World Wrestling Entertainment 2004

[Jack Krauser III]

Argh, why does no one reply in this diary? This is great man, you've really got everyone's personalities down pat, but I don't like where you're going with Trish. Everyone knows she can't cut a good promo to save her life.

As for Christian, I like where you're going with him. Keep up the good work but.

DON'T PUSH TRISH. DON'T PUSH TRISH.

Push Cade, but just not Trish

[R.W.]

WWE Raw

Monday 29th November 2004

Live from the RICOH Coliseum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Attendance: 10,000 (Capacity: 10,000 – Sell Out)

Sunday Night Heat Taping:

La Resistance retained the World Tag Team Titles against The Hurricane & Rosey when Conway pinned Hurricane after the Slingshot Neckbreaker

Maven pinned Chuck Palumbo after the Halo DDT

Edge made Stevie Richards submit to the Edgeucator

We get a short video package showing Chris Benoit challenging Triple H two weeks ago, with HHH putting Ric Flair in Benoit’s path. We see clips of the Benoit / Flair match, culminating with Flair tapping out to the Crossface, and Ross shilling the big match between HHH & Benoit that will take place tonight. The opening credits roll, the pyros go off, and we join Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at the commentary desk

Jim Ross: Welcome to Monday Night Raw! I’m Jim Ross, alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler, and we are live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada!

Jerry Lawler: More’s the pity JR. You know I can’t stand Canadians. Except for Pamela Anderson of course.

Jim Ross: Well, regardless of how you feel about it, we have a massive show tonight, with a huge main event, as the Cerebral Assassin, Triple H, defends the World Heavyweight Title against Canada’s own Chris Benoit

Jerry Lawler: Last week the Rabid Wolverine may have made Ric Flair tap out, but I guarantee that tonight, the Game will walk away victorious and still World Heavyweight champion

Jim Ross: I don’t know about that King, I have a feeling in my gut that tonight is going to be Chris Benoit’s night

Jerry Lawler: Well J.R., I have a feeling that Evolution may have something to say about that

Jim Ross: You may be right King, you may be right. Also tonight, Randy Orton goes one on one with the big red.. (TEW Rating: 74.7)

As J.R. is talking, “Line In The Sand” starts to play, and the Canadian crowd erupts in boos as Evolution, led by Triple H, head to the ring, dressed in their designer suits and looking smug as usual. Triple H drapes the World Heavyweight Title over his shoulder, then takes a mic from Lillian Garcia.

Triple H: So, here we are in the Great White North. Home of Chris Benoit, the man who faces me for my World Heavyweight Title tonight. What do you guys think of the place?

Batista: Man, I gotta say, this place is the pits. (crowd falls for the cheap bait and boos)

Edge: Tell me about it big man. This is where I was born, but the people of this town are so inherently stupid and ungrateful that when I came back here as Intercontinental Champion, they actually had the gall to boo me! I’ll tell you something guys, I’m glad I moved down to sunny Florida! (crowd boos once more)

Triple H: I couldn’t agree more guys. This place really does suck. But, never fear, we’ll be back in the good old United States soon enough. Batista is going to destroy Tajiri later on, and then in main event, I will prove to the world once and for all that I am better than Chris Benoit! Bring everything you’ve got tonight Benoit, because when I beat you in the middle of this very ring, I don’t want to hear any excuses from you afterwards. When you play this Game, one way or another, you are always destined to lose. Now, before I go back and get ready for my match, there’s one other thing I want to address. Naitch, last week I asked you to take care of Benoit for me so I could have the week off and avoid coming to this hellhole, and you let me down again. Now I’ve got no problem with facing Benoit, hell I could beat his ass twice tonight if I wanted, but Ric, I’ve gotta know – where’s you head at?

Ric Flair: Champ, what can I say, I’m sorry. Benoit’s one hell of a wrestler, and he beat me fair and square. Another day, another time, it would have been the other way round, but last week, I lost. If there’s anything thing I can do to make it up to you, just say the words man, and I’m there.

Triple H: Well it’s funny you should say that Ric. You see, I’m a little concerned that you might be, how shall I put this……….past it. (crowd gasps in shock) So, I went to Bischoff earlier today, and I got him to book you in a match tonight, just to see if you still had what it takes to be in Evolution.

Ric Flair: What? I’m a 16 time World Champion, and you’re questioning if I have what it takes?!

Triple H: Calm down Naitch, I’m sure you’ll do just fine. In fact, your match is up right now, so me and the boys are going to head to the back, and your opponent is gonna be out here any second. Good luck Naitch.

Triple H puts the mic down and leaves with Batista & Edge, as Flair removes his suit jacket and tie, and awaits his opponent. As Evolution pass through the curtain, a bestial roar is heard throughout the arena, and there is a small pop as Rhyno makes his way to the ring. (TEW Rating: 87.6)

Ric Flair vs. Rhyno

Rhyno charges to the ring and goes straight for Flair, landing several right hands and a backdrop. He pushes Flair into the corner, then rips Flair’s shirt off before lacing him with some chops, before Flair reverses the situation and lays into Rhyno with some chops of his own. Flair catches a right hand to the jaw, then takes Rhyno down with a back suplex, allowing him to begin work on the knee, using a standing kneebar and several elbows and stomps to the knee joint. Flair then gets the kneebreaker, and goes for the Figure Four, but Rhyno counters by kicking Flair off, sending Flair face first into the turnbuckle. Flair stumbles out, then does his trademark Flair Flop to leave both men down. They get up at the same time, with Rhyno limping slightly, and the two men trade punches, with Rhyno getting the advantage. Rhyno whips Flair into the ropes, and drills him with a huge spinebuster as he comes back. Rhyno makes the cover, and Jack Doan counts – one…………..two……………kickout! Rhyno asks Doan if he was sure about the cover, then headed to the corner and signaled for the Gore. Flair got to his feet, and Rhyno charged in, only for Flair to drop to his knees and drive his elbow into Rhyno’s knee, felling Rhyno. Flair quickly moved in and applied the Figure Four, and Rhyno quickly tapped out to give the Nature Boy the submission win.

Winner: Ric Flair by submission in 08:46

Match Rating: ***1/4

TEW Ratings: 72.3 / 78.6 / 78.5

******Commercial Break*******

We come back from commercial to see Eric Bischoff with his feet up in his office, watching a monitor. Suddenly the door bursts open and Chris Jericho storms into the room.

Chris Jericho: Bischoff! I want a word with you, you self serving son of a bitch. You screwed me out of the Intercontinental Title last week, and you think I’m just going to sit back and take it?

Bischoff stands up from his chair, looking a little concerned

Eric Bischoff: Now Chris, just calm down, I can explain…

Chris Jericho: I don’t want to hear your pathetic excuses Bischoff. I want a rematch with Regal, and I want it now.

Eric Bischoff: Well, I’m afraid that’s just not going to happen Chris. If you’d bothered to check, William already has a scheduled title defence for tonight, against an opponent of his choosing. However, since you seem so desperate for a match tonight, I have a little something for you. Tonight, it will be Chris Jericho going against…….. Simon Dean and A-Train, in a two on one handicap match. Now why don’t you think about that next time you decide to come barging into my office. Now I suggest you leave before I have security escort you out.

Jericho stares a hole through Bischoff, then shakes his head and smiles, before leaving the room. (TEW Rating: 84.0)

From there, we return to the ring, where William Regal is making his entrance. The Intercontinental Champion takes a microphone.

William Regal: Now tonight, you fellows are going to see a truly great matchup, as Mr. Bischoff has kindly allowed me to select my opponent for my title defence tonight. As a fighting champion, I will only defend the title against the very best, and my opponent tonight is a very talented competitor, as well as a former Intercontinental champion himself. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my opponent on this fine evening………..from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250lbs………Val Venis!

“Hello Ladies” plays, and Val Venis comes out on stage, his body heavily taped after last week’s vicious assault by Christian. Venis grimaces in obvious pain with every step, but reaches the ring and gets ready for the match. (TEW Rating: 83.6)

WWE Intercontinental Title Match

Val Venis vs. William Regal ©

The bell rings, and the two men lock up. Venis gets a headlock, but Regal throws a forearm shot straight to his kidneys to break it, and Venis collapses to the mat in pain. Regal then begins to systematically destroy Venis, with vicious forearms, knee strikes and stiff kicks to the back. Regal hits a butterfly suplex and makes the cover, but at the two count Regal raises Venis’ shoulder off the mat with an evil smile. Regal picks Venis up and whips him into the turnbuckle, and as Venis staggers out, Regal grabs him, then dumps him with a brutal half nelson suplex. Regal then quickly locks in the Regal Stretch, and Venis taps out immediately. Regal leaves the hold locked in for a few more seconds, before releasing it and taking his title belt from Chris Kay. Regal leaves the ring with a smile on his face as some more officials come out to check on Venis

Winner: William Regal by submission in 05:00

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 62.9 / 83.5 / 80.1

We cut backstage to see Shawn Michaels walking down a corridor. He turns a corner, and we see Trish Stratus standing in his way

Trish Stratus: Hey Shawn. My, you’re looking good tonight. Have you been working out?

Shawn looks puzzled

Shawn Michaels: Excuse me? I thought you were Cade’s new manager?

Trish Stratus: I am, but is there anything wrong with a girl wanting to sample the original Heartbreak Kid? (she moves in closer to him and runs her finger down his chest) I promise 100% Stratusfaction………

Shawn Michaels: Trish, thanks, but no thanks. I’m a happily married man, I don’t need to stray for a cheap fling with, let’s face it, a cheap slut.

Trish gasps in horror, then rears back and slaps Michaels across the face. Michaels holds his cheek and goes to speak, but before he can he is blindsided by Garrison Cade. Cade rams Michaels’ head into the wall, then lays into him with several stomps. As Michaels lays on the ground, Trish pulls Cade away, and speaks once more

Trish Stratus: Poor, deluded Shawn. Why would you think a girl like me would ever be interested in an over the hill has been like you, especially when I’ve got the new and improved Heartbreak Kid. Never mind sweetie, we’ll see you later. Bye bye.

Trish waves mockingly at Shawn, then blows an insincere kiss to him as Cade looks on with a smile. (TEW Rating: 75.6)

The scene changes, and we are now backstage with Jonathan Coachman, who is standing with Chris Benoit.

Jonathan Coachman: Chris, tonight you challenge for the World Heavyweight Title, here in your own country. But let me remind you of something. The last time you were in Toronto for a World Title match, you lost the World Heavyweight Title to Randy Orton. What makes you think you can beat Triple H here tonight?

Chris Benoit: What makes me think I can win Coach? What makes me think I can win? Triple H tapping out at WrestleMania 20 makes me think I can win. Shawn Michaels tapping out as Triple H looked on helplessly at Backlash makes me think I can win. Triple H’s shoulders being down on the mat for the one, two, three at Vengeance makes me think I can win. Triple H losing by 4 falls to 3 in an Iron Man match makes me think I can win. You see, I have Triple H’s number, and he knows it. He tried to stop me getting my shot by putting the great Ric Flair in my way, but what happened? Flair tapped out. Now, Triple H has nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide, and tonight, right here in my home country, I will become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

The crowd cheers as Benoit walks off-screen and we cut to commercial. (TEW Rating: 81.5)

******Commercial Break*******

Tajiri vs. Batista

Tajiri is making his entrance as we return from the break, with a slight look of trepidation on his face. “Unleashed Rage” kicks in, and Batista makes his entrance. Batista gets into the ring, and Chad Patton gets the match started. Tajiri charges Batista, and unleashes a flurry of kicks, knocking the big man back. Tajiri whips Batista into the ropes, but Batista returns with a hellacious clothesline, flattening Tajiri. Batista jogs around the ring, waiting for Tajiri to get up, then drills him with an impressive spinebuster, popping straight back up as he hits the canvas. Batista screams “It’s Over!”, then pulls Tajiri up, positions him, then almost puts him through the mat with the Batista Bomb. He makes the cover, and gets the easy three count.

Winners: Batista by pinfall in 02:13

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 68.8 / 82.0 / 75.5

Next we get the Smackdown Rebound. We see clips showing The Big Show being added to the Armageddon Main Event, John Cena promising to get JBL next week, Eddie pinning Chavo after feigning injury, and the Undertaker retaining the WWE Title by defeating JBL in a wild brawl. (TEW Rating: 92.3)

2 on 1 Handicap Match

Simon Dean & A-Train vs. Chris Jericho

Simon Dean leads A-Train to ring, accompanied by his cheesy infomercial entrance music. The countdown then begins, and the crowd pop as Chris Jericho makes his entrance. He does his trademark crucifix pose, then turns and charges to the ring, getting the jump on his opponents as he knocks A-Train from the ring and begins to attack Dean. Jericho nails Dean with a flying forearm, then quickly applies the Walls Of Jericho. A-Train gets back into the ring and quickly breaks the hold though, then drives Jericho into the mat with a delayed butterfly suplex. Dean & Train then double team Jericho, as Ross explains that both men are allowed in the ring at the same time, as per Eric Bischoff’s directive. Dean lets A-Train do most of the work, then makes the cover where he can, but Jericho keeps kicking out. They whip him into the ropes and go for a double backdrop, but Jericho kicks Train in the face, then throws Dean from the ring. Train tries to club Jericho, but Jericho counters with the Flashback, which gets him a two count. A spinning heel kick gets the same result, but a second attempt at a Walls Of Jericho allows Dean back in, and he suplexes Jericho. Dean motions to A-Train, then goes to whip Jericho into the turnbuckle, only for Jericho to reverse, sending Dean into the buckles. A-Train sees this, and runs towards Jericho, but Jericho sidesteps, causing A-Train to crash into Dean in the corner! Jericho bounces off the ropes and drives A-Train to the mat with a faceplant, as Dean collapses in the corner. Jericho hits the ropes and springs off with the Lionsault onto A-Train! Chad Patton makes the count – one……………two………….three! Jericho quickly rolls out of the ring and celebrates as we go to a commercial break

Winner: Chris Jericho by pinfall in 07:25

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 64.4 / 71.0 / 70.6

******Commercial Break*******

As we come back from the break, J.R. & The King introduce a short recap video, showing Kane’s brutal attack on Shelton Benjamin last week. J.R. tells us that Benjamin is at home recovering from the attack, and then we see Kane also gave Randy Orton a Choke Slam during the same attack, which we are told has led to the next match. (TEW Rating: 78.7)

Kane vs. Randy Orton

The pyros go off, and “Slow Chemical” plays, signalling the arrival of Kane. Kane looks back towards the entranceway as he stands in the ring, just as “Take What’s Mine” kicks in and Orton makes his entrance. Orton stops just before reaching the ring as Kane beckons him in, then dives into the ring and starts throwing punches. Kane reels as Orton hits the ropes and nails a running punch. Orton tries again, but this time hits a jumping clothesline, knocking Kane backwards through the ropes and to the outside. Orton poses in the ring as Kane bangs the table in frustration, then gets back in the ring. Kane offers a test of strength, which Orton accepts, allowing Kane to kick him, then drop him with a throat thrust. Kane dominates the next few minutes of the match, keeping the pace slow and methodical. A one-armed sidewalk slam picked up a two count for him, before he moved to a bearhug. Orton broke free by biting Kane’s forehead, then ran the ropes, only to run straight into Kane’s boot. Kane headed to the top rope and waited for Orton to stand. Kane leapt off, looking for the flying clothesline, but Orton countered with a beautiful dropkick, catching Kane, mid-air by now, in the jaw! Orton recomposed himself, then climbed to the top himself, hitting Kane with a nice crossbody press for a two count. Orton caught Kane with a couple of right hands and a European uppercut, followed by another dropkick to knock Kane down. Orton got to his feet and gave the signal for the R.K.O as Kane got to one knee. Orton moved in, but Kane pushed him off and into the ropes, goozling him as he came back. Kane smiled and taunted Orton, when Orton quickly kicked Kane in the gut, then hit a quick R.K.O! The crowd cheered Orton on as he made the cover and Mike Chioda counted – one…………………………..two………………………the cover is broken by Edge! Chioda calls for the bell as Batista joins Edge in the ring and they both begin attacking Orton.

Winner: Randy Orton by disqualification in 11:10

Match Rating: ***1/4

TEW Ratings: 80.4 / 76.4 / 83.8

Edge & Batista begin to lay into Orton, and are joined by an irate Kane. Kane whips Orton into Batista, who drills him with a big spinebuster. Kane grabs Orton by the throat, drags him to his feet, then drives him back to the mat with a Choke Slam. Edge points to Batista, who picks Orton up once more, then brings him crashing back down with a Batista Bomb. Edge himself then locks in the Edgecator, and Batista taunts Orton as he screams in pain. Finally, officials flood the ring and pull Evolution & Kane away from Orton. Orton is tended to by the officials and medics as Batista & Edge return to the back, smiling at a mission accomplished it seems. (TEW Rating: 85.3)

We return backstage, where Eric Bischoff is walking down a corridor. We see him walk past Christian, who calls after him

Christian: Hey Eric, wait up!

Eric Bischoff: Christian, I’m sorry, but I can’t talk now, I’m really busy

Christian: I just want a second

Bischoff glances at his watch

Eric Bischoff: Fine. Go ahead.

Christian: I just wanted to know why you haven’t booked me tonight. No match, no interview, nothing. I mean, c’mon, I’m Captain Charisma, I’m pure ratings!

Eric Bischoff: Look Christian, I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ve got a really big World Title match, and it’s up next. I’ll talk to you later

Bischoff briskly walks out of shot, as Christian looks on exasperated. (TEW Rating: 82.4)

******Commercial Break*******

World Heavyweight Title Match

Chris Benoit vs. Triple H ©

We return from commercial, and “Whatever” kicks in, and the crowd erupts as Chris Benoit makes his way to the ring. “The Game” starts up, and Triple H makes his usual entrance, then holds the World Title in front of Benoit, but Benoit’s eyes don’t move from Triple H. Earl Hebner got the match underway, and the two locked up. Benoit got a hammerlock, and fired in a stiff forearm to HHH’s back. Triple H backed off, then went for the tie-up again, and this time Benoit armdragged him across the ring. Triple H got up and charged at Benoit, but Benoit sidestepped him, then turned and laid into him with some hard knife-edge chops. He whipped HHH into the ropes, then backdropped him, and Triple H quickly bailed to the outside. He tried to take a walk, but Benoit followed him out and they began fighting in the aisle. They fought back towards the ring, where Trips caught Benoit with a knee, then whipped him into the steel steps. Triple H rolled Benoit back into the ring and made a cover, but Benoit was out at one. Triple H then suplexed Benoit, and followed up with a kneedrop to the forehead. He picked Benoit up and whipped him into the ropes, but missed his clothesline, and Benoit hit him with a German suplex! Benoit kept the waistlock on, and went for a second German, but Triple H elbowed out, then flattened Benoit with a hard clothesline. Triple H laid into Benoit, raining punches down onto his head, before applying a chinlock with a body scissors. Triple H kept the hold applied for a while, then Benoit managed to separate Triple H’s legs to break the body scissors, allowing him to get back to a vertical base and break the chinlock with an elbow to the gut. Benoit hit another, then ran the ropes, only for Triple H to follow in with his high knee. Triple H covered – one………..two………kickout. Triple H argued with Hebner, before whipping Benoit into the ropes again, then drilling him with an Anderson-esque spinebuster. He hooked the leg and made another cover – one…………….two……………kickout! Triple H got right into Hebner’s face, insisting it was three as Benoit used the ropes to get up. Triple H shoved Hebner, so Hebner shoved Triple H right back, and Triple H stumbled right into a Benoit German Suplex! The Toronto crowd cheered Benoit on as he got back to his feet. Triple H was met by a barrage of chops, then felt a hard snap suplex. Triple H wildly swung at Benoit, but Benoit ducked and hit another German. He kept his grip, pulled Triple H up, and delivered a second German! He then dragged him up once more and hit a third one, releasing the grip this time. The crowd roared him on as he made the cut-throat gesture, then climbed to the top rope. He flew off and smashed Triple H with a swandive headbutt! Benoit briefly held his head, then made the cover – one………..two…………….thr-kickout!! The crowd gasped, thinking the match was over. Benoit looked at Hebner in disbelief, then saw that Triple H had rolled onto his stomach. Quickly, Benoit hopped over Triple H and applied the Crippler Crossface! The crowd were screaming in anticipation as Triple H’s hand hovered over the mat, but Triple H managed to move his body back enough to put his foot on the bottom rope. Hebner made Benoit break the hold, and Triple H rolled across the ring. Benoit pulls himself up on the ropes as Triple H does the same. Benoit moves across and kicks Triple H, then whips him into the ropes and goes for a backdrop, only for Triple H to counter with a facebuster! Triple H kicks Benoit in the gut, then hooks up the arms for the Pedigree. The crowd are audibly dismayed, when Benoit frees his arms and trips Triple H up. The crowd explode as Benoit crosses Triple H’s legs over, then turns him over into the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring!! Triple H screams in agony as Hebner asks him if he quits. Triple H’s hand comes off the mat……………just as Edge hits the ring and levels Benoit! The crowd erupt into a “Bullshit” chant as Earl Hebner calls for the bell. Batista joins Edge in the ring, and they beat the weary Benoit down. Triple H goes and grabs a steel chair from ringside, and instructs Edge & Batista to hold Benoit in position. Triple H taunts Benoit and raises the chair above his head, about to strike………….and the chair is removed from his hands. The camera pans out, and we see Ric Flair holding the chair! Triple H screams “What are you doing?!” at him, as Benoit pulls Edge & Batista towards each other, knocking their heads together. Benoit then smacks Triple H with a forearm to the neck, sending Triple H into Flair and the steel chair! Flair falls from the ring as Triple H stumbles back into Benoit, who drills him with a German Suplex! Triple H rolls from the ring as Benoit throws Batista through the ropes, then clotheslines Edge over the top and to the floor. The show ends with Benoit grabbing the World Title and holding it above his head, to the delight of the crowd, as Triple H looks on in fury.

Winner: Chris Benoit by disqualification in 17:25

Match Rating: ****

TEW Ratings: 84.9 / 91.9 / 91.8

*******************END SHOW**************************

[R.W.]

Ohio Valley Wrestling - November Report

As part of the recent restructuring, OVW has been on hiatus for about 6 weeks. It made it's return to action with "No Escape", an event designed to promote the new "OVW Weekly" show, to be broadcast in the Louisiana area from December 1st.

Here are the results from the show

- Seth Skyfire defeated Jerome Crony

- Passion beat Melina Perez

- Matt Morgan & Mike Mondo defeated Chris Masters & Mac Johnson

- Joey Matthews & Tom Carter defeated Matt Cappotelli & Johnny Jeter

- Keven Martel pinned Morris

- Ivory & Alexis Laree beat Linda Miles & Takako Inoue

- Ultimo Dragon pinned Heidenreich

- John Hennigan beat Akio

Reports from OVW suggest that Akio, Ultimo Dragon, Matt Morgan, Mordecai, Chris Masters, Mark Magnus & John Hennigan could all be called to the main roster in the coming months. Also, Matt Hardy, Mark Henry & Test have all reported to OVW as they continue to recover from their injuries.

Edited February 17, 2005 by Rabid Wolverine

[evertonfan]

This has been really good, so far. I'll be interested to see where Christian goes, and I'm liking the stuff with Simon Dean and A-Train, and also the stuff between Ric Flair and Triple H. Good work.

For those of us that haven't played TEW, can you explain the ratings, please?

Edited February 21, 2005 by evertonfan

[R.W.]

This has been really good, so far.  I'll be interested to see where Christian goes, and I'm liking the stuff with Simon Dean and A-Train, and also the stuff between Ric Flair and Triple H.  Good work.

For those of us that hav'nt played TEW, can you explain the ratings, please?

←

No problem.

If the rating was "TEW Ratings: 84.9 / 91.9 / 91.8", then it would mean:

Match (read: Crowd) reaction: 84.9

Match Quality: 91.9

Overall Match Rating: 91.8

Thanks for the feedback.

[evertonfan]

Thanks for that Rabid Wolverine, makes things a bit easier for the likes of me.

[R.W.]

I sat in the meeting room, still not sure whether or not to believe what I was hearing. I looked around at the rest of the room. Everyone was here. Steph, Shane, Paul, John, Jim, and most importantly of all - Vince. Paul was the first to break the silence

Paul Levesque: You've got to be kidding me Vince. No disrespect, but we've buried that company. Why would you want it back?

Vince McMahon: Trust me Paul, it's good business. I keep the library, I keep the trademarks. All he's getting is the name.

Jim Ross: That's a hellava lot of money just for a name.

Shane McMahon: There's gotta be a catch Dad.

Vince McMahon: Legal have been over everything twice. No catch, no surprises, just a lot of cash for little work. I didn't become a billionaire by missing out on gilt-edged opportunities like this

Stephanie McMahon: Well, if you're sure Dad, I guess it's up to you

Vince McMahon: You're damn right it's up to me! This is my company dammit, and I'll do what I want.

The uneasy silence returned to the room.

Vince McMahon: Maloney, you've been awfully quiet over there. I suppose you've got an opinion on this too?

Of course. On the one hand, it seemed like we were helping him set up shop again, with an established brand name. On the other hand, the competition could be good for us, and the industry as a whole. But how best to say it to Vince without being fired?

Paul Maloney: No, not really. I'm only concerned about our creative side. The business side is down to you guys who know what you're doing.

Ah, the familiar sound of the lesser spotted "Coppus Outtus", otherwise known as the

Yes Man. Oh well, at least it pays the mortgage, and Vince seemed happy with the answer. He wrapped the meeting up, and we all left, contemplating what we had just heard.

Vincent Kennedy McMahon had just sold the World Championship Wrestling name back to Ted Turner.

[R.W.]

WWE Smackdown

Thursday 2nd December 2004

Live from the Stampede Corral, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Attendance: 5,306 (Capacity 7,500)

Velocity Taping:

Mark Jindrak pinned Billy Gunn after the Mark Of Excellence

Paul London pinned Funaki with the 450 Splash

Carlito Caribbean Cool retained the US Title after pinning Scotty 2 Hotty with the C-C-T

The opening credits end, and the pyros go off as we cut to Cole & Tazz at ringside.

Michael Cole: Hello everyone and welcome to another exciting Smackdown! We are just 10 days away from Armageddon, and things are really starting to heat up

Tazz: No doubt no doubt Cole, and tonight things will get even hotter.

Michael Cole: Indeed they will Tazz, as the WWE Champion, The Undertaker, will face off against one of Kurt Angle’s henchmen, Luther Reigns, in our non-title main event

Tazz: Kurt will be looking for Luther to soften up the Deadman before Armageddon, but even if he does, they still have to worry about a seven foot tall, five hundred pound monster called The Big Show

Michael Cole: Also tonight, we have the semi-finals of the tournament to crown the number one contenders to the Tag Team Titles, and both John Cena & JBL are here tonight

Tazz: I’ll tell ya something Cole, if Cena & JBL cross paths tonight, it’s gonna be off da hook

“Viva La Raza” kicks in, and the crowd erupt as an Eddie Guerrero driven Low Rider heads to the ring

Tazz: And speaking of off da hook Cole, it looks like our first match is about to get underway! (TEW Rating: 72.6)

Eddie Guerrero vs. Booker T

As Guerrero finishes his entrance, “Can You Dig It Sucka” plays, and Booker T comes out. The match starts at a high pace, with Guerrero gaining the upper hand after an armdrag and a dropkick send Booker out of the ring. Booker re-enters the ring, and Guerrero hits a leg lariat for a two count, before Booker bails again. This time, Guerrero chases him, allowing Booker to get back in the ring and cut Eddie off as he tries to follow. Booker begins his offence, pushing Eddie into the corner and unleashing a mixture of chops and slaps, then bodyslamming Eddie and hitting a kneedrop for a two count. Booker continues to work on Eddie, getting a two count off a flapjack. A second attempt at the move sees Eddie counter with a dropkick, followed by a back suplex counter to a Booker punch, folding Booker in half. Both men are up at the count of 7, but Eddie has the momentum now. He blocks Booker’s punches, and fires back with his own. Booker reverses an irish whip, but Eddie counters with a spinning headscissors, followed by the three vertical suplexes for a close two count. Eddie remonstrates with Charles Robinson about the count, allowing Booker to get back to his feet. Eddie turns round and is greeted by a boot to the gut from Booker, doubling him over. Booker bounces off the ropes and goes for the Scissors Kick, but Eddie moves and Booker hits thin air – and Eddie quickly capitalises, drilling Booker with a hard belly-to-back suplex. Guerrero quickly heads to the corner and climbs to the top, then slaps his chest and flies off with the Frog Splash, crashing down onto Booker T’s body. Robinson makes the count, and Guerrero gets the three.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero by pinfall in 08:43

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 61.3 / 68.2 / 65.0

Guerrero gets up and begins to celebrate his win, when the Titantron comes to life, with the image of Chavo Guerrero looking on

Chavo Guerrero: Hey Eddie! Up here!

Guerrero turns and looks at the Titantron

Chavo Guerrero: I guess you think you’re pretty smart eh? Faking that leg injury last week just to get one up on me? There I was, showing compassion for my uncle, and all you could do was screw me over? We all know that the only reason you did that is you know you can’t beat me in a one on one match, and I’m going to prove it. I went to see Theodore Long, and he gave me what I wanted. One more match with you Uncle Eddie. It will be you against me at Armageddon. Then we’ll see that it’s not about the Latino Heat, it’s all about Chavito Heat.

Eddie nods, mouthing “You’re on” at the screen, as we cut to commercial (TEW Rating: 65.9)

******Commercial Break*******

Tag Team Tournament Semi Final

Kenzo Suzuki & Rene Dupree vs. The F.B.I.

We return from commercial with the former tag team champions, Suzuki & Dupree, making their entrance, with the FBI already in the ring. The match follows standard tag formula, with Stamboli dominating the start, before tagging in Nunzio, who gets some offence in before the heels take over. After a heat segment on Nunzio, he ducks a double clothesline and manages to tag Stamboli back in, and Stamboli unloads on Suzuki & Dupree. As he does so, Hiroko gets on the ring apron, distracting Brian Hebner. With that, Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley hit the ring. As Stamboli fights Suzuki & Dupree, the Dudleys drill Nunzio with a 3-D! Stamboli disposes of Suzuki as D-Von grabs a chair. Bubba gets Stamboli’s attention, but as D-Von charges at Stamboli, Stamboli realises what’s happening and sidesteps D-Von, causing D-Von to drive the chair into the skull of Dupree! Suzuki sees this and pulls D-Von from the ring, as Stamboli tackles Bubba Ray and the two topple out of the ring. As they all brawl, Hebner finally gets Hiroko off the apron, and turns to see both Nunzio & Dupree down on the mat, with Nunzio’s arm limply draped across Dupree’s chest – Hebner makes the count – one………….two………..three! The F.B.I. advance to the tournament final, much to the disgust of both the Dudleys and Kenzo & Rene!

Winners: The F.B.I. by pinfall in 07:12

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 61.3 / 68.2 / 65.0

We leave ringside and go backstage, where Josh Matthews is with John Bradshaw Layfield.

