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Post by aew1992 on Nov 23, 2022 17:30:14 GMT 1
Velocity: The cruiserweights are the stars of the show again, with Ultimo Dragon defending the title against Gregory Helms after his shock debut and win last week. It’s an Asai DDT for the win again this time, as the pair have another very decent match. But Helms is not happy with that outcome and as Ultimo is celebrating, Helms attacks him from behind - 75%.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown, July 7, 2006
It’s not the usual cheers to start Smackdown, as the Wachovia Centre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rains jeers down on John Bradshaw Layfield as he emerges from the back. Layfield, accompanied by Orlando Jordan, looks angry. Michael Cole introduces himself and reminds us of what happened last week. Tazz says no one likes to lose what feels like their last opportunity at the WWE World Heavyweight title. And JBL is angry — but not because of his loss, which he says made him respect the champion. He says he is annoyed that he has not been given a qualifier for the battle royal, which he feels he deserves as the most recent No 1 contender. He asks the crowd in Pittsburgh whether they agree, and when they jeer, he says no one asked them anyway. So JBL calls on Teddy Long to give him a qualifier. That brings Long out, and when he gets to the ring he says he is happy to give Layfield a match to qualify — and will open it up to anyone in the back to be his opponent. That draws out Rey Mysterio, who gets a big cheer. Mysterio says he is happy to take JBL on one last time — and if he gets the win, he can go into the battle royal, win it, and then make his own choice as to who he faces at The Great American Bash. Long says he’s fine with that — and the match starts right now - 88%.
After last week’s big feud ender, this could feel like a bit of a damp squib, but Rey Mysterio and John Bradshaw Layfield go at it once again and put together another doozy of a match. As the opener on Smackdown, this one does not have the same amount of time dedicated to it, and a lot of it is about making sure Rey looks strong after retaining the title last week. JBL sells a lot of his high-flying offence for quite a few minutes, and even when he tries to slow down the pace of the match, Rey reverses and keeps on top of Layfield. The end, though, comes, when Mysterio goes to hit a Hurricanrana on Layfield from the top rope after moving him up there. Layfield reverses it into a top-rope powerbomb, and when he turns that into a pin, he puts his feet up on the ropes. Orlando Jordan dashes around the ring and holds onto his feet. Referee Nick Patrick is unsighted and counts the three to give JBL the win. Layfield and Jordan celebrate up the ramp as Rey looks confused after the match. John Bradshaw Layfield (w/Orlando Jordan) beats Rey Mysterio - 84%.
We see King Booker sat on his King Of The Ring throne backstage, being fed Reese’s Peanut Butter cups by Sharmell as William Regal and Paul Burchill walk into the dressing room. King Booker says he has invited both of his subjects here to give them an important message. He asks – nay, demands – that they ensure victory in tonight’s six-man tag team match so they can both qualify for the No 1 contendership battle royal and help him work through the opposition. Regal says he is ready to help Booker rule over this kingdom, then slaps Burchill around the head and tells him to follow - 80%.
It’s Kurt Angle who emerges first, followed by Lashley and then Matt Hardy for this six-man tag match. Mark Henry has the full Simon Dean-coterie with him, while William Regal and Paul Burchill enter as a duo. And Regal and Burchill do look like the only people in this match who work together regularly, isolating Lashley in the corner and using quick tags to keep on top of him. They put particular focus on his head. But, inevitably, after a few minutes, Lashley powers out and gets the hot tag to Angle, who cleans house. Angle looks to have it won when he gets an Angle Slam in on Burchill, but Henry breaks it up. He gives the Olympian a World’s Strongest Slam, but gets hit with a Twist of Fate. Dean climbs on the apron to protest, distracting both Hardy and the referee, which allows The Gymini to take out Lashley. And while Hardy’s back is turned, Regal hits the Regal Cutter on him for a three and the win. William Regal, Paul Burchill and Mark Henry (w/Simon Dean and The Gymini) beat Matt Hardy, Lashley and Kurt Angle to qualify for the No 1 contendership battle royal - 72%.
Teddy Long is in his office — and Finlay walks in. Finlay says he got the general manager’s message and asks what Long wants. Long says Finlay is not the only person he wants to speak to. That is when Batista walks in. Batista and Finlay immediately square up, and Long has to get between them. Long says he knows things have got tense between the pair, but he needs them both to shake hands and get over it. After a pause, they do shake. But Finlay pulls Batista close and says “This isn’t over”. He then walks off as Batista turns around angrily to stare at the Irishman - 63%.
We have another qualifier next, with Sabu coming from the back first. Michael Cole talks us through how Steven Richards has been getting involved with Sabu in recent weeks. He’s followed out by Kid Kash, who does not have Jamie Noble with him. It makes sense, given he’s got a huge match against The Undertaker. These two really go at it, brawling around the ring and around ringside. It really works, and allows Sabu to show off the best sides of his in-ring talent. Kash can also hang with him and plays the role of old school heel to a tee, arguing with fans at ringside in between punches and stiff uppercuts. The end, though, comes when Sabu has managed to fight his way back into the ring and looks to hit a springboard moonsault on Kash. As he goes to run against the ropes, the Right To Censor siren plays and the logo appears on screen — leaving Sabu temporarily distracted. That’s all Kash needs to roll Sabu up and get the pin to win. Sabu charges to the back after the match ends… Kid Kash beats Sabu to qualify for the No 1 contendership Battle Royal - 81%.
Where Steven Richards is waiting just behind the curtain with a chair. It goes to Sabu’s head, then stomach, then head again when he is kneeling in front of Richards. Richards screams an apology at the camera for showing such violence on the air, but he says it was necessary. Richards then throws the chair to the ground, adjusts his tie and shirt and — remarkably, given how het up he was just a minute ago — walks off calmly. Michael Cole says Richards clearly has two faces. Tazz says: “Yeah, crazy and crazier!” - 68%.
We cut to a tired Kid Kash getting his back slapped by Jamie Noble. Noble points out that this gives the team the opportunity to collect both the tag titles and the World Heavyweight title at The Great American Bash. Kash nods his head and tells Noble to go beat The Undertaker – he knows he can do it, and says two chances of becoming No 1 contender are better than one - 77%.
Jamie Noble is heading to the ring as we come back from the break, without Kid Kash at his side. Michael Cole and Tazz talk about just how impressive both Noble and Kash have been in recent weeks, and they also introduce Mr Kennedy, who is joining them on commentary for this one. Tazz says his tip for the tag champions coming out of the Bash would be the pair. Even so, when The Undertaker emerges there is a sense that this is a greater challenge than Noble has faced before. Noble does try and take it to The Undertaker, but this might just be a step too far for him as a singles wrestler. Even so, this is a more evenhanded contest than you might expect and Cole and Tazz both say how impressed they are by Noble. Kennedy says he proved last week that it’s possible to beat The Undertaker, and says Noble should do the same. That turns out to be a wrong prediction, as Taker wins it with a Tombstone and a pin. The Undertaker beats Jamie Noble to qualify for the No 1 contender battle royal - 78%.
The subject does not move on from The Undertaker, as Daivari is interviewed backstage by Kristal Marshall. Kristal asks where The Great Khali is and Daivari admits he has not seen his client since last week’s attack by Taker. But he says he knows Khali is out there, and he is putting forth a challenge on behalf of his client. He says he wants The Undertaker to face Khali at The Great American Bash… in a creation of his own mind, one that reflects Khali's brutal past — a Punjabi Prison match - 62%.
As MNM make their way out to the ring for tonight’s main event, Michael Cole and Tazz speculate as to what a Punjabi Prison match is. Tazz says he knows one thing — he wouldn’t be accepting it. The tag team champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick run out of the back to a humongous cheer as Cole reminds us that this is a non-title match, but does have a place in the No 1 contendership battle royal on the line for the winners. And then the cage descends. This is a phenomenal match, the sort of thing you do not expect to see on free television. It begins as a complete brawl, with the match then giving every wrestler time to breathe and others time to take control. Highlights include Johnny Nitro running up the cage and using it to flip into a sort of pseudo Canadian Destroyer, Kendrick hitting a huge cage-assisted Sliced Bread #2 and London eschewing the win to hit a big 450 Splash from the top on a downed Joey Mercury. As the match wears on, it is not clear which way this is going to go until Nitro climbs to the top rope and tries to hit a Shooting Star Press on a downed London. London moves out of the way and tries to start climbing out of the cage. Melina goes up the other side and holds onto his leg, giving Nitro the chance to climb up and catch up. However, London pushes Melina off and she flies through the announce table! And then on the other side, Kendrick gets rid of a persistent Mercury and manages to scramble up the cage, grabbing Nitro just as he reaches London and hitting him with a Sliced Bread #2 from the top. London then slowly makes his way down the cage before hitting the mat for the win. Kendrick exits through the door and the pair celebrate on the ramp. Tazz points out these two teams will meet again at The Great American Bash but Cole says he thinks the champions finally have the better of Nitro and Mercury when these two teams meet by themselves. Paul London and Brian Kendrick beat MNM in a steel cage match to qualify for the No 1 contendership battle royal - 88%.
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Post by aew1992 on Nov 28, 2022 14:16:06 GMT 1
GrappleNews.Net WWE News and Notes
TNA have gone global and responded to that by signing Juventud Guerrera to a written contract. The majority of their roster have also signed exclusive contracts, although AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Alex Shelley are notable holdouts. They have all recently agreed to tours of Japan over the next 12 months and therefore are not willing to miss out on that pay day.
There has been some disquiet from Triple H and Shawn Michaels in recent weeks. They felt as though they were being subsumed by other stories on RAW. Being given the main event at Vengeance helped, as far as they were concerned, as did having The Spirit Squad taken away. At least, they feel, if they get beaten up by Test and Sean O’Haire, the pair look the part.
There’s a real doubt in the WWE over whether The Great Khali has the toolset to do what they wanted to do with him over the next year or so. That would explain why he is no longer being given match time on television — he has not wrestled for a couple of weeks and the supernatural attack angle was a good excuse to keep it that way. It’s a shame for the WWE, who were obviously very sold on Khali’s look. But looks are not enough to cover for someone who is not ready in-ring or on the microphone for the big time.
The WWE are not using Stacy Keibler as Goldust’s valet because there are any concerns over his interview skills. After all, anyone who saw him with Jim Ross two weeks ago will know that he can talk. Instead, they want to sell the second strand of him as a heel. Yes, Goldust is bizarre, but there should also be glamour to his personality. Keibler gives him that.
We don’t have any names to hand, but we’ve heard there’s a fun list of former WWE and WCW stars lined up for Umaga to face in the coming weeks.
Steven Richards is being rewarded for his positive attitude and general in-ring competence with his new Right To Censor run. On top of that, everyone in the back has been pleasantly surprised by how he’s held his own whenever the microphone is in his hands. If anything, he could go further than anyone expected.
