The Blue Side of Sports Entertainment

[TAFKA Castroneves]

It's worth noting that Kurt Angle isn't on this Smackdown, but I am addressing that whole situation in the next Smackdown news. So sorry, no Kurt Angle Hometown Invitational. It's a bugger cause it would have split the show up more. But enjoy anyways!

WWE Velocity Results:

To Be Shown Saturday 16th April 2005

Spike Dudley def. Funaki

Doug Basham def. Scotty 2 Hotty

Tag Team Match

Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki def. Hardcore Holly and Charlie Haas

Heidenreich def. Nunzio

WWE Smackdown:

Thursday 14th April 2005

Chicago, Illinois

Smackdown opened with a brief highlights video from last week’s show. It showed the announcement of the WWE Championship match between JBL and John Cena, the build up and climax of the Eddie Guerrero/Rey Mysterio match and The Big Show as a bloodied mess following his post-match attack from Luther Reigns…it then continued to set up this weeks show, before the fireworks exploded around the arena. The different colours lit up the Smackdown set before they eventually came to a halt and the crowd were revealed…

The Cabinet’s Welcome

Just as soon as the visual sweeps around the audience had finished “Longhorn” hit around the arena. Michael Cole and Tazz continued to welcome everyone to Smackdown as it seemed JBL was heading out to ringside. However when the limo drew out…there was only three members of the Cabinet present. The Basham’s were first out as the driver opened the door, and they were followed by the United States Champion Orlando Jordan. So no JBL…Jordan waved to the booing crowd with a smile on his face before heading down to the ring. Once there he took a microphone.

Orlando Jordan: Ladies and Gentlemen! I guess you are all wondering where our leader John “Bradshaw” Layfield is this evening. (boos) Well to answer that there is no need for any of you to worry! He is backstage right now preparing for his WWE Title match later on this evening. (boos) Where he will become the WWE Champion once again! (more boos)

Orlando Jordan: But now it’s time for me to go up against a man with my title on the line – who just last week told me I should turn my back on the Cabinet. Told me I was better than the Cabinet. Well Booker, the Cabinet gave me my break here on Smackdown. If it wasn’t for the Cabinet I wouldn’t be the United States Champion today! And you seriously think I am going to give it all up…just because YOU say so? That makes me…

“CAN YOU DIG IT…SUCKA!!!” hit around the arena as Jordan stopped dead in his tracks. Booker T was out in the aisle and he was ready for action in his wrestling attire. The time for speaking was over as Jordan took off his shirt and jacket and prepared himself for action. The challenger climbed into the ring as the Basham Brothers took their position at ringside…the United States Title match was on!

88%

WWE United States Championship

Orlando Jordan © vs. Booker T

The bell rang as Booker and Orlando locked up to get the contest underway. It was the champion who took the early advantage with a series of moves off the ropes. He then took Booker down to the mat with a ground-based headlock as he looked to wear down the challenger further…but Booker started to fight back! He nailed Orlando with some right hands before firmly grabbing the control in the match with a spinebuster! The cover managed a two count as Orlando just kicked out. But from there Booker struggled to make his advantage pay as Orlando came back with a few punches and a suplex. Moments later however Booker countered a headlock attempt and threw Orlando off the ropes…into a kick and then the Scissors Kick! That had to be all! Booker hooked the leg! 1…2…The Bashams pulled Booker off Orlando! He had the title won and the Bashams had just screwed him! Booker turned and tried to throw a fist over the top rope as the referee pushed him back. The ref then turned to lecture the Bashams as…wait a minute! JBL slid into the ring! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! Booker was nailed with it! And the referee didn’t see it! Orlando dropped an arm as the referee finally turned around! 1…2…3! Orlando was still the United States Champion! Bradshaw had proven the deciding factor! His interference was enough to cost Booker the chance at becoming the United States Champion! He slid back into the ring and started to shout down at Booker as Jordan lifted his title above his head. Booker without a doubt had paid the price for his words against the Cabinet…

Winner: Orlando Jordan

Time: 5:15

Match Rating: **1/4

76% - 77% - 75% - Orlando Jordan gained overness from this match.

-: commercial break :-

The Champ Is Here!

As The Cabinet celebrated down the aisle the attention then diverted entirely backstage…where John Cena was arriving! The crowd could be heard cheering very loudly as the WWE Champion grabbed his bag from the back seat of his car. He smiled to that response before looking across the car park. Cena then shut the door and put the bag over his shoulder before walking through into the arena and towards the locker rooms…

81%

Carlito?

Following the shots of John Cena arriving in the car park the live shots continued from the same location. And following a quick sweep from right to left the camera suddenly stopped…and focused in on one car in the distance. The focus came back in as…it showed Carlito Caribbean Cool! He was crouching down by the front wheel of a car! Carlito seemingly was scouting the area to see if the coast was clear…but as he stood up he turned around straight into Theodore Long!

