World Wrestling Entertainment: 2005

[The Shattered One]

It was July 8th, 2005. A Friday. The WWE had just gone through it's second annual Draft Lottery since the brand extension of 2002. Needless to say, 2005's Draft was much bigger than 2004's. In the end, a total of 21 superstars moved to new shows.

Drafted To RAW

John Cena (WWE Champion)

Kurt Angle

Carlito Carribean Cool

Big Show

Rob Van Dam

Drafted To SmackDown!

Chris Benoit

Randy Orton

Muhammad Hussan (w/Daivari)

Christian

Batista (World Heavyweight Champion)

The draft was not all that took place, however. Near the deadline to make roster changes for RAW and SmackDown!, GM's Eric Bischoff and Theodore Long made an 11-person blockbuster deal. It looked like this:

Traded To RAW

Chavo Guerrero

Danny Basham

Hiroko

Kenzo Suzuki

Mark Jindrak

Rene Dupree

Traded To SmackDown!

Candice Michelle

Steven Richards

Simon Dean

Sylvian Grenier

William Regal

So after the trade was done, the WWE did something many times it has done in the past - roster cuts. Over 15 superstars were released in the past few days, with the list looking like this:

Wrestlers Released:

Joy Giovanni

Kenzo Suzuki

Matt Morgan

Charlie Haas

Jackie Gayda

Marty Jannetty

Dawn Marie

Mark Jindrak

Maven

Shannon Moore

James Yun (Akio)

David Heath (Gangrel)

Billy Kidman

Spike Dudley

Kevin Fertig (Mordecai)

D-Von Dudley

Bubba Ray Dudley

The next few wrestling events were close to top-notch, as no one wanted to be the next superstar cut from the WWE. I didn't have to worry about being cut, hopefully, because I controlled what went down on WWE programming from behind the scenes. A creative writer, of sorts. Giles Baker, a twentysomething hailing from England with dreams to be in the wrestling business. I guess those dreams were fufilled, for now...

The Great American Bash was only 16 days away, and I was to have a say in what some of the matches were. As SmackDown! had taken place yesterday, two matches for the former WCW classic were unveiled. Chris Benoit had defeated Booker T for the rights to challenge Orlando Jordan for the United States Championship, while Muhammad Hussan would be battling the Deadman, The Undertaker for Numero Uno Contendership of the World Heavyweight Championship.

Anyways, here's a look at the WWE as of today:

World Wrestling Entertainment

Owner: Linda McMahon

Budget: $40,000,000

Company Status Level: Worldwide

Public Image: 60%

Based In: America

Risk Level: 66%

Production Values: 100%

Merchandising: 100%

Advertising: 90%

Sponsors: Rolling Stone, Columbia Pictures, Stacker 2 and Pizza Hut

The Roster:

RAW:

Main Event:

Hulk Hogan (Face, 100 Over)

John Cena (Face, 96 Over)

Kurt Angle (Heel, 100 Over)

Shawn Michaels (Heel, 94 Over)

Triple H (Heel, 94 Over)

Upper Midcard:

Big Show (Face, 88 Over)

Chris Jericho (Tweener, 97 Over)

Edge (Heel, 88 Over)

Kane (Face, 90 Over)

Rob Van Dam (Face, 90 Over) - Injured

Midcard:

Carlito Carribean Cool (Heel, 74 Over)

Eugene (Face, 75 Over) - Injured

Gene Snitsky (Heel, 75 Over)

Kerwin White (Heel, 77 Over)

Kid Kash (Heel, 70 Over)*

Lita (Heel, 83 Over)

Rene Dupree (Heel, 73 Over)

Rob Conway (Heel, 65 Over)

Shelton Benjamin (Face, 80 Over)

Tajiri (Face, 72 Over)

The Hurricane (Face, 71 Over)

Trish Stratus (Heel, 87 Over)

Viscera (Face, 75 Over)

Lower Midcard:

Antonio (Heel, 54 Over)

Chris Masters (Heel, 63 Over)

Danny Basham (Heel, 70 Over)

Romeo (Heel, 55 Over)

Rosey (Face, 65 Over)

Tyson Tomko (Heel, 68 Over)

Val Venis (Face, 60 Over)

Victoria (Heel, 68 Over)

Non-Wrestlers:

Eric Bischoff (Tweener, 88 Over)

Ivory (Face, 65 Over)

Jerry Lawler (Face, 76 Over)

Jonathan Coachman (Heel, 60 Over)

Maria Kanellis (Face, 59 Over)

Managers:

Christy Hemme (Face, 60 Over)

Ric Flair (Heel, 91 Over)

Stacy Kiebler (Face, 85 Over)

SmackDown!:

Main Event:

Batista (Face, 96 Over)

Chris Benoit (Face, 95 Over)

Eddie Guerrero (Heel, 95 Over)

John Bradshaw Layfield (Heel, 91 Over)

Randy Orton (Heel, 88 Over)

The Undertaker (Face, 97 Over)

Upper Midcard:

Booker T (Face, 88 Over)

Christian (Heel, 84 Over)

Midcard:

Big Stevie Cool (Heel, 62 Over)

Hollywood Nova (Face, 64 Over)

Joey Mercury (Heel, 70 Over)

John Heidenreich (Face, 75 Over)

Johnny Nitro (Heel, 72 Over)

Juventud (Face, 71 Over)

Muhammad Hussan (Heel, 80 Over)

Orlando Jordan (Heel, 75 Over)

Psychosis (Face, 73 Over)

Rey Mysterio (Face, 85 Over)

Super Crazy (Face, 71 Over)

The Blue Meanie (Face, 69 Over)

William Regal (Face, 78 Over)

Lower Midcard:

Doug Basham (Heel, 70 Over)

Hardcore Holly (Face, 72 Over)

Nunzio (Face, 61 Over)

Paul London (Face, 58 Over)

Scotty 2 Hotty (Face, 65 Over)

Sylvian Grenier (Heel, 65 Over)

Openers:

Funaki (Face, 63 Over)

Non-Wrestlers:

Theodore Long (Face, 63 Over)

Managers:

Candice Michelle (Face, 40 Over)

Daivari (Heel, 63 Over)

Melina Perez (Heel, 62 Over)

Michelle McCool (Face, 45 Over)

Torrie Wilson (Face, 75 Over)

Not On Either RAW/SmackDown!

