World Wrestling Entertainment: A New Era

[Liamo]

<p><strong>Cody Rhodes</strong> vs Mark Henry</p><p>

<strong>Kofi Kingston & ???</strong> vs Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</p><p>

Rosa Mendes vs <strong>Mickie Jamies</strong> © - WWE Diva's Championship Match</p><p>

<strong>Jack Swagger</strong> vs Evan Bourne</p><p>

<strong>John Cena</strong> vs Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</p>

[FINisher]

<p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Cody Rhodes vs </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Mark Henry</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>

</strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">

</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Kofi Kingston & ???</strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> vs Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">

Rosa Mendes vs</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong> Mickie Jamies ©</strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> - </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>WWE Diva's Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">

</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Jack Swagger</strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> vs Evan Bourne</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">

John Cena vs </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</strong></span></p>

[BoomKing]

<p>Cody Rhodes vs <strong>Mark Henry</strong></p><p>

many wigs will be split during the course of this match</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Kofi Kingston & ???</strong> vs Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</p><p>

I hate how, in most peoples diaries, "Quintisential" Question Mark is always replaced by some debuting superstar at the last minute. When will Question Mark catch a break? </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Rosa Mendes</strong> vs Mickie Jamies © - WWE Diva's Championship Match</p><p>

Seems that nobody thinks poor Rosa can pull this one off. She can pull me off anytime, but thats another story for another time. Anyway, the magic eight ball says Rosa shocks the world and wins thanks to help from Beth.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jack Swagger</strong> vs Evan Bourne</p><p>

The all American American will hopefully be a big player in this. On a side note, I just had sausage, eggs, bacon, beans, fried bread, mushrooms, half a tomato and a cup of tea for breakfast. Does that make me the full English English?</p><p> </p><p>

John Cena vs <strong>Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</strong></p><p>

Even Super Cena cant beat these odds, can he??</p>

[James Casey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bigpapa42" data-cite="Bigpapa42" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="24634" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> <strong>Cody Rhodes</strong> vs Mark Henry</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Kofi Kingston & ???</strong> vs Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</p><p> </p><p> Rosa Mendes vs <strong>Mickie Jamies ©</strong> - <strong>WWE Diva's Championship Match</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Jack Swagger</strong> vs Evan Bourne</p><p> </p><p> John Cena vs <strong>Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</strong></p><p> [/font]</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Seems mighty familiar... <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> Something that might be interesting would be a Mark recap where he comments on the matches and grades them appropriately. Obviously you want to be realistic - TEW may give Rhodes/Henry a B, for example, but Mark grades it a **1/2 because Henry is out of breath inside a minute.</p><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> One other thing that occured to me is that Jericho/Show aren't that far removed from Money/Remo. Give Jericho a thesauras so that every second word isn't parasite or philistine, and you're on the way.</p><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> And yes. Tag teams. I demand 200% more Briscoes, and preferably a Colon reformation (looks promising as they're listed in the roster overview. Also sounds like surgery, of course...)</p><p> </p><p> As for keeping the grades down, well, you have some absolute clunkers on the roster right now. Henry, Khali, Knox, Kozlov, Ezekiel (although I mark for Zeke) and Masters can all bring those grades down, and I'm probably missing some. Consider it a challenge to get them statted up and not just over <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Thinking about it, Kane, Batista and Big Show probably won't deliver greatness, will they?</p><p> </p><p> One other thought: Guest hosts. Any plans to use them? If so, how do we apply? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Bigpapa42]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James Casey" data-cite="James Casey" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="24634" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Seems mighty familiar... <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> Something that might be interesting would be a Mark recap where he comments on the matches and grades them appropriately. Obviously you want to be realistic - TEW may give Rhodes/Henry a B, for example, but Mark grades it a **1/2 because Henry is out of breath inside a minute.</p><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> One other thing that occured to me is that Jericho/Show aren't that far removed from Money/Remo. Give Jericho a thesauras so that every second word isn't parasite or philistine, and you're on the way.</p><p> </p><p> *</p><p> </p><p> And yes. Tag teams. I demand 200% more Briscoes, and preferably a Colon reformation (looks promising as they're listed in the roster overview. Also sounds like surgery, of course...)</p><p> </p><p> As for keeping the grades down, well, you have some absolute clunkers on the roster right now. Henry, Khali, Knox, Kozlov, Ezekiel (although I mark for Zeke) and Masters can all bring those grades down, and I'm probably missing some. Consider it a challenge to get them statted up and not just over <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Thinking about it, Kane, Batista and Big Show probably won't deliver greatness, will they?</p><p> </p><p> One other thought: Guest hosts. Any plans to use them? If so, how do we apply? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You know me all too well, JC. Far too well. </p><p> </p><p> The "interpretation" of the match grade is pretty much exactly the approach I was thinking. I just haven't decided yet if I will do it as part of the show post or a separate post, similar to how Self does it. So yeah, instead of seeing B (which is, in fact, what the Mark Henry vs Cody Rhodes graded), you would get **1/2 or whatever. </p><p> </p><p> I have some big plans for Jeri-Show, as well as for the tag team division as a whole. You should be happy in that regard. </p><p> </p><p> Also have plans regarding what will happen to the guest host idea. At this point, no applications are being accepted. Notice will be posted when positions become available, however.</p>

