Unforgiven 2007Sunday, September 16, 2007
FedEx Forum
Memphis, Tennessee
* Unforgiven kicks off with a video package using Foo Fighters' “The Pretender.” Highlights of the big feuds coming into the show are displayed before the opening pyros hit and JR and King welcome us into the PPV. (90%)
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MATCH 1: Cryme Tyme [Shad & JTG] (c) vs. London & Kendrick vs. Cade & Murdoch
Triple Threat Tornado Tag Team Match for the World Tag Team Championship. (68%, 2*)
The opening contest of Unforgiven was the Triple Threat Tornado Tag Team Match for the World Tag Team Championship. Cade & Murdoch stayed on the outside when the bell rang and motioned for the other two teams to start fighting.
Cryme Tyme and London & Kendrick shook hands and then went at it. The opening sequence ended with London & Kendrick each leapfrogging a member of Cryme Tyme and then hitting stereo dropkicks, knocking the Tag Champs out of the ring.
Both then went off the ropes, likely planning a synchronized jump over the top rope to both Shad & JTG but Cade got on the apron and clubbed Kendrick in the back and Murdoch tripped up London. From there Cade hooked Kendrick's arms under the ropes and hit multiple clubbing blows to his exposed chest.
On the outside, Murdoch was stomping away at London until Shad came charging with a running shoulder block, knocking Murdoch down. JTG came into the area and he and Cade started scraping. Kendrick recovered in the corner and went to the top rope to hit a diving crossbody on both Cade and JTG.
Meanhwhile, Shad got control of London and was in the ring with him. Shad went to hit a suplex on London but Kendrick pulled London's leg, getting his partner down. When Shad turned around, London ducked a clothesline attempt and Kendrick hit a springboard front dropkick to Shad. Kendrick went for the quick cover but Murdoch broke it up.
London then engaged with Murdoch, but Murdoch nailed London with a chop, sending him back into the corner. Murdoch then set London up on the corner and went to the middle rope himself. After fighting out of a couple of attempts, Murdoch struck London again and then went up one more rung to hit a Superplex. However, Shad rose to his feet and hit Murdoch in the back before he could jump. Shad positioned himself underneath Murdoch and got in a powerbomb position. Shad would hit a powerbomb while Murdoch kept a hold on London and he was suplexed at the same time.
A pin attempt by Shad was kicked out at two by Murdoch, while JTG jumped in the ring and got a two-count on London. Kendrick then hit a couple of kicks to JTG and then to Shad when he came over to stop Kendrick from hitting his partner. With Shad on one knee, Kendrick hit him with a spike hurricanrana before attempting Sliced Bread #2 on JTG. However, when Kendrick sprung off the ropes, JTG was able to re-direct him and throw him right over the top rope.
Kendrick splatted on the ground and JTG turned around to get hit with a massive big boot by Cade. Cade went for the cover but at the last second, Shad made a diving stop to save Cryme Tyme's title reign. Cade and Murdoch were now frustrated as they thought they had it won right there. Murdoch shoved London out of the ring with his foot and then both men turned their attention to Shad. They awaited for Shad to get to his feet and were going for their signature 'Sweet and Sour' Lariat/Chopblock combo.
Their plans were thwarted though when Kendrick held onto Cade's leg. Murdoch hesitated for a moment before abandoning the chopblock attempt and going for his own clothesline, but the brief delay allowed Shad to sidestep Murdoch and send him into Cade. Cade had kicked Kendrick off of his foot but turned around to have his partner right in his lap. The inadvertent contact knocked Cade through the middle rope and when Murdoch turned back around, Shad nailed him with an STO.
Shad went for the cover and JTG was able to cut off London, who gave a last-ditch effort to break up the pin. Shad got the three and Cryme Tyme would retain the World Tag Team Championship in a fun opener.
WINNER – Cryme Tyme by Pinfall (Shad over Murdoch) in 10:54
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* Cryme Tyme celebrate while a frustrated Cade and Murdoch discuss the miscommunication at the end of the match. The action turns over to the Smackdown! announce table as Michael Cole and Ernest 'The Cat' Miller are introduced. Cole and Cat talk about the opening match and then a graphic for Batista vs. JBL is shown. Cole narrates over a quick video highlight of how the feud began and has continued to progress. (83%)
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MATCH 2: Batista vs. JBL (84%, 3*)
The match begins with JBL backing up into the corner a couple of times as Batista charged at him. JBL ducked his head out through the ropes and got referee Jimmy Korderas to back 'The Animal' up. When they squared up again to lock up, JBL decided to take a detour and slide out of the ring, frustrating Batista.
JBL's plan worked as Batista came running out to chase him but JBL got back in the ring and then took advantage when Batista slid back in, dropping an elbow on the back of his head. From there JBL applied a reverse chinlock and then also clubbed Batista's chest a couple of times. JBL let the hold go and went off the ropes to hit a boot to the face of a seated Batista. A quick pin attempt barely got a two-count and JBL started to contemplate what was next.
