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New, New WWE Fed!

wicked_rexPosted on 01/27/07 at 03:39:11

Raw is War
January 1, 2007
Gaylord Entertainment Center
Nashville, Tennessee

Jim Ross starts off the show telling the audience that there will be four, four-man tournaments taking place tonight, and that no one on the roster is safe from being chosen. The reason behind the tournaments, he says, is to determine the four men who will compete for the WWE Championship in a Four-Corners Match next week.

{Tournament #1}
Jerry Lawler pinned John Cena with a crucifix in 6:02.
* 3/4

The crowd couldn't decide who to root for in this match between these two faces. Cena and Lawler took the advantage back and forth. The match looked like it was over after Cena hit a perfect superplex off the top rope. But, out of nowhere, just a few moments later, "the King" was able to steal a victory and advance to the final round.

Viscera pinned Candice Michelle with the Sex Drive in 12:56.
-*** 1/4

The crowd was absolutely appauled by this match as they continuously booed Viscera as he decimated Candice; a woman who he weighed 3x as much as! Candice was helped out of the ring by some medical officials as the crowd applauded her toughness. In the ring, Viscera added to the crowd's anger by swiveling his hips. However, his victory was short-lived as Jerry Lawler ran down to the ring...

Viscera defeated Jerry Lawler after a splash in 2:55.

Lawler was seen holding his ribs after the match, as Viscera left the ring; the crowd continued to boo him as he smiled his way up the ramp. EMTs rushed to the ring to look at Lawler as RAW went to break.

COMMERICAL


Coming back from commercial, Jim Ross - now joined by Todd Grisham - informs the crowd that Candice Michelle suffered two broken ribs and will be out of action for about three weeks. An update on "The King" will be made later in the program. Todd said that, watching Viscera dominate the first tournament was a clear sign that he wanted to be the first WWE Champion.

{Tournament #2}
Edge (w/Lita) pinned Ric Flair with the Spear in 6:31.
*** 1/4

The crowd was behind "The Nature Boy" all the way in this match, but their cheers couldn't help the 16-time World Champion advance to the second round. After the victory, Edge and Lita engaged in a very sloppy lip-lock on the top of the ramp, causing boos to erupt from the Nashville crowd.

JTG pinned Mikey with the Flying Splash in 15:36.
***

As the crowd cheers both competitors for great match, JTG doesn't see Edge slide into the ring from behind him. He gets distracted as Edge's music begins to play and Lita appears on-stage. Lita points and says something to JTG causing him to turn around and get attacked by Edge...

Edge (w/Lita) pinned JTG after a Hotshot in 1:09.
**

Edge snuck a victory out of this match as he caugt JTG totally by surprise with the Hotshot for the 3-count. He rushed out of the ring with Lita as the crowd showed their displeasure with his actions. JR asked if Edge was happy with the way he earned his title shot... obviously, he was very happy!

COMMERICAL


Backstage, Jerry Lawler consoled Candice Michelle, asking about how she's doing. She said she was sorry to see him lose earlier, but thanked him for his chivalry. Lawler started to say he did it for the "Puppies", but was able to stop himself and left the room... Todd asked JR if he thought anything could come from Lawler and Candice...?

{Tournament #3}
Jeff Hardy pinned Maria after a rana in 10:25.
Rating: -** 3/4

Once again, due to some kind of bad planning, a WWE Diva was involved in the WWE Title tournament. Maria gave it her best effort, but she was no match for Jeff Hardy. The crowd was not into this match, at all - as chants of "Boring!" could be heard during the action...

Carlito defeated Armando Alejandro Estrada by disqualification in 4:30.
Rating: 1/4 *

Referees Jimmy Korderas and Danny Davis had to pull Estrada off of Carlito as he was DQ'ed for choking his opponent. Estrada was irate as he was escorted up the ramp. Carlito slowly got up to his feet as he awaited Jeff Hardy...

Carlito pinned Jeff Hardy with the Backcracker in 1:58.
Rating: ** 1/2

Carlito earned his way into the WWE Title match next week with his quick win over Hardy. Todd said that, with Edge and Carlito bringing a lot of speed into the WWE Title match next week, he thinks Viscera would be at a disadvantage. JR disagreed, saying that Viscera has power and a massive size advantage over his two oppoents, so far. He said that as of now, Viscera looks to be the favorite to win the WWE Title.

COMMERCIAL


{Tournament #4}
Randy Orton pinned Robbie McAlister after a flying cross body press in 1:59.
Rating: ** 1/2

Backstage, after the match, Jerry Lawler is seen helping Candice Michelle into a waiting limo. Before she gets into the vehicle, she kisses "The King" on the cheek and closes the door. The limo drives away as Lawler watches, smiling...