Carlito Caribbean Cool: …Damnit!

Theodore Long: Now what are you doin’ here playa?

Carlito Caribbean Cool: I’m here Teddy Long, because all the people want to see Carlito…They come here for Carlito…

Theodore Long: I understand what you are sayin’ Carlito, I understand…

Carlito started to smile and nod his head as the Smackdown General Manager continued…

Theodore Long: BUT! You are suspended still for two more weeks. So I don’t want to see you here until then! You hearin’ me? Go home!

Carlito Caribbean Cool: What am I supposed to do for two weeks?!

Theodore Long: Do whatev…

Long paused for a moment. It seemed an idea had popped into his head…

Theodore Long: …You know what, I have a job for you to do playa. I know what you can do for the next two weeks.

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Cool, cool.

Theodore Long: You can go and find your first guest for your little interview segment…

Carlito Caribbean Cool: Tropical Times…

Theodore Long: Yes, Tropical Times…you can go and find your first guest for that playa!

Carlito smiled and turned to leave, but Long stopped him…

Theodore Long: No there is more Carlito. Hang on. You see I have already picked your first guest for you. All you need to do…is to find him. He’s been missing since Wrestlemania you see. Because your first guest in two weeks time is…THE UNDERTAKER!

Carlito’s face just turned to shock as the realization set in his mind…he would have to find the Undertaker and have him as the first guest on his interview show!

Theodore Long: Now, get out of here before I call security.

Long turned and walked away…

Carlito Caribbean Cool: But! But! Teddy Long! How I am supposed to find the Undertaker?

The Smackdown General Manager turned back while walking away…

Theodore Long: That’s up to you playa!

Long walked off again leaving Carlito…who quickly turned around and headed off in the opposite direction. Wherever the Undertaker was, Carlito now had to find him! However for this moment it was time for some more in-ring action as Smackdown went back out to ringside.

68%

WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Paul London © vs. Billy Kidman

The second match on Smackdown would see the second title defence (on this show with every title up for grabs). This time it was the turn for the cruiserweights to get inside the squared circle as Paul London had his gold up for grabs against the challenge of Billy Kidman. The champion started with passion as he took down his ex-partner with a few armdrag takedowns and seized temporarily control of the match. London’s attacks peaked however following a failed hurricarana attempt – which saw Kidman just use the momentum to dump the champion open-legged onto the top rope. He followed it up with a running dropkick that sent London to the floor! Kidman saw his chance to take the title as he quickly rolled London back into the ring and hooked the leg, 1…2…Kick out. Kidman’s frustration though proved ultimately to be his downfall, he kept working away in an attempt to get the win – and fell straight into the champion’s hands. He ran off the ropes and was quickly dragged down into a school boy by London! 1…2…3! London retained the Cruiserweight title! Kidman slammed his hands down onto the mat in disbelief as London celebrated his second successful title defence in as many weeks. In all honestly though, Kidman had thrown that one away himself.

Winner: Paul London

Time: 5:09

Match Rating: ***3/4

80% - 67% - 94%

-: commercial break :-

Los Guerreros Confrontation

Backstage Eddie Guerrero was shown sitting down in his locker room. He was rather agitated and repeatedly looking at his watch…as the sound of a door opening nearby could be heard. It was Chavo Guerrero…

Chavo Guerrero: Hey Eddie! What’s going on man?

Eddie Guerrero: Nothing, nothing Chavito.

Chavo Guerrero: Where’s Rey? You guys have got an important title match coming up soon!

Eddie Guerrero: I don’t know homes, I don’t know where he is…

Eddie kept looking at his watch now and again as Chavo briefly touched his injured eye, before putting his hand onto his chin…

Chavo Guerrero: There was me thinking after last week you two were cool man…

Eddie stood up following that comment and turned towards Chavo.

Eddie Guerrero: Hey Chavo, we are cool man, me and Rey are fine essay!

Chavo Guerrero: (more angrily) Yeah! Well why the hell isn’t he here man?! You need to wake up and smell the coffee! You and Rey will NEVER be fine!

Eddie paused for a moment and just took in what Chavo had said, before providing a rather sombre response…

Eddie Guerrero: Why are you doing this Chavo? Why are you even here homes!?

Chavo Guerrero: Why? Because I can see this whole thing from the outside while you’re just stuck deep in the middle of it. Unlike you I can see what’s truly going on here! Rey is messing you around Eddie! Why can’t you just see that?

Those words seemed to really hit home for Eddie as he just sat down again.

Chavo Guerrero: You’ve got some major thinking to do man…

Chavo turned and left as Eddie picked up his tag title belt. There was a further pause as then the sound of the door opening could be heard again…except this time it was Rey himself.

Rey Mysterio: Hey.