After getting Batista to his feet, JBL whipped him off the ropes, but on the rebound, Batista hit him with a thunderous clothesline. JBL rolled out of the ring and Batista went out after him. Batista lifted JBL and dropped him sternum-first on the barricade. Batista was getting admonished by Korderas and went back in the ring, only to break the count.
Batista then picked up JBL but JBL pushed him face-first into the steel ring post. Batista was stunned and JBL took a second to recover before whipping him back-first into the steel steps. JBL beat the count at eight and then begged Korderas to quickly begin a new count. Batista would narrowly beat the count at nine and JBL would go right back to work, stomping on 'The Animal.'
JBL would set Batista in the corner and hit a few back elbows to the face. JBL then hit an impressive Fall Away Slam and after another near fall, JBL complained to Korderas about his count. JBL then stalked Batista and waited for him to get up. JBL hit the ropes and attempted to finish Batista off with his Clothesline from Hell but Batista ducked and JBL turned around into a Batista spinebuster.
Batista was pumped up as he did his signature taunt of shaking the ropes. Batista got JBL up for a Batista Bomb, but 'The Wrestling God' poked Batista in the eye, allowing JBL to get out of his clutches. With Batista still paying attention to his eye, JBL was able to hit his Clothesline from Hell. JBL made the cover, 1...2...and BATISTA KICKED OUT!!!
JBL was irate and could not believe it. He got in Korderas' face and was yelling at him, but the ref did not back down and gave it back to JBL. JBL then had enough and went to the outside to grab a steel chair. Once getting in the ring, Korderas grabbed the chair away from JBL before he could use it and JBL was arguing with the ref again. JBL then headed towards Batista and was hit with a SPEAR! Batista was not able to pin JBL off the Spear, but he got to his feet first and delivered the Batista Bomb to get the victory.
WINNER – Batista by Pinfall in 12:22
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* Batista celebrates the victory as Michael Cole send it backstage to Josh Mathews. Mathews is with World Heavyweight Champion, Edge, and Mathews asks him if he is worried about the Ladder Match stipulation that Chris Jericho selected. Edge laughs at Mathews and asks if he's serious. Edge lists his accomplishments in Ladder matches and says that Jericho's a dumbass for picking a match that is his specialty. Edge says that he will do what he always does and get the job done at the end of the day and finishes by remarking that maybe he will finally get the respect he deserves around here. (89%)
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MATCH 3: Kelly Kelly vs. Layla w/Brooke (55%, 0.5*)
The third match of the night was a grudge match between former friends as Kelly Kelly took on Layla. Joey Styles and Tazz covered the lead-up to this contest after Layla and Brooke turned on Kelly Kelly at SummerSlam.
The bell rang and Layla was jawing off to Kelly Kelly, but Kelly Kelly took Layla down and mounted her, hitting a few punches before Layla frantically kicked her off and briskly escaped to the outside. Brooke gave Layla a pep talk and after making referee John Cone back Kelly Kelly up, Layla entered back into the ring.
This time when Kelly Kelly went to lock up with Layla, Layla snuck a boot to her midsection and then she grabbed Kelly Kelly's head and slammed it face-first off the mat. Layla then applied a Crossface Chickenwing on Kelly Kelly and taunted her while Brooke yelled insults from outside. After about a minute, Layla let go and then played to the booing crowd.
Layla then went to hit a suplex but Kelly Kelly hooked her leg and blocked it. After a second failed attempt, Kelly Kelly hit her own suplex and regained control of the match. Layla used the corner to get to her feet and Kelly Kelly showed off her athletic ability by hitting a handspring back elbow, smashing Layla's face. Kelly Kelly now played to the fans and the sold-out crowd made some noise.
Sensing the momentum was shifting, Brooke then got on the apron and tried to get in the ring but was held back by Cone. Brooke still accomplished what she wanted and Kelly Kelly got distracted enough for Layla to hit her from behind. Kelly Kelly bounced off the ropes and Layla rolled Kelly Kelly up. Halfway through the pin attempt, Layla put her feet up on the middle rope, but Cone spotted it and stopped the count.
Layla argued with the ref and got him to look in a different direction allowing Brooke to choke Kelly Kelly for a brief moment. Layla then got in position to hit Kelly Kelly with her roundhouse kick but Kelly Kelly ducked and hit a neckbreaker. Both ladies were down and Brooke pounded the mat trying to will Layla to get to her feet first. However, Kelly Kelly would get up first and knock Layla down with consecutive clotheslines. Brooke got on the apron once again but this time Kelly Kelly whipped Layla right into Brooke, knocking her off the apron and down to the floor below.
Kelly Kelly then kicked Layla in the gut and when fell to all fours, Kelly Kelly stepped off of the back of her head and hit a leg drop. Kelly Kelly made the cover and got the victory.
