World Wilson Entertainment

[ZJ Penn]

Smackdown Preview For Friday 25th August 2006

Unbelievably, the time has nearly arrived, as the hottest event of the year Summerslam, rolls around in just two nights time! The final card has yet to be confirmed, but it looks like being main evented on the Smackdown side of things by Rey Mysterio defending his World Heavyweight Championship against John Bradshaw Layfield. Whilst Mysterio has been given the night off to rest up after wrestling every week since the 28th July, in most cases also having to defend a title or two, its not so simple for JBL. After being granted what could very well be his final title shot at Summerslam this Sunday, Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long has challenged Layfield to prove his worth, by placing him in a match up with the newly re-masked monster, Kane! The match will no doubt infuriate JBL, who believes that Long is trying to set him up for this Sunday, by ensuring that he goes into it in the worst condition possible. The Big Red Machine also has a match at Summerslam, as he goes up against both of Daivari and ‘The Worlds Strongest Man’ Mark Henry in a handicap match, as Henry and his manager step up their bid to remove both of him and his brother from the WWE. Henry and Daivari have never worked as in-ring team before, but will get the chance to try and forge an effective partnership tonight, when they taken on The Mexicools in tag team competition. One thing that will be sure, is that if they are to have any chance of defeating the reinvigorated Kane at Summerslam, they are going to have to learn to work together in the ring, and learn to do it fast.

Speaking of The Mexicools, the Tag Team Tournament finishes tonight, as The Hardy Boyz face Londrick, and with both The Hardys and The Mexicools on one win, and Londrick having no wins by default to their name, Jeff and Matt can secure victory and a path to this Sundays tag title match against MNM with a win here tonight. An interesting point about the match is that The Basham Brothers replacements Londrick, were in fact the team that The Hardy Boyz cost the title when they made their comeback at Vengeance. This should give them the incentive that they need to win the match no doubt, although Jeff and Matt Hardy are two of the best in the business when it comes to tag team action and so it really is just too close to call.

Tonight sees the return of the Deadman, The Undertaker, who has been absent in recent weeks, although Teddy Long assures us he will be here tonight! Chavo Guerrero will also be at the arena, could he be there to explain his actions in recent weeks? Finally, Shelton Benjamin is in action tonight, and will be looking to get a solid win over Gunner Scott. Benjamin was revoked a World title shot request by Teddy Long, and so will be looking to reinforce his claim tonight, especially considering that out of Smackdowns ‘alumni’ superstars, he is the only one without a match at Summerslam.

Can JBL survive Kane to go into this Sunday with a chance of winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Rey Mysterio? Can Mark Henry and Daivari become cohesive as a unit before Summerslam? Who will be crowned the winner of the Tag Team Tournament to face MNM? Can Shelton get yet another victory? Just what does Chavo have to say? Find out tonight, exclusively on Smackdown!!!

Confirmed Matches:

- Kane Vs JBL

- Mark Henry & Daivari Vs The Mexicools

- Tag Tournament: The Hardy Boyz Vs Londrick

- Shelton Vs Gunner Scott

The Undertaker returns!!!

[ZJ Penn]

Velocity was broadcasted this evening and featured the following results:

- Finlay & Burchill defeated Scotty & Funaki after Burchill hit the C4 on Funaki

- Gregory Helms caught up with Theodore Long and asked him to consider rescheduling the 10-man battle royal at Summerslam as he wasn’t feeling too good. Long refused

- Chris Hero beat Hardcore Holly after landing on his feet from the Alabama Slam and scoring with his Running STO

- Doug Basham pinned Tatanka with his Second Rope Spine Buster

[ZJ Penn]

Summerslam Injury/Wrestling Boom Continues/Other Signings/Politics?

- On the WWE.com website they have placed an article reporting that concerning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship battle royal match at Summerslam, Scotty 2 Hotty will not be making an appearance after picking up a torn muscle injury. The injury is likely to keep him out of action for at least seven months indefinitely. The WWE have not confirmed who will be his replacement for the match, although it will be a ‘mystery’ till his music plays, apparently.

- Also tonight, we can officially confirm that the boom in wrestling has led to the rise of yet another company, as the International Wrestling Cartel becomes a cult status promotion. This comes after I received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. As usual, several members of staff have been brought in, with the most recognisable name being ring announcer Tony Schiavone. Other staff members brought in to help the federation include:

- Don Brody

- Barry Warner

- Ron McIntyre

- Mike Sparks

In terms of workers, the IWC has had no expense spared, bringing in perhaps the best workers possible, who are not already tied down to a written contract with either WWE or TNA. These stars include former WWE Tag Champion Charlie Haas, who has quit Jersey All Pro Wrestling to work for them, and Christopher Daniels and D’lo Brown, both will finish dates with PWG and CWF-MA respectively before moving. Fan favourite Steve Corino has also agreed to work dates for them when he is in the area.

- CMLL have also decided to try and push to be in the top three companies in North America along with WWE and TNA, by splashing the cash on some new talent. The list is made up of Mike Awesome, Kenta Kobashi and The Sandman. Sandman will be seen as a particularly big signing for them, as he was appearing on WWE television a few weeks ago. The move of Charlie Haas to newly improved IWC has also set off a chain reaction of signings, as Shark Boy has quit NWA-CS to replace him at JAPW. The funds now freed up at NWA-CS has allowed them to bring in Latin Lover from IWA-EC, who in turn have agreed to bring in Damien 666 from Full Impact Pro once his bookings finish. That hole has been replaced by Chris Chetti from W-1 and finally, W-1 brought Shinsuke Nakamura from Japan to use instead of Chetti. In other news, M-Dogg 20 has agreed to an open contract with CWF-MA.

- Final piece of news tonight, is that rumours are stating that both Triple H and The Big Show are pushing backstage for the management to allow them to have a couple of matches together, if not a feud. If this is true, then the backstage clout both men command could see it happen within the year. More updates as and when we get them.

[ZJ Penn]

Sunday 27th August 2006, RAW & Smackdown Presents...SummerSlam!!! Live Only On Pay-Per-View!!!

WWE Championship

John Cena © Vs Batista Vs Triple H

World Heavyweight Championship

Rey Mysterio © Vs The Undertaker Vs JBL

If JBL loses, he can never challenge for the World title again

Shawn Michaels Vs Booker T

Handicap Match

Kane Vs Mark Henry & Daivari

Intercontinental Championship

Carlito © Vs Ken Kennedy

Battle Of The Bulls

Lashley Vs The Big Show

Chris Benoit Vs Shelton Benjamin Vs Ric Flair

ECW Rules Match

Edge Vs Rob Van Dam

WWE Tag Team Championship Elimination Table Match

MNM © Vs The Hardy Boyz Vs Londrick Vs The Mexicools

WWE Crusierweight Championship 10 Man Battle Royal

Gregory Helms © Vs 9 Other Superstars (6 from Smackdown, 2 from RAW and 1 mystery guest)

ALSO, WILL UMAGA FINALLY FIND OUT JUST WHO HAS BEEN TAUNTING HIM IN RECENT WEEKS?

Edited July 13, 2006 by wilson316

[ZJ Penn]

With Summerslam only a few hours away, WWE.com is introducing a new feature, in which we will cover all the build-up to the only PPV that matters to get you all up to speed with the nights matches.

WWE Cruiserweight Battle Royal

Since winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship back at the turn of the year, Gregory Helms has continually built himself up as the greatest cruiserweight of all time. It can be hard to argue with him though, as he has continually proved himself by winning a number of ‘against the odds style’ match-ups, such as his more recent fatal four way match at Judgement Day. His number may finally be up though tonight, as he faces nine other superstars in a battle royal, with at least the majority, if not all, of them out to eliminate him first. If Helms can survive this one though, people may begin to agree with his own arrogant opinion of himself. The other entrants for the battle royal include six superstars from the Smackdown brand, two from RAW (which is actually the brand Helms wrestled for before winning the belt) and a new mystery opponent. The mystery opponent has been called in by Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long after Scotty 2 Hotty was ruled out for the rest of 2006 with a muscle injury similar to the one that kept Batista out of contention for so long. With over-the-top rope rules applying, the title could be anyone’s by the end of the night.