Triple H defeated The Coach by disqualification in 11:14.
Rating: -3/4*

After the match, The Coach tried desperately to have the decision reversed. Mike Chioda demanded that he leave the ring. However, before The Coach could leave, he was attacked from behind by "The Game" who kicked The Coach in the midsection and hit the Pedigree in the center of the ring! JR made the comment that, that's what The Coach gets for trying to pull a victory over Triple H by cheating....

Randy Orton pinned Triple H with the RKO in 4:28.
Rating: ** 3/4

Randy Orton became the fourth and final participant in next week's Four Corners Match for the WWE Title. Triple H was absolutely stunned at the outcome of the match and vowed that someone would pay next week. JR and Todd Grisham closed out the show as Orton stayed in the ring.
wicked_rexPosted on 01/27/07 at 07:52:10

ECW on Sci-Fi
January 2, 2007
Oman Arena
Jackson, Tennessee

Joey Styles and Tazz begin the program, welcoming everyone to the "brand new" Extreme Championship Wrestling. Styles says that it's going to be different from anything anyone in "professional wrestling" has seen. A lot of new faces mixed in with some old will be the new style of the resurrected ECW. Tonight will be the beginning of a new era as the new ECW Champion will be crowned as part of a 19-Man Battle Royal.

COMMERCIAL


As we come back from commercials, Tony Mamaluke and Hardcore Holly start things off in the ring...

Matt Striker won a 19-Man Royal Rumble by throwing out Lilttle Guido after a dropkick in 56:38.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Matt Striker won the ECW World Championship.)

With not a lot of time left, Joey Styles announces there will be an 8-man tournament next week to determine the #1 Contender for Striker and the ECW Title.

Card Rating: ** 3/4


wicked_rexPosted on 01/31/07 at 13:23:53

Friday Night Smackdown!
January 5, 2007
FedEx Forum
Memphis, Tennessee

It was announced at the beginning of the program that three of the four major titles on the Smackdown! brand would be given out this evening; the first event of the year. The crowd in Memphis was electric with anticipation of the night's events.

Michael Cole and John "Bradshaw" Layfield started off the program by detailing the first match of the evening: a Four-Corners Match to determine the new Cruiserweight Champion. It was announced that Scotty 2 Hotty would not be participating in the match due to an injury suffered backstage. Sylvan was announced as his replacement.

No-Time-Limit-Four Corners Match
Sylvan defeated Gregory Helms, Funaki, and Jamie Noble:
     x G. Helms beat J. Noble via the Shining Wizard in 27:58
     x G. Helms beat Funaki via the Shining Wizard in 38:52
     x Sylvan beat G. Helms via the Quebecois Cutter in 45:20.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Sylvan won the Cruiserweight Championship.)

Coming back from commercials, Sylvan is interviewed about his win of the Cruiserweight Title, in the place of Scotty 2 Hotty. Slyvan said that it was Scotty's own fault for not being able to take part in the match. Therefore, it took someone from Quebec, to come in and win the Cruiserweight Title.

United States Championship Tournament - Semi-Final:
Chavo Guerrero (w/Vickie Guerrero) defeated Finlay (w/Little Bastard) by disqualification in 17:13.
Rating: 3/4*

Backstage, Scotty 2 Hotty was told about Sylvan's comments; he issued a challenge for a non-title match against the Cruiserweight Champion next week from Saint Louis, Missouri. He added a stipulation that says, if he's able to defeat Sylvan, then at the Royal Rumble, he will get a title match.

United States Championship Tournament - Semi-Final:
Matt Hardy pinned Chris Benoit after a reverse neckbreaker in 4:45.
Rating: **

After the match, Benoit gingerly made his way backstage, after getting two vicious low blows by Hardy on his way to losing the semi-final match-up. The crowd was stunned by how quickly the match ended, and JBL atested that to the fact that getting hit below the belt will definitely knock you out of any contest. Hardy stayed in the ring, awaiting Chavo Guerrero to return...

United States Championship Tournament - Final:
Matt Hardy defeated Chavo Guerrero by disqualification in 7:54.
Rating: **
(The United States Championship remained vacant.)

As Vickie Guerrero exits the ring, leaving the steel chair she used on Hardy, Chavo takes advantage and executes the Texas Cloverleaf on Hardy as the crowd begins to boo! Nick Patrick tried to pull Chavo off of Hardy but was low-blowed by Vickie who had re-entered the ring. With the referee down, Finlay ran down to the ring and attacked Chavo from behind, breaking the hold. Hardy rolled out of the ring, holding his lower back and Finlay continued his assault on Guerrero, before throwing him out of the ring. The crowd cheered Finlay for helping Hardy as Chavo and Vickie made their way up the ramp.

Returning from commercial, Teddy Long announed that next week, Matt Hardy and Finlay will team up to face Chavo Guerrero and Chris Benoit in tag team action. He said that since the title was left vacated due to disqualification, he would have to decide on how to handle the situation. He told Kristal Marshall that he would have more information on his decision next week.