Eddie Guerrero: Hey…

There was a very uncomfortable pause momentarily as Rey put his bag down next to Eddie.

Rey Mysterio: Sorry I’m late man, there was lots of traffic…

Eddie didn’t make eye contact and just continued to look at his belt…

Eddie Guerrero: It’s cool homes…

Rey Mysterio: Cool.

Rey then turned his attention to getting ready as everything seemed ok in his eyes. However the camera focused down on Eddie, who was still unable to look up and make eye contact with his partner. Chavo had planted some seeds of distrust back in Eddie’s mind again…

76% - Eddie Guerrero lost overness from this segment.

No Disqualification

The Big Show vs. Luther Reigns

Back out at ringside the film-style countdown started on the titantron as the Big Show made his way out ready for his No Disqualification match. He wore a plaster on his forehead from last week’s assault and had a determined look in his eye – he was looking for revenge here tonight. Once in the ring Luther Reigns’ music cut in around the arena, and the man himself walked out from behind the curtain with a steel chair in hand. Sorry THE steel chair in hand (from last week). He slowly made his way down to the ring while showing Show the chair that he had with him. It then took a long period of time for Reigns to even get in the ring as Show stood firm by the ring ropes, moving around all sides of the ring. However eventually he managed to get inside as the referee called for the bell.

Show charged in with a massive boot as Reigns had the steel chair knocked clean from his grasp. Show then took down Reigns with a sloppy scoop slam as he turned his attention towards the chair. While Reigns slowly tried to get up onto his feet Show just raised the steel chair up, he was ready to inflict some damage, some revenge as Reigns stood up!…And ducked the chair shot! Show dropped the chair and was nailed with a kick as Reigns somehow managed to put the giant onto the back foot. He knocked Show around all over the ring before running in with a clothesline over the top to the floor! That was incredibly impressive from Reigns! The battle continued on the outside with Show starting to fight back, although by the time it came back into the ring the match was still very much an open affair. No weapons had been used, until Show FINALLY grabbed the steel chair – and caught Luther right in the skull with it! 

He then picked up Reigns and went for the chokeslam! But Reigns countered down into an armbar with head scissors! He continued to hold the submission as Show just seemingly passed out! The end seemed in sight as Reigns grabbed the steel chair…and placed it over Show’s neck!! No! Reigns climbed onto the top rope!! And jumped off driving his boot onto the chair!!! The crowd finally came into life as Show’s lifeless seven foot frame was covered!! He had to have a broken neck damnit!! 1…2…3! Reigns won the match!! This had been one massive turn up for the books. Reigns had just completely taken out the Big Show! He celebrated his win with a foot over Show’s chest and his own arms raised…as the medical staff filled the ring. Smackdown went to a commercial break with the shot of Reigns lying down on the mat and slapping the lifeless Show across the face…this man now was a true monster. Hell, he was the true monster of Smackdown now!

Winner: Luther Reigns

Time: 7:26

Match Rating: ½*

67% - 73% - 56% - Luther Reigns gained overness from this match. The Big Show didn't really sell very much, which hurt the match rating.

-: commercial break :-

Returning from the break there was some brief highlights shown of the Big Show being taken away from the arena in the back of an ambulance. He had not regained consciousness at all following that horrific ending to the No Disqualification match, and there was very much a sense of concern in the air. But that took a backseat as it was time for the WWE Tag Team Title match…

WWE Tag Team Championship

Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio © vs. Basham Brothers

The challengers made their way down to the ring first as the crowd gave them quite a vocal response. They had proved a deciding factor earlier on in the United States Title match and hadn’t made themselves any more popular as a result. Once in the ring “Viva La Raza” immediately burst into life…and Eddie Guerrero drove out in a dark green lowrider. He performed a few jumps in the vehicle before climbing out and heading down into the aisle. He was then joined by his tag team partner as “619” cut in…Rey sprung up from the side of the titantron and quickly made his way down the aisle. They then both stormed the ring as the match got underway!

There was a lot of brawling all over the ring as the match began, and it took the referee a lot of time to restore some order between the two teams. Eventually though he did manage it – and the two legal men were decided as Eddie and Doug Basham. From there the challengers took the early advantage as Eddie’s seemingly distracted mind caused him to get taken down all over the ring. Doug locked in a rear choke hold on Eddie as Rey attempted to get the crowd behind his partner…the stomps did eventually work as Eddie broke out and took down Doug with a dropkick. However as he moved over to Rey he stopped and reconsidered making the tag! That allowed Danny Basham to get his tag into the match and mow down Latino Heat from behind with an axe handle! Rey didn’t know what to think about that as the assault continued on Eddie… and he was getting beaten all over the place, near-fall after near-fall went down as the Bashams continued to dominate. But then, Rey had seen enough. He jumped into the ring as the new legal man Doug was tagged into the match – and he ran in with a running dropkick! Danny then got himself sent to the floor as Mysterio sprung off the middle turnbuckle with a clothesline! Doug stumbled back onto his feet as Mysterio ran across…and nailed a hurricarana! He was having to save this match for his team…and now Eddie was standing!