Lashley Vs The Big Show

This contest all came about three weeks into the 2006 draft, when Lashley came over from Smackdown only a short period after winning this years returning King Of The Ring tournament. After a number of matches in which he not only defeated several superstars, he also became the first person to ever break Chris Masters submission hold, The Masterlock. With the powerhouse now building a big reputation for himself on RAW, the more recognisable superstars had began to sit up and take notice of this rookie who was ruling the roost so to speak, with Lashley even partnering Batista in a RAW main event one week. Eventually, one of these big superstars spoke out about Lashley, this superstar was The Big Show. He said he’d heard all of the rumours about this superstar who was supposed to be an unstoppable force and he said that he needed to see him for himself. Over the next few weeks, Lashley then became the subject of numerous beatings from Big Show, with two memorable meetings being when he received three consecutive Showstoppers and the time Show hit a Chokeslam through the Spanish announce table. Lashley then accepted his challenge and the two will now meet this Sunday in what promises to be a brutal and vicious affair.

Umaga Open Invitational

Ever since Umaga arrived in World Wrestling Entertainment he has proved to be almost unstoppable, with him and manager Armando Allejandro Estrada working as an effective unit to defeat opponents including Shawn Michaels, Ken Kennedy and Chris Masters. Umaga also held an Open Invitational over two months ago at Bad Blood, beating three opponents in one night, including Roadkill and current World Tag Team Champion Chuck Palumbo. Since then though, a mysterious video has played after all of his matches, telling the savage that at Summerslam, the real streak will begin again. The undefeated duo have challenged the man numerous times, although it has been met with a frosty silence every time. Who this character is, no-one knows, although if he is true to his word, we will all know his identity by the end of the night.

Intercontinental Championship: Carlito Vs Ken Kennedy

Tonight will be Carlito’s first PPV title defence as the IC Champion and it will undoubtedly be a tough one, as he squares off against a new RAW superstar, Ken Kennedy. Like Carlito back in 2005, Kennedy joined from rival brand Smackdown during the draft, and since then has began to show just why he is rising as one of the most popular and talented superstars on the roster. Kennedy was previously recognised as arrogant and disliked by the WWE fans, although his popularity has inexplicably seen a U-turn in recent times, with fans beginning to almost see him in the Peoples Champion role that was left by The Rock when he joined Hollywood’s superstars. One thing that is for sure though, is that Carlito is one of the most cunning superstars on the roster and with Kennedy only recently back from injury in the last two months, will the Champion look to target it as a weakness?

Chris Benoit Vs Ric Flair Vs Shelton Benjamin

In one that is definitely a match for the purist, three of the most technically gifted superstars in the world today duel it out in the first of three triple threat matches at this evenings event. The match was decided on when Teddy Long came to the conclusion that one way to prove that his Smackdown was the better brand would be to put on an old fashioned wrestling match to balance out the more extreme bouts they will also showcase. The GM then put perhaps the most technically astute superstar in the industry against the dirtiest player in the game, however the former Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin was quick to add himself to the match in a bid to prove he is worthy of a world title shot. Can Benjamin add to of the biggest feathers around into his cap? We’ll all know in a few hours time.

ECW Rules Match - Rob Van Dam Vs Edge

From a pure old fashioned wrestling match now, to quite the opposite, as the Rated R Superstar and Mr Monday Night battle it out. Edge started the feud when he ‘accidentally’ Speared RVD out of his boots in his WWE title match against John Cena. The next night on RAW Edge then cost Van Dam his Intercontinental belt against Carlito, leaving him with nothing. Once more he wasn’t finished, interfering in the rematch the next week, with a Five Star Frog Splash gone wrong leaving RVD with a horrific knee injury. Since then, Edge had continued to put down ECW, one of RVD’s loves in the business, by beating a number of its more famous superstars under their own rules, including; The Sandman, Sabu and Spike Dudley. Last week though, as Edge attempted to defeat ECW’s creator Paul Heyman in a RAW ring after demolishing Terry Funk, Van Dam returned to save him and promptly challenged Edge to an ECW Rules match at Summerslam, bringing us to where we are now. With both men not only being Money In The Bank ladder match winners at WrestleMania, but also having a huge amount of hardcore experience to their names, this one appears to be too close to call.

WWE Tag Team Titles Tables Match - Londrick Vs The Hardy Boyz Vs MNM Vs The Mexicools

In the third of five title matches this year at Summerslam, we are guaranteed to see at least six men be put through tables as four teams battle it out in a table elimination match. The rules are simple; if a rival opponent puts someone through a table, they are eliminated, but as long as they have a partner left, can continue the fight, if they are able to of course. Once both men from a team have been eliminated, they must leave to the back. Smashing yourself through a table, with a mistimed splash etc. is NOT a legitimate elimination. The last team left, wins the WWE Tag Team Championships. Other than that, there are no rules, with all weapons etc. legal in the match. For MNM, this is a disaster, although it could have been prevented. They interfered in the final of The Hardy Boyz versus Londrick on Smackdown, thinking that a tie in the tournament would give them the night off, although it was the opposite, as everyone got a shot at their belts. One team who will be thankful of the shot is Londrick, who gained entry to the tournament after one of the Basham Brothers broke his hand when MNM ambushed him backstage. Although a match like this is always tough to predict, you would have to give both Jeff and Matt Hardy the advantage after looking at their previous experience in these situations.

Handicap Match - Kane Vs Mark Henry & Daivari

One of the most eagerly anticipated matches of this years Summerslam is the handicap match between Kane and Mark Henry and Daivari, simply for it being the first time that Daivari has taken part in active competition since joining and Smackdown and everyone around the world would love to see The Big Red Machine get his hands on him. One sticking point could be the Worlds Strongest Man, Mark Henry, who will no doubt be under strict orders to protect his manager from serious injury. The contest came about after months of Daivari’s Army feuding with The Undertaker, who eventually faced the now departed Great Khali in a casket match. The match saw the return of the now re-masked Kane, who helped his brother seal the win and destroy the rest of ‘the Army’ in the process. In the following weeks, Daivari told Kane that having one Undertaker on Smackdown was more than enough for him, and challenged him to this handicap match where he promised to get rid of the former WWE Champion for good, after failing to finish the job at Bad Blood when they tossed him into the flames during his Inferno match with Shawn Michaels.

Shawn Michaels Vs Booker

Speaking of Shawn Michaels, the multiple time World Champion will be in action tonight, when he goes up against Booker T at a PPV in singles competition for the first time in history. The match was scheduled for tonight after Booker T joined the RAW roster after controversially losing to The Boogeyman in a ‘Loser Leaves Smackdown’ match. The acting RAW General Manager Vincent Kennedy McMahon and WWE Chairman then gave him a contract of one years employment on RAW, with the added incentive that he could choose his opponent, hand picked from the RAW roster. After finding that he couldn’t be in the title match, he then chose HBK as the biggest name, which Michaels didn’t take kindly to, saying he was sick of people trying to make a name for themselves off of his back. The clash of the titans was then settled, as one of WWE’s biggest superstars became all set to take on one of WCW’s. Booker tried in recent weeks to gain a mental advantage over HBK, by costing him a match against Umaga, as well as verbally attacking him in an interview backstage. Yet actions speak louder than words, and can Booker back it up when he meets the Showstopper at Summerslam?

World Heavyweight Championship - Rey Mysterio © Vs JBL Vs The Undertaker

The first of the World title matches tonight and Smackdowns main event will be for Rey Mysterio’s World Heavyweight Championship, and you really do have to say, the odds are stacked against him. Up till last week, he thought that he would just be facing JBL once more, a task which he has overcome in recent times on more than one occasion. However, Teddy Long added The Undertaker to the mix last Friday, after being reminded by Shelton Benjamin that there are other superstars than JBL who deserve a World title shot. On top of this, Rey will also have the problem weighing on his mind that he may have lost a close friend to JBL’s slick silver tongue, as Chavo Guerrero has abandoned him in recent times since JBL proposed the idea that Rey is just using him and isn’t a true friend. With all of these factors such as the addition of Taker, JBL being as brutal as usual and a lack of moral support from Chavo, could it be too much for Rey to survive tonight, and are we set for a title change at Summerslam? Is the dream about to end? One thing that could spur Mysterio on tonight is that should either he or the Deadman win tonight, JB Layfield will never be able to challenge for the World title again in the WWE. Again, we’ll have to wait till the referee calls for the bell to know for sure.

