The WWF Crisis 2006

[JBLaholic]

WWF- The 2006 Crisis..

2005 was a shattering year for the WWE. Throughout the year, the WWE pay per view buyrates were extremely low, WWE lost their TV deal with Spike TV, forcing them to quickly sign a new deal with USA Network. The WWE had no other options, and because of this the WWE lost millions of dollars in revenue. The WWE were then forced to release a handful of superstars, with The Dudley Boys, being the
most shocking release. One of the WWE's rising stars Muhammed Hassan was released after global press complaints about his offensive gimmick. WWE started losing some of their top talent such as Chris Jericho, Christian and Tajiri. Most definitely the most shocking loss of them all, was the death of a true legend and top WWE superstar, Eddie Guerrero. Not forgetting to mention the lack of creativity within storylines, and gimmicks, the WWE were falling.

As the year 2006 approached, Vince McMahon made one of the most stupid mistakes in his career. McMahon put millions of dollars into buying back the 'WWF' name from the World Wildlife Fund. Following this, the promotion lost a ton of money, and were unable to pay some the their big stars. With very little money, Vince McMahon had no choice but to release some of his top stars. Vince did this in a way that everyone would be happy, and actually offered every wrestler on the roster their release. Obviously not every wrestler accepted but a huge chunk of talent did.
Two of the WWE's top stars Kurt Angle and The Undertaker left, and retired. Kurt Angle decided he wanted to take on the challenge of training young amateurs for the Olympics, while The Undertaker decided to stay out of work and spend more time with his wife and child. The likes of Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Booker T and many more decided to leave because of the way they were treated. Seemingly every cruiserweight, excluding Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero also left, because of the 'no toprope' situation. Because of this situation, the brand split was completely scrapped along with many championship belts.
The roster now consists of:

Batista
Big Show
Bobby Lashley
Carlito
Chavo Guerrero
Chris Masters
Danny Basham
Edge
Eric Bischoff
Gene Snitsky
Hardcore Holly
Jamal
Jerry Lawler
Jim Ross
Joey Mercury
Joey Styles
John Bradshaw Layfield
John Cena
Johnny Nitro
Johnny Parisi
Jonathan Coachman
Kane
Lita
Melina
Michael Cole
Mickie James
Paul Burchill
Randy Orton
Rene Dupree
Rey Mysterio
Ric Flair
Rob Conway
Rosey
Shawn Michaels
Steven Richards
Sylvain Grenier
Tazz
Trevor Murdoch
Triple H
Trish Stratus
Tyson Tomko
Val Venis
Victoria
William Regal


And the Title Belts:

World Heavyweight
WWF World
WWF Intercontinental
WWF Tag Team



It's Feburary 2006, and the WWF has now fallen to international level and are falling in popularity fast,
as TNA rises up through the industry. This is 'WWF- The 2006 Crisis'...

And it begins…

[JBLaholic]

(These resluts are fictional in order to keep with the backstory)

WWF Royal Rumble Results

Chris Masters defeated Bobby Lashley by pinfall. *

Kane & The Big Show defeated V2, Snitsky & Tomko by pinfall to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles. *

Trish Stratus defeated Victoria by DQ to retain her WWF Women’s Title. ¾*

Ric Flair defeated William Regal by submission to retain the WWF Intercontinental Title. ***1/2

John Cena defeated JBL by pinfall to retain the WWF Title. *1/2

Batista defeated Randy Orton by pinfall to retain the WWF World Heavyweight Title. ***

Edge defeated Shawn Michaels and 28 other superstars to win the 2006 Royal Rumble. ****

[JBLaholic]

WWF RAW

Pre-show – Tazz hosted a bikini contest between Trish Stratus, Victoria, Mickie James and Lita. Trish wins, which the others are not happy about.

*RAW Intro Plays*

A video is played, recapping the main occurrences at last night’s Royal Rumble, especially highlighting John Cena and Batista’s World Title wins, as well as Edge eliminating Shawn Michaels to win the Royal Rumble. (A).

Joey Styles: Hello, fans, and welcome to Monday Night RAW, live from the ISU Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: Tonight, Joey, is the biggest night in Sports Entertainment History! Tonight, Mr Vincent Kennedy McMahon is going to address the world regarding recent developments involving our company!

Jonathon ‘Coach’ Coachmen: I don’t care what Mr McMahon says, King, him just being here makes it the biggest night in Sports Entertainment history!

Styles: Oh, Coach, stop sucking up to the boss…he can’t here you!

The beginning starts with an R-rated Surprise

*No Chance, that’s what you’ve got…*

Vince McMahon’s music hits and the head of the biggest wrestling promotion in the world struts down the ramp. He smoothly climbs into the ring, and he swaggers around, playing to the crowd before receiving a microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Vince McMahon: Ladies and gentleman, both here in Indiana (cheap pop) and watching this television broadcast around the world, I welcome you to a new era of sports entertainment. Tonight, I will officially tell the world that my company, the one that myself, and my father before me have built from the ground upwards, has officially changed it’s name, back to the good old days – the WWF has returned to the world of professional wrestling! (Big pop) Along with the new name comes some readjustments to the WWF – the brand split is now officially ended (murmurs among the audience). Now, this means that, unfortunately, certain belts will have to be retired, and those belts are – The Cruiserweight Title, The United States Title, the Women’s Title and the WWE Tag Team Titles (stronger murmurs of discontent among the crowd). I can imagine what you are thinking. Yes, this does seem like a drastic and bold move, but the Board of Directors and I believe that it is necessary in order to recapture the focus of our product. Now, you may have noticed that I did not announce the retirement of one of our World Titles. You see, both the WWE Title and the World Heavyweight Title will still be active – until WrestleMania. At WrestleMania 22, the WWE Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion will face off in a World Title Unification match! (Massive pop from the crowd). And this means that, in order to incorporate this historic contest, the winner of the Royal Rumble – Edge – will be able to choose which champion he faces at No Way Out, and this announcement will be made, here, tonight! (Another big pop).

Vince’s music hits again and he turns to leave the ring, when his music cuts out, and…

*You Think you Know Me…*

Edge’s music hits the titantron, and the ‘R Rated Superstar’ appears on the stage, with Lita in tow, a microphone in his right hand, the Money in the Bank briefcase in the other. Edge raises the microphone, and is about to speak, but he pauses when the crowd start a mixed chant of ‘We want Matt!’ and ‘Slut!’. Edge shouts something at the audience, before speaking…

Edge: Woah, woah, woah, Vince, lets not be too hasty here. I think your forgetting to mention something of extreme importance. (Still chants of ‘We want Matt!’) You want Matt! You all want to see Matt Hardy? You want to see him squeal ‘I will not die!’? Well, what a shame that he isn’t here tonight. What a shame that he won’t be here any other night! Because, when Vince McMahon asked Matt if he wanted to leave the WWF, Matt literally squealed with joy and, shaking Vince’s hand hastily, he said “Oh, thank you Mr McMahon, thank you for letting me run away from that horrible Edge!” (Seriously loud boo’s as Edge and Lita laugh). Anyway, where was I…oh yeah, last night. Last night, in front of the whole world, I beat 29 other superstars to cement my place as the number one contender to either Batista (pop) or John Cena’s (pop) World Championship. Now, you may think that I would settle for one title shot, because I’m obviously good enough. Hell, anyone would settle for one chance at winning the biggest prize in the business…however. However, I have something up my sleeve. At WrestleMania 21 I beat five other superstars in an historic ladder match to claim the Money in the Bank Title Shot. A guaranteed title shot against the World Champion of my choosing. So, tonight…Vince (Edge swaggers to Vince and hands him the briefcase) I’m cashing in my Title Shot, against…John Cena! (B+)

Vince: Ok, ok. You’ve got your title shot. Now get out of my way! Or I’ll fire you on the spot!

Edge steps aside and Vince hurries up the ramp, leaving Edge to play to the crowd with Lita.

Styles: Wow, a WWF Title match right here, tonight! John Cena will now have to prepare for something that he was not expecting when he arrived earlier.

Lawler: That’s what you’ve got to do when you’re a World Champion, Joey…you’ve got to be ready to defend it anywhere and at any time.

Coach: Yeah, Cena says himself – “If you want some, come get some!” and I think that Edge has just taken him up on that offer!

Lawler: I can’t wait!

Commercial Break

A video is played, hyping the WWF Tag Team Champions, Kane and The Big Show. (A)

Kids these days…just don’t respect their elders

*WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!…*

The Nature Boy Ric Flair’s music hits the arena, and the man himself appears on the stage, to a massive pop from the crowd, with the Intercontinental Title wrapped around his waist. He struts down to the ring, where he plays to the crowd before accepting a microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Ric Flair: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Helloooooo, Terre Haute! (Cheap pop!). The Nature Boy…WOOOOOOO!!!!…is here, and he is ready to style and profile his way into your hearts tonight. (Massive ‘WOOOOOOO’ chants). Now, as my title seems to have escaped the retirement chop from Vince McMahon, tonight I will vow to…

*Hey…Nothin’ you can say!…*

Flair is interrupted by Randy Orton appearing on the stage with a microphone. He does his signature pose (with pyro) before speaking into the mic while walking to the ring.


Randy Orton: Wait a minute, Ric. Do you really think that any of these people want to listen to your usual rant about how you are a SIXTEEN TIME World Champion? Do you really think that these paying customers want to see your tired, mangled, wrinkly carcass stumble around the ring, fluking wins left, right and centre? Of course they don’t! (Loud boo’s and WOOOOOOO chants). You see, Ric…your old news. You’re yesterday’s superstar. The fans want to see superstars like me, Ric – young…fit…good-looking…(A mixture of cheers from the women and boo’s from the men as Orton rolls into the ring). The fans want to see me…the fans want to see the Legend Killer…

Flair: Hold it, hold it Randy. Didn’t you lose last night, to Batista? How can you come out here and insult me when you got your ass handed to you last night? However, I digress. Yes, I agree, you are a fantastic physical specimen, and undoubtedly you will have a successful future, here, in the WWF. However, that’s the future, Randy…you are the future of the business…I, however, am the past, present, and probably will be the future as well. Because I’m the Nature Boy!…

Orton: Ric, Ric, Ric…please, don’t kid yourself. You may have been the past of this business and, hell, I’ll let you claim that you are the present as well…however, you will NOT make it to the future, Ric.