Paul London and Jimmy Wang Yang defeated Teacher's Pets (KC James & Idol Stevens) (w/Michelle McCool) when Yang pinned Idol with the Yang Time in 12:06.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Brian Kendrick no-showed)

Michael Cole and JBL announce that coming up next will be a battle royal to determine the new World Heavyweight Champion. Bobby Lashley and Batista were announed to have drawn the first two entries...

5-Man Battle Royal for the World Heavyweight Title:
The Undertaker won a 5-Man Royal Rumble:
    x Lashley and Batista started out.
    x Lashley threw out Batista after an overhead belly-to-belly suplex in 0:16.
    x King Booker entered at 2:00.
    x The Great Khali entered at 4:00
    x Lashley defeated Booker after a spear in 4:11.
    x The Undertaker entered at 6:00.
    x Undertaker threw out Khali in 6:04.
    x Undertaker threw out Lashley after an elbowdrop in 6:44.
Rating: *
(The Undertaker won the World Heavyweight Title.)
wicked_rexPosted on 01/31/07 at 13:24:58

Monday Night Raw
January 8, 2007
Scottrade Center
St. Louis, Missouri


Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler started off the program, welcoming everyone to Saint Louis. JR mentioned that the WWE was just a few short weeks away from going to pay-per-view for the first time this year, bringing the Royal Rumble to the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They went over the rules for the Rumble, and Lawler made a comment, saying that he would like to enter the Rumble... because he would love to headline WRESTLEMANIA. JR told Lawler that he would have a chance to battle for the Intercontinental Title; all he'd have to do is win his match tonight.

The Spirit Squad (Johnny & Kenny) defeated Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch when Kenny pinned Murdoch after a flying cross body press in 18:20.
Rating: ** 1/2

Johnny and Kenny pulled off a huge victory against their much larger opponents in this match. Afterwards, they made a quick exit from the ring, celebrating their victory on their way up the ramp. Inside the ring, Cade and Murdoch were furious about losing.

Backstage, Johnathon Coachman was seen in his office. He said that the four matches taking place tonight - involving the losers from last week's series of tournaments - would decide the four men who take a spot in the four-man tournament next week, to determine the first Intercontinenal Champion. He wished all the compeititors good luck.

Returning from commercials, Maria was backstage with Viscera. She asked him how he felt about his chances of becoming WWE Championn tonight. Viscera was staring at Maria during the entire interview, but said that his size and power were the keys to him winning the title, tonight. He asked Maria if she'd like to come to his hotel room after the show to celebrate his victory. The crowd booed loudly at this, as Viscera turned to walk away. However, before the scene faded, Maria was seen smiling to herself.

John Cena pinned Ric Flair with the F-U in 12:15.
Rating: *** 1/4

The crowd was behind both men in this match, but began strongly pulling or Flair towards the end. However, Cena was able to quiet the crowd and pin the "Nature Boy" to advance to the four-man tournament next week. Jerry Lawler then left the broadcast area as he went to get ready for his up-coming match.

Bcakstage, Edge and Lita are seen in their locker room. Edge said that tonight is the night that the "Rated R Superstar" jumps to the top of the ranks on Monday Night Raw. He said that tonight, he was going to walk out of Saint Louis with the WWE Title wrapped around his waist... and that after the show, he and Lita were going to have a very interesting celebration.

At ringside now, JR is joined by Todd Grisham for the remainder of the show.

Mikey pinned Jerry Lawler after a stomachbreaker in 1:13.
Rating: * 3/4

The Spirit Squad continued their winning ways tonight, with Mikey picking up the win over "The King". Mikey quickly left the ring as Lawler lay prone, holding his abdomen, in the center of the ring. JR and Todd were concerned about Lawler after watching the replay of the stomachbreaker. As Lawler slowly made his way up the ramp, Raw went to commercials.

Backstage, after the break, Maria asked Carlito what he thought about his chances in walking away with the WWE Title later tonight. He said that this match is going to be based on speed and endurance... which he has both of. He complimented his opponents on their winning last week, but said that nothing would be cooler then him walking out with the WWE title around his waist.

Jeff Hardy pinned JTG with the Swanton Bomb in 4:47.
Rating: **

The crowd was very interested in this match, splitting their cheers between both competitors. In the closing seconds, a "Swanton" chant started up, and "The Charismatic Enigma" didn't disappoint the crowd in St. Louis! With the win, Hardy picked up the third position in next week's tournament for the IC Title. After the match, JTG sagged his shoulders as he made his way back having lost his chance to win gold in the first weeks of his tenure in the WWE.

Randy Orton was alone, backstage, wanting to say a few words about tonight's main event. He said that he had listened to what his opponents had said, and was completely blown away by how much they each thought they had a chance. The crowd booed at this statement, but this only caused Orton to smile. He continued to say that he is a third-generation Superstar, and there is nothing that will stop him from winning the WWE Title in his hometown. He said that the only pressure he felt was that of losing in St. Louis to someone who doesn't deserve to be called a champion. He said that Viscera was put in this match only because he beat the hell out of a woman... and an old man, in Jerry "The King" Lawler. JR said that comment was uncalled for, as "The King" was only trying to help Candice last week.