Josh Matthews: JBL, are you at all concerned by the presence of John Cena in the building tonight, after he promised to hunt you down last week

John Bradshaw Layfield: Worried Josh? Why on Ear…

Before he can finish, John Cena bursts into shot and tackles JBL to the ground. The two men roll around on the floor, throwing punches at each other, until JBL wriggles free. He tries to leave, but Cena spins him round and decks him with a hard right hand, then goes straight back to the brawling on the floor. Security and officials arrive to separate the two men, and Cena still tries to reach JBL, who is content to hide behind the wall of officials (TEW Rating: 83.6)

Theodore Long appears on the scene

Theodore Long: What in the hell is going on here? Calm down now, both of ya. Now I understand that there is a little bad blood here, so why don’t you let me holla at ya fo’ a second, and we’ll work something out. You see, I was going to go to the ring and let the people know this, but what the hell, I’ll tell you now. I’ve signed a match for Armageddon, and it will pit John Cena against John Bradshaw Layfield. Now until then, I don’t want to see you two fighting unless it’s in a match sanctioned by me, you feel me?

Cena calms down a little and backs off, eyes locked on JBL

John Cena: I feel that Teddy. Bradshaw, I’ll see you at Armageddon.

John Bradshaw Layfield: Yeah? I look forward to it ya little punk.

The two men head their separate ways and we cut to a video. (TEW Rating: 83.7)

The Raw Rebound plays, and we see clips of Monday night’s events, focusing entirely on the World Title match. We see clips of Evolution & Benoit’s promos, then a short highlight package of the Benoit / HHH match, including the ending where Edge gets Triple H DQ’ed to save the title, but Ric Flair prevents Triple H assaulting Benoit afterwards, inadvertently allowing Benoit to clear the ring of Evolution and stand tall as the show ends. (TEW Rating: 81.6)

******Commercial Break*******

Billy Kidman vs. Charlie Haas (w/ Miss Jackie)

We return from commercial as “You Can Run” starts to play, and Kidman makes his entrance. The theme music of Charlie Haas kicks in, and Miss Jackie lead Haas to the ring, but his tag team champion partner Rico is nowhere to be seen. The match starts off with Haas taking Kidman to the mat with amateur takedowns, then keeping him their with front facelocks, hammerlocks and side headlocks. Kidman rolls out of the headlock, but walks straight into a couple of armdrags, before he resorts to kicking Haas to change the tide of the match. Kidman works over the rib area of Haas, putting the boots to him, then hitting a front backbreaker and a back suplex, getting a two count. Kidman then whips Haas sternum first into the turnbuckle, then quickly covers Haas for another two count. Kidman tries it again, but this time Haas springboards off the top turnbuckle and catches Kidman across the throat with a double axehandle! Haas catches his breath, then makes a cover, but only gets a two as Kidman pops his shoulder out. Haas gets to his feet and mounts an attack, catching Kidman with a couple of suplexes, including an overhead belly to belly, and a northern lights for a close two. Haas whips Kidman into the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Kidman ducks underneath, then as Haas turns him round, he hits the BK Bomb! Instead of making the cover though, Kidman drags Haas towards the turnbuckles. He heads towards the ropes when Paul London appears on stage, arms crossed. Kidman stops, and starts yelling at London. London slowly walks towards the ring, as Kidman continues to yell at him, before London suddenly stops and smiles. Kidman’s face bears a look of confusion, but we see Charlie Haas back to his feet and standing behind Kidman. Haas waistlocks Kidman, then hits a perfect bridging German Suplex! Jim Kordairis makes the count, and Haas gets the three to win the match! London briefly applauds, then returns to the locker room as Haas celebrated with Jackie and Kidman kicks the bottom rope in anger.

Winner: Charlie Haas by pinfall in 07:12

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 64.2 / 79.9 / 70.5

We cut backstage, and join Josh Matthews, who is with Hardcore Holly

Josh Matthews: Hardcore, in recent weeks you’ve been subjected to some strange post match happenings, and I understand you asked for this time to address them

Holly grabs Josh’s arm, bringing the microphone closer to him, then looks into the camera.

Hardcore Holly: You’re damn right I did Josh. I’ve been in this business a long time, and I’ve seen plenty o’ strange things, and this ain’t no different to any of them. You can have your fancy videos and your strange noises, but at the end of the day, I’m gonna find, beat your scrawny little ass, and put you back under whatever hole you crawled out of. Now if whoever is behind this has got the guts, I went to see Teddy Long today and I signed an open contract for Armageddon. If you want a piece of me boy, why don’t you sign that contract, and I’ll see your ass in the ring. So how do you like me now?

Holly shoves the mic back into Matthews’ chest, then leaves the shot. (TEW Rating: 56.8)

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match

Shannon Moore vs. Spike Dudley ©

Back at ringside, Shannon Moore is in the ring as the Cruiserweight Champion, Spike Dudley, makes his entrance. Shannon gets in a quick flurry of offence, but Spike manages to catch him with a headbutt to the gut off an irish whip. After a couple of more moves, Spike hits the Dudley Dogg, and gets the three count to retain the title

Winner: Spike Dudley by pinfall in 03:26

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 54.6 / 72.6 / 59.8

As Brian Hebner hands Spike the Cruiserweight Title, he asks for a mic. Hebner gets him one, and Spike speaks

Spike Dudley: Wow, another week, and another easy title defence. There’s just no competition round here anymore. Well, maybe there is for the other guys, but none of them are in my league. But I’m dying for a new challenge, against someone worthy of facing The Boss. So I’m issuing an open challenge. I will defend this Cruiserweight Title at Armageddon against any cruiserweight that I have never beaten. So that means no Rey Mysterio, no Chavo Guerrero, no Funaki, no Shannon Moore and so on. Now, I’m expecting a tough match, so I expect the very best to take up the challenge. But whoever you are, I’ll see you at Armageddon.

Spike returns the mic and cockily returns to the back as we go to a commercial. (TEW Rating: 55.6)

******Commercial Break*******

We return from commercial to a hype video for Armageddon, which focuses on the main event: A Triple Threat match for the WWE Title, with The Undertaker defending his title against Kurt Angle & The Big Show . (TEW Rating: 87.2)

Tag Team Tournament Semi Final

The Basham Brothers vs. Rob Van Dam & Rey Mysterio

“One Of A Kind” hits the P.A., and the crowd pop as Rob Van Dam & Rey Mysterio make their way to the ring. The Bashams’ generic music follows, and their reaction is a lot milder. The match starts with RVD & Danny, with RVD getting the advantage with some kicks. Danny tags Doug in, but Doug has no success either, and RVD lumps him with a stepover kick to the face for an early two count. Van Dam tags in Mysterio, who springboards in with an axhandle to Doug’s arm. Mysterio’s pace keeps him one step ahead of both Doug & Danny, until Danny clotheslines Mysterio down from a reversed irish whip. The Bashams slow the match down, keeping Mysterio on the mat, as they tag in and out, working on Mysterio’s lower back. Several elbows and variations on camel clutches later, Doug hits a pendulum backbreaker which gets him a two count before the cover is broken by Van Dam. Doug & Mysterio do a double clothesline sequence shortly after, but Doug tags Danny in first, and he grabs Mysterio’s ankle to prevent the hot tag – momentarily, as Mysterio hops to one foot, then blasts Danny with an enzuiguri! Danny flops to the mat, and Mysterio dives to his corner to make the tag. Van Dam explodes to the ring, taking on both Bashams. Doug is backdropped, then Danny gets a spinning heel kick. Doug gets up and runs into a monkey flip, which RVD follows up with a Rolling Thunder for a two count, but the cover is broken by Danny. Danny whips RVD towards the turnbuckle, but RVD counters with a springboard crossbody out of the corner, and Danny rolls out of the ring. RVD ducks a Doug punch, then DDT’s him. Doug lays on the mat as RVD plays to the crowd, then vaults to the top rope. Van Dam has a quick look around, then leaps off and connects with the Five Star Frog Splash! Van Dam makes the cover, but Charles Robinson won’t count, as he tries to tell Van Dam that he has the wrong Basham. As he does so, Danny is sneaking back into the ring, but Mysterio sees him, reaches across and slaps Van Dam on the back, tagging himself in, before springboarding off the top, and hitting Danny with a senton. Danny gets up and goes for Mysterio, but walks into a drop toehold, leaving him in prime Mysterio position. Mysterio dials it up, then blasts Danny with the 6-1-9, as Van Dam brawls with Doug outside the ring. Mysterio stands on the apron, waiting for Danny to get up. As Danny gets to his feet, Carlito Caribbean Cool rushes down to ringside. Mysterio springboards up, only for Carlito to shove him off the top rope, sending Mysterio into the waiting arms of Danny, who plants him with a massive Brain Damage! Danny makes the cover as Robinson’s attention returns to the ring, and he makes the count – one………two……….three! The Bashams advance to next week’s final, and celebrate their victory in the aisle, as Van Dam helps Mysterio in the ring and Carlito walks back to the locker room smiling.

Winner: The Basham Brothers by pinfall in 13:10

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 66.9 / 74.7 / 73.3

******Commercial Break*******

Non-Title Match

Luther Reigns vs. The Undertaker ©

We come back from commercial to see Luther Reigns making his way to the ring, conspicuously alone. Then the lights go out, and the arena explodes as The Undertaker makes his grand entrance. The WWE Champion stares at Reigns, who doesn’t look intimidated, as Nick Patrick takes the title belt and hands it to the timekeeper. The match gets underway, and as expected, it is a brawl of no discernable pace. Reigns tries to keep Taker down, knocking him down with clotheslines and shoulder tackles, but an attempted Reign Fall backfires, as Taker spins out of the move, picks Reigns up and just throws him across the ring. Taker hits full no-sell mode, then hits the Old School – Snake Eyes – Big Boot – Choke Slam sequence, before running his thumb across his throat. Reigns staggers to his feet, and is scooped up by Taker. Taker walks to the middle of the ring, then plants him with the Tombstone. He crosses Reigns’ arms, and Patrick makes the inevitable three count to give The Undertaker the win.

Winner: The Undertaker by pinfall in 07:25

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 73.4 / 65.6 / 73.8

As The Undertaker gets to his feet, still looking down on Reigns, we see a disturbance in the crowd. Kurt Angle comes over the security barrier, chair in hand, then slides into the ring behind Taker. He measure Taker up, then cracks him across the back of the head with the chair, felling the champion. He raises the chair, preparing to strike again, when the crowd begin to cheer, and we see The Big Show lumbering to the ring. Angle drops the chair, grabs Reigns and flees the ring just as Show arrives. Show picks up the chair to ward Angle & Reigns off, and they slowly back down the aisle, with Angle pointing at Show and making threats. (TEW Rating: 85.9)

As this is happening, The Undertaker sits up in the ring, and looks at The Big Show holding the chair in his hand. As Angle & Reigns reach the locker room, Show tosses the chair down behind him, still shouting at Angle. Taker gets to his feet and picks the chair up, still looking at Show with a puzzled look on his face. Eventually, Show turns around, and is promptly levelled by a huge chairshot from The Undertaker! Cole & Tazz speculate that Taker thinks it was Show who hit him with the chair, and the programme ends with Show lying bloodied in the ring as The Undertaker kneels in the aisle with the World Title held aloft. (TEW Rating: 86.4)

******************END SHOW****************

10 days away from Armageddon, and here is what is booked at the moment

WWE Heavyweight Title Match

The Undertaker © vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Big Show

John Cena vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero

Paul London vs. Billy Kidman

Hardcore Holly vs. His mystery “stalker”

WWE Cruiserweight Title Open Challenge

Spike Dudley © vs. any cruiserweight he has never beaten

WWE Tag Team Title Match

Haas & Rico © vs. The F.B.I. or The Basham Brothers

I’ve got plans to add one or two matches to the card on next week’s Smackdown, but it looks to be shaping up quite nicely.

[R.W.]

Wrestling Observer Round-Up

Posted by Dave Meltzer on Sunday 5th December 2004

Good news for both Raw and Smackdown this week, as both shows saw a rise in the ratings. Raw pulled in 941,991 viewers this week (up 35,721 from last week), whilst Smackdown drew 927,462 (up 21,779 from last week). Raw was good this week, though much of the show was set-up to build to the main event, it worked well. The main event itself was the best match the WWE have put on in a long time, as Benoit delivers the goods once more. It’ll be interesting to see what they do with him now, as the plans are still for Randy Orton to face Triple H for the World Title at WrestleMania. Elsewhere on the show, Ric Flair had a good little match with Rhyno, showing that he can still go when needed, and also building up a little tension with Triple H. Kane & Orton put on another good match, much like they did a couple of weeks ago. These two have some unique chemistry in the ring which always seems to bring out the best in them. Christian continued his “being ignored” angle as well. It will be interesting to see where they go with this one, as sources say they have no concrete plans for the angle at this moment. 

Over on Smackdown, we had a show which seemed to be more geared to filling up the card for Armageddon. Eddie & Booker had a nice little opening match, and here’s hoping Eddie & Chavo bring the goods at Armageddon. We also saw a good match between Charlie Haas & Billy Kidman, though it seemed it was just a device to further the Kidman / London match. By the way, why haven’t Haas & Rico teamed together on Smackdown since winning the Tag Titles? The Bashams defeated Rey & RVD, with a little help from Carlito, in an entertaining match, and I’d guess they will go with Haas / Rico vs. Bashams rather than Haas / Rico vs. The FBI. Two open challenges were made, one by Spike Dudley, and one by Hardcore Holly. No idea on who Spike’s opponent will be, but I’ve been told that Holly’s could well be Kevin Fertig (aka Seven & Mordecai) under a new gimmick, as a kickstart to a rumoured angle for WrestleMania. More as we get it.

The lineup for Armageddon should look like this after next weeks Smackdown:

WWE Title: Undertaker © vs. Kurt Angle vs. Big Show

Tag Titles: Haas & Rico © vs. Basham Brothers

Billy Kidman vs. Paul London

Cruiserweight Title: Spike Dudley © vs. Mystery Opponent

Hardcore Holly vs. Kevin Fertig

John Cena vs. JBL

Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero

The FBI vs. The Dudleys

US Title: Carlito Cool © vs. Rey Mysterio

No place on the card for Rob Van Dam or Booker T, so I’d expect one or both of them to be on Heat before the show.

After a meeting between Vince McMahon, Steph McMahon, John Laurinaitis & Paul Maloney this week, there was a spate of women wrestlers released from the company. It seems the WWE have given up on women’s wrestling altogether, and have only retained those that they have other creative plans for. The women released are: Takako Inoue, Nidia, Melissa Coates, Melina Perez, Alexis Laree, and most surprisingly, Ivory & Molly Holly. Sources suggest that Victoria & Gail Kim have only kept their jobs due to their relationships within the company (Victoria is best friends with Trish Stratus, and Gail Kim is dating Doug Basham). Also, Orlando Jordan’s contract expired this week, and he was released from the company too.

Whist all this was going on, another surprising development. Chris Kanyon has re-signed with the company. He has apparently been given a 3 year deal, and will report to OVW to work off some ring rust. I’ve been informed that he will be part of the same angle that Fertig will be, so maybe Kanyon will get a break in the WWE for the first time.

Akio (Jimmy Yang) has been recalled from OVW and will be back on Smackdown from next week. There are no plans at present for a push for him, it seems creative felt they needed some more enhancement talent available.

In media news, Kurt Angle appeared on the Tonight Show this week, and many were impressed by his performance. He put Armageddon over heavily, but also talked about his respect and admiration for Bret Hart.

The Undertaker will be featured in an article in an upcoming edition of “Nuts” magazine.

And, and of course, there’s the small matter of Ted Turner purchasing the World Championship Wrestling name from Vince McMahon. Apparently the deal is for the WCW name only, and the WWE will retain all the old WCW trademarks and library. Nonetheless, WCW is back in business, and Turner has appointed his first President of WCW – Kevin Nash. Nash will be “ably” assisted in the booking by Tony Schiavone, and the first three names added to the new WCW roster are Sting, Scott Hall and Glenn Gilberti. I can see Vince shaking in his boots now.

That’s all for now, see you next week.

[Local Star]

i love ur diary!.. i love the feuds i have going espicially the Holly v Myster partner one i wonder who it is :S?

[R.W.]

WWE Raw

Monday 6th December 2004

Live from the UCF Arena, Orlando, Florida

Attendance: 4,515 (Capacity: 5,100)

Sunday Night Heat Taping:

Maven pinned Rodney Mack with a rolling reverse cradle

Simon Dean pinned Rosey with a rope-assisted schoolboy

Kane pinned Chuck Palumbo after a Choke Slam

The credits end and the opening pyro goes off. We scan the arena, as the voice of Jim Ross can be heard

Jim Ross: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Raw! I’m Jim Ross, and beside me is Jerry “The King” Lawler, and boy do we have a packed show for you tonight! Our main event is going to be a slobberknocker King, as the World Heavyweight champion Triple H teams with the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, as they go against the team of “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton, and the man who, in my mind, should be the World Champion right now, “The Rabid Wolverine” Chris Benoit

Jerry Lawler: It’s going to be an all-out war J.R., but the big question is how will Triple H & Ric Flair co-exist after what happened last week?

Jim Ross: That’s a damn good point King, and if you combine that with two angry young men who were screwed by Evolution last week in Orton & Benoit, it could spell big trouble for Naitch and The Game

Jerry Lawler: Well, you could be right J.R., but I still have faith that Evolution is Raw’s solution!

Jim Ross: Also tonight, we will see William Regal defend the Intercontinental Title against maybe the best pure athlete on Raw today, Shelton Benjamin, as well as La Resistance defending the Tag Team Titles in a Triple Threat match, as they face the teams of Rhyno & Tajiri, and Edge & Batista!

Jerry Lawler: It’s going to be a wild ride for sure J.R.!

“Stand back, there’s a Hurricane coming through!” fills the arena, and we cut to ringside for our first match. (TEW Rating: 75.0)

The Hurricane vs. Garrison “H.B.” Cade (w/ Trish Stratus)

As Raw’s resident superhero waits in the ring, “Sexy Boy” hits the speakers, and the initial pop soon turns to mild disgust as Trish Stratus leads Garrison Cade out to the ring. Cade goes through his pre-match posing routine, then we get underway. Hurricane gets an early advantage, and he hits a couple of his trademark spots, but misses an Overcast when Cade ducks. Cade then took control of the match, and hit a classic Shawn Michaels sequence of moves, with a DDT, flying forearm, and top rope elbow drop all hitting the mark. Cade got to his feet and went to the corner, where he started to tune up the band as The Hurricane got to his feet. Cade moved in and dimmed Hurricane’s lights with Sweet Cade Music, then covered the fallen superhero for the three count and the win.

Winner: Garrison Cade by pinfall in 04:28

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 59.3 / 79.2 / 68.1

As Cade celebrates his win, we cut backstage to Eric Bischoff’s office. Bischoff is on the phone talking, when Christian walks into shot.

Christian: Eric, I need to talk to you

Eric Bischoff: (still talking on the phone) so I said to her, “Hey Baby, two’s company, but three’s just more fun”….

Christian: Eric!

Eric Bischoff: (puts his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone) Christian, I’m kinda busy right now, can you come back later

Christian: Damnit, Eric, why won’t you listen to me?!

Eric Bischoff: (to the person on the phone) Can you hold on for one second? Thanks. Look Christian, if you want to get my attention, you need to remember the old saying – actions speak louder than words. You want to be noticed? Go out there, have your match with Stevie Richards, and make me notice you. OK? Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to. (returns to his phonecall) So anyway, she wasn’t sure at first, but when I mentioned that I knew the owner of the Gold Club, it was a different story altogether…

Christian: Actions speak louder than words eh? You know, you just may be right. Thanks Eric.

Christian leaves the shot and we return to the ring as Stevie Richards makes his entrance. (TEW Rating: 77.9)

Stevie Richards vs. Christian

“Just Close Your Eyes” plays, and Christian briskly walks to the ring, looking intent. The bell rings to start the match, and Christian levels Richards with a hard clothesline, then begins laying into him with several right hands to the temple. He drags Richards to his feet, hooks up his arms, and drives him into the mat with the Unprettier. Christian gets straight back to his feet though, and an evil smile crosses his face. He grabs Richards by the head and pulls him back to his feet again, slaps him across the face, then drives him to the mat with a second Unprettier. He arrogantly covers Richards with one foot, and Chris Kay counts the academic three.

Winner: Christian by pinfall in 02:12

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 50.7 / 78.6 / 59.3

Kay checks on Richards as Christian rolls out of the ring, still smiling. He walks over to Lillian Garcia and pushes her off her chair, which he proceeds to take. He grabs a second chair from beside the timekeeper’s table, and slides both into the ring. He re-enters the ring himself, grabs the first chair, and slides it under Richards’ head. Chris Kay remonstrates with him, so Christian kicks the official in the gut, then tosses him from the ring. He grabs the second chair, raises it high above his head, looks around at the crowd, and smiles once more before nailing Richards with a huge one-man Con-Chair-To!! A host of officials stream to the ring to prevent Christian doing any further damage, but Christian casually tosses the chair down and saunters back to the locker room, pausing on the stage to look up at the Titantron, which shows Richards being loaded onto a stretcher as we go to commercial. (TEW Rating: 62.4)

******Commercial Break*******

We return from commercial and join Jonathan Coachman in the backstage interview area, where he is standing with Triple H and Ric Flair

Jonathan Coachman: Joining me now are Ric Flair, and the World Heavyweight Champion, Triple H. Game, let me start by asking you how you think Evolution will fare tonight in their two matches?

Triple H: Well Coach, it’s real simple. First off, Edge and Batista are going to walk into the triple threat match later on tonight, crush four other guys, then walk out as the brand new World Tag Team champions. And you know why Coach? Because they are two of the top guys in this business today, they are the future of this industry – and that’s why they’re in Evolution.

Jonathan Coachman: How about tonight’s main event, pitting you two against the team of Randy Orton and Chris Benoit, who some say had you beat last week..

Triple H: Stop right there Coach, I know where this is going. Some people think that I was about to tap out right? Well they’re wrong. The simple fact of the matter is I was lulling Benoit into a false sense of security, and biding my time waiting for the right moment to strike. Edge happened to see that Benoit was about to cheat and rob me of my title, and kindly came to my assistance, which the referee mistook for interference, leading to my unjust disqualification. But, I think I proved that Benoit can’t beat me, so there’s really no need for me to give him a rematch is there.

Jonathan Coachman: Champ, I can see exactly where you are coming from. However, there is just the small matter of Ric Flair’s actions after the match last week. Naitch, talk us through what was going through your mind at the time.

Flair goes to speak, but is cut off by Triple H

Triple H: Let me handle this Naitch. You see Coach, I’ve talked it over with Ric, and we both agree that he was wrong to do what he did last week, but that’s all in the past. Ric knows that what I say goes in Evolution, and now we’re all on the same page, there will be no stopping us tonight. Let’s go Naitch.

Triple H leaves, and Flair shoots him a look, then hesitantly follows. (TEW Rating: 89.8)

Tyson Tomko vs. Shawn Michaels

We return to the ring to see Tyson Tomko awaiting his opponent. For the second time in the evening, “Sexy Boy” plays, but this time the crowd erupt as Shawn Michaels makes his way out. Michaels gets to the ring, and is jumped by Tomko, starting the match. Tomko pummels Michaels in the corner, then slams him to the canvas a couple of times. Tomko lined Michaels up, and as Michaels got to his feet, Tomko charged in looking for a big boot, but Michaels ducked, and Tomko straddled the top rope, then fell awkwardly to the outside. Jack Doan got to a count of 8 before Tomko got back into the ring, limping heavily. Michaels quickly took advantage, catching Tomko with a flying forearm to the jaw. Michaels lay on the mat, then kipped up, much to the crowd’s delight. He went to the corner and began tuning up the band, and the crowd clapped along as Tomko hobbled to his feet. Michaels smacked him with the Sweet Chin Music, and the three count was academic after that. Michaels began to celebrate his win, when Garrison Cade and Trish Stratus ran to the ring. Cade tried to blindside Michaels, but Michaels ducked the attempted clothesline, then bounced off the ropes and flattened Cade with a flying forearm of his own. Michaels got up and began tuning up the band once more, but this time Trish grabbed Cade’s ankle and pulled him out of the ring, preventing her client from receiving some Sweet Chin Music. The two men stared at each other, with Cade threatening Michaels, and Michaels daring Cade to get back in the ring as we cut backstage.

Winner: Shawn Michaels by pinfall in 06:25

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 60.5 / 71.5 / 73.0

We join Jonathan Coachman, who is standing by with Shelton Benjamin.

Jonathan Coachman: Shelton, you’ve had a rough couple of weeks, which, if we’re honest, is all your fault for sticking your nose into Kane’s business anyway, but tonight, you face William Regal for the Intercontinental Title. How do you rate your chances?

Shelton Benjamin: Coach, you say I stuck mah nose into Kane’s business, but I was raised to show people respect, and to do the right thing. Kane thinks he can walk around here attacking people just because he can? Not while I’m around. I’ve fought bullies before Coach, and I’ll fight them again. It’s called having standards Coach, maybe you should try it sometime. As for William Regal, I saw what kind of man he is when he attacked poor Eugene a couple of weeks ago. He may be the Intercontinental Champ right now, but after he faces me, I wouldn’t count on him being the one with the gold, coz’ there ain’t no stopping Shelton Benjamin.

Benjamin leaves the interview area, and the camera follows him for a second, before we catch a movement in the shadows. The camera focuses back on the interview area, and we see Kane emerge from around the corner. He chuckles to himself briefly, then smiles

Kane: Ain’t no stopping you Shelton? We’ll see about that….

Kane begins to laugh as we cut to commercial. (TEW Rating: 71.1)

******Commercial Break*******

WWE Intercontinental Title Match

Shelton Benjamin vs. William Regal ©

We return from commercial, and “Ain’t No Stopping Me” hits the speakers, and the crowd pop as Shelton Benjamin makes his entrance. The stately but ominous music of William Regal plays, and the cheers turn to boos as the Intercontinental Champion makes his way to the ring. The match gets underway, and the two men lock up. We are treated to a nice sequence of chain wrestling and amateur style takedowns and reversals, as both men try to get the advantage. Benjamin eventually gets it with an armdrag, but as Regal recovers both men get a small ripple of applause. They go to tie-up again, but Regal catches Benjamin with a knee, then whips Benjamin into the ropes, only to be floored by a shoulderblock on Benjamin’s return. Regal gets up and walks into a small package, which gets Shelton two, then gets straight back to his feet, only for Shelton to schoolboy him for another two count. Shelton scores with two clotheslines, then a dropkick sends Regal out of the ring, where he pushes the ringsteps over in frustration. Shelton goes after Regal, but Regal manages to catch the oncoming Shelton with a drop toehold, sending Shelton crashing headfirst into the steps. Regal quickly gets back in the ring and demands Mike Chioda begins a ten count. At 6, Shelton starts to get up, and manages to get back in the ring at 9. Regal quickly takes advantage, dropping a knee across the back of Shelton’s neck, then tying him up in a cross-armed chinlock. Benjamin fights out of the hold, but is quickly taken down again after Regal hits a running knee to the jaw. A butterfly suplex scores two for the champion, and is followed by the Regal Cutter, but Benjamin puts his foot on the bottom rope to stop the three count. Regal gets up and shouts abuse at Chioda about the decision. Benjamin pulls himself to his feet, and as Regal approaches him, he tries to kick Regal. Regal catches his foot and smiles, only for Benjamin to spin round and hit the Dragon Whip! Regal staggers backwards into the corner, with only the turnbuckle keeping him up. Benjamin brings the crowd into the match a little, then charges across the ring, leaps high into the air, and crushes Regal in the corner with the Shell Shocka! Benjamin pumps the crowd up some more as Regal crumples to the mat. Shelton climbs to the top rope, but before we see what he’s going for, Kane runs down the ramp, jumps onto the apron, and shoves Benjamin off the rope and to the outside, with his head crashing into the guardrail! Mike Chioda instantly calls for the bell, and Lillian Garcia announces Regal’s disqualification due to Kane’s run-in, but Kane just backtracks to the locker room, laughing to himself as Shelton lays hurt on the outside of the ring.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin by disqualification in 12:28

Match Rating: ***1/2

TEW Ratings: 76.6 / 93.1 / 88.0

We cut to the locker rooms, where we see Simon Dean shouting at A-Train

Simon Dean: .....and to top it all off, last week, you cost us the match with Jericho when you flattened me into the corner! And let me tell you, if you’d been working as hard as you should have been, you wouldn’t be carrying enough weight to take me out of the match like that!

A-Train: I told you, I’m sorry Simon. I’m trying, I really am

Simon Dean: I don’t think trying involves eating bags of doughnuts for dinner! Yeah, I found out about that. I have my sources you know. Now, do you want to be part of the Simon System or not?!!

A-Train: I do, I really do. I promise I’ll try harder. Give me one more chance, please.

Dean looks down at A-Train, shaking his head. Suddenly, a smile crosses his face

Simon Dean: OK, I will, on one condition though.

A-Train: Anything!

Simon Dean: Well, Eric Bischoff wanted me to face Chris Jericho last night, to make up for losing last week. Instead though, you’re going to face Jericho for me. Do that, and you can stay on the Simon System.

A-Train: I’ll do it! And I promise that I won’t let you down.

Simon Dean: I know you won’t Train. By the way, be up early tomorrow morning – you’re going on a 20 mile run.

A-Train: Oh man….

Simon Dean: Hey, it’s all part of the Simon System. Now get out there and show Jericho what you can do.

Dean slaps A-Train on the shoulder, and A-Train heads out of the room. Once he’s gone, Dean sits down, rummages through his bag, and pulls out a bar of chocolate.

Simon Dean: Ah, now this is real food…

He takes a big bite of the chocolate as we return to the ring. (TEW Rating: 59.0)

A-Train vs. Chris Jericho

“Break The Walls Down” kicks in, and the crowd erupt as Chris Jericho makes his entrance. The bells ring, and then the heavy guitars kick in as A-Train marches to the ring, looking determined. He slides in the ring and goes straight for Jericho, pushing him into the corner and clubbing him with furious forearms. He brings Jericho out of the corner with a modified hip toss, then runs him over as he gets back to his feet, getting a two count. A-Train picks Jericho up, whips him into the ropes, and catches him with a hard powerslam for another two count. A-Train bangs the mat in annoyance, then picks Jericho up again and tries for a butterfly suplex, but this time Jericho counters out with a backdrop. A-Train gets back to his feet, and his met by a running forearm from Jericho, which staggers him, and Jericho follows up with a running enzuiguri for a two count. Jericho perches himself on the second turnbuckle, and as A-Train gets up, Jericho takes him down with a flying faceplant. Jericho pumps his fists, then goes for the Lionsault, but A-Train counters by raising his knees. A-Train gets up and grabs Jericho by the throat, looking for the Derailler, only for Jericho to break A-Train’s grip, then trip him up and put him into the Walls Of Jericho! A-Train fought the pain for a few moments, then tapped out to give Jericho the win. He celebrated his victory as we went to commercial.

