WWE 2006: Time for a Change

Steph putting her foot down! That's a stacked tourney field. Like the different way of doing it instead of all singles matches. I guess Cody is just always meant to start off with Randy haha. I like that it was a little different. Hardy vs Shelton will be good and Umaga will be on the warpath.

Explain to me what RVD has to decide on exactly? I think I must have missed it. I know Vince wants to strip him but Steph is allowing him to retain it if he comes back to RAW? RVD vs Angle, YES! Great tie-in with the 4th of July too! And the Foley promo on Punk is excellent. This will be a star-making performance for the Punker.

JBL arrives focused

JBL arrives at the parking lot in his limo. Josh Matthews is there waiting to speak to him, and asks him about tonight's main event, the #1 contender match against Chris Benoit. JBL says it's exactly as he said last week, he's gonna do whatever it takes to become a world champion. Chavo couldn't stand in his way, and neither will Benoit or Rey Mysterio. He's not gonna think twice about breaking both of them if it means he gets closer to the World Heavyweight Championship.

Rating: 75


Paul London & Brian Kendrick & Matt Hardy Vs. Jamie Noble & Kid Kash & Mr. Kennedy

After the events of last week, it's obvious that London and Kendrick would be fired up to fight Noble and Kash. Kennedy and Hardy also continued their feud, and gear up for next week's match with this trios bout here. There's good, lively action as I told everyone to put their working boots on and put on a great opener. And honestly, hot openers are a great spot for Londrick. The two teams go for about 13 minutes with a lot of excitement, but it's Kennedy that gets the win. He shoves Kendrick into Matt Hardy, they clonk heads and Kennedy hits the Kenton Bomb on Kendrick. Kash and Noble hold London off as Kennedy gets the pinfall win.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy (Pinfall via Kenton Bomb)
Rating: 73


Benoit is all business

Chris Benoit is in the locker room warming up when Rey Mysterio walks up to him. Rey wishes him luck and says he wants to Benoit to win so they can have a great match. Benoit pauses for a moment and looks at Rey. Then he says he doesn't need luck, he's beaten JBL before and he can do it again. And he also says that Rey should be more careful with what he wishes... "because if we do get in that ring, I'm taking that title from you." They have a bit of a tense staredown and then Beoit says "... but I appreciate the sentiment". Benoit gives Rey a friendly pat on the shoulder and walks off.

Rating: 65


Bobby Lashley Vs. The Miz

So the premise here is that if Miz were to beat Lashley, he'd get a title shot. And with the stakes high for him, Miz did what he does really well and played an infuriatingly smarmy heel for a bit. But of course, eventually Lashley got his hand on him, and when that happened he didn't really give Miz much of a chance. No title shot for Miz but you gotta hand it to him, he worked his ass off to make Lashley look good.

Winner: Bobby Lashley (Pinfall via Dominator)
Rating: 74


The Congregation is coming to Smackdown

A vignette plays showcasing two thuggish looking young men. They introduce themselves as Shad Gaspard and JTG. They claim they used to be living a life of crime, until someone showed them that it didn't have to be this way, that meaningless crime was not an answer. Then say they turned to faith. A third man appears. He's got a big bright smile and is dressed in blinged up clothes, sunglasses and is wearing a big bedazzled crucifix around his neck. "These young men have faith. Faith in someone who can steer them in the right path. Faith in me... "The Pope". And just like they did, more will end up believing in me too. And soon, my Congregation is gonna grow, when I come face to face with all of you" Big letters appear on the screen: Elijah Burke - Coming soon

Rating: 100



Gregory Helms Vs. Funaki

Pretty routine match for the Cruiserweight Champ here. Let's be honest, it's only Funaki. Shining Wizard gets Helms the win after like 6 minutes.

Winner: Gregory Helms (Pinfall via Shining Wizard)
Rating: 65


X-Pac is on Smackdown, but he's not the only one!

Post match, Helms' celebration is interrupted by... X-Pac! As he said on Monday, he signed a contract to Smackdown. X-Pac gets in the ring, grabs a mic and tells Helms that he's seen how he's been acting like he's better than everyone, how he thinks he's beaten everyone in the division. So, X-Pac came to Smackdown to knock him down a peg, and take the Cruiserweight Championship! But then Teddy Long pops up on the titantron... "Hold on there, playa. Now, you signed a contract with Smackdown and I'm glad you did... but that don't mean you're getting a title shot right off the bat. And that... is Helms' fault. You see playa, Helms has been complaining so much about not having enough competition, that I went and brought someone else back. And he wants a shot at it too." The camera zooms out to show... Billy Kidman! "So next week, we will have X-Pac taking on Billy Kidman, in a #1 contender's match for the Great American Bash!"