Flair: Why, Randy…why?

Orton: Ric, you’ll always be remembered as a legend in this business. However, killing legends…is my business…

Before Flair can react, Orton drops his mic and hits an RKO on Flair, before kicking the microphone out of the ring, and spitting on Flair’s motionless body. Orton then plays to the crowd while his music plays. (A*)

Styles: Orton just RKO’ed the Nature Boy! What a show of disrespect!

Coach: Well, it proves the facts of life Joey – the young will eventually overcome the old…

Lawler: Yeah, Coach is right…in this case, Randy Orton was able to overcome Ric Flair because…well, lets just say that Ric’s reflexes aren’t what they used to be.

Commercial Break

1st Match: Gene Snitsky and Tyson Tomko vs Val Venis and Bobby Lashley

· The commentators put over the fact that Tomko and Snitsky have officially formed a tag team.
· Snitsky and Venis start, and Snitsky dominates Val, using his power to overcome his smaller opponent.
· Snitsky and Tomko show a surprising amount of teamwork, frequently tagging in and out while keeping Venis isolated from his corner.
· Venis eventually knocks Tomko down for long enough for him to reach Lashley, and the youngster shows skills beyond his age to take both of his opponents out.
· Despite his valiant resistance, however, Lashley eventually becomes dominated by the frequent tagging of Snitsky and Tomko.
· When Lashley finally takes both of his opponents out, he crawls to his corner to try to tag Venis – but Val just jumps down from the apron and walks away.
· Lashley, despite a brave final resistance, eventually succumbs to a spike powerbomb, and Snitsky picks up the 3 count. (B-)

Styles: I don’t believe what I’m seeing…Val Venis just left Bobby Lashley to fight against two giants! Why, Val, Why?

Coach: He probably just had had enough, Joey.

King: Right, Coach, maybe he just didn’t fancy fighting against those two monsters – he needs to keep his beautiful face after all!

Old friends make great enemies

The camera cuts backstage where we see seemingly Shawn Michaels walking to his dressing room, when he comes across Triple H. The camera shows the two superstars go face-to-face, and HHH’s face breaks out into a sly smile.

HBK: What do you want, Hunter?

HHH: (sarcastically) Oh dear, Shawn, what’s up? No ‘Hi Trips, how you doing?’ No big smile, no dancing…it’s as if something was playing on your mind. Is it the fact that you are finally coming to the realisation that you’re past your prime? Is it that you don’t break as many hearts as you used to? No, wait…I know what it is. You’re upset because you lost the Royal Rumble last night…and you came so close!

HBK: Get lost, Hunter, I don’t need your sarcasm. At least I was in the final two – you got eliminated half an hour before me…

HHH snorts, but the smile remains, and he leans closer to Shawn…

HHH: I was tossed over the rope via three people, Shawn. Just face it…your not the main event anymore…that spot is reserved for yours truly…and always will be.

HBK: Success has gone to your head, Hunter – I was winning titles in this company way before you even had a job…

HHH: (interrupting) You hold that thought, Shawn, because…well, lets just say that, with me around, your days at the top may be numbered. Now, I’ve got some worthwhile people to talk to. Get out of my way.

HHH shoves past Michaels and he heads down the corridor, leaving an irate HBK to look on and seethe. (A)

Styles: Looks like there’s tension backstage, guys, between two of the WWF’s biggest stars!

King: Michaels better watch his mouth – I wouldn’t want the Game after me!

Coach: Hold the phone…King said something right! Well done, Jerry! It’s obviously my influence on you that’s finally paying off.

King: Shut up, Coach.

Bitterness comes in threes

MNM’s music hits the titantron, and the photographers flock to the walkway as Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro and Melina pose for the cameras and walk down the entranceway. The two men leap into the ring point to their manager as Melina does her in-ring entry, to a big pop. Melina then takes a microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Melina: My boys, Mercury and Nitro, are fantastic athletes. They are the strongest, the smartest, and the most beautiful tag team in the history of wrestling. They were the WWF Tag Team Champions. However, due to the ending of the brand split, my boys have had their gold stolen from around their waste. Well, we decided that something needed to be done about this crime, and that’s why we are out here tonight. We are here, in front of all you fans, to challenge the WWF World Tag Team Champions, Kane and the Big Show, to a match…at No Way Out…for their Tag Team Titles. And if they do the honourable thing, and accept our challenge, then there is one thing that I will guarantee…that my boys will walk out of No Way Out as the WWF Tag Team Champions! (C)

MNM leave the ring with sly smiles on their faces.

Styles: MNM seems to be hurting after having their gold taken from around their waste by the WWF authorities.

Coach: Joey, they deserve to wear gold, they’re clearly the best-looking tag team in the company!

King: But, Coach; please tell me…how are they going to beat the seemingly invincible team of Kane and Big Show?

Styles: Well, King, we’ll find out at No Way Out.

The Warm-up of a Champion

The camera cuts to Batista’s locker room, where we see the World Heavyweight Champion doing press-ups, warming up for his match with Chris Masters, as the announcers put over his the match, before going to a…. (A)

Commercial Break

2nd Match: Batista vs Chris Masters

· Masters enters first, to minimal reaction from the crowd.
· Batista tears the house down when he enters second – the crowd goes nuts.
· The match only last a couple of minutes, as Batista dominates Masters virtually from start to finish.
· The Animal finishes the Masterpiece with a Demon Bomb and covers his opponent for the win just past the 2 minute mark.
· Batista plays to a jubilant crowd as Masters stumbles to the back. (B-)


Money in the Bank, R-rated superstar, family wrecker…WWF Champion?

The camera cuts backstage to show the R-rated superstar, Edge, walking backstage with Lita, when Todd Grisham rushes over and shoves a microphone in front of Edge’s face.

Todd: Edge, what are your thoughts on your WWF Title match later tonight against the champion, John Cena? (slight boos from the crowd).

Edge: Todd, look who you’re talking to. I am Edge…I am the R-rated superstar…I am Money in the Bank…and, after tonight…I will be the WWF Champion. Todd, tonight, the world will witness the worst night of John Cena’s career, as I hand him the worst ass-kicking of his scrawny, little life! (B)

Before Todd can respond, Edge and Lita shove past him and make their way to their locker room

Styles: Edge seems to be ready and confident for his title match later tonight.

Coach: Oh, he’s ready, Joey. Edge is ready and confident because he knows, like I know, that he will be walking away from Terre Haute as the WWF Champion.

Commercial Break

3rd Match: Carlito vs Hardcore Holly

· Carlito gets some decent heat when he enters the arena, whereas Holly gets minimal reaction.
· Holly dominates this match with a mixture of power moves and experience, and Carlito keeps retreating to the relative safety of the outside of the ring.
· However, Carlito makes a comeback in the contest, and he eventually wins the match by rolling Hardcore up and grabbing the ropes to pick up the pinfall victory.
· Carlito taunts a furious Holly as he backs up the ramp. (B)

Monsters are scared of no-one

The camera cuts to the backstage area, where Maria is waiting with Kane and the Big Show.

Maria: Hi, I’m Maria, and I’m here with the WWF Tag Team Champions…the Big Red Machine, Kane, and the seven-foot tall Big Show! (Camera pans out to show the WWF Tag Team Champions) Now, what is your response to MNM’s challenge from earlier tonight…will you accept their challenge to defend your titles against them at No Way Out?

Show: Maria, we are the WWF World Tag Team Champions…why would we be scared of two pre-Madonna’s like Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury? We officially accept MNM’s challenge, and look forward to tossing them around the ring at No Way Out.

Kane: M – N – M…you…will…be…our next victims, at No Way Out! (A)

4th Match: Rey Mysterio vs Chavo Guerrero

· Mysterio gets a massive reaction from the fans, and Chavo gets a lot of ‘Eddie’ chants upon his entrance.
· This was a very good contest, with no lengthy stoppages for rest holds or double counts.
· Both men showcase their excellent cruiserweight abilities, using every move from hurracanranas to suicide planchas to entertain the enthralled crowd.
· A great match ends when Chavo goes up top for a frog splash, but Mysterio hits a top-rope hurricanrana on Chavo, which ends up with Guerrero resting over the second rope. Rey then hits the 619 and then the West Coast Pop to pick up the win.
· The competitors shake hands and embrace after the match. (B+)

Like a Brother, unlike an uncle…

After they have shaken hands, Chavo leaves the ring to allow Rey to play to the crowd. However, Chavo returns soon after with a steel chair, and he stalks Mysterio. When Rey turns around, Guerrero waffles him over the head with the chair, knocking Mysterio out cold. Guerrero looks sadistically at the dent in the chair and, as EMTs flocked to the ring to attend to Mysterio, Chavo slowly retreats to the back, with steel chair in hand, to very loud boos from the crowd. (A)

Styles: What is Chavo doing? He just turned his back on one of Eddie’s best friends! What is he thinking?

Coach: How do you know that this has got anything to do with Eddie, Styles? Chavo could just have been mad that Rey beat him, and he decided to get some revenge.

Commercial Break

The Champ is Here…to stay

*Your Time is up, my time is now…*

John Cena’s music hits the titantron, and the WWF Champion hits the stage, to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He plays to the crowd all the way down to the ring, where he takes a microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Cena: The Champ-is-Here! (Mixed reaction). Tonight, your boy’s gonna be defendin’ the WWF Title against (sarcastic tone)…The R-rated Superstar…the Money in the Bank…(normal tone) the biggest piece of sh*t in this company (decent pop). Now, I could stand here and rap about how Edge is gay, and how Lita is a ho (another pop) and how Edge hasn’t got any chance of pinning me in this ring, for my WWF Championship, but I’m not going to…I have decided that Edge is not worth the effort. Edge is not worth time, or the breath. Hell, he might be out of breath after his pre-match workout with his ho, but that’s no excuse. I’m goin to come out here tonight, just like I did last night, and put it all on the line…not only for myself, but for all of the Chain Gang that are riding with me (decent pop) And for all of the people that don’t like me…F-U! (Big pop, undercurrent of boos). (A)

Cena drops the mic and plays to the fans before leaving the ring.

Styles: The Champ seems fired up for his title defence later tonight.

King: He seems focused and ready, but I don’t agree with him calling Lita a ho.

