The WWE intro plays, followed by:
Extra loud, extra long fireworks kick off the show as a stoked crowd roars in anticipation of the steel cage that looms above the ring.
"Welcome, everybody, to a special edition of SmackDown!"
"Super SmackDown!, Cole! If the first was any indication, this one is going to be one hell of a rocket-buster!"
In a quick-paced match-up, The Hurricane storms his way over the auspicious Shelton Benjamin, who can't believe the loss after the Eye of the Hurricane. "SmackDown!'s resident superhero getting it done! It's always good to see the Hurricane! I'mma get myself a cape!" Cole laughs at Tazz's ecstatic and silly behavior.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio is greeted by the crowd with a huge ovation. Beside him is Eddie Guerrero. "We're gonna tear it up tonight, holmes. May the best man win. Orale." The two men slap hands as the crowd is left to wonder for the meaning of Latino Heat's words. "That is what you call respect, Cole. And I respect it. Ha!"
Up next, Carlito drags down the show with a vast amount of boos and questionable behavior. But one can only blame him so much as he is battling the much larger Masterpiece. He tries a springboard senton, which connects, but only gets a 2 count. He tries to seize the moment as a clothesline from the bulky Masters misses. But the big man elbows Carlito off during the backstabber attempt and locks him up in the excruciating full nelson hold for the victory that ignites the crowd with satisfaction. "Oh, let him go already. Jesus..." Tazz remarks.
"Nonetheless, an impressive victory by the Masterpiece."
*******************************************
"Well, it's been a rocking night so far, Cole. It's only going to get better!"
"Absolutely correct, partner. And the show continues now!"
Rob Van Dam makes a popular entrance, his music thundering through the arena as he confidently poses. Booker T makes his entrance next, but not in ring gear, wearing track pants and a muscle shirt. The same goes for Christian, who will be defending his cruiserweight championship against Mr. Thursday Night, as he is led to the ring by the rockstar, Chris Jericho.
In a competitive bout, RVD avenges his loss to Christian weeks ago and takes the Cruiserweight Title with him. Jericho tried to interfere, but Booker ran around and dropped him with a kick. Christian tried to cheat his way to the victory by aiming the belt at RVD's head, but RVD ducked and kicked it back in Christian's face on the spin-around... for the Five Star Frog Splash!
Afterwards, RVD celebrates with the former 5 time WCW Champion, as a humbled Christian and bloody-eyed Jericho limp to the back.
The Rock is seen backstage, alongside Josh Matthews. He cuts an irate and crippling promo about Randy Orton, how the only thing he is good at is sneaking up and touching men from behind. The crowd loves it, popping for the Great One, and the intense glare burns through the camera to wherever the wannabe Legend Killer is lurking in wait of the Steel Cage match.
Batista is seen next in the GM's office, rarely thanking him for the title shot tonight. He'll be involved in the World Heavyweight Title Match, also featuring the Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle, who has tussled competitively with Batista since his arrival on SD! The cameras cut to a room shrouded in darkness, with nothing but candles, the WHC and its owner... the Undertaker.
Up next, quite possibly the show-stealer of the night, Mysterio and Guerrero teach Hassan and Daivari how to use a ladder or better yet how to fly off from one! A myriad of high-flying moves later, oddly winds up with Daivari as the only man left standing in the ring. Mysterio and Eddie took each other out, both men flying off a ladder over the ropes. Daivari is assaulted by a mountain of boos, raining down upon him as he climbs higher, nearly within reach of the prestigious UNITED STATES championship. But Rey Mysterio, the defending champion, jumps back into the ring, from the top rope, landing on the ladder and pummeling Daivari. "Yeah!" Tazz shouts, not wanting to see the Arab duo win. But it's not to last.
Hassan rejoins the fray after slamming Latino Heat into the steel steps, his cry of pain audible. Muhammad returns to the ring and yanks Mysterio down by the foot, slamming him hard into the mat. "Oh, no..." it dawns upon Cole what is about to transpire. Hassan climbs the other side of the ladder, but Daivari is already grasping at it. "I can't believe this, Cole! Somebody get in there!" But nobody is left to challenge the victory. In an awkward moment, Daivari flirts with the idea of taking the title down, but instead smacks it over to Hassan, who loses the suspicious look on his face and claims the title, swiping it from the holster.
"No way, Cole. I'm going to be sick..."
"I can't say I blame ya, partner. It's not every day you see a superstar this despicable walk away with such a contradictory title in his grasp..."
"Yeah, if he hates the US, he should give the title back to Rey!"
But Hassan isn't going to do that and neither is Daivari. The crowd is outraged, but there is nothing to be done about it.
**********************************
To some extent, the STEEL CAGE lowering improves the mood of the crowd. But the results don't yield much satisfaction, except for a few Orton fans in the crowd.
After both men brutalize one another with the cage lining, The Rock slams Orton into the mat with a DDT and makes a break for the cage, trying to climb out. But Orton gets back up to his feet and yanks the Rock's foot, knocking him down onto the top rope. "Oh, gawd, the People's Jewels just got rung, Cole! That can't be pleasant!" Cole's voice grimaces as Orton aims the RKO. The Rock is able to recover in time and reverses the first, tries for a Rock Bottom after ducking a retaliatory clothesline by the urgent Orton, but an arm twist reversal spins him out.
"RKO! RKO! RKO!" Cole announces. The Rock is planted face-first onto the mat, not moving. The scattered Orton fans start to chant RKO as well in support of the cocky superstar, who rolls the Great One over, and lands the precious 3 count that seals the Legend Killer's conquest of the Brahma Bull. Orton couldn't be grinning any wider as he celebrates the victory.
The majority of the crowd is booing as Orton slips out of the cage, dominantly stepping over The Rock, grinning his way back. "Whelp, we know who the new #1 contender is, Cole."
"It might've not been the result that most fans wanted, Tazz, but there is a World Championship Match yet to be decided."
"I'm sick of all these people talking out their heads..."
Batista makes his entrance, garnering more cheers this week for his actions, that are shown, to the delight of the anti-Orton fans in the crowd, who are still shocked by The Rock's defeat.
Next, Kurt Angle makes an inspiring entrance, red-white-and-blue fireworks signaling his arrival, along with his feel-good theme as he looks to be in phenomenal shape. "The Olympic Gold medalist, Kurt Angle, could very well be walking out of here tonight with the World Heavyweight Championship, Cole. He's been on a roll since making his debut to SmackDown!"
"Not for nothing, Cole. I've been in the ring with Angle, and the dude don't mess around. Just look at those steely eyes, Cole!"
But the World Champion, the Undertaker, the Demon from Death Valley, begs to differ, making his always-chilling entrance, completely adorned by a hoard of torch-wielding druids.
The bell rings.
"SPEAR, COLE! THE CHAMP'S DONE, I'M TELLIN' YA!"
"IT'S KURT ANGLE! DUCKS THE CLOTHESLINE! ANGLE SLAM OVER THE TOP ROPE!"
"AGH! BATISTA HAD THIS BAD BOY WON, TOO! LOOK OUT! KURT'S THINKING ANKLE LOCK!"
But the Undertaker reverses the hold and cinches Angle by the throat. Angle tries to reverse in mid-air with an arm drag, but The Undertaker holds him in place, using his demonic strength to decimate Angle with a Tombstone Piledriver. 1 - 2...
Batista hurries back into the ring, but...
3.
"What a title defense, Cole. The Deadman took Angle's best and a bit from Batista and is still walking out as the champ!" Tazz zealously comments. "Well, to everyone that tuned in tonight, we thank you." A video package plays, with music, as the matches from tonight are highlighted to end the show.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Episode 13 - Prelude to Super SmackDown 2!
The WWE intro plays, followed by:
Fireworks galore, rambunctious fans pack the floors of the arena. It's time for another festive edition of SmackDown!
"Welcome to SmackDown, ladies and gentlemen!"
To the surprise of everyone in the arena, Randy Orton starts the show by finally clearing the air on why he has been targeting The Rock. "In case all of you--AND--The Rock have forgotten, I--RANDY ORTON--am the Legend Killer. It's what I do. I'm a 3rd generation superstar, the youngest champion in WWE history, and you stupid people still cheer for The Rock!"
The crowd proves it.
"See what I'm talking about? So, I figured, hey, I'll just take The Great One's head off with an RKO. Shocked the world, didn't I?" Orton smirks, clearly full of himself and proud of his actions. "It's called Evolution, people. If any of you made it past the 4th grade, you might've read about it. And at Super SmackDown? You'll see it. When I beat The Rock's ass in a STEEL CAGE match to become the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship!" Orton shouts vehemently at the audience, who is still booing him in disbelief. "Watch. And. See."
"Is he done now? Jeez..." Tazz remarks in an impatient voice, chuckling as Orton finally leaves the ring. "Thank gawd, Cole. I was about to jump to RAW myself to be rid of this guy." Cole somewhat agrees, saying: "Well, partner, Randy Orton may not be polite, but he is clearly determined to prove the WWE universe wrong again, next week on Super SmackDown!"
Prolonged and desperately awaited, the ring bell finally rings. The crowd cheers in approval. But Tazz only gets more upset at the theme that starts playing. "Oh, gawd, Cole! Not again. Can't these guys go to the UN or something for a change?" Hassan & Daivari enter, spouting insults at the crowd as Tony Chimel introduces the controversial pair that the audience is more than acquainted with, and not in an amicable fashion.
"We know who these dogs are, Chimel. Shut up already, ha!"
Things quickly improve as Eddie Guerrero enters the arena, in a truck this week, pimped-out of course, as he honks the horns, revs the engine, and uses the hydraulics system. To everyone's satisfaction, Eddie gives the Arab duo a taste of their own medicine, outsmarting them with his own shady antics. He gets the win after putting his feet on the ropes.
"Ha! Latino Heat teaching Hassan how lying, cheating and stealing is really done! I love it!"
***************************************
Backstage, Jericho is back in shape, despite some soreness, and is chatting with Christian, optimistically about their non-title tag team match against Booker T and Rob Van Dam.
"Plus, it'll be good to be back in the ring together as a team."
"Right on, man. I'm down for some of that. The peeps will love it. As usual," Christian says with a final laugh.
Next, Shelton Benjamin (fresh off his DQ win against The Undertaker) gets too overzealous. His superkick gets reversed by Chris Masters, who spins him around and makes him tap to the Masterlock. "Benjamin getting a lesson in pain here tonight, Cole. Masters finally broke that damn hold. Shoo!" Afterward, the camera draws to a merry Eddie Guerrero, who pays a visit to Rey Mysterio. The San Diego Sensation makes first with the greetings, saying that he liked what he saw out there earlier against Hassan. "Y'know it, holmes!" Eddie merrily retorts. "So, Rey-Rey, I heard you're taking on the Phe-nom tonight, eh? Ballsy of you, holmes." Rey nods, knowing what Eddie means. "Not my choice, but I ain't backing down." Eddie laughs, liking what he is hearing from his friend. "Well, good luck, vato. I hope I get to see you again..." Eddie smirks, and Rey laughs it off, embracing his friend as the screen fades to black.
After a commercial break, "Can you dig it, sucka?" is asked to the crowd as Booker T & Rob Van Dam (to his own entrance) make their way out to the ring, followed by...
In a good, competitive match, Booker T lands a brutal kick on Jericho, which knocks the Winnipeg native out of the ring, leaving Christian to the fan favorite wolves. Christian mounts a feeble defensive effort, but is quickly subdued by the scissors kick, which Booker T tops off with a spin-a-rooni, as RVD lands a debilitating Five Star Frog Splash in unison for the win.
"Showing shades of their tag team days, Tazz. An impressive win for Booker & Van Dam!"
Tazz notices Booker T making a gesture of a title belt around his waist. "Maybe next time these two clash, it'll be for the belts."
Following the exciting encounter, Carlito makes his way out to the ring and uses his youth against a surprise entry from William Regal, the brawling Brit, as a backstabber wins the match. "Carlito getting back on track after losing to Booker T last week. It's good to see, Cole. Regal is still a tough bastard, though!" Cole agrees as Carlito struts off, happy with his victory.
By order of the GM, Theodore Long, last week's tag team partners made a promising point. As a result, The Rock will face off against Kurt Angle tonight, pending any interlopers...
The Rock wins a wonderful contest between the two. Angle tries to apply the grapevine to the ankle lock, but The Rock wriggles his way to the ropes first, breaking the hold. A slew of reversals later plants Angle with a 2nd Rock Bottom, showing shades of No Way Out 2001, but the celebration is short-lived as Orton and Batista storm the ring. Orton eliminates Angle from the fray early on with a sneaky RKO, not wanting to be put into an ankle lock like last week. After smacking the crap out of Batista, The Rock doesn't expect the RKO to follow, but...
Neither does Orton expect the spinebuster from Batista, which instantly wins over the crowd. Batista signals to The Brahma Bull, who quickly accepts the offering and land's the People's Elbow for a huge crowd ovation. Batista leaves the ring during and laughs his way up the ramp. "Cool move by Batista. I dig it. I can't blame him after Orton pulled a fast one on him last week!"
****************************************
"What'chu gonna do when we come for you? Orale!"
Rey Mysterio dazzles the crowd, interacting warmly as ever with the fans, as he anxiously awaits the spooky entrance of the World Heavyweight Champion. "This is a non-title match, ladies and gentlemen, but it should still be quite an exciting contest and offer an intriguing contrast of wrestling styles." Cole explains and Tazz agrees, who is also pumped up for it.
"The World Heavyweight Champion, The... Under... Taker!"
Mysterio shockingly hurls himself over the top rope as the Phenom approaches the ring, cutting his entrance short from climbing the steel steps. "Wow, Cole! What an opportunistic move by Mysterio!" Cole disagrees, however, reminding Tazz of how Shelton Benjamin paid for his daring defiance to the Deadman. But Mysterio's is well received and quite more frenetic! He takes the Undertaker by surprise and the David v. Goliath scenario favors David for a few exciting moments, despite the size disparity, until The Undertaker grows wise to Rey's routine.
He plants a big boot into Mysterio mid-springboard for the millionth time it seems, and the tempo of the match drastically changes. He sets up Mysterio for a chokeslam, easily lifting him into the air, but Mysterio counters at the last second, using the Undertaker's downward momentum against him as he wraps his legs around the champion. "Hurricanrana, Cole! Damn!" The crowd instantly goes wild, falling into a sudden frenzy. Why? Because The Undertaker has stumbled onto the middle rope after being thrown by the excitingly innovative maneuver.
"Wine me! Dine me! 6, 1--"
"Oh! But The Undertaker counters..."
The Phenom grabs Mysterio as his legs swing around in between the ropes. "Somebody's thinking Tombstone Piledriver, Cole. Mysterio's done for. Good effort, but he's done!"
But Mysterio isn't done. He slips out again as Undertaker aims to drop his knees, again wrapping his legs around the champion's head, gaining an awkward pin attempt for the...
3 COUNT!
"Oh my gawd, Cole. Mysterio did it!"
"Right, partner! I can't believe it!"
Afterward, The Undertaker, unlike last week, is quick to commend the resilient effort by the much smaller superstar, slapping his hand and holding up his arm as the champion leaves. Eddie Guerrero comes out next to celebrate with his friend. "What a great win for both these guys tonight, Cole! I'm loving it!" But it's Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari!
"Ah, c'mon!" Tazz shouts as the two celebrating superstars are jumped from behind by the two Arabs. It's clear they are upset and stomping their way into a better mood.
"IT'S THE CHAMP!"
The Undertaker returns to put a 2nd beat-down on Hassan and Daivari. The 3-on-2 odds quickly favor the trio as the two Arabs try to run off again, but finishing moves follow instead! A 619, followed by a tombstone for Hassan; meanwhile Eddie Guerrero feels froggy and releases himself on Daivari who is motionless as the trio celebrates to the roar of the crowd!
"I love it, Cole! What a great way to end SmackDown! tonight!"
Fireworks galore, rambunctious fans pack the floors of the arena. It's time for another festive edition of SmackDown!
"Welcome to SmackDown, ladies and gentlemen!"
To the surprise of everyone in the arena, Randy Orton starts the show by finally clearing the air on why he has been targeting The Rock. "In case all of you--AND--The Rock have forgotten, I--RANDY ORTON--am the Legend Killer. It's what I do. I'm a 3rd generation superstar, the youngest champion in WWE history, and you stupid people still cheer for The Rock!"
The crowd proves it.
"See what I'm talking about? So, I figured, hey, I'll just take The Great One's head off with an RKO. Shocked the world, didn't I?" Orton smirks, clearly full of himself and proud of his actions. "It's called Evolution, people. If any of you made it past the 4th grade, you might've read about it. And at Super SmackDown? You'll see it. When I beat The Rock's ass in a STEEL CAGE match to become the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship!" Orton shouts vehemently at the audience, who is still booing him in disbelief. "Watch. And. See."
"Is he done now? Jeez..." Tazz remarks in an impatient voice, chuckling as Orton finally leaves the ring. "Thank gawd, Cole. I was about to jump to RAW myself to be rid of this guy." Cole somewhat agrees, saying: "Well, partner, Randy Orton may not be polite, but he is clearly determined to prove the WWE universe wrong again, next week on Super SmackDown!"
Prolonged and desperately awaited, the ring bell finally rings. The crowd cheers in approval. But Tazz only gets more upset at the theme that starts playing. "Oh, gawd, Cole! Not again. Can't these guys go to the UN or something for a change?" Hassan & Daivari enter, spouting insults at the crowd as Tony Chimel introduces the controversial pair that the audience is more than acquainted with, and not in an amicable fashion.
"We know who these dogs are, Chimel. Shut up already, ha!"
Things quickly improve as Eddie Guerrero enters the arena, in a truck this week, pimped-out of course, as he honks the horns, revs the engine, and uses the hydraulics system. To everyone's satisfaction, Eddie gives the Arab duo a taste of their own medicine, outsmarting them with his own shady antics. He gets the win after putting his feet on the ropes.
"Ha! Latino Heat teaching Hassan how lying, cheating and stealing is really done! I love it!"
***************************************
Backstage, Jericho is back in shape, despite some soreness, and is chatting with Christian, optimistically about their non-title tag team match against Booker T and Rob Van Dam.
"Plus, it'll be good to be back in the ring together as a team."
"Right on, man. I'm down for some of that. The peeps will love it. As usual," Christian says with a final laugh.
Next, Shelton Benjamin (fresh off his DQ win against The Undertaker) gets too overzealous. His superkick gets reversed by Chris Masters, who spins him around and makes him tap to the Masterlock. "Benjamin getting a lesson in pain here tonight, Cole. Masters finally broke that damn hold. Shoo!" Afterward, the camera draws to a merry Eddie Guerrero, who pays a visit to Rey Mysterio. The San Diego Sensation makes first with the greetings, saying that he liked what he saw out there earlier against Hassan. "Y'know it, holmes!" Eddie merrily retorts. "So, Rey-Rey, I heard you're taking on the Phe-nom tonight, eh? Ballsy of you, holmes." Rey nods, knowing what Eddie means. "Not my choice, but I ain't backing down." Eddie laughs, liking what he is hearing from his friend. "Well, good luck, vato. I hope I get to see you again..." Eddie smirks, and Rey laughs it off, embracing his friend as the screen fades to black.
After a commercial break, "Can you dig it, sucka?" is asked to the crowd as Booker T & Rob Van Dam (to his own entrance) make their way out to the ring, followed by...
In a good, competitive match, Booker T lands a brutal kick on Jericho, which knocks the Winnipeg native out of the ring, leaving Christian to the fan favorite wolves. Christian mounts a feeble defensive effort, but is quickly subdued by the scissors kick, which Booker T tops off with a spin-a-rooni, as RVD lands a debilitating Five Star Frog Splash in unison for the win.
"Showing shades of their tag team days, Tazz. An impressive win for Booker & Van Dam!"
Tazz notices Booker T making a gesture of a title belt around his waist. "Maybe next time these two clash, it'll be for the belts."
Following the exciting encounter, Carlito makes his way out to the ring and uses his youth against a surprise entry from William Regal, the brawling Brit, as a backstabber wins the match. "Carlito getting back on track after losing to Booker T last week. It's good to see, Cole. Regal is still a tough bastard, though!" Cole agrees as Carlito struts off, happy with his victory.
By order of the GM, Theodore Long, last week's tag team partners made a promising point. As a result, The Rock will face off against Kurt Angle tonight, pending any interlopers...
The Rock wins a wonderful contest between the two. Angle tries to apply the grapevine to the ankle lock, but The Rock wriggles his way to the ropes first, breaking the hold. A slew of reversals later plants Angle with a 2nd Rock Bottom, showing shades of No Way Out 2001, but the celebration is short-lived as Orton and Batista storm the ring. Orton eliminates Angle from the fray early on with a sneaky RKO, not wanting to be put into an ankle lock like last week. After smacking the crap out of Batista, The Rock doesn't expect the RKO to follow, but...
Neither does Orton expect the spinebuster from Batista, which instantly wins over the crowd. Batista signals to The Brahma Bull, who quickly accepts the offering and land's the People's Elbow for a huge crowd ovation. Batista leaves the ring during and laughs his way up the ramp. "Cool move by Batista. I dig it. I can't blame him after Orton pulled a fast one on him last week!"
****************************************
"What'chu gonna do when we come for you? Orale!"
Rey Mysterio dazzles the crowd, interacting warmly as ever with the fans, as he anxiously awaits the spooky entrance of the World Heavyweight Champion. "This is a non-title match, ladies and gentlemen, but it should still be quite an exciting contest and offer an intriguing contrast of wrestling styles." Cole explains and Tazz agrees, who is also pumped up for it.
"The World Heavyweight Champion, The... Under... Taker!"
Mysterio shockingly hurls himself over the top rope as the Phenom approaches the ring, cutting his entrance short from climbing the steel steps. "Wow, Cole! What an opportunistic move by Mysterio!" Cole disagrees, however, reminding Tazz of how Shelton Benjamin paid for his daring defiance to the Deadman. But Mysterio's is well received and quite more frenetic! He takes the Undertaker by surprise and the David v. Goliath scenario favors David for a few exciting moments, despite the size disparity, until The Undertaker grows wise to Rey's routine.
He plants a big boot into Mysterio mid-springboard for the millionth time it seems, and the tempo of the match drastically changes. He sets up Mysterio for a chokeslam, easily lifting him into the air, but Mysterio counters at the last second, using the Undertaker's downward momentum against him as he wraps his legs around the champion. "Hurricanrana, Cole! Damn!" The crowd instantly goes wild, falling into a sudden frenzy. Why? Because The Undertaker has stumbled onto the middle rope after being thrown by the excitingly innovative maneuver.
"Wine me! Dine me! 6, 1--"
"Oh! But The Undertaker counters..."
The Phenom grabs Mysterio as his legs swing around in between the ropes. "Somebody's thinking Tombstone Piledriver, Cole. Mysterio's done for. Good effort, but he's done!"
But Mysterio isn't done. He slips out again as Undertaker aims to drop his knees, again wrapping his legs around the champion's head, gaining an awkward pin attempt for the...
3 COUNT!
"Oh my gawd, Cole. Mysterio did it!"
"Right, partner! I can't believe it!"
Afterward, The Undertaker, unlike last week, is quick to commend the resilient effort by the much smaller superstar, slapping his hand and holding up his arm as the champion leaves. Eddie Guerrero comes out next to celebrate with his friend. "What a great win for both these guys tonight, Cole! I'm loving it!" But it's Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari!
"Ah, c'mon!" Tazz shouts as the two celebrating superstars are jumped from behind by the two Arabs. It's clear they are upset and stomping their way into a better mood.
"IT'S THE CHAMP!"
The Undertaker returns to put a 2nd beat-down on Hassan and Daivari. The 3-on-2 odds quickly favor the trio as the two Arabs try to run off again, but finishing moves follow instead! A 619, followed by a tombstone for Hassan; meanwhile Eddie Guerrero feels froggy and releases himself on Daivari who is motionless as the trio celebrates to the roar of the crowd!
"I love it, Cole! What a great way to end SmackDown! tonight!"
