WEEKLY RECAP
(10/15 - 10/19)
RAWOctober 15, 2007
Topeka, Kansas
Monday Night RAW kicks off with “The Game” by Motorhead as Triple H makes his entrance. Hunter is given a mic and addresses Umaga's assault on him at No Mercy. HHH wastes no time and calls Umaga out. He drops the mic and waits but the voice of Armando Alejandro Estrada is heard as he walks out on the stage and tells Triple H to “LISTEN TO ME!” before laughing. Estrada tells Triple H that he's the one making the mistake and that 'The Samoan Bulldozer' will send him right back on the shelf. Estrada says as far as he's concerned, Umaga is finished with Triple H. Hunter picks the mic back up and yells at Estrada that he's not finished with Umaga. Triple H asks where the 'Big Samoan Bastard' is and wonders why he isn't man enough to say it to his face. Estrada laughs and tells Triple H to turn around and Umaga is in the ring! Umaga hits Triple H with a kick to the face and it sends Hunter into the corner. With Triple H in a seated position, Umaga goes for a running hip attack but Triple H moves! Umaga bounces off the ropes and holds his leg as Triple H gets to his feet and starts to hook Umaga's arms to hit a 'Pedigree.' Triple H gets Umaga in position but Umaga fights out and slides out of the ring. Umaga retreats up the ramp and Triple H yells at him as RAW goes to break. (89%)
When RAW returned, Super Crazy was standing in the ring as William Regal's music plays and Regal and the mystery man that helped him attack Cody Rhodes last week is making their way to the ring. Regal is in a suit and not dressed to compete and it appears the mystery man will be taking on Super Crazy. Regal grabs a mic and cuts his music before introducing the audience to his new protégé, Drew McIntyre. Regal calls McIntyre a budding superstar from Scotland and then points to Super Crazy and tells him that McIntyre is going to “obliterate” him. Regal exits the ring and the bell rings. (73%)
MATCH 1: Drew McIntyre w/William Regal defeated Super Crazy by pinfall in 3:07 (59%, 1*)
Super Crazy charged at McIntyre when the bell rang and caught him off guard as he was getting last-minute advice from Regal. After a short flurry, McIntyre took control after shoving Super Crazy away and then catching him with a nasty lunging headbutt. From there McIntyre was calculated and threw Crazy around like he was a doll. After hitting an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, McIntyre picked Crazy up and hit the same double underhook DDT as last week to get the convincing win.
The camera heads to RAW General Manager, Jonathan Coachman's office and Coach is checking his phone when Carlito walks in. Coach asks who Carlito has with him and the camera zooms out to show another man next to him. Carlito tells Coach that this is his little brother, Primo. Primo shakes Coach's hand and then Carlito asks if they can be added to the Tag Team Turmoil Match @ Cyber Sunday. Coach hesitates before Carlito convinces him to give the brothers a shot. Coach says if they can win their match tonight, he will add them to the match. Carlito leaves by saying “Now that...that's cool” as he and his brother walk out. (71%)
MATCH 2: The World's Greatest Tag Team vs. Cade & Murdoch ended in a no-contest at 7:59 (59%, 1*)
Both teams squared off after Lance Cade punched Charlie Haas in the mouth and cost their team the match in an 8-Man Tag last week. The World Tag Champs, Cryme Tyme were on commentary for this match and after a few minutes, the action spilled out to the floor. Murdoch taunted Cryme Tyme when he was close by but then Shelton Benjamin whipped him right into the tag champs. Shad & JTG both fell out of their chairs and then Haas & Cade both came into the picture. This just led all three teams to begin to brawl and the match was thrown out.
Todd Grisham was backstage with Mr. Kennedy and Kennedy voiced his displeasure with 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels. Kennedy says HBK thinks he can just waltz in and get a shot, so he is going to take care of that. First off though, he says he's going to beat that “royal pain in the ass,” King Booker, later tonight. (82%)
MATCH 3: Candice Michelle (c) defeated Maryse by pinfall in 7:24 to retain the Women's Championship (55%, 0.5*)
Maryse finally got her chance to dethrone Candice Michelle in this contest. The match went back and forth and Maryse looked like she may pull off the victory after hitting a DDT with theatrics. Unfortunately for Maryse, she was showboating a little too long when she went over the ropes and did a hair flip. When Maryse turned back around, Candice hit a spinning wheel kick. Candice then got Maryse up and nailed her 'Candy Wrapper' to retain the Women's Championship.
