King of Trios Tournament: Round 1

[JStarr]

So, we'll have exactly ONE match to judge out of the four. Surprising turnout. I didn't think we'd have any.

First off, here were the rules of this match:

Here Comes the Moneeeeeeey! ...in the Bank!

By Sousa

Who will be Mr. Money in the Bank? And what will this person do?

WrestleMania XXV is right around the corner, which means that the new annual tradition of throwing eight workers into a huge fuck-off ladder match over a briefcase is fast approaching. And while it's not yet the new year and thus difficult to say who may be in line for a top push, in my mind, there are no clear winners at this stage.

So who's it going to be? Who will be Mr. Money in the Bank 2009?

Your Job!

First, write the ending to the WrestleMania XXV Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Eight men must participate. No one whose last name is Hardy may be in the match; Jeff and Matt are both assumed to be wrestling main event matches for their brands. The winner (but not necessarily every participant) must not be a former world champion on any brand, including ECW.

From here, things get sticky. You have three directions in which you can take the challenge from this point.

The Challenger Cashes In at WrestleMania XXV:

Against all odds, your winner uses the briefcase to challenge the champion that same night--and wins. If this happens, your ending should include a rationale for why a man who just participated in an 8-man ladder match would feel in good enough shape to wrestle again later that night. If you go this route, you must include...

1. The match later in the night in which the challenger arrives, briefcase in hand, to challenge for any world title. This may not be the final match on the show, but it must be very brief.

2. A promo the following night on Raw/SmackDown!/ECW featuring the new world champion. The previous world champion--as well as a new challenger for down the road--must make an appearance.

3. Describe the path of the champ's title reign. A rematch with the previous champ must take place at Backlash.

4. Write a segment involving the new challenger that in some way encapsulates the feud. Is it a backstage assault? Is it a war of words? Is it the theft of a title? It's up to you. Just be creative.

5. A complete gimmick match for One Night Stand in which your challenger captures the world title. Both men should look strong.

Or maybe...

The Challenger Uses the Briefcase to Challenge for a Pay-Per-View Match:

Much as Rob Van Dam did in 2006, Mr. Money in the Bank has decided to use the briefcase to challenge the champion to a match on pay-per-view. You must write...

1. A summary of Mr. Money in the Bank's major feuds and matches prior to his cashing in the briefcase. Included must be at least one feud over the briefcase and periodic appearances by the champion to build interest in the match later on.

2. The segment--any time in the year--in which the challenger cashes in his title opportunity for the next pay-per-view. Both the challenger and the champion must be involved in the segment.

3. A promo from the challenger that should encapsulate the heat between himself and the champ.

4. A backstage promo from the champion at the pay-per-view.

5. The complete match between the challenger and the champion at the pay-per-view of your choice. The winner is up to you.

Or finally...

The Champ Goes the Edge "I'm an Opportunistic Fuckstick" Route:

Like Edge before him (twice!), your challenger decides to wait for a moment when the champion is at his weakest to cash in his opportunity. The challenger, naturally, wins the title. You must write...

1. A summary of how the challenger is keeping busy before cashing in his title shot. Included must be at least one challenger for the briefcase, as well as periodic appearances from the champion to build interest.

2. The segment in which the challenger cashes in his briefcase to take advantage of the champion's weakened state, then wins the title. You must describe the circumstances of the challenge, including the reason why the champion is in rough shape.

3. A war of words between the new champion and a challenger of your choosing from some point after the title switch. If this is a new challenger, your champion must explain in the promo why the former champion is no longer a threat--are you building a new match after a pay-per-view rematch between the former champ and the new one? Is the former champ injured? Your call.

4. A promo from either the new champion or the challenger that in some way encapsulates the reason for the feud.

5. A pay-per-view match between the new champion and the challenger. The winner is up to you.

So there you go. Three paths to take, one theme. Take it any direction you want.

================================================================================

Entry #1:

Wrestlemania XXV

Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Participants: Christian, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, CM Punk, William Regal, and Kofi Kingston

After a grueling match, all eight men are the worse for wear. As everyone appears to be taking a breath, trying to recuperate in order to finally grab the case, a few short clips are shown in order to showcase the carnage of the Money in the Bank match. Rhodes and DiBiase are shown taking Punk down as he made his way down the ramp, armed with steel chairs, with Randy Orton obviously guiding their actions from the entrance way before returning to the backstage area to prepare for his title match later in the night. The video then cuts to DiBiase being taken out by an Unprettier onto the steel ladder which was propped on the ring apron and the guard rail. DiBiase has been escorted to the back, returning with a face guard and cheering on his Legacy teammate rather than actually finishing the match.

This leaves only six men still actively fighting for the briefcase with Punk still recieving medical attention in the back following the vicious attack by Legacy and DiBiase left at ringside cheering on his partner. All six have now regained themselves and look to climb the ladder and claim one of the biggest prizes in professional wrestling. As they pile back in the ring, Cody Rhodes makes the b-line, racing up the ladder only to be quickly pulled down by MVP and thrown onto the mat. This leaves MVP and Christian climbing the ladder, duking it out at the top.

As they’re fighting for the chance to grab the case, Rhodes signals to DiBiase who re-enters the ring and the two topple the ladder, sending both Christian and MVP crashing to the outside! Rhodes and DiBiase pick up another ladder, looking to climb and grab the case, only for the music of CM Punk to blare over the P.A. system as the former World champion races to the ring with a chair. DiBiase rushes Punk, only to catch a chair shot to his already injured face! DiBiase falls, but Rhodes has a ladder raised over head, which Punk hits with a chair shot, sending the steel ladder crashing into Rhodes’ face! Rhodes falls and the ladder drops against the already standing ladder as Legacy bails to the floor.

With MVP and Christian still hurt on the outside and Punk chasing Legacy up the ramp to the back, Kofi Kingston makes his way slowly up the ladder, still showing the effects of the grueling match. Just as Kingston is midway up the ladder, Regal catches the Jamaican Sensation with a shot to the back with the brass knuckles, sending Kingston crumpling to the mat in a heap. Regal looks to have it locked up, but out of nowhere, Shelton Benjamin runs up the tilted ladder! Benjamin rushes up the ladder and catches Regal off guard, hitting a suplex to send Regal off the top! Benjamin is all alone and stands high atop the ladder before reaching up and unhooking the briefcase.

Winner and NEW Mr. Money in the Bank: “The Gold Standard” Shelton Benjamin

- - -

On the Monday Night RAW following Wrestlemania, Shelton Benjamin makes his way out to the ring carrying a gold Money in the Bank briefcase for a match against Santino Marella. After a decisive victory, Benjamin is celebrating when the music of Legacy hits and Priceless, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, walk out from backstage. Rhodes makes bold claims to Benjamin, stating that he “has Legacy property and it would be in the best interest of everyone to just hand it over.” Ted DiBiase, still wearing the face guard following his injury at last night’s Wrestlemania, goes on to claim that the briefcase was destined to come to Legacy and that Benjamin ruined everything with his little stunt on the ladder. Benjamin tells DiBiase and Rhodes “if you want this case, there’s only one way...come down here and take it from me.” Priceless circle the ring and both slide in, surrounding Benjamin, until “This Fire Burns” by Killswitch Engage hits and CM Punk rushes to the ring. This allows Benjamin to hit a T-Bone suplex to Rhodes as Punk grabs DiBiase, pulling him to the outside. Rhodes struggles to his feet, only for Benjamin to fake hitting him with the briefcase, sending him stumbling back into a waiting CM Punk for the Go 2 Sleep!

In the following weeks, the four men had a series of singles matches, with Priceless constantly attempting to interfere and get the unfair advantage. At Backlash, Punk and Benjamin teamed up to defeat Priceless in a match which had the stipulation that, if Priceless won, they would get the case. The next night on RAW, Benjamin came to the center of the ring and offered Punk a match at Judgement Day with the briefcase on the line. “If those punks won, they got the case. I gotta say, Benjamin/Punk sounds a lot better than Rhodes/DiBiase and I have no problem putting the case against you. What do you say, Punk?” Punk, of course agreed to the match and it was set for Judgement Day.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the two fought in tag matches and there were often teased showdowns, but no physical altercations happened between the two. At the event, Benjamin and Punk had a twenty minute contest that was considered as a match of the year candidate, but it was tarnished by the ending. Punk had Benjamin in the Go 2 Sleep position, but he dropped out and quickly caught Punk with the T-Bone suplex! Just as he’s going for the cover, Randy Orton slid in the ring and rushed at Benjamin, catching him with RKO! Shelton Benjamin won by DQ, but the message was clear: Randy Orton would not lose his title easily.