Coach: Wow, King, we’re in agreement for the second time! The world is finally turning to the opinion of the Coach.

Styles: Oh god, help the world.

5th Match: Triple H vs Steven Richards

· The Game gets a massive reaction from the crowd, who seem to totally ignore the differences between face and heel. Richards gets a decent pop, which is mostly from the ECW faithful.
· This was basically the HHH show, as The Game dominated proceedings, finishing Richards off with a Pedigree in just under four minutes.
· The crowd pops huge for the HHH win. (B)

While HHH is playing to the crowd, he is interrupted by Shawn Michaels’ music hitting the titantron, and HBK himself strolls down to the ring in a suit, holding a microphone. He gets into the ring, and he applauds HHH, who has turned to stare at the Heartbreak Kid.

HBK: Well done, Hunter. Well done on yet another win. Your win/lose record must read pretty nicely by now. Add that to your 10 World Titles…no wonder you’re such a big head!

HHH: Look, Shawn, I told you earlier…I’m not going to waste my time with you. You’re finished! You’re all washed up! I am going to force my way into the WrestleMania main event, and that’s where I’m going to recapture what’s rightfully mine…the World Title. I don’t have time to be playing bowls with you in some old people’s home somewhere.

HBK: Woah, woah, woah…no need to be like that, Trips. I mean, come on, your talking to your old buddy Shawn Michaels! Don’t you remember, Hunter…don’t you remember the days of Degeneration X? (Big pop). Don’t you remember the days when we, as D-X, ran roughshod over the whole of this company? Don’t you remember when we dominated the world of wrestling?

HHH: Yes, Shawn…yes I do remember. I also remember when you chickened out, when you left D-X, when it all got too much for you, when you got a bad back. And that’s when I stepped up. I took D-X to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! I gave the members of D-X success that they would never have achieved without me. Leading D-X also gave me my first WWF Title. I won’t forget those days, Shawn…however, I do know that I want to forget you. (A*)

HHH drops his microphone and he exits the ring, leaving a hurt Shawn looking on.

Styles: Both Michaels and Triple H seem to have beef with each other, guys, and it seems to be growing every time that they meet.

Coach: Shawn Michaels is just jealous, Joey. He can’t take the fact that, someone who he tutored and nurtured in DX has risen above him in the pecking order and has won more titles than him!

King: Coach, your spouting rubbish again…this is the Showstopper that we are talking about! He is the Heartbreak Kid! He’s a living legend. Just because HHH has won more world titles than him does not mean that Shawn has to be jealous.

Styles: Finally, one of you is talking some sense.

Commercial Break

Having a back-up is cooooooooool

The camera cuts to Carlito’s locker room, where we see him tossing an apple between his hands and listening to some music through some headphones. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door (which Carlito doesn’t hear) and Edge bursts into the room, with Lita in tow. Carlito has not noticed the intruder, however, and he does not hear Edge shouting his name. The R-Rated Superstar then pulls Carlito’s headphones out of his ears, and Carlito turns around sharply.

Carlito: Wha…what do you think your doing? Bursting into Carlito’s locker room and without any warning, and scaring Carlito?

Edge: I knocked and shouted, Afroman, but I got no answer.

Carlito: Ok, I apologise…so what can Carlito do for you?

Edge: Well, you know that I’m facing John Cena for the WWF Championship tonight (Carlito nods). I wondered whether you would be interested in accompanying me and my lovely lady Lita to the ring just…you know…to make sure that there is no foul play? (Edge winks)

Carlito smiles, and he shakes Edge’s hand. Edge then turns and he leaves the locker room with Lita, leaving Carlito to replace his headphones.

Carlito: Carlito and Edge, against John Cena…now that’s cool! (A)

A hype video is played, hyping ‘The Game’ Triple H. (A*)

Orton gets ****y

We are still backstage, where Randy Orton is walking out of the arena, carrying his gear over his shoulder. He is cut off by Todd Grisham, who stands in front of the Legend Killer and shoves a microphone in his face.

Todd: Randy, what is the deal with you RKO’ing the Nature Boy Ric Flair earlier tonight?

Orton: Well, you know, Todd, it’s simple. I am the Legend Killer, Randy Orton, the youngest World Heavyweight Champion of all time, and the future of the wrestling industry. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that I am the future of the WWF. However, older guys like Ric Flair are standing in my way, holding me down, keeping me away from the opportunities that I should be getting in order for me to fulfil my undeniable potential. That is why I hit Ric Flair with the RKO, that is why I’m going to eliminate him from the wrestling industry, and that is why I am known as the Legend Killer. Now, if you would excuse me, there are some women that I’m going to meet… (A*)

Orton shoves Todd out of the way and he walks out of the arena, into the parking lot.

Styles: Randy Orton is so full of himself it’s untrue!

Coach: Joey, yet again you are wrong…Randy knows how good he is, and he knows that his next World Championship reign is just around the corner. He also realises that guys like Ric Flair are getting in his way, so he’s taking matters into his own hands and getting rid of the competition…and I like that!

Styles: Well, don’t go away folks ‘cause, next up, we’ve got the WWF Title match between John Cena and Edge!

King: It’s going to be great Joey…

Commercial Break

Main Event: John Cena vs Edge for the WWF Championship

· Edge and Lita get some decent heel heat as they make their entrance, and Cena gets a decent face pop, with little booing, upon his entrance.
· After a tentative early stages, Edge starts to gain a foothold in the match, always seeming to be one step ahead of his opponent.
· However, Edge’s dominance goes to his head, and Cena makes a comeback around eleven minutes into the match, throwing rights and lefts before hitting the protobomb.
· Cena then goes for the 5-knuckle shuffle, but Lita gets on the apron and distracts him, stopping the move. With Cena distracted, Edge rolls Cena up, but only gets a two.
· Both men then trade big moves, before Edge dodges a Cena shoulder block, which connects with the referee.
· Cena then gets Edge up in position for the F-U, when Carlito runs in with a chair and prods Cena in the ribs, and this makes the champ drop Edge from his shoulders.
· Carlito then follows with another chair shot, bang on the forehead this time, and Cena is bust open. Edge then hits a spear on Cena and, with the referee coming to, covers his opponent.
· The referee’s count is slow, and Cena grabs hold of the rope at two and half, but Carlito knocks it off before the referee can notice, and Edge gets the three count. (B+)

We have a New Champion…and he’s R-Rated!

After the bell, Edge his handed the title, and he nearly breaks down, but he manages to keep control of himself, and he hugs a jubilant Lita as the crowd stand in stunned silence. Cena stumbles up the ramp, and Carlito taunts him. (B+)

Styles: OH MY GOD!!! WE’VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!!! EDGE HAS DONE IT!!!! EDGE HAS CLIMBED TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN!!!

Coach: I told you he would do it. Edge finally got the chance he deserved, and he’s taken it with both hands! What a Champion!

King: But he cheated – Carlito saved Edge from losing the match! That can’t be fair?

Styles: I agree, King, but we’ll have to wait till next week to see the repercussions of this historic night. Thank you for joining us, and don’t forget to tune in next week!

Overall: B+ Attendance: 7,546

[juggaloninjalee]

I like this a lot. Its a nice alternate route to where WWE is going right now. I like how you got rid of certain talent like Angle and Taker. Those sounded decent. All the cruisers wouldnt leave though. Either way its a decent read.

[JBLaholic]

WWF SmackDown

A video is played, recapping the events of Monday’s RAW, showing the build and the outcome of the WWF Title match between John Cena and Edge. (B+)

*SD! Intro Plays*

Jim ‘JR’ Ross: Hello, everyone, and welcome to WWF Friday Night SmackDown, coming to you from the jam-packed Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Tazz: That’s right, JR, these SmackDown fans are pumped and ready for what is sure to be a fantastic show tonight.

JR: What do you think John Cena is going to do to Edge and Carlito, Tazz? He has some big axes to grind after Monday’s events.

Tazz: Well, we’ll have to wait and see, JR, but one thing is for sure – John Cena will not let Edge and Carlito off lightly…I expected him to do something tonight.

Shane O’Mac has some surprises for the new WWF Champion

*You think you know me…*

The fans stand up and boo as the new WWF Champion, Edge, appears on the ramp with Lita. The Rated-R superstar plays to the crowd with his more traditional WWF Title Belt (no spinner belt) as he makes his way to the ring. Both Edge and Lita enter the ring, and Edge continues to play to the crowd, until he is handed a microphone by Tony Chimel.

Edge: Ladies and gentleman…the Champ – is – here! (Boos). Yes, that’s right, me, Edge, I’m the WWF Champion. I know that all of you out there didn’t believe that I could do it, couldn’t see me as the top billing in the company. Well…I PROVED YOU ALL WRONG! (more boos). You see, I am now the WWF Champion, I am now the one who calls the shots around here. No longer will you, the fans, have to put up with the likes of…John Cena (mild pop)…as your champion. No longer will you have to have some thug, some over-grown kid, some no-good piece of cr*p as your World Champion. Instead, you’ve got me. Instead, you’ve got the Rated-R Superstar. Instead, you’ve got…

*Here Comes the Money*

Edge is interrupted by Shane McMahon’s surprise appearance on the stage. The crowd pops big as Shane dances on the stage.

Shane: Hold on a minute, there Edge. I’ve got a few important things to say to you. First things first, congratulations on winning the WWF Championship this past Monday. I know just how much you’ve had to go through to reach this position, and I am really happy for you. However…your win on Monday night has put a few things in jeopardy. You see, my Dad, Mr McMahon, promised on Monday that, at WrestleMania 22, we would have a World Title Unification match, featuring the World Heavyweight Champion and the WWF Champion. Now, with you using your Money in the Bank Title Shot on Monday, it is possible that, as you won the Royal Rumble and you go to No Way Out to face Batista for the World Heavyweight Title, and win…then the Title Unification match will not happen. Therefore, I’m going to make an announcement…tonight, your Title Shot at No Way Out will be put on the line in a tag team match. It will be…you, Edge, the WWF Champion, teaming with Carlito, and you will face…the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, and John Cena! (Big pop). If you win, you will go to No Way Out and face Batista for the World Heavyweight Title. If you lose, you will forfeit your opportunity to face Batista at No Way Out and the title shot will be given to the winner of a tournament. Good luck. (B)

Edge goes nuts in the ring as the crowd go wild, and Shane plays to the audience before leaving backstage.