Triple H vs. Umaga is announced for Cyber Sunday and the WWE fans will get to vote for the stipulation. The graphic shows the three choices are a Street Fight, a Samoan Strap Match, and a Last Man Standing Match. (95%)
MATCH 4: Bobby Lashley defeated Santino Marella w/Maria by pinfall in 4:18 (69%, 2*)
Lashley took on Santino in the next contest and Lashley was still in a sour mood after losing against John Cena at No Mercy. Lashley was agitated even further when he found out he was not a voting option for the WWE Title Match @ Cyber Sunday. Lashley dominated Santino in the contest and put him away with a 'Dominator.'
JR and King ran down the card for Cyber Sunday as on-screen graphics rolled. John Cena will defend his WWE Title against King Booker, Mr. Kennedy, or 'HBK' Shawn Michaels. The aforementioned Triple H vs. Umaga match was shown and then Candice Michelle will defend her Women's Championship. The voting for this one will include every female on the RAW roster. The Tag Team Turmoil Match is also shown and JR says the next match could add another team into the mix. (85%)
MATCH 5: Carlito & Primo defeated The Highlanders by pinfall in 6:13 (59%, 1*)
Carlito & Primo took on The Highlanders for their chance to go onto Cyber Sunday. The brothers displayed some impressive teamwork and a couple of double-team moves. To finish the match, Primo tagged in his brother and hit a dropkick to Robbie McAllister. Robbie stumbled backward right into a 'Backstabber' by Carlito and the brothers got the win and a ticket on the ballot for the Tag Team Turmoil at Cyber Sunday.
***MAIN EVENT*** MATCH 6: Mr. Kennedy defeated King Booker w/Queen Sharmell by pinfall in 10:42 (77%, 2.5*)
The Main Event featured two of the three superstars vying for a WWE Title Match. The contest went back and forth but King Booker took advantage in the later stages after a Queen Sharmell tried to trip up Kennedy, who went off the ropes. Booker punished Kennedy a bit and then went to hit the Scissors Kick but Kennedy moved his head and hit Booker with a neckbreaker. Queen Sharmell then got on the apron to distract Kennedy again and it allowed Booker to get up. However, when Booker charged, Kennedy seemed to have eyes in the back of his head and sidestepped. Booker put the brakes on so he didn't knock his wife off the apron but it lead to him walking right into Kennedy hitting a 'Mic Check' to get the win.
After the match, Mr. Kennedy grabs a mic and asks for his music to be cut. Kennedy starts making a claim for why he deserves another shot but when the fans start chanting HBK! Kennedy loses it and starts ripping into the crowd. Kennedy complains that the fans don't reward hard work and instead will pick a “has-been” to fight for the richest prize in the industry. Kennedy says it makes him sick and that one way or another, he will be the one taking on John Cena at Cyber Sunday. Moments later “My Time Is Now” hits and the WWE Champ makes his way down. Cena gets in the ring and says he only used to think Kennedy was just a “loudmouth, arrogant ass,” but now he realizes that Kennedy is also a “whiny little bitch.” Kennedy tosses his mic and gets in Cena's face and Cena follows suit and the two are now standing nose-to-nose. All of a sudden, Cena is attacked from behind as it's King Booker! Booker recovered and now despite just fighting in the Main Event, King Booker and Mr. Kennedy are ganging up on John Cena. After a few moments, “Sexy Boy” hits and HBK sprints to the ring. Michaels ducks a clothesline by Booker and nails him with 'Sweet Chin Music,' knocking Booker over the top rope. Kennedy sees this and gets out of dodge before HBK can hit him with one. The show ends with Cena getting up and thanking HBK for having his back and Kennedy looked on in disappointment as Booker is holding his jaw and being checked on by Sharmell. (98%)
FINAL RAW Rating (76%, 2.87 million viewers)
ECW
October 16, 2007
Wichita, Kansas