The next event was Extreme Rules, replacing the now defunct One Night Stand, and it was one which would go down in history. Shelton Benjamin came out the night following Judgement Day on RAW and made it clear that he was still Mr. Money in the Bank, but he wasn’t happy about it. He felt like he had been screwed out of a legitimate victory. And then, he laid down the challenge: Shelton Benjamin vs. CM Punk at Extreme Rules in a Ladder Match for the briefcase. What was essentially the first ever two person money in the bank match went down, with Shelton Benjamin grasping the case and falling to the mat, exhausted after another classic. Just then, Randy Orton marched to the ring again, looking to show his dominance. Orton entered the ring and laughing as he did, punted Benjamin in the head! Benjamin was out cold and Orton just smirked as he left the ring.

In the weeks following, Shelton Benjamin was not seen on WWE Television. The week before The Bash, Benjamin showed up on stage following Randy Orton giving a promo stating he is the best in the industry.

“Randy, you put me on the shelf. You put a black mark on two of the best matches of my career. But, I’m still Mr. Money in the Bank and I STILL have a shot at your title. See you at The Bash, Randy...I’ll be waiting.”

“No no no, Benjamin! I’ve already got a match against Batista at The Bash, I’m not agreeing to that match!”

“...Who said anything about a match? I know you’re fighting Batista, Randy...just know that I’ll be waiting when the match is done.”

With that, Benjamin left the entrance and went backstage with Orton fuming as the show went to commercial.

- - -

The Bash

June 28th, 2009

RKO! Orton came out of nowhere and caught Batista with the RKO! Orton is practically unconscious following that vicious spinebuster, but he manages to crawl over and drape his arm over Batista...1....2...3! Orton retains, but he is in bad shape, and is instantly on his feet and looking around nervously. Orton is visibly tired, but bracing himself for an attack and getting ready for a fight. His fears look justified as “Aint no stoppin’ me...noooowwww” booms over the P.A. system. Orton is spinning around in the ring, looking for Benjamin as he waits in the ring, but he doesn’t find anyone. As the music stops, Shelton Benjamin walks out in street clothes with a microphone, clapping for Orton.

Benjamin: Good job, Randy. Good job, you sure were ready for me. I almost wish I had ever actually planned on cashing my shot in now so I could have shown you how pointless it was. But I’m not gonna do that, Randy, I’m better than that and I’m better than you. You see, Orton, I haven’t always been the best person I could be. I let my natural abilities go to my head and they changed me as a person. But now? Now I know what I’m here for and it’s to put on good...no...great matches. Not just for the fans, but for myself. I’ve been calling myself The Gold Standard, but what’s that mean if I’m not worth my weight in Gold?

Benjamin: I’m one of the best pure athletes in this company, but that’s never earned me the title, has it? That belt goes to people who can play politics and convince people they deserve title matches. It goes to ruthless thugs like you who can cheat and lie their way to the top. But I’m not like that, Orton. I’m a wrestler and that’s what I’m gonna do. Night of Champions is in a month, Randy and you better rest up, because I’m coming for your title. I told you I’d be here tonight, but it wasn’t to cash in this shot...it was so I could make sure you were waiting. I wanted you to be in front of me when I made the match, when I challenged you. When you realized your reign at the top is coming to an end. I’m giving you one more month as champ, Randy, enjoy it.

Benjamin: But at Night of Champions? All the cheap tricks, all the politics aren’t going to help you. This briefcase means I get my fair shot, finally after all these years. I’ve nearly killed myself in every Money in the Bank match. I’ve been Intercontinental champion, United States champion, countless tag team championship reigns...but I’ve never been a World champ. I’m ready for that now, Orton. It’s my destiny. Finally, a real athlete is getting a fair shot and I’m going to beat you, Randy. It’s destiny....I’m finally getting my shot and at Night of Champions I prove myself to the wrestling world. Oh...and Randy?

Shelton smirks before staring directly at Orton.

Benjamin: There ain’t no stoppin’ me, now.

With that, Benjamin drops the microphone and walks backstage as the copyright information comes on the screen. The broadcast ends with Orton dropping to one knee in the ring, clutching at his ribs but staring at Benjamin the entire time.

- - -

Night of Champions

July 26th , 2009

Following a long match between ECW’s world Champion Christian and Smackdown’s World Heavyweight Champion Edge which saw Edge cheating to beat his own brother, “Voices” plays over the P.A. system bringing out WWE Champion - Randy Orton. Orton is surprisingly alone, carrying only his title to the ring. As he enters, he demands a microphone from the ringside attendant.

Orton: Shelton, you’ve surprised me, I have to admit it. I thought you had more sense than this. You want to argue you’re better than me? Try to prove you can beat me? You can beat me, Shelton, you had your ONE chance at The Bash. I was beaten and I was still ready to take you on, what chance do you have a month later when I’m almost one hundred percent? I am a third generation champion, Benjamin. I’m the best wrestler in the world and I lead the most powerful group the wrestling industry has ever seen. I’m limitless potential and the youngest world champion in HISTORY.

Orton: I killed legends to cement my legacy, beat some of the biggest names in this business to prove myself. I’m a virus that kills anything it comes in contact with in this business and I am the WWE champion. Shelton? I’ve got to ask....what the hell have you done? You were in this company before me and I can’t name one thing you’ve done better than me. I’ve held the Intercontinental title and the tag titles. Never held the US Belt, you’ve got me there, just because I never showed my face on the B-show. You know what you’re claim to fame will be in five years, Shelton? Winning one match. Getting that case so you could find a loophole to make yourself number one contender. That is the only way you’re even worthy of facing me and it disgusts me.

Orton: Face it, Shelton, I am a champion by nature and you’ll never be anything more than a challenger, and you’re lucky to be that. You talk about your destiny? How it’s your destiny to win this title and prove yourself as the best pure athlete today? I AM Destiny personified, Shelton. I am what happens when men aspire to greatness and you...can’t....beat...me. So just get out here and let’s finish this. I’ll beat you, you’ll lose your money in the bank title shot and you’ll finally have your place in the history books...the first man to ever win the money in the bank match, cash in his shot...AND LOSE!

With that Orton spikes the microphone to the mat and tosses his title to the ring attendant outside as Benjamin rushes out from backstage. Orton is ready for a fight, ripping off his Legacy t-shirt and preparing himself for the match.

WWE Title: Randy Orton © vs. “The Gold Standard” Shelton Benjamin

With Benjamin rushing to the ring, Orton poises himself for a fight as Mr Money in the Bank slides in the ring. Orton immediately rushes at Benjamin with a powerful clothesline, taking The Gold Standard off his feet, but Benjamin is quick to kip back up and catches Orton with a dropkick to the back while he is taunting the fans at ringside. Benjamin dives on Orton and begins hitting him with a flurry of punches, showing that he is serious and determined to win this match. Orton shoves Benjamin off and both men rush forward, starting this match off with a contained brawl in the ring showing the intensity of this main event.

After a hard fought ten minutes, both men are at a standstill with neither having a clear advantage over the other. Orton is beginning to look worried, but managed to counter one of Benjamin’s signature moves: the T-Bone Suplex with a low blow the referee never saw. With this opening, Orton backs up for the RKO, but as he catches Benjamin, the former All-American drops to one knee, grabbing Orton’s neck and shoulders. Shelton Benjamin then uses The Viper’s own momentum to drive him into his knee, sending the World Champion rolling outside for cover.

Cole: An impressive counter by Mr. Money in the Bank!

Lawler: I take back everything bad I said, Cole, Benjamin might have a chance here!

With Orton on the outside, he signals to the back, waving his arms furiously to get the attention of the other members of The Legacy! Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes make their way out sneering at Shelton Benjamin as they walk to the ring. Benjamin is ready though and waits on the henchmen to get to ringside before launching over the top rope with a twisting plancha to take out both members of Priceless! Orton is on the other side of the ring and looks geniunely worried for the first time in this match.

Cole: Jerry, I think it may have finally dawned on Randy Orton that he might not win this thing.