WINNER – Kelly Kelly by Pinfall in 8:07
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* After Kelly Kelly's victory, the action shifts back to Smackdown! as Michael Cole announces that the I Quit Match is next. This leads into a couple-minute video package covering the whole Rey vs. Chavo feud. (100%)
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MATCH 4: Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero
I Quit Match for the Cruiserweight Championship (87%, 3.5*)
With Chavo in the ring, Rey Mysterio makes his entrance but it is all business. Rey is not his excited self and even forgoes high-fiving fans as he is dead focused on Chavo. As soon as he gets in the ring, Rey makes a beeline toward Chavo and the bell is rung as Rey started hitting Chavo with strikes. Chavo then tries to run away, going through the ropes, but Rey kicks the middle rope and Chavo is left holding his groin.
Chavo fell down on the apron just outside of the ropes and Mysterio used his position to slingshot Chavo up, catching Chavo's throat on the bottom rope. Chavo then rolled to the outside and Rey went out after him. Rey stomped at Chavo and then picked him up but Chavo thumbed Mysterio in the eye to gain control.
Chavo then threw Rey over the ECW announce table and Joey Styles and Tazz scattered. Chavo then used wires from the monitors and other electronics to start choking out Mysterio. Chavo yelled for referee Charles Robinson to ask Rey if he wanted to quit, but Rey defiantly yelled “NO!”
Chavo then picked up Rey and whipped him shoulder-first into the steel steps. The impact caused the front section to go flying and Chavo started taunting the crowd. Chavo grabbed Mysterio by the mask and yelled in his face saying the punishment he was getting is all his own fault. Chavo then tried to bounce Rey's head off the bottom part of the stairs but Rey put his hands out and blocked it. After a second failed attempt, Rey elbowed Chavo in the face.
Chavo stumbled backward but then came charging at Rey only to get hit with a drop toehold right on the base of the stairs. Chavo held his face as blood started to pool up on the steel. It appeared Chavo's nose was busted in the impact and Rey saw this as an opportunity to take control. Rey started bouncing Chavo's face off the steps and after four or five times, he had Robinson ask Chavo if he quit and Chavo said “SCREW YOU.”
Rey then rolled Chavo back in the ring and as Chavo held his bloody nose, which was dripping on the canvas, Mysterio looked under the ring to grab a steel chair. Mysterio brought it into the ring with him and started with a couple of chair shots to Chavo's back. Rey then jumped with the chair under his rear end and landed on Chavo's midsection. Chavo was gasping for air and squirming as Rey directed the ref to ask Chavo again.
Struggling to speak, Chavo swatted the mic away from Robinson and the match continued. When Chavo got to his feet, he and Rey went into a sequence that saw the two trading luchador maneuvers until Rey hit a headscissors to put Chavo in position for the '619.' However, when Rey made his rotation through the ropes, Chavo ducked. Rey spun through and lost track of Chavo's whereabouts for a second and Chavo found the chair nearby and jammed the top of it into Rey's bad knee.
Like a shark smelling blood, Chavo began to work on Rey's surgically repaired knee and stood over him, driving the point of the chair down multiple times. Rey was now screaming and Chavo directed Robinson to ask Rey if he quits and Rey denied again. Chavo then applied a modified version of his late uncle Eddie's 'Lasso From El Paso' Texas Cloverleaf.
Rey continued to scream and Chavo continued to yell at Mysterio to tap, but Rey would not give up. Rey was eventually able to break the hold after a minute by getting to the ropes and pulling himself out of the ring before collapsing on the floor. Chavo started to get a crazed look on his face wondering what he needed to do to put Mysterio away and then he hatched a sinister idea.
Chavo went out to grab Mysterio and tossed him back in the ring. Chavo then put Rey's bad knee through the steel chair and set him up in the corner to stomp on it and “Pillmanize” Rey's knee. Chavo went to the top rope but it was at this point that his aunt, Vickie Guerrero started coming down the aisle, trying to put an end to this madness.
Chavo got down from the top rope and caught Vickie just as she got to the end of the aisle and he started yelling at her. Vickie then pointed at Chavo's bloody nose and asked him if this is all worth it before pleading with him to stop. She tells him that there has to be another way to resolve this and it appears that maybe she is finally getting through to her nephew.
Chavo's expression changes and for a brief moment, it appears he may have a change of heart but then he quickly climbs back up on the apron, goes to the top rope, and jumps off to land on the bottom part of the chair. Vickie is horrified as Rey is screaming in agony. Chavo pokes his head through the ropes and tells Vickie that it will only be over when Rey says I QUIT.
Chavo then decides he's going to take it a step further and puts the chair around Mysterio's neck. It is at this point that Vickie yells at Charles Robinson to get his attention and tells him to stop the match. Robinson says one of the two have to verbalize that they give up but Vickie says that she is using her assistant GM position to step in on behalf of Rey to end this before it gets any worse.
Vickie waves out medical staff and road agents, and the match is awarded to Chavo as the crowd rains down boos on Guerrero. Chavo, somewhat satisfied, smirks and grabs his Cruiserweight Championship, and is escorted down the aisle as medical staff check on Mysterio, who is yelling when they try to touch his knee.
