King of Trios Tournament: Round 2, Match 2

[JStarr]

First, the rules:

With William Regal's suspension thanks to the wellness plan, let's see how you can do with re-doing the 2008 King of the Ring.

You must include:

1) A brief overview of the 4 opening round matches, and the two semi-final matches.

2) A promo from one participant in the finals.

3) The final match in its entirety.

4) The next week's coronation ceremony, where the ceremony is interrupted by somebody to kick off the next feud for the king.

Stipulations:

1) The following people cannot be involved in any way: William Regal, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Ken Kennedy, Finlay, Hornswoggle

2) You must include a former or current WWE or World champion in the tournament, but they cannot win.

3) Somebody who is outweighed by at least 100 pounds must win their first round match by pinfall or submission cleanly.

3a) Said person can't be Hornswoggle.

4) Each match must end in pinfall or submission, and only one of the prelims can have interference.

5) In the interview, the finalist must mention three former Kings of the Ring - your choice on how to include that.

6) At the coronation ceremony, the King will be given something special - and in usual fashion, when the ceremony is crashed, it will be destroyed or used as a weapon.

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Entry #1:

Okay, here's the first part, the Recap, as written by me. Hopefully, this still qualifies as "brief."

2008 KING OF THE RING OPENING ROUND

CARLITO (RAW) vs MATT HARDY (SD!)

The 2008 King of the Ring tournament kicks off on a special 3-hour RAW. The show starts with a barrage of pyro and the announcement of a big 8-man tag match, plus the three presidential candidates will address the WWE audience. Sort of.

The lovely Lilian Garcia is in the ring to make the introductions. Carlito’s music hits, and he saunters out with tag partner Santino Marella, tossing an apple back and forth. They scan a throne set off to the side of the stage with covetous eyes. After a bit of tomfoolery with them both macking on Lilian while the announce team speculate over Carlito’s opponent, Matt Hardy’s music hits and the crowd gets duly excited. Carlito tries to keep it cool, but Hardy works the RAW crowd well.

The bell rings, and Hardy and Carlito lock up. Hip toss by Carlito countered into a side headlock takeover from Hardy. Hardy takes Carlito to the corner and tries to bulldog him out, but Carlito reverses into a back suplex for two. High standing dropkick from Carlito gets another two.

MVP comes down the ramp toting the United States Title to a chorus of groans and jeers. The announce team remind us of the nearly year-long rivalry between MVP and Matt and Matt’s recent non-title victory over MVP over on SmackDown!, earning him a title shot this coming Sunday at Backlash. MVP paces ringside, intently watching the proceedings.

Matt gets whipped to the corner and dodges a charging clothesline to hit the Side Effect for nearly three. Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate, but MVP is up on the apron where the referee cannot see him. Matt Hardy hesitates just long enough for Carlito to counter into The Backcracker for the victory. Afterwards, MVP points at Hardy and slaps his U.S. Title while Carlito marches over to the throne. He sits, and Carlito starts to sit on his lap, but Carlito waves him off with a cry of “Hey! That’s not cool!”

WINNER: Carlito

We see a graphic of the KotR brackets with the remaining participants still a mystery.

2008 KING OF THE RING OPENING ROUND

KOFI KINGSTON (ECW) vs THE GREAT KHALI (SD!)

On the following night, ECW gets to host the tournament. Despite Matt Striker campaigning hard with Big Daddy V returning to the King Mabel gimmick, nobody should be all that surprised that the undefeated (in singles competition) Kofi Kingston will represent the brand. Once The Great Khali’s music hits, Kofi becomes decidedly less animated in the ring. It’s time to get serious. The announcers remind us that Kofi is outweighed by over two hundred pounds and that Khali’s own winning streak fell one day short of four months. Kofi’s looks likely to end right here.

Khali spends the early minutes of the match just throwing Kofi from pillar to post. There are a few hope spots, but the former World Heavyweight Champion is mostly unfazed by Kingston’s offense. Khali catches a crossbody attempt and shows off with a military press slam, but Kofi is able to drop out the back. Khali slowly turns right into the Trouble in Paradise jumping corkscrew roundhouse kick. Even the finisher is only able to stagger the big man, not drop him.

The giant stumbles back into the ropes and bounces off for a falling clothesline that levels Kingston. Khali pulls Kofi up in a two-handed grip and lifts him high for the Punjabi Plunge, but Kofi lashes out with his feet and pushes off Khali’s shoulders to dive into a sunset flip. Khali windmills his arms, trying desperately to keep his balance. Kofi rolls back and hooks Khali’s flailing arms with his legs to get him over, but only for two-and-a-half before Khali gets a massive shoulder up. Kofi hooks both baggy pants legs and flips forward, bridging and straining to get the shocking pinfall. The streak is still alive and “kicking.”

The Great Khali is not pleased. He grabs the referee with both hands and delivers a massive head butt that sends the smaller official tumbling out through the ropes. He pulls up Kofi and starts crushing his head until the music of The Big Show hits. The Big Show stomps down the ramp, causing Khali to cast Kingston aside. Show steps in over the top rope and stands nose-to-nose with his Backlash opponent. Officials quickly swarm the ring to attend to the fallen ref and prevent any further carnage as we go to commercial.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston

2008 KING OF THE RING OPENING ROUND

BATISTA (SD!) vs UMAGA (RAW)

SmackDown! hypes a rematch from WrestleMania XXIV. Batista will host “The Samoan Bulldozer” Umaga in The Battle for Brand Supremacy redux. The story here was Umaga working the surgically repaired triceps of Batista with vicious nerve holds that do more damage to the crowd’s attention span than to Batista’s muscled shoulder.

Batista battles back with some clubberin’ and hits the spinebuster, but Umaga rolls to the floor to avoid the pinfall. We get some hijinx on the outside until Umaga reverses a whip to send Batista shoulder-first into the steel ring post. The big Samoan keeps the advantage, breaking the double countout repeatedly just in time (which the announcers speculate would eliminate both from the tournament), and ramming Batista’s arm against the post, the steps, the barricade, and everything else within reach that won’t budge.