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 3, 2022 16:24:53 GMT 1
What lovely polite people you are — no one called me out for accidentally double posting last week's news stories. They're updated above. -----------------------------
WWE Heat - As promised last week, Chris Masters brings back the Masterlock challenge on Heat. It gets a nice reaction from those who remember it first time around, although no one really cares when Snitsky answers the challenge. And Snitsky goes down easily to the hold, passing out in Masters’ arms after 30 seconds - 74%
WWE Monday Night RAW, July 8, 2006
Monday Night RAW begins with pyro and cheers, which rapidly turn to jeers as No Chance In Hell plays and Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon emerge from backstage. They both look angry and Vince demands for the music to be cut when they reach the ring. Shane says he did not like having $100,000 of his money wasted last week as D-Generation X embarrassed them, Sean O’Haire and Test with their little stunt. Shane says O’Haire and Test are not with them right now as the former is preparing for tonight’s main event — when he will face Triple H. That gets a big cheer. Shane says he has some other housekeeping to carry out, and reveals that John Cena will not be there tonight as he is recovering from Rob Van Dam’s assault last week. We get a picture-in-picture view of that as Jim Ross says he is not surprised the former champion needs time on the sidelines. So, Shane says, they need to crown a No 1 contender — and there is no better option than Edge! Next week on RAW, Shane tells us, he will get his shot at Van Dam. That gets jeers. Vince then finally speaks and says he and Shane have realised they have an issue. There could be a scism in the family. Vince calls out his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who comes down to the ring to a mixed response. Vince explains to everyone that back when Triple H could be relied upon, he gave his blessings and The Game married Stephanie. They are happily married, he says, which worries Vince. He says The McMahons cannot be torn apart — and says he needs to find out from Stephanie whether she’s with her family, or her husband. Stephanie looks torn as No Chance In Hell plays and we go to a break - 94%.
Victoria is in the ring when we come back, with Trish Stratus joining her to big cheers. This is a decent match, both women know how to work and put their talent on show. Trish is very much on top, and Jim Ross reminds us that she has a title shot lined up against Mickie James in two weeks. But just after Trish hits the Stratusfaction, Beth Phoenix hops over the barricade and slides into the ring. She takes Trish out with a huge clothesline that sends her spinning as the referee rings the bell. She then picks up Victoria for the Phoenix Bomb, before Mickie James emerges onto the ramp. Jerry Lawler speculates she will come help Trish, but does not do so. Instead, James watches as Phoenix hits another Phoenix Bomb on Trish. Phoenix then makes the belt gesture as we cut to the back. Trish Stratus beats Victoria by disqualification due to interference.
Paul Heyman is sat behind a desk with Matt Striker to his side. Rob Van Dam comes into the room holding the WWE Heavyweight belt and says he needs to speak to Paul. Heyman says he is all ears. Van Dam says he loves being champion, but feels as though he has not had as much action as he wanted in the last few weeks. He says he knows Heyman controls his matches, but he wants more of an opportunity to do what he loves — being the Whole Damn Show. Heyman says he understands, and tells Van Dam to leave it to him — he will set up a match for him tonight - 92%.
Elsewhere, Big Show and Carlito are shown speaking to one another while watching back their match last week. Show pauses the tape and points out to Carlito where he went wrong — when he tried to cheat in their match. Carlito says it is Big Show’s fault for interrupting him — Carlito has always bent the rules in the ring and it is part of his whole plan. Big Show says that is not the way to do it, and asks Carlito to try things his way next week. Carlito agrees to it, but you can tell he is not exactly delighted by the idea - 79%.
We go back to ringside, where Umaga and Armando Alejandro Estrada are in the ring. Estrada is on the microphone and says he challenged a wrestling star of the past to come down to the ring and face his Samoan monster on RAW. He says it is time for them to come out. After a brief pause, Norman Smiley makes his way from the back. Jim Ross gives us a potted history of Smiley, who spent four years with WCW. Smiley dances down to the ring but that is his only positive moment of the night, as Umaga beats him with a Samoan Spike after two and a half minutes. He then hits another as Estrada gets on the microphone again and calls for another ‘classic superstar’ to take on Umaga next week. Umaga beats Norman Smiley - 66%.
RAW has a short break and then we come back to Goldust and Stacy Keibler making their way down to the ring. Goldust is given a microphone when he reaches the ring. He says when he was a child, his father Dusty Rhodes was always touring the country, working from territory to territory and putting smiles on kids’ faces. He says that came at a cost to him. When his dad was making kids in a random town in a random state happy, he says, he was missing Goldust in his nativity plays and his little league games. Goldust says he put out the invitation last week — now he wants his father to finally accept one of them. Dusty Rhodes comes out from the back to a big cheer. Rhodes says he has to explain himself. He says he was the working son of a working man and that the only way he could put food on the table for his family was to do what he did best — wrassle! And he was good at it. He was a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, and that gave his sons the life they deserved. But he understands now that it meant he missed out on a lot, and that his son Goldust was impacted by it. Dusty says he does not mean for there to be a rift, and he wants his son to start healing and stop being so bizarre. So he says he forgives Goldust… Dustin… for what happened at Vengeance, and wants to say he is sorry for, at times, being such a terrible father. Goldust says he forgives him for that, and goes for a hug. But as he draws him in for a hug, Goldust turns it into a Curtain Call! He then gets on the microphone again and says he wants to thank Dusty for one thing — for making him the man he is today. Keibler calls for a Shattered Dreams and Goldust complies, leaving Dusty in a heap on the mat as he celebrates before walking to the back - 76%.
After a short break to advertise Smackdown this Friday — featuring a battle royal for the No 1 contendership — Ric Flair comes out from the back to a big cheer. He’s followed by Rene Dupree, and this match gets the full introduction by Lillian Garcia as it is for the WWE Intercontinental title. For the vast majority of this match, Flair is in charge, although Dupree does hit a superplex from the top rope that he is surprised to see Flair kick out of at two. Flair eventually backs Dupree into the corner and hits him with a series of chops, with Dupree doing a flop into the middle of the ring. Flair then goes to lock in the Figure Four, but Dupree kicks him away. When he does, Dupree slides out of the ring to go grab the belt and leave. Flair follows, and tries to grab the belt from him. As they battle back and forth for it, Dupree gets it loose then clocks Flair in the head with it! Referee Jack Doan rings the bell for a disqualification win for Flair, and we go to the back to Dupree celebrating with the belt and Flair lying on the mat outside the ring - Ric Flair beats Rene Dupree by disqualification, Rene Dupree retains the WWE Intercontinental title - 80%.
There’s a knock on the office of Vince McMahon, and he tells whoever it is to enter. In walk Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. Vince says he is busy so tells them to get whatever they want over and done with. Benjamin speaks and says they want all three of The Kaneanites in the ring next week. Vince asks who they would team with, which is answered when Kane walks into shot behind Benjamin and Haas. McMahon is happy for the match to go ahead, but admits he has very little power over The Kaneanites, saying he is not even clear who is behind the masks. He says he will schedule it in, though, and the trio leave – 89%.
Back in the ring, Eugene is waiting for his opponent — WWE Champion Rob Van Dam. Van Dam is fired up as he emerges from the back with Paul Heyman and Matt Striker at his side. This match is very one-sided and just gives Van Dam the chance to work through his big kicks and finishes after four minutes with a huge Five Star Frogsplash! As Eugene rolls out of the ring, beaten, and RVD, Heyman and Striker celebrate, we see Edge slide into the ring behind the trio. They all turn at once, but as Edge drives towards Van Dam to hit a spear, Striker moves into place and takes the move instead. That gives Heyman the chance to bundle Van Dam out of the ring, and they leave Striker as Edge leans over the top rope shouting he is going to take the title next week. Rob Van Dam beats Eugene - 75%.
We come back from the last break of the night to Sean O’Haire making his way down to the ring. Conspicuous by their absence are the McMahons, Test and even Edge. Shawn Michaels is alongside Triple H when they come out to the D-Generation X music. This is a decent match. HHH even lets O’Haire look good — there is clearly a sense they will be working together a fair amount over the next few weeks. Michaels has a good time at ringside, geeing up the crowd throughout and making this a colourful affair. The end comes after seven minutes when O’Haire tries to hit a Big Boot on HHH. Triple H ducks and lands a huge spinebuster when O’Haire bounces back off the ropes. From there, it’s as simple as a Pedigree to give Triple H the win. Triple H (w/Shawn Michaels) beats Sean O'Haire — 73%.
But as Triple H and Shawn Michaels celebrate, the Titantron comes on. Stephanie McMahon is shown on screen with Test. Jim Ross reminds us that years before, before Triple H married Stephanie, Test and her were scheduled to be married. Test is clearly trying to flirt with her, and while Stephanie is batting away his advances, Test is getting closer and closer. Triple H looks angry in the ring, and when Test puts his hand on her waist and the video turns off, The Game runs to the back. He goes through the curtain and to a wider backstage area… where he is immediately taken out from behind by Shane McMahon! The camera swings around to Stephanie, who screams, and Test runs over and lays the boots into Triple H. Shawn Michaels comes into the room too, but he’s not ready for Test and Shane, given the video was not showing in the ring, and he is taken out too. Vince comes on the scene and tells Test and Shane to pick Triple H up. Vince slaps him across the face and says he is embarrassed that Triple H is the father of his grandchildren. He then tells Test to deal with him, which he does by throwing him into a wall and leaving him sprawled on the concrete. RAW ends with Test and The McMahons stood over D-X, who are downed in the back - 85%.
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WWE.com
WWE Friday Night Smackdown comes to you live from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the No 1 contendership to the World Heavyweight title is on the line. We have a huge battle royal featuring 10 of Smackdown's top superstars, but only one man can win the match and go onto WWE Summerslam as the challenger to Rey Mysterio's title. Elsewhere, Kurt Angle will have a chance to recover from failing to qualify for the battle royal when he gets his hands on Jake Gymini. Angle has had issues with Mark Henry, Simon Dean and the rest of Dean's group in recent weeks, and will be desperate to get the win over his opponent. We are also scheduled to hear more from Daivari about the whereabouts of The Great Khali, while Steven Richards is set to take on Hardcore Holly and MNM take on Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki.
Scheduled matches
World Heavyweight title No 1 contendership battle royal (The Undertaker vs Paul London vs Brian Kendrick vs King Booker vs Paul Burchill vs William Regal vs Kid Kash vs John Bradshaw Layfield vs Mark Henry vs Batista)
Kurt Angle vs Jake Gymini
Steven Richards vs Hardcore Holly
MNM vs Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 8, 2022 12:47:37 GMT 1
Velocity - Velocity kicks off with Teddy Long coming out to the ring and announcing that we are going to have a No 1 contendership tournament for the WWE Cruiserweight title on the show over the next two weeks. And he says it begins right here and right now, with Gregory Helms against Super Crazy. The pair have a lovely little match, with Helms winning to go a step closer to getting another shot for the Cruiserweight gold he lost two weeks ago. Gregory Helms beats Super Crazy to reach the WWE Cruiserweight title No 1 contendership tournament final - 80%.