ECW starts off with the General Manager, Mick Foley. Foley welcomes the crowd by getting in his cheap pop of saying the city name before going into the plan for tonight's show. Foley says that Tommy Dreamer will take on Kevin Thorn with the winner being added to the Cyber Sunday voting poll alongside CM Punk for the ECW Championship. Foley then mentions the situation with Kelly Kelly and adds The Miz vs. Mike Knox for Cyber Sunday. The stipulation options for the match will be Extreme Rules, Table Match, or Stretcher Match. Before Foley can go any further, the music of Big Daddy V hits and he and Matt Striker come out onto the stage. Striker says that it appears that there is one more opening for voting and vouches for Big Daddy V to get the spot. Foley tells the duo that no one gets handouts and that if Big Daddy V wants it, he's gonna have to earn it. Foley then says and that's why tonight, there will be a 10-Man Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal to determine the last spot. (72%)
MATCH 1: Tommy Dreamer defeated Kevin Thorn by pinfall in 8:37 (62%, 1*)
This match was an even contest and after Thorn missed a corner splash, Dreamer was able to get the best of ECW's 'Resident Vampire' by finishing Thorn off with a 'Dreamer DDT.' Dreamer is now added to the Cyber Sunday polling for the ECW Title Match along with CM Punk.
Joey Styles and Tazz give another update on Kelly Kelly. Styles mentioned that ECW GM Mick Foley alluded to her earlier when he made the Miz vs. Knox match but Styles gives additional details saying that Kelly Kelly is resting comfortably at home. Tazz is happy to hear the news and says hi to Kelly Kelly if she is watching from home. (81%)
Before the Main Event, Johnny Nitro has a pre-taped backstage promo where he says that last week's loss doesn't change anything and that he's still the ECW Champion. Nitro basically makes an excuse that he didn't go full out in the match since it was a non-title contest and he didn't want to be injured in a match that “didn't matter.” When it cuts back to the announce desk, Styles says “GIVE ME A BREAK!,” while Tazz plays Devil's Advocate and understands where Nitro is coming from. (76%)
***MAIN EVENT*** MATCH 2: Kane won a 10-Man Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal by last eliminating Big Daddy V in 14:19 (80%, 2.5*)
Entries in the match were from both the ECW and Smackdown! Rosters.
List of eliminations:
1. Nunzio by Big Daddy V
2. Chuck Palumbo by Finlay
3. Balls Mahoney by Big Daddy V
4. Hardcore Holly by Chris Masters
5. Stevie Richards by Big Daddy V
6. Chris Masters by Kane
7. Finlay by Matt Hardy
8. Matt Hardy by Big Daddy V
9. Big Daddy V by Kane
WINNER – Kane
Kane celebrates post-match by setting off his ring pyros as ECW comes to a close.
FINAL ECW Rating (75%, 1.92 million viewers)
Smackdown!
October 19, 2007
Wichita, Kansas
Smackdown! begins with JBL hitting the ring in his suit and cowboy hat. JBL grabs a mic and starts talking about Ric Flair. The crowd starts chanting “Nature Boy! Nature Boy!” and JBL yells “WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?” to the crowd. JBL explains that the crowd cheering for Flair and not letting him leave with his dignity is no better than Batista putting him in harm's way. JBL says “FOR GOD SAKES THE MAN IS ALMOST 60! DON'T ENCOURAGE HIM!” JBL says that next week Smackdown! will take place in “Flair Country.” JBL looks into the camera and asks Flair if he is watching. JBL says he strongly suggests Flair calls it a career and retires next week. JBL says he will even get the ring decorated for the occasion. JBL says that he respects Flair and the only reason he did what he did last week was to get the point across. JBL hopes Flair listens to his sage advice and the segment ends with Michael Cole chastising JBL while Ernest 'The Cat' Miller defends him. (90%)
MATCH 1: Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder w/Edge defeated Heath Miller & Shawn Spears by pinfall in 4:47 (60%, 1*)
Hawkins & Ryder took part in their first match as the new protégés of World Heavyweight Champion, Edge. Edge joined the duo at ringside as they took on a couple of developmental superstars. Hawkins & Ryder made quick tags and both were able to show off their offense as Edge clapped in approval outside. Miller had a brief hope spot, almost catching Hawkins with a surprise pin attempt but Hawkins hit a big boot when both men got up. After tagging in Ryder, Hawkins hit a cheap shot on Spears, knocking him off the apron. The duo then hit a double-team move where Hawkins flap-jacked Miller right into a double-knee facebuster by Ryder. (OOC: Good ol' Shatter Machine!) Hawkins & Ryder got the win and then Edge raised both men's hands in the ring.