Orton continued to say that he was in the best position to win this match, having actually fought two opponents, and not easing his way into the Four-Corners Match. He finished off by saying that tonight, Randy Orton was going to become the new face of World Wrestling Entertainment.

Robbie McAlister defeated Triple H by disqualification in 5:29.
Rating: * 1/2

The crowd was stunned to see "The Game" get disqualified for not breaking the five-count on a choke. As the bell continued to ring, referee Danny Davis struggled to pull Triple H off of McAlister. Standing, furious in the ring, Triple H and McAlister began to scream back and forth at each other. JR said that Triple H promised someone would pay tonight... and wondered if McAlister was the one he was going after. RAW went to commercials with Triple H still in the ring.

It was announced as RAW returned that Carlito had been injured in an incident backstage. During the break, Armando Alejandro Estrada begged for his protege - Umaga - to be put into Carlito's place. Jonathon Coachman OK'ed the suggestion... officially taking Carlito out of the WWE Title Match.

WWE Championship, Four-Corners Match:
Viscera defeated Edge, Umaga and Randy Orton:
    x Edge beat R. Orton via The Spear in 32:41
    x Umaga beat Edge via pinfall in 40:46.
    x Viscera beat Umaga via disqualification in 45:49.
Rating: ** 1/4
(The WWE Championship remained Vacant.)

The St. Louis crowd made their disapproval for the outcome of this match very well known, as they booed loudly, drowning out the ringing bell. With Viscera outside the ring - and Armando Alejandro Estrada taunting him - Umaga exited the ring and attacked "The World's Largest Love Machine" from behind causing the referee to signal for the bell, once more. As the officials try to break up the attack, Carlito rand down from the back and jumped Umaga from behind -- much to the delight of the crowd! Taken off guard, Umaga falls to the ground as Estrada begins screaming at Carlitoe. Umaga slowly gets to his feet, but his held back by his handler. RAW goes off the air with Carlito and Umaga staring down each other.

Card Rating: **
wicked_rexPosted on 02/01/07 at 04:10:35

ECW on Sci-Fi
January 9, 2007
Peoria Civic Center
Peoria, Illinois

The program started by showing highlights from last week's 19-Man Battle Royal for the ECW Title. After
the video ends, Joey Styles and Tazz welcome everyone to Peoria, Illinois. Before they can continue
their introduction, ECW Champion, Matt Striker comes out to the ring and joins them at the broadcast
table. Striker says that being the smartest man on the ECW roster, and by using his vast knowledge, he
was able to win the title last week. He says that he's out at ringside to get a first-hand look at all
his possible opponents, but he knows that none of them have what it takes to take the belt from around his waist.

Number One Contenders Tournament: ECW Title: Round One
Little Guido (w/ Big Guido & Trinity) pinned Roughhouse O'Reilly with the Arrivederci in 5:50.
Rating: ***

After the match, Little Guido threatens a fan who was chanting "Grow an Inch!" Matt Striker chimes in, saying that Guido doesn't deserve to be ECW Champion because he's just some "Brooklyn greaser piece of trash" who has to have a "big fan man and a skank" with him at all times. Joey Styles and Tazz say that Striker's getting out of line, and the show's just started! Medicial officials escorted O'Reilly to the back, through the crowd as Guido makes his way to the back.

Balls Mahoney (w/Francine) pinned The Big Show after a chop in 14:59.
Rating: ** 3/4

The crowd was in total shock as Balls was announced the winner. With his face covered in blood, he raised his arms in the air as the crowd cheered their approval. He was helped backstage by Francine and the referee as The Big Show got to his feet and slammed his hands on the barrier. He made his way backstage as the show went to commercial.

Backstage, after the match, Balls Mahoney is seen getting stitches in his forehead from his previous match. Rebecca DiPerto asked him if his injuries were going to keep him out of the next round. Balls said that the only thing that would keep him from winning this tournament was either breaking a bone or dying. He said that he'll see Guido later tonight; and that he'll see Matt Striker at the Royal Rumble.

Christopher W. Anderson pinned Al Snow after a powerslam in 10:58.
Rating: ** 3/4

Anderson stared down at Snow after the match, soaking in his victory. The crowd jeered Anderson as he left the ring. A blood-soaked Snow was helped out of the ring with the crowd applauding his efforts. Matt Striker, at ringside, said that there wasn't a person advancing who he couldn't beat at the Royal Rumble.

