WWE: Evolve or Die (Death of the WWE 2008)

arwink · October 10, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]January 1st, 2008: Creative Meeting[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] The rumors were true: the giant had fallen. You only had to look around the room to see that. Twenty-four hours until the RAW taping and the creative meeting was covered by a cloud of gloom, everyone sitting there with their heads in their hands. TNA was rating higher every week and growing fast, Vince’s decision to force our already depleted roster to wrestle a three-hour show every week was starting to take its toll, and both ECW and WCW promised to snap up any former members of our roster who sat in the free agent pool for too long. The former probably wasn't much of a threat, but Bischoff had momentum and cash reserves we couldn't hope to match. On top of that, the WWE was broke. Raw’s budget wasn’t even going to cover the downsides of everyone’s contracts, let alone cover the cost of brining our roster up to speed for our size. There was a Royal Rumble in four weeks time, and we barely had the manpower to run a complete rumble, let alone a full PPV. I’d been fairly quiet in pitch meetings thus far, a junior writer among the staff. Who was going to listen to me in a room full of heavyweights. Sadly, the heavyweights were gone now. And when you’re one voice among five, you’ve got a better chance of squeaking something through than not. Besides, the tailspin had started and none of the other writers had done a damn thing to pull the company out of it. What did they have to lose? The only advantage we had was the ability to move fast and do the unexpected. WCW would take time to fill out its roster, TNA had announced its intention to tour Mexico and Canada regularly in order to build the brand internationally, ECW was only starting at a level roughly equal to ours. We had the ability to strike now, while the others were finding its feat, and reclaim our slice of the market. But we couldn't coast anymore - it was time to evolve or die. [CENTER][quote][B][SIZE=3]The Backstory[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] This is lifted straight from aznblusuazn’s background for the mod at [URL]http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26293[/URL], showing the events that led up to the start of the game and how the WWE ended up in its current dismal state. June 23, 2007 - Chris Benoit no-shows a WWE live event in Beaumont, Texas. June 24, 2007 - WWE Vengenance takes place, with Chris Benoit also no-showing his scheduled ECW Title match against CM Punk. Johnny Nitro is slotted in to fill his place, which he does and wins the ECW Title. During the event, several WWE officials and friends of Benoit in WWE receive strange text messages. June 25, 2007 - Chris, Nancy, and Daniel Benoit are found deceased at their Georgia home. The scheduled three-hour RAW airs a Chris Benoit tribute, titled "RAW is CHRIS". July/August 2007 - Thoughout the next month, it is revealed that Benoit murdered his wife and son before ending his own life. Several bitter former WWE personalities appear on national news channels, lobbying for the federal government to get involved and regulate the business. During this time, former ECW wrestler John Kronus and former WWE/WCW wrestler Bryan Adams both pass away, giving the media more reason to run wild with the topic. September 2007 - The wrestling industry as a whole begins to suffer as many fans begin to alienate themselves from the business. WWE is hit with popularity drop after a series of doctors that are busted for steriod distribution, naming several of WWE's top names. Due to the inability to produce the proper paperwork and inconsistancies with the Wellness Policy, the federal government hits WWE with a multi-million dollar fine that is widely publicized. WWE is forced to make some massive cutbacks, including pulling its developmental deals with OVW and FCW. FCW closes while OVW owner Danny Davis, along with Kenny Bolin, is able to keep OVW alive. Antonio Inoki moves to the United States to meet with the remaining NWA board members about merging into one touring promotion. October 2007 - While WWE begins a dark era of the business, TNA's popularity seems to be growing, as many of the now-anti-WWE fans have turned to TNA. Spike! TV announces that TNA has a two-hour slot on Monday night, in an attempt to capture disgruntaled WWE fans, and is successful, with a series of 2.5 ratings. There are rumors that WWE will go out of business by the end of 2007, but Linda McMahon reassures the public that these rumors are false. Meanwhile, ROH is gaining momentum with their quarterly Pay-Per-Views. In other entertainment news, Paul Heyman hits a gold mine when his screenplay of "Zodiac Zombies" is picked up and is set to star, ironically, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. November 2007 - WWE, in an attempt to cut away loses, puts the WCW, ECW, and AWA trademarks up for sell. WWE Survivor Series 2007 saw the main event of WWE Heavyweight Champion Triple H defeat WWE World Heavyweight Champion Batista and ECW Heavyweight Champion CM Punk in a unificiation match for all of the titles. WWE then drops the World Heavyweight, United States, Cruiserweight, and Smackdown! Tag Team titles, due to possible copyright issues with the WCW name down the line. The ECW brand is dropped as a whole. Wrestling purist go wild of the idea that Triple H is the last ECW Champion. December 2007 - Despite the cutbacks, WWE is still bleeding money and cuts even more of their roster. WWE also drops the Smackdown! brand as UPN announces that they have killed the timeslot. Down to pretty much the main draws of the company, WWE struggles as they are continously buried by the media. Meanwhile, Eric Bischoff purchases the WCW rights and trademarks with two wealth investors, Hulk Hogan and Paul Wight. Bischoff also announces that he has hired Jody Hamilton to head up a development territory called Georgia Championship Wrestling in Georgia with head trainer Booker T. Paul Heyman uses the revenue from his successful screenplay to purchase the ECW rights and trademarks with some help from Tommy Dreamer and Rob Van Dam. The AWA is purchased by Greg Gagne and two unlikely business partners in Jerry Lawler and Jimmy Hart. Antonio Inoki closes the deal with the NWA, along with Dusty Rhodes and his family, open the NWA promotion that will tour across the country. Steve Austin announces that he, along with Michael Hayes and Tully Blanchard have purchased the WCCW rights and trademarks and will start promoting tours of Texas soon. January 2008 - It seems that the Death of WWE is intiment. The revival of ECW, WCW, NWA, AWA, and WCCW has sparked some interest amongst alienated fans from the Attitude Era, but is it possible to bring the business back out of the decline? RAW is moved over to the Sci-Fi network due to its reduced ratings, but now runs for three hours instead of two. Pundits around the globe wonder how this will be possible with the 'E's drastically undermanned roster. *Objectives* [B]WWE - This is obviously one of the harder routes. You have one TV show, RAW, that is on the brink of extinction, as the USA network is not happy with the massive decline in ratings. You have talent that is over but the audience is not there. Also, your funds are near the border, as its possible to go into the red very soon. Your mission, bring WWE back and reclaim the title of being the "World's Leader in Sports Entertainment".[/B] TNA - Growing in popularity, playing as TNA is fairly easy. You have the talent, you have a great timeslot, and you have the momentum. All you have to do is take that number one spot and once you have gained National popularity, it should be pretty easy to maintain it. WCW - You start with two of the world's most popular wrestlers, Hulk Hogan and Paul Wight as your base roster, both under lifetime deals, as well as Eric Bischoff. You have International status, PPV deals, and a developmental territory in GCW. ECW - You start with Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer under lifetime deals with Paul Heyman, with PPV deals. Bring back the real ECW to help fans forget about the abomination that was WWECW.[/quote]

arwink · October 10, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=3][SIZE=4]The Current State of the Roste[/SIZE][/SIZE][/B][B][SIZE=3]r[/SIZE][/B] [/CENTER] In short, it wasn't good. We were stuck at Cult level, with most of our talent still signed on Written contracts. There had been a rash of firings and defections over the last couple of months, with workers dissappearing and taking the rights to their gimmicks with them. We were understaffed and we lacked the ability to hire anyone with the skill, talent or overness to really make a strong difference to our current state. But we did still have a roster full of the most popular and talented wrestlers available in 2008. And the Great Kahli. How the @#$%$#% did Vince fire all those talented workers and keep the Great @#$#@$ Kahli... [B]Main Event (Role, Gimmick, Current Momentum)[/B] Triple H (Heel; Franchise Player; A*) – Current World Heavyweight Champion Batista (Face; Monster; B+) The Great Kahli (Heel; Monster; A*) John Cena (Face; Rapper; A) [B]Upper Midcard[/B] Ken Kennedy (Heel; ****y; B) – Current Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton (Heel; ****y; B+) Edge (Heel; Arrogant; B+) Shane McMahon (Face; Arrogant; A*) – Shane stepped up to bat as a full-time wrestler when he realized the company was in trouble. [B]Midcard[/B] Matt Hardy (Face; Teen Idol; C) Kane (Heel; Deadman; F-) – The original Kane has defected to TNA. The current Kane is Kevin Fertig (Seven, Kevin Thorne) behind the mask) Jeff Hardy (Face; Show Stealer; C) John Bradshaw LAyfield (Heel; High Society; C) – Returned to active duty for the good of the company Hardcore Holly (Heel; Bad Ass; E) Bobby Lashley (Face; Legitimate Athlete; C+) [B]Lower Midcard[/B] Ron Simmons (Face; Bad Ass; C-) – Returned to active duty for the good of the company. Paul London (Face; Fun Babyface; C-) – World Tag-Team Champion Brian Kendrick (Face; Fun Babyface; C-) – World Tag-Team Champion [B]Openers and Occasional Wrestlers[/B] Stevie Richards (Face; Old School Face; D-) Big Daddy V (Heel; Monster; A*) CM Punk (Heel; Straight Edge; F-) Vince McMahon (Heel; Authority Figure; A*) [B]Women’s Division[/B] Candice Michalle (Face; Sexy; D) Melina (Heel; Bitch; C-) – Current Women’s Champion Jim Ross and Tazz are doing the announcing duties, while Linda and Stephanie McMahon are both onboard as Authority Figures

aznblusuazn · October 10, 2007

Whooooooo-who! The first dynasty with my mod! This is going to be great. :)

