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DWF Last Man Standing 2008

91Posted on 08/28/06 at 17:52:53

I've always maintained my Royal Rumble matches get better each time...

Quick points comparison from the predictions gives Snabbit a 5-4 victory over Azrael. But what does it all mean?
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The show opens with Juventud Guerreras entrance for his match. Juventud grabs
a mic.

Juventud: "First off, all of you people should shut your mouths and realise that
2008 will once again be the year if Juventud, and I'm going to kick it off in
style tonight against that sushi eating jerk, Spastic Tanaka, who cost me a
spot in the Royal Rumble that was mine BY RIGHTS! I'm willing to bet that loser
Gay Mysterio who stole my slot completely wastes it tonight, he's wasted his
time, he's wasted my time and he's holding back my road to glory in 2008. But
that's OK, Spastic Tanaka, get out here, I'm going to kick your ass and prove
to everyone that I am the greatest cruiserweight in the history of the DWF."

Thankfully the little idiot keeps it short and hands back the mic as Masato
makes his entrance.

Masato Tanaka vs Juventud Guerrera

Juventuds earlier match spiel didn't do anything to send Masato Tanaka into
some sort of rage, as lame as Juvis insults are. Tanaka spent the early part
of the match chopping the life out of Guerrera who scampered for cover and
Tanaka was able to work in his superior technical knowledge as well. Juvis
best offence seemed to be to keep things moving, preferably away from Tanaka,
while Tanaka chased after him and did his damage whenever he caught him.
Juvi wasn't having the best of things and his planted with a brainbuster.
Masato went up top but the cheap Guerrera was able to push the official into
the ropes to cause Tanaka to trip and crotch himself on the top turnbuckle.
After ignoring the refs chastising of him (and calling him "Jerk Doan"), Juvi
hit an impressive hurancarana off the top, before going back up and hitting
the 450 splash for a very fortunate win.

Juventud Guerrera pinned Masato Tanaka with the 450 Splash in 0:08:52.
Rating: *** 1/2

We go backstage to Michael Cole.

Cole: "Brad, in just a short while, you will be one of thirty wrestlers vying
for..."

Brad puts his hand up in Coles face to interrupt him.

Armstrong: "Finally The Rock HAS COME BACK.... to the Royal Rumble. And let The
Rock say this, thirty men, one winner, one man goes on to Wrestlefest to face
the champion, and twenty nine pieces of trailer park trash will have their
candy asses whipped, whipped by the great one. The Rock is going to layeth
the smacketh down on allllll the candy asses, it doesn't matter if The Rock has
to go up against Raven, it doesn't matter if he has to go up against Dynamite
Kid, it doesn't even matter if he has to go up Sylvain Grenier, the only thing
that is for certain is that when the smoke clears, the most electrifying man in
sports entertainment today will be standing tall as the winner if you smell
what The Rock is cooking."

Back in the ring, we are suddenly greeted by a rather shocking appearance, that
of DWF owner Shane McMahon, who has taken a back seat for several months now.
Shane gets a nice reception is he steps into the ring and takes a mic.

Shane: "Thankyou very much. I know I've been very quiet lately and haven't made
many public appearances, and I'll have a little more to say about that after
Wrestlefest because there's a lot of things that have gone on that have frankly
disturbed me. However the most disturbing thing is quite a tragic situation
and it is with deep regret that I have to be the one to report this to you.

Several weeks ago in a Royal Rumble qualifying match, Chavo Guerrero senior
took on Rob Van Dam. It was a great match that Van Dam won, but sadly when
executing his famed Five Star Frogsplash, he bent his body like he always does
but unfortunately years of flexing and bending his body proved to be too much
on this occassion, and Rob Van Dam broke his back. Rob Van Dam was taken to a
local hospital where he was in tremendous pain and upon hearing the doctors
advice, it is with much regret that I have to inform you that Rob Van Dam has
agreed that for the sake of his health, he has no choice but to retire from
professional wrestling."

This brings about a HUGE round of boos and an RVD chant follows.

Shane: "I visited him in the hospital a couple of days after the accident. He
was in a lot of pain, he was really suffering. The doctors tried all sorts of
pain killers and drugs to try and make him feel at ease but nothing was working.
Happily this past Friday, Edge and Christian visited him in the hospital and
smuggled him some smokes and he's now feeling as right as rain. Van Dam will
ultimately be fine but due to the high risks involved, he will no longer be
able to wrestle.

As far as the Royal Rumble is concerned, I'm going to use my standing as owner
of the DWF to make a decision as to who should take his place. A few weeks back
I witnessed a travesty of justice as Chris Jericho was screwed out of a place
in the Royal Rumble. King Kanyon meanwhile hasn't had the chance to qualify so
tonight, the winner of their match will take the final Royal Rumble spot. With
that, I..."

Shane doesn't finish his sentence, instead he is suddenly interrupted by the
Los Guerreros music and it's Chavo Classic who enters the ring, mic in hand.

Chavo: "So let me get this straight - Rob Van Dam is now retired?"

Shane: "Well, yes that's..."

Chavo: "And I was the one he was wrestling when he got injured? This means that
I ended Rob Van Dams career, single handidly."

Shane: "I don't know about that Chavo, he injured himself after years of abuse
to his own body."

Chavo: "That's where you're wrong, it was MINUTES of abuse from me, Chavo! I
ended the career of Rob Van Dam and I think I should be the one to take his
place in the Royal Rumble because it's only fair."

Shane: "You're a liar Chavo."

Chavo: "Ridiculous! I broke Rob Van Dams back and I deserve what's coming to me
and that is title shots as a reward for what I've done, and if I don't get
what I want, I may just end more careers."

Shane: "Fine Chavo, you try ending other guys careers, see how well you get on
then."

Shane leaves in a worse mood than when he came in while Chavo poses on the
turnbuckles shouting "I ended Rob Van Dams career" over and over as we go
backstage to Matt Hardy with bodyguards Snitsky and Heidenreich.

Snitsky: "Jon - I'm going to BURN 28 men as I win the Royal Rumble tonight."

Heidenreich: "No Gene - I'm going to LASER 28 men as I win the Royal Rumble
tonight... hey Gene."

Snitsky: "What is it Jon?"

Heidenreich: "I hear you'd like to throw 28 babies out of the ring."

Snitsky: "You're right, I would like to throw 28 babies out of the ring... hey
Jon."

Hardy: "Jesus Christ guys, you two are sick. Listen, have you two got your
numbers?"

Heidenreich: "We sure have boss."

Hardy: "Can I see them?"

Snitsky: "OK, here you g... oh no, I accidentally breathed on my number, it's
on fire."

Heidenreich: "Let me see... oh no, I accidentally lasered my number, and then
the laser ripped your hand off Matt."

Hardy: "You know what, I'll probably be OK, let me take the, uhhh... charred
remains of your numbers."