Episode 12 - Brewing Rivalries
The WWE intro plays, followed by:
Fireworks galore, rowdy fans packing the floors of the arena. It's time for SmackDown!
"Welcome to SmackDown, ladies and gentlemen!"
"ONE OF A KIND!"
"Mr. Thursday Night kicking off the show! I love it!" Tazz commentates at ringside, along with Michael Cole, after Van Dam's pyrotechnics startled a laugh out of Tazz. Cole goes on to describe a video that shows the events of last week, specifically how Chris Jericho (who is now making his way out to the ring) cheated to best the high-flying superstar after accusing him of doing the same the week before in a match against Batista. Clearly the animosity is building between these two, and in favor of it, GM Theodore Long has ordered a no DQ stipulation!
This means a shot to the back of RVD courtesy of a steel chair wielded by the Highlight of the Night, Y2J Chris Jericho. But this also means a ladder being slid out from beneath the ring by Mr. Thursday Night, as his fury against Jericho grows, while the next minutes are spent using the climbing tool in creative ways to batter Jericho, and in turn, batter himself as well.
"Yee-ouch! That had to hurt, Cole!" Tazz shrieks as rolling thunder is halted halfway. Jericho scurried off the ladder he had been placed on by his opponent. During the rolling motion of the flashy maneuver, Jericho lifted the ladder off the mat and stabbed it into Van Dam's face like a battering ram!
A 2 count follows as Jericho soon crashes onto the ladder after RVD returns the favor by rolling out of the way of a would-be debilitating Lionsault. "These two superstars are tearing their own bodies apart to best the other!" Cole comments in a sympathetic voice. Meanwhile, Tazz (a former member of the hardcore brand, ECW) is loving the dangerous and violent action. Other moments include an interrupted Five Star Frog Splash as Jericho hurled the ladder into RVD's face, knocking him to the floor below, quite a nasty fall. "That's the cost of high-risk maneuvers!"
Eventually, the crowd is on their heels. Jericho has put a ladder in the corner, Van Dam tries to do a split legged moonsault, but Jericho evades it. Van Dam crashes onto the ladder which doesn't budge, unlike RVD's spine. While Van Dam is helplessly prone on the ladder, Jericho grabs his legs and puts him into a painful-looking version of the Liontamer submission hold.
Frustrated when RVD doesn't yield, Jericho is openly tired of the often negative consequences that come with using the ladder and unwisely chooses the chair instead. He rushes in on Van Dam, who has recovered, but misses with the chair. Van Dam musters the reserve strength that he has left, rolling out of the way, and spin-kicks Jericho who swings again.
"VAN-DAMINATOR, COLE! OR IS THAT A VAN, UH... LADDER-NATOR?"
"All I know is Jericho is down, and RVD is looking up..."
"He wants to get high, Cole! And nobody gets higher!"
"FIVE - STAR - FROG - SPLASH!"
The crowd counts Jericho's shoulders in unison, totaling 3 times as RVD picks up the exciting victory. "What a match, Cole! Payback's a motha, ain't it, Jericho? Ha!" Cole disagrees, saying, "Well, RVD might've gotten the win, but I think the ladder is the one walking away without a limp tonight." Tazz sees Cole's point and says, "That's how we used to do it in ECW!"
************************************
Backstage, Randy Orton is greeted with boos as he struts into Batista's locker room. "Hey, big man. Long time no see. Looks like we're teaming up tonight." Batista barely acknowledges the egotistical punk. "Yup." Orton isn't pleased by the blunt response, but knows Batista is a man of deeds, not of words. "I'll see you out there. Maybe with me, you'll actually win." Batista looks up, miffed by the comment on his loss last week, but Orton is gone. "Still a smart-mouthed punk..." Batista mutters to himself, putting on his gear as the camera returns to the ring.
"Can you dig it, sucka?" Booker T's signature theme begins to play, much to the surprise of the crowd and Tazz. "Wh-what? Cole, it's Booker T!" And the recently acquired talent from RAW makes his presence known as he methodically stares at his hand, preceding a big explosion on the stage. Booker T holds up his arms, a faraway passion in his eyes as he walks forward.
"I'm saddened to say that the former 5 time WCW Champion was exchanged for the Nature Boy, Ric Flair. I'm sure, however, that Booker T will bring lots of excitement to SmackDown!" Cole explains. Tazz isn't happy with Flair's departure, but commends the GM's decision. "Booker T is ready to light it up tonight, Cole! He's lookin' buff, too!"
"I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool." Carlito 'Caribbean' Cool makes his entrance to a swarm of boos from the crowd, as Tazz mentions the brash upstart's undefeated streak so far in his time on SmackDown!. But Booker T is looking to burn that streak and does, much to Carlito's chagrin. The hot offense from a revved-up Booker T is too much for Carlito as a scissors kick plants him on the mat, scorching his win streak. "You know what the Book's thinking, Cole! Been a while since we saw this!" Booker T celebrates with a spin-a-rooni.
Up next, Christian consoles a sore Jericho, who just endured his match with Rob Van Dam. Jericho's spirits are weakened but still good after the tough loss. He wishes his partner well, saying, "Go get 'em, champ." But Captain Charisma has bitten off more than he can chew. Chris Masters returns to SmackDown! and easily overpowers the Cruiserweight Champion.
"Masterpiece, Cole. Good to see him back."
"And that grueling Masterlock is just as unbreakable!"
Hassan and Daivari incite the fans as they whimper on the microphone about how last week Eddie Guerrero kept them from showing the crowd Mysterio's "true" face, "what" he truly is. And if people want to stay in the dark, ignorant and prejudiced, then that's fine with them. At least it is until Latino Heat and the San Diego Sensation make their way out the ring, both of them riding in a jade green low-rider. Clearly, they are on the same page tonight and their one-on-one feud from weeks ago is now in the past. At least for the moment. "Viva la raza!"
It's a lucha libre spectacle, as Eddie and Rey's polished experience takes command over the two Arab superstars, who aren't given a second to think or breathe as the offense if piled on top of them. High-flying moves and collaborative creativity nearly put them away, but Hassan and Daivari cheat their way to yet another victory. "I'm sick of this, Tazz! Week after week..."
"Me, too, Cole. But I'm even more sick of this creepy ass music!"
Eddie and Rey are left in disbelief in the ring, but also knowingly self-assured that their opponents could not beat them without cheating their way to yet another victory as they celebrate with the fans, regardless, with Mysterio holding up the precious United States Championship, his "What'chu gonna do..." theme playing as SmackDown! fades into a commercial break.
*************************************
After the commercial break, cameras dawn on Guerrero & Mysterio, who are returning to the back in regained spirits, but are met by an envious Shelton Benjamin. "That's a nice belt, Rey." Benjamin rubs his chin, sporting his blonde hair, as Mysterio replies, saying, "Yeah. It is, huh?" He and Guerrero chuckle their way out of frame, as Shelton cockily nods to himself, the camera following his backward steps until he bumps into a massive chest, covered in black gothic attire, including a hat, coat and vest. Benjamin warily turns around to find an even bigger title of shimmering gold.
"Going somewhere?" The Undertaker asks, imposing his way on the smaller superstar. At first, Benjamin takes a few steps back out of respect for the champion, stammering instead of making an actual response. But then his brow becomes more distinct, his eyes fill with envy once more, as anger and confidence stream from his voice. "Yeah, I was." He firmly states. "And you know what I was planning to do?" Benjamin poses and pauses for a moment. The Phenom perks a curious eyebrow. Benjamin meets the Deadman's spooky eyes. "I was planning to kick that hat right off your face." The crowd cheers in anticipation.
"Is that right?" The Undertaker drawls in the same nonchalant voice, clearly not bothered by the threat. "Why don't you give it a try..." He takes a big step forward, now looking directly over the spunky superstar. "...In the ring?" Benjamin takes a moment to gather a response, but agrees to a match with the World Champion, who gives a fearsome smirk and stalks off screen.
At ringside, Tazz eyes Michael Cole, chuckling and saying that Benjamin might've made a stupid move, but he's got balls. Cole rears his head back, hoping Benjamin didn't seal his fate.
In a filler match, The Hurricane gets the better of Charlie Haas. The crowd was supporting both superstars, but ultimately sided with the colorful superhero, who won with a neckbreaker.
Backstage, again, cameras reveal The Rock, who is preparing for his match, in the locker room as he is greeted by SmackDown!'s new American hero, the gold medalist, Kurt Angle.
"I saw what happened last week with Orton. That's why I wanted to team up with you tonight. I got the better of Batista last week in my debut, but I know how it feels to get snuck up on by Orton. The past between us aside, let's go get 'em tonight, Rock. What do you say?" Angle proposes in his nasally, solemn voice. The Rock takes a while to consider it, retrospectively looking back at Angle's win over him to earn his first WWE title and their feuds over the years. "Remember when you defected against the Alliance?" Kurt nods. "...The Rock trusts you."
The two men shake hands as Cole and Tazz commend both men's ability to put beside the past and work together toward a win tonight. Meanwhile, action is brewing in the ring...
Shelton Benjamin has made his way into the ring. Tazz and Cole question his mental condition, whether his nerves are going to be a factor in this match, with Tazz claiming that Benjamin will be just fine. "This ain't his first scrap, Cole, even if it is against the Deadman." The Undertaker makes his famed entrance. The entire arena clearly understands he is the champion.
At first, Benjamin's offensive flurry of moves takes the champion by surprise, but the Undertaker stifles the quick start with a tempo-crushing big boot. A count of 2 follows, and Benjamin takes it to the air, springboarding off the ropes with a clothesline that connects, knocking the champion down. But not out. A near-fall later, Benjamin grins overconfidently and pays for it. Undertaker turns on the offense, dishing out big hits and powerful moves, a huge sidewalk slam that wows the crowd, who is in full support of the larger champion. During the fury, the referee gets shoved away by the champion. Benjamin, buckled, regains his composure and lands a roundhouse kick to the champion's head. Another near-fall later, Benjamin attempts his t-bone suplex, unable to lift the champion's heavier weight, straining his back a little and eats a chokeslam. But Benjamin kicks out at the last second, surprising the Phenom. The two men grapple for position after Benjamin stands up again, but the referee is trying to break them up. In the scuffle, Benjamin sneaks in a low blow and nearly pulls the upset on the champ.
Enraged at the referee's interference, Undertaker rises back up his feet and engages Benjamin again, forcing him into the corner to punish him with deafening shots. The referee demands open-fisted strikes, but the champion isn't hearing it. As the referee tries to yank the two men off each other, the champion defies the attempt and hurls the referee to the mat.
"Well, I believe the champion just got himself disqualified."
"What? Agh!" Tazz replies, not liking the decision.
Tony Chimel confirms it, rewarding the match to Benjamin.
But now is not the time to gloat, as Shelton clearly is unaware of, mocking the Undertaker and rubbing in the loss. He gets tombstoned for his trouble and the referee also hightails it.
*****************************************
In the main event, The Rock's electric offense combines well with Angle's unmatched wrestling prowess. But Orton's heel antics and Batista's brutish style offer quite a resistance. In a thrilling finale, Orton slides back into the ring like a snake, waiting to deliver a 2nd RKO to The Brahma Bull, but gets grabbed from behind first by the Olympic Hero, snaring him in the ankle lock. Meanwhile, Batista rushes in on the recovering People's Champ, but gets planted with a spinebuster. Midway through the People's Elbow, Orton twists his way out of the ankle lock and shoves Angle into his partner, interrupting the most electrifying move in sports entertainment.
Angle crashes to the mat and gets kicked out of the ring by Orton. Batista plants a boot in The Rock's gut, planning a Batista Bomb, but also setting him up perfectly for a shocking RKO.
The 3 count follows as Orton stares down at his fallen prey with a cocky smirk on his face. Batista is miffed again by his opportunistic partner but leaves the ring. The show fades to black.
Fireworks galore, rowdy fans packing the floors of the arena. It's time for SmackDown!
"Welcome to SmackDown, ladies and gentlemen!"
"ONE OF A KIND!"
"Mr. Thursday Night kicking off the show! I love it!" Tazz commentates at ringside, along with Michael Cole, after Van Dam's pyrotechnics startled a laugh out of Tazz. Cole goes on to describe a video that shows the events of last week, specifically how Chris Jericho (who is now making his way out to the ring) cheated to best the high-flying superstar after accusing him of doing the same the week before in a match against Batista. Clearly the animosity is building between these two, and in favor of it, GM Theodore Long has ordered a no DQ stipulation!
This means a shot to the back of RVD courtesy of a steel chair wielded by the Highlight of the Night, Y2J Chris Jericho. But this also means a ladder being slid out from beneath the ring by Mr. Thursday Night, as his fury against Jericho grows, while the next minutes are spent using the climbing tool in creative ways to batter Jericho, and in turn, batter himself as well.
"Yee-ouch! That had to hurt, Cole!" Tazz shrieks as rolling thunder is halted halfway. Jericho scurried off the ladder he had been placed on by his opponent. During the rolling motion of the flashy maneuver, Jericho lifted the ladder off the mat and stabbed it into Van Dam's face like a battering ram!
A 2 count follows as Jericho soon crashes onto the ladder after RVD returns the favor by rolling out of the way of a would-be debilitating Lionsault. "These two superstars are tearing their own bodies apart to best the other!" Cole comments in a sympathetic voice. Meanwhile, Tazz (a former member of the hardcore brand, ECW) is loving the dangerous and violent action. Other moments include an interrupted Five Star Frog Splash as Jericho hurled the ladder into RVD's face, knocking him to the floor below, quite a nasty fall. "That's the cost of high-risk maneuvers!"
Eventually, the crowd is on their heels. Jericho has put a ladder in the corner, Van Dam tries to do a split legged moonsault, but Jericho evades it. Van Dam crashes onto the ladder which doesn't budge, unlike RVD's spine. While Van Dam is helplessly prone on the ladder, Jericho grabs his legs and puts him into a painful-looking version of the Liontamer submission hold.
Frustrated when RVD doesn't yield, Jericho is openly tired of the often negative consequences that come with using the ladder and unwisely chooses the chair instead. He rushes in on Van Dam, who has recovered, but misses with the chair. Van Dam musters the reserve strength that he has left, rolling out of the way, and spin-kicks Jericho who swings again.
"VAN-DAMINATOR, COLE! OR IS THAT A VAN, UH... LADDER-NATOR?"
"All I know is Jericho is down, and RVD is looking up..."
"He wants to get high, Cole! And nobody gets higher!"
"FIVE - STAR - FROG - SPLASH!"
The crowd counts Jericho's shoulders in unison, totaling 3 times as RVD picks up the exciting victory. "What a match, Cole! Payback's a motha, ain't it, Jericho? Ha!" Cole disagrees, saying, "Well, RVD might've gotten the win, but I think the ladder is the one walking away without a limp tonight." Tazz sees Cole's point and says, "That's how we used to do it in ECW!"
************************************
Backstage, Randy Orton is greeted with boos as he struts into Batista's locker room. "Hey, big man. Long time no see. Looks like we're teaming up tonight." Batista barely acknowledges the egotistical punk. "Yup." Orton isn't pleased by the blunt response, but knows Batista is a man of deeds, not of words. "I'll see you out there. Maybe with me, you'll actually win." Batista looks up, miffed by the comment on his loss last week, but Orton is gone. "Still a smart-mouthed punk..." Batista mutters to himself, putting on his gear as the camera returns to the ring.
"Can you dig it, sucka?" Booker T's signature theme begins to play, much to the surprise of the crowd and Tazz. "Wh-what? Cole, it's Booker T!" And the recently acquired talent from RAW makes his presence known as he methodically stares at his hand, preceding a big explosion on the stage. Booker T holds up his arms, a faraway passion in his eyes as he walks forward.
"I'm saddened to say that the former 5 time WCW Champion was exchanged for the Nature Boy, Ric Flair. I'm sure, however, that Booker T will bring lots of excitement to SmackDown!" Cole explains. Tazz isn't happy with Flair's departure, but commends the GM's decision. "Booker T is ready to light it up tonight, Cole! He's lookin' buff, too!"
"I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool." Carlito 'Caribbean' Cool makes his entrance to a swarm of boos from the crowd, as Tazz mentions the brash upstart's undefeated streak so far in his time on SmackDown!. But Booker T is looking to burn that streak and does, much to Carlito's chagrin. The hot offense from a revved-up Booker T is too much for Carlito as a scissors kick plants him on the mat, scorching his win streak. "You know what the Book's thinking, Cole! Been a while since we saw this!" Booker T celebrates with a spin-a-rooni.
Up next, Christian consoles a sore Jericho, who just endured his match with Rob Van Dam. Jericho's spirits are weakened but still good after the tough loss. He wishes his partner well, saying, "Go get 'em, champ." But Captain Charisma has bitten off more than he can chew. Chris Masters returns to SmackDown! and easily overpowers the Cruiserweight Champion.
"Masterpiece, Cole. Good to see him back."
"And that grueling Masterlock is just as unbreakable!"
Hassan and Daivari incite the fans as they whimper on the microphone about how last week Eddie Guerrero kept them from showing the crowd Mysterio's "true" face, "what" he truly is. And if people want to stay in the dark, ignorant and prejudiced, then that's fine with them. At least it is until Latino Heat and the San Diego Sensation make their way out the ring, both of them riding in a jade green low-rider. Clearly, they are on the same page tonight and their one-on-one feud from weeks ago is now in the past. At least for the moment. "Viva la raza!"
It's a lucha libre spectacle, as Eddie and Rey's polished experience takes command over the two Arab superstars, who aren't given a second to think or breathe as the offense if piled on top of them. High-flying moves and collaborative creativity nearly put them away, but Hassan and Daivari cheat their way to yet another victory. "I'm sick of this, Tazz! Week after week..."
"Me, too, Cole. But I'm even more sick of this creepy ass music!"
Eddie and Rey are left in disbelief in the ring, but also knowingly self-assured that their opponents could not beat them without cheating their way to yet another victory as they celebrate with the fans, regardless, with Mysterio holding up the precious United States Championship, his "What'chu gonna do..." theme playing as SmackDown! fades into a commercial break.
*************************************
After the commercial break, cameras dawn on Guerrero & Mysterio, who are returning to the back in regained spirits, but are met by an envious Shelton Benjamin. "That's a nice belt, Rey." Benjamin rubs his chin, sporting his blonde hair, as Mysterio replies, saying, "Yeah. It is, huh?" He and Guerrero chuckle their way out of frame, as Shelton cockily nods to himself, the camera following his backward steps until he bumps into a massive chest, covered in black gothic attire, including a hat, coat and vest. Benjamin warily turns around to find an even bigger title of shimmering gold.
"Going somewhere?" The Undertaker asks, imposing his way on the smaller superstar. At first, Benjamin takes a few steps back out of respect for the champion, stammering instead of making an actual response. But then his brow becomes more distinct, his eyes fill with envy once more, as anger and confidence stream from his voice. "Yeah, I was." He firmly states. "And you know what I was planning to do?" Benjamin poses and pauses for a moment. The Phenom perks a curious eyebrow. Benjamin meets the Deadman's spooky eyes. "I was planning to kick that hat right off your face." The crowd cheers in anticipation.
"Is that right?" The Undertaker drawls in the same nonchalant voice, clearly not bothered by the threat. "Why don't you give it a try..." He takes a big step forward, now looking directly over the spunky superstar. "...In the ring?" Benjamin takes a moment to gather a response, but agrees to a match with the World Champion, who gives a fearsome smirk and stalks off screen.
At ringside, Tazz eyes Michael Cole, chuckling and saying that Benjamin might've made a stupid move, but he's got balls. Cole rears his head back, hoping Benjamin didn't seal his fate.
In a filler match, The Hurricane gets the better of Charlie Haas. The crowd was supporting both superstars, but ultimately sided with the colorful superhero, who won with a neckbreaker.
Backstage, again, cameras reveal The Rock, who is preparing for his match, in the locker room as he is greeted by SmackDown!'s new American hero, the gold medalist, Kurt Angle.
"I saw what happened last week with Orton. That's why I wanted to team up with you tonight. I got the better of Batista last week in my debut, but I know how it feels to get snuck up on by Orton. The past between us aside, let's go get 'em tonight, Rock. What do you say?" Angle proposes in his nasally, solemn voice. The Rock takes a while to consider it, retrospectively looking back at Angle's win over him to earn his first WWE title and their feuds over the years. "Remember when you defected against the Alliance?" Kurt nods. "...The Rock trusts you."
The two men shake hands as Cole and Tazz commend both men's ability to put beside the past and work together toward a win tonight. Meanwhile, action is brewing in the ring...
Shelton Benjamin has made his way into the ring. Tazz and Cole question his mental condition, whether his nerves are going to be a factor in this match, with Tazz claiming that Benjamin will be just fine. "This ain't his first scrap, Cole, even if it is against the Deadman." The Undertaker makes his famed entrance. The entire arena clearly understands he is the champion.
At first, Benjamin's offensive flurry of moves takes the champion by surprise, but the Undertaker stifles the quick start with a tempo-crushing big boot. A count of 2 follows, and Benjamin takes it to the air, springboarding off the ropes with a clothesline that connects, knocking the champion down. But not out. A near-fall later, Benjamin grins overconfidently and pays for it. Undertaker turns on the offense, dishing out big hits and powerful moves, a huge sidewalk slam that wows the crowd, who is in full support of the larger champion. During the fury, the referee gets shoved away by the champion. Benjamin, buckled, regains his composure and lands a roundhouse kick to the champion's head. Another near-fall later, Benjamin attempts his t-bone suplex, unable to lift the champion's heavier weight, straining his back a little and eats a chokeslam. But Benjamin kicks out at the last second, surprising the Phenom. The two men grapple for position after Benjamin stands up again, but the referee is trying to break them up. In the scuffle, Benjamin sneaks in a low blow and nearly pulls the upset on the champ.
Enraged at the referee's interference, Undertaker rises back up his feet and engages Benjamin again, forcing him into the corner to punish him with deafening shots. The referee demands open-fisted strikes, but the champion isn't hearing it. As the referee tries to yank the two men off each other, the champion defies the attempt and hurls the referee to the mat.
"Well, I believe the champion just got himself disqualified."
"What? Agh!" Tazz replies, not liking the decision.
Tony Chimel confirms it, rewarding the match to Benjamin.
But now is not the time to gloat, as Shelton clearly is unaware of, mocking the Undertaker and rubbing in the loss. He gets tombstoned for his trouble and the referee also hightails it.
*****************************************
In the main event, The Rock's electric offense combines well with Angle's unmatched wrestling prowess. But Orton's heel antics and Batista's brutish style offer quite a resistance. In a thrilling finale, Orton slides back into the ring like a snake, waiting to deliver a 2nd RKO to The Brahma Bull, but gets grabbed from behind first by the Olympic Hero, snaring him in the ankle lock. Meanwhile, Batista rushes in on the recovering People's Champ, but gets planted with a spinebuster. Midway through the People's Elbow, Orton twists his way out of the ankle lock and shoves Angle into his partner, interrupting the most electrifying move in sports entertainment.
Angle crashes to the mat and gets kicked out of the ring by Orton. Batista plants a boot in The Rock's gut, planning a Batista Bomb, but also setting him up perfectly for a shocking RKO.
The 3 count follows as Orton stares down at his fallen prey with a cocky smirk on his face. Batista is miffed again by his opportunistic partner but leaves the ring. The show fades to black.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Episode 11 - A Night Full of Surprises
The WWE intro plays, followed by…
Fireworks of blue, crowds glued to the action… It's time for SmackDown!
"AIN'T NO STOPPING ME NOW!"
In an excellent opener, showcasing the talents of two auspicious young superstars, Shelton Benjamin attempts his dragon whip kick, but Carlito sneaks up behind him and nails the Backstabber for the win.
"I still don't like his attitude, Tazz, but an impressive win for Carlito here tonight." Laden with sweat, Carlito gathers his breath and nods self-assuredly to himself on his way out of the ring.
