his ankle and grimacing in pain but Greg climbs up on the second rope, starting in on a 10 punch combo! About halfway through the combo Greg stops to taint the crowd which allows Shamrock some valuable moments to get his arms up and knock 'The Hammer' down off the second rope! Valentine gets back up quickly only to be taken down to the mat in an armbar, Shamrock pivots around into AN ANKLE LOCK! VALENTINE HOLDS ON FOR SEVERAL MOMENTS BEFORE TAPPING OUT!
JM: Wow! Ken Shamrock announces his debut with a big win here in Hall Of Fame Wrestling!
MGO: Shamrock looked great, can't agree enough with that.
Rock 'n' Roll Express © vs. Midnight Express (HOF Tag Team Championships)
Referee Amy Spencer has been assigned this contest and as usual it kicks off with her holding the Tag Team Championship belts high above her head. Both Eaton and Gibson close in on each other, Gibson gets the quick advantage by locking up with Eaton and getting in with a quick wrist lock. Eaton tries to counter but the hold is in tight by Gibson. Eaton somehow counters the wrist lock and he delivers his own. Gibson tries to break free but can't, he has to flip over and sweep Bobby Eaton's legs from under him to make a cover for just a 1 count. Eaton gets back up at the same time as Gibson and they start off again from where they begun. Both men circle the ring once more and grapple, Eaton gets the advantage this time because of the height and weight difference. Eaton suddenly connects with a DDT! But as Eaton gets back up, Condrey tags the back of Eaton and tags himself in! Gibson seems to be getting up from that DDT from nowhere. Condrey pulls the arm of Gibson, putting him into a sort of arm submission hold. His right knee is placed across the back of Gibson as he continues pulling, Amy Spencer checks on Gibson as he seems to be close to tapping out, Ricky Morton then comes out from his corner and he stomps on Condrey causing him to break the hold, Spencer tells Ricky to go back to his corner as Gibson grabs his right arm in pain. Dennis COndrey makes a quick cover and gets a 2 count out of it.
An angered Condrey gets back up to his feet, Gibson seems to be trying to get a tag in to Ricky Morton but Condrey realises this and he pulls Robert up to his feet. Dennis Condrey tries dragging him but Gibson counters as he kicks Condrey off and gets back to his feet. Condrey starts running, trying to knock down Gibson with a shoulder block but gets a kick from Robert in the mid-section! GIBSON DELIVERS A MASSIVE SPINEBUSTER! Gibson gets back up and tags in Ricky Morton as Condrey grabs the back of his neck in an signal of pain. Ricky grabs the left underarm of Condrey and drives a knee down into his side. Dennis Condrey fights back up to his feet and he sends Ricky into the ropes. As Ricky Morton rebounds off the ropes, Condrey goes for a clothesline but Ricky Morton ducks. He goes through and rebounds off the other ropes, Condrey turns around and ducks a second clothesline attempt from Ricky Morton. Morton spins around and Condrey picks him up...NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! CONDREY HOLDS ON FOR THE PIN! 1-2-Gibson Saves!
Gibson goes back to his corner and Ricky Morton starts to get back up slowly, Condrey tags in Bobby Eaton. Eaton looks at Morton and he begins the attack by clubbing a few blows across his head. Eaton is knocked backwards to the ropes. Ricky Morton whips across the ring, Eaton counters just as Ricky goes for a clothesline but Eaton stops in his tracks when Ricky Morton turns around. Eaton slams a knee into his gut before taking him down to the mat with a SPINNING NECKBREAKER! Gibson quickly comes in to stop a cover before it happens but Eaton dodges him and tosses him out of the ring! Eaton covers Morton and gets 1-2-Kick Out! The delay gave Ricky Morton enough time to kick out. Eaton gets back up eyeballing Gibson on the outside and he lifts the head of Ricky Morton… suddenly Ricky comes back to life as he nails a few elbows to the gut of Eaton! Eaton leans forward as Ricky Morton starts running into the ropes. Eaton is back up but Ricky Morton finishes him off with a HUGE dropkick! Unfortunately the dropkick knocked Eaton back to the Midnight Express corner and Condrey tags in. Condrey comes into the ring and aims for Morton with a clothesine but Morton ducks! Condrey smacks into Spencer and knocks her down! Condrey is down too!
Gibson comes into the ring, now Ricky Morton and Gibson double up on Bobby Eaton. Gibson places Eaton on the top turnbuckle, then steps down to the middle rope. Ricky Morton does the same. They lift Eaton up for a DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! Dennis Condrey is back up and he stomps down on the Rock 'n' Roll Express. Condrey tosses Gibson out of the ring and turns into a spinning heel kick from Morton! Morton pins 1-2-3! Eaton was a split second too late for the save!
JM: The third match of this series goes to the Rock 'n' Roll Express!
MGO: They retain the titles over the Midnight Express and Bobby Eaton doesn't look happy that Condrey lost the match for them, again.
In the Director's Chair
Backstage Goldust and Marlena are sat in a darkened room, the only light is coming from a large television set. Marlena is smoking a cigar as usual as Goldust addresses the camera.
Goldust: Very soon, 'A Great Man' will join us. Then he and the entire world will never forget the name...*inhales* GOLDUST...
Bam Bam Bigelow © w/Ted DiBiase vs. Big Bossman (HOF International Championship
Bam Bam Bigelow charges in towards Bossman! Bossman is ready as both men lock up collar and elbow near the ropes. Bigelow tries to out-power the Bossman but Bossman turns Bigelow back into the ropes. Bigelow gets flung off the ropes and as he bounces back he tries to hit Bossman but he is taken down with a big shoulder block. Bigelow looks a little frustrated as he looks up at the Big Bossman. Bigelow gets back up as he locks up collar-elbow again with Bossman. This time Bossman slams his knee directly into the gut of his opponent. Bossman pushes Bigelow back and he doubles over in pain as Bossman sends Bigelow down to the canvas with a boot to the face. Bossman goes back after Bigelow with his big foot to his stomach as he stomps away at the body of Bigelow. But Bam Bam tries to fight through the vicious stomps and does so fighting his way back up to his feet but Bossman comes back with a huge right to the face of Bigelow sending him back down to the canvas, stomach down as the Million Dollar Man appears concerned. Bossman goes back over to Bam Bam Bigelow only to be elbowed in the knee as he is getting back up. Bossman falls down to one knee, but it doesn’t stop him from sending Bigelow back down to the canvas with a huge forearm to his back. Bossman takes a few seconds to get back up to two feet and as he does Bigelow tries to get back up but his opponent sends him right back down with another huge forearm to the back. Bossman then picks Bigelow up from the canvas, and lifts him up looking to go for a Vertical Suplex. Bossman begins to lean back when somehow, Bam Bam Bigelow manages to slip out of the grip of Bossman and crawls drops down to the canvas landing on his feet and before his opponent can react Bigelow pushes him forward near where the referee is. Bossman manages to avoid hitting the official, stopping right in front of him and Bigelow takes advantage of this distraction, he kicks Bossman below the belt from behind. The referee didn’t see the low blow and Bossman falls down to two knees holding his nuts as Bigelow sends him down to the canvas on his back with a huge kick to the side of Bossman’s head.
Bam Bam Bigelow grins at his boss outside the ring as he runs himself into the nearby ropes and jumps up into the air. He comes down near his opponent hitting a jumping elbow drop on his chest. Bigelow then gets back and runs towards the ropes and points up in the air signalling something. Bigelow starts to climb up to the top rope but Big Bossman is stirring and he comes back down. Bossman gets up from the canvas, only to find Bam Bam Bigelow running at him trying to hit a Clothesline but Bossman ducks under it! Bigelow attempts another clothesline but Bossman again ducks. Bossman takes control and slams him down onto his knee in a backbreaker. Bossman then applies pressure downwards with his arm as he applies a submission hold by pressing Bigelow’s back down onto his kneecap. Bigelow begins to howl in pain as his opponent grunts at him applying more pressure. Bam Bam Bigelow’s manager Ted DiBiase jumps up onto the apron and shouts for the referee’s attention. DiBiase is told to get down from the apron as Bossman continues the back submission hold. Bam Bam uses the distraction well, raking Bossman in the eyes and then the referee turns around to see both Bigelow and Bossman slowly getting up in some pain.
Bigelow is the first to his feet and he takes advantage of the help from DiBiase by going straight for Bossman and sending him all the way down to the canvas, hitting a falling headbutt. Bigelow then makes a cover for 1-2-Kick Out! Bigelow argues with the referee about the speed of the count and Bossman is handed recovery time. DiBiase then jumps back onto the apron and he joins in the shouting at the referee. BOSSMAN ROLLS BIGELOW UP FROM BEHIND! 1-2-3! DIBIASE TRIED TO MAKE THE SAVE BUT WAS TOO LATE! WAS IT A FAST COUNT BY THE REFEREE???? MAYBE!
JM: The referee was pushed and that may have been a fast count!
MGO: Bam Bam got what he deserved if you ask me! He's not allowed to put his hands on an official!
Ric Flair & Dean Malenko vs. IRS & Sean Waltman w/Ted DiBiase
IRS backs off as Flair comes into the center of the ring and IRS begins to circle. He closes in and they lock up, IRS pushes Flair over and plays to the crowd. Flair climbs to his feet and bounces off the ropes behind him, running toward IRS and going for a forearm. IRS dodges and Flair hits the mat, quick as a flash IRS is on his back with a headlock. IRS releases the headlock and Flair quickly climbs to his feet. Ric Flair goes after IRS with a hard punch to the jaw and then another. IRS stumbles backwards on dream street. He hits the ropes and comes forward, right into a strong back elbow to the face which nearly takes IRS’s head clean off. The Taxman goes down. Flair tags in Dean Malenko. IRS gets back up holding his jaw and sees Malenko staring across the ring him. He walks steadily backward until he reaches his own corner. He stands and tags Sean Waltman in.
Waltman gets into the ring and Malenko rubs his wrists. Waltman moves to the centre of the ring and Malenko challenges him to lock up. Waltman and Malenko lock up with Malenko quickly going behind. Malenko applies a waistlock and is looking to take Waltman down but the former 1-2-3 Kid reverses! Waltman shifts into a standing side headlock and Malenko tries to pick him up into a back suplex but Waltman floats over to land on his feet behind Malenko. Waltman waits for him to turn around, Waltman goes for one of his trademark spinning kicks but Dean ducks! Malenko rams a few hard forearms in on Waltman despite Ted DiBiase's support for his Million Dollar team on the outside.