Hardy takes the non-charred remains of the slip of papers containing their
numbers.

Hardy: "What the hell is this? I thought I told you two to rig the draw."

Snitsky: "We did, we made sure Jody Fleisch didn't draw number 30, we gave it
to the first guy who walked in to draw their ball."

Hardy: "No you morons, you were supposed to save the high draw for yourselves
to make sure you'd be nice and fresh when you got in, in case Jody was still
there... at least he hasn't gotten number 30.... uhh, guys?"

Heidenreich: "What is it boss?"

Hardy: "Who... who exactly DID you give number 30 to?"

Snitsky leans over and whispers his answer to Matt whose eyes widen as his jaw
drops slightly.

Hardy: "I..... see.... this could have gone a bit better. I can't believe that
of all people, you'd give the number 30 slot to..."

Before he can finish his sentence and reveal who got the best draw of the night
(natch), Paul Roma along with Rodney and Pete Gas come over to interfere.

Roma: "Hey Hardy."

Hardy: "Can't it wait until I'm dead?"

Roma: "No, because then when you die, you come to us because we're EVIL! And
we talk to the dead."

Hardy: "Good, ask Elvis to shoot me. Better yet, get him to shoot you."

Roma: "We need to know, have you decided who wins out of me and that brainless
non-evil loser Scott Putski? Who gets in the Royal Rumble tonight?"

Hardy: "I haven't decided yet. To be honest, I've had more important things on
my mind, like taping Jeopardy."

Roma: "Well until you make a decision, we're going to go outside and we're going
to keep lighting candelabras as a satanic ritual until you tell us who's in the
Royal Rumble. And by that, I mean when you tell me that I'M in the Royal
Rumble, because I will win, because I'm incredibly evil."

Gas: "We bow down to you, oh mighty higher power and future DWF world champion."

Hardy: "Great, get lost."

Roma: "Come my minions, we have candles to light."

Hardy shakes his head in disgust as we go back to Michael Cole.

Cole: "Kurt Angle, tonight you..."

Angle: "Hold it right there poindexter. Let me get this straight, not only do
they ban me from even trying to qualify for the Royal Rumble and the moment
a spare spot comes up because Rob Van Dam pussied out like the Canadian piece
of crap that he is, they give it to the winner of a DIFFERENT match? Are you
freaking kidding me?"

Cole: "Well, Shane McMahon said..."

Angle: "Oh, Shane said this, Shane said that - who cares what Shane McMahon
thinks, you know the whole McMahon family are dirty immigrants anyway."

Cole: "I don't think that's..."

Angle: "SHUT UP! I've got a lot of anger building up tonight, and I've got no
choice but to take it out on that commie piece of crap Rhyno. Rhyno, you stole
my title shot from me like you Australian communists always do, you steal what
belongs to other people. And now they steal away a sure-fire title shot by
keeping me out of the Rumble because Rhyno cried and bitched when he lost to
Muraco. Rhyno, I'm going to break your ankle tonight and make you regret ever
messing with me, and sooner or later, I will finally be the DWF heavyweight
champion of the world. USA!"

Angle marches off as we head back to the ring.

Rhyno vs Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle was a man on a mission against Rhyno, eager to avenge defeat at
Revenge in Sweet and getting stripped of any place in the Royal Rumble match
this year. Rhyno had at times struggled last time out and surprised Kurt at
the start by countering a waistlock into one of his own before using his
strength to throw Angle across the ring. Angle was taken aback that Rhyno
seemed to have learnt something from their last encounter and it wasn't until
he countered a Rhyno spinebuster with a quick dropkick that he was able to
garner some proper momentum.

From there, Angle wrestled him down again much as he had at Revenge is Sweet
but Rhyno still showed more signs of intelligence in the ring, particularly
paying close attention to where he was in the ring, not only using the ropes
to break Angles pin attempts and submission holds, but also ducking down when
Angle charged in at one point and pulling the ropes down to help Angle fall
from the ring. Rhyno had things going back his way again but it wouldn't last
forever as Angle countered a Gore attempt with a drop toe hold that bought on
the ankle lock. Rhyno got to the ropes but was limping upon getting up and
Angle hit the Olympic Slam to register an impressive (and clean) victory.

Kurt Angle pinned Rhyno with the Olympic Slam in 0:14:16.
Rating: **** 1/4

We go backstage to Michael Cole who is standing by with the champion.

Cole: "Don Muraco, maybe your toughest challenge to date as champion is coming
up as you defend against two time former champion Jerry Lynn."

Muraco: "How is this the toughest? Tell me, when did I first face Jerry Lynn?"

Cole: "Well, last year at Wrestlefest..."

Muraco: "And when was the second and last time I faced him?"

Cole: "At Retribution when you won the title, everyone knows that."

Muraco: "And who won both times, with considerable ease? Me! Jerry Lynn may
have gone on this stupid soul searching holiday after I beat him to a bloody
pulp in Philadelphia last year when I won the title, and I'm going to do it
AGAIN tonight, for the third time."

Hardy: "And to mark the occassion, I have written a special Last Man Standing
haiku."

Muraco and Cole glance nervously at one another.

Hardy: "Third time is the charm?
       Won't happen - Muraco wins.
       Hair glows in the night."

Muraco: "Let me make this clear, Jerry Lynn can't stop me and there isn't a
single person in the Royal Rumble who could take that title away from me at
Wrestlefest. What you're looking at is your world champion on a permanent basis
from here until forever, and there's nothing anybody can do about it."

Cole: "A confident Don Muraco ahead of tonights title match. Earlier today we
recorded the comments of a few of tonights Royal Rumble participants, let's
see some of those now."

Sean O'Haire: "What it all boils down to is the mentality behind those who will
do anything to win an event like this. Now everybody knows that last year,
myself and Steve Corino went the fabled hour that nobody else ever had, but this
year there's something different going on. For 28 men, I'm an obstacle, I'm one
of those you have to set your sights on beating to win. There's not many of us
in there - the Corinos, the Dynamites, the Kidmans and the Ravens, but people
are talking about us as potential winners. But for the 29th man, I'm more than
an obstacle. You Brian Pillman have been kept away from me for the last few
weeks for the safety of everyone. You're taking with you on every trip to the
ring whatever you can find that isn't nailed down. Don't you realise Brian, all
this that you're doing, you're trying to compensate for the fact that it was me
who everyone looked upon as the main man in the team. When I was the
Intercontinental champion, you were seen as the second man of the team, and it
eats you alive. So bring whatever you can get your hands on and when you stand
opposite me in the ring, tell me you love me and tell me you're not a bitter,
twisted shell Pillman. Royal Rumble Brian, I hope to see you there."

Owen Hart: "Everybody knows there's only one... PERFECT team in the Royal
Rumble, isn't that right Curt?"

Curt Hennig: "That's right. When it comes to perfection and it comes to the
Royal Rumble, there's only one perfect combination, and that's us. The tag team
champions on the world are here to make a perfect impact on the Royal Rumble."