Winner: Chris Jericho by pinfall in 06:01

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 69.6 / 66.2 / 76.1

******Commercial Break*******

Triple Threat Match for the World Tag Team Titles

Batista & Edge vs. Rhyno & Tajiri vs. La Resistance ©

“Metallingus” kicks in as we return from commercial, and Edge & Batista make thier way down to the ring. Rhyno & Tajiri make their entrance as Jim Ross explains that this will be a Tornado Triple Threat match, so all six men can be in the ring at once. Then, the Tag Team Champions, La Resistance, make their way out, and we get underway. It starts as you would expect, with all six men brawling in the ring. Conway fights Edge, Grenier fights Tajiri, and Rhyno squares up to Batista. The brawl spills out of the ring, and it’s obvious that Mike Chioda has already lost control of the match. Occasionally, there is a near fall in the ring, but one of the other four competitors breaks any cover. Eventually, we come down to Tajiri fighting Grenier in the ring, Tajiri unleashes a barrage of kicks, but Rob Conway blindsides him. Grenier holds Tajiri up, and Conway bounces off the ropes, only for Tajiri to duck, leading to Conway clotheslining his own partner! Grenier falls out of the ring, as Tajiri stands behind Conway, who holds his hands to his head in disbelief. Conway turns around, and Tajiri sprays green mist into Conway’s face! Conway drops to his knees, trying to clear his eyes, but this only allows Tajiri to whack him with the Buzzsaw Kick! Conway crumples to the mat, but before Tajiri can take advantage, Edge suddenly comes into the picture with a Spear, and the impact sends Tajiri from the ring! Edge then crouches in the corner, measuring Conway who is trying to get back to his feet. Edge starts to run across the ring, looking for a second Spear, but is cut off by a Gore from Rhyno! Rhyno beats his chest and raises his arms in the air, blissfully unaware that Batista has slid into the ring and is standing behind him. Batista spins Rhyno around, then casually lifts him up and drives him to the mat with a massive spinebuster!! Batista covers Rhyno, and Chioda makes the count – one…………….two…………..three!! Batista and Edge are the new Tag Team Champions! Batista helps Edge to his feet as Chioda hands them the titles, and they hold them high in the air as they celebrate.

Winners & New Champions: Edge & Batista by pinfall in 10:23

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 71.4 / 76.0 / 73.9

We go from the ring to the backstage area, where we see Jonathan Coachman standing with Randy Orton

Jonathan Coachman: Randy, as you just saw, Edge & Batista are the new Tag Team Champions, and in tonight’s main event, you will team up with Chris Benoit to face the other half of Evolution, Ric Flair & Triple H. Do you think that you two even have a chance tonight?

Randy Orton: Let me tell you something Coach, anytime you want to back your mouth up by facing me in the ring, I’ll be more than happy to make some time to kick your ass. Until that time, I suggest you keep your little comments to yourself, OK? As for tonight, it’s all about revenge. Edge might have just won the Tag Team Titles with Batista, but if he thinks for a second that I’ve forgotten how he screwed me at Survivor Series, or what he did to be last week, then he’s dead wrong. I will get even with you Edge, maybe not now, but soon. But for now, I’m focused on Triple H. You see, ever since Survivor Series, one thing has dominated my thoughts. One thing has consumed my days, and that’s the thought that whilst Triple H is champion, I won’t receive another shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Last week, Chris Benoit had Triple H beat, until Evolution screwed him. And by screwing Benoit out of the title, Evolution also screwed me out of a chance at the World Title. So when Eric Bischoff proposed that I team with Chris for this week’s match, I said yes immediately. Tonight, Triple H and Ric Flair will face two men who have their sights set on taking them out. So Coach, you ask me, do I think we even have a chance tonight? I ask you, do Evolution have a chance of walking out in one piece tonight?

Orton glares at Coachman momentarily, then heads out of shot as we cut to commercial. (TEW Rating: 85.6)

******Commercial Break*******

We return from the commercial with the Smackdown Rebound. We see highlights of last week’s show, including Carlito Caribbean Cool costing Rey Mysterio his tag match, The Dudleys inadvertently helping the FBI win theirs, and The Undertaker defeating Luther Reigns, only for Kurt Angle to attack him with a chair afterwards. We then see The Big Show making the save, only for The Undertaker to see him with the chair, and think that it was Show who attacked him, leading to Taker flattening Show with a chairshot of his own. (TEW Rating: 77.9)

Chris Benoit & Randy Orton vs. Triple H & Ric Flair

We return to the ring, and “Whatever” kicks in, and Chris Benoit makes his entrance to a resounding pop. As he gets in the ring, “Take What’s Mine” plays, and Randy Orton comes out. The two partners talk briefly, before “Line In The Sand” starts up, and Ric Flair & Triple H make their entrance, with Triple H gesticulating to Flair as they come to the ring. The match starts off with Benoit and Flair, and the two men lock up. Flair grabs a headlock, but Benoit eases him into the ropes, then takes Flair down with a shoulderblock. Flair gets back up and chops at Benoit, but Benoit fires back with some stinging knife-edges of his own, then headbutts Flair down again. Benoit tags Orton in, and the youngster unleashes several punches on Flair, then dropkicks him down to the canvas. Flair begs off, and Orton hesistates, allowing Flair to catch him with a thumb to the eye, followed by a clip to the knee. Flair stomps away on Orton’s knee, then tags in Triple H. Triple H continues working on the knee, driving his elbow into it repeatedly, then wrapping it up in a leglock variation. Orton gets to the ropes to break the hold, but Triple H tags Flair back in. Flair clips Orton again, then drives him to the mat with a back suplex, which gets him a two count. Flair lights Orton up with some chops in the corner, but his irish whip is reversed, leading to Flair’s traditional corner bump and apron walk. Orton cuts him off at the turnbuckle and tosses him back into the ring, but his leg gives out and he falls to his knees. Both men crawl to their corners, and Flair tags Triple H back in just before Orton can reach Benoit, and Triple H drags Orton back to the centre of the ring, where he drops a knee across Orton’s forehead. Triple H picks Orton up, but then viciously levels him with a short clothesline, and covers. Earl Hebner counts – one………….two………….kickout. Triple H tags Flair back in, and they double team Orton, whipping him into the ropes. They try a double clothesline, but Orton ducks it, then comes off the ropes with a high crossbody, taking both Flair & Triple H down. The crowd cheer Orton on as he inches closer to his corner, and they pop loudly when he makes the tag to Benoit. Benoit races into the ring, and levels both Triple H and Flair with clotheslines. Triple H is first up, and is treated to a snap suplex, and Flair gets the same treatment, but Benoit suplexes him onto HHH! Benoit runs his thumb along his throat, then heads up top. He flies off with the Swandive Headbutt, crashing into both Flair & HHH’s shoulders! Benoit shakes the cobwebs off, and covers Triple H, but Flair breaks the count at two. Flair tries to chop Benoit, but Benoit counters with a German Suplex! He holds onto the waistlock, but as Hebner is checking on Triple H, Flair mule kicks Benoit, breaking the hold and sending Benoit reeling in pain, where he stumbles into a Triple H spinebuster! Randy Orton runs across the ring and clotheslines Flair over the top rope and to the outside, but as Hebner remonstrates with Orton, Triple H signals to Flair. Flair goes to the timekeepers table and grabs the World Title, then rolls back in the ring as Triple H holds Benoit up. Flair winds up and runs at Benoit, but at the last moment Benoit ducks, and Flair drives the title belt into Triple H’s face! Triple H falls backwards to the mat as Benoit grabs Flair and throws him from the ring, then quickly covers Triple H and hooks the leg. Orton points out the cover to Hebner, and Hebner turns and begins the count – one………………two………………three!! Benoit rolls out of the ring quickly, and is joined in the aisle by Orton as they celebrate, but the show ends with Triple H pulling himself up using the ropes and staring daggers at Flair, who stands at ringside looking aghast at what he’s done.

Winners: Chris Benoit & Randy Orton by pinfall in 15:12

Match Rating: ****

TEW Ratings: 86.3 / 89.4 / 92.8

*******************END SHOW**************************

[R.W.]

WWE Smackdown

Thursday 9th December 2004

Live from the Barton Coliseum, Little Rock, Arkansas

Attendance: 6,897 (Capacity: 7,175)

Velocity Taping:

The Dudley Boys defeated Shannon Moore & Scotty 2 Hotty after the 3-D

Billy Kidman pinned Funaki with the Shooting Star Press

Kenzo Suzuki pinned Billy Gunn after the STO

The camera pans the arena as the pyros go off, then we cut to Michael Cole and Tazz at ringside

Michael Cole: We are just 3 days away from Armageddon, and Little Rock is rocking tonight! Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I'm Michael Cole, and with me is Tazz, and do we have a Smackdown for you tonight! General Manager Theodore Long has announced that in the main event, it will be Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns teaming up to face The Big Show and The Undertaker, and after last week's events, can Show and The Undertaker co-exist?!

Tazz: There's no doubt that this one is gonna be a rocketbustah Cole, and I can't see Taker and Show working well together at all. It was only last week that Taker nearly caved Show's skull in with a steel chair!

Michael Cole: But Taker thought that Show had hit him with the chair first, when in fact it was Kurt Angle!

Tazz: Which is why Kurt Angle may be the smartest man on Smackdown today. If Taker and Show take each other out tonight, it gives Kurt a tremendous advantage in the Triple Threat match for the WWE Heavyweight Title this Sunday at Armageddon. You've gotta remember that Intelligence is one of Kurt's three I's!

Michael Cole: That's a good point partner. Well also tonight, we have Mark Jindrak facing Eddie Guerrero in singles action, but coming up first, we have the finals of the tournament to decide the number one contenders to the Tag Team Titles!

Charlie Haas' theme plays, and the Tag Team Champions, accompanied by Miss Jackie, come to ringside and sit with Cole & Tazz.(TEW Rating: 72.8)

Michael Cole: It looks like we're gonna have some guest commentary from the Tag Team Champions as well!

Tazz: Hey Jackie, why don't you come sit next to me

Miss Jackie: Oooh, why thank you Tazz

Jackie proceeds to sit on Tazz's knee, as Tazz beams from ear to ear

Rico: Excuse me Charles, but if you don't mind, I'd like to sit next to Michael.

Charlie Haas: Go for it.

Rico sits next to Michael and rubs his arm, as Michael smiles nervously

Rico: Hey Michael, how are you doing?

Michael Cole: I...I...I..I'm fine, thanks for asking. So Rico, Charlie, do you have any preference as to who you face at Armageddon?

Charlie Haas: Whoever we face will be difficult opponents Michael. The Bashams are former tag champions themselves, and they can handle themselves in the ring, whereas the F.B.I. have a good mix of power and skill. At the end of the day though, it doesn't matter, as Rico and myself are fighting champions, and we'll defend our titles against anyone who wants a shot.

The music of the Bashams kicks in

Michael Cole: Well, it looks like we're about to find out who'll you be facing this Sunday at Armageddon! (TEW Rating: 84.0)

Tag Team Titles #1 Contenders Tournament Final

The Basham Brothers vs. The F.B.I.

The match starts off with Stamboli & Doug, with Stamboli overpowering his opponent. Doug tags in Danny, but it makes no difference, as Stamboli bounces Danny across the ring too. After levelling Danny with a clothesline, he tags in Nunzio, and Nunzio goes to work on Danny's arm, wringing it, then taking him down in an armbar. Danny gets to the ropes, so Nunzio runs the ropes as Danny gets back up. Doug tries to hit Nunzio as bounces off the ropes, but Nunzio avoids the contact. However, as he is distracted with Doug, Danny runs into him with a knee to the back, allowing him to tag Doug in. The Bashams cut the ring in half for the next few minutes, isolating Nunzio, and getting several near falls. A double suplex sees Danny score another two count, but this time Stamboli makes the save. The Bashams then set up Nunzio for the Ball and Gag, but as Danny runs the ropes, Nunzio frees himself from Doug's leg grapevine, and pulls Doug into Danny's lariat! As Danny checks on his brother, Nunzio crawls to his corner and makes the tag to Stamboli! Stamboli races into the ring and flattens Danny with a clothesline, then press slams Doug before tossing him to the mat. Danny eats a second clothesline, and Doug is whipped across the ring into the turnbuckles. Stamboli tries to do the same to Danny, but Danny reverses the whip, only for Stamboli to counter again, leading to Danny crashing into Brian Hebner! Hebner crumples to the mat as Danny stumbles into Stamboli, who hits him with the Fuhgeddaboutit! The crowd start booing, and we see the Dudleys marching to the ring, carrying a table. They set the table up at ringside, then slide into the ring, but Stamboli sees them coming and flattens Bubba with a clothesline, as Nunzio staggers in and attacks D-Von. D-Von & Nunzio spill to the outside, whilst Stamboli tosses Bubba out of the ring. In the meantime, Doug has grabbed a chair from ringside, and is behind Stamboli. Doub winds up, but Stamboli turns around and ducks the shot, the drills Doug with a DDT! Nunzio is brawling with D-Von still, when he is flattened by a forearm to the head from Bubba. Stamboli picks Doug up for the Fuhgeddaboutit, then sees Bubba Ray with Nunzio in a powerbomb position by the table. Stamboli drops Doug and yells at Bubba for him to put Nunzio down, but the distraction is long enough for Doug to grab the chair once more and smack Stamboli in the back with it. D-Von smiles, then yells at Bubba to "Do it!!", prompting Bubba to smash Nunzio through the table!! Doug rolls Danny out of the ring, and covers Stamboli as a groggy Hebner comes round and makes the count - one........................two...................three! The Dudleys retreat to the locker room, laughing at what they have done, as The Bashams' hands are raised in victory, and they stare at Haas & Rico, who are out of their seats and pointing to their tag team titles.

Winners: The Basham Brothers by pinfall in 09:42

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 68.4 / 72.9 / 73.8

******Commercial Break*******

When we return from commercial, we are in Theodore Long’s office, where we find The F.B.I., with Nunzio holding the back of his neck.

Nunzio: …….look, paisan, all we want is a little revenge. The Dudleys have been trying to screw with us since we knocked them out of the tournament, and now they’ve cost us a shot at the titles!

Theodore Long: I feel you playa. Look, I’ll tell you what. How about I put you in a match with the Dudleys, this Sunday at Armageddon!

Nunzio: That’s fine by me

Johnny Stamboli: Wait a second, that’s fine, but it could be better. You saw what just happened to Nunzio out there. They put him through a damn table, just like they did a couple of weeks ago. I say we take them on at their own game this Sunday. Let’s make it a Tables Match!

Theodore Long: You sure about that playa?

Johnny Stamboli: Damn sure.

Theodore Long: OK, if that’s the way you want it. This Sunday at Armageddon, it will be The F.B.I. versus The Dudleys, in a Tag Team Tables Match!

The crowd give a mild pop at the announcement, as Rey Mysterio enters the room. (TEW Rating: 66.0)

Rey Mysterio: Teddy, I need to speak with you

Theodore Long: What’s up dawg?

Rey Mysterio: Well, you saw what happened to me and Rob last week. Carlito attacked me during our match, and we lost because of it. I’m not going to let Carlito get away with it, and I know you’re the man who can fix it for me.

Long looks at Mysterio, rubbing his chin.

Theodore Long: I’ll tell you what playa. You’ve given me an idea. This Sunday at Armageddon, it will be Rey Mysterio against Carlito Caribbean Cool, for the WWE United States Title!

The crowd cheer at this announcement.

Rey Mysterio: Thanks a lot Teddy, I knew I could count on you.

Theodore Long: Hold on a second there playa. That’s not all. Tonight, you’ll get the chance to face Carlito in the ring too, as it will be Carlito Caribbean Cool, Booker T and John Bradshaw Layfield against Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam…………….and John Cena!

The crowd roar at the mere mention of Cena’s name.

Theodore Long: Now go out there and show the world why Smackdown is the place to be, you feel me?

Mysterio smiles and leaves the room, as The F.B.I. watch on from the background. (TEW Rating: 72.6)

Rene Dupree vs. Hardcore Holly

We return to the ring, and Hardcore Holly is finishing his entrance as Dupree is circling the ring. The match gets started, and Holly seems wound up, as he unleashes several clubbing forearms to Dupree, forcing Dupree to his knees. Cole & Tazz speculate that Holly’s mystery “stalker” has rattled Holly, as Holly slams Dupree into the mat, then boots him repeatedly in the face. Holly whips Dupree into the ropes, then levels him with a stiff dropkick on his return. Holly gets back to his feet and waits for Dupree to get up. Dupree gets to his feet, turns around, and is hoisted into the air by Holly, who then whiplashes him to the mat with the Alabama Slam! Holly hooks the leg, and Jim Kordairis makes the three count.

Winner: Hardcore Holly by pinfall in 03:25

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 59.4 / 68.5 / 66.3

Holly gets up and kicks Dupree out of the ring, still agitated. He turns around, and asks for a microphone, but before he can be given one, the lights go out. The same muffled voices that have been heard in recent weeks fill the arena. A few moments pass, and the lights come back on…………..

And Hardcore Holly is sat in the middle of the ring, drenched in blood. The shocked look on his face is broken when the Titantron flickers into life, and a familiar music starts to play. Holly looks up at the Titantron, and we see a message:

“Armageddon:

The Return Of Gangrel” (TEW Rating: 55.5)

******Commercial Break*******

As we come back from the break, we join Josh Matthews, who is standing with Kurt Angle.

Josh Matthews: Kurt, in 3 days time you will get the opportunity to become WWE Champion when you face The Big Show and The Undertaker in a Triple Threat Match at Armageddon. Over the past week, there has been a lot of tension between The Big Show & The Undertaker, and many say that it’s because of what you did last week….

Kurt Angle: You’re damn right it is Josh. You see, as an Olympic Gold Medallist, and multiple champion here in the WWE, I’ve learnt that every part of the body is an effective weapon, but nothing is more dangerous than the mind. This Sunday, I’m in a Triple Threat match with a 7 foot, 500 pound monster, and a 6 foot 10, 320 pound zombie. Now, I may have won a gold medal with a broken frickin neck, but even I wouldn’t like my odds against those two normally. However, when you’ve got the monster trying to destroy the zombie, and the zombie trying to kill the monster………suddenly my chances look a lot better.

Josh Matthews: Well, your plan could come into effect tonight, as it will be you and Luther Reigns against The Undertaker and The Big Show in the main event.

Kurt Angle: And there lies the beauty of the plan. You see Josh, not only will Luther & I give them a beating, I’ve no doubt in my mind that they’ll tear each other to pieces as well. If I was a betting man Josh, I’d say put the house on Kurt Angle walking out of Armageddon as WWE Champion. Oh it’s true………….it’s damn true.

Angle smirks into the camera as we return to the ring. (TEW Rating: 90.2)

Mark Jindrak vs. Eddie Guerrero

“Viva La Raza” kicks in, and the crowd erupts as Eddie Guerrero makes his way out to the ring in a stylish lowrider, as Jindrak watches from the ring. The match starts with Guerrero outfoxing Jindrak, as Guerrero avoids Jindrak’s attempted strikes, and knocks him down with various dropkicks, armdrags and headscissors. Guerrero taunts Jindrak some more, and Jindrak rushes Guerrero, only to be dropkicked in the knee, and quickly cradled for a two count. Guerrero taunts Jindrak once more, but this time Jindrak just lumps him with a hard left hand. Jindrak takes control of the match with his basic offense, putting Guerrero down with slams, then keeping him there with stomps and a chinlock. The crowd start to get behind Guerrero as he fights out of the chinlock, but just as he breaks free, Jindrak clubs him down with a clothesline to the back of the head, which gets him a two count. Jindrak briefly argues with Charles Robinson, then focuses back on Guerrero. He whips Guerrero into the turnbuckle, and Guerrero hits sternum first, then staggers backwards. Jindrak grabs Guerrero and lifts him for the Mark of Excellence, but Guerrero twists his body round and counters it into a DDT, spiking Jindrak into the mat! Both men are down as Robinson starts to count, but Guerrero makes it to his feet first. Jindrak tries a punch, but Guerrero blocks and fires back with his own, then another, then one more before Jindrak falls down. The crowd cheer as Guerrero hooks Jindrak up, and he proceeds to deliver the rolling vertical suplexes, leaving Jindrak down in the middle of the ring. Guerrero got to his feet and slapped his chest as the crowd cheered, then climbed to the top rope, before flying off with a perfect Frog Splash onto Jindrak. Robinson made the three count and Guerrero was victorious.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero by pinfall in 10:12

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 76.2 / 70.3 / 82.6

As Eddie celebrates, Chavo Guerrero races to the ring. He decks Eddie from behind, then puts the boots to him. He signals to Jindrak to get up, then shoves Eddie towards Jindrak, who drills Eddie with the Mark Of Excellence. Chavo looks around at the crowd, then climbs to the top rope, mocks Eddie’s chest slapping pose, then dives off with a Frog Splash of his own, as Jindrak holds Eddie’s legs. Chavo gets up and cockily raises his arms in triumph, before he and Jindrak leave the ring, leaving Eddie down on the mat. (TEW Rating: 78.4)

The cameras cut backstage, where we see Spike Dudley on a cellphone

Spike Dudley: ...........so, you’re clear on the plan. I go out on Sunday, make the challenge again, then you come out. I’ll pretend to be scared, then you get in the ring, I knock you down, and I make the cover to win the match. Simple. Good, I’m glad you agree. I can’t wait to see the looks on all the guys faces after this. I’ll see you Sunday Duane.

Spike ends the call, then walks away smiling as we go to commercial. (TEW Rating: 61.5)

******Commercial Break*******

Akio vs. Paul London

We join this match in progress as we return from commercial. Cole points out that this is London’s first match on Smackdown since being concussed by Billy Kidman at Survivor Series, as Tazz retorts that it’s Akio’s first appearance on Smackdown in months. The two men put on a great match, but the crowd doesn’t seems to care, as the lack of exposure for both men recently doesn’t give them a reason to. They trade holds at a fast pace, and there is a nice pinfall reversal sequence which gets both men several near falls. As London gets the upper hand with a hurricanrana, Billy Kidman comes out and stands on top of the stage, arms crossed and watching intently. London is momentarily distracted, allowing Akio to dropkick him into the turnbuckle, then roll him up for a two count. Akio seizes control of the match, and nails London with a spinning heel kick, which gets him another two count. Akio slaps the mat in annoyance, then drills London with a belly to back suplex, before climbing to the top rope. Akio comes off with what looks like a corkscrew moonsault, but London rolls out of the way and Akio smashes into the canvas. London capitalizes, and smacks Akio with a running enzuiguri as he gets back up. Akio crumples to the mat, and London climbs to the top rope. He points at Kidman, then hits the 450 Splash on Akio, getting the three count and the win. Brian Hebner raises London’s arm in victory, but London just looks at Kidman, who just smiles, then walks back to the locker room.

Winner: Paul London by pinfall in 08:02

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 58.0 / 91.7 / 80.0

We then get the Raw Rebound, as we see highlights of Monday’s show. We see Christian’s one man Con-Chair-To on Stevie Richards, Batista & Edge win the World Tag Titles in a Triple Threat Match, and Chris Benoit and Randy Orton defeat Triple H and Ric Flair, after Ric Flair accidentally hits Triple H, allowing Benoit to pin the World Heavyweight Title. (TEW Rating: 81.6)

We return to ringside, and “Basic Thuganomics” kicks in, and the crowd erupt as John Cena makes his entrance, mic in hand.

John Cena: Yo yo yo, cut the music. Little Rock, make some noise for the Franchise!!

The crowd cheer on command

John Cena: In three days time, it’s Cena / JBL, some say it’s Armageddon but for you it’ll be hell. Christmas is coming, but I ain’t no Santa, I’m just gonna kick your ass all over Atlanta. You think you’re a tough guy, I’ve gotta disagree, ain’t no way you can touch this, you can’t see me!! (crowd cheers) So I’ll be waiting this Sunday, but it’s gonna be quick, you’re going down faster than you did on Orlando’s………….

Cena lifts the mic in the air and lets the crowd finish the couplet for him, as “One Of A Kind” kicks in, and Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam head to the ring. (TEW Rating: 93.7)

John Cena, Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam vs. Booker T, Carlito Caribbean Cool & John Bradshaw Layfield

The match gets underway with Van Dam & Carlito in the ring. Carlito tries to sucker punch Van Dam, but Van Dam avoids it and sweeps his legs out, bringing Carlito to the mat. Van Dam, Mysterio and Cena then make frequent tags, all hitting a move on Carlito, then tagging out again. Cena takes Carlito down with a shouldertackle, then tags Mysterio back in. Mysterio bounces off the ropes, but as he does so, JBL drives his knee into the small of Mysterio’s back, allowing Carlito to catch Mysterio with an elbowsmash and tag out to Booker T. The heels drag Mysterio into their corner, and as Booker distracts Charles Robinson, JBL & Carlito choke Mysterio in the corner. Booker, Carlito & JBL then take turns to tag and punish Mysterio. Booker hits a sidekick for two, and JBL gets the same off the Last Call. Carlito tags back in, and whips Rey into the turnbuckle. Carlito pauses for a moment, then tries to tackle Mysterio in the corner, only for Mysterio to move, and Carlito to crash into the ringpost. Mysterio dives towards his own corner and tags in Cena, as Booker & JBL rush into the ring. Cena levels both men with clotheslines, and RVD leaps into the ring to help. Soon, all six men are brawling in the ring and Robinson is trying to clear it. In the chaos, JBL whacks RVD with the Clothesline From Hell, knocking him from the ring, as Mysterio vaults over the top rope with a plancha onto Carlito. As Cena fights with Booker, JBL turns around and measures Cena, but as he charges, Cena sidesteps and JBL collides with Booker! Cena throws JBL through the ropes, then kicks Booker in the stomach, hoists him onto his shoulders, then throws him to the mat with the F-U! Cena hooks the leg as he covers, and Robinson makes the count – one……………..two…………………three!!! Cena celebrates his win, and taunts JBL, who is outside the ring, kicking the stairs as we go to commercial

Winner: John Cena, Rob Van Dam & Rey Mysterio by pinfall in 09:28

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 71.8 / 72.1 / 72.2

******Commercial Break*******

We return from commercial with a hype video for Armageddon, as Michael Cole and Tazz run down the card for the home viewers. (TEW Rating: 86.6)

Kurt Angle & Luther Reigns vs. The Big Show & The Undertaker

“Medal” plays, and Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns make their entrance to a hail of boos. The Big Show makes his entrance, before the lights go out and the gong sounds, as “Graveyard Symphony” plays, and the WWE Champion, The Undertaker, makes his entrance. Taker looks at Show, and the two men stare at each other before Angle and Reigns jump them, getting the match started. Nick Patrick manages to get Reigns and Show in the ring alone, and they become the legal men. Reigns fires in some shots on Show, but Show pie-faces him and shoves him across the ring. Show levels him with a clothesline as he gets up, then bodyslams him to the mat. Reigns gets up, and Show presses him above his head, but before he can complete the slam, Angle runs in and clips him from behind, bringing Show down. Reigns quickly tags Angle in, and Angle goes to work on Show’s knee, dropping elbows on it, and using the ringpost to ram the knee joint. Angle tags Reigns back in, and they carry on double-teaming the knee. Reigns hits a second rope elbowdrop for a two count, and when that doesn’t work, he stamps on Show’s knee once more. Angle tags in again, and grabs Show’s leg, going for the Ankle Lock, but Show uses his leg strength to kick Angle off, propelling Angle back to his corner, giving Show time to reach across and tag The Undertaker, just as Reigns tags back in. Reigns backs off at first, then charges at The Undertaker, only to run into a big boot. Angle gets up and is met with a throat thrust, knocking him back down. Taker grabs Reigns’ wrist, twists it, then heads to the corner. The crowd chant “Old School” as Taker walks along the top rope, then launches off and clubs Reigns across the back with a forearm. Taker stalks Reigns as he gets back to his feet, motioning for a chokeslam. As he grabs Reigns by the throat, Angle attacks him from behind, and quickly hits an Angle Slam! Before Angle can get to his own feet though, The Big Show is back in the ring, and he hammers Angle with a hard right hand. Reigns is distracted by this, and doesn’t see The Undertaker sit up behind him. Reigns turns and is met by several right hands, as all four men brawl in the ring. After a few moments of this, Nick Patrick calls for the bell, signalling for a double DQ. The four men continue to fight, until Show clotheslines Reigns over the top rope. The Undertaker runs at Angle with a clothesline of his own, but Angle ducks the clothesline and bails from the ring, just as Taker smacks Show in the back with the clothesline! Show turns around, fuming, and he and Taker go nose to nose, with neither man flinching. Suddenly, Show grabs Taker by the throat, then picks him up and drives him to the mat with a huge Choke Slam! The show goes off air with an angry Show looking down on Taker as Kurt Angle laughs in the aisle.

Winners: Double Disqualification in 11:28

Match Rating: ***1/4

TEW Ratings: 80.4 / 72.0 / 82.5

*******************END SHOW**************************

The final card for Armageddon is as follows:

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Heavyweight Title

The Undertaker © vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Big Show

John Cena vs. John Bradshaw Layfield

Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero

WWE United States Title Match

Carlito Caribbean Cool © vs. Rey Mysterio

WWE Tag Team Title Match

Haas & Rico © vs. The Basham Brothers

Paul London vs. Billy Kidman

Hardcore Holly vs. Gangrel

Tag Team Tables Match

The Dudley Boys vs. The F.B.I.

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match

Spike Dudley © vs. A Mystery Opponent

Edited April 19, 2005 by Rabid Wolverine

[Commander Sheepard]

Wow, where has THIS been? I don't know why I haven't been following this diary, but I can guarantee I'm about to start.

Really good job with this Rabid Wolverine. You've got some great angles playing out (Flair's "mistakes with HHH", Eddie and Chavo, heck, even the Dudleys and the F.B.I is getting me itnersted, along with others of course), and all of that is mixed with some solid writing and booking. I like that you aren't letting the behind the scenes aspect overwhelm the rest of the diary, as there's just enough to keep things going.

The format is fine and easy to read, and since you explained how the TEW ratings work (since I haven't ever played it either) it's been even easier to get a feel for how the "real" show would have gone.

Overall, a very solid job with this one. I'll have to make this a more frequent read...

[R.W.]

WWE Armageddon 2004

Sunday 12th December 2004

Live from Arena at Gwinnitt Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Attendance: 6,995 (Capacity 11,200)

Dark Matches & Heat:

Luther Reigns pinned Billy Gunn after the Reign Fall

Theodore Long announced that the Cena / JBL match will now be a Streetfight

Rob Van Dam pinned Booker T with the Five Star Frog Splash

The End. (the video starts with a clip of a mushroom cloud, followed by various battle scenes). Where everything you've done falls into focus. How will you be judged? What will you be remembered for? Your family ties? (clips of Eddie & Chavo Guerrero fighting play) Your moral standards? (clips of JBL play) Your respect for authority? (clips of John Cena) or your quest for personal glory? (clips of Kurt Angle & The Big Show)

When the Day of Reckoning comes, will you be saved, or will you be cast into the pits of hell? For now, Armageddon is upon us.....(various clips of The Undertaker destroying opponents play, ending with him kneeling in the center of the ring, bathed in purple light)

and The End is here (TEW Rating: 87.4)

Michael Cole: Hello everyone, and welcome to Armageddon!! I’m Michael Cole, and with me is my broadcast partner Tazz, and we’re honoured to be bringing you this Smackdown brand exclusive pay per view!