[Jingo]

<p>Haven't Watched the E in a looong time (bar the odd ECW) so the predictions are a little guess work, but thought i'd jump n here at the start anyways ...</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Cody Rhodes</strong> vs Mark Henry</p><p>

<em>Help from Ted ...</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Kofi Kingston & ???</strong> vs Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</p><p>

<em>I'm guessing you'll want the debutant/returning guy to look good.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Rosa Mendes vs <strong>Mickie Jamies</strong> © - WWE Diva's Championship Match</p><p> </p><p>

<em>Unfortunately i'v never heard of Rosa Mendes</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jack Swagger</strong> vs Evan Bourne</p><p> </p><p>

<em>Swagger looked impressive the couple times i saw him whereas i've only seen Bourne once and he just seemed ...</em></p><p> </p><p>

John Cena vs <strong>Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</strong></p><p>

<em>Never been a (Face) Cena fan ... Never going to be ...</em></p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<p>Cody Rhodes vs <strong>Mark Henry</strong></p><p>

Maybe a push coming for mark?</p><p> </p><p>

Kofi Kingston & ??? vs <strong>Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</strong></p><p>

Establish 2 more guys in the US title race</p><p> </p><p>

Rosa Mendes vs <strong>Mickie Jamies</strong> © - WWE Diva's Championship Match</p><p>

not really an option imo.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jack Swagger</strong> vs Evan Bourne</p><p>

I am heavily biased towards Swagger in any match</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>John Cena</strong> vs Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</p><p> </p><p>

DQ, 3 on 1 assault, etc</p>

[angeldelayette]

<p><strong>Cody Rhodes</strong> vs Mark Henry</p><p>

<em>Legacy builds momentum toward Hell In A Cell!</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Kofi Kingston & ???</strong> vs Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters</p><p>

<em>Never bet against the ???, even though it could be Hornswoggle!</em></p><p> </p><p>

Rosa Mendes vs <strong>Mickie Jamies</strong> © - WWE Diva's Championship Match</p><p>

<em>Mickie Jamies? Mickie James for the win!</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jack Swagger</strong> vs Evan Bourne</p><p>

<em>The All American....American!</em></p><p> </p><p>

John Cena vs <strong>Randy Orton & Chris Jericho & Big Show</strong></p><p>

<em>The Viper pins Cena!</em></p>

[Bigpapa42]

That's a lot of predictions! Thanks guys! I'm hoping to have the show up tonight. Its not turning out to be quite as "streamlined" as I had imagined, but I am also taking my sweet time with this, as opposed to the more constant pace I managed with Gen-S.

 

I've decided that what I am going to try is have a "Mark" review post after each show, giving The Marks' brief opinions on each match, a * match grade, and overall thoughts on the show. The grades will be interpretations, rather than actual match grades from the game. Since grading "real" wrestling is a subjective thing, I like the idea that its not necessarily going to reflect the game entirely. After having looked over a few regular online WWE review columns, it seems like few if any gives grades to segments, so I'll leave off with those. Hoping this approach works for readers. If anyone has thoughts, I'm interested to hear them.

[Bigpapa42]

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Monday, Week 1, October 2009

Pittsburgh Civic Arena (Tri State) – 14,056

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Michael Cole + Jerry Lawler

 

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Vince McMahon

In-Ring Segment

The show starts out with the familiar music of Vincent Kennedy McMahon. The boss struts his way down to the ring wearing his heelish smirk, generating a mixed reaction from the fans. He climbs into the ring, strutting around the ring before taking a microphone.

