GCB's WWE

[GCB]

Friday January 14th, 2011 | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

As is beginning to become the norm these days, SMACKDOWN begins with a pre-recorded message from the General Manager, Michael Cole. He is stood in front of a blue SMACKDOWN logo and is ready to begin as the cameras roll ...

MICHAEL COLE
Can I have your attention, please?

No reaction again this week – the video is still pre-recorded but Cole appears to still be insisting on waiting for quiet before he continues ...

MICHAEL COLE
Last week was a momentous day in the history of SMACKDOWN and was definitely a show worthy of going out into your homes live on a Friday evening. A truly five star SMACKDOWN, a SMACKDOWN show that proves what I have been saying since I arrived here on the blue brand – that SMACKDOWN is the Number 1 show in the WWE. Look at all the amazing things that happened last week – a brand new feud between two former friends! A new Number 1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship! Two demons in the ring looking to gain an advantage over the other! And finally, an amazing main event between John Cena, the face of the WWE, and Christian with CM Punk as the guest referee! And you people all have one man to thank for last week’s show! One great visionary, a man who delivered a SMACKDOWN show so good that it will become one of the most influential nights in the WWE. The night that SMACKDOWN took over in the WWE. That one man, ladies and gentlemen, is me, Michael Cole, the voice of the WWE and the General Manager of Friday Night SMACKDOWN!

Cole beams into the camera as if he expects the people watching at home to applaud him for his actions ...

MICHAEL COLE
You see, the WWE Universe were tired of SMACKDOWN under that second rate excuse for a General Manager, Teddy Long. The man that made a living from making the most boring SMACKDOWN main events of all time. Last week on SMACKDOWN, I forced Big Show and Kofi to compete against each other rather than shake hands – result, a simmering, new feud here on SMACKDOWN! I gave Kane the opportunity to head out to the ring to address the problems between himself and the Undertaker – result, Undertaker appears on SMACKDOWN to confront his brother! I made the main event of John Cena against the Number 1 contender, Christian, I then added CM Punk as the referee – and the match ended in controversy, a ‘Go To Sleep’ here, a ‘Killswitch’ there and added interest heading into the Royal Rumble. I also forced Matt Hardy to face Cody Rhodes in a Number 1 contender match for the Intercontinental Championship of Alberto Del Rio – Hardy won and we now have an amazing match to start tonight’s episode of SMACKDOWN – Intercontinental Championship, Alberto Del Rio vs. Matt Hardy right now ... and it’s live!

***** KNOW YOUR ENEMY *****

*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***

Foley and Grisham welcome us all to SMACKDOWN as the camera pans around the arena where all the excited fans are ready for the action tonight here in Nashville. As promised by General Manager, Michael Cole, Justin Roberts announces that the first match tonight will be an Intercontinental Championship match ...

*** LIVE FOR THE MOMENT ***

Cameron, North Carolina | 235 pounds
MATT HARDY

The challenger Matt Hardy heads out looking pumped up and happier this week as he heads for the ring to a fantastic ovation from the crowd here tonight. Hardy heads for the ring as Grisham introduces some comments made by Hardy earlier tonight before the show. A pop up video appears in the corner as Matt Hardy speaks out on the upcoming match ...

MATT HARDY
Last week, I was unhappy when Michael Cole forced me to compete for the Intercontinental Championship – my sights are firmly set on becoming the World Champion at WrestleMania 27. However, with Cole putting my Rumble place in jeopardy, I had to defeat Cody Rhodes last week and become Number 1 contender tonight. And whilst I’m still aiming for the World Championship, I have had a week to consider the advantages of being Intercontinental Champion. Winning the title tonight and ending Alberto Del Rio’s hot start to life here in the WWE will prove to the world – and Michael Cole – that I deserve to be taken seriously for the World Championship. A win tonight, win the Royal Rumble and head to WrestleMania to become the dual champion. Bring it on!

Focus returns to Hardy in the ring as Foley expresses his delight that Hardy has seen how useful this opportunity could be to him as he looks to build his way up the ranks here in the WWE. Foley doesn’t think Matt will win the Royal Rumble but being Intercontinental Champion could get him further noticed as he tries to earn a World Championship opportunity ...

*** REALEZA ***

San Luis, Mexico | 239 pounds | Intercontinental Champion
ALBERTO DEL RIO
(with Ricardo Rodriguez)

Ricardo Rodriguez is introduced and he in turn introduces the Intercontinental Champion who heads out in a white Bentley Azure with the top down. Grisham informs us that the car is worth $300000 as Del Rio jumps out of the car with his white trunks on tonight and the Intercontinental Championship around his waist as he is showered with gold rain from the roof before heading for the ring. He climbs through the ropes and immediately talks down to Matt Hardy as the pair of them prepare for the match. The Intercontinental Title is held up by the referee and then the bell is rung and the title match is underway ...

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
ALBERTO DEL RIO (c) vs. MATT HARDY

After an early flurry of dominance from the challenger, the majority of the match sees the champion in control as he slows it down into a slow, methodical pace that suits him far more than Hardy. Del Rio appears to be very confident of retaining his title though and wastes a lot of time and this allows Hardy to mount a comeback as he looks to win the title. Del Rio looks to hit his Destiny Powerbomb finisher that he has recently began to use but Hardy manages to wriggle clear and over his shoulders into a pinning reversal ...

1 ... 2 ... Del Rio recovers just in time!

A neckbreaker from Hardy follows and this leaves Del Rio down on the mat and struggling; as he gets to his feet, Hardy waits ready to pounce and then hooks Del Rio up and hits a backdrop suplex that crashes the Mexican down hard on his back and shoulders. The crowd are right behind Hardy as he climbs to the middle rope and strikes a Hardy pose before hitting a heavy hitting leg drop across the upper chest of the Intercontinental Champion and hooking the leg for the pin ...

1 ... 2 ... Del Rio kicks out!

As the pair of them get to their feet, Hardy looks to whip Del Rio into the corner but he is reversed and takes the buckle himself. Sensing a chance, Del Rio rushes towards Hardy and looks to hit a corner Enzuguri kick but Hardy ducks it instead. As Del Rio crashes down onto his shoulder, he looks hurt for a moment and Hardy aims some kicks to the shoulder that don’t help. This time, Hardy is able to whip Del Rio to the corner and he hits it hard. Hardy rushes over and clotheslines Alberto in the corner and then follows this with a Bulldog that drives him down hard into the mat once more. The crowd are cheering Hardy on and he steps back ... The crowd are cheering more now as they see Hardy preparing to hit the Side Effect ... Del Rio, wobbling slightly, gets to his feet and Hardy looks to hit the Side Effect. However, Del Rio counters by shoving Hardy away and then hits a German suplex that crashes Hardy down, hanging on for the count ...

1 ... 2 ... Hardy kicks out!

Both men get to their feet at the same time and Del Rio kicks out at Hardy’s knee, a stiff shot that reduces his challenger to his knees again. With Hardy down on his knees, Del Rio smells blood and hits an Enzuguri this time that crashes Hardy over, keeling over and falling down on the mat. Del Rio looks to have the match won and he saunters over to Hardy to make the cover, hooks the leg ...

1 ... 2 ... Hardy kicks out once more!

Laughing, Del Rio shakes his head as he gets up and waits for Hardy. He says something in Spanish to Ricardo who is looking a little concerned at ringside before hitting a double knee arm-breaker to Hardy as he gets up. With Hardy’s arms now weakened, Del Rio goes after the target. He rams Hardy into the steel post through the turnbuckles and his shoulder connects with a thud. As Hardy rebounds from the ring post, Del Rio looks to lock in the Cross Arm Breaker but Hardy is able to fight out of it and he suddenly out of nowhere manages to hit the Side Effect which sends the crowd wild with delight. Both men are down and out but it is Hardy that recovers first and he is able to watch Del Rio get to his feet. Arms outstretched, it is clear what Hardy is planning to do next as he waits and waits ... TWIST OF FATE! HARDY HITS THE TWIST OF FATE! We’re going to have a new champion!

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 – No wait a minute! **

Alberto Del Rio, showing no signs of life, has managed to put his foot on the bottom rope! Suspiciously, Ricardo Rodriguez is hovering close by and the replays show that Del Rio’s announcer placed his foot on the rope just in time for the referee to notice and cancel the 3-count. Hardy complains bitterly but the referee is not for moving – spotting Rodriguez, Hardy jumps through the ropes and begins the chase. Rodriguez runs for his life round the outside of the ring with Hardy in pursuit ... Ricardo slides into the ring and crosses over the ring to the other side with Hardy chasing him ... Hold on a minute! Del Rio hits a roundhouse kick out of nowhere! Hardy’s head snaps back and he crashes down on his back on the mat ... Del Rio pounces ... CROSS ARM BREAKER! DEL RIO HAS HARDY IN THE CROSS ARM BREAKER! Will Matt Hardy tap out? The referee is down and asking Hardy if he wants to give up but Hardy will not die ... he will not give up ... Del Rio cinches it in further and tightens his grip ... Hardy has no choice ...

** TAP **
** TAP **
** TAP **

WINNER & STILL INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION
ALBERTO DEL RIO (submission, 8:38)

Del Rio at first refuses to let go of Hardy as he keeps the Cross Arm Breaker held in – he finally releases when the referee threatens to reverse the decision. Del Rio kicks Hardy away under the bottom ropes and he then celebrates with his Intercontinental Championship as Rodriguez proclaims him the winner. Foley suggests that Del Rio will be a real darkhorse at the Royal Rumble in 9 days time and maybe he will be the dual champion here on SMACKDOWN instead of Matt Hardy?

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA 27 BEGINS IN 9 DAYS TIME...
Who will win the Royal Rumble and advance to WrestleMania 27?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN returns with the huge frame of Mark Henry in the ring already for the next match, he is accompanied by his friend Evan Bourne ...

*** SOMEBODIES GONNA’ GET THEIR ASS KICKED ***

Silsbee, Texas | 412 pounds
MARK HENRY
(with Evan Bourne)

Foley and Grisham remind us that last week, Evan Bourne was defeated by the World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk – now it is the turn of the partner of Evan Bourne, Mark Henry, to attempt to gain a big win over the champion. A replay of Punk hitting the GTS to Bourne last week is shown before we return to the arena for the entrance of the World Champion himself ...

*** CULT OF PERSONALITY ***

Chicago, Illinois | 222 pounds | World Heavyweight Champion
CM PUNK

A mixed reception for CM Punk who is not a fan favourite but does retain a hardcore following that will forgive his actions and cheer for him regardless of his actions. Grisham reminds us that in 9 days time, CM Punk will face Christian at the Rumble with the World Championship on the line and Foley suggests that if Punk is taking Christian lightly in any way, shape or form, he could well lose the title next weekend in Cleveland. Punk hands the title belt to the timekeeper and this non-title match is set to begin as Bourne heads outside to support Mark Henry from there ...

NON-TITLE MATCH
CM PUNK vs. MARK HENRY

Despite Henry’s size, this match is clearly a match to further Punk’s credentials as the World Champion and make him seem even more impressive than he already does. The only real question is whether or not CM Punk will use the GTS to get the win or whether he will settle for the Anaconda Vice. After one failed attempt at the GTS which allows Henry to get a Big Splash in which almost gets the World’s Strongest Man an upset victory, Punk manages to catch Henry out as he looks for the Corner Splash and uses his strength to slide underneath Henry and hold him up for the GTS to be hit. Impressive from CM Punk and he makes the cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
CM PUNK (6:37)

CM Punk celebrates his win as a frustrated looking Mark Henry slides out of the ring and up the ramp with Foley saying he could have won the match on another day. As Bourne helps Henry away from the ring, Punk places his World Championship over his shoulder and takes a microphone before sitting down cross legged in the centre of the ring. He is ready to speak out and Grisham says that when SMACKDOWN returns after the commercial, we will hear from the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk!

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

CATCH NXT SEASON 3 THIS TUESDAY NIGHT!
After the first Number 1 ranking spot went to Vladimir Kozlov in controversial circumstances, how will the other seven participants in the NXT competition react?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

SMACKDOWN returns with the World Champion still sat in the centre of the ring waiting to address the WWE Universe. With the World Championship laid on the mat beside him, Punk lifts the microphone to speak ... An audible ‘CM Punk!’ chant breaks out and Punk smirks as he pauses for a second ...

CM PUNK
You know what, for the past month here on SMACKDOWN, I have been the World Heavyweight Champion. Six weeks ago, I walked out here and beat Big Show and became your World Heavyweight Champion ... and at Vengeance, I defeated Big Show, Kane and Kofi Kingston in my first defence. I am the only ‘Straight Edge’ champion here in the WWE – I am a man with a clear life goal, I don’t smoke cigarettes, I don’t take prescription medicines and I don’t pollute my body with alcohol ... unlike all of you here in Nashville.

Loud boos for CM Punk now as he begins to trash on the home town WWE Universe ...

CM PUNK
Now I know that it is difficult for you to comprehend this, Nashville, but I am not worried about the Royal Rumble. I am not worried about what happened last week on SMACKDOWN. You see, I know that I am better than all of you – and I am better than everybody back there in the locker room. Everywhere I go right now, people keep asking me if I am concerned about Christian, concerned about John Cena? The truth is, in nine nights at Royal Rumble, I will easily defeat Christian, I will retain my World Championship and then I will sit back and watch the Rumble match waiting for the winner. Because at WrestleMania 27, my name will finally be up in the lights ... on the ‘Grandest Stage of ‘em all’

Punk looks round with a smirk on his face as he sarcastically describes WrestleMania ...

CM PUNK
Christian. A man who has been here in the WWE now for over ten years, desperately chasing his dream. Last week, Christian managed to hit me with the Killswitch while I was distracted by Michael Cole’s new poster boy, John Cena. With my attention elsewhere, Christian took the cheap option and attacked me from behind. A man who has never won the WWE Championship like I have, a man who has never won the World Championship like I have, a man who can’t even claim to have won the Money in the Bank ladder match like I have.

Boos are heard for Punk’s comments now ...

CM PUNK
Christian, there is a reason why you have never won those championships that you crave so much – you’re just not good enough to. For years here in the WWE, you have been held back, hidden in the shadows out of sight. Behind the shadow of The Undertaker when you first arrived in the Brood ... outclassed by the Hardy Boys and the Dudley Boys ... never accepted when you split from Edge whilst he went on to multiple title reigns ... You have sweat blood for this business, Christian, you have clawed and scratched and fought as hard as you can to reach the top ...