Danny Doring made Derek Neikirk submit to a chokehold in 10:01.
Rating: *** 1/4

Doring quickly made his way backstage as ECW went to commerecials.As the program returned, a visual appeared on screen, showing the brackets of the tournament, so far:

Little Guido
                       Little Guido
Roughhouse
                                                     ?
Balls Mahoney
                       Balls Mahoney
The Big Show
                                                    ?
CW Anderson
                          CW Anderson
Al Snow
                                                       ?
Derek Neikirk
                        Danny Doring
Danny Doring

Joey Styles and Tazz went over what had taken place so far in the evening, with Striker cutting in and insulting the competitors. Striker continued to tell Styles and Tazz that he was was ths smartest athlete in professional wrestling - that's why he's the ECW Champion.

Number One Contenders Tournament - ECW Title - Round Two:
Balls Mahoney pinned Little Guido after a flying legdrop in 3:15.
Rating: ***

The crowd cheered as Balls and Francine celebrated his victory. As Little Guido exits the ring with Big Guido & Trinity, Balls stares at Matt Striker and mouths "That belt is mine!" to the ECW Champion. Striker comments, saying that Mahoney got lucky because Little Guido is no opponent. As Balls left the ring, Striker told Tazz that he's not worried about a thing. Styles mentioned that, at the Royal Rumble, the ECW Title would be defended in a "Random Gimmick Match", to be determined the night of the event. Striker said that he's in ECW for a reason - to be the best, and to show the "originals" why they don't belong in the new incarnation of Extreme Championship Wrestling. He said that a "Random Gimmick Match" doesn't concern him at all, because he'll be able to out-smart whoever his opponent will be, and use the "gimmick" itself, to his advantage.

Christopher W. Anderson pinned Danny Doring after a vertical facebuster in 2:07.
Rating: * 1/2

Anderson stunned the crowd, by making quick work of Doring in this match. Tazz said it's a testament to how badly these two want the ECW Title. Striker said it's just showing how poorly motivated the rest of the roster is. Joey Styles told Striker that he would get his wish at the Royal Rumble, having no other choice but to face an ECW "Original" on January 28th. ECW went to commercial, with Anderson staying in the ring.As the program returned, Anderson was seen waiting for his opponent. Balls Mahoney & Francine appeared through the curtain as the tension began building. Styles and Tazz said they couldn't wait to see these two square off - just like the early days of ECW. Striker said he was going to do two things, listening to them talk: either cry or throw up!

Number One Contenders Match - ECW Title:
Christopher W. Anderson made Balls Mahoney submit to a sleeperhold in 4:07.
Rating: ** 3/4

The crowd booed wildly as Anderson was announced the winner. As the bell sounded, Striker got up from the broadcast table as he and Anderson stared at each other. Striker pointed to his belt and then to his head, telling CW that Striker was smarter then he was. Anderson moved his hands across his waist and then pointed at Striker as ECW on Sci-Fi went off the air.

Card Rating: ** 1/2
wicked_rexPosted on 02/02/07 at 22:08:17

Sorry, had a little mishap with the PC the other night, and will not be able to post the 1/12/07 episode of "Smackdown!". Everything should be back to normal with the 1/15 RAW that should be sometime this weekend.

ENJOY!
wicked_rexPosted on 02/04/07 at 05:17:21

Monday Night Raw
January 15, 2007
Qwest Center
Omaha, Nebraska


RAW started off, by showing the closing moments of the Four-Corners Match main event from last week, when Viscera lost by disqualification after interference by Armando Alejandro Estrada. Moments later, Carlito ran down to the ring and attacked Umaga. The clip ends with the two men sharing words from across the ramp.

Jim Ross and Todd Grisham welcome everyone to Omaha, just 13 days away from the Royal Rumble. It's announced that tonight, there will be a four-man tournament to determine the Intercontinental Title. They are interrupted as Umaga and Armando Alejandro Estrada made their way down to the ring. In the ring, Estrada admitted to being behind the attack that kept Carlito out of the main event last week. He detailed that he sent Umaga into the match as a way to get the WWE Title and gain the power on RAW. Carlito then came down to the ring and snatched the microphone from Estrada, and demanded that he face Umaga at that moment! The crowd loved this idea as they began cheering. JR exclaimed that "business is about to pick up!" However, Jonathon Coachman interrupted the eventual battle, by coming out to the stage. He said that "in the interest of fairness", he would give both Carlito and Umaga a chance to prove themselves, later in the evening. He also stated that since the match ended with Viscera and Umaga - who was not a "true participant" - only Viscera would be allowed the spot in the Royal Rumble main event. He said that he would fix both these issues by having one match. Coachman said that later in the evening, Carlito would face Umaga, with the Number One Contendership on the line. Before leaving, Coachman wished everyone a good evening.

Rob Conway and Edge started things off - after the commercial - in the first match off the evening. Conway had the advantage for the entirety of the match and absolutely stunned the crowd in the Qwest Center, getting the submission victory in less than a minute!