JR: What an announcement, made by Shane O’Mac! Edge’s Number 1 Contendership to Batista’s World Heavyweight Title will be put on the line, tonight, in a tag team match.

Tazz: What a main event, JR! I think it’s a bit unfair, though, that Edge has to put his shot that he deserved on the line, and especially against two superstars like Batista and Cena!

JR: Was it fair that John Cena lost his WWF Title due to interference from Carlito last Monday, Tazz? This is totally what Edge deserves.

Commercial Break

An offer of friendship

The camera cuts to a locker room backstage, and we see John Bradshaw Layfield sitting on a bench, staring at nothing in particular. His seeming trance, however, is interrupted by a knock on the door. JBL turns his head to see Eric Bischoff enter the room.

JBL: What do you want, Bischoff? I haven’t got time for you right now.

Eric: Right now, John? I don’t see your name on the board for tonight…and that’s why I’ve come here. You see, I want to get back on top of the company, and I need a partner. Looking at the locker room, I’ve decided that you would be the best ally to aid me in my cause. So, what do you say?

JBL: I’ll think about it. Now get lost before I make a decision that you’ll regret.

Bischoff smiles, before leaving the room. (B+)

Tazz: Wow, JR, what a team JBL and Eric Bischoff would make! There would be no stopping them if they were in cahoots!

JR: Your right, Tazz, but it doesn’t look like JBL sees things like you. And who would trust somebody as slimy as Eric Bischoff anyway?

1st Match: Rey Mysterio vs Paul Burchill

· Mysterio gets a massive pop as he makes his entrance, whereas Burchill gets minimal reaction.
· The reaction for the Brit increases over the duration of the match, however, as the big man uses his size to dominate the smaller Rey.
· Mysterio can’t seem to gain a foothold in the match as, when he starts to get any momentum, Burchill just knocks him down.
· However, Burchill makes a crucial mistake when he goes to the top rope. Mysterio hits a top-rope hurricanrana, and he then gains an equal footing in the match for the remainder.
· The match ends when Mysterio follows a 619 with a West Coast Pop to win the match in 8:29. (B)

Chavo attacks again

Mysterio is playing to the crowd after his win, when Chavo runs out of the crowd. Guerrero steals the ring bell, and he rolls into the ring, unnoticed by Mysterio, who has his back to Chavo. Chavo stalks Rey, and when Mysterio turns around, Chavo hits Rey right between the eyes with the bell, knocking him out cold. Chavo then drops the bell, and he looks blankly at the crowd, before a sick smile spreads across his face, and he turns and leaves the ring, to the boos of the crowd. (A)

JR: Damn it, Chavo hit Rey from behind again! What is his problem?

Tazz: I don’t know, JR, I just don’t know. I’ve never seen Chavo like this before, it’s just…it’s just, weird, you know.

Commercial Break

Lashley wants answers…and he gets a match

Val Venis is sitting in his locker room, dressed in a suit, when Bobby Lashley literally breaks down the door.

Bobby: What the hell was up with you on Monday, Val? Why did you just leave me hangin’?

Venis: Look, Bobby, calm down. I’d just had enough, you know.

Bobby: No, I don’t know, Val. What’s your problem? Do you enjoy leaving your tag team partners in handicap matches?

Venis: (Standing up) Look, Lashley, if you have a serious problem with me, then why don’t we settle this in the ring, right now?

Bobby: (Moving eye-to-eye with Venis) You’re on, Venis. (C+)

Lashley turns and leaves the locker room, and Venis starts to get changed for their match.

JR: Looks like their some scores to be settled between Val Venis and Bobby Lashley, Tazz.

Tazz: I know it looks bad, JR, but I’m sure that Val’s got a perfectly good reason for doing what he did.

JR: Yeah, like he was scared of getting hurt.

2nd Match: Val Venis vs Bobby Lashley

· Both men get a sub-decent reaction from the crowd during their entrances.
· Venis doesn’t wait for the bell, as he goes out to meet Lashley during the latter’s entrance, and both men brawl around the outside of the ring.
· Venis slams Lashley’s head on the barrier and the steel steps before rolling him into the ring, and this is when the match officially starts.
· Venis dominates the early proceedings, bending every rule that he can in order to wear his opponent down.
· Half-way through the contest, Lashley starts to come back, and he begins to dominate the contest, using a range of high-powered moves to beat down Venis.
· However, through the use of a low blow (unseen by the ref) Venis regains control of the match but, whatever he tries, he cannot put Lashley away.
· Venis then takes matters into his own hands, and he intentionally whips Lashley into the referee. He then goes outside, grabs a chair, returns to the ring and hits Lashley multiple times. He then revives the referee and pins Lashley to win in 6:36. (B)

Venis isn’t finished

The crowd boos as Venis is announced the winner. Val is about to play to the crowd when he sees Lashley stirring. Venis looks from Lashley to the steel chair that is still lying in the ring, and his idea becomes obvious. Venis picks up the chair, and he repeatedly hits Lashley with it until the big man is bleeding. Venis then throws the chair into the audience, before turning and leaving the arena, as EMT’s attend to Lashley. (C+)

JR: What a heinous attack by Venis…why? What has Lashley done to deserve this?

Tazz: I dunno, JR, but this seeming mean streak that Venis is on will make him a force to reckon with in the WWF.

Commercial Break

Venis explains his actions

Val Venis is walking to his locker room when he is intercepted by Josh Matthews, who sticks a microphone in Venis’ face.

Josh: Val, can you please explain why you just decimated Bobby Lashley?

Venis: Well, it’s quite simple, Josh. You see, I was sick of goin’ out there every night, stroking my body, throwing towels around at old ladies, and basically acting like a total idiot. Then, last Monday, I decided that I would change, become a better version of me…that’s why I made an example of Bobby Lashley. I used Lashley to show the world the NEW VAL VENIS…the New and Improved Val Venis. (B+)

Venis then smiles slyly into the camera, before turning and leaving Matthews.

Tazz: Wow, the “New and Improved” Val Venis! I kinda like it, JR!

JR: Tazz, please, Venis has turned against all of the great fans that watch the WWF…I don’t like the new Val Venis.

Encouragement is a women’s game

The camera stays backstage, this time showing MNM’s locker room. Nitro and Mercury are lacing their boots, and Melina is trying to psyche them up.

Melina: …and you can beat them. They might be big, and powerful, and scary, but they are not as smart, as quick or as beautiful as you are! You were the Tag Team Champions before, and you can be Tag Team Champions again…you just have to believe in your looks! (B)

Nitro and Mercury nod their heads in agreement, and the three then leave the room.

3rd Match: The Big Show and Kane vs MNM (non-title)

· Both teams get good reactions upon their entrances, and the match starts with the Big Show and Joey Mercury.
· MNM use their exceptional teamwork to keep the Big Show away from his corner. MNM focus on the knees of the big man, and this stops Show from standing to his full height, as he can only kneel.
· MNM isolate the Big Show from Kane for well over 6 minutes but, after Show tags in Kane, all hell breaks lose, as the Big Red Machine runs roughshod over Mercury and Nitro.
· Kane and Show eventually get Nitro on his own, and they hit the double Chokeslam on him. However, before they can pin him, Joey Mercury runs into the ring and hits The Big Show over the head with one of the Tag Team Title Belts, handing the DQ win to the Champions in 8:48.
· Post-match, Mercury runs away from Kane and Show, and Mercury and Melina help Nitro to the back. (B)

Commercial Break

Clash of the Champions

Edge and Lita are walking backstage, talking feverishly about Edge’s tag match later on in the night, when Edge bumps into the back of Batista. The World Heavyweight Champion turns around, and he smiles as Edge backs away slightly from The Animal.

Batista: Well, if it isn’t the new WWF Champion…the Rated-R Superstar…how’s it going? You enjoying being one of the top superstars?

Edge: Yeah, I am, actually. I’m also looking forward to kicking your ass tonight, and then at No Way Out…so you should shine that belt up real nice…

Batista: Woah, woah, woah, there, Mr Big Shot, don’t get all angsty with me. Your forgetting that, after tonight, there will be no title shot for you at No Way Out…you’ll be defending your title, just like me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some other stuff to attend to, but I’ll be seeing you later! (B+)

Batista smiles sarcastically at Edge, before walking past the WWF Champion and Lita, who walk on, talking even quicker.

JR: We could have just witnessed the WrestleMania main event in that backstage area, Tazz.

Tazz: I wouldn’t complain if those two squared off at WrestleMania 22, JR.

HBK digs up the past

*Oh, oh Shawn…*

The HeartBreak Kid, Shawn Michaels makes his way to the ring. He plays to the crowd before taking a microphone.

HBK: After last Monday night, and my ‘conversations’ with Triple H, I got thinkin’ about the past…my past. I began thinking about how it all used to be like, how The Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels used to break the rules, be a degenerate, take orders from no-one and hold respect for nobody. Those were great days that I will always cherish as some of my fondest memories…in fact, lets look at some footage of the days of Degeneration-X.

A video package is played, highlighting the actions of the two groups that were called D-X. The video shows such clips as D-X invading WCW and D-X’s Presidential Broadcast. The crowd pops huge for every different clip.

HBK: Now that’s what I’m talking about…and some of those clips I wasn’t even in! But I like to think that I was part of the reformed D-X, as if I was there in spirit, as if I was partly responsible for their actions…(Shawn chuckles)…and now look where we are. Today, here I stand, still the same Shawn Michaels, only slightly older, slightly wiser…and with a back in a slightly worse condition. But I’m still here and, as good as my past is, I would prefer to concentrate on the here and now…

*Time to play the Game…*

Michaels is interrupted by Triple H appearing on the stage, smirking and holding a microphone.

HHH: Oh, Shawn, please, stop tearing at my heart strings. I can’t cope with all the emotion that your showing us hear tonight…but I’m going to tell you what everyone else in this arena is thinking…please, SHUT UP!!! (HHH laughs as the crowd boos fiercely.) Shawn, I tried to tell you this on Monday, and it doesn’t seem like the message got through…no-one wants to hear about how you “made D-X” and how you “bravely fought back from a serious back injury” because, as you so adequately put it, they would “prefer to concentrate on the here and now”…and the here and now, Shawn, is all about me. It’s all about The Game, it’s all about the 10 Time World Champion Triple H. Face it, Shawn…nobody wants to see you when I’m in the same country. So, get used to it…and enjoy looking to the past, as we’ve all already forgotten you.