A short-arm clothesline on the floor eventually seems to seal the deal, and Umaga is content to sit in the corner against the turnbuckles while the referee counts Batista out. With the crowd rallying behind him, “The Animal” is able to claw his way back in just before the count of ten. Umaga uses the ropes to pull himself back to his feet and stomps out of the corner, but Batista is up in a three-point stance. The two mastodons meet in the center of the ring, but Batista gets the sack with a big time Spear.

He is unable to capitalize, however, as he rolls on the canvas clutching his shoulder. Umaga is eventually the first to his feet, in spite of the Spear, and lays in some bare foot stomps before dragging Batista up. Umaga cries out savagely, and lunges in for the Samoan Spike, but Batista dodges and hits a lashing boot to the gut to double him over. A difficult Gutwrench, Batista Bomb, and Umaga’s down for the three-count.

WINNER: Batista

Batista can’t even get his arm raised, the pain is so excruciating. We get the KotR brackets graphic, showing Carlito, Kofi, and Batista qualified for the Semis. The final Opening Round Match will be held on Monday Night RAW the night after Backlash, while Kofi will face Carlito on ECW and Batista will host the second semi-final match next week on SmackDown!, giving him a week to rest his arm and shoulder. The finals will then be held on the following RAW.

2008 KING OF THE RING OPENING ROUND

SHAWN MICHAELS (RAW) vs JOHN MORRISON (ECW)

It’s the top-of-the-hour, mid-show main event, and “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels is going to get his shot at being The King of the Ring, having won just about every other accolade the WWE has to offer. ECW’s John Morrison is the surprise final entrant, even though The Miz insisted all last week that it would surely be him.

Shawn takes the younger Morrison to school right out of the initial lock-up, using headlocks and takedowns to keep the high-flyer grounded. The announce team tell us wistfully that once upon a time, Shawn would have been the younger, faster competitor, and that much like Michael Jordan, he’s had to add to his arsenal over the years to stay at the top of his game.

Despite the adept counterwrestling, Morrison scores some kicks from surprising positions, earning a degree of respect from HBK and the commentators. Shawn counters a springboard crossbody with a sick dropkick to the ribs. They trade moonsaults, both for near falls. Shawn goes for the figure four, but Morrison has it scouted and almost gets three off a small package. Lawler thinks both men would be understandably scandalized by being associated with a “small package,” and makes an offhand reference to HBK’s Playgirl photo spread that J.R. is quick to ignore.

The STO backbreaker, Russian legsweep, neckbreaker slam combo gets two for Morrison. He draws heat by going to the corner and “warming up the band” for his own Superkick. Shawn gets up and wipes the hair from his eyes as Morrison stutter-steps in. HBK was playing possum, however, and catches the Superkick with a the knowing grin of a wily veteran.

Michaels sweeps the leg and turns into the figure four leg lock. Morrison guts it out for a good long while, trying unsuccessfully to roll and reverse the hold. He does eventually manage to inch his way to the ropes and a break as the crowd gives a mixed response of boos and respectful applause. Shawn keeps working the legs as Morrison tries to limp away and buy time.

A body slam puts Morrison in position for HBK to go up top. He cocks his elbow for a cheer and leaps, but Morrison rolls out of the way of the diving elbow drop. The referee begins counting both men down. A stereo kip-up gets an easy cheer, but Morrison’s leg buckles and he drops to one knee. Shawn shuffles in for the Sweet Chin Music and knocks him out for the three count.

WINNER: Shawn Michaels

No sooner is Michaels declared the winner and extending a hand to his fallen foe, than The Miz is sliding into the ring uninvited. He ambushes HBK from behind with a double axehandle and just starts laying angry boots into him. He motions for one-time rival/current tag partner Morrison to join in, but John shoves him aside.

Miz shoves back and demands to know what’s up, but Morrison just rolls out of the ring and limps to the back. While The Miz shouts threats and taunts, an angry HBK slowly gets up behind him for a pop. The Miz furrows his brow, then smiles, pointing to himself and mistakenly basking in the cheers. He turns and eats Sweet Chin Music that leaves him laying while “Sexy Boy” plays and HBK celebrates his victory.

2008 KING OF THE RING SEMI-FINAL ROUND

CARLITO (RAW) vs KOFI KINGSTON (ECW)

Carlito brings tag partner Santino Marella with him to ECW along with the rumor that he’s disgruntled with WWE management and on his way out the door. The main event match saw the two lock up and exchange arm bars as they jockey for position. Kofi Kingston eventually breaks an arm-wringer with a high standing dropkick, sending Carlito into the corner. Kofi rushes in, but Carlito sidesteps and he ends up eating turnbuckle.

Carlito then begins to methodically pick apart the Jamaican Sensation while taunting the crowd. An Irish whip sets up a knee lift that turns Kofi inside-out. Carlito keeps working the ribs with nasty kicks and short-arm knee strikes.

Kofi reverses a whip to the ropes. He telegraphs the backdrop, however, and Carlito staggers him with a big field goal kick to the face. Kofi falls back, deep into the ropes, and bounces off with momentum. Carlito catches Kofi with a hip toss, but Kofi lands nimbly on his feet. He blisters Carlito’s chest with the double backhand chop, then goes into “Controlled Frenzy” with snap kicks, culminating in a Russian legsweep and the running jumping high angle double leg drop. This gets a solid two count before Carlito kicks out.

Carlito counters a corner whip by hopping up onto the middle buckles. He leaps off, turning into a springboard crossbody, but Kofi slides under him to dodge. Carlito rolls through and to his feet. He charges for a Mafia kick, but Kofi ducks under that as well and stops on a dime. Carlito turns and gets nailed with Trouble in Paradise. Kofi hooks both legs deep but Santino pulls Carlito to the floor just before the count of three.

