|
|
Post by "Hollywood" Hawk Jefferson on Mar 10, 2021 22:40:36 GMT 1
WWE Smackdown Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, Kent, OH Week 2, February 2006
Segment One: Batista Doesn't Fear the Deadman
The Animal, Batista started off tonight's show to address the final moments of the Royal Rumble PPV. Batista said that he fought with everything he had to defend his title against Mark Henry and the end of the night, the Undertaker decided to take an opportunity to challenge the Champion. Batista said with zero hesitation that he accepts the challenge from Taker and Taker should get ready for the fight of his (after)life because unlike everyone who's ever got in the ring with Undertaker, Batista doesn't fear him. The lights went out and Undertaker appeared in the ring. The only words he said were, "Batista, at No Way Out, you will Rest in Peace." before disappearing again. Spooky.
[Rating: 79]
Segment Two: Gregory Helms vs Funaki
The in-ring portion of the show got the crowd off to a start start as these two flexed their cruiserweight skills. Smackdown's #1 Announcer put up a good showing but Helms was determined to not only win this match but improve his chances of a future Crusierweight title shot.
[Rating: 43]
Segments Three and Four: The Tag Title Debacle
General Manager Teddy Long was out next to address the situation in the tag team division. He announced that since Joey Mercury had earned himself a thirty day suspension, the tag titles had been stripped from MNM! Long didn't intend to let the titles be vacant long as he immediately booked the Hooligans vs the Full Blooded Italians vs the Legion of Doom vs the French Connection in an elimination match for the titles right now! All four teams gave it their all but only one held on. Heidenreich and Animal were the first eliminated, followed by the FBI, and then the French Connection and the Hooligans laid claim to the WWE Tag Team Titles!
[Ratings: 37 and 47]
Segment Five: Chris Benoit Promo
Benoit was backstage with Josh Matthews. He said that he may have lost at the Rumble and Sharmell may have interfered but he wasn't going to make excuses for being outsmarted. All he wants is one more shot at Booker, a Best of Seven Series allowed Booker T to skirt the rules but Benoit wants to take that advantage away from Booker because at No Way Out, their United States Title match is going to be a Thirty Minute Iron Man match!
[Rating: 67]
Segments Six and Seven: Matt Hardy vs Steven Richards/Post-Match
Stevie and Matt had a pretty good much that never came to a conclusion because Mark Henry decided to induct both men into his Hall of Pain. Henry beat down both men before grabbing the mic to announce, "That's what I do!" and let the roster know that nobody is safe from the Hall of Pain.
[Ratings: 41 and 67]
Segment Eight: Randy Orton Promo
Orton was backstage next, ready to talk more smack about Rey Mysterio. Orton played dubious video evidence "proving" that he and Rey had both feet on the floor at the same time. He says he isn't demanding that the match be overturned but he implores Rey to "do the right thing" and give him a chance to win a title shot at Wrestlemania.
[Rating: 63]
Segments Nine and Ten: Cruiserweight Title Rematch/Post-Match
Chavo Guerrero was quick to defend his newly won title, accepting an immediate rematch from former champion Kid Kash. Kash tried all of the tricks he had, both legal and otherwise, but couldn't topple the veteran. While Chavo was celebrating the victory, Jamie Noble ran in to beat him down! Kid Kash looked like he might help Chavo but instead joined in the beating! Noble and Kash left together, is this the start of a new team?
[Ratings: 46 and 36]
Segment Eleven: JBL and Lashley Face Off
John Bradshaw Layfield came out to the ring to cry about the Rumble. He said he was on track to win the whole thing but "that cowardly back-fighter" Bobby Lashley eliminated him. Lashley was out immediately to remind JBL of how often he has taken advantage of distractions and other unfair means to secure the win but if he really wants to fight Bobby, they can do it at No Way Out! JBL accepted but didn't look happy about it.
[Rating: 61]
Segments Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen: The Main Event
Batista was backstage warming up for his match against Randy Orton when Rey stopped by to say he had his back tonight. As it turns out, that was not needed as the Animal kept the match well under control for the majority of it. Orton had to resort to using a steel chair while gave the champion the DQ victory. Orton attempted to continue the assault after the bell but was run off by Rey Mysterio who told him that he had his match at No Way Out.
