Friday Night Smackdown!
Orlando, Florida, 6th May 2011
To start the broadcast we are immediately informed that the world is watching before the usual Smackdown introductory video package is played, complete with a range of new faces thanks to the WWE draft. The video finishes with a shot of Alberto Del Rio raising the World Heavyweight Championship high above his head and then fades to black, another package about to begin...
*Start Video*
A flurry of fireworks explodes on the stage, with the titantron displaying the Extreme Rules 2011 logo.
Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen... are you ready to get extreme?
We jump right into it as the Corre face off against the Big Show, Kane and Kofi Kingston in the middle of the ring, an official holding up the Intercontinental and one of the WWE Tag Team title belts between them.
Booker T: An entire team is going to have to be eliminated here, how could you count out Kane and Show?
Each elimination flashes by in a matter of seconds until only Wade Barrett and Kofi Kingston remain; both looking exhausted and pained. Barrett lifts the Ghanaian up onto his shoulders but Kofi bravely wriggles out and incidentally knocks down the referee with two feet to the temple. A thunderous Trouble in Paradise kick, exaggerated with a gunshot effect, leaves both competitors flat out on their guts, very still on the canvas.
Michael Cole: Wait, what is Ezekiel Jackson doing here?!
Ezekiel Jackson stumbles into the ring, and after a few choice words for Barrett, he charges at the Englishman but only succeeds in ploughing through Kofi Kingston. Jacksons eyes widen as he realizes what he has done but a prompt low blow allows Barrett to dump the big man from Guyana to the outside of the ring. The Corre member immediately takes advantage, planting his adversary with the Wasteland and covering him for the three count.
Josh Matthews: Thanks to a powerful effort from Wade Barrett the Corre retains their gold, but only just.
The Corre stands on the stage with their championship gold, looking happily down at a downed Ezekiel Jackson and an unconscious Kofi Kingston.
Booker T: The Corre should be thanking Jackson as well...
The scene shifts suddenly...
CHECK, ONE TWO... OH YEAH!
Booker T: Jack Swagger? Why is he even out here right now? He doesnt have a match for tonight!
Swagger on the microphone, his promo cut down to pieces by the editing crew.
Jack Swagger: You would think that a general manager would see something wrong with a former World Heavyweight Champion not competing tonight at Extreme Rules, but not Teddy Long. A man with the background and the pedigree that I possess should be competing for the world championship...
YOU KNOW ITS THE MACMILITANT...
Teddy Long waltzes out through the curtain looking slightly annoyed that a superstar from his brand is interrupting the show.
Theodore Long: Hold up, hold up, Im going to stop you right there playa! Now Jack, you have been very outspoken about your supposed hate for Smackdown for a number of weeks now. But lets see if you really believe everything that comes out of your big mouth... if you lose your match up next I will terminate your contract.
Swagger loses his cool as he notices Chris Masters sprinting down the ramp, the Masterpiece tackling him down and unloading punch after punch once he enters the squared circle. Highlights of the match now flash across the screen, powerslams, spinebusters and suplexes galore.
Theodore Long: Oh and to keep with tonights theme, the following is a no disqualification match!
The package winds down to the conclusion of the match with the All American American trapped in the Masterlock! After several futile attempts to escape the lock, including hurling himself and his opponent through the second rope and to the outside, Swagger reverts to a low blow to gain a reprieve. A sharp shot to the knee with a steel chair and moments later Masters is tapping the canvas in submission, giving Swagger the victory.
Michael Cole: He is one of the brightest young stars in the whole of the WWE with that victory. I hope Jack is drafted to RAW tomorrow night so that he can compete on a real wrestling programme and save himself from that dictator Teddy Long.
Swaggers earns his giant smile back as he slowly tramps back to the lockeroom. The screen switches again as Edge and Christian make their entrances, snippets of Edges promo earlier in the pay-per-view playing over the highlights.
Edge: We are going to be in an Extreme Rules match tonight, it may seem cute that it fits in perfectly with the night but I can promise you this it is anything but.
Crack! Singapore cane shot after cane shot, missile dropkick, and a big boot to Christians skull.
Edge: Hardcore environments are my speciality and I thrive in them!
Inverted DDT, chair shots and a back suplex onto the steel.
Edge: These idiots may cheer Christian all they want...
Captain Charisma hits a flurry of right hands but gets cut down with a club to the back.
Edge: But tonight, victor is going to be the same man it always is; ME!