 

The first thing that Vinnie Mac does is welcome the Pittsburgh fans in attendance and all the fans watching around the globe to a new era. He says he has a special announcement about tonight's surprise guest General Manager... and the surprise is that there isn't one! This gets a mixed reaction – some fans booing while others are clearly happy about it. Vince grins, then gets serious again.

 

He says that a new decade is approaching and World Wrestling Entertainment is approaching its sixtieth anniversary. With the new decade, some things have to change. Vincent Kennedy McMahon is not one to wait around, he warns, so those changes start tonight. That is why there is no guest GM. There will not be any more guest GM's. The time has come for Raw to have a permanent General Manager of its own. But not just anyone will do. No, the General Manager of Raw is the second most important position in the WWE Universe... behind Vince himself. So the new General Manager has to be someone who understands the WWE, the superstars, and the fans. Someone who grew up in the WWE universe, even, and still personally invested in it. Someone like...

 

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Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley

Stephanie emerges and gets a pretty decent pop, making her way down to the ring with a smirk similar to that of her father. Vince holds the ropes for his daughter to climb in and join him. She is given a microphone and she greets the fine folks of Pittsburgh.

 

Vince then says that while Stephanie was the first choice, he has realizes that she was not the right choice. The smile drops off Stephanie's face as her father's continues that a good General Manager is invested but fair. And while it would be difficult enough for any McMahon to be fair with Randy Orton, it would be impossible for Stephanie to be truly fair when it comes to Triple H. For that reason, she cannot be the new permanent General Manager of Raw.

 

So the new General Manager will be...

 

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Shane McMahon

 

Shane O'Mac emerges to big, positive pop. He grins, doing his little dance on the stage before making his way down to the ring. He makes a show of taking the microphone away his pouting sister, taking a moment to play to the fans and get them hyped up. He then thanks his father. Vince says that Shane shouldn't worry about thanking him, just impressing him. Shane is now the second most important person in the WWE universe, Vince explains, but that means he carries the weight of expectation. Standing behind her father, Stephanie glares.

 

Shane states that he looks forward to the challenge. Under his watch, Raw will remain the centerpiece of the WWE universe. The show that every wrestler in the world dreams of being part of. Where the big boys play. A new era.

 

Vince finishes the segment, getting the last word as he promises that there will be more changes coming. All of World Wrestling Entertainment best be on the toes in the next weeks.

 

Jerry Lawler: We have a new GM! A new GM! And its Shane!

Michael Cole: Vintage Vince McMahon right there.

 

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Mark Henry vs Cody Rhodes

Rhodes attacks before the bell even rings, but his offense doesn't seem to phase his huge opponent. When Henry gets ahold of the second generation wrestler, he overpowers him quickly and Rhodes is tossed about. Realizing the direct approach won't work, Rhodes scoots out of the ring and tries to get Henry to chase, but the big man laughs at the thought. Instead, a bit of a distraction from Ted DiBiase who is ringside allows Rhodes to sneak up and take Henry down by going low. He focuses on “The World Strongest Man's” right knee, working it over. But even hobbled, Henry is a load. Things when change when the WWE Unified Tag Team champions Chris Jericho and Big Show suddenly make their way down to ringside. The hobbled Henry is obviously wary, but Legacy don't seem too happy about it either. The match continues for a few more minutes before the tag champions strike, as Jericho subtly trips Henry, which referee Mike Chioda misses but he ends up chastising Jericho anyway. While Jericho argues with the ref, Big Show climbs up onto the opposite apron and lashes out with his big right hand, dropping Henry. With a shrug, Rhodes goes for the pin and he gets the easy three count.

 

Cody Rhodes Wins at 9:12 via Pinfall

 

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Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes, Big Show, Chris Jericho + Ted DiBiase

Post-Match Attack

As the referee raises Rhodes' arm in victory, he is joined the ring by his Legacy partner, Ted DiBiase. Then the unified tag team champions, Chris Jericho and Big Show, climb into the ring as well. There is instant tension between the two teams. They state at each other, long and hard. Mark Henry is still flat on his back on the mat. Jericho glances down at “The World's Strongest Man”... and then the tag champions begin stomping on him. Legacy grin and join in.

 

The crowd boos. The attack lasts only for a moment before...

 

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MVP

With a big pop from the crowd, MVP races down to the ring. Despite him being one against four, JeriShow and Legacy are apparently not the bravest bunch. They clear out of the ring in a hurry, with the tag champions glaring at MVP as he helps Mark Henry to his feet.