While the referee admonishes Santino, Carlito uses the distraction to regain his composure. Impatient and sensing victory just outside his reach, Kofi nudges past the referee and flies out of the ring in a suicide dive. Carlito pulls Santino into harm’s way, however, letting his partner eat it in his stead.

Carlito rolls into the ring and demands that Kofi be counted out. The referee reluctantly obliges, but Kofi is able to leap up onto the apron by the count of eight. Behind the referee’s back, Carlito fishes an international object out of his boot. Kofi slingshots himself into the ring and engages, only to eat a fist full of brass knucks. Carlito quickly covers and tosses the weapon surreptitiously to ringside.

A groggy Santino treats it like a hot potato and throws it back into the ring, where it lands at the referee’s feet. Carlito demands the three count, but the ref wants an explanation. Carlito plays dumb, Santino plays dumber, and the referee demands answers. Suddenly, Kofi pulls Carlito back in a schoolboy roll-up. The referee slides into position and counts the three.

Carlito can hardly believe it as the winner is announced. He grabs the microphone and shouts “That’s just ridiculous. Forget it. I quit!” He spikes the mic and storms off, leaving Santino pleading for his return and Kofi Kingston’s winning streak intact.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston

2008 KING OF THE RING SEMI-FINAL ROUND

SHAWN MICHAELS (RAW) vs BATISTA (SD!)

“The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels gets the full-on entrance, bedazzled chaps and all, but Batista’s machine gun pyro and charge up the steps is what riles the crowd up. The two popular superstars stand in the center of the ring smirking, unwilling to be intimidated but aware of the importance of this SmackDown! main event.

The story all week long has been Batista rehabbing his arm, trying to avoid yet another sidelining injury. We’ve been treated to interviews and video packages as Dave assures us that he’ll be able to go all the way to the throne. Michaels, meanwhile, still mourns the retirement of Ric Flair, but promises that if Batista’s arm stands between him and the crown, he’s going to remove it.

The two competitors retreat to their respective corners and await the opening bell. After circling warily for a bit, Shawn takes a wristlock, but the big man easily elbows out. Batista muscles HBK into a corner and lays in some fisticuffs, but Shawn is able to break it up with an inverted atomic drop.

Michaels grounds “The Animal” with a side headlock. With some support from the fans, Batista is able to get back to his feet and shove HBK to the ropes. A big clothesline knocks Shawn down. Batista gets pumped up as he hits another running clothesline. The third time is definitely not the charm, however, as HBK catches the arm and counters into a painful Fujiwara armbar.

Shawn continues to work the arm, gritting his teeth and wrenching at the shoulder. Batista, unable to reach Michaels with his free arm, instead shifts his weight to get a pinning position that gets two before Shawn is forced to release the hold. Michaels tries to go right back to the hold, but Batista catches him in a costly sidewalk slam that lays Shawn flat on his back and leaves Batista rubbing his sore shoulder.

The referee chats with Batista a bit, perhaps inquiring about a possible injury, but Batista angrily blows him off. As if to counter the naysayers, he takes Shawn to the turnbuckles and lays in a series of rope-assisted shoulder blocks. At the ref’s insistence, he pulls Michaels out of the corner and throws him with a press slam.

Batista pulls Michaels into a standing headscissors and throws his arms out, calling for The Batista Bomb. He lifts Shawn, but Shawn counters with a huracanrana. Batista uses the ropes to pull himself up. Shawn charges in and Batista tries to backdrop him over the top and to the floor, but Shawn skins the cat to pull himself back up onto the apron.

Michaels slingshots himself into a sunset flip, but he can’t get the big man over. Batista grabs hold of the top rope to prevent the pinfall. Shawn lets go of Batista and kips up to his feet. Batista turns and eats Sweet Chin Music.

Shawn dives in for the lateral press, but only gets two before Batista gets his boot on the bottom rope to break the fall. Shawn grabs the offending boot and drags Batista away from the ropes. He turns into the figure four leg lock, but Batista boots him off and to the corner. Shawn pulls himself up into a perch at the top and cocks his elbow.

Just as he’s about to leap, a deafening “Whoooo!” echoes through the arena, getting everyone up on their feet. Also Sprach Zarathustra starts to play, and Michaels hops down to stare at the Titantron. Randy Orton’s grinning mug fills the giant screen, causing the anxious crowd to sour.

“Gotcha, Shawn. When *I* retire legends… they stay retired, and I don’t have any remorse. You want to be a legend, Shawn? I’ll put you in the Hall of Fame… permanently.”

Shawn shakes his head and turns… Spear! Batista struggles to muscle Michaels up, but accomplishes it and delivers the Batista Bomb to score the pinfall and advance.

WINNER: Batista

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The crowd exploded into a frenzy of crazy cheers as ‘The Animal’ Batista’s music hit over the PA System! Batista made his way on to the stage, and much to the pleasure of the fans, did his machine gun action accompanied by fireworks. He slapped the hands of every fan he possibly he could on his way to the ring, soaking up the applause. Eventually, he entered the ring after being handed a microphone by one the crew members. He stood in the middle of the ring for a moment, taking in the whole setting.

Batista: “I’ve been in the back watching some tapes, and I re-watched the finish of my match with Shawn Michaels. What I didn’t realize was that Randy Orton had stuck his nose in where he wasn’t wanted. Shawn, I’m out here to apologize to you about how our match ended. And when this is all settled done, I want a rematch to find out who the better man is! You see, I can’t go on knowing that I didn’t win fair and square. I put those days far, far behind me to become the animal I am today! And right now, it’s time for the Animal to become the King of the kingdom! Kofi Kingston, you’re a damn good competitor and a fantastic athlete – but it’s time for that winning streak of yours to come to an end!”

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2008 KING OF THE RING FINALS: THE MATCH

BATISTA (SD!) vs KOFI KINGSTON (ECW)

With the crowd waiting in anticipation, "S.O.S." by Collie Buddz begins to echo through the arena, signaling the arrival of one of the men in the finals of the 2008 King of the Ring tournament, Kofi Kingston. Out from the back comes the Jamaican to a good reception from the crowd. Making his way down to the ring comes the final ECW representative who seems to be prepared for his huge match with "The Animal". Kingston enters the squared circle and begins to prepare for his match while Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler hype up his opponent.