Rating: 59


The "New Phenom" makes a brutal statement

The Boogeyman comes out for a scheduled singles match, doing his spooky entrance. His scheduled opponent isn't come out however. After a moment, the Great Khali comes out, with an unconscious young man (probably Boogeyman's opponent) on his shoulder. Obviously Khali beat him up. Khali dumps the young man on the stage and walks to the ring menacingly. Kahli and the Boogeyman stare eachother down and then they start brawling! But it doesn't take long for Khali to overpower him, and then he does his trademark Vice Grip to crush Boogeyman's head! Then he tosses the steel steps in the ring and gives him the Plunge onto them! Boogeyman is destroyed! Then, Daivari picks up a mic: "Bow to your new hero... bow to the biggest, baddest man in that locker room... bow to the new phenom... The Great Khali! Khali will keep on dominating the entire Smackdown locker room until he chooses not to, because there's nobody to stop him. There's no one that can take him down. Because the old phenom is dead... and he will... Rest. In. Peace."

Rating: 80


Chavo is worried about Rey

Chavo approaches Rey backstage. He says that Rey has to be careful, JBL isn't kidding around when he says he'll do anything to become champion, and he proved it last week. Rey tells him that JBL isn't the #1 contender yet, he has to go through Benoit. Chavo warns Rey that there's something different about JBL, he felt last week that he's more unhinged, more evil that usual. He asks Rey if he's thinking of getting involved. Rey says he won't, but he will be joining commentary so he can see the match first hand.

Rating: 71


Gunner Scott Vs. Mark Henry

Cole and Piper say that Gunner Scott requested this match after Henry's attack last week. And it's clear that Gunner Scott is after revenge as he rushes Henry even before he gets in the ring. He throws Henry head first into the ring post and rolls him in the ring to start the match. Scott keeps going at Henry and knocks him down with a Slingshot DDT. Then he climbs up to the top and goes for a crossbody... big mistake. Henry rolls through... World's Strongest Slam. Henry stares at Scott, and instead of going for the pin he decides it's not enough punishment. He hits a couple of running splashes to his downed opponent. Then, a second World's Strongest Slam. And then he lifts him up into a Bear Hug. Scott lets out a pained scream as he taps out. 

Winner: Mark Henry (Submission)
Rating: 59


Mark Henry's Hall of Pain gets its first inductee

Mark Henry doesn't break the Bear Hug post match. Instead, he waits until Gunner Scott passes out in the hold and drops him. Then, he goes to pick up a chair. We think he's gonna brutalize Scott some more, but that's not what happens. Instead Henry unfolds the chair over Scott's unconscious body, goes to grab a mic and sits on the chair. "I warned y'all last week: nobody can stop me. And what does this fool do? He don't listen. He wanted to try and challenge the World's Strongest Man. Now do you see what happens? You see what happens when you mess with me, boy? Ya get yo ass kicked, and ya get yo ribs crushed! And now you're inducted. So for y'all watching this in the back, don't be a fool like him. Don't challenge me, cuz bad things gonna happen if you do. Don't even come near me, just stay at home. Stay at home... like Batista. Or else, Imma induct you into my Hall of Pain!"

Rating: 76


The King targets some gold

Lashley is getting iced up backstage and Booker walks up to him. Booker says it's great that Lashley beat Miz, but now he's got no challenger for that US title. Booker says he'll do Lashley a favor and challenge him, then. Afterall, he beat him not too long ago, and that win got him a crown. Now he'll just beat him again, and the next win gets him the US title. Suddenly, Finlay jumps Lashley from behind! Booker and Finlay beat Lashley down and leave him laying!

Rating: 81


JBL Vs. Chris Benoit

This match is as heated as you'd expect, with JBL using every dirty trick in the book and Benoit fighting from underneath. But anytime one man lets their guard down, the other takes advantage... JBL with something dirty, Benoit with wrestling ability. Rey is on commentary and isn't really shy about cheering on Benot either. After Benoit nearly gets JBL in the crossface, he slithers out of the ring to grab a chair. That gets Mysterio out of his seat. Mysterio takes the chair from Bradshaw and the two of them have a staredown. Then Bradshaw says something imperceptible to Rey and gets back in the ring. Rey looks stunned, then angry and tries to get in the ring. The referee stops him... and JBL takes advantage of the distraction to shove Benoit onto the referee, and onto Rey Mysterio, who falls from the apron onto the floor. JBL then kicks Benoit in the nuts, much like he did to Chavo last week, and then hits a Clothesline From Hell. The referee is back up... and 1, 2, 3!