 

Michael Cole: JeriShow are facing Bast-erio at Hell in a Cell for the tag titles... but they can't help but stick their nose into the business of MVP and Mark Henry!

Jerry Lawler: When has Chris Jericho ever been able to mind his own business? And did you just name Batista and Rey Mysterio... Bast-erio?

Michael Cole: I think I did.

 

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Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters vs Kofi Kingston & Santino Marella

 

It turns out that Kofi's surprise partner is not some exciting débutante or new signing, but simply Santino. Except Santino comes out for the match dressed exactly like Kofi, down to a wig that matches Kofi's dreads. It makes for some pretty good laughs as Santino imitates his tag team partner. Unfortunately, the duo of Masters and Guerrero are not in a fun-loving mood. They hammer on Santino in the early going, the man with uni-browed wrestler literally screaming in pain as Masters stretches him out. Santino eventually makes the tag, flopping down on his face in their corner as he does so. Kofi leaps into action, getting a good pop and showing off his athleticism as he takes down both opponents. But that only lasts for a short time, due to some nasty teamwork from Chavo and Masters. When Santino gets tagged back in, he tries to emulate Kofi's athletic offense and ends up getting hit by a nasty back drop from Masters. The heel team work over Santino as a tandem before Masters locks in his Master Lock, forcing a quick submission from Santino.

 

Chris Masters Wins at 5:12 via Submission

Jerry Lawler: Kofi might have done better with Hornswoggle!

 

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Rosa Mendes vs Mickie James

WWE Diva's Championship Match

A pure bathroom break match. The Divas's champion has the early momentum but is slowed by a kick to the stomach, but valiantly battles back for the win that no one doubted in the first place. Most are just thankful that its over.

 

Mickie James Wins at 4:55 via Pinfall

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Ted DiBiase + Cody Rhodes

In-Cell Promo

The Legacy duo come out without the leader, Randy Orton. The crowd shows them with plenty of heat as they strut down to the ring... which is now encased in the massive Hell in a Cell structure. With a moment's hesitation, the duo enter. They wander through the structure, looking quite at home, before picking up the microphones. They remind fans about how they made D-X submit at Breaking Point. The beloved old men were beaten down mercilessly by these two, who are younger, hungrier, and just plain better! D-X might be legends... but they are past their prime. Its time to give up and move. Retire. Maybe take up a role in the announcers booth. Because D-X are entertaining, Legacy say that can't deny that. But being entertaining doesn't change the fact that they have hit the end of their run in the WWE. And Rhodes and DiBiase will prove that on Sunday when they destroy D-X in this very structure.

 

Legacy assure the fans that they are most confident heading into this match. But they are not going into it blind. They have spent plenty of time talking to Randy Orton, who has a history in the match. They have studied past Hell in the Cell matches to understand what it will take to win the first ever tag team match in the Cell.

 

The duo are suddenly interrupted by Triple H assuring them that watching the Hell in the Cell matches doesn't teach you anything about the pain and suffering that comes with being in one....

 

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Triple H + Shawn Michaels

There is a big reaction from the crowd as Shawn Michaels and Triple H are suddenly standing on the stage, starting down at their young rivals in the cell. Rhodes and DiBiase seem ready for an attack, but D-X make no move towards them. Michaels takes the microphone, telling the two young men that he was the one who started this match and Triple H was the one who perfected it. Because in the Cell, potential counts for nothing. What matters is experience and tenacity. And those are two things D-X have in spades.

 

Experience is just another way to say old, Cody tells the veterans. Earlier, Triple H's own brother-in-law said that the WWE was entering a new era. And Legacy are going to be that new era. D-X... they were the era that's ending. The past.

 

The past can still hurt you, Triple H intones. Then he and HBK head down towards the cell. DiBiase and Rhodes quickly lock the cage door, locking themselves inside. They stand inside the cell, taunting D-X while Triple H and HBK glare from outside the hellish cell.

 

Michael Cole: This one looks set to explode on Sunday!

 

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Vince McMahon + Shane McMahon

Backstage Meeting

Vince and Shane McMahon are in a backstage office. Notably, Vince is seated behind the desk, with the new General Manager of Raw seated on the opposite side. Vince is explaining some things to his son that likely do not need explaining. Vince explains how important the Raw GM position is, since so many people regard Raw the WWE's premier show.

 

Vince then explains that he is a competitive individual, as Shane well knows. And since there is no one left with the WWE to compete with, Vince wants to see competition within the WWE Universe. Not just amongst the wrestlers, but between the brands. It's a competition that Vince expects Raw to win, as well. Shane assures his father that he understands and he won't be disappointed.