WWE Championship - John Cena © Vs Triple H Vs Batista

The final match of the evening, and perhaps the biggest, will be for the WWE Championship and is also the final of the three triple threat matches at the PPV. It sees Triple H and John Cena battle it out for the belt, as well as Batista. It seemed that it would only be the first two the night after Bad Blood back in June, as HHH and Cena agreed that as The Game helped Cena to retain once more, he would give him an opportunity. This was not disputed, although someone was added to the match, in the form of former World Heavyweight Champion Batista, who had returned to RAW only a year after jumping ship to Smackdown! Since then, the three have battled in teams, on their own, but most importantly, with the passion to become the WWE Champion. The last actions on RAW ahead of the PPV left the WWE fans with the impression that Triple H would be going in with the momentum, after destroying both his rivals with sickening shots from his now trademark sledgehammer. Whatever the outcome, it is sure to be a thrilling contest as three of the businesses finest talents square off. Will The Animal finally regain the gold, will The Game finally become an 11-Time World Champion, or is the almost cowardly Cena set to keep his title for another month at least? Be sure to tune into Summerslam, live, only on Pay-Per-View!!!

[Only In Dreams]

WWE Championship

John Cena © Vs Batista Vs Triple H

It's time for the King of Kings to return to his throne.

World Heavyweight Championship

Rey Mysterio © Vs The Undertaker Vs JBL

If JBL loses, he can never challenge for the World title again

JBL will win, I don't see him out of the title picture ever.

Shawn Michaels Vs Booker T

He's the Showstopper.

Handicap Match

Kane Vs Mark Henry & Daivari

Kanes back in the mask, therefore he is unstoppable.

Intercontinental Championship

Carlito © Vs Ken Kennedy

MISTAH KENNNAAADAY.

Battle Of The Bulls

Lashley Vs The Big

To pass the torch

Chris Benoit Vs Shelton Benjamin Vs Ric Flair

Love, Benjamin a lot.

ECW Rules Match

Edge Vs Rob Van Dam

Mr. ECW himself.

WWE Tag Team Championship Elimination Table Match

MNM © Vs The Hardy Boyz Vs Londrick Vs The Mexicools

The Boyz are back together.

WWE Crusierweight Championship 10 Man Battle Royal

Gregory Helms © Vs 9 Other Superstars (6 from Smackdown, 2 from RAW and 1 mystery guest)

I think this should be a very good match, I see the mystery guest winning the title.

1) The highest and lowest match qualities (according to EWR) - Highest: Shawn Michaels vs. Booker T Lowest: Big Show vs. Lashley

2) The highest and lowest crowd reactions (according to EWR) - Highest: Edge vs. RVD Lowest: Big Show vs. Lashley

3) The highest and lowest overall rating (according to EWR) - Highest: Benoit vs. Benjamin vs. Flair Lowest: Kane vs. Davari and Henry

4) Who will be Umaga's opponent? - The Rock

5) What will the order of elimination be in the tables match? - Mexicools, Londrick, MNM.

[ZJ Penn]

The show has just opened with a spectacular pyrotechnics display followed by a highlights video clip, showing the build-up to all of tonight’s clashes, in particular the two World Championship matches in the main events. JR and The King welcome us on commentary:

Jim ‘JR’ Ross: “Hello everyone and welcome to Summerslam! The hottest PPV of the year! I’m here as usual on commentary along with my broadcast partner Jerry, The ‘King’, Lawler and what a show we have got for you this evening, as both RAW and Smackdown come together to bring you no fewer than 11 action packed matches. I have to ask you King, what are you looking forward to the most here tonight?”

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: “Well we can’t really speak for Smackdown, but from a RAW point of view, even though I am looking forward to finding out just who has being taunting Umaga in recent weeks and seeing Rob Van Dam and Edge beat the hell out of each other in an ECW Rules match, I just have to point out the WWE Championship match. John Cena, Triple H and Batista battling it out for perhaps the biggest prize in sports entertainment today! It just doesn’t get any bigger than that.”

JR: “I know what you mean about the title match King, but I have to disagree about the hardcore match. In my opinion they are two of the most talented young men in the WWE today, and it sure as ever is gonna be a damn shame having to sit here and watch them shorten each others careers, when there isn’t even a title on the line!”

The King: “Sometimes it just goes beyond a title JR, it becomes personal, and only letting them do something like this can get their differences out of the way.”

JR: “I know King. We’ve seen it all too often happen in the past, but that doesn’t make it any easier when we have to stand by and watch it happen! In any event ladies and gentleman, perhaps the match that could steal the show in my eyes, will be when Shawn Michaels and Booker T square off in a potential classic. Both men have been great ambassadors for the business, and I just hope they can have a good clean match.”

The King: “That’s a lot matches JR, and we haven’t even touched on the Intercontinental Championship match or when Lashley and The Big Show meet.”

JR: “That’s right King, and we hope you join us for every second of it. Now let us pass you over to our Spanish colleagues Hugo and Carlos…”

*The camera pans out to Hugo Savinovich and Carlos Cabrera sat at the now legendary Spanish announce table*

Hugo & Carlos: *Some Spanish stuff that no-one understands but ends in ‘Michael and Tazz’*

*The cameras finally reach Michael Cole and Tazz*

Michael Cole: “Hello and good evening everyone, I’m Michael Cole here along with Tazz, for what promises to be perhaps Smackdowns finest hour of 2006 so far. With five titles on the line tonight, three of those from Smackdown, are we going to see a complete change in the face of Friday night wrestling, with a new Cruiserweight Champion, new WWE Tag Team Champions and perhaps…a new World Heavyweight Champion?”

Tazz: “I have no idea Cole, and only time will tell for sure. But one thing that could very well indicate a title change tonight Cole, is that the Deadman is back baby!”

Cole: “That’s right Tazz. Since the week after Vengeance, we hadn’t seen The Undertaker at all, but now he is back, with Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long adding him to tonight’s world title match! Any early predictions?”

Tazz: “With Taker around anything is possible, but don’t rule out JBL. He without doubt realises that he needs to win the match, and will pull out all the stops to get the job done. Another match I’m really looking forward to is the elimination tables match. It suits more or less all of the teams involved, and could be something memorable.

Cole: “That’s not to mention the handicap match between Kane, Mark Henry and Daivari, or when Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin and Ric Flair square off in a triple threat match. Without further ado, lets get straight to the action as we open the show with the WWE Cruiserweight Championship match…”

WWE Cruiserweight Championship 10-Man Battle Royal

Gregory Helms © Vs 9 Other Superstars

The bell to announce the opening bout is met with a cheer from the crowd as the music of current champion Gregory Helms hits and he makes his way to ringside. He grabs a microphone…

Helms: “We don’t need to do this! I am a hundred and ten per cent willing to give each and every superstar involved their own title shot every week on Smack…”

Helms is cut off as the music of the first Smackdown superstars involved hits and the Pit-Bulls, Jamie Noble and Kid Kash arrive at ringside, they are then followed in quick succession by Funaki, Nunzio and Simon Dean. The crowd gave a mixed ovation as Chavo Guerrero became the sixth competitor to arrive at ringside, after his mysterious antics in recent weeks. After a brief pause, ring announcer Tony Chimel told the audience, ‘and now from RAW…’ as the two rival brand superstars arrived looking to win the belt. They came out together to RAW’s theme music, and its Johnny Parisi and Matt Striker! With there now being eight men outside the ring, and one inside it, it meant only one person remained, the mystery guest to replace the injured Scotty 2 Hotty. The mystery guest is actually someone who we saw not so long ago on RAW, Spike Dudley! He was clearly the crowd favourite as he reached the other eight at ringside and as soon as the bell rang, they rushed the ring, with Helms going under the bottom rope at the other side. He took his title and tried to head up the ramp, abandoning the match. Kash saw this differently though, hitting a piancha over the top rope onto the retreating Helms, before tossing him back in the ring. With eight men beating down on him, Helms grabbed the bottom rope to be safe from being eliminated, and it worked, with the mob of superstars slowly breaking up to fight one another, particularly the RAW guys. Spike causing the first incident, when he planted Chavo with an Enziguri from behind. He tried to get Guerrero over the rope for the first elimination but the Mexican was dead weight and wouldn’t go. In the mean time, Funaki nearly got Noble over the top but he hung on, and Smackdowns number one announcer moved onto Nunzio, tossing him into the ropes before catching the Italian on the rebound with a back body drop to the arena floor and we had the first elimination!