The Rated R Superstar hits a vicious spear to a leaping Christian, but only gets a two count!
Josh Matthews: How did Christian get out of that one?!
Edge then goes for another striking spear but Christian avoids it, sending his adversary into a steel chair and allowing Captain Charisma to roll up Edge for the win.
Justin Roberts: Here is your winner... CHRISTIAN!
Christian doesnt have much time to celebrate as he is cracked in the back with a steel chair, a number of shots follow and Edge finishes off the assault with another spear.
Michael Cole: I dont exactly encourage this, what did you really expect?
A shot of Edge posing on the stage, rock horns up high, with his back turned firmly on the crowd. Edges back disappears and it is replaced with Alberto Del Rio heading to the ring, the image of Rey doing the same played soon after.
Justin Roberts: The following is a ladder match and it is for the World Heavyweight Championship!
The exciting ladder match is highlighted, all of the big spots are shown including the moonsault to the outside and the gutbuster onto the suspended ladder.
Josh Matthews: This one could go either way; its like a seesaw here in Tampa!
Shots are then shown of both men climbing the ladder before the other thwarts his efforts. Finally the last battle between the two is shown on the top of a gigantic steel structure. After initially missing, the title belt strikes the back of Del Rios skull and Rey makes a grab for the belt...
Michael Cole: Rey is going to do it! Rey Mysterio is going to become the new World Heavyweight Champion!
Mysterio has his hands on the leather but a swift enzuigiri causes him to lose his grip, and possibly his consciousness as he falls backwards and only avoids a nasty fall by getting his leg trapped in a rung. All Del Rio has to do is reach up and pull down the gold and he does to a mountain of heat. A few shots are shown of Del Rio celebrating on the ladder with his newly retained title before it moves on.
Alberto Del Rio: I will climb the ladder and retain my World Heavyweight Championship because it is my DESTINY!
Del Rio holds his title high into the air on the ramp, his face gleeful yet arrogant.
*End Video*
After an abundance of blue fireworks are set off near the stage, the cameras zoom around the arena in an attempt to capture as many rowdy fans as possible. After a small while of this, we go straight to the announce team, consisting of Josh Matthews, Booker T and Matt Striker.
Josh Matthews: Ladies and gentleman you are watching Friday Night Smackdown, coming to you from Orlando, Florida! My name is Josh Matthews and I am joined by Matt Striker and the five time world champion, Booker T. We are just a few days removed from the exciting pay-per-view event known as Extreme Rules and the landscape has been shaken up once again due to the WWE Draft last Monday on RAW.
Booker T: True Josh, I am so excited to see the fallout from Extreme Rules here tonight and I also cant wait to see some of Smackdowns newest superstars in action right away. Smackdown struck it big on Monday for sure; Sheamus, Randy Orton, and Daniel Bryan some incredible talent is heading our way.
Matt Striker: Extreme Rules was an incredible show but what occurred on Sunday is now in the books and everybody on the Smackdown roster, both new and old, needs to focus their thoughts upon Over the Limit, which is only four weeks away.
Josh Matthews: Although Smackdown received its share of new competitors, many were lost also and one of those men is the Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett. Barrett has demanded, and received, the chance to give his farewell address tonight before he permanently moves to RAW.
*Realeza*
Boos and jeers meet the sound of the world champions entrance music and the honking of a horn signals that Alberto Del Rio is making his way to the ring. After prancing around in front of the stage side fans for a few moments, Del Rio abandons his luxury vehicle at the side of the stage and steps onto the walkway, World Heavyweight Championship gleaming on his waist over a white suit and light blue dress shirt.
Ricardo Rodriguez: Señoras y señores, si yo pudiera llamarte así, den la bienvenida al ring, el Campeón Mundial de peso pesado... ALBERTOOOOO DELL RIOOOO!
The Mexican poses towards the crowd and sets off an extravaganza of golden pyro rain before he struts into the squared circle, Ricardo Rodriguez graciously bowing to his employee, handing over his microphone in the process.
Boos rain down on Del Rio before he has even spoken a word.
Alberto Del Rio: My name, my name is Alberto Del Rio and I am your World Heavyweight Champion but you already knew that!
Heat.
Alberto Del Rio: But what you people didnt know, what you didnt expect from me on Sunday at Extreme Rules was that I was going to prove that I belong at the top of the food chain. I climbed the ladder, I grabbed my title belt from the rafters and I left Rey Mysterio in a crumpled heap beneath me, exactly where that filth from Tijuana belongs.
