WWE 2006: Time for a Change

Yup, WWE around this time were really trying with Henry and it wasn't really sticking. Since he did actually injure Batista, I figured it'd be a good move to do his best ever gimmick and we can work from there. We'll see how far it gets him.
As for Gunner Scott, he's definetly decent. He skilled enough to be a solid hand, but for now his low popularity means he's  really low on the totem pole. I did consider moving him to ECW at the start of the save, but they already had enough lower card babyfaces so he's probably better off popping up on Smackdown.


That's the story. Since that loss happened on ECW turf, Kennedy says he's still unpinned in a WWE ring, because of course he would. But getting pinned by Lynn actually got to him so bad that now he's gonna do whatever he can to not get pinned. And that started with getting DQ'd vs Matt Hardy when he felt he was about to lose, because he doesn't count that as a "real win".

Vengeance opening video package
Rating: 100

McMahon calls out RVD: Will the WWE Championship go back to Raw?
Instead of kicking the PPV off with a match, it's Vince McMahon who comes to the ring, once again accompanied by Shane. They'll be in action tonight but they're not dressed to fight, so you can only assume they're here for something else. Vince does start by saying that tonight the McMahons will humilliate Triple H and Shawn Michaels, but quickly moves on to what actually brought him out here to start the show: Rob Van Dam and the WWE Championship. He tells the champ to come out and RVD does so, but as he said on Tuesday, he does not come alone. Van Dam enters through the crowd, with Sabu, Dreamer and Sandman. But Vince saw this coming, and immediately brings some security guards out and they surround the ring. "Van Dam, you're the only one I ordered to come out. The other three hooligans stay the hell out of my ring!". Sabu, Dreamer and Sandman reluctantly stay at ringside as security allows RVD to enter the ring and be face to face with the McMahons. Vince says that either RVD leaves ECW or he has to hand him the WWE title. Van Dam replies: "I earned this title fair and square! I'm loyal to ECW and I'll fight all your golden boys if I have to, but there's no way in hell I will ever hand you this title!" Shane tries to take the title forcefully but RVD kicks him right in the face! Then Van Dam, Sabu, Dreamer and Sandman start fighting the security guards as Vince screams at them. They leave through the crowd, and RVD has the WWE Championship in hand!
Rating: 75

Kane vs "Kane" video package
Rating: 92


Kane Vs. Imposter Kane - Inferno
A hot opening match, quite literally. Kane and fake Kane get in the ring, the flames get turned on and they went right at it. The wrestling wasn't anything special, but the chaotic nature of the match and the presence of the fire did improve the crowd reaction, making this a surprising hit. The 11 minute bout saw some staring, some big spots, some blocked attempts to set the other on fire. Imposter Kane landed a big chokeslam and tried to throw real Kane out of the ring but it was blocked. A while after it was Kane's turn to hit a chokeslam and get a blocked attempt. Kane nearly cost himself the match when he climbed up top and dove with a huge clothesline, but he just missed the flames. Fake Kane went for a Tombstone, but Kane countered into his own Tombstone. Then he threw the imposter onto the fire to win the match.
Winner: Kane (Set Loser on Fire via Tombstone Piledriver)
Rating: 92

Shelton Benjamin issues a challenge, but the response is surprising!
Shelton Benjamin comes out. He says that his scheduled opponent for tonight, his former partner Charlie Haas, got injured on Monday and will be out for a long time. He says that is a shame, because he was looking forward to kicking Haas' ass. But that means he's free for the night, so anyone who feels they deserve a shot at the Intercontinental Championship can come out and step up to him. Johnny Nitro and Melina come out and accept the challenge. Coach comes out to make the match for the Intercontinental title official... but it won't be a singles match, it's a triple threat! Shelton and Nitro will face Raw's newest superstar...


JEFF HARDY!