Tazz: It’s a cold winter’s night in Atlanta Cole, but here in the Arena the atmosphere is red hot!

Michael Cole: And what a night of action we have for you, with four titles on the line, including the WWE Heavyweight Title, as The Undertaker defends in a Triple Threat match against The Big Show and Kurt Angle

Tazz: It ain’t no secret that Kurt Angle has managed to create animosity between the two giants, and he’s looking to use that to his advantage as he tries to win the World Title, but you can never overlook the sheer power and size of The Big Show, or the scary, scary dominance of The Undertaker. It’s gonna be a rocketbustah, that’s for sure.

Michael Cole: Also tonight, two men from opposite walks of life will clash, as John Bradshaw Layfield collides with John Cena, and after General Manager Theodore Long made this match a Streetfight on Heat, you just know that this is going to be brutal.

Tazz: It’s not just gonna be brutal Cole, this is gonna be straight off da hook. These two guys are going to beat each other senseless, and it’s gonna be a physical war.

Michael Cole: And speaking of wars, let’s not forget the family feud between Eddie and Chavo Guerrero. Chavo pinned Eddie, with a little lying, cheating and stealing at Survivor Series, but Eddie returned the favour a couple of weeks ago on Smackdown. Tonight, they might once again, as Chavo tries to prove to the world that he is the superior Guerrero.

Tazz: Let’s not forget that Chavo left Eddie down and out this Thursday on Smackdown, with a little help from his friends in the Honour Society. You’ve gotta believe that Chavo has something up his sleeve tonight.

Michael Cole: But let’s get things started with our Tag Team Tables match!!

“Drop The Bombs” hits the P.A., and the crowd boo as The Dudley Boys head to the ring. (TEW Rating: 73.6)

Tag Team Tables Match

The Dudley Boys vs. The F.B.I.

As Bubba and D-Von walk around the ring, shouting abuse at the crowd, the FBI’s music plays, and a surprisingly decent pop greets Nunzio and Johnny Stamboli as they enter the ring. The match gets underway, and breaks down into a brawl immediately. Stamboli pairs off with Bubba, and D-Von goes for Nunzio. D-Von beats Nunzio down in the corner, as Stamboli goes punch for punch with Bubba in the middle of the ring, before Stamboli gets the upper hand and knocks him through the ropes. Stamboli then turns to D-Von and clubs him in the back, before he and Nunzio deliver a double suplex to him. Stamboli rolls out of the ring and grabs a table, and slides it into the ring. Nunzio lifts himself up onto the second turnbuckle, and as D-Von gets to his feet, Stamboli kicks him in the gut, and Nunzio comes off the turnbuckle and hits the Sicilian Slice! Stamboli sets up the table, and hooks D-Von up for a suplex, but before he can execute the move, Bubba Ray gets back into the ring and shoves the table out of the way, so D-Von only hits canvas. Bubba flattens Nunzio with a clothesline, and as Stamboli gets back to his feet, Bubba gives him the same treatment, then kicks him out of the ring. Bubba barks at D-Von to get the table back up, as he grabs Nunzio and sets him up for a powerbomb. Bubba lifts Nunzio up, but Nunzio punches away at the head of Bubba, causing Bubba to fall backwards to the mat. Nunzio gets up as D-Von turns around, and Nunzio runs at him, baseball slides through his legs, then dropkicks him, causing D-Von to fall through the ropes, into Stamboli. Bubba gets up, and Nunzio kicks him in the stomach, then grabs his arm and goes for the Arrivaderchi. Nunzio springboards off the ropes, but as he spins, Bubba reaches round and catches him with his other arm. Bubba takes a few steps forwards, then launches Nunzio off him with a modified spinebuster, causing Nunzio to crash through the table, eliminating him at 04:12. Referees quickly pull the table wreckage and Nunzio out of the ring as Bubba goes to help D-Von with Stamboli. They whip him into the stairs outside the ring, then back into the ring, where D-Von lifts Stamboli up into a back suplex position, allowing Bubba to bring him down with a neckbreaker. With Stamboli down, Bubba shoves D-Von, and yells a familiar sentence – “D-Von! Get The Tables!!”. D-Von goes outside and slides two tables into the ring, propping one up in the corner, then setting the other up in the middle of the ring. Bubba stands behind the table as D-Von whips Stamboli into the ropes. The crowd start chanting “3-D”, when Stamboli explodes out of the ropes with a lariat, knocking D-Von down. Before Bubba can react, Stamboli tips the table over, with it landing on Bubba’s feet. Bubba hops around, allowing Stamboli to catch him with a DDT. Bubba rolls out of the ring as Stamboli props the table back up. Stamboli measures D-Von, and as D-Von gets to his feet, Stamboli hoists him up into a fireman’s carry, then proceeds to drill him through the table with the Fuhgeddaboutit, eliminating D-Von at 06:23. As the referees pull D-Von and the wreckage out of the ring, Stamboli pulls the other table out of the corner and sets it up in the ring. He rolls out to ringside, where Bubba is getting back to his feet. Stamboli picks Bubba up, and bodyslams him. Bubba arches his back in pain as Stamboli reaches down and picks him up, before tossing him into the ring. Bubba slowly gets to his feet as Stamboli motions for him to get up. Stamboli goes to lift Bubba onto his shoulders, but Bubba counters by shifting his weight and sliding down Stamboli’s back. Bubba quickly hooks up Stamboli’s arms, then lifts him into the air, and puts him through the table with the Bubba Bomb! The bell rings, and Bubba Ray rolls out of the ring, where he is met by D-Von in the aisle, and together they celebrate their victory.

Winners: The Dudley Boys in 08:02

Match Rating: ***1/4

TEW Ratings: 78.2 / 72.9 / 78.7

We join Josh Matthews, who is standing in the interview position with The Basham Brothers, with Danny on his left and Doug on his right.

Josh Matthews: Doug, Danny, tonight you get your shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles, after winning the 7 team elimination tournament to become number one contenders. Now you get to face the champions, Charlie Haas and Rico – do you feel that destiny is on your side?

Doug Basham: Destiny? Destiny? Josh, there’s no such thing as destiny. We’re here tonight because we’ve kicked the ass of everyone who stood in our way. Bob Holly & Billy Gunn?

Danny Basham: Check

Doug Basham: Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam?

Danny Basham: Check

Doug Basham: The F.B.I.?

Danny Basham: Check

Doug Basham: So you see, we’ve taken everyone they’ve thrown us, and we’ve beaten them. Rico and Charlie Haas may be the champs to you, but to us, they’re just the next ones who are going to appear on the list. Basham Brothers, next WWE Tag Team Champions?

Doug turns to Danny, and they both smile, before looking back at the camera.

Danny & Doug Basham: Check.

They pat Josh on the back, then walk out of shot, smiling confidently. (TEW Rating: 65.8)

Billy Kidman vs. Paul London

"You Can Run" starts up, and Billy Kidman makes his way down to the ring. Paul London’s music kicks in, and the young cruiserweight races to the ring, and starts hammering away on Kidman straight away. Charles Robinson calls for the bell, and the match gets started. London whips Kidman into the ropes, then backdrops him as he comes back. Kidman gets up and runs straight into an armdrag, then does the same thing again, before being felled by a Dropsault on the third time. London makes a quick cover, but only gets a one count before Kidman kicks out. London hits a couple of forearm smashes on Kidman, then whips him into the ropes, looking for a backdrop, which allows Kidman the chance to counter with a kick to the chest, followed by a clothesline. Kidman stomps away at the head of London, acutely aware of London's recent concussion, then picks him up and hits a swinging neckbreaker. Kidman drills London with a vertical suplex, then lifts himself onto the second buckle, before nailing London with a legdrop. Kidman makes the cover - one..................two...............kickout. Kidman picks London up, then whips him hard into the turnbuckle. Kidman saunters across to the corner, taunting London, then whips him across to the other turnbuckle, but London explodes out of the corner with a spinning heel kick, flattening Kidman. London fires off some more forearm shots, then drills Kidman with a belly to back suplex. He makes a cover - one...........two...............Kidman kicks out. London runs Kidman into the ropes, and uses a rolling reverse cradle - one............two..............Kidman kicks out again, pushing London into the ropes in doing so. Kidman swings at London, but London ducks, and blasts Kidman with a release dragon suplex!! London heads to the top rope as Jim Kordairis checks on Kidman, but as London sets himself, Kidman shoves Kordairis into the ropes, causing London to slip, and crotch himself on the top turnbuckle. Kordairis admonishes Kidman as he shakes off the cobwebs, but Kidman ignores him and grabs London in a front chancery, before spiking him with a DDT from the top rope!! The crowd collectively go "Oooohh" on impact, and Kidman makes the cover. One.......................two....................Kordairis sees London's foot on the bottom rope. Kidman is irate at this, and stomps away at London's head, before picking him up and whipping him into the ropes, blasting him with a dropkick to the face on London's return. Kordairis counts again - one..................two....................London kicks out again! Kidman slaps the canvas in frustration, before hitting a standing legdrop to the back of London's head. Kidman stalks London as London gets back to his feet, and as London turns around, Kidman lifts him for a BK Bomb, only for London to counter with a Dropsault! Both men get to their feet at the same time, and London runs towards Kidman. Kidman tries to clothesline London, but London ducks underneath his arm. Kidman turns around, and is smacked in the head by a running enzuiguri by London! Kidman collapses to the mat, allowing London to drag him towards the turnbuckle. London holds his head briefly before climbing to the top. London sets himself, then comes off with the 450 Splash, but Kidman rolls out of the way! Amazingly, London is able to land on his feet and stumbles forwards, only to turn into a BK Bomb! Kidman tells the crowd "That's It!", then heads to the top himself. Kidman takes a couple of seconds to taunt the crowd once more, then flies into the air with the Shooting Star Press............which is greeted by the knees of London! Kidman rolls around the mat, clutching his stomach, as London pulls himself up. Kidman staggers to his feet, allowing London to level him with a second running enzuiguri. Kidman is down in the centre of the ring, as the expression on London's face indicates he's just had an idea. London goes to the corner and climbs to the top, steadies himself, and then comes off with a spectacular Shooting Star Press of his own, landing perfectly on Kidman's prone torso! Kordairis makes the count - one........................two........................three!! A mild pop emits from the crowd as London is announced the winner, and he celebrates in the ring as Tazz & Michael Cole talk about him beating Kidman with his own move.

Winner: Paul London by pinfall in 11:52

Match Rating: ***1/4

TEW Ratings: 64.2 / 92.2 / 80.5

We join Josh Matthews backstage, who is standing with Hardcore Holly

Josh Matthews: Hardcore, tonight you face a man making his return to the WWE, Gangrel. It seems as though Gangrel has been playing mind games with you for a couple of weeks now in attempt to get the upper hand before this match. Are you ready mentally for this match?

Hardcore is notably agitated as Matthews is saying this, pacing back and forth. As Matthews finishes the question, Holly grabs him by the scruff of the neck

Hardcore Holly: You listen to me you snot-nosed little punk. You think a few lighting effects and some smoke and mirrors crap with blood is gonna throw me off my game? Are you out of your tiny little mind kid? It's real simple. That blood-sucking little freak Gangrel is finally going to get in a ring with me tonight, and when he does, I'm going to kick his teeth so far down his throat that the tooth fairy will be making several visits to his ass! Anymore stupid questions?

Josh timidly shakes his head

Hardcore Holly: Good. I've got a match to prepare for.

Holly lets go of Matthews, and storms out of shot. (TEW Rating: 56.4)

We cut to the locker rooms, where we see Kurt Angle addressing the rest of the Honour Society

Kurt Angle: ................and so when I give the signal, you two (motions to Jindrak & Reigns) come down and take him out whilst I finish the job in the ring, got that?

Jindrak & Reigns nod their heads

Kurt Angle: Now Chavo, onto your match...

Chavo Guerrero: Actually Kurt, I wanted to talk to you about my match. If you don't mind, I want to do this alone. I've been thinking, and the best way to prove that I am better than Eddie...is to beat him fair and square. No excuses, no interference, no lying, no cheating, no stealing. Just me pinning him in the middle of the ring, one, two three. Then, he'd have to admit that I'm the better Guerrero.

Kurt Angle: You know what Chavo. This is why I invited you join the Honour Society. You have standards and class, which makes you the better Guerrero already in my eyes. If you want to do this alone, I'll respect that. Good luck, not that you'll need it.

Kurt pats Chavo on the shoulder and smiles

Kurt Angle: Come on boys, let's go. Give Chavo some room to prepare.

Angle, Reigns and Jindrak all leave the room, each one patting Chavo on the back on the way out, as Chavo looks on, looking slightly nervous. (TEW Rating: 74.9)

WWE Tag Team Titles Match

The Basham Brothers vs. Haas & Rico ©

We return to the ring, and the music of The Basham Brothers starts to play, and the challengers make their way to the ring. "You Look So Good To Me" plays, and Miss Jackie leads the WWE Tag Team Champions, Charlie Haas and Rico, to the ring, to a nice pop. The match gets underway with Charlie Haas and Doug Basham. They tie-up, and Haas quickly takes Doug to the mat with an amateur takedown, then glides over Doug and into a front chancery. Doug stretches with his foot and reaches the bottom rope, and Haas releases the hold, before smiling at Doug. Doug gets up and shoves Haas down, which prompts Haas to get straight up and slap Doug. The two break out into a fistfight, which Doug gets the better of, before whipping Haas into the ropes. Haas ducks Doug's flailing arm, then bounces off the ropes on the other side and levels him with a flying back elbow. Haas makes a cover, but only gets a one count. Haas tags Rico in, and Doug scurries to his corner and tags in brother Danny. Danny is reluctant to tie-up with Rico, but they go with a collar and elbow. Danny gets the upper hand with a go-behind, but Rico grinds his backside into Danny, and Danny releases the hold in disgust, and flees back to his corner. Danny and Doug talk strategy as Rico taunts them, before they both try and rush him. Rico ducks, and both Bashams are met by a crossbody from Haas! The Bashams roll out of the ring as the champs celebrate. Danny returns and teases a test of strength, but instead kicks Rico in the knee, then shoves him towards the Bashams' corner. Danny distracts Charles Robinson as Doug chokes Rico with the tag rope, prompting Haas to try and enter the ring, but this just distracts Robinson some more, allowing Danny & Doug to double-team Rico. The Bashams exchange frequent tags, drilling Rico with shots to the midsection, before Doug drives him to the mat with a belly to back suplex. He makes a cover, and Robinson counts - one..................two................kickout. Doug tries an armwringer, but Rico reverses to one of his own, before stepping over the arm and delivering a mule kick to Doug's face! Rico falls to his knees, and crawls towards his corner, only for Danny to run across the ring and deck Haas. Danny then drops an elbow on Rico, and this allows Doug time to recover and pull Rico back to their corner. Doug tags Danny back in, and they nail Rico with a crisp double suplex. Danny makes a cover - one....................two........................kickout. Danny picks Rico up and bodyslams him, and follows it up with an elbowdrop. Danny drags Rico back up and tries for a short arm clothesline, but Rico ducks, and then flattens Danny with a spinning leg lariat! Rico heads towards his corner again, as Miss Jackie cheers him on from outside, but once again he is cut off, this time by Doug. Doug helps Danny up, and they whip Rico into the ropes, flattening him with a double flapjack. Danny covers, and Robinson counts - one.......................two....................Haas breaks the cover. As Robinson gets Haas out of the ring, Doug comes back in and grabs Rico, holding him from behind. Danny measures it up, then runs at Rico, aiming a clothesline at him, only for Rico to duck and the clothesline to hit Doug. Rico reacts quickly, and plants Danny with a DDT before he realises what he's done. The crowd cheer Rico on as he crawls to the corner, and as both Bashams get up, Rico reaches the outstretched hand of Haas and makes the tag! The crowd pop as Haas vaults into the ring and flattens Doug with a clothesline, then dropkicks Danny down. Doug is whipped into the ropes, and Haas backdrops him halfway across the ring, then ducks Danny's punch and drills him with a bridging German Suplex! Robinson makes the count - one.....................two.......................Doug breaks the cover! Rico re-enters the ring and goes after Doug, and they tumble through the ropes to the outside. Meanwhile, in the ring, Danny catches Haas with a couple of right hands, then goes to whip him into the turnbuckle. However, as Haas approaches the turnbuckle, he leaps up, springboards off the top turnbuckle, and catches Danny with a double axhandle to the face!! Haas quickly looks around, then grabs Danny by the legs, and hooks up the Haas Of Pain! Robinson checks if Danny wants to give up, and Danny fights the pain, but after a few more seconds in the hold, Danny taps out! Robinson calls for the bell, and Haas releases the hold, and is joined in the ring by Miss Jackie and Rico as Robinson hands them their title belts, whilst The Bashams look on in almost disbelief from outside the ring.

Winners: Haas & Rico by submission in 13:02

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 70.1 / 75.7 / 78.1

We cut to Theodore Long's office, where the Smackdown General Manager is at his desk, watching the show on a monitor. Suddenly the door bursts open, and John Bradshaw Layfield storms in

John Bradshaw Layfield: Long! What the hell do you think you're doing? I knew you were trying to screw me, but I didn't think you'd be so blatant about it!

Theodore Long: I'm sorry playa, I'm not sure I know what you're talking about

John Bradshaw Layfield: Don't you play dumb with me. You know damn well what I mean. I heard you're little announcement on Heat. You've made my match with John Cena tonight a Streetfight! I'm a man used to finer things dammit. I've had a pedicure, a manicure and several expensive skin treatments today, and I come here to find you've put me in a match that suits that thug down to the ground!

Theodore Long: It's not like that dawg. I've been reviewing your altercations with John Cena in past weeks, and I didn't want one of my big matches on Pay Per View ending in disqualification because one of you two can't control your temper. Remember, it's all about the dolla dolla bill playa, you feel me?

John Bradshaw Layfield: As a matter of fact Theodore, no I don't. You want to screw me again? That's fine. I'll go out there tonight, and I'll be in your little streetfight, and I'm going to batter John Cena within a inch of his worthless little life. But let me make one thing clear to you. After tonight, I am making it my personal mission to have you removed from your position of Smackdown General Manager. I will not stop, I will not relent, I will not cease - until you are gone from the WWE. Now, do you feel me, playa?

JBL stares intently at Long for a second, then sneers and leaves the room, leaving Long looking slightly worried. (TEW Rating: 82.3)

Hardcore Holly vs. Gangrel

"How Do You Like Me Now" kicks in, and a mild pop greets the arrival of Hardcore Holly. Holly gets into the ring, then the lights go out. "Blood" starts to play, and a ring of fire erupts by the entrance way, as Gangrel elevates from it's centre, carrying a goblet. He walks to the ring, but as he stands on the ringsteps, he takes a sip from the goblet, then spits a red liquid into the air. Gangrel gets into the ring, but Holly jumps him straight away, and is already pounding on him as the bell rings to start the match. Holly tosses Gangrel through the middle rope, then follows him outside and continues to rain punches down upon him. He shoves Gangrel into the security barrier, then tries to irish whip him into the steps, but Gangrel manages to reverse at the last second, sending Holly crashing into the steel. Gangrel rolls back into the ring to break the count, then rolls back out and throws Holly back into the ring, where he stomps away at Holly's head. Brian Hebner intervenes, pulling Gangrel away, which allows Holly to get to his feet. Gangrel charges at Holly, but Holly ducks, then catches the turning Gangrel with a dropkick to the jaw. Holly makes the cover, and Hebner makes the count - one................two...................kickout. Holly asks Hebner about the count, then grabs Gangrel and lifts him for the Alabama Slam. Gangrel manages to struggle free before Holly can slam him though, then bounces off the ropes and flattens Holly with a stiff clothesline. Holly gets back up, but walks right into a double arm suplex, and Gangrel tosses him over his head, sending Holly to the mat. Gangrel tries to short-arm Holly, but Holly ducks the clothesline. He tries to deck Gangrel with a right hand, but Gangrel ducks that, boots Holly in the gut, then drills him with the Impaler! Gangrel makes the cover, and Hebner counts - one..............two.................three. Gangrel rolls out of the ring and celebrates his victory as Holly lies beaten in the ring.

Winners: Gangrel by pinfall in 05:00

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 57.6 / 66.6 / 62.2

We return to the locker rooms, where we see Doug Basham hitting a locker in frustration, as Danny Basham sits with his head in his hands

Doug Basham: Dammit!! After all that hard work to get here, how are we not the champions right now?!

Danny Basham: I don't know Doug. I don't know.

Doug hits the locker again, when there is a knock at the door. The Bashams look up, and we see Dawn Marie enter the room

Dawn Marie: Hello boys

Doug Basham: Can we help you?!

Dawn Marie: Funny you should ask that Doug. You see, I don't think you can help me, but I think I can help you.

Doug Basham: Oh really? And what makes you think you can help us Dawn?

Dawn Marie: Well, I've been watching you two the past couple of weeks. (Dawn wanders across to Doug, and runs her finger down his chest) And I must say, you two have been very impressive.

Doug Basham: (raises his eyebrows in surprise) Is that so?

Dawn Marie: Uh-huh. Now, I've been looking to get back into managerial duties for a while now, and I think you two have everything I'm looking for.

Danny Basham: In case you hadn't noticed, we blew it tonight. I think you'd be better off with someone else

Dawn Marie: (she strokes Danny's cheek) Oh Danny, don't be so downhearted. It just so happens I could get you two a rematch. Teddy owes me a favour.

Danny glances across at Doug, who shrugs his shoulders in a "Why not?" gesture

Doug Basham: OK Dawn. Say we agree, and you get us another shot. What's in it for you?

Dawn Marie: Well, apart from the honour of managing the next champions you mean? (she places a hand on both of their backs) Let's just say..............I prefer tag team action, if you know what I mean

Doug looks across to Danny, who is now nodding furiously and beaming from ear to ear

Doug Basham: OK Dawn, you're on. Get us another shot at the titles, and you've got a deal.

Dawn Marie: Excellent. Now, why don't you boys finish getting changed, and then come meet me at my hotel. I'm in room 356.

Dawn reaches into her pocket and pulls out a key, which she drops into Doug's hand.

Dawn Marie: I'll see you boys soon.

Dawn pecks both Danny and Doug on the cheek, then slowly turns and walks out of the room, as Danny and Doug look at each other with massive grins on their faces. (TEW Rating: 68.8)

WWE United States Title Match

Rey Mysterio vs. Carlito Caribbean Cool ©

We return to the ring, as “619” plays, and Rey Mysterio is launched into the air. He makes his way to the ring to a good pop. “Cool” starts to play, and the US Champion, Carlito Caribbean Cool, swaggers to the ring, biting his apple on the way. Carlito gets into the ring, walks up to Rey, and spits the apple into Rey’s face, prompting Rey to slap Carlito, knocking the champ down. Rey punches Carlito, then runs the ropes and takes him down with a spinning headscissors, sending Carlito out of the ring. Carlito gets up, but is met by Rey vaulting over the ropes with a beautiful corkscrew plancha! Rey drags Carlito up and rolls him back into the ring, then climbs onto the ring apron. Carlito gets up, and Rey springboards in looking for a senton, but Carlito ducks. Rey lands on his feet and continues running, hitting the ropes and catching Carlito with a modified victory roll as he comes back. Brian Hebner counts – one………………two……………..kickout. Carlito quickly gets up, and as Rey runs at him, he tries for a clothesline, only for Rey to duck, springboard off the second rope, and catch Carlito with a huracanrana! Rey steps back onto the ring apron and signals to the crowd, then springboards up, and comes into the ring with the Dropping The Dime legdrop, only for Carlito to roll out of the way, causing Rey to crash into the canvas. Carlito recomposes himself, then takes advantage. Carlito drops an elbow onto Mysterio, then picks him up for a suplex, but instead of falling back to the mat, Carlito dumps Rey stomach first across the top rope, then runs the ropes and shoulderblocks Rey off the apron, sending him crashing into the barrier. Carlito is admonished briefly by Hebner, then leaves the ring and kicks Mysterio a few times, before ramming him into the barrier again. Hebner gets up to 8, so Carlito rolls back in the ring, then back out to break the count. Carlito whips Mysterio into the ringpost, and Mysterio crashes into it hard. Hebner once again remonstrates with Carlito, but Carlito ignores him, and rolls Mysterio back into the ring, where he makes a cover. Hebner counts - one.............two..........kickout by Mysterio. Carlito punches Rey in the head a few times, then lifts himself onto the second rope. Carlito taunts both the crowd and Mysterio, then jumps off with an elbowdrop, only for Mysterio to roll away! Carlito crashes into the mat, and the crowd cheer Mysterio on as he pulls himself up. Carlito rises to his feet, and Mysterio runs at him. Carlito tries to hit him, but Mysterio ducks, then catches him with the Rube Goldberg bulldog as he comes back! Carlito is dazed as he gets up, and Mysterio jumps onto his shoulders, then falls backwards into a sunset flip! Hebner counts - one..............two..............kickout. Mysterio tries for a huracanrana, but as he jumps onto Carlito's shoulders, Carlito pushes him off, but Mysterio flips back and lands on his feet. Carlito looks on in astonishment, then runs at Mysterio, and straight into a drop toehold, guillotining himself on the second rope. Mysterio motions to the crowd as they cheer in anticipation. Mysterio runs the ropes, then goes for the 6-1-9. He rotates in the ropes, but Carlito ducks, avoiding the contact. Mysterio continues rotatiing, when Carlito reaches up and yanks him from the ropes, into a schoolboy. Carlito grabs and holds onto the second rope as Hebner makes the count - one................two..................three! Carlito steals the win to retain the title! He quickly rolls out of the ring and backs down the aisle, as Mysterio stands in disbelief in the ring.

Winner: Carlito Caribbean Cool by pinfall in 09:43

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 62.4 / 70.8 / 63.0

As Carlito makes a sharp exit, we join Josh Matthews backstage, who is with The Big Show

Josh Matthews: Show, tonight you have the opportunity to become WWE Champion when you face Kurt Angle and the current champ, The Undertaker, in a Triple Threat match. However, in recent weeks, you've had some problems with The Undertaker, and many feel that the animosity between you two will give Kurt Angle the advantage. Are you concerned at all by this?

The Big Show: Josh, in case you hadn't noticed, this is a Triple Threat match. If Kurt thinks that causing problems between me and Taker will give him an edge, let him. At the end of the day, for me to win, both Taker and Kurt will have to be taken care of. It doesn't matter to me who I get rid of first. If I was Kurt, I'd be more worried about the fact that he's got two pissed off monsters gunning for him now.

Josh Matthews: So, you're confident that you can win the title here tonight?

The Big Show: Damn right I am. All it takes is for the largest athlete in the world today to deliver the largest Choke Slam in the world today, and that title is coming home with me.

Show looks into the camera intensely. (TEW Rating: 82.9)

We cut from Matthews & Show to a video detailing the problems between Eddie & Chavo. We start on the Smackdown before Survivor Series, where Chavo joined Kurt Angle's Honour Society, citing Eddie's lack of respect for Chavo's ability as his reasoning. We then get a clip from Survivor Series, where Chavo pins Eddie (with a little help from Angle) during the Classic Survivor Series match. That's followed by the end of the Chavo / Eddie match on Smackdown, where Eddie feigned injury to trick Chavo and get the pinfall, with Chavo going nuts afterwards, and a week later challenging Eddie to a rematch. This brings us to this past Thursday's Smackdown, where, along with Mark Jindrak, Chavo assaulted Eddie, and rubbed salt in the wound by hitting him with his own Frog Splash. (TEW Rating: 79.3)

Chavo Guerrero vs. Eddie Guerrero

"Oooh, Chavo" hits the speakers, and the crowd boo as Chavo Guerrero comes to the ring, with a focused look on his face. The boos turn into huge cheers as "Viva La Raza" kicks in, and Eddie Guerrero drives a dark blue lowrider to the ring. Eddie gets into the ring, his eyes not leaving Chavo, and Nick Patrick calls for the bell to start the match. Eddie & Chavo circle each other for a few moments, then tie-up in a collar and elbow. They tussle towards the ropes, until they reach the corner. Patrick calls for the break, and both men do. They tie-up once more, but this time Chavo armdrags Eddie. Eddie gets straight up, to see Chavo smiling and pointing to his head. They tie-up for a third time, and Chavo goes for the armdrag once more, but this time Eddie manages to land on his feet and counters with an armdrag on his own, causing Chavo to roll from the ring. Chavo slaps the apron as Eddie taunts him, and Chavo slides back in and rushes Eddie, but Eddie counters with a leapfrog, then a dropdown, then catches Chavo with a dropkick, which scores him a two count. As Chavo gets up, Eddie grabs a headlock on him. Chavo tries to fight out, but ends up backing Eddie into the ropes, sending him across the ring, but Eddie comes back with a shoulderblock, knocking Chavo down again. Eddie whips Chavo into the ropes, then backdrops him. Eddie does a little shimmy as Chavo leaves the ring again. Chavo kicks the ringsteps, then argues with a fan, unaware that Eddie is standing by the ropes behind him. Chavo turns round as Eddie planchas over the top rope, flattening Chavo. The crowd cheer Eddie on as he rolls Chavo back in the ring and makes a cover. Patrick counts - one....................Chavo kicks out. Eddie pulls Chavo up and tries to whip him into the ropes, but Chavo reverses, and monkeyflips Eddie as he comes back, causing Eddie to land awkwardly near the ropes, twisting his knee. Eddie begs off Chavo, claiming a hurt knee, but Chavo was having none of it, and started kicking at Eddie's knee. Chavo drops an elbow onto the knee joint, then climbs out of the ring, drags Eddie to the corner, and rams his knee repeatedly into the ringpost. Chavo returns to the ring, and applies a spinning toe hold. Chavo twists the hold a couple of times before Eddie grabs the bottom rope, forcing the break. Chavo drags Eddie up on his good leg, then drives him to the canvas with a belly-to-back suplex, and makes a cover. Patrick counts - one.............two..............kickout. Chavo picks Eddie up once more, but this time hits a kneebreaker, before trying for a spinning toe hold once more, but this time Eddie manages to kick Chavo off, sending Chavo into the turnbuckle. Eddie limps to his feet, favouring his right leg. Chavo recovers from his temporary stunning, and sees Eddie back on his feet. He tries to hit Eddie, but Eddie ducks the swinging right hand, and catches Chavo with a high and tight belly to back suplex, dumping Chavo on his head! Both men lay down on the mat, and the crowd start an "Eddie, Eddie" chant. Eddie rolls to the ropes and pulls himself up, as Chavo still lies on the mat. Eddie slaps his chest, then pulls Chavo up. He hits him with a vertical suplex, rolls his hips and tries to get up for a second suplex, but his knee gives way, and he releases Chavo. Chavo quickly capitalises, and applies the Low Rider STF! Chavo wrenches back on the hold as Eddie screams in pain, trying to reach the ropes. Eddie gets within two inches of the ropes, but then raises his hand in the air....but the crowd start another "Eddie" chant, and it seems to galvanise Eddie. Instead of tapping, Eddie uses all his strength, and manages to move forward slightly and grab the bottom rope. Nick Patrick makes Chavo release the hold, and Chavo isn't happy. He argues with Patrick as Eddie rolls onto the apron. Chavo walks across, pulls Eddie up, and suplexes him back into the ring, with Eddie landing in the centre of the ring. Chavo slaps his chest, as Eddie normally does, then climbs the turnbuckle to the top rope. He stops to mock Eddie once more, then comes off with a Frog Splash! At the last moment though, Eddie rolls away, and Chavo crashes into the mat! Eddie hops to a vertical base, with a fiery look in his eye. Chavo gets up, and is met by a right hand, then another, then one more, before Eddie whips him into the ropes and hits him with a leg lariat - but by using his bad knee, he hurts himself too. Both men get up at the same time, but Eddie grabs Chavo first, and hits a vertical suplex. He pops his hips, and manages to get to his feet for a second one. He tries to hit the third, but he can't get to his feet smoothly, so he has to drag Chavo up. Instead of hitting a third suplex though, Eddie hits a modified brainbuster! Chavo is down, and ostensibly out, in the middle of the ring, and Eddie looks at him. Eddie slaps his chest, then limps across to the turnbuckle, where he slowly climbs to the top rope, but he can't get enough distance on the jump due to the injured knee, and the Frog Splash comes up short! Eddie clutches at his knee as Chavo gets to his feet. Chavo screams "It's Over", then pulls Eddie up. He sets Eddie up, then lifts him, seemingly looking for the Gory Bomb, but before he can position Eddie correctly, Eddie somehow shifts his weight, and turns it into a sunset flip! Patrick counts - one......................two.........................three! The crowd erupt as the bell rings, and Eddie lies in the ring, holding his knee. Chavo springs to his feet, furious. He screams at Patrick, and then looks down on the fallen Eddie. He starts walking towards him, but before he reaches him, he shakes his head, and instead kicks the ropes in frustration, before leaving the ring and heading to the back, as "Viva La Raza" plays, and the crowd cheer Eddie, who is being helped to his feet in the ring.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero by pinfall in 16:42

Match Rating: ***1/2

TEW Ratings: 79.3 / 84.4 / 85.7

We cut backstage, where we see Spike Dudley, Cruiserweight Title across his shoulder, walking down a corridor. He stops at a door marked "General Manager", and walks in. We see Theodore Long standing by his desk, arms crossed

Spike Dudley: You wanted to see me Teddy?