More hate from the crowd, they dont like hearing Del Rio badmouth one of their heroes.
Alberto Del Rio: However, Im sure that everybody listening to me speak right now has seen enough of and heard enough about little Rey for a lifetime. I didnt come out to the ring to speak about filthy pests, I came out here tonight to speak about an issue that has been plaguing my mind for a number of weeks now, ever since that faithful night in Atlanta, Georgia Wrestlemania. I have noticed that every time I enter your presence, either to wrestle or to talk, I havent been receiving the friendliest of reactions from the WWE Universe.
The WWE Universe in Orlando proves this point in full, unloading heat.
Alberto Del Rio: And I am asking you, no I am telling you to cut it out immediately!
More hate from the crowd for Alberto, the camera cuts to the outside where Ricardo Rodriguez is trying to shush as many fans in the front rows as possible.
Alberto Del Rio: You people may not like me at a personal level but you sure as hell better respect me, because it is you who I am representing as a champion of great honour and class. I am everything you could ever want! Every week I make history! You people here in Orlando may not acknowledge my accomplishments but in Mexico it is a whole other story. Every step I take on the ground in San Luis is considered holy, every word that leaves my mouth is worshipped by thousands and any enemy to me is an enemy to them. I would apologise if you dont appreciate my success but there isnt a thing I can do about it, its my destiny after all. So, WWE Universe, take notice because I have had enough of your blatant disrespect!
The crowd boo their little hearts out; Del Rio takes it all in his stride, his angry expression turning to a calm one before he continues.
Alberto Del Rio: But I digress. My grandfather once told me that if one wishes to remain on top of the world, one must look towards the future and try to predict the challenges that lie behind the fog. And, as all of you people would know, Smackdowns domain has changed dramatically since Mondays draft and I know for a fact that a lot of people, some new to Smackdown, will be gunning for the title belt that is leaning over my shoulder at this very moment.
More heat.
Alberto Del Rio: But what I have seen of these new superstars, I am not intimidated in the slightest. I will be surprised if any of them will even want to step into the ring with me, they wont be much of a challenge to the greatest champion in Smackdown history-
ITS A SHAME THAT THEY LOST THEIR HEAD, A CARELESS MAN COULD WIND UP DEAD!
*Written in My Face*
To Del Rios annoyance one of Smackdowns newest stars Sheamus steps through the curtain and walks down to the ring. The fiery haired, pale skinned juggernaut saunters down the ramp with a sly grin on his face to a rather mixed reaction, the WWE Universe unsure how to respond to the Celtic Warrior. With a microphone in hand, Sheamus steps into the ring and stands opposite the World Heavyweight Champion.
Sheamus: Dont be dismayed Alberto, I would have absolutely no trouble in challenging ya for your championship, believe me. In fact, it would be a great honour for me to wrestle ya, especially considering your, uh, prestigious background.
Del Rio doesnt seem to like Sheamus sarcastic tone, but the Irishmans grin remains on his face.
Sheamus: Oh, Im sorry if Im being rude, I havent even introduced myself properly yet. You may know that my name is Sheamus and I am one of Smackdowns newest superstars but what you didnt know is that I am going to be the next heavyweight champion of the world.
A rather mixed reaction from the crowd; they dont really know how to support fully Sheamus receiving the majority of the slim share of cheers. Del Rio looks plain ticked off at Sheamus stealing one of his lines.
Sheamus: You may ask: why? Its because last Sunday at Extreme Rules I lost the United States Championship and my waist already feels cold without the warmth of a title belt covering it, but the championship that is on your shoulder at the moment Del Rio will be a fine replacement to go alongside the title I snatch from the Miz next Monday on RAW. I crave the feeling of being a champion, the prestige and power cannot be received from anything else in the world and just like the best of RAW couldnt stand in my way, I doubt you will be able to either.
Sheamus smiles arrogantly and crosses his beefy arms while Del Rio doesnt seem faced in the slightest; he adjusts the belt on his shoulder and raises the microphone back up to his mouth.
Alberto Del Rio: Thank-you Sheamus, thank-you so much.
Sheamus shrugs his shoulders and mouths why?.
Alberto Del Rio: Thank-you so much for proving my point to perfection, I couldnt even understand half of what you were saying. I am actually surprised that you have enough brains to even find your way down to the ring, let alone wrestle the most prestigious wrestler in the company for the most prestigious prize in this company.