arwink · October 10, 2007

[CENTER][SIZE=4][B]January Week One[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3][SIZE=4]Raw[/SIZE] [/SIZE][SIZE=3]Broadcast Live on Sci-Fi from the Verizon Wireless Arena Attendance: 9,509 people Ratings: 10.82[/SIZE][/B] [/CENTER] The show starts with Shane O’Mac in the ring, flanked by the tag-team champions and Bobby Lashley. He cuts a long promo about the way the WWE has fallen because it failed to keep up with the time, introducing new blood to replace the old. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]Today that ends – I’ve gathered together three of the youngest, hungriest, most talented superstars you’ll ever see and we’re going to save this company, single-handed if need be. We are the New Wave and we’re going to save the WWE[/COLOR] (B) The familiar No Chance theme song plays, but it has a slightly sinister overtone given our current plight. Fortunately Vince is in fine form as he storms out and confronts his son. He tells Shane that he’s always been a disappointment, as both a general manager and a son, and Vince will be damned if he’ll let Shane run roughshod over the company Vince spent years putting together. Shane took it for a long while, doing a good job of convincing the crowd that he was wilting under Vince’s assault, then riled up and slapped his old man across the face. Vince glared. Vince: [COLOR=red]So that’s how it’s going to be, is it?[/COLOR] Shane nodded. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]That’s how it’s going to be…Vince. We will rebuild this company. We’ve got the tag-team champions, we’ve got a future World Champion, and we’ve got a McMahon to lead us. What have you got, dad? What makes you think you can turn this around?[/COLOR] Vince smiles an evil smile. Vince: [COLOR=red]Because I’ve still got the power, and I know how to use it. If your New Wave is so great, why don’t we put them to the test. Why don’t we organize a little match between your future World Champion, Bobby Lashley, and a former World Champion – Edge.[/COLOR] The crowd pops at the news (A) Vince: [COLOR=red]In fact, why stop there. Since we’re making matches, how about London and Kendrick put their tag-team titles on the line against…Big Daddy V and….The Great Kahli![/COLOR] The Tag-Team Champs go pale behind Shane’s back, but Shane O’Mack just nods and gestures for Vince to keep bringing it on. (C+) Vince: [COLOR=red]And hell, I like to think I’m a fair man, and you are still my son. I’ll actually give you a shot to prove yourself tonight, Shane, ‘cause you’ll be facing the Intercontinental Champion, Ken Kennedy.[/COLOR] (B+) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]CM Punk vs. Stevie Richards[/B][/CENTER] Punk has been buried for the last year, working the straight-edge-and-better-than-you gimmick he’d been using as a heel before he worked for the WWE. Given the focus on drugs in wrestling, he was probably someone that should have been pushed, so he picks up the win against Stevie Richards in a short opening match. It’ll take time to build him back up the card, but Richards is a solid wrestler who makes Punk look good. [CENTER][B]Result: CM Punk defeated Stevie Richards in 7:33 by pinfall with a Go to Sleep.[/B] [B]Rating: C-[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] We come back from a commercial break to see John Cena and Triple H squaring off backstage, staring one another down as Cena points to the title draped over the champs shoulder. There’s the expected exchange of that’s mine, come-get-it, you want some, etc etc etc that’s thankfully interrupted by Shane McMahon. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]Hold it! What the hell do the two of you think you’re doing? In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a ring out there going to waste, and we’re down a main event. If you really want to do this, lets do it proper. Tonight, as the main event, Triple H versus John Cena, for the World Heavyweight title.[/COLOR] Triple H looms over Shane. Trips: [COLOR=red]You can’t do that.[/COLOR] Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]Can’t I? In case you haven’t noticed, Hunter, I’m still a McMahon. No-ones stripped me of my authority just yet. If I say you’ve got a match, you’ve got a match.[/COLOR] (B+) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Leviathans (Big Daddy V and The Great Kahli) vs. The Hooliganz[/B] [B]WWE World Tag-Team Title Match[/B][/CENTER] We weren’t really expecting brilliance from this. Hell, we were largely aiming for competence. Big Daddy V and the Great Kahli lumbered around the ring while the Hooliganz went berserk, hitting moves like there’s no tomorrow. They managed to chop down both the giants thanks to their synchronized dropkicks, but they couldn’t quite put them away. In the face of opposition from TNA we’ve unfettered the cruiserweights, which meant the crowd got to see the return of Paul London’s Shooting Star Press, but even that wasn’t enough to take the win. Eventually the Great Kahli started mauling both London and Kendrick, choke slamming them out of the ring and roaring triumphantly as the referee counted the champs out. [CENTER][B]Result: The Leviathans defeated The Hooligans in 9:46 when Brian Kendrick was counted out while fighting The Great Khali.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Kane vs. Ron Simmons[/B][/CENTER] Simmons isn’t the wrestler he once was, but he’s still over enough with the fans and they really, really wanted to faux Kane dealt with in a proper manner. Unfortunately Fertig and Simmons don’t mesh well in the ring, turning this into a lumbering brawl that made Kahli seem limber and fluid. The only really interest the crowd has was the moment when Simmons put Kane away with a DAMN! Dominator. [CENTER][B]Result: Ron Simmons defeated Kane in 11:55 by pinfall with a DAMN! Dominator.[/B] [B]Rating: D+[/B][/CENTER] Ron Simmons is celebrating his victory (DAMN!) when Hardcore Holly comes charging into the ring and levels him with a chair. JR is going through his standard Oh my god, why is he doing that routine when the question is answered – JBL emerges from the backstage area and joins Holly in beating Simmons into the mat. (C) Bradshaw calls for a microphone and cuts a promo for the crowd, telling them that there is a difference between seeing greatness return to the ring and watching a never-was try for one last bite of the cherry. Once upon a time Ron Simmons had been a great tag-team partner, but now he was being replaced by someone toughter, rougher, and harder than Simmons had ever been. JBL: [COLOR=red]Pay attention, Ron – you’ve just been the first victim of the all new APA. The good news is that you won’t be the last.[/COLOR] (C+) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Hardy Boys vs. The New APA[/B][/CENTER] When we come back from the commercial break there’s a match in progress between the new APA and the Hardy Boys. The Hardy’s and Holly were doing most of the work, with JBL hitting the ring to do some signature spots and take a few bumps. The Hardy’s put together a good fight, but JBL cheats better than anyone else on the roster and that gives the APA the edge. JBL takes Jeff out with a clothesline from hell on the floor, leaving Holly to hit the Alabama Slam on Matt for the pinfall. [CENTER][B]Result: The New APA defeated Hardy Boyz in 13:36 when Hardcore Holly defeated Matt Hardy by pinfall with an Alabama Slam.[/B] [B]Rating: C+[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Ken Kennedy vs. Shane McMahon[/B] [B]WWE Intercontinental Title Match[/B][/CENTER] Kennedy did his best to make Shane look like a credible threat in this match, but Shane O’Mac has never really been a wrestler with a great arsenal of moves. He’s improving rapidly now that he’s hitting the ring on a weekly basis, but there was a real lack of chemistry here that showed off many of his flaws. The highlight was Shane’s signature Coast-to-Coast dropkick from the top rope and Kennedy hitting the Kenton Bomb, but neither could really capitalize on the moment. The real pop of the match came when Edge interfered, taking out Shane with a Spear and leaving him easy prey for Kennedy and allowing the champ to retain. [CENTER][B]Result: Ken Kennedy defeated Shane McMahon in 14:37 by pinfall with a Green Bay Plunge. During the match we also had Edge run in and attack Shane-O-Mac.[/B] [B]Rating: B[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Edge vs. Bobby Lashley[/B][/CENTER] This was a solid match, with Edge taking up most of the slack and selling Lashley as a devastating powerhouse. The match itself was largely a game of cat-and-mouse – Edge would back off and refuse to lock up with Bobby, hit a cheap shot in order to gain an advantage. They’d tussle for a while, right up until Lashley started to get the upper hand, then Edge would back off and the cycle would start over again. Eventually a frustrated Lashley went on a rampage, hitting Edge with a series of power slams, but a battered edge laid Lashley low with a low blow and finished things off with an Edgecution. [CENTER] [B]Result: Edge defeated Bobby Lashley in 14:54 by pinfall with an Edgecution.[/B] [B]Rating: B+[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] Randy Orton cuts a promo about his upcoming match with Batista, reminding the audience that they both got their start together in Evolution. Except that Batista went on to become a World Champion again and again after he left the stable, while Orton defeated Legend after Legend without getting a real shot at the title. For years Orton has been waiting for his chance to prove that he’s better than Batista, but they’ve always been kept on different brands. Orton: [COLOR=red]Tonight, all that changes. Tonight I take on Dave Batista in a Number One Contender’s Match. Batista, you’re a legend in the making, but I’m still the legend killer and I plan on doing what I should have done five years ago. I’m beating you, once and for all, and I’m going on to become the next World Heavyweight Champion.[/COLOR] (A) ____________________ [CENTER][B]Batista vs. Randy Orton[/B] [B]Number One Contenders Match[/B][/CENTER] Two of the biggest names left on the roster fighting over a title shot, with Orton playing the overconfident heel to perfection. Batista took a lot of punishment from Randy, a lot of rest-holds from Randy, a kick to the head from Randy. Then it was rope-shake, spinebuster, Batista bomb. Everything was over and Dave Batista was the number on contender to the World Heavyweight Title as the crowd went crazy. [CENTER][B]Result: Batista defeated Randy Orton in 17:33 by pinfall with a Batista Bomb.[/B] [B]Rating: A[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Triple H vs. John Cena[/B] [B]WWE World Heavyweight Title Match[/B][/CENTER] [I]Checks title of the thread. Checks the main event. Checks the title of the thread again. [/I] Um, yeah. Evolution takes time. It really does. And as marquee feuds go, Cena versus Triple H is still the best you can do if you want to get the buy-rates to pull yourself out of debt. A solid match with little showing, but the hardcore WWE fanbase (which is, lets face it, all we’ve got left) don’t really care. They cheer every time Cena makes a comeback, they boo whenever Hunter goes for the cheap shot, they cheer like madman Cena finally picks HHH up in the F-U. Unfortunately Triple H kicks out of the move and hits the Pedigree, picking up the win and retaining his title. [CENTER][B]Result: Triple H defeated John Cena in 17:50 by pinfall with a Pedigree. Triple H makes defence number 1 of his WWE Heavyweight title.[/B] [B]Rating: A*[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Overall Show Rating: B[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

arwink · October 10, 2007

[QUOTE=aznblusuazn;299166]Whooooooo-who! The first dynasty with my mod! This is going to be great. :)[/QUOTE] I figured someone had to do it :) I'm not normally much for the real-world mods, since there's not as much wriggle-room for doing things that are 'unrealistic' and I'm not that interested in replicating the pre-existing voices of wrestlers when writing up promos, but I figure the fact that there's a desperate bunch of McMahons stuck at the bottom of the heap gives me the space to play.

arwink · October 11, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Industry Update[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Week One[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]January 2007[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=4]News from the Competition[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Total Non-stop Action[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] TNA have been touring South East Mexico this week, filming Impact in front of a live crowd of 1,500 people at the Salon Caracoles de Naucalpan. The show was, by all accounts, a failure – none of the TNA regulars were well-known enough in the region to excite the crowd, leaving Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett to carry the show with a lackluster World Heavyweight Title Defence (C-). Rumors suggest that the tour may be cut short as a result of this, allowing TNA to return to their familiar stomping grounds in the South East. [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]World Championship Wrestling[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] WCW is preparing for big things in the near future, raiding the free agent pool to hire the best and brightest young wrestlers as well as some familiar names. Among those signed to written contracts this week are road agent Arn Anderson, Shane Helms, referee Daniel Beaumont, Joey Matthews, Shelton Benjamin, referee/announcer Bryce Remsberg, Ricky Steamboat and Sean O’Hair. The company has also reached a short-term agreement with Bryan Danielson, whose planning on honoring his commitments to ROH, and Hall of Fame manager Mr. Fuji. It’s expected that these hires will be the first of many as WCW gears up for a return to an active schedule. [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Extreme Championship Wrestling[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] ECW continues to lie in wait, picking its time carefully. The only news of note is the rehiring of former ECW Announcer Joey Styles to a PPA agreement. No news as yet as to who will be filling out the roster. [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Ring of Honor[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/B] [/CENTER] ROH started looking for wrestlers to flesh out their roster now that they’ve hit national level. Among the indy stars offered written contracts were Vito Thomaselli, B-Boy, Seth Delay and former WWE Diva Search Winner Layla El. Jack Evens continues to wrestle for the company on a PPA agreement, proving that he may well be the busiest man in wrestling given his commitments to at least four other companies. [CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Updates from WWE.com[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]New to the Locker Room[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] The WWE has gone scrambling for wrestlers in order to bring its locker room up to speed before the Royal Rumble at the end of the month. Former WWE wrestlers Sean Morley (better known as Val Venis), Paul Burchill, Nova (better known as Simon Dean) and Molly Holly have agreed to return to the fold on exclusive PPA agreements. In a move that surprises many, the WWE has also hired a number of indy wrestlers to flesh out their ranks. Among those hired are: Kevin Dunn, Tony Devito, Blitzkrieg, Caprice Coleman, Elix Skipper, HC Loc, John Walters, Mark Marcos and The Amazing Red have all signed exclusive PPA agreements with the fallen wrestling giant, fueling speculation that the creative team is planning on returning the WWE Cruiserweight to active status. [CENTER][SIZE=3][B]Coming Up on Monday Night Raw[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER] The WWE has also revealed the following matches will be fought on next weeks Monday Night RAW: [CENTER]Ron Simmons vs. Hardcore Holly Paul London vs. Big Daddy V The Hardy Boys vs. CM Punk and a mystery Tag-Team Partner Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley Triple H vs. Batista[/CENTER] There is still no news about who will be appearing at the Royal Rumble, although speculation suggests that either Batista or Cena will square off against Triple H in the main event.

aznblusuazn · October 11, 2007

Interesting. :)

Phantom Stranger · October 11, 2007

WHoo, Val Venis!

chris caulfield · October 11, 2007

Ron Simmons vs. [B]Hardcore Holly[/B] [B]Paul London[/B] vs. Big Daddy V [B]The Hardy Boys [/B]vs. CM Punk and a mystery Tag-Team Partner [B]Randy Orton[/B] vs. Bobby Lashley [B]Triple H[/B] vs. Batista