Just then, the arena stand on their feet as one when "I Walk Alone" by Saliva hits. It takes him a few moments, but nonetheless, Batista makes his presence known with a huge reaction by the fans. Walking towards the ring, he stops atop the ramp and does his machine gun pose, sending a series of fireworks to explode behind him as Kingston awaits him in the ring. Finishing off with a raised fist, big Dave heads down to the ring ready for the huge match. Entering the ring, Dave stares at Kofi from across the ring, knowing that "The Jamaican Sensation" isn't to be taken lightly. At the announcers booth, J.R. tells us that both men have had a long road here, with each one picking up huge wins to get here to the finals, but that this is where legends are made. He reminds us of past King of the Ring winners such as Bret Hart, Steve Austin, and Triple H. With those final words, the two men get prepared for action as the match begins with the ring of the bell.

KING OF THE RING FINALS

Batista (SD!) vs. Kofi Kingston (ECW)

The two men start the match off slowly, circling around each other in an attempt to feel the other one out. Going in for a test of strength, Batista and Kofi go to grab the raised hand of the other, but Kofi proves his ring knowledge by delivering a kick to the gut of Batista, realizing that he was no match in the strength department. Following up with a few more kicks, Kofi goes to whip Batista off the ropes, but "The Animal" reverses the momentum, sending Kingston off of the ropes and right into a big clothesline that sends him down to the mat like a helpless child. Without a second thought, Dave delivers a few solid kicks to the body of Kofi before lifting him up to his feet and sending him into a corner where he begins to deliver relentless shot after shot to the head of Kingston. Swinging with one wild shot though, Kingston is able to duck the punch and send Batista into the corner where he begins to unload on him with repeated shots to the head.

Backing out of the corner, Kofi charges and hits a point blank elbow right to the face that sends Batista down to one knee. Trying to regain his composure, the SmackDown! representative hits Kingston with a few shots to the gut while on his knee, but it isn't enough to keep him back as Kofi keeps attacking like a wolf on his helpless prey. Batista gets back up and leans against the turnbuckle to keep him on his feet, but Kofi charges and delivers a monkey flip that sends Big Dave through the air and to the mat below with a solid thud that shakes the canvas. Kingston gets up and stands on the middle rope where he does his boom, boom, boom taunt to the crowd before turning around and going back on the attack. Picking up the much larger opponent, the ECW representative delivers a dropkick that sends Batista down to the mat and rolling to the outside in an effort to regain his composure. With "The Animal" resting on the outside, Kofi climbs to the top rope and leaps off, delivering a crossbody to Batista that lays both men out. With this, we are informed that RAW needs to take a commercial break as we will return with more action in this King of the Ring finals match.

Commercial Break

When we do return from the commercial break, the fans are shown a different scene as it's Batista who is now in control, dominating the Jamaican. Lifting him high into the air, Batista positions Kofi on his shoulder and runs across the ring, imprinting Kingston's back in the canvas with a giant running powerslam. Going for the pinfall, Dave is only able to get a two count as Kingston somehow kicks out of the devastating maneuver. Picking him up by the hair, Batista peppers Kofi with a few shots to the head before tossing him between his legs and preparing to deliver the Batista Bomb. Calling for the end of the match, Dave lifts him up, but Kofi is able to lean forward and grab the top rope, keeping him from being sent straight to hell. Realizing this, Batista flips him over his head, sending Kofi over the top rope and back first to the outside where he holds his back in pain. Inside the ring, referee Mike Chioda begins the ten count as Batista awaits his challenger inside the ring.

Struggling to his feet, Kofi is somehow able to slide into the ring at seven, breaking up the count and thus continuing the match. Showing no remorse, Batista goes back on the onslaught, delivering a few kicks to the back of Kingston which appears to have been injured following the fall to the outside. Picking him up, Batista makes a crucial mistake as Kingston is able to climb up his body and catch him with a enzuigiri that sends Dave falling face first to the mat. Looking at both men, Mike Chioda begins a ten count again, only this time for both Batista and Kingston who are laid out like dirty laundry in the middle of the ring. At eight, Kofi is able to get up to his feet and charge Batista who makes it to his feet at the exact same time.

He is able to connect with a shot to the head that turns Dave around. Seeing a big advantage, Kingston hits a big russian leg sweep that sends Batista down hard. With a second wind now, Kofi bounces off the ropes and does his best Ernie Ladd impression with a huge double leg drop to the chest of Batista, causing the former World Heavyweight Champion to roll around in pain. Going for the pinfall, Kofi only gets a two count as Dave throws him off of him in a heap.

Kofi doesn't let up for a minute though as he fights Batista back into the corner where he begins to hit him with a few kicks. Now going up to the second rope, he sort of mounts Big Dave and begins to nail him with shot after shot to the head. Hitting him once, twice, three, four, five, six times, Kofi shows no signs of stopping. That is, until Dave grabs him from around the hips and walks him towards the center of the ring where he prepares to deliver the devastating Batista Bomb. Somehow though, Kofi is able to leap over the head of Batista and catch him in the back of the head with his Trouble in Paradise kick! This causes Batista to stumble forward and bounce off the ropes. Turning around, he is caught with another Trouble in Paradise, this time to the face of Batista, sending the big man down to the mat like a brick house in an earthquake. Going for the pinfall, Kofi gets a 1...2... and within the blink of an eye, Chioda's hand drops for the third time, giving Kingston the huge victory.

Winner: Kofi Kingston via. Pinfall (18:48)

Lillian Garcia: "Here is your winner and the 2008 King of the Ring... KOFI KINGSTON!"