Elimination #1: Nunzio by Funaki.

The surprise guest then went on the offensive, little Spike Dudley coming off of the top rope with a flying cross body onto the now vertical champion Helms. He tried to follow up by eliminating him from the match, although he once again attached himself to that bottom rope. Kid Kash tried to ambush Dudley with a stiff kick, but he ducked it before back dropping Kash to the outside!

Elimination #2: Kid Kash by Spike Dudley

With Dudley distracted by Kash, Helms was able to finally get into the match properly, scoring with a Shining Wizard on the other Pit-Bull. With him out on his feet, all that was left was for Gregory to toss him to the outside, leaving only seven cruiserweights in the ring.

Elimination #3: Jamie Noble by Gregory Helms

The attention then began to turn toward the RAW superstars, as Funaki continued to strike Johnny Parisi in the corner, before planting him with a DDT. The number one announcer continued with a Double Axe Handle Smash from the second rope, before Spike took over with a couple of dropkicks in quick succession to Parisi. Simon Dean to tried to get some of the action by ambushing Dudley, although he countered with a Samoan Drop and an attempted elimination but Dean held onto the top rope. Parisi then fought back, scoring with right hands on both Funaki and Spike. He tried to eliminate the weakened and precariously placed Simon Dean, although that turned out to be his undoing, Dean using a Head Scissors to counter his body slam attempt and flip him over the top rope to the arena floor.

Elimination #4: Johnny Parisi by Simon Dean

The only other RAW superstar tried his best to capture the title by being the aggressor, body slamming Chavo Guerrero and crushing him with a spinning neck breaker. Striker wasn’t focused on the bigger picture though, as when he went to pick Guerrero up by the ropes, Helms blindsided him with a leg lariat which knocked him over the top rope and onto the arena floor.

Elimination #5: Matt Striker by Gregory Helms

With no RAW superstars left, the title was definitely staying on Smackdown, and Helms continued his dominance by noticing that Simon Dean was laughing at the two fallen RAW superstars on the outside. He capitalised on this by nailing a dropkick from behind which sent him toppling to the outside, and into the paths of Parisi and Striker, who beat him down till referees broke it up.

Elimination #6: Simon Dean by Gregory Helms

Interestingly Helms and Funaki formed an uneasy partnership for a few minutes to beat down Chavo, who everyone was still unsure as to whether to cheer or boo. Funaki held him whilst Helms hit a thunderous roundhouse to the head, before driving it to the mat with a DDT. It was then Funaki’s turn, who worked his leg before, hitting one of his trademark manoeuvres, the Diamond Dust and Chavo Guerrero wasn’t moving. As Helms moved on to wrestling other superstars in the battle royal, Chavo began to make a comeback against Funaki, landing a desperation dropkick on the Japanese fan favourite, and then even eliminating him with a Hurrancanrana over the top rope to the outside.

Elimination #7: Funaki by Chavo Guerrero

Only three superstars are remaining at this point and its Chavo Guerrero, mystery guest Spike Dudley and of course the Champion; Gregory Helms. With Guerrero still recovering in the corner, Spike went one on one with Helms, coming out on top after hitting a clothesline and a hard Irish whip to the turnbuckle, and as he bounced out, Chavo came in to score with another Hurrancanrana which nearly ended Helms title reign. Helms was backed into a corner against the other two superstars who were now working together, and began to throw right and lefts like never before, sending both flying across the ring. It was indeed Spike who he pursued, scoring with two spinning wheel kicks before moving back towards Chavo and brawling with him by ringside. Dudley tried to kill two birds with one stone, but failed as they saw him coming and double hip tossed him to the floor.

Elimination #8: Spike Dudley by Gregory Helms & Chavo Guerrero

With just Chavo and Helms left now, they locked up in the centre of the ring like it was a normal match beginning, with the arguably more technically gifted Chavo coming out on top with an arm drag. This infuriated Helms who came at him with a telegraphed right hand, which was ducked ahead of Guerrero scoring with a big time Reverse DDT! Chavo then was all set to nail the Gory Bomb, but Helms dropped to his knees and hit a low blow and both men connected with a double clothesline to kill any momentum that either superstar had at the time. Still, Chavo was the first to his feet and looked to be heading to the top to hit a Frog Splash. That was until Helms raced up the same turnbuckle and raked the eyes, before landing a sickening top rope Shining Wizard which dumped Guerrero to the arena floor and we have a winner! Helms has somehow retained!!!

(Most Eliminations: Gregory Helms with 5)

Cole: “Well unbelievably Tazz, Helms has somehow managed to hang on and secure yet another successful title defence, although there were some other very good performances from superstars such as Chavo and Spike Dudley.”

Tazz: “No doubt, no doubt Cole. That was some fine cruiserweight action right there, and the only place you can see it is on Friday Night Smackdown!”

Cole: “That’s right Tazz, and now over to our RAW announce team JR and The King!”

*Camera cuts away and changes to JR and The King at the top of the stage as usual*

JR: “Thanks to Tazz and Michael Cole, and King, whilst Smackdown might like to kick things off with some cruiserweight stuff, us at RAW like to do it a bit differently…”

King: “Absolutely JR, and in my opinion there is nothing better to get you going from a RAW side than a huge battle of the bulls.”

JR: “And that’s what we’ve got for you right now folks, as Lashley is about to try and prove himself to The Big Show, in what might very just become a good ol’fashioned slobber knocker.”

The Big Show Vs Lashley

‘Weeellllll…well it’s The Big Show!’ hits and the crowd are ready and waiting for what will no doubt be power house match. His opponent Lashley comes down to ringside with a look of determination on his face and there is no mistaking just who the favourite is here. The match began and the two locked up, with Show powering Lashley to the mat with his perhaps unmatched worldwide strength. Lashley came back more determined, but again getting thrown to the canvas, and then a third time. As Big Show smirked and told he didn’t have a chance, Lashley came off of the ropes with a shoulder block, but the seven footer didn’t even budge, again and the Show was rocking slightly. A third and final shoulder block attempt was countered with a shocking Big Boot to the jaw and Lashley was covered for a near fall. From here on it became all Big Show, with him scoring with a huge body slam and a military press before pressing him up in the corner and slapping him across the chest a number of times as everyone watching around the world winced in unison. With Lashley still squashed in the corner, Big Show moved to the opposite turnbuckle ahead of charging like a Juggernaut at him! The 2006 King of The Ring showed just why he is that though, able to get out of the way at the last second and send Show crashing and burning into the turnbuckle and as he was stunned, Lashley came off of the ropes and exploded into him with a Spear to knock him off his feet! He crawled over but only got a two count. He signalled to do the impossible after this, hit the Dominator. As expected though, Show wouldn’t budge and Lashley was back dropped out of it. A slugfest ensued and Lashley looked to be coming out on top till Show blocked a hard right hand and hit a head butt. The Big Show dominated for a few minutes more, with a few bright periods from Lashley, but not enough to make a notable comeback. Show finally decided it was time and looked for a Showstopper, and hit it! Lashley was out on the mat, the pinfall went, one…two…three. No, Lashley had got a shoulder up at the last second to Big Shows amazement. If at first you don’t succeed, then try again, as he set up yet another Showstopper. This time as he scooped him off of his feet though, Lashley escaped by hopping over and onto his back, where he locked in an expertly applied Cobra Clutch! Big Show thrashed, twisted and turned, but he held firm and as he dropped to his knees, Lashley even managed to secure a body scissors on the big man. A short while later and Mike Chioda dropped his arm for a third time and we have a submission victory!!! As Lashley celebrated with the jubilant fans, Big Show roused to his feet and offered a handshake which was accepted, until he hit a cheap shot afterwards and a second Showstopper!

JR: “That dastardly Big Show! What a disgraceful way to accept defeat in an otherwise fully entertaining match up!”

King: “What are you talking about JR? Alls fair in love and war, and tonight, these guys went to war.”

JR: “I find it hard to see it your way King, but in any event, we’re sticking with RAW now for the second championship match of the night, as the Intercontinental Champion Carlito takes on a man who has been extremely popular with the fans since his switch in the draft, Ken Kennedy.”