Winner: JBL (Cheap Pinfall via Clothesline From Hell)
Rating: 76


JBL lays down the challenge: he's not waiting long!

Post match, an exhausted JBL grabs a mic: "Rey, it's time for you to listen to me, and listen closely. That World Heavyweight Championship doesn't belong to you. And the longer it stays around your waist, the more it makes me sick! So I'm not gonna wait much longer, I'm not gonna wait for the Great American Bash. It's gonna be you and me, next week on Smackdown, because I can't take it any longer. Exactly 2 years and 3 days ago I beat your friend Eddie Guerrero to win the WWE Championship. And next week, I'm gonna win the World Heavyweight Championship that you bathed in his blood!"
Rey looks stunned at JBL's words. Benoit is stirring up and JBL drills him with another Clothesline From Hell to end the show.

Rating: 80

Total Rating: 74

My notes:
Show was more angle and story heavy. That's been the case with Smackdown in general, as a lot of the better in ring workers are on Raw. So Raw can lean more into being a work rate heavy show, but Smackdown forces me to work around that. Maybe that will change slightly with Taker and Batista coming back. And yeah, I went there with the Eddie mention. It wasn't quite Randy Orton saying he's in hell, but still it's controversial. But it kinda does come from a valid prespective... and it makes sense that JBL would bring it up. It's a pretty controversial angle to cap off a pretty eventful Smackdown, and next week's show has some big stuff coming as well. Obviously the lack of roster depth is being adressed with some new faces being introduced, and a bit more juice to a thin Cruiserweight division.

Shawn Michaels Vs. William Regal

The show kicks off with a hard fought opener, which also kicks off the tournament. Some would be surprised to see Regal compete so evenly with a top star like Michaels, but the british made sure to remember the audience that he was no slouch. The 12-minute bout was kept surprisingly clean and really high quality, and Regal seemed to have it won when he hooked Michaels up for the Regalplex, but HBK landed on his feet and hit Sweet Chin Music from out of nowhere to get the pinfall.

Winner: Shawn Michaels (Pinfall via Sweet Chin Music)
Rating: 81


The McMahons go after DX again!

Post match, Shawn Michaels celebrates the win, he advances to the semi final in 2 weeks! As he walks up the ramp though, he's attacked from behind by Shane McMahon! The two brawl for a bit, until Vince arrives with a steel chair and whacks Michaels in the back! And another steel chair shot to the head, busting Michaels open! Happy with their handywork, the McMahons leave as the medical team check on Michaels.

Rating: 83


Victoria Vs. Trish Stratus

This match was made last week when a jealous Victoria challenged Trish. It's clear that Trish and Lita main eventing Vengeance ruffled some feathers within the women's division, and that meant Victoria would take anything she could to embarass Trish, often making use of any dirty tactic available. But Trish wanted to proved she earned that spot for a reason, and she looked great for most of the match against Victoria. Trish seemed to have the match won, signaling for the Chick Kick, but Mickie James runs into the ring and attacks her. It's a disqualification caused by the women's championship, and the crowd hate it.

Winner: Trish Stratus (Interference DQ)
Rating: 62


Mickie grabs the headlines, but someone else has something to say

Mickie and Victoria beat down Trish Stratus, leaving her laying. Then Mickie grabs a mic. "I told you last week Trish! I've had enough of you grabbing my spotlight! I'm the top woman in this division! Not you or Lita!" However, that last sentence brings someone else out... it's Lita! Lita says that she heard how Mickie said last week that she'd beat her if she faced off. So Lita wants to give her a chance to do just that. She's gonna go talk to Stephanie later and see what she thinks. "But remember Mickie, be careful what you wish for. Because if that match does happen I'm gonna beat you, just like I beat Trish at Vengeance. And I'll prove that the top woman in WWE is me!"

Rating: 70


Stephanie puts her foot down!

Mr. McMahon and Shane are walking together backstage. They're all happy and cocky after what they did to Shawn Michaels earier, and they plan on doing the same to Triple H and take out both members of DX. Stephanie walks up to them and asks "What the hell do you think you're doing, are you trying to ruin the tournament? " Vince and Shane claim they're doing the opposite, that DX aren't good representatives for WWE and it's their job that the winner is up to the company standards. Stephanie is having none of it and she is furious. "The whole point of this was to find Raw another deserving champion, because Rob Van Dam can't have it since he hurt your little ego, right? ... But you can't even let the tournament happen fairly without getting involved, can you? You just have to keep doing whatever you want, right? You know what, dad? You and Shane are banned from the arena! Go get your stuff and security will accompany you out!" She leaves in a huff and, once again, Vince and Shane are speechless!