Mick Foley (Face, 91 Over)*

Paul Heyman (Heel, 92 Over)*

Shane McMahon (Face, 90 Over)*

Stephanie McMahon (Face, 90 Over)*

Steve Austin (Face, 100 Over)

Vince McMahon (Heel, 92 Over)

*-Not actively appearing on TV

*-Kid Kash signed with the WWE after his appearance at One Night Stand, but has obviously not appeared on WWE programming

Programming Schedule

WWE RAW, Mondays on SpikeTV at 9/8 PM CT

WWE SmackDown!, Thursdays on UPN at 8/7 PM CT

WWE Sunday Night Heat, Sundays on SpikeTV at 7/6 PM CT

WWE Velocity, Saturdays on SpikeTV at 11/10 PM CT

PPV Schedule

Great American Bash (SmackDown! PPV)

July 24th, 2005

Live from the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York

Summerslam (RAW/SmackDown! PPV)

August 21st, 2005

Live from the MCI Center in Washington D.C.

Unforgiven (RAW PPV)

September 18th, 2005

Live from the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

No Mercy (SmackDown! PPV)

October 9th, 2005

Live from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas

Taboo Tuesday (RAW PPV)

November 1st, 2005

Live from the ipayOne Center in San Diego, California

Survivor Series (RAW/SmackDown! PPV)

November 27th, 2005

Live from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan

Armageddon (SmackDown! PPV)

December 18th, 2005

Live from the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island

Current Title Holders

World Heavyweight Champion: Batista

Won From: Triple H

Date: April 1st, 2005 at Wrestlemania 21

WWE Heavyweight Champion: John Cena

Won From: John Bradshaw Layfield

Date: April 1st, 2005 at Wrestlemania 21

WWE Intercontinental Champion: Carlito Carribean Cool

Won From: Shelton Benjamin

Date: June 20th, 2005 on RAW

WWE United States Champion: Orlando Jordan

Won From: John Cena

Date: March 1st, 2005 on SmackDown!

World Tag Team Champions: The Hurricane and Rosey

Won From: William Regal and Tajiri

Date: May 1st, 2005 at Backlash

WWE Tag Team Champions: MNM

Won From: Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio

Date: April 18th, 2005 on SmackDown!

WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Paul London

Won From: Chavo Guerrero

Date: March 29th, 2005 on SmackDown!

WWE Women's Champion: Trish Stratus

Won From: Lita

Date: January 9th, 2005 at New Year's Revolution

(Velocity up tomorrow)

Edited July 8, 2005 by The Shattered One

[Guest mAXi]

thsi looks really good

nooooooooooo... shawn micheals a heel ( bad choice by WWE )

pleeez make him a face soon pleeeez and you dont need Hulk Hogan he made Shawn Micheals bad how dare he

[Guest Audiobank]

thsi looks really good

nooooooooooo... shawn micheals a heel ( bad choice by WWE ) 

pleeez make him a face soon pleeeez and you dont need Hulk Hogan he made Shawn Micheals bad    how dare he

←

[The Shattered One]

WWE Velocity (07.09.05)

Announcers: Josh Matthews and Todd Romero

Fans In Attendance: 7,513

Segment 1: JBL/Batista SmackDown! Recap

The video opens up with The Blue Meanie being beaten around in his match with JBL, which eventually led up to Batista getting in the ring and giving JBL a huge spinebuster, giving Meanie the win. A small music clip was played with some of the previous weeks footage of Batista being drafted to SmackDown! to the dismay of JBL, finally ending it with hype for their match at the Great American Bash.

(86%)

Segment 2: Sylvian Grenier vs. Scotty 2 Hotty

Grenier made his SmackDown! debut, against Scotty 2 Hotty. Plenty of 'USA' chants here, as Grenier comes in waving a French flag, much like Rene did upon his arrival to RAW. Scotty has a few opportunities to hit the Worm, but comes up short. Grenier wins with an unseen low blow, followed by a nice Running Powerslam.

(67%, 64%, 70%)

Segment 3: Booker Gets Heated!

Booker appears in a backstage interview with SmackDown's self-proclaimed 'Numbah Won Announca", Funaki. He looks prime and ready for his match tonight, which is against Doug Basham, who's now flying solo. Booker basically calls Doug a sucka, and then tells any other challengers that Doug's beatdown is fair warning.

(88%)

Segment 4: Nunzio vs. Hollywood Nova

It appears as if the bWo will be sticking around for some time, as Hollywood Nova comes to the ring, accompanied by his bWo stablemates, Big Stevie Cool and The Blue Meanie. In this bout, Nunzio puts up a fight, but is no match for the bWo's antics as they constantly interfere and taunt Nunzio, allowing Nova to have the upperhand for the most of the match. Nunzio finally gets too distracted, allowing Hollywood Nova to roll him up for the win. Bit of a cheeser here, a surprise considering the two wrestlers involved. The match was good, but the fans never got into it.

(73%, 53%, 94%)

Segment 5: JBL On Velocity!?

None other than John Bradshaw Layfield is shown in a business suit, sitting on a sofa in a room somewhere in the arena. He is talking to whom seems to be a woman on phone, as he attempts to seduct her with sweet talk. But his plans are ruined when a man brings him coffee, and he blurts "God damnit are you stupid?" because the man screws up on his order. The person on the phone obviously hears this, and thinks the comment is directed at them. JBL tries to explain, but is hung up on! In a fit of anger, JBL pours the coffee on the man's head, and leaves the room!