Orton and Benjamin keep fighting, with Orton using all the dirty tricks he can muster to try and retain his title. As the match nears the seventeen minute mark, Orton pulls out one of his old tricks as he sets Shelton up in the corner for the sick Snap DDT. Orton taunts the crowd with Benjamin in peril, but this gives the Gold Standard enough time to slip out onto the apron and pull Orton with him! As his body bends, Shelton pulls Orton over the top rope and onto the arena floor with a devastating Northern Lights Suplex from the insides out! Shelton climbs back in the ring and centers himself, challenging Orton to get back in the ring.

Cole: This is unbelievable, King! Shelton Benjamin just won’t stay down!

Lawler: It’s not even that, Cole, he won’t GO down!

Both men are now getting tired, with numerous counters and reversals dictating the flow of the match. In the end, Orton rushes and finally manages to catch Benjamin with the RKO, putting him out on the mat and securing the win. However, the leader of Legacy is not content, stomping away at Benjamin’s downed body out of spite.

Cole: Don’t do this! Randy Orton is looking to end Shelton Benjamin’s career! Someone stop this!

Orton backs up for the punt and rushes forward, pulling back for the vicious kick to the skull, but Benjamin hops up! Shelton leaps into the air before grabbing Randy Orton and nailing him with the Paydirt! Shelton Benjamin coutered the punt with his finisher, a powerful leaping flatliner and rolls Orton over, hooking the leg....1....2.....3! Shelton Benjamin is your NEW World Heavyweight Champion!

Cole: Shelton Benjamin did it! He captured the biggest prize in professional wrestling!

Lawler: He did it! He realized his destiny just like he claimed he would and he did it without resorting to Orton’s underhanded tricks.

Cole: Not only that, he managed to counter all of Orton’s tricks! He ducked the RKO! He flipped out of the Snap DDT and he dodged the punt to end the match!

================================================================================

Entry #2:

Money In The Bank

"MY GOD! They're broken in half!" Jim Ross cries into the headset just after Benjamin threw not only himself, but Kofi Kingston and MVP off the top of a ladder inside the ring, through a stack of tables outside.

Meanwhile, Mark Henry and Kane continue to throw punches at one another on the opposite side of the ring. Kane gets a couple of uppercuts to connect, but then Henry Irish Whips him into the ring steps, sending him head-over-heels.

Punk and Christian slowly stir in the ring, as Mark Henry slides back inside. Henry stomps Punk and punches Christian. As Henry whips Christian into the ropes, Punk connects with a low blow. With Henry hunched over, Punk and Christian hit a Double Suplex on the World's Strongest Man! Realizing they're the only two left in the ring, they race to the ladder laying in the corner. Punk is the first to get to it, but Christian tosses him between the second and third rope into the post. Christian lifts up the ladder and sets it up in the middle of the ring, slowly beginning to climb.

Outside the ring, Ted DiBiase hoists up another ladder and slides it in. Punk pulls himself out from between the turnbuckles and turns around just in time to get a ladder shot in the jaw from DiBiase. Christian takes notice, but by this time is halfway up the ladder. DiBiase hurries and sets up the other ladder right next to the one Christian is climbing.

Christian reaches up and gets hold of the briefcase! Before DiBiase begins to climb his own ladder, he pulls the ladder Christian is climbing out from under him. Christian is holding onto the briefcase, hanging, fifteen feet above the ring! DiBiase quickly hurries up his ladder and reaches out, grabbing the briefcase as well. Punk gets back on his feet, and now he pulls the ladder out from DiBiase's feet! Ted and Christian are holding onto the Money in the Bank briefcase for dear life with only canvas and a lot of air in between them! Punk picks up a ladder and throws it straight at the two! This causes the wire the briefcase is hanging from to start swaying back and forth. Punk picks the ladder up and again throws it, this time connecting right in Christian's back! Christian lets loose of the briefcase and crashes down hard to the mat.

DiBiase is still holding onto the briefcase, attempting to unhook it from the wire, all the while attempting to dodge Punk's ladder tosses. Punk lifts the ladder once again and throws it at DiBiase and it hits him right in the ribs!

"His ribs have to be shattered! Vintage Punk using his environment as a weapon!" Michael Cole pipes in, trying to interrupt the steady flow of commentary Lawler and Ross had going.

DiBiase looks down at the mat, and drops. But with the briefcase in his hands! DiBiase crashes hard to the mat, letting out a moan that can be heard all over the stadium. He rolls around the ring in agony as the other contestants realize they came up short in securing a future title shot. Cody Rhodes comes out from the back to celebrate with his best friend, but DiBiase is in too much pain to celebrate. Rhodes helps DiBiase up to his feet and throws his partner's arm around his neck. The two walk back up the ramp, and stop just long enough for DiBiase to hoist the briefcase into the air. He is officially Mr. Money in the Bank 2009!

The Overview

The grandest stage was packed up for another year, and while some warriors walked away from battle with the glory of victory under their belt, others hung their head in shame, tasting the humiliation of loss. Less than one year after having his place on the RAW roster bought by his wealthy father, Ted DiBiase had twice proudly dawned the WWE World Tag Team Championship with an understanding equal, fellow second generation Superstar, Cody Rhodes. DiBiase and Rhodes shone brighter than those more experienced and perhaps harder working Superstars, because when you’re as talented as they are and have connections to the big players in the industry like Randy Orton, you don’t have to pay dues. With reward must come punishment however. For his failed attempted assistance to Randy Orton one night in November of 2008, Randy Orton taught DiBiase a lesson by Punting him in the head and putting him out of action for two months. When DiBiase returned, there were seemingly no hard feelings, only a drive to do better.

WrestleMania XXV had come to a close with Ted DiBiase surpassing his mentor in success, reaching up high at the top of the ladder and retrieving a one year guarantee for a World Championship match at any time he chose. Randy Orton, for all of his mind games and family attacks, fell victim to a three count at the hands of his arch rival and his own former mentor, Triple H.

The next night on RAW, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and “Mr. Money In The Bank” Ted DiBiase, collectively known as the elitist Legacy, held the show hostage for an imperative mission statement. Randy Orton assured the world that Legacy was on the brink of new levels of success, as by hook or by crook, Triple H would be losing his Championship to Legacy. And indeed Legacy did shock the world with their continued unity and dominance on the RAW roster, but garnered enemies along the way. At Backlash, a very unique kind of six man tag team match took place, pitting Legacy against WWE Champion Triple H, his brother-in-law Shane McMahon, and another of Triple H’s former pupils, “The Animal” Batista. What made this match so distinctive was if Triple H’s team won, despite who made the pin or submission, Triple H would retain, and if any member of Legacy were to score the decisive win, then Randy Orton would be crowned the new Champion. Triple H looked indestructible in this chaotic match, refusing to accept defeat after Orton’s dreaded RKO, but once put back down by a briefcase shot to the back of the skull from DiBiase, Orton was able to punt his rival’s head off of his shoulders and hook the leg for a glorious three. Legacy celebrated their leader’s third WWE Championship reign and watched with a sadistic glee as Triple H was stretchered out of the arena that fateful night.

But now, an elephant in the room. The leader of Legacy was WWE Champion, and one of its generals, the Number One Contender whenever he-so pleased. Legacy interjected a backstage promo with MVP the next night, leaving him unceremoniously battered on the floor to claim the interview as their own. Orton demanded that the issue be cleared up now so there were no whispers of dissention or civil unrest. Upon Orton’s demand, DiBiase assured the people that he would be a real man about his Money In The Bank title shot, challenging the greatest Champion to date, Randy Orton when both Orton and himself were 100% physically and mentally prepared. DiBiase laid the tracks for Orton’s paranoia, listing devious examples of acts others have or could do in the future with Money In The Bank briefcases in order to obtain a cheap, fluke title win, but reissued that he would not be one to do this.

Legacy would become increasingly vile in the next few months. Shane McMahon, a vowed enemy of the faction was made a message of right away. McMahon would have his ankle smashed between two sets of steel steps, putting him on the shelf beside his brother-in-law, Triple H. At Judgment Day, on May 17, another message was sent to Montel Vontavious Porter. During a United States Championship defense against Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes jumped in and the two left MVP a bloody and battered mess, ignoring the disqualification ending. Randy Orton met with the two backstage after and was not happy that DiBiase didn’t walk away with the title, heavily berating him for the move. Only an hour later in the show however, Orton would need the help of DiBiase and Rhodes to narrowly defeat “The Animal” Batista in a very close WWE Title defense.