Punk shakes his head and readjusts the title on his shoulder ...

CM PUNK
... and you always fall short. You always fall at the final hurdle, never quite good enough. In nine days, Nashville, Christian walks into the Royal Rumble as close to glory as he has ever been. But truth be told, he has never been further away from glory. Whilst I am the World Champion, nobody here on SMACKDOWN is close to glory – not Cena, not Christian, not anybody. I will retain MY World Championship at the Rumble, I will defend it through to WrestleMania ... and then I will retain it there as well. And just like all the SMACKDOWN ‘superstars’ in the back, I will do it because I am better ... than ... you.

Punk tosses the microphone away and turns to leave ... However ...

*** CLOSE YOUR EYES ***

CHRISTIAN

Christian heads out onto the stage and the crowd pop as the Number 1 contender, the popular Canadian, surveys the arena for his ‘Peeps’ before moving down the ramp with a grin on his face. He climbs into the ring where Punk is stood opposite and he looks at the World Championship on his shoulder before taking a microphone of his own ...

CHRISTIAN
You know what, Punk? You may be right. In nine days time, I may fall short. I may fail again. I might not be good enough to win the big one. But like it or not CM Punk, I am here right now and I will be challenging you for that World Heavyweight Championship. And regardless of who you think will win, regardless of whether my Peeps believe I can win or not, I believe in myself. I know that I can beat you. Whether you think it or not, Punk, that title is in danger!

Cheers from the crowd as Christian points to the title belt on Punk’s shoulders ... Punk laughs him off and he makes to leave but Christian grabs him by the arm. The tension builds as Punk spins back round with a look of annoyance on his face. Christian continues ...

CHRISTIAN
Tonight, I will once again, as per orders of Michael Cole, face John Cena one on one in the main event. And this time, there will be no Randy Orton to distract Cena, there will be no biased referee ... I will prove to you, and all those that doubt me, that I deserve a shot at your title. And what is more, I will prove that I am a legitimate ...

Punk snatches the microphone from Christian and walks across the ring shaking his head and it appears as if Christian is going to get a reaction from the World Champion ...

CM PUNK
You are not in my league, Christian! You drink alcohol with the boys, you take prescription pills to heal the aches in your tiring, worn out muscles ... I don’t do either of those things, Christian, that is why you are not in my league and that is why you won’t be getting your hands on this title!

Boos for Punk but Christian shrugs them off with a smile around at the crowd ...

CM PUNK
The nearest that you will ever get to being the World Champion is right now. You have your shot, you have the World Championship so close you can almost taste it. How does it feel, Christian? How does it feel to know you can never beat me? How does it feel to be so near yet so far from your dreams? Do you really believe that you can defeat me and become the World Champion? Do you really think you are worthy of holding this?

Punk holds the World Championship right in front of Christian’s face and the challengers eyes gaze at the shining gold belt ... Punk lowers it back down and places it down on the mat between them ...

CM PUNK
Go ahead, Christian. Pick it up. Feel the title belt in your fingertips one time ... Because you know that you will never ever be worthy of holding it for real. Don’t you?

Christian drops his head and looks down at the World Championship as Punk s******s to himself. Christian appears to be second guessing himself as he looks to the prize on offer in nine days time ...

CM PUNK
Face it, Christian ... It’s never ... going ... to happen!

Suddenly, Punk drops the microphone and he hits a stiff kick to Christian’s midriff, catching him by surprise, and then he lifts him onto his shoulders. The crowd rise to their feet as CM Punk looks to hit the GTS on Christian ... but Christian wriggles clear and he manages to slide down the back of Punk. As Punk spins round, Christian levels him with a clothesline to the delight of the crowd in Nashville. However, Punk decides to flee the scene and he slides underneath the bottom rope and backs away up the rampway ... Christian stares after him and dares him to return before realising that Punk’s World Championship belt is still laid on the mat waiting to be picked up. Christian slowly bends down, wipes his hands on his tights and then picks up the title belt to hold it in his hands. He looks down at the title and then up at Punk who is demanding his belt back but not coming to get it. Christian smirks and then lifts the title up in the air and the Nashville crowd go wild as they witness a picture that they may have to get used to after the Royal Rumble ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

CATCH MONDAY NIGHT RAW LIVE!
It’s the final RAW before Royal Rumble – what will Triple H and Wade Barrett have to say ahead of their WWE Championship battle?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

Replays of the confrontation between CM Punk and Christian are shown as well as Christian posing with the World Championship as Punk backed out of the arena before ... A shot of Christian backstage is cut to and we see that he still has the World Championship in his hand. A shout is heard in the background and Michael Cole, the SMACKDOWN General Manager, is seen running towards Christian – the Nashville crowd immediately begin to boo at the sight of Cole ...

MICHAEL COLE
Christian, give that back to me! That is not your property!

Christian smirks once more and he passes the title belt to Cole who can now return it to its correct owner – however, he cannot resist one more comment ...

MICHAEL COLE
You know what? If it had been up to me, there is no way you would be challenging for the World Championship. CM Punk was speaking a lot of sense out there – you are a ‘nearly’ man here in the WWE, Christian. Let me tell you something too – you’d better win your title match at the Royal Rumble ... because there won’t be another chance for you while I am in charge of SMACKDOWN, that is a fact!

Cole storms away from Christian who looks a little put off by those comments from the SMACKDOWN GM ... The cameras switch to the interview area where Matt Striker is waiting with the new Divas Champion, Maryse! The beautiful, blonde Diva moves into focus and she holds her hand up to Striker before readjusting her title belt around her waist ...

MATT STRIKER
Maryse, on Tuesday night on NXT, you defeated Layla to win the Divas Championship – let’s take a look ...

A replay of Maryse’s controversial pinfall is shown before we return to the interview area where the Divas Champion is smiling at the sight of the footage ...

MATT STRIKER
A controversial victory, Maryse, and next week on NXT, Layla will be handed her automatic rematch as she attempts to win back her Divas Championship. Your thoughts?

Maryse looks shocked at Striker even asking her for her thoughts after his comment about her controversial win ...

MARYSE
Controversé? Vous dites des sottises, Matt Striker! J'ai battu Layla dans l'anneau assez, un, deux, trois! Et le mardi, je vais battre et conserver mon titre.

Striker clearly does not understand French and he looks perplexed as Maryse responds to his question. Maryse smiles seductively as she finishes telling Striker that she will beat Layla again next Tuesday and then she flicks her hair and turns to leave ... but immediately stops at the sight of two other Divas blocking her path – Michelle McCool and the gargantuan Kharma!

MICHELLE McCOOL
Well, hello there, Maryse! Long time, no see. Look at this here ...

McCool places her fingers on the Divas Championship belt that is fastened around Maryse’s waist ...

MICHELLE McCOOL
... a shiny, glittering, brand new Divas Championship belt!

Maryse takes a step back from the pair as McCool smiles a fake smile and Kharma stares at her menacingly ...

MICHELLE McCOOL
Maryse, you don’t need to fear us tonight. We’re glad you beat that ungrateful skank, Layla, on NXT last Tuesday! Honestly, we are. I think that for the next few weeks, you will make a great Divas Champion!

Maryse looks at McCool with a quizzical look in her eyes ...

MICHELLE McCOOL
Oh yeah, for the next few weeks! You see, when you beat Layla next week in your Divas Championship rematch, I want you to know that you will then become my next target. I am going to become the Divas Champion, Maryse. It is time for me to dominate the Divas division and when Shawn Michaels gives me good news next week on Monday Night RAW, I will be able to fulfil that domination. But for now, I am watching you – just thought it was only fair to warn you!

Michelle McCool turns to leave and beckons Kharma to follow her as Maryse stands watching them with her hand over her title belt and a look of concern on her face ...

*** SLOW CHEMICAL ***

323 pounds
KANE

The former World Champion heads out towards the ring with the arena bathed in red lights as Grisham and Foley recall last week’s SMACKDOWN and the vow from Kane’s brother, the Undertaker, to be here on SMACKDOWN tonight after his chilling message that it will be the ‘beginning of the end’ – Kane is in the ring and looks to be a little nervous as he looks around the arena before setting off the exploding pyro in the ring posts and awaiting his opponent tonight ...

*** S. O. S. ***

Ghana, West Africa | 212 pounds
KOFI KINGSTON

The hugely popular Ghanaian Kofi Kingston bounds out of the backstage area with the green and yellow sparks flying all around the stage as he heads for the ring to face the Devil’s Favourite Demon. Kofi looks happy as usual as he poses for the fans and Grisham updates us on the issues between Kofi and his ‘former’ friend, Big Show, over the past couple of weeks. Foley suggests that Kofi may have been in the wrong last week but there was no need for the reaction of Big Show as he attacked Kofi afterwards with a chair. Grisham declares that he believes that Big Show is worried that his smaller friend might just have overtaken him in the race for a shot at the World Championship and that Show cannot cope with this fact ...

SINGLES MATCH
KANE vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Another example of the impact that Kofi has recently made in the WWE as he gets 50/50 offense in on the former World Champion and bonafida main eventer, Kane. After a fast start from Kofi, Kane gains control of the match and slows it down but Kofi still manages to counter and mount flurries of a comeback before Kane regains the advantage. As the match appears to be heading towards a Kane win though, Kofi manages to reverse a Chokeslam attempt and hits a standing dropkick that staggers the Big Red Monster back into the corner and Kingston follows up with mounted punches. With the crowd firmly behind him, Kofi climbs to the top rope and – as Kane staggers from the corner – a huge dive into the air allows the Ghanaian to hit a Diving Crossbody from almost ten feet in the air as he collides with Kane and hits a huge impact move that takes him down. Kofi hooks the leg and the crowd chant along in excitement ...

1 ... 2 ... Kane kicks out at the last moment!

For a second, Kofi seems dejected as Foley and Grisham declare that he needs that one more big move to pick up a huge victory here over the former World Champion. However, in typical fashion, Kofi jumps back to his feet and climbs to the top rope once more ... this time, he goes for a huge missile dropkick from the top but he misses as Kane swats him aside and Kofi crashes hard on the mat. Kane doesn’t need a second invitation and he grasps Kofi around the throat once more ... CHOKE SLAM! KANE HITS THE CHOKE SLAM! Kane appears to have the match won and he makes the cover ...

1 ... 2 ... Kofi kicks out!

Amazed, the crowd rally behind Kofi once more and he gets to his knees pumped up despite the pain. Kane looks tormented as he is in disbelief and he looks set to unleash pain on Kofi. He locks his hand around Kingston’s throat once again and looks for a second Choke Slam but Kofi is able to counter into an arm drag that takes Kane down. Another dropkick follows and Kane is down in the centre of the ring ... Boom Drop from Kofi! Kofi backs away and he starts clapping his hands together in the corner as he waits for his opportunity ... However, there are further complications as the appearance of the Big Show distracts Kofi now. Show climbs onto the apron and he points to Kofi with a look of anger in his eyes. Kofi moves towards Show and appears to be trying to reason with Show and question him over last week’s incident. Show suddenly swings for Kofi but he ducks and avoids the contact. TROUBLE IN PARADISE! KOFI KNOCKS SHOW OFF THE APRON WITH THE TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Kofi looks around with a smile on his face as the crowd cheer his actions. However, trouble is in store as Kane locks in another hand around his throat. CHOKE SLAM! Kofi is down and out again but Kane decides to inflict more pain after Kingston kicked out of the Choke Slam earlier tonight. He scoops Kofi up and sets up for the Tombstone Piledriver – the move made famous by his brother, the Undertaker. Kane laughs as he stands with Kofi in position for the Tombstone when all of a sudden ...

*** GONG! ***

Kane stops and looks around in disbelief. Still holding Kofi in place, he looks around and sees nothing and is about to get on with delivering the Tombstone when ...

*** GONG! ***

This time, the lights go out and the crowd scream in delight at the appearance of Taker here on SMACKDOWN tonight! The lights are out for several seconds but nothing appears on the titantron and there are no signs of Undertaker making his way out onto the stage. The lights suddenly come back on and Kane is stood facing the stage area watching for his brother. Eyes instinctively head behind Kane but the WWE Universe do not see Undertaker there either ... instead, Kofi Kingston is in place and waiting ... He waits and waits ... TROUBLE IN PARADISE! KOFI HITS TROUBLE IN PARADISE TO KANE! The crowd cheer wildly as Kofi hooks the leg ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
KOFI KINGSTON (8:42)

As his music echoes around the arena, Kingston rolls out of the ring and the referee holds up his hand in victory. Kofi grins as he backs away up the ramp with his eyes locked on Big Show who is down on his knees outside the ring looking furious that Kingston was able to out-smart him tonight and still defeat Kane in a huge win that should elevate Kingston further up the SMACKDOWN ranks. The cameras focus on a disbelieving Kane in the ring and he is another looking furious. He stares after Kofi as he disappears backstage saluting the fans and then watches Big Show exit as well. The crowd jeer Kane as he stands in the centre of the ring looking around and they begin to chant the name of his brother ... ‘Un-der-ta-ker!’ over and over again and it is clearly getting to Kane as he looks as if he is going to crack. He suddenly exits the ring and heads over towards the timekeeper where he snatches a microphone and shoves a few people over before grabbing a steel chair and heading back into the ring. With the chair beside him, Kane stands with the microphone and speaks in his usual demented voice ...

KANE
I warned you, Deadman, I warned you to stay away from me!

The crowd’s cheers for ‘Taker intensify as Kane is clearly rattled ...

KANE
You said you would be here tonight, you said it would be the beginning of the end ... Where are you?

Kane looks in different directions, the nerves getting the better of him as he does, he is looking really worried now ...

KANE
WHERE ARE YOU?

The crowd love the screech from Kane and they cheer; another ‘Un-der-ta-ker!’ chant goes up and Kane looks to be bothered by this again ... Suddenly, the lights go out and the crowd go wild as they feel the presence of the Undertaker in the arena! With darkness all around, they wait for a sign of the Undertaker’s arrival ...

*** GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY ***

THE UNDERTAKER

Suddenly, the lights re-appear and Kane is stood watching the titantron in fear. However, stood right behind him, to the delight of Nashville ... is the Undertaker! Wild cheers erupt in the arena as Kane slowly realises and turns around. Undertaker cuts his throat to Kane and then ducks under Kane’s attempted clothesline and scoops his little brother up ... TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! The crowd are going nuts as Undertaker picks up the microphone that Kane dropped and he looks down on Kane who is flat on his back. Undertaker is ready to address his brother ...

THE UNDERTAKER
Next week, it will be the beginning of the end for you, little brother. SMACKDOWN, next week, you, me ... Casket Match!

Huge roars around the arena as Undertaker’s match idea for next week’s SMACKDOWN appears to be a popular one. Taker rolls his eyes as he stands over his fallen brother and he then speaks one more time ...

THE UNDERTAKER
Kane ... Rest ... In ... Peace!

Undertaker drops the microphone and then raises his arms to imitate Kane. He slams his arms down but instead of a red explosion around the arena, there is an explosion of blue instead and then the lights go out. With darkness filling the arena, the crowd cheer for Undertaker’s announcement before a fork of lightning strikes on the stage to bring the lights back on and leave the camera focused on Kane who is sat up in the ring looking fearful ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN vs. RAW 2011!
In stores now!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN returns with Matt Striker in the interview area again and this time he is joined by a dejected looking Matt Hardy ...

MATT STRIKER
Matt, it has been a disappointing evening for you with your loss to Alberto Del Rio earlier tonight. With the Royal Rumble just nine days away, what are your thoughts now?

Hardy doesn’t answer immediately and appears to be thinking carefully about how he is going to answer. He ponders for a moment and then looks to Striker ready to speak ...

MATT HARDY
Matt, a few months ago, I left the WWE for a few weeks to get my head together. I have been here for nearly fifteen years altogether now, I have been through everything here in the WWE. I was part of one of the most exciting tag teams of all time. I have won singles titles on so many occasions I have lost count. I’ve lost loved ones, I’ve watched family leave, I’ve left, I’ve returned. And throughout it all, I have always vowed that ‘Matt Hardy will not die!’ When I came back, I said I was back for another shot, another attempt to become the World Champion, to finally win the big prize. Just like Christian, I was here to finally get my hands on the one thing I desperately wanted more than anything else.

Hardy is obviously finding this difficult and he pauses here for a moment of reflection ...

MATT HARDY
Since I came back, I have managed to challenge for the World Championship at a pay-per-view and I came this close, Matt, this close to winning the title that night. I almost beat Christian at Vengeance, I could have gone to the Royal Rumble to face CM Punk for the World Championship as well. Instead, Michael Cole has reduced me to challenging for the Intercontinental Championship instead, a title that I do not want. All this just so I can get one more shot, a chance to enter the Royal Rumble. In nine days time, I head for Cleveland, Ohio, and it is make or break time for Matt Hardy. If I am ever going to win the ‘big one’ then I need to start right now by winning the Royal Rumble, going to WrestleMania and achieving my dream on the biggest stage of them all, WrestleMania 27!

Hardy looks as if he is trying to convince himself as well as he speaks his mind ...

MATT STRIKER
But Matt, what happens if you don’t win the Royal Rumble?

Hardy considers his response for a moment ...

MATT HARDY
You know what, Matt Striker? That thought hasn’t crossed my mind. All I am concentrating on is winning the Rumble and going to WrestleMania to face ...

????
Oh, please, shut him up, Striker!

Into shot walks the SMACKDOWN General Manager Michael Cole to intense heat from the Nashville branch of the WWE Universe here tonight ...

MICHAEL COLE
Hardy, I am the General Manager here on SMACKDOWN and I make the decisions around here now. I am being fair and entering you for SMACKDOWN into the Royal Rumble, you have your chance to earn a shot at the World Championship ... but let’s face it, Matt, you aren’t going to win it, are you?

Boos for Cole’s words as Hardy looks not too impressed with the General Manager ... Hardy looks to respond but Cole shuts him up and tells him to listen to him instead!

MICHAEL COLE
Be quiet, Hardy, I am speaking now. For weeks, I have had to watch and listen to you as you tell everybody that you’re back in the WWE to win the World Championship and guess what? You haven’t got it done ... AGAIN! Hardy, you are in the Royal Rumble but I can guarantee you one thing. If you lose and you fail to get the shot at the champion at WrestleMania, then you might as well retire. Because you will not be getting another shot at the titles here on SMACKDOWN ...

Cole looks at Hardy as if daring him to respond but Hardy just looks down and shakes his head before turning round and leaving as Cole smirks at Matt Striker and shrugs his shoulders as if to suggest he did nothing wrong ... The cameras return to the ring where Kelly Kelly is already in the ring ahead of the next match of the evening ...

*** HOLLA HOLLA ***

Jacksonville, Florida
KELLY KELLY

Kelly holds her hands up to greet the fans at ringside and she receives a nice cheer before the arrival of her opponent, the new Divas Champion herself ...

*** POURQUOI? ***

Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Divas Champion
MARYSE

Maryse heads out with the Divas Championship around her waist and she holds her hand up to the men in the audience as they try to get her attention. The champion steps through the ropes sexily before handing over her Divas belt to the referee and then proceeding to talk Kelly down in French. Annoyed at Maryse’s arrogance, Kelly rushes over and starts firing right hands at Maryse and this forces the referee to signal for the bell to start the match ...

NON-TITLE MATCH
KELLY KELLY vs. MARYSE

Maryse won the Divas Championship on Tuesday on NXT and she looks to continue with her hot streak as she faces off against Kelly. The popular Kelly starts out fast and she delights the crowd as she takes Maryse down a peg or two with a stink face in the corner but Maryse battles back after a near fall and takes control. Maryse slowly and methodically takes Kelly apart and mocks her as she does. However, Maryse is thrown off guard as Michelle McCool and her henchwoman, Kharma, appear on stage ...

McCool and Kharma stay on the stage and they simply seem to be here to watch the Divas Champion in action. However, the distraction has caused Maryse to be caught by Kelly and she is now stomping a mudhole in the stomach of the Divas Champion. With a real chance to thrust herself into title contention, Kelly appears to be up for this and she hits a superkick that sends Maryse down to the mat with a crash. Kelly makes the cover ...

1 ... 2 ... Maryse kicks out!

A ‘Ooooh!’ echoes out around Nashville as Kelly comes close to a popular victory. Kelly appears to know she was close as she holds her head in disappointment. This momentary lapse causes Maryse to get a stiff kick in to Kelly’s knee from the apron and a slap follows that leaves Kelly clutching her face. Maryse whips Kelly to the ropes and, as she returns, Maryse uses a high knee to knock Kelly down once more. A quick glance to the stage at Michelle McCool and Kharma reassures Maryse that she is in no imminent danger and she grabs Kelly and drags her up ... FRENCH KISS DDT! MARYSE HITS THE DDT TO KELLY!

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
MARYSE (3:19)

The referee hands the Divas Championship belt over to Maryse who warily raises it up in the air to signal that she is the Divas Champion whilst she keeps an eye on Michelle McCool and Kharma on the stage. McCool is sarcastically applauding Maryse for her victory and she is looking down to the Divas Champion in the ring. The crowd appear to be split over who to boo here and they decide to sit back and watch instead as McCool beckons to Kharma and they begin to head for the ring. With Kharma walking with a purpose, McCool leads her into the ring. Maryse, with her title, slips out of the ring instead and edges around the barricades and onto the ramp clearly wanting nothing to do with Kharma. Instead, Kharma grabs the recovering Kelly and she places her in a double handed choke hold before lifting her up high in the air by the throat. An official is demanding Kharma put Kelly down but she ignore this warning and instead hits a double choke hold powerbomb that leaves Kelly broken on her back in the middle of the ring – an extraordinary show of strength from the sidekick of McCool. Michelle pats Kharma on the back before they turn to watch Maryse as she heads out of the arena looking shaken at what she has just seen ...​

 

[GCB]

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***
[YOUTUBE]PwvaCwy51zw[/YOUTUBE]
JEFF HARDY RETURNS!
Coming soon to Friday Night SMACKDOWN!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

(continued)

SMACKDOWN returns with an angry looking Kofi Kingston walking around the corridors backstage, he is clearly looking for somebody. He suddenly breaks out into a run as he enters the parking lot and the cameras follow as he heads towards a rental car. At the open boot of the car is Kofi’s former friend, Big Show, loading his bags into the car and he looks up as Kofi shouts to him to wait. Show looks unimpressed to see Kofi as he heads over ...

BIG SHOW
Kofi, just leave it OK? You don’t wanna’ get hurt, not again!

KOFI KINGSTON
You know what, you need a reality check, Show. For the past few weeks, you’ve had a problem with me and I wanna’ know why, man. You’ve smashed me in the head with a TV monitor, you’ve assaulted me with a steel chair and tonight you tried – and failed – to interfere in my match with Kane. You couldn’t deny me victory, Show, but I need to know something ... Just what is your problem?

Show rubs his face and looks angered slightly by Kofi’s words. He slams the boot shut and advances from behind the car and takes a step towards Kofi who, to his credit, doesn’t back down. Show looks tormented as he speaks ...

BIG SHOW
Kofi, you need to start using your ears. I told you to leave it ... OK?

Show shoves past Kofi and goes to open the car door but Kofi is intent on finding some answers and he kicks the side of the door to slam it shut again. Show looks close to cracking but he retains control and takes a deep breath. He turns to face Kofi once more ...

BIG SHOW
Have you got a death wish or something, Kofi? I told you to leave it and I will not tell you again. Now, get out of my way.

KOFI KINGSTON
You know what, man? You’re not worth it. I know full well why you’ve been attacking me the way you have lately. Jealousy. You know that you career is on the slippery slope ...

The crowd ‘Ooh!’ as Kofi lets rip and Show’s face reddens with anger ...

KOFI KINGSTON
... whilst my career is just taking off. I am the new star here on SMACKDOWN, I am the rising talent. You’re scared that I’m about to jump ahead of you in the queue for the World Championship and it’s eating away inside of you, it is killing you isn’t it, Show?

Show’s rage is bubbling under the surface but again he stays in control and reaches for the handle to the car. He opens the door and Kofi allows it but he steps up on the opposite side of door to face Show right in the face ...

KOFI KINGSTON
Face it, Show ... You’re finished! Your time is up! You’re about to ...

Finally, Big Show cracks and Kofi gets his reaction ... A right hand right in the side of the face that he fails to avoid and Kofi is knocked out cold as the crowd jeer Big Show’s actions once more. Calmly, Show closes the door again and steps over Kofi, kneeling down to look into his unconscious face.

BIG SHOW
You got one thing wrong, Kofi. I don’t fear you, I don’t think you are going to jump ahead of me in the queue. The WWE Universe, these morons here in Nashville, they might think that you’re on a roll and that you’re heading for the stars. But I don’t see it that way – I see it that you’ve got a hell of a lot of potential and that it is now time for me to end that potential right now. This is my year, Kofi, not yours. I’m winning the Royal Rumble and I’m going to WrestleMania whether the WWE Universe like it or not. I’m fed up of seeing guys like you getting a few wins and the WWE Universe going wild for you when I’ve been winning for years and they never ever got fully behind me, did they?

Show stands up and opens the door again. He stoops to climb into the car but then has one more comment to make ...

BIG SHOW
Well, screw them. Screw the WWE Universe ... and screw you, Kofi.

Show climbs into the car and slams the door closed, the dint in the door still showing from where Kofi kicked it earlier. The car speeds off and Kofi is left lying on the hard, concrete floor out cold from the WMD punch delivered by Big Show. Grisham and Foley worry about Kofi and suggest that Big Show might be about to make the youngster’s life a living hell after those comments ... The cameras return to the arena where the crowd look a little shocked at what they just saw and heard from Big Show but they are jolted back into excitement as the music of John Cena hits and it is time for the main event ...

*** MY TIME IS NOW ***

West Newbury, Massachusetts | 240 pounds
JOHN CENA

Cena, dressed in his new black t-shirt that no longer has includes his ‘Hustle, Loyalty, Respect’ slogan, heads for the ring looking unhappy. As normal, he now fails to salute the fans and he runs down to the ring where he stands at the ropes and simply stares out to the crowd with a look of disdain now. He points to himself and clearly is mouthing the words ‘Royal Rumble winner’ to the crowd at ringside who are booing him relentlessly. Cena is handed a microphone and he prepares to address the crowd here in Nashville ...

JOHN CENA
You know, I never ever believed there would be a time when I would come out here and enjoyed hearing those boos.

The boos intensify for Cena but he simply looks around and smirks before beckoning for the Nashville crowd to lay the boos and jeers down on him more. He shakes his head at their attempts to boo him out of the building and then continues ...

JOHN CENA
Pathetic attempt, Nashville, pathetic! For years, I heard those boos build and build, you people never truly appreciated me. All I had to show for my efforts were hundreds, thousands, millions of kids cheering for me, buying my t-shirts, looking up to me. I was the ‘Face of the WWE’ to a bunch of nine and ten year olds – and I hated it.

More jeers as Cena lays it down on the younger members of the WWE Universe ...

JOHN CENA
Kissing babies here, handing out t-shirts to spoilt little brats, being the most requested guy for the ‘Make A Wish’ foundation. I did it with a smile on my face because Vince McMahon told me to and he paid me handsomely to do it.

A shocking revelation from Cena as he reveals his true feelings ...

JOHN CENA
And you know the reasons why Vince McMahon paid me well to do it? He paid me to do it, he paid me to act the way that I did, he paid me to encourage the little people to look up to me and respect me, to buy my merchandise, he paid me to do that ... because there was nobody else that could.

A loud ‘Cena sucks!’ chant sets off and Cena again appears to be loving the reaction of the crowd nowadays ...

JOHN CENA
For years, I really thought I could make a difference to the little children and their lives. Yet, you people, the parents of these children, you expected me to set a good example to your children. You expected me to set the example because you were incapable of doing so and how did you thank me? You booed me.

Cena shakes his head at the thought ...

JOHN CENA
For the past year, I’ve been hearing those boos louder and louder, every night, disrespecting me for trying to set a good example to your children. But there comes a time when all the money in the world can’t compensate for the way you feel. I began to resent you all, the kids, the adults, the whole stinking lot of you.

Huge jeers in the arena ...