Standing in shock, Kingston looks down at the non responsive Batista who is still laid out from the back to back Troubles in Paradise. With his arm raised high in the air, Kingston looks around at the crowd who is all standing up, clearly happy, yet also in shock at the huge upset while over at the announcers table, Jim Ross is having a relapse as he yells that "this may be the biggest upset in World Wrestling Entertainment history! Kofi Kingston, has just defeated Batista to become the 2008 King of the Ring. Bah gawd, he did it! The kid did it!" Celebrating, Kingston climbs up to the top rope and raises his arms high in the air as Batista begins to move from behind him, somehow managing to make his way back to his feet.

Getting off the turnbuckle and turning around, Kingston sees Batista standing up. Looking right at him, Kingston wonders what Dave is going to do when the big man extends his hand for Kofi to shake. Taking a second to realize this, Kofi looks around before slowly walking up to him and shaking his hand right in the middle of the ring. Raising his arm, Batista points to Kingston giving him his approval before backing up and clapping, allowing the Jamaican to bask in his glory as does the crowd with him.

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2008 KING OF THE RING CORONATION CEREMONY

When we return from the commercial break, Jerry “The King” Lawler is in the ring with microphone in hand. A throne sits in the middle of the ring on a red velvet carpet.

Jerry Lawler: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the OFFICIAL 2008 King of the Ring Coronation Ceremony, and if there’s someone who knows a thing or two about being a king… it’s me. So, allow me to introduce you to the 2008 King of the Ring… The UNDEFEATED… Jamaican Sensation… Kofi… Kingston!”

As “S.O.S.” by Collie Buddz plays, Kofi Kingston comes out onto the stage in his zippered jumpsuit. A barrage of pyro goes off, and Kofi does the “Thunder Clap” a few times before racing down the ramp. He slaps hands with fans on both sides of the aisle, then hops up onto the apron. He slingshots himself into the ring and takes a jovial handshake from the veteran Lawler.

Jerry Lawler: “Go ahead, take a seat. You’ve earned it. Not too many athletes have come into the WWE and experienced as much success as fast as this man, Kofi Kingston. We have a special guest tonight, all the way from the island of Jamaica… former Director of Arts and Culture for the Prime Minister of Jamaica… over eighty years YOUNG, please welcome… Dr. Olive Lewin!”

An ancient, white-haired Jamaican woman hobbles down the ramp bearing an ornate headband composed of pearls and gold beads. Kofi smiles and claps as Lawler holds the ropes open for the frail lady. He holds the microphone for her as she lifts the gaudy piece of jewelry over her head.

Olive Lewin: “Kofi Kingston… I am honored to present you with this N’debele crown… a token of our appreciation for your accomplishments… You make us all very, very proud.”

Kofi respectfully bows his head so she can place the crown upon it.

Olive Lewin: “Out of many, one people.”

Jerry Lawler: “And out of many athletes, one King of the Ring! Let’s hear it for Kofi…”

An unfamiliar dirge interrupts the ceremony. England’s own Paul Burchill, having recently arrived on RAW just a few months ago, marches down the ramp with his sister, Katie Lea on his arm. Proving that chivalry is indeed dead, Katie holds the ropes for her brother, who practically rips the microphone away from a visibly annoyed Jerry “The King” Lawler.

Paul Burchill: “Are you serious? You must be taking the… Surely, you’re joking. This is a disgrace. Without Mother England, Jamaica would’ve been nothing… a speck… a spot of rubbish in a sea of ignorance.”

Kofi gets up out of his seat, but Paul steps back, holding a hand up to give him pause. Katie, on the other hand, steps up and stands alongside the old woman, an intimidating sneer on her harsh features.

Paul Burchill: “Easy there, Kofi. No need for violence. We’re just talking ‘ere. Besides, someone…”

He looks over at the old woman and Katie puts her arm over her frail shoulder.

Paul Burchill: “…might get ‘urt.”

Jerry Lawler: “All right, that’s enough. This isn’t about you two. This is about…”

Katie has sidled behind Lawler, and drops to one knee to deliver a crushing uppernut low blow. Lawler folds up into a fetal position, and Burchill wastes no time laying in some boots. Kofi earns an easy pop by rushing to the veteran’s defense with a flurry of fists.

Burchill cuts this off with a knee lift and runs Kofi face-first into the throne, toppling it over. Katie lunges at Olive, making her cringe and cower. As Paul continues kicking at Kofi, Katie directs his attention to the traditional crown, lying on the carpet. Paul measures a big boot and stomps the bejeezus out of it, leaving it a ragged ruin. Katie Lea calms her brother down and takes the crown to place it on her own brow with an obnoxious grin. They stalk off, leaving J.R. to proclaim the whole affair “Sad and disgraceful.”

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Entry #2:

Round 1 & 2 Overview

R1: Mike Knox Vs. Matt Hardy

When Vince McMahon opened the show to announce that the April 21st edition of Monday Night Raw would host the 2008 King of the Ring tournament, the fans in the BI-LO Center in Greenville, South Carolina were pumped up just from that news, and even more so when Matt Hardy made the first entrance of the night. The cheers turned to boos when Matt's opponent, Mike Knox came to the ring. And when the bell rang, the first match of the evening had begun, and Mike Knox used his size and strength to his advantage, tossing Matt Hardy around the ring as if it was nothing. A two-count came for Knox after he caught Matt Hardy with a forceful powerslam into the mat, and this didn't set well with Mike Knox who began to intimidate the referee. But, with Knox turned away, Matt Hardy got to his feet and spun his opponent around and hit him with a few hard right hands, then when Knox missed a clothesline, Hardy dropped him with the Side Effect! While Knox got back up, Hardy measured him up and kicked him swiftly in the gut to set him up for the Twist of Fate and the win!

Winner: Matt Hardy

Time: 4:37

R1: M.V.P. Vs. Cody Rhodes

Upon returning from a commercial break, one half of Raw's tag team champions Cody Rhods is stretching in the ring as SmackDown's United States champion Montel Vontavious Porter makes his way to the ring. The young Cody Rhodes hit his opponent with a couple of dropkicks right off the bat, but after a missed shoulder block left Cody hung up to dry on the ropes, M.V.P. toyed with his much younger opponent before a hard back suplex got him a two-count. It looked like Cody was trying to fight back with M.V.P. pulled him back up, but after a few shots to the midsection, M.V.P. drove his knee right into Cody's face and planted him with the Playmaker that got him the 1...2...3!