(86%)

Segment 6: Booker T vs. Doug Basham

Booker T squares off with Doug in the Velocity main event, and for the most part, is in total control. Doug tries numerous amounts of moves which Booker reverses or blocks, giving the lone Basham brother a hard time. Doug tries to hit a Leg Lariat, but Booker avoids the catastrophe and finishes Doug off with an Axe Kick, scoring the 1-2-3. Booker leaves the ring and heads up the ramp in celebration, but from out of the crowd comes Christian! Christian blindsides Booker T, followed by some stiff shots to the back! He gets Booker T in position, then nails him with the Unprettier! Christian's music plays while he taunts the booing crowd, as Velocity leaves the airwaves.

(74%, 75%, 72%)

Show Overall: 86%

Rating: 4.45

Sales: $300,520

Edited July 13, 2005 by The Shattered One

[RavenEffect16]

you know kid kash has appeared on heat, and iirc beat tajiri, but its still a good choice of roster ideas, and keep hbk heel, hes better as a heel

[Disengager]

This being your first show, I really like the style, it's nice and simple, very easy to read and I think you have great potential here.

What I don't like is JBL on Velocity, it simply wouldn't happen. Also, I could possibly see Book main eventing a velocity every once in awhile, but having Christian interfere and starting a feud on velocity is yet again something that WWE wouldn't do.

I do, however, like that you had a couple matches between talent you would find on Velocity. You should, in my opinon, use velocity and heat for video segments and more of these type of matches, sticking true to their form.

But you do have a reader in me and I do enjoy the style quite a bit, keep it up

[The Shattered One]

WWE Sunday Night Heat (07.10.05)

Announcers: Todd Grisham and The Coach

Fans In Attendance: 7,219

Segment 1: Tajiri vs. Tyson Tomko

Tyson Tomko looked to solve the problem of being useless as he now flies solo with Christian headlining Thursday nights. Tajiri, although much smaller than Tomko roughs him around, putting him in the Tarantula, hitting him with the mist, and then ending this borefest with his signature Buzzsaw Kick.

(68%, 63%, 73%)

Segment 2: Just Rob Conway

Rob Conway comes out, of course, by himself, now that Grenier no longer on the RAW brand. Conway explains that now he is without that ridiculous Frenchman he can get back to his American roots. This of course draws out some cheers from the crowd, but he quickly shows his arrogance by saying he still has to deal with the idiotic fans week after week. But he's out here for a different reason. Since the draft, he's done some thinking. He wants to be noticed, and what other way to be noticed than beating RAW's biggest superstar, that being the Big Show. He challenges Show for tonight, but is informed the big man hasn't arrived yet. Conway laughs, then goes backstage.

(74%)

Segment 3: World Tag Team Championship

Val Venis and Viscera vs. The Super Heros w/Stacy

Venis claims his partner is the biggest pimp he's ever seen, so he's cool. Too bad this match isn't. Viscera stays in and dominates the small Hurricane, putting him from corner to corner. But Super Stacy uses her 'assets' to distract Big Vis, drawing him away from the ring. He tags in Venis, and goes after Stacy, who runs up the ramp. Venis tries to take on both members at the same time, but it's no use. Rosey hits the Samoan Drop, and that's all she wrote.

(70%, 70%, 71%)

Segment 4: The Kick Heard Around The World

Rewind to RAW this past Monday, which had a shocking denouement. The video showed previous clips of Hogan and HBK tagging together, leading up to RAW where HBK gave Hogan a mouthfull of boot with the Sweet Chin Music. An announcement by Coach is made that Hogan will be on RAW with something to say.

(92%)

Segment 5: Warming Up

Conway is shown backstage in his lockerroom, hitting a punching bag. He seems to hit a knuckle, as he favours it, obviously being in pain. He then notices the camera, then pretends to not feel it, and keeps punching the bag.

(65%)

Segment 6: Well, It's The Big Show!

Show finally arrives, and gets caught up by Maria. She explains that he has been challenged, and he laughs. Maria tells him Conway is serious, and Show decides that if he wants a match, then he is going to get squashed like a bug. Wow, quite the buildup for this one. A mini-feud, of sorts!

(75%)

Segment 7: Big Show vs. Rob Conway

Conway scurries out to the ring, and Show follows with his big entrance. Fans pop for the pyros. As Show climbs into the ring, Conway gets out, keeping his distance with the seven foot monster. He tries to approach Show from the side, but he just gets pounded down. Show starts by tossing Conway out of the ring, Show taunts him to get back in, and he foolishly does, just getting knocked down. Show cuts this contest off fast, hitting the Showstopper to end Conway, and to end Heat.

(70%, 73%, 66%)

Show Overall: 59%

Rating: 5.17

Sales: $298,040

Edited July 17, 2005 by The Shattered One

[Guest mAXi]

thsi looks really good

nooooooooooo... shawn micheals a heel ( bad choice by WWE ) 

pleeez make him a face soon pleeeez and you dont need Hulk Hogan he made Shawn Micheals bad    how dare he

←

What? I don't like you. Shawn makes a great heel.

←

[The Shattered One]

To be fair, Shawn Michaels was a heel in 1997-1999 as a member of DX. I might have the timeframe wrong, but he was definitely a heel in DX.

[The Shattered One]

WWE Sunday NewsWire (Sunday, July 10th, 2005)

WWE Diva Search A Flop

The WWE Diva Search has been effectively cancelled, after the segment last week drew in atrocious ratings. There were talks about last years being cancelled after the low ratings the segments were getting, but it was saved from the axe. This year, WWE management have decided not to go on with the monstrosity. The 'divas' will likely be signed to a six month contract or paid off for their endeavors.

Summerslam Main Event?

Rumours are that the WWE have released a promo poster with John Cena, Eddie Guerrero, Triple H and Batista pictured in the four corners. This could possibly mean Triple H vs. John Cena and Batista vs. Eddie at Summerslam, but the WWE had mentioned Triple H may be taking some time off.