JOHN CENA
I told Vince that I wanted out, that I wanted to let rip at you all – yet he convinced me to ignore the critics, ignore the boos, ignore the ‘Five moves of Doom!’ comments ... And do you know why he did that? He did that because he knew there wasn’t another man in the company who could do what I did. He knew that I was the ‘Face of the WWE’ and the so-called ‘Number 2 Face of the WWE’ was never ever going to be up to the job ...

The crowd realise where Cena is heading and an ‘RKO!’ chant begins ...

JOHN CENA
Yeah, that’s him, alright. Randy Orton. The Number 2 face. Unable to get the job done. Unable to connect with the WWE Universe in the way Vince demanded ... But then, Vince sold the WWE to Chip Butty. He reduced the money being paid to me to kiss babies, he reduced the money being paid to me to push my t-shirts ... And when you all decided that Randy Orton should face Wade Barrett alone at Cyber Sunday, I decided right there, right then – I’d had enough.

Cena nods his head and it is clear that he is happier now that he is free from the ‘Face of the WWE’ tag ...

JOHN CENA
When Shawn Michaels handed me the chance, I screwed over Randy Orton just like I should have screwed over all of your hideous children a long, long time ago ...

Intense hatred for Cena from the SMACKDOWN audience now ...

JOHN CENA
You see, Randy Orton, yet again, couldn’t get the job done. He suspected me before Survivor Series, he didn’t trust me – but he couldn’t stop me from losing his WWE Championship. He couldn’t stop me leaving and heading here for SMACKDOWN. And at Vengeance, he couldn’t get the job done again when I pinned his shoulders to the mat ... 1 ... 2 ... 3!

Another ‘RKO!’ chant begins, this time much louder ... Will Orton show up here tonight?

JOHN CENA
I’m not interested in facing Randy Orton no more, I am done with him. I have proven that I am the better man and I am moving on to win the Royal Rumble and then headline WrestleMania once again where I will win the World Championship. I am going to go undefeated for a long, long time, starting tonight against Christian, and there is nothing that Randy Orton can do about it. Chip Butty may have shown weakness and allowed Orton to compete in the Rumble but I will be glad to prove to Orton once and for all that I am the best here on SMACKDOWN, the best in the WWE and the true better man, a man that Orton could never ever live up to.

Boos for Cena and he is smirking proudly now ...

JOHN CENA
I’ve also just been informed by Michael Cole that Chip Butty has called him and he says that next week on Friday Night SMACKDOWN, Randy Orton will be here!

Loud cheers for Orton and Cena milks the cheers ...

JOHN CENA
I’m not afraid, Orton. You don’t scare me, you don’t worry me, you don’t concern me in the slightest. I’m heading into the Royal Rumble in 9 days time and I have one thing on my mind – victory. And I assure you and every other member of the WWE Universe out there that jeered me for the past three years ...

Cena looks round arrogantly ...

JOHN CENA
I will get the job ... done!

‘My Time Is Now’ restarts and Cena tosses away the microphone as Foley and Grisham discuss the comments of Cena. Foley declares that Cena’s comments towards the younger members of the WWE Universe, the ones that spent millions of pounds on Cena merchandise, were disgusting and that he should be ashamed of himself. However, Grisham does defend Cena slightly when he says Cena wasn’t lying about the jeers from the WWE Universe getting louder and louder. Grisham then hypes up tonight’s main event – Cena vs. Christian is up next!

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

ATLANTA, GA
79 DAYS TO GO!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN returns with Cena still in the ring taking abuse from the crowd at ringside but arrogantly rising above it as he awaits his opponent for tonight’s main event match ...

*** CLOSE YOUR EYES ***

Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 227 pounds
CHRISTIAN

Huge pop for the Number 1 contender as he looks for a morale boosting win as he heads into the Royal Rumble and the World Championship match with CM Punk. Grisham and Foley remind us that Christian declared he would beat Cena tonight and that he would prove he was worthy of being the Number 1 contender. Foley also reminds us that Christian invited Punk to head to the ring to witness it firsthand. Christian slaps hands with the WWE Universe as he makes his way to the ring and then he stands on the middle ropes looking out into the crowd for his Peeps who make a lot of noise in response. Both men are prepared for the match and the bell is set to be rung when ...

*** CULT OF PERSONALITY ***

World Heavyweight Champion
CM PUNK

Here comes the World Champion as invited by Christian. Punk saunters towards the ring with the World Championship around his waist and he stops at the foot of the ramp to look up at his opponent, Christian, in 9 days time. However, it isn’t just Christian who has his sights set on Punk and John Cena is also looking towards Punk and speculating that he will win the World Championship in the near future too. Punk smirks and heads round to join Mick Foley and Todd Grisham on commentary as the match begins ...

MAIN EVENT | SINGLES MATCH
CHRISTIAN vs. JOHN CENA

An even contest at first and both men appear to be in great shape heading into the Royal Rumble next Sunday as they look to achieve their major goals – Cena wants a Rumble win, Christian wants to win the World Championship. Foley speculates, to the annoyance of Punk, that if both men get their way next Sunday, we could see this match as the main event at WrestleMania and the pair of them show signs of a WrestleMania worthy main event match. Cena does appear to always be one step ahead of CM Punk’s challenger although the number of glances from Christian towards his Rumble opponent, Punk, might explain that. Cena manages to hit a big Sidewalk Slam to Christian as the match begins to wind a way towards the finish but the Peep’s favourite manages to kick out and sends Cena to the outside of the ring such is his determination to not be beaten tonight. With Cena on the outside, Christian prevents him from returning to the ring as he hits a dropkick to Cena as he is on the apron that sends Cena heading towards the announce table with which he collides heavily. Christian then uses the top rope to leap over into a Plancha that connects with Cena on the outside. There is no time for Christian to celebrate though as he stands up and ends up face to face with the World Champion, CM Punk. Tension fills the arena as Christian and CM Punk try to intimidate each other but this allows Cena time to recover and he whips Christian hard into the barricades instead. Despite the referee’s protests, Cena continues to inflict ‘illegal’ pain on Christian as he shoulder drives him back first into the edge of the ring and Christian is in trouble as Cena rolls him back into the ring and makes the cover ...

1 ... 2 ... Kick out from Christian!

Cena whips Christian into the ropes but Christian ducks the attempted clothesline before hitting a forearm smash of his own. Cena jumps back up quickly but Christian springboards off the ropes and hits a shoulder block that takes Cena down again. Hook of the leg from Christian ...

1 ... 2 ... Cena kicks out easily!

The little flurry from Christian has allowed him time to recover a little and he drags Cena to the corner and launches fists that show Christian’s mean side as he sets his sights on World Championship gold in the near future. Christian thunders Cena hard over and over and the referee seems to be lenient as he threatens Christian twice – finally, Christian relents as CM Punk declares him a coward on commentary for using illegal fists. Foley defends Christian after Cena’s earlier outside activities and an argument begins between the pair as the action in the ring continues with Christian hitting a Flapjack to Cena that crashes him down on his face ... Christian hooks the leg again ...

1 ... 2 ... Cena kicks out once more!

Closer call this time though and Cena is rattled big time as he staggers to his feet and heads for the corner and sanctuary via the referee. Christian is frustrated by this and argues with the ref allowing Cena chance for a cheap shot kick to the gut. Cena uses the ropes for leverage and hits a running snapmare to take Christian down before a low dropkick to the face of Christian again. Cena beckons Christian up but as the Number 1 contender swings a punch, Cena ducks and hits a shoulder block off the rope. Another shoulder block, a third shoulder block and the crowd explode with boos and jeers as Cena launches into his so called ‘5 moves of Doom’ that were once extremely popular but now get the opposite response from the WWE Universe. Christian swings for another clothesline and Cena ducks before hitting the Protoplex to crash Christian down onto the mat on his back ... Five Knuckle Shuffle from Cena! As usual these days, the ‘You can’t see me!’ gesture is aimed at the WWE Universe and his opponent and then he heads for the top rope ... Leg Drop! Christian is laid out with the leg to the back of his neck. Cena pounces with Christian down and he locks it in ... STFU! CENA HAS THE STFU LOCKED IN ON THE NUMBER 1 CONTENDER! CM Punk scoffs on commentary as Christian writhes in pain, the STFU ripping his face back and causing him to cry out in pain ... It appears all is lost and CM Punk is pronouncing that he will have no difficulty defeating Christian at the Rumble when Christian suddenly manages to push over onto his back and rolls both himself and Cena over ... They collide with the ropes and the crowd cheer as the referee breaks the hold – Cena is furious and he confronts the referee about why he has not signalled for the bell.

Foley and Grisham hype up the situation as Cena argues with the ref and Christian recovers in the corner – who will win the match? Will Cena’s undefeated promise end after just one week? Or will the Number 1 contender get a huge momentum boost heading into the Rumble? Cena angrily goes after Christian and fires right hands into the face of a recovering Christian in the corner before dragging him out to the centre of the ring. Christian wobbles and Cena looks around at the WWE Universe with a look of pleasure in his eyes ... He sets up for the FU and lifts Christian to his shoulders ready to hit the move but Christian wriggles clear. A standing dropkick from Christian knocks Cena over once more and the crowd rally with Christian as he waits for Cena to get back up ... As Cena gets to his knees, Christian is in place and ready for locking in the Killswitch when CM Punk suddenly leaves the announce table. Climbing onto the apron, Punk diverts Christian’s attention to himself and he holds the title in the air for Christian to see. Christian reacts by angrily punching Punk hard in the face and knocking the World Champion down to the floor ... However, the diversion costs Christian and Cena takes his chance ... FU! CENA HITS THE FU! Cena hooks the leg ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
JOHN CENA (13:43)

As Cena’s music blasts out, Cena taunts the crowd over another victory and they respond with hatred for him. As he drops down to the mat again, he locks eyes with CM Punk who has climbed into the ring. The pair of them stare each other out and Punk slowly unbuckles the World Championship and raises it high. Cena looks at the title and then back to Punk and nods his head and there appears to be some tension between the two of them here. Christian gets to his knees and this distracts Cena though as he drags Christian up ... He looks to CM Punk and Punk drops the title belt in preparation. Cena forces Christian towards Punk who lifts him onto his shoulders ... GO TO SLEEP! CHRISTIAN IS OUT COLD FROM THE GTS! Punk and Cena look at each other once more and Cena gestures to the World Championship on the mat and then to Punk – it appears he is telling Punk to win his Royal Rumble match and he will see him at WrestleMania. Cena leaves the ring as Punk stands over Christian and he raises the World Championship belt again before looking down at Christian once more ... A bad night for Christian and a potential bad omen for his chances at the Rumble as SMACKDOWN fades out and the show ends another week here in the WWE!

***** END OF SHOW *****


=================================

*** CONFIRMED ***

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – TAG TEAM TURMOIL MATCH
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
CM Punk (c) vs. Christian

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Wade Barrett (c) vs. Triple H

ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
Winner to get shot at the WWE or World Championship at WrestleMania 27!​

 

[IHW]

IHW’s Review

SD! 1-14-11

Cole as GM actually seems interesting.

Matt vs. Rio- I am a fan of Matt Hardy. I have supported him though these times he is going through. I am glad to see him in a valuable booking situation. Even with him loosing the match, he looks good going into the road to ‘Mania. Del Rio looks great here as well.

Punk vs. Mark- The World Champ in the second match is different. A flip here from real-life with Henry as face and Punk as heel. It is refreshing. It was a shortly written match, but I understand time gets in the way. I would like to see your writing for Punk in more depth because it could help me write his matches.

Punk Promo- Punk is gold. Christian vs. Punk is a nice main event feud that we haven’t seen. I like the idea.

Divas Segment- Maryse is sexy, and when she was Divas Champion, she had her best matches. McCool and Kharma are a nice pair. Kharma playing the bodyguard role I’m assuming. This segment is a good way to move the divas in a nice direction without a match. Diva’s getting time like this is rare.

Kane vs. Kingston- Powerhouse vs. Highflyer; I always love these matches. The match writing was good. It seems as if you are building Kane v. ‘Taker for ‘Mania. If so, this was the right way to do it, but the Casket Match so soon throws me off a bit. Kofi gets a nice win making him look good, and Kane gets a nice lead into his next feud. Well done.

Matt Hardy Promo- I learned a lot here about how you have built Hardy. He has become the guy who wants what he wants and will not stop until he gets it. I like that. Hardy main evening WrestleMania I do not buy, but I also didn’t buy The Miz last year until the weeks before WM. If this is the way you go, then I hope you build it where I will buy it. And I think you can.

Diva’s Match- Quick win for Maryse.

Jeff Hardy- Ahh, lots of ways you could go with this. Does he pick up with Punk? Does he help out his brother? Will he be the Anti-Christ of Pro Wrestling? Could he end up in classic matches with the likes of Cena or ‘Taker?

Big Show and Kingston- Kofi is showing a nice aggressive side to him. I think this could be the start of a great main event push. You sould have Show put over Kingston.

Main Event- Starting with the Cena promo. Cena is the complete opposite here of what he is now. Cena plays a good heel here. Mocking the crowds and their hideous kids. Great, and refreshing stuff here from Cena. I enjoyed the heel promo. The match itself was good.

OVERALL- The ending was fitting. I like how multiple options for WrestleMania are kept open, as we are still 79 days away. Matt Hardy and Cena both want to win the Rumble, as do 28 others. Great build here and I am ready for the next GCB SD!

 

[Theo Mays]

Bearded Review

-Alright GCB, it has been awhile since I reviewed the show. Sorry about that big guy. Been busy with work and what not and I haven't been around to review. Not just your show, but others. I still keep up though and always enjoy your work. Lets dance.

-I have a feeling Cole is gonna make a good GM. I feel it and just want to punch him through the screen. I much prefer heel GM's over face ones and Cole is fun to write for as well. Love the intro.

-Hardy/ADR, good match. Both guys looked strong and ADR looks credible as champ with a win over Hardy. I've enjoyed your booking of Matt Hardy and you are making him a viable contender.

-CM Punk winning, correct move. Henry is a tag team guy and has no business winning. CM Punk looks great and that's what matters. Excellent promo post match with him and Christian. Really looking forward to that shindig.

-Kane and Kofi was nice. Kofi wins and continues his nice little roll. Taker with the Gong to distract Kane and it looks like we are going to see the end of Taker/Kane on SD. Big time match, can't wait for that.