WINNER – Chavo Guerrero by Stoppage in 17:09 ***NEW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION***
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* As Mysterio is being helped out, JR and King are given control of the broadcast and both express their shock at the ending of the I Quit Match. JR sends it to Todd Grisham who is with Triple H. HHH is asked about his journey back from injury and the chance to become the WWE Champion for the sixth time in his career. Triple H says he lives and breathes this business so being away for a half of year killed him inside. He said it wasn't the first time but he hopes it's the last time he's on the shelf. HHH says as for tonight, he's going to get back on top of the mountain because he is THE GAME and he is THAT DAMN GOOD. (83%)
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MATCH 5: Cody Rhodes vs. Carlito (60%, 1*)
Cody Rhodes took on Carlito in the middle of the PPV. This match was made after Rhodes was a guest on Carlito's Cabana and the two got into a scuffle when Carlito insulted Rhodes. When the bell rang, both men went right after each other and traded blows until Rhodes got the upper hand and knocked Carlito down with a right.
Rhodes then dropped a knee on Carlito's face before getting him up to hit an inverted suplex, dropping Carlito on his stomach. Rhodes waited for Carlito to get back up and went off the ropes to hit a running crossbody, but Carlito ducked and Rhodes splatted on the mat. This allowed Carlito to take demand of the contest and he got behind Rhodes and grabbed both of his arms and pulled backward while placing his knee in the middle of Rhodes' back.
Rhodes started to fight out and get to a vertical basis but Carlito cut him off by kicking him in the gut and planting him with a DDT. A pinfall attempt got a two count and Carlito was back on Rhodes, this time with a side headlock. When Rhodes got to his feet this time, he shot Carlito off the ropes, and on the rebound, Rhodes hit a picture-perfect dropkick. His cover also netted a near fall but now Rhodes was back on top.
Rhodes went to the middle rope and waited for Carlito to get up and when he did and stumbled over, Rhodes hit a middle rope bulldog. Rhodes picked Carlito up and got him in a front facelock but before he could attempt whatever move he was planning, Carlito reversed into a bridging Northern Lights Suplex, which was another near-fall.
Carlito then started talking trash to Rhodes and placed him in the corner to hit a couple of knife-edge chops. Rhodes held his chest as Carlito continued to belittle him and the broadcast picked up Carlito saying that Cody will never be in the same league as his daddy. As soon as Carlito finished saying that it was as if a switch was flipped and Cody's expression told the story.
Carlito realized he may have said too much and quickly exited the ring as Cody chased him. Carlito ran around the ring and then tried to get back in, but Rhodes grabbed his leg and pulled him out. Rhodes picked Carlito up and dropped him face-first off the RAW announce table. Rhodes mounted Carlito and started swinging away before referee Mike Chioda came out and tried to get Cody to bring the action back in the ring.
Rhodes gave a small shove to Chioda and continued to pound away at Carlito. Chioda then tried to get Rhodes off of Carlito and Cody got up and shoved Chioda on his rear. Chioda called for the bell and Rhodes was disqualified. When the bell rang and the announcement was made, Rhodes got into Chioda's face but road agents came from the back an de-escalated the situation before it got out of hand.
WINNER – Carlito by DQ in 9:36
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* As Rhodes was being escorted to the back and Carlito slowly rose to his feet, a quick promo started playing for the next WWE PPV, No Mercy, which will take place in just three weeks' time from Chicago, Illinois. After a backstage shot of The Miz and Kelly Kelly is shown. They embrace and Miz tells Kelly Kelly that he's proud of her for kicking ass earlier tonight. Kelly Kelly then gives Miz a good luck kiss and tells him to win the ECW Championship. (83%)
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MATCH 6: Johnny Nitro (c) vs. The Miz
Extreme Rules Match for the ECW Championship (63%, 1*)
The second ECW contest of the night pitted Johnny Nitro vs. The Miz in an Extreme Rules Match for the ECW Championship. Nitro and Miz have squabbled over the last couple of weeks after Miz won a Triple Threat #1 Contender Match. Things have turned personal as Nitro has mocked the relationship Miz shares with Kelly Kelly.
The Miz made his way out first right after Kelly Kelly kissed him and when he got down to the ring, he lifted the ring apron and threw a trash can filled with kendo sticks into the ring. Nitro made his entrance but didn't enter the ring as Miz wielded a kendo stick in hand. Miz realized Nitro was being a coward and threw a kendo stick to the outside so that it was even and Nitro finally entered.
The match began with the two sword fighting with the kendo sticks until Miz got a shot in at the back of Nitro's leg. Nitro lost the handle of his weapon and Miz started laying in shots before Nitro rolled out of the ring. Miz went out to chase him but Nitro caught him with a boot in the gut to avoid another kendo stick shot.
Nitro then rammed Miz back-first into the ring apron and Miz slowly fell to the ground while holding his back. Nitro then looked under the ring and grabbed a table. Nitro set it up a few feet in front of the RAW announce table but Miz hit him from behind before more plans could be acted upon. Miz then started pinballing Nitro off of various parts of the ringside area, like the apron, steel steps, and barricade.
Nitro stumbled away and ended up at the front side of the ring near the entrance area. Miz went to hit a suplex on the floor but Nitro reversed when he was lifted up and ended up behind Miz. Nitro then hit a Russian Leg Sweep right on the floor, taking some brunt of the impact himself. Nitro then went under the ring and grabbed a steel chair and knocked Miz over the back with it.