[Ratings: 67, 69, and 57]
[Overall Show Rating: 67]
|
|
|
|
Post by "Hollywood" Hawk Jefferson on Mar 11, 2021 0:29:09 GMT 1
WWE Raw Everett Events Center, Everett, WA Week 2, February 2006
Segment One: Vince's Big Announcement
To begin this edition of Raw, Vince McMahon came to ring alone to make the big announcement he teased all week last week. He said that tonight, we will see Rob Van Dam, Triple H, John Cena, Kurt Angle, and Shawn Michaels compete in a Beat the Clock challenge to decide who face Edge on Raw in two weeks for the WWE Title! In a twist on the regular Beat the Clock formula, Shawn Michaels' opponent, Carlito can also win a title shot by beating Shawn within the time limit.
[Rating: 70]
Segments Two and Three: World Tag Team Title Match/Post-Match
In a rematch from last week, Cade and Murdoch looked to pick up not only the win but the titles following a count out victory. These two more than held their own against the two future Hall of Famers, getting the win with a pinfall on the Big Show following another instance of miscommunication. After the match, Show and Kane argued again and this time, Kane left his partner laying with a massive chokeslam!
[Ratings: 52 and 58]
Segment Four: Tyson Tomko vs Rob Van Dam Beat the Clock Challenge
Rob Van Dam was the pace setter for the evening, taking on the dangerous Tyson Tomko. Tomko made a statement, scoring several nearfalls on RVD but Van Dam pulled off the win in 11:42 to set the first Beat the Clock time.
[Rating: 48]
Segment Five: Trish Stratus Backstage
Trish was walking backstage as the announcers promised her in the ring in the next segment. It was not to be, however, as Mickie James ambushed and brutalized the Women's Champion before she could make it to the ring.
[Rating: 39]
Segments Six and Seven: John Cena vs Snitsky/Post-Match Beat the Clock Challenge
Was there any doubt that Cena could beat up Snitsky? If there was, there's not now. Cena was well on track to sew this one up within the time set by RVD and likely put it out of reach of anyone else but the Edge showed up. The championed attacked Cena with a chair, setting up the DQ victory for the ex-champion which, according to Beat the Clock rules, precludes him from winning the challenge. Enraged, Cena chased Edge out of the ringside area but the Rated R Superstar fled to a car driven by his girlfriend Lita that was waiting for him!
[Ratings: 55 and 65]
Segment Eight: CM Punk vs Eugene
The newcomer to the Raw roster once again showed up his intensity and technical prowess, this time against Eugene. The former tag team champion was no match for Punk, submitting quickly to the Anaconda Vice.
[Rating: 44]
Segment Nine: Shelton Benjamin Training Video
A short video is shown of Shelton Benjamin in the gym working on strength, endurance, and grappling.
[Rating: 39]
Segment Ten: Goldust vs Triple H Beat the Clock Challenge
These two have a long history but didn't have too long of a match tonight. Goldust gave it his all but one mistake lead to a Pedigree and the win in 9:54, setting the new bar.
[Rating: 54]
Segment Eleven: Kurt Angle vs Val Venis Beat the Clock Challenge
Both of these men are former Intercontinental and European champions but only one is the Wrestling Machine and that's Kurt Angle. Angle barely broke a sweat, pinning Val with the Angle Slam in 7:30.
[Rating: 61]
Segments Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen: The Main Event
Before the main event, we saw Vince backstage with the Coach. Coach asks why Vince would risk Shawn winning the title and competing at Mania by letting him be in this challenge. Vince said he was sure that Shawn wasn't going to win. As it turns out, Vince had a plan to try and make sure that happened, attempting to attack the Heartbreak Kid with a chair during the match but missing and hitting Carlito instead! That let the Showstopper hit Sweet Chin Music, securing the win in 7:28 and earning a title shot against Edge in two weeks! After the match, a clearly irate Kurt Angle ran out and destroyed HBK, locking him in the Ankle Lock while Vince screamed at him as Raw went off the air.