Malenko hoists the smallest member of the Million Dollar Corporation onto his shoulders in a pump handle but Waltman slips out the back door and lands behind Malenko once more. Waltman pushes Malenko into IRS and IRS nails Dean Malenko with a right hand. IRS gets the tag from Sean Waltman, he goes straight to work on Dean with a few hard kicks to the gut. IRS backs into the ropes and runs at Malenko, trying for a clothesline but Malenko reverses into an armbar! IRS is desperate as Malenko locks it in and he kicks wildy, connecting with Malenko’s knee. Malenko’s leg buckles but he doesn’t release the armbar. IRS, now having his arm dragged down, kicks out again, this time hitting the 'Man of 1000 Holds' right on the chin. Malenko lets go and flops to the mat, holding his chin. IRS rests for a moment, on his hands and knee. IRS and Malenko both climb to their feet. IRS runs at Malenko, going for a cross body, but Malenko dodges it! IRS stays flat on the mat as Malenko surveys the situation. Malenko stoops to pick IRS up by grabbing a handful of his hair. He stands, then turns to see Sean Waltman poised on top of his turnbuckle! WALTMAN LEAPS OFF LOOKING FOR A DOUBLE AXE HANDLE BUT MALENKO BLOCKS IT AND LAUNCHES WALTMAN OVER HIS HEAD WITH AN OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! Waltman hits the mat, hard, and rolls out of the ring as Malenko turns around to face IRS. IRS LEVELS MALENKO WITH A RUNNING FOREARM SMASH!
'Nature Boy' Ric Flair stomps hard on the apron trying to encourage his partner to his feet. Waltman holds his arm above the top rope ready to make the tag. Both men in the ring stand and stagger toward their corners, before tagging in their respective partners. Waltman rushes into the ring and rushes at Flair. Waltman smashes into the turnbuckle behind Flair as Ric sidesteps him and Waltman staggers backward into the middle of the ring. Flair picks his spot to sweep his legs out from under him. Flair attempts an elbow drop but Waltman shows his quickness to move out of the way! Waltman is quickly on top of Flair to cover but gets 2 before Flair kicks out. Flair is straight back up to his feet and CHOPS away at Waltman! Flair corners Sean Waltman and continues to chop away at Waltman! Waltman staggers out of the corner and Flair tags in Malenko. Waltman fights back, catching Malenko with a couple of hard martial arts kicks to the chest but on the third MALENKO CATCHES HIS FOOT, TWISTS WALTMAN DOWN TO THE MAT AND LOCKS IN A TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! WALTMAN TAPS!
JM: Sean Waltman tapped!
MGO: Malenko won this match for his team and Ted DiBiase is not happy at all!
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts vs. Big Van Vader w/Jimmy Hart
Jake stands back keeping his distance from Big Van Vader as he begins to pace back and forth between his corner and the one just to his left. Roberts then motions for Big Van Vader to make his move to meet him in the center and the Rocky Mountain Monster just looks on with a determined look on his face, rolls his shoulder and neck as he stands in the corner and begins to move out walking along the rope. With no emotion on his face Big Van Vader moves straight in to Jake and stands toe to toe with him. Jake's hand comes flying up in an attempt to slap Big Van Vader across the face! Vader anticipates it and grabs his arm in mid swing. Roberts quickly fires off with the other hand but Big Van Vader anticipates that one as well and catches it securing in a collar and elbow tie up. He leans all his mass in on Jake driving him backwards into a corner. Vader slams Jake's head into the top turnbuckle before snapmaring him down to the canvas.
The resilient Jake moves back up to his feet. Vader meets him and grabs him around the waist. Big Van Vader shoves Roberts fiercely back into the corner. Roberts connects with the turnbuckle with massive force and then staggers out arching his back in pain. Big Van Vader then moves in wrapping his massive arms around his smaller opponent and lifts him up into a massive bear hug! Roberts is in big time pain as Vader's huge arms are clasped around him. Vader then drops Jake down to the mat and leaps into a splash! Vader stays on top for 1-2-Kick Out! Big Van Vader grabs Jake up by the hair, pulling him up to his feet. He then scoops him up holding him horizontally across his chest and spins around for all to see before dropping Jake hard over his knee with a back breaker. Jake rolls off his knee and to his stomach on the mat. Big Van Vader moves in hovering over Roberts againm this time digging the tip of his foot into his side and rolls Jake over onto his back. He then drops down with another splash but Roberts rolls out of the way! This gives Roberts the opportunity though to roll out of the ring and take a minute to recover.
Vader is in quick pursuit but is slowed down by the referee who urges him not to go to the outside and keep the match on the inside. Big Van Vader then backs off holding his hands up and the ref turns to begin his count out on Jake. Jake climbs up on the ring apron and Big Van Vader comes charging forward again to get his hands on his opponent. As he reaches the ropes Jake goes low driving his shoulder into Vader's midsection and then quickly moves upright. He springs over the ropes catching Big Van Vader as he leaps over and driving him down the canvas with a sunset flip! 1-2-Kick Out!
Roberts then gets to his feet first after the cover and charges towards Big Van Vader. Jake leaps up into the air and comes down across Big Van Vader's neck with a leg drop! Vader starts to get up straight away much to Jake's chagrin. Jake catches Vader with four snap jabs to the face before Big Van Vader blocks one. Vader knocks Jake down with a short clothesline after several of his rabbit punches! VADER DRAGS JAKE TO A CORNER, CLIMBS UP TO THE SECOND ROPE...VADER BOMB! VADER PINS JAKE 1-2-3!
MGO: Big Van Vader remains undefeated!
JM: Big Van Vader and Jimmy Hart still dominant!
The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan
The bell sounds and they circle each other, they then lock up in a grapple and jockey for position. Both break the grapple, pushing the other man back. It's not long before they lock up one more time in a tie up but again they struggle for leverage before breaking it. The Rock stays close to Hogan, who is not quite facing The Rock and he turns into a SLAP! Hogan comes back at The Rock with aggression but Rock catches him with a hard right hand that sends the older man back to the ropes. The Rock unloads on Hogan, landing another big punch to the face followed by a loud chop! Three chops follow to the chest of Hogan, leading three "Wooooooooo's" from the crowd. The Rock goes downstairs with three hard knees driven into the gut before he whips Hogan across the ring. Hogan's speed advantage comes into play and he bounces back off the ropes into a flying elbow to the head of The Rock!
Understandably Hogan is back to his feet first and he finds The Rock on a knee starting to get back up. Hogan tilts his head up before nailing him with a right hand. Hogan grabs The Rock by the head and pulls him along the ropes to a set of turnbuckles, where he slams Rock's head into the top turnbuckle! Hogan holds onto his head and pulls him along the ropes to a second turnbuckle, introducing The Rock's face to another top pad. He then brings Rocky along the ropes to be irish whipped across the ring, this time The Rock ducks underneath a clothesline attempt as he rebounds off. He bounces off the ropes on the other side before catching Hogan with a quick forearm. The Rock drops down with a knee drop across Hogan's face before continually bashing Hogan's face with his knee. Referee Mark Jackson warns The Rock to let his man up but The Rock ignores him and begins punching at Hogan. The Rock then stands up, shoving Jackson away so he can get a good kick in on Hogan's chest. Hogan rolls over and The Rock goes to the lower back with his stomps. Hogan is dragged to his feet by The Rock, taken to the ropes so The Rock can attack relentlessly with kicks to the gut. He then whips Hogan across the ring...Hogan holds on and reverses! The Rock is sent into the ropes and comes off straight into a BIG BACK BODY DROP!
The Rock has a hand underneath his body in his lower back as Hogan scrambles across to him to make the first cover of the match for 1-2-Kick Out! Hogan does not question the count, he stays on The Rock and quickly pulls The Rock up to his feet. He takes The Rock to a corner, slamming his head into the top 'buckle once more before grabbing his hand and jerking him into an irish whip! The Rock's back smacks into the turnbuckles but he manages to get an elbow up into the face of Hogan as he runs in. Hogan staggers back to the centre of the ring and The Rock hoists himself up to stand on the second rope...DIVING CLOTHESLINE! Hogan lands on his back and The Rock crawls into a quick cover, hooking the far leg...1-2-Kick Out! Unlike Hogan earlier, The Rock shouts abuse at the HOF referee before concentrating on his opponent. He then keeps Hogan down on the canvas, holding one knee on his chest while striking Hogan in the head with his other hand. He then decides that he wants Hogan up and the Hulkster is dragged by his hair. The Rock sets him against the ropes then slaps him again across the face. He tries to whip Hogan across the ring but Hogan again reverses, fired up by the slap. Rocky goes into the ropes but comes off to find Hogan with his head lowered and The Rock swings a kick at Hogan's right shoulder. The Rock then backs into the ropes and looks for a clothesline but Hogan lands a kick to the gut! He sets The Rock up for a suplex, he lifts Rock into the air but he struggles and manages to drop down behind Hogan, landing on his feet. Hogan turns around...DDT! Hogan is kicked out of the ring under the bottom rope and Rocky follows him out. The Rock scoops Hogan up into a scoop slam position before dropping his head, snapping it back across the top of the barricade. He then rolls Hogan back into the ring and then jumps up onto the apron to put a stop to the count.
The Rock scales to the top rope, he gets his balance but Hogan is already up and runs into the ropes! The Rock losing his footing and slips, he crotches himself on the top turnbuckle! The Rock's face is a picture of pain as he howls and Hogan is quick to take advantage. He lands a hard forearm shot to the head of The Rock before stepping up onto the second rope. He hooks The Rock up in a front facelock, The Rock tries to fight him off but Hogan easily puts a stop to that and he jerks The Rock off the top...SUPERPLEX SHAKES THE RING! Hogan rolls onto his stomach and reaches across The Rock, only just reaching The Rock's kneepad to pull back on for 1-2-3...NO! Kick Out! Mark Jackson holds two fingers in the air, much to the dismay of Hogan. Hogan shakes his head at Jackson before standing up to stomp down on The Rock's chest. He then drags The Rock up and positions him against the ropes. Hogan lands a few hard body shots, trembling the knees of Rocky before whipping him across the ring. The Rock comes back off the ropes right into a hard back elbow to his jaw that sends The Rock straight down to the canvas. Hogan wants Rock on his feet and uses The Rock's ring attire to pull him up. Hogan measures The Rock and connects with a big right hand, he then goes for a second...The Rock blocks! The Rock comes back with two shots of his own followed by two more hard chops. He runs against the ropes for momentum...HOGAN EXPLODES WITH A CLOTHESLINE THAT ALMOST TOOK THE ROCK'S HEAD CLEAN OFF!!!!
The Rock has rolled onto his side clutching his throat and Hogan pulls him over onto his back so he can make the cover - 1-2-Shoulder Up! Hogan waits on the mat, catching some valuable oxygen and watching The Rock get back up before he meets The Rock with a LOUD knife-edge chop! The Rock staggers away clutching his chest now instead of his neck but turns again into another LOUD knife-edge. The second one sends The Rock stumbling back into a corner and despite Mark Jackson's protests to let him out, he begins chopping away at the exposed flesh. The Rock doubles over in obvious pain and Hogan argues with Jackson for a moment before turning back to The Rock. The Rock reverses on Hogan, sending him into the corner. he responds with more chops until Hogan rakes his eyes! The Rock staggers back and Hogan lands a hard elbow to the cheek before attempting an irish whip. The Rock holds on and twists, then picks Hogan up...SCOOP SLAM! THE ROCK STANDS OVER HOGAN AND REMOVES HIS ELBOW PAD...PEOPLE'S ELBOW! 1-2-3! THE ROCK CELEBRATES THE WIN, HAVING HIS ARM RAISED BY THE REFEREE UNTIL A MAN SLIDES INTO THE RING...STONE COLD STUNNER ON THE ROCK! STUNNER ON THE REFEREE! STUNNER ON A RECOVERING HULK HOGAN! STEVE AUSTIN HAS MADE AN IMPACT IN HALL OF FAME WRESTLING!