 

The conversation suddenly stops and their eyes turn to the door. Shane smiles, gesturing for whoever is off-screen to come into the office.

 

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John Cena

 

The crowd pops as John Cena steps into frame. "The Champ" has the WWE Championship over his shoulder. Cena stares at the WWE owner and then the RAW GM, fairly expressionless. Shane gets up, shaking Cena's hand. He thanks him for coming. He says that as the champion, Cena is one of the most important people on Raw. Behind the GM himself, of course. So Shane wants to make sure that he's on the same page as his champ. Because the new GM would be very disappointed to have Randy Orton become the champion again.

 

Cena simply replies by saying that won't happen.

 

Smiling, Shane says that he's sorry for what the champ will have to go through tonight. Because the match was arranged last week, by the guest GM, he cannot change the gauntlet match itself. He could try to make it a bit easier on "The Champ", however. Perhaps making it a lumber jack match...? Cena says thanks, but no thanks. "The Champ" will take his lumps. With a nod at the new General Manager and Vince, Cena leaves. Shane gives Vince a bit of a shrug as they get back to business.

 

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Evan Bourne vs Jack Swagger

A fairly competitive match where Bourne gets to show his quickness, while Swagger counters with power. Both wrestlers look pretty good in the early going. But its Swagger who comes out looking better in the end, as he simply overpowers his smaller opponent, taking him to the mat viciously. Bourne sells all over the place, bouncing around but not giving up. He can't kick out after a Red, White and Blue Thunder Bomb pin-out powerbomb pin.

 

Jack Swagger Wins at 8:14 via Pinfall

 

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Jack Swagger

Post-Match Promo

After his win, Swagger demands the microphone, which is duly handed over. He makes it short and to the point, stating that he is going to win the Threeway at Hell in the Cell to become the new *United States champion. Because the "All-American American" is really the only man in the WWE worthy of holding a title with that name.

 

Jerry Lawler: All-American American? I still don't get it!

 

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John Cena

In-Ring Promo

Cena appears to a huge pop, playing to the crowd and holding his belt aloft. He does some glad-handing as he makes his way down to the ring, some boos becoming apparent as the initial roar of cheers dies off. Typical Cena crowd reaction.

 

“The Champ” cuts a solid promo as he goes off on how Randy Orton feels he has an advantage over the champion because Cena has never been in a Hell in a Cell match before. But he didn't become a six-time world champion through fear. He became that by facing new challenges and taking them on. By having no fear.

 

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Randy Orton

There is another mixed reaction – this one mostly boos, with a few cheers mixed in – as challenger Randy Orton emerges. With a microphone in his hand, he warns Cena that he should most definitely fear the Cell. Fear what Orton is going to do. Because Orton will stop at nothing – at nothing! - to get his belt back. Cena has lines that he won't cross. Things he won't do. Depths he won't sink to. But claims he does not.

 

You don't know what I'm capable of, warns Cena.

 

Then Chris Jericho's music hits and he makes his way down to the ring, the first opponent in the gauntlet match that Cena must face.

 

Michael Cole: This is not a good situation for Cena. He faces a huge challenge tonight.

Jerry Lawler: Yeah, three of the very best in Jericho, Big Show, and Orton.

 

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John Cena vs Randy Orton, Big Show + Chris Jericho

Gauntlet Match

The first round of the gauntlet starts out quickly, with Jericho hitting the ring and going after “The Champ”. Referee Mike Chioda then starts the match. The early action is fast, with Cena getting the better of it with his power advantage. “The Champ” goes for the pin several times but Jericho kicks out. The match goes back and forth. The tag champion ends up getting the WWE champion into the Walls of Jericho, but Cena powers his way to the ropes, forcing the break, then he reverses, taking Jericho down and slapping on the STF in a hurry. Unable to reach the ropes, Jericho submits...

 

As soon as the first leg is over, Big Show is in the ring, putting the boots to Cena. The pair brawl, hammering away at each other. Cena has no power advantage here, but he shows no fear as he goes toe-to-toe with the giant formerly known as The Giant. The champion ends up overpowered and Big Show slows things down with some heavy chops in the corner, followed up by a “big” abdominal stretch that Cena finally breaks with a rope grab that he sells hard. Cena manages to power back, hitting Big Show with a series of flying shoulder blocks that finally take the big man down. Cena goes for his Attitude Adjustment... but Show blocks it. He hits a big back drop on the champion, then lifts Cena up to go for the choke slam. Instead of smashing Cena down to the mat, he holds him up, choking “The Champ”. After repeated warnings from the ref, Big Show gets disqualified.