[Ratings: 72, 57, and 56]
[Overall Show Rating: 61] |
|
|
|
Post by "Hollywood" Hawk Jefferson on Mar 11, 2021 1:20:55 GMT 1
WWE Smackdown
Florence Civic Center, Florence, SC Week 2, February 2006
Segment One: Batista and the Undertaker Talk at Each Other
We started Smackdown this week with Batista coming out to talk about the Undertaker. He restates that he's respects the Undertaker but he does not fear him. Batista said he had faced some of the toughest that the WWE has ever produced and has beaten them all so even though the Undertaker is probably the steepest challenge he has faced yet. The Undertaker showed up to do some spooky lightning tricks and he promised to go into Wrestlemania as the champion to defend both the title and his Streak. Batista did not look scared.
[Rating: 70]
Segment Two: The Pitbulls vs Chavo Guerrero and Funaki
Last week, following his loss to Chavo Guerrero, Kid Kash formed a team with Jamie Noble that they dubbed the Pitbulls in a WWE.com interview. This new team got off to a hot start with a victory tonight after Kash pinned Funaki.
[Rating: 46]
Segment Three: Randy Orton Promo
The Ortons were backstage next. Randy brought up the planned Rey Mysterio Royal Rumble Victory Celebration planned later in the night and how Vickie Guerrero was in the building to attend. Randy questions why even bother having a celebration when in two weeks, Rey will be a Rumble winner with no title shot before threatening to crash the party.
[Rating: 60]
Segment Four: The Simon System vs the Mexicools
This was a decent TV match that really just served as a vehicle to allow the Mexicools to shine. The bulkier Gymini and their leader Simon Dean weren't prepared for the innovative offense from the Mexicools. In the end, Juventud Guerrera pinned Simon Dean to pick up the win.
[Ratings: 40]
Segment Five: Mark Henry "Ain't Goin' Nowhere!"
There was supposed to be a showcase match between two local talents but Mark Henry continued his path of destruction, beating down both men before the bell could even ring. After the beating, Mark grabbed a microphone and reminded the Smackdown roster he "ain't goin' nowhere" and that nobody was safe.
[Rating: 76]
Segments Six and Seven: French Connection Promo/French Connection vs Legion of Doom
Before coming out the victors in a very basic match against the newest incarnation of the Legion of Doom, the French Connection took a little bit of time to suggest that since they were the last team eliminated last week, that should make them first in line for a tag title shot. They didn't get an immediate answer but the logic is sound.
[Ratings: 41 and 47]
Segments Eight and Nine: Booker and Finlay Shenanigans/Chris Benoit vs Finlay
Right before the commercial proceeding the Chris Benoit vs Finlay match, Booker T was seen going into Finlay's locker room. What followed was one of the most physical matches in recent memory. Neither man was pulling their punches or easing up on submissions as they went for broke. Neither man would get the satisfaction of victory, however, as Booker T would attack Chris Benoit with his United States Championship belt before both he and Finlay continued the beating.
[Ratings: 49 and 53]
Segment Ten: Melina Talks About Nitro
That's Johnny Nitro and not Monday Nitro. I'm disappointed too. Melina basically says that even though Mercury is gone for the time being, that isn't going to get Nitro down. Okay then.
[Rating: 35]
Segment Eleven: Paul Burchill vs Bobby Lashley
Lashley was looking to make an impression on his No Way Out opponent JBL, who was ringside for commentary for this match, and it's easy to say he did so. JBL watched in awe as Lashley picked apart Paul Burchill, getting the pinfall following a Dominator. Is JBL ready to face the awesome power of Bobby Lashley?
[Rating: 51]
Segment Twelve: The Rey Mysterio Royal Rumble Celebration
Rey came out to the ring to kick off the celebration and say "Thank you." He also said that he had no idea who planned this celebration for him but he was grateful they invited Vickie, cue Randy Orton. Orton appears on the Titantron to tell Rey that he planned the "celebration" and he was glad Rey liked it but he's sad that Vickie traveled all that way to join them tonight and she won't be able to see it. Orton moved out of the way of the camera to reveal he was outside the dressing room of Vickie Guerrero. Rey bolted backstage but it was all a trap as both Ortons blindsided him in the hallway, leaving Rey bloodied and battered as traumatized Vickie Guerrero looked on.