Rating: 86


Orton adds insult to injury

Randy Orton comes to the ring. He says that it's a shame that Ric Flair got injured... because he was looking forward to "finally ending his sorry excuse for a career next week. But let's face it, it should have been over a decade ago already". Orton mocks Flair for being old and fragile, and says that even after he recovers, he might as well stay gone. Flair comes out pissed off, walking with a crutch. He calls Orton a disrespectful punk and regrets that he ever taught him anything. Orton says that the only thing he learned from Flair was what not to do, he doesn't want to be a useless, old loser like him. Flair slaps Orton... and Orton kicks his crutch! Flair falls and can't get up! Orton measures his head... he's gonna punt him! But Cpdy runs in with a chair and chases him off! Cody stares a hole through Orton as he walks away with a smug grin.

Rating: 87


Los Colóns Vs. Snow & Holly

The Colón brothers try to put on another good tag match, this time facing two vets in Al Snow and Hardcore Holly. It's pretty straighforward though, the champs dominate most of the 10-minute bout and Primo pins Holly after the Backstabber.

Winner: Primo (Pinfall)
Rating: 63


The tournament participants set the stage for next week!

John Cena comes out. He talks about the tournament and says that, no matter what RVD chooses to do, whether he keeps the WWE Championship or not, Cena has every intention of winning the tournament and taking it back. He' says hed prefer to take it from Van Dam directly because he wants to correct the wrong of One Night Stand, but either way will do. Cena claims to be fully focused on next week's match against Johnny Nitro. He's interrupted, not by Nitro, but by Edge. He says that Cena must be an idiot to think he should even be mentioned in the same breath as the WWE Championship. Edge says Cena should've even be in the tournament at all after he mopped the floor with him at Vengeance. "But it's fine, it just means I have to beat you again". Then Nitro comes out with Melina, and says that Edge won't have to worry about Cena at all... because he's getting knocked out next week. And Nitro will eliminate Edge too, or anyone that steps in the ring with him. It's time for the entire Raw roster to bow to Nitro... again. Edge says "listen here you little punk-" BOOM! Melina shrieks as the corner posts explode and the lights turn red! It's Kane! He's making his presence felt. He just walks to the stage and stares at Cena, Edge, Nitro and a scared Melina... and laughs menacingly. The Big Red Machine has made it clear that he'll be no pushover!

Rating: 94


Trish and Lita... together?

Lita goes to Stephanie's office to ask for a match with Mickie James. Before she gets an answer though, Trish also walks in. She says that her and Lita might not agree on much, but Mickie needs to be dealt with and Trish wants a match with her too. Trish and Lita are about to start arguing when Mickie and Victoria both walk in too and the 4 of them almost come to blows before they're separated by staff. Stephanie says that, since Trish and Lita both want to get their hands on Mickie so bad, maybe they should both do it. Next week, it'll be Mickie James and Victoria vs ... Lita and Trish Stratus!

Rating: 71


Triple H has one focus: the tournament!

Todd Grisham is backstage with Triple H, who will face the Big Show in tonight's main event. He asks Hunter where his head is at, considering what happened with Shawn Michaels earlier. He says that he talked to Shawn and thankfully he's fine. Plus, the McMahons goe ejected so there's only one thing for him to focus on: beating Big Show tonight and getting to the semi final. He says no one is gonna stop him from winning that tournament. Jeff Hardy overhears this and walks in. He says that Hunter should go sit close to a monitor and watch his match vs Shelton Benjamin next, so that he can watch the future tournament winner in action from the first row.

Rating: 82


Jeff Hardy Vs. Shelton Benjamin

Jeff and Shelton meet one again, this time one on one. The match started a little slow, with Benjamin focusing on keeping Hardy grounded and trying to outwrestle him. But Jeff wouldn't just lay down for the  the Intercontinental Champion, and the match picked up once he was able to fight back some more. The two tried their best to put on a great match, and they had the time to do it too with it lasting 16 minutes. The crowd never fully exploded though, even with both guys trying their best. Hardy went to the top to hit the Swanton but Benjamin moves out of the way. He pauses, taunts the crowd saying that Jeff is done. Shelton hooks him up for the T-Bone... Small Package from Hardy... 1...2...3! Hardy beats the Intercontinental Champion and Benjamin is incredulous! Jeff Hardy moves on to the semi final!