Randy Orton’s berating would continue over the next few weeks anytime Ted DiBiase lost in any manner, be it in a match or just a fight, and at one point even though DiBiase got a huge win over Batista because he didn’t punish him enough. Orton would need Batista weakened, as come the June 7th Pay Per View Extreme Rules, Orton would meet with his former Evolution member in a Dog Collar Match. DiBiase had his own worries however, as John Cena had beaten him twice in singles matches, leading them into a big match at Extreme Rules for the Money In The Bank title contract, and this competition would be decided in the same way the contract was won – a ladder match. With Cody Rhodes immediately incapacitated by John Cena upon entering into the ring, Cena, as Batista would to Randy Orton later on tonight, dominated his Legacy opponent from bell-to-bell. DiBiase used a keen move by spraying Cena in the eyes with Pepper Spray as he stood tall at the top of the ladder, leaving Cena flailing around for the briefcase blindly until DiBiase could pull it down himself. Orton on the other hand received no attempted support from his hurt allies and became a beautiful and anarchist portrait of a massacre. Orton walked out with his title paying thanks to having a signature move both powerful and able to come out of completely nowhere.

Randy Orton’s tough love for Ted DiBiase continued leaving Extreme Rules, but Ted DiBiase had reached his boiling point and stood up to the WWE Champion on the matter. His mouth proved to be his downfall, as one week later, Randy Orton attacked his Tag Team Partner after a loss to Montel Vontavious Porter and John Cena. With eyes across the world on Orton, he readied himself to deliver the second and possibly final in his career, Punt to the head of Ted DiBiase, but Cody Rhodes managed to hit the ring and restrain him at the last second. Orton forced Ted DiBiase to his feet and demanded he follow them backstage like a good little soldier. A dazed and confused stablemate, he began to head up the ramp behind Orton and Rhodes, only to realize what he was doing and stopped short. The next week, Ted DiBiase stood in the ring by himself, sans Legacy gear and in so many words, told Randy Orton he can take Legacy, the WWE Championship and everything he thinks he’s done for him and shove it! The arena began to buzz as the two glared each other down, but DiBiase’s biggest supporter, his former co-World Tag Team Champion, Cody Rhodes was the first to attack. DiBiase was bloodied with the top set of steel steps, whipped like an farm animal with a Orton’s leather belt, and left unconscious in the center of the ring after an RKO on a propped open steel chair, rendering the seat and DiBiase’s head virtually useless.

Between the vile and heinous assault on Mr. Money In The Bank and the June 28th Pay Per View, The Great American Bash, the mind games would begin. Orton for two weeks straight would hold RAW hostage, daring Ted DiBiase to cash in his title shot then and there while Randy Orton was ready for him. Finally, Ted DiBiase did make his return to RAW with his answer for his former mentor.

A New Man

"For the past year and a half... For the past year and a half, I've tried to make a name for myself in the WWE. When I came to this company, I was given my first title belt on a silver platter, thanks to my last name - DiBiase. Just like my father used to say, everybody has a price. Cody, he wanted to forge a name for himself that wasn't just based on his fathers success. That was his price, and I helped to make sure he got paid in full. We won the World Tag Team Championship together. Hell, we were on top of the world, man, on top of the world!"

DiBiase looks down at the mat for a moment before looking back up, no longer grinning at his memories, instead looking ashamed of himself, his eyes still looking down, away from the crowd.

"And then along came Randy Orton. You see, me and Cody... We were good, but we wanted more. Like the spoiled brats we were when we were younger, we wanted the world. And even though we knew - We knew! That one day, Randy would kick us to the curb, we aligned ourselves with him... Why? So that we could get further. Further than our parents name's could ever take us, further than we ever could have dreamed off getting alone. Of course, at the time we didn't realize that'd we'd become little more than Randy's lackeys. His faithful back up. Randy said jump, and we said how high... But that all changed, at WrestleMania 25. The night I reached up, further than anyone ever thought I would, further than anyone would've dreamed I could've, and I pulled down this Money in the Bank Briefcase! That's when my destiny, became my own. That night, I walked to the back, into my locker room, where my father was waiting for me. And he said to me, he said "Congratulations kid! You did it! But son, what you've got there... It's more than just a briefcase. It's more than just a WWE Championship match. It's a chance. A chance to decide, what kind of man you're going to be." I guess I didn't really understand what he meant by that at the time."

Teddy looks up, grinning his Million Dollar grin out into the crowd, looking into the faces of the people in the audience.

"I don't think I really understood, until the night that Randy Orton tried to kick my head, square off. Now, Randy's punted me in the head before, but at the time I thought I knew why he did what he did. He was trying to teach me a little respect. And I accepted that, I'll be the first to admit that I still had a lot to learn back then. But last week, Randy, that was different. You didn't try to give me The Punt because I was out of line. No, you did it, because you're afraid of me Randy! You're afraid of me and what I might accomplish some day! What I will accomplish! Ever since I won Money in the Bank, you've been riding me tougher than ever before. "Tough Love" you called it. Leaving me to fend for myself, so that I could "Toughen Up". Hell, you've even got Cody brainwashed into thinking that it was the right thing to do! But you weren't interested in helping me, you were never interested in helping either of us. You just wanted to prolong the inevitable. You wanted to make sure that when I finally cashed in my championship shot, I'd be weak. Easy pickings."

DiBiase, visibly angry now, starts shaking his head as if to say "No.", before finally looking back into the camera with a smile on his face.

"But that's not how it's going to work. Now that I know what you were up to, I've realized more than ever just how afraid of me you are. You're terrified that I'm going to cash in when you're at you're weakest. Maybe after a big match? Heck, maybe when you're in the middle of a match? Maybe I'll even cash it in, when you're at home sleeping. Hell, I don't see why not! No one ever said the match had to be in the ring! I even checked out the contract, as far as I can see, I could cash it in, in a Falls Count Anywhere match! How would you like that Randy? You go to sleep one night in your hotel room, a Champion... and when you wake up, you're back to being a complete, nobody! So here's how it's going to play out. You're right in thinking that you're not going to know when I cash it in. And I want you to think about that, think about everything I just said. I could strike anywhere, anytime. You're not going to know when or where, and that's a fact that's going to eat you up inside. Randy Orton, you'll spend the new few months of your life in constant fear of losing that WWE Championship. Because you know what, Randy? I'm sick and tired of your mind games! So now, I'm going to play a few of my own."

DiBiase turns to leave before turning back and facing the camera once more, this time to deliver the final part of his message.

"The tables have turned, Randy. You used to live your life striking at just the opportune moment, hunting your "Prey" and waiting until it was at its most vulnerable. Well Randy, The Hunter, just became, The Hunted!"

Know Your Enemy

The mind games had been launched. What Randy Orton hadn’t prepared for was everyone on the roster not named Ted DiBiase. Choosing to bide his time with his title match, Ted DiBiase found himself some former foes turned allies in the likes of the returning Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Triple H couldn’t stay for long however, as after only a few matches back on RAW he had his arm targeted by the remaining members of Legacy, which put him officially back on the shelf. Triple H continued to show up every few weeks on RAW to remind Orton that he wasn’t dead yet, and to encourage Ted DiBiase to complete his cerebral assassination, driving Orton’s slowly off the deep end. Shawn Michaels was granted a WWE Championship Match for The Great American Bash to Orton’s dismay, as he became overly paranoid that DiBiase would go back on his previous word and cash in his title match as soon as Orton was at his worst. Come the Pay Per View, Ted DiBiase went toe-to-toe with his former partner Cody Rhodes and defeated him soundly, whereas Orton cowardly got himself disqualified against Shawn Michaels and retains his title.

Ted DiBiase continued to show he was in Randy Orton’s head, accepting his occasional sneak attack beatdown for the entertainment of Orton’s petrified looks when DiBiase’s music would cue in the middle of a match Orton was performing poorly in. DiBiase also cost Orton quite a few matches leading into the July 26 Pay Per View, Night Of Champions, finding great pleasure in coming to watch Orton’s matches at ringside and flaunting his briefcase. Orton met with Shawn Michaels in another title defense at Night Of Champions on July 26th and scored the win with a hook of the tights. As soon as the match came to an end, Ted DiBiase, who had lost to champion, Cody Rhodes in a United States Title defense via DQ used the same briefcase that he had used to bludgeon Rhodes to bludgeon Randy Orton. The next night on RAW, Ted DiBiase declared the time had come.