Brock Lesnar Deal Falls Through

After having a two part meeting with Vince McMahon that was considered very successful, Brock Lesnar will not be rejoining the WWE. He was offered a position by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League a few months back, and has decided to take up on that offer. If you recall, Lesnar made the Minnesota Vikings NFL squad, but was cut in preseason after posting less than average numbers.

[Guest mAXi]

To be fair, Shawn Michaels was a heel in 1997-1999 as a member of DX. I might have the timeframe wrong, but he was definitely a heel in DX.

←

[Chris the Human]

I'm liking this so far. I haven't tried a joint WWE game in so long (prefer to use a split database, for management reasons). I'll keep reading, just to see where this goes. Enjoyed Heat and Velocity.

[The Shattered One]

WWE RAW Preview (07.11.05)

Last week, we witnessed a shocker when Shawn Michaels did the unthinkable by delivering a note of Sweet Chin Music to his tag team partner, Hulk Hogan after their match with Kurt Angle and Carlito Carribean Cool, then leaving him unconscious in the ring. What will the Showstopper have to say about his actions? We do know that Hulk Hogan will be speaking on the events that took place, and he'll for sure want some answers.

If you recall last week, we saw a new side of 'Chavo Guerrero'. In fact, we saw him relinquish his heritage, claiming it was keeping him down, and announced he had legally changed his name to Kerwin White, and was now enjoying life as a Middle-Class American! Kerwin will certainly have his chance to prove that his new culture will do right by him when he squares off with the Japanese Buzzsaw, Tajiri! Tune in on RAW to see who will end up victorious.

Since Vengeance, we have not seen or heard of Triple H, who came up empty yet again against Batista trying to win the World Heavyweight Championship, this time in his special environment. Will the Game appear on RAW? Or will Monday Night still contain the abscense of the Cerebral Assasin?

Chris Jericho has been in a slump of sorts lately. He came up short at Vengeance trying to capture the WWE Championship from John Cena, and since then, the Doctor Of Thugonamics has embarrased him with harsh comments. But Y2J will have a chance to prove he deserves another shot at championship gold when he goes toe-to-toe with Kurt Angle in the main event! Can the Ayatolla of Rock N' Rolla defeat his Olympic nemesis? Or will the former three-time WWE Champion come up with the win?

All this and more will go down on RAW, so tune in at 9/8 c!

Confirmed Matches:

Kerwin White vs. Tajiri

Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle

Edited July 25, 2005 by The Shattered One

[Damnination]

Too bad about Brock Lesnar. Anyways.. two great matches for Raw. I'll be reading!

[The Shattered One]

WWE RAW (07.11.05)

Announcers: Jim Ross, The King, and The Coach

Attendance: 7,506

RAW kicked off with a recap video from last week, where HBK put a lasting effect into Hogan, literally, when he composed a note of Sweet Chin Music for Hulk Hogan, knocking the Immortal One out cold! Hogan will have his say in tonight, and he'll certainly want answers from the Showstopper! RAW's intro then cut in, followed by the regular pyros, leading to audio commentary with JR and The King, and the most recent addition to the announce team, The Coach.

JR: "Welcome one, and welcome all to WWE RAW! We have quite the show ready for you folks at the arena and you at home. First off, it's gonna be Kerwin White and-"

Coach: "Jim, Jim, let me handle this, I'm much more qualified. In beginning action, Kerwin White will be going one on one with the devious Tajiri. And Kurt Angle will be taking on-"

King: "Hey, hey, Coach! We both know I can do this way better. What he was going to say, is that Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle will be taking on Chris Jericho in RAW's main event! Oh boy what a match that'll be. Even better, Chris Jericho will be having an exclusive interview with Maria Kanellis! I can't wait!"

JR: "Are you both forgetting what happened at the end of RAW last week? Damnit! Shawn Michaels superkicked Hogan straight to hell! You can't ignore something like that!"

Coach: "I'm shocked that it happened JR, but that old fogey got what he had comin' to him! Shawn Michaels did the right thing."

King: "Coach's right JR, Hogan got what he deserved."

JR: "I have never seen a more vile and shocking act done by Shawn Michaels in all the time I've known him, and I've known him for quite a while. I hope Hogan get's his retribution, because that's the only thing he deserves right about now, I'll tell you what."

King: "Retribution? He deserves-"

"When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside"

JR: "Speaking of Hogan, here he is now King!"

King: "I know a Hogan when I hear one, JR.

The arena erupts as the Hulkster makes his way down to the ring in decorated fashion, and in a surprisingly good mood. He poses on the rampway, then makes his way down to the ring. He gives Lillian Garcia his feather boas, then gets down to business.

Hulk Hogan: "It's really great to be here in Houston, let me tell you somethin'. But unfortunately, I got some serious business to be taking care of. Last week, all you Hulkamaniacs witnessed a vile deed, by someone who I thought was my friend. By a true man! But Shawn Michaels turned out to be just like some of the scum in the back, like those punks Kurt Angle and Carlito. Now, Shawn, I ain't one to take a kick in the face and just walk away. I want some answers, brother, so get your ass out here!"

Not long after Hogan demands Shawn's presence, the Heartbreak Kid makes his way out on the ramp, met with a chorus of boos. Instead of being dressed in his ring attire, he is dressed in all black, and shows no emotion on his face, quite similar to what he looked like a week ago when he downed the Hulkster. He looks at Hogan with a somewhat dizzy gaze, before speaking.