Winner: Jeff Hardy (Flash Pinfall)
Rating: 69


Cody wants to be Flair's replacement, but Stephanie has other ideas

Backstage, there's Stephanie McMahon in her office again. In comes a limping Ric Flair, being helped by a crutch and Cody Rhodes. Stephanie asks Flair how he's doing, to which he answers that he's been better but he'll be alright. He also says he'll step back in the ring for sure, no matter what Randy Orton might say. Cody says he wants revenge for what Orton has been doing, and asks Stephanie to be put in Flair's place. Stephanie sympathizes with him... but she can't just put Cody in such an important tournament because of a personal vendetta, he hasn't earned his spot. Cody is about to talk back, but Flair stops him. Stephanie says she's picked the replacement already, it'll be Chris Masters who takes on Randy Orton next week. Cody says he'll make sure to get his hands on Orton eventually, but Stephanie warns him that there will be consequences if he interferes with the tournament, so she adivses him to be patient. Cody walks off looking a bit upset, Flair tells Stephanie not to worry, he'll take care of him.

Rating: 77


Triple H Vs. Big Show

"The Game" had his game face on for this one. It's not only a chance to move to the next round, but he also has the opportunity to get his hands on the Big Show who has been a thorn on DX's backside for a while. Dealing with the big man's power is no easy feat though, and Triple H had to fight from the underneath for a lot of the 14-minute match. But Big Show also seemed unable to put him away, and the more hits Triple H took, the more he fought back. He goes for a Pedigree but Big Show counters with a gigantic back body drop. Then he has his sights set for a 500 pound spear... SPINEBUSTER from Triple H! The ring shook from that impact. "The Game" has this one, he's going for the Pedigree...

WHAT? Umaga is here! And he's coming to the ring looking pissed off! Triple H is distracted... Big Show grabs him! A huuuuge Chokeslam! 1...2...3! Triple H has been eliminated!

Winner: Big Show (Distraction Finish via Chokeslam)
Rating: 75


Game Over for "The Game"

Big Show celebrates and leaves the ring... and now it's Umaga and a beat up Triple H. Umaga gets in the ring and goes right for him, getting on top of "The Game" and brutalizing him with headbutts! Then Umaga grabs the steel steps... he waits for Triple H to get up... and nails him with them right in the head! He gets Triple H in the corner and delivers a hip attack! Then he gets the steep staps on Triple H's prone body... a second hip attack! Umaga walks off as medics tend to Triple H... but he turns back around and gets back in the ring as the medical team runs away in fear! Triple H is busted wide open and seems unconscious. Umaga gets some of the blood and rubs it on his own chest. Samoan Spike to an unconscious Triple H! what a savage attack! But he's not done... Umaga drags Triple H to ringside. He clears the announce desk as JR and Lawler tun away. He places Triple H on there and hits him in the bloody face with a camera! Now he climbs to the top rope... No! He's gonna crush him! SAMOAN SPLASH THROUGH THE TABLE! Umaga has destroyed Triple H!

Rating: 100


Total Rating: 76

JBL steps over the line... again

The show kicks off with Rey Mysterio coming out. He talks about what happened last week. He says that while he knows how bad JBL can be, he never expected him to go so low. Rey says that Eddie was his best friend, and to hear JBL say something so cruel about him really stunned him, it almost broke him. But tonight he's not stunned... he's angry and he's gonna kick JBL's ass! Rey drops the mic and is about to leave the ring, but Chris Benoit comes out. He gets in the ring and says "I'm sorry Rey, but you«re not gonna get the chance to fight JBL tonight. Because when I find him, I'm gonna rip his head off and leave him laying in a pool of his own blood!" Rey says he doesn't want that to happen, he knows that JBL has it coming but he is a proud champion and he wants to fight his own battles. Benoit says he doesn't give a damn about the World Heavyweight title right now, he wants to destroy JBL for what he said about Eddie!
Then JBL's music hits and he comes out to the stage. Benoit looks about ready to explode just from looking at him, but Rey Mysterio holds him back. Bradshaw has a mic, and he gloats about beating Benoit last week, conveniently not saying a word about how that happened. He also says that he's in Rey Mysterio's head. He already defeated Mysterio's mind and later tonight he will defeat him physically and take the World Heavyweight Championship. "Rey, I will beat you just like I beat Eddie Guerrero two years ago. Because I'm just better than you... just like I was better than him. And Eddie can stop rolling in his grave every time you come out here and tarnish his legacy!" That last line sets Benoit off, he pushes Rey off and runs after JBL! Bradshaw runs away from him as Benoit is irate! Chavo Guerrero comes from the back and him and Rey Mysterio hold back Benoit as JBL escapes.