Theodore Long: That's Mr. Long to you playa. Now Spike, I was quite impressed with you the other week, issuing an open challenge for anyone who've you never beaten to face you for the Cruiserweight Title here tonight.

Spike Dudley: Well, you know Theodore, as a fighting champ...

Theodore Long: Hold on one second there dawg. What I wasn't quite so impressed with was you arranging your mystery opponent personally.

Spike Dudley: Whoah, whoah, whoah, what do you mean?

Theodore Long: Spike, playa, if you're gonna be dumb enough to have those kind of phone conversations on national TV, don't expect people to not know what you were up to

Spike Dudley: No, you misunderstood. I was talking to my cousin Duane, organising a charity match for after the event. Nothing to do with the show.

Theodore Long: Is that so playa? That's not what I've been told.

Long turns his head towards a screen in the corner of the room

Theodore Long: You can come out now dawg

There is some movement from behind the screen, and Duane Gill walks out, dressed in his Gillberg attire. A small "Gillberg" chant breaks out in the crowd, as Spike puts his head into his hands.

Theodore Long: So, this is how it's gonna go Spike. You're gonna go out to that ring right now, and wait for the opponent I've arranged for you to face tonight. Your Cruiserweight Title will be on the line, but don't worry, your opponent fits the criteria of your original challenge. And Duane, you can go now, you feel me?

Gill and Spike leave the room, with Spike slapping Gill across the back of the head on the way, as Theodore Long shakes his head in the background (TEW Rating: 55.0)

Spike makes his entrance, looking very worried. He stands in the middle of the ring, as Tony Chimmel announces his opponent

Tony Chimmel: And his opponent, weighing in at 182lbs and from Nagoya City, Japan..................ULTIMO DRAGON!

Spike's face drops as Dragon's music plays, and the veteran cruiserweight makes his return to a WWE ring.

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match

Spike Dudley © vs. Ultimo Dragon

Spike sizes up Ultimo as Charles Robinson calls for the bell, then just charges at him. Ultimo sidesteps the charge, and kicks Spike in the backside as he goes past. Spike turns around, and Ultimo unleashes a flurry of kicks, ending with a spinning back kick which knocks the champion down. Spike gets up, and Ultimo grabs him by the wrist and whips him into the ropes, then destroys him with a tornado backbreaker on his return. Spike begs off, but to no avail as Ultimo picks him up once more, and takes him over with a snap suplex. He grabs Spike and pulls him up again, this time looking for a German Suplex, but Spike counters with an elbow to the temple, then a go-behind. No sooner has Spike done this though, than Ultimo has reached back, grabbed Spike's head, then backflipped and nailed the Asai DDT!! Ultimo swiftly makes the cover, and Robinson counts - one............two..............three!! A small pop from the crowd greets Ultimo as he celebrates, and Robinson hands him the Cruiserweight Title to mark the beginning of his first reign as champion.

Winner & New Champion: Ultimo Dragon by pinfall in 03:12

Match Rating: **3/4

TEW Ratings: 58.3 / 78.2 / 70.1

Cole & Tazz introduce a video, recapping the recent problems between JBL & Cena. It starts with Cena interrupting a JBL interview and making fun of him, and JBL retailiating by attacking him during his match with Luther Reigns later on. We see Theodore Long ban Cena from the arena so he can't interfere with JBL's title rematch with The Undertaker, and JBL subsequently losing the match. Next we see the two men in a wild brawl backstage, where only a sea of officials could separate them, before the video ends with the image of Cena taunting JBL after the six man tag match on Thursday's Smackdown. (TEW Rating: 83.6)

Streetfight Rules Match

John Bradshaw Layfield vs. John Cena

“Longhorn” blares across the speakers, and the crowd erupt into a chorus of boos as John Bradshaw Layfield emerges from the entrance way, still scowling. JBL heads to the ring and takes off his jacket and hat, before “Basic Thuganomics” hits, and the arena explodes with cheers. John Cena makes his way out to a great ovation, but stops halfway down the aisle. Cena stares at JBL, then races to the ring and starts brawling with JBL. The two men trade punches as Charles Robinson calls for the bell. Cena gets the advantage, but an irish whip attempt is reversed. JBL misses a clothesline, and Cena flattens him with a jumping shoulderblock. Cena mounts JBL and starts raining punches down on him, until JBL is able to push him off. JBL rolls out of the ring, and Cena follows him. Cena rocks JBL with some punches, but his irish whip is reversed, and JBL sends Cena crashing into the ringpost. JBL catches his breath, then clubs Cena with a forearm to the back, before ramming his head into the announce table a couple of times. JBL grabs a camera cable and wraps it around Cena’s throat, choking him. Cena tries to fight back by throwing an elbow into JBL’s face. JBL staggers back, allowing Cena to free himself. Cena grabs a monitor from the desk, then clocks JBL with it. JBL falls to the padding, and Cena lifts the ring apron, looking for something, He pulls out a trashcan and a stop sign, and throws both into the ring, before rolling JBL back in. Cena makes a cover, and Robinson counts – one…………..two…………..kickout. Cena grabs the stop sign and waits for JBL to get up. JBL gets to his feet, and Cena drills him with the sign. JBL is staggered, and collapses back into the turnbuckle. Cena raises the sign in the air, playing to the crowd, before charging at JBL, only for JBL to get his foot up and drive the sign into Cena’s face! Cena falls to the mat as JBL recomposes himself. JBL nails Cena with an elbowdrop, and makes the cover – one…………..two…………..kickout. JBL stomps Cena in the face, then picks up the stop sign. He places it in the middle of the ring, and then picks Cena up. He scoops Cena up, walks to the ropes, then throws Cena over his head with the Last Call, with Cena landing on the stop sign! JBL makes the cover - one……………two…………..kickout! JBL looks on in disbelief, but quickly gets back up and drops a couple more elbows, then grabs the lid from the trashcan and waits for Cena to get up. Cena struggles to his feet, and JBL smacks him across the head with the lid. Cena falls to his knees, and JBL positions the stop sign on the mat. He puts Cena’s head between his legs, then raises his arm in the air. Just as he is about to lift Cena though, Cena falls to his knees and hits JBL with a low blow! JBL crumples to the mat in pain as the crowd cheer wildly. Cena gets back to his feet, and sees JBL down. Cena pumps up his trainers, then drags JBL up. He punches JBL, but JBL fires back. JBL hits another, but Cena ducks the third punch, then hits the Killswitch out of nowhere! Cena hooks the leg and makes the cover – one…………….two…………….JBL kicks out! Cena can’t believe it, and asks Robinson if he’s sure, before getting back to his feet. JBL pulls himself up, then turns around and is met by a clothesline from Cena! Cean bounces off the ropes, brushes his shoulder, and hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle! The crowd are roaring in approval as Cena motions for the F-U. JBL gets up, and Cena hoists him onto his shoulders, but JBL starts to kick and struggle. Cena can’t keep hold of JBL, and JBL drops down behind Cena. JBL clubs Cena in the back of the head with a forearm, then hits the ropes and looks for the Clothesline From Hell, but Cena ducks! Cena does his “You Can’t See Me” taunt as JBL turns round, then boots him in the gut, lifts him onto his shoulders, and hits the F-U onto the trashcan! The crowd count along as he makes the cover – one…………….two………………three!! The arena erupts with cheers as Cena is announced as the winner, and he celebrates in the ring, climbing all four corners and flashing the “Word Life” gesture.

Winner: John Cena by pinfall in 12:32

Match Rating: ***3/4

TEW Ratings: 98.8 / 71.8 / 94.2

A video plays, detailing the buildup to the main event. We start with Angle asking for, and being granted a title shot, only to be dominated by The Big Show in a tag match later that night. Then we see Long insert Big Show into the title match, as The Undertaker defeats JBL to retain the title. We move on to Taker defeating Luther Reigns, only to attacked from behind by a chair-wielding Angle. Big Show makes the save, but Taker thinks it was Show who attacked him, and smacks him with the chair. Finally, we see the tag match from last week's Smackdown, as Show and Taker start fighting amongst themselves. The clip ends with Angle outside the ring laughing as Show delivers a Choke Slam to the Undertaker. (TEW Rating: 84.5)

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Heavyweight Title

Kurt Angle vs. The Big Show vs. The Undertaker ©

We return to ringside, and Tony Chimmel announces that it’s time for the Triple Threat main event. “Medal” plays, and Kurt Angle makes his entrance, with the crowd chanting “You Suck” in time with his music. Angle stands in the ring, as “Big” kicks in, and a decent pop greets the arrival of The Big Show. Show steps over the top rope and heads straight for Angle, who bails from the ring as Nick Patrick tells Show to stay back. Then the lights go out, and the crowd erupt as the sound of a gong is heard, and “Graveyard Symphony” plays. The Undertaker makes his way through the smoke and onto the ringsteps, where he raises the arena lights. He steps into the ring and hands the WWE Title over to Nick Patrick, who raises it into the air. Patrick passes the belt to the timekeeper, then calls for the bell to start the match. Angle remains outside as Taker & Show go nose to nose, then start trading punches. Angle smiles broadly outside, until both men stop hitting each other and look at him. Taker looks at Show, and they both nod. Taker leaves the ring and begins to stalk Angle. Angle runs away, not seeing that Show has also left the ring. Angle runs round the corner and right into Show’s fist!. Show grabs Angle and military presses him, then throws him over the top rope and back into the ring! Taker and Show get back in the ring and slowly stalk Angle. Angle gets up, and is punched between Show & Taker in a form of human tennis. After a big right hand from Show, Angle staggers into a sidewalk slam from Taker! Angle rolls out of the ring, and Show and Taker resume their fistfight. Show gets the upperhand, and whips Taker into the ropes, felling him with a clothesline. Show quickly follows up with a legdrop, and makes a cover. Patrick counts – one………….two…………..kickout. Show slams Taker back down, and tries for another legdrop, but this time the Undertaker rolls away. Taker gets up and catches Show with a throat thrust, which staggers the big man. Taker hits one more, but Show won’t go down. Taker then runs the ropes and catches Show with a big boot to the face, sending Show backwards, through the ropes and to the floor! Before Taker can take advantage though, Kurt Angle is back in the ring, and he hits Taker with a release German Suplex! Angle makes the cover – one……………..two……………..kickout! Angle doesn’t relent though, and stomps away at Taker, before dragging him up and nailing him with a snap suplex, which gets him another two count. Angle goes to pick Taker up one more time, but is greeted by a hand around the throat! Taker keeps hold of the goozle as he gets back to his feet, as Angle desperately tries to free himself. Angle finally kicks at the knee of Taker, and Taker lets go. Angle hits the ropes to try and build up some momentum, but instead gets caught in a tilt-a-whirl slam by Taker! Taker makes the cover – one……………two…………….cover is broken by The Big Show! Show clubs Taker with some hard forearms, then pulls Taker backwards and hits the Hog Log! Instead of following up though, Show turns his attention to Angle. Show stands over Angle, then raises his arm in the air, doing the Choke Slam motion. He grabs Angle by the neck, drags him to his feet, and lifts him up in the air, but Angle manages to counter by rolling through, applying the Ankle Lock in the process! Angle torques the ankle of Show, but before it can applied for too long, Taker is up and boots Angle in the face. Angle releases the hold and staggers backwards, bouncing off the ropes. Taker grabs him as he comes back, hoists him onto his shoulder, then drops him with a Snake Eyes onto the top turnbuckle. Angle groggily staggers out of the corner, as Taker bounces off the ropes and takes him down with a jumping clothesline. Taker then smacks Show with a throat thrust, and grabs his left wrist. He applies an armwringer to Show, then heads to the corner. He climbs to the top rope as the crowd chant “Old School!”, then walks across the top rope. Taker leaps off, but is caught by the giant right hand of Show around his throat! Show bellows, then lifts Taker up and drives him into the mat with the Choke Slam! Show makes the cover – one………………….two……………………Angle breaks the pin! Angle punches Show, but Show just piefaces him down. Angle gets back up, but runs right into Show’s grasp. Show seems set to hit the Choke Slam again, when Angle hits a field goal kick right to the groin! Show doubles over in pain, and somehow, Angle capitalises by hitting a modified Angle Slam! All three men lay down on the mat, with Angle unable to take advantage of the situation. After a few moments, Angle starts to climb to his feet, but as he does so, The Undertaker sits up! The crowd cheer him on as he stands behind Angle, hand pulled back. Angle turns round, and Taker grabs him by the throat. Taker lifts Angle up, then drives him back to the canvas with a chokeslam of his own! Taker runs his thumb along his throat, signalling the end. Suddenly, Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns run down the aisle. Reigns grabs Taker’s ankle, as Jindrak grabs the title belt from the timekeeper and throws it in the ring. Taker tries to kick Reigns off, but Jindrak comes to help, and they pull Taker out of the ring. As Taker tries to fight them off, and Nick Patrick tries to get Reigns and Jindrak out, both Angle and Show are getting to their feet. Angle grabs the title belt, and when Show turns around, Angle gets a running start, then drives the belt into the skull of Show! Show falls to the mat spread-eagled, and Angle quickly throws the belt out of the ring and covers Show. Jindrak points Patrick to the cover, as Reigns continues to fight with Taker. Patrick dives into the ring and begins the count – one…………………………two………………….The Undertaker fights off Jindrak and Reigns and heads for the ring………………….three!! The crowd erupt into a sea of boos as Patrick hands Angle the WWE Title, and Angle quickly leaves the ring. He celebrates in the aisle with Jindrak & Reigns, and we end the PPV with the image of The Undertaker rolling his eyes into the back of his head, whilst looking at the celebrations in the aisle.

Winner & New Champion: Kurt Angle by pinfall in 19:03

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 83.0 / 65.8 / 80.9

***********END SHOW************

[R.W.]

Wrestling Observer Round-Up

Posted by Dave Meltzer on Monday 13th December 2004

Coming off a surprisingly good PPV last, there is some good and bad news for the WWE. The bad news is that the Arena at Gwinnitt Centre was only just over half full, with a lot of the upper levels papered off. However, in what will no doubtly be good news for both Vince McMahon and creative supervisor Paul Maloney, early estimates indicate that the show pulled a buyrate of 0.60 (roughly 260,000 buys). That's a rise of 0.14 from Survivor Series, and may indicate that interest in the product is beginning to pick up. As mentioned, the show broke the trend of Armageddon being awful, as most of the matches hit *** at least, with match of the night honours surprisingly going to the super-hot Streetfight between Cena & JBL. Both these men have been getting bigger reactions in the past couple of weeks, and it'll be interesting to see where they go with them now. Also, we saw the re-debut of Gangrel (who hasn't improved much since we last saw him), the return of Ultimo Dragon, and a new WWE Champion crowned in the shape of Kurt Angle.

Last Monday's Raw pulled in 966,794 viewers (up 24,803 from the previous week), and had two excellent matches in the form of Shelton Benjamin vs William Regal, and Chris Benoit & Randy Orton vs Ric Flair & Triple H. It looks as though Stevie Richards has been / will be turned face as a result of being attacked by Christian, but I wouldn't expect a program between the two. Smackdown had a very good week, with 1,249,410 viewers tuning in (up a massive 321,948 from the previous week). It was a solid show, which promoted Armageddon well, but also put on some nice matches, with Angle / Reigns vs Undertaker / Big Show just edging match of the night honours, (though Paul London and Akio had the best actual match of the evening, there was no heat at all during it).

In injury news, Tyson Tomko suffered a sprained ankle in his match with Shawn Michaels. He's expected to miss 3-6 weeks of action. Eddie Guerrero and Booker T are both carrying knocks, but are working through them. Matt Hardy has returned from his knee injury, but will be reporting to OVW for a few weeks to work off some ring-rust.

Speaking of OVW, some more development talent has been signed. Reporting to OVW this week will be Johnny Kashmere, Adara James, and UPW's Desire. In order to avoid confusion with Kim Nielson's character, it is rumoured that Desire will be working as "Temptation".

On the contract front, Randy Orton signed a 3 year extension to his contract this week, as did Jonathan Coachman. Al Snow had been offered a new contract, but has turned it down to continue working the indies and running his dojo.

There have been a couple of issues backstage recently. Firstly, it's been reported that the original finish to the Benoit / Orton vs HHH / Flair match was for Orton to be the one who got the pin on HHH, but HHH went over Paul Maloney's head, and straight to Vince to get the finish changed. It is suggested that he wanted it changed to him pinning Orton, but settled on the compromise of being pinned by Benoit. Next, Charlie Haas has apparently been very vocal in his critisicm of the push that The Big Show has been receiving of late. Apparently, Haas thinks that some of the "smaller guys" should be given a shot in the main event scene. It's rumoured that this has caused some bad feeling between Haas & Show, but management aren't going to take issue with Haas. Another man who's been unhappy about his push is Hardcore Holly, who feels he should be rewarded for his long service as JBL was, but most have dismissed his complaints as those of a bitter veteran. And finally, judging by what happened at Armageddon, and the recent news regarding his contract talks, it looks as though Spike Dudley will be leaving the WWE when his contract expires in a few weeks.

Some sources are suggesting that Carlito Caribbean Cool may receive a slight gimmick tweaking in the coming weeks, as they feel a better gimmick could help get him over quicker. Management is also very pleased with the recent performances of Johnny Stamboli, and "The Bull" may be in for a push soon.

In media news, Chris Benoit appeared on "Off The Record" this week. It was a good appearance, the highlight being a discussion about his relationship with the Hart Family, Bret and Owen in particular. John Bradshaw Layfield appeared on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", and was surprisingly good. He appeared in kayfabe, and when he lost on the $64,000 question, claimed "I'm a self made millionaire anyway, I don't need no stinking quiz-show money!"

Finally, a new promotion has opened in Mexico to challenge AAA & CMLL - Lucha Libre Revolution will be based in Leon, and opens it's doors this week

That’s all for now, see you next week.

[R.W.]

WWE Raw

Monday 13th December 2004

Live from the Coors Event Center, Boulder, Colorado

Attendance: 8,348 (Capacity: 11,064)

Sunday Night Heat Taping:

Simon Dean pinned Maven after the Systematic

Shelton Benjamin pinned Rodney Mack with the T-Bone

Chris Jericho made Chuck Palumbo submit to the Walls Of Jericho

The opening credits end, but instead of the usual pan of the arena, the cameras are focused on the ring, where we see Eric Bischoff standing with a microphone.

Eric Bischoff: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Monday Night Raw, the leading brand of Sports Entertainment today. And believe me, those aren’t just idle words, I can back them up. Whilst Theodore Long presents you the same old rubbish every week on Smackdown, I strive to bring you, the fans, the best I can. And to prove it, I have booked a Pay-Per-View quality main event for this evening, as the legendary “Nature Boy” Ric Flair will take on “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton! (The crowd cheers the announcement of the match)

Bischoff flashes his false smile and holds up his hand in faux-gratitude.

Eric Bischoff: However, that is not why I am out here this evening. As you will be aware, on Sunday, January 30th, live from Fresno, California, the WWE will be presenting the 2005 Royal Rumble! (crowd cheers again). As you know, at that event there will be the Royal Rumble Match, where 15 Raw superstars and 15 Smackdown superstars compete for a place in the Main Event of WrestleMania, against the World Champion of their choice! Now, here on Raw, I feel that my superstars should earn everything they get, which is why I am introducing a new concept to the WWE – the Royal Rumble Qualifier! Over the next few weeks, we will hold several matches, the winners of which will be entered into the Royal Rumble match, to represent Raw. In fact, I’ve already booked our first qualifier, to be held right here tonight, as our brand new Tag Team Champions, Edge & Batista, face Rhyno & Tajiri – non-title, of course – with the winners being the first two Raw superstars to be entered into the Royal Rumble!

The crowd cheer as Eric lowers the microphone and flashes his sly smile

Eric Bischoff: Of course, there is one slight catch to this. The qualifiers will be run under what I like to call “double jeopardy” rules. That means if you lose a qualifier, it’s OK, you can have another chance. However, if you lose a second qualifier, you will be barred from entering this year’s Rumble match! Thank you for your……… (TEW Rating: 77.7)

Before he can finish speaking, “Whatever” hits the speakers, and crowd rise to their feet as Chris Benoit appears on the stage, armed with a microphone

Chris Benoit: Excuse me Mr. Bischoff, but aren’t you forgetting one thing?

Eric Bischoff: Not that you have any business being out here Chris, but no, I don’t think I have.

Chris Benoit: Really? What about the World Heavyweight Title?! You know damn well I had Hunter beat two weeks ago in Toronto until he got disqualified. On top of that, I pinned him in the middle of that ring last week. I’ve beaten Hunter damn near every time I’ve faced him, and I want a rematch for the World Heavyweight Title at the Royal Rumble!

The crowd cheer in support for Benoit’s claim. (TEW Rating: 79.3)

Eric Bischoff: Whoah, whoah, whoah, don’t go getting ahead of yourself there Chris. You might think you deserve a rematch, but as far as both myself and Triple H are concerned, you had your shot in Toronto, and you blew it. Why should I waste a pay-per-view main event spot on a guy who I know can’t get the job done? As far as I’m concerned, you can join Randy Orton in the line of guys who won’t get a shot at that title as long as I can help it. However, I’m a fair man, so I’ll give you a chance. Next week, here on Raw, you will be in a Royal Rumble qualifying match against a man I can count on to get the job done, the Intercontinental Champion, William Regal! If you win, you get a spot in the Rumble, and then all you have to do is win that, and you’ll get yourself a World Title shot.

The crowd boo this announcement, and an “Asshole” chant starts up

Chris Benoit: You think that’s an obstacle for me Bischoff? Think back to January of this year. I entered the Royal Rumble match at number one. I fought in that ring for over an hour, and I eliminated guys twice my size. And who was the man left standing at the end of the night? The man who went on to WrestleMania and made Triple H tap out? The man who became the new World Heavyweight Champion? It was me, Chris Benoit! You may think you can stop me Bischoff, but you just watch as I prove that I am for real, and if you disagree, why don’t you try to prove me wrong!

The crowd cheer again, as Bischoff looks annoyed in the ring.

Eric Bischoff: You know what Benoit, fine. I was in a good mood tonight, but you’ve totally ruined that for me. Tell you what, since you look all fired up, how about I give you a match tonight? Yeah, that sounds like a good idea to me. Now, who will you face? Oh, I don’t know………….just off the top of my head…………………how about……………………………KANE!!!!

Jim Ross goes into full hyperbole mode about the prospect of Benoit / Kane as the crowd cheer, as the look of concern on Benoit’s face is replaced by an odd smile

Chris Benoit: Kane eh Bischoff? Fine, I’ll face Kane tonight, and I promise you, he will feel my pain!

Benoit throws his mic down, and the crowd cheer as he leaves the stage, and we cut to commercial. (TEW Rating: 81.1)

******Commercial Break*******

A-Train (w/ Simon Dean) vs. Shawn Michaels

As we return from commercial, the infomercial-esque music of Simon Dean plays, and A-Train makes his way out, wearing some new ring attire – a powder-blue spandex singlet. A-Train seems to be unhappy with it, and tries talking to Dean about it on the way down, but Dean just waves him away. “Sexy Boy” kicks in, and the crowd erupt as Shawn Michaels makes his entrance to the ring, with pyros, posing and prayer. The match itself sees A-Train attacks Michaels from behind, then club him with several forearm shots. A-Train takes Michaels up and over with a delayed butterfly suplex. As A-Train gets back to his feet, Dean starts yelling and pointing at him, until A-Train shakes his head in disbelief, then starts doing jumping jacks in the ring! The crowd laugh at the sight of this, and whilst it’s going on, Michaels kips up behind A-Train. A-Train turns to see Michaels running at him, and wildly swings and misses with a clothesline. Michaels bounces off the ropes, then flattens A-Train with a flying forearm. Michaels quickly climbs through the ropes and to the top rope, before hitting a beautiful flying elbowdrop, driving his elbow into A-Train’s sternum. Michaels plays to the crowd, then stands in the corner and tunes up the band as A-Train gets to his feet. A-Train groggily turns round, and is promptly smacked with Sweet Chin Music! As A-Train collapses to the mat, Simon Dean jumps up onto the apron, so Michaels promptly nails him with some Sweet Chin Music as well! Michaels covers A-Train, and Chris Kay makes the count – one…………..two…………….three!

Winner: Shawn Michaels by pinfall in 03:42

Match Rating: *

TEW Ratings: 71.6 / 75.8 / 75.4

As Michaels celebrates in the ring, we see Garrison Cade and Trish Stratus walk out onto the stage

Trish Stratus: Shawn? Shawn? Over here sweetie.

Shawn turns around, and sees Trish & Cade

Trish Stratus: Congratulations on another big win there Shawn. I mean, last week it was Tomko, this week A-Train – boy, you’re really on a roll aren’t you, beating all these big stars of the industry. But seriously, I’m out here with a proposition for you – and not the fun kind, before you get any naughty little thoughts into your head Shawnie. No, what I’m proposing is all business. You see, I went to see Eric Bischoff whilst you were having your little match there, and he liked my idea so much he wanted me to tell you the good news.

Shawn stands in the ring, and shrugs his shoulders, as if to say “Well, what is it?”

Trish Stratus: Next week, on Raw, I’m proposing we have “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels, versus “The Real Heartbreak Kid” Garrison Cade, in a Royal Rumble qualifier! That is of course, assuming you want to try and qualify for this year’s Rumble?

Trish smiles wickedly as Cade nods with a smug look on his face. Shawn walks across the ring and asks for Lillian Garcia’s microphone.

Shawn Michaels: Sweetheart – you’re on. Next week, ol’HBK here is gonna be singing some Sweet Chin Music right across your boy’s face, and then I’m going to the Rumble – which I’m going to win by the way – before heading to WrestleMania to once again become the World Heavyweight Champion. And there ain’t a damn thing you, or your little HBK-wannabe can do about it!

Michaels throws the mic down, then plays to the crowd some more, as Trish looks annoyed and Cade tries to calm her down as he escorts her back to the locker room. (TEW Rating: 89.1)

Non-Title Royal Rumble Qualifier

Rhyno & Tajiri vs. Edge & Batista

J.R. & Lawler hype up all that has happened so far tonight, giving Michaels time to leave the ring, before “Line In The Sand” kicks in, and the World Tag Team Champions, Edge and Batista, make their way to the ring. Rhyno and Tajiri rush the ring before their music can start, and the match is on. Rhyno attacks Batista, whilst Tajiri lays into Edge with several kicks. Tajiri levels Edge with a spinning heel kick, then measures Edge for the Buzzsaw Kick. As he does this, Rhyno smacks Batista with a forearm, then bounces off the ropes, looking for a clothesline, only to run into a devastating Spinebuster from Batista! As Rhyno crashes into the mat, Tajiri tries to nail Edge with the Buzzsaw Kick, but Edge ducks, avoiding the contact, and as Tajiri spins round Edge gets back to his feet, boots Tajiri in the gut, then plants him with the Edgecution. Edge motions to Batista, and Batista nods. Batista picks Rhyno up, and lifts him into position for a Batista Bomb – but waits for Edge to grab Rhyno’s head, in a neckbreaker position. Batista and Edge then drop to the mat simultaneously, destroying Rhyno with the neckbreaker / Batista Bomb hybrid!! Batista casually walks across the ring and kicks Tajiri through the ropes as Edge nonchalantly makes the cover. Chad Patton makes the count – one………………..two………………three! Edge and Batista are the first two men to qualify for the Royal Rumble match!

Winners: Edge & Batista by pinfall in 02:25

Match Rating: *1/2

TEW Ratings: 75.6 / 81.5 / 69.8

******Commercial Break*******

As we come back from commercial, we see Eric Bischoff sat in his office, reading the latest edition of Raw magazine. There is a knock at the door, and Bischoff gets up.

Eric Bischoff: Come in

The door opens, and in walks Christian

Christian: Hey Eric, you got a sec?

Eric Bischoff: Ah, Christian. Just the man in fact, I was wanting to talk to you

Christian’s face lights up

Christian: Really? You’ve seen the impact I’ve been making recently

Eric Bischoff: Oh I’ve seen it OK. I’ve seen it in the medical bills I’ve been sent. You realise that as Stevie Richards’ employer, I’m responsible for making sure he has a safe working environment, and when you smashed his head in after a sanctioned match, it became a unsanctioned attack, meaning I’m liable for all his costs!