Lexa90 · October 11, 2007

Ron Simmons vs. [B]Hardcore Holly[/B] Paul London vs. [B]Big Daddy V[/B] The Hardy Boys vs. [B]CM Punk and a mystery Tag-Team Partner[/B] [B]Randy Orton[/B] vs. Bobby Lashley Triple H vs. [B]Batista[/B]

arwink · October 15, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Monday Night Raw[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Week 2, January, 2007[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Broadcast Live on SCi-Fi from Mellon Arena[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Attendance: 8,836 people[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Rating: 10.79[/SIZE][/B] _________________ [B][SIZE=3]Dark Matches[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Kane vs. Blitzkrieg[/B] [B]Result: Kane defeated Blitzkrieg in 7:31 by pinfall with a Chokeslam.[/B] [B]Rating: D-[/B] [B]John Walters vs. Val Venis[/B] [B]Result: Val Venis defeated John Walters in 7:40 by submission with a Venis Fly Trap.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] _________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Main Show[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] We open the show with Triple H in the ring. He calls for a recap of last weeks match, replaying the footage of Cena getting Pedigreed over and over. The crowd starts booing as Trip’s cuts lose, cutting an intense promo where he verbally attacks Cena as a wrestler and a former champion. Cena held that belt for a year and fought hard to keep it. I’ll hold this belt for a lifetime, and there’s not a damn person left on this roster that can take it out of my hands. (A) [CENTER]_________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Ring Crew Express vs. The Great Kahli[/B][/CENTER] This match starts with the Great Kahli stalking through the backstage area, obviously irate about something. He rounds the corner and spots Dunn and Marcos in the standard all-black backstage uniform, picks them both up by the scruff of the neck, then drags them into the ring where he demands the bell is rung. The Ring Crew Express look terrified but give it their all in the four and a half minutes they’ve got. Unfortunately their all consists of getting choke slammed into oblivion. Kahli is taunting them, refusing to end the match until they’re both on rubbery legs and Marcos doesn’t get up after taking a Brain Chop. [CENTER][B]Result: The Great Khali defeated Ring Crew Express in 4:54 when The Great Khali defeated Mark Marcos by pinfall with a Brain Chop.[/B] [B]Rating: D+[/B] _________________[/CENTER] CM Punk is backstage, being interviewed by Candice Michelle. She asks about his mystery partner regarding upcoming match with the Hardy Boys. Punk snatches the mic off Candice and brushes her off, then cuts a promo telling the crowd that he’s been held back in WWE for the last year. Punk: [COLOR=red]Tonight it stops. Tonight I steal the show. Tonight I stake their claim on the headline spot. Tonight I start the journey that will make me a champion once more. Because I straight edge; I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, and that means I’m better than every geek and halfwit on this roster except one. The one man whose skills, talent and devotion to the sport that I respect enough to partner with. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time. In fact, I think it’s a prime time to introduce my tag-team partner…[/COLOR] ‘Prime-Time’ Elix Skipper walks into shot and puts an arm around Punk’s shoulders. Punk: [COLOR=red]We are the Straight Edge Showstoppers. Matt and Jeff Hardy don’t have a chance.[/COLOR] (D) [CENTER]_________________[/CENTER] We come back from a commercial break and Shane McMahon is cutting a promo with Paul London at his side. He tells the crowd that the victory by the Leviathans in the tag-team match means nothing – the New Wave is all about wrestling, not violence – and they’re still the champions. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]And tonight Paul London is going to show you why he’s a three-time tag-team champion when he confronts Big Daddy V one-on-one. The Leviathans are big, but they’re slow. They’re brutal in a short fight, but this time they don’t have the advantage of surprise. Paul London is young, fit, and he has moves in his arsenal you’ve barely seen. Big Daddy V, you better lay down or get out of the way, because London’s calling and your time is up.[/COLOR] (C-) [CENTER]_________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Ron Simmons vs. Hardcore Holly[/B][/CENTER] You could see Ron Simmons was eager to get his hands on Holly after the events of last week, but he was even more interested in JBL who sat in on commentary and ran down his former partner for the entire match. There was nothing particularly special about the brawl between Holly and Simmons except, maybe, for the fact that no-one got around to interfering. Simmons eventually took Holly out and picked up a measure of revenge for last week’s beat-down. Sadly, that does nothing to alleviate the pain of this week’s beatdown. JBL hits the ring the moment that the match is over, taking Simmon’s out with a clothesline from hell, then standing over him and taunting him as Holly peels himself off the mat and joins his new partner. [CENTER][B]Result: Ron Simmons defeated Hardcore Holly in 8:52 by pinfall with a DAMN! Dominator.[/B] [B]Rating: Match C; Post-Match Beatdown C[/B] _________________[/CENTER] We cut to Vince’s office, where the door has just been kicked in by an irate Cena who starts laying into the chairman of the board, demanding another title shot against Triple H. Vince looks at the wreckage of the door and the finger being waved in his face, then scowls. Vince:[COLOR=red] Cena, you want a title match, you’ve got a title match. But not against Triple H. Tonight, you’ll be facing off against the Intercontinental Champion, Mr. Kennedy, and if you don’t walk out of that match the winner, you’ll never get a shot at the World Heavyweight Title ever again.[/COLOR] (A) [CENTER]_________________ [B]Paul London vs. Big Daddy V[/B][/CENTER] A typical David and Goliath match-up, with the fast-moving London taking control early. Viscera came back with a brutal chokeslam to control the match for a while, but London reclaimed the advantage when he hit a missile dropkick to take V of his feet and the 450 splash for the win. [CENTER] [B]Result: Paul London defeated Big Daddy V in 8:35 by pinfall with a 450 Splash.[/B] [B]Rating: C+[/B] _________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Hardy Boys vs. The Straight-Edge Showstoppers[/B][/CENTER] The Hardy Boys were on their game tonight, but the newly minted Straight Edge Showstoppers gave the veteran tag-team a run for their money. Punk did the lion’s share of the offense for his team, leaving Skipper to do a couple of high-flying spots and take a couple of crazy bumps. A hard-fought match, with Matt Hardy sneaking the win while Punk was brawling with Jeff on the floor. [CENTER][B]Result: Hardy Boyz defeated Straight-Edge Showstoppers in 15:34 when Matt Hardy defeated Elix Skipper by pinfall with a Twist Of Fate.[/B] [B]Rating: C-[/B][/CENTER] The Hardy Boys are celebrating their victory when two guys jump the barricades with garbage bins, hustling past the surprised security guards on the floor and smacking the Hardy’s across the back of the head. JR starts on the standard OMG routine, but Tazz recognizes both men from his days with a company that will no longer be named. It’s HC Loc and Tony DeVito, the Carnage Crew, and they beat the Hardy’s Down with brutal efficiency. The Straight-Edge Showstoppers get in on the action and we go to the commercial wit both Hardy’s trapped in a garbage bins and hit with twin moonsaults by Skipper and DeVito. (D) [CENTER]_________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Melina vs. Molly Holly[/B] [B]WWE Women’s Championship[/B][/CENTER] Molly Holly makes her return to WWE thanks to a decent signing bonus and the promise that she won’t get hassled about posing in Playboy anytime in the near future. It was a sloppy match, even by the standards of our women’s division, with poor chemistry making it difficult for either worker to get a grip on the story. Melina picks up the victory when a move is botched, covering for a stunned Holly and winding things up a full minute earlier than we’d intended. [CENTER][B]Result: Melina defeated Molly Holly in 7:33 by pinfall with an Extreme Makeover. Melina makes defence number 1 of her WWE Women's title.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] _________________[/CENTER] We play a short hype video showing the highlights of Kennedy’s title reign. The fans in the arena lap it up, especially since they know what’s coming up next. (A) [CENTER][B]John Cena vs. Ken Kennedy[/B] [B]WWE Intercontinental Title Match[/B][/CENTER] Cena was given free reign to dominate for the opening minutes of the match, with Kennedy playing the heel who didn’t want to get involved. Momentum turned after Kennedy hit a low blow, then took things onto the floor where Cena took a couple of shots to the head with a chair. Momentum turned again when Kennedy was F-U’d through the announce table, then dragged into the ring for a two-count. Cena didn’t let up after that, despite Kennedy attempting some desperate offense, and eventually a desperate Kennedy grabbed his title belt from ringside and used it to waffle the challenger in the head. The Ref calls for the DQ and Cena picks up the victory. [CENTER][B]Result: John Cena defeated Ken Kennedy in 13:53 by disqualification.[/B] [B]Rating: A[/B] _________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Edge vs. Paul Burchill[/B][/CENTER] The return of babyfaced Pirate Burchill was greeted with surprising enthusiasm among the fans, but a lack of chemistry quickly turned this into an awkward clash. Edge accidentally caught Burchill with a stiff elbow shot at the eight minute mark, sending Burchill crashing to the mat a little too hard, then had to cover with some awkward two-counts while the Englishman recovered. Burchill never manages to come back after that, with Edge picking up the pinfall with a Spear. [CENTER][B]Result: Edge defeated Paul Burchill in 11:50 by pinfall with a Spear.[/B] [B]Rating: B-[/B] _________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley[/B][/CENTER] Bobby Lashley starts strong, making good use of his explosive offense and getting a two-count within a couple of minutes of the bell. Orton was forced to retreat at speed, literally diving under the ring-ropes to get away from the powerhouse Lashley. Shane O’Mac was at ringside, supporting his New Wave ally, so Orton started the psychological games by hitting an RKO to take Shane out. Lashley came out to help and copped a chair-shot to the head for his trouble, and it was all over from there. Orton controlled the pace of the match from there on, picking up the pinfall with a second RKO. [CENTER][B]Result: Randy Orton defeated Bobby Lashley in 14:50 by pinfall with a RKO.[/B] [B]Rating: A[/B] _________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Triple H vs. Batista[/B] [B]WWE World Heavyweight Title Match[/B] [/CENTER] The number one contender looked good here, playing this off as a clash of the Titans. JR and Tazz made a number of comments about the fact that Batista was a former Champion brought low by circumstances, explaining that it would be a big mistake for Trip’s to underestimate his former student. Unfortunately it seems this is exactly what Triple H did – he was overconfident to the point of foolishness and didn’t really seem up to Batista’s offense. Neither man sold worth a damn, but the crowd didn’t care – they just wanted to see the two superstars slugging it out in the ring. Tazz commented that this didn’t really seem like it was about the title towards the end – both men were just trying to decimate their opponent – and his comment was proven prophetic when Triple H dragged a sledgehammer into the ring and busted Batista open right in front of the referee. Raw ends with the sight of Triple H standing over the fallen Batista, hammer in one hand and title in the other, arms spread wide as he roars at the booing crowd. [CENTER][B]Result: Batista defeated Triple H in 20:13 by disqualification.[/B] [B]Rating: A*[/B] _________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Final Show Rating: B[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

arwink · October 17, 2007

[B][CENTER][SIZE="4"]January, Week 2, 2007 News from the Competition[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] [CENTER][SIZE="3"][B]TNA[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER] TNA Impact was filmed live from the All Star Coliseum in Puerto Rico this week, drawing a thousand-strong crowd and earning a rating of C- from the fans. The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the title match between Champion Kurt Angle and MMA beast Bob Sapp, but the lack of exposure in the region once again robbed the largest active American wrestling federation of their edge. Fans are reportedly eager for TNA to return to the mainland and start kicking the WWE’s butt in the ratings once more. [B][CENTER][SIZE="3"]WCW[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] WCW continues to fill in its roster, offering written deals to Rocky Romero, Sergeant Slaughter, Carlito Colon (just days after he started negotiations with his former employers at the WWE), announcer Michael Buffer, Ricky Banderas, Harley Race, Tony Chimel, Jim Korderas, Gene Okerlund and former Tough Enough winner and ECW champion John Hennigan (do we see the possible reformation of MnM as an WCW stable?). [B][CENTER][SIZE="3"]ECW[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] ECW looks to the south in order to rebuild its roster, replaying a tactic Paul Heyman used in the original ECW. The new hires this week are El Wizard, Robby Mireno and Palayito Vazquez, all of whom join the company under PPA agreements. [B][CENTER][SIZE="3"]ROH[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] ROH looks to build its women’s division this week, with the signing of Ms. Chief and Cheerleader Melissa to written deals. Also among the new hires are Erick Stevens, Josh Abercrombie, Kevin Steen and Brandon Thomaselli. Shelton Benjamin left the company on Saturday, in a move that proves that the rebirth of WCW may be more devastating to the newly-minted national promotions such as ROH in the short term. Apparently ROH management are doing their best to sign all new talent and current members of their roster to strong written deals ASAP, but some top-card draws remain on PPA’s regardless of their best efforts. [B][CENTER][SIZE="4"]Updates from WWE.com[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] With the Royal Rumble only weeks away, the WWE still seems tight-lipped about who will be entering. The only certainty, thus far, is that World Heavyweight Champion Triple H will be defending his belt at the card, though whether his opponent will be Cena or Batista remains to be seen. Questions have been raised as to whether the WWE can even put thirty wrestlers in the ring for the show, even with their recent acquisitions. If there are enough wrestlers in the locker room to do so, it’s almost certain that we’ll be seeing some superstars performing twice in order to flesh out the card. The only new hire of note this week is former WWE cruiserweight champion James Gibson, better known to fans as Jamie Noble. Speculation regarding the return of the WWE cruiserweight division as a major force continues.