Owen Hart: "And when it's all said and done, and Pretty Perfect is standing
tall as the winners, everyone knows they will have just seen the only perfect
Rumble. There's no way we can be beat because we are absolutely..."

Hart/Hennig: "PERFECT!"

John Cena: "The Royal Rumble has to be my favourite event of the year. Why?
It's simple, I get 29 chances to unleash my brand of evil to ensure my victory.
I've spent all day concentrating my efforts. Last night at the hotel, I rang
reception and pretended to be Eddie Guerrero and got them to give Eddie wake
up calls at 2, 4, 4:30 and 6 in the morning so he'll be too tired to be a
threat tonight. Then this morning, also at the hotel, I found the breakfast
cart that was delivering Sylvain Greniers breakfast and I smeared beetroot all
over his French toast because I know he hates the smell of beetroot so he would
have thrown it away and he won't have had a proper breakfast this morning and
won't have his strength. And Larry Zbyszko... Larry, I've cut his brake cord,
I switched the SIM card in his phone for a blank one so he won't be able to
remember the number of any of his friends, and I then had a cop visit him to
tell him his daughter had been arrested... he must have looked really confused
considering he doesn't have a daughter. He'll be so messed up that he won't be
able to touch me. The Royal Rumble tonight will be the biggest evilling ever."

ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFIER: Chris Jericho vs King Kanyon

For Chris Jericho and King Kanyon, a spot in the Royal Rumble was on the line
and for two former champions (Jericho a world champ, Kanyon the first IC champ)
it was a chance to really put themselves on the map once again. Jericho was
favourite but Kanyon reminded us that despite his lightened schedule these past
few years, his is still as good as ever and the two engaged in a classic mat
wrestling match complete with several chain sequences that bought the crowds
applause.

When it comes to Kanyon however, things are never as they ought to be and he
took the chance to crawl over to the corner and ram the sceptre into Jerichos
throat, unsighted by the ref, to get what should have been a three count were
it not for Jericho draping a foot over the ropes. Still, Kanyon had things
going his way for a while until Jericho was forced to fight his way out of the
Flatliner and spun it round into a floatover DDT for two. Jericho was coming
back strong and Kanyon once again resorted to the sceptre. Jericho saw it
coming and countered with a drop toe hold that caused Kanyon to land face first
on his own sceptre which then rolled from his reach. With Kanyon stunned,
Jericho took advantage and hit an asai moonsault for the victory, and a place
in the Rumble was secured.

[Royal Rumble Qualifier]:
Chris Jericho pinned King Kanyon after an asai moonsault in 0:17:21.
Rating: ****

We go backstage to hear some more comments from a couple of the participants
in tonights Royal Rumble.

Brian Pillman: "It's sad when a wrestler has to speak the words that condemn
his own former tag team partner and best friend. I couldn't allow everyone to
believe that I would try and kill Sean for nothing. But I'm going to put him
away tonight as I should have years ago. Sean, I love you Sean, but I was
always bad in the end, and I am forced to intend to kill you, while you just
sit there and stare blankly at me, not knowing what's happened. Everyone knows
I would never lay a finger on you and I won't, I'm just going to stand here
just in case everyone thinks I'm about to, all I'm going to do Sean is kill
you in cold blood because I have to, but I won't lay a finger on you. And the
other 28 men in this match, they'll all see, and they'll know Sean, they'll
say "that Brian Pillman wouldn't lay a finger on Sean". And I'm doing this all
for you Sean, because I have to. I have to Sean, and it has to happen tonight
in the Royal Rumble."

Alex Wright: "Hahaha. Nehmen sie einen blick an sieger des Royal Rumble heute
abend. Hahaha."

Wright laughs evily as he taps his whip in his hand. Behind him stands the
silent figure of Ulf Herman, also in the Rumble.

Wright: "Tonight, I enter the Royal Rumble as the Intercontinental champion,
tomorrow I leave as the next heavyweight champion of the world. I will show
all the Americanisch wrestlers that there is nobody that can run with me, Alex
Wright, the greatest wrestler in the world today. And anyone that tries to
cross me will feel my wrath."

Wright whips his whip hard into the palm of his hand to emphasise the point.

Wright: "Und fur das Mutterland, das ich der grosste DWF meister dort bin lebte
uberhaupt."

Jody Fleisch: "Doesn't it amaze you that by far the greatest concepts in the
DWF were around years before Matt Hardy ever took charge? The Royal Rumble is
perhaps the most eagerly awaited match of the year and Hardy did nothing to
create it. He didn't create this, he didn't create Wrestlefest and everything
he did come up with has left this great company in ridicule. Perhaps the only
great thing he did help create is me. Ever since I've sat back and watched him
perform a travesty of justice in his running of the DWF, I've grown into what
I've become now. So when I win the Royal Rumble tonight, Matt, if you've got a
problem with it, you will only have yourself to blame. And don't think those
two goons you thrown into the match will be able to help you, because tonight
Matt, you'll find your world crumbling down around you."

Leaving the comments of the Rumble competitors, we go to see Jerry Lynn
standing, focused. Raven approaches.

Raven: "So it's come to this."

Lynn: "Raven, you know the challenge that stands before me. Don Muraco has been
the most dominant champion the DWF has ever seen. And you and you alone know
the taste of glory over Muraco. But these last six months have taught me a lot.
I have watched maticulously and now... now is the time to take him on at his
own game. Now is the time to take him out, because my time back on top of the
DWF is what everybody knows is what the DWF needs and wrestling world craves.
For the greater good, Muraco needs to put out permanently."

Raven: "You know what else the DWF needs? Tonight, the Royal Rumble, I've sat
back one long year after Wrestlefest VII. I beat Don Muraco and took that
world title only to go down like I did, because of Billy Kidman and Steve
Corino. Well I've waited long enough. Tonight, the Royal Rumble, there isn't
one man among those 29 who can prevent me from fulfilling my destiny. And if
they did? It doesn't matter, they can't hold me back forever."

Lynn: "Destiny, Raven? I guess tonight really will determine just where the
destinies of the DWF lie. The road to Wrestlefest VIII starts here. Destiny...
how very apt."

As they nod silently at one another, we return to the ring.

Don Muraco (c) vs Jerry Lynn (world heavyweight title)

Perhaps Don Muracos biggest test to date came tonight against the man he
defeated for the title originally, Jerry Lynn. After six months out of action,
this would be the biggest title match to date for Lynn - indeed, this was the
first ever time he'd been advertised as a challenger going into a show. Muraco
had at least one ace in the hole though, bringing manager Jeff Hardy with him
to the ring to no doubt make a nuisance of himself.