That is then followed by the other member of the Mexicools — Psicosis — taking on Nunzio. It’s Psicosis who gets the win in this match, hitting a Guillotine Leg Drop on his opponent for the pinfall win. Ultimo Dragon is shown watching from backstage after the match, nodding his head approvingly. Psicosis beats Nunzio to reach the WWE Cruiserweight title No 1 contendership tournament final - 73%.
WWE Smackdown, July 14, 2006
We are live in the Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota for Friday Night Smackdown, and Michael Cole and Tazz only just get into their welcomes and hype up tonight’s main event before Kurt Angle comes out to a big cheer. Cole and Tazz remind us that he was not able to qualify for the battle royal after losing a six-man tag last week. Cole, by the way, is backing The Undertaker in tonight’s main event, while Tazz thinks King Booker is going to win it all. Jake Gymini follows Angle out alongside Simon Dean, Jesse Gymini and Mark Henry. Even with his support at ringside, this match is all about making Angle look good. The end comes when Angle ducks a big clothesline and turns it into an Angle Slam before locking in an Ankle Lock. Angle, though, has to dash out of the ring quickly and celebrate up the ramp as Dean, Henry and Jesse roll into the ring to try and get revenge, before they all check on their downed stablemate. Kurt Angle beats Jake Gymini (w/Simon Dean, Jesse Gymini and Mark Henry) - 63%.
We dip into the King’s Court’s dressing room where King Booker is briefing William Regal and Paul Burchill ahead of the main event. Sharmell is chipping in too as Booker explains the stakes and what everyone has to do. He makes it clear — he wants the King’s Court to stand tall in the ring when the final bell is rung and celebrate having the No 1 contender to Rey Mysterio’s title. Sharmell then interjects: “... and that man will be King Booker!”. Regal and Burchill look a bit annoyed, if not understanding, as Booker promises them that they have supported him as their king, and if they support him tonight he will make it worth their while - 87%.
Elsewhere backstage, Daivari is speaking to Kristal Marshall. She asks why he has come along. Daivari says that despite what he said last week about the Punjabi Prison, he has still not seen The Great Khali. He is, he admits, starting to get a bit concerned. But, Daivari adds, he has an insurance policy. So he tells The Undertaker that if he does not release Khali, or at least make it clear where he can find him, then next week he will do something damaging to The Undertaker. Release Khali, Daivari says, or Taker might face his doom - 62%.
Back in the ring, it is Jesse Gymini’s turn for a bit of in-ring action. Again, Simon Dean was at ringside but this time, Jake and Mark Henry were nowhere to be seen. Michael Cole suggested Henry was probably preparing for the battle royal. Matt Hardy comes out to a cheer and Tazz tells us this one is for the WWE United States title. Not that there is much risk of Hardy losing this one. Like Angle, he’s just getting his momentum back after last week’s loss, and it is no major shock that, despite an attempted bit of interference from Dean, Hardy gets a Twist of Fate in for the win after a few minutes. Matt Hardy beats Jesse Gymini to retain the WWE United States title - 66%.
We see a blacked out car arrive at the arena and out from the back door facing the camera steps Batista, who is wearing sunglasses, an open collared shirt and smart trousers. He thanks the driver and starts to walk into the backstage area. But as he takes a few steps, he is hit from the side and staggers. The camera pans further out and reveals Finlay, who is trying to follow Batista and keep laying the punches in. But Batista has enough time to react and blocks one of them, firing back a right hand of his own. And Finlay is unable to get enough offence in on Batista before road agents dash over to break it up as both men seethe at each other from a distance - 73%.
Back to the ring, where Hardcore Holly is finishing off his entrance. As Tony Chimel finishes announcing his name, the Right To Censor logo flashes up and the sirens blare as Steven Richards walks out to fairly sizeable jeers. He has a microphone in his hand and says he will not allow this to pass — Hardcore, in any way, shape or form is not welcome on Friday Night Smackdown. He walks down the ramp and says he has already dealt with Sabu and put him out of the way, and now another “Hardcore” element of the show needs to be put down. The bell rings and Richards goes straight on the assault. He stays on top of Holly for the entire match, winning with a Double Underhook DDT. Richards raises a hand to celebrate… - Steven Richards beats Hardcore Holly 74%.
When Sabu’s music hits and he comes out from the back with a shopping trolley full of weapons. Steven Richards looks shocked and Michael Cole remins us that for the last two weeks, Sabu was left laid out in the back due to an assault by the censor. And Sabu is ready for some revenge, pushing the trolley right to the edge of the ring and then throwing weapon after weapon inside the ropes. Sabu slides in, with Richards there to meet him, but the man from Beirut, Michigan blocks the first punch and backs Richards up against the ropes before whipping him and taking him out with a big knee to the stomach. He then waits with a bin lid, which he uses to take the wind out of Richards when he stands. Sabu then places a chair on Richards’ stomach and hits a huge Springboard Moonsault, hurting him further. Sabu then grabs a baseball bat and winds it up as he waits for Richards to rise. But that is when referees enter the ring, along with security, and keep Sabu away as we go to a break - 65%.
Back from the break, Funaki and Scotty 2 Hotty are waiting in the ring when Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury and Melina come out from the back. They pose at the top of the ramp when Melina grabs a microphone and flicks for her men to follow her. She says that Johnny and Joey might have lost their belts and the steel cage match last week, but everyone in the arena knows what she does — they are still Smackdown’s premier tag team. Tonight, she says, they have promised to beat Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki in under three minutes to prove why they are the team that Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Kid Kash and Jamie Noble have to fear at the The Great American Bash - 82%.
They prove it in this match. Johnny Nitro is straight on the assault on Funaki, beating him across the ring and nearly getting a pinfall within a minute after a big kick to the jaw. There’s a clock in the bottom corner, in case you were wondering, counting down from that three minute mark that they have promised us. Joey Mercury then gets a chance after a two count for the kick, and he is equally dominant on Scotty 2 Hotty. He hits a triple snap suplex to really wear down Scotty. And when Nitro has had enough, he tags in, takes Funaki off the apron with a punch and the pair hit the Snapshot on Scotty 2 Hotty for the pin and the win after two minutes and 55 seconds. Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury (w/Melina) beat Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki - 84%.
We have a brief recap of how everyone qualified for the battle royal before the main event. But before the wrestlers are introduced, Mr Kennedy comes out from the back to join Michael Cole and Tazz on commentary. He says there’s no one else on the Smackdown roster worthy of helping to call this one — which is when Cole introduces the other guest commentator, Rey Mysterio. Mysterio gets a big cheer but Kennedy is less than enthused, suggesting he’s a weak champion who has not exactly impressed anyone since he won the belt at Wrestlemania. That, of course, is said before Mysterio sits down. Kennedy is far more gracious and welcoming when the champion takes his seat, with Cole and Tazz also thanking Mysterio for joining them - 82%.
And then the wrestlers emerge. The King’s Court of King Booker, Paul Burchill and William Regal are out first, followed by Paul London and Brian Kendrick, who are crowd favourites, Kid Kash, John Bradshaw Layfield, Mark Henry and then Batista. Those entrances are rapid, while The Undertaker gets to do his full ring walk. And it is no surprise that everyone targets the Dead Man to star the match, with all nine wrestlers piling in on him. That lasts for a very short amount of time, with everyone breaking down into their own battles. The first elimination is, surprisingly, John Bradshaw Layfield, who gets thrown over by both London and Kendrick. And then Mark Henry gets the same treatment. A few minutes later, Kid Kash does get one over on London, poking Kendrick in the eye and then flipping his partner over the top. Kash celebrates that one, but Kendrick throws him over when his back is turned. That, though, gives Burchill and Regal the chance to throw the other tag champion over the top rope a couple of minutes later, showcasing their ability as a tag team. That leaves the full King’s Court, Batista and The Undertaker. The three-on-two advantage tells for a minute or two, but the two are very powerful and within a minute they have overturned the momentum. In fact, King Booker is left cowering in the corner as Batista and The Undertaker hit a Batista Bomb and a Tombstone on Regal and Burchill respectively, before tossing their men over the top rope. But that is when this becomes a fun, overbooked mess of a finish. Kennedy has spent the entire match trash talking The Undertaker on commentary, pointing out he beat him in that ring only a couple of weeks ago. And when Burchill goes flying, he gets on the microphone. He tells Taker that he might win tonight, but would have no chance if Kennedy was in the ring. Taker obviously reacts to this and stares Kennedy down… giving Booker the chance to throw him over the top rope! Taker lands hard but immediately sits up and stares, first at Booker and then at Kennedy. Kennedy is trapped behind the announce table, and while he eventually runs out and tries to go at Taker, the veteran grabs him around the neck and hits a huge chokeslam… straight through the table! That gets a big cheer. Meanwhile, in the ring, Batista and Booker are brawling away. Batista has the advantage and hits a big Spinebuster on Booker, before setting him up for a Batista Bomb! But Finlay’s music hits and the Irishman walks out from the back. Batista calls for him to come meet him in the ring… which is when Batista is spun around and hit with a big RKO by the returning Randy Orton. Orton celebrates as Booker picks Batista up and tosses him over the top rope to win the match and the No 1 contendership - King Booker wins the No 1 contendership battle royal, last eliminating Batista 74%.
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The current Great American Bash card
Card subject to change WWE World Heavyweight title: Rey Mysterio (c) vs King Booker WWE Tag Team titles: Paul London and Brian Kendrick (c) vs Kid Kash and Jamie Noble vs Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury
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WWE.com
It's a homecoming for Shawn Michaels in San Antonio, Texas on RAW — but what will the welcome be like in the Monday Night RAW ring after the Heartbreak Kid and Triple H were attacked last week by Test, Sean O'Haire and the rest of the corporation? Vince McMahon has promised Michaels will be in action, but no match has been scheduled yet. Michaels might be thinking about coming home, but he'll be equally worried about who he might face.
The WWE Heavyweight title will be on the line as, despite Edge's draw with John Cena, his favourite boss has handed him the chance to capture Rob Van Dam's championship belt. Will he be able to do so, or will the wily Paul Heyman have another scheme up his sleeve to keep the belt in Van Dam's hands?
Beth Phoenix has been on a rampage in WWE since making her debut a few weeks ago, and she has the opportunity to show just how much of a star she can be when she takes on the WWE Women's champion Mickie James in a non-title match.
And The Kaneanites will be in action as Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas team up to take them on after weeks of The Punk and his posse getting involved in their business.
WWE Heavyweight title: Rob Van Dam (c) vs Edge
Non-title: Mickie James vs Beth Phoenix
The Kaneanites (The Student and The Brute) vs Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas
Plus: Shawn Michaels, Umaga and more in action
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 13, 2022 17:44:13 GMT 1
Heat - Chris Masters offers up the Masterlock challenge, and this week he is answered by Tatanka. Tatanka might have the strength of a buffalo, but he absolutely does not have the strength to break out of a Masterlock. He passes out to continue Masters’ successful run - 69%.
We get a second match on Heat, as Eugene is waiting in the ring for Sean O’Haire. The Corporation member blasts through Eugene, essentially using this as an opportunity to get back a bit of momentum after losing to Triple H last week, and wins it with the Cruel Intentions - 73%.