MGO: The Rock defeats Hulk Hogan but what about Stone Cold Steve Austin!
JM: The Rock was celebrating and then he got stunnered out of his shoes!
The Undertaker © vs. Kamala vs. Animal (HOF World Championship)
Kamala starts the match on the outside, leaving the Road Warrior and Undertaker in the ring. Animal meets Undertaker in the middle of the ring and beats him to the punch with a right hand to the upper chest of Undertaker. Animal goes for another right hand but Undertaker is ready this time, he manages to block the hit and grab the right hand of Animal. Animal is caught off guard and Undertaker kicks him in the open gut. Animal holds his gut and try to catch his breath. Undertaker continues after Animal and quickly trips up Animal’s legs which causes him to fall to the ground. Undertaker then begins to stomp on the chest of Animal. The fan’s cheers are loud as Undertaker continues stomp after stomp on the body of Animal. Undertaker finally stops stomping after about fifteen stomps. Undertaker picks Animal up off of the canvas of the ring and locks up with him. This time Undertaker takes Animal down to the mat with a quick Swinging Neckbreaker.
Kamala starts to come in but Undertaker catches him with an uppercut to the throat. Both Kamala and Animal are slowly getting back up. Undertaker sees that both Kamala and Animal are near each other in a line and he waits for the perfect time. Undertaker begins to run towards the opposite ropes of Animal and Kamala when they are almost up, HE SPRINTS ACROSS THE RING AND KNOCKS BOTH MEN DOWN WITH A DOUBLE FLYING CLOTHESLINE! The double Clothesline left both men down but now Animal and Kamala are getting back up. This time Undertaker wastes no time and goes for the nearest man, which is Kamala. Undertaker grabs up Kamala and quickly scoop slams him down to the canvas. Undertaker then quickly gets back up and goes for Road Warrior Animal. Undertaker quickly begins to punch Animal left and right, left and right, but Animal manages to get away from Undertaker and kicks Undertaker in the ribs. Undertaker bends over and holds his side as Animal walks over to Undertaker and grabs his arm around his neck and then DDTs Undertaker down to the canvas. Animal picks Undertaker back up from the canvas and lifts him up looking to go for a Powerbomb. Road Warrior goes to lift him up one finally time and drop him but from out behind Kamala jumps up and gives a swift forearm to the back of Animal. The forearm wasn’t powerful enough to knock Animal over but it was enough to double Animal over so that he drops Undertaker down to the canvas. Kamala goes to kick Animal in his gut, but Animal manages to grab onto the leg of Kamala. Kamala tries to use his speed and his jumping ability and tries to go for a one legged kick with the other leg but Animal ducks! Kamala misses and falls to the canvas! He lifts Kamala up and sets him up for the powerbomb but Kim Chee grabs Animal's foot!
Kamala quickly gets back up and knocks Road Warrior down with a big overhand shot to the head. The Deadman is now slowly getting up. Kamala ignores Undertaker and continues to eye the body of Animal still down. Kamala backs into the ropes perhaps about to go for a big ground splash but UNDERTAKER TAKES TO THE AIR AND CONNECTS WITH A DROPKICK IN KAMALA'S FACE! THE CROWD EXPLODE AT SEEING TAKER HIT A DROPKICK! All three men are then down. Kamala seems to be feeling the most pain as he is out holding his chest from that massive flying dropkick. Undertaker is down but is moving around a little and Animal is moving around a little too. Referee Tommy Owens sees all three men down and begins to count the count-out to ten. The fans in the Millennium Dome count along with Tommy. At four, Tommy stops the count when he sees that Animal has manage to crawl over to the body of Kamala and he places his arm over his chest for the first pin fall of the match. 1-2-Kick Out! Undertaker is now up as the fans blow up in cheers as Undertaker slowly but surely goes over to Animal and from behind, knees Animal in the back of the head. The knee sends Animal back down to the canvas as the fans continue to cheer for the reigning and defending HOF World Champion. Kamala is still out on the canvas as Undertaker picks up Animal and lifts him up bringing him down on his knee, groin area first!
Undertaker keeps this match on the canvas as he grabs the legs of Animal, and puts one through them. Undertaker then takes one leg and twists it around and then locks both legs of Animal’s up in a spinning toehold. Undertaker releases the hold and WRAPS A HAND AROUND KAMALA'S THROAT...CHOKESLAM! ANIMAL IS GETTING BACK UP AND TAKER SCOOPS HIM UP...TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! UNDERTAKER COVERS KAMALA...1-2-3! Paul Bearer hands Undertaker his HOF World Championship belt and Undertaker poses for the crowd!
JM: Undertaker retains the World Championship!
MGO: A crazy triple threat match but the Deadman manages to retain the title with a tombstone!
JM: We'll see you on Wednesday night!
-- © World Wrestling Entertainment (Hall Of Fame Wrestling) --
Prediction Results:
HOF World Championship
Undertaker © vs. Road Warrior Animal vs. Kamala
HOF International Championship
Bam Bam Bigelow © vs. Big Bossman
HOF Tag Team Championships
Rock 'n' Roll Express vs. Midnight Express
Ric Flair & Dean Malenko vs. IRS & Sean Waltman
The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts vs. Big Van Vader
Orient Express vs. Natural Disasters
Greg Valentine vs. ???
Bonus Questions:
There will be two debuts at the PPV including Greg Valentine's mystery opponent. Ken Shamrock & Steve Austin
How many Championships (tag count as one) will change hands (standard WWE rules, DQ or count out means no title switch) 1
Who will either be pinned or submit in the World Championship triple threat match? Kamala
What will Goldust and Marlena's role be at the PPV? Backstage Promo
Who will win the Flair/Malenko vs. IRS/Waltman match for their team? Dean Malenko
What will the EWR PPV buyrate be (HOF is currently a national company at 41% PI)? 0.52
Results:
james_ewing88: 8
rabidwolverine36: 7
BuddyAwesome: 8
Danny George: 7
I would ask james_ewing88 and BuddyAwesome for roster picks for me to sign into the game but unfortunately, this diary is being placed on hiatus/ending. Unfortunately changes at my work have left me with less time on my hands, so it was either this diary or e-fed commitments that got shelved. I can't apologise enough and also thank all those people who read any part of the diary and especially those who replied and left feedback/joined in with predictions. Hopefully in a few months this can return, I'll make sure to save the game data in case. Sorry, and thank you again.
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when will this be posted Its Looking Excellent i would leave prediction but i gotta leave
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Bad Blood 2007 Preview
Undertaker © vs. Road Warrior Animal vs. Kamala (HOF World Championship)
- The Undertaker became the first ever Hall Of Fame Wrestling World Champion by defeating Hulk Hogan in the finals of an 8-man tournament. He is yet to defend his title and will at Hall Of Fame Wrestling's first pay-per-view offering. Undertaker and Paul Bearer issued an open challenge, both Animal and Kamala accepted. They then fought to a draw and Bobby Heenan agreed to make this a triple threat match.
Bam Bam Bigelow © vs. Big Bossman (HOF International Championship)
- Bigelow is the first International Champion after finishing in the remaining two in a Battle Royal on the first show and then defeating the Jake 'The Snake' Roberts the following week. A member of the Million Dollar Corporation, Bigelow remains a constant threat as one of the best big men in the business. Big Bossman came through a Series of matches involving the likes of The Mountie and Jake Roberts to get this shot.
Rock 'n' Roll Express © vs. Midnight Express (HOF Tag Team Championship)
- The third match of a Best of Three Series sees Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson take on the Midnight Express of Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton. So far the Series is level at one win each, this is the final deciding battle for the Tag Team Titles. These teams have been rivals for some years, will this match go anyway to ending this rivalry? Probably not!
Ric Flair & Dean Malenko vs. IRS & Sean Waltman
- The other two members of Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation are in action here as they are scheduled to take on two former Horsemen members in 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair and Dean Malenko. These two tag teams have been facing each other for the last 8 weeks after a chance meeting in a corridor between DiBiase and Flair went sour. Malenko and Flair appear to have all the momentum going into this match, Malenko has scored submissions in each of his last two matches and will be looking for a third at Bad Blood.
The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan
- Two of the biggest icons in this business lock up ina rematch from No Way Out 2003 and Wrestlemania 18. The Rock holds two victories over Hogan on pay-per-view but the score has been wiped clean for these two mne in Hall Of Fame Wrestling. So far The Rock has not been defeated where Hogan's only blemish has come courtesy of HOF World Champion, The Undertaker. Last week The Rock attacked Hogan from behind with a solid steel chair. Hogan will be out for revenge in the Pepsi Center.
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts vs. Big Van Vader
- Ever since Jimmy Hart brought back Big Van Vader, the Rocky Mountain Monster has been unstoppable. He has beaten men the calibre of the Natural Disasters and Jim Neidhart up to this point in time. On Hall Of Fame's weekly television offering just last week Jake Roberts announced this match with a right hand on Jimmy Hart's head!
Orient Express vs. Natural Disasters
- The tag team division in Hall Of Fame is very evenly matched and several teams have been rumoured to be coming to HOF Wrestling within the next month. The winner of this match will surely move into pole position for the next title shot.
Greg Valentine vs. ???
- Respect. That's all Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine wants. He started off very well, making it to the final four of the previously mentioned International Championshup Battle Royal and then made it to the second round of the World Title tournament but since then, Greg has been seen sparcely. His match against Max Moon was a warm up but a warm up for who? Bobby Heenan is the only one who knows and The Brain isn't revealing anything until bell time.
Predictions are welcome, most points to PM me a person they want to see debut in Hall Of Fame Wrestling and I'll do my best to sign them. The Card is as follows (not necessarily in order).
HOF World Championship
Undertaker © vs. Road Warrior Animal vs. Kamala
HOF International Championship
Bam Bam Bigelow © vs. Big Bossman
HOF Tag Team Championships
Rock 'n' Roll Express vs. Midnight Express
Ric Flair & Dean Malenko vs. IRS & Sean Waltman
The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts vs. Big Van Vader
Orient Express vs. Natural Disasters
Greg Valentine vs. ???
Bonus Questions:
There will be two debuts at the PPV including Greg Valentine's mystery opponent. Who are they?
How many Championships (tag count as one) will change hands (standard WWE rules, DQ or count out means no title switch)?
Who will either be pinned or submit in the World Championship triple threat match?
What will Goldust and Marlena's role be at the PPV?
Who will win the Flair/Malenko vs. IRS/Waltman match for their team?
What will the EWR PPV buyrate be (HOF is currently a national company at 41% PI)?
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Hall Of Fame Wrestling
Date: 21st March 2007
Channel: ESPN
Time Slot: Prime Time
Announcers: Mean Gene Okerlund & Josh Matthews
Fireworks erupt and the arena rocks as the camerapeople pan around the fans! Mean Gene Okerlund and Josh Matthews open the show, officially introducing Hall Of Fame Wrestling from the Coach USA Arena in Elmira, New York!