Right away, it was Lynn who started quickest, showing no lack of the agression
that put him on top of the DWF originally, as he came out of the blocks
fighting Muraco with a flurry of punches that rocked Muraco enough for him to
exit the ring. Lynn didn't hang back and went right after him, taking the
fight all the way around the ring. By now Muraco was in the match as well and
getting in his fair share of shots too and the match evened out. Neither man
held a firm advantage for a while until Jerry Lynn had Muraco staggered and
went for a bodyslam. Hardy hopped onto the apron to distract Lynn and got
hit right in the face for his troubles but it allowed Muraco to take control
of things and so it remained for a while.

Lynn came back into it after Muraco had Lynn poised for a chokeslam, the very
move that had been the beginning of the end at Retribution, only for Lynn to
counter with a low blow and thus came the comeback. Lynn had Muraco well and
truly staggered and finally managed to drop the big man with a jumping
clothesline that almost took his head off. Jerry Lynn could smell success but
Jeff Hardy poked his nose back in again by climbing onto the top rope to
provide a huge distraction. Lynn went over and grabbed him by the scruff of the
neck but Muraco was back and hooked Lynn up for Hardy to hit a move, ignoring
the referees pleas. Jeff however took a bit too long to regain his composure and
position himself. Lynn fought out of Muracos grip, then grabbed Jeff and
speared him right into Muraco.

With both man and manager down, Lynn picked up Hardy and threw him out while
Muraco staggered back to his feet. Lynn seemingly had him lined up for the
Cradle Piledriver and to the surprise of everyone he just about managed to pick
him up before delivering the move, and with that, the referee made the count
and we finally have a brand new heavyweight champion of the world. Despite
Muracos efforts, and they were just as, if not a little more, intense as ever,
Lynn had come in with so much fire and determination that perhaps on this
night nobody could have stopped him.

Jerry Lynn pinned Don Muraco with the Cradle Piledriver in 0:23:08.
Rating: *****
(Jerry Lynn won the Heavyweight Title.)

We go backstage - more specifically we go to a room where the lights are
turned off. The door opens and in walk two men shining torches - it's Larry
Zbyszko and Coach. Coach begins whispering.

Coach: "Hi everybody, I'm the Coach Jonathan Coachman - THE COACH! Hi everybody.
I'm here on a special exclusive assignment to find out what everybody has
drawn in the Royal Rumble. My sources have told me that the final order of
entry has been left in a drawer here in Matt Hardys office. Let's see what we
can find."

Larry begins going through the drawers and quickly finds something.

Larry: "Coach, I've found it."

Coach: "Oh good, now let's find out what that nasty, stinking rotter John Cena
has drawn, I hope it's number one."

Zbyszko hands the list over and Coach scans over it with a torch.

Coach: "Oh no, he didn't draw number 1. He didn't even draw number 2, he drew
number..."

Before he can finish, the lights go on and in walks Matt Hardy, bodyguards in
tow.

Hardy: "What the hell is going on? Coach, I thought I told you to stay the
hell out of my office."

Coach: "But I had to get the exclusive scoop on what everybody has drawn. Wow,
I can't believe some of these draws. Look at the first two guys, it's..."

And before Coach can finish again, we are interrupted by Paul Roma, with the
Mean Street Posse in tow. And their robes are soaked.

Roma: "Listen Hardy, our candelabra protest was going great until it started
raining. I'm sick of waiting, am I in the Rumble or are you going to be a jerk
all your life and give it to Putski?"

Hardy: "You know what, I'm not going to give that last spot to Scott Putski."

Roma: "YES!!"

Hardy: "And you know what, Putski's not in the Rumble and you're not in the
Rumble either Roma..."

Roma: "WHAT?!?"

Hardy: "YOU'RE going to be in the Rumble."

Matt Hardy points right at Coach who responds with an idiotic looking
expression where his mouth is wide open in shock.

Roma: "You've got to be kidding me - HIM?"

Hardy: "Shut up, get out of my office, I've got to go prepare for the Royal
Rumble. You can start by giving me that you two..."

Hardy snatches the list of entrants away from Coach before storming off, while
Roma and co. follow, trying to protest the decision. Meanwhile Coach stands
open mouthed for a few more seconds before responding.

Coach: "............... what do I do now?"

We switch to see Corino warming up by posing and admiring himself in the
reflection of the TV title belt. Kidman approaches.

Kidman: "You know what Steve, I know we've had our problems lately because I've
got a good feeling about tonight. This is the Royal Rumble, this match is my
specialty."

Corino: "That's the spirit Billy, you won it last year, you'll do it again...
at least if you can get past me."

Kidman: "Hey, I understand it's every man for himself but why don't we worry
about the competition before we go at it."

Corino: "Sounds good... so why is this your specialty match exactly?"

Kidman: "There have been seven Royal Rumble and seven different winners, but
how many of those winners are taking part tonight?"

Corino: "Let's see... Lynn was in the title match, Angle was banned, Helmsley
lost his qualifier... yeah, just you."

Kidman: "Right, so I'm the only one in this entire match who has proved he can
win this match, I'm the only one who knows how to get the job done in this
one. And once I've won the Royal Rumble for the second year running, I'm
getting back MY world title belt and all this losing streak nonsense will be
over for good."

Corino: "I'm liking the sound of that... but just one thing Billy, I haven't
forgotten who eliminated me last year."

Kidman: "Oh come on, I was just..."

Corino: "Just saying Billy, just saying."

Corino walks off, leaving a speechless Kidman as we return to the ring to be
greeted by a surprise entrance. Having presented several safety messages in
recent months, coming back from injury it would seem is the man formerly known
as Test - Andrew Martin. Accompanying him is what appears to be an assistant
of sorts of Central American descent. Martin grabs a mic.

Martin: "I'd just like to remind you all, never do drugs. Never drink alcohol
ever, and always practice safe sex, even if your married because you never
know how much your wife slept around before she met you. Before the Royal
Rumble match tonight, me and my non-union Puerto Rican employee have to perform
some safety checks."

Martin then hands his assistant a tape measurer and they begin measuring the
height of the ring. They measure each side of the ring, with Martin shaking
his head each time. The announcers meanwhile recognise the assistant as former
Boricua Jose Estrada. After measuring all four sides, Martin picks up a mic
again.

Martin: "It is with great regret that I have to inform you that the height
between the top rope and the floor is one quarter inch above the regulation
height and would be too dangerous to have so many wrestlers having to take
such a huge fall. If the drop was that one quarter inch smaller, it would be
completely safe. Sadly, as the official safety inspector of the DWF, I
therefore have to announce the Royal Rumble has been CANCELLED! Since there
are no more matches, you may all now leave. Have a safe drive home and please
remember to exit the building in an orderly fashion, single file if you will,
no pushing..."

Luckily for us all, Martin is interrupted by the music of the Pitbulls and
out comes Pitbull #2 to stop these proceedings. The Pitbull enters the ring
and Martin instructs Estrada to go for him. The Pitbull responds with a
vicious facebuster. Martin tries to get the jump on him but Pitbull #2 quickly
hits a big lariat before picking up Martin and hurling him from the ring.
Sadly the extra one quarter inch doesn't hurt Martin too badly as he and
Estrada stagger off. The Pitbull then grabs the mic.