Del Rio smirks as he got the reaction he wanted from the Irishman, Sheamus walking up and getting right into the champions face.
Sheamus: Is that right, fella?
I HEAR VOICES IN MY HEAD, THEY COUNSEL ME, THEY UNDERSTAND, THEY TALK TO ME!
*Voices*
The two men in the ring quickly separate from their stare down and the crowd pops incredibly loudly as Randy Orton enters the Smackdown arena, staring his slow descent down to the ring. The huge noise level sustains itself for the duration of Ortons trip towards the squared circle, the Viper snatching a microphone before stepping into the ring and looking around at the two men already in the ring.
Randy Orton: I hate to break up this meeting of the minds but I, just like Sheamus, would like to throw my name into the hat for a chance at your title.
A giant pop for Orton as he looks towards Del Rio but Randy soon continues in his low and gravelly voice.
Randy Orton: It has been a long time since I have been here on Smackdown and although I didnt initially like the fact that I had to move from RAW, after a bit of thinking I have come to accept my fate. I had to be honest with myself, I had done everything that I could have done on Monday nights and by competing against completely new competition I could be able to justify the claims of being the be-
Alberto Del Rio: And why do you believe you should be given a title match with me?
The crowd boos mercifully at their champion and Del Rio looks furious now that two men have interrupted his celebration speech. A hint of emotion fails to cross Ortons face as he turns from looking at the crowd to setting his cold, grey eyes on the Mexican aristocrat.
Alberto Del Rio: You may have won countless WWE Championships and beaten legend after legend over on RAW but here on Smackdown you are going to have to start afresh because the blue brand is now my domain and you... are... nothing!
Randy Orton: You shouldnt test me Alberto.
Pop.
Randy Orton: Because in just one swift movement I could punt you so hard in the skull that I wont need to beat you for the World Heavyweight Championship, Ill be wrestling for a vacant title belt.
Another huge pop, Del Rio, who was previously just a foot away from Orton, now backs off slightly and allows Orton to continue. Sheamus watches on, almost bored with the proceedings.
Randy Orton: I have been called many things over the years, some of these names I am proud of, some I am not so fond of but recently some have been calling me... they have been calling me (slight pause) the best competitor in the world today (pop) but... but, I dont believe that is true just yet. However, if I can add another world championship to my resume and successfully adapt to my new surroundings, adapt to a whole roster of superstars I have never faced before, well that could be a right step towards earning that moniker.
The crowd is eating up Ortons promo and once again Randy sets his gaze upon the World Heavyweight Champion opposite him.
Randy Orton: And no, I dont want a title match handed to me I want to earn it and I couldnt think of a better way to earn it than by facing a former champion such as Sheamus.
A rather mixed reaction as Randy turns towards Sheamus, the Irishman woken from his slight slumber.
Sheamus: Bring it on Randy!
YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME!
*Metalingus*
Any cheers for Ortons proposal are soon extinguished as a very familiar theme music plays around the arena, hate now raining down towards the stage as Edge, his face set with anger, walks down the ramp. The Rated R Superstar, with a microphone in hand, starts his address before he even steps into the squared circle, his words dripping with hate...
Edge: Whoa, whoa, whoa, stop right there. I cannot believe the audacity of you two, both of you have only been on Smackdown for one night yet you believe you deserve to be the number one contender and go to Over the Limit to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship.
By now, Edge has slipped through the ropes and looks around at Sheamus and Orton.
Edge: Well, you must be out of your minds because that isnt going to happen. I have worked too darn hard to craft Smackdown into a dominant force over the past several years and I am so sick of not being accepted as its brightest star. But heres the good part, boys. Because I can be rightfully recognised as the top dog here on Friday nights if I recapture the gold from Alberto over there, a title I never even lost in the first place. Then I will be back at the top, my rightful place, the only place for someone like me. Dont believe I deserve to be at top again, just look what I did to Christian last Sunday night.
A ton of hate for that remark from the Rated R Superstar, Randy then turns to face Edge.
Randy Orton: Wait; didnt you lose at Extreme Rules Edge?
The WWE Universe pops, Edge looks furiously back at the Viper.
Edge: I wasnt the one who needed three other men to carry me to the locker room after my match, so yes, I was victorious at the end of the night.
The comment from Orton seemed to push have Edge over the edge as he gets right into Ortons face and starts mouthing off, Del Rio shadowing that action with Sheamus. Several tension filled moments pass with an all out brawl ready to start before...