 

It takes a moment for the ref to force Show to drop Cena. As soon as he does, Orton slides into the ring. He attacks the prone Cena as Big Show is pushed out of the ring by the ref. For the third time in the match, the bell rings after things are already underway. This one doesn't last long. Orton looks to punish the worn-out Cena, who takes it for a bit. Then he gets a big pop as he begins to battle back, beginning to mount the big comeback as he has so many times through his career. Before Cena can fully take control, Orton hits an RKO and gets the quick pin. The challenger stands over Cena for a moment, gloating and grimacing as the fans boo voraciously... except a small minority who cheer...

 

 

Randy Orton Wins at 16:54 via Pinfall

 

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John Cena + Randy Orton

Post-Match Promo

Orton takes his time leaving the ring, jawing at fans and pointing up the Cell which hangs from the ceiling well above the ring.

 

Cena slowly makes his way to his feet, being handed the WWE Championship belt from the ref. His jaw set in a hard line, Cena holds up the belt, meeting Orton's hard gaze as the challenger stands on the stage.

 

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[Bigpapa42]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k235/Bigpapa42_2006/WWE/Media/TheMark.jpg

 

The Mark

Raw Review

Monday, Week 1 October, 2009

 

Overall, a pretty decent episode to kick off October. Was it actually good or have my expectations simply been lowered that much? Tough to say, honestly.

 

The lack of a guest host was noticeable, in a good way. I marked out when Vinnie Mac announced that Raw would finally be getting a regular General Manager again. Have to admit that I though Stephanie was going to be it. I'm a bit torn on Shane as GM - in a basic sense, he'll do a good job and he's can't possibly drag the show down the way that some of the guest GMs did... but the idea of having McMahon's show again is a bit annoying.

 

The show managed to build towards the pay per view decently. Relatively predictable for the most part, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

Mark Henry vs Cody Rhodes

This could be a decent match, but the interference prevented it from being anything notable. It was about storylines, I guess, but it didn't really help either guys by making them look good.

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Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters vs Kofi Kingston & Santino Marella

I am liking the team of Chavo & Masters, and the throw-together tandem of Kofi and Santino actually worked pretty well. This foursome could probably put together a really good tag match if given the time to make it work, but they didn't get that here. Plus the comedy work of Santino - which I am normally quite a fan of - felt a bit out of place here.

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Rosa Mendes vs Mickie James

WWE Diva's Championship Match

I could ask any number of questions about this match but I already wasted my time watching it, so I'm not going to waste more talking (err, typing) about it.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k235/Bigpapa42_2006/WWE/VS/StarSmallHalf.jpg

 

Evan Bourne vs Jack Swagger

Match of the night, in my opinion. I might be biased, since I do like both of these guys. Another match-up that I would love to see what they could do with a good 20 minutes to work. Still, both guys ended up looking pretty good, which combined with some good action for a thumbs up from this Mark.

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John Cena vs Randy Orton, Big Show + Chris Jericho

Gauntlet Match

I am not a fan of these type of matches. It usually ends up making a bunch of guys look weak at the expense of one guy - Cena, Triple H, maybe Batista - looking superhuman. Decently booked in that regard, as only Jericho looked weak because of it. Not the best way to build towards the Hell in the Cell match for Cena and Orton but I guess it could be worse.

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Overall Mark Show Grade: B

[BHK1978]

First things first I love that picture of Stephanie that you have! There is just something about a hot woman wearing glasses that does it to me everytime...

 

I thought the first show was really good! And I love the fact that you got rid of the Guest GM thing which as a concept should have been gone weeks ago in real life. Hell I am in favor of getting rid of the whole GM thing all together. Bring back a league President like a Jack Tunney type and let him or her make all of the decisions.

[Audiobank]

I concur. If I could get that pic it would be awesome.

 

Also, that was a good first show. Some of the matches seemed a bit meh, as seen on Raw, but I understand when you just start with something you can't go completely away from reality without seeming to be in a rush. Good job booking it with-in the "laws" of the current WWE, no doubt!

[Bigpapa42]

First things first I love that picture of Stephanie that you have! There is just something about a hot woman wearing glasses that does it to me everytime...