Shawn Michaels: "So you want answers, Hulk? Maybe you should be giving me the answers. You know, before I got into the wrestling business, I idolized you. I wanted to BE you. I wanted to have MY legion of fans that had their own names, and I wanted my name on every bit of merchandise possible. And Hulk, it didn't take long for me to surpass you. When you went to the WCW, I took over in every possible aspect. I bathed in the WWE's limelight. I put on clinics with the likes of Bret Hart, Scott Hall, Owen Hart, Steve Austin, and I headlined more than my fair share of PPV events. And you? You were treading around in WCW, as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, a washed up superstar hiding behind a superficial image. But I still respected you for what you had accomplished over the years, you basically made this company what it is today. But I kept it that way. And then, at Wrestlemania 21, when you returned to the company, my dream was realised. I could finally do what I wanted to do. When I called upon you to be my tag team partner at Backlash, that wasn't the last match I had in mind. Since the day you came back, I wanted your last match to be against me, the Heartbreak Kid, the Showstopper, at the true midsummer classic. At Summerslam. And I'll make sure it's not only your best match, but your last match."

Michaels keeps his emotionless face, as Hogan looks at him, in anger, and shock.

(83%)

Hulk Hogan lost 2 points of overness from this segment.

JR: "Shawn Michaels just challenged Hulk Hogan for a match at Summerslam! What a blockbuster that could be!"

King: "Pfft, yeah right JR. I'd rather watch a bra and panties match over that!"

JR: "King, you'd rather watch a bra and panties match over anything."

RAW goes to a commercial break, as Hogan is shown still standing in the ring, as he keeps his eyes locked with Michaels.

Kerwin White vs. Tajiri

RAW returns with it's opening action, with Kerwin White 'debuting' against Tajiri, sporting attire similar to Kurt Angle, sans the patriotic colors. Instead, the attire is a banana yellow. Tajiri laughs at Kerwin when he gets in the ring, saying something insulting in Japanese. Kerwin pretends to ignore it, but then slaps Tajiri to get the match underway. Kerwin gets Tajiri into the corner and chokes him with his boot, stopping before the ref considers disqualifying him. Kerwin lets off as Tajiri gets back to his feet, but then he spears him into the turnbuckle. Kerwin lets Tajiri go flying with a Monkey Flip, followed by a leg drop for a two count. Kerwin applies a headlock, but Tajiri soon counters with his acrobatic ability, in turn applying the hold on the newfound American! Tajiri lets off the hold, then hits a DDT, and makes a cover, but Kerwin is able to kick out. Tajiri brings Chavo *ahem* Kerwin to his feet, and tries the Irish Whip, but Kerwin reverses the whip sending Tajiri to the ropes. However, Tajiri uses the backspring elbow to take down White, and cover again. But Tajiri can only get the two count. White, dazed now, uses some desperate tactics to gain the upperhand, as he pushes Tajiri into the ref, who goes face first into the turnbuckle! While the ref recovers, White hits a unseen low blow, taking Tajiri out in a hurry! As referee Chris Kay gets back to the action, White rolls Tajiri up for the cover, 1-2-3!

Winner: Kerwin White

White celebrates as if he fought through blood, sweat and tears for his victory, climbing a turnbuckle, taunting for the crowd.

(84%, 76%, 100%)

JR: "All-American my ass. I should of seen it coming from Chavo, sorry, I mean Kerwin White."

King: "Wow! What a way for Kerwin to debut on RAW! A victory!"

Meanwhile, as Tajiri leaves the ring, cameras cue backstage, where Chris Jericho is with Maria, who is wearing a very revealing outfit!

Maria: "So, Chris, what are your thoughts on your match with Kurt Angle tonight?"

Jericho: "What are my thoughts? I don't think about a match I could win with my hands tied behind my back. Kurt is a phoney. I've beaten him before and I'll do it again, tonight. Woo, he's the only wrestler in WWE history to have won a gold medal. But is he the lead singer of a kickass rock band that has sold out worldwide? No. And after I beat that cheap trick, I'll be able to convince Eric Bischoff I'm ready for a title shot against the "Doctor of Thugonamics", John Cena. Now, why don't you and I..."

Jericho grabs the mic from Maria and throws it away, and tries to kiss her, but she shoves away. As Jericho tries to advance on her once again, John Cena appears, and gets in Jericho's face!

Cena: "You better watch your back, before I break it."

Jericho: "Oh yeah? You better watch your title, before I take it."

Jericho leaves the screen, leaving Cena to comfort Maria.

(97%)

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Val Venis vs. Carlito Carribean Cool ©

Carlito opens the match up by biting an apple, and spitting it in the face of Val Venis. But Venis doesn't take things too well, clotheslining Carlito to start the match! Venis keeps Carlito on the mat with hard stomps, followed by a back suplex for a two count. Carlito tries to regroup, but only gets hit by a stiff shoulder block when he gets to his feet again. Venis puts Carlito in the corner, and roughs him up with some hard shots to the midsection, but Carlito fights back with a thumb to the eyes. Carlito hits Venis with a knee to the gut, followed by his signature DDT maneuver, but his pinfall attempt falls short at the two count. Carlito gives Venis a few shots to the head before dropping a knee to the nose of Val Venis. This causes Val to squirm with pain, while Carlito shows no sympathy and applies an armbar hold. The move soon wears off on Venis, as he retaliates with hard right hands to the skull of Carlito!

Val gets back in the driver's seat as he hits a hard back suplex on Carlito. Carlito reels, but he has no time to recover as Val hits a Full Nelson Bomb, and makes the cover! Val counts along with the referee, who seems to think it is over as well, 1...2...Carlito gets a foot on the bottom ropes! Venis is shocked to think that all he put out in the Full Nelson Bomb was to no avail, but he keeps on the offense. Val hits a painful powerslam, then goes upstairs. He signals for the Money Shot, and then takes flight. But Carlito is able to pull out of the way in time, giving Venis nothing but hard canvas. Val gets to his feet dizzily, only to find Carlito waiting for him. Carlito wastes no time in putting his finishing touch on the match, as he knocks Venis down a peg with the Swinging Neckbreaker. Fans moan in realisation of the match's outcome, as Carlito covers, 1....2....NO! Venis is able to kick out! Carlito goes beserk, bewildered by Venis' will. Carlito tries an Irish Whip to the ropes, but is reversed by Val. But he comes back at Venis and slides under, and gets him in the small package pin maneuver. And for extra insurance, Carlito slyly puts a foot on the ropes for leverage! Venis struggles to break free, but Carlito gets the decision, 1-2-3.