Rating: 73


Matt Hardy Vs. Mr. Kennedy

Hardy and Kennedy's grudge match is the first match on the show, and it ended up being really good. Like before, the match is pretty competitive, it goes kinda long and both guys get some close calls. Obviously Kennedy had been claiming he's "unpinned" so he is is getting more desperate with these close calls and every time Hardy is looking closer to a win. Hardy sends Kennedy onto the turnbluckle. He runs at him but Kennedy throws referee Mike Chioda in the way! The referee is down and Kennedy tries to escape, but Hardy just manages to catch him by his feet as he was trying to roll under the bottom rope. There's a camera man nearby, and Kennedy suddenly drives the camera onto Matt Hardy's face! The referee didn't see! Kennedy wakes up the ref and then drills Hardy with the Mic Check! 1...2...3! Kennedy was a step ahead once again, and this time he gets the win! Still unpinned!

Winner: Mr. Kennedy (Weapon Usage via Mic Check)
Rating: 84


Chavo confronts JBL and gets a match for tonight

Josh Matthews is backstage with JBL. He asks him if he's concerned about Chris Benoit interfering in tonight's match, and possibly costing JBL the World Heayweight Championship. While Bradshaw appears rattled, he does say that he's not worried about Benoit because just like he dealt with him last week, he can do it again. He's interrupted by Chavo Guerrero, who tells him that he should be concerned, because he's sure that JBL would've been in an ambulance right now if it wasn't for himself and Rey Mysterio. Chavo says that he too wants to kick JBL's ass right now, but he won't do it because Rey wants to beat JBL at 100%. JBL asks Chavo if he isn't angry at Rey for tarnishing Eddie's legacy. Chavo pushes him and they're about to brawl, but King Booker walks in, with Sharmell. He says that he talked to Teddy Long after challenging Lashley and he told him that he needed a big win tonight to get a United States title match. So, since Chavo is in a fighting mood he challenges him to a match. Chavo says yes and walks off looking pissed off. JBL looks relieved but doesn't say anything.

Rating: 73


The Congregation will take your donations

Just like last week, a vignette airs with Shad Gaspard, JTG and "The Pope" Elijah Burke. This time, Pope is preaching to his two disciples. Once again, he talks about meaningless crime and how they shouldn't steal without a purpose. Then Shad and JTG take out some jewelry that they presumably stole. Pope puts it on and winks at the camera. he says "But in reality, it's all about purpose. And this purpose... really ain't that bad. The Congregation will always accept your donations." Pope, Shad and JTG then get into a bedazzled car with tinted windows. The car drives off and on the back of it we see a bumper sticker that says "Coming to Smackdown"

Rating: 90


Tatanka Vs. Sylvain

Kind of a nothing match here. Tatanka taunts a bunch, Sylvain always tries to get away from him. In the end, Sylvain pokes Tatanka in the eye and rolls him up for the win after like 4 minutes.

Winner: Sylvain (Flash Pinfall)
Rating: 54


The Hall of Pain get two new members... or maybe not

Mark Henry comes out after the match. Sylvain felt his wrath two weeks ago, so he gets the hell out of the ring and runs off. Tatanka doesn't though, and he squares up to Mark Henry. Tatanka gets the first shot it, but Henry overcomes him quickly and lays him out with a World's Strongest Slam. Then he gets a chair and hits Tatanka a bunch of times with it, before grabbing a mic. Then he unfolds the chair on top of Tatanka and sits on it, like he did last week to Gunner Scott. He then starts talking: "I told y'all to get out of my way. Do like Sylvain, be clever and run for your life. Or else you end up like Gunner Scott... or you end up like Tatanka, a new member in my Hall of Pain. But that's not the only induction I'm doing tonight. You see, I've been destroying so many people that I forgot one induction. A posthumous induction... for Batista. Because I took him out and he stayed home... and he's never coming back again. I ended his career! So Batista, allow me to formally induct you-" A video starts playing in the tiantron, interrupting Henry. We see a coffee table and an empty couch, but soon someone sits in it. It's... Batista! The crowd pops for Batista, we haven't seen him in months. He grins at the camera and places a protective arm brace on the table. He says: "You're right Mark, I've been staying at home lately. But don't worry... because I'm gonna be cleared very soon. And then, I'm gonna come back to kick your ass, and your Hall of Pain is getting closed early!"