Kamala vs. Road Warrior Animal (World Title No.1 Contender)
Kamala comes at Animal, knocking him down with a quick forearm immediately as the bell sounds. He begins stomping down on his lower back and head. Animal crawls away from the ropes, he's on all fours and Kamala catches him with a soccer kick to the ribs which flips him over onto his back. Kamala then reaches down and picks him up, he stands him in the middle of the ring before performing a swinging neckbreaker! Animal then rolls out of the ring under the bottom rope after taking the move. Kamala wants to go out there but referee Tommy Owens holds him back. Animal is taking the time to recover before he reaches up to grab the bottom rope. Kamala sits on the middle rope, holding it open for Animal. He motions for him to come and step through the opening he's made. Animal steps up onto the apron and stoops through the ropes...Kamala kicks him in the stomach!
The top turnbuckle pad is Kamala's next target as he rams Animal's head into it. Animal is spun around in the corner and Kamala opens him up before landing another CHOP! The fans join in with a trademark Flair "WOOOOO!" Animal's head is lowered only for a moment as he reels from the contact and Kamala slams two punishing forearm axe-like shots to the back of Animal's head. He follows up with stiff kicks to his head and Kamala is firmly in control. Kamala drags Animal up to his feet and leans him over before swinging through with a big kneelift! Kamala then slaps him across the back of The Road Warrior's head and kicks him again to the outside under the ropes. This time Kamala goes out after him, picking Animal up and setting him against the ring apron...CHOP! Kamala lights up Road Warrior Animal with another hard and loud chop! In the ring Tommy Owens begins his count, 1-2-3-4… Kamala slams Animal's head into the ring apron and allows him to collapse down to the ringside floor. He then looks up at the referee and rolls in to break the count. Kamala stands up slowly. Animal climbs up onto the apron but he has been weakened and Kamala takes advantage, catching Animal with a hard punch to the face. Animal holds onto the top rope but Kamala also grabs it and pulls it back before allowing it to rebound out...ANIMAL FLIES FROM THE RING APRON TO THE STEEL BARRICADE!
Tommy Owens is counting once again as Animal rolls away from the barricade and is holding his right knee. Despite the possible injury he battles up to his feet and leans on the apron trying to get some valuable recovery time. Owens is up to 4 as Kamala tries to go to the outside but Owens again restrains him and thus breaks the count. Kamala shoves him out of the way and reaches through the ropes to grab Animal's head. He pulls him up onto the apron and hooks him up in a front facelock. Kamala brings him back into the ring the hard way, a vertical suplex from the apron in and Kamala floats over for the pin! 1-2-Kick Out! Kamala is getting frustrated and goes to the outside. He picks up three chairs from the timekeeper’s table and front row, then tosses all three into the ring! Kim Chee is trying to persuade Kamala that this isn’t the best idea but Kamala ignores him. The referee grabs the first chair and tries to get it out of there but Animal and Kamala have the other two chairs in their possession…CLUNK! BOTH MEN NAIL EACH OTHER WITH THE CHAIRS AND THE REFEREE SAW IT! HE CALLS FOR A DOUBLE DQ!
MGO: But wait! Who’s the contender????
JM: Looks like a draw Mean Gene, we need this situation sorting out!
Hogan Attacked!
Hulk Hogan is walking backstage, he shakes hands with a few wrestlers and backstage workers…HOGAN IS NAILED IN THE BACK WITH A STEEL CHAIR! HOGAN SLUMPS DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE ROCK STANDS OVER HIM WITH THE CHAIR!
Rock: Run your mouth now Hogan! Talk smack about The Rock now!
ROCKY RAMS THE CHAIR DOWN ACROSS HOGAN’S BACK ONE MORE TIME BEFORE OFFICIALS APPEAR ON THE SCENE! ROCK DROPS THE CHAIR AT HOGAN’S FEET AND LEAVES!
Jim Duggan vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (Non-Title)
Bigelow tries to push Duggan away from him and swings with a wild attempt but Duggan easily ducks underneath! Bigelow is peppered with shots to his face, some even coming in from the left side. Bigelow is reeling already as Duggan stands his ground, Bigelow attempts a second wild swing and Duggan dodges it again! Duggan lands a CHOP to the chest and that only infuriates Bigelow! Bigelow grabs Duggan and slams a knee into him! Duggan is launched across the ring down to the mat! Bigelow wipes his face, perhaps signaling that the punches had little effect on him. Bigelow has hoisted Duggan up off the canvas. He takes him to a corner and slams Duggan's head into the top turnbuckle. Bigelow slaps Duggan across the face before whipping him across the ring to the opposite turnbuckle. Bigelow runs not far behind Duggan but the American Patriot grabs the top rope to propel him back over the onrushing Beast from the East’. Bigelow manages to catch himself before he smacks into the turnbuckle, he spins around and Duggan connects with a clothesline! Bigelow is sent sailing over the top rope!
Bigelow quickly gets back to his feet, he looks angry and kicks the barricade in frustration despite DiBiase trying to calm him down. In the ring, Duggan sprints at the ropes...BASEBALL SLIDE! BIGELOW NAILED IN THE MUSH! Bigelow is knocked back to the barricade and Duggan steps out onto the ring apron. He walks along the ring apron for a moment…DOUBLE AXE HANDLE BY DUGGAN! Duggan is already getting back up, he drops an elbow down on Bigelow as he does. Duggan brings Bam Bam back into the ring. ‘Hacksaw’ Duggan wastes no time in pulling up Bigelow and taking him to a corner. Duggan rams Bigelow's head into the top turnbuckle before turning Bigelow around. Bigelow is whipped across the ring...Bigelow holds on to reverse! Duggan is shot out of a cannon into the turnbuckle! He staggers out completely out of it and Bigelow clotheslines him over the top rope! Duggan lands hard at ringside, slamming into the barricade and Bigelow looks down at the fallen ‘Hacksaw’. Bigelow slowly steps through the ropes and stands on the apron for a moment before stepping down to the floor.
He grabs Duggan by the head and drags him up to his feet. Duggan is positioned upright and Bigelow just headbutts right through him, knocking Duggan down in the process. Bigelow grabs Duggan once more and this time rolls him back into the ring. Bigelow slowly walks back up the ringsteps and steps through the ropes back into the ring. Duggan is slowly getting back up to his feet and Bigelow rams an elbow down on the back of his head. Bigelow keeps Duggan upright, holding him by his hair before Bigelow just slugs him with a right hand to knock him back down. Bigelow scoops Duggan up off the canvas all the way up onto his right shoulder. He walks over to a corner and literally drops Duggan's head down on the top turnbuckle. Duggan's head snaps back and he is caught before going down to hit the mat. Bigelow holds him up, he then walks ‘Hacksaw’ to another corner. Bigelow throws Duggan into the corner and Duggan suddenly comes to life! He kicks away at Bigelow, trying to kick him away from him but Bigelow blocks a kick before lighting Duggan up with a CHOP of his own! Bigelow wraps his hands around Duggan's throat, choking the life out of him. Bigelow then opens him up, he sends in a few devastating knees to the gut. Duggan is allowed to stumble out of the corner and only then Bigelow takes advantage. He picks up Duggan from the side and holds him there for a second as Bigelow looks out at the capacity desert crowd...SIDEWALK SLAM! THE RING SHAKES AS BIGELOW DRIVES DUGGAN DOWN TO THE MAT! 1-2-3!
JM: In non-title action, Bigelow looks good going into Bad Blood.
MGO: He’ll either have the Mountie to deal with, or the Big Bossman! We’ll find out later tonight in the Main Event.
***Commercial Break***Marlena?
Another Goldust and Marlena video package plays, highlighting the usual career highlights of Goldust and Marlena. At the end of the video, a dark room is seen and we see a young woman with blond hair sat in a director’s chair watching a television screen playing the highlight video. She is smoking a cigar and wearing a gold dress, its Marlena but not the Marlena we are used to seeing.
Dean Malenko vs. IRS
This match contains an announcement of Dean Malenko & Ric Flair vs. IRS & Sean Waltman at Bad Blood.
They start off with the customary tie up, before Malenko takes him down with a deep arm drag. Malenko brings IRS up to his feet quickly and gives him a quick European uppercut before giving him a forearm, followed by another. IRS retaliates, Malenko fires back, IRS pokes Malenko in the eye. As Malenko reels from the illegal tactic, IRS runs to the ropes and comes back off with a clothesline to down Dean. IRS waits as Malenko gets back up, he kicks Malenko in the midsection and pulls him into a knee to the face before hooking on a front face lock that immediately slips to a choke, IRS keeps it hidden for as long as he can despite Amy Spencer’s best efforts. Spencer starts her count but only gets up to 4 before the Taxman releases. The hold is actually broken by Dean as he powers up from an almost impossible position and delivers a Northern lights suplex! Malenko bridges for the cover. 1-2-Kick Out!
IRS is pulled up to his feet by Dean Malenko. Malenko waffles IRS and then pulls him in for a short arm forearm, he keeps him standing as he rocks back and forth while dazed. Ted DiBiase jumps up onto the apron to distract the referee as Malenko backs into the ropes and is tripped by Waltman! Flair is quickly around the ring to pull DiBiase down and then threatens Waltman with a right hand! IRS is quick to take advantage; he goes to the corner nearest to Malenko and mounts to the second rope. IRS then drives down with an elbow into Malenko’s chest. IRS pulls Malenko away from the ropes before making a cover, 1-2-Kick Out!
IRS shakes his head at referee Spencer and starts pointing a finger at her. This distraction allows Waltman to come into the ring and he chokes Malenko behind the ref’s back! Ric Flair is on him and drags Waltman back out of the ring! Flair slams Waltman’s head into the steel steps and then whips him into the barricade. Spencer is trying to diffuse the situation at ringside; the cunning IRS picks up his briefcase and looks to use it but MALENKO DUCKS! Dean takes IRS down and applies his Texas Cloverleaf! Amy Spencer turns around just in time to see IRS submit!
JM: Malenko picks up the momentum going into Bad Blood!
MGO: But it’ll be two-on-two rather than one-on-one at Bad Blood.
***Commercial Break***Undertaker’s Message
We open on The Deadman and Paul Bearer, seemingly in the same location as two weeks ago with caskets and tombstones surrounding them.
Bearer: Oooooooooh yeeeeeeeees! Earlier tonight my Undertaker watched in the hope of a number one contender being crowned to his throne as Hall Of Fame World Champion.
Kamala is getting frustrated and goes to the outside. He picks up three chairs from the timekeeper’s table and front row, then tosses all three into the ring! Kim Chee is trying to persuade Kamala that this isn’t the best idea but Kamala ignores him. The referee grabs the first chair and tries to get it out of there but Animal and Kamala have the other two chairs in their possession…CLUNK! BOTH MEN NAIL EACH OTHER WITH THE CHAIRS AND THE REFEREE SAW IT! HE CALLS FOR A DOUBLE DQ!MGO: But wait! Who’s the contender????