Cashing In

“When Vickie Guerrero agreed to give me time to speak tonight, I had a laundry list of things to say. I could stand here, I could talk all night about how much potential I have. About what I'm going to accomplish in my career. But I'm not going to do that. It's not necessary."

DiBiase slowly makes his way across the ring, back and forth. Dressed in a Legacy shirt and a pair of jeans, DiBiase seems more comfortable than ever inside the squared circle.

"In May of last year, I made my WWE debut. And when I arrived I made it known that just like my father, I was going to become a champion. And I did. In my very first match, I became World Tag Team champion. But I have to be honest with you, being a tag team champion is not what I had in mind on the night of my debut."

The crowd begin to stir as they seem to realize where all of this is going.

"Randy Orton took Cody and I under his wing. He told us he wanted to give us the guidance that Ric Flair and Triple H gave him in Evolution. But just like Randy did in Evolution, I began to outshine my superior. And Orton knew this. He didn't become WWE Champion by coincidence. He's at the top of his game and I'm not going to deny that. But where one man may have reached his peak, another is now on the rise. For the past few weeks, you've challenged me to use my title shot, attempting to play some type of mind games with me, but it hasn't worked, Randy. I still have you right here, in the palm of my hand. You see, with this briefcase, I can take away what means the most in the world to you, in a matter of seconds. And that terrifies you."

He walks over to a corner of the ring and props one foot up on a turnbuckle, looking out to the crowd.

"Being a part of Legacy was more than just being a second or third generation star. Being in Legacy was about elevating yourself above everyone else, not because of your birthright, but because of desire! A desire to want more than the average for yourself! A desire to beat the best and become the greatest!"

"I asked Vickie Guerrero for this time tonight, because of several things I wanted to get off my chest. But I'm just going to let the main one be known: Randy Orton, at SummerSlam, I'm cashing in my Money in the Bank title shot, against you!" The crowd erupts as the match they've waited to see will now come into fruition.

"I'm going to walk in that arena as your understudy, but I'm going to be walking out as your new WWE champion. You should have punted my head when you had the chance, Randy, because I'm not willing to let myself be in such a vulnerable position again."

“I hear voices in my head…” Apparently the WWE Champion has heard enough. Randy walks out from the back, with Cody Rhodes at his side, and the WWE title draped across his shoulder. Cody goes to walk to the ring, but Randy stops him at the entrance way.

“So you finally did it, huh? You finally worked up the guts to challenge me? I knew this day was coming, Ted. Cody knew it was coming. The night after WrestleMania, while you were carrying around that briefcase, I saw you staring at my title. My WWE title. I said right away, “Ted’s going to think he’s ready. He is going to think just because he has a title shot, he’s going to think he’s prepared to carry a whole company on his shoulders.” But you aren’t, Ted. I’ve told you this for months. I’ve even told you to cash the title in, just to get it out of the way so you would quickly find out you aren’t in the league of WWE Champions, and you’d come back down from the cloud you’ve been floating on since WrestleMania. But you wouldn’t. You said you wanted to hold onto it, keep preparing yourself and when the time was right, you’d use the shot and win the title. But I think you’re overestimating yourself, Ted. You sure you don’t want to just wait until after I’m in a long grueling match against someone like Batista?” The crowd cheer.

“Or John Cena?” The crowd roar for Row’s fan favorite.

“Or Triple H?” The roof almost comes off at the mention of the injured superstar.

“No? You really think you’re ready to go one-on-one with a Legend killer, Ted? You better think long and hard before you sign your name on that contract. Because unlike last time, I won’t hesitate to kick your head into the nosebleeds.”

Ted decides to put Randy’s questions to bed. “Randy, you won’t be able to talk your way out of this. You see---“ DiBiase opens the briefcase and pulls out the contract. He points to it, showing his signature at the bottom of the page. “I’ve already signed my name. So why don’t you come down here and sign yours?”

Cody and Randy talk between each other for a few seconds before Randy turns and starts toward the ring, Cody right behind him. Once they reach the ring, Randy slowly walks up the stairs, as Cody slides in quickly, attempting to blindside DiBiase. But Ted expects it and connects with a homerun swing, smashing the briefcase into Cody’s skull! DiBiase turns around, prepared to hit Randy, but Orton heads back up the ramp, not wanting any of Ted tonight.

As Randy backtracks up the ramp, Ted puts the contract back in the briefcase. Once Orton gets to the top of the stage, he holds the WWE title up for Ted to see. In a return gesture, DiBiase hoists the Money in the Bank briefcase up, not taking his eyes off of Randy’s.

SummerSlam

And here we are at the summit of the mountain, no longer looking back down, but looking ahead into the cloudy distance. Through blood, sweat, tears, fear, glory, triumph and loss, August 23, 2009, Ted DiBiase goes into SummerSlam to etch his name in history. There’s to be no retreat and no outside interference, as barred by Vickie Guerrero. Only one man can walk out champion, and walk out with his head and title held high he shall.

Orton’s Last Words

Josh Matthews: "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm Josh Matthews and with me at this time is none other than the WWE Champion, Randy Orton. Randy, with all of the history between yourself and Ted DiBiase, how are you feeling going into this match?

Randy Orton: "How do I feel, Josh? I feel absolutely terrible. I've felt terrible, since this entire thing started. You see, in the beginning, Legacy was about one thing, and one thing only: Helping Teddy and Cody to realize their true potential in the WWE. And that is exactly what I tried to do for those two. I'm already a multiple time World and WWE Champion, I've already accomplished more in my young career than most do in a life time, I didn't need The Legacy. I'd already built one, with my own two hands. But Ted DiBiase, he didn't see it that way. He thought that I was only out for myself, that I was just using him and Cody. But Teddy... It was never like that. The truth is, I didn't need either of you, but I did want to help you."

"One day, I looked at the state of the locker room... and I thought to myself, is this it? Is this all that's going to be left behind, when men like myself are gone? A couple of nobodies, masquerading as somebodies. So I decided, just like Triple H pretended to do all those years ago, I'd take two of the brightest and... take them under my wing. I raised the two of you from the ground up, you were, you were like my children. We were like family, Teddy. But I guess in every family, there's always one... a black sheep, if you will. I helped to raise you, to mold you into the man that you wanted to become, but you never accepted me Ted. Just like every unruly child that came before you, just like the spawn of every other wealthy family, you became spoiled. I gave you everything you ever wanted, but you always wanted more. You had the World Tag Team Titles, but that wasn't enough! So I got you a US Championship shot, and that still wasn't enough! So finally, you... you turned on me, Teddy. And I'm not quite the blind man that you thought I was, I knew the day would come. That's why I was so hard on you, Ted. I wanted to help you become a better man than this, this... disgrace that I see before me today. I pushed you as hard as I could, I tried to teach you that not everything comes easy... And what did you do? You bitched, and you moaned, and you cried until finally, I'd had enough!"

"And for that, I'm sorry Teddy. I am. I gave up on you. That's something that no father should ever do to his child... but by the time I tried to apologize, to make up for what I had done... It was too late. You were too far gone. Your delusions of grandeur had gotten the better off you. Don't you see, Ted, how much this obsession with getting "even" with me has destroyed your life? A year ago, you had everything. You had title gold, you had friends, and most of all... you had a family, that cared about you. But that's all changed now. The thing's you've done Teddy, the way you've treated your brother... You put Cody, in the hospital Ted! Your own brother is fighting for his life, because of your selfish actions! Well no more, Teddy. No more. I intend to put a stop to it tonight. Tonight, when I get into that ring, I'm going to tear you limb from limb. I'm going to make sure that you feel that repercussions of your actions, and that you feel them for a long, damn, time. And after tonight, you'll show me the respect that I deserve, son. When you lay bloody in the middle of the ring, a broken man... You'll beg me for another chance Teddy. I'll make you beg, son. I'll make you beg."