Rating: 76


X-Pac Vs. Billy Kidman

Cruiserweight action with high stakes now, with X-Pac and Kidman both in their first match post-return and the winner getting a championship match at Great American Bash. Gregory Helms, the Cruiseweight Champion, joins Cole and Piper at the announce desk. He says he doesn't care who wins because he's better than both X-Pac and Kidman. There's a reason they were let go by WWE and he was not. Meanwhile in the ring, X-Pac and Kidman have an alright match with good fast-paced action. Obviously though, it didn't take very long for this to break down. X-Pac and Kidman are fighting on the outside and X-Pac throws Kidman onto Helms. They get back into the ring and not long after Helms runs in and lays both men out. He hits both contenders with the Cruiserweight Championship. The referee calls for the bell and the match is declared a no contest, and the crowd hates it.

Winner: Draw  (Match Called Off)
Rating: 47


Triple Threat, playa!

Helms is admiring his handywork after ruining the #1 contender's match. Honestly, it's like he doesn't know how wrestling works. Of course, Teddy Long comes out to ruin his parade, and makes a triple threat match for the Great American Bash. Helms vs Kidman vs X-Pac for the Cruiserweight Championship!

Rating: 55


Chavo hypes up Rey and Benoit makes a promise

In the locker room, Rey and Chavo are both warming up foer their matches. Benoit is also there and looks tense. Chavo tells Rey that he wants him to kick JBL's ass. Not just for him, or for Eddie, but for Rey himself too. He tells Rey not to worry about the things JBL has been saying, and that he's there for Rey no matter what. Rey thanks Chavo and then turns to Benoit, who has been quiet. Rey asks Benoit to be patient, stay in the back and let him handle JBL tonight. Benoit replies that JBL has an asskicking coming, and he wants to get his hands on him soon... but he'll respect Rey's wishes and stay out of it for tonight. But in return, Rey needs to retain his title and shut JBL up.

Rating: 65


Jamie Noble Vs. Brian Kendrick

One half of the WWE Tag Team Champions meets one half of the #1 contenders. Cole mentions on commentary that since Noble and Kash beat the champions last week in trios action,  the two teams will face off for the titles at Great American Bash. It's a good match between Noble and Kendrick, they both put on a big effort with their partners cheering them on at ringside. After around 11 minutes it looks like Kendrick has the upper hand, he's hit Noble with some big moves but was unable to pull him away. Kendrick goes for another one as he climbs to the top rope... but on the outside Kash throws London into the ring post! Kendrick sees it and is distracted for a moment, and it's enough for Noble to climb the turnbuckle as well and deliver a Superplex. Then Noble nails Kendrick with the Tiger Bomb and gets the win.

Winner: Jamie Noble (Pinfall via Tiger Bomb)
Rating: 71


Khali tries to make another statement... but he's spoiled by a return!

An unknown young man is in the ring for a match. However, it's not his scheduled opponent that comes out, but The Great Khali. He gets in the ring and the kid is terrified, but charges at him regardless. Khali easily overpowers him, and lays him out with the Plunge. Khali then gets the steel steps, and it looks like he's about to repeat what he did last week when... GONG! The lights go off... they come back on and... IT'S THE UNDERTAKER! He's finally back! And Undertaker and Khali brawl! Undertaker gets the better of him though... and then he gets the steel steps and hits Khali with them! Khali goes down and just manages to roll out of the ring. But Daivari then hits the Undertaker from behind... which is a terrible idea, because it does nothing to him. Undertaker just stares at Daivari intimidatingly... while he just asks for forgiveness. Which he doesn't get, because The Undertaker picks him up... Tombstone Piledriver! Undertaker then looks at Khali who is still at ringside... it's clear that he's coming after him!

Rating: 79


King Booker Vs. Chavo Guerrero

Booker and Chavo have a pretty good match in the semi-main event spot. It's a 16 minute match featuring a lot of good wrestling. Queen Sharmell is at ringside cheering the King on.. but of course she ends up doing more than that as she distracts Chavo while he's going for a Frog Splash. The referee throws her out and Chavo goes for it anyways, but the extra time was just enough for Booker to get his knees up. Then Booker nails Chavo with the Scissors Kick, but he kicks out! With Sharmell out the contest is one on one, and they wrestle for a while longer. Eventually Chavo is delivering the Three Amigos, but Booker manager to slip out of the third suplex and then nails Chavo with a sudden Book End to get a hard fought win.