JM: Looks like a draw Mean Gene, we need this situation sorting out!
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One week before Bad Blood
The Coach USA Arena in Elmira New York hosts Hall Of Fame Wrestling this week. Both The Rock and Hulk Hogan will be in the house after their Bad Blood match was officially announced. The Undertaker's Bad Blood World Championship offer has been accepted by both Animal and Kamala, this week sees the two men face each other to determine the Deadman's first title defence since defeating Hulk Hogan. To warm up for his open challenge, Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine takes on perenial preliminary competitor Max Moon.
Meanwhile the second match of the Best of Three Series for the HOF Tag Team Championship will take place, the Midnight Express are one down and MUST win in order to get the third match which would be their title shot. Dean Malenko takes on IRS in a match that will have ramifications for Bad Blood, Ric Flair and Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation will be in the building too. The Main Event of the night sees The Mountie take on the Big Bossman, the winner of this one will meet Bam Bam Bigelow at Bad Blood for the International Championship!
Matches announced:
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan
Dean Malenko vs. IRS
Midnight Express vs. Rock 'n' Roll Express
Max Moon vs. Greg Valentine
Big Bossman vs. The Mountie
Kamala vs. Road Warrior Animal
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HOFWrestlingNews.com presents it's fortnightly newsletter for all things Hall Of Fame Wrestling. Administrator Craig Thompson reports:
- Touring Schedule:7th February 2007: Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York
14th February 2007: HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York
21st February 2007: Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York
28th February 2007: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
7th March 2007: OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, New York
14th March 2007: Edgar A. Newell Memorial Dome in Ogdensburg, New York
21st March 2007: Coach USA Arena in Elmira, New York
25th March 2007: Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York
28th March 2007: Broome County Arena in Binghamton, New York
4th April 2007: Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts
11th April 2007: Agganis Arena at Boston University in Boston, Massachussets
- Roddy Piper was very happy to do Piper’s Pit with Hulk Hogan and The Rock, he is looking to do more in future on the occasional appearance deal he has now.
- Dusty Rhodes is happy off-camera in his new booking position and is not looking for an on-screen role as yet but would do if a storyline required him. Josh Matthews has also been invited to the booking meetings so that he has inside information for commentary.
- Mean Gene Okerlund is now not to be replaced by Jerry Lawler, his replacement on Raw has not been determined as yet so he is staying on Monday nights. HOF is on the look out for another commentator however, as Okerlund’s contract was only a 3 month deal.
- A small training facility in New York has been purchased for the use of incoming wrestlers to train and get back in shape. Already at least 3 wrestlers have been assigned there.
- Vince McMahon is said to have a bee in his bonnet regarding names, he feels that two Jim’s on the roster and too many wrestlers with ‘The’ at the start of their name is becoming confusing. Name changes could occur as soon as immediately after Bad Blood with Jim Duggan known exclusively as ‘Hacksaw’ or Duggan.
- The decision to change the PPV name to Bad Blood came after the writing team decided that the initial pay-per-view should at least be a semi-familiar name.
- Goldust’s storyline has been mapped out and is looking spectacular according to sources. The only issue is who to have in the storyline with him. Currently Goldust has been getting mixed reaction from crowds during his video packages, so he’s currently being viewed as a tweener. The use of Marlena in these highlights is puzzling many, Terri Runnels has not been offered a deal and nor probably would accept at this stage of her life.
- Gimmicks most likely to be used in HOF are Max Moon (as a jobber), The Patriot and the Blackjacks. At least one is expected to debut soon after Bad Blood, this is mostly thanks to the success and popularity of the Big Bossman.
- Tatanka has been contacted regarding a move to HOF Wrestling, he initially turned it down as he was on a good run on Smackdown but a brief spell out injured during a storyline led to it being dropped completely and has been unused in several weeks. Umaga is now more than ever being pushed towards HOF Wrestling with Armanda Alejandro Estrada. His storyline is in the works.
- The HOF PPV schedule has been heavily discussed with many former PPV names thrown around. As it stands, the schedule is as follows:
March 07: Bad Blood
May 07: Betrayal
July 07: King of the Ring
September 07: Velocity (AUS PPV)
November 07: InsurreXtion
January 08: WWE:Old School
March 08: Bad Blood
May 08: Rebellion (UK PPV)
July 08: King of the Ring
September 08: Velocity
November 08: InsurreXtion
January 09: WWE:Old School
Many are pleased that Hall Of Fame has the King of the Ring tournament, this decision was made by WWE management because the tournament could have its own PPV with HOF Wrestling and this would leave King Booker’s gimmick on Smackdown alone. Velocity has been used since it's free after Smackdown stopped having a recap show and Rebellion/InsurreXtion hasn't been used since the early 2000's. WWE:Old School is right now to be the equivalent of Wrestlemania, but that is a working title.
- Hall Of Fame Wrestling referee’s are: Tony Clarke (Senior Official), Mark Jackson, Amy Spencer and Tommy Owens (also known as the “Whole Reffin’ Show”). Here is some brief information on each ref:
Tony Clarke: He's on the spot when you need him, counts with equal speed every time, enforces the important rules and is lenient with the ones that give the match some flavour. As any perfect referee, of course, he's quite capable of being knocked unconscious for those perfect dramatic moments, and will always come to just when you need him to.
Mark Jackson: A fair, almost perfect referee. His biggest fault is perhaps that he's a little quick to anger, and tends to snap onto the wrestlers for bending even the most unimportant of rules. Mark just wants to see a good wrestling bout take place, and has little to no patience for smarmy upstart wrestlers; an attitude that's led to more than one shoving match in times past.
Tommy Owens: Owens isn't called the "Whole Reffin' Show" for nothing. Close-up and intense. His hardy frame and athletic build make him the best ref for the job during matches where the chance of him getting hit by something dangerous is high.
Amy Spencer: Amy is what you'd call a biased referee. Not in a face/heel sense, but once someone has pissed her off, she'll subconsciously pull the match in their opponent's favour with faster counts and stricter rules. Keep her happy, though, and she's as fair and down the middle as any referee should be.
Reigning HOF Wresting Champions:
HOF World Champion: The Undertaker
Won - 28th February 2007 in Tournament Finals vs. Hulk Hogan
Defences - None so far
HOF International Champion: Bam Bam Bigelow
Won - 14th February 2007 vs. Jake Roberts
Defences - Big Bossman (21st Feb), Jake Roberts (28th Feb)
HOF Tag Team Champions: Rock ‘n’ Roll Express
Won - 7th February 2007 vs. Midnight Express
Defences - None so far
-
OOC: I've changed the name of the first Hall Of Fame PPV to Bad Blood due to having a graphic for it instead of the original 'The Memory Remains'. Any PPV references previous to this show remain true, just the name has changed.
Hall Of Fame Wrestling
Date: 14th March 2007
Channel: ESPN
Time Slot: Prime Time
Announcers: Mean Gene Okerlund & Josh Matthews
Fireworks erupt and the arena rocks as the camerapeople pan around the fans! Mean Gene Okerlund and Josh Matthews open the show, officially introducing Hall Of Fame Wrestling from the Edgar A. Newell Memorial Dome in Ogdensburg, New York!
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts vs. The Mountie
The Fink and then the commentators stress than this is the second match in the International Championship Contender Series. The winner goes onto next week in the final match.
Mountie and 'The Snake' lock up. The Mountie grabs Jake Roberts by his arm and he turns him around. He kicks him in the midsection causing him to double over. Mountie grabs him by the arm, he delivers an arm breaker driving Roberts face down into the mat and yanking at his shoulder. The Mountie keeps hold of him by the same arm and lifts him up. Roberts appears hurt as Mountie grabs him by the arm and Roberts tries to pry his fingers off, but Mountie his the lock in tight and Roberts falls down to his knees. Roberts is able to push The Mountie off of him and blasts him with a hard right hand. The Mountie staggers a bit but then battles back with a right hand of his own and continue in with rights staggering Roberts into the corner. Once in the corner The Mountie plants one more right to the side of his opponents face and then grabs him by the arm to whip him across the ring into the opposing corner. The Mountie then follows after for a clothesline but is met by a huge elbow from Roberts as he moves in. This sends the Mountie staggering backwards and opens the opportunity for Roberts to move in for the advantage.
Roberts clotheslines Mountie down and puts the boots night in on him. Roberts pulls Mountie up but the Canadian rakes Jake's eyes. The Mountie then grabs Roberts by the arm like he is going to whip him but instead walks him out to the middle of the ropes and pushes him back. He whips him to the ropes. As Roberts returns he ducks down still holding his arm in pain and lifts Mountie high into the air with a back body drop. Mountie crashes down to the canvas and moves up into a sitting position holding onto his back in pain for Roberts to slam a shin across his upper back.
Roberts waits as Mountie gets back up. Mountie cuts off a Jake charge with a knee to his gut. The Mountie charges forward with a clothesline and Roberts ducks! He turns in his tracks and charges back at The Mountie who is stood by the ropes and clotheslines him viciously over the top and to the floor below! This opens the opportunity for Roberts to climb out of the ring as Mountie recovers to his feet he notices Roberts standing nearby and he quickly gets up to his feet, but he is caught off guard by Roberts who grabs him from the neck and uses the momentum to slam his head off the ring steps. Jake rolls him into the ring and joins him under the bottom rope. Jake quickly hooks him up for a DDT...Mountie rings his weak arm to escape! Mountie lands a bulldog and makes the pin for 1-2-3!
JM: Mountie worked over Jake's arm all match long and that led to the win.
MGO: The Mountie advances to next week and he's in pole position to get that shot against Bam Bam Bigelow at Bad Blood.
Kamala Challenges The Undertaker for Bad Blood
Kamala and Kim Chee are seen backstage in their locker room, the commentators reveal that Kamala is the first man to accept the Undertaker's open challenge for a World Championship match at Bad Blood. Clips are then seen of their battles at Summerslam and Survivor Series of 1992.
Big Van Vader w/Jimmy Hart vs. Tsunami
The bell sounds to begin this match and Tsunami immediately runs against the ropes for momentum and ducks a clothesline attempt from Vader! He bounces back off the opposite ropes...right into a big boot to his face! Tsunami spins down to the canvas and Big Van Vader slowly walks to where Tsunami is led. Tsunami edges underneath the ropes and tries to head to the outside as a way out but Big Van Vader is getting closer. He dives to get away from Big Van Vader but still the Staten Island native is only metres away from him. Big Van Vader reaches down and grabs Tsunami by the hair to jerk him up onto his feet.
Tsunami is dragged up to a vertical base and Big Van Vader drives Tsunami's forehead into the nearest top turnbuckle with venom. Tsunami hits the 'buckle and then stumbles back across the ring dazed. He drops down onto one knee and Big Van Vader grabs him again! He takes his back to the very same turnbuckle, this time launching Tsunami at it and Tsunami leaves his feet to smack into the turnbuckle. The Big Van Vader spins him around and he drops to the canvas. Vader again lifts Tsunami off the canvas and presses him against the ropes. He whips him across the ring and Tsunami comes off...TO BE LIFTED ONTO BIG VAN VADER'S SHOULDERS!