HHH smiles and laughs, before leaving the stage, leaving Shawn in the ring to contemplate what he had just heard. (A*)

JR: The spat between these two future hall-of-famers seems to get more and more personal as every show passes, Tazz.

Tazz: Your right, JR. Both HHH and HBK have mega-history with each other, and it was always going to boil over sooner or later.

Youngster will just not go away

Ric Flair is backstage, doing an interview with Maria.

Maria: Mr Flair, what do you think about your match with William Regal for the Intercontinental Title tonight?

Flair: Maria, baby, I’m the Nature Boy…WOOOOOOOOO!!!!…I can go all night long and, just like I did at the Royal Rumble, I’ll beat ‘Sir’ William Regal, as I take him to school…WOOO…

Flair is interrupted by Randy Orton’s appearance. Maria shuffles between the two as Orton smiles ****ily at an obviously annoyed Ric Flair.

Orton: Ric, Ric, Ric…you looking’ forward to your match tonight? You confident? Because, you see, when I’m around, Ric, you should never be confident…as I’ve got your number. Enjoy the match…I’ll be watching. (A*)

Orton turns and leaves, and Flair also leaves to go to his match, leaving Maria looking very lost and confused.

4th Match: Ric Flair vs William Regal for the WWF Intercontinental Championship

· Regal gets a decent amount of heat for his entrance, but this is totally eclipsed by the massive cheer that greets Flair. Randy Orton appears and joins JR and Tazz on commentary.
· This was a really old-school contest that the crowd surprisingly ate up.
· Both men focused on the psychology of the match, and were extremely stiff with their moves.
· A match full of rest-holds, arm-locks and chops was ended when Randy Orton left the commentary position, took the IC Title belt from the timekeeper and slipped it in the ring. He then went and distracted the referee, allowing Regal to knock out Flair with the belt. Regal then tosses the belt out of the ring, and Orton jumps off the apron, allowing Regal to pick up the win. (A)

Commercial Break

A truly successful alliance

*I’m Back…*

Eric Bischoff’s music hits the titantron, and the man himself appears on the stage, to a big amount of boos. He heads down to the ring and he takes a microphone.

Bischoff: Now, judging by your reaction, you all know who I am…but for all those who don’t…I’m Eric Bischoff, the man who used to run WCW, when the company was at it’s peak, kicking the WWF’s ass week in, week out. Now, I’m working for Vince McMahon, but it doesn’t mean that I have to conform to his rules and regulations. That’s why, I’ve been searching for an accomplice in my quest to revive the good, old days of me vs Vince, and me coming out on top. Speaking of this new accomplice, I will introduce him right now. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my new client…John Bradshaw Layfield!

*Ding Ding Ding…*

JBL is greeted with a massive amount of boos as his limo appears to the side of the stage, and the billionaire emerges from the door. JBL waves his hat to the crowd as he swaggers to the ring with a big smile on his face. JBL gets in the ring, takes the mic from Bischoff and speaks to the crowd.

JBL: Thanks for the intro, Eric. What Mr Bischoff says here is all true, it is time that Vince has some competition within this business and, as it seems like it’s not going to come from another company, then me and Mr WCW here will have to give him some. Now, with us two as a team, you will notice some changes around here…mostly, me kicking everyone’s ass and winning a lot of gold! And that’s because I am a WRESTLING…

Bischoff: …GOD!!! (A)

JBL and Bischoff play to the booing crowd, before they turn and leave the ring. They both get into JBL’s limo, and the vehicle drives off.

JR: Well, JBL obviously decided to join with Bischoff, and with both of the big heads now as a team, I wonder whether the WWF will be bearable to watch.

Tazz: Ah, come of it, JR, JBL and Bischoff will be an excellent combination…don’t be surprised if you see JBL with gold around his waste very soon.

Chavo stays silent

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Josh Matthews waiting to talk with Chavo Guerrero. Chavo appears but, instead of stopping for an interview, he just shoves Josh down and walks on past, with his gear, and he leaves the building. (B-)

JR: What is up with Chavo?

Tazz: I…I’m just speechless, JR, I’ve never seen Chavo like this.

Commercial Break

Main Event: Batista and John Cena vs Edge and Carlito

· Edge, Lita and Carlito come out first, to some heat from the crowd. When Batista and John Cena emerge a couple of minutes later, the audience nearly take the roof off the arena.
· Carlito and Batista start, and frequent tagging from both teams means that the match starts off relatively even, with both teams having roughly the same amount of offence.
· Carlito and Edge start to bend the rules, however, and this gives them the advantage in the contest.
· Attempted interference by Lita leads to all hell breaking lose, as all four men flood into the ring and brawl.
· The crowd pops as Edge and Cena are eventually left alone in the ring as Batista and Carlito fight on the outside. Cena dominates the WWF Champion, hitting the protobomb, the spin-out powerbomb and the 5-knuckle shuffle in quick succession.
· As Cena stalks Edge for the F-U, however, Carlito appears in the ring with a steel chair, and is about to hit Cena from behind when Batista appears out of nowhere to spear Carlito, and then hit the Demon Bomb on Carlito, simultaneous to Cena hitting Edge with the F-U, and Cena covers Carlito (as those two were the legal men) to pick up the victory and rid Edge of his World Heavyweight Title Shot at No Way Out.
· Cena and Batista play to the crowd as the three heels make their way to the back, slowly and in obvious pain. (B)

Tazz: Wow, what a main event JR! I’ve got goosebumps just watching that. Some great teamwork from both teams, and a crazy finish to end a thrilling show.

JR: You’re right, Tazz, it was a real slobberknocker of a match, and a fantastic show. We’ll see ya’ll next week, thanks for watching!

[JBLaholic]

WWF RAW Preview

After the major events of Friday's WWF SmackDown, the WWF presents a sure-to-be action packed Monday Nght RAW. After losing his shot at Batista's World Heavyweight Championship in a tag match on SmackDown, how will Edge react to this severe blow to his dual-title aspirations? And how will the Number One Contendership for the World Heavyweight Title be decided? Be sure to tune in to find out...

Also, how will Shawn Michaels respond to the taunts of his friend-turned-enemy, Triple H? Will yet more of the past be dug up? And will the two men face each other in a match? We'll find out on monday.

Ric Flair will also be out for revenge after Randy Orton cost the Nature Boy his Intercontinental Title to William Regal. Will Orton still be out to prove that he is the future of the wrestling business? Will he be taught a lesson by the more experienced Flair?

And how will William Regal do, as the new Intercontinental Champion? We will find out this monday, as Regal makes his first title defence, against Rey Mysterio. Speaking of Rey, will he come into yet another conversation with Chavo Guerrero? Will Chavo finally tell the world why he is obsessed with attacking Rey? We may find out this monday.

More reasons to tune in to RAW this monday - how will the new relationship between John Bradshaw Layfield and Eric Bischoff work out? Will this lead to another World Title reign for JBL? And will MNM yet again try to gain the upper hand over the Tag Team Champions, Kane and the Big Show, before their title match at No Way Out?

Tune in this monday to find out...

Confirmed Matches
William Regal vs Rey Mysterio (IC Title)

[JBLaholic]

WWF RAW

Pre-Show
· Burchill and Lashley beat Jamal and Parisi in 5:12. (C+)
· Richards beat Conway, Murdoch and Masters in 9:42. (C+)

*RAW Intro Plays*

Joey Styles: Hello, and welcome to Monday Night RAW, coming to you live from this jam-packed Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio.

Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler: I can’t wait for tonight, Joey. Mr McMahon has promised to make an announcement regarding the now vacant Number 1 Contendership to Batista’s World Heavyweight Championship!

Jonathon ‘Coach’ Coachmen: That’s right, King and, as it’s Mr McMahon, it’s sure to be a ground breaking announcement.

Styles: Talk of the devil…

“…Don’t Cross the Boss…”

*No Chance, now that’s what you’ve got…*

Vince McMahon power walks to the ring, and he swiftly hops into the squared circle and he takes a microphone from Lillian Garcia.

Vince: Hopefully you all tuned in to watch yet another fantastic episode of Friday Night SmackDown, on which my son, the Shane McMahon, made Edge put his World Heavyweight Title shot on the line in a tag match. Now, Shane did not consult me to make this decision, therefore he did not get my approval. I have severely reprimanded Shane for making such an important decision without my agreement, and I am sure that he will fall into line with my regime from now on (faints boos from the crowd). Also, to make sure that nothing like this happens again, I will now make it clear to anyone who wants to go against my wishes…never cross the boss, or you will find yourself without a contract. (McMahon chuckles, as the boos get stronger). Now, as Edge did indeed lose his World Heavyweight Title shot, a new challenger needs to be found before No Way Out in less than three weeks. Therefore, tonight, I am going to announce an eight-man knockout tournament, the winner of which will go to No Way Out to face Batista. Participating in this tournament will be John Cena Carlito, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, John Bradshaw Layfield, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio and Triple H. Tonight, the tournament’s first match will be…John Cena vs Triple H. (A)

McMahon turns and leaves the ring, as the crowd go wild over the news of tonight’s main event.

Styles: Wow…what a tournament! And what a main event for tonight! The ex-WWF Champion John Cena against the 10-time World Champion Triple H!

King: At least Cena gets another shot at getting some gold back, but it’s going to be hard to overcome the Game.

Coach: Just like I said, guys, Mr McMahon never disappoints…and, King, think about what you’ve just said…Triple H is going to easily progress over Cena. He’s only won one World Title, compared to The Game’s 10!

Styles: Don’t underestimate Cena, Coach, a lot of people have made that mistake before. Also, looks at what’s coming up next, guys…the World Tag Team Champions, Kane and Big Show, will go up against the reformed Basham Brothers.

1st Match: Kane and The Big Show vs The Basham Brothers
· This is a non-title match. MNM come down to join the commentary team.
· The champs dominate the match from start to finish, never letting the Bashams isolate one of them.
· The Bashams bravely fight, however, and last a surprisingly long time by making frequent tags in order to keep themselves fresh.
· However, their resistance finally broken, both Basham Brothers suffer double chokeslams, before Show covers Danny to pick up a relatively easy win for the champions at 9:38. (B-)
· After the bell, the Tag Champs stare at MNM, who decide against going into the ring and slowly retreat to the back.