YOU KNOW ITS THE MACMILLITANT...
*MacMillitant*
Theodore Long steps out onto the ramp to a respectable pop, the four men in the ring look up at him with varying levels of emotion but you can tell they all are very interested in what their general manager has to say.
Theodore Long: I am going to ask the four of you to stop your bickering because I have already made up my mind concerning the challenger to Alberto Del Rios World Heavyweight Championship.
The four Smackdown superstars stare up at Teddy.
Theodore Long: As Smackdown has been shifted so dramatically due to the draft on Monday; in tonights main event there will be a battle royal to determine the new number one contender. Twenty select superstars will battle it out at the end of the night in an over the top rope extravaganza, whoever wants to go to Over the Limit is really going to have to earn it!
Sheamus and Edge look up towards Long with disdain but Orton remains steely eyed, Del Rio nonplussed.
Theodore Long: But, seeing as you three; Sheamus, Orton and Edge are so eager, you will be competing in separate singles matches before you even enter the main event contest. I really want to see what you three got, especially since you consider yourselves to be some of the best superstars on the brand. Holla, holla!
The crowd cheers exuberantly as Long exits the stage through the curtain, but the other three men, bar Del Rio, arent as cheerful.
*Commercial*
Smackdown returns from a break with the camera roaming around a locker room before it focuses upon David Hart Smith, another of Smackdowns newest wrestlers throws his bag into a cubicle and sits down at a bench. The Canadian doesnt receive much of a reaction, if any, but the shuffling of feet causes Smith to look up from his dawdling and he locks eyes with a man he is very familiar with Tyson Kidd, the young man looking ready to compete in ring with baby blue tights and matching boots. The Calgary Kid receives a sliver of heat from the live crowd as he walks up to his former tag team partner and holds up an arm in order to shush Smith, the big man looking as if he was about to say something.
I know what you are going to say David but I dont want to hear it; I want you to hear what I have to say first for once.
A few more boos, Smith frowns slightly but still listens intently.
Tyson Kidd: I hate to admit it but I havent been having the best few months of my life. But, I know for a fact that this is true for you as well. I remember when the two of us were together as a unit in the Hart Dynasty we found success time and time again. At one point we were on top of the world as tag team champions.
Kidds usual arrogance has been replaced with what looks like desperation; DH Smith continues paying attention to his former tag team partner.
Tyson Kidd: I am hungry David, I am starving and I want now more than ever to be able to taste the feeling of success once again. Now that the two of us are back on Smackdown, we can start afresh and set our sights back on the titles that we once wore around our waists, the WWE Tag Team Championships. Every tag team in the company is now in one place and they are all gunning for those titles, but what a perfect way to reassure our greatness than by capturing those championships.
Tyson throws out his hand, a glint of hope in his eyes, for DH to shake...
Tyson Kidd: So does that sounds like an idea or what?
Only for Smith to get off his seat, his bag in hand, and make his entrance by shoving past his former partner, Kidd looks dejected and hangs his head before we leave the scene.
***
We cut back to the ring where Sheamus is standing tall, his music still playing in the background and the Irishman receives a tonne of heat as he is introduced by Tony Chimel. Sheamus hits his chest a number of times before he lifts his beefy arms into the air to gain some more heat, the former WWE Champion then waits in the centre of the ring with his eyes set on the titantron unaware of his opponents identity.
*Masterpiece*
With a low drum beat, the arena darkens and the crowd cheers piercingly for Chris Masters as he steps onto the stage. Sparks of pure white firework emanate around Masters, his tights matching the colour of the pyro, as he poses in a variety of positions before he makes his journey down on the ramp and into the squared circle. The Los Angeles looks focused as ever and once he has stepped through the ropes he doesnt hesitate in walking straight towards Sheamus, the two young bulls noses just inches away from one another before the official has to break them up. After he manages to pull the two apart and send them to opposite corners, the referee signals for the bell to be rung.