Big Van Vader prepares to deliver the move but Tsunami struggles and drops off his shoulders! He then goes downstairs with a couple of good kicks to the legs before spinning Vader around and delivering three big right hands. Big Van Vader is backed up against the ropes and Tsunami continues to hammer him with more right hands that are finding their mark and forcing him along the ropes. Big Van Vader is now propped up in a corner and Tsunami mounts up to the second rope to aim downwards with more punches. He jumps back off the ropes to land a single snapping jab to the jaw before whipping him across the ring...Big Van Vader reverses! Tsunami's back rebounds off the turnbuckles and stumbles out into a big clothesline! Vader goes onto the second rope...VADER BOMB!
JM: What an impressive win!
MGO: Tsunami got in some very good offence perhaps more than anybody else has so far against Vader but for the second week in a row, Big Van Vader defeats a Natural Disasters member.
***Commercial Break***Greg Valentine's Bad Blood opponent...
Backstage Steve Romero is standing by with Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine.
Romero: Greg, you have had mixed fortunes in Hall Of Fame Wrestling so far but rumour has it you're looking for a match at Bad Blood to prove yourself?
Valentine: That's exactly right Steve Romero! I've faced a few guys here in Hall Of Fame Wrestling but what I want is to make an impact! I am 'The Hammer' and there's nobody out there that can put me down for a 3 count!
Romero is about to speak but Valentine stops him, glaring at the HOF interviewer.
Valentine: So what we're going to do is have Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine, former WWE Intercontinental and WWE Tag Team Champion in one corner. On the other side can be anybody Bobby Heenan wants. I don't care whether they're on the Hall Of Fame roster, I don't care whether they work for WWE or not! I want a mystery opponent because it's all well and good issuing an open challenge and people accepting it in advance but it's something else to not even know who you're facing...
Greg Valentine stops talking, looking straight forward and we pan around to see General Manager Bobby Heenan dressed in a smart white suit and black shirt.
Valentine: You hearing me Heenan?
Heenan: Oh I'm hearing you, Gregory. You think you're up the task of a mystery opponent at my pay-per-view?
Valentine: Hell yeah I am!
Heenan: That's good to know, it really is.
GM Heenan pats Valentine on the shoulder as he leaves with a smile on his face. Steve Romero offers Valentine the microphone but 'The Hammer' shoves him aside and he also leaves but in the opposite direction to Heenan.
Hulk Hogan & Jim Duggan vs. Orient Express w/Sunny
With the sound of the bell Duggan charges right up to Magus and wastes no time as he hammers away on him. Magus has no time to try and defend himself as he staggers back from the blows. With each blow from 'Hacksaw', Magus' head is jerked back but he's in the ropes and the referee starts his 5 count. 'Hacksaw' takes 4 before releasing Dark Magus. Magus is allowed to walk out of the corner by Duggan and Magus responds in kind with several whipped low kicks around Duggan's legs. Duggan is off balance and Magus takes him to a neutral corner, jamming his head into the top turnbuckle. Dark Magus pulls 'Hacksaw' out of the corner and waffles him with a roundhouse kick to the head. Duggan rolls over onto his stomach, pushes up and tries to crawl towards Hulk Hogan but Magus cuts him off with a stomp to the back of his head.
Hogan has his arm outstretched and ready for a tag but Magus drops an elbow onto Duggan's back to stop him moving closer to Hulk. Magus reaches down and pulls 'Hacksaw' up to his feet. He whips 'Hacksaw' into the ropes but Duggan reverses! He sends Dark Magus into the ropes and Magus bounces back into a crunching clothesline! Tomoko is the one calling for the tag now as Duggan drops a knee across Magus' chest. Duggan mounts the grounded Magus and delivers punch after punch to his head. The referee pulls 'Hacksaw' off Magus but Duggan isn't through with the Orient Express member as Sunny looks on concerned. Duggan scoops him up and slams him down hard on the mat, 'Hacksaw' then tags in Hulk Hogan to a large ovation!
Hulk comes in and immediately tees off on Magus' head! Magus quickly retreats and tags in his partner Tomoko. Hogan motions for him to come in and suddenly Hogan finds himself with both of the Orient Express walking towards him. Jim Duggan steps back into the ring and all four men are in the ring! The Express look to cower away before attacking! The Orient Express look to get the upperhand but Hogan and Duggan quickly take over. Duggan tosses the illegal man Dark Magus through the ropes and then goes back to his corner as Hulk presses Tomoko in a neutral corner. Hogan buries shoulders deep into Tomoko Onamari’s gut before slamming a couple of heavy knees in and Tomoko is left reeling. Hogan then snapmares Tomoko down to the mat and covers but only gets a 2 count.
The Hulkster plays to the crowd for a moment, he then tosses Tomoko into the American corner and he tags in big Jim Duggan. Duggan raises the roof with a HOOOOOOOOOO! Duggan unloads on Tomoko with hard right hands before Tomoko regains the advantage with more whipped kicks. Tomoko tags in Dark Magus, the Orient Express quickly hit Duggan with a double team! They combine whipped kicks to both of Duggan's legs before Magus takes him to the mat with a hurricanrana! Magus holds on for the cover but in comes Hogan! He dispatches Tomoko to the mat with a big boot before he breaks up the pinfall on 2. Hogan picks up Dark Magus and the fight is on! Tomoko returns to the ring with Duggan's 2 x 4 and CRACKS IT OVER HOGAN'S BACK! THE REF CALLS FOR A DQ BUT THE SHOT HAS NO EFFECT ON HOGAN! Hulk dispatches Tomoko with a right hand before picking up the 2 x 4 and whacking Magus in the head! Hogan tosses the 2 x 4 to Duggan, who in return hands Hogan the US flag to wave!
MGO: The American Patriots win by disqualification, my good friend Hulk Hogan on the winning team here tonight.
JM: The Orient Express were the makers of their own downfall, I think Tomoko Onamari got some bad advice from Sunny!
***Commercial Break***Road Warrior's Statement of Intent
Steve Romero is backstage in the Road Warrior's locker room.
Romero: Animal, I believe you have something to speak about?
Animal: Yeah I do! What's up Ogdensburg????
The fans cheer inside the arena, seeing Road Warrior Animal on the tron live.
Animal: I heard earlier like every other SOB in this joint that Kamala wants to take on the Taker for the title, well I got something to say about that! Where I come from you have to earn your shots at belts! So next week Kamala, if you want a shot at the Deadman you go through me!
Romero: There we have it, the Road Warrior throwing down the challenge to The Ugandan Giant for a number one contenders match next week! Back to you guys at ringside...
The Rock vs. Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart
The bell rings and the two men meet in centre of the ring. The Rock takes a step back, nailing Neidhart...by flipping him the finger! Right up close and in Neidhart’s face, 'The Anvil' is not impressed. Neidhart throws a hard right fist in the direction of The Rock. The Rock returns the favour, the smack of the impact echoing around the area. The two men against fists, neither managing to take an advantage but the intensity clearly growing, each punch being thrown a little harder and causing the opponent to stagger back a few inches further.
The Rock spits on his hand and then lands a sweet jaw shot, a fist that is as symbolic as it is painful. Neidhart wipes the saliva from his face and buries his foot into the midsection of Rocky who keels over, a little winded. The Rock looks up and finds Neidhart’s own clenched fist land directly on his nose. The Rock staggers back slightly and checks for blood. Neidhart tries to take advantage of the situation and charges toward The Rock. Neidhart smashes his elbow toward Rock’s face but he manages to get his hands up enough to take the impact out of the move. The Rock spins his own fist down and twists his knuckles into the kidneys of Neidhart.
The Rock steps backwards and absolutely nails Neidhart between the eyes, taking his opponent down. The Rock waves his fist in the air, shaking out the pain from the impact and circles the downed Neidhart, who is feeling the effects of both punches. The Rock pauses for thought and then stomps a few heavy boots down on Neidhart’s body, with no particular concern for location. This spurs Neidhart into life however He springs to his feet and barrels into The Rock trying to overwhelm the smaller man with brute force. The Rock’s back hit’s the mat hard, trying to fend off a serious of clumsy but furious blows from Neidhart. He grabs the legs of the man from Miami and tries to flip him over into a half crab, and cause as much pain as he can. The Rock kicks his legs into the back off Neidhart and he goes stumbling into a corner.
Neidhart comes running out of the corner as The Rock is getting back up...ROCK BOTTOM! Rock pins for 1-2-3!
JM: The Rock Bottom and the win!
MGO: The first third-generation athlete in WWE history looks good in Hall Of Fame Wrestling yet again.
***Commercial Break***The Bizarre One and Marlena
Yet another Goldust video highlight package plays, this time more centred around Marlena as she is seen sat in a director's chair at ringside during Goldust's matches and as usual smoking a cigar.
Midnight Express vs. Rock 'n' Roll Express (1st Match of Best of Three Series, Non-Title)
The Fink and the commentators are back on stipulation hype, this match is the first match of a Best of Three Series arranged last week. The titles are not on the line in this match, however should Midnight Express win the titles will be next week. If Midnight Express lose, then they MUST win next week to earn a tag title shot at Bad Blood.
Eaton and Ricky Morton clash in the center of the ring, Eaton’s slight height advantage being shown as he wrenches Morton into a side headlock, grinding down on it. Morton manages to keep his vertical base though and backs Eaton into the ropes, shooting him off before completing a slide between Eaton’s legs to come back up, Eaton turns around and gets caught with an arm drag! The crowd noise builds as Morton connects with another arm drag, Condrey yells encouragement as Morton nails Eaton head on with a dropkick! Eaton rolls back towards the Midnight Express corner as Morton salutes the fans.
Eaton shoots for another grapple but Morton backpedals, Eaton grabs him and throws him into a corner. Bobby Eaton starts to go to work on him with kicks to the midsection as the referee tries to create some separation. Eaton finally backs off, only enough to open Ricky Morton up for a VICIOUS knife edge chop, leaving Morton gasping for air. Eaton then hooks him up and whips him across to the other side of the ring, following him in with a charging forearm that hits nothing but turnbuckle pad, the plucky Morton getting out of the way just before Eaton hit. Morton waits for the groggy Midnight Express member to turn around before firing a foot into his gut and nailing him with a flipping dropkick! He follows by hopping up onto the top rope and coming flying back with a perfect moonsault, staying on him for the first cover of the match! 1-2-Kick Out!
Eaton pushes him off, Morton scrambling to his feet but he gets a hard kick to the side for his efforts, nearly dropping the cruiserweight to his knees as Eaton fires a few right handed shots into his head. Matthew Brodeur is clapping at ringside as Eaton shoves Morton into the corner, tagging in Dennis Condrey to jeers as he comes in feet first with a harsh kick to Morton’s midsection, following that up with an elbow shot straight to the forehead. The crowd starts stomping and clapping as Condrey pulls Morton out to the center of the ring, hooking up a front facelock and taking him over with a vertical suplex! He follows that up by dropping an elbow across Morton’s collarbone and then another cover, 1-2-Kick Out!