Pitbull: "Now we've got that out of the way, let's get the Royal Rumble
started."

Pitbull #2 gets a good pop for ridding us of Andrew Martin for now, but before
we begin the Rumble, we go backstage one more time to Michael Cole who is
chasing Don Muraco.

Cole: "Don Muraco, where are you off to in such a hurry."

Muraco: "Shut up Cole. What happened out there was an utter disgrace, the DWF
has conspired against me one more time to get the title off me and onto their
golden boy Jerry Lynn. Well I've had it, I'm outta here."

Muraco has reached his car by this time and begins throwing his stuff onto the
back seat.

Muraco: "And if you don't get that camera out of here, I'm going to break it
over your head Michael Cole."

Cole: "I think we better get out of here, back to ringside."

THE ROYAL RUMBLE

Matt Hardy leads his entourage out as the Royal Rumble begins - judging by the music, it's Jon Heidenreich who has drawn #1. Hardy and Snitsky go patiently to the outside, but all three look frustrasted as Chris Jerichos music hits up, signalling his entering at #2. Officials keep a keen eye on Hardy and Snitsky on the outside to make sure they don't interfere while Jericho uses his pace to knock Heidenreich off his feet several times. Heidenreich gets in a clothesline and works him over but Rey Mysterio is #3 and quickly Heidenreich is a victim of a double team. They spend the rest of the two minute interval forcing Heidenreich to the ropes and trying to get him over. The buzzer for #4 hits and Gene Snitsky jumps into the ring, from behind, and breaks up the attempts to get Heidenreich out, while Hardy informs officials Snitsky did indeed draw #4. Everyone pairs off, with Matts men on top but not for long as Jody Fleisch sprints in, illegally and starts chasing Hardy whilst nobody is guarding him. They spill into the ring and Hardy makes an exit while Heidenreich intercepts Fleisch and scoops him onto his shoulders to throw him from the ring, but Jericho nips in from behind and tips Heidenreich out of the ring for our first elimination with Fleisch going with him. Fleisch gets an easy landing though and locks eyes again with Hardy before chasing him all the way to the back. Heidenreich gives chase too as Rene Dupree enters at #5. Jericho and Rey are more concerned with double teaming Snitsky so Dupree sits back and gives us a rendition of the French Tickler, then jumps Rey from behind, allowing Snitsky to fight Jericho one on one in the corner. Dupree gives us another dance so Rey dropkicks him from behind and sends Dupree out. Low Ki is #6 and knocks Rey down with a stiff kick to the head just as he was heading to go after Snitsky again. Low Ki then unleashes a series of vicious kicks on Jericho which leave him sprawled on the mat. He and Snitsky square up next and again Low Ki hits some fast kicks that rock the big guy, but Snitsky catches the leg after one try too many and casually tosses Low Ki out to the floor.

In the ring: Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Gene Snitsky

Eddie Guerrero is #7 and goes right for Jericho after their recent clash that had initially seen Jericho fail to qualify for this match. Snitsky forces him way into the mix and singles out Jericho again while Eddie settles for old rival Mysterio. As the count begins, Jericho ducks a clothesline from Snitsky and hits a clothesline of his own to eliminate Snitsky, while Eddie backdrops Mysterio out and we're down to two. So Jericho and Eddie have the freedom to go at it again. The 'Hulk Hogans Rock'n'Wrestling' music hits up which can only mean it's Coach at #8. Jericho and Eddie fail to notice, like it matters, and continue to go at it. Coach poses a little on his way down to the ring and throws some punches to show how tough he is. By the time he's gotten into the ring, Jericho has just tried a high cross body which Eddie has caught, causing him to stumble into the ropes and BOTH men are eliminated. A quick bickering session brings out some more officials to get them safely to the back. Coach meanwhile has misunderstood the situation and grabs a mic to declare himself the winner before officials explain the rules to him. The timer duly counts down and the fans are hoping for Coachs nemesis John Cena to make his way out, or perhaps it'll be protege Larry Zbyszko and they'll be forced to go at it. In fact #9 is... Ulf Herman? That wasn't quite what everyone was expecting but the big German slowly makes his way to the ring and steps in. Coach offers the hand of friendship to his fellow "bad guy" and Herman responds by grabbing Coach by the neck and chokeslamming him to a big pop. Herman then sets Coach up for the powerbomb but the #10 entrant, Larry Zbyszko, sprints out as fast as he can and blasts Herman with a chairshot to the back. Throwing the chair aside, he stomps away on Herman while Coach slides under the ropes and disappears for a while. Zbyszko keeps going at his own pace until #11 Bobby Eaton makes his way out. He and Larry go at it with Eaton getting the better of it until Larry hits a low blow, then the Shoulderbreaker which leaves Eaton clutching his arm on the mat in some pain. #12 is Curt Hennig and immediately hits Eaton with his patented rolling neck snap. Eaton, having never recovered from the Shoulderbreaker, is easily tosses by Hennig. Hennig and Larry then double team the  big Herman as #13 enters - Christian, looking in terrible shape after the beating he took on Monday at the hands of Brian Pillman. Christian staggers to the ring clutching as many body parts as he can. Herman meanwhile is making a comeback and knocks both Larry and Hennig down before flinging Hennig right out of the ring. A clothesline from Herman then easily eliminates Christian, who shouldn't have even been in there. Larry catches Herman from behind in the leg and tries to take out a knee but Herman fights back before throwing Larry out with considerable ease. As he celebrates clearing the ring, Coach is back from wherever he was hiding and grabs Hermans legs from behind to try and tip him out. Herman meanwhile celebrates some more, poses, points at Zbyszko, then only notices Coach when he tries to walk away. Coach begs for mercy but Herman is having none of it, drilling him with another chokeslam. In the background, Zbyszko can be seen trying desperately to get back to the ring but too many officials are there to hold him back. Herman finally gets to hit the powerbomb, which he calls the Tower of Power, before getting the easiest elimination of the night as he throws Coach right onto Larry who was finally beginning to break through.