Commercial Break

Sore Losers

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Edge, with WWF Title over his shoulder, and Lita walking to their locker room. They come across Carlito.

Edge: Oi, I want a word with you…what do you think you were doing on Friday? You cost me my Title Shot at Batista!

Carlito: Woah, woah, woah…how dare you blame Carlito for your loss on Friday. Carlito had everything covered, but you couldn’t keep Batista down, so I ended up getting pinned…and that’s not cool.

Edge: Don’t blame me, you useless toilet brush. I needed you to do a job, and you couldn’t do it, so hear this…after I go to WrestleMania and become the Undisputed World Champion, you will never, ever get a title shot, whilst I am the Champ…got that?

Carlito: Oh, that’s where you are wrong…didn’t you here? Carlito is in the Number 1 Contender’s tournament. And when Carlito wins the tournament, and wins the World Heavyweight Title from Batista at No Way Out…I’ll be the one who walks out of WrestleMania as the Undisputed World Champion! (B)

Carlito takes a big bite out of an apple that he is holding, and he chews it in his mouth for a couple of seconds, before spitting it at Edge. Edge knows what’s coming, so he moves out of the way, but this allows Lita to get hit by the apple bits! Carlito laughs, and he walks away, leaving Edge to sort out Lita.

Styles: Look’s like Edge and Carlito are no longer in cahoots.

King: Who cares, Styles, when Lita just got spat on! Poor, poor Lita. She might need me to go back their and help her clean up.

British quality

The camera cuts to Todd Grisham, who is backstage with the new Intercontinental Champion, William Regal.

Grisham: William Regal, how does it feel to be the new Intercontinental Champion? And how do you think that your first title defence is going to go tonight, against Rey Mysterio.

Regal: Todd…my upbringing has prepared me to overcome many, very tough challenges. And, whoever comes up against me, whether it’s Rey Mysterio…Ric Flair…Doink the Clown, it does not matter…I am so bloody good that I will kick anyone’s arse who wants to challenge me for my Intercontinental Title! (A)

Styles: Regal seems to be confident that he will retain his Intercontinental Championship against Rey Mysterio, which is next.

Commercial Break

2nd Match: William Regal vs Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship
· Mysterio gets another big pop upon his entrance, and Regal gets some decent heel heat.
· The two superstars seemed to have pretty decent chemistry in the ring, as Regal tried desperately to keep the high-flying Mysterio on the mat.
· Both men stuck hard to their game plans, as Regal kept working over Mysterio’s arm in preparation for the Regal Stretch, whilst Mysterio used his significant speed advantage to tire out the Champion.
· Just after the match passes the 10-minute mark, Mysterio starts to take control, hitting Regal with a hurricanrana and then a springboard bulldog.
· Mysterio goes for a moonsault, which Regal ducks, but Rey lands on his feet, and the challenger dropkicks Regal onto the second rope, setting him up for the 619.
· However, when Mysterio runs towards the opposite ropes, Chavo appears on the apron, so Rey stops his run. Chavo argues with Rey, and the referee has to intervene.
· Whilst the referee is dealing with Chavo, Regal hits Rey with a low blow, and he then rolls Rey up whilst holding the tights, and the referee turns around to administer a three count, giving Regal his first Intercontinental Title defence. (A)

Always the underdog

After the bell, Chavo rolls into the ring and attacks Rey from behind. Regal is about to leave the ring, when he turns to see Chavo attacking Rey. A smile appears across the IC Champion’s face, and he joins Chavo in attacking the grounded Mysterio. (A)

Styles: Oh, great, now Regal has joined in Chavo’s beatdown of Rey? Why? What has Rey done wrong?

Coach: We don’t know, Joey, but a lot of stuff goes on behind the cameras, so that might be why Rey is a prime target for Chavo. I’m sure that he has a legitimate reason.

Chavo explains himself

Regal eventually leaves the ring and, as EMT’s flock to the ring to check on Mysterio, Chavo picks up a microphone.

Chavo: Many, many people have asked me over the past week…why, Chavo? Why attack Rey Mysterio, your life long friend, one of Eddie’s best friends? Well, tonight, I am going to answer those questions. I’ve been attacking Rey in the name of my cousin, Eddie Guerrero. Eddie was a true legend in this business, and he fully deserved every success that he achieved. However, since Eddie’s untimely death, Rey has been using my uncle's name in order to gain popularity with the fans and to get him opportunities that he would previously never have been offered. This is not right! It is not right that someone like Rey can use the name of a dead person to give him a better life! That is why I’m putting things right…I’m avenging Eddie, I’m putting Rey in his place. (B+)

Chavo drops the mic and leaves the ring.

Styles: WHAT? How has Rey used Eddie’s name to give himself more opportunities? Chavo has gone crazy, he’s got a screw loose or something.

Coach: Calm down, Styles, you don’t know what Mysterio has been doing. I believe Chavo, and I’m glad that he’s trying to put things right.

Styles: Coach, I’ve known Rey since my ECW days, he would never dream of using Eddie’s name to help his own career…he’s not like that.

Commercial Break

Why can’t the generations get on?

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Ric Flair talking to some women. Randy Orton appears around the corner, and he smiles as he approaches the Nature Boy and he gets in his face.

Orton: Still trying to pull, Ric? Still think you’ve got what it takes in that old, wrinkly carcass that you call “Space Mountain”? Personally, I think that your roller coaster has come off it’s rails. Do you seriously think that all these ladies are actually interested in you, and not just your fame?

Flair: (to the women) Excuse me ladies…(to Orton) Look, Randy, I tried to be nice to you. I tried to ignore you. I tried to believe that you would change…but you haven’t. I’m sick of you constantly interrupting me, when I’m doing interviews, when I’m with my ladies…I’m the Nature Boy, dammit, I can go ALL NIGHT LONG!!!…you just remember that…you’ll realise that age can be deceptive, when I win the Number One Contender tournament, and go on to No Way Out to win the World Title for the 17th time!…

Before Orton can say anything in reply, Flair walks away. However, just as Orton starts to walk to his locker room, Flair re-appears.

Flair: Oh, and if you think that I’m going to forget what you did to me on Friday, your wrong…you better pray that we don’t meet in this tournament, Randy, otherwise you’ll find out what happens when Space Mountain does, well and truly, go off the rails…WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (A*)

Flair laughs as he walks away, leaving Orton fuming

Styles: Finally, the Nature Boy has put the Legend Killer in his place…and god, didn’t Orton deserve it!

Coach: Now, don’t be too hasty, Styles…I think that Randy already has a plan to get back at Flair.

Another recruit for Team Bischoff…maybe

The camera stays backstage and we see Val Venis in his locker room. Seconds later, JBL and Eric Bischoff burst into the room.

Bischoff: Ah, Val, there you are…look, John and myself have been talking, and we’ve decided that we would like you to join us in our quest to rule the WWF…

Venis: Go no further, Eric…I’m not interested, sorry…I see myself as more of a loner…

JBL: (interrupting) You know, Val, I know how you feel. I used to think that I could get it done on my own. Then, when I made some allies, when I formed the Cabinet…I embarked on the longest WWF Title reign for a decade. So, Val, having some allies can get you places…. what do you say?

Venis: I’ll think about it.

JBL and Eric share a smile, before turning and leaving Venis alone.

Styles: What is Bischoff up to? Last week he recruits JBL, and now he wants to recruit Val Venis…what does he want?

King: He said himself, Joey, he wants to rule the company…I’d be surprised if his ego could fit in the WWF, never mind rule it.

Commercial Break

HHH promises success

The camera cuts to the ring, where Maria is in the ring with The Game, Triple H.

Maria: Mr Game, do you think that you can win the Number One Contender tournament?

HHH: Mr Game…Mr Game? I’M TRIPLE H! I’M THE GAME!!! I’M THE CEREBRAL ASSASIN! Or course I can win this little tournament, and I will go to No Way Out and I will finally beat Batista. Then, as I have promised all along, I will go to the main event of WrestleMania, and I will become the Undisputed World Champion, and I will rule over the WWF once more! Then, no one, not even Shawn Michaels, will be able to dethrone me. (A*)

Clash of the Champions…again

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Batista doing an interview with Todd Grisham.

Todd: So, Batista, how do you feel about having your challenger for No Way Out decided by this tournament?

Batista: I’m glad, Todd…I’m glad because, I know that the best of the best, here in the World Wrestling Federation are taking part in that tournament. Whether it’s me versus The Cerebral Assassin, Triple H…or me versus The Nature Boy, Ric Flair…or whether it’s me versus The Legend Killer Randy Orton, I know that my challenger for No Way Out will be worthy of his shot, and I know that that is what the fans care about the most, meaning that it is also what I care about the most…

Batista turns, and the camera shifts to see where he’s looking, and we see Edge emerge, and the WWF Champion goes face-to-face with Batista.

Edge: Ahhhhhhh, aren’t you the real people’s champion, only caring about what they want. Well, I’ve got a reality check for you, Batista…whether you lose that Title at No Way Out, or whether you survive to face me at WrestleMania…you will lose the World Heavyweight Championship, and, as soon as you do…all your fans, the ones you want to give the best…will find another band wagon to jump on, and you will be kicked to the curb, like the fraud that you are.

Batista: (smiles) Wow, strong words, there, ‘champ’…but, you’re overlooking one problem for you…you’ve also got to defend your title at No Way Out, and you don’t know who your challenger is yet…so, maybe it’s you who will be kicked to the curb… (B)

Batista smiles, and leaves, leaving Edge in a fury as Todd quickly walks off, away from an angry Edge.

3rd Match: Batista vs Sylvan
· This is a non-title match. Baitsta gets a massive pop, whereas Sylvan gets minimal reaction.
· There’s only so many ways that you can spell SQUASHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
· Batista beats Sylvan with the Demon Bomb in under 4 minutes. (B)


Styles: Batista looked great out there, and he’s sending a clear and determined message to every superstar in the Number One Contender’s Tournament.

King: Yeah, Joey, as well as sending a message…those two seem to become more bitter enemies every week!