Match #1
Singles Match
Sheamus vs. Chris Masters
Two of Smackdowns young guns put on one hell of a match full of hard hitting offence and neither man managed to gain a decisive advantage over the other for a sustained period of time. Sheamus was booed mercilessly with every rugged attack he hit on the ever popular Chris Masters but the Masterpiece more than held his own, using his freakish power to execute some incredible slams and other manoeuvres. Nearing the conclusion of the contest it was anyones match; Masters bombarded his opponent with clotheslines, a diving shoulder block and then, after ducking under an Irish hammer, he scored with a shattering spinebuster! The crowd began to raise the noise level as Masters motioned for his patented submission hold, the Masterpiece, by clasping his hands together high above his head. The gigantic Irishman stumbled backwards into his enemy but before Chris could get a decent grip on Sheamus shoulders, the Irishman countered by swivelling on his ankles and, still with Masters arm draped under his armpit, got into a perfect position for the Irish Curse backbreaker, which he executed with ease.
The Los Angeles native writhed around on the mat in serious pain, clutching the middle of his back, and this is where Sheamus took over, bouncing on the balls of his feet in anticipation for Chris to get up so that the big man can seemingly be taken out with the Brogue Kick. Chris rose slowly to his feet and only just avoided the contact with Sheamus big right boot by inches, pushed his opponent hard into the corner and then sprinted off the ropes. Masters rebounded back and launched his body at his opponent but Sheamus dodged the attack and sent the Masterpiece crashing into the turnbuckle, the big man obviously winded by the force. After the impact he turned around and was swiftly booted in the gut, doubling him over, and allowed Sheamus to power his opponent up and get him into a precarious position for the High Cross. With heat raining down, Sheamus started to sprint forward and attempted to drop Masters on his head but Chris slipped out and appeared to tweak his knee! Masters didnt seem heavily affected by the fall but the split second interference is all Sheamus needed to step forward and drive his boot into the side of the Masterpieces face with the Brogue Kick. The Irishman didnt take any chances with the cover; he hooked one leg and held down Masters shoulder with his other arm to secure the victory.
Winner: Sheamus by pinfall (8:47)
Sheamus manages to drag himself to a stable base and loudly remind the fans that he was the winner of the contest as he has his hand raised. The Irishman stumbles back up the ramp with exhaustion plastered across his features, leaving a woozy Masters down on the mat to be attended to by the match official. A final grin from the former WWE champion is the last thing the camera catches before we head to another commercial break.
*Commercial*
When Smackdown returns the camera switches to what appears to be a medical room and the crowd pops loudly as the view settles upon Captain Charisma, Christian. The Canadian is hastily adjusting a bag of ice behind his back and winces suddenly as it touches his bare skin, Christian keeping it steady upon his lower back. Christian keeps the pained expression upon his face as Matt Striker, on commentary, wonders aloud what kind of condition Christian is going to be in come tonights battle royal considering the damage he took at Extreme Rules as well as on RAW last Monday Night. With a final glance into the distance, we leave Christian to his thoughts.
***
We then switch gears as a dark graphic splashes across the screen, receiving a giant reaction from the live crowd because it features the Undertaker! A large image of the Undertaker, signature hat on his noggin and pupils rolled into the back of his head takes up the majority of the screen with a line of text - The Undertaker Returns to Smackdown Next Week - scrawled along the bottom. We immediately cut back to the announce desk where Matthews informs the viewers that he can confirm that the Undertaker will be on Smackdown next week to make an important announcement. Striker takes over, stating that what The Deadman could possibly want to speak to the WWE Universe about maybe has something to do with the fact that The Phenom could barely make his exit from Wrestlemania after his war with Triple H.
*La Vittoria è Mia*
The moment his theme music hits, Santino Marella bursts through the curtain to a nice ovation from the crowd, Vladimir Kozlov following closely behind. Marella and Kozlov try to involve as many members of the WWE Universe in their entrance with high fives and such as they waltz down the ramp, Santino the one introduced to compete tonight. The two are wearing matching blue kits and look quite the team as they clamber up the steel steps and stand by one another in the centre of the ring, Marella still show boating as his music dies down.
*In the Middle of it Now*
Curt Hawkins makes his entrance in quite a different fashion to his opponent for the night, almost sulking down to the ring in his sleeveless leather jacket and beanie. The Long Island native slowly walked towards the squared circle, receiving plenty of boos and jeers along the way, showing complete disdain for the crowd as he sneers at every passing face. Eventually Curt slides under the bottom rope and stands across from Santino but he offers no more kindness to his opponent than he did to the WWE Universe, removing his jacket before hurling his beanie in Kozlovs face at ringside.