Rating: 68



Shelton Benjamin Vs. Jeff Hardy Vs. Johnny Nitro - WWE Intercontinental Championship
I told these three to steal the show, and they set out to do just that. This was meant to be a fun, fast-paced 3 way between three very exciting young men. Maybe it did suffer a bit from lack of build, but the original plan had to change, so what can you do? There was a lot of crisp action and fun sequences in the 18 minutes that these three went at it. With Nitro down, Benjamin has got Hardy for a T-Bone...  blocked! The two of them trade strikes... Benjamin misses a roundhouse kick... Twist of Fate from Hardy! From out of nowhere and the crowd goes crazy! 1..2... Melina grabs the referee's hand! Of courseurse, the referee then kicks her out and the crowd roars! Hardy turns around... into a Superkick from Nitro! 1...2... kick out by Hardy! Nitro goes for another Superkick.. caught by Hardy! Going for the Twist of Fate! Countered into a backslide! Kick out at 2! Nitro knees Hardy hard in the gut! Goes for the Moonlight Drive! Hardy slips out... Twist of Fate! He goes to the top... Swanton Bomb! But Benjamin gets in the ring and hits Hardy with a steel chair before he can capitalize! He pins Nitro... 1... 2... 3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin (Pinfall) - STILL WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION
Rating: 78

D-Generation X discuss their match, they know what to do
Todd Grisham is with Triple H and Shawn Michaels backstage, and asks them how they're gonna approach their match with the McMahons later tonight. They say they're aware the McMahons will have something in mind, and that's why the match is no holds barred. But DX have been around a long time and they know what they have to do.
Rating: 83


Umaga Vs. Viscera
The "Samoan Bulldozer" was given a fellow large heavyweight to work here tonight, hoping that it'd make him look good. And while the match wasn't great by any means, it did establish Umaga as a very dangerous force. They were even in the beginning, and Umaga did sell Viscera's power. But after a few minutes Umaga starts laying heavy hits on Viscera! Big hip attack on the corner! Samoan Spike! He goes up top and lands a big Splash! But Umaga doesn't go for the pin, he goes back to the top! Another splash! Not enough! After a third splash, the referee called for the bell.
Winner: Umaga (Ref Stoppage via Samoan Splash)
Rating: 62

Edge, Lita, Cena and Trish prepare for the main event
Edge and Lita are in their locker room. They talk about how they're a much more cohesive unit than Cena and Trish, "cohesive in more than one way", and that they will embarass them tonight. Lita says Trish got lucky on Monday but that won't happen again, she knows she's the better woman, and Trish knows it too. Edge says Cena will pay for costing him the WWE Championship, and after what happened earlier, there'll be no dount in anyone's mind that Edge is the rightful WWE Champion.The camera then cuts to an area backstage where Cena and Trish are. Trish says she is happy that Cena trusted her to handle Lita but despite her win on Raw, she feels nervous. Not only is this her first PPV main event but she has been mostly out of action since Wrestlemania and wasn't sure she even wanted to get back in the ring after sucessive losses to Mickie James. Cena says that Trish knows Lita and Edge better than anyone else in that locker room and that she's earned the main event and there's no one he'd rather team with tonight.
Rating: 85

Triple H and Shawn Michaels fire the first bullet!
Carlito and Primo make their way for the World Tag Team Championship match to a big pop. Then, the 5 members of the Spirit Squad come out with the titles. Nicky and Mikey get on the apron and the match is about to start... when Triple H and Shawn Michaels come out armed with sledgehammers and attack the other 3. Kenny, Johnny and Mitch are all laid out and carried to the back, this match is a 2 on 2 affair.
Rating: 62


    
Spirit Squad Vs. Los Colóns - WWE World Tag Team Championship
Nicky and Mikey are all alone for this one, and they were obviously not expecting it as the Colón brothers start the match with all the momentum and dominate the earlier portion of the match. Eventually the cheerleader boys use some dirty tactics to get the momentum back and they work Carlito, keeping Primo away from the action. After some teases, Primo does get the hot tag and cleans house. There's some back and forth and a couple false finishes but eventually the Colóns hit stereo backstabbers and Carlito pins Mikey for the win!
Winner: Carlito (Pinfall via Backstabber) - NEW WWE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS
Rating: 66

Orton says he's unstoppable... but an emotional confrontation ensues!
Randy Orton comes out for a promo. He says he was initially a bit surprised that he didn't have a match for Vengeance, but he quicky understood why, "Everyone is scared to get in the ring with me after they saw what happened to those wastes of space Eugene and Goldust, when i punted them in the head". He says no one will stop him and laughs about what he did to them. But Orton gets interrupted... by Dusty Rhodes, and he is angry and desperate. He says that while Randy Orton has been bragging and laughing about what he did, "I've been sitting next to a hospital bed with my son who can't remember why he's there". He confronts Randy and asks him to stop and rethink about his recent actions. Orton replies: "Oh I'm thinking well Dusty. In fact... I just thought of something else right now!" Randy hits Dusty with an RKO! The crowd is stunned and Orton has a crazed look in his eyes. Dusty staggers as Orton goes to the corner... he's signaling for the punt! He's about to do it... but Ric Flair comes out and gets between him and Dusty! Flair shouts at Orton, asking what thehell he's doing. Randy stares him down coldly, but leaves the ring without saying anything as Flair checks on Dusty.
Rating: 83