Rob Conway defeated Edge when Edge passed out in a side headlock in 0:47.
Rating: *

After the match, the crowd booed, but JR and Grisham couldn't decide it based on the match, or towards Edge and the way that he lost. Lita slid into the ring and escorted Edge backstage.

Backstage, Jerry Lawler talked to Jonathon Coachman about his plans to take part in the Royal Rumble in two weeks. Coachman said that, the only way for "The King" to be a part of the Rumble was to win a 10-man preliminary battle royal, next week. Coachman said that,
wicked_rexPosted on 02/09/07 at 04:38:03

Backstage, Jerry Lawler talked to Jonathon Coachman about his plans to take part in the Royal Rumble in two weeks. Coachman said that, the only way for "The King" to be a part of the Rumble was to win a 10-man preliminary battle royal, next week. Coachman said that, since Lawler was not an "active" wrestler, he didn't want to risk losing a color-man. Lawler said that he's a wrestler at heart... and he plans on winning the battle royal next week.

Kenny and Johnny of the Spirit Squad and The World's Greatest Tag Team were up next. Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch appeared on-stage at the beginning of the match; JR and Todd tried to figure out why. Both teams make quick tags about a minute into the match, trying to stay fresh. At about the four-minute mark, Shelton Benjamin hit the T-Bone suplex for a two-count, as Johnny was able to kick out! Soon after that, Charlie Haas was tagged in, and the match came to it's end with a submission.

The World' Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) defeated The Spirit Squad (Johnny & Kenny) when C. Haas made Johnny submit to the Haas of Pain in 6:19.
Rating: **

After the match, Haas and Benjamin saw Cade & Murdoch standing on the stage. The two teams stared at each other as RAW went to commercials.

As RAW returned, Carlito was seen backstage, getting ready for his match against Umaga. Maria asked him how he felt about finally getting into the ring with the man that attacked him last week. Carlito said that the WWE Championship should've been his last week. He said that Umaga might be a monster, but Carlito has determination on his side. He told Maria that he will go into the Royal Rumble and win the WWE Championship.

The first match in the Intercontinental Title Tournament was up next with John Cena taking on Robbie McAlister. It was another match, where the crowd was unsure of who to cheer for. The match was taken to the outside, where McAlister continued his assault on Cena, before returning back to the ring. The crowd had a mixed reaction at the end of the match as McAlister earned his shot at the IC Title.

Robbie McAlister pinned John Cena with the Double Underhook Power Bomb in 9:03.
Rating: ** 1/4

Backstage, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin were celebrating their victory, when Cade & Murdoch attacked them from behind! As The WGTT lay prone on the ground, Cade & Murdoch said that they would see Haas & Benjamin next week in the Tag Team Tournament.

As the camera came back to the ring area, Jonathon Coachman was seen with Robbie McAlister. JR & Todd questioned why Coachman had the IC title with him, at this point. "Coach" said that there were some unforeseen instances that had taken place tonight, causing Mikey and Jeff Hardy out of the arena. Therefore, "Coach" told the crowd in Omaha that Robbie McAlister would be given the IC title. He also said that, next week in Cedar Rapids, Hardy and Mikey would face off to determine the #1 Contender. The winner of that match will face Robbie McAlister at the Royal Rumble. Afterwards, RAW went to commercials.

Chris Masters made his debut after the break, taking on "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton, a week after he was eliminated first in the Four-Corners Match for the WWE Title. Orton came into this match looking for some sort of compensation for his loss last week. However, "The King" Jerry Lawler had other things on his mind. Lawler shocked the crowd in Omaha by coming down to the ring and assisting Masters to victory, by giving him brass knuckles which "The Masterpiece" used to his advantage, to pick up the win.

Chris Masters pinned Randy Orton after hitting him with brass knuckles in 2:41.
Rating: ***

After the match, Masters celebrated his victory and left the ring as Lawler stood at ringside, staring at the unconscious "Legend Killer". Backstage, Maria was joined by Armando Alejandro Estrada and Umaga. Estrada said that, tonight, Carlito was going to find out just how big of a monster "The Samoan Bulldozer" really is. He went on to say that Umaga was going to go into the Royal Rumble and win the WWE Championship... and that Carlito will be lucky to make it to next Sunday.

Carlito and Umaga came out to the ring, to settle their score from last week... with a shot at the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble as added incentive. The Qwest Center had been buzzing all night, once hearing the main event announcement but, when the match started, Umaga came out and demonstrated his power by overtaking Carlito for most of the match. Carlito was able to mount a comeback. However, it wasn't enough to give him a main event trip to Minneapolis.

Number-One-Contenders Match: WWE Championship:
Umaga (w/Armando Alejanrdo Estrada) pinned Carlito after a legdrop in 8:57.
Rating: ** ½

After the match, Umaga & Estrada were stopped on their way up the ramp by Viscera, who appeared on-stage. The two big men stared each other down as JR and Todd talked about their match-up at the Royal Rumble. RAW went off the air with the two men staring at each other.