[Rating: 58]
[Overall Show Rating: 59]
|
|
|
|
Post by "Hollywood" Hawk Jefferson on Mar 13, 2021 8:49:41 GMT 1
WWE Raw Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA Week 3, February 2006
Segment One: Vince Books the Main Event
The Chairman started Raw tonight, getting the show off to a hot start. He addressed the main event from last week and the chaos that ended the show. He says that since Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels clearly have issues with each other and since John Cena so badly wants to get his hands on Edge and since Edge has a title defense against Shawn Michaels next week, it only makes sense to have Angle and Edge take on Cena and Michaels in the main event. Shawn Michaels briefly came out at the end of the segment to tell Vince that his greatest nightmare, HBK winning the title and main eventing Wrestlemania one more time is going to start next week.
[Rating: 70]
Segments Two and Three: The Basham Brothers vs Snitsky and Tomko/Post-Match
Next up, there was a showcase match for the tag division. Snitsky and Tomko are both looking to get back on track after a few high profile singles losses but they couldn't get it done tonight. A Bash and Smash to Snitsky secured the victory for the Brothers Basham in a decent match. Afterwards, Doug and/or Danny let it be known that their goal is to defeat Cade and Murdoch for the titles. Neat.
[Ratings: 40 and 42]
Segment Four and Five: Val Venis vs Carlito/Post-Match
These two former Intercontinental Champions faced off in a alright match here on Raw and, even though Val tried everything in his repertoire, it was Carlito that walked out the victor. Post-match, Carlito got on the mic to say that him not being considered for the main event tonight even though he nearly beat HBK last week wasn't cool but 2006 is just getting started and he promises to make it a year to remember.
[Ratings: 56 and 77]
Segment Six and Seven: CM Punk vs Goldust/Post-Match
Without question, CM Punk is Raw's fasting rising star and that ascent continued tonight as he picked up the quick, submission win against the veteran Goldust. On his way out of the arena, Punk stopped at the commentary table where he took a headset to tell King, Styles, and everyone else listening that he wants competition. What's he getting is matches; he doesn't care if it's a hot dog vendor, the guy in the fourth row wearing a fake belt, John Cena, Shelton Benjamin, anyone.
[Ratings: 46 and 56]
Segment Eight: Rob Conway vs Rob Van Dam
The two Robs faced off but is there any question which one won? RVD got the quick win with the Five Star Frog Splash. Before the match, RVD talked to Todd Grisham about his desire to be WWE Champion by the end of 2006.
[Ratings: 64 and 59]
Segment Nine: Kane Interview
Todd Grisham was in the back again, this time with Kane. He asked Kane about his attack on Big Show last week. Kane said that teaming with Big Show had been keeping him from being successful on Raw. He said that he's a monster and he doesn't need anyone's assistance to wreck havoc and destruction.
[Rating: 71]
Segment Ten: Chris Masters vs Big Show
This was a display of powerhouses but only one could come out on top. Big Show hit Masters with a Chokeslam and that was ultimately the difference maker. After the match, Big Show started yelling about how he's not hiding from Kane.
[Rating: 60]
Segment Eleven: Kurt Angle and Edge Backstage
Ahead of their tag team grudge match in the main event, Edge and Kurt Angle were prepping backstage. They came to the agreement that since Edge wants to ensure that John Cena doesn't get another shot at the WWE Title and Kurt wants to make sure HBK doesn't make it to the title match next week, they should both focus on their own business and stay out of each other's way.
[Rating: 70]
Segment Twelve: Triple H Video
A video highlighting Triple H's intense training routine was shown. Neat.
[Rating: 67]
Segments Thirteen/Fourteen: The Main Event
The fans were hoping for a wild match to end the show and these four men delivered. Both teams worked well together, focused on one goal, eliminating the other men from title contention. After a long match, John Cena picked up the win for his team following an FU to Kurt Angle. They weren't done after the bell though, as all four men brawled around the ringside to end the show.