Rey turned around to face his partner…they looked at each other for a moment as Doug Basham was momentarily back up! He knocked Rey into Eddie! Eddie fell through the ropes to the floor as Doug got the rollup!! 1…2…Rey rolled through!!! 1…2…3!! Rey had done it!!! He had won the match!!! The referee handed over Rey his title as Eddie slid back into the ring and also collected his, although neither man was looking in a celebratory mood…

Winners: Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio

Time: 16:13

Match Rating: **1/2

77% - 77% - 78% - The WWE Tag Team titles have gained in image. Doug Basham is losing overness because of his weak gimmick. Danny Basham is losing overness because of his weak gimmick.

The Tag Team Champions…

The two champions then just started to argue…Rey asked Eddie what the hell was going on in the match, and Eddie replied back with a simple shove! Security quickly ran down from the back and filled the ring as Eddie went after Rey with some more right hands! The two tag team champions were separated as Rey was still asking what the hell was going on! One half of the security team quickly dragged Eddie off towards the back as he attempted (and nearly managed) to break away and tear into Mysterio some more! Rey continued to stand in the ring completely stunned as Chavo then ran down from the back to help escort Eddie away…even though he had to have caused all this with his comments earlier on! 

Meanwhile in the ring Rey just looked at his tag title belt…and threw it down! With Eddie being led away by security, and Rey leaving his belt in the ring surely this spelled the end for the tag team champions! Was the Eddie/Mysterio partnership finally…over?!

Rey stormed off to the back past Eddie - who was STILL having to be restrained, he was pretty annoyed to say the least. When Rey had gone through the curtain...Chavo quickly went back down to the ring. He grabbed the WWE Tag Team Title belt, and took it with him to the back! He acted like he wasn't doing anything abnormal either! Was this his plan all along!? Did he want to split Eddie and Rey up to return to the tag scene with Eddie!?

88%

John “Bradshaw” Layfield Interview

Despite the previous turn of events there was still a main event to come on Smackdown. So the action went backstage, where Josh Matthews was shown standing by with John “Bradshaw” Layfield…

Josh Matthews: Wow, I can’t believe what we have just seen but JBL, up next you face John Cena for the WWE Championship…

John “Bradshaw” Layfield: (interrupting) Yes (smiles) yes I do. Next I am going to step into the ring and bring back the WWE Title to where it belongs…around the waist of John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and back into my Cabinet.

Josh Matthews: But of course it doesn’t end there, you have made it known how there is more on the line than just the title for John Cena…

John “Bradshaw” Layfield: Yes Josh, the boy has got himself into a difficult situation. Just like Booker T did earlier with Orlando. (smiles again) While John Cena may be the champion at this precise moment…he still doesn’t hold the power around here, that power still belongs with me. And the truth of the matter is I just can’t stand John Cena. I can’t stand to see him out in the ring, in the back, in the locker room, or on the Smackdown roster period! He is a poor excuse for a wrestler, and tonight, I will bring the WWE Championship back to a respected wrestler in…me. And tonight! I guarantee you, that I will start my second era here on Smackdown…as the WWE Champion. Cena’s joke reign as champion…IS OVER!

JBL left with a smile spread across his face…he truly believed that he was going to become the WWE champion once again momentarily. Hell, he had even guaranteed it as Smackdown went to it’s final commercial break.

92% - John “Bradshaw” Layfield gained overness from this segment.

-: commercial break :-

WWE Championship

John Cena © vs. John “Bradshaw” Layfield

Michael Cole and Tazz ran over the main points heading into this match as “Longhorn” hit around the arena. It was now indeed time for the WWE Championship match, the re-match from Wrestlemania 21. JBL stepped out from his limo as it made its second appearance of the evening, he was also surprisingly minus his normal Cabinet support out at ringside…after a lengthy walk to the ring Bradshaw gave some peace signs out on the turnbuckles before awaiting his opponent. The challenger’s music stopped as the crowd’s anticipation built…and a small “Cena” chant broke out. This was a “Rock-esque” silence before “Untouchables” then burst into life…built up in such a way that the crowd just literally exploded into the loudest cheers heard all evening, Cena was very much the fan favourite here in Chicago. He slowly made his way down into the ring, acknowledging the fans either side of the aisle. Decked out in his WWE Title belt, Word Life Knuckles along with other chains and bits he looked very much ready to defend his title for the first time – against the man he had won it off. Once in the ring the referee called for the bell, and it was finally on. WWE Title, John Cena against JBL.