Intercontinental Championship

Carlito © Vs Ken Kennedy

The music of Ken Kennedy sounds and moves down the aisle to a great response from both the Smackdown and RAW fans who know him from both shows. He enters the ring and does his bit on the mic finishing with of course ‘… KENNEDY!!!’. the cheers then turned to jeers as Carlito came down to ringside. The champion had slyly taken a bite of an apple and instantly angered Kennedy when as they went to tie up, he spat the mess all of over him. Kennedy was rightly furious and charge Carlito into the corner, scoring with dozens of right hands till he could hardly stand and a vertical suplex to get a near fall. the onslaught continued for a few minutes with Kennedy hitting some well executed wrestling manoeuvres including a DDT, a Samoan Drop and a power slam all for two counts. Carlito, despite being relatively young, was able to use his ring smarts worthy of Ric Flair and raked the eyes to escape a Green Bay Plunge. Two body slams and a Backcracker later, and Kennedy had almost lost the contest but kicked out at two and a half. Carlito was getting visibly stressed at being unable to put him away after lifting him onto the turnbuckle before going between his legs and hitting a power bomb for another near fall. the stress boiled over so much that he launched Kennedy to the outside and began beating him down, bouncing his head off of the ring apron, the steel steps and even Michael Cole and Tazz’s announce table and then rolling him back into the ring and coming over the top rope and splashing him with a Senton, Eddie Guerrero style. After he again kicked out, Kennedy began to mount a comeback after reversing an attempted victory roll into an electric chair. The dream month for Kennedy was not to be though, as a mistimed dropkick sent the referee down and he couldn’t count a Kenton Bomb. This time Kennedy finally brought the referee round, although turned into a shot from the Intercontinental Championship! The referee had not hesitation calling for the bell, and Kennedy had won the bout, although as Lillian Garcia pointed out over the microphone, the title could not change hands over a disqualification and Carlito hung onto the belt for a while longer at least. Before Kennedy could get any sort of revenge though, Carlito shot to the outside and up the aisle with his belt.

JR: “I cannot believe it King! That damned Carlito just stole one over Ken Kennedy! What sort of a Champion is he meant to be anyway!?!?”

King: “Exactly. He’s a champion, and when you’re a champion, you’ll do anything to stay at the top. You can’t argue with his desire JR, and that is the bottom line!”

JR: “Well I might have expected that from you King, but in my view, a champion should be a fighter. You look at all the greats down the years; Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, those guys never backed away from a fight, and Carlito is completely the opposite.”

*Camera cuts away to promote the shows sponsors, Sports Illustrated and Xbox 360, then returns to Michael Cole and Tazz*

Cole: “You know, that was one hell of a match right there courteous of RAW, but now it time for the first of three triple threat matches of the evening, courteous of Smackdown!”

Tazz: “That’s right Cole, the Nature Boy, the Rabid Wolverine and Shelton Benjamin all compete together, in a match which will no doubt give the winner some serious credibility in the future.”

Cole: “Well no need to delay the action any longer, so lets get underway!”

Chris Benoit Vs Shelton Benjamin Vs Ric Flair

The arrogant Benjamin hit’s the ring, followed by Benoit and Flair, who show him just what a real crowd reaction is. The match begins with Benjamin bragging his athleticism with a series of push-ups in the ring, before the Benoit pushes him into the corner and begins chopping away, before being pulled away and Flair takes over, with the crowd ‘wooing’ his every move. The two finally agree with each other and start double-chopping him! The double teams continue with double suplexes, back body drops and clotheslines, until Benjamin is out on the canvas. Both men make separate covers, and even tough Benjamin is motionless, the third man drags his opponent off of him. This only lasts for a few seconds though before a chop-slugfest begins and neither Ric or Chris Benoit will back down, stopping only to toss Benjamin to the outside. The match continued with Benjamin getting back into the match for a few minutes, but every time being tossed back to the outside. It reached a much higher pace after Flair locked in the Figure Four and Benoit escaped, beating him down with a series of snap suplexes, before signalling for the Diving Head Butt with the slit-throat motion, and then hitting it on Flair! As the Wolverine got to his feet looking to get the pinfall though, Benjamin blasted off the ropes with a Springboard, and crashed a steel chair down on his head! Benoit was out on his feet, and it left Shelton with the simple task of nailing the T-Bone suplex for what could be counted as a cheap victory!

Cole: “I don’t believe it! Benjamin has stolen a victory from Chris Benoit!”

Tazz: “How can you say that Cole? You know full well it was no disqualification!”

Cole: “Well that may be so, but with three great athletes in the ring, I think I was right to ask for a better ending than the one we just got!”

Umaga Open Invitational

The music of Umaga then interrupted the Smackdown announce team, as the brutal savage came down to the ring along with his manager Armando Allejandro Estrada, and it looks like it is time to find out just who his challenger is! Estrada gets on the microphone and says that for weeks, him and his client Umaga have been frustrated and confused about some coward who refuses to come and face him. As a result, they agreed to face them on their own rules, and waited till Summerslam to get this underway. Well, he said, the time has arrived, where are they? The arena is deadly silent for a few minutes, but then sounds of bewilderment and confusion arise as the theme music of…Umaga plays out? Estrada and Umaga look on in delight as yet another Samoan savage in similar attire to Umaga hits the ring. He enters the ring and stands alongside Umaga, as Armando Estrada grabs the nearest mic. He tells the fans that he is the smartest man in the world. He says he fooled the fans for months and months on end that there was someone out there dominant enough to defeat Umaga. He built their hopes up then crushed their pathetic dream in a matter of seconds tonight. Instead of getting their hero that would beat Umaga, they can say hello…to Kimo!!! He said that yes the streak would begin again…Kimo’s streak! The fans booed relentlessly as the two mastodons left the ring with Estrada, who now has not one Samoan savage at his beck and call…but two.

JR: “What the heck did we just witness? Who’s Kimo?”

King: “I have no idea King, but it looks like Estrada played us for fools the whole while.”

JR: “Where would you even find a man like that King?”

King: “I don’t know for sure JR, probably the same place he got Umaga though. In any event, it’s time to go hardcore rules JR, it’s Edge versus Rob Van Dam, and I can’t wait!”

ECW Rules Edge Vs Rob Van Dam

Footage finishes rolling of their run-ins from recent weeks, and Edge and Lita hit ringside to a chorus of boos from this highly vocal crowd. The boos suddenly change to cheers on a sixpence as the music of Mr Monday Night, The Whole Damn Show, Rob Van Dam blasts over the speakers and its time for the return of R…V…D!!! Van Dam wastes no time in entering the ring, ducking an attempted chair shot and scoring with the Van Daminator! This probably has Edge out for three but RVD is no way near finished, tossing him to the outside and onto the barrier, before returning to the apron and nailing a spinning leg drop to nearly break the Rated R Superstar in half. The two brawl for a few minutes, until RVD produces a ladder from under the ring and sets it up. After laying Edge on the Spanish announce table, it looks as though he is going to ascend, until Lita hit’s a low blow and he crumples to the arena floor, as Lita puts the boots to him then Edge nails a shot from one of the announce monitors, places RVD on the table and climbs half way up the ladder, and then launches off and leg drops him straight through! He rolls him back into the ring and it’s a near fall. The match continues and Edge begins to dominate, even setting a table up in the corner and setting it on fire! As he charges for the Spear though, RVD moves just in time and Edge crashes and burns, literally, through the wood. Again the match continues and both men are beating each other down using whatever they can find; chairs, trash cans, kendo sticks. The two even travelled into the audience at one point when it spilled over the safety barrier, although they eventually got back into the ring. The finish to this sickening match brutally came after both men had busted each other open with simultaneous chair shots. Van Dam had Edge down on the mat unconscious after coming across the ring with the Van Terminator, and then ascended the turnbuckle looking to finish the match. Lita though, had other plans and threatened him with a steel chair! RVD didn’t have to contemplate it for long though, as Paul Heyman slid into the ring, span Lita round and gave her a DDT!!! The former owner of ECW then encouraged Van Dam and he launched off the top, with what you could call a Six Star Frog Splash! The referee got into position, administered the three count and RVD had finally gotten revenge over Edge for his constant put downs on both him and ECW, as well as costing him the WWE Championship back at Bad Blood in June of this year. Van Dam celebrated with Heyman in the ring, before the plethora of ECW superstars from the open invitational hit the ring and celebrated with him, including The Sandman, Sabu and Tajiri.