Cameras move to the backstage area, where Jericho is seen wishing Christian good luck with his title shot tonight. But their amicable conversation is interrupted by the brazen arrival of…
"It's Rob Van Dam, Cole…"
"How's it hanging, blonde dudes?" The two men regard Van Dam, somewhat surprised to see Mr. Thursday Night waltzing into their quarters. But RVD cuts them off, saying, "Give me a second! Hmm… oh, yeah, YOU." He points firmly at Jericho, who in turn points at his own chest, raising his eyebrows. "Me?"
"Yeah, you. I'm looking' at ya, aren't I?" RVD holds his arms out to the side. "Last week, you had a few comments about my match with Batista. I offered to settle it in the ring, but you chickened out."
"Wait, hold on a second, Van Dam. I didn't chicken out…" Jericho seems offended by the accusation. But Van Dam retorts, saying, "Well?" In his gravelly voice, he gestures towards the Highlight of the Night, holding out his arms even wider now. "You gonna chicken out again tonight?"
Jericho chuckles with Christian, who stays where he is, lacing up his other boot. The self-proclaimed rockstar, formerly from RAW, approaches the brazen challenger. "All the cannabis must be impairing your ability to hear things clearly, Van Dam. For the last time, I didn't chicken out. I'll see you in the ring."
"Good," Van Dam says before sizing up Jericho one last time and taking his leave.
"What is with that guy? Is he high?" Christian comments to his tag team partner, who laughs it off. "He must be if he thinks he's going to beat me tonight…"
"I'm telling ya, Cole, I hate this tune! Blegh!"
"I understand, partner. But ladies and gentlemen, last week…"
A video plays, showing the return of the Arab duo, Hassan and Daivari, as they cheated their way to a victory against Hulk Hogan and The Rock. The two enter the ring and make use of a microphone. It's hard to hear them over the boos from the crowd.
"When we made our return last week, we weren't received with warmth, appreciation or concern." Hassan begins with his voice full of embitterment, which Daivari repeats in Arabic. "You people cheered when The Undertaker nearly ended my career!" Hassan shouts, clearly upset, though mawkish in his ways, as the crowd cheers yet again. "You know what else you people cheer? A man that wears a mask…"
"What, like Hassan's masked assailants that beat Kane down in the back?" Cole shouts on his headset, clearly upset with the hypocritical tongue of Hassan, who is deaf to his complaints.
"Rey… Mysterio. That's who I'm talking about. You people love him, don't you?" Again, the crowd cheers, as Daivari's repetitious Arabic speech is drowned out. "Well, my friend Daivari will just have to put a stop to that, won't he?"
"WHAT'CHU GONNA DO WHEN WE COME FOR YOU?"
"Thank god, Cole. That speech was boring me to death!" Tazz passionately blurts out once Mysterio's music hits. In a lopsided match, the 619 speed devil makes easy work of Daivari, but Hassan is there to counter it, interfering while the referee's back is turned, smacking Mysterio with the United States Championship, which Hassan stole from ringside. It gives Daivari the opening he needs as the controversial cruiserweight picks up the victory. "Damn it!" Cole explicitly cries out at the announcing table. "This is getting old, Cole…" Tazz sympathetically shares his own opinion on the shenanigans of the two Arabs. But they aren't finished. Daivari picks Rey back up, yelling at the referee's attempts to stop them, as Hassan aims for Mysterio's head with the title belt. With a thud, Mysterio falls to the mat. Hassan shouts something at the audience.
"Did Hassan just say 'let's take off that mask', Cole?"
Daivari incomprehensibly blabbers something back to Hassan who smirks devilishly and stalks over to Mysterio, reaching for his head...
"It's Eddie Guerrero!"
"Latino Heat racing down to even the odds!"
Scampering out of the ring, Hassan and Daivari escape to live another day as Eddie hears applause for the crowd as they chant his name. Meanwhile, he consoles his battered friend, masked or not. "Damn good deed by Eddie!"
**********************************************
After a commercial break, the crowd rallies behind the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, but it doesn't stop him from being planted into the ring with a Killswitch, a devastating face-buster that rewards Christian with the Cruiserweight Championship. "New champ, Cole. Y'know I love the Nature Boy, but he got rocked by that Killswitch!" Cole's spirits are noticeably low as a result, as Christian and his scattered (yet mostly imaginary) "peeps" celebrate the win.
Cameras segue to the backstage area, where we see a bruised Rey Mysterio recovering after the attack from Muhammad Hassan, with Eddie Guerrero at his side. The crowd roars as none other than The Rock shows up to commend the Latin superstar's noble efforts to save his friend from a terrible humiliation. Eddie appreciates the remark and shakes hands with the People's Champ. "Well, I'll see ya out there later tonight." The Rock says before leaving. He means the singles match that is scheduled between himself and Eddie Guerrero. "Cool move by the Brahma Bull, Cole. I dig that."
"ONE OF A KIND!" The energetic rock theme for Rob Van Dam plays as his match with Chris Jericho, pompous as ever, gets underway. In a close contest, each combatant's wrestling style is contrasted against the other, with Jericho's technically sound and submission-savvy prowess mixing well against Van Dam's high-flying, acrobatic and unorthodox in-your-face martial arts. Jericho misses the Lionsault, holding his abdomen in pain, but then RVD misses his Five Star Frog Splash. Jericho rolls him up after evading the would-be match-ending maneuver and puts his feet on the ropes, knowing full well that it contradicts his entire claim of how Van Dam beat Batista last week.
"What the hell, Cole? First, Jericho jumps all over RVD for getting a controversial victory over Batista, who had his leg on the rope, and then Jericho does the same damn thing? Don't make no sense to me." Tazz comments in puzzled tones, which Cole shares to a lesser extent. He isn't as surprised, stating that Jericho has always been one to bend the rules, but that his argument against Mr. Thursday Night has definitely been blown out of the water now by his cheating ways.
Meanwhile, Rob Van Dam nods his head, mouthing words to Jericho who brashly retreats up the ramp, holding his neck in pain while holding up his other arm in victory to further irritate his duped opponent. Next, Batista is seen backstage in General Manager, Teddy Long's office, fiercely asking the sharp-dressed man who he'll be facing tonight, seeing as he's laid waste to just about everyone on SmackDown! over the past month and should be champion. "It's a surprise, playa. You're just gonna have to wait. Now, if you don't mind, I'd ilke to watch the next match. It's going to be a good one." Long looks away from the Animal and turns to the mounted big screen on the wall of his office.
"Wow!" Cole exclaims. "I've never seen anyone counter the Rock Bottom that way before, Tazz!"
"Me, neither, Cole! That was nuts! What a match! And it ain't over yet! Someone's feeling froggy!"
Eddie aims his frog splash, but misses. Upon standing up, The Rock swoops in for a second try at his trademark finishing move, but Guerrero beats him off, elbow after elbow, aiming a clothesline once the Great One spins around. But the People's Champion ducks and nails a thunderous Rock Bottom for the victory after a stellar show-stealing match. "What a spectacle, Cole. I've still got goosebumps! Whew!" Cole agrees as The Rock celebrates in the corner. Half of the crowd is still chanting "Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!" and The Rock knows it. He walks over to the recuperating Latino hoot and the two men shake hands again in the center of the ring. "A humble show of respect by the Brahma Bull."
Eddie's theme plays for a moment, as Latino Heat exits the ring in his own show of respect for the better man tonight. The Rock smiles and sees him off, but the crowd suddenly falls into a panic. Someone is standing behind The Rock.
"RANDY ORTON!"
"DON'T TURN AROUND, ROCK!"
"RKO! RKO! RKO!"
"THE ROCK JUST GOT LAID OUT, COLE!"
"WHAT IS RANDY ORTON DOING HERE?"
But the 3rd generation superstar stays mum on the subject and breezily exits the ring as SmackDown! takes its final commercial break.
***********************************************
A video plays showing Randy Orton's attack on The Rock before the commercial break. Cole is speechless as is Tazz. But someone puts an end to it.
"I'm sick of all these people talking out their heads…"
Batista commands a microphone. "So, Teddy, who's it going to be, huh? The Hurricane?" The animal asks with a chuckle. The SmackDown! GM comes onto the titantron. "No, big man, it's someone else. A real American." Batista raises an eyebrow, unimpressed and voices his suspicions. "Hogan? Seriously? Didn't I cost that old geezer enough in hospital bills already?" Teddy Long shakes his head and offers more than one answer to everyone in the arena and at home. "The Hulkster wanted a fresh start and I gave it to him. He's been traded to RAW. I can't excuse Randy Orton's actions, but he IS on SmackDown! now, playa." Batista's face flushes over with disbelief. "So, who is it?"
But the screen goes black. The whole arena, including Batista, falls into anxious suspense.
"YEAH! It's Kurt Angle, Cole! The only Olympic Gold Medalist in WWE history! What an acquisition by Teddy Long!"
"I agree 100%, partner. The Olympic Hero is looking in tremendous shape here tonight!"
Meanwhile, in the ring, Batista makes a "come on" gesture to the new SD! arrival, who is more than happy to oblige him. Angle wins the match after outsmarting the Animal and trapping his humongous legs with his own, as Batista is forced to tap out to the unforgivable ankle lock submission hold. Kurt Angle celebrates in the ring, the fans love it, Batista is clutching his ankle and glaring at the American Hero, as SmackDown! fades to black..
Fireworks of blue, crowds glued to the action… It's time for SmackDown!
"AIN'T NO STOPPING ME NOW!"
In an excellent opener, showcasing the talents of two auspicious young superstars, Shelton Benjamin attempts his dragon whip kick, but Carlito sneaks up behind him and nails the Backstabber for the win.
"I still don't like his attitude, Tazz, but an impressive win for Carlito here tonight." Laden with sweat, Carlito gathers his breath and nods self-assuredly to himself on his way out of the ring.
Cameras move to the backstage area, where Jericho is seen wishing Christian good luck with his title shot tonight. But their amicable conversation is interrupted by the brazen arrival of…
"It's Rob Van Dam, Cole…"
"How's it hanging, blonde dudes?" The two men regard Van Dam, somewhat surprised to see Mr. Thursday Night waltzing into their quarters. But RVD cuts them off, saying, "Give me a second! Hmm… oh, yeah, YOU." He points firmly at Jericho, who in turn points at his own chest, raising his eyebrows. "Me?"
"Yeah, you. I'm looking' at ya, aren't I?" RVD holds his arms out to the side. "Last week, you had a few comments about my match with Batista. I offered to settle it in the ring, but you chickened out."
"Wait, hold on a second, Van Dam. I didn't chicken out…" Jericho seems offended by the accusation. But Van Dam retorts, saying, "Well?" In his gravelly voice, he gestures towards the Highlight of the Night, holding out his arms even wider now. "You gonna chicken out again tonight?"
Jericho chuckles with Christian, who stays where he is, lacing up his other boot. The self-proclaimed rockstar, formerly from RAW, approaches the brazen challenger. "All the cannabis must be impairing your ability to hear things clearly, Van Dam. For the last time, I didn't chicken out. I'll see you in the ring."
"Good," Van Dam says before sizing up Jericho one last time and taking his leave.
"What is with that guy? Is he high?" Christian comments to his tag team partner, who laughs it off. "He must be if he thinks he's going to beat me tonight…"
"I'm telling ya, Cole, I hate this tune! Blegh!"
"I understand, partner. But ladies and gentlemen, last week…"
A video plays, showing the return of the Arab duo, Hassan and Daivari, as they cheated their way to a victory against Hulk Hogan and The Rock. The two enter the ring and make use of a microphone. It's hard to hear them over the boos from the crowd.
"When we made our return last week, we weren't received with warmth, appreciation or concern." Hassan begins with his voice full of embitterment, which Daivari repeats in Arabic. "You people cheered when The Undertaker nearly ended my career!" Hassan shouts, clearly upset, though mawkish in his ways, as the crowd cheers yet again. "You know what else you people cheer? A man that wears a mask…"
"What, like Hassan's masked assailants that beat Kane down in the back?" Cole shouts on his headset, clearly upset with the hypocritical tongue of Hassan, who is deaf to his complaints.
"Rey… Mysterio. That's who I'm talking about. You people love him, don't you?" Again, the crowd cheers, as Daivari's repetitious Arabic speech is drowned out. "Well, my friend Daivari will just have to put a stop to that, won't he?"
"WHAT'CHU GONNA DO WHEN WE COME FOR YOU?"
"Thank god, Cole. That speech was boring me to death!" Tazz passionately blurts out once Mysterio's music hits. In a lopsided match, the 619 speed devil makes easy work of Daivari, but Hassan is there to counter it, interfering while the referee's back is turned, smacking Mysterio with the United States Championship, which Hassan stole from ringside. It gives Daivari the opening he needs as the controversial cruiserweight picks up the victory. "Damn it!" Cole explicitly cries out at the announcing table. "This is getting old, Cole…" Tazz sympathetically shares his own opinion on the shenanigans of the two Arabs. But they aren't finished. Daivari picks Rey back up, yelling at the referee's attempts to stop them, as Hassan aims for Mysterio's head with the title belt. With a thud, Mysterio falls to the mat. Hassan shouts something at the audience.
"Did Hassan just say 'let's take off that mask', Cole?"
Daivari incomprehensibly blabbers something back to Hassan who smirks devilishly and stalks over to Mysterio, reaching for his head...
"It's Eddie Guerrero!"
"Latino Heat racing down to even the odds!"
Scampering out of the ring, Hassan and Daivari escape to live another day as Eddie hears applause for the crowd as they chant his name. Meanwhile, he consoles his battered friend, masked or not. "Damn good deed by Eddie!"
**********************************************
After a commercial break, the crowd rallies behind the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, but it doesn't stop him from being planted into the ring with a Killswitch, a devastating face-buster that rewards Christian with the Cruiserweight Championship. "New champ, Cole. Y'know I love the Nature Boy, but he got rocked by that Killswitch!" Cole's spirits are noticeably low as a result, as Christian and his scattered (yet mostly imaginary) "peeps" celebrate the win.
Cameras segue to the backstage area, where we see a bruised Rey Mysterio recovering after the attack from Muhammad Hassan, with Eddie Guerrero at his side. The crowd roars as none other than The Rock shows up to commend the Latin superstar's noble efforts to save his friend from a terrible humiliation. Eddie appreciates the remark and shakes hands with the People's Champ. "Well, I'll see ya out there later tonight." The Rock says before leaving. He means the singles match that is scheduled between himself and Eddie Guerrero. "Cool move by the Brahma Bull, Cole. I dig that."
"ONE OF A KIND!" The energetic rock theme for Rob Van Dam plays as his match with Chris Jericho, pompous as ever, gets underway. In a close contest, each combatant's wrestling style is contrasted against the other, with Jericho's technically sound and submission-savvy prowess mixing well against Van Dam's high-flying, acrobatic and unorthodox in-your-face martial arts. Jericho misses the Lionsault, holding his abdomen in pain, but then RVD misses his Five Star Frog Splash. Jericho rolls him up after evading the would-be match-ending maneuver and puts his feet on the ropes, knowing full well that it contradicts his entire claim of how Van Dam beat Batista last week.
"What the hell, Cole? First, Jericho jumps all over RVD for getting a controversial victory over Batista, who had his leg on the rope, and then Jericho does the same damn thing? Don't make no sense to me." Tazz comments in puzzled tones, which Cole shares to a lesser extent. He isn't as surprised, stating that Jericho has always been one to bend the rules, but that his argument against Mr. Thursday Night has definitely been blown out of the water now by his cheating ways.
Meanwhile, Rob Van Dam nods his head, mouthing words to Jericho who brashly retreats up the ramp, holding his neck in pain while holding up his other arm in victory to further irritate his duped opponent. Next, Batista is seen backstage in General Manager, Teddy Long's office, fiercely asking the sharp-dressed man who he'll be facing tonight, seeing as he's laid waste to just about everyone on SmackDown! over the past month and should be champion. "It's a surprise, playa. You're just gonna have to wait. Now, if you don't mind, I'd ilke to watch the next match. It's going to be a good one." Long looks away from the Animal and turns to the mounted big screen on the wall of his office.
"Wow!" Cole exclaims. "I've never seen anyone counter the Rock Bottom that way before, Tazz!"
"Me, neither, Cole! That was nuts! What a match! And it ain't over yet! Someone's feeling froggy!"
Eddie aims his frog splash, but misses. Upon standing up, The Rock swoops in for a second try at his trademark finishing move, but Guerrero beats him off, elbow after elbow, aiming a clothesline once the Great One spins around. But the People's Champion ducks and nails a thunderous Rock Bottom for the victory after a stellar show-stealing match. "What a spectacle, Cole. I've still got goosebumps! Whew!" Cole agrees as The Rock celebrates in the corner. Half of the crowd is still chanting "Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!" and The Rock knows it. He walks over to the recuperating Latino hoot and the two men shake hands again in the center of the ring. "A humble show of respect by the Brahma Bull."
Eddie's theme plays for a moment, as Latino Heat exits the ring in his own show of respect for the better man tonight. The Rock smiles and sees him off, but the crowd suddenly falls into a panic. Someone is standing behind The Rock.
"RANDY ORTON!"
"DON'T TURN AROUND, ROCK!"
"RKO! RKO! RKO!"
"THE ROCK JUST GOT LAID OUT, COLE!"
"WHAT IS RANDY ORTON DOING HERE?"
But the 3rd generation superstar stays mum on the subject and breezily exits the ring as SmackDown! takes its final commercial break.
***********************************************
A video plays showing Randy Orton's attack on The Rock before the commercial break. Cole is speechless as is Tazz. But someone puts an end to it.
"I'm sick of all these people talking out their heads…"
Batista commands a microphone. "So, Teddy, who's it going to be, huh? The Hurricane?" The animal asks with a chuckle. The SmackDown! GM comes onto the titantron. "No, big man, it's someone else. A real American." Batista raises an eyebrow, unimpressed and voices his suspicions. "Hogan? Seriously? Didn't I cost that old geezer enough in hospital bills already?" Teddy Long shakes his head and offers more than one answer to everyone in the arena and at home. "The Hulkster wanted a fresh start and I gave it to him. He's been traded to RAW. I can't excuse Randy Orton's actions, but he IS on SmackDown! now, playa." Batista's face flushes over with disbelief. "So, who is it?"
But the screen goes black. The whole arena, including Batista, falls into anxious suspense.
"YEAH! It's Kurt Angle, Cole! The only Olympic Gold Medalist in WWE history! What an acquisition by Teddy Long!"
"I agree 100%, partner. The Olympic Hero is looking in tremendous shape here tonight!"
Meanwhile, in the ring, Batista makes a "come on" gesture to the new SD! arrival, who is more than happy to oblige him. Angle wins the match after outsmarting the Animal and trapping his humongous legs with his own, as Batista is forced to tap out to the unforgivable ankle lock submission hold. Kurt Angle celebrates in the ring, the fans love it, Batista is clutching his ankle and glaring at the American Hero, as SmackDown! fades to black..
Episode 10 - SmackDown! After Judgment Day
The WWE intro plays, followed by:
Fireworks burst into the air, lighting up the stage as the crowd roars in retrospect of a great pay-per-view...
"Welcome to a temperamental episode of SmackDown! Fresh off a heated Judgment Day, tempers are still flaring, egos are bruised and we have one heck of main event!"
A graphic swings onto camera, showing a 60-minute Ironman Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. "The former champ went to GM Teddy Long and used his rematch clause. The Show-Stopper wants to prove all of these fans, including you and me, wrong tonight. It's a ballsy move in my eyes, Cole."
"You can't question HBK's heart, partner, but he's battling a Deadman tonight. It'll take more than heart to win back the championship..."
"I'm sick of all these people talking out their heads; I've never understood a damn thing that they said..."
Batista makes his way out through the curtain, posing on stage to a bombardment of fireworks. Blast after blast. "Damn, Cole! I think that entrance epitomizes how Batista feels after a tough loss last night at Judgment Day..."
"I think you're correct, Tazz, but we'll see how he fares against a superstar that won last night."
"ONE OF A KIND!" shrilly rings through the arena. "Rob Van Dam, Cole! Ready to kick your damn head off! Mr. Thursday Night back in action, ready to repeat his victory over SmackDown!'s resident superhero, the Hurricane, last Sunday at Judgment Day!"
Rob Van Dam's speed flusters Batista, whose anger is making him sloppy tonight. After a powerful slam, it seems that the tide has turned for the Animal, but Van Dam puts on a flurry of martial arts kicks and acrobatic escapes, using the ring as his own trapeze circus tent. "Y'know what he's thinking, Cole. Rolling Thunder! Look out! Lightning bolts coming down at ya!"
Batista absorbs the blow, grimacing in pain as Van Dam's smaller but still heavy frame crashes into him. The referee counts, not seeing Batista's foot as it stretches over the bottom rope.
"That's why he's Mr. Thursday Night, Cole!"
"Let's take a look at the replay, partner!"
Meanwhile, Batista is clearly upset, stamping his foot and nearly taking a murderous turn at the referee, who doesn't know what he did wrong. The replay alerts Cole and Tazz of the mistake made by the referee, but Van Dam is already gone. "Oh, man, Cole. Tonight not starting well for the 300 lb Animal, eh?" Cole agrees in a worried voice. "I hope Batista walks it off for once. It's no secret that the GM has had enough of his dastardly antics..."
"I'd be pissed too, Cole, but that's how the cookie crumbles. Glad it ain't me! Ha!"
****************************************
During a commercial break, a recap video plays to convince viewers to order the replay of Judgment Day, showing The Undertaker's narrow victory in the Fatal 5 Way match.
Then a video plays, showing the brawl between Ric Flair and newcomer, Carlito, who didn't see eye to eye after Flair's loss for the Tag Team Titles at Judgment Day.
"I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool." Carlito makes his entrance, smirking at the booing crowd who instantly hates him, tossing an apple up and down in his hand.
"WOO!" The crowd makes it clear who they favor in this one, the Nature Boy sporting a fabulous robe on his way down to the squared circle he knows so well.
"Nature Boy looks a bit hot under that robe, Cole, and I ain't talking temperature! Ha!"
"He has a right to be, Tazz. What insolence shown by Carlito at Judgment Day. It was uncalled for."
"Slow your horses, Cole. Let the two men settle it in the ring..."
Flair punishes the brash punk with some old-school style, showing him who the real "dirtiest player in the game" is, but Carlito jabs a finger into Flair's eye after Flair heatedly yells at the referee, who cowers away, taking his eyes off the action. It winds up being enough of a distraction for Carlito to sneak behind Flair and nail the Backstabber for his 2nd straight SD! win.
"Carlito one-upping the Nature Boy?"
"Exactly, Tazz. By cheating his way to a victory."
"Eh, that's how it is, Cole. Flair knows that. Second straight win for the new fella."
Backstage, the once-again new United States Champion, Rey Mysterio, walks into a somewhat dejected Eddie Guerrero's locker room. "Hey, Eddie... no hard feelings about last night, right?" He holds out an enclosed fist. Eddie shrugs, frowning momentarily, before smiling up at his masked pal, despite their competitive rivalry. "Right, ese..." Eddie bumps fists with the San Diego Sensation and stands up, a spark of glee entering him, the Eddie of old has returned. "We cool, holmes!" Rey nods, smiling back at his friend, who embraces him merrily.
"So, I heard you're locking up with Christian tonight."
"Got that right, holmes. I'mma show him what Latino Heat is all about, vato! Orale!"
"Alright, bro. Well, good luck. I'll see ya later, alright. I gotta run. My match is next..."
Rey Mysterio enters to massive applause. He interacts warmly with the fans, slapping outstretched hands and presenting a spare mask to a youngster in the crowd. "Gotta love Mysterio, Tazz! Making this night a special one for that young fan!" Tazz heartily agrees. "Representing the US well, eh, Cole? He's wearing that gold well."
Speaking of gold, Shelton Benjamin makes his way out, fresh off a victory over Charlie Haas at Judgment Day, looking to upset the high-flying lucha libre master tonight!