arwink · October 18, 2007

[B][CENTER][SIZE="3"]Tomorrow night, on Monday Night Raw[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] The WWE has also revealed the following matches will be fought on next weeks Monday Night RAW: [CENTER]Blitzkrieg vs. John Walters vs. Jamie Noble s. The Amazing Red Val Venis vs. Caprice Coleman The Leviathans vs. The Ring Crew Express Jeff Hardy vs. HC Loc vs. Elix Skipper Nova vs. Paul Burchill Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk vs. Tony Devito Shane McMahon and Bobby Lashley vs. The New APA Number One Contenders Match: John Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Edge Mr Kennedy and Triple H vs. The Hooliganz[/CENTER] [B][CENTER][SIZE="3"]Matches Announced for the Royal Rumble[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] WWE management has confirmed the following superstars will be participating in this years Royal Rumble: Bobby Lashley, Ron Simmons, Hardcore Holly, Nova, Kane, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, JBL, Val Venis Management has also confirmed that there will be a Ladder Match held to determine the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Two four-way cruiserweight matches will be held on Raw for the next two weeks, with the winners of these matches earning the title shot. Triple H will defend his title against the winner of this weeks number one contenders match.

chris caulfield · October 18, 2007

Blitzkrieg vs. John Walters vs. [B]Jamie Noble [/B]s. The Amazing Red [B]Val Venis [/B]vs. Caprice Coleman [B]The Leviathans [/B]vs. The Ring Crew Express [B]Jeff Hardy[/B] vs. HC Loc vs. Elix Skipper Nova vs. [B]Paul Burchill[/B] [B]Matt Hardy [/B]vs. CM Punk vs. Tony Devito [B]Shane McMahon and Bobby Lashley[/B] vs. The New APA Number One Contenders Match: [B]John Cena [/B]vs. Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Edge [B]Mr Kennedy and Triple H [/B]vs. The Hooliganz

arwink · October 19, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]January, Week 3, 2008[/SIZE][/B] _________________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Monday Night Raw[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Broadcast Live on SCi-Fi from the Hammerstein Ballroom[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Attendance: 8,113 people[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Rating: 9.93[/SIZE][/B] [B]____________________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Dark Matches[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Kane vs. Tajiri[/B] [B]Result: Tajiri defeated Kane in 7:58 by pinfall with a Buzzsaw Kick.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] [B]Ron Simmons vs.Chavo Guerrero Jr. [/B] [B]Result: Ron Simmons defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 8:10 by pinfall with a Dominator.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] [B]____________________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Main Show[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] The show starts with Vince McMahon hitting the ring, flanked on either side by Big Daddy V and the Great Khali. He cuts a promo about his ability to respect Shane’s goal to rebuild the WWE in his own image – after all, Vince did it himself not twenty years ago when he built the WWE into the company it is today – but Vince isn’t ready to give up his empire without a fight and Shane hasn’t done a damn thing to prove that he’s deserving of the responsibilities of being the Chairman of the Board. So, after speaking with the board of directors, Vince is here tonight in order to make two very important announcements. Vince: [COLOR=red]First, no known factions may enter more than a single wrestler into the Royal Rumble next week – to have a team of four New Wave wrestlers fighting the rest of the WWE superstars would just be unfair. Second, since it seems that three members of the New Wave will be free that night, I’d like to deliver a message from Big Daddy V and The Great Kahli. Kendrick – London – The Leviathans challenged to a match at the Royal Rumble…for the WWE World Tag-Team Titles.[/COLOR] (B+) Shane O’Mac and the Hooliganz come out of the backstage area, microphones in hand. Shane looks at London and Kendrick, both of whom are bouncing with eager nervous energy. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]You know, I should have figured you’d pull something like this Dad. I try to do the right thing, to pull your company out of the downward spiral that you put it in, and all you can think about is the size of your ego. Well, guess what, Vince – we accept your challenge. Next Sunday, the Hooliganz are more than willing to put the tag-team titles on the line.[/COLOR] (B) Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]But here’s the bad news Vince – if you’re only letting one member of the New Wave compete in the rumble, it looks like I’ll have some free time next Sunday as well. So how about we do something about that ego of yours. See, Vince, I’m younger than you; I’m smarter than you; I’m sure as hell prettier than you…but you’re right about one thing – I still haven’t proven myself the way you did, inside or outside the ring. Why don’t we rectify that on Sunday when I kick your ass in a no-holds-barred match. What d’ya say, Dad?[/COLOR] Vince scowls and shakes his head, telling Shane there’s no way. We go to a close-up on Shane’s face. He’s smiling. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]Well, we’ve got a problem there Vince; See, you’re not the only one who can talk to the board, and I wasn’t exactly asking your permission. I’ve sat at your side for years, I know how you operate, and I knew you’d keep me out of the rumble before the idea had even entered your head. So I went to the board and signed this match a week ago, dad, and you’ve got no choice in the matter. This Sunday, you and me. May the better McMahon win.[/COLOR] (B+) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Blitzkrieg vs. John Walters vs. Jamie Noble vs. The Amazing Red[/B] [B]Cruiserweigh Championship Heat 1[/B][/CENTER] A short, fast match that largely involved Jamie Noble squashing everyone else. Blitzkrieg was the only wrestler who really seemed like he could have a shot of winning this, but Noble sent him sailing out of the ring with a missile dropkick and pinned John Walters with a Tiger Bomb. Jamie Noble claims the first spot in the Cruiserweight Title Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble and no-one in the crowd cares. [CENTER][B]Result: Jamie Noble defeated John Walters, The Amazing Red and Blitzkreig in 7:44 when Jamie Noble defeated John Walters by pinfall with a Tiger Bomb.[/B] [B]Rating: D[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] We cut away from Jamie Nobles celebration to the recently re-hired Chavo Guerrero Jr backstage. He cuts a quick promo telling Noble not to get too comfortable with the idea of championship gold around his waist. Chavo: [COLOR=red]Next week it’ll be Stevie Richards, Elix Skipper, Tajiri and me fighting for the change to take the other spot in that ladder match, Noble, and here’s the bad news – all of them are better than you are and I’m better than all of them. Nobody stops the Latino Wonder, Noble. Nobody[/COLOR] (D-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Val Venis vs. Caprice Coleman[/B][/CENTER] If you’ve ever wondered why Venis didn’t get a strong push in his last run with the WWE, it’s entirely possible that his complete lack of chemistry with just about everyone could do it. He makes his Raw return with a quick squash that was painful to watch – you could literally see the bad chemistry oozing off both of them as Venis did his best to guide Coleman through the match. The best part about the match was that it was short. [CENTER] [B]Result: Val Venis defeated Caprice Coleman in 7:37 by pinfall with a Money Shot.[/B] [B]Rating: D+[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] Undaunted by the quality of his recent performance, Venis claims a microphone after the match and cuts a promo about his return to the WWE; he stresses, more than anything, that this time will be different. Venis: [COLOR=royalblue]My last break from wrestling was the last gig of my former career. From this day on, Val Venis is about concerned with one thing – wearing gold around his waist – and I’m dedicating my life to making that happen.[/COLOR] (C-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Leviathans vs. The Ring Crew Express[/B][/CENTER] While this was a squash match by any reasonable definition of the word, JR and Tazz spent most of the match putting over the fact that the Ring Crew Express had asked for this match. JR commended the young cruiserweights for their bravery, Tazz wondered whether they were idiots or just plain crazy to request a chance to get decimated by men three times their size, and the Great Khali actually looked a little more fluid in the ring than he has in years. Big Daddy V picks up the win when Dunn goes for a flying splash from the top rope and gets caught in a Samoan Drop. [CENTER][B]Result: The Leviathans defeated Ring Crew Express in 6:55 when Big Daddy V defeated Kevin Dunn by pinfall with a Samoan Drop.[/B] [B]Rating: C-[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] Triple H is in the ring, dressed in a suit with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt over his shoulder. He cuts a promo about the number one contenders match taking place tonight, in which four of Raw’s top superstars fight for the chance to face Triple H at the Royal Rumble. Triple H: [COLOR=red]Me, I don’t care who wins, because it isn’t going to matter. Next Sunday, when the winner steps into the ring with me, they’re going to find out that I am exactly who I say I am – the King of Kings, the twelve-time World Heavyweight Champion, the greatest wrestler in the world today.[/COLOR] (A) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Jeff Hardy vs. HC Loc vs. Elix Skipper[/B][/CENTER] The flow of the match largely saw Hardy chasing Loc for last week’s beat-down after the Hardy’s won, Skipper chasing Hardy to get revenge for the Showstopper’s loss last week, and Loc just ready to beat the living hell out of everyone who got within arms reach. Unfortunately for Loc, he was mostly on the receiving end of the high-flying moves of both opponents and he eventually went down to a twist of fate. [CENTER][B]Result: Jeff Hardy defeated HC Loc and Elix Skipper in 8:41 when Jeff Hardy defeated HC Loc by pinfall with a Twist of Fate.[/B] [B]Rating: C+[/B] [B]____________________[/B][/CENTER] Nova hits the ring in his Hollywood Supernova get-up, strutting and posturing like an evil Hulk Hogan. A couple of fans cheer, but the majority of the mainstream audience have forgotten the BWO and just look confused. Nova grabs a microphone and cuts loose on a promo, brother, about his skills in the ring, brother, that cannot be beaten, brother, because he’s taking over, brother, and anyone who has a problem with that, brother, can just come out here and tell Nova to his face, brother… (D+) There is the roar of cannons coming through the loudspeakers and a spotlight focuses on Paul Burchill. He swings into the ring on a rope and gets up in Nova’s face. Burchill: [COLOR=royalblue]Avast, ye scallywag, if you’re offering a challenge then prepared to be boarded. The Dread Pirate Burchill never backs down from a fight[/COLOR] Nova does what he does best and freaks (D) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Nova vs. Paul Burchill[/B][/CENTER] This was a cartoonish match given the gimmicks in the ring, but the quality of the wrestlers was enough to keep the crowd interested once the limited appeal of the gimmicks wore off. Burchill stumbled around the ring like Jack Sparrow in between exchanges with Nova, Nova strutted about the ring and did a great job of looking shocked every time he failed to pin Burchill with a leg drop, then Burchill picked up the win with a C-4. [CENTER] [B]Result: Paul Burchill defeated Nova in 8:43 by pinfall with The C4.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] We come back to the break with Jim Ross and Tazz putting over tonight’s main event – a Champions versus Champions clash that pits the WWE Tag-Team Champions London and Kendrick against the World Champion Triple H and the Intercontinental Champion Ken Kennedy. (B-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk vs. Tony DeVito[/B][/CENTER] This match started off as a mirror of the Skipper/Hardy/Loc match that started the card, but it lacked the high-flying spots of Jeff Hardy and Skipper to carry it. By halfway through the match it seemed like DeVito was an afterthought, with the bulk of the action revolving around the exchanges between Punk and Matt. DeVito makes the mistake of getting between them while they’re trading punches and cops twin Enziguri kicks that drops him out of the match. Hardy and Punk were tightly matched, but it was Punk who eventually picked up the win with a GTS. [CENTER][B]Result: CM Punk defeated Matt Hardy and Tony DeVito in 9:36 when CM Punk defeated Matt Hardy by pinfall with a Go to Sleep.[/B] [B]Rating: C-[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Shane McMahon and Bobby Lashley vs. The New APA[/B][/CENTER] This was a hard-hitting brawl that spilled out over the ring a couple of times, with Shane O’Mac and Hardcore Holly taking some big bumps as they rattled around the ringside area. The crowd was well and truly behind the New Wave, reserving the bulk of their enthusiasm for Shane when he cut loose on the offense. The real pop of the match came when he took out JBL with a coast-to-coast dropkick that caught Layfield in the crotch, leaving the actual pinfall by Lashley to feel like something of an anticlimax. [CENTER][B]Result: Shane McMahon and Bobby Lashley defeated The New APA in 10:09 when Bobby Lashley defeated Hardcore Holly by pinfall with a Spear.[/B] [B]Rating: C+[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]John Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Edge[/B] [B]Number One Contender’s Elimination Match[/B][/CENTER] The live crowd was hungry for this match after so many unknowns and former jobbers being used on the card thus far, so the roof blew off the building from the moment Edge’s theme music started and he made his way into the ring. There were no real surprises in the match, with each wrestler teasing victory at some point. Cena caught Orton in an F-U to eliminate him first, then Batista took out Edge to leave the two faces in the ring. Cena and Batista circled one another for a while, then launched into an exchange of punches that gradually transformed into a rugged brawl. Cena looked like he had the upper hand, but the momentum turned when a groggy Batista caught Cena with a spear and picked up the pinfall. Batista becomes the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Title. [CENTER][B]Result: Batista defeated John Cena, Randy Orton and Edge in 13:50; the order of elimination was Randy Orton first, then Edge, and finally John Cena.[/B] [B]Rating: B+[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Mr Kennedy and Triple H vs. The Hooliganz[/B][/CENTER] It was clear form the outset that no-one expected the Hooliganz to last that long in this match, but their fluid tag-team tactics and speed allowed them to hold their own. The egos of Kennedy and Triple H seemed to get in one-another’s way, leaving them vulnerable to double-teams, but as the match wore on the Hooliganz slowed down and their opponents started to hit big moves. There’s an exchange of finishing moves – London hits The Game with a shooting star press, Kennedy scoops London up and takes him out with a Kenton Bomb, Kendrick pulls Kennedy off London and hits the Sliced Bread Number 2, and Triple H pulls Kendrick off Kennedy and hits a Pedigree for the win. [CENTER][B]Result: Ken Kennedy and Triple H defeated The Hooligans in 19:55 when Triple H defeated Brian Kendrick by pinfall with a Pedigree.[/B] [B]Rating: B+[/B] [B]____________________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Final Show Rating: B-[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