Both men locked up after a few moments sizing each other up, and JBL took down Cena to take the advantage for the first period of the match. However after some concentrated offence Bradshaw started to get sloppier…and this allowed Cena to try and counter a whip off the ropes with a crossbody. But he was actually instead caught by JBL! Into the Fall Away Slam! He didn’t look sloppy then! JBL leant back and made the cover, 1…2…Kick out. Then came the unsurprising ground headlock from Bradshaw as he looked to wear down the champion some more…although in typical fashion Cena fought back. The champion got back to his vertical base and went to whip Bradshaw off the ropes…but JBL ducked as he came back across the ring and ran off the opposite ropes…CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! NO! Cena ducked and JBL smashed the referees head off!! Bradshaw was stunned as Cena pulled him up onto his shoulders!! FU!!! Cena hooked the leg! He well and truly had JBL beaten as the crowd made the proverbial three count! But the lack of a referee meant this match was still continuing!

But now the Cabinet were running down from the back!! The Bashams and Orlando Jordan hit the ring as Cena got back onto his feet. The WWE Champion was in a hard place, but he tried to fight all three of them off anyways – and it was working, until Orlando snuck in from behind with a low blow! The Bashams then pulled up Cena and planted him with a double DDT as JBL started to stumble back onto his feet…Cena was in deep deep trouble! Bradshaw was shouting instructions to his men as the rest of the Cabinet started to pull up Cena again…this was a disgusting assault – and this was ultimately going to lead to JBL’s gang screwing Cena out of his WWE Title! BUT WAIT!!

“CAN YOU DIG IT…SUCKA!” HIT AROUND THE ARENA! And Booker T burst out from behind the curtain!! Booker was coming after the Cabinet! He was coming to Cena’s rescue!! He ran down the aisle as the crowd screamed in delight! He slid into the ring…and under a double clothesline attempt from the Bashams! Using his momentum he took down Orlando with a running clothesline! Before turning around and doing the same to the Bashams! Orlando, Danny and Doug Basham were all down! And JBL was now all on his own! Booker was after his revenge from earlier! The pleading began as JBL begged with Booker…but it was no use as he was planted with the Book End!! Booker T had made his mark!! He encouraged Cena to make the cover as another referee ran down from the back!! Cena hooked the leg as Booker went to the outside!! 1…2…3!! CENA RETAINED THE WWE TITLE!!! Thanks to Booker T he was still the WWE Champion! This match was heading towards the screwjob from hell, but Booker had more than evened the odds! Cena was going to remain on Smackdown! The final shots of Smackdown showed Booker just looking at the Cabinet aiding each other to the back, and Cena celebrating in the ring…he was still the champion!

Winner: John Cena

Time: 15:45

Match Rating: **1/2

87% - 94% - 74% - The WWE Championship has gained in image.

Overall Show Rating: 78%

[IDOL]

-Nice opening with Jordon, if you're going to seriously build him up as a star it's nice to see him get some microphone time. I'm I doubt you're going to give the US Title to Booker T, perhaps the Bashams will be the deciding factor in this next match?

-Ah ha! Didn't think you'd pull the title off of Jordon but I wasn't expecting JBL to make a run in. If JBL doesn't win the title tonight (Which I don't think he's going to do) He needs a good feud, and Booker T can give him that.

-Another really good segment with Carlito, I think these will be the highlights of the show as you really capture his character well. I like that you went with something different than "Carlito's Cabana" for creativity. I just hope we don't see the Undertaker decimate Carlito then move on and get back to full time competition. I dunno, I just haven't been into the Undertaker at all since he dropped the Biker gimmick. But hell you made me like Randy Savage in your TNA diary I think you could probably do the same with Taker.

-The Kidman London match came off as watchable, but definatly not the match that they could really have if both were focused. I like how you're keeping the realism with the diary, and giving them about five minutes to work with like WWE actually does, if that makes sense. It'll be interesting to see who emerges as the serious challenger to London's title.

-Damn that evil coniving bastard Chavo! That was a very well written segment, and has me doubting whether Rey and Eddie will be able to hold onto the Tag Team titles later tonight. Really helped to build the heat between Rey and Eddie.

-Holy shit! Luther Reigns killed the Big Show! Hell, if you wanted Reigns to come off as a monster you definatly did it with that match, I was expecting Big show to destroy him and he comes out nearly (maybe he did) breaking Show's neck. Definatley didn't see that coming.

-Rey pulls the win out of his ass and they keep the titles. I guess that's a good thing because the longer they stay together the better the eventual split will be, though I don't think it's going to be too far away.

-Well it wasn't too far away at all, that little bastard Chavo comes out and takes the belt - that being the reason he was forcing the split all along. Great swerve there.

-JBL's interview came off pretty well - which makes me scared that you're going to put the title back on him and that's the last we see of Cena.