Coach: True, but King, what Edge says is right…if Batista loses the title, then the fans will find a new guy to get behind, totally forgetting about Batista.

Styles: How can you say that, Coach, when the fans obviously love Batista, and they loved him before he became Champion. Edge is the one who needs a reality check.

Commercial Break

The Nature Boy is not to be messed with…

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Maria interviewing Ric Flair.

Maria: Ric, what are your feelings on Randy Orton arguing with you earlier?

Flair: Maria, baby, Randy Orton does not know who he is messing with…he thinks he’s messing with an old man, who’s past his prime, and can’t get it done anymore…well – WOOOOOOOOOO!!!! – I’m the NATURE BOY and I can still get things done…I can get things done ALL NIGHT LONG! And, Randy, on a personal level, you need to get out your ass so that I can look at the real world…The Nature Boy is going to No Way Out, is going to face Batista for the World Heavyweight Title. Then, you’ll see what you’ve been messin’ with…a soon-to-be 17-time World Champion!…WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (A*)

…but Orton doesn’t know this yet

After Flair has finished speaking he turns to speak to Maria, when Randy Orton appears out of nowhere and pushes Flair into the TV equipment. Orton then grabs Flair’s head and bashes it onto a steel box, and Flair bleeds. Orton then finds a chair but, before he can use it, officials flood the area, and they stop Orton. Orton is escorted away, whilst paramedics attend to a bloody Flair. (A*)

Styles: What a heinous attack on Flair!

Coach: I told you, Styles, I told you that Orton would have a plan…and what a plan!

King: Poor Naitch…no stylin an’ profiling’ tonight!

Another addidtion to Team Bischoff…yes

JBL and Eric Bischoff are backstage, when Val Venis appears.

Venis: I’ve decided to join with you two…the case that Bradshaw made was very convincing.

JBL smiles. All three shake hands, before they walk off, as Eric talks to Venis. (B+)

Styles: Well, it looks like Bischoff has another buddy.

Coach: Val obviously realised what a genius Eric is, and how much he could help his career get back on track.

Enemies are nice people really

We are shown HHH getting ready for his match with John Cena, which is coming up next, when there is a knock at his locker room door, and Shawn Michaels walks in. HHH stands up to meet HBK, and they got face-to-face.

HHH: Get lost, Shawn, I don’t need you wasting my time when I’ve got some Chav’s ass to kick on my way to WrestleMania.

HBK: Confident, aren’t we Hunter? No, I’ve not come here to waste your time…I’ve actually come here to wish you luck.

HHH: What? Why?

HBK: Because you’ll need it. I know you, Hunter, I know how you work. You’re going into this match, tonight, totally underestimating your opponent. Just because you’ve won more World Titles than him doesn’t make him easy pickings. Be sure not to think that you’re going to get an easy ride…because, if I know John, then you won’t.

HHH: Get out of my sight.

HBK: I’m going, don’t worry. Oh, good luck again…I wouldn’t want you to not go to the WrestleMania main event, like you’ve been saying all along that you will… (A*)

HBK leaves and closes the door. HHH sits back down, and he stares at the wall blankly.

Styles: Shawn Michaels seems to have got inside The Game’s head…maybe what he said was true?

Coach: Look, Styles, this is the Cerebral Assassin we are talking about here. Triple H is not a 10-time World Champion for nothing…he knows what to do, against any and every opponent.

King: HBK is right when he says that Cena will give Triple H a rough ride, though. We know that Cena is going to give all that he has got in order to get his hands on a World Title.

The Champ is here…soon

The camera cuts from the announcers to backstage, where Maria is interviewing John Cena.

Maria: John, what are your thoughts on your next match, the first in the Number One Contender’s tournament, against…(pauses, looks as if she’s trying to remember something)…Triple H…The Game…The Cereb…

Cena: (interrupting) Woah, hold it there, Maria, you don’t need to give me all of Triple H’s pet names for himself. Truth is, me and my Chain Gang are going up against one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of the sport. He calls himself The Game, and it’s time for me to play it. However, it just turns out that I’m quite good…no, wait, awesome at this particular game. I like to call this particular game…KICKING TRIPLE’S ASS!! You see, when The Game steps in the ring, with me, he can’t see me…tonight, his ass is mine, and, tonight, it’s my time to shine…Triple H, you think your going to WrestleMania, but tonight, I’m going to give you a hernia…but, tonight, it’s me versus you, and I’ve got one thing to say to you – F-U! (A)

Styles: Both Cena and Triple H seem up for their match, and it’s next!

Main Event: John Cena vs Triple H – First Round of the Number One Contenders Tournament
· Both men get massive pops upon their entrance.
· HHH dominates Cena in the opening stages, using a surprising amount of mat-based wrestling to keep his opponent down.
· However, Cena breaks out of the sequence of rest holds, and he fights back with punches and a couple of suplexes.
· The match is then relatively even, as both men share periods of domination.
· However, the direction of the match is totally altered by a ref bump. Triple H then cheats constantly, breaking every rule he possibly can.
· Then, out of nowhere, Cena hits HHH with an F-U, and he covers…but the referee was still down. This brings Edge down, oblivious to Cena and the former WWF Champion turns into a spear from Edge!
· Triple H then crawls over an covers Cena, and the referee eventually crawls over and administers a count…1……2……NO! Cena kicks out!
· Triple H then argues with the official, and Edge gets up on the apron, which draws the referee over to him.
· However, what Edge doesn’t know, is that Shawn Michaels has slid into the ring and, when HHH turns around, he walks into a Superkick!
· Cena then crawls over HHH, and the referee ignores Edge to make the three count and give Cena the win! (A)
· After the match, HBK and Cena taunt HHH and Edge, who back up the ramp in obvious frustration.

Overall: B+ Attendance: 5,000

[JBLaholic]

WWF SmackDown

Pre –Show
· Paul Burchill beat Johnny Parisi in 5:48 by pinfall. (C+)
· The Basham Brothers beat Rob Conway and Chris Masters in 7:11 via pinfall. (B-)

*SD! Intro Plays*

Your SmackDown announcers, Jim Ross and Tazz, welcome you to Friday Night SmackDown, coming to you from the ‘sold out Bradley Center’ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Chavo is interrupted by Rey

*Oooo, Chavo…*

Chavo Guerrero’s music hits the titantron, and the man himself appears on the stage to boo’s from the crowd. Chavo just smiles at his reception and he swaggers towards the ring.

Chavo rolls into the ring, and he taunts the crowd, which makes the boos grow louder. Chavo then takes a microphone from Tony Chimel.

Chavo: Tonight, I’m here, once again, to defend the honour of the Guerrero family. I’m here to defend the honour of every professional wrestler who wants to make a clean living in this business. I’m here, most importantly, to defend MY honour…

Chavo is interrupted by Rey Mysterio sprinting down to the ring. Mysterio leaps into the ring, and he catches Chavo with a dropkick, before hitting Chavo with right and left fists. Chavo manages to roll away from the incensed Mysterio, and he quickly runs up the ramp and backstage, as officials try to restrain Mysterio in the ring. (B+)

HHH is feeling the strain

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Shawn Michaels arriving in his locker room. He drops his bag, and he turns to close the door when Triple H appears.

HHH: What was all that about on Monday, Shawn? Why did you cost me my trip, MY RIGHTFUL SPOT in the WrestleMania main event?

HBK: How is it your rightful spot, Hunter? Why do you believe that you have a right to be in the main event of WrestleMania? Everyone else earns that privilege, Trips…they don’t have a right to it, and neither do you.

HHH: You treading a fine line, Shawn. Don’t push me, or I may do something that I may regret.

HBK: Are you threatening me? ‘Coz you know that I’m ready to step into that ring with you anytime you want, don’t you?…I’m not afraid of you, Hunter. I know you better than anybody else on the roster, so when you want to face me, just ask…and I’ll come prepared.

HBK smiles, and HHH turns and leaves. (A*)

Shane stands his ground

The camera cuts to Shane McMahon’s office, where we see the SmackDown General Manager sitting behind his desk, shuffling through some papers. He is interrupted by a loud banging sound on the door, and a furious Triple H barges into Shane’s office.

Shane: (smirking) Well, hello, Hunter. You look in a fantastic mood…coffee?

HHH: No, I don’t want your bloody coffee! What I want is…no, what I DESERVE is a re-match with John Cena! I was cheated, no, SCREWED out of my right, MY RIGHT, to win this stupid little tournament and go to beat Batista’s scrawny ass at No Way Out, so I could retain my RIGHTFULL place in the WrestleMania main event! I demand a re-match! Hell, screw that, I demand a title shot against Batista, tonight!

Shane: Woah, hold on there big fella…since when did you run this company? Since when have you been in any position what-so-ever to give orders to me? I could have you thrown out of this building in the blink of an eye…but I won’t. I won’t because, even though you are mightily out of line, I can understand your fury. And I would sympathise, Trips, I really would…if Cena hadn’t been attacked by Edge in the same match last Monday…

HHH: (interrupting) I never had anything to do with that…

Shane: (interrupting) And I’m sure that John Cena had nothing to do with Shawn Michaels’ interference against you, either. However, saying all of that, I will give you some measure of revenge…tonight, you, Triple H, will team with Edge to face John Cena and Shawn Michaels, in a tag team match up. And I promise that I will talk to my dad about your ‘rightful’ title shot. Do we have a deal?

HHH: (leaning forward, going face-to-face with Shane) You better talk to Daddy, Shane, as I won’t be held responsible for my actions if I don’t get my title shot. Just bear that in mind.

Shane: Good. Close the door on the way out please…and try knocking next time, it’s called manners.

Triple H seems to think about hitting Shane, but he decides against it, and he turns and leaves the room, slamming the door behind him, allowing Shane to return to his papers. (B)

The Cabinet version 2 prepares for action

The camera cuts to show Todd Grisham, standing backstage, ready to do an interview with John Bradshaw Layfield and Val Venis, with Eric Bischoff in close attendance.

Todd: I’m standing here with John Bradshaw Layfield and Val Venis who, tonight, will team up for the first time against…

Bischoff: (interrupting) Ahem…aren’t you forgetting somebody here, Todd? You forgot me, Eric Bischoff, the ex-President of WCW and the ex-GM of RAW, now the man who is gonna manage these two superstars to the top of the mountain!