-Divas match and Maryse wins, right move seeing as she is the new champ. McCool involved with Kharma and she obviously is gonna get in the hunt soon, you'd think. And Jeff Hardy is returning, cool beans.

-Great string of promo work with Big Show and Kofi and then Cena. Really no flaws at all. And a great main event there with Christian and Cena. Cena wins and he needs it to continue his strong heel run. Christian looks strong and doesn't look bad in losing. Punk gains the upper hand at the end. I expect Christian to strike back next week.

-Overall great show, as always sir. You are the best writer here in terms of overall effectiveness. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the Rumble and the final three shows before hand.

 

[GCB]

*** PREVIEW ***

HBK ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE!

With the Royal Rumble PPV in Cleveland, Ohio, now just six days away, RAW General Manager Shawn Michaels says he has an announcement to make about the WWE Championship match between WWE Champion Wade Barrett and Triple H. Speculation over what the announcement will be is running rife but nobody seems to have a clear idea over what HBK is likely to announce – it’s all just pure speculation for now. What will HBK have to say? Find out on Monday Night RAW!

WHY DID KURT ANGLE REFUSE TO SHAKE TRIPLE H’s HAND?

After he was defeated by Triple H last week, Kurt Angle’s dream of being added to the WWE Championship match were ended once and for all. However, after the match, Angle refused to shake hands with the Number 1 contender Triple H leaving many people wondering over just why the Olympic Hero was upset with the Game. With a long and storied rivalry between them, it was thought that a degree of mutual respect had broken out between the pair of them but Angle last week quashed that idea. Will Angle have an explanation for his actions this week?

TIME FOR THE ‘RAW’ RUMBLE!

Several SMACKDOWN superstars will be heading over to Monday Night RAW to join their RAW counterparts in a 10-man ‘RAW’ Rumble match to take place tonight. There is no prize on offer but all ten men will be looking to show that they are ready for the big match next Sunday as they look to earn a place in the main event of WrestleMania 27. Shawn Michaels has confirmed that the RAW competitors in the match will be the Celtic Warrior Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, former US Champion Daniel Bryan, the current US Champion Justin Gabriel and Alex Riley. Michael Cole on the other hand is keeping the identities of the SMACKDOWN participants secret as he seeks to prove that SMACKDOWN is the Number 1 show in the WWE. Which superstar will be heading to Cleveland with the momentum?

With the Rumble approaching, it is expected that last year’s Royal Rumble winner Edge will once again be confronting the General Manager, HBK. Edge has yet to be deemed worthy of a place in the Rumble after his recent criticisms of the General Manager and his actions at Survivor Series. Will HBK finally relent tonight and include Edge in the Royal Rumble?

RANDY ORTON TO RETURN TO ACTION!

After his reinstatement to the Royal Rumble match last week, Randy Orton returns to action as he faces up to the man who claims that he is the soon to be most ‘must-see WWE Champion of all time’ in The Miz. With his Money in the Bank contract still waiting to be cashed, Miz has set his sights on winning the Rumble in his hometown of Cleveland and vows to use the contract simply as an insurance policy instead. Tonight, Miz looks to prove that he can hang with the very best on RAW as he faces the Viper – both men have a lot to prove heading towards the Rumble. Which man will get the important win?

***CONFIRMED ***

Cryme Tyme vs. Michael Tarver & Husky Harris

The Miz vs. Randy Orton

“RAW” Rumble Match

***** JOIN US FOR MONDAY NIGHT RAW LIVE THIS MONDAY! ***** ​

 

[JamJam]

Jam's Review​

Whoaaa, haven't been here in a while, here's your review GCB. I actually like these pre-recorded messages from Michael Cole. Those moments where you say that he waits for heat or wants the crowd to applaud him are just some of the little attention to detail that you do so good, which I love. Hardy/Del Rio starts off the night and I didn't think Hardy was gonna win anyway. Really good start for Del Rio in his career in the WWE. You're doing it the RIGHT way.

Punk lifts Henry for the GTS?! I do think this has happened in that exact same way, but I'm not really sure. Ironic that Punk vs. Henry happened on the latest episode of RAW, which was epic! Good win for the world champ. Pretty basic exchange between Punk and Christian and it was really good. I like that you're playing off Punk's gimmick of being straight-edge as it hasn't really been seen, keeping him tweener in the process. Christian probably won't win at RR but I hope you have plans for him coz Christian is one hell of a superstar, one of my favorites.

Oooooh damn, Maryse. Uhh, anyway, she's a pretty alright in-ring performer but nowhere close to Layla, McCool, and Kharma. It's interesting to have Kharma as McCool's lackey since Kharma actually took out McCool irl. But I really don't think McCool needs Kharma cause she's one fine athlete. Nonetheless, the Divas division is heating up!

Brothers of Destruction, I love it! But damn, a casket match on SD? That's gotta be on a pay-per-view if you ask me. These two can bring nothing but success to Smackdown, so keep that up. Oh and look, another win for Kofi, yay!

Harsh decision made by Cole there, ohwell. Hardy to Raw! And finally we have a Big Show heel turn.

That promo by Cena, wow. Just perfect GCB. Sometimes, I really do think Cena feels this way coz damn, why the hell would you boo him but that's what makes Cena so great. Hell, it seems he turned heel by turning face tonight on RAW if you know what I mean. But anyway, great promo by Cena, promo of the night so far.

Main event was great. Another Christian/Cena match and I'd love to see these two go at it in real life. You come up with scenarios where the person who loses momentum doesn't actually look bad and that's pretty hard to do, but not in your case. So kudos for that. Overall, another good show GCB. There isn't one show that you haven't put up a decent one. We got the main storylines with Punk/Christian and Cena/Orton advancing while we await the new ones with Big Show/Kofi, 'Taker/Kane, and what comes of Matt Hardy.

 

[GCB]

Monday January 17th, 2011 | Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky

RAW begins with a live shot of the RAW General Manager stood in front of a red RAW background with a smile. He is ready to record a message for the WWE Universe to open the show – sound familiar? – but it seems that HBK is doing his live with the sound of the WWE Universe cheering in the background. However, HBK doesn’t realise that the live feed has begun ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Are we on yet? Are we ready? We’re due to go live any sec ... What? We’re ... ?

HBK straightens up and looks directly at the camera with a cheesy grin that makes the RAW crowd in Lexington laugh ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night RAW live from Lexington, Kentucky!

Huge, live cheers for HBK as he addresses the WWE Universe in the same way as a certain SMACKDOWN General Manager has been doing in recent weeks ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Now, I realise that I can’t possibly live up to the thrills and spills of the opening video that Michael Cole shoots ahead of SMACKDOWN each Friday but I thought I’d give it a go and see what all the fuss was about. Now, let me introduce myself, I am the Heart Break Kid, Mr. WrestleMania, the ‘Showstopper’ ... the RAW General Manager, Shawn Michaels.

Pop from the crowd and a ‘HBK!’ chant begins ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Now, I’m not a vintage broadcaster like Mr. Cole over on SMACKDOWN but I am in charge around here, the Sheriff of the show so to speak. Although we here on Monday Night RAW cannot claim to be the Number 1 show here in the WWE, I hope I can muster a vaguely passable show for you all tonight as we are six nights away from the start of the ‘Road to WrestleMania’ and the Royal Rumble event!

Michaels grins as the ‘HBK!’ chant gets louder and he pauses to allow it to end ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Now I expect you all cannot wait for SMACKDOWN on Friday but, for now at least, you’ll have to put up with my RAW show. Now I’m not going to tell you about all the great things I did last week ... Probably because there weren’t any, to be honest. But I am going to make an ... Sorry? Who wants to ... We’re live here, aren’t we? Now I know why Michael Cole records these things!

More laughs from the WWE Universe as HBK turns to speak to some technician behind the cameras. Into shot walks Michelle McCool and the camera pulls back to show that she is accompanied by Kharma again. Michaels looks slightly perturbed that his live address is being spoilt ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Michelle ... What do you want?

MICHELLE McCOOL
I’m sorry to interrupt Shawn but this is important. I need to know now ... Have you heard anything back yet?

HBK looks puzzled for a moment and then realises what she is talking about ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Oh right, yeah, that. No, sorry Michelle, I haven’t. Maybe next week, hey?

Michelle looks annoyed and she fixes HBK with a glare ...

MICHELLE McCOOL
You have remembered to get in touch haven’t you? You are trying to get me an answer?

HBK looks at her with an innocent look on his face ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Yes, yes, yes I have! I just haven’t had a response yet! Now, go away and let me finish my live broadcast to the WWE Universe ...

McCool looks annoyed still but she turns and walks out of shot and the camera settles back into place on HBK as he sits up straight once more ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Right – where was I? Oh yes, announcement. WWE Championship. Royal Rumble. The WWE Champion, Wade Barrett, this Sunday, will face Triple H and he will be defending the WWE Championship. Now, I know what many people are saying – how can Triple H win if the fight isn’t fair? And I agree. For the past few months, Wade has been picking up some questionable wins thanks to his Nexus friends ... So here is what I propose to do about it. Tonight’s main event will feature any three members of Nexus that Wade Barrett chooses – and he can choose himself if he wishes – to compete in a 3 vs. 2 Handicap Match. Their opponents will be Triple H and a partner of his choosing. Should Hunter and his partner win the match, Nexus will be banned from ringside at the Royal Rumble, in fact, they will all be banned from the arena altogether other than Barrett himself. No arena, no pay-per-view, no interfering in the title match and no Royal Rumble match even!

Cheers for the announcement that HBK has been hyping up for the past few days ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Also tonight, we will see the “RAW Rumble” – a ten man Battle Royale featuring five men from RAW and five men from SMACKDOWN. Unfortunately, that does mean that we are expecting Michael Cole to show up any moment now – maybe he could give me some advice on my opening video? Anyway, Cole will be here tonight, prepare yourselves ...

Boos for the impending arrival of Cole ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
... but hey, at least you get to see the Number 1 show and its competitors instead of the usual rubbish I serve up here on RAW, don’t you?

Sarcastic comments from HBK who has clearly being listening to Cole’s comments before the recent SMACKDOWN events ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
With that being said, it is now time for me to stop wasting your time and to get the show started! Welcome to Monday Night RAW ... Enjoy the show!

HBK salutes the crowd and there are cheers from the crowd here in Lexington before the RAW credits roll and RAW officially begins ...

***** BURN IT TO THE GROUND *****

*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***

As the cameras spin around the arena, JR and King hype up tonight’s events – the main event appears to excite them both as it provides Triple H with the chance to earn a one on one shot at the WWE Championship this Sunday rather than the usual Nexus interference that has clouded so many of Wade Barrett’s victories recently. King suggests that Barrett might have to fight for himself this Sunday if things go wrong tonight – JR says he would like to see that!

*** TIME TO PLAY THE GAME ***

TRIPLE H

Huge pop for the Number 1 contender and the ever-popular Triple H as he makes his way towards the ring in his street attire. He is looking pleased with the announcement of HBK that just went down and he looks confident ahead of his first WWE Championship match for almost two years this Sunday night at the Royal Rumble. Hunter swallows some water and stands on the apron before spraying it into the sky before saluting the fans who are eager to hear what he has to say tonight. Hunter takes a microphone and stands central in the ring ready to speak as his music fades away ...

TRIPLE H
You know, it’s been a long time since I held the WWE Championship ...

A mix of cheers for the fact that Hunter challenges this Sunday and boos that he hasn’t been champion for a while. HHH smirks before continuing ...

TRIPLE H
For whatever reason, be it injuries or a lack of opportunities, I haven’t felt WWE gold in my hands for far too long. This Sunday night, at the Royal Rumble, I have the opportunity to change all that and become the fourteen time World Champion when I face Wade Barrett for the WWE Championship.

Cheers this time for Hunter’s comments ...

TRIPLE H
And you all know that I will be going out there, whatever the circumstances, to give Wade Barrett the beating of his life and to force him to honour that WWE Championship. If Wade Barrett wants to leave Cleveland with the WWE Championship, he’d better make sure he is ready to play the Game ...

Cheers from the WWE Universe ...

TRIPLE H
But that isn’t why I’m out here, right now. I’m out here to address what happened after the main event last week on RAW. Now it’s common knowledge that Kurt Angle and myself have had problems in the past but, since his return to the WWE last month, I have tried to respect Kurt and let bygones be bygones. However, last week, after I defeated him, Kurt refused to shake my hand. Despite the fact that I was the man who said we should face each other last week, despite the fact that I offered Kurt one final and fair chance to get himself into the title match at the Rumble, Kurt refused to shake my hand and he ...

*** MEDAL ***

KURT ANGLE

Triple H is interrupted and the Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle, the man who Hunter is speaking off, heads out towards the ring looking determined. He salutes the crowd and climbs into the ring where he holds a hand out to Triple H to get him to hold off for a moment whilst he gets a microphone ...

KURT ANGLE
Turn my music off, turn it off ... Hunter! Look, before you say anymore, let me apologise. I was disappointed, last week. Since I returned to the WWE, I have been desperate to end the title reign of Wade Barrett. In my opinion, he is a disgrace to the locker room, he is a disgrace to this company and his title reign taints the WWE Championship. The way he won it and the way he defends it – could you ever imagine the likes of Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mick Foley defending it in that way?

Pop for the mention of WWE legends from Angle ...

KURT ANGLE
I’ve been watching Wade Barrett with that title for the past months and it eats away at me inside. I am ashamed that Barrett is the champion and all I want to do is stop him from being the champion. Last week on RAW, I had the chance to earn my place in the title match – but I lost. I wanted to be the man to defeat Wade Barrett and end his time as the WWE Champion but I failed to earn my place in the match.

Angle looks disappointed in himself but he carries on ...

KURT ANGLE
Hunter, you’re right. After what we’ve been through, we’re never likely to be bosom buddies but I do respect you. I respect everything you’ve achieved in this business, Hunter, and I respect that you beat me last week and earned your match with Barrett. I was just disappointed ...

Angle looks down and shakes his head ...

KURT ANGLE
... As disappointed as I have ever been. I wanted to end the reign of Wade Barrett ... and now I won’t.

Triple H nods his head and seems to be in understanding with the man he faced last week, he reaches over to show this understanding and the pair of them shake hands now instead. The crowd cheer this moment as Angle and Hunter show that they understand each other ...