Winner: M.V.P.

Time: 2:46

R1: The Great Khali Vs. Tommy Dreamer

Talk about a mismatch, the ECW Original was looking up at the gigantic Great Khali who was both taller than him and out-weighed him by over one hundred pounds! Even with a hit and run effort, Dreamer was barely able to nudge Khali before being grabbed by the massive palm of Khali and thrown down to the mat. The former World Champion, Khali threw Tommy Dreamer around like a rag doll and nailed him with several hard chops to the top of the head before applying the vice grip! Tommy Dreamer didn't tap out, but it was as clear as day that he was passed out from the pressure of this grip, but after the second time the referee dropped his arm, Runjin Singh told Khali to break the hold. "Oh don't tell me Khali's going to punish Tommy Dreamer even more," said Jerry Lawler on commentary, but what he was hoping wouldn't happen was about to. Reaching down with both hands, Khali grabbed Tommy Dreamer up by the throat and held him high in the air... When Tommy began to struggle out! Kicking frantically to escape, Tommy Dreamer unintentionally kicked Khali right between the legs, and the referee didn't see it! After dropping Dreamer instantly, Khali was hunched over and Tommy grabbed his opponent's head and dropped back with a DDT! 1...2...3 and just like that the crowd was cheering Tommy Dreamer for one of the biggest wins of his career!

Winner: Tommy Dreamer

Time: 5:03

R1: Big Daddy V Vs. Jim Duggan

At the sound of the bell, 'Hacksaw' got in the three-point stance and ran at Big Daddy V with a clothesline, but it was barely able to budge the big man. A second clothesline attempt rocked the Big Daddy V a bit more, and Duggan ran to the ropes and came back with a third one, but was picked up and dropped to the mat with a sidewalk slam! One Ghetto Drop later and that was all she wrote for Duggan in this one as Jerry Lawler talked about Big Daddy V looking to win his second King of the Ring tournament like he did in 1995.

Winner: Big Daddy V

Time: 0:17

R2: Matt Hardy Vs. M.V.P.

In a hotly-contested battle, this old rivalry was renewed in the second round of the tournament. And what a battle it was! In this back and forth bout, Matt Hardy and M.V.P. gave it their all from bell to bell. At around the five minute marker, M.V.P. had the clear advantage after he countered Matt Hardy's Side Effect and hit a Playmaker, but to his dismay, Matt kicked out at two! This infuriated the 'A-List Superstar' and he set out to put his old rival away, looking for another Playmaker, but Matt Hardy pulled his opponent's arm back, and hit him with a Side Effect! 1...2... but M.V.P. kicked out and now Matt Hardy was going for broke as he headed to the top rope! And just when Matt got to his feet on the top turnbuckle, M.V.P. jumped up to the top rope as well, and after a few shots to Matt's side, M.V.P. hooked Matt for a superplex... But Matt was hanging on! This time, it was Matt Hardy who hit a few hard shots to the side of M.V.P. before shoving him off onto the mat, then jumping off with a leg drop! 1...2... and again M.V.P. kicks out just before the three! Now it was Matt Hardy looking upset and picking his opponent up, and he was calling for the Twist of Fate! And here it comes, but as Matt turned to his side, he was pushed off into the ropes, and M.V.P. ran right up behind him and pulled him back, rolling him up with a schoolboy... 1...2...3! After such a valiant effort, Matt Hardy was none too pleased having lost, but the United States champion could not be happier as he made his way to the backstage area with his title belt held high!

Winner: M.V.P.

Time: 8:29

R2: Tommy Dreamer Vs. Big Daddy V

Upon returning from a commercial break, a video plays of what happened during the break, and we see M.V.P. along with The Great Khali and Runjin Singh talking to Big Daddy V in the locker room. When M.V.P. notices the camera, he shuts the door leaving us in the dark as to what's going on.

Right after this video, Big Daddy V is making his way to the ring with The Great Khali, Runjin Singh, and M.V.P. in his corner while Tommy Dreamer looks on, disturbed by what he sees. The bell rang and Tommy Dreamer came right at Big Daddy V with a dropkick to his opponents left knee, being quick about getting back to his feet and running away for another shot before he could be snatched. But after two minutes of this tactic working, Tommy Dreamer found himself in the corner with his feet being held by Runjin Singh, and he was squashed by an avalanche from Big Daddy V! While the referee was telling Runjin Singh to leave the ringside area, M.V.P. came to help distract the referee while The Great Khali climbed into the ring with a steel chair in hand! Tommy Dreamer was just coming to when Khali swung the chair back, and slammed it down, but Dreamer dodged it and Big Daddy V was the victim of the chair shot! This staggered the behemoth as Tommy Dreamer scored a swift field goal kick right between the legs of The Great Khali, and this time, it was exactly what he had intended to do! It took every bit of strength Tommy had, but after nailing Khali over the head with the chair, he was able to clothesline him out of the ring! Another chair shot, this time to the head of Big Daddy V, and the monster was barely on his feet! This was when M.V.P. hopped onto the ring apron, but Dreamer ran against the ropes and sent the other finalist flying off the apron and right in front of the announce table! And Dreamer didn't stop running! He came running right for Big Daddy V and sent him face first to the mat with a bulldog! The referee finally turned his attention back to the match at hand just in time to see Dreamer make the cover and award him the pinfall victory!

Winner: Tommy Dreamer

Time: 4:58

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

Dreamer's Dream

In the backstage area, Todd Grisham is standing by with one of the finalists in the King of the Ring tournament, Tommy Dreamer. After being introduced, Dreamer thanks Grisham and begins to speak...