JBL: That’s right, Eric. With me, John Bradshaw Layfield, a WRESTLING GAWD…the NEW AND IMPROVED Val Venis…and Mr Eric Bischoff himself, how can we fail? I am an extremely successful businessman, Eric Bischoff has run an extremely successful promotion, and Val…well, Val can kick some serious ass! And between the three of us…expect to see championship gold around our waists very…very soon!

Bischoff, JBL and Venis stalk off, ready for their match. (B+)

1st Match: John Bradshaw Layfield and Val Venis w/Eric Bischoff vs Stevie Richards and Hardcore Holly
· The new tag team of JBL and Venis show a surprising amount of chemistry as a team, and they dominate this contest from start to finish.
· Richards and Holly do put up a good fight, as they cause JBL and Venis to bail to the outside to talk tactics with Bischoff.
· However, JBL and Venis prevail. After disposing of Stevie, JBL and Venis isolate Hardcore and, whilst the referee is distracted by Bischoff up on the apron, Venis hits Hardcore with a low blow (when Holly has JBL prepared for an Alabama Slam), allowing JBL to bounce off the ropes and hit Holly with a Clothesline from Hell.
· Venis, being the legal man, then comes off the top rope with The Money Shot to pick up the win at 7:38. (B)

Chavo asks for assistance

After the finish of the tag match, the camera cuts backstage, where we see Chavo Guerrero pacing up and down in the corridor. He looks up, and he sees William Regal walking past him.

Chavo: Regal, can I have a word please?

The Intercontinental Champion turns around, and he moves over to Chavo.

Regal: What is it, Guerrero?

Chavo: I just wanted to ask you if…hell, I’ll just come out with it…we both don’t like Mysterio, that was quite obvious from last Monday…do you want to team up, so that we can eliminate him from the WWF for good?

Regal: Well…Chavo, I don’t particularly like you, but…ok, I’ll help you take out Mysterio, just as long as you stay away from me after we finish with him…

Chavo: I will, I promise.

Regal and Chavo shake hands, before Regal turns and shuffles off to his locker room. Chavo, meanwhile, has a sly smile on his face, and he rubs his hands in glee. (B+)

Who attacked JBL and Venis?

The camera cuts to another area backstage, where JBL, Val Venis and Eric Bischoff are celebrating their victory. They walk and talk, making their way to their locker room, when the lights cut out. A few murmurs are heard from the three superstars, and then, suddenly, scuffling is heard, and a massive bang is heard, followed by more sounds of scuffling, and yelps of pain. The lights fizzle back on, and we see all Val Venis and JBL laid out, bloodied, on the concrete floor, with Bischoff standing beside them, looking aghast. (A)

2nd Match: Kane vs Rene Dupree
· Kane gets a big pop for his entrance, and the crowd reaction grows for his pyro.
· Kane dominates the Frenchman Dupree for the duration of this contest, killing any momentum that Rene can gain with strong power moves.
· A relatively short contest is ended by a Chokeslam by Kane, on Dupree, handing Kane the pinfall victory in 5:55. (B+)

Run from the Big man…or men

After his match with Dupree, Kane plays to the crowd in the ring, when Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro come out of the crowd and roll into the ring, carrying steal chairs. They beat down the surprised Kane with the weapons, and they focus on Kane’s right knee, aiming their offence on that spot. However, their attack on Kane is interrupted by The Big Show (slowly) running down to the ring. Mercury and Nitro bail, as Show goes nuts in the ring. Kane then sits up, which freaks Mercury and Nitro out as they leave the arena. (B+)

The underdog still comes out fighting

*Booyakasha…619…*

Rey Mysterio leaps out of the stage and makes his way to the ring, to a big pop from the fans. He jumps into the ring and takes a mic from Tony Chimel.

Rey: Tonight, I’m going to set the record straight. Chavo Guerrero, for the past two weeks you have attacked me from behind. You have publicly insulted me on TV. Yet, that isn’t enough…I will never, EVER forget your comments about me using Eddie’s name as a means to boost my career. Eddie meant the world to me, as a friend, as a mentor, even as a brother, Eddie was always there for me. (Eddie chants). What offends me even deeper, is how you can even think of using your nephew’s name as an excuse to attack me. Chavo, if you had a problem with me, all you had to do was talk to me, amigo to amigo. But no, you had to take the low road, and try to drag my name through the mud. Therefore, in order to clear my name, I challenge you, Chavo, and your new amigo William Regal, to a tag team match, at No Way Out…Chavo Guerrero and William Regal versus Rey Mysterio and a partner of my choosing.

Rey turns and leaves, playing to an appreciative crowd as he goes. (A)

Orton does just not know when to quit

The camera cuts to the backstage area, where Maria is set to interview Ric Flair. Flair has a bandage across his head, due to the beating given to him by Orton on RAW.

Maria: I’m here with The Nature Boy, Ric Flai…Ric, does that hurt (pressing on his bandage, Flair’s face screws up with pain). Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean too…

Flair: Don’t worry that pretty little head of yours, Maria, I know you didn’t mean any harm…

Orton: (appearing in shot) But I did.

Flair: You, you…if I didn’t have a match next, I would give you the beating that you deserve. No-one, and I mean NO-ONE, does this (pointing to the bandage) to the Nature Boy, and gets away with it. You wait, Randy, you might be a ****y sonofabitch now, but your time will come.

Orton: (smirking) I can’t wait for that time, Ric. Because that time will be the time that I shut your 16-time World Champion mouth up, once-and-for-all.

Orton and Flair go eyeball-to-eyeball, before Flair shoves Orton aside and goes off for his match. (A*)

3rd Match: Number One Contendership Tournament 1st Round: Ric Flair vs Carlito
· Carlito gets a lot of heel heat as he makes his entrance, but this is once again eclipsed by the ovation for the Nature Boy.
· Orton joins JR and Tazz on commentary.
· A slow-to-start contest picks up speed as Carlito begins to bend the rules, and he begins to use his speed advantage over the older Flair.
· After channelling the spirit of the fans to power out of a sleeper hold, Flair starts to dominate the contest with knife edge chops and he also works over Carlito’s legs, in preparation for the Figure-Four Leglock.
· Carlito regains momentum in the contest, however, and the match is quite even going into it’s latter stages, with both men trading control.
· However, Orton briskly leaves his seat at the commentators table, and when Flair does go for the Figure-Four, Carlito rolls Flair up mid-dance, and he grabs Orton hand, oblivious to the referee, and this gives Carlito the extra leverage to pin Flair in 9:31 and to progress to the semi finals of the tournament. (A*)

Orton keeps on digging

After the bell, Carlito and Orton back up the ramp, leaving a livid Flair in the ring. Orton has a mic, and before he goes into the backstage area, he says:

Orton: Oh dear, Ric, looks like you won’t be becoming a 17-time World Champion anytime soon! Haha! But wait…I’m still in the tournament! Isn’t that a coincidence? The tide is turning, Ric…and, as Darwin’s theory states, it’s survival of the fittest, and your getting on a bit now…maybe it’s time for new, young blood to step up? New, young blood like…me?

Orton laughs and goes backstage, and Flair slowly makes his way up the ramp, to the cheers and applause of the crowd. (A)

Regal and Chavo don’t back down

The camera cuts backstage, where we see Todd Grisham ready to interview Chavo Guerrero and William Regal, who are standing next to him.

Todd: So, Chavo and William, how do you respond to the challenge that was laid down to you by Rey Mysterio earlier tonight, to face him and a partner of his choosing in a tag team match at No Way Out?

Regal: Todd, we bloody well accept Rey Mysterio’s foolish challenge. Of course we accept.

Chavo: Whoever Rey picks as a partner, they will never be tough enough to beat the likes of Regal and me. Rey’s stupidity is showing…it’s time for me and Regal to shut him up, so that everyone in the WWF can get on with their careers, free of Rey Mysterio keeping them back by using his association with Eddie. This will end, Rey…this will end. (A)

There is some respect in the locker room…

The camera cuts to show John Cena, preparing for his match in his locker room. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door, and Batista walks in, dressed in a suit, and carrying his World Heavyweight Championship of his shoulder. Cena gets up, and there is an uneasy silence, before Batista wishes Cena luck in his match, and that he hopes to be facing him at No Way Out. Cena agrees and thanks Batista, saying how much he respects the Animal. Batista then leaves, and Cena returns to getting ready. (A*)

…but there isn’t that much

The camera cuts to the corridor backstage, where Shawn Michaels is walking towards the curtain. However, he is jumped from behind by Triple H and Edge, who beat down Michaels viciously, before Triple H levels HBK with a steel chair. This busts Michaels but, before the attack can continue, John Cena appears, and Edge and HHH bail. Cena tends to a knocked-out HBK whilst officials and EMT’s flock to the scene. (A)

Main Event: Edge w/ Lita and Triple H vs John Cena and Shawn Michaels
· Both heels get mega-heat on their way out.
· Cena appears all alone, to a decent reaction from the crowd, and it appears that he will fight this match alone.
· Batista is on the commentary team for this match.
· With a one-man advantage, and with Lita causing problems for the ref at ringside, Edge and HHH dominate proceedings, frequently tagging to wear out Cena.
· Even though he spends most of the match being battered, however, Cena refuses to give up, and he keeps on kicking out of pinfall attempts and reaching the ropes during submissions, which the crowd respond to.
· Then, a miss-communication between HHH and Edge allows Cena to claw his way back into the match, as he avoids an Edge spear (which hits HHH), and he then hits the F-U on Edge, but he can’t crawl over and cover Edge, as he has had the life beaten out of him.
· Then, to a massive pop from the crowd, Shawn Michaels, bruised and bloody, staggers down the ramp, and he receives the tag from Cena. HBK then takes over the contest, taking on both HHH and Edge on his own. As HBK is tuning up the band for a Sweet Chin Music on Edge, HHH hits him over the head with a sledgehammer, giving Cena and HBK the DQ victory after 12:52. (A)

The Champ saves the day

Post-match, Triple H beats down a bloody HBK with the sledgehammer, whilst Edge hammers away at a bloody Cena. The attack is haltered, however, by Batista rushing into the ring, which sends both HHH and Edge sprawling out of the ring and through the crowd. The show ends with Batista standing tall in the middle of the ring, as officials tend to both Cena and HBK. (A)

Overall: A - Attendance: 6, 476