-Phew! Cena stays! Nice Main event, very WWE-esque with the Cabinet's run in and Booker T making the save. Since Raw has the Backlash Pay Per View it still gives you time to name a new challenger to Cena's title while Bradshaw feuds with Booker, I think that's where you might be going. But then again the draft could screw that all up.

-I enjoyed this weeks show, with the draft on Monday's RAW I guess next show we'll be seeing who comes in and who gets the boot. It'll be interesting to see what goes down. Keep up the good work, I'll be reading.

[therockbox]

Reading and writing, yo

- Surprised you let the Cabinet open up the show without JBL, without him they're even more bland. At least you kept it short though.

- Decent match between Booker and Orlando, and a good way to seemingly end the Jordan turning his back on the Cabinet bit.

- Cena filler, at least we know he's made it

- Haven't we seen this Carlito/finding Undertaker bit before? It seems a little soon to be rehashing an angle that we saw a couple of weeks before WrestleMania, but it gives Carlito something to do I suppose.

- Kidman/London stuff continued nicely. Hopefully they're going to continue getting some decent airtime, London deserves it.

- Chavo's a fucking awesome shit stirrer. The Eddie/Rey feud is back on track, which makes me a happy panda.

- You know how I feel about Luther/Show, but at least you did a good job of selling Reigns as the new monster on SmackDown. But I have a nasty feeling this is going to drag on into the coming weeks.

- Good old Chavo. More Guerrero/Rey awesomeness, and with Chavo fully involved I'm loving this more and more. We need more Los Guerreros.

- I thought JBL would be a bit more patronising towards Matthews, but hey. You've got JBL's character down quite well, which showed in the interview. Good way to build up the main event.

- I knew Cena would retain, there was no way you'd take the title off him so soon. Hopefully JBL will move away from the title scene now and go onto feud with Booker, with a new challenger for Cena possibly coming over from RAW.

Overall: 7/10

A bit better this week, although the Show/Reigns bit dragged it down for me. No useless diva bollocks either, and nice buildup with the Rey/Eddie/Chavo situation.

[ADG]

Okay second show, let's see what you do with this shall we?

- Okay opening with JBL I see, oh no you're not. Damn this writing as I'm reading nonsense. Would JBL really let Jordan and the Bashams drive his limo without him around? For some reason I can't help thinking that limo is going to get trashed tonight. Good idea to halt Jordan's speech. IRL the fans would have tuned out by then anyway, although if OJ retains here I may scream.

- Wait a sec, OJ taking control? OJ TAKING CONTROL? That ain't right! Okay so Booker comes back and the Bashams interfere. That would be a DQ to me. The referee obviously saw them and oh look somehow the ref is brain dead and decides to lecture them on niceties allowing JBL to interfere and give OJ the win. Sorry TAFKA but I hated that decision. We haven't seen the last of Booker tonight though if my intuition is correct. The time of the fall 5:15? A champ that should have been beaten in five minutes doesn't make the title look very good or OJ. Wonder if JBL would want that kinda guy kept around?

- Okay Cena IS WALKING~!

- Wahey Carlito. I am a mark for CCC so him on my screen = happy little Glaswegian. Okay so now CCC is Leslie Neilsen having to find The Undertaker, I like it. Although the lack of any "that's no cool" makes me quite sad. Carlito needs to re-affirm his coolness every time he's there.

- Back to the ring and we get London/Kidman match #3,468 of their best of 5,001 series. If London "temporarily" had control of the match, I'm guessing that was about a minute, 90 seconds at most, which would leave Kidman with 3 and a half minutes in control. London wins though. Just a thought, you don't seem to have a realistic perspective of the match times. If Kidman gets angry when he can't put away the CHAMPION after only 180 seconds on the offensive then he has really high expectations.

- Don't think Eddie will turn tonight and I don't think he'll turn at all actually. I sense a Chavo and Rey "we were working together all along" swerve coming with Chavo and Rey playing the heels in the feud which [i hope] will spawn from this.

- Okay so Reigns and Show. Reigns has the same chair, nice touch there. But the chair isn't used yet as it's gone and they brawl. Outside for some more and the chair is used. Would have been cool if Reigns had no sold the shot from "his" chair. Show passes out from an armbar, or from the head-scissors? An arm bar would be a pussy way for him to go. Ah, Reigns wins and you put Show on the shelf for a while too I'm guessing. No doubt this will start a push for Reigns but really can you recover his image after getting his ass handed to him last week?

- Nice that the champs came out separately. Eddie wanting to go it alone as he can't trust Rey is good but it can't last and Rey gets involved (illegally) and.......Rey wins, despite not being the legal man. Well that blows.

- The champs fight and now I can't see how you can turn it into a Chavo/Rey tandem. Guess I'm not as intuitive as I thought. I don't want the Tag Titles to be vacated. Teddy Long wouldn't stand for it, maybe he'll force them to team together anyway, ala HBK and Diesel.