Winner: King Booker (Pinfall via Book End)
Rating: 82


Lashley wants revenge, but Booker gets the last laugh

The bell rings and Booker is celebrating, when Bobby Lashley's music hits. The United States Champion wants revenge from last week and charges right at Booker. The two of them brawl until Finlay, who was conspicuous by his absence until now, attacks Lashley from behind wih his shillellagh. Booker then hits a Scissors Kick to Lashley and picks up the United States title, standing tall over the champion.

Rating: 75


The World Heavyweight Champion gets some more encouragement

Rey Mysterio is heading to the ring for his title defense when a woman stops him... it's Vickie Guerrero! She tells Rey that she's gonna be watching from the back and she hopes that Rey wins. She says that JBL will be sorry that he ever spoke her husband's name. Rey promises Vickie he will make JBL shut up and thanks her forthe support. They share a hug and then Rey keeps heading to the ring.

Rating: 69




Rey Mysterio Vs. JBL - WWE World Heavyweight Championship

It's a big match feel and Rey Mysterio's title reign feels in a lot of jeopardy in this match against the sickening JBL. Despite everything that JBL has done, Rey appears focused on his task tonight and getting the win.Bradshaw has trouble dealing with the champion's speed in the early portion of the match. JBL does the Eddie Guerrero taunt, mocking him... and that sets off Rey Mysterio, who lunges at JBL. He nails him with some hard shots and JBL goes down, but after a while JBL manages to catch a running Mysterio with a huge boot to the face! Then JBL goes for the Powerbomb... but Rey reverses it into a Hurricanrana that sends JBL to the ropes! He goes for the 619... and he nails it! Now Rey does Eddie Guerrero's taunt... and is climbing the turnbuckle for the Frog Splash to finish JBL! But he's tired so he takes a bit too long and JBL manages to roll out of the ring. While Mysterio is going after him JBL grabs a chair from under the apron and slides it into the ring. Mysterio throws JBL back into the ring... but while the referee is distracted with the chair, JBL nails Rey with a low blow! Rey Mysterio crumbles down in pain! And now JBL is signaling for the Clothesline From Hell! Not this way! But wait... Chris Benoit comes from the back and lunges at JBL! He takes out Bradshaw with a big German Suplex! But the bell rings! The referee saw Benoit's attack and has no choice but to award JBL the win via DQ... but that means Rey Mysterio retains the World Heavyweight Championship!

Winner: JBL (Interference DQ)
Rating: 74


JBL gets exactly what he had coming, but Rey Mysterio isn't happy!

Benoit doesn't seem to care when the bell rings however, he gets on top of JBL and punches him in the face over and over again. Then he grabs the steel chair that JBL had gotten and delivers a stiff shot to his head! It echoed all around the arena! Then Benoit locks the Crossface on JBL, who got busted wide open from the chair. JBL taps desperately, but Benoit doesn't let go even as more referees try to pull him off. JBL keeps tapping until he fades unconscious. Meanwhile Rey Mysterio is back on his feet and stares down Benoit, he's clearly not happy with the interference. The referees help JBL up... Benoit grabs the chair again and delivers a second brutal chairshot to JBL's bloody head for good measure! JBL collapses again! Rey pushes Benoit and they have a tense staredown... and then Benoit leaves the ring. Rey Mysterio looks at him as the show ends.

Rating: 83

Total Rating: 77

My notes:

I really liked this show, it's definetly the best Smackdown so far. I really built the show around the Rey vs JBL main event, and some of those segments did better than others but overall it was fine. The big returns by Undertaker and Batista should really help things moving forward. I didn't think the show would score so well though, with all these cheap finishes. I even threw Booker vs Chavo in there to bump the show up a bit. But Hardy vs Kennedy and Rey vs JBL ended up working out alright in spite of the finishes. There's two more Smackdowns until the Great American Bash and the card is really starting to take shape. The United States title match is official, as well as the WWE tag titles and the Cruiserweight title match (which Moore correctly predicted would be a triple threat).
Also I've brought back Velocity to be taped together with Smackdown. It's a good show to use some lower card talent that don't get much time on the main shows and allow them to have longer matches, and I can also try out some different things and help build someone's momentum. Like Heat, I'm not really gonna post about it unless incidents happen.
For the first time in the save, no one got popped in the wellness tests. Took a couple of big fines but seems like Benoit is off the roids for now.