WWE Monday Night RAW, July 17, 2006
We are live in the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas and even as Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcome us to tonight’s show, the crowd have a reason to roar as home town boy Shawn Michaels comes out from the back. Michaels is without Triple H after the assault to end last week’s show, and his dancing has lost a beat this week. The Heartbreak Kid has a slightly more serious look on his face as, after a couple of crotch chops, his music cuts out and he lifts a microphone to his lips. He speaks a bit about how he understands Triple H and himself have targets on their backs after the way they have stood up to the McMahon family and The Corporation. He says he knows D-Generation X stood for rebellion in the 1990s and they plan to stand up for themselves and not just letting the McMahons get away with whatever they want today. And that is why Triple H ran to backstage last week to deal with Test when he approached his wife, and that is why he wound up being assaulted backstage. So, Michaels says, he wants a match tonight. He wants revenge for his tag team partner, and he wants it against Test, tonight. That brings us to No Chance In Hell playing over the PA system and The McMahons (sans Stephanie) walking out from the back alongside Test, Edge and Sean O’Haire. Vince speaks generally about Michaels and says given they don’t have a main event scheduled tonight for RAW, he’s willing to give him his match against Test, with one caveat. He says he has not spoken to Stephanie since last week and still does not have an answer from her about which side of this divide she sits on. So he’s going to make the match, but with an added stipulation… Stephanie McMahon will be the special guest referee - 85%.
Back from a break, the WWE Women’s champion Mickie James is making her way out for her non-title match. Jim Ross highlights the fact that this will be Beth Phoenix’s in-ring debut after her recent path of destruction. Jerry Lawler talks over video footage of that run as she makes her way to the ring to a very muted crowd reaction. It’s clear she still needs to establish herself a bit further. And this, it must be said, is a great opportunity for that. She dominates the champion from pillar to post and James finds it almost impossible to live with her in the ring. The momentum of the match is so heavily in Phoenix’s favour that after a huge suplex, Trish Stratus emerges from the back to try and keep an eye on what Phoenix is doing. James recovers to get a few punches in on Phoenix and then spots Trish at ringside. She turns and shouts and asks her what she’s doing there. Trish goes to back up the ramp, but as she does so, Phoenix gets up, spins James around and hits a Pheonix Bomb for a huge win over the champion. Stratus walks up the ramp as Phoenix gets up and shouts that she’s next. Ross speculates over how the WWE will ensure next week’s match between James and Stratus goes off without a hitch and Phoenix getting involved. Lawler says it might be impossible. Beth Phoenix beats Mickie James - 45%.
Backstage, Maria Kanellis introduces her guest — The Nature Boy, Ric Flair. Flair asks the production team to take us back to last week, when he feels he was cheated out of his WWE Intercontinental title shot. We are shown Dupree using his belt to hit Flair and secure a defeat by disqualification — but retain the title in the process. Flair says he is happy to accept the result in the ring, it is what it is, but that he says it sends a message about Dupree. Flair says it shows the world that he knows one thing about himself and Flair — that he is the lesser man! Flair will accept it if Dupree is OK with accepting that himself, but will say this — he wants one more match against the champion, and he expects a response next week. And, if Dupree will give him the opportunity, he’ll give him the chance to be the man by beating the man. Woo! - 97%.
Umaga is stood in the centre of the ring looking threatening, alongside Armando Alejandro Estrada. Estrada says last week, Umaga beat a classic superstar, and this week they have put out the challenge for another. Estrada says he hopes whoever it is can actually offer a challenge to Umaga… and they might do, given it is Diamond Dallas Page who walks out of the back. The three-time WCW World Heavyweight champion gets a big cheer as he makes his way down to the ring. This is probably the most challenging contest Umaga has had in the last couple of months, and it even looks as though he might lose his unbeaten run when DDP hits a Diamond Cutter. It only gets a two count though, and a short one at that. This spooks Umaga and he responds quickly, hitting a Samoan Spike to get a pin and the win. DDP faces his wrath post-match with another Samoan Spike before celebrating with Estrada. Umaga beats Diamond Dallas Page - 76%.
In the back, Maria Kanellis introduces her next guest — Goldust. He walks into shot accompanied by Stacy Keibler. Maria goes to ask Goldust a question but Stacy comes over and takes the microphone from her and points her away. The interviewer leaves and Stacy holds up the microphone for her man. Goldust says he has a single reason as to why he is here to speak to the fans worldwide. Everyone has been asking him why he attacked his father again last week. The answer? Because he had to. Next week, Goldust says, he will start to concentrate on himself and reestablishing his own path to glory. He breathes in and out, then blows a kiss at the camera before walking off - 84%.
Up next, Edge comes out to big jeers. He’s by himself on the way to the ring, as Jim Ross reminds us he was handed this opportunity by Vince McMahon despite his draw with John Cena. Rob Van Dam then comes out with his belt and Paul Heyman at his side. There’s a long introduction by Lillian Garcia before this begins. The two lock-up, and fight back and forth. Edge hits a big suplex on Van Dam, while Van Dam comes back with a series of kicks that stagger Edge. But then Edge goes for a punch as Van Dam goes for a kick and both men hit the mat. The referee starts a ten count very early in the match, and both men get back up for eight. But as they do, John Cena’s music hits and he dashes to the ring to a big cheer. He ducks a clothesline from Edge and then a spinning kick from the champion as the referee rings the bell to render this one a no contest. He then bounces off the rope and manages a Lou Thesz press on Edge! But that lets Van Dam hit a Rolling Thunder on him on the ground. In fact, this just descends into a chaotic brawl to the back… Rob Van Dam (c) vs Edge for the WWE Heavyweight title ends in a no contest - 72%.
Where, backstage, Edge seems to get the better of John Cena with Rob Van Dam out of the picture. He goes for a Spear, but Cena dodges and Edge goes shoulder first into a post! Van Dam sneaks up behind Cena and spins him around for a series of kicks. But Cena manages to grab his foot after one of them and take him down with a leg sweep on the other. Cena then picks Van Dam up and drags him over to a table at the back. Paul Heyman can be heard screaming in the background, telling Cena not to do it. He says it over and over again. Heyman steps between Van Dam and Cena, which leads to Cena pushing him away, leading to a big thump on the ground. And Cena then picks Van Dam up and puts him through a table before standing tall as we go to a break - 74%.
“Adoramus Te Dominum Nostrum” is heard over the speakers as the lights go down and the three men in Kane masks walk out of the back with a heavy guitar riff playing. They walk in a triangle, The Punk leading the way with The Brute and The Student behind him. The trio pose in the middle of the ring as Shelton Benjamin’s music hits and he walks out with Charlie Haas alongside him. Jim Ross recaps how this match came about, from The Kaneanites’ attack on Kane to their assault on Benjamin and Haas’s save. Then Kane storms out as pyros explode from the stage and we have ourselves a match. All three of the faces are desperate to get their hands on The Kaneanites, especially The Punk, but he stays on the apron and lets the other two go about their business. The former World’s Greatest Tag Team, though, have the experience advantage while Kane uses his power whenever he is tagged into the ring. The end comes with The Student temporarily taking charge against Haas and locking in a Boston Crab. But Haas manages to break free and get a hot tag to Benjamin, while The Student sees both members of his team hop off the apron when he goes for a tag. This leads to The Student taking a T-Bone Suplex from Benjamin before he tags Kane in for the Chokeslam and the win… Kane, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas beat The Student, The Brute and The Punk - 74%.
But before they can celebrate, The Punk and The Brute take down Kane, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas with steel chair shots from behind. They lift The Student up and pass him a chair of his own — he hits Kane with it when he gets back to his feet. The winners of that contest stay laid out as The Punk gets a microphone. He says he is proud to have inspired Kane to greater levels — but that they know they can go even further and bring the real monster back, ready to take charge of the WWE. He says The Student learned a lesson tonight and that is why himself and The Brute left him to face the punishment. He says he earned their respect by suffering through it and then getting back to his feet. The Punk throws down the microphone and the trio celebrate over their downed foes, despite their defeat - 78%.
After the final break of the night, Test’s old school music hits and he comes out from the back accompanied by Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon and Sean O’Haire. Jim Ross says he has heard Edge is having treatment on his shoulder and is unable to accompany The Corporation tonight. They are followed out by Shawn Michaels, who gets another big cheer. And then out comes Stephanie McMahon, dressed in a referee’s shirt and slacks. She looks to both Michaels and her dad before ringing the bell. Michaels goes straight for Test and that sets the pattern of this match, the hometown hero against the lackey heel. After a few minutes, Test does manage to roll out of the way of an elbow drop to slow the match down, using sleeper holds and a series of stretches to try and wear Michaels down. He then targets the knee of Michaels, locking in a single-leg Boston Crab, but Michaels beats the canvas to get the crowd onside. As they pump up the energy, he lifts himself up onto his feet and hits a big Enzuigiri on Test to get out of the hold. Test stumbles back and bounces off the ropes… straight into a Sweet Chin Music from Michaels! He covers for the pin, and Stephanie hits a very quick one, two and three on the mat to give him the win. Straight away, Vince, O’Haire and Shane pour into the ring and take Michaels down… Shawn Michaels beats Test in a special guest referee match - 73%.
Which leads to The Game playing and Triple H running out of the back carrying a Sledgehammer. Attack or no attack, he slides in and everyone on The Corporation side scarpers as he starts waving the hammer around. He drops the hammer as they back up the ramp and goes to check on Stephanie McMahon, who ducked into the corner as everyone ran into the ring. He also checks Shawn Michaels is OK before putting his hand out to Stephanie, who walks over and hugs him instead! Vince and Shane look shocked at the top of the ramp. The camera cuts back to the ring, where Triple H lifts Stephanie’s arm in the air and encourages her to do the crotch chops. As he demonstrates, Stephanie laughs and smiles… before kicking Triple H straight in the groin! Triple H falls to his knees and to the mat as Stephanie angrily looks at her downed husband. She then walks out of the ring to join her family on the ramp, her hands raised by Vince and Shane as RAW comes to a conclusion - 83%.
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WWE.com
Friday Night Smackdown will come to you from Corpus Christi, Texas, just two nights before The Great American Bash, and we have been promised the answer to the biggest question surrounding the pay-per-view — will The Great Khali make it to take on The Undertaker? Khali has not been seen in weeks, and the Deadman has requested time through the ether to explain Khali's situation.
Smackdown's tag team scene has been one of the highlights of recent shows, and they will have a giant showcase to perform on at The Great American Bash when Paul London and Brian Kendrick defend their WWE Tag Team titles against MNM, and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble. But these six men can't keep their hands off each other — and will take part in two triple threat matches on Smackdown to see how they're set for Sunday's show.
Lashley and Mark Henry have had issues in recent weeks, ever since Henry signed up with Simon Dean and The Gymini. They will finally have the chance to settle the score in a match on Smackdown.
And that's not all — as Rey Mysterio and King Booker will sign the contract to confirm their WWE World Heavyweight title match for The Great American Bash.