JR: “I have to say, as hard as that was to watch, and as much as I’m annoyed at how they have no doubt shortened each others careers, I’m glad Rob Van Dam finally put that no good Edge back in his place.”

King: “See, I told you you’d enjoy it JR!”

WWE Tag Team Championships

Tables Elimination - MNM © Vs The Hardy Boyz Vs Londrick Vs The Mexicools

The music of The Hardy Boyz then hit and its time for the tables elimination match as we switch back to Cole and Tazz on commentary. All four teams are at ringside, and there are no fewer than fifteen tables lining the ring apron and the aisle way. The match began and it became an all out brawl. As the match was non-stop all the way through, it will be covered in a key points style:

- Matt Hardy sees an easy elimination with all four of MNM and The Mexicools on the outside near two tables, and tries a piancha. They all get out of the way though and he crashes through one of them, before MNM pick up the pieces with a Snapshot through the remaining table for the first elimination.

Elimination #1: Matt Hardy by MNM

- This left Jeff at a disadvantage as both of Londrick double teamed him, although he fought back with two Twists of Fate, before turning into a Hurrancanrana from Psychosis, although he caught him on his shoulders and hit an Electric Chair Drop through a table for the second elimination.

Elimination #2: Psychosis by Jeff Hardy

In all the confusion, The Mexicools and The Hardy Boyz go at it, each with one member eliminated each, this leaves MNM to once again get the scraps, devastating BOTH of the still dazed Londrick with Double Flapjacks through separate tables to see the first team get eliminated!

Eliminations # 3 and # 4: Brian Kendrick and Paul London both by MNM

As Londrick are helped to the back, Super Crazy almost eliminates Joey Mercury with a moonsault, although he rolls out of the way and he only damages himself. Nitro is then on hand with a back body drop to the outside and through a table to end The Mexicools chances of winning.

Elimination # 5: Super Crazy by Johnny Nitro

With now just Jeff Hardy and both of MNM as the remaining members, the match was definitely lopsided in terms of favourites, and MNM looked to have it won when they set up the Snapshot on Jeff, although Matt saved his brother and they eliminated Johnny Nitro with a double suplex to even the odds!

Elimination # 6: Johnny Nitro by The Hardy Boyz

With just Mercury and Jeff left, they took it to each other as Matt and Nitro brawled on the outside, with the fresher Mercury taking the advantage against Jeff. The MNM member then did something completely unexpected, taking a huge ladder out from under the ring. Both men ended up on top, although, Jeff pushed Mercury back to the mat and Matt Hardy set him up on a table after disposing of Nitro with a steel chair. In a flashback from a previous Royal Rumble, Jeff then stood on top with the crowd going wild, before hitting a hellacious Swanton Bomb through the table, nearly killing him and Joey Mercury in the process!!! They had done it! The Hardy Boyz were the new WWE Tag Team Champions!!! As replays galore of the eliminations were shown and the Hardys celebrated with their new belts and the fans, we again cut back to Michael Cole and Tazz at ringside.

Tazz: “Wow! What a match! I think everyone in the building was on the edge of their seats for this one Cole!”

Cole: “Your right Tazz, it was a sensational match, but I know two people who will have been on their toes for very different reasons.”

Tazz: “Whose that Cole?”

Cole: “It happens to be the remnants of what was once the most powerful force on Smackdown - Daivari’s Army, as Mark Henry and his manager Daivari get to team up together in a handicap match, to try and overcome…Kane.”

Tazz: “Oh man oh man Cole, this gonna be a rocket buster for sure!”

Cole: “I think you might be right Tazz, and its coming up…next!”

Kane Vs Mark Henry & Daivari

The show returns to after some more quick words about the sponsors, this time Rolling Stone magazine and the Playstation, and Mark Henry and Daivari are already in the ring. The pyro then goes off, and the monstrous Kane hits ringside to a great ovation from the crowd. He hit’s the ring sending Daivari running for cover, although Henry bravely stands his ground. The match begins and Henry ambushes Kane in what is essentially a short but sweet match. Henry nails him with a power slam and begins to dominate, even Daivari returns to the ring to get some shots in. Then the unthinkable happens as Henry hit’s the Worlds Strongest Slam, and Kane kicks out before one! A furious is Mark Henry is spurred on by his managers simple cries of, ‘do it again!’, and does just that, this time a kick out at two. Again, he lifts him up and slams him down, although when he goes for the cover, Kane grabs him by the throat and climbs to his feet! Before he can hit the Chokeslam though, Daivari nails him from behind, although Kane just turns around and goes after him, forgetting about Henry who blindsides him once more. Then in what would be a career threatening move, lifts him to the top rope and looks for a Worlds Strongest Slam as Daivari poses to the audience with his back to them. However, Kane has other plans and tosses Henry to the canvas, and when Daivari turns expecting to see Kane on the mat and sees Henry, he is rooted to the spot with fear, as the Big Red Machine flies off of the top with a Clothesline that nearly breaks Daivari’s neck. Daivari then stumbles into Kane, as does Daivari, and are both on the receiving end of a Double Chokeslam! Kane covers Henry and Daivari with one arm each and is the winner! Post match, and Kane raises his arms and drops them as the pyro goes off, before finishing with a Tombstone Piledriver to Daivari!!!

JR: “Well as much as I prefer my brand right here to Smackdown, I have to say that I really enjoyed seeing Daivari getting his ass whipped tonight.”

King: “I couldn’t agree more JR, that guy has been getting something like that coming to him for a long while, and tonight, he got it!”

JR: “In any event, we move on to something which I make no bones about, this is the match I am most looking forward to on the card.”

King: “How can you say that JR? We’ve already had a number of terrific contests, and there’s two World title triple threat matches to come!”

JR: “I cant really explain it King. Its just when two of the giant characters of the wrestling world come together, it is something special. It may not be The Ultimate Warrior Vs Hulk Hogan, it may not be The Rock Vs Stone Cold Steve Austin, it may not be Hulk Hogan Vs The Rock. But it is Shawn Michaels Vs Booker T, and its next!”

Shawn Michaels Vs Booker T

Both men make their ways out to terrific responses from the crowd and they tie-up, with HBK taking the advantage with some chops in the corner. He followed up with some nicely executed suplexes and Booker killed his momentum with a spinning wheel kick. The match raged on for nearly half an hour, meaning that left less than forty minutes for both of the main events, with Shawn and Booker both coming close to winning the match. HBK hit and Atomic Drop, bounced off of the ropes with two clotheslines in quick succession, and then a body slam. Michaels followed up with a soaring Flying Elbow Drop like only he can, but Booker kicked out. Booker then had a good opportunity when he ducked a right hand attempt and landed the Book End successfully, yet Michaels kicked out. Again they continued to brawl, with Michaels and Booker both tiring, although they each had another good chance when HBK missed a Moonsault, and Booker T missed the Harlem Hangover. The finish finally came when Booker went down for a back body drop, but HBK used his ring knowledge to counter and score with a DDT. He did what came naturally, and tuned up the band, yet as he went to deliver, Booker caught the leg and delivered a low blow that went undetected by the referee. All that was left was for the five time WCW Champion to come off the ropes and he hit the Scissors Kick to get the three! Michaels couldn’t believe it, he’d been screwed by Booker T!

World Heavyweight Championship

Rey Mysterio © Vs JBL Vs The Undertaker

We then were thanked by all four commentators for watching, as we went straight into the double main event with no breaks between, as Rey, JBL and finally The Undertaker hit the ring! The match was full of twists and turns as each man seemed to wait their turn to dominate the match-up. Rey came close to retaining early on, but JBL broke up a Hurrancanrana. Even JBL thought he had it won, but Undertaker kicked out of his Clothesline From Hell. Eventually, JBL was tossed to the outside and Rey and The Undertaker looked at each other, with Taker taking the advantage after scoring with a hard right hand. The Deadman looked to have it won when he set up a Last Ride Power Bomb, although Rey slid out of the back. JBL tried to take advantage with a Big Boot, but Rey ducked and he nailed Taker, sending into the ropes and tangling him up. The match then became interrupted as Chavo Guerrero hit the ring with the World Heavyweight Championship belt! Just as it looked like Mysterio was gonna eat the title, JBL was nailed and a relieved Rey made the cover but Taker freed himself and broke it up. The finish came when both JBL and the Deadman were battling on the outside and Rey watched from in the ring, when former World Champion and gold medallist Kurt Angle jumped the barrier and snuck into the ring! After nailing Mysterio with a big time Angle Slam. Angle escaped back through the crowd as JBL struck Taker with a chair, stunning him for long enough that he could get into the ring and hit the recovering Mysterio with a Clothesline to get the three!!! JBL was the new World Heavyweight Champion!!! As JBL celebrated to the back, the fans looked on in disbelief as Rey was stunned in the ring, after his dream ended.