- Okay I read the full interview (kinda generic) and title match before thinking about what to say and I mean this in the nicest possible way when I say that match did nothing for me. It was written well enough, it just didn't connect with me at any level though. I just feel that you've overbooked a lot tonight and this one just added to it all with the run ins and interference as well as the ref bump. I can see a Booker/Cabinet feud maybe springing from this though, allowing someone else to go after Cena. The draft is coming, so maybe someone will come across from RAW and be gunning for him. I'd like someone like Jericho to jump, or even Christian. We'll see.

- Overall: 5/10 An absolutely average show for me if I'm being honest and while the first show left me ready for the second, this show hasn't really ignited anything in me to make me anticipate the next show. We'll see though.

[TAFKA Castroneves]

Haven't we seen this Carlito/finding Undertaker bit before?  It seems a little soon to be rehashing an angle that we saw a couple of weeks before WrestleMania, but it gives Carlito something to do I suppose.

←

[TAFKA Castroneves]

WWE Smackdown

Weekly Newsletter

By Thomas Smith

Part 1 – Smackdown and Velocity Ratings:

We got a 4.14 rating for 'Velocity'!

The attendance level was 6547 people.

We made $261880 from ticket sales.

We got a 5.88 rating for 'Smackdown!'!

The attendance level was 6041 people.

We made $241640 from ticket sales

Part 2 – Smackdown Injuries:

There is no real update on Rob Van Dam this week as he continues to struggle with his torn ACL.

However the situation with Chavo Guerrero is an interesting one going by this week’s Smackdown. He still hasn’t been cleared to wrestle – but seemingly is one half of the new tag team champions leaving this week’s show. Rather than being a factor on his injury it’s more interesting to see how the writing team will book him. He is still not going to be available to wrestle for another two weeks or so, so who knows how that is going to be addressed…

The Dudley Boyz have allegedly had their return brought forward due to the collapse of the ECW Pay-Per-View in June. They could re-appear as early as the build up to Judgment Day, although this is all speculation at this time.

Finally, Shannon Moore is said to be itching to get back to in-ring action. So he is now scheduled to return to house shows in two weeks…no doubt WWE will take his return from that point.

Part 3 – Smackdown News:

The biggest news from this week had to be the surprise incident involving Kurt Angle’s no-show at Smackdown’s tapings this past Tuesday. The show had to be hastily rewritten to fill up the time available for the Hometown Invitational slot, while no-one still heard from Angle. He eventually called in following the start of the tapings and informed staff that he had a family emergency in Pittsburgh and was having to fly home straight away. WWE have managed to keep the family emergency details under wraps – although Angle has said he will be back for next week’s show. Due to the situation no further action is being taken either. We hope to have more details for next week.

The rumors this week continue about the King of the Ring event returning onto the WWE Pay-Per-View calendar in June (replacing the ECW PPV). WWE has said to be in contact with a few venues about arranging a show on the 12th of June, although at this late stage it is going to prove difficult for an arena to be booked. That seems to be the deciding factor as of this time as to if the KOTR will happen, or not.

The long-awaited draft goes down tomorrow night on RAW as both brands hit Madison Square Garden for back-to-back shows over two nights. The only really expected change to go down is the transfer of Matt Hardy from RAW to Smackdown. Hardy himself has requested this due to his current situation with Lita and Edge on the RAW roster, and how it is going to prove very difficult for him to work there anymore. Another factor in the move would be Hardy’s friendship with Shannon Moore…

Some wrestlers are said to be very happy to be meeting up with some guys they haven’t seen for a while on Monday, however others are said to be feeling more sceptical of both brands meeting up. One un-named wrestler said how he felt it caused a big divide in the WWE and that he didn’t like it.

It seems at the moment Luther Reigns is receiving one massive push from the Smackdown writers as he destroyed the Big Show on last weeks show. It is also interesting how Reigns hasn’t been associated with Angle for a couple of weeks…

Apart from Reigns the only other guy to be seemingly heading drastically up in the world is Paul London. He has become crazily over as the last couple of weeks have passed and looks like he is going to have to be destined for greater things on Smackdown. If not in the writer’s eyes then by the fans reactions!

I’ll leave you with some news coming from OVW. A few wrestlers down there caught the attention of the Smackdown writing team on a recent trip, namely Frankie Kazarian – who looks set to debut on the roster soon. To name another wrestler who is being eyed up (again) is Kevin Fertig – the man who played the failed Mordecai character. It is unknown if he will return as Mordecai, although Vince McMahon personally was said to be very high on the idea when it came about last year…

Until next week,

Thomas Smith

[TAFKA Castroneves]

Let's keep this short and sweet...