A graphic pops up on the screen and Michael Cole mentions that MVP will host the 'VIP Lounge' tonight with special guest, 'Y2J' Chris Jericho! (87%)
MATCH 2: Jamie Noble defeated Funaki by submission in 7:21 in a 1st Round Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Match (65%, 2*)
The brackets for the tourney were not shown yet but Jamie Noble took on Funaki in a 1st round contest. The match was very fast-paced and Funaki got the crowd buzzing after hitting a springboard crossbody to Noble on the outside where he got a massive amount of air. Funaki tried to hit his 'Rising Sun' Tornado DDT but when he jumped, Noble turned it into a powerslam. From there, Noble locked in his Dragon Sleeper with bodyscissors and Funaki was out. Referee Charles Robinson lifted Funaki's arm but it went limp and Noble won and moved on in the tourney.
A pre-taped promo of Kenny Dykstra and Nick Nemeth is shown. The two talk about winning their first tag team match over The Hart Dynasty last week as well as shedding the past labels put on them. In a 'shoot' style kind of way, both men express their anger for being saddled with the 'Spirit Squad' gimmick. Dykstra finishes by saying they (the 'system') tried to hold us back but that stars will always find a way to shine through. (78%)
Edge, Hawkins, and Ryder are shown entering Smackdown! Interim GM Vickie Guerrero's office. Edge says “That was impressive, wasn't it?” to Vickie about his boys winning their first tag team match. Edge lobbies for Hawkins & Ryder to get a Tag Team Title shot and Vickie chuckles. Edge asks what's so funny and Vickie tells them that maybe Hawkins & Ryder should face some real competition first. The trio didn't react and seemed cool with that until Vickie told Hawkins & Ryder that they will face THE BROTHERS OF DESTRUCTION NEXT WEEK!!! Hawkins & Ryder looked like they saw a ghost while Edge started to argue with Vickie. Vickie then said that Edge should be worried about his World Title Match. Vickie says Chris Jericho, Mark Henry, and THE UNDERTAKER! will be the three superstars on the Cyber Sunday ballot. Without saying a word, Edge looks to be stewing as he gathers Hawkins & Ryder and leaves Vickie's office. (88%)
MATCH 3: The Amazing Red defeated Jimmy Wang Yang by pinfall in 8:16 in a 1st Round Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Match (75%, 2.5*)
The Amazing Red was back in action as the Smackdown! crowd saw him a couple of months back. The two shook hands before the contest and this was another fast-moving, high-flying affair. Yang almost got the victory after hitting his 'Yang Time' moonsault but Red kicked out at the final moment. About a minute later, Yang was sent off the ropes and tried to hit a springboard moonsault but Red saw it coming and hit a nasty-looking superkick to Yang's face as he rotated upside-down. Red then went to the top rope and nailed an impressive looking 540° Corkscrew Senton Bomb dubbed the 'Infrared' to get the victory. Red had his hand raised and then waited for Yang to get to his feet before both men shared an embrace in a great display of sportsmanship.