In the ring: Ulf Herman

#14 is Sean O'Haire and this creates a very interesting match-up between two big men. O'Haire won't need to go an hour this year, and he goes right to it, unleashing some blows onto Herman that would knock down most men. As they slug it out, last years winner Billy Kidman marks the halfway mark at #15 and starts by chopblocking Herman. O'Haire and Kidman then go at it with Kidman actually getting the advantage with a leg lariat of sorts that knocks O'Haire off his feet. "Unnecessarily Evil" John Cena is #16 and everyone pairs off again. #17 is Sylvain Grenier and as if we haven't had it one time too many already, he gives us his rendition of the French Tickler before making his way down. He's easily overpowered by the larger O'Haire, while in an unusual combination, Cena and Kidman team up to try and get Ulf Herman out. Though they have him struggling in the ropes, they can't quite tip him out. Things take a big twist as Dynamite Kid is #18 and he cleans house big time, knocking down EVERYONE with a big lariat. Grenier is first to stagger up, so Dynamite gives him a snap suplex followed by the Swandive Headbutt, but Kidman jumps him from behind before Grenier can be tossed. Ken Shamrock is next out at #19 and in a common theme, he goes after Herman. O'Haire lines up Grenier for an eliminating clothesline but Grenier ducks and Cena takes the blow. Cena is unbalanced across the top rope so O'Haire wisely takes the chance and tips him out. Grenier then tries to get O'Haire out but fails and quickly gets beats.

In the ring: Ulf Herman, Sean O'Haire, Billy Kidman, Sylvain Grenier, Dynamite Kid, Ken Shamrock

Raven is #20 and in similar fashion to Dynamite Kid, he shows his intentions by landing blows on everyone -  he nails Shamrock, Kidman and O'Haire before knocking Herman down with one clothesline. A single punch is enough to eliminate Sylvain Grenier before he finds himself face to face with Dynamite Kid. No friends in this one and they begin to exchange quick paced rights before Kidman runs in and tackles Raven to slow him down for the time being. Lance Storm is #21 and joins forces with his own tag team partner, Ken Shamrock as they hit Herman with a double clothesline but still the big German won't go out. Kidman and O'Haire are still going at it in the corner, as #22 is signalled and it's Jody Fleisch. Fleisch doesn't even make it halfway down the aisle, while everyone else in the ring goes through the motions for the moment, when he is interrupted by Matt Hardy standing at the curtain, mic in hand.

Hardy: "Woah woah, hold on their Jody. I just reviewed the tape of what you did, and asides from coming in ILLEGALLY, I saw what happened, you were fighting with Heidenreich and you BOTH went over the top rope. As far as I'm concerned Jody, YOU'RE ELIMINATED! GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!"

Jody looks furious as the fans boo that decision.

Hardy: "Now I need a number 22 entrant here, a REAL entrant, so anyone who wasn't already entered in this match, come out here and take the place of this jackass. I don't care who it is, just somebody, anybody... COME ON, I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY! Just someone come out and..."

Hardy is interrupted by some very familiar music - DON MURACO! He hasn't left at all, and he looks in no mood for fun and games now. Shoving Hardy aside, then blasting Fleisch with a stiff right as he passes him, he makes his way to the ring showing a lot of intensity. He tears Kidman off O'Haire and tries to throw him out first. Kidman drags his feet to try and make it difficult but Muraco is too strong and he eliminates last years winner. He then renews the action from his recent match with Ken Shamrock by hammering blows upon him before tipping Shamrock out. By this time it's time for #23, which is Edge. As Edge comes in, Muraco completes his hattrick by throwing out the other Syndicate member, Lance Storm. After shoving some more people down, he locks eyes with one of his most hated rivals - Raven. They approach each other and begin slugging it out. Muraco begins to win it and is forcing Raven towards the ropes with every blow. With Raven staggered against the ropes, Muraco rears back for one last punch that should do it, but instead elbows Ulf Herman in the back of the head. Herman is groggy and Dynamite Kid takes advantage to dropkick him out. Muraco quickly regains his momentum and has Raven in a bad position again and once more looks for that finishing blow but is suddenly shoved from behind by Herman. A stunned Muraco turns round and the two begin to shove one another. As both men rear up to throw the first blow, two refs are forced into the ring to get Herman out. Herman complies but as he exits the ring, Muraco jumps him from behind and kicks him out of the ring. As Muraco shouts angrily at Herman, he is hit from behind by a Raven/Dynamite Kid double clothesline that eliminates Muraco.

Muraco is fuming and immediately squares up to Ulf Herman and it looks like they're going to go at it but Alex Wrights music hits at #24 and he races down to break things up. Apologising profusely to Muraco, he then turns and berates Herman VERY angrily in German, before saying something about "tomorrow night" to Muraco and doing the money signal with his fingers. A frustrated Wright finally enters the ring as Owen Hart is introduced next at #25.

In the ring: Sean O'Haire, Dynamite Kid, Raven, Edge, Alex Wright, Owen Hart

O'Haire is now well over twenty minutes and setting another good time, but he finds himself being targetted by Alex Wright, with Owen going after Dynamite Kid upon entering. Another good draw for Kid Kash as he gets #26 and targets Edge who happens to be closest. O'Haire meanwhile is dominating Alex Wright well but his attention is diverted when he recognises Brian Pillmans music at #27. Pillman, having wielded a crowbar last Monday, is now carrying a large chain to the ring. O'Haire doesn't back down and stands patiently for him to come to the ring. The two have their eyes firmly locked but O'Haire is jumped from behind by Owen while Dynamite Kid takes a blow from Kid Kash and staggers in front of Pillman. Pillman responds by wrapping the chain around Dynamites neck and using it to whip him (and the chain) right out of the ring, getting rid of one of the big favourites. Pillman is speared down by Edge, looking for revenge for what happened to Christian and any chance of a Psychoanalysis match-up is quashed for the time being. Steve Corino is #28 and having gone an hour with O'Haire last year, he won't even have to go close to that to win this year. Corino kicks things right off by hitting the Old School Expulsion on Kid Kash who again just happened to be closest. Corino takes his time though and wisely stays out of the spotlight rather than draw attention. Unfortunately Rockabilly is #29 and serious worries that he could win this begin to seep in. Doing the Shufflebilly to the ring, he proceeds to jump Kid Kash from behind and hits a Fame-Asser to leave him lying. While Corino then picks up and eliminates Kid Kash, Rockabilly signals for another Shufflebilly just as the music hits for #30 and it's Brad Armstrong. Big pop for him, and frankly Rockabilly must be deaf as he goes right ahead and does Shufflebilly before spinning right around into Brads waiting arms. The Rock Bottom is hit, followed by the Peoples Elbow, and Armstrong gets an easy elimination.

In the ring: Sean O'Haire, Raven, Edge, Alex Wright, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, Steve Corino, Brad Armstrong

So we're down to eight men to contest the Royal Rumble. Pillman gets the ball rolling first by grabbing a hold of Edge who had targeted him and kept him isolated in one corner and hitting the DDT on him, before throwing him out. O'Haire breaks away though and clotheslines Pillman from behind to send him out as well. Pillman stares wildly at O'Haire before casually picking up his chain and backing away, telling O'Haire this is the end for him. O'Haire looks ever so slightly perturbed by this. With six men left, Brad Armstrong hits the "spit punch" on Owen which leaves him reeling in the corner. Brad goes up to deliver a series of ten punches but Alex Wright interrupts proceedings and tips Armstrong over and out. Wright focuses his efforts on O'Haire while Raven is quickly double teamed by Corino and Owen. Corino hooks Raven up for a clothesline in the middle of the ring which Owen nails perfectly, knocking Raven off his feet hard. Owen signals to do it again by the ropes but invariably this one fails and Owen hits Corino. Corino doesn't go over, instead teetering against the ropes. Raven quickly irish whips Owen away and tries to clothesline Corino over. Corino ducks but finds himself running head first towards Owen who had been whipped into the ropes and was coming right for him. Owen, thinking fast, manages to leapfrog Corino but lands right by Raven who backdrops him into elimination.