WWE RAW

Monday 18th April 2005

Madison Square Garden, New York City, NYS

The Draft

To RAW from Smackdown...The Big Show

To Smackdown from RAW…Matt Hardy

To RAW from Smackdown…Doug Basham

To Smackdown from RAW…Christian

To RAW from Smackdown…Torrie Wilson

To Smackdown from RAW…Gene Snitsky

To RAW from Smackdown…Danny Basham

To Smackdown from RAW…Chris Benoit

To RAW from Smackdown…Orlando Jordan

To Smackdown from RAW...Val Venis

Jim Ross: Well King! Here at Madison Square Garden the annual draft has taken place, and RAW has taken some great superstars from Smackdown!

Jerry Lawler: We have indeed JR! The Big Show, Orlando Jordan, The Basham Brothers and, wow, my personal favourite! Torrie Wilson!

Jim Ross: How did I know she would be your favourite pick! You're going all uncle Jerry on me again aren't ya! But the thing that actually catches my eye folks is how we on RAW have taken John "Bradshaw" Layfield's entire Cabinet!

Jerry Lawler: Yes, they're all gone JR! Boy must it suck to be JBL right now!

Edited April 18, 2005 by TAFKA Castroneves

[IDOL]

Interesting choices for the draft I was secretely hoping you'd take Val Venis from RAW where he is being terribly misused, and I hope you give him a decent character and push. Hardy wasn't a surprise, I thought for sure you'd have him make the jump, but the thing that surprised me most was the fact that JBL's entire Cabinet is gone! Bradshaw won't have such an Edge with his cronies gone. I'm betting we see Chris Benoit versus John Cena at Judgment Day, it's gotta be either him or Christian.

[The Third Dukes]

More than that: does this mean the US Title is vacant? Or does it go to SmackDown!, with the IC title coming to RAW around the waist of one of the recruits? (Really, anyone but Venis makes sense.)

[TGC]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a much heralded and quite honestly very important SD upon us.

Nice little interview segment for Orlando that led to the US Title Match with Booker. Perhpas a little too paint by numbers for my liking, but it's not like you were REALLY going to drop the US Title to Booker on a SD with what amounted to no build-up. All in all, a decent enough way to start the show I suppose.

The Champ...Is Here! Yawn. Cena arrives in a segment directly from Vince Russo's playbook. Well, it worked in 1998, so what the hell, right?

You seem to have fun with the Long/Carlito segments, and it shows. Thereby I have fun when I read them. However, The Undertaker? Ugggh.

Nice little Cruiser Title Match. Nothing too splashy or over the top, just two talented young men doing what they do so well. Nice write-up as well.

I think you nailed it in your response to my criticism of the Rey and Eddie situation after the last show. This slower build towards the eventual break is far more interesting. I can admit to being wrong, and if you keep producing segments that are of this kind of quality and drama I will keep on admitting it.

Show and Reigns? Ugggh.

Show goes away for a few weeks, comes back and gets his revenge on Reigns on PPV? That or Show gets conveniently traded to Raw. Either way, ugggh.

No sooner do I praise the slow build than you go and do what LOOKS to be a complete break-up of the duo. Intriguing, but again based on your comments from the previous show, now that I get what I want I see that I didn't really want it. So now giving me what I asked for leaves me let down.

I'm impossible.

Good JBL interview. You have his voice and arrogance down to a T my man.

Too bad the part of the show that had all the intrigue sucked so bad. This show was going to live or die by this match, as as I said last week I figured I knew where you were headed, and I was right. Interference. What Cena needed here to solidify himself as a true champion was to get a clean win. Sadly, he didn't. Booker now has as much claim to that WWE Title as Cena does, which is a shame.

I said this show was going to live or die by this match, and it does. My final grade for this SD is a D. Too much build, too much intrigue, too much crap.

I look forward to the Roster Split/Draft Part Tres as well as the announcement of why Angle no showed.

TGC

[TAFKA Castroneves]

Thanks again for your comments guys, I would address them some more...but I'll let the show do the talking when I get it up...although this news proved to really put a damper on my writing this week.

Breaking News...Christian Sidelined

News is just emerging at this moment in time that WWE superstar Christian has earlier this evening sustained a nasty injury to his spine while having a practice match with OVW's Matt Morgan at Madison Square Garden...

The injury was said to have happened similarity to when Chris Benoit injured himself at King of the Ring 2001. Christian slipped when on the top rope alongside Morgan and is said to have landed on the rear of his spine while being crushed by his large opponent. Medical crews immediatly hit the ring in an attempt to prevent any further damage...although first reports (while not detailed at all) are not looking good for Christian. X-Rays have been done and Stephanie McMahon was said to have recieved word that Christian is looking at 3 Months out minimum.

WWE themselves have yet to release a statement regarding Christian's official status and official injury, although these reports are accurate and show Christian is definatly looking at a lengthy time away from the ring.

[TGC]

Closed and moved to Archives.