CARD RATING: ** ½
wicked_rexPosted on 02/09/07 at 04:39:41

ECW on Sci-Fi
January 16, 2007
Gateway Arena
Sioux City, Iowa

ECW Champion Matt Striker started off the program, coming out to the ring with the title around his waist. He said, just like he proclaimed last week that he was the smartest athlete in ECW. And, that, as the smartest man in the new-era ECW, he didn't feel anything by hatred for the originals that have returned. He said that Christopher W. Anderson may have won the tournament last week, using brute force and strength to earn his shot at the Royal Rumble, but it'll take more to defeat the champ next Sunday night. At that point, an ECW original - Al Snow - made his way to the ring. He told Striker that he might not have seen eye-to-eye with C.W. Anderson in the past, but Snow would be cheering for Anderson at the Rumble. Snow said that he doesn't understand how an arrogant former teacher could piss on the chance that he's been given to be the top man in the ECW... by only disgracing everything that's gone on before his arrival. Striker became enraged, throwing down his title, challenging Snow to a fight. However, the interaction was interrupted as Hardcore Holly's music began to play. Striker took this opportunity to slide out of the ring and make his way through the crowd. Joey Styles and Tazz asked if that's the way the ECW Champion should act.

Al Snow pinned Hardcore Holly after a German suplex in 10:47.
Rating: * ½

It was announced, after the match, that on next week's episode, six ECW athletes will announced as entering the Royal Rumble match. All six men will be take part in a six-man tag team match to showcase their skills. ECW then took a quick commercial break.

Ariel defeated Jazz via pinfall in 11:41.
Rating: *

Backstage, after the match, Matt Striker found interviewer Rebecca DiPerto and issued an open challenge to Al Snow in a non-title match, next week. Striker told her that no one, especially not Snow, could come out there and make the ECW champion look back. Striker went on to say that next week will just be another example of why the "Originals" couldn't cut it on RAW Smackdown.

Derek Neikirk pinned CM Punk with the Saito Suplex in 8:23.
Rating: ** ¾

Coming back from commercials, Rebecca was with Christopher W. Anderson, as he was making his way down the hallway in the back of the Gateway Arena. When asked about Matt Striker's comments to begin the show, Anderson said that Striker might be the smartest man in ECW, but Anderson knows "damn well" that he, personally, is the toughest man in ECW. He said that at the Rumble, he was going to show Striker that... and take the ECW title in the process.

C.W. Anderson and Tommy Dreamer were in the final match of the evening; a match that Anderson said would show off what he could do in the ring. At the beginning of the match, ECW Champion, Matt Striker came down to the ring. Striker was banished from ringside, but came back and hit the Golden Rule on Anderson while the referee had his back turned. Through the remainder of the match, Striker made his presence known, interfering as many as four more times, trying to hand Anderson a lost. However, now of his attempts were successful.

Christopher W. Anderson pinned Tommy Dreamer with the Anderson Spinebuster in 5:59.
Rating: ** ¾

After the match, Joey Styles and Tazz swore that C.W. Anderson was the toughest man in ECW, having shown that it doesn't matter the odds - he'll still come out on top. It was announced that next week's main event would be a non-title match between Matt Striker and Al Snow. Styles and Tazz wished everyone a good night as ECW went off the air.

Card Rating: ** ½
wicked_rexPosted on 02/09/07 at 04:41:36

Friday Night Smackdown!
January 19, 2007
Gateway Arena
Sioux City, Iowa



Teddy Long walked out to the ring, to begin the program from Sioux City this week. He asked how all the "playa's" were, telling them to "holla". He then went to business, letting the crowd know that there had been some changes made to tonight's scheduled United States Championship match. Long told the crowd that Finlay, who would be facing Matt Hardy, would not be at the arena tonight. He said that he couldn't get into specifics, but his chances would be very slim. However, Long said the match would go on, with someone taking Finlay's place. He said that there was already a person named to be the next in line had the match gone on as planned. But, since the circumstances caused changes to be made, Long announced that Joey Mercury would be taking the place of Finlay, facing Matt Hardy tonight, for the United States Title. Long thanked the crowd and hoped they enjoyed the show. Michael Cole and JBL tried to figure out why Finlay wasn't going to be in the arena tonight. Cole said that, "if Teddy Long wanted "us" to know, then he would've told us".

Backstage, Bobby Lashley entered the arena and was asked by Kristal Marhsall how he felt about challenging The Undertaker for the World title at the Royal Rumble. Lashley said that he was confident about his chances, having already defeated The Undertaker last week in a non-title match. He said that the stage was going to be bigger and the energy level would be higher, but he could overcome it. He agreed that The Undertaker would be at the top of his game coming into the Rumble next Sunday, but he felt that - if he could be 'Taker once, he could be him again. He walked off as the show went to commercial.