Again Morton is pulled to his feet but he gives Condrey a harsh forearm to the side of his head, breaking his grip! Morton tags in Robert Gibson! The Rock 'n' Roll Express work together to knock Condrey down with a double back elbow. They then both roll in tandem into the Midnight corner to knock Eaton off the apron! Gibson and Morton team together to nail Dennis Condrey with a double dropkick! Gibson makes the pin as Morton keeps guard 1-2-3!
JM: The Rock 'n' Roll show great tag teamwork to defeat the Midnight Express, Robert Gibson pinning Condrey for the fall.
MGO: The first match of the series goes to the reigning Tag Team Champions.
Piper's Pit!
Hot Rod himself comes to the ring and for the second week running, the Piper's Pit set has been made in the ring. Piper accepts the ovation from the crowd before picking up a microphone. Piper seems a little more calm than usual.
Piper: I know it's hard to top last week's Piper's Pit. Hulk Hogan was a big guest, maybe biggest ever besides me.
Roddy Piper's humble attitude is not all too familiar...
Piper: Hulk Hogan is the second greatest professional wrestler alive today and we all know who's number one!
The lovable confidence and arrogance is back!
Piper: So I sat down today with my boss Vince McMahon *boos*...I know, I know.
He wafts down the fans' reaction.
Piper: And we agreed that there is absolutely nobody on this planet that could follow Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper in the same ring...
???: KNOW YOUR ROLE!
Everybody looks up to the staging to see The Rock! Rocky is staring down the barrel at Piper and he does not look happy.
Rock: AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH! Nice skirt, $25?
The Rock walks down the ramp to the ring with a purpose. He steps into the ring and immediately squares up with the Hot Scot!
Piper: So you're Rocky, huh?
Rock: Shut your damn mouth! 'Cause if you don't, The Rock has no problem slapping your lips off your face!
Piper backs up with his hands in the air as Rocky raises the People's Eyebrow.
Rock: How dare you little jabroni, come onto The Rock's show and run your mouth! The Hall Of Fame was built for The Rock! The Rock is the most electrifying man in Sports Entertainment and nobody, let alone Hulk Bogan, is going to upstage The Rock! I heard him, I heard the old man...the other old man talk about great wrestlers of this modern era like Triple H and Steve Austin but where was The Rock's name? Why didn't Hogan say my name?
Piper: I know what you're talking about Rocky, so let's see if we can take a peek at it...
The attention turns to the giant screen.
Hogan: But Roddy I couldn't be out here with a microphone and not address something you said earlier, brother. I'm still going strong after all these years and so are all of the Hulkamaniacs! And I've seen a lot of superstars in my time. Talking about this man right here in the ring...Piper nods his head and mouths the words "I told ya!" to the fans.
Hogan: Superstar Billy Graham, Jesse 'The Body' Ventura and the Iron Sheik back in the day right up to Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and John Cena. I've seen them all and there's more from the Hulkster yet!!!!!
Hogan's music hits, he and Piper engage in a brief handshake.
-
Six-Man Mayhem!
The Million Dollar Corporation team together - Sean Waltman, IRS & the HOF International Champion Bam Bam Bigelow, to take on 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair, Dean Malenko & the Big Bossman in a match that is sure to capture headlines. In action is The Mountie as he defends his International Title Contendership against Jake 'The Snake' Roberts. Jake's International Title intentions have been very clear, he participated in the Tournament to crown the initial champion and then lost twice to the reigning Champion. Will the Undertaker and Paul Bearer receieve word from a future World Championship challenger?
Another highly anticipated match sees two American Patriot's team up as Hulk Hogan and 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan meet Sunny's deadly Orient Express. The Orient Express are looking to get ahead in the tag team ranks, a division which sees the beginning of a Best of Three Series between the Rock 'n' Roll Express and the Midnight Express for the Tag Team Championships. The two old rivals clash in a non-title bout, if the Midnight Express pick up a win by pinfall, submission, disqualification or count out then next week the titles will be on the line. Big Van Vader meets the second half of the Natural Disasters, Tsunami in singles competition. Also The Rock, Kamala & Road Warrior Animal will be in the house!
Matches announced:
IRS, Sean Waltman & Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Ric Flair, Dean Malenko & Big Bossman
The Mountie vs. Jake 'The Snake' Roberts
Tsunami vs. Big Van Vader
Hulk Hogan & Jim Duggan vs. Orient Express
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Hall Of Fame Wrestling
Date: 7th March 2007
Channel: ESPN
Time Slot: Prime Time
Announcers: Mean Gene Okerlund & Josh Matthews
Fireworks erupt and the arena rocks as the camerapeople pan around the fans! Mean Gene Okerlund and Josh Matthews open the show, officially introducing Hall Of Fame Wrestling from the OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, New York!
Big Bossman vs. Sean Waltman w/Ted DiBiase
After both entrances, they meet up in the centre of the ring. Waltman is talking trash and the Big Bossman with his face in a deadly focus. Bossman SLAPS Sean in the face! Waltman punches Bossman! They exchange forearm shots! Bossman tries to grab his head and get a free shot in on him but Waltman escapes and lands his own forearm smash to the face! After four unanswered shots from Waltman, Bossman pushes him away from him and then catches him with a sweet forearm to the face! Waltman's upper body swings around and then Bossman lands a kick to the gut that lifts Waltman about 2 feet off the floor! He lands on the mat with a crash!
Waltman tries to get back up but Bossman attacks with more viscous kicks! Kicks to the stomach, arms, head and shoulders! Waltman is literally kicked back to the ropes and then through the middle and bottom rope onto the apron! Waltman rolls back in under the bottom rope and starts to get back up but the Big Bossman is poised waiting...BOSSMAN SPRINTS AT WALTMAN AND KICKS HIM ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE ROPES TO RINGSIDE!
Bossman stands in the ring, leaning on the top rope looking down as Waltman grabs the barricade. He uses it to pull himself up but Sean is looking groggy. Bossman slowly steps through the ropes and drops to the outside. He takes a glancing look at Ted DiBiase before picking Sean up. He sets Waltman in a standing position before CHOPPING him and the velocity on the chop sends him flying back into the barricade! Bossman grabs Waltman and rolls him back in the ring, he then steps up onto the apron. Bossman stands in the ring apron. He reaches down to grab Waltman's hair...Sean fires a punch into his stomach! Bossman lets go of his hair and Waltman continues to fight back with another series of punches to the head! Bossman comes back with another headbutt! Bossman grabs Waltman and it appears like he's setting him up for a vertical suplex...Waltman fights it! He wraps a leg around the ropes and Bossman can't lift him up! Waltman drops down to the mat, hanging Bossman's neck on the top rope and he drops off, as he does...Bossman's chin hits the apron and he staggers back into the barricade with a whack!
Waltman grabs the top rope with both hands, he leans before launching over the top rope but Bossman has it scouted and moves quickly! Waltman manages to control himself and he lands with both feet on the apron. Bossman runs at Waltman and clotheslines his ankles, meaning he dives down head-first into the apron! Bossman pushes his body under the ropes so him legs are dangling over the apron. Bossman leans in, places his legs around his head and pulls Waltman to the outside in what looks to be a powerbomb position. Bossman drags him outside the ring and SWINGS WALTMAN INTO THE STEEL BARRICADE! Bossman walks around the ring, he's taking the time to recover and Bossman finds himself eyeballing Waltman's backup in Ted DiBiase. The two men don't break their glares until Bossman turns around to go back to Waltman. Bossman pulls Waltman up and irish whips him into the barricade! Waltman drops to the floor and Bossman looks on. Bossman rolls Waltman into the ring. Bossman follows him and Waltman blasts him with a few hard kicks to the chest. Waltman backs into the ropes but Bossman catches him...BOSSMAN SLAM! Bossman makes the cover and gets 3!
JM: The Big Bossman picks up a big win!
MGO: He tore through Sean Waltman on the way to the 3 count and now Bossman must be looking for an International Title shot!
Undertaker and Paul Bearer Issue an Open Challenge
Paul Bearer is standing in a smoke filled room, most probably down underneath the arena. In his possession is the urn and Bearer tilts his head down as he starts to speak.
Bearer: Oooooooooh yeeeeeeeees! Last week my Undertaker stepped into the ring with Hulk Hogan and it was a momumental battle! Now my Undertaker is the Hall Of Fame Wrestling World Champion!
Out of the smoke walks the Undertaker, he opens up his leather coat to reveal the HOF World Championship belt fastened securly around his waist.
Bearer: Oh my Undertaker has been working tirelessly, night and day to prepare caskets for every single member of the Hall Of Fame roster. What my Undertaker needs is a sacrifice to be made, a sacrifice at The Memory Remains.
They step aside to reveal a casket behind them, Bearer and Undertaker pull the casket forward between them and it has a large black question mark on the lid.
Bearer: My Undertaker and I require an offering to those that dwell below!
Undertaker: The Undertaker is making an open challenge for the World Championship at Memory Remains. An apt title because after the match, all you will be is a Memory and you will REST...IN...PEACE!
Typhoon vs. Vader
The two circle the ring and eventually lock up in a collar and elbow tie-up. Each one struggles to take the other off balance trying to push the other anywhere that will allow them to take the advantage. Neither one seems to be giving up any time soon so they break the hold close to the middle of the ring AND TYPHOON UNLEASHES ON BIG VAN VADER WITH A FLURRY OF RIGHTS AND LEFTS TO THE FACE AND BODY! The stiff shots force Vader to start back peddling right into the corner. Typhoon continues the assault on Vader BUT VADER STARTS TO TURN THE TABLES ON TYPHOON NAILING HIM IN THE FACE WITH RIGHT HANDS OF HIS OWN! They trade shots back and forth until the power behind Typhoon’s huge fists becomes too much for Vader and he is forced into the corner once again. Typhoon takes a step backward AND BURIES HIS KNEE RIGHT INTO VADER’S GUT! He takes another step backward AND ONCE AGAIN LUNGES FORWARD WITH A KNEE TO THE GUT!
Typhoon backs up and grabs Vader by the wrist and shoots him off into the opposite corner…he follows him in AND HE NAILS BIG VAN VADER WITH A CLOTHESLINE…NO…VADER GOT THE FOOT UP AND TYPHOON’S FACE SMASHES RIGHT INTO IT! Typhoon stumbles backward as Vader hops up onto the second rope. Typhoon moves closer to Big Van Vader just as he dives off with a double axe-handle smash on Typhoon’s skull and the Natural Disaster hits the mat. Big Van Vader makes a pin for 2. Vader grabs him by the head, lifting him to his feet. He nails a right hand to the face before pushing him into the ropes and launching him to the other side. Typhoon rebounds AND BIG VAN VADER CATCHES HIM WITH A CLOTHESLINE SENDING TYPHOON DOWN! Vader moves over to Typhoon and gets in the mount position and lands a flurry of machine gun-like right hands to Typhoon’s face! Vader stands up off of Typhoon and grabs him by the hair and lifts him to his feet again. He keeps a hold of Typhoon’s head and smashes him with a headbutt, sending Typhoon stumbling backward!