Smackdown's card
Paul London vs Johnny Nitro vs Kid Kash Brian Kendrick vs Joey Mercury vs Jamie Noble Lashley vs Mark Henry |
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 18, 2022 12:13:04 GMT 1
Velocity - We have the final of the Cruiserweight Contendership Tournament as Gregory Helms takes on Psicosis. This is a great match, which ends with Helms hitting the Shining Wizard to take the pinfall win and earn a title shot at Ultimo Dragon before The Great American Bash - 83%.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown, July 21, 2006
Friday Night Smackdown at the American Bank Centre in Corpus Christi, Texas starts with the lights out and the noise of a gong. The crowd roars as The Undertaker walks out of the back slowly. Michael Cole and Tazz tell us that Taker is scheduled to face The Great Khali at The Great American Bash on Sunday, but his whereabouts are currently unknown. They then hype up the other matches — King Booker challenging for Rey Mysterio’s title, Paul London and Brian Kendrick defending their tag team titles and plenty more. When Taker reaches the ring, he lifts the lights and, as he swirls his coat around, he brings out a microphone. Speaking slowly, he says he knows Daivari has had questions about Khali. He says all he can tell him is that Khali will not be back any time soon, because he tried to cross The Undertaker… and doing that put him in the path of his powers. The Undertaker says there will be no Punjabi Prison match, and instead he has another target — Mr Kennedy. Taker says Kennedy needs to learn the same lesson Khali is currently learning as he is tortured in a dark pit he has created for himself. And Taker promises, if Kennedy accepts his challenge, he will rest… in… at which stage, Khali’s music interrupts him. But it is Daivari who emerges from the back. Daivari looks concerned but is holding something in a bag. Daivari says he wants Khali back. He says he has something in the bag and he will do something The Undertaker will not like if he does not get his monster back. The Dead Man stands silent and does not respond. Daivari opens the bag and pulls out the urn! Daivari, holding the urn under one arm, says he will open it if The Undertaker does not tell him where Khali is. Again, Taker does not respond. And Daivari keeps saying he’ll do it… and eventually does, unscrewing the top before throwing it down on the ramp. Suddenly, the lights go out and a single stream of light shines out from the urn, through Daivari’s face and to the top of the arena. That light goes fully out. After 15 seconds of pitch blackness, the lights come back on to Daivari stood in the ring, the urn in one hand and a glazed look on his face. The Undertaker gets down on one knee and bows to the urn as Daivari stands stock still and we go to a break - 71%.
Backstage, William Regal is stood with Kristal Marshall, with Paul Burchill slightly off to the side of the shot. Regal says the King’s Court had a successful night on Friday Night Smackdown last week, and he knows King Booker is looking forward to signing the contract for his title match at The Great American Bash tonight. He says, though, that even as subjects himself and Burchill are allowed to carry out their own business. And, Regal says, his business concerns the WWE United States title. He wants to make it clear — he wants Matt Hardy at The Great American Bash. He wants to take the title that represents this simple country and bring something resembling pride to it. That gets a boo. And it also brings Hardy into the shot. Hardy says he knew he had to walk over the second he saw Regal about to talk. He says he is bored of Regal running his mouth about the title and says it is time to prove why he is the champion. So, Hardy says, he will put his WWE United States title on the line against Regal at The Bash. Not only that, he promises — the USA will prevail - 74%.
Back to the ring, where Lashley is making his entrance. He is followed out by Mark Henry, accompanied by Simon Dean and The Gymini. Lashley tries to take it to Henry to start the match, but the pair just end up throwing punches back and forth and failing to hit any lifts on each other, given their ludicrous sizes. This continues for a minute or two before John Bradshaw Layfield’s music plays and he comes out from the back in his limousine. Layfield has a microphone and as he walks down the ramp, he asks why he does not have a match at The Great American Bash. He says it was just three weeks ago that he was challenging for the World Heavyweight title, and now he is being ignored. Layfield asks whether he needs to make more of an impact. Stepping into the ring, he immediately clubs Lashley with his microphone, leading to referee Jim Korderas ringing the bell. Layfield and Henry lay boots in on Lashley, which draws out Kurt Angle to a cheer. He saves Lashley, which is when Finlay decides to join the party. Michael Cole speculates Finlay is not over his beef with either Angle or Lashley. The five men all brawn, which leads to… Lashley beats Mark Henry (w/Simon Dean and The Gymini) by disqualification - 62%.
Teddy Long coming out on the ramp. Long tells everyone in the ring to stop fighting and asks if he can holla at them for a second. They stop and look at him. He says he knows all five men in the ring have had their ups and downs on Smackdown in recent weeks. He wants to be an equal opportunity general manager and thinks everyone currently stood in the ring deserves the chance to impress. So, he’s going to give them all a match at The Great American Bash. Long says they will all take part in a six-way match at the pay-per-view. There’s a big cheer, and then Long makes the point — there are only five wrestlers in the ring. Long adds that the five will compete against a sixth man — Smackdown’s latest signing! He says he will introduce them all to the newest man before that match. That gets a big cheer and Michael Cole speculates on who it could be as Long walks off as we go to a break - 69%.
We stay in the arena as we come back from the commercial break, where Kid Kash is making his way down to the ring. Michael Cole tells us that there are two triple threat matches scheduled for tonight, featuring one member of each team in the three-way tag title match at The Great American Bash. But, he adds, tag team partners are banned from ringside. Kash is followed out by Johnny Nitro and Melina, and then one-half of the champions in Paul London. This is a hell of a match. All three are clearly very comfortable working with each other. Kash has the lead of this one, before London gets a bit of momentum courtesy of some speedy moves on the two opponents. A high spot includes Kash and Nitro brawling to the outside of the ring and London bouncing off one set of ropes before flying over the top with a big plancha onto both men. The end, though, comes, with London seemingly in charge of the match. He appears to set Nitro up for a 450 Splash, but as he comes off the top rope, Kash pushes Nitro out of the way and London lands on his feet. Kash goes to hit London with a Brainbuster, and the move connects. He turns the champion over for a pin, but it is broken up by Nitro, who slides back into the ring and hits a Standing Shooting Star press on both men. Kash rolls away in pain as Nitro covers London to get the pinfall win. Johnny Nitro beats Paul London and Kid Kash - 81%.
Kristal Marshall introduces her next guest backstage — Randy Orton. Orton looks cocky as he is asked why he cost Batista in the battle royal last week. Orton says his answer is simple — he never had the opportunity to pay Batista back for the way he ruined his title shot. And, Orton says, the entire time he was suspended, he was just waiting for the opportunity to mete out some punishment on Batista. Orton says that last week he proved he was the smart- which is when he taken out from the side by Batista. Security immediately rushes in and breaks it up between the two men. And Teddy Long is quickly on the scene. He says if the two want to fight so badly, they can clash at The Great American Bash! That gets a big cheer. Not only that, but they can start it all tonight in the main event — when Orton, Mr Kennedy and William Regal take on The Undertaker, Matt Hardy… and Batista - 82%.
The second triple threat match featuring the tag team title contenders is next. Brian Kendrick is first out this time, followed by Joey Mercury, with Melina, and Jamie Noble. Again, all three men know each other very well and this is a good match which deserves the positive response the crowd gives it. Noble has the best of this match and looks very strong, knocking Mercury to the outside about halfway through the match and working down Kendrick with a series of submission moves, putting particular focus on his back. The end, though comes, when Mercury gets back into the ring and kicks Noble in the back to break up one of his extended submission moves. Mercury looks to hit Kendrick with a snap DDT but Kendrick trips him up and hits a standing double foot stomp to Mercury’s chest. Noble recovers and tries to hit Kendrick with a clothesline while he is focused on Mercury. Kendrick, though, ducks, and then hits the turning Noble with a knee to the head. Noble stumbles, then Kendrick hits a Sliced Bread #2 in the corner before covering for the pinfall win. The bell ringing sees Kash come out from the back, closely followed by London and then Nitro. It’s a six-man brawl in the ring as Michael Cole hypes up the match on Sunday and we go to a commercial break. Brian Kendrick beats Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury - 82%.
We come back to Steven Richards backstage, who is on the phone to someone. He says he represents the sensible voice of Smackdown superstars, and he wants to make it clear that any orders of any trash cans, steel chairs, tables, ladders or any other implements that can be used in the advancement of violence beyond clean, honest fighting need to be cancelled for Sunday’s Great American Bash. Teddy Long saunters up to him and asks him to put the phone down. Richards does and asks, “What?”. Long says Richards should be speaking to him with a bit more respect — after all, he is his boss. Richards says, “Fine… what… Mr Long?”. Long says Richards is going to like this one — he’s going to have to call that person back and go back on his order. Why, Richards asks? Because, Long says, he’s going to take on Sabu at The Great American Bash to bring an end to that particular feud… and it’s going to be a hardcore match! Richards looks shocked - 71%.
Back to the ring, where Michael Cole and Tazz tell us the main event is coming up — which will be followed by the contract signing between Rey Mysterio and King Booker. William Regal, Mr Kennedy and Randy Orton come out one after another, followed by big cheers for Matt Hardy, Batista and then The Undertaker. This match begins with Hardy, Batista and Taker cleaning house to kick it off, and Batista then knocking Regal around the ring. However, a tag to Hardy allows the momentum to switch and the match then generally centers around Regal, Orton and Kennedy working the WWE United States champion down in the middle of the ring. After five minutes of this quick back and forth, Hardy works his way out of a sleeper hold from Regal and gets the hot tag to Taker, while Kennedy is tagged in by Regal. Taker cleans house, with Orton being knocked into the corner. He stays down in there, face first. Taker then tries to get the chokeslam in on Kennedy, but Regal hits him with a blow to the back to break up the move. That angers Taker, who clotheslines Regal over the top rope. Kennedy, though, uses that as a chance to grab Taker from behind and throw him out of the ring too. Batista comes in and hits a huge clothesline on Kennedy before picking him up for a Batista Bomb. However, he spots Orton and goes over to him. He picks him up and tries to hit him with a Batista Bomb, but Orton punches out of it. Regal gets up and hits an uppercut to Batista, knocking him down. Hardy comes in and tries to save Batista, but Regal gets a drop toe hold in on Hardy, sending him crashing into the bottom corner. He looks completely out of it, and it is then revealed the turnbuckle is exposed! Orton then picks him up, hits an RKO, and tells Regal to pin him, which he does for the three and the win. William Regal, Randy Orton and Mr Kennedy beat Matt Hardy, Batista and The Undertaker - 76%.
We go backstage, where Gregory Helms is talking to Nunzio. Michael Cole fills in Smackdown fans about the situation on Velocity and the fact that before The Great American Bash, Helms will take on Ultimo Dragon for the WWE Cruiserweight title. As he chats to Nunzio, Rey Mysterio walks past. Helms steps in front of him and tells him that he hopes he enjoys wearing his big belt, because while he’s going to beat Dragon for the Cruiserweight title on Sunday, Mysterio will almost certainly be losing his belt. Helms towers over Mysterio and asks how he even won it in the first place when he is so small. Mysterio laughs and says that when he wears his mask, he feels like a superhero, something Helms will know all too well about. He says when he lost his mask in WCW, he lost something. Now, he gains power from it. Mysterio says he is sure Ultimo Dragon will beat Helms, and he can’t wait to watch that happen. Mysterio walks off and Helms looks annoyed - 74%.