[Ratings: 64 and 69]
[Overall Show Rating: 66] |
|
|
|
Post by "Hollywood" Hawk Jefferson on Mar 22, 2021 22:46:52 GMT 1
WWE Smackdown Astroarena, Houston, TX Week 2, February 2006
Segment One: Randy Orton taunts Rey Mysterio
Smackdown started with a video package showing the beating that Orton gave Mysterio to conclude last week's show. Randy Orton was out next to talk some smack. He basically said that he wants to be in the World Heavyweight Title match at Wrestlemania so badly that what he plans to do to Rey at No Way Out will make last week look like two kids play fighting. This brought out Mysterio who called Orton a bully and said that he's been dealing with bullies trying to take what he's earned his entire career and this Sunday will be no different, with Rey proving his doubters wrong. JBL was out next, for some reason. He's still grumbling over being eliminated from the Royal Rumble and doesn't get a title shot. Get over it, bro. Lashley then followed to remind JBL it was him who threw him over the top and it's him he's facing next week. This triggered Teddy Long's special action and he came out to announce a tag team match for the main event. Holla, holla, holla.
[Rating: 56]
Segments Two and Three: The Hooligans vs the Full Blooded Italians/Post-Match
The Tag Team Champions were in action tonight, making short work of the FBI. London pinned Vito with a Shooting Star Press, it was rad. To follow up, the French Connection came out to harass the champions. They said that they hadn't received an answer from London and Kendrick regarding their challenge last week so they were forced to assume the champions are afraid of then. The Hooligans accepted the challenge on the spot and we have a match for No Way Out!
[Ratings: 49 and 43]
Segments Four and Five: Hall of Pain Induction
Antonio Mestre got "Mest" up in Houston. Mark Henry just keeps crushing everyone he sees and this was no exception. Post match, Mark dared the Smackdown roster to stop him and warned that whoever wins on Sunday between Batista and the Undertaker, "they don't gotta worry about Wrestlemania, they gotta worry about me."
[Ratings: 45 and 76]
Segment Six: Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero promo
Helms was backstage when he ran into Chavo. They had a short back and forth where they listed off their achievements and Helms said his resume demands a title shot. Chavo said yes and we have another match for this Sunday.
[Rating: 33]
Segment Seven: Orlando Jordan vs William Regal
Both of these guys were looking to regain some momentum tonight but only one could and that was William Regal, winning with the Regal Stretch.
[Rating: 60]
Segment Eight: Batista and Undertaker contract signing
This was the most peaceful contract signing ever, they didn't even break the table! Good work, fellas. This was more of what we have been hearing for a couple weeks, they don't hate each other or fear each other, they're just lookin' to be the champ. Noble goals. Undertaker did spooky things again and disappeared at the end of the segment.
[Rating: 65]
Segments Nine and Ten: Chris Benoit vs Steven Richards/Post-Match
Benoit was trying to stay hot going into the Iron Man match this Sunday night and he accomplished that, making Richards submit to the Crippler Crossface after a competitive match. Before Benoit could celebrate the win, Booker T appeared on the TitanTron. Booker said that he didn't intend to give up the United States Title anytime soon and will outlast Benoit in the Iron Man match.
[Ratings: 65 and 64]
Segment Eleven: Matt Hardy vs Simon Dean
This was another instance of guys trying to regain momentum and this time, it was Matt Hardy that came out the victory following a Twist of Fate. It was a decent TV match.
[Rating: 52]
Segment Twelve: No Way Out commercial
Next up, there was an attempt to drive some last minute PPV buys with an ad for No Way Out. Neat.
[Rating: 61]
Segments Thirteen and Fourteen: The Main Event
There was a lot of animosity going into this main event tag team match and it, predictably, boiled over. All four guys brought their A Game but it was just a matter of time before the ref lost all control, disqualifying both teams as things devolved into a wild brawl. The bell ringing couldn't stop these guys as the roster ran out to keep them apart to end the show.