It's a close match-up, with Benjamin wowing the crowd with his own uncanny athleticism in contrast to Mysterio, who never gives Shelton a breath for safekeeping whatsoever! "Looking to fly!" But in a repeat of match with Shawn Michaels from years past, Benjamin superkicks the 619 speed devil on the way down, making for an instant classic moment. 1 - 2 - 3!
"What a match, Cole! And what a kick! Jeez! Mysterio's head's gotta be ringing after that one!"
****************************************
Backstage, Rob Van Dam is taking off his ring gear in the locker room when a condescending Chris Jericho struts into frame, speaking cynically to Mr. Thursday Night. "You call that a victory, Van Dam? Huh? That was pathetic. But that's what losers do, run away when a bull is on their toes. Losers... like... you, Van Dam." RVD doesn't like what he is hearing and stands up, gets in Jericho's face, and says he doesn't know what Jericho is talking about, that he beat Batista fair and square, 1-2-3. "That's what I do best, 'Y-2-J.' Ya wanna find out personally?"
Jericho merely chuckles, cockily as always, outmatching Van Dam's own confidence as he walks away. Van Dam shakes his head as the cameras fall back onto Michael Cole & Tazz at ringside. "The hell was that about?" Tazz remarks, but Cole can only throw up his hands in ignorance. "Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, we want to thank everyone in the WWE universe that ordered Judgment Day. It was a huge success and we owe its success to the loyal fans of WWE." Tazz butts in abruptly. "And loyal fans of SmackDown!, Cole. Those numbers had to hurt RAW's chances to put on a better product, eh?" Cole wants to agree, half-nodding his head, but before he can verbally respond, Eddie Guerrero's music plays as a low-rider arrives!
"Latino Heat, Cole! Back to his old self after a tough loss at Judgment Day!"
Photo stills show of the astounding ladder match between Guerrero and Mysterio at the PPV.
"Go!"
"If you close your eyes..." Christian makes his way down to the ring, not shy enough to keep his newly earned tag team championship belt backstage as it fits perfectly around his waist. He slaps it with a smug grin on his face, waving to his "peeps", who must be imaginary as the crowd boos him something fierce. In a close match, Christian shocks the arena as he lands a Killswitch for the upset victory over the fan favorite Guerrero.
"Captain Charisma looking good. New championship belt, same old style. I like it, Cole!"
"At least he didn't cheat his way to a victory tonight. I wish I could say the same for that title around his waist..."
"Aw, c'mon, Cole. Don't be a stick in the mud. Christian got a great win tonight over one of SmackDown's finest!"
****************************************
After a commercial break, The Undertaker is seen backstage, meditating in the darkness, a dark silhouette getting a popular rise out of the crowd, the gold sheen of the title belt nearby.
"I wonder what's brooding in the Phenom's mind tonight. Other than tearing HBK's head off in a guaranteed rocket-buster!"
"Nobody could say, Tazz, but that man--" The camera cuts to HBK, lacing up his boots backstage. "Might just find out, for better or worse."
IF YA SMELL!!!!!
"Well, this guy can't be thrilled about not regaining the title HBK sneaked away from him way back when, but the most electrifying man in sports entertainment is lookin' pumped!" There is a passion in the Brahma Bull's eyes tonight, one of hunger and conviction. The Hulkster steals the crowd from The Great One next, using "I am a real American" like he did at the PPV.
"And the opponents..." Tony Chimel is left to wonder, as the participants have not been disclosed prior to the show.
"Oh, gawd... not again, Cole. Can't these guys just stay away?"
"I'm as surprised as you are, partner. But Hassan looks to have recovered from that throat injury at the hands of the World Champion two weeks ago."
"I wish he'd stay injured. Ha! And what's the deal with this creepy music? I can't stand it, Cole!"
The Rock and Hogan overpower Hassan and Daivari, which makes for some crowd-pleasing moments. They're the bad guys everybody loves to see get what's coming to them, but in their steely and wily fashion, they pull a fast one and use the ropes to get a cheat of a win over the two crowd favorites! "See what I told ya, Cole? These guys ain't good for nothing!"
****************************************
"Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is time..." Cole lastly informs the television audience at home, as a gong rouses a hushed frenzy from the crowd. It sounds again, and druids come out from the stage, marking the Phenom's first official title defense. All of them are wielding torches that ignite the dark arena. The gong sounds again and a shadowy figure appears on the stage.
Tazz and Cole stay silent as the energy of the crowd continues to rise, with a dark mist shrouding the arena floor.
The Undertaker's music finally begins to play. Once he makes his way down to the ring in his slow menacing gait, Tony Chimel says, "From Death Valley, the NEW World Heavyweight Champion... The... Under... Taker!" The Undertaker glides into the ring, removes his hat and turns on the light with his demonic mystical talents. After a moment of awe, a guitar plays.
"Here comes the bitter former champ, Cole."
"Look at HBK, Tazz. Not even acknowledging the boos from the crowd..."
"They didn't bother him at Judgment Day, and they ain't bothering him now, Cole! That man, HBK, is in the zone... deep in the zone."
"So is that man, Tazz..." The camera turns to The Undertaker and what follows is an hour-long grudge match that puts the audience on the edge of their seats, at home and in the arena.
Only five minutes left, and HBK is playing catch-up, down 6 falls to 2. He outwrestles the Demon from Death Valley and earns a sneaky point after a backslide pinfall. "The score is now 6 to 3." Tony Chimel informs the crowd. The ominous atmosphere, desperate with panic for the Heartbreak Kid, who knows he's under the wire now, grows a bit tenser. HBK aims Sweet Chin Music, but The Undertaker dodges and sends Michaels flying out of the ring, who gets catcalled by the audience, but he is still deaf to their abuse. He winces in pain and climbs into the ring, eager to shred the distance of points with god as his witness. But the Undertaker is still fearsomely protecting his championship reign, which has yet to blossom due to this grueling affair; he is not going to let Michaels come back without one hell of a resistance. But Shawn Michaels steals the show, reversing the Last Ride into Sweet Chin Music for a 4th point.
"Trims the Deadman's lead down to 2, Cole."
"But time is running out for the Show-Stopper, partner..."
In the thrilling final two minutes, the Undertaker nearly tombstones HBK into oblivion but is knocked into the referee, which makes the Phenom stumble back. He dodges Sweet Chin Music and tries for a big boot, but Michaels ducks and rolls up the larger man for a dangerous 5th point, which edges the lead to only one! The final minute has HBK pulling out all the stops, trying a moonsault with little time to spare. "30 seconds, Cole, near fall!" The Undertaker sits up, enraged. HBK hurls himself at the Deadman and nails a hurried elbow drop.
"He's tuning up the band for a quick--and I mean, quick--encore performance!"
"The champion slowly regaining his footing..."
"Sweet Chin Music! Here it comes!"
But The Undertaker ducks his head and scoops the Heartbreak Kid into the air, easily over his shoulder and drives him into the mat for a devastating, show-stopper stopping Tombstone Piledriver. Clasping Shawn's hands together over his chest, the Demon from Death Valley sticks out a wicked tongue and rolls back his eyes, scoring a decisive 7th fall as time expires.
"What is there to say, Cole? HBK gave everything he had, but one key reversal put him out of his misery!"
"That it did, partner. What a terrific, come-from-behind effort by the one and only Show-Stopper, but it was to no avail."
"Look at that sick dude! I love it!" A final replay precedes the one-knee celebration by The Undertaker who has retained his championship.
"Who is going to be able to stop The Undertaker, Cole? Who?"
The Undertaker turns to Shawn Michaels, who has recovered to his feet, but his spirits have only plummeted further. The Phenom extends a hand, a show of respect, but HBK slaps it away and makes a shoving gesture towards the crowd as he exits the ring, shouting to himself. The Undertaker's celebration resumes as SmackDown! closes to an omen of purple lights.
Fireworks burst into the air, lighting up the stage as the crowd roars in retrospect of a great pay-per-view...
"Welcome to a temperamental episode of SmackDown! Fresh off a heated Judgment Day, tempers are still flaring, egos are bruised and we have one heck of main event!"
A graphic swings onto camera, showing a 60-minute Ironman Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. "The former champ went to GM Teddy Long and used his rematch clause. The Show-Stopper wants to prove all of these fans, including you and me, wrong tonight. It's a ballsy move in my eyes, Cole."
"You can't question HBK's heart, partner, but he's battling a Deadman tonight. It'll take more than heart to win back the championship..."
"I'm sick of all these people talking out their heads; I've never understood a damn thing that they said..."
Batista makes his way out through the curtain, posing on stage to a bombardment of fireworks. Blast after blast. "Damn, Cole! I think that entrance epitomizes how Batista feels after a tough loss last night at Judgment Day..."
"I think you're correct, Tazz, but we'll see how he fares against a superstar that won last night."
"ONE OF A KIND!" shrilly rings through the arena. "Rob Van Dam, Cole! Ready to kick your damn head off! Mr. Thursday Night back in action, ready to repeat his victory over SmackDown!'s resident superhero, the Hurricane, last Sunday at Judgment Day!"
Rob Van Dam's speed flusters Batista, whose anger is making him sloppy tonight. After a powerful slam, it seems that the tide has turned for the Animal, but Van Dam puts on a flurry of martial arts kicks and acrobatic escapes, using the ring as his own trapeze circus tent. "Y'know what he's thinking, Cole. Rolling Thunder! Look out! Lightning bolts coming down at ya!"
Batista absorbs the blow, grimacing in pain as Van Dam's smaller but still heavy frame crashes into him. The referee counts, not seeing Batista's foot as it stretches over the bottom rope.
"That's why he's Mr. Thursday Night, Cole!"
"Let's take a look at the replay, partner!"
Meanwhile, Batista is clearly upset, stamping his foot and nearly taking a murderous turn at the referee, who doesn't know what he did wrong. The replay alerts Cole and Tazz of the mistake made by the referee, but Van Dam is already gone. "Oh, man, Cole. Tonight not starting well for the 300 lb Animal, eh?" Cole agrees in a worried voice. "I hope Batista walks it off for once. It's no secret that the GM has had enough of his dastardly antics..."
"I'd be pissed too, Cole, but that's how the cookie crumbles. Glad it ain't me! Ha!"
****************************************
During a commercial break, a recap video plays to convince viewers to order the replay of Judgment Day, showing The Undertaker's narrow victory in the Fatal 5 Way match.
Then a video plays, showing the brawl between Ric Flair and newcomer, Carlito, who didn't see eye to eye after Flair's loss for the Tag Team Titles at Judgment Day.
"I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool." Carlito makes his entrance, smirking at the booing crowd who instantly hates him, tossing an apple up and down in his hand.
"WOO!" The crowd makes it clear who they favor in this one, the Nature Boy sporting a fabulous robe on his way down to the squared circle he knows so well.
"Nature Boy looks a bit hot under that robe, Cole, and I ain't talking temperature! Ha!"
"He has a right to be, Tazz. What insolence shown by Carlito at Judgment Day. It was uncalled for."
"Slow your horses, Cole. Let the two men settle it in the ring..."
Flair punishes the brash punk with some old-school style, showing him who the real "dirtiest player in the game" is, but Carlito jabs a finger into Flair's eye after Flair heatedly yells at the referee, who cowers away, taking his eyes off the action. It winds up being enough of a distraction for Carlito to sneak behind Flair and nail the Backstabber for his 2nd straight SD! win.
"Carlito one-upping the Nature Boy?"
"Exactly, Tazz. By cheating his way to a victory."
"Eh, that's how it is, Cole. Flair knows that. Second straight win for the new fella."
Backstage, the once-again new United States Champion, Rey Mysterio, walks into a somewhat dejected Eddie Guerrero's locker room. "Hey, Eddie... no hard feelings about last night, right?" He holds out an enclosed fist. Eddie shrugs, frowning momentarily, before smiling up at his masked pal, despite their competitive rivalry. "Right, ese..." Eddie bumps fists with the San Diego Sensation and stands up, a spark of glee entering him, the Eddie of old has returned. "We cool, holmes!" Rey nods, smiling back at his friend, who embraces him merrily.
"So, I heard you're locking up with Christian tonight."
"Got that right, holmes. I'mma show him what Latino Heat is all about, vato! Orale!"
"Alright, bro. Well, good luck. I'll see ya later, alright. I gotta run. My match is next..."
Rey Mysterio enters to massive applause. He interacts warmly with the fans, slapping outstretched hands and presenting a spare mask to a youngster in the crowd. "Gotta love Mysterio, Tazz! Making this night a special one for that young fan!" Tazz heartily agrees. "Representing the US well, eh, Cole? He's wearing that gold well."
Speaking of gold, Shelton Benjamin makes his way out, fresh off a victory over Charlie Haas at Judgment Day, looking to upset the high-flying lucha libre master tonight!
It's a close match-up, with Benjamin wowing the crowd with his own uncanny athleticism in contrast to Mysterio, who never gives Shelton a breath for safekeeping whatsoever! "Looking to fly!" But in a repeat of match with Shawn Michaels from years past, Benjamin superkicks the 619 speed devil on the way down, making for an instant classic moment. 1 - 2 - 3!
"What a match, Cole! And what a kick! Jeez! Mysterio's head's gotta be ringing after that one!"
****************************************
Backstage, Rob Van Dam is taking off his ring gear in the locker room when a condescending Chris Jericho struts into frame, speaking cynically to Mr. Thursday Night. "You call that a victory, Van Dam? Huh? That was pathetic. But that's what losers do, run away when a bull is on their toes. Losers... like... you, Van Dam." RVD doesn't like what he is hearing and stands up, gets in Jericho's face, and says he doesn't know what Jericho is talking about, that he beat Batista fair and square, 1-2-3. "That's what I do best, 'Y-2-J.' Ya wanna find out personally?"
Jericho merely chuckles, cockily as always, outmatching Van Dam's own confidence as he walks away. Van Dam shakes his head as the cameras fall back onto Michael Cole & Tazz at ringside. "The hell was that about?" Tazz remarks, but Cole can only throw up his hands in ignorance. "Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, we want to thank everyone in the WWE universe that ordered Judgment Day. It was a huge success and we owe its success to the loyal fans of WWE." Tazz butts in abruptly. "And loyal fans of SmackDown!, Cole. Those numbers had to hurt RAW's chances to put on a better product, eh?" Cole wants to agree, half-nodding his head, but before he can verbally respond, Eddie Guerrero's music plays as a low-rider arrives!
"Latino Heat, Cole! Back to his old self after a tough loss at Judgment Day!"
Photo stills show of the astounding ladder match between Guerrero and Mysterio at the PPV.
"Go!"
"If you close your eyes..." Christian makes his way down to the ring, not shy enough to keep his newly earned tag team championship belt backstage as it fits perfectly around his waist. He slaps it with a smug grin on his face, waving to his "peeps", who must be imaginary as the crowd boos him something fierce. In a close match, Christian shocks the arena as he lands a Killswitch for the upset victory over the fan favorite Guerrero.
"Captain Charisma looking good. New championship belt, same old style. I like it, Cole!"
"At least he didn't cheat his way to a victory tonight. I wish I could say the same for that title around his waist..."
"Aw, c'mon, Cole. Don't be a stick in the mud. Christian got a great win tonight over one of SmackDown's finest!"
****************************************
After a commercial break, The Undertaker is seen backstage, meditating in the darkness, a dark silhouette getting a popular rise out of the crowd, the gold sheen of the title belt nearby.
"I wonder what's brooding in the Phenom's mind tonight. Other than tearing HBK's head off in a guaranteed rocket-buster!"
"Nobody could say, Tazz, but that man--" The camera cuts to HBK, lacing up his boots backstage. "Might just find out, for better or worse."
IF YA SMELL!!!!!
"Well, this guy can't be thrilled about not regaining the title HBK sneaked away from him way back when, but the most electrifying man in sports entertainment is lookin' pumped!" There is a passion in the Brahma Bull's eyes tonight, one of hunger and conviction. The Hulkster steals the crowd from The Great One next, using "I am a real American" like he did at the PPV.
"And the opponents..." Tony Chimel is left to wonder, as the participants have not been disclosed prior to the show.
"Oh, gawd... not again, Cole. Can't these guys just stay away?"
"I'm as surprised as you are, partner. But Hassan looks to have recovered from that throat injury at the hands of the World Champion two weeks ago."
"I wish he'd stay injured. Ha! And what's the deal with this creepy music? I can't stand it, Cole!"
The Rock and Hogan overpower Hassan and Daivari, which makes for some crowd-pleasing moments. They're the bad guys everybody loves to see get what's coming to them, but in their steely and wily fashion, they pull a fast one and use the ropes to get a cheat of a win over the two crowd favorites! "See what I told ya, Cole? These guys ain't good for nothing!"
****************************************
"Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is time..." Cole lastly informs the television audience at home, as a gong rouses a hushed frenzy from the crowd. It sounds again, and druids come out from the stage, marking the Phenom's first official title defense. All of them are wielding torches that ignite the dark arena. The gong sounds again and a shadowy figure appears on the stage.
Tazz and Cole stay silent as the energy of the crowd continues to rise, with a dark mist shrouding the arena floor.
The Undertaker's music finally begins to play. Once he makes his way down to the ring in his slow menacing gait, Tony Chimel says, "From Death Valley, the NEW World Heavyweight Champion... The... Under... Taker!" The Undertaker glides into the ring, removes his hat and turns on the light with his demonic mystical talents. After a moment of awe, a guitar plays.
"Here comes the bitter former champ, Cole."
"Look at HBK, Tazz. Not even acknowledging the boos from the crowd..."
"They didn't bother him at Judgment Day, and they ain't bothering him now, Cole! That man, HBK, is in the zone... deep in the zone."
"So is that man, Tazz..." The camera turns to The Undertaker and what follows is an hour-long grudge match that puts the audience on the edge of their seats, at home and in the arena.
Only five minutes left, and HBK is playing catch-up, down 6 falls to 2. He outwrestles the Demon from Death Valley and earns a sneaky point after a backslide pinfall. "The score is now 6 to 3." Tony Chimel informs the crowd. The ominous atmosphere, desperate with panic for the Heartbreak Kid, who knows he's under the wire now, grows a bit tenser. HBK aims Sweet Chin Music, but The Undertaker dodges and sends Michaels flying out of the ring, who gets catcalled by the audience, but he is still deaf to their abuse. He winces in pain and climbs into the ring, eager to shred the distance of points with god as his witness. But the Undertaker is still fearsomely protecting his championship reign, which has yet to blossom due to this grueling affair; he is not going to let Michaels come back without one hell of a resistance. But Shawn Michaels steals the show, reversing the Last Ride into Sweet Chin Music for a 4th point.
"Trims the Deadman's lead down to 2, Cole."
"But time is running out for the Show-Stopper, partner..."
In the thrilling final two minutes, the Undertaker nearly tombstones HBK into oblivion but is knocked into the referee, which makes the Phenom stumble back. He dodges Sweet Chin Music and tries for a big boot, but Michaels ducks and rolls up the larger man for a dangerous 5th point, which edges the lead to only one! The final minute has HBK pulling out all the stops, trying a moonsault with little time to spare. "30 seconds, Cole, near fall!" The Undertaker sits up, enraged. HBK hurls himself at the Deadman and nails a hurried elbow drop.
"He's tuning up the band for a quick--and I mean, quick--encore performance!"
"The champion slowly regaining his footing..."
"Sweet Chin Music! Here it comes!"
But The Undertaker ducks his head and scoops the Heartbreak Kid into the air, easily over his shoulder and drives him into the mat for a devastating, show-stopper stopping Tombstone Piledriver. Clasping Shawn's hands together over his chest, the Demon from Death Valley sticks out a wicked tongue and rolls back his eyes, scoring a decisive 7th fall as time expires.
"What is there to say, Cole? HBK gave everything he had, but one key reversal put him out of his misery!"
"That it did, partner. What a terrific, come-from-behind effort by the one and only Show-Stopper, but it was to no avail."
"Look at that sick dude! I love it!" A final replay precedes the one-knee celebration by The Undertaker who has retained his championship.
"Who is going to be able to stop The Undertaker, Cole? Who?"
The Undertaker turns to Shawn Michaels, who has recovered to his feet, but his spirits have only plummeted further. The Phenom extends a hand, a show of respect, but HBK slaps it away and makes a shoving gesture towards the crowd as he exits the ring, shouting to himself. The Undertaker's celebration resumes as SmackDown! closes to an omen of purple lights.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Episode 9 - Judgment Day
The WWE intro plays, followed by the intro for Judgment Day!
A heap of fireworks ignite, signaling the start of a highly anticipated rendition of the annual, Judgment Day, an exclusive pay-per-view of SmackDown!
"Judgment Day is upon us, ladies and gentlemen. The superstars of SmackDown! will discover what fates await them in the ring tonight!"
There is a steel cage lining the ring from up above, but first... it's a bird... it's a plane... no, it's...
"STAND BACK! There's a hurricane coming through..."
"Are there supposed to be world disasters on Judgment Day too, Cole? Ha! It's good to see SmackDown!'s resident superhero, eh?"
It's the first time since Wrestlemania that Rob Van Dam will live up to his moniker of "Mister Pay-Per-View", as Tazz makes known to Cole at ringside, as the high-flying machine enters the ring, declaring his name with the use of his thumbs. But right away, the Hurricane soars into the air and body presses the confident superstar over the ropes with him. Both men return to the ring and put together one hell of an opening match, taunting one another and maintaining a high tempo. The crowd loves it.
"This match is off the chain, Cole!"
Hitting a swinging neckbreaker, the Hurricane is shocked when RVD narrowly escapes defeat. But eats a martial arts kick for his disbelief, which then leads to a devastating five star frog splash that silences the super hero!
"Nobody gets higher than Mr. Pay-Per-View, Rob Van Dam! Not even The Hurricane!"
"A great opening contest for Judgment Day..."
***************************
Backstage, Eddie Guerrero is found in his dressing room by Rey Mysterio. "Whassup, man?" They pump fists. "Horale, amigo, coma estes? We here at Judgment Day on pay-per-view, vato!" Rey nods, sharing in the excitement of being given the opportunity to shine extra bright tonight for WWE and for SmackDown!. But he has a request. "On SmackDown!, bro, you got my number. I had nothing left after that one, Eddie. But I'm here to ask you for a rematch." Eddie returns the sentiments, saying he had barely enough to get the pin and nothing else.
After a moment of consideration, Eddie smiles at Rey, grateful for the opportunity to win back the US Championship earlier. "Sure, holmes. We can do that." Rey shakes Guerrero's hand. As he's walking out, he turns back and says...
"Oh, and Eddie, the GM wants to make it a ladder match. Ha-ha..." Mysterio gives a raspy laugh. "See ya out there."
Eddie shakes his head in avid disbelief, laughing it off, still stoked for the occasion as he clutches the title.
"Ladder match, Cole? Wow..."
"AIN'T NO STOPPIN' ME NOW!" Shelton Benjamin, sporting his new blond look, makes his way to the ring. A video shows his cheap win over his former tag team partner, Charlie Haas, who enters next. The two have a much closer match this time, one full of near falls and technical prowess. After an offensive exchange, Shelton nails the t-bone suplex for the win.
"Benjamin pulled out a tough win tonight. Hat's off to Haas, though. He got some payback here tonight as well."
The camera pans backstage and dawns upon the World Champion, Shawn Michaels, who is spoken of as being the underdog tonight by Cole at ringside in light of the 4 to 1 odds tonight in the main event match. The camera quickly cuts away to show Batista, the man who beat HBK to earn his chance at the title tonight. "That man is dangerous. And hungry..."
***************************
As the new tag team champions make their entrance, garnering heat from the crowd, a video plays showing how they dethroned Chris Masters and Ric Flair, who are set for a rematch tonight. The cage ominously descends from above, clearly the malicious fifth element of the match to follow, as the crowd favorites, the Masterpiece & the Nature Boy make their arrival.
After climbing out, Masters is rooting for Flair and Jericho is rooting for Christian, but it isn't that easy. Flair is busted open and Christian is weathered from the assault by Masters and being taken to school by the crimson mask known as Flair.