Winner, and still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Carlito Carribean Cool

(75%, 73%, 76%)

JR: "Come on damnit! That sly Carlito sonofabitch. Last week he ran away from his challenge, this week he cheats his way through it."

King: "Now that's cool!"

Coach: "It certainly is King!"

After RAW gets back from a commercial break, we see Rob Conway out in the ring, sporting a look similar to when he first debuted in 2003. Dressed casually, Conway has an evil grin on his face.

Rob Conway: "You know, last night, on Sunday Night Heat, I lost to the Big Show."

Before he can continue, the fans cheer for the Big Show.

Rob Conway: "BUT, that's not why I am out here tonight. Last night, I turned a new leaf. I strayed away from "La Resistance", something I should of done a LONG time ago. But it only set up what will happen tonight. You see, even though I am a terrific singles competitor, I have had even more success in a tag team. I was a tag team champion countless times in La Resistance, and in Ohio Valley Wrestling, a place you've all probably never heard of because you lack brains, I was a THREE-time OVW World Heavyweight Champion, and nine times was I one half of an OVW Southern Tag Team Championship team. With who? Someone who has equal skill to mine, but has been sidelined with an injury since January, up until now! So please welcome back Eugene!"

The fans roar in approval of Eugene's return, as the innocent and happy Eugene dances his way down to the ring.

JR: "It's Eugene! Eugene's back!"

King: "Eugene?"

Coach: "Eugene."

Eugene makes his way into the ring, and shakes hands with Rob Conway, and he grabs the mic from him, excitedly.

Eugene: "WOOOOOOW! How I played all of you like such fools."

The cheering comes to an abrupt halt as Eugene's tone of speech suddenly becomes that of a regular person.

Eugene: "Yeah. I'm not really handicapped, and I'm not Eric Bischoff's 'special' little nephew, and my name certainly isn't 'Eugene'. God, that has to be the worst name someone could be named. I used Eugene to win all of you over, and to get the attention I deserved. For six god damn years, I made a career in OVW. Not once did the WWE management give me a tryout match, until last year. And certainly, if I wanted to stay, I couldn't rely solely on my pristine wrestling ability. I had to act like a dolt, an idiot, so I could get into the heart of every single fan. I loved it. I was a 'special' hero to all of you, and I even became World Tag Team Champion with that lousy Briton. But then, I was injured in January. No biggie, my career had hit bigger potholes in the past. I'd just rehab, and get loads of fan mail from my 'loving' fans. But you bastards were nothing close to 'loving'. You couldn't care less. Once I was out of the spotlight, your short attention spans targeted some other schmuck that sucked up to the fans to become a favourite, just like I did. Guys like Triple H are the ones you should be cheering for, at least he tells the truth about you morons. So when I had my return date set, I contacted Rob. I contacted him, and I made him an offer. An offer he couldn't refuse. And with his bumbling Frenchman partner gone to SmackDown!, the opportunity couldn't be skipped. It had to happen. No longer am I the loveable 'Eugene'. You people are much better at acting retarded than I am, because you actually are. I'm Nick Dinsmore, and don't you forget it."

Rob takes back the mic as he hugs Nick Dinsmore, while the fans shower them with boos.

Rob Conway: "That's right. Along with Rob Conway, we are the Lords Of The Ring. And next week, we will challenge 'The Super Heros' for the World Tag Team Championships, and we will win."

Conway and Dinsmore raise their arms in celebration, and then they leave the ring, as the fans boo at them in disgust, but mainly at Nick, for his betrayal of them.

JR: "He pulled one over on all of us! What a scheming bastard!"

King: "Looks like the fans were the dumb ones!"

Coach: "Oh I never believed it for a second. I knew he was faking all along."

(76%)

Rob Conway debuted his new gimmick (Arrogant), it got a positive response. Nick Dinsmore debuted his new gimmick (Arrogant), it got a positive response. Nick Dinsmore's turn was completed, and he is now a heel. Nick Dinsmore gained overness from this segment.

JR: "Well, Nick or Eugene, he's still a good wrestler, no matter where his head is. Stay tuned after the break, because Edge will be taking on the Big Show in one-on-one action!"

Edge vs. Big Show

RAW comes back on air with Edge's music playing as he makes his way out with his loving companion, Lita, and his prized possession, the Money In The Bank contract. Edge and Lita play a bit of tonsil hockey before being scared out of the ring by the entrance of the Big Show. Edge and Lita are held at bay as Show stomps around in the ring, taunting for the crowd. Edge slides in the ring while Lita keeps the briefcase safe, and the match begins with a traditional tie-up. Foolishly, Edge tries to lift the 500 pound Show, and fails miserably. Show hits Edge with a big open palm slap, sending him into the corner. Big Show licks his hand, and then delivers another slap, turning the skin on Edge's chest to a beet red. Show hits Edge with a suplex, then makes a cover, but Edge is able to kick out.

Show applies pressure to Edge's left leg, using his own knee as a wedge. He bends and twists it, as Edge thrashes around in pain. This brings Lita to the turnbuckle, who argues with the ref, allowing Edge to give Big Show a blatant rake to the eyes! Edge jumps on top of Show, and unloads on him with a series of rights and lefts, as Lita backs down off of the apron. Edge continues the onslaught until Show is beaten down enough. Edge backs off and lets Big Show get to his feet, then he takes him down again with a dropkick to the back. Edge applies a front headlock, yelling at Show to give up. But that only motivates the big monster, as he powers out with ease. Show grabs Edge by his long hair and lifts him to his feet, and slaps a hand on his throat! Show attempts to hit Edge with the Showstopper, but Edge elbows out of it in the nick of time. Edge gets free from Show's grasp, then gives him a shot to the gut and levels him out with the Edgeacation! Edge hooks the leg, 1...2...Show kicks out with power, sending Edge flying! Edge stumbles backwards into the corner in shock.