Miz started crawling up the entrance area and Nitro put a couple of more shots before picking Miz up and throwing him face-first into the Unforgiven logo at the top of the stage. Nitro then walked Miz back ringside and whipped him sternum-first into the ring apron. While Miz crawled into the ring to get a respite, Nitro grabbed another chair from under the ring and slid it in.
Nitro grabbed Miz and attempted to hit his 'Moonlight Drive' corkscrew neckbreaker right on the steel chair, but Miz reversed it and turned it into his own swinging neckbreaker. The move didn't connect with the chair but Nitro was stunned. Nitro used the ropes to pull himself up and Miz was on the attack laying in rights.
The two were on the side across from the announcer's table and Miz lifted Nitro up and over the ropes to place him on the apron. With the table below, Miz was going to try and put the champ through it, but Nitro blocked and then tried suplexing Miz from inside the ring out through the table. Nitro got Miz up and over but Miz was able to redirect himself and land on the apron.
Both men were now standing on the apron with the table just below and were in a struggle to inflict damage on one another. Miz kicked Nitro in the knee and was going to try and hit a DDT right on the edge of the apron but Nitro shoved him off and Miz went back-first into the ring post. Nitro then connected with a roundhouse kick to the face and Miz fell off the apron right near the table.
Nitro smashed Miz's head off the table and placed him on it before going back in the ring and using the ropes to hit a slingshot senton to Miz through the table. After referee Scott Armstrong checked on both men, Nitro recovered and slowly rolled Miz back into the ring.
Nitro went for the cover, 1...2...MIZ KICKS OUT!!! Nitro couldn't believe it as The Miz was able to just barely kick out after taking the move through the table. Nitro then stalked and waited for Miz to get up and this time, with the chair still in the middle of the ring from his previous attempt, Nitro nailed 'Moonlight Drive' on the steel chair to put away The Miz and retain his ECW Championship.
WINNER – Johnny Nitro by Pinfall in 12:07
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* The camera goes to a shot backstage of Bobby Lashley doing final preparations for the Fatal Four-Way Main Event. Lashley shows off his freakish athletic ability by doing five-foot box jumps, which gets JR and King to marvel over him before the next contest starts. (91%)
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MATCH 7: Candice Michelle (c) vs. Jillian Hall
Women's Championship (61%, 1*)
The Women's Championship contest was next as Jillian Hall looked to become the next first-time champ, as she took on Candice Michelle, who is in her first reign as champion. After the bell rang, the two ladies circled each other for about 15 seconds before locking up. Candice would hit a headlock takedown but Jillian got out of it by locking a headscissors in, forcing Candice to kip up to escape.
The two went at each other again but Jillian won in a battle of chain sequence moves. Jillian would get shot off the ropes and knock Candice to the mat with a shoulder block before jumping over her and going off the ropes. Candice would leapfrog a charging Jillian and then hit her with an arm drag after she rebounded off the ropes again.
Candice then kept the arm locked and wrenched on it for a little bit until Jillian got back up to her feet. Jillian would hit a right hand to break Candice's grasp and then hit her with a Samoan Drop. A pin attempt got a two-count and then Jillian started pulling at Candice's hair. Referee Jack Doan gave Jillian a five-count and she let go.
Jillian then placed Candice's head through the ropes and wrenched back, but Doan called for the break again. Jillian was just insistent on punishing Candice and after a couple of stomps in the corner, she bounced her head off the top turnbuckle a couple of times. Jillian then picked Candice up and applied a Full Nelson in the center of the ring.
Candice tried fighting out of it but Jillian was able to snapmare Candice and put it back on while Candice was seated. Jillian put some extra torque on the hold but Candice finally slipped out and kicked her foot up to knock Jillian in the face. Both ladies got up at the same time and Jillian went to hit another right but Candice blocked it and knocked Jillian back with a couple of her own rights.
Candice then charged and hit a running double-axe handle takedown on Jillian, and then a second one as Jillian got up quickly. The third time Jillian popped back up to her feet, Candice sent her back down with a dropkick. Candice then played to the crowd before going over into the corner where Jillian had retreated too.
Candice attempted to whip Jillian into the opposite corner but Jillian reversed and Candice went to the corner. However, when Jillian charged to hit Candice, Candice would leap on the middle rope and then jump back over an incoming Jillian, grabbing her head and hitting her with a reverse mat slam.
A cover got a near fall and then Candice picked Jillian up to attempt a Candy Wrapper, but on the rotation, Jillian disengaged and turned it into her own back drop. Jillian then whipped Candice into the corner and yelled loudly as she attempted a corner handspring back elbow. Before Jillian could connect with the elbow, Candice was able to stop the move and catch her in the perfect position to set up another Candy Wrapper.
Candice would rotate Jillian and drop her with her finisher for the victory to retain the Women's Championship.