Running past the Masterpiece, Y2J slams the cage door on Flair's head as he threatens to escape and win back the titles. Jericho gets manhandled by Masters for his efforts, but is stopped by the referee as he tries to revive Flair, seeing Christian make a break for it at the other end of the steel cage. The referee won't let him enter the ring again. Flair recovers momentarily, but it is too late as Captain Charisma slithers out of the menacing metal prison. Afterward, Jericho and Christian celebrate to unanimous boos from the bummed crowd.
A video shows the exhilarating friendly rivalry between Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio to hype up the ladder match. Ladders are set up in the ring, but the cameras deviate to Ric Flair, who is upset about the loss moments ago. But Carlito isn't sympathetic. He makes one snide remark too many and spits his apple on Flair. The Nature Boy explodes, bloodied and all, as the two brawl in the backstage area, eventually mediated by a hurrying Masters. "Come on, partner! He's not worth it!" Masters fends off the smaller Puerto Rican loudmouth with ease.
"The following ladder match is for the United States Championship!" Tony Chimel informs the crowd, who is relieved to hear it after the nasty altercation backstage moments ago.
In yet ANOTHER break-necking showdown, Guerrero is inches away from grabbing the gold. The two men have brutalized each other, showing that not even friendship can erase competition, as both competitors are lured by the championship prize, with the ladders scatttered around ringside. Many 'oohs', 'OMGs' and 'holy sh*ts' have come from the crowd.
"The San Diego Star! Look out!" Tazz exclaims in alarmed surprise, but Mysterio is already wrapped around Guerrero, whom he yanks down to the canvas with a sensational hurricanrana off the ladder, an instant flash-bulb favorite as the audience's collective hearts stops. Eddie tumbles to the mat and Rey slowly recovers and finally grabs the elusive title.
"Rey's victory tonight epitomizes this back-and-forth rivalry, Tazz. What a win for the San Diego Sensation."
"Got that right. Sucks for Guerrero, but damn-- what a match!"
The camera cuts to Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, respectively, who are seen walking through the corridors, the final hallway on the road to Judgment Day...
***************************
A fantastic promotional video plays, showcasing the best moments involving each competitor in the imminent main event, set to sinister supernal themes as a spooky voice declares:
"Tonight... judgment comes for all."
Afterwards, SmackDown! GM, Theodore Long, is in the ring... "And now, your main event, a fatal 5 way match for the WORLD - HEAVYWEIGHT - CHAMPIONSHIP!"
"IF YA SMELL!!!!!!!!!!"
Cheers.
"I WALK ALONE!!!!!"
Cheers and boos.
"I AM A REAL AMERICAN..."
Cheers.
"THE...UNDER-TAKER!!!!!!!!"
Cheers and chills.
"I'M JUST A SEXY BOY!!!!!!"
Jeers and the champion returns the favor, gesturing insolently at the crowd, clearly not liking the odds or his treatment by the crowd compared to the response for the challengers.
In the main event, all five men make it clear that each one of them wants to walk out as World Heavyweight Champion. "You can't blame HBK for being foul, though, Cole. Most of the fans are have already singled him out as the one NOT walking out the champion. That's hard to swallow, Cole, believe me." But HBK proves everybody wrong, holding his own despite the odds.
But it isn't enough.
In the heated finale, Batista hits Hogan with a crippling Batista Bomb after Hogan hits Rock with his legendary Atomic Leg Drop, who then gets blind-sided by HBK with Sweet Chin Music, who... then gets tombstoned by the Undertaker for the victory. Undertaker celebrates and the crowd is ecstatic! "I gotta say, Cole, it's kind of fitting that the darkest dude in Death Valley is walking out of Judgment Day as the World Heavyweight Champion."
A heap of fireworks ignite, signaling the start of a highly anticipated rendition of the annual, Judgment Day, an exclusive pay-per-view of SmackDown!
"Judgment Day is upon us, ladies and gentlemen. The superstars of SmackDown! will discover what fates await them in the ring tonight!"
There is a steel cage lining the ring from up above, but first... it's a bird... it's a plane... no, it's...
"STAND BACK! There's a hurricane coming through..."
"Are there supposed to be world disasters on Judgment Day too, Cole? Ha! It's good to see SmackDown!'s resident superhero, eh?"
It's the first time since Wrestlemania that Rob Van Dam will live up to his moniker of "Mister Pay-Per-View", as Tazz makes known to Cole at ringside, as the high-flying machine enters the ring, declaring his name with the use of his thumbs. But right away, the Hurricane soars into the air and body presses the confident superstar over the ropes with him. Both men return to the ring and put together one hell of an opening match, taunting one another and maintaining a high tempo. The crowd loves it.
"This match is off the chain, Cole!"
Hitting a swinging neckbreaker, the Hurricane is shocked when RVD narrowly escapes defeat. But eats a martial arts kick for his disbelief, which then leads to a devastating five star frog splash that silences the super hero!
"Nobody gets higher than Mr. Pay-Per-View, Rob Van Dam! Not even The Hurricane!"
"A great opening contest for Judgment Day..."
***************************
Backstage, Eddie Guerrero is found in his dressing room by Rey Mysterio. "Whassup, man?" They pump fists. "Horale, amigo, coma estes? We here at Judgment Day on pay-per-view, vato!" Rey nods, sharing in the excitement of being given the opportunity to shine extra bright tonight for WWE and for SmackDown!. But he has a request. "On SmackDown!, bro, you got my number. I had nothing left after that one, Eddie. But I'm here to ask you for a rematch." Eddie returns the sentiments, saying he had barely enough to get the pin and nothing else.
After a moment of consideration, Eddie smiles at Rey, grateful for the opportunity to win back the US Championship earlier. "Sure, holmes. We can do that." Rey shakes Guerrero's hand. As he's walking out, he turns back and says...
"Oh, and Eddie, the GM wants to make it a ladder match. Ha-ha..." Mysterio gives a raspy laugh. "See ya out there."
Eddie shakes his head in avid disbelief, laughing it off, still stoked for the occasion as he clutches the title.
"Ladder match, Cole? Wow..."
"AIN'T NO STOPPIN' ME NOW!" Shelton Benjamin, sporting his new blond look, makes his way to the ring. A video shows his cheap win over his former tag team partner, Charlie Haas, who enters next. The two have a much closer match this time, one full of near falls and technical prowess. After an offensive exchange, Shelton nails the t-bone suplex for the win.
"Benjamin pulled out a tough win tonight. Hat's off to Haas, though. He got some payback here tonight as well."
The camera pans backstage and dawns upon the World Champion, Shawn Michaels, who is spoken of as being the underdog tonight by Cole at ringside in light of the 4 to 1 odds tonight in the main event match. The camera quickly cuts away to show Batista, the man who beat HBK to earn his chance at the title tonight. "That man is dangerous. And hungry..."
***************************
As the new tag team champions make their entrance, garnering heat from the crowd, a video plays showing how they dethroned Chris Masters and Ric Flair, who are set for a rematch tonight. The cage ominously descends from above, clearly the malicious fifth element of the match to follow, as the crowd favorites, the Masterpiece & the Nature Boy make their arrival.
After climbing out, Masters is rooting for Flair and Jericho is rooting for Christian, but it isn't that easy. Flair is busted open and Christian is weathered from the assault by Masters and being taken to school by the crimson mask known as Flair.
Running past the Masterpiece, Y2J slams the cage door on Flair's head as he threatens to escape and win back the titles. Jericho gets manhandled by Masters for his efforts, but is stopped by the referee as he tries to revive Flair, seeing Christian make a break for it at the other end of the steel cage. The referee won't let him enter the ring again. Flair recovers momentarily, but it is too late as Captain Charisma slithers out of the menacing metal prison. Afterward, Jericho and Christian celebrate to unanimous boos from the bummed crowd.
A video shows the exhilarating friendly rivalry between Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio to hype up the ladder match. Ladders are set up in the ring, but the cameras deviate to Ric Flair, who is upset about the loss moments ago. But Carlito isn't sympathetic. He makes one snide remark too many and spits his apple on Flair. The Nature Boy explodes, bloodied and all, as the two brawl in the backstage area, eventually mediated by a hurrying Masters. "Come on, partner! He's not worth it!" Masters fends off the smaller Puerto Rican loudmouth with ease.
"The following ladder match is for the United States Championship!" Tony Chimel informs the crowd, who is relieved to hear it after the nasty altercation backstage moments ago.
In yet ANOTHER break-necking showdown, Guerrero is inches away from grabbing the gold. The two men have brutalized each other, showing that not even friendship can erase competition, as both competitors are lured by the championship prize, with the ladders scatttered around ringside. Many 'oohs', 'OMGs' and 'holy sh*ts' have come from the crowd.
"The San Diego Star! Look out!" Tazz exclaims in alarmed surprise, but Mysterio is already wrapped around Guerrero, whom he yanks down to the canvas with a sensational hurricanrana off the ladder, an instant flash-bulb favorite as the audience's collective hearts stops. Eddie tumbles to the mat and Rey slowly recovers and finally grabs the elusive title.
"Rey's victory tonight epitomizes this back-and-forth rivalry, Tazz. What a win for the San Diego Sensation."
"Got that right. Sucks for Guerrero, but damn-- what a match!"
The camera cuts to Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, respectively, who are seen walking through the corridors, the final hallway on the road to Judgment Day...
***************************
A fantastic promotional video plays, showcasing the best moments involving each competitor in the imminent main event, set to sinister supernal themes as a spooky voice declares:
"Tonight... judgment comes for all."
Afterwards, SmackDown! GM, Theodore Long, is in the ring... "And now, your main event, a fatal 5 way match for the WORLD - HEAVYWEIGHT - CHAMPIONSHIP!"
"IF YA SMELL!!!!!!!!!!"
Cheers.
"I WALK ALONE!!!!!"
Cheers and boos.
"I AM A REAL AMERICAN..."
Cheers.
"THE...UNDER-TAKER!!!!!!!!"
Cheers and chills.
"I'M JUST A SEXY BOY!!!!!!"
Jeers and the champion returns the favor, gesturing insolently at the crowd, clearly not liking the odds or his treatment by the crowd compared to the response for the challengers.
In the main event, all five men make it clear that each one of them wants to walk out as World Heavyweight Champion. "You can't blame HBK for being foul, though, Cole. Most of the fans are have already singled him out as the one NOT walking out the champion. That's hard to swallow, Cole, believe me." But HBK proves everybody wrong, holding his own despite the odds.
But it isn't enough.
In the heated finale, Batista hits Hogan with a crippling Batista Bomb after Hogan hits Rock with his legendary Atomic Leg Drop, who then gets blind-sided by HBK with Sweet Chin Music, who... then gets tombstoned by the Undertaker for the victory. Undertaker celebrates and the crowd is ecstatic! "I gotta say, Cole, it's kind of fitting that the darkest dude in Death Valley is walking out of Judgment Day as the World Heavyweight Champion."
Episode 8 - Last SD! Before Judgment Day
The WWE intro plays, followed by:
Fireworks of blue hues dazzle a pumped audience, just two days before Judgment Day!
"What an action-packed, star-studded edition of SmackDown! we have in store tonight, everybody!"
The cameras dawn upon SmackDown!'s commentary duo, Michael Cole and Tazz, the former nearly bursting from his seat with the other resting in a smoldering ecstasy!
"Not only do we have scheduled what is sure to be another five-star encounter between Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio for the United States Championship, a triple threat preview of the championship match this sunday at Judgment Day, but we also have a contest that will determine what kind of main event there will be AT Judgment Day for the coveted World Heavyweight Championship!"
"You're excited, Cole! I'm excited! It's SmackDown!, baby! I don't know whose more pumped-- you and me or these crazy fans!"
"Well, let's not keep 'em waiting, partner! The first match is about to start!"
"VIVA LA RAZA!" The crowd ejects from their seats at the sound. Eddie Guerrero makes his colorful arrival in a shimmering gold truck, honking the horn a few times to the delight of the crowd. "Ha-ha, I'm lovin' it, Cole! Latino Heat rollin' in with style, lookin' to ride out with some familar US championship gold around his waist! Viva la raza, Cole!" Tazz rambles something about the Spanish language, as if Cole knows any more about it than he does, they both laugh as Eddie makes his lively entrance into the ring.
"Rey-Rey, ready to razzle and dazzle the crowd tonight, with his high-flying lucha libre style, in this definite rocket-buster of a match, Cole!" Meanwhile, at ringside, Mysterio gives a child in the crowd a spare mask. "Rey Mysterio, showing appreciation to the fans..." Cole says in an admiring tone. The camera shows Guerrero smiling at the gesture.
The two friends stare each other down in the ring, the audience split in favor of each party. "Eddie had to win a 2 out of 3 falls match to get here tonight. Now is his chance to win back the US Championship..." Cole explains, the only words spoken before the two men lock up and kick off a frenetic, back-and-forth technical display with enough high-flying moves to compete with an amusement park! Eddie gets rocked onto the middle rope and booted right back off them with the 619, Mysterio spinning his legs around to wallop Guerrero, who flies back, rolling on the canvas. Meanwhile, Mysterio takes it to the air for the tenth or so time in the match, aiming to retain the title with the West Coast Pop.
"WHOA! Drop-kick to the mush! Mysterio's down!"
"Let's take a look at the replay for that one, Tazz!"
While the replay occurs, Guerrero lands a frog splash on Mysterio's back while Tazz & Cole are still commentating on the replay. "DAMN! CAN'T EVEN TALK FOR A SECOND, COLE! THIS IS NUTS!" Eddie rolls over Mysterio, who is motionless in the ring, hooks both legs, but Mysterio somehow kicks out a blink before the 3 count!
"Everyone on their feet here for this awesome contest! Let's take a look at what happened, Tazz!"
"If they'll let us-- ha!"
The replay is allowed as both Mysterio & Guerrero catch their breath, showing the crippling frog splash to Mysterio's spine. "Geez! That had to hurt, Cole!" But the action is already bubbling back up, nearly at full throttle, as Mysterio dares to bond with the ropes one last time. But Guerrero meets him half-way, jumps up on the turnbuckle, and cinches up a vertical suplex from the top rope! "OH-MY-GAWD, COLE! That's gotta be it..." But Eddie isn't through. Just like last week, he spins his hips and lifts Mysterio back up and lands two more suplexes! Eddie is exhausted, Mysterio is done for, and Latino Heat can't even look at the top rope at this point. He inches an arm over the champ.
"The winner of this match, and the new United States Champion, Eddie... Guerrero!"
VIVA LA RAZA!
"What a win for Guerrero, Cole! I'm taking off my shades out of respect for that one!"
"I can't blame ya, partner. Eddie pulled out a great win. What a way to kick off SmackDown! here tonight..."
Meanwhile, in the ring, Mysterio has still yet to move, and the referee holds up Eddie's arm, who is still slow to recover...
***************************
Camera slips backstage to find Christian & Chris Jericho chatting in the locker room. The crowd boos briefly but listens as the two superstars carry on a conversation. Jericho is leading the talk in a half-whisper.
"Instead of wasting time in singles, let's rack up some gold for both of us first, man." He slaps Christian's chest, who is liking what he is hearing. "Tag Team gold. That has-been Flair and never-was 'Masterpiece' (Jericho is making finger quotations as a way of mockery, along with the tone of his voice) were lucky to win the titles when they could. And between the two of us, their luck has run out."
"That sounds good to me, bro. They're cool looking belts, too, man. They'll definitely interest the chicks, huh? My female peeps..."
"You know it."
"Looks like those guys are still in cahoots..."
"I don't get you, Cole. Christian and Y2J are more than capable of being credible champions."
"You're right, but I still don't like their style of winning."
***************************
After a commercial break and another promo for Judgment Day...
"AIN'T NO STOPPING ME NOW!" Shelton Benjamin makes his entrance.
"Hey, check it out, Cole. A new hair color for Benjamin! Looks good, eh?"
"It might, Tazz, but I wish he would regain his old attitude or develop a better one."
"Well, if he did, we wouldn't be having this match now, would we?"
Charlies Haas makes his way out to the ring, the crowd cheering him on. But to no avail. After a near submission courtesy of the Haas of Pain, Benjamin scrambles out of the hold and holds onto the ropes for the dirty win. The crowd doesn't like it, neither does Cole, but Tazz applauds the sneaky effort by the gold-haired stallion.
Again, the camera drifts to the backstage area, where Rob Van Dam is seen warming up, shadow-boxing (or better yet shadow-kicking), but in an actual shadow, the silhouette of a man tossing a round object from his hand is seen on the adjacent wall. A voice, laced with a Puerto Rican accent hits the air. "Careful. You'll pull something, cabron."
Mr. Thursday Night looks over at the stranger. "Trust me, I got it covered. And who are you supposed to be?" He responds in a confident and gravelly voice. "Me? Oh, nobody... just the guy that's going to mop the canvas with your over-inflated ego tonight." Carlito 'Caribbean' Cool steps into frame, taking a bite from a green apple.
"Fresh from RAW..." Cole chimes in.
"But you look busy, I don't know, mayne. Maybe I find some better competition, eh?" Carlito raises his eyebrows.
"RVD's over-inflated ego? How about this guy's? Sheesh!" Tazz remarks.
"Nah, like I said..." RVD approaches the mysterious newcomer. "I got it covered. Because I'm Rob... Van..."
"Damn. Is that all you do? Talk? I mean, I'm a nice talker. The ladies like it. But I don't enjoy talking to punks, y'know?" Carlito cuts RVD off in his nonchalant and arrogant style.
"Damn, now I see why Bischoff couldn't wait to get rid of this guy..." Tazz cuts in again.
All RVD does is nod his head in response. "But whatever. I'll see ya out there, I guess..." Carlito says, tossing the apple at Van Dam's feet before he strolls off-screen.
***************************
"WOO!" The crowd implodes at the sound of the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, who emerges through the curtain with the other half of the Tag Team Champions, the Masterpiece, Chris Masters, to the delight of the fans. "Tag Team Championship on the line!" The Masterpiece's muscles dare to bustle more as he waits alongside Flair for the challengers.
"New theme, eh? That's a pretty cool way to celebrate their first match as a team."
"But will it mark their first victory as a team? That waits to be seen, partner..."
After sneaking one of the tag team belts into the ring, Jericho and Christian stomp away at Flair. The referee tries to break it up, since Christian is the only legal man, but Masters does it for them, lifting Jericho off his feet with the punishing Masterlock. Being swung through the air, Jericho "inadvertently" knocks the referee down while Christian nails a low blow on Flair. The Masterpiece flings Jericho over the top rope to the floor, but Christian runs up from behind and does the same to Masters. The referee is still down, Flair is trying to recover, up to one knee. With the referee out of it for just a moment longer, Christian blasts Flair with the championship belt for the cheap victory.
Cole is outraged, but that's how it is done by the likes of Christian and Jericho. Backstage, The Rock cuts a promo--one of a kind as always--saying The Rock is going to take what is rightfully The Rock's property, the World Heavyweight Championship, while also laying the SmackDown! on "the rest of their candy-asses, whether that means 3 or 4!"
"I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool." Carlito's blunt them commences, marking the hostile encounter between himself and Rob Van Dam. Clearly RVD is out to prove himself against the arrogant new arrival, but Carlito impresses both Cole & Tazz as well as a good amount of the crowd, who actually start booing Mr. Thursday Night. Tazz doesn't like it, and neither does Rob Van Dam, who nearly wins after his split-legged moonsault. Knocking Carlito down again, he tries the reliable five star frog splash.
But Carlito beats him to the punch, limberly joining RVD on the turnbuckle and knocking the kicking highlight reel onto the ropes after a well-timed poke to the dazzling dragon's eyes. Van Dam groans in pain from the low blow. "High risk, high cost, Cole." But as Carlito prepares what appears to be a superplex attempt, RVD head-butts him off and regains his bearings, sailing through the air with a diving martial arts kick. Fie, it misses! His leg suffers abuse as a result of the misfire and Carlito takes advantage, leaping into the air and placing his hands on Van Dam's shoulders, piercing Mr. Thursday Night's back with the caps of his knees. A louder groan escapes RVD, as Carlito gets the win.
"It's a great win for the new SmackDown! talent, but he should work on that nasty attitude."
"Nah, Cole. Van Dam's my guy, we both know that, but you can't fault this new guy, Carlito, because that's how you back it up in the ring. RVD got beat..."
***************************
The camera shows Batista putting on his ring gear, applying tape and knee pads, with a concentrated expression on his face. "The Animal getting ready for a monumentally important match tonight..." Tazz says he can't wait for it, but the match that follows winds up being a solid substitute for the time-being.
"IF YA SMELL!!!!" The Rock enters, followed by Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, who are all deadlocked as far as fan reaction goes. But tonight isn't about fan reaction. It's about gaining some momentum heading into Judgment Day, regardless of whether it's going to be a fatal 4 or 5 way match, as The Rock said in his promo. The Brahma Bull's eyes are sizzling hot tonight, the Phenom's a misty dark pair as Hogan's eyes are fueled with the spirit of his loyal followers. It's a close bout, but ultimately, The Undertaker is slapped out of the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd, courtesy of The Great One. But The Rock gets planted with a devastating big boot from the Immortal Hulkster and is put away by the sequential leg drop!
"Deja Vu from last week, Cole!"
"Pretty much, partner!"
"What a great win for the Hulkster!"
"I wonder if this is a preview of Sunday night, Tazz..."
"I'm sure Batista has something to say about that one."
After a commercial break and a final Judgment Day advertisement, the Animal makes his anticipated entrance to a smattering of boos and cheers. "Well, it's time to put up or shut up for Batista, Cole." Cole agrees, saying: "If he wins, he'll be added to the main event at Judgment Day." Tazz agrees and says, "But if he loses, it's all over but the crying for the big bull Batista!"
Next, the World Heavyweight Champion enters, ignoring the mixed reaction that he has gotten used to, though the crowd winds up fueling him on later in the match. Preparing to crush Batista's dreams at being a World Champion this sunday at Judgment Day with Sweet Chin Music, stomping his foot in synch with the fickle crowd, HBK rushes in and gets planted with a deafening spear!
HBK writhes in pain, but only momentarily as the Animal shakes the ropes, antagonizing the crowd and rallying his scattered supporters, and puts the champion down in more than convincing fashion with a mountain-shattering Batista Bomb. "What a comeback, Cole! I had a feeling the Animal was going to pull it out!"
Cole takes a breath and then says, "Well, that means this sunday at Judgment Day, the odds will be stacked even higher against the current champion, Shawn Michaels with 4 challengers instead of 3. It will definitely be a match for the ages, that's for sure." The camera moves to Cole. "Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you'll join us for Judgment Day, this sunday on pay-per-view!"
Fireworks of blue hues dazzle a pumped audience, just two days before Judgment Day!
"What an action-packed, star-studded edition of SmackDown! we have in store tonight, everybody!"
The cameras dawn upon SmackDown!'s commentary duo, Michael Cole and Tazz, the former nearly bursting from his seat with the other resting in a smoldering ecstasy!
"Not only do we have scheduled what is sure to be another five-star encounter between Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio for the United States Championship, a triple threat preview of the championship match this sunday at Judgment Day, but we also have a contest that will determine what kind of main event there will be AT Judgment Day for the coveted World Heavyweight Championship!"
"You're excited, Cole! I'm excited! It's SmackDown!, baby! I don't know whose more pumped-- you and me or these crazy fans!"
"Well, let's not keep 'em waiting, partner! The first match is about to start!"
"VIVA LA RAZA!" The crowd ejects from their seats at the sound. Eddie Guerrero makes his colorful arrival in a shimmering gold truck, honking the horn a few times to the delight of the crowd. "Ha-ha, I'm lovin' it, Cole! Latino Heat rollin' in with style, lookin' to ride out with some familar US championship gold around his waist! Viva la raza, Cole!" Tazz rambles something about the Spanish language, as if Cole knows any more about it than he does, they both laugh as Eddie makes his lively entrance into the ring.
"Rey-Rey, ready to razzle and dazzle the crowd tonight, with his high-flying lucha libre style, in this definite rocket-buster of a match, Cole!" Meanwhile, at ringside, Mysterio gives a child in the crowd a spare mask. "Rey Mysterio, showing appreciation to the fans..." Cole says in an admiring tone. The camera shows Guerrero smiling at the gesture.