Christian: Oh come on Eric, people have done much worse before. And anyway, you told me to make an impact. You can’t tell me that people aren’t talking about what I did!

Eric Bischoff: When I said make an impact, I didn’t mean on my wallet! Anyway, I’m docking all the costs out of your wages.

Christian: What? You can’t...

Eric Bischoff: I can, and I have. No point in arguing about it. Now, what did you want?

Christian looks at Bischoff in disbelief for a second, then shakes his head

Christian: Man, I can’t believe that….anyway, what I want Eric, is a chance to qualify for the Rumble. The peeps want to see Captain Charisma headlining at WrestleMania Eric – surely you’ll listen to their cries!

Eric Bischoff: Well, you’re in luck I guess. I wasn’t going to give you a qualifier as a punishment, until I got a phonecall from someone else who wanted to qualify for the Rumble – and he asked to face you. So, next week it will be Christian against this man. But, I think I’ll keep his identity secret – until next week anyway. Now, if there’s nothing else….?

Christian’s look has turned to one of joy and triumph, and he pumps his fist

Christian: Yes, Captain Charisma is heading to the Rumble! I don’t care who it is Eric, that spot is mine! I’ll see you next week

Christian leaves the room happy, as Bischoff shakes his head and sits back at his desk. (TEW Rating: 77.5)

WWE Intercontinental Title Match

The Hurricane vs. William Regal ©

“Stand Back, There’s a Hurricane coming through” fills the arena, and a mild pop greets the arrival of The Hurricane. As he poses on the turnbuckle, “Power Of The Punch” plays, and William Regal makes his entrance, the Intercontinental Title strapped around his waist. Regal hands the title to Jack Doan as he looks at The Hurricane with contempt. The bell rings, and they tie-up. Regal dominates the early exchanges, taking Hurricane down to the mat repeatedly, and each time he would slap Hurricane across the back of the head, then get up and smirk as Hurricane got to his feet. Regal then took Hurricane to the mat with a front facelock, before driving his knee into The Hurricane’s head several times. The resultant cover got Regal a two count, prompting Regal to utilise a kneedrop across the bridge of Hurricane’s nose. Regal picked Hurricane up, and whipped him into the ropes, but Hurricane countered with a jumping clothesline, knocking Regal down! Hurricane got up, then waited for Regal to get up, before taking him down with a leaping neckbreaker. The crowd started to get behind The Hurricane a little, as he lifted himself onto the second turnbuckle. Regal got up, and Hurricane nailed him with the Overcast! Hurricane made the cover – one……………..two…………….kickout! Hurricane grabbed Regal as Regal got up, twisted him round, and hit the Eye Of The Hurricane! Hurricane made another cover – one………………..two………………th-kickout! The crowd gasped as Regal managed to kick out at the last second. The Hurricane got back to his feet, then crouched in the corner, waiting for Regal to get up. Regal gets to one knee, and The Hurricane charges in, looking for the Shining Enzuiguri, but Regal ducks his head, avoiding the contact! The Hurricane lands awkwardly on his ankle, and this allows Regal to grab him from behind, then dump him on his head with a brutal half nelson suplex! Regal shakes out the cobwebs as The Hurricane lays prone on the mat, then quickly slaps on the Regal Stretch. The Hurricane wastes no time in tapping out, and Regal retains the Intercontinental Title.

Winner: William Regal by submission in 07:02

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 67.0 / 93.0 / 76.9

As Doan hands Regal the belt, there is a disturbance in the crowd. Suddenly, the cameras pick up a fan, dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt, and a baseball cap, jumping the barricade. The fan slides into the ring, behind Regal. Regal turns around, and is tackled by the fan. The fan rains punches down onto the champion, but Jack Doan pulls him off. The fan shoves Doan down as Regal gets up, but before he can escape, the fan grabs Regal, pulls him in, then smashes him with a devastating piledriver! The ringbell rings repeatedly, almost as an alarm bell crying for help, but the fan continues his attack, locking Regal into what J.R. calls “a modified chokehold” (it’s a Katahajime). Officials and security finally flood the ring, as Regal’s face is turning blue. The fan is dragged off of Regal by security, and as they lead him up the ramp, we finally catch a glimpse of his face – he is clean shaven, with short, cropped hair, but, as Jerry Lawler says “I can’t help but think I’ve seen this guy before somewhere”. (TEW Rating: 71.1)

******Commercial Break*******

Chris Benoit vs. Kane

“Whatever” hits the speakers as we come back from commercial, and the crowd erupt as Chris Benoit makes his entrance. He stands in the ring readying himself as “Slow Chemical” kicks in, and Kane makes his entrance. As Kane steps over the top rope, he is greeted by a dropkick to the knee from Benoit, causing Kane to fall into the ring. Benoit stomps away at Kane, who tries to get back to his feet. Kane shoves Benoit away, but as he stands Benoit catches him with a running cross-chop to the throat, knocking Kane into the turnbuckle. Benoit unleashes a flurry of knife-edge chops (garnering the usual “Whoooo”’s from the crowd), then drags Kane out of the corner, and hits a crisp snap suplex. Benoit runs his thumb along his throat, then heads to the top rope. He flies off with the Swandive Headbutt, but Kane sits up before Benoit can hit, and Benoit crashes into the mat. Kane snarls menacingly, then pulls Benoit up, before smacking him with a throat thrust. He picks Benoit up again, then whips him across the ring, into the turnbuckle. Kane follows up with several lefts and rights, battering Benoit and causing him to crumple in the corner, until Kane picks him up again and whips him into the other corner. This time Benoit staggers out, and Kane lifts him with one arm, and drives him into the mat with a sidewalk slam. Kane covers, and Mike Chioda counts – one……………..two………………..kickout. Kane whips Benoit into the ropes, and as he comes back, he catches Benoit in a bearhug. Kane squeezes hard as Benoit fights the hold, but seems to go limp. Chioda checks Benoit’s arm – it falls once; it falls twice; it falls – no! Benoit’s arm stays up, and the crowd cheer as Benoit starts unloading on Kane with some rapid-fire headbutts. Kane releases the hold, and Benoit runs the ropes – only to run straight into Kane’s boot! Kane laughs maniacally as he begins to stalk Benoit, his right arm poised. Benoit gets up, and Kane grabs him by the throat, all set for the Choke Slam! Kane lifts Benoit up, but somehow Benoit twists his weight, and counters into the Crippler Crossface! Benoit wrenches back on the hold, but Kane doesn’t tap instantly. Kane fights the hold, and manages to drape his foot on the bottom rope, forcing Chioda to tell Benoit to break. Benoit gets into Chioda’s face about it, which allows Kane to get up. Kane spins Benoit round, but his punch misses, as Benoit ducks behind him, and nails him with a release German Suplex, causing Kane to roll out of the ring! As Kane pulls himself up outside the ring, Benoit runs the ropes inside, then dives through the ropes and onto Kane with a suicide tope! The crowd roar in approval as both men lay on the outside, when suddenly Kane sits up again, looking pissed off. Kane gets up and pulls the monitors out of the Spanish announce table, as Carlos Cabrera and Hugo Savinovich run for cover. Benoit gets up, and is once again greeted by Kane’s hand around his throat, but this time there is no escape, as Kane lifts Benoit up, then smashes him through the table with the Choke Slam! Mike Chioda calls for the bell as Kane looks down on the broken remains of Benoit & the table, and just starts laughing.

Winner: Chris Benoit by disqualification in 10:41

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 80.7 / 86.6 / 89.6

As the debris is cleared up and Benoit is helped from the ring, we get a recap video of last week’s Tag Team Title triple threat match, as Batista & Edge dominated both Rhyno & Tajiri, and former champs La Resistance, to win the titles. (TEW Rating: 80.0)

As the video finishes, we return to the ring, where two young wrestlers are being introduced.

Lillian Garcia: …………..the team of “The Tank” John Toland, and “The Future” Chris Cage, Adrenaline!

The crowd sit in silence at the sight of the two rookies. Then, La Resistance’s music plays, and Conway and Grenier make their way to the ring, smiling and laughing. They enter the ring, and Conway asks for the mic

Robert Conway: Sheesh. You know normally, we’d come out here, and Sylvain would do a beautiful rendition of the Canadian National Anthem, but I don’t see the point this week, do you? The singing would last longer than the match, ha ha ha ha ha!

Conway passes the mic to Grenier

Sylvain Grenier: Ha ha ha, Az usual, you are right mon frere. I mean, who iz zis? Two nobodies from America – zey think zey ‘ave a chance against La Resistance? Mon dieu! Nevermind, boys, N'ayez pas peur !

Grenier hands the mic back to Garcia, and he and Conway get ready for the match. (TEW Rating: 57.8)

Adrenaline vs. La Resistance

The match starts with Cage and Conway. Conway offers a handshake to start, and as Cage accepts, Conway short-arms him and flattens him with a clothesline. Conway laughs as Cage holds his head, but Conway just pulls him up and drills him with a suplex. He tags out to Grenier, and Grenier mocks Cage for a second, then hits him with two elbowdrops. Grenier & Conway make some frequent tags, keeping Cage down, and generally mocking the youngster. They hit him with a double suplex, and do a double kip-up, then high-five, much to the annoyance of the crowd. Grenier then starts posing, unaware that Cage has gotten up. Grenier turns around, and is met by a dropkick from Cage, causing Grenier to collide with Conway. Cage dives across the ring and tags in Toland, and “The Tank” storms into the ring. He knocks Conway down with a clothesline, then shoulder-tackles Grenier. Conway runs into a powerslam, before Grenier finds himself backdropped across the ring! Toland pummels Conway in the corner, then whips him into the ropes, and hotshots Conway stomach first across the top rope. Conway falls to the outside as Toland tags in Cage again. Toland whips Grenier into the ropes, then drives his forearm into Grenier’s gut, doubling him over. Suddenly, Cage takes a running start at him, then erupts with what is best described as sunset flip piledriver (it’s a Canadian Destroyer)! The arena gasps in one at the move, and Cage quickly covers Grenier. Chris Kay makes the count as Toland knocks Conway from the apron – one…………………..two………………………..three!! Adrenaline win their debut match on Raw, and the two youngsters celebrate like they’ve just won the titles in the ring, as Conway looks on in disbelief from outside, and Grenier still lies out in the middle of the ring.

Winner: Adrenaline by pinfall in 06:10

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 53.6 / 70.0 / 57.0

******Commercial Break*******

Ric Flair vs. Randy Orton

As we return from commercial, "Also Sprach Zarathrustra" is playing, and Ric Flair is making his way to the ring in his usual robe attitre, but strangely Evolution was not with him. "Take What's Mine" hits, and the crowd cheer, as Randy Orton appears and the gold pyro falls behind him. Orton makes his way to the ring, and looks at Flair intently as Earl Hebner gets the match started. The two men tie-up, and Flair grabs a wristlock, before hammerlocking Orton. Orton reverses to a hammerlock of his own, but Flair counters with an elbowsmach. Flair punches Orton, and Orton fires back. They exchange blows, and Orton gets the upper hand. Orton whips Flair into the ropes, then backdrops Flair, with Flair taking his usual sidebump as a result. Flair gets back up, and Orton flattens him with a standing dropkick. Flair retreats to the corner, where he begs off, but to no avail, as Orton whips him across the ring and into the other buckle. Orton flings his arms out in his trademark pose, then charges across the ring, and leaps at Flair with a jumping knee, only for Flair to move out of the way, and Orton crashes knee-first into the turnbuckles. Flair gathers himself, looks at Orton, and then rolls out of the ring. Flair grabs Orton's right leg, and then proceeds to ram Orton's knee into the ringpost repeatedly. Hebner reprimands Flair, who pleads innocence as he rolls back into the ring. Flair begins to work on Orton's knee, stomping on it, dropping elbows on it, and using the ropes as a springboard to give him extra momentum as he sat on it. Flair goes for the Figure-Four, but Orton kicks him off. Orton pulls himself up using the ropes, but is visibly limping. He punches Flair, then irish whips Flair. Orton tries something, but Flair ducks it, then quickly clips Orton, bringing the youngster to the mat again. Flair bounces off the ropes, then drives his knee into Orton's temple. Flair makes the cover - one...........................two..........................kickout. As Orton staggers up, Flair casually hooks him up, then drills him with a vertical suplex, and makes another cover - one.......................two.....................kickout! Flair seems annoyed by this, and tells Hebner so. He picks Orton up, then drives him back to the mat with a belly-to-back suplex, which gathers him another two count. This time Flair gets straight to his feet and gets into Hebner's face, screaming at him about the count. He drags Orton up once more, then lifts him up, hitting a kneebreaker, and keeping hold of the leg as Orton falls to the mat. Flair shouts out "Now it's time to go to school!", before doing a little dance around Orton's leg, then going for the Figure Four. As Flair rotates the leg though, Orton reaches up and bring Flair down into a cradle. Hebner counts - one............................two...........................kickout! Both men are up quickly, though Orton more hops up than gets up. Flair throws a punch at Orton, but Orton ducks, the swing, then catches Flair with the R.K.O. out of nowhere!! Orton drapes an arm over Flair, and Hebner begins the count - one.......................................two................................three! The crowd cheer as Hebner raises Orton's hand, before helping the youngster to the back as Flair sits in the ring, looking dejected.

Winner: Randy Orton by pinfall in 12:04

Match Rating: ***1/2

TEW Ratings: 81.1 / 80.2 / 91.9

As Orton goes through the curtain, Flair starts to get back to his feet, still looking upset. Suddenly, "Line In The Sand" plays, and Triple H (dressed in a designer suit) leads Batista & Edge (still in ring gear) to the ring. Triple H asks for a microphone before climbing in the ring

Triple H: Hey champ, how's it going? Tough match I see. Never mind, can't win 'em all can you

Triple H smiles broadly at Flair, who seems somewhat wary, especially as Edge & Batista stand behind him

Triple H: Then again, it seems you haven't been winning much recently have you. Everything you do just seems to go wrong. Be it almost costing me the title at Survivor Series, to losing to Chris Benoit a few weeks ago, hitting me in the head with the World Heavyweight Title last week, or even tonight, losing to that snot-nosed punk Randy Orton. But you know what Ric - it's OK. I mean, you're the Nature Boy, a 16 time World Champion! You are truly a legend.

Triple H stops to applaud Flair, as the worry on Flair's face disappears and is replaced by a smile

Triple H; The only problem I see.....................is that Evolution has passed you by

As Triple H utters those words, the look on Flair's face drops. Before he can do anything else, Edge and Batista flatten him from behind. Then Triple H joins in as they put the boots to him. Batista picks Flair up, then lifts him high in the air, and drives him to the mat with the Batista Bomb. Triple H then motions to Batista, who drags Flair up from the canvas and holds him up, allowing Edge to bounce off the ropes and nail Flair with the Spear. Edge & Batista high-five as Triple H smiles. He drags Flair up once more, hooks both his arms, then drives him face-first into the mat with the Pedigree! Triple H stands over Flair with a look of contempt on his face, then spits on the fallen Nature Boy as the arena is filled with the boos of the crowd.(TEW Rating: 87.0)

Suddenly those boos turn to cheers, and we see a taped-up Chris Benoit and a limping Randy Orton coming down the aisle, both armed with steel chairs, with Chris Jericho not far behind. Evolution quickly leave the ring, allowing the faces to check on Flair as Evolution cockily return to the locker room. The show ends with Triple H holding the World Title aloft in the aisle, with a big smile on his face. (TEW Rating: 87.2)

*******************END SHOW**************************

[R.W.]

WWE Smackdown

Thursday 16th December 2004

Live from the Wilsom Complex, Portales, New Mexico

Attendance: 5,000 (Capacity: 5,000 – Sell Out)

Velocity Taping:

Carlito Caribbean Cool pinned Funaki after the C-C-T

Charlie Haas & Rico defeated Spike Dudley & Kenzo Suzuki when Haas made Spike tap to the Haas Of Pain

Booker T defeated Nunzio with the Scissors Kick

The opening credits end, and after a pan shot of the arena, we cut to Michael Cole and Tazz, who are at ringside

Michael Cole: Hello everyone, and welcome to Smackdown! We are four days removed from a wild night at Armageddon, where we saw a new WWE Champion crowned, in the shape of Kurt Angle!

Tazz: No doubt Cole, Armageddon was off da hook, but for me the highlight was Angle defeating the giant, The Big Show, and the deadman, The Undertaker, to once again become WWE Champion.

Michael Cole: On top of that, John Cena defeated John Bradshaw Layfield in a brutal Streetfight, which took it’s toll on both men

Tazz: That match was a full-on war Cole, and Joey Numbahs tells me that our General Manager, Theodore Long, has given both Cena & JBL the night off to rest

Michael Cole: And speaking of Theodore Long, he will be here tonight with an announcement about the Royal Rumble!

Tazz: And don’t forget our huge main event Cole, where Eddie Guerrero will team up with Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam to take on The Honour Society’s Chavo Guerrero, Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, in an elimination match! It’s gonna be a rocketbustah! (TEW Rating: 73.3)

As Tazz finishes speaking, “Medal” hits the speakers, and the arena erupts with a chorus of boos as Kurt Angle appears on stage, with his newly won WWE Title around his waist. Behind him are the rest of the Honour Society, Mark Jindrak, Chavo Guerrero & Luther Reigns. As they make their way to the ring, red, white & blue confetti falls from the ceiling, as several balloons of the same colour are released. Angle climbs into the ring and does his usual twirl, as the other three applaud him. He takes the microphone from Tony Chimmel.

Kurt Angle: Well well well. You know, I hate to say I told you so………..but I told you so! I promised you that your Olympic Hero would walk into Armageddon with a plan that would lead to me once again becoming WWE Champion, and here I am, the new WWE Heavyweight Champion! (crowd boos, then breaks out into a “You Suck” chant) But, credit where credit is due, it was a tough match last night. I mean, I was against a frickin 7 foot giant and the walking dead, and it took all of my intensity, integrity and intelligence to get the job done – and I got the job done, all by myself! (the crowd boo the blatant lie as Angle smirks) Oh it’s true! Anyway, I came out here tonight because I have always been a fighting champion, and I want to talk about the Royal Rumble. As one of the biggest events of the year, it’s only right that I defend the WWE Title in a match befitting such a stage, and I think I’ve come up with a suitable challenger for the title.

Angle turns to face the Honour Society

Kurt Angle: Guys, I’ve thought long and hard about this. I mean, all three of you deserve a shot at the gold, but I can only face one of you.

The crowd erupt in boos, understanding the implication of what Kurt had just said.

Kurt Angle: But, I finally made my decision, and at the Royal Rumble, it will be me, Kurt Angle, defending the WWE Title against….(TEW Rating: 88.6)

Suddenly the arena lights go out, and a gong sounds. The crowd erupt as the Titantron flickers into life, and as “Graveyard Symphony” plays in the background, we see The Undertaker on the screen.

The Undertaker: Kurt Angle…………….….you speak of integrity………………of honour……………..…..of being a fighting champion………………………..yet you needed your allies to rob me of my title at Armageddon………………………..but let me assure you Kurt…………………..…..the Reaper of Souls has a long memory……………….……..and will not forget what happened…………………..……..the creatures of the night call for your head Kurt Angle…………………….………………and their vengeful cries will soon be satisfied……………………………Rest……………………..In……………………..Peace.

The screen goes black, as “Graveyard Symphony” plays at full volume in the arena, with is bathed in purple light, with Kurt Angle frantically talking to the Honour Society as we cut to commercial. (TEW Rating: 89.7)

******Commercial Break*******

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match

Akio vs. Ultimo Dragon ©

We return from commercial to see Akio standing in the ring, awaiting his opponent. A dragon’s roar is heard, followed by some Oriental-sounding guitars, and the new Cruiserweight champion, Ultimo Dragon, makes his entrance, with some impressive fire and pyro effects. The two men lock up, and we see a crisp sequence of move & counter move, starting with a wristlock from Ultimo, moving on to a series of reversals, and ending with Ultimo hitting a series of kicks to Akio’s midsection, then sweeping his legs from him, leaving Akio down on the mat. Ultimo covers, but only gets a two count. Ultimo picks Akio up and whips him into the ropes, and catches him with a spinning back kick, followed by a quick elbow drop for another two count. Ultimo then sets Akio for a suplex, but Akio counters with a float over, then blasts Ultimo with a spinning heel kick as he turns around. Akio makes the cover and gets a two count. Akio backs Ultimo into the corner, when he unleashes some vicious chops. He then whips Ultimo across the ring into the opposite turnbuckle, before following in with, and kicking Ultimo in the chest whilst doing a backflip! (think the Moonsault Kick from the Smackdown games) Akio lands on his feet as Ultimo staggers out of the corner, allowing Akio to blast Ultimo with a spinning leg lariat. Akio makes the cover – one………….two……………kickout. Akio quickly picks Ultimo up and drills him with a high and tight belly-to-back suplex, then motions that it’s over to the crowd (who don’t seem to really care). Akio climbs to the top rope, then launches himself with a beautiful Corkscrew Moonsault…………..which doesn’t connect as Ultimo rolls out of the way! Akio clutches his ribs as he gets up, and Dragon delivers some stiff kicks to his midsection. Ultimo grabs Akio’s head, looking for the Asai DDT, but Akio counters by shoving Ultimo back into the turnbuckle. Akio hooks Ultimo up and goes for a suplex, but halfway through the move Ultimo twists his body, and on the way down hooks in the Dragon Sleeper! Akio tries to fight the move, but Ultimo drops to his kne, bridging Akio backwards, and Akio quickly taps out to give Ultimo his first successful title defence.

Winners: Ultimo Dragon by submission in 07:12

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 58.0 / 89.7 / 68.6

As Ultimo celebrates his win, we cut backstage to Theodore Long’s office, where the General Manager is perched on his desk, watching the show on a monitor. Dawn Marie enters the room, wearing a white blouse and a black miniskirt.

Dawn Marie: Hiya Teddy

Theodore Long: Ah, Dawn Marie. Always a pleasure to see you, and may I say you looking mighty fine this evening!

Dawn Marie: Why thank you Teddy, I know I can always rely on you to say the right things.

Theodore Long: So what can I do for you tonight Dawn?

Dawn Marie: Well Teddy, I was looking for a favour. You saw the Tag Team Title match at Armageddon right?

Theodore Long: I did indeed, it was a hell of a match. Guarenteed to bring the dolla dolla to Smackdown!

Dawn Marie: See, that’s exactly what I thought! So I had an idea. You know the Royal Rumble is coming up in a few weeks, so I was thinking that at the Rumble, the Basham Brothers should get another shot at the Tag Team Titles! What do you think?!

Dawn flutters her eyelashes and runs her hand down Teddy’s arm

Theodore Long: Well Dawn, as much as I like the sound of that, I’m afraid I can’t make that match

Dawn moves her arm, and her look changes to one of indignance.

Dawn Marie: Why not?!

Theodore Long: Well, you see, after Armageddon, I made the Dudley Boys the number one contenders for winning the Tables match, and I gave them the shot at the Rumble. I’m afraid the Bashams are just gonna have to wait in line baby doll.

Dawn looks upset for a second, then a smile crosses her face

Dawn Marie: What about if the Dudleys agreed to stand aside and let the Bashams have the shot – would you make the match then?

Theodore Long: Assuming the Dudleys agreed to relinquish the chance, I would. But I really don’t think the Dudleys are gonna pass up a shot at the gold.

Dawn Marie: Well, why don’t you leave that up to me Teddy. I’m sure they will listen to (she unbuttons her blouse to show some cleavage)………rational ideas.

Dawn smiles slyly, then pecks Long on the cheek before leaving the office, as Long just shakes his head and smiles. (TEW Rating: 74.2)

The Dudley Boys vs. Hardcore Holly & Billy Gunn

As we return to the ring, Billy Gunn and Hardcore Holly are just finishing their entrance. “Drop The Bombs” hits, and Bubba Ray & D-Von make their way out, taunting the crowd at every opportunity. The match itself is standard tag team fare, as Gunn & Holly dominate the early exchanges, before Bubba Ray blindsides Gunn, allowing the Dudleys to take control. They work Gunn over, before Gunn is able to catch them with a double clothesline and makes the hot tag to Holly. Holly hits anything that moves, punching and kicking away at both Dudleys, before levelling Bubba Ray with a dropkick. Holly climbs to the outside, then flattens D-Von with some sort of diving clothesline, which gets a two count before Bubba breaks the count. Gunn returns to the ring, and all four men brawl. In the midst of it, Gunn kicks D-Von in the gut, then hits the FameAsser! Referee Jim Kordairis is vainly trying to restore order, and tries to get Gunn out of the ring, missing Holly’s cover on D-Von. Bubba Ray bounces off the ropes and goes for a legdrop, but Holly senses it and rolls away, meaning Bubba Ray lands the move on D-Von instead! Bubba Ray quickly gets up to check on his brother, but is spun round by Holly, who decks him with a hard right hand. D-Von groggily gets to his feet, but walks right into a jarring Alabama Slam from Holly, smacking the back of his head on the canvas! However, before Holly can even think about making a cover, Bubba Ray nails him with a field goal-like kick to the groin, with the referee still busy with Gunn. With Holly staggered, Bubba Ray quickly hits the Bubba Bomb, then drapes D-Von over Holly before knocking Gunn from the ring. Kordairis turns and sees the pinning situation and makes the count – one…………………two…………………three. Bubba Ray quickly pulls D-Von from the ring and helps him to the back, as D-Von clutches the back of his head, looking to be in some discomfort, and we go to commercial.

Winners: The Dudley Boys by pinfall in 07:42

Match Rating: *1/2

TEW Ratings: 60.4 / 60.4 / 64.8

******Commercial Break*******

As we come back from the break, we are in the Dudleys locker room, with Bubba Ray checking on D-Von

Bubba Ray Dudley: Are you sure you’re alright bro?

D-Von Dudley: Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little woozy, you know?

Bubba Ray Dudley: Yeah. Tell you what, stay here and I’ll go get an icepack from the doc

Bubba Ray leaves the room as D-Von continues to hold the back of his head. After a few seconds, we see Dawn Marie enter the room, carrying a clipboard

Dawn Marie: Oh hey D-Von, how you feeling?

D-Von Dudley: Sore Dawn, very sore. What do you want?

Dawn Marie: Tut tut D-Von, no need to be rude. Theodore Long sent me. He said he’s arranged for your shot at the Tag Titles at the Rumble, and all he needs is for one of you to sign the contract to make it official – but I guess you’re in no shape…..

D-Von Dudley: Just give it here Dawn

Dawn passes the clipboard, along with a pen, to D-Von. D-Von quickly scribbles along the bottom, not looking at the rest of the piece of paper, then passes it back to Dawn.

D-Von Dudley: There ya go Dawn. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to rest.

Dawn looks up and down the piece of paper and smiles

Dawn Marie: No problem D-Von. I’ll go and tell Teddy the good news. Feel better soon!

Dawn turns on her heel and walks out of the room, as D-Von rubs his head again. (TEW Rating: 68.1)

Paul London vs. Gangrel

We return to ringside, as Paul London’s music plays, and the young cruiserweight races to the ring. Then the lights go out, and “Blood” kicks in, as a ring of fire erupts on the stage, and Gangrel makes his elaborate entrance. After his “blood” spitting ritual, Gangrel gets into the ring, and the match gets underway. Gangrel gets the better of a tie-up and shoves London down, but London gets up and fires off a forearm shot to Gangrel’s face, then follows up with two more before whipping him into the ropes and taking him down with a leg lariat, making a quick cover and getting a two count. London tries a second whip, but Gangrel reverses, then catches London with a elbowsmash. Gangrel stomps on London, then hits an elbowdrop, before picking him up and bodyslamming him. Gangrel bounces off the ropes and goes for a legdrop, but London moves and Gangrel crashes into the mat. London quickly runs the ropes and hits Gangrel with a jumping necksnap – and gets a two count off the cover. Gangrel gets up and London goes to hit him with another forearm, but Gangrel catches his arm. He then traps London’s left arm as well, then suplexes him over his head, sending London flying across the ring. Gangrel makes the cover, but London kicks out at two. Gangrel picks him up, then drops him across his knee with a backbreaker, which yields another two count. Gangrel whips London across the ring, but London ducks the attempted clothesline – then turns round and knocks Gangrel down with the Dropsault! London pumps his fists to try and get the crowd going, then hits Gangrel with a spinning heel kick, and makes the cover – one…………………two………………kickout! London sizes up Gangrel as he got back to his feet, then ran at him and went for a running enzuiguri – but Gangrel ducks, and London kicks air, before crashing into the mat. In a flash, Gangrel hooks up London’s head, then smashes him head-first into the canvas with the Impaler!! Gangrel makes the cover – one………….two……………three! The bell rings and Gangrel is announced as the winner.

Winner: Gangrel by pinfall in 06:20

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 62.8 / 86.1 / 71.8

As Gangrel leaves the ring, we cut back to Theodore Long’s office, where he is stood, waiting to address the fans

Theodore Long: Holla everyone, I hope y’all enjoying Smackdown this evening. Now as I’m sure you are all aware, our next big event is the Royal Rumble, a joint presentation of Smackdown and Raw. And of course, at the Rumble, there will be the annual 30 Man Royal Rumble match, where the winner will go on to WrestleMania to face the World Champion of his choice in the main event. Now that cracka Eric Bischoff came out on Raw on Monday and announced some Royal Rumble qualifiers, acting as if it was all his big idea. But lemme tell you playa, what Eric forgot to mention was he was sat in a meeting with myself and Mr. McMahon where he heard me come up with the idea! Eric, don’t you be haterising on me again, or there will be some serious ramifications, you feel me? Anyway, starting next week, Smackdown will also be holding it’s own Royal Rumble qualifiers, but unlike Raw, there will be no “Double Jeopardy” rule. A superstar can try to qualify as many times as they like – but remember, there are only 15 spots up for grabs. Thanks for your time, and enjoy the rest of the show. (TEW Rating: 76.5)

Rene Dupree vs. The Big Show

We return to ringside, where Rene Dupree has just entered the ring and is doing his “French Tickler” dance, much to the delight of Tazz. “Big” hits the speakers, and The Big Show marches out to the ring, looking seriously pissed off, as Cole & Tazz talk about how Show has been in a foul mood all week after what happened at Armageddon. Show steps into the ring, and Dupree tries to get the jump on him, catching him with a couple of right hands – until Show knocks him down with a huge headbutt. Show quickly grabs Dupree by the throat, yanks him to his feet, then hoists him high into the air, where he holds him for a few seconds before driving him into the mat with a devastating Choke Slam. Show covers Dupree, and Brian Hebner makes the academic count to give Show the comprehensive win.

Winner: The Big Show by pinfall in 00:38

Match Rating: *

TEW Ratings: 72.3 / 72.8 / 79.1

******Commercial Break*******

As we come back from commercial, we see Eddie Guerrero standing in the backstage area, with Josh Matthews beside him

Josh Matthews: Eddie, in tonight’s main event, you team up with Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio to take on The Honour Society in an elimination tag match. You’ve got to be pretty confident after you defeated your nephew Chavo at Armageddon this past Sunday

Eddie Guerrero: Homes, you think I’m feeling confident because I beat Chavito on Sunday? Homes, I’m feeling confident because Latino Heat is on fire in New Mexico tonight! (insert cheap pop here). Josh, essa, I’ve got two great partners in Rey-Rey and RVD, and we are gonna tear that ring up and kick the Honour Society’s asses, odelay!