WINNER – Candice Michelle by Pinfall in 8:21
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* Michael Cole and The Cat take over as a graphic shows the Edge/Y2J Ladder Match is next. Cole gives a quick rundown leading into a video package covering the feud. It's Edge vs. Jericho with the World Heavyweight Championship hanging in the balance, next! (90%)
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MATCH 8: Edge (c) vs. Chris Jericho
Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship (95%, 4.5*)
The stakes are literally up for grabs in this one as both men make their entrance and look up into the air at the big gold belt hanging some 15 feet high. The bell rings and after some reflection, both men go at it with a lock-up.
After the two trade some chain wrestling moves, Edge dumps Y2J through the middle rope and then goes outside himself to the other end and introduces the first ladder to the match. Edge quickly sets up the ladder but is only able to climb two rungs before Jericho is back in the ring. Edge aborts his attempt and jumps off the ladder to hit a double-axe handle to Y2J.
Edge picks Jericho up and whips him face-first into the ladder, knocking it over. Edge then unlocks the ladder and places Y2J in between before sandwiching him a few times. Edge kicks Jericho off and sets up the ladder again to climb. Edge gets about halfway up when Jericho rises to his feet and Y2J clubs Edge in the back. Jericho climbs the first couple of rungs and bounces Edge's head off the ladder and Edge falls to the mat.
Y2J begins to climb but Edge was right back up and grabbed Jericho's leg. Y2J tried kicking Edge away but Edge held onto Jericho's leg and Jericho took a back bump from a few steps up the ladder. Jericho held the back of his head while Edge grabbed the ladder and set it up against the corner. Edge picked up Jericho and attempted to whip him into the ladder but Jericho reversed it and sent Edge into the area.
Edge was able to stop his momentum before hitting the ladder and when he turned around, Jericho charged at him but Edge was able to turn it into a flapjack, bouncing Jericho's head off the ladder. Edge then threw Jericho threw the middle rope and set up the ladder to take another stab at it. Edge took his time positioning it in the right area and begin his climb to the top.
Edge got a fingertip on the title when Jericho came back in and hit Edge, stopping his progress. Jericho then started climbing up the other side and when he got within striking distance, hit a right to knock Edge down a rung. Jericho then bashed Edge's head off the top of the ladder and Edge slid down a little bit.
Y2J was now in reaching distance but Edge came around and pulled Jericho off. Y2J landed on his feet and attempted his new 'Codebreaker' finisher but Edge countered by using his strength to hold Jericho up and dump him over the top rope. Edge then unerected the ladder but kept it locked and set it down on its side. Edge put the top of the ladder near the apron and when Jericho got up, Edge dropkicked the ladder, bouncing it off of Y2J's face.
Jericho's head was cut open by the ladder and Edge wanted to inflict more damage after seeing the wound. Edge went to the outside and mounted Y2J, trying to open the wound even more. It wasn't a nasty cut by any means, but Jericho bled a moderate amount. Edge then pulled the ladder out and hit Jericho across the face when he got up.
Edge once again set up shop and started to ascend to the top. Edge got halfway as Y2J was crawling in the ring. Jericho used the ladder to help himself up and just got a hold of the bottom of Edge's right foot. Edge was almost to his World Heavyweight Championship, and after trying to kick away Jericho, Y2J was able to slide Edge's foot through the space in the ladder and get the 'Rated 'R' Superstar' caught up.
Edge desperately tried hanging on to the rungs, but Jericho hit him in the back until he fell backward and was upside-down with one leg caught in the ladder. Jericho looked to capitalize but before climbing the ladder, he went out to grab a steel chair and bashed Edge's suspended leg. Edge let out a loud grunt and Jericho began to climb up the other side.
Jericho was three-quarters of the way up when Edge was able to free himself and then as Jericho got a hand on the belt, Edge was able to grab the bottom of the ladder and lift it up, sending Jericho crashing neck-first off the top rope. Both men were spent and Edge eventually got to his feet first. Edge shifted the ladder over a little and then went into the opposite corner, setting up for a potential Spear.
Edge's face was crazed as he rapidly waved for Jericho to get up. Y2J would get up and turn around but as Edge charged at Jericho, he countered into a 'CODEBREAKER!!!' The crowd was on their feet as they were willing Jericho to get the ladder back to the middle and become the new World Champion. Jericho got it in the right position and slowly climbed rung by rung.
Jericho was almost there and it looked like Edge was still incapacitated. Jericho had his hands on the belt and only had to unhook it when...
...he was hit in the back with a steel chair...
Cole: “IT'S CHAVO GUERRERO! WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING OUT HERE!”
Chavo Guerrero hit Jericho with a steel chair in the back and prevented him from winning the World Heavyweight Championship. While the crowd was stunned and the commentators were trying to figure out what was going on, Chavo was able to get Jericho off the ladder and into position to hit a 'Gory Bomb' on Y2J.
Edge was coming to and saw was shocked to see what occurred but Chavo put his arms out to showcase the ladder and tell Edge that “it's all yours.” Edge made his way to the top and unhooked the belt to retain his World Heavyweight Championship.