Show gets up and lets out a warcry, as Edge slides out of the ring in fear. Show chases after him, and eventually catches up, but Edge is prepared, whipping Show into the guardrail hard! Edge then grabs Show, and smashes his head on the ring post, opening a small cut on Show's head. Show looks to be out of it, as he slumps against the ring, allowing Edge to work on him with hard fists. Edge rolls Show into the ring with a bit of a struggle, then follows him in. Edge whips Show into the far corner, and sets up to go coast-to-coast with the Spear. Show gets off of his knees, and Edge charges right for him, but he gets sidestepped, sending him right into referee Earl Hebner! Edge looks in shock at his mistake, and turns around to get a whopping fist to the head from the Big Show! Edge scatters to his feet again, and this time Show straps his hand around Edge's throat, and takes him for the ride! Show skips going for the cover, noticing that the ref is down. He goes to work on Edge, but Lita shows up on the turnbuckle. She starts arguing with Big Show, flailing her arms around aimlessly. Meanwhile, Edge crawls over to the ring steps, and grabs his prized black briefcase. Big Show turns around and WHAM, Edge clocks him with the briefcase, sending him hard to the mat. Edge slides the briefcase out to Lita, and hooks the leg on Show, as a weakened Hebner counts the 1-2-3!

Winner: Edge

JR: "Aw come on now! Damn that jezebel! Damn her straight to hell."

King: "Speaking of hell, don't you think that's where Kane should-"

JR: "I wouldn't say it, King."

Lita gets in the ring to celebrate with her hubbie, but the celebration is cut short when the lights go out! The camera shows Edge and Lita panicking in the darkness, but in an instant the light returns, along with flaming ringposts, as Kane appears behind the unknowing couple! Edge and Lita slowly turn around fearing the worst, and their nightmare is indeed true! Edge and Lita make their escape, bolting up the entrance ramp as Kane laughs maniacally as RAW goes to a commercial.

(80%, 87%, 77%)

RAW returned with Hulk Hogan standing by a coffee table, talking to a staff member. He says goodbye and turns to leave, but Shawn Michaels comes onto the screen, and threw him onto the coffee table! Michaels stared Hogan down as he lied in the wreckage, then left as staff began to attend to the downed Hulkster.

(90%)

JR: "Well that certainly was a disgusting display by Shawn Michaels. What has gotten into him lately?"

King: "Brains, obviously! He's finally dumped Hogan, and now he's gonna fight him at Summerslam!"

Coach: "If Hogan is man enough to accept the challenge, that is."

JR: "If I know Hogan he won't back down from a challenge. But up next folks, is a match that may just make you forget about Hogan and HBK for the time being. Christ Jericho vs. Kurt Angle, NEXT!"

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Of course, Y2J comes out to his star-studded titan-tron, followed by Kurt Angle's patriotic entrance that is ruined by the everlasting "YOU SUCK" chants from the fans. At the beginning of the match, Angle sizes up his competitor, circling him, then charging in for the attack. Angle grabs Jericho by the leg, tripping him up. Angle then applies an armbar hold in dead center of the ring, already pressuring Jericho to submit. Jericho holds steady, though, eventually forcing Angle to give up on the hold and try elsewhere. Angle does just that, as he uses his trademark Fireman's Carry on Jericho, then making the cover, but only getting a two. Angle tries to land a suplex, but Jericho lands behind him and hits a snap neckbreaker, bringing Angle's momentum to a halt. Jericho hits a dropkick while Angle is in the sitting position, then makes his pin attempt, but can only find a two count as well.

Jericho makes an attempt to go upstairs, but Angle is aware and quickly sprouts to his feet and climbs the turnbuckles and throws Jericho off. Kurt then comes off with a crossbody on Jericho, and tries to make the cover, but Jericho is able to roll through! The ref counts, 1-2-Angle reverses the pin, getting on top of things. The ref counts for him, but Jericho is able to break out just in time. Both men get to their feet, and are cheered for their quick display of pure wrestling ability. They then engage in a tie up, in which Angle gets the advantage. He gets behind Jericho, and then lets fly with all of his strength with a bonechilling German Suplex! But Angle isn't satisfied with just one, and again slams Jericho with a German. Angle is convinced three's a charm, and executes yet another, and then makes the cover. Jericho kicks out, dissapointing, but not surprising Angle.

Both men are tired now, as the ref speaks to Jericho, asking him if he's hurt. As Jericho is shortly attended to, Angle lets out a "Wooooooo", then undoes his straps, signalling that he's ready to go full throttle. Angle gets the ref out of the way and tries to get Jericho up, but he pushes him over, sending him shoulder first into the ring post! Angle backpeddles, stumbling, and finally falls on the mat favouring his shoulder. Jericho takes advantage of the moment and tries to hit the Lionsault, but Angle rolls out of the way, causing Jericho to have to land on his feet. Angle once again gets up with lightning speed in an attempt to catch Jericho, as he grabs his foot. Jericho hops around on his right foot for a few seconds, but then finds a solution by hitting Angle straight across the mouth with the Enziguri! Jericho then goes to the ropes and flies off of them with the Lionsault, this time connecting. Jericho hooks the leg expecting the victory, but can't get it done as Angle raises his shoulder to stay alive in the match. Jericho lets out a sigh, and continues on with the match. He catapults Angle into the corner then makes a cover attempt with the School Boy pin, but that fails as well. It seems as if Jericho is going to use the catapult once again, but this time he steps over and applies the Walls Of Jericho! Angle yells out, the pressure on his back and legs obviously very painful. But before any damage can be done, Angle gets to the ropes, forcing Jericho off of him.