The two friends stare each other down in the ring, the audience split in favor of each party. "Eddie had to win a 2 out of 3 falls match to get here tonight. Now is his chance to win back the US Championship..." Cole explains, the only words spoken before the two men lock up and kick off a frenetic, back-and-forth technical display with enough high-flying moves to compete with an amusement park! Eddie gets rocked onto the middle rope and booted right back off them with the 619, Mysterio spinning his legs around to wallop Guerrero, who flies back, rolling on the canvas. Meanwhile, Mysterio takes it to the air for the tenth or so time in the match, aiming to retain the title with the West Coast Pop.
"WHOA! Drop-kick to the mush! Mysterio's down!"
"Let's take a look at the replay for that one, Tazz!"
While the replay occurs, Guerrero lands a frog splash on Mysterio's back while Tazz & Cole are still commentating on the replay. "DAMN! CAN'T EVEN TALK FOR A SECOND, COLE! THIS IS NUTS!" Eddie rolls over Mysterio, who is motionless in the ring, hooks both legs, but Mysterio somehow kicks out a blink before the 3 count!
"Everyone on their feet here for this awesome contest! Let's take a look at what happened, Tazz!"
"If they'll let us-- ha!"
The replay is allowed as both Mysterio & Guerrero catch their breath, showing the crippling frog splash to Mysterio's spine. "Geez! That had to hurt, Cole!" But the action is already bubbling back up, nearly at full throttle, as Mysterio dares to bond with the ropes one last time. But Guerrero meets him half-way, jumps up on the turnbuckle, and cinches up a vertical suplex from the top rope! "OH-MY-GAWD, COLE! That's gotta be it..." But Eddie isn't through. Just like last week, he spins his hips and lifts Mysterio back up and lands two more suplexes! Eddie is exhausted, Mysterio is done for, and Latino Heat can't even look at the top rope at this point. He inches an arm over the champ.
"The winner of this match, and the new United States Champion, Eddie... Guerrero!"
VIVA LA RAZA!
"What a win for Guerrero, Cole! I'm taking off my shades out of respect for that one!"
"I can't blame ya, partner. Eddie pulled out a great win. What a way to kick off SmackDown! here tonight..."
Meanwhile, in the ring, Mysterio has still yet to move, and the referee holds up Eddie's arm, who is still slow to recover...
***************************
Camera slips backstage to find Christian & Chris Jericho chatting in the locker room. The crowd boos briefly but listens as the two superstars carry on a conversation. Jericho is leading the talk in a half-whisper.
"Instead of wasting time in singles, let's rack up some gold for both of us first, man." He slaps Christian's chest, who is liking what he is hearing. "Tag Team gold. That has-been Flair and never-was 'Masterpiece' (Jericho is making finger quotations as a way of mockery, along with the tone of his voice) were lucky to win the titles when they could. And between the two of us, their luck has run out."
"That sounds good to me, bro. They're cool looking belts, too, man. They'll definitely interest the chicks, huh? My female peeps..."
"You know it."
"Looks like those guys are still in cahoots..."
"I don't get you, Cole. Christian and Y2J are more than capable of being credible champions."
"You're right, but I still don't like their style of winning."
***************************
After a commercial break and another promo for Judgment Day...
"AIN'T NO STOPPING ME NOW!" Shelton Benjamin makes his entrance.
"Hey, check it out, Cole. A new hair color for Benjamin! Looks good, eh?"
"It might, Tazz, but I wish he would regain his old attitude or develop a better one."
"Well, if he did, we wouldn't be having this match now, would we?"
Charlies Haas makes his way out to the ring, the crowd cheering him on. But to no avail. After a near submission courtesy of the Haas of Pain, Benjamin scrambles out of the hold and holds onto the ropes for the dirty win. The crowd doesn't like it, neither does Cole, but Tazz applauds the sneaky effort by the gold-haired stallion.
Again, the camera drifts to the backstage area, where Rob Van Dam is seen warming up, shadow-boxing (or better yet shadow-kicking), but in an actual shadow, the silhouette of a man tossing a round object from his hand is seen on the adjacent wall. A voice, laced with a Puerto Rican accent hits the air. "Careful. You'll pull something, cabron."
Mr. Thursday Night looks over at the stranger. "Trust me, I got it covered. And who are you supposed to be?" He responds in a confident and gravelly voice. "Me? Oh, nobody... just the guy that's going to mop the canvas with your over-inflated ego tonight." Carlito 'Caribbean' Cool steps into frame, taking a bite from a green apple.
"Fresh from RAW..." Cole chimes in.
"But you look busy, I don't know, mayne. Maybe I find some better competition, eh?" Carlito raises his eyebrows.
"RVD's over-inflated ego? How about this guy's? Sheesh!" Tazz remarks.
"Nah, like I said..." RVD approaches the mysterious newcomer. "I got it covered. Because I'm Rob... Van..."
"Damn. Is that all you do? Talk? I mean, I'm a nice talker. The ladies like it. But I don't enjoy talking to punks, y'know?" Carlito cuts RVD off in his nonchalant and arrogant style.
"Damn, now I see why Bischoff couldn't wait to get rid of this guy..." Tazz cuts in again.
All RVD does is nod his head in response. "But whatever. I'll see ya out there, I guess..." Carlito says, tossing the apple at Van Dam's feet before he strolls off-screen.
***************************
"WOO!" The crowd implodes at the sound of the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, who emerges through the curtain with the other half of the Tag Team Champions, the Masterpiece, Chris Masters, to the delight of the fans. "Tag Team Championship on the line!" The Masterpiece's muscles dare to bustle more as he waits alongside Flair for the challengers.
"New theme, eh? That's a pretty cool way to celebrate their first match as a team."
"But will it mark their first victory as a team? That waits to be seen, partner..."
After sneaking one of the tag team belts into the ring, Jericho and Christian stomp away at Flair. The referee tries to break it up, since Christian is the only legal man, but Masters does it for them, lifting Jericho off his feet with the punishing Masterlock. Being swung through the air, Jericho "inadvertently" knocks the referee down while Christian nails a low blow on Flair. The Masterpiece flings Jericho over the top rope to the floor, but Christian runs up from behind and does the same to Masters. The referee is still down, Flair is trying to recover, up to one knee. With the referee out of it for just a moment longer, Christian blasts Flair with the championship belt for the cheap victory.
Cole is outraged, but that's how it is done by the likes of Christian and Jericho. Backstage, The Rock cuts a promo--one of a kind as always--saying The Rock is going to take what is rightfully The Rock's property, the World Heavyweight Championship, while also laying the SmackDown! on "the rest of their candy-asses, whether that means 3 or 4!"
"I spit in the face of people who don't want to be cool." Carlito's blunt them commences, marking the hostile encounter between himself and Rob Van Dam. Clearly RVD is out to prove himself against the arrogant new arrival, but Carlito impresses both Cole & Tazz as well as a good amount of the crowd, who actually start booing Mr. Thursday Night. Tazz doesn't like it, and neither does Rob Van Dam, who nearly wins after his split-legged moonsault. Knocking Carlito down again, he tries the reliable five star frog splash.
But Carlito beats him to the punch, limberly joining RVD on the turnbuckle and knocking the kicking highlight reel onto the ropes after a well-timed poke to the dazzling dragon's eyes. Van Dam groans in pain from the low blow. "High risk, high cost, Cole." But as Carlito prepares what appears to be a superplex attempt, RVD head-butts him off and regains his bearings, sailing through the air with a diving martial arts kick. Fie, it misses! His leg suffers abuse as a result of the misfire and Carlito takes advantage, leaping into the air and placing his hands on Van Dam's shoulders, piercing Mr. Thursday Night's back with the caps of his knees. A louder groan escapes RVD, as Carlito gets the win.
"It's a great win for the new SmackDown! talent, but he should work on that nasty attitude."
"Nah, Cole. Van Dam's my guy, we both know that, but you can't fault this new guy, Carlito, because that's how you back it up in the ring. RVD got beat..."
***************************
The camera shows Batista putting on his ring gear, applying tape and knee pads, with a concentrated expression on his face. "The Animal getting ready for a monumentally important match tonight..." Tazz says he can't wait for it, but the match that follows winds up being a solid substitute for the time-being.
"IF YA SMELL!!!!" The Rock enters, followed by Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, who are all deadlocked as far as fan reaction goes. But tonight isn't about fan reaction. It's about gaining some momentum heading into Judgment Day, regardless of whether it's going to be a fatal 4 or 5 way match, as The Rock said in his promo. The Brahma Bull's eyes are sizzling hot tonight, the Phenom's a misty dark pair as Hogan's eyes are fueled with the spirit of his loyal followers. It's a close bout, but ultimately, The Undertaker is slapped out of the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd, courtesy of The Great One. But The Rock gets planted with a devastating big boot from the Immortal Hulkster and is put away by the sequential leg drop!
"Deja Vu from last week, Cole!"
"Pretty much, partner!"
"What a great win for the Hulkster!"
"I wonder if this is a preview of Sunday night, Tazz..."
"I'm sure Batista has something to say about that one."
After a commercial break and a final Judgment Day advertisement, the Animal makes his anticipated entrance to a smattering of boos and cheers. "Well, it's time to put up or shut up for Batista, Cole." Cole agrees, saying: "If he wins, he'll be added to the main event at Judgment Day." Tazz agrees and says, "But if he loses, it's all over but the crying for the big bull Batista!"
Next, the World Heavyweight Champion enters, ignoring the mixed reaction that he has gotten used to, though the crowd winds up fueling him on later in the match. Preparing to crush Batista's dreams at being a World Champion this sunday at Judgment Day with Sweet Chin Music, stomping his foot in synch with the fickle crowd, HBK rushes in and gets planted with a deafening spear!
HBK writhes in pain, but only momentarily as the Animal shakes the ropes, antagonizing the crowd and rallying his scattered supporters, and puts the champion down in more than convincing fashion with a mountain-shattering Batista Bomb. "What a comeback, Cole! I had a feeling the Animal was going to pull it out!"
Cole takes a breath and then says, "Well, that means this sunday at Judgment Day, the odds will be stacked even higher against the current champion, Shawn Michaels with 4 challengers instead of 3. It will definitely be a match for the ages, that's for sure." The camera moves to Cole. "Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you'll join us for Judgment Day, this sunday on pay-per-view!"
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Episode 7 - One Week from Judgment Day
The WWE intro plays, followed by:
Fireworks, cheers & a stoked crowd for the second-to-last SD! before Judgment Day!
"New intro for SmackDown! I'm digging that, Cole!"
Batista's music plays, greeted by a mixed reaction. "The Animal don't look too happy, Cole, and I got a hunch we're about to find out why."
After commanding a microphone into his hand, Batista addresses the audience, heatedly staring into the camera. "Last week, General Manager Theodore Long announced the main event for next Sunday at Judgment Day." The crowd cheers, familiar with what Batista is speaking of. "It's funny," the animal wryly chuckles. "I bet none of you idiots noticed my name wasn't part of the Fatal 4 Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship."
Batista has a smirk of suppressed anger on his face, half-entertaining the cheers of the crowd, who are trying to antagonize him by declaring how they failed, indeed, to notice. "And... that doesn't work for me." The crowd boos. "So, I reckon I'm gonna have to pulverize one of those four bastards, aren't I?" He regards the audience for one moment and then drops the microphone, which lands with a thud on the mat as Batista exits to his theme.
"Man, Cole, tell ya the truth, in all of the excitement, I didn't notice that Batista wasn't included in the Fatal 4 Way match for Judgment Day. He said last week he had his eyes on the championship gold..."
"That he did, partner. I've got a bad feeling that Batista is going to keep his word about what he just said tonight, too. The four combatants ought to be wary of the animal's threat."
***************************
The camera cuts to backstage, where GM Thedore Long is having a telephone conversation with Eric Bischoff, the GM of RAW, who can be heard in a muffled fashion through the receiver. "You know, Eric, I think this little trade of ours might be just the fresh start that Kane is looking for." Tazz and Cole speculate, but quickly silence themselves as Eric's response filters through the phone. "Look, Teddy, if that's how it happens, then great for Kane. He's not my favorite talent. He did chokeslam me off the stage through a table last time he was on RAW." Teddy says he remembers that, a smile of nostalgic satisfaction running over his lips unbeknownst to Bischoff. "But, as long as it gets 'Carlito Caribbean Cool' off my back, I'll take my chances. Almost spit apple chunks on me last week on RAW. I can't stand that little punk." Teddy nods in understanding. "Well, Eric, I'm glad we reached an agreement. I'm sure SmackDown! will suit that young superstar well. In the meantime, good luck with Kane and I'll holla at ya later."
The bell rings, signifying that a match is about to start.
"Ain't No Stopping Me Now!" bellow into the arena as the athletic specimen, Shelton Benjamin, enters to a negative reception by the crowd. "The fans are booing this skilled young superstar because of the despicable choice he made last week to attack his former tag team partner, Charlie Haas. A quick video plays, documenting what Cole is referring to, as Rob Van Dam makes his entrance to a better reaction from the audience.
"Mr. Thursday Night, Cole! Looking sharp as ever!"
Both men showcase their talents, stalemating at first until RVD lands one of his trademark martial arts kicks. Benjamin recovers with barrels full of energy and ultimately lands a huge springboard flying clothesline. RVD crashes to the canvas from the impact. Benjamin grins like a cheshire cat, eagerly waiting for his opponent to rise back up to his feet. Once he does, the t-bone suplex is aimed to finish off Van Dam, who counters into a school-boy pin attempt for a near fall.
"That was close, Cole!"
"Great reversal by Rob Van Dam."
Angered, Shelton aims a roundhouse kick, but RVD ducks, spins and nearly takes some of Benjamin's teeth with him after a nasty spinning kick. "Shelton's busy counting his teeth and Van Dam's eyeing the turnbuckle, Cole!"
"Five - Star - Frog - Splash!" Cole exclaims after RVD smashes into Shelton Benjamin, scrambling for the pin as he clutches his own stomach from the impact.
"Well, Benjamin, bless his heart, just got stopped-- pardon the pun-- ha! My man, RVD, doing what he does best."
"And a great way to kick off SmackDown!"
Backstage, the camera sneaks up on the masked sensation, Rey Mysterio, and the coveted US Championship that is found to be resting on the door of his locker. There comes a knock on the door, Mysterio turns to see who it mentions, and it's the former champion, Eddie Guerrero, who is also Rey's good friend.
"Wassup, holmes? I see you're... adjusting... well to your new blue locker room, ese." Eddie smirks, fun-having ways evident as he approaches his friend. "That's what I do." Mysterio retorts, smirking beneath his mask as the fabric adjusts to the facial movement. Eddie flicks the hanging title belt in lonesome regard, turning to his friend. "I gotta hand it to ya, holmes. You jumped out the sky and left with my title last week." Rey nods warmly to the slap on the shoulder from Guerrero. "What would you say... to a rematch here tonight, holmes? You and me? Lighting up the ring again, vato?"
Rey mulls it over with a hand under his chin and smiles. "I got a better idea, man." Eddie shrugs. "You say you wanna light up the ring one more time, right?" Eddie nods. "Orale!" Rey stands up to face Eddie. "How about a 2 out of 3 falls match?" Eddie likes the idea, but Rey holds up a finger and takes the title from the locker, wrapping it over his shoulder in an intense moment. "And... if you win, then I give you a rematch." Eddie flinches away in surprise, laughing it off. "Oh, I see! It's like that, holmes?" He responds in between chuckles. "Yeah. It's like that, man," Rey firmly states with a smirk on his face. "Alright, Rey-Rey. You got a deal. I'll see ya later tonight, holmes." The two men pump fists as the screen fades to black.
***************************
A promo for Judgment Day plays as SmackDown! returns from a commercial break. The focus of the promo is the fatal 4 way match for the World Heavyweight Championship, and it isn't lost on Batista, who is seen watching the promo after the screen splits. "Oh, man, Cole. Like gasoline on a fire."
"Well, Batista's brooding intent aside, last week's SmackDown! wasn't immune to violence. Kane, who we learned earlier has been traded to RAW, was in a Last Man Standing match with Muhammad Hassan. And, well... chaos ensued."
A video plays showing what transpired between Kane, Hassan, his masked henchmen. The video is highlighted by the heroic interference by the Hurricane, Charlie Haas, and to a much more successful extent, the Undertaker, who is then shown crushing Hassan's larynx with a steel chair.
Tazz is nodding at ringside, darkly humored by the incident, as Michael Cole isn't as amused, saying: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, we've been told that Muhammad Hassan won't be in action tonight because of his injuries caused by the Undertaker." Tazz butts in, saying that Hassan got what was coming to him. Cole grimaces, unable to side either way. "Regardless, we wish a speedy recovery to both parties." The show goes on.
***************************
"Last week, Christian and Rob Van Dam were engaged in a #1 Contender's Match for the Cruiserweight Title. We were all stunned by the interference from then-RAW superstar, Y2J Chris Jericho..." Cole explains alongside a video that shows Christian's controversial victory.
"WOO!" abruptly fills the arena, along with the powerful theme music for Ric Flair, the Nature Boy, who is set to defend his title, wearing a dazzling robe.
"If you close your eyes!" The rock anthem plays, declaring Christian's entrance, but he isn't alone. He's got Chris Jericho with him!
"I don't like this, partner. After last week, Jericho shouldn't be out here."
"What do you mean, Cole? Ain't nothing wrong with Y2J coaching Christian through the match."
"C'mon, Tazz, you can't seriously think that's all Jericho is planning to do. You were here last week!"
"Well, that may be so, but there's only one way to find out. The Nature Boy knows what he's doing!"
Flair, as usual, takes Christian to school. The crowd loves it, and also boos Jericho throughout the match. He trips up Flair's leg, which is admonished by the referee as Christian gloats in the ring, using the attack to his advantage. "This isn't a handicap match!" Cole complains, but Tazz counters it, saying: "You're right, Cole. It's strategy and experience! Flair did it a million times for Triple H in Evolution..."
But their coup fizzles as Chris Masters runs down to the ring, the other half of the tag team champions, and strong-arms Jericho into the Masterlock at ringside. Meanwhile, it is Flair's turn to play dirty. As the referee tries to talk down Masters & Jericho, Flair delivers a low blow to Christian, who crumbles to the mat and is momentarily subdued by the classic figure 4 leg-lock. The crowd rejoices as Masters & Flair celebrate in the ring!
"Dirtiest player in the game, Cole!" Tazz commentates as the replay shows Flair's use of a low blow to win the match. Cole impartially sticks to documenting the events, flustered overall.
***************************
After a commercial break, a recap video catches the audience up on last week's surprise announcement by JBL to leave SmackDown! instead of wrestling a scheduled match for the US Championship, the dazzling surprise debut by Rey Mysterio and his victory over Eddie Guerrero, and the agreement the two men reached tonight.
The crowd is alive after Mysterio makes his frenetic entrance, followed by Eddie Guerrero, sporting a flaming orange low-rider. The first fall belongs to Mysterio, who cradles Eddie up in a fascinating pinning maneuver, but the second fall goes to the former champion, who makes Rey submit to the Lasso from El Paso after an evasion of the West Coast Pop. The third fall is quite a spectacle, the crowd nearly falling into cardiac arrest after witnessing multiple near falls, one after the next-- hurricanranas galore, a springboard moonsault by Mysterio-- until Eddie Guerrero catches his breath. He impressively pulls off 6-- six! -- consecutive vertical suplexes and climbs the top rope, finishing off Mysterio with the frog splash.
"What a match! Too bad it wasn't for the title, eh?"
"Well, Tazz, that was the agreement. Now Eddie gets his rematch!"
"If Mysterio can walk next week! Ha!"
The camera cuts to the backstage area...
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm joined here by none other than the World Heavyweight Champion, the Showstopper, Shawn Michaels..." Josh Matthews explains backstage in front of a SmackDown! background, but Michaels isn't in a cheerful mood. "Lately, the fans haven't been on your side. And it seems that matters only keep getting worse. We're just one week away from Judgment Day on pay-per-view and you've been tasked to defend your title in a fatal 4 way match against 3 hungry challengers that want the gold for themselves. To top that off, tonight you have a tag team match with all 3 of them. How do you respond?" HBK frowns, pauses as boos grow for the Heartbreak Kid, and sighs before speaking.
"It's Batista!"
"Yeah, and he's beating the hell out of the World Champ!"
The Animal pummels HBK through the backstage area, slamming his face on equipment tables and knocking him into supply crates. "I don't understand this, Tazz! Why does it have to be this way? What's taking out the champion going to solve?" Tazz chimes in with his answer. "If there ain't no champ left standing for Judgment Day, the GM will have no choice but to make the main event an Interim Championship match." Cole disagrees. "You're reaching on that one, partner. I don't see how Theodore Long can tolerate this, yet alone give Batista what he wants." But their discourse is ended abruptly as Batista presses after HBK, who recovers and nails a perfectly timed Sweet Chin Music. The Animal is sent crashing through a pile of various backstage equipment, including a row of piping, clanging noises abound as HBK flees the scene.
"Well, Batista's heinous actions aside, last week, we witnessed a bitter showdown between The Rock and The Undertaker." Cole explains alongside a video that covers the gist of the outcome and the midway interference by Hassan's goons who were seeking revenge on the Phenom. "The Rock was the better man, but tonight... they'll be teaming up against the Immortal One, Hulk Hogan, and-- well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm no longer sure if Shawn Mi--"
Cole is cut off by the hip-hop entrance music that belongs to none other than the SmackDown! General Manager, Theodore Long!
"Batista, I know you can hear me back there, playa." Long impatiently beckons inside the ring, eyes toward the stage. Batista only gives Long a via-camera appearance, not gracing the stage but appearing on the big screen. "Yeah, I can, Teddy, but the question is... are you going to say anything that is worth listening to?" The Animal is still seething from the half-successful attack on Shawn Michaels. "That attitude is only gonna get in ya way, playa. Regardless, I'm a sensible man capable of making compromises." Batista raises his eyebrows, impatient and unbothered by Long's tempered warning. "What'd you have in mind?" Long clears his throat. "How about, next week on SmackDown!, you have a match against the World Champion, Shawn Michaels--face to face this time, playa, not from behind--and if ya win, I'll make... the main event at Judgment Day... a Fatal 5 Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship."
"That's a guaranteed rocket-buster, Cole!"
"I'm not so sure Batista deserves Teddy Long's generosity."
"You heard the GM, Cole. It ain't about what he deserves; it's about what he earns next week."
"That's the best offer you're gonna get, playa. Whaddaya say?" Long continues, finalizing his proposal.
"You've got a deal, Teddy. And once I walk out of Judgment Day with HBK's World Title, you'll have my gratitude." The big screen goes black again as Long addresses the crowd. "Well, SmackDown! fans, we've still got a main event for ya. And if the world champ can't compete, Batista will take his spot!" The crowd likes the twist as Hogan, The Rock & The Undertaker make their popular entrances...
***************************
The three fan-tastic talents wait in the ring, awaiting the outcome of who Hogan's tag-team partner will be. "Moment of truth, Cole..." Tazz anticipates at ringside. But what plays next isn't Batista's theme-- it is the one that belongs to the beaten, but resilient World Champion!"
"Ha! HBK! What a soldier!"
"I don't know how wise the Show-Stopper's choice is, considering how we're only 1 week away from Judgment Day."
The animosity between the four combatants is quite clear as the match develops. Off a hot tag, all order is lost. HBK daringly hurls himself into The Rock as both men go flying over the top rope. Hogan gets chokeslammed, but the Undertaker gets cracked by Sweet Chin Music from a returning Heartbreak Kid. The Rock crawls back in and re-claims Michaels, wanting payback for HBK's attack. Meanwhile, Hogan recovers and lands the leg drop on a still incapacitated Phenom for the 3 count.
"What a match, Cole..."
Fireworks, cheers & a stoked crowd for the second-to-last SD! before Judgment Day!
"New intro for SmackDown! I'm digging that, Cole!"
Batista's music plays, greeted by a mixed reaction. "The Animal don't look too happy, Cole, and I got a hunch we're about to find out why."