[Ratings: 54 and 53]
[Overall Show Rating: 62]
|
|
|
|
Post by "Hollywood" Hawk Jefferson on Mar 24, 2021 19:54:59 GMT 1
WWE No Way Out 2006 Maple Leaf Gardens Arena, Toronto, ON Sunday, Week Three, February 2006
Segment One: Opening Hype Video
To start the show, a video played showing the significant matches for the night. Featured in the video were Bobby Lashley, JBL, Booker T, Chris Benoit, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Batista, and the Undertaker.
[Rating: 62]
Segments Two and Three: WWE Tag Team Title Match/Post-Match
Our first visit to the Great White North in 2006 kicked off in ring with the Tag Team Title match. The Hooligans have been on a roll since winning the championships on the Smackdown after the Royal Rumble but they faced their biggest challenge yet here tonight. The former multiple time tag champions, the French Connection, brought an edge in experience as a team but they couldn't get the job done tonight as the champions successfully defended their titles. After the match, Grenier and Dupree took out their frustrations with the loss on the Kendrick and London. This is definitely a feud we will see continue.
[Ratings: 50 and 38]
Segment Four: WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
This was a battle between two decorated Cruiserweights, both men having held the title multiple times in their histories, and it showed in almost a highlight reel in these guys best maneuvers. Chavo nearly retained following a Three Amigos but a missed Frog Splash allowed Helms to score with the Nightmare on Helms Street for the victory and the title.
[Rating: 46]
Segment Five: The Boogeyman Segment
The Boogeyman came out next to eat worms, jerk around, and generally be a weirdo but it didn't last long as "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry followed quickly behind. Mark was mad that he wasn't booked for the show "despite being the most dominant force on Smackdown" and made the Boogeyman pay for it with two World's Strongest Slams followed by a huge splash.
[Rating: 66]
Segments Six and Seven: JBL Promo/JBL vs Lashley
Next up, JBL was backstage with Josh Matthews. JBL said that tonight, he'd prove why he is the Wrestling God and why he deserves a high profile Wrestlemania match. Spoiler: He didn't. Sure, Bradshaw put up an excellent fight but the younger, stronger, quicker Lashley was not to be denied tonight. The finish saw JBL miss a Clothesline from Hell before being caught with the Dominator.
[Ratings: 55 and 54]
Segments Eight and Nine: Booker T Promo/United States Title Match
Before the Ironman Match for the United States title, Booker joined Josh Matthews backstage. He talks about how hard he worked to come back from injury ahead of schedule so he wouldn't have to give up his title and he won't lose to a guy that's failed to beat him multiple times over. He was right! These two went hell for leather for the entire thirty minute duration of the match, trading big blows and falls. In the end, Booker was trapped in the Crippler Crossface as time expired, extinguishing Benoit's hope of carrying it to an overtime period and giving Booker the win, 3-2.
[Ratings: 54 and 67]
Segments Ten, Eleven, and Twelve: Rey Mysterio vs Randy Orton
This was without question, the most emotionally charged WWE bout in a long time. Before the bell, Rey cut a promo backstage promising to win tonight and at Wrestlemania "for all the underdogs, for everyone who has been told they couldn't do it, and for everyone who's always supported me." What followed was 25 minutes of two men fighting with everything that they have for everything that they want. Blood men ended up bloodied at the end of this one, "Cowboy" Bob Orton got knocked out with a 619, and the ref let everything fly until we had a winner. Rey was so close to victory but a shot to the back of the head from Bob stunned Rey long enough for Randy to get the RKO and the win. After being robbed of what he had earned, Rey had an emotional breakdown in the ring as the Ortons celebrated.
[Ratings: 52, 61, and 48]
Segments Thirteen and Fourteen: World Heavyweight Title Match
We had a pure battle of the titans to close out the evening in Toronto as Batista defended his World Heavyweight Title against the Undertaker. The Deadman was in top form tonight, bringing all the old tricks out of his repitore to try to defeat the Animal, even kicking out the Batista Bomb but Batista wasn't giving up his dream to defend his title at Wrestlemania that easily. After kicking out of a Tombstone, the Animal fired up with a spinebuster followed by a Batista Bomb to pick up the win and keep his title. After the match, the Deadman showed Batista his due respect, shaking hands with him before disappearing into darkness.
[Ratings: 69 and 72]
[Overall Show Rating: 66]
|
|