Final Four: Sean O'Haire, Raven, Alex Wright, Steve Corino

Raven can't celebrate for long as Alex Wright comes over and pulls his whip out of his boot and blasts Raven across the back. Forcing him into the corner, Wright uses the whip to beat on Raven and choke him out. Corino meanwhile is battling O'Haire, just as he did at this exact same stage last year. Corino uses the fact O'Haire has been in there now for getting on for forty minutes to his advantage and works him over before dropkicking him over the ropes. O'Haire lands on the apron and staggers up, holding onto the top rope tightly. Corino bites the knuckles of O'Haires right hand, forcing him to relinquish his grip and charges in. O'Haire uses his free right arm to throw an elbow at the head of Corino to stop him. Corino charges again and gets hit with a second elbow. A third one connects again and Corino is sent sprawling to the canvas. O'Haire steps back into the ring, grabs a hold of Corino and launches him out. Seconds later, Raven turns the tide against Alex Wright and hurls him out as well, leaving us with a very intriguing final two.

Staring each other down, they give each other a nod of respect before locking up. O'Haire overpowers Raven and forces him back before wailing on him in the corner. Raven reverses an irish whip and sent O'Haire hard into the corner before hitting a backdrop. Raven then signals for the Evenflow only for O'Haire to counter with a northern lights suplex. O'Haire waits for Raven to get up and charges in with a big boot. Raven dodges the blow and grabs a hold of O'Haires leg before dragging him close enough to the ropes to drape the leg over the top. Quickly, Raven grabs the other leg and begins tipping O'Haire over. O'Haire desperately tries to hang on, but seconds later, it proves too much and Raven forces him out to claim the 2008 Royal Rumble. As Raven celebrates a well earned victory, he spots new champion Jerry Lynn standing by the curtain and the two allies realise this is likely going to the result in the two of them facing each other. They both half smiled at one another (as best as the two of them can smile) as the show came to a close, but this could be quite the interesting Wrestlefest main event.

30-Man Battle Royal:
Raven won a 30-man Royal Rumble:
        x Heidenreich and Jericho started out.
        x Rey Mysterio entered at 0:02:00
        x Gene Snitsky entered at 0:04:00
        x Jericho threw out Heidenreich in 0:05:06
        x Rene Dupree entered at 0:06:00
        x Mysterio threw out Dupree after a dropkick in 0:06:56
        x Low Ki entered at 0:08:00
        x Snitsky threw out Low Ki in 0:09:00
        x Eddie Guerrero entered at 0:10:00
        x Jericho threw out Snitsky after a clothesline in 0:11:52
        x Guerrero threw out Mysterio after a backdrop in 0:11:58
        x Jonathan Coachman entered at 0:12:00
        x Jericho threw out Guerrero after a high cross body in 0:12:59
        x Jericho eliminated himself in 0:12:59
        x Ulf Herman entered at 0:14:00
        x Larry Zbyszko entered at 0:16:00
        x Bobby Eaton entered at 0:18:0
        x Curt Hennig entered at 0:20:00
        x Hennig threw out Eaton in 0:20:27
        x Christian entered at 0:22:00
        x Herman threw out Hennig in 0:22:15
        x Herman threw out Christian after a clothesline in 0:22:31
        x Herman threw out Zbyszko in 0:23:02
        x Herman threw out Coach in 0:23:48
        x Sean O'Haire entered at 0:24:00
        x Billy Kidman entered at 0:26:00
        x John Cena entered at 0:28:00
        x Sylvain Grenier entered at 0:30:00
        x Dynamite Kid entered at 0:32:00
        x Ken Shamrock entered at 0:34:00
        x O'Haire threw out Cena after a clothesline in 0:35:11
        x Raven entered at 0:36:00
        x Raven threw out Grenier after an uppercut in 0:36:19
        x Lance Storm entered at 0:38:00
        x Don Muraco entered at 0:40:00
        x Muraco threw out Kidman in 0:41:06
        x Muraco threw out Shamrock in 0:41:44
        x Edge entered at 0:42:00
        x Muraco threw out L. Storm in 0:42:13
        x Dynamite threw out Herman after a dropkick in 0:42:57
        x Dynamite and Raven threw out Muraco after a double clothesline in
          0:43:35
        x Alex Wright entered at 0:44:00
        x Owen Hart entered at 0:46:00
        x Kid Kash entered at 0:48:00
        x Brian Pillman entered at 0:50:00
        x Pillman threw out Dynamite after hitting him with a foreign object
          in 0:50:35
        x Steve Corino entered at 0:52:00
        x Rockabilly entered at 0:54:00
        x Corino threw out Kash in 0:54:26
        x Brad Armstrong entered at 0:56:00
        x Armstrong threw out Rockabilly after the Peoples Elbow in 0:56:42
        x Pillman threw out Edge after the DDT in 0:57:23
        x O'Haire threw out Pillman after a clothesline in 0:57:30
        x Wright threw out Armstrong in 0:58:04
        x Raven threw out Owen after a backdrop in 0:59:05
        x O'Haire threw out Corino after an elbow in 0:59:57
        x Raven threw out Wright in 1:00:02
        x Raven threw out O'Haire in 1:01:36
Rating: *** 3/4

Rumble Records

Sean O'Haire: 37:36
Ulf Herman: 28:57
Raven: 25:36
Dynamite Kid: 18:35
Alex Wright: 16:02

All Time Records

Sean O'Haire: 1:02:08 (2007)
Steve Corino: 1:02:07 (2007)
 Ted DiBiase: 58:56 (2004)
 Devon Storm: 56:25 (2001)
Chris Jericho: 49:37 (2003)
Snabbit888Posted on 08/28/06 at 22:59:17

Awww... I really want to see Tanaka pushed.  Stupid drunk Juvi.

RVD has to retire.  That sucks.  He's had a good DWF run though so he has nothing to be ashamed of.

All kinds of interviewy goodness.  Jericho or Kanyon get into the Rumble now.  No problems there.  Heidenreich and Snitsky foolishly fuck up rigging the draw, which is what Hardy gets for outsourcing it to them.  And Angle is mean and angry.

Good to see Rhyno was competitive and learned from his mistakes, but with the way Angle has been going lately, he couldn't lose that match.  Good match though, and Angle rolls on.  Will he get himself into the Rumble somehow?

Oh, bless you, haikus.  Bless you.