"Since the rebirth of ECW, all I've wanted to do is prove that Tommy Dreamer still had what it takes to get the job done. And what better way to get that point across than to become the 2008 King of the Ring? Throughout the history of this tournament, the winners have gone on to immortalize their names by defeating everyone in front of them. In 1993, the best there is, was, and ever will be proved that he was the best wrestler in the WWE at that time, and it was only a matter of time after that until Bret Hart won the Heavyweight Title for his second time. A certain other ECW alumni that you might remember, his name being 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin won the tournament and went on to become arguably the biggest superstar in the history of sports-entertainment. Somebody else won the King of the Ring tournament right in ECW's backyard, a man by the name of Mabel... Let's just say that if I was able to beat Big Daddy V earlier tonight, I could have taken down Mabel, I'd say they're about the same size, right Todd?"

An awkward smile comes over Grisham's face as Dreamer goes on. "But in order to put my name up on the same list as all those other great men, I have one more opponent to face. Montel Vontavious Porter, M.V.P. huh? What can I say about him that he hasn't already said himself? The guy's a great wrestler, and he's proven that by holding onto the United States championship as long as he has. But Montel, I'm sorry to have to let you know that tonight, you're just not going to add the 2008 King of the Ring title to your resume. You can try what you'd like to stop me from reaching this goal of mine, go ahead and align yourself with Khali and Big Daddy V. I beat both of them earlier tonight, and you're next!"

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

EDITOR'S NOTE: Apparently, the finals match is missing.

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

Coronation Ceremony

"1-2, You hear the clock tickin'

Tick-Tock, You about to stop livin'

Tick-Tock, I want you to remember me

Tick-Tock, But the day won't have no memory

I'm comin'!"

The April 28, 2008 episode of Monday Night Raw kicked off with a bang as Montel Vontavious Porter burst through his tunnel and platinum confetti blew all over the arena. Behind M.V.P. came his newly appointed All Stars, Big Daddy V and The Great Khali, both of whom walked menacingly to the ring in suits and ties as Jerry Lawler wondered where they made apparel that big. Once in the ring, M.V.P. stood in front of the king's throne and threw his arms to the sides for Big Daddy V to put a platinum and red robe over him while Khali set a crown on top of his head. Fireworks and various other pyrotechnics shot off all throughout the arena when M.V.P. was handed his scepter and threw his fist into the air.

After taking a seat in his throne, Todd Grisham stood by, holding a microphone in front of the 2008 King of the Ring's face for him to say "Man, if you can't tell by now, Montel Vontavious Porter, as of this moment is officially ballin' out of control!" The crowd boo M.V.P. before he continues. "Boo me all you want. Ya all aint nothin' but haters!" This comment only makes the crowd boo him even louder.

"Last week on Raw, I became the 2008 King of the Ring. And you know something? Last week I heard Tommy Dreamer talking about all these great athletes who have won this title, and it got me thinking. I sat down in front of the mirror today and I said to myself 'M.V.P., welcome to the playa's club!' But I kept on thinking. Those before me that have won this tournament, almost all of them went on to achieve great things in their career. I say almost all of them, because I remembered that Billy Gunn never quite lived up to people who came before him like 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, and he's off trying to be cute somewhere the last I heard." A couple laughs come from the announce table as well as a very dismal smattering of "TNA" chants.

"But I kept on thinking. Without a doubt the greatest man to ever become King of the Ring is Bret 'Hitman' Hart, am I right?" The crowd shoots off a huge pop, and M.V.P. doesn't notice it but Big Daddy V was giving him a nasty look at this point. "Bret was the man back in the day, baby. He was truly the best there is and the best there was in his time, but when I remember him calling himself the best there ever will be, clearly he had no idea that an athlete as great as Montel Vontavious Porter even existed on this planet! And let me tell ya, if Bret was still wrestling, I'd gladly put that old man in his place and take my place as the true king, the one and only most valuable player in sports-entertainment!"

The booing from the audience is louder than it has been thus far as M.V.P. goes on to say "Now don't I get a trophy or something?" He knew what he had earned and was waiting for his prize. Some royal-sounding music hit, and a curtain dropped over the entry way with the King of the Ring logo and a picture of M.V.P. underneath it. A smile crossed the lips of M.V.P. until the music changed, and the crowd was cheering! Everyone in the arena was happy, except for M.V.P. and his All Stars as Tommy Dreamer stepped out holding the King of the Ring trophy! "Yo yo yo what's he doing out here with my trophy?" M.V.P. asked as Tommy pointed at the man who defeated him to win the trophy that he was holding.

When Dreamer tries getting inside the ring, he's blocked by Big Daddy V and The Great Khali standing in front of him, but M.V.P. tells his All Stars to let him in so that he could get his trophy. "What the Hell you think you're doing anyways Dreamer? Didn't I beat you up badly enough to win this thing?" But despite M.V.P. trying to make him mad, Tommy just smiles and grabs the microphone from Todd Grisham.

"Montel, I'm only here to award this to you. You earned it, and I thought it's only right to pass this on to you. Consider this my show of respect to you after a hard-fought battle," says Tommy Dreamer as he hands the five-foot tall trophy over, but when M.V.P. grabs it, Tommy holds on tight. "There's just one thing, I don't respect you!"

And just like that, a battle begins as Tommy pulls one foot up and uses it to kick M.V.P. over in his throne! Acting quickly, Tommy uses the trophy to run it into both Khali and Big Daddy V, but they hardly move from this attack, and Tommy drops to his stomach and rolls out of the ring before M.V.P. and his All Stars can grab ahold of him. On the outside of the ring, Tommy holds the King of the Ring trophy up high over his head, and M.V.P. looks down on him from inside the ring and demands to be given his trophy. With a point to his knee, Tommy incites the crowd, and he then shrugs his shoulders before slamming the trophy over his knee and snapping it in two! M.V.P. opens his mouth and eyes up wide as he can't believe what Dreamer's just done, and he tells his All Stars to get him! With a huge smile on his face, Tommy Dreamer back steps up the ramp and throws each piece of the trophy at Big Daddy V and The Great Khali respectively before his music hits again and heads backstage, leaving M.V.P. in the ring infuriated over the actions that just took place.