WINNER – Edge by Title Retrieval in 16:51
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* As Cole and Cat digest the ending of the World Title Ladder Match, attention turns to the return of 'The Deadman' to WWE PPV. A video promo of the Undertaker vs. Mark Henry feud plays and the battle of the big men is next! (95%)
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MATCH 9: The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry (86%, 2.5*)
After Mark Henry made his entrance, the gong tolled and the crowd was unglued as the lights went down. The Undertaker made his classic entrance with some special effects like the Unforgiven set all being set on fire when 'Taker lifted his arms. The camera cut to shots of Henry hyping himself off and showing he was not afraid of 'The Deadman.'
Both men stood face-to-face and as Undertaker's music faded out, both men stepped to the middle of the ring. Staring each other down, Taker made Henry flinch as he moved forward, intimidating him. Henry said something and Taker started raining down rights and lefts as referee Charles Robinson rang the bell.
Taker boxed Henry into the corner, hit some body shots, and then scared Robinson away when he tried to get him out of the corner. Taker went to the other side of the ring and hit a running splash to Henry in the corner. Taker tried it again but this time Henry caught him and reversed positions, driving Taker into the corner.
Henry taunted the crowd before charging at Taker but was met with a big boot to the face. Henry stayed on his feet and Taker began slugging on him some more. Taker also worked on Henry's arm, wrenching it a couple of times. This set up Taker to attempt 'Old School' but Henry punched Taker in the midsection before he could even start.
With Taker sitting on the top turnbuckle and Henry on the middle rope, the two went back and forth with strikes, before Henry's headbutts gave him control. Henry would then hit a Superplex and both men crashed to the canvas below.
After fending off a quick flurry of strikes by Taker, Henry hit a quick clothesline on 'The Deadman.' Henry picked him up and attempted to whip him off the ropes but Taker reversed and then put his head down to hit a back body drop. Henry saw this coming and punted Taker in the face but when Taker came up, he gave Henry a death stare and clotheslined him over the top rope and out of the ring.
Taker started beating up Henry outside, bouncing him off the barricade and hitting more strikes. Charles Robinson came out to get Taker to bring the action back in and Taker chased him off again. This allowed Henry to come back and strike Taker before grabbing him and shoving him back-first into the ring apron.
After rolling him back in the ring and knocking him down with a shoulder tackle, Henry hit a splash on Taker but got a near fall. Henry would repeat and hit another one but Taker kicked out at two again. Henry would go for it a third time but Taker moved out of the way, causing Henry to knock the wind out of himself.
Both men got to their feet and traded blows before Taker won the battle. He sent Henry off the ropes but Henry countered with a one-handed spinebuster. Henry then hit his third splash of the night. Instead of going for a cover, Henry yelled at Taker and after a few seconds, Taker sat up. Taker grabbed Henry by the throat and got him in the corner to hit a flurry of boxing punches.
Taker then twisted the arm and climbed the ropes to hit 'Old School' on Henry. Taker stalked Henry and lifted the 'World's Strongest Man' up to nail him with a chokeslam. 1...2...AND NO...HENRY KICKS OUT! Much to the shock of everyone, including Taker, Henry was still alive. This time Taker attempted a 'Last Ride' but Henry fought off. Taker went off the ropes but Henry caught him in a Bearhug position.
Taker struggled to breathe but after 15 seconds, Taker found a way to choke Henry and get him to loosen his grip. Henry drove Taker into the corner and hit a few punches before going to the middle rope to possibly rain down ten more but before he could, Taker found a new gear and was able to nail Henry with the 'Last Ride' for the victory.
WINNER – The Undertaker by Pinfall in 11:25
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* After a closing shot of The Undertaker doing his signature taunt with the lights out, a quick advertisement plays before the show comes back to a graphic of the Fatal Four-Way Main Event Match for the WWE Championship. JR and King set up the moment and a video package plays showing how we got here. (95%)
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***MAIN EVENT*** MATCH 10: John Cena (c) vs. Triple H vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Umaga w/Armando Alejandro Estrada
Fatal Four-Way Match for the WWE Championship (93%, 4*)
Now it was time for the Unforgiven Main Event as four men would battle for the richest prize in all of sports entertainment. “The Game” hit first as Triple H entered the ring, followed by Bobby Lashley, and then Umaga. Armando Alejandro Estrada came out for the entrance but turned back around as Umaga walked down towards the ring.
“My Time Is Now” blared through the FedEx Forum and the fans were on their feet as John Cena sprinted to the ring as all the others looked from outside from each end of the ring. Cena went off the ropes and threw his hat into the crowd and then everyone entered the ring as Lillian Garcia introduced each participant.
Referee Mike Chioda raised the WWE Championship high and called for the bell. The four men stared at one another from each corner before all slowly walking toward the middle. Umaga was the first one to make a move, hitting Triple H, and the match was on as Cena and Lashley started to tangle.
Both pairs traded blows in the ring and Triple H was able to send Umaga through the middle rope to the outside, while Lashley showed off his massive power by throwing Cena out of the corner like a rag doll. Triple H stopped in astonishment at seeing Cena manhandled like that and he and Lashley got face-to-face. Lashley won the power struggle and pushed Triple H off the ropes but he dropped his head to attempt a back body drop and Hunter hit his classic knee smash facebreaker.