 

I thought the first show was really good! And I love the fact that you got rid of the Guest GM thing which as a concept should have been gone weeks ago in real life. Hell I am in favor of getting rid of the whole GM thing all together. Bring back a league President like a Jack Tunney type and let him or her make all of the decisions.

 

Yeah, glasses = good. I still think that is one of Sarah Palin's great secrets.

 

Thanks. Doing away with the guest GMs was something I wanted to do right away, but I wanted a way to make it seem likely. Rather than just throwing it away like it wasn't happening.

 

I concur. If I could get that pic it would be awesome.

 

Also, that was a good first show. Some of the matches seemed a bit meh, as seen on Raw, but I understand when you just start with something you can't go completely away from reality without seeming to be in a rush. Good job booking it with-in the "laws" of the current WWE, no doubt!

 

Don't have the pic. The best I can do is the full-sized cut of the image.

 

Glad you liked the show. Yeah, the matches were nothing special, but I realized booking the WWE "realistically" meant I couldn't book it the same way I was booking the SWF. It might move towards that gradually, but the key is making the changes gradual, as you say. Same with some of the storylines - I don't necessarily like them, but just dumping them completely doesn't really make it feel it right. The only notable storyline I dumped was Mickie James against Alicia Fox, and that was simply because Fox was suspended for a month for a lovely drug habit.

 

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k235/Bigpapa42_2006/WWE/WWE%20Workers/Staff/StephanieMcMahon.jpg

[ampulator]

First things first I love that picture of Stephanie that you have! There is just something about a hot woman wearing glasses that does it to me everytime...

 

I thought the first show was really good! And I love the fact that you got rid of the Guest GM thing which as a concept should have been gone weeks ago in real life. Hell I am in favor of getting rid of the whole GM thing all together. Bring back a league President like a Jack Tunney type and let him or her make all of the decisions.

 

Plus, Shane McMahon is only second to his father when it comes to being an interesting character. He's probably the only McMahon the fans would cheer for. He never seemed like a good heel to me - he just looked goofy.

 

I'm awaiting when you get Christopher Daniels and/or Kurt Angle back.

[Phantom Stranger]

Plus, Shane McMahon is only second to his father when it comes to being an interesting character. He's probably the only McMahon the fans would cheer for. He never seemed like a good heel to me - he just looked goofy.

 

In fairness, they managed to make Steph face pretty well while she GMed Smackdown. Shane-O definitely has the easiest time of it.

[foolinc]

In fairness, they managed to make Steph face pretty well while she GMed Smackdown. Shane-O definitely has the easiest time of it.

 

Might have something to do with him doing some of the most insane spots anyone has done in the promotion.

[ampulator]

In fairness, they managed to make Steph face pretty well while she GMed Smackdown. Shane-O definitely has the easiest time of it.

Nah. Shane O'Mac is just one of those guys that work better as a face. When I think of Shane McMahon, I think of SHANE McMahon, not Shane MCMAHON. Or, Shane O'Mac. Even when tries to be a heel, he seems a bit too goofy for it.

 

Plus, I think him, only second to his father, a natural on the mic. Stephanie McMahon always sounds very awkward, and sometimes grating on the mic.

 

It's a bit ironic for me, at least. Vince spent years as a face announcer, sucked as a face, sucked as an announcer, but was actually good heel authority figure, personality, manager, and color commentator, while Shane spent a while as a heel, but seems to be a better face authority figure, personality, manager, and color commentator.

[Bigpapa42]

Plus, Shane McMahon is only second to his father when it comes to being an interesting character. He's probably the only McMahon the fans would cheer for. He never seemed like a good heel to me - he just looked goofy.

 

I'm awaiting when you get Christopher Daniels and/or Kurt Angle back.

 

Yeah, even as a heel, Shane just didn't come across with the same ruthlessness that both Vince and Stephanie can project.

 

As for roster additions, there definitely will be some. But they are going to be carefully weighted additions that make sense, both in the game and in the "real world" sense. Both Daniels and Angle would definitely be useful... but I'm hesitant on both for a number of reasons. Primarily age, but other issues with Angle.

 

In fairness, they managed to make Steph face pretty well while she GMed Smackdown. Shane-O definitely has the easiest time of it.

 

I don't even remember Steph as the GM of SD. I've watched sporadically this past decade, so I've definitely missed some stuff. If I end up completely contradicting something like notable, that is probably the reason.

 

Might have something to do with him doing some of the most insane spots anyone has done in the promotion.