We come to the final segment of the night, with The King’s Court walking out of the back to a remixed version of Booker T’s music. Think more strings and the same amount of the word ‘Sucka!’. Rey Mysterio follows. There is a desk and two chairs set up in the ring, with King Booker occupying one side with the entire King’s Court behind him. Mysterio sits opposite him. Michael Cole joins both men in the ring and says he is here to preside over the signing of the contracts. Both men sign without an issue, while Cole asks Mysterio whether he’s looking forward to facing King Booker. Mysterio says he is — he has always respected him as a wrestler since they were together in WCW and he is hoping he provides a good challenge for his World Heavyweight title. Cole asks the same question of the challenger, and Booker laughs. He says all he cares about is winning the title… and Smackdown’s King does not care which itty bitty champion he has to go through to win it. That brings a smirk to Mysterio’s face, and he asks whether Booker would even have a chance if it was not for relying on other people winning him the battle royal last week. That upsets Booker, and he says, “Tell me he didn’t just say that”, to The King’s Court. Mysterio realises he has clearly touched a nerve. He points out that Booker had the King’s Court on his side, and even then would have lost to Batista if not for Finlay AND Randy Orton last week. Mysterio jokes and says he knows Booker is a fierce competitor, but that anyone would prefer to face him rather than Batista. Booker pretends to laugh, but then stands up and throws his microphone angrily down at the floor. He stares at Mysterio, who stands up too. That is the prompt for Regal and Burchill to try and chase after the champion. But Mysterio hops up onto the table and takes Booker out with a big hurricanrana! Burchill throws the table out of the way as Booker slides out of the ring and Sharmell steps out too. Regal charges for Mysterio but he gets a low dropkick for his efforts. Regal too rolls out of the ring. Burchill then tries to grab Mysterio from behind but Mysterio elbows him out then hits him with a drop toe hold! He then runs against the opposite ropes and hits a big 619! As Booker, Regal and Sharmell back up the ramp, Mysterio’s music plays and he lifts his title above his head, celebrating getting one over, as Tazz implores the fans at home to buy The Great American Bash on Sunday - 86%.
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WWE presents The Great American Bash
WWE World Heavyweight title: Rey Mysterio (c) vs King Booker WWE United States title: Matt Hardy (c) vs William Regal WWE Tag Team titles: Paul London and Brian Kendrick (c) vs MNM (Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury) vs Kid Kash and Jamie Noble The Undertaker vs Mr Kennedy Randy Orton vs Batista John Bradshaw Layfield vs Kurt Angle vs Lashley vs Mark Henry vs Finlay vs Smackdown's latest signing Hardcore match: Steven Richards vs Sabu Dark match — WWE Cruiserweight title: Ultimo Dragon (c) vs Gregory Helms
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Prediction competition
The winner gets to pair together a set of developmental talents that I have not yet earmarked for something else as a tag team.
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Post by Asaemon on Dec 18, 2022 20:09:16 GMT 1
WWE presents The Great American Bash
WWE World Heavyweight title: Rey Mysterio (c) vs King Booker
WWE United States title: Matt Hardy (c) vs William Regal
WWE Tag Team titles: Paul London and Brian Kendrick (c) vs MNM (Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury) vs Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
The Undertaker vs Mr Kennedy
Randy Orton vs Batista
John Bradshaw Layfield vs Kurt Angle vs Lashley vs Mark Henry vs Finlay vs Smackdown's latest signing
Hardcore match: Steven Richards vs Sabu
Dark match — WWE Cruiserweight title: Ultimo Dragon (c) vs Gregory Helms
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 22, 2022 11:18:39 GMT 1
We are live for The Great American Bash pre-show, and clearly someone has been telling people how many good Cruiserweight matches are happening on Velocity because when Gregory Helms walks out, he gets a big jeer. The reaction to Ultimo Dragon is a bit more muted, but not as the match goes on. As Michael Cole and Tazz implore us to buy the pay-per-view that follows this contest, Ultimo and Helms put on a bit of a show. It looks as though this one is coming to a close when Helms hits a big enzuigiri, but Ultimo kicks out after two. Helms then tries to line up the Shining Wizard, but as he goes for the kick Dragon rolls out of the way before throwing the challenger into the corner. As he bounces back out, the Asai DDT ends this with Ultimo picking up the pinfall win. Ultimo Dragon (c) beats Gregory Helms to retain the WWE Cruiserweight title (8:02) - 77%.
WWE Great American Bash, 23 July, 2006
They have somehow stuffed nearly 20,000 people into the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indiana, Indianapolis for The Great American Bash. Those lucky folk are immediately greeted by the noise of a wailing siren as Steven Richards walks out while Michael Cole and Tazz run us down the card for tonight – three titles on the line, Batista against Randy Orton, The Undertaker in action, plus Teddy Long’s mystery signing! Richards is, of course, followed by Sabu, who comes out with his traditional hardcore match trolley. And boy does he put it to good use as this match goes on, using varied items including a toaster, a trash can lid and a year 2000 Steven Richards action figure to wail away on his man. And Sabu seems firmly in charge when he bundles Richards into the trolley and rams it into the steel steps, sending Richards flying around ringside. Back in the ring though, Sabu takes too long grabbing a bag of thumbtacks and pouring them out in the corner. And Richards has experience of falling on those from a few weeks ago. He waits for Sabu to come get him and grabs a nearby kendo stick, using it to carry out a low blow on Sabu. Tazz says even in a hardcore match, that’s a low move. Richards tries to hit the Steven Kick on Sabu as he gets up, but the ECW legend ducks his leg. His attempted drop toe hold is reversed courtesy of an elbow from Richards, who then lands a Steven T on Sabu straight into the thumbtacks! Sabu sells it very well, and Richards gets the pin on his downed foe. Steven Richards beats Sabu in a hardcore match (9:13) - 75%.
Backstage, Teddy Long is shown in catering. He is speaking to Ricky Steamboat, who gets a nice little cheer. Long explains that Finlay has suffered a serious injury, and will not be competing tonight — or for a very long time. Long says he has got Smackdown’s newest signing ready for tonight’s six-way match, but does not have another superstar around to take Finlay’s place. Steamboat nudges Long in the stomach and asks, “What about him?”. The camera pans around to… Mick Foley, who has his spoon poised to tuck into a tub of ice cream. Foley looks up, points to himself and says, “Sure, why not?”. That gets a big cheer.
Next up, William Regal is out first with Paul Burchill at his side. He is followed out by the WWE United States champion Matt Hardy for this title match. Michael Cole and Tazz recap all of the digs Regal has managed at Hardy in recent weeks as he walks to the ring. And that is reflected in the way Hardy starts this one off, following the introductions by Tony Chimel. He goes straight for Regal, trying to lay into him and prove that Regal’s hopes of taking the title from him won’t be as simple as he has been suggesting backstage. But after a minute or two of this high-tempo action from Hardy, Regal ducks an attempted punch from Hardy in the corner and lays into him with a series of uppercuts to take charge. And then when Hardy tries to duck away, Regal manages to get in an eye gouge to avoid that. Regal then hits a snap suplex and this becomes all about Regal wearing down his opponent with submissions. He uses the ropes to his advantage, to gain more leverage, forcing referee Charles Robinson to count the full four and nine-tenths every time. Hardy seems to have forced Regal up as we come to a conclusion. After support from the crowd, he elbows Regal away. Regal tries to hit a knee on him to get control again but Hardy catches him and trips him. He goes to the top rope for a leg drop, which gets a big cheer, but as he does Burchill climbs up onto the apron. Hardy hops down to deal with him and knocks him off with a big forearm! Hardy, though turns around to a big punch from Regal and goes straight down on the mat. Regal covers for the pin, and we have a new champion! William Regal (w/Paul Burchill) beats Matt Hardy (c) to win the WWE United States title - 84%.
After the match, Paul Burchill grabs William Regal and the belt and they celebrate up the ramp. Michael Cole wonders why Regal made such a speedy exit as Matt Hardy stays laid out cold in the ring. Tazz suggests he must be going to help King Booker prepare for his match later tonight.
We cut to the announce table, where Michael Cole and Tazz recap how the six-way dance came about — basically, everyone was unhappy to be left off the show and Teddy Long wanted them to prove themselves. Simple enough. Mick Foley is out first to a big cheer. He’s followed by Kurt Angle, then Lashley, and then jeers follow for Mark Henry and John Bradshaw Layfield. Long himself then comes out. He says he’s here to introduce Smackdown’s newest signing, someone that they already know well, and someone that he is sure is already a fan favourite. He tells his new acquisition to come on out… which leads to the old Hardy Boys music playing and Jeff Hardy walking out from the back! - 71%.
Jeff Hardy storms the ring and the two heels charge for him as Jim Korderas rings the bell. Mark Henry and John Bradshaw Layfield try to overpower him but that just prompts Kurt Angle and Bobby Lashley to tackle them out of the ring. And that just gives Mick Foley the excuse to put his body on the line, stepping out through the ropes and then hitting a cross body onto all four men, who catch him and fall softly. He is 40, after all. And then it’s Hardy’s turn. He’s recovered in the ring, hits the opposite ropes and then flies over the top with a huge plancha to take all five of his opponents out! From there, the match settles down into something resembling normality. The six men split into groups — Foley and JBL, Henry and Lashley and Angle and Hardy. The end, though, comes, when JBL and Henry manage to break away from their men. They get into the ring and start a two-on-two brawl with Hardy and Angle. They seem to have the upper hand and Henry gets in a World’s Strongest Slam on Angle. JBL tries to hit Hardy with a Clothesline From Hell, but Hardy moves and Layfield takes Henry out instead. As he gets back up, Hardy hits a big dropkick on Layfield. He then takes his time to climb up to the top rope. He poses, and with Layfield perfectly placed, hits a massive Swanton Bomb for the first time in three years in a WWE ring. Hardy then covers and gets the pinfall win to a big roar in Indiana. Jeff Hardy beats John Bradshaw Layfield, Lashley, Mark Henry, Kurt Angle and Mick Foley (13:44) - 73%.
Jeff Hardy looks tired after the bell rings but manages to get to the top rope to pose and celebrate as we cut to a video.
That video recaps the events on Smackdown last week, when The Undertaker revealed The Great Khali was not going to be at The Great American Bash. Daivari then opened the urn and found himself seemingly under The Undertaker’s spell.