TRIPLE H
Hey Kurt, I understand completely. There is nothing in the world that I want to do more right now that end the WWE Championship reign of Wade Barrett. And this Sunday, I plan on doing just that ... but maybe ... maybe, you could help me ...

Cheers from the WWE Universe as they realise what is coming here ...

TRIPLE H
Kurt, the only way that Wade Barrett could possibly beat me this Sunday ... and even that is questionable, the only way he could beat me would be if Nexus were allowed down to the ring. In tonight’s main event, I need a partner ... What do you say?

Cheers for this announcement as Kurt Angle looks around to the WWE Universe pointing to himself and questioning whether or not he should team with Triple H this evening ...

KURT ANGLE
Man, that sounds like a plan to me! Tonight, we team up and eliminate Nexus from the WWE Championship match – then all you’ve got to do is beat Wade Barrett. Count me in!

‘Medal’ echoes around the arena as Hunter and Angle shake hands once more and they show that they are ready to embark on the beginning of the end for Wade Barrett tonight in the main event. JR and King hype up the idea that even if three members of Nexus are facing them, how could any three of them be able to defeat the Game and the Olympian?

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

RAW returns with RAW’s newest tag team, Husky Harris and Michael Tarver, in the ring preparing for their first match tagging together. The pair of them, not favourites with the Kentucky crowd, are looking around menacingly as they await their opponents as JR and King remind us of the reaction from Nexus leader Wade Barrett last week when he mocked Tarver for forming this team ...

*** BRINGIN’ DA HOOD TO U ***

Brooklyn, New York | 525 pounds
CRYME TYME

The exciting tag team combination of Shad Gaspart and JTG bound out onto the stage and dance their way towards the ring as the crowd greet them warmly. Cryme Tyme, JR reminds us, will challenge for the Tag Team Championships at the Royal Rumble when they face Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins as well as four other teams in a Tag Team Turmoil match – King points out that their recent win over the Usos means that they will also enter the match later and stand a better chance of winning the titles. As Cryme Tyme prepare to get started, JR reminds us that we will see the debut of the British Empire team this Tuesday on NXT as they look to defeat the Hart Dynasty and earn themselves a later entry into the match as well.

MATCH 1 | TAG TEAM MATCH
CRYME TYME vs. HUSKY HARRIS & MICHAEL TARVER

A fast paced first contest of the evening as the debutants look to prove that they are capable of competing with one of the fancied tag teams for the Tag Team Championship this Sunday. The brute force of Husky proves to be an important tool in the early stages as he works over JTG and squashes him in the corner of the ring before making the tag to Tarver. Tarver is more technical but he also has a mean right hand when he needs it as he continues to keep JTG away from his big partner, Shad. However, as always happens, JTG does manage to escape and cause confusion in the end and he tags in Shad who runs roughshod over Tarver and then Harris in turn. A big boot to the jaw of Tarver takes him down before the tag to JTG allows the Brooklyn native to enter and go after the weakened Tarver. He locks in a sleeper hold, Shad hits a big boot to Husky Harris as he looks to prevent JTG and this allows JTG to hit ‘Da Shout Out’ as he slams Tarver’s head and back down hard into the mat. He makes an unorthodox cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
CRYME TYME (3:38)

Cryme Tyme celebrate their victory and then head out of the ring looking confident as they head towards the Royal Rumble. However, Harris and Tarver both look around disappointedly as they come to terms with the fact that their first match in the Tag Team division has ended in a defeat ... The cameras switch to the backstage area where a limo pulls up in the parking lot with the SMACKDOWN logo plastered on the side of it. The limo comes to a halt and JR and King speculate over who Michael Cole may well have brought with him tonight to face the five RAW superstars in the ‘RAW Rumble’ later tonight. The door is opened and out steps the smug, grinning Michael Cole who straightens his tie before beckoning to somebody else to join him.

JERRY LAWLER
Who is it?

More time passes to build up the appearance of ... JOHN CENA!

JERRY LAWLER
What the hell?!

JIM ROSS
Oh, man, this is going to be a very interesting night here on RAW!

Cole and Cena stand together with proud grins on their face as they survey the backstage area amidst large boos and jeers from the crowd here in Kentucky. Cole clicks his fingers and six burly security guards immediately appear around Cole and Cena and it is clear that they are taking no chances here tonight as they appear on the same show as Randy Orton. JR hypes up the fact that after the next break, Randy Orton will be in action as he goes one on one with the Awesome Miz!

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

CATCH NXT SEASON 3 THIS TUESDAY NIGHT!
Week 4 – What will be the fallout from the first NXT rankings of Week 3?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK *** ​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

RAW returns with replays of the arrival of SMACKDOWN General Manager Michael Cole and John Cena who is appearing here on RAW despite the presence of Randy Orton who Cena has had issues with for weeks and months now. JR suggests that the situation is volatile and that this could be a deliberate ploy from Cole and Cena to try and rile Orton into doing something stupid tonight that will cost him his place in the Royal Rumble ...

*** AWESOME – I CAME TO PLAY ***

Cleveland, Ohio | 220 pounds | Money in the Bank contract holder
THE MIZ

With the ‘Money in the Bank’ contract in his briefcase as usual, Miz heads out with a swagger as he prepares to face Orton next here on RAW. King isn’t a fan of Miz and says that Miz’ recent comments about winning the Royal Rumble in his home town of Cleveland, Ohio, this Sunday might come back to bite Miz on the backside if he fails to back up his words. However, the voice of reason, JR, points out that Miz has been on a superb roll as of late and that he should not be counted out as a potential Royal Rumble winner. Miz climbs into the ring and looks around smugly as King suggests that he might begin to believe in Miz a little more should be defeat Randy Orton here tonight!

*** VOICES ***

St. Louis, Missouri | 245 pounds
RANDY ORTON

The crowd explode at the arrival of the Viper as he heads out looking furious – he is clearly aware of Cena’s presence in the arena tonight. Orton’s usual methodical pace towards the ring has gone as he spins this way and that looking out for his nemesis, Cena, and King speculates that the Viper needs to focus on Miz not Cena here tonight. Orton steps into the ring whilst looking back and around him and this gives Miz the perfect opening as he makes the jump and starts the match early ...

MATCH 2 | SINGLES MATCH
THE MIZ vs. RANDY ORTON

Orton appears to be distracted in the early stages of the contest and, from one of these hesitant moments, Miz manages to catch Orton off guard with a well placed swinging neckbreaker that gives him the upper hand. Miz holds control of the contest as he looks to continue the impressive momentum he has built over the past few months heading into Cleveland this Sunday. However, Miz makes an error when he goes flying into the corner for a clothesline to Orton but misses and eats the turnbuckles instead. Spinning around, he walks into Orton who hits a belly to belly suplex and buys himself a little time to recover from the early punishment he has taken. Miz looks to take a walk outside the ring but Orton goes after him and reverses an attempted whip from Miz to send the Money in the Bank contract holder flying shoulder first into the steel ringsteps to the delight of the crowd. As Miz slowly climbs back up onto the apron, Orton slides under the ropes into the ring and catches Miz coming in through the ropes with a kick to the chest. With Miz hung up on the middle rope, Orton plants him down face first into the mat with a devastating DDT that leaves the crowd rallying behind Orton. He falls to the mat and begins pounding his fists on the apron as he readies himself for the RKO when ...

*** MY TIME IS NOW ***

West Newbury, Massachusetts | 240 pounds
JOHN CENA

Tension floods through the arena as John Cena – accompanied by SMACKDOWN General Manager Michael Cole and six security personnel – heads out onto the stage. Orton is staring out from the middle of the ring now at the stage and he is fuming with rage as he stares towards Cena who is grinning in a mocking fashion to the Viper. JR and King are reminding us of Orton’s issues with Cena – losing his WWE Title, interfering in his rematch and then taking the coward’s way out of their Vengeance match – as Orton makes to exit the ring. He drops through the rope and begins to walk up the ramp when the security guards stand in the way. Cole is demanding that Orton return to the ring and reminds him of the promise made to him if he attacks Cena. Orton stops in his tracks and considers his actions before slowly turning back towards the ring. The referee is at 8 and Orton has to sprint back into the ring to avoid the countout defeat. He ducks under a clothesline from Miz and hits a running power slam to his opponent that leaves him laid out on the mat again. Orton begins to set for the RKO once again but still the distraction of Cena and his team – now halfway down the ramp – is playing havoc with Orton. Up staggers Miz and Orton looks to pounce but Miz, who cleverly took his time to return to his feet, shoves him away towards the ropes to escape. Orton stops at the ropes and stares over towards Cena again who is daring Orton to attack him. Orton ignores Cena and turns round once more but he has wasted too much time here – clothesline from Miz. As Orton looks to quickly get back up, Miz hits a running knee lift and follows up with a reverse neckbreaker, the Mike Check, that leaves Orton writhing in pain on the mat. Miz begins to stalk Orton like the Viper was doing to him prior to Cena’s arrival ... Up gets Orton ... SKULL CRUSHING FINALE! MIZ HITS THE SKULL CRUSHING FINALE TO ORTON! Miz makes the cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
THE MIZ (7:32)

Intense jeers for Miz as he celebrates his victory – a huge win for Miz heading to the Rumble – but a tragic defeat for Orton as he suffers more misery at the hands of Cena here tonight. Cena and his entourage back away up the ramp and Cena is laughing as he walks alongside the SMACKDOWN General Manager Cole as Orton looks on in disbelief from the centre of the ring. Orton watches Cena for a moment and then decides that he has had enough and storms through the ropes and up the ropes after Cena. As Orton disappears from view, Miz is shown with his hand raised as JR and King speculate on what might happen to Orton as he heads after Cena.

The camera suddenly switches backstage and we see Cena and Cole and the security men heading down a passage when a shout from behind them tells us that Orton is there. The camera shows Orton trying to push past several WWE officials, HBK and Chip Butty included, to get towards Cena. As he approaches the SMACKDOWN superstar though, Orton is held up by Cena’s security and Cena manages to get away to the frustration of Orton. HBK and Butty both stand beside the Viper and they are telling him to calm down and get himself under control although he looks like he wants to kill Cena right now.

CHIP BUTTY
Randy, Randy. Look, I’ve told you before, you cannot go after Cena, you need to calm down! Listen to me, Randy, listen to me now!

Orton’s icy glare turns towards Butty who trembles a little for a moment but the Viper does calm down a little and he smirks. He shakes his head before replying to Butty ...

RANDY ORTON
Calm down, listen to you, you want me to be a good little Randy Orton do you? Let me tell you something, Butty, I don’t care what you say or do, I am going to get my hands on John Cena and I am going to make him pay for every low down trick he has pulled on me. When I get hold of Cena, he is going to wish he’d never heard the name Randy Orton ...

Butty composes himself and straightens up into an official pose as he prepares to say something in response ...

CHIP BUTTY
That may be what you think will happen, Randy, I know differently though. John Cena and yourself are on different brands and tonight, Cena, from SMACKDOWN, is a guest here on RAW. You will not touch him, Randy, you won’t ...

Orton raises an eyebrow towards Butty as if daring him to try and stop him ...

CHIP BUTTY
You won’t, Randy, I sign your pay cheques, damnit, I say you will not touch Cena tonight. Tonight, when Cena heads out for the ‘RAW Rumble’ then you will not appear, Randy, or else, this Sunday, I will make you Number 1 entrant in the Rumble ...

Orton looks dismayed at this idea and is furious with Butty but knows he has to regain control here ...

CHIP BUTTY
... and I will make John Cena the Number 30 entrant. Furthermore, Randy, furthermore, if you continue the way you are doing tonight, I will be forced to reverse my decisions from last week. This is MY company, Orton, my word goes. I advise you to go home and prepare yourself for this Friday night when you will be appearing on SMACKDOWN ...

Orton fumes as Butty walks away and RAW heads into another commercial ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

ATLANTA, GA
76 DAYS TO GO!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

RAW returns with Matt Striker stood backstage in the interview pit where he waiting to introduce his next guests ... The British Empire! Into shot come William Regal, Finlay and Mason Ryan who are dressed in red, white and blue with the Union Jack flag being carried by Regal ...

MATT STRIKER
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time ... The British Empire!

Regal waves the Union Jack flag whilst looking down his nose into the camera in disgust. He looks to Striker expectantly waiting for a question although he is clearly mocking the interviewer ...

MATT STRIKER
Mr. Regal, you and your team will debut tomorrow night on NXT when you face off against the Hart Dynasty to earn a late entry into Sunday’s Tag Team Turmoil match. But the WWE Universe wanna’ know – which two of you will be teaming up?

Regal laughs at Striker’s question and nudges Finlay in the ribs before pointing to Striker and laughing some more. Finlay also fakes a laugh whilst Mason Ryan retains a stoic focused look stood behind the two veterans ... However, Striker doesn’t laugh back and Regal mocks surprise that Striker appears to be serious about the question ...

WILLIAM REGAL
You actually expect me to answer that question, young man?

Striker nods his head in response and Regal straightens up his face still appearing surprised at the question ...

WILLIAM REGAL
Well, my word, honestly, Matthew, do you really think that I’m going to tell you that? After all, tomorrow night on NXT, the Hart Dynasty will be facing two of us in a match! Why would we give them an advantage by telling them who they will be facing?

Striker laughs uncomfortably and realises that he was never likely to get a truthful response from the WWE’s newest stable. Regal continues ...

WILLIAM REGAL
You see, Matthew, the Hart Dynasty could be facing any two of our team tomorrow night and we aren’t quite ready to spoil that little surprise for them just yet. They could be facing my friend, Finlay, a man who comes from the mean streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland. For years, the WWE has had Finlay running around with a leprechaun, dressed in green and pretending to be Irish. This man has been besmirched for a long time but now he is part of the Empire and he will get chance to avenge that frustration.

Finlay nods his head and looks incensed at the idea of being thought of as Irish when he is actually Northern Irish ...

WILLIAM REGAL
Maybe we will use Mason Ryan, the Welsh Dragon?

An intense looking Ryan stares into the camera as Regal continues to speak about the Empire’s possible plans ...

WILLIAM REGAL
This young man is from Cardiff in Wales and for the past few years I have been watching him carefully. He is a monster, a powerhouse, he has masses of potential and he is proud of being from Wales and proud to be from Great Britain. I believe that this man will be a future champion here in the WWE, Matthew, however, his first steps on the road to immortality will be with the British Empire ...