Ha ha.  Biggest evilling ever!

I like Kanyon, but no chance he was going to beat Jericho.  Glad to see Jericho get his proper shot to be in the Rumble.  He won't win, but yeah.

Wow.  Though I like Jerry Lynn, I can't say I like him winning the title here.  This could change with what you do, but it seems like whoever was going to beat Muraco was poised to do it at Wrestlefest.  Him losing here in clean fashion totally kills off all of Muraco's momentum and makes him look like a schmuck.  This opens up what happens in the Rumble though.  I'll give it a few weeks to see what else you do, but as of this night, I'm not a fan of this.

Andrew Martin has cheap Hispanic labor!  Yay!  And wow... Muraco takes his ball and goes home.  Well then.

RUMBLE TIME!

Read the first half.  None of the real favorites have been in yet.  Herman gets the Diesel push.  Surprised Larry Z didn't make a longer run here.

Fleisch gets fucked... poor guy.  And I'm glad Muraco is out.  I was really scared you were going to have him sneak in and win this thing.  That would have been bad news.

I got the winner right!  Considering I had NO CLUE going in, that's pretty damn impressive.  And I had 2 of the final 4.  Very good Rumble.  Would have liked to see O'Haire and Pillman go at it a little more, but overall, very impressed.  Well done.
americamamushiPosted on 08/29/06 at 06:21:08

Awww poop on a stick.  I missed predictions.

Poor Tanaka.  I still love ya buddy.

It still amuses me terribly to imagine Brad Armstrong doing the mannerisms of the Rock.

YES! Throw the babies out of the ring! *marks the hell out*  I love Snitsky and Heidenreich.  They are so deliciously retarded. :)

Yay to Jericho winning the rumble spot.  BELIEVE IT!

Guess Haiku Jeff was wrong, third time is a charm.  His poems obviously don't predict the future... maybe there is a position open for him at Hallmark.

Haha, the Rumble was almost cancelled.  Nice.  :)  Quite an enjoyable main event.  Glad it wasn't cancelled after all.  Raven takes home the win setting up a meeting between he and Lynn that I am looking terribly forward to.
91Posted on 08/29/06 at 18:00:12

On 08/28/06 at 22:59:17, Snabbit888 wrote:
Wow. Though I like Jerry Lynn, I can't say I like him winning the title here. This could change with what you do, but it seems like whoever was going to beat Muraco was poised to do it at Wrestlefest. Him losing here in clean fashion totally kills off all of Muraco's momentum and makes him look like a schmuck. This opens up what happens in the Rumble though. I'll give it a few weeks to see what else you do, but as of this night, I'm not a fan of this.
Told you that you probably wouldn't like it. ;)

Truth be told, the direction I'm planning for the rest of 2008 involved this title change happening at this time in order for other title changes to happen at other times. I shan't go into detail for now, but just had to be done.

As for Muraco, well, he'll recover - truth be told, this is pretty similar to how he lost the last time and he did alright in the long run. Admitedly it would have been nicer to cap off his title run by having him lose at Wrestlefest but such is life. But he'll be back, sooner or later. And yeah, his Rumble entry was designed not only for storyline purposes, but to tease what would have been the lamest PPV ending ever.

And while I'm here, Masato Tanaka - I think the term people used is "lost in the shuffle". Since he beat Benoit, I've not thought of anything for him and he's been jostled out by those that have got stuff going on. The Benoit injury actually hurt him more than Benoit since there may well have been a continuation there, and it left poor old Massy out in the cold. I'm open for suggestions though.

Mammy - I'd love to have seen the look on your face if I HAD cancelled the Rumble. One of these days, I'm going to post a fake card where the main event gets cancelled, just to see how everyone reacts. Better yet, I'll post a card that is patently utter crap and see if anyone falls for it.
kurropt_antagonistPosted on 08/29/06 at 18:16:55

On 08/29/06 at 18:00:12, 91 wrote:Better yet, I'll post a card that is patently utter crap and see if anyone falls for it.
Doesn't work when you tell us in advance, stupid.  :P
91Posted on 08/29/06 at 19:49:36

I might wait a year or two for when everyone has forgotten.
kurropt_antagonistPosted on 08/29/06 at 21:35:41

On 08/29/06 at 19:49:36, 91 wrote:I might wait a year or two for when everyone has forgotten.
Forgot about what?
AzraelPosted on 08/31/06 at 03:57:40

So close to victory and yet so far once again.

Juvi backs up all his talk. Very unexpected.

What's even better than throwing 28 babies out of the ring? Punting 28 babies out of the ring. Snitsky and Heidenreich are so awesome here.

Angle gets the win, which is no real surprise, but he does it cleanly. Definitely looking good for him in his pursuit of the World Title.

Cena's so over the top. And now, he has so many targets.

No big surprise that Jericho won. But how much will he have left for the Rumble.

Aw, Brian just loves Sean. Can't everybody get along?

Interesting World Title match. I suppose it makes some sort of sense for Lynn to pick up the title as Muraco had beaten everybody else, but it takes away from the Rumble as they're not fighting to be the guy that ends the reign of Muraco. Also, Lynn just came back a little while ago and was thrust into the match so it didn't have the buildup it seemed like it should have. Of course, if this all leads to Kurt Angle being World champ, then...nevermind.

Good Rumble and good pre-Rumble beatdown of Test. Makes sense how Fleisch was taken out of the Rumble, plus Raven getting the win makes for an interesting friend vs. friend match. I was rooting for Corino though.
91Posted on 08/31/06 at 19:45:29

On 08/31/06 at 03:57:40, Azrael wrote: Also, Lynn just came back a little while ago and was thrust into the match so it didn't have the buildup it seemed like it should have.
I don't think you would have been reading previously, but there was a long buildup into 2007 leading to two PPV matches between Lynn and Muraco (finalising in Muraco winning the title) so essentially whilst the match itself may not have had weeks of promotion, from a storyline perspective there was a long enough backstory that I figured I didn't need it.
AzraelPosted on 09/01/06 at 04:13:21

I don't think you would have been reading previously, but there was a long buildup into 2007 leading to two PPV matches between Lynn and Muraco (finalising in Muraco winning the title) so essentially whilst the match itself may not have had weeks of promotion, from a storyline perspective there was a long enough backstory that I figured I didn't need it.
Yeah, I started reading the DWF toward the end of that build up. But I do think this match could have used more buildup, especially after the way Muraco beat Lynn. Though part of the problem may be that I'm not familiar enough with Jerry Lynn as a whole in the DWF.
91Posted on 09/01/06 at 09:43:45

In that case, I'll note that Lynn has, for several years, been the big star in the DWF. I never intended for it to be him, it just ended up like that and I ran with it. In a sense, it'd be the same as not needing ten years whenever Hulk Hogan got a title shot (IE the actual build up to the main event for Wrestlemania 5 was probably shorter).