The Match

SummerSlam

August 23, 2009

Staples Center: Los Angeles, CA

WWE Championship: Randy Orton © vs. Ted DiBiase

The music dies out, both men have been presented the WWE Championship by the referee officiating the match, and the bell has sounded. WWE Champion, “The Viper”, “The Legend Killer”, Randy Orton and his most successful student of the game, “Simply Priceless” Ted DiBiase begin circling the ring, locking eyes, knowing a gaze broken would be the first psych out of the match. DiBiase began rhythmically clapping his hands, drawing the crowd into participating but Orton refused to be distracted. Both men met in the center with a rough collar-elbow tie-up, jockeying for position in the ring as they powered each other all around the perimeter, ending with DiBiase in control with a swift Arm Wrench. DiBiase wrenched the arm just as swift as the first time but with enough momentum to flip Orton clean off of his feet. DiBiase held onto his Arm Wrench as Orton lay on the mat, but to rub salt in the wounds, DiBiase inserted a wristlock to the mix, sending Orton into a fit of pain for the crowd’s enjoyment. Orton scuttled over to the ropes with his free hand and feet, hooking his good arm around the bottom rope to draw the referee over and force DiBiase to break his hold, but the point had already been made at the champion’s expense. An intermission in the action occurs as both men psychologically prep themselves and circle the ring again, meeting up familiarly in the center with a collar elbow tie-up but this time it’s Randy Orton in control with a Side Headlock. Orton squeezes his arms around DiBiase head like a vice, his own arm veins bulging in tension. DiBiase manages to wriggle free enough to slip his head out and counter with a Hammerlock, focusing right back on Orton’s arm, but choosing mind games over limb targeting, DiBiase floats into a Side Headlock of his own. Orton immediately shoots DiBiase off the ropes but his own strength causes DiBiase to hit the ropes harder than anticipated, leading to a big collision Shoulder Block flooring Orton! DiBiase runs over to the corner, hopping up on the second turnbuckle and stealing Orton’s presentation pose to a big applause.

Randy Orton paces around the ring, his hand on his hips and a scowl on his face. Orton challenges Ted DiBiase to a test of strength, but as soon as Orton’s got hold of one hand he drives the wind out of DiBiase’s sails via a boot to the gut. Orton gives Ted DiBiase a test of his own medicine with an Arm Wrench, but the challenger showcases his agility, tumbling on the mat back up to his feet and reeling Orton in by the arm to another Side Headlock. Orton delivers some body shots to his opponent, softening him up then shoots him off the ropes again, this time dropping to the mat and allowing DiBiase to hop over him. Orton leaps to his feet and Leapfrogs over DiBiase, allowing him to bounce off the ropes again, but BAM! Down goes Orton with a stiff Shoulder Block! DiBiase goes to pull Orton up but is rocked with a closed right hand to the face, sending him staggering off. Orton rises on his own volition and punishes DiBiase with one thundering blow after another in the corner. The referee backs Orton up but he takes one last cheap shot before pulling DiBiase out of the corner. Orton whips DiBiase off the ropes and goes for a Hip Toss but DiBiase blocks it. DiBiase flips Orton onto his ass with a Fireman’s Carry, rolls forward himself and boots his old mentor in the face! DiBiase tries for a pin but only gets a one and a half. DiBiase and Orton rise with DiBiase now backing Orton up with a flurry of right hands. The challenger backs up and goes for a Clothesline to the outside but Orton side-steps him and throws him by the head over the top, oblivious to DiBiase’s safe landing on the apron. Orton eventually turns, taking a Shoulder Thrust to the ribs, then gets dragged by the head halfway through the ropes where he’s caught on the button with a Million Dollar Knee Lift, an ode to DiBiase’s great father. Orton, so rattled by the blow, slinks through the ropes and tumbles to the concrete floor, allowing DiBiase to nonchalantly step back into the ring to claim it as his own.

Ted DiBiase isn’t about to let his title shot go out the window via countout and exits the ring, stalking Randy Orton like a Predator as he pulls himself up by the ring post. As DiBiase comes close enough, “The Viper” strikes, grabbing DiBiase by the head and crashing it into the post. Orton follows up by running the groggy challenger back-first into the guard rail before rolling him back inside. Once inside, Orton jerks DiBiase by his head back over the ring apron to batter with elbows and forearms to the collarbone and neck. Orton slides back inside with the advantage and puts the tough DiBiase back on the mat with a Snapmare, following it up with a Neck Twist submission. DiBiase tries to go the way his head is being twisted, rolling with his stomach toward the mat but Orton breaks his hold to deliver a stomp to the back, clearing the fight out of the challenger. Orton now sits on Orton’s back, twisting his neck in a Camel Clutch fashion DiBiase’s feet flailing against the mat begins to invigorate the crowd. DiBiase’s first strategy works this time as he flips back over onto his back and hooks his ankles under Orton’s arms, rolling him into a Sunset Flip for a very close two count! Both men to their feet upon the break and Orton backs DiBiase into the ropes with some straight right hands to the face. Orton whips DiBiase across the ring but the Clothesline is ducked. Orton goes for a Knee Lift to the gut but “Simply Priceless” has it scouted, evading the knee and rolling Orton up with a Schoolboy for another nearfall! Both men up and with DiBiase getting his second wind, he drives Orton into the corner with chops to the chest and haymakers to the face. DiBiase whips Orton into the opposing corner and charges full speed, leaping into the air for an Avalanche Splash but eats turnbuckle on the way down. DiBiase staggers backward right into a devastating Inverted Headlock Backbreaker! Orton hooks the leg but only gets a two count.

Orton slinks out onto the ring apron, slithering across it and staying behind DiBiase at all times as he pulls himself up, leaving the challenger clueless to his location. As DiBiase makes it to his feet, he’s hung out backwards over the top rope, putting him right back on the mat. Orton slides back in, now looking like he’s having a good time and drives the sole of his boot into DiBiase’s right arm, then right rib, right thigh, right ankle, left ankle, left thigh, left rib, left arm and then a sickening Knee Drop across the clavicle, weakening it for a future RKO. Orton yells some disparaging words into DiBiase’s face about never being at his level, then blatantly chokes him in front of the referee until given his four count. Randy Orton paces around the ring, reveling in the moment to the chorus of boos that fill the arena. Orton watches as Ted DiBiase tries to pull himself up with the ropes and continues his assault, fishing DiBiase over the middle rope, then arched backwards over the top rope, leaving him vulnerable for multiple forearm shots to the clavicle again. As Orton releases DiBiase and is backed up by the referee, the now-underdog challenger rolls out onto the ring apron to catch his breath. Orton knows full and well what to do now. “The Viper” picks DiBiase up and drags him by the head through the ropes, leaving him dangling for the Elevated DDT, but DiBiase pulls his feet down to the mat, trips Orton and flips over for a Jackknife Pin, getting a two count out of nowhere! Both men quickly shoot up to their feet, but Orton’s hot headed and drops his enemy with a Clothesline. Orton mounts and starts pummeling DiBiase’s head into the mat until he feels satisfied with the beating. Orton drags DiBiase up and plants him with a Scoop Slam, then unusual for “The Legend Killer”, ascends to the top rope. Orton slaps his elbow a few times letting the fans know he’s going to break his student’s neck, but as he takes flight he lands jaw-first across DiBiase’s raised boot!

Both men start to pull themselves up, exchanging punches from their knees but the tired and agonized Ted DiBiase has a fire lit under him tonight and starts out-brawling his opponent. Both men to their feet and DiBiase backs Orton into the corner with his blows. DiBiase attempts a whip to the opposing corner but Orton reverses and follows after. DiBiase stops himself with a boot on the second turnbuckle and catches Orton with a Back Elbow, sending him staggering off. DiBiase ascends to the top rope quickly and leaps off, twisting in mid-air for a Crossbody! DiBiase hooks the leg but only gets a two count! The crowd is on their feet feeling an end at any moment! DiBiase floats behind Orton as he pulls himself up and locks him in the Million Dollar Dream! Orton runs backwards, sandwiching DiBiase into the corner, then pulls him up onto the second turnbuckle. Orton pulls himself up onto the second turnbuckle as well, enclosing his opponent’s head for a Super RKO but DiBiase wriggles free and locks in the Million Dollar Dream again, this time with Orton in a panic, falling to his tippy-toes in a lynching manner! Orton flails about with his feet and good arm but manages to grab hold of DiBiase by the scruff of his neck and hurl him to the center of the ring! Orton begins slithering around on the mat now, ready to strike with his RKO but when DiBiase makes it to his feet, he shoves Orton off. Orton bounces chest-first off of the ropes, right back into a Dream Street! DiBiase hooks the leg! One! Two! No! Orton somehow kicks out! DiBiase didn’t have the leg hooked! A rookie mistake! DiBiase argues with the referee on the call, then goes back to pull Orton up, only to get a rake to the eye. Orton charges with everything in him for a Clothesline, but it’s ducked and he’s locked in the Million Dollar Dream one more time! Orton doesn’t have anything left in the tank and he falls to his knees, reaching desperately for the ropes that are a line on the horizon!