Regal slaps his new protégé on the back and Ryan snarls into the camera as Finlay guides the microphone towards him instead ...

FINLAY
As for William Regal, the other five tag teams better be worried about him. Mr. Regal has done it all in the world of wrestling, he has my full respect after we had many battles in the past. Any British Empire team with William Regal would be more than capable of destroying the tag team division here in the WWE ...

Regal holds up his hands in modesty before shaking hands with the Northern Irish brawler, Finlay. The microphone is returned to Regal as he looks back to the camera ...

WILLIAM REGAL
Tomorrow night, Hart Dynasty, it doesn’t matter whether it is Finlay and Mason, Mason and myself or Finlay and myself, the result will be the same. The British Empire, for Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth the Second, will defeat you and we will head to the Royal Rumble this Sunday. And when we get there, sunshines, we will be successful, we will become the Tag Team Champions.

Finlay waves the Union Jack flag once again as Ryan continues to stare into the camera, Regal smirks and smiles before finishing ...

WILLIAM REGAL
This one is for you, Your Majesty. Rule Britannia!

Loud boos around the Kentucky arena as the WWE Universe show their feelings about the British Empire. However, there is a note of concern in the voice of Jerry Lawler as he tells us how tough Regal and Finlay are, JR adds some information about the power of Mason Ryan and both speculate on whether the Tag Team Championships could be in danger this Sunday.

The cameras switch to the General Manager office and we see Shawn Michaels pacing around the office with Michael Cole sat down on the couch behind him. HBK looks to the SMACKDOWN General Manager who has caused all the headaches for him tonight by bringing John Cena ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
I just don’t understand, Cole, why you had to bring him. You could have brought anybody here tonight from SMACKDOWN, you didn’t need Cena. Look at the trouble you’ve caused ...

Cole is about to retort when the door of the office suddenly crashes open and in storms the Rated R Superstar Edge. He walks to HBK and stands inches from him looking annoyed ...

EDGE
So, Shawn, what do you want? I hope it is what I think it is.

HBK looks to Edge and smirks ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
You know what, Edge? No it isn’t what you think it is. I’m sick of people here tonight who think they can say and do whatever they please. Fact is, you still haven’t convinced me that you deserve to be in the Royal Rumble and I won’t hand you a place in the Rumble just because you demand one. If you want to be in the ...

Cole interrupts all of a sudden ...

MICHAEL COLE
Edge isn’t in the Royal Rumble? The Rated R Superstar? Well, that is interesting, Shawn ...

HBK turns his attention towards Cole ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Listen, Cole, just stay out of this, this is RAW business!

MICHAEL COLE
Far be it from me to criticise, Shawn, I just can’t understand why you’ve got the 2010 Royal Rumble winner here on RAW and you’re not entering him into the 2011 Rumble. If he was on SMACKDOWN ...

HBK cuts in on Cole ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
But he isn’t on SMACKDOWN, Cole, shut your mouth!

EDGE
Mr. General Manager, I think he has a point. I’ve been telling you that for weeks! Maybe I should be looking to leave RAW and head to SMACKDOWN instead?

Cole smirks to HBK and it is clear that he was looking for this reaction from Edge ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
Edge, you’re going nowhere. But I tell you what you will do, tonight, you will face John Morrison one on one. And if you win, fairly, then you will advance to the Royal Rumble this Sunday. But Edge, I am warning you, if you cheat in any way, if you beat Morrison in any way other than fair and square, then I will reverse the decision again. Do you understand?

Edge slides his hand back through his hair, looking moderately pleased and confident ...

EDGE
Michaels, I will go out and defeat John Morrison and earn my place in the Rumble. As the winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble, I should never have to qualify for the Rumble match ever again but if that is what you want, Michaels, that’s what I will do.

Edge stares at HBK before turning and leaving the office. SMACKDOWN General Manager Michael Cole smirks at HBK before returning to the couch and sitting down with a grin on his face ... The cameras return to the ring where JR and King discuss the chance that Edge will get to earn his spot in the Royal Rumble ...

*** AIN’T NO MAKE BELIEVE ***

Los Angeles, California | 224 pounds
JOHN MORRISON

As Morrison ‘slo-mo’ makes his way towards the ring, the commentary team discuss the improvements made by Morrison in the past year and suggest that he could be a danger in the Rumble this Sunday. King says that Morrison’s agility could be an advantage as it will make him difficult to eliminate from the Rumble before comparing him to the likes of Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio who have won the Rumble previously. JR disagrees with King though and suggests that there are so many big, powerful guys in the Rumble this year, Morrison’s agility might not be enough to save him from the sharks when the match nears the end ...

*** METALINGUS ***

Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 241 pounds
EDGE

A determined looking Edge heads out to the ring and it appears that he knows that this is the last chance saloon as far as his chances of defending his Royal Rumble crown go. JR asks King, as Edge points to the rafters and the pyro explodes behind him, whether or not he believes that Edge can win the Rumble for a second straight year? King suggests that Edge has proven he can win it and that, if he gets a favourable draw, he has the experience to pull it off again this year and earn the right to head for WrestleMania and challenge for the title – he just needs to make it first.

MATCH 3 | SINGLES MATCH
EDGE vs. JOHN MORRISON
(if Edge wins, he will qualify for the Royal Rumble)

An even contest that sees Edge being careful not to get involved with any actions that may lead to a disqualification as he knows that he has to win this match tonight to make it to the Rumble. However, Morrison has been on a roll lately and it appears that he wants to ensure that Edge isn’t in the Rumble match. As the match heads towards the conclusion, Edge has control and he hits an Electric Chair drop to Morrison that forces his opponent to reach out and grab the bottom rope to beat the 3-count. Edge sets himself and looks like he is going to hit the Spear – however, Morrison avoids it and as Edge collides with the corner, Morrison rolls him up into a schoolboy pinfall but Edge just about escapes at 2! Morrison hits a running knee strike to the side of the head of the Rated R Superstar and this lays Edge out in the corner. As the crowd get excited, Morrison realises that he has a chance to end Edge’s Rumble chances. He leaps up onto the top rope, spins over ... STARSHIP PAIN! MORRISON HITS EDGE WITH STARSHIP PAIN – EDGE’s RUMBLE CHANCES ARE OVER! Morrison hooks the leg of Edge and the referee counts ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

Wait a minute!

Edge’s hand had reached out and grabbed the bottom rope! The Rated R Superstar saves himself from being eliminated from the Royal Rumble six days before it begins! Morrison holds his head after coming so close to eliminating one of the main competition for the main event spot at WrestleMania but he steps back and allows Edge up ready to hit another kick. However, Edge ducks the roundhouse kick and connects with a drop kick of his own ... Edge prepares again ... SPEAR! EDGE HITS THE SPEAR!

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
EDGE (8:11)

Edge celebrates wildly in the corner after he finally managed to get the fair victory that confirms his spot in the Rumble and the chance to win it for the second successive year. He demands to be handed a microphone as ‘Metalingus’ is faded out so he can speak ...

EDGE
There you go, Michaels! Reverse that decision!

Boos ring out around the arena and Edge throws his head back and laughs out loud to himself before continuing ...

EDGE
Whether you people like it or not, whether Shawn Michaels likes it or not, I am going to Cleveland this Sunday, I will be in the Royal Rumble and I will win it for the second year in a row! And at WrestleMania 27, I will be the new WWE Champion ... If you don’t believe me, watch this!

Edge tosses the microphone away once more and rushes over the ring again to hit another Spear to Morrison who has only just got back to his feet. Edge kneels over the prone body of Morrison now with a wicked look on his face, the evil, mean streak of the Rated R Superstar is showing once again and JR and King suggest that it could take him all the way to WrestleMania yet again!

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

CATCH SMACKDOWN LIVE THIS FRIDAY!
The Undertaker challenges his brother, the Devil’s Favourite Demon, to a Casket Match!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

RAW returns with the WWE Champion Wade Barrett walking alone down a corridor backstage and JR tells us that he is heading out to address the WWE Universe as he prepares for the WWE Championship match with Triple H this Sunday night. As he walks round a corner, he walks into the pair of Michael Tarver and Husky Harris, RAW’s newest tag team, who lost their debut match on RAW earlier tonight ...

WADE BARRETT
Ah, Mr. Tarver! How nice to see you again with your new friend, Mr. Harris! I saw your match earlier boys ...

Tarver and Harris exchange glances to each other as Barrett laughs to himself ...

WADE BARRETT
I guess you’ve got a long way to go still, haven’t you boys?

Laughing, Barrett readjusts the title on his shoulder and walks past the pair who look at each other with a look of annoyance in their eyes ... The camera switches to Josh Mathews who is standing by ready for an interview ...

JOSH MATHEWS
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time ... The Miz!

Into shot moves Miz – he is now dressed in a smart suit after defeating Orton earlier – and he smirks at the camera, a confident but arrogant look in his eyes ...

JOSH MATHEWS
Miz, earlier tonight, you picked up yet another huge win over Randy Orton. Next up for you, the Royal Rumble match in your hometown ... Your thoughts?

Miz looks incredulously at Mathews before speaking ...

THE MIZ
Josh Mathews, you’ve had at least half an hour since my match ended and that is the best question you can think of? Years and years of experience in the WWE as a commentator and an interviewer and the best you can do is ... “Your thoughts?”

Mathews looks uncomfortable as Miz mocks his interview skills but he holds the microphone steadfast waiting for an answer ...

THE MIZ
Josh, you saw tonight how much of a roll the Miz is on. Randy Orton. Daniel Bryan. John Morrison. They have all fell victim to me over the past few weeks, they have all had their faces smashed into the mat, they have all felt my ‘Skull Crushing Finale’ and they have all been beaten ... 1 ... 2 ... 3. The Royal Rumble is now just six days away and I am ready, Josh, I am ready to prove everybody wrong once again, I am ready to earn a WrestleMania main event spot in my home town, Cleveland, Ohio, I am ready to become a WWE legend ...

Mathews half mumbles another question to Miz as he spirals off ...

THE MIZ
I beg your pardon, Josh?

Mathews looks hesitant to repeat the question but he summons up the guts to do it ...

JOSH MATHEWS
Some people would say that you were going to get beaten tonight had it not been for John Cena?

A look of fury passes over Miz’ face as he takes in the question ...

THE MIZ
Really? Really? Really, Josh?

The crowd are joining in with Miz as he says ‘Really?’ which irritates him further ...

THE MIZ
Kentucky, you will speak when you are spoken to, know your place!

Loud boos around the arena as Miz stares out into the arena through the camera before turning his attention back to Mathews ...

THE MIZ
Josh, you need to be aware of something. I don’t need help from anybody here in the WWE. Why did I get rid of Alex Riley? Why did I get rid of Big Show? Why did I get rid of John Morrison? I don’t need their help to be a star, I burn brighter than all of them, I am the most must-see WWE superstar in the whole of the WWE. Whatever is happening between Randy Orton and John Cena, I don’t need any help from Cena, I don’t need anybody to help me to defeat Randy Orton ... This Sunday, I head into the Royal Rumble, Cleveland welcomes home its favourite son, twenty nine other so-called WWE superstars take a ride over the top rope and I’m on my way to WrestleMania 27 ...

Miz seems pumped up and determined that Sunday will be his night ...

THE MIZ
Because I’m the Miz ... and I’m ...

Miz’ voice drops down to almost a whisper as he utters his catchphrase ...

THE MIZ
... awesome!

Miz flashes a smile to the camera, he certainly appears to be ultra confident heading into his hometown. As the camera returns to ringside, JR and King discuss how home-field advantage could benefit the Miz this Sunday – King doesn’t believe it will help him at all and predicts that Miz will be eliminated with twenty-eight others come Sunday’s Rumble match. As the crowd go quiet, the stage sparks back into life ... ​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

As the crowd go quiet, the stage sparks back into life ...

*** WE ARE ONE ***

Manchester, England | 246 pounds | WWE Champion
WADE BARRETT

Alone for a change, the WWE Champion Wade Barrett saunters to the ring dressed for action and with the WWE Championship strapped around his waist. The tall, lanky Barrett steps up the stairs and into the ring where he looks around the arena with a look of disgust on his face at the WWE Universe who are jeering and booing him ... Barrett is handed a microphone and he is ready to address the Universe ...

WADE BARRETT
Luckily for all of you people here in Kentucky, I am a man of class and dignity ...

The people of Kentucky laugh at Barrett’s comments and then jeer him some more ...

WADE BARRETT
Whilst you barrack me for reasons you do not even know, I stand here before you, your WWE Champion ...

Further jeers for mentioning that he is WWE Champion ...

WADE BARRETT
... the man who will grace you with his presence in the ring later tonight, the man who will defend his title – for your entertainment – this Sunday at the Rumble, the man who will retain this title for the good of all of you ...

A barrage of hate rains down on the ring and Barrett who looks around with a face showing amusement ...

WADE BARRETT
You see, Kentucky, you need me. You people, like millions of others around the United States, need a proper role model who you can look up to. After just six months with the WWE, I have proven that dreams can come true. I have shown that hard work, dedication and honesty all lead to rewards, I have shown that dignity and class means more than just saying the right things, it means leading by example and doing them.

Barrett is truly hated here in Kentucky!

WADE BARRETT
The WWE Universe, Kentucky in particular, knows that they need a man like me as their WWE Champion. You know that in Wade Barrett, you have a champion that you can be proud of. A man who is true to his word, a man who leads by example, a man you can look up to and respect ...

Barrett unbuckles his title belt and lifts it up in the air for all to see ...

WADE BARRETT
... a man who deserves to be ... the WWE ... Champion!

A ‘Triple H!’ chant begins and Barrett looks a little ruffled by this ...

WADE BARRETT
This Sunday night, I face the embodiment of all that is wrong about the WWE. I face a man who believes that he will just turn up in Cleveland this Sunday and win the title ... because he hasn’t held it for nearly two years. What about hard work? What about dedication? What about earning the title, Hunter?

More boos for the words of Barrett ...

WADE BARRETT
Let’s face it, Triple H has been handed this title match for one reason only ... because his best friend is the General Manager of RAW!

A ‘You Suck!’ chant begins in the arena but Barrett ignores it ...