arwink · October 19, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]January, Week 3, 2008[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]News from the Competition[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Total Non-Stop Action[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] TNA Impact was filmed live from the Benito Juarez Auditorium in Mexico in front of a crowd of nearly 1,800 people. Once again the lack of familiarity among local fans left the show feeling lackluster, despite the quality performance put in by the team of Brock Lesnar and Jericho as they defeated the Steiner brothers. The company returned to American soil to hold Final Resolution at Madison Square Gardens in front of a sell-out crowd of 15,000 people. The PPV had a buy rate of 6.69 with the following matches on the card: [CENTER][B]TNA Final Resolution Results[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER]Lance Hoyt defeated James Storm (D) Andrew Martin defeated AJ Styles to retain the TNA Intercontinental Title (B-) Buff Bagwell defeated Alex Shelley (C) in a travesty of justice that pains all true wrestling fans The Steiner Brothers defeated Macho Machizmo (Jay Lethal and Macho Man Randy Savage) (C+) LAX defeated Bently and Kazarian (C-) Sting defeated Fatu Jr. (C+) Erick Young defeated Lance Storm (C+) Joe and Tomko defeated Voodoo Kin Mafia (C) Roode and Morgan defeated Rhino and Wildcat (B-) Raven and Doomsday defeated Cage and Haas (B-) Brock Lesnar defeated Abyss (B+) Kurt Angle defeated Bob Sapp and Jeff Jarrett to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Title (B)[/CENTER] It’s generally accepted that Samoa Joe was the star of the show and these results have the WWE very nervous about the success of the Royal Rumble in a week’s time. [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]World Championship Wrestling[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] WCW signed written deals with Nicho el Millonario (aka Psicosis), Ricky Banderas, Guido Maritato, Rey Mysterio Jr, Cliff Compton (aka Domino) and Rene Durpree. WCW launched its first PPV of the new era, holding Souled Out at the HP Pavilion in front of a crowd of 15,000 fans, drawing a buy rate of 6.28. The show was apparently below expectations thanks to the incomplete roster, consisting of only four matches: [CENTER][B]WCW Souled Out Results[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER]Shane Helms defeated Bryan Danielson for the WCW Cruiserweight title (C-) Sean O’Haire defeated Horace Hogan (E+) John Hennigan and Carlito Colon went to a double count-out with Joey Matthews and Shelton Benjamin (C) Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant for the WCW World Heavyweight Title (C+)[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Extreme Championship Wrestling[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] ECW continues their hiring spree, offering deals to Teddy Hart, Trent Acid, Orlando Colon, Angel Prime Time, Paul Orndorff, Tom Pritchard and Icarus. [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Ring of Honor[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] A number of new signings for Ring of Honor this week, with written deals offered to Gran Akuma, Nikki Roxx, Ruckus, Mitch Ryder, Sterling James Keenan and Mercedes Martinez. Rocky Romero left the company on Friday to take up his new position at WCW. [CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Updates from WWE.com[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] Rumors abound that the WWE has gone on a hiring spree this week, signing many of the indy scenes top cruiserweights as well as several former wrestlers who’ll be making surprise appearances at the Royal Rumble. WWE creative remains tight-lipped regarding who has been resigned and for how long. WWE officials are umhappy with Monday nights show, blaming several new voices on the creative team for overburdening the matches with too many unknown names and boring the already diminished fan base. The resulting displeasure may have been more than the struggling wrestling giant is capable of bearing if it continues. Former WWE champion JBL suffered a dead leg injury in his match against Shane O’Mac and Bobby Lashley on Monday night’s Raw, but was cleared to wrestle by the end of the week. It’s thought that the injury may be the warning sign of things to come, with WWE management starting to talk about winding Bradshaw back into a backstage role in the near future. [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Matches announced for next week's RAW[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER]Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Stevie Richards vs. Elix Skipper vs. Tajiri Cruieserweight Championship Heat 2[/CENTER] [CENTER]Molly Holly vs. Candice Michelle vs. Shelley Martinez Number One Contenders Match for the Women’s Championship[/CENTER] [CENTER]Bobby Lashley vs. Nova[/CENTER] [CENTER]Vince McMahon and the Leviathans vs. Shane McMahon and the Hooliganz[/CENTER]

chris caulfield · October 19, 2007

Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Stevie Richards vs. Elix Skipper vs. [B]Tajiri[/B] Cruieserweight Championship Heat 2 [B]Molly Holly[/B] vs. Candice Michelle vs. Shelley Martinez Number One Contenders Match for the Women’s Championship [B]Bobby Lashley [/B]vs. Nova [B]Vince McMahon and the Leviathans [/B]vs. Shane McMahon and the Hooliganz