Jamie Noble defeated Vito by disqualification in 2:05.
Rating: *

The referee struggled to get Vito off of Noble as the bell rang; his chokehold latched onto Noble's throat. After arguing with the official, Vito exited the ring and made his way to the back, the crowd unsure on how to respond to him.

Backstage, Chavo and Vickie Guerrero were seeing having an argument over what took place last week. Chavo blamed Vickie for his loss, saying she caused him to lose a chance at the United States Title this week. Vickie said she was only trying to help Chavo's chances, but Chavo was having none of it. He said that he had enough of the argument and headed towards the door. As Chavo exited the room, Chris Benoit attacked him from behind, laying him out in the hallway! Benoit stood over Chavo and told him that not only did Vickie cost Chavo a U.S. Title match; she also cost Benoit one, too. Benoit said that he would get his payback on Chavo... just not now. As Benoit walked off, Smackdown went to commercials.

Funaki pinned Gregory Helms with the Rising Sun in 14:54.
Rating: ****

The crowd cheered Funaki as he was announced the winner. Michael Cole and JBL both agreed that Gregory Helms should've been disqualified earlier in the match for throwing referee Jack Doan outside of the ring. Helms left the ring, and was disgusted by his defeat, as he began to threaten fans at ringside.

Backstage, Scotty 2 Hotty was getting ready for his match against Sylvan when he was approached by Kristal Marshall. Kristal asked Scotty how he felt going into the match, and Scotty said that he felt confident about his chances of winning the Cruiserweight Title. Before he could continue, Cruiserweight Champion Sylvan approached. Sylvan said that Scotty might've gotten lucky last week, earning his title match tonight, but he wasn't going to be as successful tonight. Sylvan walked away, leaving Scotty staring in his direction.

Daivari & The Great Khali defeated Paul London & Brian Kendrick when Daivari pinned B. Kendrick with the Scimitar in 14:37.
Rating: ** 1/4

Daivari made his in-ring debut with Khali tonight. However, they got more than they bargained for when they faced-off with London & Kendrick. The two speedy youngsters put up a helluva battle against the monster and his handler. Though Daivari & Khali walked away with the victory, London & Kendrick walked away with the respect of the crowd. As Khali and Daivari celebrated, Smackdown went to commercial.

After the break, Matt Hardy was questioned by Josh Matthews about Finlay not being in the arena tonight, and having to face Joey Mercury for the vacant United States Title. Hardy said that Finlay didn't want to have to face him, after seeing what Hardy could do in their tag team match last week. He continued to say that Hardy didn't think J. Mercury had what it took to be the U.S. Champion, so the title was as good as his.

In another arena of the arena, The Undertaker was seen standing in a dark hallway; the light shining off the World Heavyweight Title. Through the darkness he talked about Bobby Lashley having lasted the longest in the battle royal, until The Undertaker threw him out to win the title. He said that Lashley was successful in defeating 'Taker in a non-title match last week. However, 'Taker continued to say that, at the Royal Rumble, Lashley would be taking on a different kind of demon from what has been seen in the last few weeks. He said that, with the World Title on the line, he would bring all the power of the darkside with him to Minneapolis; more than enough to defeat Bobby Lashley and retain the championship. Ending his promo, The Undertaker told Lashley that he would "rest in peace".

Coming back to the ring area, Michael Cole and JBL discussed the possibilities of The Undertaker-Bobby Lashley match next Sunday at the Royal Rumble. The conversation quickly changed to who would be the Cruiserweight Champion heading into the pay-per-view as they were getting set for the title match earned by Scotty 2 Hotty against Sylvan.

Cruiserweight Championship Match:
Scotty 2 Hotty pinned Sylvan with the Worm in 5:06.
Rating: **
(Scotty 2 Hotty won the Cruiserweight Championship.)

The crowd went crazy as Scotty 2 Hotty was announced the winner! Cole and JBL said that Scotty definitely fulfilled his promise of winning the title that was rightfully his. Scotty was handled the title and made his way up the aisle, celebrating with fans as the camera went backstage, once again.

Teddy Long announces to the crowd that the tag team tournament that was originally scheduled  to take place next Sunday at the Royal Rumble, would be held off for two weeks. He tells the crowd that the tournament will be held until No Way Out, where the tournament finale will take place, and the WWE Tag Team Champions will be named. He tells the crowd that tournament will consist of four teams that will be announced in two weeks. JBL and Michael Cole announced that coming up next would be the United States Championship match before Smackdown went to commercial.

Match for the Vacant United States Championship:
Matt Hardy pinned Joey Mercury with the Twist of Fate in 1:29.
Rating: **
(Matt Hardy won the United States Championship.)

The crowd went crazy as Matt Hardy was announced the winner and handed the U.S. Title. Hardy celebrates with the title in the ring as Mercury rolls out the ring, holding his neck. Smackdown goes off the air with Hardy celebrating in the ring.


Neilsen Rating: 2.4
Attendance: 1,350