Typhoon comes back at Big Van Vader as Jimmy Hart warns the Rocky Mountain Monster. Big Van Vader sees Typhoon coming and takes him down with a side belly-to-belly suplex! VADER GOES UP TO THE SECOND ROPE...VADER BOMB! 1-2-3!
MGO: Vader Bomb and it's over!
JM: Big Van Vader with Jimmy Hart looking dominant one more time here on Hall Of Fame Wrestling.
***Commercial Break***Piper's Pit!
The Hot Rod himself comes to the ring to find his Piper's Pit set has been erected in the squared circle. The Hot Scot himself picks up a microphone as Piper's Pit is in session. He spends a few moments looking around the crowd as he is applauded before speaking over the cheers.
Piper: Now it's time to make history...AGAIN!
The fans cheer Hot Rod!
Piper: You see boys and girls, Rowdy Roddy Piper is part of the Hall Of Fame. And I am very grateful for that honour. But what I'm out here for is that the good people behind this company came to me. They came to Piper and they said "Rowdy...we want you to do Piper's Pit on our new show." Now I won't lie to you people, I said...NO! I spat in their faces! They only come to me when they want ratings! But they wore me down. They wore me down because I found out that I could talk to whoever the son-of-a-goat I wanted to!
Roddy is on a roll, his natural charisma has never lost him despite his aging years.
Piper: So I asked myself. I asked myself "Who is the Main Event in these parts?" and I heard Hulk Hogan! "Who is the biggest name still wrestling today?" and I heard *Fans cheer Hogan's name* Hulk Hogan! "Who has made the most money of all the Hall Of Famers?" and I heard *Fans cheer Hogan's name* you guessed it...Hogan! "Who is the most charasmatic wrestler to step in between these ropes ever?" *Fans cheer Hogan's name*...BULLSHIT!
Rowdy Roddy points at the crowd as the fans mostly cheer Piper's quick wit.
Piper: I said that I gotta see this guy for myself! I've gotta see for myself that he can still hang and bang, baby! So without further ado...HUUUUULKKKKK HOOOGANNNNN!
Hogan brings the crowd to their feet as 'Real American' blares out and the Hulkster walks out onto the stage. He poses for the fans for a few moments before walking down to the ring. Roddy Piper hardly looks impressed as Hogan enters the ring. The music dies out but the fans ovation remains for a several minutes as Hulk performs his classic wrestling poses. Piper can't wait to interrupt.
Piper: So this is what you look like now, huh?
He looks Hogan up and down as the Hulkster nods his head. Hogan is then tossed a microphone.
Piper: I just wonder if you remember. Because I do!
Hogan: Remember what Piper?
Piper: Remember when Wrestlemania didn't even have a number.
Hogan: Of course I remember! As a matter of fact dude, I remember what the very first Wrestlemania Main Event was and what the result of that match was!
Obviously a sore point for Piper, he steps back for a moment and looks down at his feet.
Piper: That was a long time ago Hogan. But if you want to go again...I'd be happy to oblige!
They square up for a moment, teasing a fight as the crowd go wild! Hogan then steps back with his hands in the air.
Hogan: You know something brother, I didn't come here to Syracuse to fight! I came here to talk to all the Hulkamaniacs that are in this arena tonight and watching at home in TV land. You see brother, getting some interview time around here is pretty hard to get.
Piper: All right, all right! I can deal with that, so let's talk Hogan. Let's talk about a little match you had last week with a certain Deadman...
Hogan: That's exactly what I mean brother. Because even though the Hulkster lives by the training, saying my prayers, eating my vitamins and believing in myself...I wasn't able to defeat the Undertaker last week.
Piper: Let's see some of that match...
Hogan is pulled up and goozled! Undertaker delivers a mighty chokeslam for the closest of near falls! The referee’s hand was inches away from the canvas. Hogan mounts his comeback; suddenly Undertaker’s blows have little to no effect! Hogan points at Taker, delivers a good few rights of his own before whipping him into the ropes. Hogan takes Undertaker down with the boot, he delays for a moment as he hit him with the weakened leg. Hogan then nails him with the leg drop and pins for…2.99999! Undertaker’s shoulder came shooting up off the canvas! Hogan can’t believe it and he questions the referee, which allows Taker to nail him with a DDT! Hogan is picked up and TOMBSTONED FOR THE 3 COUNT! UNDERTAKER IS THE NEW HOF WORLD CHAMPION! -
The entire concept is admittedly nothing you'll see from WWE soon. It's unrealistic but I hope most things have been explained to a level where you could believe them if they actually happened, if that makes sense. The part I probably find most realistic is that current WWE performers - Undertaker, Flair, Hogan are being pushed higher than (most of) the returnees.
The Heenan promos are what I'm least proud of in all of this. I've really tried to write as I'd hear from say things based on the TNA appearance he made, which was the last thing I heard him speak on I think but it's not coming off well and has prompted me to consider a more generic assistant that would be less charismatic. With the throat cancer, it has meant Heenan's talking is less fluent and in a GM situation, which is different from a Hall Of Fame induction speech, I think his demeanour would be different. One thing I considered was having Heenan come off as Yoda-like in his speech (especially to heels) but that got thrust aside for now. I will try a few more test promos with Heenan and see how they come off, there's always the option of replacing him with somebody I'm more familiar with or another of my ideas that got dropped was to change the GM after every PPV so the booking is constantly 'fresh'. Maybe I'll try that Yoda thing and see what it looks like!!!!
I am going to be moving to more interviews/promos and less matches. There were 8 matches on the last show and that's way too many for even a modern reincarnation. What I wanted to establish was old school values of clean cut characters, finishes and match-based shows being mixed in with modern day values of younger characters and a sports entertainment platform. What I'm going to try and do is bring the match number to 5 or 6, which is what you'd normally see from a Raw or Smackdown and try to do more lengthy promos.
One of the reasons I had the six month gap at the start and went into 2007 was so that people could either 'lose' their demons, get back into training or get in shape and it was a significant amount of time so that could be believed without being too long that the idea in the 'real world' would be forgotten about. For example if Bam Bam Bigelow has got problems and WWE wanted him for HOF, they would likely pay for him to go into rehab so he was available when the brand started. As far as I know, Roberts is still wrestling (albeit most probably at a vastly reduced quality) in various independents - the last OWW entry has him wrestling on June 24, 2006. The doubts about Roberts quality of wrestling (and a good few on the roster to be fair) were something that I thought about a lot and is one of the reasons no match qualities have been added in.
I nearly forgot, the Umaga and Estrada thing is because I'm a bit of Umaga fan (there has to be a few) and in my game WWE have released them both. I originally started the HOF promotion as a National stand-alone promotion similar to how most would probably do with ECW if they play EWR as ECW. I think I've got a storyline in mind for him but it needs developing in my mind first!
Thank you very much for the feedback, I meant to put at the start that if anybody does have ideas or little suggestions that might improve the diary then feel free to PM me and anything that does get used will be credited most likely in the 'newsletter' post.
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The Darkside Reigns Supreme…
Last week saw The Undertaker crowned as the first ever HOF World Champion. He is scheduled to make his first ever appearance as HOF kingpin this coming week when Hall Of Fame Wrestling visits the OnCenter Complex in Syracuse, New York. Meanwhile Ric Flair’s problems with the Million Dollar Corporation continue as he takes on International Champion Bam Bam Bigelow in a non-title match. We also saw this past week a highlight package containing the various bizarre antics of Goldust, will the Gold One make an appearance in person? Nobody is sure and nobody wants to find him to ask!
In other news, the Midnight Express have requested interview time in what could be another challenge to the HOF Tag Team Champions, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. The International Championship Contender Series kicks off with Dean Malenko taking on The Mountie and Hulk Hogan appears on Piper’s Pit!
Matches announced:
Ric Flair vs. Bam Bam
Kamala vs. ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan
Dean Malenko vs. The Mountie
Big Van Vader vs. Typhoon
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HOFWrestlingNews.com presents it's fortnightly newsletter for all things Hall Of Fame Wrestling. Administrator Craig Thompson reports:
- A PPV schedule has been introduced for Hall Of Fame Wrestling. There will now be a pay-per-view every second month starting with ‘Memory Remains’ on the 25th of March.- With Bobby Heenan currently suffering health issues, the search for an ‘assistant’ (or some other administration-esque title) has begun. Names being looked at include Sonny Siaki from DSW, Luther Reigns and Raymond Rougeau.
- Dusty Rhodes has been added to the booking team. This means that Dusty, Undertaker, Flair and Arn Anderson are controlling the booking of Hall Of Fame Wrestling. Of course the final approval goes to Mr. McMahon but as of writing, those four men are shaping the HOF cards with much more emphasis than (for example) Raw on the in-ring story telling.
- Stone Cold Steve Austin is interested in working on the brand and is rigorously training to make a wrestling return as opposed to being involved in angles outside the ring.
- Vince McMahon is still high on using Umaga and Estrada in Hall Of Fame Wrestling, nobody is really sure why. After main-eventing the Royal Rumble against John Cena & Edge, Umaga’s overness is fairly high and perhaps a feud with Big Van Vader could draw money, especially after Vader’s brutal match with Jim Neidhart this past week.
- Tatlent being considered for HOF include Tatanka, Jerry Lawler (for commentary probably), Terry Funk and Ken Shamrock. The most likely of that group to be seen on your TV next week are Tatanka and Ken Shamrock.
- A big storyline is planned for Goldust. What this storyline is, remains a secret but with Dusty Rhodes on the booking team it was expected.
- Gimmicks are being looked at for recycling by younger wrestlers. Gimmicks include Tugboat (although with the original Tugboat on the roster this could be a puzzling move), Warlord, Berzerker, Barbarian, Nailz, Max Moon, Damien Demento, Razor Ramon (yes, we laughed too), Doink, Flash Funk, Executioner, Mantaur, The Patriot and the Blackjacks.
- Fans and ‘experts’ have expressed concerns about the shelf-life of Hall Of Fame Wrestling. The best gauge of this is probably the television deal with ESPN, which is a one year deal with a second year option to be discussed. Although admittedly WWE could replace HOF with other WWE programming if necessary. The wrestlers are all (bar DiBiase and Dusty Rhodes) working under 1-yearly deals.
- Reigning HOF Wresting Champions:
HOF World Champion: The Undertaker
Won - 28th February 2007 in Tournament Finals vs. Hulk Hogan
Defences - None so far
HOF International Champion: Bam Bam Bigelow
Won - 14th February 2007 vs. Jake Roberts
Defences - Big Bossman (21st Feb), Jake Roberts (28th Feb)
HOF Tag Team Champions: Rock ‘n’ Roll Express
Won - 7th February 2007 vs. Midnight Express
Defences - None so far
WWE Raw 2007
in The Dome Retro Room
Posted
This is true (I've just had a look on OWW), McMahon stopped their match to introduce a bikini contest. I knew that they were in a 'Hate' Relationship on EWR but didn't know when I wrote that what for. I think the actual statement is still accurate, I imagine Vince would work with him if there was a profit to be made but perhaps not on as pleasant terms as I originally thought.