arwink · October 22, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]Week 4, January, 2008[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=4]The Day the World Went Wonky[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/B] [/CENTER] [LEFT][B]OOC: [/B]I needed to clear off some space on my hard-drive over the weekend and a lot of the space is currently taken up by TEW scenarios that I just don't get around to playing. I started deleting some of the ones that I didn't use a lot and, well, I'm guessing you can figure where I'm going. Basically, the diary continues, I just replaid the last three weeks show-for-show using the storyhour as a guide for what was done. I've got the same guys on the roster that I had when I lost the game, left alone all the guys that I tried to get but signed for other companies, and generally got things as close I could. So I'll be continuing as if nothing had happened - just disregard some of the notes about chemistry that are in the write-ups and assume that any differences that occur are the result of the world going a little bit wonky at the end of January, Week 3, 2008.[/LEFT] [CENTER]_________________________ [B][SIZE=4]Monday Night Raw[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Broadcast Live on SCi-Fi from the Verizon Wireless Arena[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Attendance: 10,000 people[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Rating: 12.45[/SIZE][/B] ____________________ [B][SIZE=3]Dark Matches[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Carnage Crew vs. The Ring Crew Express[/B] [B]Result: The Carnage Crew defeated The Ring Crew Express in 7:37 when Tony DeVito defeated Mark Marcos by pinfall with a Seated Uranage Suplex.[/B] [B]Rating: E+[/B] [B]The Amazing Red and Blitzkrieg vs. The Outcast Killers[/B] [B]Result: The Amazing Red and Blitzkreig defeated The Outcast Killers in 7:43 when Blitzkreig defeated Oman Tortuga by pinfall with a Sky Twister Press.[/B] [B]Rating: E-[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Main Show[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] The show opens with The Cutting Edge. Edge calls down his guest for the night, Triple H, leaving the crowd filled with boos as heel faces off against heel in a war of words. Edge talks about the fine match the pair will have at Wrestlemania after Edge wins the Rumble, Triple H acts like he’s completely unconcerned, then a man wearing a hooded jacket leaps the barricades and charges into the ring. Triple H turns around just in time to catch a kick to the gut, followed by twist of fate. JR starts asking whether its one of the hardy boys assaulting Triple H, but Tazz catches a glimpse of the face. Triple H is beaten down onto the matt, with Edge joining the assault, then the hood is flipped back to reveal…Montel Vontavious Porter. (B) Edge grins to the audience and reclaims his microphone. [COLOR=red]Triple H, I’d like you to meet my insurance policy – the man who’ll have my back from now until Wrestlemania – the man whose only part man, the rest is amazing – the man-[/COLOR] MVP snatches the microphone out of Edge’s hands and gestures for him to stop. MVP: [COLOR=royalblue]I got kicked out of the WWE because they couldn’t meet my payday; I came back because I don’t like leaving things unfinished. But if you really think I resigned so I can play your lackey…[/COLOR] MVP shrugs and grins at the crowd, then kicks Edge in the gut and hits a Playmaker, leaving him prone in the middle of the ring. The crowd roars their approval as Montel rolls out of the ring and walks backstage, telling the crowd that he’s back every step of the way. (B-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Stevie Richards vs. Elix Skipper vs. Tajiri[/B] [B]Cruiserweight Title Heat 2[/B][/CENTER] A completely different match to last weeks triple squash by Noble, since all four of the wrestlers involved have something of a fan base among the WWE audience. The real story centered on Tajiri and Guerrero, with the commentary team putting both of them over as former cruiserweight champions. There was the tease of a cheap finish, with Chavo falling out of the ring with a sprained ankle at the six minute mark, then rolling in once Tajiri was busy hitting the other wrestlers with his finishers. Chavo pulled the Japanese Buzzsaw off Skipper when the ref was mid-count, trying for a quick pinfall, but Tajiri neatly reversed the move and flew at Chavo with a shining wizard out of no-where. Guerrero went down, Stevie Richards dove back into the ring to try and make the three-count, and Tajiri took him down with a buzzsaw kick to earn the second place in the Cruiserweight Title Ladder Match at the PPV. [CENTER][B]Result: Tajiri defeated Stevie Richards, Elix Skipper and Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 9:56 when Tajiri defeated Stevie Richards by pinfall with a Buzzsaw Kick.[/B] [B]Rating: C-[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Kane vs. Ace Steel[/B][/CENTER] This was your basic monster heel squash, with Kane decimating Ace from bell to bell. The only offense Ace even managed was a couple of elbow shots, but Kane shook them off and hit the tombstone piledriver for the win. [CENTER][B]Result: Kane defeated Ace Steel in 6:49 by pinfall with a Chokeslam.[/B] [B]Rating: D[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] JR and Tazz put over the Royal Rumble happening on Sunday night, letting the audience know that twenty-two of the thirty spaces are known to have been filled, with eight surprise entrants returning on the night of the PPV to reclaim their place on Raw. A video highlight reel runs across the screen hyping the work of the wrestlers involved. Among the recognizable workers of the montage: Hardcore Holly, Sylvan Granier, Bobby Lashley, Ron Simmons, Elix Skipper,Edge, CM Pink, Stevie Richards, Ken Kennedy, Loc and DeVito, Kane, Blitzkrieg, Matt Hardy, Randy Orton, MVP, Jeff Hardy, JBL, Val Venis and John Cena (C+) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Molly Holly vs. Candice Michelle vs. Shelley Martinez[/B] [B]Number One Contenders Match for the Women’s Championship[/B][/CENTER] Pretty standard fare for the women’s division, though the inclusion of Holly gave the match more credibility than the women have had since Micky James left the company. Holly and Candice carry the lion’s share of the offense, with Shelley Martinez playing the freakshow and generally avoiding the in-ring side of the match. Holly dominates for a long while, but makes the mistake of lifting Michelle up for a powerbomb. Candice takes the opportunity to reverse into a hurricane rana before following it up with a candylicious. Candice Michell is the the number one contender for the Women’s Championship. [CENTER][B]Result: Candice Michelle defeated Molly Holly and Shelly Martinez in 7:50 when Candice Michelle defeated Molly Holly by submission with a Candylicious.[/B] [B]Rating: C-[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] Triple H is striding through the backstage area, belt over one shoulder. He rounds a corner and runs into Val Venis, who stands up to the champ with a big grin on his face. Trips lowers his sunglasses ( giving us a good look at the black eye forming after MVP’s assault) looks Val over, then asks what he’s so damned happy about. Val tells the champ that he’s getting ready for the Royal Rumble on Sunday night, a rumble he intends to win, and once that happens the Big Valbowski is going to face Triple H at Wrestlemania for the World Heavyweight Title. Trips takes off his sunglasses. [COLOR=red]Is that right?[/COLOR] Val: [COLOR=royalblue]That’s right.[/COLOR] Triple H: [COLOR=red]Venis, you were always an idiot, but I never thought you were stupid. Even if you could win the rumble – you and me; it’d be the fastest Main Event to hit Wrestlemania in years. You aren’t even close to offering me a challenge.[/COLOR] Val loses the grin. [COLOR=royalblue]Is that right?[/COLOR] Triple H: [COLOR=red]That’s right.[/COLOR] Val slaps the champ across the side of the face. Val: [COLOR=royalblue]Then why wait for Wrestlemania…Champ. You and me, tonight, one on one.[/COLOR] Triple H glares, then starts laughing. Triple H: [COLOR=red]Oh…oh my god, you’re actually serious. Val…buddy…you’re a idiot, but you’re a an amusing idiot. I’ll tell you what – not only am I going to give you the match; I’m so confident that I’ll beat you that I’m willing to put the title on the line. Dream big for the next hour or so kid, because once I’m done with you both the title and the Royal Rumble are going to seem like impossible dreams. [/COLOR](B+) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] We go backstage, where Jillian Hall is interviewing a returning Scotty 2 Hotty about his scheduled match coming up with Jamie Noble. Scotty tells the crowd that he’s one of the most decorated tag-team wrestlers in the history of the WWE, but he came back too late to get a spot in the Cruiserweight Title heats. Scotty: [COLOR=royalblue]But I got ta tell ya, scary lady, that Scotty 2 Hotty is going to be first in line for a title shot once that title is handed out. Tonight I’m taking out Jamie Noble, Sunday Night I’m going to win the Royal Rumble, and next Monday Night you can be sure that Scotty 2 Hotty will be getting a title shot against someone. ([/COLOR]C-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Jamie Noble[/B][/CENTER] Scotty 2 Hotty matches are at their best when the story revolves around Hotty claiming the offense and trying to hit the worm, but this was substantially improved by some good chemistry between the two veteran cruiserweights. Unfortunately for Scotty, the worm didn’t happen tonight. Noble played possum until the last moment, then leapt up and caught Scotty in a Tiger Bomb as he was hopping around the ring. [CENTER][B]Result: Jamie Noble defeated Scotty 2 Hotty in 11:39 by pinfall with a Tiger Bomb.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] Candice Michelle conducts an interview with Triple H. He explains that he isn’t worried about who wins the royal rumble, and he really isn’t worried about facing Batista. Trips: [COLOR=red]Four years ago I trained Batista as a part of Evolution. I taught him everything he knows, but you can be sure I didn’t teach him everything I know. The World Heavyweight Title isn’t going anywhere on Sunday, it’s not going anywhere come Wrestlemania, and it’s not going to get taken off me at any Pay Per View or Raw after that.[/COLOR] (A) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Hardy Boys vs. La Resistance[/B][/CENTER] The return of the Conway/Sylvan version of La Resistance was met with surprising enthusiasm from the crowd, especially when it was discovered that they'd be facing off against the Hardy Boys. A solid tag-team match with both teams putting on a great show. Conway picks up the surprise win when he catches Jeff Hardy with a Bonsoir. [CENTER][B]Result: La Resistance defeated Hardy Boyz in 13:45 when Rob Conway defeated Jeff Hardy by pinfall with a Bonsoir.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] We go backstage to the general manager’s office where Stephanie McMahon has been cornered by Rob Conway, Nova and Paul Burchill. All three men are complaining – loudly – about the fact that they haven’t been offered spots in the Royal Rumble and demanding to know the reason. Stephanie weathers the storm for a while, then tells them all to shut up. Stephanie: [COLOR=green]Gentlemen, I understand you’re upset, but I have something that should make it up to you. Would any of you accept a shot at Mr. Kennedy’s Intercontinental Title to make up for the loss of a rumble spot?[/COLOR] There is a general chorus of agreement. Stephanie: [COLOR=green]Good, because on Sunday night the three of you have a match – a three-way to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. [/COLOR] The arguments start up again – none of them are happy about facing one another. Stephanie: [COLOR=green]Shut up. I suggest you think of it this way – the superstars in the Royal Rumble have to defeat thirty other men to earn their title shot. Each of you only has to beat two. Now get the hell out of my office before I have security escort you from the building.[/COLOR] (D) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] CM Punk hits the ring and cuts a promo. He explains that ever since he started coming up in the world as a wrestler, even before he hit the WWE, he’d heard stories about John Cena - the face of the WWE; the unbeatable champion; the longest reigning WWE champion in WWE history. And, two weeks ago, he saw that same man whining to the front office about getting a title shot and the fans cheered him. One week ago Cena was given a chance to earn his title shot and be blew it, and still the fans cheered him. This week Cena doesn’t even have a match, but the rumors are floating around – John Cena is going to win the Royal Rumble. John Cena should be getting the title shot against Triple H. John Cena is the man who will save the WWE. Punk: [COLOR=red]Lets be honest here – you people make me sick. My name is CM Punk, I’m straight-edge and I’ve earned every opportunity that came my way. To see the idolization you people heap on a whining incompetent like John Cena. I’m drug free, I’m alcohol free, I’m all about my integrity as an athlete-[/COLOR] Cena’s music cuts him off as the former World Champion rolls on down to the ring. Cena gets up into Punk’s face, snatches the microphone away from him, and tells Punk to shut up. The crowd goes crazy. Cena runs Punk down, accusing him of being the real whiner in the ring, and tells him that the answer to his concerns is simple – John Cena versus CM Punk; tonight. Punk: [COLOR=red]You’re on.[/COLOR] (B-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] JR and Tazz put over the fact that we’ll be seeing a six-man tag match that pits the Chairman of the Board, Vince McMahon, and the two monsters Kahli and Big Daddy V against Shane O’Mac and the Hooliganz in a warm-up for their respective matches at the Royal Rumble on Sunday. (B-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Bobby Lashley vs. Nova[/B] [/CENTER] Nova played the comedy Hogan-as-heel gimmick for all it was worth, controlling the pace of the match by disrupting Lashley’s powerhouse offense with quick eye-pokes and other old-school wrestling moves. JR and Tazz made the comment that this match was really Nova’s to lose – he had control of things most of the time, but insisted on using a leg-drop finisher that never really stood a change of putting down a powerhouse like Lashley. Eventually Lashley managed to power through and take control, hitting the dominator for the victory. [CENTER][B]Result Bobby Lashley defeated Nova in 9:52 by pinfall with a Spear.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] ____________________ [/CENTER] Shane O’Mac and the Hooliganz join Bobby Lashley in the ring, with Shane holding Lashley’s arm in the air. He cuts a promo about the New Wave reinvigorating not just the WWE, but the genre of wrestling itself. The New Wave was characterized by more than gimmicks – they stood for innovation, athleticism and solid competition. They were the future of sports entertainment, whether Vince likes it or not. (B-) [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]CM Punk vs. John Cena[/B][/CENTER] A solid match that saw both men fighting hard to pick up the win. Punk was all raw passion and angry superiority, fighting with an intensity that has seemed absent in his ring-work ever since the ECW brand ceased to exist. Cena took a battering and came back from behind, but there was never any doubt that he was going to win this – this match was a teaser of things to come more than anything else. Cena hits the F-U and picks up the win. [CENTER] [B]Result: John Cena defeated CM Punk in 13:42 by pinfall with a F-U.[/B] [B]Rating: B[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Vince McMahon and the Leviathans vs. Shane McMahon and the Hooliganz[/B][/CENTER] The majority of this match revolved around Vince playing the evil heel, utilizing the Leviathans to take out everyone in order to get the pinfall over Shane. London and Kendrick did a great job of carrying their team, literally running circles around Kahli but selling it perfectly when he eventually caught them and slammed them into the mat. Big Daddy V worked hard to carry the momentum of his side, since he had the stronger grasp of psychology than his tag-team partner, and it was V that Vince turned to every time he needed something taken out. The match ended when the faces triple-teamed Kahli – London and Kendrick sent him towards the rope with a series of rapid-fire dropkicks, then Shane did the honors of sending him over the top rope with a coast-to-coast dropkick from the far side of the ring. Viscera took out both London and Kendrick with a twin clothesline, leaving Vince to mop up a stunned Shane O’Mac as he tried to recover from the kick. [CENTER][B]Result: Vince McMahon and The Leviathans defeated Shane McMahon and The Hooligans in 13:02 when Vince McMahon defeated Shane McMahon by pinfall with a Stunner.[/B] [B]Rating: C+[/B] ____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Triple H vs. Val Venis[/B] [B]World Heavyweight Championship Match[/B][/CENTER] -Sigh- I was hoping for big things from this. There was a part of me that really hoped I could built towards a Venus/Triple H feud somewhere along the line, but the poor chemistry in this one was so dismal that there was literally no chance in hell of either of them getting put in the same ring together ever again. Val’s a solid wrestler who’s good at putting others over, but he just couldn’t get on the same page as the Champion. We attempted to give Val a boost by letting him hold some strong offense at the opening, but it came off as rehearsed at best. Eventually Triple H took control of the match and put Venis down with a Pedigree. [B]Result: Triple H defeated Val Venis in 14:52 by pinfall with a Pedigree. Triple H makes defence number 2 of his WWE Heavyweight title.[/B] [B]Rating: B[/B] [CENTER]____________________[/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Overall Show Rating: B-[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

arwink · October 22, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=3]News from WWE.Com[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/B] [/CENTER] [LEFT][SIZE=2]The WWE announced today that Rob Conway will not be participating in the triple-threat to determine the next challenger to Ken Kennedy's title at the Royal Rumble. The announcement claimed that Conway had been laid low by a virus that left him unable to compete. [/SIZE][SIZE=2]Rumors that Conway's spot in the three-way would be taken by his tag-team partner, Sylvan Granier, proved false when a second announcement slotted Scotty 2 Hotty into the match instead.[/SIZE] [/LEFT] [CENTER][B]The Final Card for the WWE Royal Rumble has been announced:[/B] Jamie Noble vs. Tajiri in a ladder match to crown the new Cruiserweight Champion Nova vs. Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Paul Burchill to determine the number one contender to the Intercontinental Title The Leviathans vs. The Hooliganz Tag-Team Title Match Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon Father versus Son in a clash to determine who is the dominant McMahon in the WWE The Royal Rumble: Winner goes into the Main Event at Wrestlemania Known Participants: Ken Kennedy, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, Edge, John Bradshaw Layfield, John Cena, Monvel Vontavious Porter, Hardcore Holly, Kane, Ron Simons, 'The Canadian Ice' Val Venis, Sylvan Granier, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Stevie Richards, CM Punk, Tony DeVito, HC Loc, Ace Steel, Elix Skipper, Chavo Geurrero, The Amazing Red, Blitzkrieg, Kevin Dunn and Mark Marcos (The Ring Crew Express). The WWE has confirmed that the final five spots will all be taken by the surprise entry of returning WWE superstars Triple H vs. Batista WWE World Heavyweight Title MAtch [/CENTER]

chris caulfield · October 22, 2007

Jamie Noble vs. [B]Tajiri[/B] in a ladder match to crown the new Cruiserweight Champion Nova vs. Scotty 2 Hotty vs. [B]Paul Burchill[/B] to determine the number one contender to the Intercontinental Title [B]The Leviathans[/B] vs. The Hooliganz Tag-Team Title Match [B]Shane McMahon[/B] vs. Vince McMahon Father versus Son in a clash to determine who is the dominant McMahon in the WWE The Royal Rumble: Winner goes into the Main Event at Wrestlemania Known Participants: [B]Ken Kennedy[/B], Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, Edge, John Bradshaw Layfield, John Cena, Monvel Vontavious Porter, Hardcore Holly, Kane, Ron Simons, 'The Canadian Ice' Val Venis, Sylvan Granier, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Stevie Richards, CM Punk, Tony DeVito, HC Loc, Ace Steel, Elix Skipper, Chavo Geurrero, The Amazing Red, Blitzkrieg, Kevin Dunn and Mark Marcos (The Ring Crew Express) [B]Triple H[/B] vs. Batista WWE World Heavyweight Title Match