Josh Matthews: Well, moving on from tonight, we heard Theodore Long announce that Smackdown will be holding qualifiers for entry to the Royal Rumble match. Will you be amongst those competing?

Eddie Guerrero: Josh, I’ve thought about it, and I’d rather sit at home with my feet up then be in the main event of WrestleMania. C’mon man, what sort of question is that? Have you been spending a little too much time with RVD vato? Of course Latino Heat is gonna enter the qualifiers. Then I’m going to win the Royal Rumble, before going on to the granddaddy of then all and taking back what I never should have lost in the first place – the WWE Title. Viva la raza!

Eddie smiles broadly and walks out of shot as Josh hands back to Michael Cole & Tazz. (TEW Rating: 92.5)

Billy Kidman vs. Johnny Stamboli

“You Can Run” plays, and Billy Kidman makes his way out to a minor reaction. Johnny Stamboli makes his entrance, and gets a decent pop. The match gets underway, and Stamboli dominates Kidman. He hits a backdrop, a couple of clotheslines, and a shouldertackle, then drills Kidman with a powerslam for a two count. Stamboli whips Kidman across the ring into turnbuckles, but his resulting idiot charge sees Kidman move, and Stamboli shoulder-tackles the ringpost instead. Kidman takes a second to recompose himself, then puts the boots into Stamboli, then pulls him out of the corner and whips him into the ropes, flattening him with a dropkick on the return, which yields him a two count. Kidman follows up with a legdrop, then pulls him up and hits a belly-to-back suplex which gets him another two count. As Stamboli gets up, Kidman climbs through the ropes and ascends to the top turnbuckle, measuring Stamboli and flying off with a perfect cross-body press – but Stamboli catches him! Stamboli walks around the ring, with Kidman in his grasp, then hoists Kidman up onto his shoulders in a firemans carry – then propels him off into a faceplant! (the move is called the Test Neckbreaker in the Smackdown games) Kidman crashes into the canvas, and Stamboli rolls him over to make the cover – one……………two……………three! The crowd cheer as Stamboli is announced as the winner, and Kidman lays on the mat stunned.

Winner: Johnny Stamboli by pinfall in 05:34

Match Rating: **

TEW Ratings: 64.4 / 73.7 / 76.3

We cut back to Theodore Long’s office, where Long is sifting through some paperwork. There is a knock at the door, and Long looks up, to see Dawn Marie walking in, holding a clipboard

Dawn Marie: Hiya Teddy

Theodore Long: Dawn Marie – twice in one night? This must be my lucky day! What’s up doll?

Dawn Marie: Well, after what you said earlier, I went to talk to Bubba Ray and D-Von, and they both agreed that Doug and Danny deserved another shot at the Tag Titles, and so they were more than willing to sign their Royal Rumble shot over to me.

Dawn Marie passes Long the clipboard, and Long spends a couple of seconds reading through the document on it.

Theodore Long: Well Dawn, this all looks in order. OK then, it’s official. At the Royal Rumble, it will be Charlie Haas and Rico defending the WWE Tag Team Titles against The Basham Brothers!

Dawn Marie: Thanks Teddy (she kisses him on the cheek) The boys will be thrilled when I tell them.

Dawn turns to leave, when Long stops her

Theodore Long: Oh, by the way Dawn, I was going to ask – where are Doug and Danny tonight?

Dawn Marie: Oh, they’re back at the hotel – they’re a little………….tied-up at the moment.

Dawn winks knowingly, as Long just laughs and shakes his head, and we cut to commercial as Dawn leaves the room. (TEW Rating: 78.4)

******Commercial Break*******

We come back with the Raw Rebound, where we see highlights from Monday night. We see Eric Bischoff announcing the Royal Rumble qualifiers, followed by Edge & Batista qualifying. We then see William Regal being brutally attacked by a fan, and Chris Benoit being chokeslammed through a table by Kane. Then, we see Randy Orton defeat Ric Flair, followed by Evolution attacking Flair, kicking him out of the group, before Orton & Benoit make the save. (TEW Rating: 85.4)

Elimination Match

Chavo Guerrero, Mark Jindrak & Luther Reigns vs. Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam

As we return to the ring, Chavo Guerrero, Mark Jindrak & Luther Reigns are making their way out. They taunt the crowd in the ring for a second, before "Viva La Raza" hits, the crowd erupts. We Eddie Guerrero driving a metallic blue low rider to the ring, with Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam in the back! Eddie works the suspension, before all three men get out. They look at the ring, then nod at each other and slide in, going straight for the Honour Society! All six men brawl in the ring, and after a minute or so of this, the faces combine to irish whip the three heels into each other - then as they staggered back from the impact, Eddie, Rey and Van Dam tossed them from the ring! They played to the crowd as the Honour Society regrouped, allowing Nick Patrick to finally get control of the match. Chavo re-enters to ring to face Rob Van Dam. Van Dam goes to lock up, but instead bats Chavo with a quick kick to the side of the head. An irish whip sees Van Dam do the splits, then catching Chavo with a monkey flip on the return. Van Dam bounces off the ropes and hits a spinning legdrop, but only gets a two off the count. Van Dam whips Chavo into the turnbuckle, and tags Mysterio in. Van Dam wrings Chavo's arm, allowing Mysterio to springboard in with an axhandle to the shoulder. Mysterio turns up the pace, knocking Chavo down with a dropkick, then getting a two count with a rolling prawn hold. Chavo seems unable to keep up, when the momentum changes as Mysterio is clubbed by the left hand of Jindrak as Mysterio runs the ropes. This allows Chavo the opportunity to hit Mysterio with a suplex, then tag out to Jindrak. Jindrak slams Mysterio down, then flexes briefly before dropping the elbow. Jindrak wraps his arm around Mysterio's chin, pulling back with the chinlock, but Mysterio slips out of Jindrak's grasp, then runs the ropes and staggers Jindrak with a jumping elbow - only for a second attempt to fail when Jindrak swats him away, then toss him across the ring with ease. Jindrak tags in Reigns, and Reigns slaps the smaller Mysterio around the head. Reigns hoists him onto his shoulder, then powerslams Mysterio to the mat, which gets him a two-count. Reigns hooks Mysterio up for the Reign Fall, but before he can hit the move, Rob Van Dam runs in and catches him flush on the jaw with a spinning heel kick. Reigns collapses backwards as Chavo & Jindrak rush into the ring, only for Eddie cut Chavo off with a leg lariat. Van Dam tosses Jindrak from the ring, then bounces off the ropes and hits Reigns with the Rolling Thunder, as Mysterio rolls under the bottom rope onto the apron. Mysterio gets up, then springboards back into the ring with the Dropping The Dime! Van Dam & Eddie hits simultaneous planchas onto Jindrak & Chavo as Mysterio makes the cover - one......................two..........................three! Luther Reigns is gone!

Rey Mysterio eliminated Luther Reigns at 08:12

Mysterio quickly rolls to his corner and tags in the returning Van Dam, as Eddie rolls Chavo back into the ring. Van Dam quickly hits a Rolling Thunder on Chavo, but Chavo kicks out at two. Van Dam unleashes a series of kicks onto Chavo, then flattens him with a spinning back kick. Van Dam looks around at the crowd, then, like a cat, vaults to the top rope. Before he can do anything though, Jindrak is up on the apron and shoves Van Dam off, with Van Dam guillotining his neck on the top rope on the way down. Instantly, Eddie & Rey run across and attack Jindrak, but in doing so they draw Nick Patrick out of the ring, who remonstrates with them. The distraction allows Jindrak to roll into the ring as Van Dam is shakily getting up - and Jindrak smashes Van Dam with the Mark Of Excellence! Jindrak rolls out of the ring as Chavo pulls himself over and covers Van Dam, just as Patrick turns back to the ring. Patrick dives in and makes the count - one...................two.....................three! Rob Van Dam is eliminated.

Chavo Guerrero eliminated Rob Van Dam at 11:43

No sooner has the bell rung though, than Eddie Guerrero is in the ring and all over Chavo. He unloads with a series of right hands, then whips him into the ropes and propels him across the ring with a backdrop. Eddie tags Mysterio in, and the pair nail Chavo with a double dropkick. Rey tries to whip Chavo into the whips, but Chavo reverses - only for Rey to catch him with the Rube Goldberg bulldog! Jindrak tries to come in, but Mysterio catches him with a satellite headscissors, sending Jindrak back to his corner. However, it gives Chavo enough time to get up and level Mysterio with a clothesline from behind. Chavo staggers to his corner and tags in Jindrak, but before Jindrak can get in, Mysterio rolls to his own corner and tags in Eddie. Eddie counters Jindrak's punch, and rocks him with one of his own. then kicks him in the knee, before hooking him up for a vertical suplex. Eddie pops his hips and goes for a second, but Jindrak blocks with a punch to the ribs, then a left hook to the jaw, staggering Eddie long enough for Jindrak to knock him down with a perfect standing dropkick. Jindrak makes the cover - one.....................two........................kickout! Jindrak pulls Eddie up, then drops him across his knee with a backbreaker. Jindrak takes the time to taunt the crowd, and shouts "it's all over!". He drags Eddie up, and lifts him for the Mark Of Excellence - but Eddie manages to flip out of the move, landing behind Jindrak. Eddie hooks Jindrak up and drives him into the canvas with a high and tight belly to back suplex. Jindrak's head bounces off the canvas on impact, leaving him prone in the middle of the ring. Eddie slaps his chest as the crowd roar on their approval, then climbs to the top turnbuckle - from where he launches off and smashes Jindrak with the Frog Splash!! Nick Patrick makes the count - one....................two....................three! Jindrak is the next to be eliminated, leaving it at Chavo vs Rey & Eddie.

Eddie Guerrero eliminated Mark Jindrak at 17:26

Eddie taunted Chavo as Chavo looked on, then Eddie went back to his corner and tagged in Mysterio. A weary looking Chavo entered the ring as Mysterio charged at him. Chavo missed the clothesline he threw, and Mysterio hopped onto his shoulders and took him over in a victory roll - one.................two.................kickout. Both men get up at the same time, but Chavo manages to catch Mysterio with a boot to the gut. With Mysterio doubled-over, Chavo positions him for the Gory Bomb. He lits him above his shoulders, but he can't complete the move before Mysterio struggles free and lands on his feet. Mysterio quickly turns around and dropkicks Chavo in the back - causing Chavo to stumble and collapse across the middle rope! Mysterio works the crowd quickly, before running the ropes and smashing Chavo with the 6-1-9! Mysterio tags Eddie back in, and Eddie quickly climbs to the top rope. Chavo lays in the middle of the ring stunned as Eddie slaps his chest, then flies off with his second Frog Splash of the night! Patrick makes the cover - one.................two.....................three!! The New Mexico crowd enthusiastically cheer as Mysterio and Guerrero are announced as the winners, and we end the show with the two celebrating in the ring.

Eddie Guerrero eliminated Chavo Guerrero at 20:14

Winners: Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 70.7 / 76.5 / 77.9

*******************END SHOW**************************

The card for the Royal Rumble, as it stands, is:

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

Edge, Batista

WWE Tag Team Title Match

Haas & Rico © (w/ Miss Jackie) vs. The Basham Brothers (w/ Dawn Marie)

[R.W.]

Wrestling Observer Round-Up

Posted by Dave Meltzer on Sunday 19th December 2004

Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of the Wrestling Observer Round-Up. It’s been a slow news week, so there isn’t much to report on I’m afraid.

Raw this week garnered 1,159,714 viewers (up a huge 192,920 from the previous week), with the highlight of the show undoubtedly being the pay-off to the Ric Flair / Evolution split they’ve been teasing since Survivor Series. We also saw the debut of two OVW call-ups, John Toland & Chris Cage, who defeated La Resistance, courtesy of Cage’s Timetraveller finisher, which wowed the crowd. And for those of you who haven’t worked out who it was who attacked William Regal after his match with the Hurricane – let’s just say someone’s had a shave and a haircut…

Over on Smackdown (which drew in 1,269,217 viewers, up 19,807 from the previous week), we saw the fallout from Armageddon. There wasn’t much in terms of progression for the Rumble, but more tidying up loose ends. Surprisingly, Dawn Marie’s quest to get The Basham Brothers a shot at the Tag Titles was the focus of the show, but we also saw a great match between Akio & Ultimo Dragon, and a fun elimination match in the main event – and Paul London made Gangrel look better than he has done in years. Judging by the show’s opening segment, it looks as though Kurt Angle will be defending against The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble, though The Big Show may be involved again, if rumours are to be believed.

Over in OVW, new talent continues to be signed up, with a couple of familiar faces signing developmental contracts this week. Headed to Louisiana will be “The Anarchist” Doug Williams, Jason Jett (the former EZ Money), Nick Berk, and Gary Steele. Some are attributing the signings of Williams and Steele to WWE Creative Supervisor Paul Maloney, who had dealings with both men in his native England.

To compensate for the influx in new talent, a couple of other developmental talents have been released – both Da Beast and Linda Miles were told they could seek alternative employment. Some sources suggets Miles found out via a text message from Maloney. Employee relations at it’s best eh?

Anyway, that’s all for now – see you next week

[R.W.]

WWE Raw

Monday 20th December 2004

Live from the Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York

Attendance: 11,099 (Capacity: 11,965)

Sunday Night Heat Taping:

Simon Dean & A-Train defeated The Hurricane & Rosey after Dean pinned Hurricane

Batista pinned Maven with the Batista Bomb

Randy Orton defeated Chuck Palumbo with the R.K.O.

The pyros go off as the opening credits finish, and we pan the arena, with the packed crowd in the Nassau Coliseum making a lot of noise. The shot cuts to the commentary table, where Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler are sat.

Jim Ross: Hello everyone, and welcome to Monday Night Raw! I’m Jim Ross, alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler, and the road to the Royal Rumble gets into full swing tonight!

Jerry Lawler: And I for one can’t wait J.R.! After Eric Bischoff’s announcement last week, you know that each one of these qualifying matches is going to a hard-fought battle

Jim Ross: And none moreso than tonight’s main event, as Bischoff’s right-hand man, William Regal, faces “The Rabid Wolverine” Chris Benoit in what will be a brutal war between two men who are known for their physicality and technical prowess.

Jerry Lawler: But don’t forget that Benoit may not be at 100%, after Kane chokeslammed him through a table last week!

Jim Ross: Also, in another qualifying match, “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels will face the young upstart. Garrison Cade.

Jerry Lawler: And wherever Cade is, Trish Stratus will be too – and you know what that means J.R. – Puppies!!!

As Lawler salivates over the thought of Trish and her puppies, “Line In The Sand” kicks in, and Evolution appear on stage to massive boos. (TEW Rating: 75.2)

Triple H, World Title across his shoulder, leads Batista and Edge, who have the Tag Team Titles on their shoulders, down to the ring. They enter the ring smiling, and Triple H asks for a microphone.

Triple H: You know, in life, there is a natural order to things. You’re born, you live, you die. It’s the way it is. And with Evolution, it’s the same. When I first brought Evolution together, it was all about the past, the present, and the future – and Ric Flair was that past. Now, I admit, I viewed Flair through rose-tinted glasses – I ignored his performances in the ring, and let him ride with us because, hey, this was Ric Flair. The Nature Boy, a living legend! But there was only so long I could tolerate someone holding us back, no matter who they are. And Ric Flair was holding us back. Look around you! I’m the World Heavyweight Champion – a 9 time Champion at that! Edge & Batista – they’re the World Tag Team Champions! And what was Ric Flair? When was the last time he won anything? His time has come and gone, and it was time to put him out to pasture. So we did him a favour – we took him out of the game before he could tarnish his legend further. In fact, I think you people should be giving us a standing ovation for saving the legend of the Nature Boy, Ric……..

Before he can finish though, a familiar drum plays, as “Also Sprach Zarathrusta” starts, and the crowd erupt as Ric Flair walks out in a blue suit, with a bandage on his forehead. (TEW Rating: 86.9)

Flair paces across the stage, microphone in hand, before stopping and turning to face Triple H, his face a picture of rage

Ric Flair: Triple H! Triple H! Who do you think you are?! You think that you get to choose when the Nature Boy hangs it up? Do you know who I am?! I am a 16 time World Champion – that’s seven times more than you! I was a World Champion back when you were carrying Shawn Michaels’ bags, and somehow you think you decide my future? I don’t think so! You think I’m past it? Hunter, even on my worst day, I’m still twice the wrestler you’ll ever be! You say Evolution passed me by Hunter – but why don’t we put it to the test! If you’re man enough Hunter, you and me – (Flair takes off his jacket and flings it to the ground) one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship! Whooooooo! I’ll take you to school punk, before climbing the mountain to become World Champion once more – Whoooooo! (TEW Rating: 88.4)

As the crowd cheers Flair, Triple H, looking extremely annoyed, raises the mic to his mouth

Triple H: Hold on one second Flair. Don’t get these people hoping for a match that just ain’t gonna happen. You see, the last time I checked, losing frequently and picking up the odd win against guys like Rhyno doesn’t make you a World Title contender – it makes you a joke. You think you can keep up with guys like me? Guys like Batista? Guys like Edge? There’s a reason I’m World Champion Ric – it’s because I am that damn good, and that’s no catchphrase, just the god-honest truth. But if you want a piece of me so bad, I’ve got an offer for you. On the next Raw, I’ll team up with Edge, and you can go and find yourself a partner, and we’ll have a tag match. I’ll even make it a little more interesting – if you and your partner win, I’ll give you a shot at the World Title at the Royal Rumble, and I’ll clear it with Eric so that your partner gets entered into the Royal Rumble match.

Ric Flair: You’re on punk….

Triple H: Wait a second Ric, I haven’t finished. You see, if your team loses, there will be consequences. If you lose Ric, then both you and your partner will be barred from ever having a title shot of any form ever again. You won’t even be able to wrestle for the Intercontinental Title, or the Tag Titles, hell even the Womens Title if it were still around – which, let’s face it Ric, you’ve got the “chest” for now.

Triple H & the rest of Evolution at the joke

Triple H: So, what do you say Ric? You think you can find a partner who’d agree to that? You still want a piece of me so bad?

Ric Flair: Hunter, even if I have to wrestle on my own, there is nothing in this world that will stop me from being there. Bring all you’ve got Hunter – you’re going to see the return of The Nature Boy. Whooooooooo!

“Also Sprach Zarathrusta” plays once more, and as we cut to commercial Flair & Triple H are staring daggers at each other. (TEW Rating: 87.2)

******Commercial Break*******

Royal Rumble Qualifier

”HBCade” Garrison Cade (w/Trish Stratus) vs. Shawn Michaels

We come back from commercial, and “Sexy Boy” starts to play. The crowd erupt in cheers, but they quickly turn to boos as Garrison Cade comes through the curtains, followed by Trish Stratus. They make their way to the ring, going through Michaels’ full routine (sans pyro). Then, “Sexy Boy” restarts, and this time it is Shawn Michaels who makes his entrance, and the crowd cheer him. The match gets underway, and Michaels takes control straight away, taking Cade to the mat with a headlock and keeping him in the hold, frustrating the youngster. Cade eventually makes it to his feet, and backs Michaels into the ropes, using the momentum to whip Michaels across the ring, but Michaels knocks him down with a shoulderblock. Michaels goes to run the ropes again, but is tripped from the outside by Trish. Michaels turns to confront Trish, which allows Cade to run into him with a knee to the back, sending Michaels to the outside. Cade follows, and uses the ringside furniture to his advantage, as Michaels is whipped into the barrier, the ring apron and the ringsteps, with his back absorbing most of the damage. Cade rolls Michaels back into the ring and makes the cover, but Michaels kicks out at two. Cade kicks Michaels in the back, then picks him up and drills him with a vertical suplex, which gets another two count. Cade then plants Michaels with a belly-to-back suplex, then climbs through the ropes and ascends to the top turnbuckle. Cade nods at Trish, then leaps off, looking for a flying elbowdrop, but Michaels moves and Cade crashes into the canvas! The crowd start to cheer for Michaels as he pulls himself up, and then he manages to block a Cade punch and retaliate with one of his own. Michaels unloads with a few more, then ducks a wild swing and catches Cade with an inverted atomic drop. As Cade bounces around in pain, Michaels hits the ropes and flattens Cade with a flying forearm. Both men lay on the canvas, then Michaels kips up! The crowd cheer as Michaels moves to the corner and starts warming up the band – only for Trish to reach in and grab his ankle! Michaels reaches over the ropes and grabs Trish, pulling her up to the apron. Michaels remonstrates with Trish as Cade gets up, and then Cade runs at Michaels – but Michaels moves, and Cade collides with Trish, knocking her from the apron! Cade spins round from the collision, and is met with Sweet Chin Music! Michaels covers Cade, and Mike Chioda counts – one………………………two…………………………three! Michaels celebrates in the ring as Trish gets up and pulls Cade out, with a look of anger on her face.

Winner: Shawn Michaels by pinfall in 09:15

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 73.8 / 79.3 / 83.7

We cut backstage, where we see Chris Benoit standing by with Lillian Garcia.

Lillian Garcia: Chris, tonight you face William Regal, the current Intercontinental Champion, in a Royal Rumble qualifier. The question on everyone’s mind is are you 100%, after what Kane did to you last week?

Chris Benoit: Lillian, it doesn’t matter if I’m 100%, if I’m 50% or if I’m 10%. Our General Manager, Mr. Bischoff has made it plain that I’m not going to be getting another World Title shot in the near future, for fear of me beating his little friend Triple H. So, it seems that the only way for me to get the shot I deserve is for me to win the Royal Rumble, and if I have to face William Regal whilst I’m hurt to qualify, I will. There is nothing that will stop me from entering the Royal Rumble, so Bischoff can throw everything he wants in my way – I will be World Champion again, and there is no-one who can prove me wrong.

Benoit walks out of shot, with an intense look on his face. (TEW Rating: 80.2)

We cut to the Smackdown Rebound, where we see clips of last Thursday’s show. We see The Undertaker promise revenge on Kurt Angle, Dawn Marie’s quest to get The Bashams a Tag Title shot, and Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio winning the Elimination Tag Match. (TEW Rating: 82.9)

We return to ringside, and “Just Close Your Eyes” plays, as Christian confidently makes his way to the ring. He stands in the ring, waiting to find out who he will be facing. Lillian Garcia raises the microphone to her mouth, as some guitar music plays a familiar yet different tune.

Lillian Garcia: And his opponent………………from Oakville, Ontario, Canada………….weighing 240lbs………………….Sean Morley!!

Morley makes his way onto the stage to his modified theme tune, and the crowd recognise the former Val Venis and give him a mild pop as he makes his entrance, looking determinedly at Christian, the man who injured him a few weeks earlier. Meanwhile, Christian is having a fit in the ring, and is screaming at Mike Chioda, but Morley slides into the ring and the match gets started.

Royal Rumble Qualifier

Christian vs. Sean Morley

Morley grabs Christian and unloads on him, firing off several right hands, before backing Christian into the ropes and whipping him across the ring, scoring a backdrop as he comes back. Morley waits for Christian to get up, then clotheslines him over the top and to the floor. Morley pumps his fists, then follows as Christian begs off. Morley knocks Christian around on the outside, then tries to irish whip him into the stairs, but Christian reverses and Morley crashes into them. Christian rolls into the ring and catches his breath as Morley struggles up to the ring apron – where Christian suplexes him back into the ring. Christian covers – one………………two……………kickout. Christian stomps on Morley’s head, then connects with a legdrop. Christian pulls Morley up, then drops him with his reverse DDT into a backbreaker. Christian covers again – one…………….two……………kickout. Christian then grabs a rear chinlock and falls to the canvas, applying the pressure to Morley’s neck. Christian wrenches back on the hold as Chioda checks on Morley, but Morley doesn’t quit. Instead, Morley fights back to a vertical base, then drives his elbow into Christian’s stomach, breaking the hold. Morley runs the ropes, but runs right into Christian’s knee, doubling him up and allowing Christian to nail him with a diving reverse DDT. Christian hooks the leg and makes the cover – one…………………two………….thr-kickout. Christian leaps to his feet and gets into Chioda’s face, claiming the count was slow. Christian turns and picks Morley up and tries to irish whip him, but Morley reverses and catches Christian with a spinebuster! Morley gets to his feet at the same time as Christian, and Christian runs at Morley, who counters with a powerslam! Chioda counts – one…………..two……………..kickout. Morley rocks Christian with some more right hands, then boots him in the gut and takes him over with a fishermans suplex – one……………..two……………kickout! Morley grabs Christian, and backs him into the corner. Morley goes to whip Christian across the ring, but Christian reverses and Morley crashes sternum-first into turnbuckle, Bret Hart style. Christian pulls Morley up and hooks him up for the Unprettier, but Morley breaks free and shoves Christian away. Christian turns and swings at Morley, but Morley ducks, then catches him with a big Blue Thunder Bomb! Morley holds the move into the pin and Chioda counts – one………………..…….two………………….three! Morley rolls out of the win, holding his arms aloft in victory, as Christian holds his head in his hands, with a look of shock on his face.

Winner: Sean Morley by pinfall in 07:42

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 65.4 / 77.5 / 74.8

******Commercial Break*******

We come back from commercial with the Highlight Reel set in the ring, and it’s host Chris Jericho armed with a mic.

Chris Jericho: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Highlight Reel, the number one talkshow in America today! Now, as you all know, Chris Jericho is one sexy beast, but my guest today doesn’t quite fit that description – though he is trying. Give a big hand to the A-Train!!

Simon Dean’s infomercial-esque music plays, and he comes out, with A-Train in tow. They stop before reaching the ring, and Dean makes A-Train do some star jumps, before they enter the ring. Dean sits down on the stool offered by Jericho, but makes A-Train stand up

Chris Jericho: Well, aren’t I the lucky one. Not just the monkey, but the organ grinder too. So, Simon. How you doing?

Simon Dean: I’m fine thanks Chris, and that’s all thanks to my Simon System, available..

Chris Jericho: Hey jackass, this is the Highlight Reel, not QVC, so shut the hell up junior. Now, A-Train, you’ve been hanging around with this Richard Simmons wannabe for a few weeks now – how’s it been?

A-Train: Well Chris…….

Simon Dean: It’s been great Chris. Train was a bit slow to start with, and lacked the discipline required to get real results, but recently he’s been putting some extra effort in, and I’m glad to report that he’s lost 5lbs!

Chris Jericho: 5lbs? A-Train, 5lbs? All the things he’s made you do, and you’ve lost 5lbs?

A-Train: It’s……….um...........it’s not like that.........um.........I mean...............Simon knows best...............um.............

Chris Jericho: Train, the only thing that jackass knows best is the history of lycra. C’mon Train. I’ve wrestled you before – you used to be a fierce monster. You didn’t care about your looks, or impressing the girls. You went out there and kicked ass! Are you telling me that the same monster is gonna stand there and take orders from (points at Dean) …………….him?

A-Train looks at Jericho, then across at Dean, then back at Jericho, with a look of thought on his face. Suddenly Dean grabs the microphone from Jericho

Simon Dean: Train, you want to get the pretty girls? You want the respect of the boys in the back? Then you stick with the Simon System, and ignore this loud-mouthed punk. C’mon, let’s get out of here – we’ve got training to do.

Dean tosses the mic back to Jericho and storms out of the ring. A-Train looks at Jericho once more, then forlornly leaves the ring and follows Dean, as Jericho looks on, frustrated. (TEW Rating: 77.5)

Rodney Mack vs. Shelton Benjamin

After a short “Don’t Try This At Home” promo, we return to the ring, now clear of the Highlight Reel set, with Rodney Mack standing in the ring. “Ain’t No Stopping Me” plays, and the crowd cheer as Shelton Benjamin makes his way to the ring. Mack tries to get the jump on Shelton, but Shelton fights back, unleashing a combination of punches, kicks and chops to stagger Mack. Mack reverses an irish whip, but Shelton rebounds with a jumping clothesline. Mack gets up, and Shelton whips Mack into the turnbuckles. Shelton quickly follows in, leaping from just past the centre of the ring with the Shell Shocka, crushing Mack in the corner. Mack staggers out, and Shelton quickly positions himself, then catches Mack with the T-Bone! Jack Doan counts – one……………..two……………..three! Shelton pops back up and begins to celebrate in the ring as his music plays once more.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin by pinfall in 02:12

Match Rating: *

TEW Ratings: 62.7 / 75.4 / 66.9

As Shelton celebrates, the shot changes from in-ring, to that of Shelton being on a monitor. We pan back from the monitor and see Eric Bischoff

Eric Bischoff: Well, if you’re sure. There is your opponent in your Royal Rumble qualifier. Happy?

A hand appears on Bischoff’s shoulder, and the camera pans back further, revealing a smirking Kane.

Kane: Very. I’ll teach Shelton a valuable lesson about sticking your nose in other people’s business – and I’ll qualify for the Royal Rumble at the same time. Tell Shelton I’ll see him in two weeks.

Kane starts to chuckle sinisterly, as Bischoff looks on, slightly scared. (TEW Rating: 80.7)

We cut from Bischoff’s office to the interview area, where Lillian Garcia is with La Resistance

Lillian Garcia: Sylvain, Robert, tonight you face Adrenaline, the rookie team who beat you in what many call an upset last week…..

Robert Conway: An upset? An upset? You’re damn right it was an upset Lillian. Sylvain and me are multiple time Tag Team Champions, and those two punk kids come in and make us look bad?! It was hardly fair that we had to face opposition we never had the chance to scout, but we took them on, and we were robbed by poor officiating, poor management, and what I’m pretty sure is an illegal move…..

Lillian Garcia: You mean Chris Cage’s Timetraveller?

Robert Conway: I don’t care what he calls it. Tonight, me and Sylvain are going to go out there and beat some respect into the two punks.

Sylvain Grenier: Adrénaline, maintenant vous devriez avoir peur !

We cut to a commercial as La Resistance storm away from Garcia. (TEW Rating: 67.9)

******Commercial Break*******

La Resistance vs. Adrenaline

As we return from commercial, La Resistance are making their entrance, waving the flag of Quebec to some heat. A heavy guitar fills the arena, as the opening bars of “Hysteria” by Muse play, and Chris Cage and John Toland, the team of Adrenaline, make their entrance. They slide into the ring, and Grenier and Conway blindside them, stomping away on the youngsters. After a minute or so of assaulting the duo, they toss Toland from the ring, then double-team Cage. They take Cage over with a double suplex, followed by a double kip-up – where Toland meets them with a double clothesline, flattening Grenier & Conway. Toland knocks Conway down with a shouldertackle, as Cage meets Grenier with a dropkick. They back them into opposing corners, then irish whip them towards each other, causing Grenier & Conway to clash heads! Conway staggers back into a powerslam from Toland, causing him to roll from the ring, whilst Cage knocks Grenier down with a spinning heel kick. Toland & Cage signal to the crowd, and Cage picks Grenier up. He whips him towards Toland, who catches him with a move J.R. calls the Tank Buster (a Black Hole Slam)! Toland makes the cover, as Cage planchas over the ropes and onto the now standing Conway. Chris Kay makes the count – one………………two………………three! Adrenaline pick up a second win over La Resistance in as many weeks!