Cena then got up and turned an unaware Hunter around to hit a Fisherman's Suplex. Cena bridged and went for a pin but Umaga entered back into the fray by breaking it up with a running diving headbutt to Cena. Umaga picked Cena up and hit a nasty-looking throat thrust before elbowing Cena in the corner a few times. Lashley was back up and stopped Umaga's progress, hitting him in the back. Lashley then tossed Umaga across the ring with a Fall Away Slam.
With Triple H using a different corner to get up, Lashley redirected and charged at Triple H to hit him with a running clothesline/splash in the corner. Lashley then attempted to do the same to Cena, but Cena moved out of the way and Lashley caught the top turnbuckle. He took a second to recover but turned around to swing at Cena but Cena would duck and show off his power, hitting his vintage Spin-Out Powerbomb.
Cena went for the Five-Knuckle Shuffle after doing his “You Can't See Me” taunt but Umaga intercepted it with a thunderous Samoan Drop. Umaga went for the cover but Triple H broke it up. Triple H and Umaga then started slugging and the crowd was going nuts. Lashley would then recover and drop both with a double clothesline.
Lashley was now alone in the ring with Cena as HHH and Umaga rolled out after Lashley's clothesline. Lashley got set up in the corner and was waiting for Cena to get up to hit a Spear. Cena gets to his feet and when he turned around, Lashley charged but Cena hit a drop-toe hold and locked in the 'STFU.' Lashley struggled for about 30 seconds but then used his strength to flip Cena on his back and with his shoulders on the mat, Cena had to break the submission before the three count.
Umaga had climbed back on the apron but Cena shoulder-blocked him and he went flying into the RAW announce table. Umaga banged his face off of it and Cena went to the outside. Cena started hitting some punches on Umaga, with a few body blows thrown in. Triple H then entered the picture and Cena mouthed something towards him.
Whatever Cena said, it appeared that it had to do with working together to take out the dangerous Umaga. Triple H cleared the RAW announce table and Cena threw Umaga on it. Triple H then cleared the Smackdown! table as well and Cena got Umaga to his feet. Cena tried picking up 'The Samoan Bulldozer' but Umaga elbowed Cena in the head before he could lift him up for the 'F-U.'
Umaga then grabbed Cena's head and cracked him with a headbutt. Cena fell backward and off the table. Triple H climbed up on the Smackdown! table to be on a level basis and then walked over to the middle table (RAW) where Umaga was. HHH spun Umaga around and kicked him in the gut. Triple H then drove Umaga through the table with a PEDIGREE!!!
With Umaga out and Triple H down for a moment, Lashley made his way over to the chaos and threw Cena back into the ring. Lashley picked Cena up on his shoulder and spiked him to the mat with a powerslam. Lashley went for a cover and got a near fall and he would hit the canvas in frustration. Once again, Lashley set up shop in the corner and waited for Cena to get up. Before Cena could get up, Triple H was back in the ring and Lashley switched his focus to hitting a Spear on HHH.
Triple H was able to counter into a 'Double-A Spinebuster' and HHH was hyped doing his signature double arm raise taunt. Triple H waited for Lashley to get back up and went for the 'Pedigree.' Triple H locked the arms but Lashley was able to flip HHH over onto his back. Cena then nailed Lashley with a running shoulder tackle and would hit one more before Lashley swung and missed again.
Cena hit a second Spin-Out Powerbomb and this time he dropped Lashley onto HHH. With both men down in the same vicinity, Cena did a double “You Can't See Me” taunt and bounced off the ropes to hit a double 'Five Knuckle Shuffle.' Cena signaled for the 'F-U' and targeted Triple H, who was to his feet first. Cena got Hunter up but HHH instinctively grabbed the top rope and impeded Cena's attempt.
Cena finally yanked hard enough to break Triple H's grip on the rope but the momentum allowed Triple H to shift his weight and land on his feet, getting down from the 'F-U' position. Just as he did that, Lashley came from out of nowhere to nail Triple H with a Spear!
However, before Lashley could attempt a pin, Cena caught him off guard and hit the 'F-U.' Cena would make the cover on Lashley and get the three count to retain the WWE Championship after a grueling contest.
WINNER – John Cena by Pinfall in 19:53
* Cena's music hits as the exhausted champ is given his belt. The camera pans over to Umaga, who was still down near the collapsed announce table, and then replays are shown of all of the big moments of the match. Cena rolls out of the ring and walks up the aisle as JR signs off for the night.
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Final Unforgiven Rating (91%, 178,484 PPV Buys)
Prediction Results
Moore and Dimos - 7/10
screamkyng - 6/10
Purotastic and Asaemon - 5/10
I think you may be planting some seeds for Flair vs. Batista in Mania, instead of Flair vs. HBK. And I like the idea. OMG! The Undertaker is coming for Edge!!! That was my first big feud as a wrestling-enthusiast, so it's exciting that I get to see it rewritten. I just wonder... where will Y2J be?