Back to ringside, where Mr Kennedy is coming out. He goes to give himself his long introduction, but as he does and reaches the Mister element, the lights go out and the gong hits. The Undertaker soon follows, accompanied by Daivari who has the famous urn in his hands. Michael Cole and Tazz speculate what, exactly, The Undertaker wants with Daivari. It’s nice to see Taker in a pay-per-view match that isn’t constrained by The Great Khali. Kennedy gives as good as he gets, and even though the pair don’t exactly mash in the ring, at least Taker’s opponent can move. And he does, seemingly taking control at one point. Kennedy even manages to get a succession of big uppercuts in on Taker in the corner before locking in a long sleeper hold. After a minute or so, Taker fights out and gets some brutal elbows in on Kennedy’s head. He goes Old School to a big cheer and bounces off the ropes for a standing leg drop for a two count. Daivari stands stock still with the urn throughout. Kennedy nearly nabs Taker with a small package when he goes to pick him up, and then clotheslines the bigger man to the ground. That then gives Kennedy the chance to drag Taker by the hair to the corner. After a lot of setting up, he tries to hit the Green Bay Plunge on him. No chance. Taker elbows out of it, then pulls his feet around and onto the floor. After another elbow, Taker gets Kennedy in place for a chokeslam and manages to hit it! Kennedy, though, kicks out after a long two count. Tazz says that is incredible impressive by Kennedy. That, though, leads to Taker picking him up, hooking him up and hitting a Tombstone, which does get the three count. The Undertaker beats Mr Kennedy (9:15) - 73%.
The Undertaker goes to celebrate and calls for Daivari to bring the urn into the ring. He complies, but as Undertaker kneels to it and Daivari walks up the stairs, he is blindsided by a knee from Kennedy. Kennedy then hops out of the ring, laughing. Daivari walks in and holds the urn above Taker, who sits up and stares at Kennedy as he walks up the ramp. Kennedy looks shocked as we go to black.
We get a recap of the feud between MNM and Paul London and Brian Kendrick and how Kid Kash and Jamie Noble have interjected themselves at various points. The big moves make up the majority of this video, basically telling us that this match is going to be good. The recent record suggests it will be.
It speaks for the popularity of all three teams that they get the reactions you’d hope for. Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury and Melina look like superstars as they are jeered out, while Kid Kash and Jamie Noble, with their mismatching gear and generic music, look like the interlopers they feel like. Paul London and Brian Kendrick are absolutely roared out. This match lives up to exactly what you would hope it to be — a slightly spotty, wild tag match that showcases all six men for the in-ring talents that they are. Big moments include London walking the length of the top rope — The Undertaker must have been seething backstage — before hitting a hurricanrana on Mercury. Nitro also gets a chance to fly, hitting a big Shooting Star Press on Kendrick at one stage that appears to have the match won, before Noble slides into the ring to break up the count. And that is not to suggest Kash and Noble do not shine. Their stereo dives through the ropes onto London and Kendrick, who fly backwards and over the announce table, get a big “Holy shit!”. The end, though, comes with London kicking away at Nitro in the corner, with both men seemingly the last two people in the ring. Nitro eventually flops out, face first, placing him perfectly for a 450 Splash. London climbs and goes for a dive. Nitro, though, gets his knees up and London bounces off. Nitro jumps up and goes for his springboard flying chuck kick. London ducks and Nitro lands hard before rolling away. But before London can enjoy the isolation, Kash comes in and whips him into the ropes, where Noble is waiting with a big punch. London staggers, Kash lifts him up, and Noble climbs to the top rope. That brings in Kendrick, who tries to save London by taking Noble down on the top rope. But Noble kicks him away, then refocuses, hitting the Dead Drop on London. Kash slides over and covers, and referee Charles Robinson counts the three! Kid Kash and Jamie Noble beat Paul London and Brian Kendrick (c), and Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury to win the WWE Tag Team titles (15:22) - 84%.
Jamie Noble dives into Kid Kash, rolling around with him in celebration. Charles Robinson hands them the belts and they leave the ring, celebrating up the ramp. Paul London looks shocked, Brian Kendrick, Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury are floored outside the ring and Tazz says we just have to offer a lot of respect to these six men for this remarkable match.
We then get a video recapping Batista and Randy Orton’s feud. The repeated involvements in Batista’s matches, the production staff attack by Batista, Orton’s suspension and his attack on Batista in the battle royal are all covered. It then ends with the two facing off.
Batista is out to a big cheer, followed by Randy Orton, who despite his recent suspension does look incredibly confident. Tazz speculates whether or not that is just his natural state. What follows is the match of the night. Batista is all over Orton, throwing him around the ring and completely taking it to the third-generation superstar. He looks to have it won after only two minutes, hitting a big spinebuster followed by an attempted Batista Bomb. Orton, though, manages to reverse the Batista Bomb into a huge DDT, which leaves both men out. From there, Orton recovers quickest and turns this into a brawl around the ring. He constantly rolls back into the ring to break up referee’s count, but uses the full range of objects around the ring to try and wear Batista down. He throws the Animal into the barricade and the steel stairs, before breaking up the count again. Batista looks to be laid out, but manages to recover at six. Orton slides out and makes sure not to lose the advantage. He takes Batista over to the announce table and removes the top of it. After breaking up the count again, with Michael Cole begging him not to do it, Orton drags Batista up. He lays in some punches and then, when Batista pops up, tries to hit an RKO through the table! But Batista catches Orton, lifts him up and hits a big powerslam through the table instead! The referee starts counting, gets to six, at which stage Batista rises and slides back into the ring. Orton stirs at eight. He crawls… and just manages to get back in right before the 10 count. But his roll in is only met by Batista hooking him up and then hitting a big Batista Bomb! Batista covers and gets the pin to finally get one over Orton. Batista beats Randy Orton (16:17) - 86%.
Batista has his hand raised by referee Charles Robinson as he celebrates in a tired fashion. We then cut to a Don’t Try This At Home video before recalling King Booker’s recent rise from King Of The Ring to No 1 contender.
It would be fair to say King Booker has strength in numbers as he walks out from the back with Sharmell, the new WWE United States champion William Regal and Paul Burchill. Rey Mysterio does not look troubled by that as he comes out from the back to a big cheer. There’s no tension on his face either as Tony Chimel announces this World Heavyweight Title match. But he should have been a bit worried — Booker uses every heel tactic in the book, taking his time to release moves when referee Nick Patrick starts a five count, using the ropes and, remarkably, using a series of eye pokes to upset Mysterio. And Mysterio is rattled, missing a dropkick and a slide to the outside. Booker goes back into the ring and distracts Patrick, giving Regal and Burchill the chance to double team Mysterio on the outside. They roll the champion back in to take further punishment from Booker. The end, though, comes when Mysterio looks to have gained some momentum back to his side. He manages to push Booker away from an attempted superplex and turn it into a hurricanrana instead. Booker flies into place for a 619. Mysterio goes for it and connects! But as he goes to Drop The Dime, Burchill hops up onto the apron. Mysterio runs along it and swings around the corner pole to hit an assisted drop kick on Burchill, which gets a big cheer. Regal then goes up on the other side, which leads to Patrick going over to protest against him and tell him to get down. Mysterio returns into the ring… only to be clocked with the title by Booker! Booker throws the belt away before covering just as Regal hops off the apron. Patrick turns and counts… and we have a new World Heavyweight champion. King Booker (w/Sharmell, Paul Burchill and William Regal) beats Rey Mysterio (c) to win World Heavyweight Title (13:08) - 78%.
Sharmell, Paul Burchill and William Regal pick King Booker up and put the belt around his waist. We see a replay, which shows Booker being thrown the belt by Sharmell before he uses it. Rey Mysterio is slowly getting up in the corner but then falls to the floor again. The show ends with Michael Cole declaring the king is dead… all hail the new King!
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 26, 2022 16:35:40 GMT 1
GrappleNews.net WWE News and Notes
It was a brutal couple of weeks for WWE — and particularly Smackdown — in the build-up to The Great American Bash, which led to plans being torn up twice in the space of a few days. The Great Khali was supposed to return and set up a match with The Undertaker, and the Punjabi Prison had already been constructed, when he suffered a neck injury during a house show two weeks ago. Khali has already been ruled out for eight months, which takes us towards the end of his contract with the company. There are doubts over whether he’ll be back in the ring when he’s healthy again.
That injury meant Mr Kennedy was lifted out of the six-way match and into a singles match with The Undertaker, with the WWE pulling forward the return of Jeff Hardy, who has signed a long-term contract. Hardy has made a commitment to regular testing to avoid any of the substance abuse issues that have cropped up previously in his career — and the WWE have indicated he’s got less wiggle room than the average employee if another problem does crop up.
Beyond Hardy, another adjustment had to be made when Finlay tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg during a house show in Austin, Texas on Thursday night. Finlay was working with Kurt Angle and did the damage with a simple suplex. Backstage sources have described it as nothing more than bad luck. Finlay had to be rushed off for surgery and the early estimates are that he will not be back in action until at least the latter stages of 2007, if not early 2008. At 47, it could mean the end for his in-ring career.
The WWE scrambled and had Mick Foley on a flight to Indiana by Saturday evening. There are further plans for Foley in-ring this year, so he was said to be happy about the tune-up.
A rare situation saw WWE and TNA go head-to-head with their pay-per-views on Sunday evening. If there’s any indication that TNA are starting to really gain popularity, their Victory Road show did a 1.04 buy rate to The Great American Bash’s 1.78, giving them just over half of the WWE’s revenue. It feels like there’s a war brewing in the future.
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WWE.com
Monday Night RAW came to a shocking conclusion last week as Stephanie McMahon betrayed her husband Triple H to align herself with the rest of her family and her former fiance Test. It's hard to see Triple H letting that pass without comment, while Stephanie herself has already said she will kick off the show with Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon to explain her actions.
Not that the latest in the McMahon family drama — with a touch of Helmsley thrown in — will be the standout from a Monday Night RAW that is laden with championship action. After ducking the challenge of Ric Flair, Rene Dupree will put his WWE Intercontinental title on the line... against Snitsky. While Snitsky has been on a bad run in the ring, who knows whether he can manage an upset in Cleveland, Ohio.
Trish Stratus will finally get another shot at Mickie James and the WWE Women's title. But both Trish and Mickie will undoubtedly be looking over their shoulders — Beth Phoenix has not yet found a women's match she can't interfere with since her debut earlier this month.
Goldust has impressed since casting aside his father Dusty Rhodes and allying with Stacy Keibler, but he will need to be at the top of his game when he faces Kane. Umaga will also be in action.
RAW's scheduled contests:
WWE Intercontinental title: Rene Dupree (c) vs Snitsky WWE Women's title: Mickie James (c) vs Trish Stratus Kane vs Goldust Umaga in action. |
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Post by aew1992 on Dec 30, 2022 12:38:13 GMT 1
Monday Night RAW, July 24, 2006
- We are live from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
- RAW begins with The Corporation making their way down to the ring to No Chance In Hell. That’s all three McMahons, Test, Sean O’Haire and Edge, who are roundly jeered as they make their way out. Vince McMahon kicks us off, explaining just how proud he was of his daughter last week, suckering Triple H in with her quick count on Sean O’Haire — there’s no way he would have lost without that, Vince insists — before proving that real family and blood are more important than anything else. Stephanie then takes the lead and explains why she betrayed her husband. She says she always loved Test and wanted to marry him, but Triple H stole her away and married her without her consent at a wedding chapel. She tried to make it work, she says, but Test was always there in the back of her mind. And when her dad and Shane were feuding with her husband, she started to have nagging doubts. Stephanie then says those doubts became more and more clear when Test returned and showed just how impressive a man he is. Now, Stephanie says, the choice for her is clear — she wants to be on her family’s side and be back with the man who made her the most happy she ever was. But first, Triple H needs to be shown why she’s going to pick Test ahead of him. So tonight, in the main event, the two will meet up. But, she adds, to avoid any issues, Shawn Michaels will be at ringside where The Corporation can keep an eye on him… and tied to a chair for the duration of the match - 90%.