Winners: Adrenaline by pinfall in 04:32

Match Rating: **

TEW Ratings: 54.8 / 69.6 / 56.7

After a short promo for next week’s “Best Of Raw 2004”, we return to ringside as William Regal is making his entrance. Halfway down the ramp however, someone hops over the security barricade and onto the ramp, tackling Regal and taking him down. The “fan” pummels Regal with several punches, before security rush down and pull him away. As he is being pulled away, we see it is the same man who attacked Regal last week. Eric Bischoff comes out and starts yelling at the fan, with the cameras picking up “Stop it Nick, just stop it!”. J.R. and Lawler speculate on how Bischoff knows the fan as Regal enters the ring, and we cut to commercial. (TEW Rating: 68.2)

******Commercial Break*******

Non-Title Royal Rumble Qualifier

William Regal vs. Chris Benoit

We return from the break with Regal in the ring, just about ready after the attack from the fan. "Whatever" kicks in, and the crowd erupt as Chris Benoit makes his way to the ring. Earl Hebner gets the match underway, and the two men tie-up. They trade holds from a hammerlock, with Benoit coming out on top with a standing switch armdrag. Regal cricks his neck, then they tie up again, but with Regal coming out on top this time. He takes Benoit down with a front facelock, then smacks him across the back of the neck with some forearms before releasing the hold. Regal smiles as he backs off, and Benoit stares a hole back at him. They tie-up for a third time, and tussle to the corner. Hebner asks for a clean break, but Regal catches Benoit with a left to the side of the head instead. This seems to fire Benoit up though, as he responds with a vicious knife-edge chop, knocking Regal to the mat. Benoit follows up with a stomp to the head, then he picks Regal up and fires off a snap suplex, and gets two from the cover. He drags Regal up and goes for a German Suplex, but Regal switches out, and rabbit punches Benoit, sending him down. Regal quickly drops a knee across Benoit's head, then drives his forearm across the bridge of Benoit's nose. He grabs Benoit's arms, and straightjackets them, holding Benoit in a modified chinlock. Regal drives his knee into Benoit's back as he pulls on the hold, and Benoit yells out in pain, but won't quit. After a minute or so in the hold, Benoit manages to get to one knee, then twist his body to face Regal - where Regal headbutts him, knocking him down. Regal covers - one...................two....................kickout. Annoyed, Regal kicks Benoit flush in the face, sending the Wolverine to the ring apron. Regal reaches over the ropes and pulls Benoit to his feet, then brings him back into the ring with a suplex. Regal covers again - one..............................two........................kickout. Regal pulls Benoit up, then tries to butterfly his arms - but Benoit quickly spins his body and takes Regal down to the mat in the Crippler Crossface! The crowd erupt, but Regal is close to the ropes and quickly grabs them before any damage can be done. Benoit releases the hold, but gets to his feet and boots Regal in the head, then drags him up and props him in the corner, before unleashing a volley of chops. As Regal's chest turns redder, Benoit's chops get harder, before he whips Regal across the ring and into the opposite turnbuckle. Regal staggers out and is flattened by a stiff hooking clothesline from Benoit. Benoit covers - one...........................two........................kickout. Unfazed, Benoit picks Regal up and drills him with a belly-to-back suplex, which gets a two count. Benoit whips Regal into the turnbuckle again, but an idiot charge leads him right into Regal's boot. Regal goes for a left hook - but Benoit ducks, and plants Regal with a German Suplex! Benoit gets to his feet, then runs his thumb along his throat, before climbing to the top rope. Benoit flies off and crashes...into canvas, as Regal rolls away! Benoit jerks in pain on the mat, as Regal regains his senses. Benoit staggers up, but Regal grabs his wrist, then drops him with a cobra neckbreaker! Regal makes the cover - one.......................two........................th-Kickout! The crowd gasp as Benoit kicks out at the last second. Regal questions Hebner in disbelief, as Benoit clutches the back of his head. Regal pulls Benoit up, and shoves him chest-first into the ropes - and Benoit rebounds back into the waiting arms of Regal and his half-nelson suplex! Benoit bounces across the ring, and Regal makes the cover - one..................................two........................th-Benoit puts his foot on the bottom rope!! Regal gets up, thinking he has one the match, but Hebner tries to explain what's happening. Benoit gets to his feet somehow, and groggily schoolboys Regal! Hebner counts - one....................two......................kickout! Regal gets straight up and drives a knee into the head of the crawling Benoit. Regal picks Benoit up, then lifts him up for a vertical suplex - but Benoit counters with a float-over! He waistlocks Regal, looking for the Germans, but Regal throws an elbow to put him off. He throws a second, but Benoit anticipates it, and allows the momentum to turn Regal around - from where he uses a double leg-trip, then tries to hook in the Sharpshooter! Regal fights the application, and manages to score a left hand to the head to prevent Benoit applying the hold. Benoit staggers back, as Regal gets up and runs at Benoit - and out of nowhere Benoit grabs Regal's arm and takes him to the mat in the Crippler Crossface!! This time Regal is nowhere near the ropes, and the Intercontinental Champion screams in pain. He fights the pain of the hold...........but eventually taps out!! The crowd roar their approval as Benoit releases the hold and wearily rolls away from Regal. Hebner helps Benoit up, and the show closes with Benoit having his arm raised in victory and the crowd cheering.

Winner: Chris Benoit by submission in 18:32

Match Rating: ***1/2

TEW Ratings: 78.1 / 98.0 / 90.1

*******************END SHOW**************************

The card for the Royal Rumble, as it stands, is:

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

Edge, Batista, Shawn Michaels, Sean Morley, Chris Benoit

WWE Tag Team Title Match

Haas & Rico © (w/ Miss Jackie) vs. The Basham Brothers (w/ Dawn Marie)

[R.W.]

WWE Smackdown

Thursday 23rd December 2004

Live from the Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut

Attendance: 10,655 (Capacity: 15,635)

Velocity Taping:

Luther Reigns pinned Hardcore Holly after the Reign Fall

Chavo Guerrero pinned Paul London after a roll-up with a handful of tights

Rob Van Dam beat Billy Kidman with the Five Star Frog Splash

The pyros go off, and we join Michael Cole and Tazz at ringside as we get the show underway

Michael Cole: Hello everyone, and welcome to this festive edition of Smackdown! I’m Michael Cole, alongside my broadcast partner Tazz, and Tazz, Christmas may only be two days away, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing much holiday spirit tonight!

Tazz: Damn straight Cole. Tonight, qualifying for the Royal Rumble gets underway, and you can bet every superstar on the Smackdown roster wants to get into the Rumble, and have a shot at headlining WrestleMania.

Michael Cole: And speaking of Royal Rumble qualifiers, our main event tonight sees two men who have had numerous battles over the past few months square off, with the winner entering the Rumble, as Booker T takes on John Cena.

Tazz: That one has rocketbustah written all over it MC. I can’t wait.

Michael Cole: But let’s get underway with our first qualifier of the evening!

Rey Mysterio’s music kicks in, and we cut to a shot of the entrance way as Mysterio pops into view. (TEW Rating: 73.6)

Royal Rumble Qualifier

Akio vs. Rey Mysterio

Mysterio makes his entrance, and is soon joined by his opponent, Akio. The match starts off at a frenetic pace, as the two high-fliers exchange counters, rolls, leapfrogs and armdrags, before Mysterio hits a roll-up out of nothing for a two count. Akio gets up, and Mysterio springboards off the second rope, catching Akio with a huracanrana on the way past, which sends Akio through the ropes and to the outside. As Akio gets up, Mysterio takes a run-up and then dives over the top rope with a corkscrew plancha onto Akio! Both men stay down for a few seconds, before Mysterio gets up and rolls Akio back into the ring. Mysterio climbs onto the apron, and looks for the Dropping The Dime legdrop – but Akio rolls out of the way, and Mysterio hits nothing but canvas. Akio takes advantage but catching Mysterio with a seated dropkick, flush in the face. Akio covers, but Mysterio kicks out at two. The next few minutes see Akio unleash a range of kicks and chops to Mysterio, wearing him down before nailing him with a spinning heel kick which gets a close two count. Akio drags Mysterio back up and whips him into the ropes – but Mysterio counters with the Rube Goldberg Bulldog! Both men get up at the same time, but Akio seems to have the edge as he races towards Mysterio – but Mysterio leapfrogs him, then jumps backwards, lands on Akio’s shoulders, and hits another huracanrana! Mysterio waits for Akio to get up, then dropkicks him in the back – causing Akio to collapse across the second rope. Mysterio “dials it up”, then bounces off the ropes and smacks Akio with the 6-1-9! Akio falls backwards as Mysterio stands on the apron waiting. Akio staggers to his feet, and Mysterio launches into the ring with the West Coast Hop! Mysterio cradles Akio’s leg as Brian Hebner makes the count – one………………two………………three! Rey Mysterio qualifies for the Royal Rumble.

Winner: Rey Mysterio by pinfall in 09:28

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 64.8 / 87.3 / 76.8

******Commercial Break*******

We come back to the show with the Raw Rebound. We see clips of Ric Flair’s challenge to Triple H, and Triple H’s counter offer of a tag match. We get short highlights of the Royal Rumble qualifying matches, where Shawn Michaels beats Garrison Cade, and a returning Sean Morley defeats Christian. Finally, we see William Regal once again being attacked by the mystery fan, who Eric Bischoff addresses as “Nick”, before Regal is defeated by Chris Benoit in a Royal Rumble qualifier. (TEW Rating: 84.3)

Spike Dudley vs. The Big Show

We cut to ringside, where a very nervous looking Spike Dudley is standing in the ring – and we soon find out why he looks so nervous, as “Big” hits the speakers, and The Big Show makes his way out, still looking furious. Show steps over the top rope, and Spike tries to jump him. He kicks Show in the knee a few times, then scampers to the corner and climbs to the top rope – and leaps into the waiting arms of Show. Show hoists Spike high into the air with one hand, then walks around the ring before driving Spike almost through the canvas with the Choke Slam. Show makes the academic cover and gets the three for the win.

Winner: The Big Show by pinfall in 01:00

Match Rating: *

TEW Ratings: 70.3 / 71.8 / 73.4

Theodore Long watches on from a monitor backstage, with a smile on his face. As he does, Kurt Angle comes into shot, with the WWE Title across his shoulder.

Kurt Angle: Hey Teddy, I hear you wanted to see me.

Theodore Long: Kurt, I keep telling you, it’s Mr. Long to you. But yes playa, I did want to see you. It’s about you defending the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble

Kurt Angle: Good. I never got the chance to announce my opponent last week because I was so rudely interrupted by The Undertaker.

Theodore Long: Kurt my man, there’s something I think you should realise. You don’t give out title shots around here – I do. And at the Royal Rumble, you will be defending the WWE Title against……………The Undertaker!

Kurt Angle: No frickin’ way! I’m not facing that….that………zombie!

Theodore Long: You don’t get a choice playa. You know that as a champion, you are entitled to a rematch should you lose the belt. And The Undertaker is just exercising his right to a rematch. By the way, you didn’t actually beat Taker for the belt did you? (TEW Rating: 84.7)

Kurt Angle: Well, no………………but I did beat a 7ft, 500lb monster in The Big Show!

Theodore Long: Ah yes, that was it. You, your little friends, and a title belt beat The Big Show – which would explain why I’ve got a 7ft, 500lb pissed off monster at the moment.

Kurt Angle: And how is that my problem?

Theodore Long: I’ll tell you how Kurt. The way I see it, Show is angry because he didn’t get a fair chance at winning that belt. So, I’m going to give him one. In two weeks time, it will be you, Kurt Angle, defending the WWE Title against The Big Show. Oh, and by the way – all of your little friends in the Honour Society? They’re banned from ringside – you feel me playa?

Long slaps Angle on the shoulder and walks away, smiling broadly, as Angle looks like he’s about to burst into tears. (TEW Rating: 83.7)

Billy Gunn vs. Mark Jindrak (w/ Luther Reigns)

We return to ringside, where Billy Gunn is in the ring. “Making A Mark” plays, and Mark Jindrak makes his way out, accompanied by Luther Reigns. Jindrak poses in the ring, then sharply turns and decks Gunn with a left hook. Gunn crumples to the mat as Jindrak laughs, before putting the boots to him. Jindrak picks Gunn up and whips him into the ropes, and as he comes back he nails him with a fist to the gut, before taking a few steps back, then taking a running jump and driving his forearm into Gunn’s back. Jindrak poses for the crowd, then as Gunn gets up, he levels him again with a standing dropkick. Jindrak poses some more, as Reigns applauds from ringside, before he picks Gunn up. He whips Gunn towards the turnbuckle, and Gunn crashes into it sternum first, causing him to stagger out backwards – and straight into the Mark Of Excellence. Jindrak covers, and Jim Kordairis counts – one………………..two……………..three.

Winner: Mark Jindrak by pinfall in 03:28

Match Rating: *

TEW Ratings: 63.4 / 62.8 / 70.5

We cut from the ring to Theodore Long’s office, where the General Manager is sat on his desk, flicking through some paperwork, where the door bursts open and the Dudleys storm in

Bubba Ray Dudley: Teddy, what the hell is going on? I thought we had the shot at the titles at the Rumble, but I find out that you’ve given The Bashams the shot instead? You’ve got some explaining to do!

Theodore Long: Hold on a second there playa. You boys signed your title shot over to the Bashams last week. I’ve got it right here in black and white.

Long holds the contract out in his hand

Bubba Ray Dudley: Gimme that

Bubba grabs the contract from Long, then scans through it, as D-Von looks over his shoulder

D-Von Dudley: What the hell? I didn’t sign no stinking contract saying the Bashams could have our shot!

Theodore Long: But that is your signature isn’t it playa?

D-Von Dudley: Yeah, but the only thing I signed was………..

A look of frustrated realisation comes across D-Von’s face

D-Von Dudley: That damn Dawn Marie. She told me it was to confirm our shot, and I was still out of it from the match.

Bubba Ray Dudley: Well I guess there is only one thing to do. We take that bitch out, Dudley style

D-Von Dudley: Testify my brother, testify.

They turn to leave, but Long grabs Bubba by the arm

Theodore Long: Whoah, hang on there dawg. I can’t have you doing what I think you’re about to do. Look, I understand you must be frustrated, and if I knew Dawn had gotten this contract by less than fair means, I would never have ratified it. But I have, so I’ll make you a deal. The Bashams get the shot at the Rumble, but you two boys get the first shot afterwards. And, to make it up to you, I’ll give you two a Royal Rumble Qualifying match tonight – just think, you could have a Dudley in the main event of WrestleMania.

Bubba looks at Long with contempt for a few seconds

Bubba Ray Dudley Fine. We’ll take your stupid deal. But if we find Dawn Marie or the Bashams – their asses are taking a trip to Dudleyville on the table express, if you know what I mean.

Bubba shoves the contract back into Long’s chest, and they storm out of the room. (TEW Rating: 71.9)

******Commercial Break*******

Royal Rumble Qualifier

Shannon Moore & Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Dudley Boys

As we come back from commercial, “Drop The Bombs” hits, and the Dudley Boys march to the ring, where Scotty 2 Hotty and Shannon Moore are standing. Bubba Ray & D-Von slide into the ring, and immediately start wailing on their opponents. Bubba clubs Moore to the mat, where he stomps on him, whilst D-Von pounds on Scotty in the corner. D-Von pulls Scotty out, and whips him into the ropes, nailing him with a twisting elbow, as Bubba drops some stiff elbows onto Moore. Charles Robinson tries to restore order, but to no avail. D-Von tosses Scotty from the ring, as Bubba lifts Moore onto his shoulders. D-Von climbs to the top rope, and they nail Moore with the Dudley Device. Moore crashes to the mat hard as Scotty tries to get back in the ring – but is greeted by D-Von, who smacks him in the head, then whips him into the ropes. The crowd shout “3-D” as the Dudleys hit their signature move, and it’s lights out for Scotty. D-Von makes the cover, and Robinson counts the three to mercifully end the match, sending The Dudley Boys into the Royal Rumble.

Winners: The Dudley Boys by pinfall in 05:42

Match Rating: *1/2

TEW Ratings: 62.2 / 71.4 / 68.8

We cut backstage to Josh Matthews, who is with Booker T.

Josh Matthews: Booker, tonight you face John Cena in a Royal Rumble Qualifier. And, let’s be honest, you don’t have the best of records against Cena in the past few months. In fact, many say Cena has your number…..

Booker T: Oh no you didn’t. Tell me you didn’t. Tell me you didn’t just say that Josh. Listen up dawg, John Cena is nothing but a Vanilla Ice-wannabe punk, and he got a couple of lucky wins over the Bookerman. But tonight it’s all gonna be about me, the 5-time, 5-time, 5-time, 5-time, 5-time Champion! I’m gonna beat his little punk ass all over Hartford, then I’m going to go to the Royal Rumble, beat 29 other punks, go on to WrestleMania, and become the 6-time champion – now can you dig that, SUCKAAAAAAA!

Booker paces out of shot, as Matthews recomposes himself and hands back to Cole and Tazz (TEW Rating: 82.6)

Nunzio vs. Gangrel

As he does so, we see Nunzio making his way towards the ring. As he stands in the ring, the lights go out, and “Blood” plays, signalling the elaborate entrance of Gangrel. After finishing his pre-match ritual, Gangrel enters the ring, and the match gets underway. Gangrel scores with a couple of forearms, then catches Nunzio with an overhead suplex, which garners him a two count. Gangrel tries to whip Nunzio into the ropes, but Nunzio counters with a sunset flip, which gets him a two count. Gangrel gets up, but Nunzio takes him down with a single leg trip, then tries to apply a Boston Crab – but Gangrel grabs the bottom rope, forcing the break. Nunzio fires in some forearm shots of his own, then grabs Gangrel’s arm and goes for the Arrivaderchi – only for Gangrel to push him off as he springboards off the second rope. Nunzio crashes into the mat, and as soon as he gets up he is greeted by Gangrel, who drills him with the Impaler. Gangrel makes the cover, and Brian Hebner counts the three, giving the gothic superstar the win.

Winner: Gangrel by pinfall in 03:28

Match Rating: **

TEW Ratings: 67.1 / 78.6 / 71.0

******Commercial Break*******

As we come back from commercial, a video plays

”The following video has been paid for the Friends Of John Bradshaw Layfield”

Do you remember when Smackdown was the hottest thing on television?

(clips of The Rock, Steve Austin, The Undertaker and Triple H are shown)

Do you remember when Smackdown was home to the World’s Top Athletes?

(clips of Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin and Christian are shown)

Do you yearn for the leadership of someone like Stephanie McMahon, Paul Heyman or Kurt Angle?

(clips of Steph, Paul and Kurt making GM decisions are shown)

Do you long for a General Manager who has the best interests of everyone at heart, and not someone who holds petty grudges?

(the clip now shows John Bradshaw Layfield, smiling and waving to the crowd)

If you answered yes to these questions, then you are a Friend Of John Bradshaw Layfield. We are dedicated to improving Smackdown, and we know that a brand is only as good as it’s General Manager. And in Theodore Long, we don’t have a good General Manager.

(the clip shows Long making various decisions to wind up JBL, Kurt Angle, and Carlito Caribbean Cool)

So join us in our crusade to make Smackdown great once more – Say No To Long.

(the clips ends with a picture of Theodore Long, and a red cross stamping down over it)

”The preceding announcement was paid for by the Friends Of John Bradshaw Layfield”

(TEW Rating: 84.1)

As we return to the ring, Dawn Marie and The Basham Brothers are joining Michael Cole & Tazz at ringside for commentary

Michael Cole: ………and joining us now are the number one contenders for the Tag Titles, Doug and Danny Basham, along with the beautiful Dawn Marie

Tazz: Hey Dawn, come sit over here next to me!

Michael Cole: Doug, Danny, you two will face the Tag Champions, whoever they may be at the Royal Rumble – but at Armageddon, you lost to the team of Rico and Charlie Haas, the current champions. What’s different this time?

Doug Basham: What’s different Cole is that this time luck will run out for Haas and Rico. That’s assuming they make it through this match, anyway.

Danny Basham: And of course, we have the lovely Dawn Marie to even the odds, since they bring out Miss Jackie to all their matches

Dawn Marie: That’s right boys. I’m not going to let that little slut Jackie cost my guys the Tag Team Titles. I guarantee that the Bashams will leave the Royal Rumble as Tag Team Champions. And you know me Tazz, I always get what I want.

The music of Suzuki & Dupree starts to play, and the camera switches to the entranceway. (TEW Rating: 79.8)

WWE Tag Team Title Match

Suzuki & Dupree (w/ Hiroko) vs. Haas & Rico (w/ Miss Jackie) ©

Hiroko leads Rene Dupree, waving the French Flag, and Kenzo Suzuki, waving the Japanese flag, to the ring for their shot at the Tag Titles. “World’s Greatest” kicks in, and a decent pop greets the arrival of the tag champs, Charlie Haas & Rico, led by the gorgeous Miss Jackie. Haas starts the match with Dupree, and uses his amateur skills to take Dupree to the mat. Haas controls Dupree, then tags Rico in. The champs use frequent tags to stay on top of Dupree, and in a nice move, Haas hits Dupree with a gutwrench suplex, and Rico hits a perfectly timed elbow from the second rope, just as Dupree hits the mat from the suplex – and they get a two count from it. Rico whips Dupree into the ropes and looks for a backdrop, but puts his head down too early, and Dupree scores with a field goal kick, then staggers back to his corner and tags in Suzuki. Kenzo storms into the ring and plants his foot into the side of Rico’s head, knocking him down. Suzuki goes across and knocks Haas off the apron for good measure, before turning back to Rico and bodyslamming him three times in a row. Suzuki pushes Rico into the corner, and antagonises Haas, which allows Dupree to choke Rico with the tag rope behind Charles Robinson’s back. Suzuki tags Dupree back in, and the “French Phenom” clubs Rico down, then drills him with a vertical suplex. Dupree gets up, looks at the crowd, and does the French Tickler – then drops an elbow into the sternum of Rico. Dupree covers, but Rico kicks out at two and a half. Dupree tags Suzuki back in, and Suzuki nails Rico with an inverted DDT into a backbreaker. Suzuki makes the cover – one……………………..two………………….Haas breaks the pin! Robinson gets Haas out of the ring, allowing Suzuki and Dupree to switch over. Dupree slaps Rico a few times, then stops to do the French Tickler once more – but this time, he turns around and is greeted by a savate kick to the gut! Out of desperation, Rico drills him with a DDT, leaving both men down on the mat. After a few seconds, both men start crawling towards their corners. As Rico inches closer to Haas, Dupree makes it to Suzuki, and Suzuki races across and grabs Rico’s ankle to stop the tag. Rico hops up to one foot as Suzuki pulls him back across the ring – until Rico leaps up and smacks him with an enzuiguri! Suzuki crumples to the mat as Rico crawls to his corner once more – and this time he makes the tag to Haas! Haas vaults into the ring and cuts off Dupree with a clothesline, then knocks Suzuki back down with a dropkick. Dupree walks right into an Exploder Suplex, sending him from the ring. Haas connects with a couple of right hands on Suzuki, then tries to whip him into the turnbuckles, but Suzuki reverses – only for Haas to counter with a springboard axhandle off the turnbuckles! Haas quickly seizes the advantage and locks Suzuki in the Haas Of Pain – as Rico planchas onto Dupree to take him out of the equation! Haas wrenches back on the hold, and after a few seconds Suzuki taps out, meaning a successful defence for the Tag Champions. Robinson hands Haas & Rico their belts, and Miss Jackie raises their hands in victory – as The Bashams and Dawn Marie look on from the commentary table.

Winners: Haas & Rico by submission in 11:43

Match Rating: **1/2

TEW Ratings: 67.9 / 72.3 / 72.2

After a “Don’t Try This At Home” video, we return to the ring – where we see Santa Claus walking round the ringside area, handing out presents to the youngsters in the audience. As he is doing so, “Cool” starts to play, and Carlito Caribbean Cool, the United States Champion, makes his way down to the ring, with a microphone in one hand, and an apple in the other. He stands in the middle of the ring, and beckons for Santa to join him

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Hey Santa, come join Carlito in the ring. Come on, don’t be shy.

Santa look around, then climbs the ringsteps and enters the ring

Carlito Caribbean Cool: So Santa, it’s your busiest time of year, and you’re going to travel all around the world, giving presents to the kids – and man, that’s cool.

Santa Claus: (in a deep, booming voice) Why thank you Carlito, Ho Ho Ho

Carlito Caribbean Cool: You know, I remember when I was just a little Carlito, and I sat up all night waiting to see you. I left you milk, and cookies – even some carrots for the reindeer. But you didn’t come to see me – but that’s cool, I know you’re a very busy man.

Santa Claus: Yes I am Carlito, sadly I don’t get the time to see everyone.

Carlito Caribbean Cool: But you see, when I woke up the next morning, and I raced downstairs, and I found my present – “To Carlito, From Santa”, and I was so excited. I opened the present up, and was it the G.I. Joe I asked for? No, and Santa, that’s not cool.

Santa Claus: Well I’m sorry Carlito, but I distinctly remember your letter, and you asked for that Barbie doll.

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Hey! That’s not cool! That’s definitely not cool! And it’s not true either!

The crowd start chanting “Bar-bie” at Carlito

Carlito Caribbean Cool: No, stop it! That’s not cool! You people aren’t cool!

Santa Claus: Don’t worry Carlito, I’m sure I’ve got a present that will suit you in my sack somewhere

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Actually Santa, I’ve got a present for you. (starts tossing the apple up and down) And I’ve been wanting to give it to you for a long time.

Carlito takes a bite out of the apple – then spits it into Santa’s face, causing the crowd to erupt into boos.

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Now that’s cool.

Carlito turns to leave, when Santa grabs him on the shoulder, spins him round and decks him with a right hand! The crowd roar with approval as Santa unloads punches onto Carlito, then hooks him up and drills him with a vertical suplex. “Santa” then pops his hips, and the crowd explode as he nails a second, then a third suplex! Carlito lays in the middle of the ring as “Santa” gets up and does a familiar dance in the ring. Santa climbs through the ropes and up to the top rope – where he removes the hat and beard to reveal Eddie Guerrero! Guerrero lets out a “Ho Ho Ho”, then launches off the ropes and nails Carlito with the Frog Splash! Eddie gets up and soaks in the cheers of the crowd as we go to commercial. (TEW Rating: 75.2)

******Commercial Break*******

“Basic Thuganomics” hits, and the crowd explode as John Cena makes his way to the ring, microphone in hand.

John Cena: Hartford, make some noise, coz da Champ is here!

The crowd roar in approval

John Cena: Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the WWE

Some sucka was stirring by the name of Booker T.

He was running his mouth about beating the franchise,

Poor old Bookerman needs to open his eyes

This thug is untouchable, and I’m gonna beat yo’ ass

This is Thuganomics 101, and I’m head of the class

It’s time to go to school Booker, but this lesson’s free

Pay attention dawg – You Can’t See Me!

I’ve checked my list, I’ve checked it twice

Seems I’m a little naughty, and yo’ woman is quite nice

Go ask your girlfriend, she’ll scream it loud and clear,

I’m better than Christmas, I come every day of the year

So deck the halls, and get ready for a fight

This is gonna be anything but a silent night

So have yourself some milk, maybe a cookie or two

But I’m going to the Rumble with a big F-U! (TEW Rating: 95.2)

Royal Rumble Qualifier

John Cena vs. Booker T

“Can You Dig It, Sucka?” hits the speakers, and Booker T comes out. He slides into the ring and gets straight into Cena’s face. Nick Patrick calls for the bell, as the two talk trash to each other, before Booker slaps Cena across the face. Cena feels his face, then lets rip with a huge right hand to Booker, sending Booker reeling. Cena unleashes a flurry of punches, then whips Booker into the ropes and knocks him down with a shoulderblock. Booker gets up, and is clotheslined straight back down, allowing Cena to do his “you can’t see me” gesture. Booker gets up, clearly agitated, and wildly swings at Cena, but Cena just ducks, then clotheslines Booker over the top and to the floor. Booker pounds the ring apron in frustration as Cena works the crowd. Eventually, Booker climbs back in the ring and offers a test of strength. Cena warily accepts – and is promptly kicked in the stomach by Booker. Booker drives his knee into Cena’s gut to accentuate the point, then slams Cena into the mat. Booker positions himself by Cena’s head, then drives his knee across Cena’s throat. He makes a cover, but Cena is out at two. Booker backs Cena into the ropes, then propels him across the ring – but Cena comes back with a jumping shoulderblock, knocking Booker down! Cena waits for Booker to get up, then lifts him for the F-U! However, Booker wriggles free and lands behind Cena – then levels him with a spinning leg lariat. Booker makes the cover – one………………………two…………………….kickout. Booker stomps at Cena as Cena pulls himself up, then as he gets back to a vertical base, Booker lays into him with chops and punches, before whipping him into the ropes and hitting a jumping sidekick as he comes back. He covers again – one…………………………..two………………………kickout. Booker goes to a chinlock, keeping Cena down. Soon, the crowd start a “Cena” start, getting behind their favourite, and Cena fights to his feet. A swift elbow to the gut breaks the hold, and Cena looks for a clothesline – only to miss, and receive a modified superkick to the jaw! Booker makes the cover – one…………………..two…………………Cena puts his foot on the bottom rope! Booker gets up, thinking he’s won the match, but Patrick keeps pulling his arm down. Booker argues with Patrick, and never sees Cena get up behind him, allowing Cena to plant him with a Killswitch. Cena seems to catch a second wind, as he bounces off the ropes, then drops the Five Knuckle Shuffle onto Booker! Cena covers – one……………………….two……………………….kickout! Cena whips Booker into the ropes, and catches him with a big spinebuster on the return! Another cover – one……………………….two………………kickout again! Cena tries another whip, but this time Booker reverses. As Cena comes back, Booker tries for a leapfrog – but Cena puts the breaks on, and catches Booker! He sets Booker up, then drives him into the mat with the F-U! Cena hooks the leg and makes a cover – one…………………………….two……………………………..three! Cena advances to the Royal Rumble Match! The show ends with Cena celebrating in the ring, as Cole & Tazz wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Winner: John Cena by pinfall in 11:06

Match Rating: ***

TEW Ratings: 80.2 / 76.6 / 83.8

*******************END SHOW**************************

The card for the Royal Rumble, as it stands, is:

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

Edge, Batista, Shawn Michaels, Sean Morley, Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, John Cena

WWE Heavyweight Title Match

Kurt Angle © vs. The Undertaker

WWE Tag Team Title Match

Haas & Rico © (w/ Miss Jackie) vs. The Basham Brothers (w/ Dawn Marie)