The McMahons' night is not going as planned
The camera goes backstage into Vince's office. He's in there with Shane and their enforcer, Big Show. They're talking strategy for their match vs DX tonight. Shane Shane does appear to still be feeling RVD's kick but he does say he's good to go for later. Vince says that they do have Show in their corner if they need, but the Spirit Squad is in no shape to help after that attack. The McMahons appear worried.
Rating: 81



Mickie James Vs. Candice Michelle - WWE Women's Championship
This was a pretty decent match, both girls worked hard despite the lack of build for it. They had the time to work, as the match went about 13 minutes. and they spent a lot of it trying to outdo eachother with some heel work. Mickie nails her big Jumping DDT for a good win.
Winner: Mickie James (Pinfall via DDT) - STILL WWE WOMEN'S CHAMPION
Rating: 76

D-Generation X vs McMahons video package
Rating: 100

   
D-Generation X Vs. Mr. McMahon & Shane McMahon - No Holds Barred
This match was way better than it had every right to be. Obviously the stip helped, because the hadcore setting helped deal with the weaknesses of the two McMahons better than just a normal wrestling match. Still, Vince was pretty gassed at the end of the 13-minute fight. The match started in a 2 vs 2 scenario where unsurprisingly it was Shawn and Hunter who dominated most of the action for the early portion of the match. That was until the Big Show obviously interfered, as Michaels had Vince for a Superkick. The 2 on 3 disadvantage gave the McMahons control for a short while until... 
X-Pac is back! He runs to the ring with a steel chair and cracks Big Show in the head! The big man staggers right into a Superkick from Michaels! Shane tries to get back into it but get's caught by a Spinebuster from The Game! Vince eats one too! They prop them up in the corner... Bronco Buster to Shane! Bronco Buster to Vince! But uh oh... Big Show is back up and he looks angry. Boot to X-Pac! And now he's going for a double chokeslam on Triple H and Michaels... but they counter it with a DDT onto a chair! But now the McMahons are back up! They hit DX with chairs! 1...2... kick out! Vince gets Shawn onto a corner with a trashcan and Shane climbs the turnbuckle for the Coast to Coast... X-Pac gets on the apron and pushes Shane off and he goes through a stack of tables! But Big Show is also up and he chokeslams X-Pac through the spanish announce table! Big Show is back in the ring and boots Triple H! Shawn hits Vince and Show with the trashcan! Triple H with a Pedigree to Big Show! And then Michaels superkicks Vince! He thinks about going for the pin... but it's not enough, instead he goes to the corner... Shawn and Hunter are gonna finish Vince off for good! But who's that! UMAGA?? He pulls Triple H out of the ring and beats him around ringside! He puts Triple H through the barricade! Triple H is out of it and Umaga has destroyed him! Now Shawn is alone... and turns into a low blow from Vince! Chokeslam from Big Show to Shawn! Vince pins him! 1..2.., kick out! How did Michaels kick out? Vince yells at Show to hold Michaels up... he grabs a sledgehammer and hits Michaels right in the head! 1..2...3! The McMahons have beaten DX! Big Show helps Vince and Shane stand up as they celebrate.
Winner: Mr. McMahon (Outside Interference Finish)
Rating: 100