Judging will take place between now and and Wednesday, July 1.

[DMN in the House]

Well, I'll just open up by saying the obvious winner is Entry One, simply because Entry Two didn't include the finals match, which would be a fairly important part of the proceedings.

That said, Entry One came dangerously close to breaking the interference rule a number of times, and, in my opinion, did so with the Randy Orton stuff. I also have issues with who Kofi went over, both Khali and Batista? Khali, I could see, at a stretch. No way he goes over Batista clean. Would have worked better with Shawn Michaels in that position. Otherwise, it was well written, and though I wouldn't have chosen Paul Burchill as the man to interrupt the coronation ceremony, it works on so many levels that I'd actually like to see a feud between the two. I do have to note that the rules were not followed here, as there was no mention of former King of the Ring winners.

Entry Two suffered from a number of issues, from formatting to missing an entire section of what was needed. It also suffered from jobbing Khali to someone, and, even if it was Tommy Dreamer, I'm against that. Would have gone with Rey Mysterio beating a bigger dude, fits the rules and is believable. The final promo was good, but, without a final match, it falls flat. It does follow the rules, and doesn't *quite* sound like MVP. It also has some cheap shots at TNA, which isn't WWE's style. You might have gotten the vote here if you hadn't forgotten the KotR final.

[JStarr]

Entry #1:

--"He sits, and Carlito starts to sit on his lap, but Carlito waves him off..." Proofreading is fundamental.

--Typos aside, all the opening matches seemed to have some stories involved, and that makes them all the more enjoyable. Santino tossing back the knux and Carlito doing a worked-shoot "I quit" helped that match as well.

--The rules did ask that the promo involve some shouts out to the prior Kings of the Ring, and that was neglected.

--The final was a good match, with Kofi doing just as he should: bump like a madman, land some quick flurries, and land two finishers to knock off a bigger opponent. What I'd like to know is, what's with everyone wanting to job Batista this round?

--Finally, the coronation does a good job of putting the Burchills over as evil louts, tying a patriotic element to it that would make for more motivation on both sides. Paul's a nice choice for next feud, giving him a chance to get elevated off the back of Kofi's elevation. Good work here.

Entry #2:

--Not real sure how "clean" Tommy winning with a kick to the Punjabis is, but eh, I'll take it.

--I like the old-school feel of the one-night tournament, and I didn't get that from Entry #1, so this is a big point in your favor. Entry #1's tournament, though, did have a little more star power, rather than just tossing Khali in as the former World Champion and having someone squeak by him.

--Liked the promo. Worked in the shouts out to the past Kings, and the joke about Mabel provides a little fan service.

--And...there it goes. We had a big gaping hole here, and it killed all the momentum.

--The coronation was good, with MVP being his cocky best, although I do have to scratch my head at the gratuitous TNA shot. Continuing the story with Tommy isn't a bad choice.

If there had been a finals match in Entry #2, this one would have been pretty tight. The neglect of mentioning former Kings in the Batista promo might have been the whole difference here.

Alas, the vote has to go to the complete entry, which here is Entry #1.

[Mongrel]

Obviously the lack of a match in entry 2 cripples it, so Entry #1 gets my vote from the outset. That being said, I had issues with both.

Entry 1 - The format of the recaps worked for mine, and made it pretty easy to read. You didn't get bogged down on the technical parts of the match and used them to further outside storylines. It was a nice touch. Obviously went close to breaking the interference rule (I suppose the Orton thing is kind of wishy-washy), but I had no complaints over booking decisions except Kofi going over Batista. I guess if you are going to make something of him, why not make it big?

Which leads me to the choice of Paul Burchill. Look, the whole idea of Jamaica not existing without England is pretty ingenious and I loved it. But really, Kofi has just been put over Khali AND Batista and he's thrust into a feud with Burchill? Seems to just throw away a lot of the momentum he's built.

FWIW, he did actually mention the three winners. Obviously didn't get Kofi or Batista to do it, but he did include it (assuming it was a mix up):

At the announcers booth, J.R. tells us that both men have had a long road here, with each one picking up huge wins to get here to the finals, but that this is where legends are made. He reminds us of past King of the Ring winners such as Bret Hart, Steve Austin, and Triple H. With those final words, the two men get prepared for action as the match begins with the ring of the bell.

Batista's promo was probably the low light, but you made up for it with a nice one to finish between Kofi and Burchill. A pretty good effort all round I'd say - well-written and easy to read.

Entry 2 - Some very odd choices here. Duggan? The recaps were fine and the booking was realistic for the most part, so I have no issues here. A bit bland to read, but that's a personal choice and comes down to formatting mainly.

The promos were, in my opinion, a class above entry 1 and I liked the idea of continuing an MVP-Dreamer feud. That being said, the lack of a match killed what would have been a very solid entry.

Had there been a match, it would have been close but Entry 1 probably still would have got the nod. I liked the booking decisions more and it was easier to read. Good effort nonetheless from both.

[JStarr]

Obviously, Entry #1 takes the prize here over the incomplete Entry #2.

Entry #1's writers: TheRaySays, Split Second, and Krone.

Entry #2's writers: Essa, Buddy Awesome, and (allegedly or allegedely not) Haloheadfire.

Congrats to Ray, Split, and Krone on the win...but let's try to get in a little further ahead of the deadline next time, eh, fellas?

As a small compensation for being undone by what was essentially an act of God (stormy weather and all), Essa will be allowed to choose the ruleset for the Final...OR he could be really sadistic and create his own.

So, for the teams of Ray/Split/Krone and FD/Prez/TBJ, good luck. You might need it.

We'll try to get rules together by Saturday.

[Jimmy]

My promo was shocking. Once again, I owe an apology to Ray and Krone for this one. We didn't get things decided until late, and then I had a Friday night I can't remember. So, apologies once more.