 

I have never been a fan of the McMahon's being in the ring - or even all over the product, for that matter. I do understand it, and they are clearly popular. Shane is definitely willing to put his body on the line, which is often fun, but its not an approach I'm looking to take.

 

I was hoping to have ECW ready to go before the weekend, but that clearly isn't happening. Going away for a few days, so nothing new until early next week, but I should be able to get some booking and writing done. As I've said a number of times, I'm really not pushing the pace on this one. If there is a bit of a gap between shows, then so be it.

[tristram]

Read it word for word like I was reading the Great Gasby and loved it. Really solid work. I wonder what becomes of the broken hearted Steph given her rejection for Money money money money.

 

The show came to life for me, I really enjoyed it. When I read that Legacy were inside the cell taunting DX outside of it, it reminded me of Borat...

 

Sometime my sister, she show her vazhïn to my brother Bilo and say "You will never get this you will never get it la la la la la la." He behind his cage. He cries, he cries and everybody laughs. She goes "You never get this." But one time he break cage and he "get this" and then we all laugh. High five!

 

The 'mark' system is a nice realistic way of portraying a show. Sometimes writers can interpret each segment as being legendary, but a 'Mark' type post-show analysis helps highlight that everything is not. And the things that lack, or that are perceived as weak by the 'Mark' will help separate the things that are of course most important, and from that you will be able to gauge who is rising, who is hot... I like that approach. I tried something a little similar, not in a separate format, a little while ago, for that very reason where I wanted to differentiate the quality of work put in by my hard workers compared to the guys who were there for their charisma and looks.

 

Y'know, that was also a very clever use of the 'mystery man'. Usually mystery man means outsider, or a power-house, but it was used well and uniquely. Well done on that.

 

Great show. Great start.

[Bigpapa42]

Read it word for word like I was reading the Great Gasby and loved it. Really solid work. I wonder what becomes of the broken hearted Steph given her rejection for Money money money money.

 

The show came to life for me, I really enjoyed it. When I read that Legacy were inside the cell taunting DX outside of it, it reminded me of Borat...

 

The 'mark' system is a nice realistic way of portraying a show. Sometimes writers can interpret each segment as being legendary, but a 'Mark' type post-show analysis helps highlight that everything is not. And the things that lack, or that are perceived as weak by the 'Mark' will help separate the things that are of course most important, and from that you will be able to gauge who is rising, who is hot... I like that approach. I tried something a little similar, not in a separate format, a little while ago, for that very reason where I wanted to differentiate the quality of work put in by my hard workers compared to the guys who were there for their charisma and looks.

 

Y'know, that was also a very clever use of the 'mystery man'. Usually mystery man means outsider, or a power-house, but it was used well and uniquely. Well done on that.

 

Great show. Great start.

 

Thanks Tristam.

 

Don't worry about little Stephie - she isn't about to take a slight like this laying down.... She only does that for Triple H!

 

Never thought of that Borat cage bit, but it does fit. Wonder which team it will be "getting it" at the PPV...?

 

I decided to go the route of the "Mark review" for show grade interpretations because I managed to unbalance the mod a bit and its going to give overly high grades to some stuff. But as I put some thought into it, I realized the entire concept of "grading" things is so subjective. And I think most diaries lack that subjectivity - it becomes most apparent when a diary for a smaller promotion writes out an awesome show, where the match and show grades just don't feel like they match up. Which is a testament to the skill of those writers and the difficulties of running a smaller promotion in the game. Similar, just because of good Entertainment skills and popularlity, someone like John Cena can regularly get great promo grades in the game... but are they all really epic? Is Cena's best up there with the Rock, Hogan, Austin, or Foley? Because that's what an A* grade on a promo really says, but whether you think Cena is at that level probably depends on your opinion of him. So its subjective... Same as the matches. I figured with this approach, if you read that Cena cut a typical Cena promo about whatever, most people can likely envision what that is.

[Teh_Showtime]

great show and it seemed realistic

 

cant wait for ECW

 

<3 ryder

[totti]

Raw was really well done mate and i'm looking forward to more. I don't watch wrestling nowadays so this is a good chance for me to find out whats going on. Some of the wrestlers are a little new to me, but i'm sure i'll pick it up as you go along.

 

I agree with everyones comments about The Mark. It's a great little feature to have in there.

[mad5226]

I love the raring system and the stars man great idea

[FaceSmashingFu]

This is great stuff so far, I enjoyed the first show.