After commanding a microphone into his hand, Batista addresses the audience, heatedly staring into the camera. "Last week, General Manager Theodore Long announced the main event for next Sunday at Judgment Day." The crowd cheers, familiar with what Batista is speaking of. "It's funny," the animal wryly chuckles. "I bet none of you idiots noticed my name wasn't part of the Fatal 4 Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship."
Batista has a smirk of suppressed anger on his face, half-entertaining the cheers of the crowd, who are trying to antagonize him by declaring how they failed, indeed, to notice. "And... that doesn't work for me." The crowd boos. "So, I reckon I'm gonna have to pulverize one of those four bastards, aren't I?" He regards the audience for one moment and then drops the microphone, which lands with a thud on the mat as Batista exits to his theme.
"Man, Cole, tell ya the truth, in all of the excitement, I didn't notice that Batista wasn't included in the Fatal 4 Way match for Judgment Day. He said last week he had his eyes on the championship gold..."
"That he did, partner. I've got a bad feeling that Batista is going to keep his word about what he just said tonight, too. The four combatants ought to be wary of the animal's threat."
***************************
The camera cuts to backstage, where GM Thedore Long is having a telephone conversation with Eric Bischoff, the GM of RAW, who can be heard in a muffled fashion through the receiver. "You know, Eric, I think this little trade of ours might be just the fresh start that Kane is looking for." Tazz and Cole speculate, but quickly silence themselves as Eric's response filters through the phone. "Look, Teddy, if that's how it happens, then great for Kane. He's not my favorite talent. He did chokeslam me off the stage through a table last time he was on RAW." Teddy says he remembers that, a smile of nostalgic satisfaction running over his lips unbeknownst to Bischoff. "But, as long as it gets 'Carlito Caribbean Cool' off my back, I'll take my chances. Almost spit apple chunks on me last week on RAW. I can't stand that little punk." Teddy nods in understanding. "Well, Eric, I'm glad we reached an agreement. I'm sure SmackDown! will suit that young superstar well. In the meantime, good luck with Kane and I'll holla at ya later."
The bell rings, signifying that a match is about to start.
"Ain't No Stopping Me Now!" bellow into the arena as the athletic specimen, Shelton Benjamin, enters to a negative reception by the crowd. "The fans are booing this skilled young superstar because of the despicable choice he made last week to attack his former tag team partner, Charlie Haas. A quick video plays, documenting what Cole is referring to, as Rob Van Dam makes his entrance to a better reaction from the audience.
"Mr. Thursday Night, Cole! Looking sharp as ever!"
Both men showcase their talents, stalemating at first until RVD lands one of his trademark martial arts kicks. Benjamin recovers with barrels full of energy and ultimately lands a huge springboard flying clothesline. RVD crashes to the canvas from the impact. Benjamin grins like a cheshire cat, eagerly waiting for his opponent to rise back up to his feet. Once he does, the t-bone suplex is aimed to finish off Van Dam, who counters into a school-boy pin attempt for a near fall.
"That was close, Cole!"
"Great reversal by Rob Van Dam."
Angered, Shelton aims a roundhouse kick, but RVD ducks, spins and nearly takes some of Benjamin's teeth with him after a nasty spinning kick. "Shelton's busy counting his teeth and Van Dam's eyeing the turnbuckle, Cole!"
"Five - Star - Frog - Splash!" Cole exclaims after RVD smashes into Shelton Benjamin, scrambling for the pin as he clutches his own stomach from the impact.
"Well, Benjamin, bless his heart, just got stopped-- pardon the pun-- ha! My man, RVD, doing what he does best."
"And a great way to kick off SmackDown!"
Backstage, the camera sneaks up on the masked sensation, Rey Mysterio, and the coveted US Championship that is found to be resting on the door of his locker. There comes a knock on the door, Mysterio turns to see who it mentions, and it's the former champion, Eddie Guerrero, who is also Rey's good friend.
"Wassup, holmes? I see you're... adjusting... well to your new blue locker room, ese." Eddie smirks, fun-having ways evident as he approaches his friend. "That's what I do." Mysterio retorts, smirking beneath his mask as the fabric adjusts to the facial movement. Eddie flicks the hanging title belt in lonesome regard, turning to his friend. "I gotta hand it to ya, holmes. You jumped out the sky and left with my title last week." Rey nods warmly to the slap on the shoulder from Guerrero. "What would you say... to a rematch here tonight, holmes? You and me? Lighting up the ring again, vato?"
Rey mulls it over with a hand under his chin and smiles. "I got a better idea, man." Eddie shrugs. "You say you wanna light up the ring one more time, right?" Eddie nods. "Orale!" Rey stands up to face Eddie. "How about a 2 out of 3 falls match?" Eddie likes the idea, but Rey holds up a finger and takes the title from the locker, wrapping it over his shoulder in an intense moment. "And... if you win, then I give you a rematch." Eddie flinches away in surprise, laughing it off. "Oh, I see! It's like that, holmes?" He responds in between chuckles. "Yeah. It's like that, man," Rey firmly states with a smirk on his face. "Alright, Rey-Rey. You got a deal. I'll see ya later tonight, holmes." The two men pump fists as the screen fades to black.
***************************
A promo for Judgment Day plays as SmackDown! returns from a commercial break. The focus of the promo is the fatal 4 way match for the World Heavyweight Championship, and it isn't lost on Batista, who is seen watching the promo after the screen splits. "Oh, man, Cole. Like gasoline on a fire."
"Well, Batista's brooding intent aside, last week's SmackDown! wasn't immune to violence. Kane, who we learned earlier has been traded to RAW, was in a Last Man Standing match with Muhammad Hassan. And, well... chaos ensued."
A video plays showing what transpired between Kane, Hassan, his masked henchmen. The video is highlighted by the heroic interference by the Hurricane, Charlie Haas, and to a much more successful extent, the Undertaker, who is then shown crushing Hassan's larynx with a steel chair.
Tazz is nodding at ringside, darkly humored by the incident, as Michael Cole isn't as amused, saying: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, we've been told that Muhammad Hassan won't be in action tonight because of his injuries caused by the Undertaker." Tazz butts in, saying that Hassan got what was coming to him. Cole grimaces, unable to side either way. "Regardless, we wish a speedy recovery to both parties." The show goes on.
***************************
"Last week, Christian and Rob Van Dam were engaged in a #1 Contender's Match for the Cruiserweight Title. We were all stunned by the interference from then-RAW superstar, Y2J Chris Jericho..." Cole explains alongside a video that shows Christian's controversial victory.
"WOO!" abruptly fills the arena, along with the powerful theme music for Ric Flair, the Nature Boy, who is set to defend his title, wearing a dazzling robe.
"If you close your eyes!" The rock anthem plays, declaring Christian's entrance, but he isn't alone. He's got Chris Jericho with him!
"I don't like this, partner. After last week, Jericho shouldn't be out here."
"What do you mean, Cole? Ain't nothing wrong with Y2J coaching Christian through the match."
"C'mon, Tazz, you can't seriously think that's all Jericho is planning to do. You were here last week!"
"Well, that may be so, but there's only one way to find out. The Nature Boy knows what he's doing!"
Flair, as usual, takes Christian to school. The crowd loves it, and also boos Jericho throughout the match. He trips up Flair's leg, which is admonished by the referee as Christian gloats in the ring, using the attack to his advantage. "This isn't a handicap match!" Cole complains, but Tazz counters it, saying: "You're right, Cole. It's strategy and experience! Flair did it a million times for Triple H in Evolution..."
But their coup fizzles as Chris Masters runs down to the ring, the other half of the tag team champions, and strong-arms Jericho into the Masterlock at ringside. Meanwhile, it is Flair's turn to play dirty. As the referee tries to talk down Masters & Jericho, Flair delivers a low blow to Christian, who crumbles to the mat and is momentarily subdued by the classic figure 4 leg-lock. The crowd rejoices as Masters & Flair celebrate in the ring!
"Dirtiest player in the game, Cole!" Tazz commentates as the replay shows Flair's use of a low blow to win the match. Cole impartially sticks to documenting the events, flustered overall.
***************************
After a commercial break, a recap video catches the audience up on last week's surprise announcement by JBL to leave SmackDown! instead of wrestling a scheduled match for the US Championship, the dazzling surprise debut by Rey Mysterio and his victory over Eddie Guerrero, and the agreement the two men reached tonight.
The crowd is alive after Mysterio makes his frenetic entrance, followed by Eddie Guerrero, sporting a flaming orange low-rider. The first fall belongs to Mysterio, who cradles Eddie up in a fascinating pinning maneuver, but the second fall goes to the former champion, who makes Rey submit to the Lasso from El Paso after an evasion of the West Coast Pop. The third fall is quite a spectacle, the crowd nearly falling into cardiac arrest after witnessing multiple near falls, one after the next-- hurricanranas galore, a springboard moonsault by Mysterio-- until Eddie Guerrero catches his breath. He impressively pulls off 6-- six! -- consecutive vertical suplexes and climbs the top rope, finishing off Mysterio with the frog splash.
"What a match! Too bad it wasn't for the title, eh?"
"Well, Tazz, that was the agreement. Now Eddie gets his rematch!"
"If Mysterio can walk next week! Ha!"
The camera cuts to the backstage area...
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm joined here by none other than the World Heavyweight Champion, the Showstopper, Shawn Michaels..." Josh Matthews explains backstage in front of a SmackDown! background, but Michaels isn't in a cheerful mood. "Lately, the fans haven't been on your side. And it seems that matters only keep getting worse. We're just one week away from Judgment Day on pay-per-view and you've been tasked to defend your title in a fatal 4 way match against 3 hungry challengers that want the gold for themselves. To top that off, tonight you have a tag team match with all 3 of them. How do you respond?" HBK frowns, pauses as boos grow for the Heartbreak Kid, and sighs before speaking.
"It's Batista!"
"Yeah, and he's beating the hell out of the World Champ!"
The Animal pummels HBK through the backstage area, slamming his face on equipment tables and knocking him into supply crates. "I don't understand this, Tazz! Why does it have to be this way? What's taking out the champion going to solve?" Tazz chimes in with his answer. "If there ain't no champ left standing for Judgment Day, the GM will have no choice but to make the main event an Interim Championship match." Cole disagrees. "You're reaching on that one, partner. I don't see how Theodore Long can tolerate this, yet alone give Batista what he wants." But their discourse is ended abruptly as Batista presses after HBK, who recovers and nails a perfectly timed Sweet Chin Music. The Animal is sent crashing through a pile of various backstage equipment, including a row of piping, clanging noises abound as HBK flees the scene.
"Well, Batista's heinous actions aside, last week, we witnessed a bitter showdown between The Rock and The Undertaker." Cole explains alongside a video that covers the gist of the outcome and the midway interference by Hassan's goons who were seeking revenge on the Phenom. "The Rock was the better man, but tonight... they'll be teaming up against the Immortal One, Hulk Hogan, and-- well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm no longer sure if Shawn Mi--"
Cole is cut off by the hip-hop entrance music that belongs to none other than the SmackDown! General Manager, Theodore Long!
"Batista, I know you can hear me back there, playa." Long impatiently beckons inside the ring, eyes toward the stage. Batista only gives Long a via-camera appearance, not gracing the stage but appearing on the big screen. "Yeah, I can, Teddy, but the question is... are you going to say anything that is worth listening to?" The Animal is still seething from the half-successful attack on Shawn Michaels. "That attitude is only gonna get in ya way, playa. Regardless, I'm a sensible man capable of making compromises." Batista raises his eyebrows, impatient and unbothered by Long's tempered warning. "What'd you have in mind?" Long clears his throat. "How about, next week on SmackDown!, you have a match against the World Champion, Shawn Michaels--face to face this time, playa, not from behind--and if ya win, I'll make... the main event at Judgment Day... a Fatal 5 Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship."
"That's a guaranteed rocket-buster, Cole!"
"I'm not so sure Batista deserves Teddy Long's generosity."
"You heard the GM, Cole. It ain't about what he deserves; it's about what he earns next week."
"That's the best offer you're gonna get, playa. Whaddaya say?" Long continues, finalizing his proposal.
"You've got a deal, Teddy. And once I walk out of Judgment Day with HBK's World Title, you'll have my gratitude." The big screen goes black again as Long addresses the crowd. "Well, SmackDown! fans, we've still got a main event for ya. And if the world champ can't compete, Batista will take his spot!" The crowd likes the twist as Hogan, The Rock & The Undertaker make their popular entrances...
***************************
The three fan-tastic talents wait in the ring, awaiting the outcome of who Hogan's tag-team partner will be. "Moment of truth, Cole..." Tazz anticipates at ringside. But what plays next isn't Batista's theme-- it is the one that belongs to the beaten, but resilient World Champion!"
"Ha! HBK! What a soldier!"
"I don't know how wise the Show-Stopper's choice is, considering how we're only 1 week away from Judgment Day."
The animosity between the four combatants is quite clear as the match develops. Off a hot tag, all order is lost. HBK daringly hurls himself into The Rock as both men go flying over the top rope. Hogan gets chokeslammed, but the Undertaker gets cracked by Sweet Chin Music from a returning Heartbreak Kid. The Rock crawls back in and re-claims Michaels, wanting payback for HBK's attack. Meanwhile, Hogan recovers and lands the leg drop on a still incapacitated Phenom for the 3 count.
"What a match, Cole..."
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Episode 6 - Prelude to Judgment Day
The WWE intro plays, followed by:
A burst of fireworks stirs an explosion of cheers from the crowd…
"Welcome to SmackDown!"
"WOO!" bellows through the arena. It is received with a huge ovation. "I love it, Cole! We ain't wasting no time getting into it tonight! Nature Boy lookin' stylish as ever!"
But the rowdiness of the crowd simmers, partly in awe with growing popularity toward the Masterpiece, who makes his stunning entrance, showcasing his impressive muscular physique.
A video plays, showing the dysfunctional transpiration between the World's Greatest Tag Team, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas.
"And here they come, Tazz, the world tag team champions, who as we just saw, suffered a bit of a breakdown last week."
"I talked to Shelton earlier today, Cole. He says they've moved on, and it's time to show the world why they're the best. You dig?"
The opening bout is a raucous one, the crowd roaring for Flair who takes the technically sound tag champions "to school", chops abundant the champs play leapfrog on Flair's fragile back. "Aw, gawd!" Flair wails in pain and rolls into a tag with the Masterpiece.
The champs suffer for their actions as the muscle-bound specimen makes easy work of the two smaller competitors. They recover, but Flair (to mountainous applause) recuperates and sends Haas flying over the top rope with a back-body drop. Benjamin tries a kick, but Masters catches it. Benjamin spins around, sneakily trying a counter kick, but Masters backs away, smirking dismissively at the weak effort and entangles Benjamin in the unbreakable full nelson submission hold.
"Masterlock, Cole! It's all over but the crying!"
"Haas trying to race back in, but--"
"WOO!" the crowd exclaims as Flair chops Haas out of the way.
Benjamin grunts, cursing audibly, until his legs buckle. The referee calls it, the bell rings, and new tag team champions are crowned.
"I'll tell ya, Cole, that was impressive."
Afterwards, as Masters celebrates with the Nature Boy, Haas attempts to shake hands with the better men, but is dropped by a roundhouse kick courtesy of Shelton Benjamin, who is immediately booed but could not care less, shoving off Masters and taking a shameful exit from the ring.
"Actions speak louder than words, partner."
***********************************
A video plays from last week’s match between Rob Van Dam & Christian, of which will be repeated tonight, but in a #1 Contender’s Match for the Cruiserweight Championship!
“Making his way to the ring, from Battle Creek, Michigan…” Tony Chimel begins to announce. “Rob… Van… Dam!”
“Where are my peeps at? If you close your eyes!” A new mix of Christian’s theme, with a heavier rock sound and male vocals blasts through the arena, but is received by a smattering of cheers.
“Ha! Captain Charisma’s got a new song, Cole! I dig it!”
“He’ll need more than a change of music to best RVD tonight.”
“True, Cole, but Cap C looks good, fired up, don’t he?”
Christian looks rather animated tonight, livelier than usual and still deaf to the scattered boos from the crowd. “My man Van Dam’s been losing lately, but Christian might make a repeat of last week if he keeps up this level of energy!”
Christian eats a boot from RVD for his amped spirits and the two wind up having yet another close encounter, in which RVD barely kicks out of the Killswitch that bested him last week. “Great in-ring awareness shown by Mr. Thursday Night, putting his foot on the rope just in time to escape the 3 count.”
“Not for nothing, Cole. RVD ain’t no spring chicken. He does like to springboard, though! Look out!”
Split-legged moonsault connects, but RVD doesn’t go for the cover. He waits for Christian to regain a vertical stance and rushes at him, spinning in mid-air and clocking Captain Charisma with a spinning wheel kick. “Van Dam!” Tazz shouts, as Christian absorbs the hit and bounces off the turnbuckle, landing in the perfect spot for the five star frog splash!
“Nobody gets higher than Rob Van Dam!”
“Bam! That’s it, Cole!”
Suddenly, the crowd starts to cheer and boo, unable to make up their mind on the superstar blitzing down the ramp. RVD confronts them as they leap onto the barrier, the referee struggling to get things under control. Seizing the opportunity, Christian recovers from the splash and delivers a low blow to Van Dam, who gets corralled into a roll-up.
CHRIS JERICHO holds up his arm, pleading no dispute as the referee spins and counts Van Dam’s shoulders, failing to notice Christian’s unfair grip on his opponent’s tights.
Christian celebrates and exchanges grins with the Rock Star from RAW. Tazz is unhappy and unafraid to speak his mind about it.
“What the hell, Cole?! Why’s Jericho here? Christian pulling on the tights-- talk about a screwjob! Van Dam had this match won!”
Cole tries to say something, but can’t put it into words; plus Tazz cuts him off.
“This ain’t right, Cole! Look at ‘em. Celebrating! Van Dam should be the one doing that!” Tazz goes silent for a moment, and Cole finally chimes in. “Well, partner, you have every right to be upset, just like most of these fans, but the referee’s decision is final.”
“Whatever, Cole. I’m pissed off! And Jericho? This guy ain’t no rock star neither! Look at him-- the smirking bastard!”
Rob Van Dam reflects Tazz’s disappointment, kicking at the air in the ring, shaking his head. He does his signature taunt as Christian and Jericho walk off down the ramp, eyeing Van Dam, whose pose warrants plenty of cheers from the crowd, who are mostly upset.
***********************************
The cameras switch over to ringside. Tazz is calming down and Cole prepares to speak. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, regardless of Christian's controversial victory, we have another important bout scheduled next. It has a story to it, one that has been going on for weeks, for good and for bad.
A video recap of the violent rivalry between Muhammad Hassan & Kane, wrapping up with Daivari being chokeslammed off the stage.
GM Theodore Long appears on the big screen, explaining: "Holla, Holla, Holla, fans of SmackDown! Well, it's plain to see how this feud has snowballed for the worse as of late. For the safety of SmackDown!, I think it's about time it got settled. What d'yall think?" The crowd approves. "Good. That's why I'm making this contest a Last Man Standing match." The crowd cheers again.
"The GM's decision must be for the greater good. 'Cause this one ain't gonna be pretty, Cole!"
"I have a bad feeling you're right, partner."
Hassan's repugnant entrance song plays, disgusting the crowd as the boos are considerably louder than last week. "No Daivari to help him tonight, Tazz. The crowd booing heavily because Hassan ran away from Kane last week…"
"Whoa, Cole, you got it all wrong. Sometimes, it's best to back away and clear your head, y'know? Get ya bearings back and go back to work next week. Besides, Hassan don't need Daivari!"
The stage explodes into fiery chaos as Kane makes his way to the ring. But Hassan has sneaked behind the ramp and jumps the Big Red Monster from behind. The two brawl their way at ringside. The referee tries to coax them into the ring, but they're having none of it.
The "match" escalates into the backstage area, but after knocking down Kane, Hassan flees the scene again just like last week.
"Well, now what, Tazz? Hassan repeating last week it seems!"
"Hold on, Cole…"
"All I'm saying is, partner, this feud started because Hassan alleged that Kane was still hiding from the world, despite discarding his mask. Now, the tables have turned. Hassan's a hypocrite in my eyes!"
"Like I said, I think there's more to this, Cole. Hold on to ya britches!"
Kane impatiently searches for his opponent, growling threats. The crowd watches via the big screen in quiet anticipation of the hunt.
"Who's hiding now, Hassan?" Kane coos in a sickly twisted voice.
Off-camera, two masked men swarm the Big Red Machine. "What the h--" Tazz and Cole both shout. Kane fights back, struggling with the two men, who hook his arms just in time for Hassan to re-emerge with a steel chair, which cracks off Kane's head. The blow splits his forehead open, blood trickling down his face. He's grunting loudly, breathing labored. Hassan and the two men stomp.
"C'mon! What gives?! Somebody get back there!" The Hurricane and Charlie Haas show up to intervene, but it is no use as more masked men pile into the area, disposing of the two heroes. Tazz is animatedly commentating on the fracas, along with Cole, but their disputes aren't heard by the men doing it. Their shock spikes as…
Once they're taken care of, Hassan orders Kane back up to his feet and then launches him through a plate-glass window. "GAWD!" Tazz shouts. Meanwhile, Kane is motionless, laying amongst the shattered fragments of glass, a bloody mess. Not before Hassan locks Kane into the camel clutch for excruciating amount of moments, the Undertaker appears, racing into the assault, using the steel chair Hassan discarded to chase off the masked men.
Hassan, still tied up overtop of Kane, doesn't see the blow coming until he crashes to the floor next to the Big Red Monster. The Phenom has a scary look in his eyes, his brother groaning in pain, as the Undertaker ominously steps toward Hassan chair in hand. He wraps the chair around Hassan's throat and rams him into the wall where the window used to be maintained. Security arrives, but it is far too late. Hassan is bleeding internally and Undertaker pulls his brother to safety…
***********************************
After the commercial break, the crowd is in a haunted silence, numb even to the lively entrance by the United States Champion, Eddie Guerrero, who cruises into the arena in a stunning blue low-rider.
"The SmackDown! crowd is still reeling from what transpired before the commercial break, but the show must go on."
"Yeah, Cole. Hopefully, we can get an update on Kane, but at least Eddie's in a good mood tonight."
"That's one positive thing here tonight, partner, since this is going to be another end to the feud. GM Theodore Long has told JBL this is going to be his only rematch for the US Title after he mouthed off to Teddy last week, whining about how he deserved to be in the main event."
"Well, if JBL wins here tonight, maybe he'll be in the main event. He kind of let his ego get the best of him, but you gotta earn your keep round these parts, Cole. And JBL knows that. He'll snap back."
After thawing the stunned crowd back into a mild frenzy, the US champ dances jively in the ring, but awkward moments pass as JBL's music fails to play. He is nowhere to be seen, leaving Tony Chimel with little to announce except: "And the opponent…?"
The mystery ends abruptly as JBL is seen in his limousine, but it isn't parked. It's on the move. There are women surrounding the Wall Street success story from Texas and champagne is in JBL's hand.
"Well, if isn't my favorite little Mexican! Tell ya what, Romero-- pardon me, Fernando-- oh, sorry, that's right--" JBL clears his throat, chuckling along with the girls. "It's Guerrero, ain't it? Listen. I know how bad you wanted to face yours truly here tonight. So do these women. In my bed! Ha! But… that isn't going to happen."
The crowd boos in response. Meanwhile, Eddie and Tazz share in the confusion. "Hell does that mean, Cole? Where's JBL going with all this?"
"See, your little pal, Teddy Long didn't do as I asked last week. I should be in the main event, not scrapping with illegals like you."
"He's going too far now, Tazz."
"And guess what, ya little Mexican? That didn't jive with me, ya dancing buffoon. And someone else was willing to reconsider my complaint. Speaking of which, I feel sorry for the fans in the arena tonight. I know I ain't the only wise man who knows Lucha Libre wrestling is dead. Then again, I am a wrestling gaaaaawd! So far as that US title goes, you can keep it! Ha-ha! See you around, ya little Mexicans! Let's get this party started, girls!"