WWE Championship

John Cena © Vs Triple H Vs Batista

Finally, it was time for the last match of the night, the WWE Championship match, in one of the shortest matches of the evening. It started with Batista body slamming both of them over and over again until they finally got the better of him and continually double teamed him. This went on for nearly ten minutes until he exploded out of a Pedigree attempted with a backdrop and a Spine Buster on Cena. HHH rolled out of the ring though and bided his time as Cena and Batista battled on, eventually returning with a Sledgehammer, and decimating both men with it! Just before he could cover one of them though, the lights went out and when they returned, Chris Jericho was behind him! Y2J then came off the ropes with a Bulldog and a Lion Sault onto HHH before returning to the back as the crowd went absolutely wild! Batista was first to his feet and scored with a high impact Batista Bomb on the Champ, Cena, made the cover. 1...2...3!!! Batista is the new WWE Champion!!! The new champion celebrated in the ring as JR thanked us for being there and we went off of the air.

Edited February 5, 2007 by wilson316

[Guest Rabidwolverine36]

Just got back off holiday...decent summerslam show...you havent stopped it have you?

[ZJ Penn]

I'm not sure yet.

I got to Summerslam and then that took an age so I took a time out to re-make the 1996 scenario, and now I'm struggling to get back into it.

This weekend I'll have a blast at doing the RAW and Smackdown from Summerslam, and see if I can get back into it

[Vlad]

What happened to Aja Kong?

[ZJ Penn]

She's STILL in rehab for being an addict.

Costing me over $100,000 a month aswell

[ZJ Penn]

CHAPTER 2: SURVIVING THE SURVIVOR SERIES

Monday Night Raw Preview - 28th August

It hasn't even been twenty four hours since Summerslam went off of the air, and the WWE is in a state of recover after a hugely explosive PPV, even by Summerslam’s high standards. However, amidst all of the chaos and rage, there was one moment that stood out in particular for the Raw brand and its fans. Not the introduction of Kimo, Armando Estrada's new recruit. Not the pinfall victory for Booker T over Shawn Michaels, despite nefarious tactics used. Not even the changing of the WWE Championship, from John Cena to Batista. It was of course the return, if only for a few fleeting seconds, of Chris Jericho. Jericho hit the ring during the title match to cost Triple H the victory, and in the process hand the belt to Batista. Afterwards, Jericho got standing ovation from the fans, even though his intentions were unclear. Nonetheless, WWE Chairman Vincent Kennedy McMahon will be on Raw tonight, his intentions are simple. As acting general manager of the brand, he wants what’s best for Raw, the signing of Chris Jericho. McMahon has promised that after the main event he'll be in the ring with a contract of similar stature to Booker Ts, hopefully Y2J will join him. Whatever the outcome, it will make for fantastic viewing that's for sure.

Besides the return of Jericho, the WWE Championship certainly made headlines at last nights event. Particularly with the news that Batista had won the belt to become a two-time world champion. John Cena finally lost the belt despite holding it for months on end, defeating superstars like Rob Van Dam, Triple H and Edge along the way. In the end it was the Animal who proved too much, a hellacious Batista Bomb ending the winning streak. In any event, Batista will be in action tonight, in a non-title champion Vs champion match against Intercontinental Champion Carlito. It should be an interesting bout, as Carlito tries to show he can make the next step up with a good showing against the Animal. One man who won't be happy seeing Carlito in this role is Ken Kennedy, who was screwed out of a title win last night at Summerslam. Still, the match should be exciting, and with both Cena and HHH in the building, anything is possible.

There are a number of superstars missing tonight, as they have been given the night off after major matches at Summerslam. The list includes Rob Van Dam, who's coming off the back of a knee injury and a big ECW rules match. He has been given the night off along with Ken Kennedy and Booker T, both men gave big performances at the event last night and truly earned it. The Big Show is also not scheduled to be here at tonight's event. Two guys who were offered the night off but refused it, are Shawn Michaels and Edge, with similar reasoning behind their decision too. Both men have separately told WWE.com that they have an announcement to make regarding their WWE futures, both bombshells will dropped exclusively tonight on Raw.

There's three more matches on the show tonight that have a certain spark to all of them. The first is when Lashley, the man still owed a title opportunity against, at the moment Batista, faces off against Chris Masters. Vince McMahon told Lashley he would not be getting the shot at Summerslam like Teddy Long promised him back on Smackdown, however he would get an effort before the year was out. The question is…can Lashley wait that long? Nevertheless, he was the first to break Masters Masterlock, now he'll be looking to get some more credit to his name by pinning him in the ring once more. Tonight will also see the in-ring debut of the new Samoan savage, Kimo. Estrada unveiled him last night at Summerslam after hinting a streak would begin, with the fans and us here at WWE.com fooled into thinking that someone was going to finally take Umaga out. Unfortunately that wasn't the case, and now there isn't just one Samoan taking out the Raw roster under Armando's guidance, there's two. Kimo faces Val Venis on his debut tonight, and you have to feel for the big Valbowski, he’s in a world of trouble no doubt. Finally there is a title match tonight, as The Spirit Squad challenge once more for The New Waves World Tag Team Championships. The Squad have been unsuccessful on numerous attempts so far to regain the titles they lost, and infighting amongst them is now blighting any serious challenge to the belts. So much so that if they fail tonight, it is likely that they won't get another chance till they have proven themselves as a cohesive unit once more. The Wave are now seemingly in top gear, so can Kenny, Mikey and the three in their corner take the belts from? Find out tonight!

Confirmed Matches

- Batista Vs Carlito

- Lashley Vs Chris Masters

- Kimo Vs Val Venis

- The Spirit Squad Vs The New Wave (World Tag Team Championships)

Also…

The Chris Jericho Contract Signing?

Shawn Michaels & Edge's Big Announcements!

Only on Monday Night RAW!!!

Edited February 5, 2007 by wilson316

[chazmers]

glad this has come back especially like Kimo being introduced at Summerslam hopefully some time along the end the two samoans will fight to see who is the biggest savage.

[Guest Rabidwolverine36]

Yes...I knew it would come back. Good to see it back

[ZJ Penn]

Pre-Raw Heat Results

- Vince McMahon hyped up the signing of Chris Jericho on Raw when Lashley bumped into him. The KOTR asked the chairman when he’d get his title shot, but was again told “before the end of the year”. Lashley said he realised being acting general manager as well as chairman was hard work, but he didn’t know if he could wait that long, before walking away ominously.

- Goldust & Snitsky defeated Matt Striker & Johnny Parisi when Snitsky hit Parisi with a Big Boot

- Rob Conway pinned Viscera after sliding out of a Powerslam and grabbing an illegal roll-up

Edited February 7, 2007 by wilson316

[ZJ Penn]

Monday Night Raw Star Ratings/Melina In Doghouse/Daivari Out?/Chris Jericho’s Future/Miscellaneous Notes

- The following are the star ratings for the Monday Night Raw show, as provided by the Wrestling Observer:

Heat

Rob Conway Vs Viscera 3/4*

Goldust & Snitsky Vs Matt Striker & Johnny Parisi ***

Raw

Lashley Vs Chris Masters ***

Kimo Vs Val Venis **3/4

The New Wave Vs The Spirit Squad **3/4

Batista Vs Carlito ***

- Some fairly big news this week came from camp WWE, as news has spread that the character of Melina will not be present on WWE television for at least the next two months. The former tag team champions manager is reportedly in the doghouse with some big names after an apparent poor backstage attitude. While Smackdown may not have the big names of Triple H and Shawn Michaels on it, proving to be a negative element in a backstage locker room led by Flair and Undertaker has seemingly landed her in hot water. It is unknown if this will change the direction of the MNM team.