Edge & Lita vs Cena & Trish video package
Rating: 99

    
John Cena & Trish Stratus Vs. Edge & Lita
The main event felt highly personal between these two teams with all the history they have between eachother. Mixed tag rules did apply, with Cena facing Edge and Lita facing Trish. The two tandems worked hard to steal the show and prodice a stellar main event, and they did so even if they had big shoes to fill. They went really long, with the match going for 21 minutes and both pairs having some pretty long sequences in the middle. It's starting to pick up when Trish gets a hot tag from Cena and her and Lita explode! We got a huge fight as the crowd roars! Trish has Lita cowering in the corner but she sneakily pulls her face first onto a turnbuckle.Now Lita taunts the crowd and signals for a Twist of Fate... what disrespect! But Trish wiggles out of it and nails her with a Chick Kick! Now she's got Lita set up for Stratusfaction but Edge gets back on the apron and shoves the referee onto them! The referee clonked heads with Trish and he's out! Edge gets in the ring... what the hell is he thinking? Spear to Trish! The crowd is stunned as Edge did the unthinkable! He speared Trish in half! Cena saw it though, and he runs into the ring to fight him! They're trading shots! Edge misses one and Cena nails him with an F-U! He goes for the pin... but there's no ref! Lita then attacks Cena! He grabs her and goes for an F-U... but he thinks twice about it and puts her down instead! Edge tries to take advantage and kicks Cena, he goes for Edgecution but Cena gets the leg and locks in the STF! Edge is tapping but the ref is still gone... Lita rakes Cena's eyes and then nails him with a low blow! Edge is back up and hits Cena with a Spear! The ref is back! 1...2...3!
Winner: Edge (Pinfall via Spear)
Rating: 98

Edge and Lita got one over on their rivals
Edge got the better of Cena and him and Lita celebrate the win in an efusive provocative way. The Rated-R couple stand tall over Cena and Trish, with Edge letting the world know there's no line he won't cross to get what he wants!
Rating: 73

Total Rating: 86%

My notes:

Overall I'm really happy with the way the show went, fantastic rating. Video packages seem pretty cracked, they brough the score up quite a bit. I should figure out some more deals for PPVs so they're broadcasted all over the world, currently there's just US and Europe. But PPVs do bring huge money as they are now, just from the US PPV deal we made like 20 million dollars. Match wise, Kane vs Kane really overdelivered, I'm guessing the big fire spot really helped. DX vs McMahons scores the first 100 rating of the save as far as matches go, which is huge. Main event really delivered, as expected from the people involved. I trusted Cena, Trish, Edge and Lita to do well which is why the mixed tag got the main event spot instead of DX vs McMahons. But in the end I didn't really need to worry as both  delivered. I was expecting a slightly better rating from the IC title match given the people involved, but it was still alright. Given Haas' injury, I decided to speed up Jeff Hardy's return by... 1 day, he was meant to debut on tomorrow's Raw. As for X-Pac's return it was a fortunate situation, he happened to accept the contract on the day of the show so I decided to have him involved in the DX stuff. And yet, he already got popped for hard drugs on the wellness test. Classic X-Pac. As for other moves made after this show, Imposter Kane and the entire Spirit Squad have been moved to developmental for now, as I've wrapped up their storylines.

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Predictions:
Dimos - 6/6
Moore - 6/6
johnnyboombatz - 4/6

Perfect predictions for two of you, nice!

I love good old overbooking (reading McMahons vs DX match) xD

Nice show. Jeff Hardy is a nice addition to your roster, would love to see where Benjamin vs Hardy would go as they are both faces as I see it, and also Hardy would want to continue 'program' with Shelton as Shelton 'stole' his victory.

Waiting for more.

I like how you handled the RVD situation: he showed up so he can't lose the WWE title, but he left ASAP after sticking it to the McMahons. Nice.

Getting a 92 rating on Kane vs. Imposter Kane is huge, tbh.

Pretty cool IC title match with a great return that was really welcomed in 2006. Shelton stealing the pin from Hardy in the end is a good way of solidifying him as a pretty good heel.

DX attacking the three Spirit Squad members not on the WTT title match is edgy and a smart move to piss off the McMahons. Alright, the Colóns are champions, it seems.

So... Summerslam is next and I'm afraid you'll do Orton vs. Hogan like IRL. Legends are in the mix, and Orton vs. Flair or vs. Dusty wouldn't sell nearly as much...

In a match in which we thought we'd see Big Show (we did) and the Spirit Squad, the interferences of X-Pac and Umaga are welcomed. The right team won, according to how the storyline is developing.

I wasn't expecting the mixed tag match to be the main event. Is it the first time a WWE PPV is headlined by women? (well, not just women, but also) Anyway, cool ending. Cena lost two PPV main events in a row and Edge is surely the #1 contender now, I guess.

X-Pac returning and getting canned right away for a wellness policy fail is hilariously accurate.