Match #2
Singles Match
Santino Marella w/Vladimir Kozlov vs. Curt Hawkins
Marella tried his hardest to earn the victory throughout the contest but it seemed as though Hawkins was merely enjoying punishing the Italian. With his arrogant attitude Curt received no love from the Orlando crowd but he didnt care, he used the match to show off some of his extraordinary, yet certainly painful offence. Near the conclusion of the match, Hawkins was in total control as he slapped the top of Marellas head so that he could set the Italian up for the Taste of Pain facebuster but the momentum of the move allowed Santino to roll out the side, push his opponent into the ropes and drop Curt with a hip toss on his way back. Although Kozlov began to thump the ring apron, the crowd needed no direction in getting behind Santino as the Italian unloaded a series of right hands to the mug of Hawkins. The Long Island Loner managed to a duck a giant swinging punch but as he attempted to get back into the match he is booted in the gut and sent sprawling backwards with a variation of the stunner! One saluted headbutt later and Santino has Hawkins right where he wants him, down on one knee and about to rise perfect timing for a Cobra set-up, which Santino does with glee. The WWE Universe cheers extravagantly as Santino roars for his favourite manoeuvre and as Hawkins rises to his feet, the Italian swings wildly at his head but Curt blocks it! The former tag team champion caught Santinos right (Cobra) forearm and bicep in his grasp and doesnt hesitate in locking Marellas leg over his neck and flipping the Italian head over heels and down first face onto the canvas with the Recluse Abuse! On the outside, Vladimir Kozlov mirrors the groans of the crowd but inside the ring Hawkins drags a groggy Santino up to his feet before planting him straight back down with the Taste of Pain. A nonchalant cover, no hooking of the legs needed, moments later and Curt Hawkins earned the victory.
Winner: Curt Hawkins by pinfall (4:32)
To some intense heat, Hawkins, after refusing to have his hand raised by the match official, ascends the turnbuckle and sits perched with his eyes set on a downed Santino. Curt rises up to his full height and bends his knees to leap out, but Vladimir Kozlov rushes into the ring and stands in the gap between his tag team partner and Hawkins, the giant Russian enough of a suggestion for Curt to make his exit. However, although he looked as if he was about to descend up the ramp Hawkins doubles back towards the time keepers desk and snatches a microphone, hastily raising it to his lips.
Curt Hawkins: I want everybody in the back to pay attention to what I have to say because you wont want to miss it. I will tell you now, it doesnt matter who it is against or when it happens but soon enough I will be a champion.
Heat.
Curt Hawkins: And I am not one to go against my word so I want everybody to know if you get in my way you are going to come off second best because I have never been more motivated in my life to achieve my goal of ri-
You suck! You suck! The WWE Universes chant throws Hawkins off his promo momentarily and he stares around at the crowd with complete hate in his eyes.
Curt Hawkins: As I was saying, with a title around my waist I can finally get ri-
You suck! You suck!
Curt Hawkins: You know what? Im not going to say another word, all of you sheep can find out the hard way.
And with that, Hawkins hurls down his microphone and storms up the ramp, Kozlov and Santino still in the ring as the Italian woozily gets to his feet with the help of his tag team partner.
***
We cut to a hallway where Alberto Del Rio is walking placidly, still in his pristine suit and clutching the World Heavyweight Championship. Ricardo Rodriguez follows closely behind and after a few moments of uninterrupted strolling, Todd Grisham makes his way into the scene with a trusty microphone in hand and sets about his work right away.
Todd Grisham: Alberto what are your thoughts on general manager Theodore Longs decision to hold a battle royal in order to decide your challenger at Over the Limit?
Rodriguez looks on impatiently as Del Rio snorts disapprovingly.
Alberto Del Rio: Trent I dont have time for many of your questions, I am a champion, I am a very busy man. But just so you will leave me alone, I will quickly give you my thoughts. Honestly, I dont care for Teddys decision for tonights main event because it doesnt matter who walks out with the victory. It doesnt matter Tim because the winner of the battle royal will go on to face me, Alberto Del Rio. The greatest champion Smackdown has ever seen.
Boos and jeers galore as Ricardo nods energetically behind the champion.
Alberto Del Rio: And I dont know how a one on one match with me is such a great prize. Now, if you will excuse me I must get back to my locker room, plant myself in a plush leather couch, turn on my pristine television and watch the rest of Smackdown with Ricardo here. For scouting purposes of course...
And with that Alberto and his personal ring announcer wander away down the hallway and soon enter a door, Todd Grisham watching on slightly stunned.
*Commercial*
). Looking forward to that build though, because it is something new.