ORTON TAPS! ORTON TAPS OUT! WE HAVE A NEW WWE CHAMPION!

Winner: Ted DiBiase to win the WWE Championship in 23:30

================================================================================

Judges may post their votes here, and as always, a wee bit of explanation will come in handy. Voting "neither" is not an option. Judging will end on Wednesday. Those who do not get votes in will be replaced. Good luck to the competitors.

Edited May 23, 2009 by GangStarr

[Katsuya]

Well, I'm going to give my vote to Entry #2. While Entry #1 certainly goes down a more interesting and creative route by using Shelton as the MITB winner, it doesn't really seem very...momentous, I suppose is the word I'm looking for. If you look at all the previous MITB cash-ins, then they've all been big moments...and this one just seems to fall flat. There were some technical points I wasn't very happy with, either: Shelton coming out to cut a promo that ends a PPV by hyping up a match for the next one is just something that seems totally unrealistic and wouldn't be a good move if it happened in real-life. It would leave sour taste in the mouths of everyone who shelled out money for this PPV to be almost taunted by the fact that the big match they want to see happen isn't actually coming. Then, there's the idea that Orton would cut a promo in the ring before the match with Shelton - first of all, that's not how the rules state it should be, but that's a minor point. But again, it's something that wouldn't happen on a Pay Per View, or at least just before the night's main event. While there was nothing really wrong with either promo, it was the settings that let them down. A good match, but again...it just didn't feel very special. Yes, Orton has been attacking Shelton, but at the same time, Shelton's alignment seems rather...odd, I suppose is the word. Is he a tweener, or a face in the matches with Punk? Also, why is Shelton suddenly on RAW? I presumed it was the Draft, but there's no mention of it whatsoever, so I don't really know what to say. Oh, and just a little FYI, there have technically been three MITB 1-on-1 matches:

Edge vs. Matt Hardy @ RAW Homecoming

Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Van Dam @ Backlash 2006

Edge vs. Mr. Kennedy @ RAW before Edge cashed in on Taker (albeit this was less of a match than a quick way to get the case away from Kennedy).

As for Entry #2, it just...seemed more special. I know I've used this idea a lot in this judging, but I think it is something that's fitting. While it's not overtly creative - the rumours of a DiBiase face push have been going around for a while now - and I'm not a huge fan of the idea of DiBiase falling from the ladder and handily taking the briefcase down with him, it still seems to strike a chord better than a Benjamin vs. Orton encounter. The promos were very strong too, and while I'm not a fan of the whole "hunter becomes hunted" line at the end of DiBiase's promo, that promo in particular seemed to make DiBiase stand out. The only thing I can say that really, really bugged me was that a lot of the "endings" in this entry seemed very rushed and fell flat. DiBiase falls with the briefcase in his hands / DiBiase turns to leave then finishes the promo / DiBiase locks in the Million Dollar Dream, then suddenly it's over in half a sentence. It just seemed to run out of steam in parts, but overall, this was the better entry. A good job all round, though.

[JStarr]

Entry #1:

--First off, I can't quite wrap my head around DiBiase getting carried out, then returning, not continuing to fight for the briefcase, but willingly putting himself at risk by rushing at a chair-toting CM Punk. Odd.

--The gold MITB case is quite swank, and if Shelton ever wins one, I sincerely hope WWE would use one like that.

--The Orton and Benjamin promos were pretty good, especially Orton. I was especially struck by the "virus" line. BUT...Katsuya's quite right about one thing in particular. It would be a colossal fuck-you to the paying public to have Shelton all but promise that he's going to come for Orton at the Bash and then say, "Fooled ya, how about Night of Champions?" Bait-and-switch from hell.

--Not too sure about Randy cutting a promo on Shelton right before the match. Earlier in the evening would be better but still not great...the main-event segment of the final TV show before the PPV would be best.

--When the hell does anyone call Lawler "Jerry"? For that matter, King usually calls Cole "Michael," unlike how Tazz usually called it. Might be quibbling, but it struck me.

--Compared to the care put into the promos, the match seems a bit cobbled together. The rules asked for a "complete" match, and while I don't need to hear about every wristlock and sleeper, jumping from 10 minutes in to 17 minutes in to...whenever the finish took place is sort of a slapdash effort. The entry was on a decent roll, but the match let it down just a bit.

Entry #2:

--I have to say that I enjoy the tension-laden storyline of DiBiase being Orton's potential #1 contender. Lots of ways to go with it, and playing into Orton's paranoia would make for some fun TV. There's much more of a hook to it than Shelton just being baited by Legacy.

--The Overview here may have been the best-written segment of either of these entries. I can almost hear the opening lines of it being spoken by John Facenda, the NFL Films "frozen tundra of Lambeau Field" guy.

--DiBiase's promo was the kind of moment where if Ted could muster any convincing passion, it'd make him a main-event guy overnight. He owns up to being misled and having his priorities wrong, and makes the promise that he'll make Orton's life hell. All good.

--The confrontation between the two was good...except why the hell would Ted be wearing a Legacy shirt? He didn't tear it off or cut it up or burn it or anything symbolic, it just reads like he spilled something on the shirt he was going to wear and had to borrow a Legacy shirt to have something to wear. Seems like a misstep there, and if it was intentional, there should have been something done with it.

--The match actually looked like it had some time and care put into it. Hold-by-hold, but still engaging, it glossed over repetitive exchanges without throwing out entire ten-minute blocks of time.

This one's not even close. Entry #2 gets my vote, because it looks like the team used their time very productively over the course of three weeks. Entry #1 looked like it was cobbled together in about 36 hours, especially the match.

Thanks to both teams for putting in the work, though.

[Mongrel]

Entry One

- I have reservations with Punk and DiBiase missing out on the bulk of the ladder match - namely Punk who is one of the major highlights of the match. Despite that, the ending seemed perfect and I can imagine Benjamin leaping up the ladder with Regal being the cocky bastard and looking around. The loss of Punk for the bulk of an advertised match is, however, disappointing.

- I did like the realism of his subtle face turn, though, considering how the WWE has treated the turns of Santino, Morrison and Ortiz as of late - they don't like full blown turns. The whole feud with Priceless and then Punk I liked the idea of, but the thing that really irked me was Orton's interference in their match at Judgment Day. I know I'm meant to suspend my belief here, but there was no real reason for Orton to interfere here so it just confused me. Also have to say I did not like the fact Benjamin returned before The Bash - two weeks for the Punt which has kept guys out for the best part of two months seems to undermine how effective it is. Plus, it could have added to the surprise at The Bash when Benjamin came down (if you were to go that route).

- Have to echo the thoughts of Kats and say that the promo at the end of a pay-per-view was a bad idea. Unless there's some sort of dark match after the show to send the crowd home happy, how pissed off would you be if you are in attendance? Even having him approach Orton backstage before the title match and scare him, only not to turn up later might be better. I just think you guys dug yourselves a hole here. That being said, the promo didn't really scream 'Benjamin' to me. I know the guy hasn't got a lot of personality at the best of times, but I just wasn't feeling it here (in comparison to the Orton promo).

- Orton's promo looked pretty spot on to me, though. I like the fact that he talked about the whole 'destiny' thing (I can only assume Benjamin plays this up in the weeks between The Bash and Night of Champions, because it was really only a fleeting reference the month before) and it talks up the history of the MITB title. However, the one thing I didn't like is the reference to SmackDown! as the 'B' show. Not only does it devalue the title, but it kind of devalues the whole brand to explicitly refer to it as such on air. Even if they have done it in real life (I'm not one hundred per cent they have), I hate the idea of it.

- I dunno. I would've liked to see a 'cleaner' finish to this match. For a feud which was built on Benjamin doing it the honourable way (right back to Punk, not cashing it in at The Bash, etc.) it just seemed like an absolute flash finish where he got lucky. I think there probably needed to be a near fall after hitting Orton with the Paydirt or something before taking it cleaner later. This way it just looks like Orton was too much of a prick to win it when he could. Despite that, the match was well written and the commentary was spot on.