arwink · October 27, 2007

[CENTER][B][SIZE=4]WWE Royal Rumble[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Live from Madison Square Garden on Pay Per View[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Attendance: 15,000 people (Sell Out!)[/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3]Buy Rate: 5.48[/SIZE][/B] [B]_______________[/B] [B][SIZE=3]Dark Matches[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Outcast Killers vs. The Ravers[/B] [B]Result: The Ravers defeated The Outcast Killers in 7:49 when Angel Dust defeated Oman Tortuga by pinfall with a Diving Somersault Stunner.[/B] [B]Rating: D-[/B] [B]Martinez and Neidhart vs. Candice Michelle and Trinity[/B] [B]Result: Candice Michelle and Trinity defeated Nattie Neidhart and Shelly Martinez in 7:53 when Trinity defeated Nattie Neidhart by pinfall with a Fall From Grace.[/B] [B]Rating: D[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Main Show[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] The show starts with the familiar pipe music and the words “My Name is Finlay, and I love to fight” playing over the loudspeaker. The tough Irish bastard walks down into the ring and claims a microphone. Finlay: [COLOR=red]I’m back. I’m in the rumble. Anyone who gets in my way…[/COLOR] He looks around, spots one of the backstage crew, and smacks them across the face with the shillelagh. (B-) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Jamie Noble vs. Tajiri[/B] [B]Cruiserweight Championship Ladder Match[/B][/CENTER] Jamie Noble was the underdog in this one, even though he was the heel, since the crowd was so far behind Tajiri that no-one really thought the Redneck Pitbull had any chance of picking up a victory. He did his best to create doubt, rolling through Tajiri’s offence before using the ladder as a weapon, but Tajiri rallied with the crowds support and scored a big pop when he took Noble out with a moonsault press off the top of the ladder. After that it was elementary – Tajiri climbed the ladder, Noble tried to stop him and caught a hurricanrana that sent him out of the ring, then Tajiri climbed again and claimed the cruiserweight title. [CENTER][B]Result: Tajiri defeated Jamie Noble in 14:39 when Tajiri retrieved the item. Tajiri wins the WWE Cruiserweight Title title.[/B] [B]Rating: C+[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] Stephanie McMahon is backstage in the staging area where the entrance numbers are being drawn. CM Punk is there to draw his number. He takes one, and looks pleased, but he doesn't let Stephanie take a peek. (D+) We go backstage where Maria is interviewing Shane McMahon. She asks him if he’s worried about his New Wave members, London and Kendrick, losing their titles in the tag-team title match tonight. Shane laughs off the possibility, telling the fans that the time when that kind of thinking was over. No longer would the WWE restrain talents like London and Kendrick just to make their lumbering heavyweight opponents look good. Shane: [COLOR=royalblue]Big Daddy V and The Great Kahli represent everything that was wrong about my father’s vision for this company. They’re all strength and power, but they have no finesse, no speed. They’re dinosaurs of a bygone era, and their lifespan has been artificially preserved in the WWE ring long enough. The Hooliganz can run circles around those lumbering oafs, unleashing offense whenever they wish, but the Leviathans have to catch their opponents before they can do a damn thing about claiming those tag-team titles.[/COLOR] (C+) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] Sylvan Grenier cuts a promo backstage, explaining the reason he isn’t taking Conway’s place in the three-way tonight is because Sylvan is destined for greater glory. Tonight is the Royal Rumble, the first chance Sylvan will have to claim the World Heavyweight Title, and once he takes that title back to his home country of France he will prove, once and for all, that they are better than the stinking, filthy Americans. (C-) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Nova vs. Paul Burchill vs. Scotty 2 Hotty[/B] [B]Intercontinental Championship Number One Contenders Match[/B][/CENTER] This was basically the battle of the comedy gimmicks, with Burchill running around like a crazed pirate loon, Nova strutting around like Hulk Hogan on speed, and Scotty 2 Hotty…well, Scotty just ran around trying to hit the worm three or four times before he actually got it off. It suffered a little because there was no contrast to the silliness – all three wrestlers work better when they’re given a straight-guy to work against, but it worked well enough as a filler match. Scotty picks up the surprise win after Burchill manhandles Nova, throwing the dread pirate out of the ring and hitting the Worm for the pinfall. [CENTER][B]Result: Scotty 2 Hotty defeated Nova and Paul Burchill in 8:33 when Scotty 2 Hotty defeated Nova by pinfall with a Worm.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] Speaking of mid-show filler: Val Venis comes out wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses, looking more collected and bad-ass than he’s managed in years. He gives a short promo about the fact that he’s serious about wrestling now – a competitor rather than a comedy gimmick – but that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten what it means to have fun. And with that in mind, we get a diva bikini contest. Candice, Melina, Jillian Hall and Michelle McCool strut their stuff for the crowd, with Candice picking up the win (C) Women’s Champion Melina is less than pleased with this revelation and gets up in Candice’s face, taunting the number one contender. Things are about to get violent when radio static fills the loudspeakers, we hear gunfire, and the thundering footstep of something really really big marching into battle. Candice and Melina exchange glances, then turn towards the ramp where a monster of a woman comes charging down and assaults both champion and contender. Candice goes down to a headbutt, while Melina is scooped up into a Northern Lights Suplex and left shattered on the matt. Tazz lets the audience know that Aja Kong has just returned to plague women’s division of the WWE. (E+) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B] [B]The Leviathans vs. The Hooliganz[/B] [B]WWE World Tag-Team Championship[/B][/CENTER] There was only seven minutes to this match and the crowd jeered at Kahli the entire way through. The man may be a massive draw in the popularity stakes, but the live crowds hate him with a passion any time he steps into the ring. Big Daddy V does the majority of the work for his team as a result, serving as the slow-moving giant that the Hooliganz ricochet off at high-speeds. Kahli is eventually allowed into the ring and he clears house, dumping both Kendrick and London over the top rope with choke slams. He then spends the entire ten-count beating his chest and acting like a dominating giant while an irate V starts screaming at him to get the champs back into the ring. Kahli realizes what’s happening too late. He’s far to slow to get under the ropes and the champs are counted out. Kahli picks up the win, but the titles stay with the Hooliganz. [CENTER][B]Result: The Leviathans defeated The Hooligans in 6:43 when Brian Kendrick was counted out while fighting The Great Khali.[/B] [B]Rating: C[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] Stephanie McMahon is backstage in the staging area where the entrance numbers are being drawn. Montel Vontavious Porter is there to draw his number. He takes one, and gives absolutely no reaction at all, a proper poker face, and he makes sure to keep the number covered so that Stephanie can't take a look. (B-) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] We go backstage to Randy Orton’s locker room, where he’s just been accosted by Edge. The Rated R Superstar tells Randy that they’ve both got a similar problem – they’re being overlooked by the current general manager when it comes to title shots. Tonight is their big chance to rectify that situation, but only if they defeat twenty-nine other guys, and Edge is looking to even up the odds just a little. Edge: [COLOR=red]What I’m suggesting, Randy, is an alliance. The return of Rated RKO, for one night only, to ensure that when the last two people are left standing at the rumble, facing off against one another, preparing to fight tooth and nail for that title shot, we both know that those people are going to be two of the most talented, good-looking, loved and respected wrestlers on the Raw roster, not just some jobber who happened to get lucky.[/COLOR] Randy: [COLOR=darkred]So you’re saying we work together…[/COLOR] Edge[COLOR=red]:…then, once everyone else is out of the way, we let the best man win.[/COLOR] They stare one another down. It’s obvious who they each think the better man would be in that situation. Then, slowly, Orton extends his hand. (B) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon[/B][/CENTER] Shane continues to impress, despite his relative lack of training, and Vince is one of nature’s heels. The match was basically a brawl, with Vince scurrying away from his son before cheating his way back to the advantage. The crowd was behind Shane in a big way, going berserk when he eventually hit a flying elbow for the win. [CENTER][B]Result: Shane McMahon defeated Vince McMahon in 7:45 by pinfall with a Flying Elbow.[/B] [B]Rating: B[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] Stephanie McMahon is backstage in the staging area where the entrance numbers are being drawn. Bobby Lashley is there to draw his number. He takes one, and looks very unhappy, and he doesn't let Stephanie take a look. (B-) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] A video-clip plays showing highlights of Mickie James’s career in the WWE. There are multiple shots from her title matches, culminating with her big loser-leaves-town match with Melina that saw her kicked off Raw just before the budget cuts hit the WWE. We finally end on the shot of Mickie on the ropes, fist raised in the air to celebrate victory, and the words: Mickie James Returns at No Way Out. (C-) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]The Royal Rumble: A Thirty-Man Battle Royal[/B] [/CENTER] We start the Rumble with [B]Bobby Lasley[/B] in the ring. He tests the ropes while number 2, [B]Elix Skipper[/B] of the Straight Edge Showstoppers, makes his way down and the pair start going at it. Lashley dominates for the first two minutes, with Elix’s only offense coming when he hits a running dropkick off an Irish whip. The countdown to the third entrants starts…three…two…one… [B]Tony DeVito[/B] hits the ring, starting strong by going to the ropes and hitting a moonsault press on Skipper. DeVito isn’t afraid to brawl with Lashley, taking his lumps as he lashes out. The three wrestlers bump around the ring, with DeVito and Skipper teaming up to try and take out the powerhouse Lashley. They fail. The crowd gets bored because, realistically, the only person they care about in the ring is Lashley and they’re waiting for the second big name. Three…Two…One… DAMN! [B]Ron Simmons[/B] is in the ring, rolling through and brawling with DeVito. Lashley is in a corner, getting his wind back, while Elix and DeVito try to double-team Simmons. It doesn’t work and Simmons comes close to throwing DeVito out of the ring as a result. Elix goes to the top rope, preparing for something big, when DeVito double-crosses the high-flyer and crotches him on the rope. Everyone clusters in the corner, trying to push the crotched Skipper down on the side of the ring. Lashley recovers and charges across the ring to hit a big Stinger Splash on every other entrant. Three…two…one… [B]Kennedy![/B] The Intercontinental champion hits the ring like a house on fire, slugging pretty much everyone in the jaw. Skipper recovers long enough to launch himself off the top rope; Kennedy catches him and puts him into position for a Kenton. Lashley chooses to interfere and comes charging in for a spear. Kennedy side-steps, throws Skipper into Lashley’s arms, then hits a double drop-kick that sends them both over the top rope. Bobby Lashley and Elix Skipper are eliminated. The pace slows down for a bit. Three….two…one… [B]Blitzkrieg[/B] comes charging down, climbs the top rope, hits a flying sky-twister press on Simmons. DeVito picks the cruiserweight up and throws him over the top rope. Blitzkrieg has managed a full twenty seconds in the match, but he’s done now. DeVito gets blindsided by Simmons and their brawl takes the focus for the next minute or so. Simmons is starting to look a little winded. The coundwon starts. Three…two…one… The New APA is in the house as [B]Hardcore Holly[/B] comes charging down the ramp. He shows off his dropkicking abilities, brawls a little with everyone, then scoops up Simmons for an Alabama Slam. Simmons manages to cling to the ropes with one arm, saving himself with only one foot hitting the floor. There’s a momentary lull in the action as the five competitors square off: Hardcore Holly, Ken Kennedy, Ron Simmons and Tony DeVito. The three heels exchange glances; there’s only one face left in the ring at the moment. Triple-team on Simmons, but he’s still clinging to life. Three…two…one… Unskinny Bop starts playing as [B]Mark Marcos[/B] comes charging into the ring. He’s a midget compared to the various heavyweights in there, but manages an impressive debut when he launches himself in with a stage diver on Holly. Holly picks himself up, dusts himself off, then slugs Marcos in the jaw. Marcos goes down like dead weight, but scrambles to the ropes and holds on for dear life as Holly tries to pry him free. Three…two…one… An unfamiliar punk track starts playing and a scruffy, bearded man appears on the walkway. JR starts asking who the hell that is, giving Tazz the job of naming names…It’s [B]Chris Masters[/B], but not the Chris