Jericho is on the receiving end of an Irish Whip, but hangs on to the ropes. Fortunate for him, as Angle was planning a dropkick, but instead hits nothing and lands hard on the canvas. Jericho then makes use of the opportunity, trying to apply the Walls once again. But Angle sees it coming, and rolls through, and locks on his signature submission, the dreaded Ankle Lock! Jericho takes no time to show his pain, as Angle has his ankle in a tight grip, yanking at it like a rabid pitball. Angle screams for Jericho to tap, but just like Angle, he's not going to give up that easy in this situation. Jericho finally reaches his oasis, aka the ropes, but Angle pulls him away before he is forced to let go. Jericho realises that it may be over for him, but he finds a way out by flipping over and kicking Angle off of him. Angle leans against the ropes as Jericho gets to his feet slowly, favouring his left leg which was victim to the Ankle Lock. Angle sluggishly moves towards Jericho and swings at him, but misses, allowing Jericho to get behind him and bridge him with the Northern Lights Suplex. But Angle kicks out of the pin resulting from the move. Jericho brings Angle to his eye level, who suddenly gets behind him and tries for the Angle Slam! But Jericho gets behind him and lands, and shoves him into the corner. Jericho tries a clothesline attempt on the cornered Angle, but he slips out of the way, sending Jericho flying into the turnbuckle corner. He hits his head, and then flies backwards, right into the hands of a waiting Kurt Angle. This time he hits the Angle Slam without fail, and makes the cover. Angle covers, and the ref counts, 1....2....3!

Winner: Kurt Angle

JR: "What a spectacle that was! You viewers at home just got a very special treat from two great athletes. Love or hate either man, that truly was a great contest."

King: "Great? There were no puppies. I'd say good at best."

Coach: "I agree King."

Angle celebrated his victory by climbing the turnbuckle and raising his arms, but the ceremony was short-lived, as Jericho meets him when he gets off the turnbuckle! Jericho and Angle go at it, but they soon aren't alone as John Cena comes flying down the entrance way! He slides into the ring and goes right at it with Jericho, before knocking him out of the ring. Angle tries to attack him, but only gets an F-U for his efforts! Cena rips his shirt off and throws his hat into the crowd, and stands tall in the ring as both Jericho and Angle look at him from either sides of the ring!

(93%, 96%, 86%)

JR: "It's Cena! Cena! The champ is here!"

King: "Whoopie!"

Coach: "Chain Gang represent! Uhm, er, booo!"

Angle and Jericho angrily stare at Cena, as he taunts them while the fans chant Cena's name as the show goes off air...

Show Overall: 85%

Rating: 6.11

Sales: $299,032

[coolio]

Very realistic, detailed and interesting diary. Keep up the fantastic work!

[The Shattered One]

BREAKING NEWS: WWE releases chunk of WWE superstars

(Credit: www.wrestlingnewswire.com)

The WWE has announced today that it has released a sizeable chunk of it's roster, with more than 15 superstars being cut. Here is the list.

List Of Superstars Released:

Candice Michelle

Chet Jablonski*

Chris Nowinski

Danny Basham

Dean Jablonski*

Dorian DeVille*

Doug Basham

John Heidenreich

Ivory

Mark Henry*

Michelle McCool

Mike Shane*

Rochelle Loewen

Scotty 2 Hotty

Sylvian Grenier

Todd Shane*

Torrie Wilson

Tyson Tomko

Viscera

Vito*

*-Workers were under a developmental deal in OVW

Rumour is that the WWE made these cuts due to lack of space on the roster, finding it hard to fit everyone on television, resulting in low morale. We will keep you posted on updates.

[coolio]

Sorry but I cant see Heidenreich and Torrie being released due to their position on Smackdown. Both are hugely over espeically with the Heidenreich match scheduled for Great American Bash. Possibly even Vito wouldnt be released as hes scheduled to be "Big" (pun intended!) However apart from those all the rest were quite realistic.

[RawIsWar]

Quality diary is this, i am hooked on this. Shame about firing Heidenreich he is a wrestling god

[The Shattered One]

WWE SmackDown! Preview (07.15.05)

Last week, Christian, the self-proclaimed star of the company took on the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista. Batista won that match, despite interference from Orlando Jordan. JBL tried to interfere as well, but only got thrown out of the ring for his efforts, while OJ suffered in the worst way, being dismantled by Batista, getting hit with the Batista Bomb. Not only did JBL get thrown out of the ring, he suffered an embarrasing loss to the Blue Meanie earlier in the night at the hands of Batista. But JBL will be seeking revenge, and he'll certainly have his chance. Because in the main event, we will see Batista and the Undertaker take on John Bradshaw Layfield, Orlando Jordan, and Muhammad Hussan in a handicap match! While JBL is skeptical of the Arab people, I'm sure he won't mind a helping hand in taking down two of his most fierce competitors. Tune it at 7/6c to catch the action from the start.

Also in action, are none other than Blue Meanie's delightful bWo stablemates, Hollywood Nova and Big Stevie Cool! The two will have an enourmous opportunity when they take on MNM for the WWE Tag Team Championship! Blue Meanie will surely be there to cheer on his buddies as they chase for gold.

An in the final match known as of now, we will see two different personalities clash, as the foul-mouthed, ass-kicking Hardcore Holly will go toe-to-toe with well-mannered  and usually (but not always) classy William Regal! Regal has not seen action on SmackDown! yet, as his match last week was cut short when the Mexicools stormed the ring and put a beating on his opponent, Matt Morgan! Regal will look to take a win in his first match against the Mobile, Alabama native on SmackDown!

Catch all this and much, much more on an exciting episode of SmackDown!, Thursday on UPN at 7/6c!

Confirmed Matches:

Handicap Match - The Undertaker and Batista vs. JBL, Orlando Jordan and Muhammad Hussan

WWE Tag Team Title Match - Stevie and Nova vs. MNM ©

William Regal vs. Hardcore Holly