- Also this week is news that Daivari, manager of Mark Henry and former leader of a stable consisting of The Great Khali and Doug Basham too, is out injured indefinitely. It is being suggested that he suffered an eye injury after a stiff right hand from Kane in their handicap match at Summerslam, and will be of no use on TV till it heals. This puts the Smackdown brand in a precarious position, with two managers who have featured quite heavily in recent weeks now on the shelf simultaneously, it is being hinted at that a member of the Raw brand may be drafted across to fill a gap, with Candice Michelle, who has been inactive in recent months heading the queue.

- Obviously the big story coming out of Raw this week is that of Chris Jericho not signing a contract to the Raw brand. The rumour mill has as expected gone into overdrive, with a potential move to Smackdown or Raw still on the cards, with there also being the possibility that it could have been a one-off return to keep relationships between the WWE and Y2J strong, as a possible feud with HHH is being strongly hinted at, although they did state it would be “at a later date”. More updates as and when we get them.

- In other news, Hulk Hogan has apparently told close friends backstage that he has finally decided to give up wrestling on a full-time basis, sticking to the money matches only. This comes as no surprise, after a broken down Hogan finally turned 51 this month, with some arguing it’s been too long in its coming. Other birthdays this month included Vince McMahon turning 60, Jeff Hardy at 29, Umaga and Doug Basham at 28, and The Great Khali is now 31. Mickie James also turned 26. The big retirement was that of Mil Mascaras, whilst Booker T’s wife Sharmell also finally cut ties with WWE after her contract expired. Booker T is seemingly fine with the amicable split and will continue in his capacity as a full-time worker on the Raw brand. Another promotion has also gone bankrupt, this time IWA: Mid-South finally biting the bullet.

[ZJ Penn]

Smackdown Preview For Friday 1st September

Just like Raw had theirs this past Monday, tonight is when Smackdown finally gets its own fallout from Summerslam. In particular it’ll likely focus on the return of John Bradshaw Layfield to the top of the wrestling mountain, now that he has recaptured world title gold, after pinning Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship last night. JBL said he’d definitely be at tonight’s show, albeit in a non-wrestling capacity. One major point the was quick to break to us in an exclusive interview with WWE.com was that “if you want to get anything done in this world, then you‘ve got to have organisation.” Layfield then revealed that he would be looking at reforming his ‘Cabinet’, starting with an announcement tonight. Could we see the likes of The Basham Brothers and Orlando Jordan returning to the fore, or are some new heads going to be involved this time?

While JBL might have the night off, the same things simply can’t be said for the former champion, Rey Mysterio. Even though he came out on the wrong end of a gruelling triple threat match at Summerslam, he still has to wrestle in the main event with his United States Championship on the line. Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long told us that even though he hated having to sanction the match, those are the risks you run holding two belts at once, you could end up losing them both in the same week. To make matters worse for Mysterio, the title defence will be against none other than Shelton Benjamin, arguably the most in-form superstar on the roster at the minute. Benjamin was able to defeat both Ric Flair and Chris Benoit last night at Summerslam, sending a clear message to Long that he thinks he’s ready for a title shot. The GM responded by making this title match, which although Shelton would rather be wrestling for JBL or Batista’s belt, is certainly a step forward for his career. With two great athletes it should make for an entertaining pure contest, although with arguably the greatest technical wrestler of all-time waiting somewhere in the wings, it might not be the entirely fair encounter we’re expecting. That’s right, none other than Kurt Angle is possibly set to make his first appearance on a Smackdown show since before Judgement Day back in May. Angle inexplicably appeared from nowhere at Summerslam on Sunday to cost Rey the belt with an Angle Slam packed with months of frustration, a move which Teddy Long didn’t see coming. “I had absolutely no idea about Kurt returning to the ring, I haven’t had much contact with him recently, but not once has he indicated he’s over his injuries.” That would most likely be preying on Rey’s mind that Angle is possibly in the building, will he want an explanation for Angles actions? You wouldn’t bet against it.

Unlike JBL, Mysterio, Benjamin and the rest of the Smackdown roster, there are two superstars that the General Manager has been struggling to find. Theodore Long explained that as is usually the case, the two most enigmatic men in the WWE have done another disappearing act, as both The Undertaker and Kane have yet to be heard from or seen since their respective matches at Summerslam with JBL and Mysterio, and Mark Henry and Daivari. While Long isn’t particularly worried about their whereabouts, he has indicated that he cannot guarantee when they will next show up, although most likely when we least expect it.

There is in fact not one, but two title matches on the show this evening, as The Hardy Boyz join Rey Mysterio as defending champions tonight, when they put their tag team belts up for grabs against The Mexicools, just five days after winning them to begin the next chapter in their illustrious career. It’s without a shadow of a doubt a fantastic opportunity for both Super Crazy and Psychosis, with Matt and Jeff most likely still suffering from going all the way in the hellacious tables match at Summerslam between these two teams, MNM and Londrick. The Hardy Boyz are arguably the greatest tag tandem in WWE history though, so The Mexicools shouldn’t expect a cakewalk whatsoever, as the Hardys have proved time and time again they’ll put their bodies on the line in favour of a successful match. From the high flying now, to the brutal, as Hardcore Holly squares off against none other than Finlay. These two have made careers out of brutalising anyone who has the misfortune to meet them inside the ring and are unlikely to have quit that mentality by tonight. What happens the two similar styles meet inside the ring though? Find out tonight. Finally, there is an interesting opener to the show, as both The Basham Brothers and The Pitbulls go up against one another. With JBL possibly looking to recruit a team into his new Cabinet possibly sometime as early as tonight, it’s a great opportunity for Doug and Danny to keep themselves in the frame for a recall to the World Heavyweight Champions attentions.

JBL ready for a brand new Cabinet? Rey Mysterio’s title on the line against Shelton Benjamin? Kurt Angle back on the show? Possible new Tag Team Champions? All on tonight’s show and more!!!

Matches Confirmed:

- Rey Mysterio Vs Shelton Benjamin (United States Championship)

- The Hardy Boyz Vs The Mexicools (WWE Tag Team Championships)

- Finlay Vs Hardcore Holly

- The Basham Brothers Vs The Pitbulls

Friday Night Smackdown…TV that’s changing Friday nights!!!

[ZJ Penn]

Jericho On Smackdown!!!

Just a short while away from Friday Night Smackdown now, and WWE.com has been exclusively told by Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long that he is lining up a major coup on tonight’s show, as he attempts to usurp acting Raw General Manager Vince McMahon to the hottest free agent in wrestling…Chris Jericho! Long had lots to say on the topic, here’s some of the highlights…

On trying to beat McMahon to the signing…

“It’s nothing personal against Vince I guarantee you, I’m sure he sees just what great business sense it makes for either brand to get hold of Jericho, and I’m going to do everything in my power to ensure Smackdown gets there ahead of Raw.”

How he intends to sign him:

“Well first of all, we all saw how Vince tried to bring him in on Monday, and how that failed. He pulled out all the stops and when it backfired on him, he didn’t come out looking too good, you know what I’m saying. But I aren’t about to let that happen on Smackdown. If he wants to sign with us then that’s fantastic, if not, then he can move along with no fuss whatsoever. I’m not going to overcomplicate things like Mr. McMahon has done.”

What can he offer Y2J…

“Well I ain’t gonna wait till the night to tell you, because like I said, I just want an answer, I don’t want it to be stealing my show, know what I’m saying. I am prepared to match McMahon by giving him a top spot on my show, but I don’t want to be throwing stipulations like ‘pick your own match’ around as easy as that. Instead I can offer him a top spot on the show, possible cracks at JBL’s championship, matches against the greatest athletes in the world in Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin and Chris Benoit, as well as with the biggest characters this industry has ever seen such as The Undertaker, Ric Flair and Kane. Heck, if that isn’t enough for him, maybe we don’t want someone with that mentality on Smackdown playa.”

Doesn’t it concern you that he seemed to have a different attitude on Raw?

“I know what you mean, that certainly didn’t seem like the same Chris Jericho we had come to know from a few years ago. He didn’t show any appreciation for the fans and that is something that plays on your mind as a General Manager. However a man of his talent cannot be ignored, and I certainly pride talent over one or two remarks made on Raw.”

So there you have it. He’s already turned down Raw, will Smackdown get the same treatment, as it moves into the year Y2J tonight? Be sure to tune in whether you’re a Jericho-holic or not.

Edited February 8, 2007 by wilson316