Masters we’re used to. His hair is longer, his beard growing out, his body no-where near as oiled and ripped as it once was. Hell, he looks like he’s been sleeping in a dumpster since he was fired from RAW, and he's still wearing ripped jeans and the tattered remnants of a white silk business shirt. He hits the ring and starts brawling, then gets hold of Simmons. For a brief moment it looks like he’s going to lock in the masterlock, but Masters surprises everyone by hauling Simmons onto his shoulders and locking in a Torture Rack instead. Simmons looks like he’s being folded in half, then Masters adds insult to injury by falling backwards into a brutal Samoan drop. Tazz sums up the mood of the crowd on commentary: what the hell happened to him? Then the count-down starts…three…two…one… [B]Val Venis[/B] his the ring and starts clearing house, laying out Masters before starting in on Hardcore Holly and Kennedy. Venis’s rampage is only haulted when Tony DeVito hits a low blow, but the distraction is enough for Mark Marcos to climb the top rope and hit a Stage Deive on DeVito. Devito is stunned and Simmons takes the opportunity to eliminate DeVito. Not to be outdone, Chris Masters eliminates Marcos with an power slam over the ropes. We’re left with Ron Simmons, Val Venis, Chris Masters, Bob Holly and Ken Kennedy in the ring. The crowd is on their feet – this is the first sign of ring filled with nothing but superstars since we started. The brawl breaks out. The countdown begins. Three…two…one… [B]John Bradshaw Layfield[/B] comes down, rolls into the ring. He starts laying into Simmons with lefts and rights, setting up for the Clothesline from Hell, but Kennedy cuts him off with a leg lariat before Layfield can connect. Hardcore Holly starts laying into Kennedy, leading to a series of double-teams by the new APA. Three…two…one… Unskinny Bop plays for the second time tonight as[B] Kevin Dunn[/B] comes charging in. His entrance is a mirror image of his tag-team partners – a flying stage-dive from the top fo the rope on Chris Masters. Big mistake. Chris Masters picks Dunn up and locks in his second torture rack for the night. Dunn starts tapping out, franticly trying to escape, and JR makes the comment that there’s no submissions in a rumble match. Masters looks like he’s going to get his second elimination when Val Venis hits a dropkick to his legs and helps Dunn double-team the Masterpiece. Three…two…one… An Asian instrumental piece hits the loudspeakers and [B]Jimmy Wang Yang[/B] hits the ring. Gone is the redneck gimmick he sported on Smackdown – he’s now back to his martial-artist daredevil gimmick with former WCW manager Leia Miaow in his corner. He slingshots into the ring and starts taking the fight to Hardcore Holly and Ken Kennedy, eventually joining with Ron Simmons in order to hit a double-team on Holly that sees him eliminated. JBL takes offense to that and starts beating the living hell out of Yang. Simmons gets involved again. JBL sends his former tag-team partner over the top rope with a clothesline from hell. Ron Simmons is eliminated. The countdown begins. Three…two…one… [B]Monvel Vontavious Porter[/B] is in the ring and making an impact, using a series of quick kicks to take control of the match. Chris Masters gets eliminated with a big running boot from MVP and the crowd pops. JBL gets taken into the corner and beaten to holy hell, and it’s only the fact that Ken Kennedy pulls MVP off that stops JBL from getting sent over the top rope. MVP and Kennedy brawl in the centre of the ring. JBL recovers and starts warming up the elbow, looking for a chance to hit the clothesline on MVP. He doesn’t get it – Val Venis sneaks up behind him and hits a suplex, then pushes JBL over the top rope. JBL is eliminated. Three…two…one… [B]Sylvan Granier[/B] comes down and joins the match to little fanfare, since most of the crowd is still focused on Kennedy and MVP. Sylvan tries to eliminate Val Venis and cops and elbow to the face for his trouble, so he settles on trading blows with Jimmy Wang Yang. Yang sends Granier into the corner…Yang Time! Sylvan is groggy. Kevin Dunn tries to throw him up and fails. Val Venis tries to throw him out, but just as he’s getting near the ropes someone leaps the barricade and climbs up onto the side of the ring. They’re wearing a hooded jacket so their face is obscured, but they take Val out with an elbow shot to the face. Val drops Sylvan inside the ring, his nose a bloody mess. His attacker drops to the floor and starts retreating up the steps, shouting abuse at Val. He pulls the hood down and we can see that it’s John Walters. “Who?” Says the casual wrestling fans. “John Walters,” JR explains. “That’s the man who faced Val in a try-out match three weeks ago and lost.” Tazz makes the comment that Walters doesn’t appear to have taken it well. Kennedy dumps the bloody Val over the top rope when he doesn’t move away quickly enough. Three…two…one… [B]Finley![/B] The mad Irish bastard is all business as he hits the ring. First order of business is Kevin Dunn – me makes a charge for Finley as soon as the Irishman rolls into the ring and gets a high backdrop over the top rope for his trouble. Second order of business is Sylvan Granier – Finlay just lays him out and tosses the limb body over the top rope. Third order of business is MVP and that’s where things fall apart. Montel is already battered after spending the last couple of minutes trading punches with Kennedy, but he’s still capable of standing up to Finley. The countdown begins. Three…two…one… [B]John Cena [/B]comes down the ramp and the crowd roars. The former world champion charges into the ring and starts taking names. No-one can stand up the awesome power that is the Jesus Push and Cena proves that, battering pretty much everyone into the mat. No quick eliminations for the former Champ though, which means things settle into a rhythm again. MVP versus Finlay. Cena versus Ken Kennedy. Jimmy Wang Yang versus…well, no-one at the moment. He just hits the occasional high flying spot to remind people he’s there. Three…two…one… The returning [B]Snitsky[/B] comes charging down the ramp, assuring everyone that there will be at least one monster at work in the rumble this year. He starts laying out everyone before joining the brawl between Cena and Kennedy. They team up to do some damage on Snitsky, leaving him on the matt, then trade partners with MVP and Finlay. Three…two…one… He lies, he cheats, he steals, but [B]Chavo Guerrero[/B] still earns himself the legacy pop from Eddie when he hits the ring. He’s primary there to fight with Yang and does so from the outset. We return you to your rumble in process. Three…two…one… [B]Matt Hardy![/B] The crowd pops, as you’d expect, and Matt actually starts teaming with MVP to take out Snitsky. John Cena joines the brawl between Guererro and Yang to no avail. The ring starts to look crowded: Matt Hardy, Snitsky, Chavo, Jimmy Yang, John Cena, Finley, MVP and Kennedy. JR notes that Kennedy has been in this match from the beginning, but he still seems to be going strong. Three..two…one… [B]Jeff Hardy![/B] The Hardy Boys, back to back, make for a formidable team. They start going to work and actually do some damage, laying out Snitsky with a double-team and getting the help of John Cena and Finley to send the big man over the top rope. The Hardy’s then turn their attention to Kennedy while Finley and Cena fight. Three…two…one… The Reject, [B]Shannon Moore[/B], hits the ring. He teams up with the Hardys and Yang to try and eliminate Chavo Guererro, but the cruiserweight brawl is broken up with Finley starts taking names among them. Cena is locked up with MVP on the far side of the ring, trying to toss him over, Finley starts trying to toss Matt out of the ring, but Jeff and Moore stop him. Three…two…one… [B]Edge[/B] comes running out, slides into the ring, then hits Matt Hardy with a spear. Jeff Hardy comes in to help out, kicking Edge in the stomach and hitting the twist of fate. The crowd pops big as Jeff Hardy climbs to the top rope for the swanton bomb. Ken Kennedy shows him why that’s a bad idea in the royal rumble, shaking the ropes and sending Jeff to the floor. Three…two…one… [B]Kane[/B] lumbers down the ramp and into the ring. There’s a lot of cruiserweights in there at the moment for one very specific reason – it gives Kane someone to chokeslam without making him look small. It stops working the moment that Cena and Finlay double-team him. Three…two…one… [B]The Amazing Red[/B] hits the ring. He gets two big top-rope moves, a minute of offense, before he’s sacrificed to the monster Kane and tossed out of the ring with a choke slam. Three…two…one… [B]Randy Orton[/B] comes down into the ring and, true to his word, teams with Edge to start taking out opponents. MVP is eliminated at the hands or Rated RKO, quickly followed by Shannon Moore. They start in on Matt Hardy, but he catches himself on the ropes and slides back in every time they throw him over. The take out Montel Vontavious Porter instead, catching him by surprise and tossing him over. Three…two…one… [B]Ace Steel[/B] comes in. He’s essentially fresh fodder for the heels to beat on, though JR does make a point of telling the audience that this is the man who trained CM Punk. Chavo uses Ace as the target for a three amigos. Ace is woozy, but he doesn’t get eliminated. On the other side of the ring there’s a big pop as Finley takes out Jimmy Wang Yang. Three…two…one… [B]HC Loc[/B] enters the match, but he looks lost without his tag-team partner DeVito. He trades shots with Kennedy for a while, gets a whole thirty seconds of trading shots with John Cena, then gets dumped onto the mat with an F-U. Cena looks like he’s going to take Loc out, but Rated RKO decide to interfere. Loc lies stunned on the mat. Kane pulls him up into a chokeslam. Three…two…one… [B]Stevie Richards[/B] comes charging into the ring. makes a small splash when he comes close to eliminating Jeff Hardy, then a bigger splash when he comes within moments of eliminating Kane with a big missile dropkick. Kane is left on the edge of the ropes, off-balance, and he’s immediately swarmed by Matt Hardy, Chavo, Finley, Noble, Loc and Edge. Kane is sent over the top rope and eliminated. Richards is the 29 seed, which means there’s but one superstar to go. Three…two…one… The straight-edge superstar, [B]CM Punk[/B], makes a splash by eliminating his mentor Ace Steel and Jamie Noble in quick succession. We do a quick check of the superstars in the ring: Punk, Stevie Richards, HC Loc, Randy Orton, Edge, Matt Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, John Cena, Finley, and the marathon man Ken Kennedy who has been there from the very beginning. Rated RKO get on the same page and things start moving quickly. They take out Matt Hardy and turn their attention to Cena. Stevie Richards takes out HC Loc with a Stevie-kick, but gets eliminated by Chavo in the aftermath. CM Punk is brawling with Finley. Cena fights off Rated RKO. Ken Kennedy eliminates Chavo Geurrero. We’re down to six Edge, Orton, Cena, Punk, Finley, Kennedy. Kennedy eliminates Punk with Finley’s help, while Edge and Orton go back to working on Cena. They’re pushing the former champ over the top rope when Edge climbs onto the second rope to get more leverage. Orton seizes the opportunity for the double-cross, pushing them both over. Edge hits the floor, but Cena manages to hold and roll in under the bottom rope. Cena and Orton brawl while Finley and Kennedy struggle on the opposite side of the ring. Cena eliminates Orton. Kennedy takes out Finley. We’re down to two. Kennedy and John Cena stare at one another accros the ring, then go nose-to-nose for a few seconds before the real brawl starts. Kennedy dominates for a while, fighting hard and furious despite the fact that he’s been in the ring for over an hour, even getting Cena up on his shoulders for a Kenton Bomb. That’s when it all goes wrong – Cena reverses into an F-U, locks in the STFU to wear Kennedy down, then pulls him to his feet for another F-U over the top rope for the rinal elimination. Kennedy crashes to the matt and the crowd roars – John Cena is the winner of this years Royal Rumble and the guaranteed headline spot at Wrestlemania. [CENTER][B]Result: John Cena won a battle royal in 63:12. The final four competitors also included Ken Kennedy, Finlay and Randy Orton, with Ken Kennedy being the final elimination.[/B] [B]Rating: B-[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] Cena celebrates in the ring for a couple of minutes while the crowd roars, too pumped-up by his victory to even consider heading backstage. After running around the ring, standing on the turnbuckles, he eventually rolls out of the ring while JR and Tazz start hyping that the result of our next match – the World Heavyweight Championship match – that will determine exactly who John Cena will be facing at Wrestlemania. (B+) [CENTER][B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B]Triple H vs. Batista[/B] [B]WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match[/B][/CENTER] This was a short, quick brawl for the main event of the show, but the crowd didn’t seem to care too much. Batista looked a little lost in the ring, taking his cues from Tripe H and phoning in a large portion of his performance, so it was actually something of a blessing that we’d left so little time for the championship clash. Triple H hits the Pedigree and puts Batista away for a three-count. [CENTER][B]Result: Triple H defeated Batista in 11:53 by pinfall with a Pedigree. Triple H makes defence number 4 of his WWE Heavyweight title.[/B] [B]Rating: A[/B] [B]_______________[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]Overall Show Rating: B-[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

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WWE: Evolve or Die (Death of the WWE 2008)

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