- Back from a break, and we are starting the in-ring action with title action as Trish Stratus makes her way out before taking on Mickie James. Stratus is popular, James is jeered, and for a women’s match (in 2006) this is a really good contest. They are given the big treatment by Lillian Garcia and match up to the quality. James seems to have the better of Stratus, as has been the case in recent weeks and months. She spends the first couple of minutes of this match knocking her about the ring and even seems to have Stratus where she wants her, wearing her down with a big headlock that the Canadian struggles to fight out of. But Stratus does courtesy of the crowd roaring her on. She fights James away and tries to go for the Stratusfaction. James reverses it into a back body drop, but Trish lands on her feet. She then goes for a Chick Kick, which James ducks. James tries a big DDT, but Stratus pushes her out of it and manages to land the Chick Kick! Stratus covers and gets a big pin — with James kicking out just after the three — to win the match and the title. Trish Stratus beats Mickie James © to win the WWE Women’s title - 74%.
- As Stratus celebrates, Beth Phoenix can be seen sliding into the ring. She clearly wants to make a mark on the new champion, hitting a Phoenix Bomb. She turns to James and drags her out of the ring. Phoenix carries her over to the barricade, picks her up, then throws her straight into it back first! Phoenix roars as referees and officials pour down to the ring to check on James and we cut to the back.
- Paul Heyman and Rob Van Dam are being interviewed by Maria Kanellis. Matt Striker stands with them. Van Dam poses happily with the WWE Heavyweight title as Heyman talks. He says that for the second week running, his client has not been given a match. Heyman suggests that he’s not sure what it is about Van Dam, whether it is his long hair, the way he talks or the way he wrestles, but he is not being treated with respect. Heyman wants to remind all of the fans that his client is the best wrestler in the WWE today — shown by the belt so elegantly displayed over his shoulder. The manager says it is not just The Corporation that does not respect Van Dam — it’s John Cena and Edge too, who treat him like an afterthought in their respective quests for the title. Heyman says later tonight he and his champion will go to the ring and ask for — nay, demand — an apology from Cena, Edge and the entire Corporation - 79%.
- Snitsky is waiting in the ring as Rene Dupree’s music hits. Jim Ross reminds us that Dupree has been ducking a challenge from Ric Flair, but tells us he is putting up his title against Snitsky tonight. Dupree looks cocky and confident as he walks down the ramp and there’s good reason. It takes him just two minutes to beat Snitsky, hitting the Dupree Bomb to win the match. Rene Dupree © beats Snitsky to retain the WWE Intercontinental title - 74%.
- Rene Dupree's celebrations, though, just draw out Ric Flair. He is in a suit and takes in the cheers of the crowd as he stands at the top of the ramp with a microphone in his hand. Flair says he has full respect for men like Snitsky but has to know why Dupree is defending his belt against the likes of him when he could do it against the 16-time world champion and prove he is one of the best young superstars in WWE today. Flair says he is going to ask Dupree again — he wants another shot at his title. Dupree grabs a microphone and says he is a fighting champion and has proven himself countless times by defending his belt since winning it a couple of months ago. He says he is always up for a challenge… but that Flair will provide no challenge to him! Dupree says he has already proven himself against Flair. What would he benefit from beating an old man again? This brings jeers. Dupree tells Flair to stop clinging on. His time has gone, he says, and it’s time for a new era. Dupree drops the microphone and lifts up his belt as we cut away - 91%.
- Back in the ring, Road Warrior is waiting in the ring to take on Umaga. As a legend, it appears as though he is not tied to one show. That said, he’ll wish he’d stayed on Smackdown after this one. Umaga strides out with Armando Alejandro Estrada at his side, batters Road Warrior around the ring and then hits a Samoan Spike for the win. Umaga beats Road Warrior - 65%.
- Road Warrior gets the traditional second Samoan Spike too after the bell. Armando Alejandro Estrada gets on the microphone and says the powers that be at WWE can arrange two further matches for Umaga with legends before he gets bored and starts making his own challenges. He’s giving them two weeks to provide his man with a proper task — or chaos will ensue.
- There’s some chaos backstage, as Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin are shown laid out in a corridor, having clearly been attacked. They are being attended to by medical staff, barely moving. The camera then zooms in and shows that lying next to the pair are symbols of the Kaneanites. Jim Ross says that anyone who crosses the path of this devilish trio and tries to help Kane is a target. Jerry Lawler says you won’t catch him lending the Big Red Machine a helping hand any time soon - 68%.
- Goldust is making his way out with Stacy Keibler to some serious boos from the crowd in Ohio. Jim Ross talks us through the last few weeks, when he makes it clear Goldust has found a new nasty edge — starting with his dad Dusty Rhodes. He is followed out by Kane. These two veterans have a solid match, with Goldust trying heelish tactics but being outmuscled by Kane, who is clearly buoyed by his win over The Kaneanites last week. Even though Goldust has been in a better state of play since he turned on his dad, Kane eventually takes the upper hand. He hits the diving clothesline and waits for Goldust for a chokeslam. He manages to get him around the neck when he rises, but as he goes to hit him with a chokeslam, the lights go out. “Adoramus Te Dominum Nostrum” can be heard over the speakers. When they come back on about 30 seconds later, Kane is laid out. Goldust crawls over and covers for the win. Goldust beats Kane - 75%.
- As Goldust celebrates, the camera pans to the back of the crowd, where the three men in Kane masks are stood, watching. Jim Ross asks how they got up there after the attack. The lights go out again and they disappear.
- Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman come out for that aforementioned demand of respect. They reach the ring and Heyman says he will invite the individuals involved one by one. He calls on John Cena to come out, and he does. Heyman says he is happy Cena is here to apologise to the champion. Cena laughs then brings his microphone to his mouth — and says respect is earned, Paul, and the champion has been ducking a singles match with him. Heyman says he has not been, to which Cena replies that if he gives him the match he wants, and Van Dam pins him cleanly in the ring, with no interference and no pre-match beatdowns, then he will respect him. Van Dam looks ready to go, when Vince McMahon comes out with Edge. He says his man still deserves a title shot, without Cena breaking up the contest. And McMahon has a solution — one that everyone will think is fair. Next week, Van Dam and Matt Striker will take on Edge… and John Cena. Whoever gets the pinfall will get to challenge Van Dam at Summerslam — or if RVD wins, he has no challenger. And as a tune up, Cena and Edge will take on Big Show and Carlito next - 81%.
- Back from a break, the match is already underway. Big Show and Carlito are having the better of Edge and John Cena, who are struggling to work together as a team given how badly they dislike each other. And it looks as though Carlito has the win after managing to get a Backstabber in on Edge. However, Cena comes in and breaks up the pin and the match continues. From that stage, Cena and Edge have the better of the contest. But a tag to Big Show brings him charging into the ring and he knocks Cena so hard that he flies into referee Mike Chioda. After Chioda goes down, Edge hits a spear on Show and then knocks Carlito off the apron. With everyone down, Vince McMahon throws him a chair from ringside. Edge waits for Show to get back up, but as he does, Carlito gets back into the ring, turns Edge around and grabs the chair from him. He then hits Edge in the stomach with it. Show gets back up and Carlito hands him the chair and tells him to use it on Edge. But he refuses to and eventually throws it down, which makes Carlito annoyed. And as they argue, Cena gets up and knocks Carlito down. That gives him the chance to lay punches into Big Show, who stumbles back into the ropes before bouncing back into a big F-U! Cena pins and Chioda recovers to count the three. John Cena and Edge beat Big Show and Carlito - 75%.
- After the last break of the night, Triple H and Shawn Michaels make their way out to a big cheer. They are followed by The Corporation, sans Edge. After everyone makes their entrance, Michaels is tied to a chair that is attached to the barricade. And Test and Triple H lock up. Triple H has the best of the early proceedings but the sheer weight of The Corporation figures around the ring allow referee Chad Patton to be distracted, which gives Test the opportunity to take control. He manages to corral Triple H in the corner and hit a series of big forearms before getting him down on the ground and choking him with his boot. Every time he ties him up, whether for the boot to the neck or using the top rope for extra leverage on a headlock, he waits for nearly the full five count from Patton before breaking up the hold. But as he goes to hit the Big Boot on HHH and get the pin, the D-Generation X member ducks the move and then hits Test with a huge clothesline as the crowd cheer. Test gets up and walks straight into a big spinebuster, before Triple H pops him into place for a Pedigree. At that moment, Sean O’Haire bursts into the ring to take Triple H out and give him the disqualification win. Triple H beats Test by disqualification - 77%.
- Sean O’Haire carries on his assault and Test joins in as he recovers. Shawn Michaels tries to get out of his chair at ringside but is unable to. Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon taunt Michaels at ringside as Stephanie steps into the ring and tells Test and O’Haire to prop Triple H up. She draws her hand back and goes to slap him… before the D-Generation X music hits and X-Pac runs out of the back! He slides into the ring and takes O’Haire out, before ducking a boot from Test and hitting a drop toe hold on him. Test lands in the corner, leading to a Bronco Buster from X-Pac! The McMahons scarper, he goes and unties Michaels and then helps him into the ring, where they check on Triple H, who rises and shakes hands with X-Pac. The three all celebrate together and hit the crotch chops as RAW comes to an end - 85%.
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WWE.com
The WWE World Heavyweight title might have only just changed hands at The Great American Bash, but King Booker must already be looking over his shoulders at the challengers he could face on Friday Night Smackdown! General manager Teddy Long has already promised to kick off the show with an announcement about the title picture ahead of WWE Summerslam.
That was not the only title that was won at Sunday's pay-per-view. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash continued their phenomenal recent run by overcoming both Brian Kendrick and Paul London and MNM in a triple-threat tag team match to take the WWE Tag Team belts. Noble and Kash will be putting their titles on the line already this Friday when they face Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki. Can they keep them?
Jeff Hardy made a spectacular return to the WWE by overcoming five other men, and Long has also scheduled him in for a match against Nunzio on Smackdown. Elsewhere, John Bradshaw Layfield has promised to bring an exciting new concept to the show, while we've also been promised that we're going to see a new arrival on Smackdown.
Smackdown's card
WWE Tag Team titles - Jamie Noble and Kid Kash (c) vs Funaki and Scotty 2 Hotty
Jeff Hardy vs Nunzio
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