Entry Two

- The Money in the Bank match was pretty damn awesome I must say. The spots were believable and well-described, and I definately enjoyed the cheap dig at Michael Cole. Wow, I didn't actually see DiBiase being the choice here and I've got to say outright that I have my reservations about this (seems like a pretty massive let down for a faceless heel to win the MITB match). I'll see how we go, though.

- The recap was very well done. I'm happy you went the route they did in real life, and I especially like that DiBiase begins to put seeds of doubt in Orton's mind by going over what the likes of Punk and Edge have done in the past. Again, I struggle to see DiBiase actually getting the crowd involved with this because he's just had a month essentially as a lackey, but it is a start. I also like the quickly escalating tensions between Orton and DiBiase.

- However, I really wanted some more coverage on the Cena-DiBiase thing which seemed sort of glossed over. It is probably what is needed for DiBiase to be elevated to world title territory, but it just seemed pretty rushed without any sentence explaining that Cena and DiBiase came to blows over such and such. The pepper spray to the eyes of the company's number one face doesn't exactly plant the seeds for a turn, but it is probably the right result to not have Cena lose quickly to a guy who isn't an established star.

- OK... Rhodes saves DiBiase from a beatdown and then does it the next week? It does seem a very 'Raw' thing to do, but I'm not sure I like it. That being said, it does give the crowd a reason to care about DiBiase with him standing up to Orton and getting the shit kicked through him.

- Yeah, flawless promo there. Love every bit of Ted tying everything that has happened over the past year together - his old man, the punt, the formation of Legacy. All worked perfectly and is an awesome build for when he does eventually cash it in. Kudos to whoever wrote this.

- This is what I really needed to 'buy' DiBiase as a champion I guess with HHH and HBK coming to side with him. I can imagine Hunter being the one to try to pump DiBiase up only to turn on him months down the track. Second promo not quite as good as the first IMO and came off a little bit heelish at times, but it does the job well enough. I can imagine him gaining a bunch of confidence from fucking with Orton over the months so I don't mind this.

- SummerSlam: Both teams have done Orton very well (har har) I think, and this promo was another good one. The match was also pretty awesome stuff I must say. I don't like reading long matches and must admit I skimmed it because I have the concentration span of a small duck, but all the spots worked for me and it was the perfect way to give DiBiase the title. Orton tapping to the Million Dollar Dream surprised me (I don't think you built it up throughout the piece, but I could be wrong), but was probably the right ending and a nice throwback to DiBiase Sr.

The Result

Look, I know I seem over critical of both of the entries here but I really think both guys did a good job. It just seemed to me that entry two was a more complete entry - and that is with me being totally skeptical of an ability to build a lackey up to a main event threat in just six months. Both entries had their limitations, but I think entry two did a better job of overcoming their limitations. I subscribe to the opinion that a good recapped match is a better read than a good move-by-move, but the matches in entry one were lacking for mine and did, as Starr said, seem to gloss over massive periods of each match. Entry 2 however had awesome promos and good matches.

Both commendable efforts, but I'll also pretty comfortably give it to Entry 2.

[DMN in the House]

I assume I've been added as a judge, Starr, based on your post in the vault. Sorry I didn't get in here sooner.

Entry 2, and quite easily. Both were adequately written, but Entry 1 contained a number of 'huh' moments, mostly in the promos, which didn't sound like Benjamin or Orton at all. Now, evidently, Orton is difficult to write, because he didn't sound right to me, but Shelton Benjamin must have taking acting and public speaking classes, because he sounded nothing like he does now.

Entry 1 had some nice intrigue between Punk and Benjamin, but Entry 2 blew that away with the way The Legacy fell apart, a much better angle, and it seemed like more thought was put into it. Instead of feeling like 'hey, we need to give Shelton something to do', it felt like a planned out, solid angle that built towards the end. Entry 1 felt like, 'well, they'll have awesome matches', while you got the idea that the Legacy storyline needed to happen to get to where it did.

[Nerf]

Numero Uno:

The recap at the start of the match was a little jumbled. I had to re-read some parts of it twice in order to get a good grasp on just what the fuck was going on beforehand. I'd have liked some kind of backstory as to how each participant came about into the match, or is that asking too much? I don't much see the point in having Randy Orton randomly appear for nought but a few moments. Also, how the fuck does one Suplex another from a ladder and still remain on it? That said, Shelton Benjamin is an awesome winner, and the golden briefcase was a nice touch. You seem to revert from present tense to past tense quite a bit, which I myself am guilty of, but it's still an issue. I like how you're portraying Orton against Benjamin, and punting him while he's down is an awesome heel tactic. The writing feels a bit off in places, as though you're writing just for the sake of writing. It doesn't help the flow of the piece at all. I gotta say, that Orton promo was all kinds of good. I thoroughly enjoyed that and heard every word in my head (oh, the irony).The match was okay, though it felt a little short, and the ending was questionable. I would have liked to see Benjamin lose, actually. It just all felt too 'fairly tale' for my liking, but perhaps that's realistic booking. Well done for getting it all in on time, anyway.

Numero Dos:

I loved starting with a line of commentary after a high spot. It's an excellent way of throwing you RIGHT into the mix. Wait, if they're in the ring, how did Mark Henry whip Kane into the ring steps? I loved the 'VINTAGE' aside from Cole, nice touch. I really like the fact that you're running with what happened at WrestleMania (other than the Money In The Bank, obviously) in real life. I've always loved the idea of working with the cards you've been dealt, and you've done that willingly which earns you some extra points in my book. The writing here just seems to flow much better than the first entry, and there are some really nice snippets of text that work well at setting the atmosphere, particularly in the 'Overview' section. Holy fuckdamn, that Ted DiBiase promo was all kinds of awesome. Like, seriously. You gave his character some dimension in the most PERFECT way. Seriously, that was awesome. I've not really got much else to say, because I find it a lot harder to talk about what you did right than what you did wrong. There wasn't really anything 'wrong.' Oh, you typed "Row" instead of "Raw." That's it? Yeah, my vote goes for Entry #2.

Edited May 28, 2009 by Nerf

[JStarr]

And so it goes. A 5-0 sweep and the victory to the team of Inner D Monz, TKz, and Meacon.

The vanquished entry belonged to En Dub, whose teammates, Bigal and TheTruth, apparently contributed nothing.

Thanks to En Dub for actually doing all the work himself and getting something in, rather than just having his team lay down like so many others did. As a reward, En Dub will be allowed to go into the Rules of Engagement thread and select the two sets of rules that will be used for the semifinal matchups. PM them to me by Sunday, or this award is null and void.

Edited May 28, 2009 by GangStarr

[DMN in the House]

Definately would be hard for someone like En Dub, who's not a bad writer, but needs more work (remember, the first million words are practice!) to beat a team with IDM and TKz. I haven't read a lot of Meacon, so thats not a slight on him.

[Nerf]

Honestly, I'm in a way suprised that the second entry was written by InnerDMonz and TKz. They're both obviously good writers, but that entry fucking blew me away. Way above what I'd have expected from those two.

[En Dub]

Regardless of the sweep, I'm still slightly proud of my entry just because I got one in. Starr specifically said that it looked like it was cobbled together in about 36 hours? It was honestly like....one and a half. I just didn't feel it would be fair to have a team actually get the entry done and have NOTHING to put up against it. Turns out I'm really proud of that decision because it turned out to be the only first round match. Also, I didn't want to get put on the blacklist was there to be one.

Then I saw the second entry and thought silently to myself "Well....shit."

Starr, thank you for acknowledging the effort and for the prize. I'll PM you as soon as I decide and congratulations to the other team, it really was better written. I wish you luck in the semi finals

[TKz]

I have to commend En Dub for his work, really a great showing for something that you did mostly/all by yourself. On behalf of myself, IDM and Meacon, we all look forward to the second round.

If anyone's curious about who wrote what, IDM did the overview and the awesome Summerslam match, I did the "A New Man" promo for Teddy and the Randy Orton interview, and Meacon did the brilliant MitB ending and the cashing in promo.

[Johnny23]

I am voting for Entry #2 it just seemed more realistic. I also see this actually happening with Dibiase.