"Did he say Mexican(s), Cole?"
The big screen shuts off. Everybody is still confused.
"Ha! It's Mysterio, Cole!"
"Rey Mysterio! Must've been traded in exchange for JBL!"
"Good riddance, I say! Ha! Eddie's loving it!"
And Eddie is loving it. He's back to smiling, the crowd is back to cheering, and there's about to be one hell of a match!
The two close friends tie up to start the contest, crowds alternating between "Let's go, Eddie!" and "Let's Go Rey!" as Guerrero briefly overpowers Mysterio, until he is caught in a springboard hurricanrana!
"Damn! Eddie almost lost the gold on that one!"
"There's much more to come from Mysterio, Tazz! We know that from his time spent on SmackDown! in the past, partner!"
"True that, Cole. Springboard! Look out!"
But Eddie catches Rey in the Lasso from El Paso on the way down, Rey barely reaching the ropes, until he lands a dropkick, placing Eddie in a bad spot instead!
"Wine me! Dine me! 6 - 1 --"
"No, Eddie evades! Three amigos!"
"I'm feeling froggy, baby!" Eddie confesses joyously before approaching the turnbuckle. But as he gets to the top rope, Rey scrambles to his feet, using his superior speed and hurls Eddie from the top rope down to the canvas with a crazy super hurricanrana!
1! 2! 3? No, Guerrero barely kicks out in the nick of time, but as he recovers, gets knocked onto the middle rope. Rey rushes in and whacks his friend with the 619, quickly leaping to the top for his version of a splash, which misses as Guerrero rolls out of the way.
The referee soon gets knocked down, and Eddie piles on the silly antics, feigning injury with the title belt as he chucks it into Rey's hands just moments before the referee recovers. Rey vehemently denies the accusation and rushes in on Eddie, who rolls him up into a small package pin attempt, which Mysterio edges just in time.
Eddie stands at the other side of the ring, holding up his arms and smirking at his friend. Rey laughs and shakes his head, running in again. Eddie tries to counter it with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, but Rey counters HIM with a whipping head-scissors takedown, which perfectly positions Eddie on the ropes.
"619 again, Cole! Look out!"
But Eddie dodges and sneaks in behind a spinning Mysterio. After the rebounding motion, he attempts a 4th vertical suplex.
"A fourth amigo? Here it comes!"
No! Rey flips behind Guerrero and gets the close yet decisive 3 count with a victory roll off the reversal!
"Damn! What a match! Guerrero don't like it, but Rey never slowed down in that one!"
"Let's take a look at the replay!"
"I guess that's why they call it a victory roll, huh, Cole? What a rocket-buster, though!"
Eddie is upset about losing the gold now being held by Mysterio, but not upset enough to refuse his friend's offer of a handshake. They lift each other's arms into the air, chatting with each other on their way out. The crowd couldn't be any more ecstatic!
***********************************
The camera cuts to a dressing room, with the much larger World Heavyweight Championship resting visibly on a stool, alongside its keeper, the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, who has a title defense against the hugely popular Hulk Hogan tonight.
"The World Title is on the line! Next!"
Hogan makes the arena explode as usual, the guitar theme of Jimi Hendrix leading him down to the ring. HBK is met with mostly cheers, but also some boos from loyal Hulk-a-maniacs.
The match is close, as HBK uses his quickness to keep Hogan at bay, until the Immortal One hulks up and lands the match-ending leg drop… or so was thought until a boisterous Batista interfered!
"Gimme that mic!" The animal howls, making his return from the brutal Hell in a Cell encounter with the Undertaker two weeks ago.
He stares down at the two limp superstars in the ring, holding up the title, just like Undertaker did last week in his absence. "I told you I was coming after you, Show-Stopper. Things with 'Taker didn't go as I planned, but just like JBL, I'm moving on to bigger and more important things. Like this championship. At Judgment Day, it's going to be mine!"
As he exits, the Animal throws the title unceremoniously on HBK's chest and stomps Hogan for good measure. "What a return by Batista, Cole. I thought he was done for."
"Me, too, partner, but I don't know if Batista's right when he says he deserves a title shot at Judgment Day…"
"I guess we'll have to wait and see. This is nuts!"
***********************************
After SmackDown!'s final commercial break, the crowd is waiting in excited silence. They know what match is next. A video recaps what happened last week as The Rock was punished by the Undertaker for trying to help him against JBL and HBK…
"IF YA SMELL!!!!!!!" The crowd mimics a volcano, erupting in cheers for the People's Champion.
"It seems clear to me who the crowd feels should be the #1 contender!" Cole comments but is hushed momentarily by the Phenom's dark and moody entrance.
This match is more of a feisty brawl than an AWA classic, but clearly egos are at stake. The Undertaker looks to protect his yard while The Rock has revenge on his mind after being punished for a good deed last week.
In the end, The Rock wins, after using his weight to power out of a tombstone piledriver, ducking the Phenom's retaliatory clothesline and landing a huge Rock Bottom for the victory!
However, as The Great One celebrates in the corner, the Undertaker sits up to find a group of all too familiar masked men waiting for him.
"What the hell, Cole? Not these guys again…"
The Undertaker, weathered from the neck-and-neck contest, can't hold them off for long. Luckily, The Rock is there, using his better judgment to finally step in after a moment of deliberation (after all he'd been attacked for helping the Undertaker last week).
The Undertaker appreciates it this time around, as Hassan is nowhere to be found, clearly incapacitated from the Phenom's assault on him earlier. The masked men are shooed off by the powerful duo, but not before the stages explodes yet again!
"It's Kane!" Cole declares. The Big Red Machine, bandaged up and bruised, lays waste to the masked men brigade. "Sending a message to their spineless leader!"
"Well, they're damn sure getting the heck out of dodge, eh? Ha!"
Meanwhile, since the fight is over, The Rock and The Undertaker-- both mountainous egos alight-- stare each other down, a certain level of respect established unlike last week. They don't shake hands or pump fists with one another, but they clearly understand the game.
"That's respect, Cole. Nothing but!"
"You can't be wrong, partner. I just hope--"
"Holla, Holla, Holla. Before the show ends, I have an announcement to make."
"It's Teddy Long, Cole!"
"Now, we all know that JBL won't be part of SmackDown!'s future, but that doesn't mean Judgment Day has to suffer in his absence!" The crowd cheers in approval. "On the contrary, I am declaring a Fatal 4 Way match for the World… Heavyweight… Championship. It'll be The Undertaker!" The audience explodes. "The Rock!" Again. "The Immortal Hulk Hogan." Hulkamania resumes. "And the World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels." The crowd offers a mixed reaction. "You dig what I'm saying, playas?"
The Rock and The Undertaker nod in approval, exchanging one last look of understanding between one another as the screen fades to black.
A burst of fireworks stirs an explosion of cheers from the crowd…
"Welcome to SmackDown!"
"WOO!" bellows through the arena. It is received with a huge ovation. "I love it, Cole! We ain't wasting no time getting into it tonight! Nature Boy lookin' stylish as ever!"
But the rowdiness of the crowd simmers, partly in awe with growing popularity toward the Masterpiece, who makes his stunning entrance, showcasing his impressive muscular physique.
A video plays, showing the dysfunctional transpiration between the World's Greatest Tag Team, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas.
"And here they come, Tazz, the world tag team champions, who as we just saw, suffered a bit of a breakdown last week."
"I talked to Shelton earlier today, Cole. He says they've moved on, and it's time to show the world why they're the best. You dig?"
The opening bout is a raucous one, the crowd roaring for Flair who takes the technically sound tag champions "to school", chops abundant the champs play leapfrog on Flair's fragile back. "Aw, gawd!" Flair wails in pain and rolls into a tag with the Masterpiece.
The champs suffer for their actions as the muscle-bound specimen makes easy work of the two smaller competitors. They recover, but Flair (to mountainous applause) recuperates and sends Haas flying over the top rope with a back-body drop. Benjamin tries a kick, but Masters catches it. Benjamin spins around, sneakily trying a counter kick, but Masters backs away, smirking dismissively at the weak effort and entangles Benjamin in the unbreakable full nelson submission hold.
"Masterlock, Cole! It's all over but the crying!"
"Haas trying to race back in, but--"
"WOO!" the crowd exclaims as Flair chops Haas out of the way.
Benjamin grunts, cursing audibly, until his legs buckle. The referee calls it, the bell rings, and new tag team champions are crowned.
"I'll tell ya, Cole, that was impressive."
Afterwards, as Masters celebrates with the Nature Boy, Haas attempts to shake hands with the better men, but is dropped by a roundhouse kick courtesy of Shelton Benjamin, who is immediately booed but could not care less, shoving off Masters and taking a shameful exit from the ring.
"Actions speak louder than words, partner."
***********************************
A video plays from last week’s match between Rob Van Dam & Christian, of which will be repeated tonight, but in a #1 Contender’s Match for the Cruiserweight Championship!
“Making his way to the ring, from Battle Creek, Michigan…” Tony Chimel begins to announce. “Rob… Van… Dam!”
“Where are my peeps at? If you close your eyes!” A new mix of Christian’s theme, with a heavier rock sound and male vocals blasts through the arena, but is received by a smattering of cheers.
“Ha! Captain Charisma’s got a new song, Cole! I dig it!”
“He’ll need more than a change of music to best RVD tonight.”
“True, Cole, but Cap C looks good, fired up, don’t he?”
Christian looks rather animated tonight, livelier than usual and still deaf to the scattered boos from the crowd. “My man Van Dam’s been losing lately, but Christian might make a repeat of last week if he keeps up this level of energy!”
Christian eats a boot from RVD for his amped spirits and the two wind up having yet another close encounter, in which RVD barely kicks out of the Killswitch that bested him last week. “Great in-ring awareness shown by Mr. Thursday Night, putting his foot on the rope just in time to escape the 3 count.”
“Not for nothing, Cole. RVD ain’t no spring chicken. He does like to springboard, though! Look out!”
Split-legged moonsault connects, but RVD doesn’t go for the cover. He waits for Christian to regain a vertical stance and rushes at him, spinning in mid-air and clocking Captain Charisma with a spinning wheel kick. “Van Dam!” Tazz shouts, as Christian absorbs the hit and bounces off the turnbuckle, landing in the perfect spot for the five star frog splash!
“Nobody gets higher than Rob Van Dam!”
“Bam! That’s it, Cole!”
Suddenly, the crowd starts to cheer and boo, unable to make up their mind on the superstar blitzing down the ramp. RVD confronts them as they leap onto the barrier, the referee struggling to get things under control. Seizing the opportunity, Christian recovers from the splash and delivers a low blow to Van Dam, who gets corralled into a roll-up.
CHRIS JERICHO holds up his arm, pleading no dispute as the referee spins and counts Van Dam’s shoulders, failing to notice Christian’s unfair grip on his opponent’s tights.
Christian celebrates and exchanges grins with the Rock Star from RAW. Tazz is unhappy and unafraid to speak his mind about it.
“What the hell, Cole?! Why’s Jericho here? Christian pulling on the tights-- talk about a screwjob! Van Dam had this match won!”
Cole tries to say something, but can’t put it into words; plus Tazz cuts him off.
“This ain’t right, Cole! Look at ‘em. Celebrating! Van Dam should be the one doing that!” Tazz goes silent for a moment, and Cole finally chimes in. “Well, partner, you have every right to be upset, just like most of these fans, but the referee’s decision is final.”
“Whatever, Cole. I’m pissed off! And Jericho? This guy ain’t no rock star neither! Look at him-- the smirking bastard!”
Rob Van Dam reflects Tazz’s disappointment, kicking at the air in the ring, shaking his head. He does his signature taunt as Christian and Jericho walk off down the ramp, eyeing Van Dam, whose pose warrants plenty of cheers from the crowd, who are mostly upset.
***********************************
The cameras switch over to ringside. Tazz is calming down and Cole prepares to speak. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, regardless of Christian's controversial victory, we have another important bout scheduled next. It has a story to it, one that has been going on for weeks, for good and for bad.
A video recap of the violent rivalry between Muhammad Hassan & Kane, wrapping up with Daivari being chokeslammed off the stage.
GM Theodore Long appears on the big screen, explaining: "Holla, Holla, Holla, fans of SmackDown! Well, it's plain to see how this feud has snowballed for the worse as of late. For the safety of SmackDown!, I think it's about time it got settled. What d'yall think?" The crowd approves. "Good. That's why I'm making this contest a Last Man Standing match." The crowd cheers again.
"The GM's decision must be for the greater good. 'Cause this one ain't gonna be pretty, Cole!"
"I have a bad feeling you're right, partner."
Hassan's repugnant entrance song plays, disgusting the crowd as the boos are considerably louder than last week. "No Daivari to help him tonight, Tazz. The crowd booing heavily because Hassan ran away from Kane last week…"
"Whoa, Cole, you got it all wrong. Sometimes, it's best to back away and clear your head, y'know? Get ya bearings back and go back to work next week. Besides, Hassan don't need Daivari!"
The stage explodes into fiery chaos as Kane makes his way to the ring. But Hassan has sneaked behind the ramp and jumps the Big Red Monster from behind. The two brawl their way at ringside. The referee tries to coax them into the ring, but they're having none of it.
The "match" escalates into the backstage area, but after knocking down Kane, Hassan flees the scene again just like last week.
"Well, now what, Tazz? Hassan repeating last week it seems!"
"Hold on, Cole…"
"All I'm saying is, partner, this feud started because Hassan alleged that Kane was still hiding from the world, despite discarding his mask. Now, the tables have turned. Hassan's a hypocrite in my eyes!"
"Like I said, I think there's more to this, Cole. Hold on to ya britches!"
Kane impatiently searches for his opponent, growling threats. The crowd watches via the big screen in quiet anticipation of the hunt.
"Who's hiding now, Hassan?" Kane coos in a sickly twisted voice.
Off-camera, two masked men swarm the Big Red Machine. "What the h--" Tazz and Cole both shout. Kane fights back, struggling with the two men, who hook his arms just in time for Hassan to re-emerge with a steel chair, which cracks off Kane's head. The blow splits his forehead open, blood trickling down his face. He's grunting loudly, breathing labored. Hassan and the two men stomp.
"C'mon! What gives?! Somebody get back there!" The Hurricane and Charlie Haas show up to intervene, but it is no use as more masked men pile into the area, disposing of the two heroes. Tazz is animatedly commentating on the fracas, along with Cole, but their disputes aren't heard by the men doing it. Their shock spikes as…
Once they're taken care of, Hassan orders Kane back up to his feet and then launches him through a plate-glass window. "GAWD!" Tazz shouts. Meanwhile, Kane is motionless, laying amongst the shattered fragments of glass, a bloody mess. Not before Hassan locks Kane into the camel clutch for excruciating amount of moments, the Undertaker appears, racing into the assault, using the steel chair Hassan discarded to chase off the masked men.
Hassan, still tied up overtop of Kane, doesn't see the blow coming until he crashes to the floor next to the Big Red Monster. The Phenom has a scary look in his eyes, his brother groaning in pain, as the Undertaker ominously steps toward Hassan chair in hand. He wraps the chair around Hassan's throat and rams him into the wall where the window used to be maintained. Security arrives, but it is far too late. Hassan is bleeding internally and Undertaker pulls his brother to safety…
***********************************
After the commercial break, the crowd is in a haunted silence, numb even to the lively entrance by the United States Champion, Eddie Guerrero, who cruises into the arena in a stunning blue low-rider.
"The SmackDown! crowd is still reeling from what transpired before the commercial break, but the show must go on."
"Yeah, Cole. Hopefully, we can get an update on Kane, but at least Eddie's in a good mood tonight."
"That's one positive thing here tonight, partner, since this is going to be another end to the feud. GM Theodore Long has told JBL this is going to be his only rematch for the US Title after he mouthed off to Teddy last week, whining about how he deserved to be in the main event."
"Well, if JBL wins here tonight, maybe he'll be in the main event. He kind of let his ego get the best of him, but you gotta earn your keep round these parts, Cole. And JBL knows that. He'll snap back."
After thawing the stunned crowd back into a mild frenzy, the US champ dances jively in the ring, but awkward moments pass as JBL's music fails to play. He is nowhere to be seen, leaving Tony Chimel with little to announce except: "And the opponent…?"
The mystery ends abruptly as JBL is seen in his limousine, but it isn't parked. It's on the move. There are women surrounding the Wall Street success story from Texas and champagne is in JBL's hand.
"Well, if isn't my favorite little Mexican! Tell ya what, Romero-- pardon me, Fernando-- oh, sorry, that's right--" JBL clears his throat, chuckling along with the girls. "It's Guerrero, ain't it? Listen. I know how bad you wanted to face yours truly here tonight. So do these women. In my bed! Ha! But… that isn't going to happen."
The crowd boos in response. Meanwhile, Eddie and Tazz share in the confusion. "Hell does that mean, Cole? Where's JBL going with all this?"
"See, your little pal, Teddy Long didn't do as I asked last week. I should be in the main event, not scrapping with illegals like you."
"He's going too far now, Tazz."
"And guess what, ya little Mexican? That didn't jive with me, ya dancing buffoon. And someone else was willing to reconsider my complaint. Speaking of which, I feel sorry for the fans in the arena tonight. I know I ain't the only wise man who knows Lucha Libre wrestling is dead. Then again, I am a wrestling gaaaaawd! So far as that US title goes, you can keep it! Ha-ha! See you around, ya little Mexicans! Let's get this party started, girls!"
"Did he say Mexican(s), Cole?"
The big screen shuts off. Everybody is still confused.
"Ha! It's Mysterio, Cole!"
"Rey Mysterio! Must've been traded in exchange for JBL!"
"Good riddance, I say! Ha! Eddie's loving it!"
And Eddie is loving it. He's back to smiling, the crowd is back to cheering, and there's about to be one hell of a match!
The two close friends tie up to start the contest, crowds alternating between "Let's go, Eddie!" and "Let's Go Rey!" as Guerrero briefly overpowers Mysterio, until he is caught in a springboard hurricanrana!
"Damn! Eddie almost lost the gold on that one!"
"There's much more to come from Mysterio, Tazz! We know that from his time spent on SmackDown! in the past, partner!"
"True that, Cole. Springboard! Look out!"
But Eddie catches Rey in the Lasso from El Paso on the way down, Rey barely reaching the ropes, until he lands a dropkick, placing Eddie in a bad spot instead!
"Wine me! Dine me! 6 - 1 --"
"No, Eddie evades! Three amigos!"
"I'm feeling froggy, baby!" Eddie confesses joyously before approaching the turnbuckle. But as he gets to the top rope, Rey scrambles to his feet, using his superior speed and hurls Eddie from the top rope down to the canvas with a crazy super hurricanrana!
1! 2! 3? No, Guerrero barely kicks out in the nick of time, but as he recovers, gets knocked onto the middle rope. Rey rushes in and whacks his friend with the 619, quickly leaping to the top for his version of a splash, which misses as Guerrero rolls out of the way.
The referee soon gets knocked down, and Eddie piles on the silly antics, feigning injury with the title belt as he chucks it into Rey's hands just moments before the referee recovers. Rey vehemently denies the accusation and rushes in on Eddie, who rolls him up into a small package pin attempt, which Mysterio edges just in time.
Eddie stands at the other side of the ring, holding up his arms and smirking at his friend. Rey laughs and shakes his head, running in again. Eddie tries to counter it with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, but Rey counters HIM with a whipping head-scissors takedown, which perfectly positions Eddie on the ropes.
"619 again, Cole! Look out!"
But Eddie dodges and sneaks in behind a spinning Mysterio. After the rebounding motion, he attempts a 4th vertical suplex.
"A fourth amigo? Here it comes!"
No! Rey flips behind Guerrero and gets the close yet decisive 3 count with a victory roll off the reversal!
"Damn! What a match! Guerrero don't like it, but Rey never slowed down in that one!"
"Let's take a look at the replay!"
"I guess that's why they call it a victory roll, huh, Cole? What a rocket-buster, though!"
Eddie is upset about losing the gold now being held by Mysterio, but not upset enough to refuse his friend's offer of a handshake. They lift each other's arms into the air, chatting with each other on their way out. The crowd couldn't be any more ecstatic!
***********************************
The camera cuts to a dressing room, with the much larger World Heavyweight Championship resting visibly on a stool, alongside its keeper, the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, who has a title defense against the hugely popular Hulk Hogan tonight.
"The World Title is on the line! Next!"
Hogan makes the arena explode as usual, the guitar theme of Jimi Hendrix leading him down to the ring. HBK is met with mostly cheers, but also some boos from loyal Hulk-a-maniacs.
The match is close, as HBK uses his quickness to keep Hogan at bay, until the Immortal One hulks up and lands the match-ending leg drop… or so was thought until a boisterous Batista interfered!
"Gimme that mic!" The animal howls, making his return from the brutal Hell in a Cell encounter with the Undertaker two weeks ago.
He stares down at the two limp superstars in the ring, holding up the title, just like Undertaker did last week in his absence. "I told you I was coming after you, Show-Stopper. Things with 'Taker didn't go as I planned, but just like JBL, I'm moving on to bigger and more important things. Like this championship. At Judgment Day, it's going to be mine!"
As he exits, the Animal throws the title unceremoniously on HBK's chest and stomps Hogan for good measure. "What a return by Batista, Cole. I thought he was done for."
"Me, too, partner, but I don't know if Batista's right when he says he deserves a title shot at Judgment Day…"
"I guess we'll have to wait and see. This is nuts!"
***********************************
After SmackDown!'s final commercial break, the crowd is waiting in excited silence. They know what match is next. A video recaps what happened last week as The Rock was punished by the Undertaker for trying to help him against JBL and HBK…
"IF YA SMELL!!!!!!!" The crowd mimics a volcano, erupting in cheers for the People's Champion.
"It seems clear to me who the crowd feels should be the #1 contender!" Cole comments but is hushed momentarily by the Phenom's dark and moody entrance.
This match is more of a feisty brawl than an AWA classic, but clearly egos are at stake. The Undertaker looks to protect his yard while The Rock has revenge on his mind after being punished for a good deed last week.
In the end, The Rock wins, after using his weight to power out of a tombstone piledriver, ducking the Phenom's retaliatory clothesline and landing a huge Rock Bottom for the victory!
However, as The Great One celebrates in the corner, the Undertaker sits up to find a group of all too familiar masked men waiting for him.
"What the hell, Cole? Not these guys again…"
The Undertaker, weathered from the neck-and-neck contest, can't hold them off for long. Luckily, The Rock is there, using his better judgment to finally step in after a moment of deliberation (after all he'd been attacked for helping the Undertaker last week).
The Undertaker appreciates it this time around, as Hassan is nowhere to be found, clearly incapacitated from the Phenom's assault on him earlier. The masked men are shooed off by the powerful duo, but not before the stages explodes yet again!
"It's Kane!" Cole declares. The Big Red Machine, bandaged up and bruised, lays waste to the masked men brigade. "Sending a message to their spineless leader!"
"Well, they're damn sure getting the heck out of dodge, eh? Ha!"
Meanwhile, since the fight is over, The Rock and The Undertaker-- both mountainous egos alight-- stare each other down, a certain level of respect established unlike last week. They don't shake hands or pump fists with one another, but they clearly understand the game.
"That's respect, Cole. Nothing but!"
"You can't be wrong, partner. I just hope--"
"Holla, Holla, Holla. Before the show ends, I have an announcement to make."
"It's Teddy Long, Cole!"
"Now, we all know that JBL won't be part of SmackDown!'s future, but that doesn't mean Judgment Day has to suffer in his absence!" The crowd cheers in approval. "On the contrary, I am declaring a Fatal 4 Way match for the World… Heavyweight… Championship. It'll be The Undertaker!" The audience explodes. "The Rock!" Again. "The Immortal Hulk Hogan." Hulkamania resumes. "And the World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels." The crowd offers a mixed reaction. "You dig what I'm saying, playas?"
The Rock and The Undertaker nod in approval, exchanging one last look of understanding between one another as the screen fades to black.
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