The VIP Lounge with MVP was next and of course, he was accompanied by Kristal. Both were mercilessly booed and MVP had a hard time trying to talk. After a couple of minutes of booing, MVP got frustrated and decided to call out his guest, 'Y2J' Chris Jericho, early. Jericho made his entrance and MVP's first words to Y2J was about him losing last week to 'The World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry. Jericho accepts his defeat and says Henry is one of the toughest men to beat in the WWE. MVP prods even further and condescendingly brings up that Jericho also lost the WWE Title Ladder Match and has been doing a lot of losing lately. Jericho, getting agitated, wonders what MVP's getting at and MVP says that while Jericho has been losing, MVP has been doing a lot of winning lately, especially in the game of life. MVP says that and then grabs Kristal by the hand and spins her around. Jericho says anyone can win when they cheat which gets the crowd to start chanting “CHEATER!” over and over to Kristal. MVP covers her ears as the crowd doesn't relent and Jericho is laughing. MVP then yells at Jericho and after he drops the mic to comfort Kristal, he quickly turns and tries to get a cheap shot on Jericho but Y2J ducks and then takes down MVP. Jericho is winning the scrap but moments later, Mark Henry shows up and clubs Jericho from behind. Henry starts beating up on Jericho and MVP eventually joins in with some boots before Henry drops Jericho with a 'World's Strongest Slam.' MVP starts taunting a prone Jericho and then excitingly taps Henry on the shoulder, maybe a little harder than he intended to. Henry glares at MVP and MVP puts his hands up wanting no trouble but Henry doesn't care and picks up MVP and slams him as well. Henry roars in the ring, standing over both men and Kristal comes in to check on MVP once Henry leaves the ring. (88%)
The camera cuts to Chavo Guerrero annoying her aunt Vickie again as he is talking to her in her office. The audio never fully comes on, just showing Chavo and Vickie arguing. Moments later, the camera cuts to the parking lot where 'The Animal' Batista has shown up! Cole says that we didn't expect to see him tonight and it appears Batista is heading to the ring as Smackdown! heads to commercial. (74%)
'I Walk Alone' hits and Batista makes his way out. Batista is all serious tonight and walks straight to the ring. Batista, dressed to fight, grabs a mic in the ring. Batista simply calls out JBL by yelling at him to get his ass out here. Batista says he'll send JBL back to retirement again. After a brief delay, music hits but it is the music of the former WWE Tag Team Champions, Deuce & Domino. Batista puts his arms up as Deuce starts talking. Deuce says he agrees with JBL and that Batista & Flair should forfeit the Tag Team Titles back to Deuce & Domino. Batista cuts off Deuce and yells at him to shut up and Deuce slowly lifts his sunglasses up. Batista tells him that he'll fight both of them right now in a handicap match, he doesn't care. Batista says he just wants to whoop somebody's ass. Domino says they accept on the condition that they will get another title shot when they win and Batista shakes his head and waves for them to get in the ring. (90%)
***MAIN EVENT*** MATCH 4: Batista defeated Deuce & Domino w/Cherry by disqualification in 9:53 (59%, 1*)
Batista held his own against both men but at times the former tag champs were able to make frequent tags and stay in control of 'The Animal.' Eventually, Batista got rolling and was knocking both guys down with clotheslines or shoulder blocks. Batista then chucked Domino over the top rope and set his sights on hitting Deuce with a 'Batista Bomb.' Batista got Deuce in position but JBL entered the ring behind Batista and ran off the ropes in front of Batista before rebounding and surprising him with a 'Clothesline From Hell.' Referee Nick Patrick called for the bell and the Main Event of Smackdown! ended with a DQ.
However, the beatdown was just starting as JBL, Deuce, and Domino all started taking turns getting their shots in on Batista. Domino then hit a snapmare on Batista and set him in position for Deuce to hit the 'Crack 'Em In Da Mouth' boot to Batista's face. Deuce yelled insults at Batista and then JBL asked the duo to pick up Batista again. With each member holding Batista up by an arm, JBL went off the ropes again and hit a second 'Clothesline From Hell' to Batista. Smackdown! went off the air as JBL, Deuce, and Domino raised each other's arms, proud of their work. (90%)
FINAL Smackdown! Rating (82%, 3.23 million viewers)
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