WADE BARRETT
I earned the right to challenge for the title, Hunter, I earned it and then I won it fair and square ... fair and square. Everybody here in this arena knows that there is no reason for you to be challenging for this title, they know that the right man already has the WWE Championship. And this Sunday, you will see ... that ...

Barrett is cut off suddenly ...

*** TIME TO PLAY THE GAME ***

TRIPLE H

Barrett looks angrily at the Number 1 contender as he makes his way down the ramp once more. Hunter steps through the ropes and he stands face to face from Barrett who stands his ground. Nose to nose, the pair of them lock eyes and tension fills the air as they look as if they are going to start the Royal Rumble early ... However, Barrett backs off instead and he decides to speak to the Number 1 contender ...

WADE BARRETT
Hunter, you don’t scare me and you sure as hell don’t intimidate me. I stand here as the WWE Champion, I know I deserve to be in this ring right now. Question is ...

Barrett smirks at Triple H ...

WADE BARRETT
Do you?

Triple H’s turn to smirk now as he shakes his head at the audacity of this young WWE Champion. Hunter swipes the microphone away from Barrett and prepares to respond to him ...

TRIPLE H
Do I deserve to be in this ring? I must have misheard that, Wade, you sounded like you were questioning what I have done to deserve to be here, right here, right now. Let me tell you, I have done a hell of a lot more in my career than I need to have done to be standing ... right ... here. You come out here and you claim that I don’t deserve my title shot? You claim to be some virtuous, respectful champion? Let’s face it, Barrett, that’s a crock of s**t. The only reason you have that title around your waist is due to the fact that you have some rather deluded followers who are willing to back you and protect you and do your bidding for you. You have never won a match here in the WWE without their help ...

A cheer from the WWE Universe ...

TRIPLE H
... and tonight, when Kurt and I defeat your three men, I will have you one on one at the Rumble, the way it should be if you want to defend a title properly. Hell, Wade, you don’t stand a chance this Sunday ... and you know it.

Barrett looks a little shocked at Triple H’s comments but he continues to stare into the eyes of his challenger ...

TRIPLE H
This isn’t NXT, Wade. This is the big leagues now, this is RAW, this is the beginning of the ‘Road to WrestleMania’ and this is where it gets serious. If you want to be WWE Champion, you’d better grow some balls, you’d better stop hiding behind the Nexus and you’d better bring your very best to Cleveland and the Royal Rumble.

Triple H looks down at the WWE Championship belt on Barrett’s shoulder and he smiles back at Barrett ...

TRIPLE H
Because you can guarantee that I will.

’The Game’ begins again as Triple H turns away and steps through the ropes and back up the ramp as Barrett watches him go. On the stage, Triple H turns to face Barrett and he points to his wrist as if telling Barrett that his time is up. Barrett smirks and lifts the title belt high again though as Triple H stares down to him. Suddenly, Nexus appear behind Triple H though and they barrel into him and send him crashing down to the metal stage flooring. Ezekiel Jackson, Skip Sheffield, David Otunga and Heath Slater, all pounding away at Triple H and forcing him back towards the ring. Hunter manages to get a shot in on Heath Slater but he is then clotheslined out of his boots by Sheffield before he is forced under the bottom rope into the ring. Jackson hits several powerslams to Triple H who is now defenceless whilst Barrett steps out of the ring to the outside to watch with a smile on his face. The other members of Nexus now step back into the ring with steel chairs in hand and they gather around the beaten Triple H ready to increase the beatdown. Barrett gives the go-ahead to his men but then he is suddenly caught off guard as Kurt Angle rushes down the ramp and shoves him hard into the ring post. Angle slides into the ring, ducks under the chair swung by Otunga and then Olympic Slams him down hard on the mat. Slater, Jackson and Sheffield all decide to make their exit at this point and they slide out of the ring to join Barrett on the ramp as he struggles to his feet. With Nexus staring into the ring at Angle and a recovering Triple H, JR and King remind us that the main event tonight sees Kurt Angle and Triple H in a 2 vs. 3 Handicap Match against any three members of the Nexus and if Angle and Hunter win, Nexus will be barred from ringside during the title match this Sunday at the Rumble ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***
[YOUTUBE]YYsedsnkHpk[/YOUTUBE]
“WRITTEN IN THE STARS”
(Tinie Tempah featuring Eric Turner)
Official theme song of WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta, GA!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

RAW returns with several guys from RAW and SMACKDOWN already in the ring as JR and King introduce the ‘RAW Rumble’ which is coming next and will feature five men from each brand. King specifically informs the WWE Universe watching that the match has no prize up for grabs, it is just a chance to build momentum ahead of the real Rumble match this Sunday evening. Already in the ring are Matt Hardy, Cody Rhodes and Big Show from SMACKDOWN as well as Ted DiBiase, Alex Riley and Daniel Bryan from RAW. These six men are stood in the ring awaiting the arrivals of four more men ...

*** WRITTEN IN MY FACE ***

Dublin, Ireland | 272 pounds | With Hornswoggle
SHEAMUS

Out comes the Celtic Warrior, a man who King believes will be a huge danger in this Sunday’s Rumble and he evidences this with Sheamus’ recent destructive path through RAW when he defeated the legendary Triple H not once but twice in succession as well as holding the WWE Championship just three months ago up until Night of Champions. JR says that Sheamus’ attitude could easily serve him well in the Rumble and that he is one of the favourites to win ...

*** S. O. S. ***

Ghana, West Africa | 212 pounds
KOFI KINGSTON

Excitement all around the arena as the ever-pleasant Kofi Kingston bounces out onto the stage in a mixture of green and yellow pyro. The cameras focus in on the reaction of the Big Show to seeing his former friend head out and JR outlines the issues between Kofi and Show of late. They discuss the roll that Kofi has been on recently and JR says that Kingston could be one to watch in the Rumble match as he is unpredictable and is capable of anything to stay in the ring ...

*** AFRICA RISING ***

Cape Town, South Africa | 223 pounds | US Champion
JUSTIN GABRIEL

Another crowd favourite as the United States Champion heads out and holds the title high for all to see. We are reminded that Gabriel won the US Championship at Vengeance when he defeated the former champion Daniel Bryan and Ted DiBiase just days after quitting the Nexus. King points out that Gabriel was actually the man who pinned John Cena at Survivor Series and ‘won’ the WWE Championship for Nexus leader, Wade Barrett, and as such is the man to blame for all the problems with Barrett recently ...

*** MY TIME IS NOW ***

West Newbury, Massachusetts | 240 pounds
JOHN CENA

Into a cauldron of hate comes John Cena still flanked by security as he makes his way into the arena. Cena appears to be enjoying himself though and he taunts and mocks the crowd as he makes his way down the ramp and into the ring as the security spread out around the ring ready to repel any attempted attacks from Randy Orton tonight. The referees on the outside signal for the bell and the ‘RAW Rumble’ can begin ...

MATCH 4 | ‘RAW RUMBLE’ MATCH
Alex Riley, Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Justin Gabriel, Kofi Kingston, Matt Hardy, Sheamus & Ted DiBiase

The match gets underway and all ten men pair off as the match gets going: Bryan and DiBiase are fighting immediately with both men looking to prove who deserves the shot at the US Championship more; Kingston and Big Show are trading blows after their recent problems; Alex Riley and Matt Hardy are fighting; Sheamus and Cody Rhodes battle it out; and finally, US Champion Justin Gabriel is looking to eliminate John Cena and make a huge name for himself ahead of the Rumble. The hulking frame of Sheamus is the first man to strike a decisive blow though as he hits a Brogue Kick to Cody Rhodes near the ropes that sends the ‘Dashing’ one up and over the top rope to the outside.

*** CODY RHODES HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

Sheamus now gets involved in the Matt Hardy and Alex Riley battle and he begins to dominate over Riley who is showing some fight against Hardy. As Hardy joins the fight with Cena and Gabriel, Riley manages to counter the clubbing blows of Sheamus in the corner by poking the Irishman in the eye and then sneaking out of harm’s way and attempting to toss him over the top rope. Sheamus holds on though and eventually he manages to regain control, trapping Riley in the ropes and hitting the clubbing forearms across the chest of the Varsity Villain. Riley’s chest is reddened and he staggers from the ropes but he walks straight into Big Show who slaps him hard on the chest. Sheamus takes the chance and clotheslines Riley up and over the top rope to eliminate his second man from the contest ...

*** ALEX RILEY HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

Kofi and Big Show continue to fight in the corner but it is the World’s Largest Athlete who is getting the better of it and only Kofi’s agility prevents him from being eliminated as he hangs onto the ropes desperately. Cena and Gabriel are having a decent little contest but the most interesting point right now appears to be the fight between Daniel Bryan and Ted DiBiase. When Gabriel is hit with the shoulder blocks from Cena, the US Champion falls at the feet of the warring DiBiase and Bryan and they proceed to argue over who is going to beat up on the South African. Both men clearly want to eliminate Gabriel and further their US Title claims and this leads to more vicious fighting between the pair. However, Gabriel is recovering well and he bides his time ... As DiBiase gets Bryan teetering over the top rope, Gabriel sneaks up behind DiBiase and lifts his legs up over the ropes instead, DiBiase is out!

*** TED DIBIASE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

Bryan looks around to see who rescued him but he doesn’t have much chance to take it in as Gabriel hits a stunning Superkick to the jaw of the former US Champion – up and over the rope he goes as well to the outside and Gabriel has eliminated two!

*** DANIEL BRYAN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

The arguments between DiBiase and Bryan continue and they begin to fight in the rampway as well and the cameras follow them up to the stage where they continue to fight their way out of the arena, still arguing as they go. Gabriel watches on in amusement and this backfires when he fails to notice Cena sneaking behind him. Cena catches Gabriel unaware and lifts him high onto his shoulders, sets himself and then hits the Attitude Adjustment over the top rope, Gabriel flying through the air and landing with a crunch on the floor with a valuable lesson learned about being aware of everybody in the Rumble!

*** JUSTIN GABRIEL HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

We’re down to five now and it is Big Show, John Cena, Kofi Kingston, Matt Hardy and Sheamus who remain – just one from RAW in Sheamus and four guys from SMACKDOWN. Sheamus lays out Cena with a Brogue Kick and then he goes after Matt Hardy as Show and Kofi resume their fight. Next to be eliminated is Hardy as he loses out to Sheamus ... another Brogue Kick elimination this time and Hardy follows his head over the top rope and down. He hangs on desperately and stands on the apron but Sheamus knocks him down with one more heavy right hand to take us down to four ...

*** MATT HARDY HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

Sheamus is the most dominant guy in the match so far and he looks to prove this further as he goes after the Big Show next. Show and Sheamus head for one corner, Kofi and Cena are down recovering in the others as the two big men go at it. Show wins the battle as he earns the right to hit devastating slaps to the pale, white chest of Sheamus before a chokeslam takes Sheamus down to the mat. With the Celtic Warrior down, Big Show now needs to get him back to his feet if he wishes to eliminate him. However, Kofi is fighting back up and catches Show with the Trouble in Paradise kick that staggers Show into the corner. Kofi mounts Show in the corner and rains down the punches but Show shoves him aside and Kofi falls over the top rope and down. He hangs on to the ropes and like a spider he manages to hang on as he carefully readjusts to keep his balance on the apron. Show swings a punch towards Kofi and misses; this allows Kingston to hit a kick to the side of Show’s head before starting to drag the dazed near 500 pound giant over the top rope. Despite the size difference, Kofi is doing a decent job but it seems Kofi needs more leverage – something he hasn’t got unless he eliminates himself too. Sheamus goes for a Brogue Kick to Kingston but Kofi spots him coming and ducks and Sheamus is hung up over the top rope. Cena comes up behind him and helps him up and over and Sheamus hits the ground with both feet – we are guaranteed a SMACKDOWN winner of the ‘RAW Rumble’ now!

*** SHEAMUS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

As Sheamus angrily makes his way back up the ramp, Kofi decides to play safe and he climbs back through the ropes to work on Show. Cena is now on his feet of course and he joins forces with Kofi as they look to work on the bigger man and take him out first. However, Cena cannot be trusted and he tries to eliminate Kofi when the Ghanaian isn’t watching as he tries to force him head first over the top rope. Show joins the struggle again and breaks away into a fight with Cena ... KNOCKOUT PUNCH! BIG SHOW LAYS OUT JOHN CENA! Show turns around and Kofi is on the top rope, he launches off ... Missile Drop Kick! Down goes Big Show and Kofi is the only man standing in the ring now! He goes back up top and prepares as Show gets back to his feet ... Kofi flies high, goes for a Diving Crossbody but Show catches him and dumps him over the top rope. Kofi uses the leg scissors to drag Show with him, over goes Big Show, Kofi hangs on ...

*** BIG SHOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

The crowd goes wild as Kofi celebrates eliminating Big Show from the match and we are down to two men now. But wait a minute! Kofi spends too much time celebrating eliminating Show, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! CENA HITS THE AA! The crowd boo as Show nods his head in approval to Cena ... Cena drags Kofi to his feet and runs him towards the ropes, Kofi goes sailing up and over ... and down to the floor!

*** KOFI KINGSTON HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! ***

WINNER
JOHN CENA (12:32)

Kofi holds his head in his hands as Cena wheels away in celebration in the ring and leaps up onto the middle rope to taunt the crowd who are jeering him once again. Cena then taunts Kingston by waving his hand in front of his face – “You can’t see me!” – and this infuriates Kofi who goes to get back into the ring. However, he doesn’t make it as Big Show grabs him and drags him down off the apron and goes to hit the WMD punch. Kofi ducks though and responds with kicks and the pair of them fight their way out of the arena up the ramp as the tension between them builds further. The security on the ramp part to allow Show and Kofi through before returning to their guard and blocking off the stage area from the ring. Cena, who was watching Kofi and Show with a smile on his face, climbs onto the middle rope and decides to taunt his nemesis, Randy Orton, as he strikes the Viper’s pose in the corner to the annoyance of the crowd. However, there are cheers all of a sudden ...

RANDY ORTON IS STOOD RIGHT BEHIND JOHN CENA IN THE RING!

As the anticipation builds, the security personnel notice but they know they are too late as the noise builds. Orton is waiting to pounce, ready to strike ... Cena turns ...

ORTON GOES FOR THE RKO BUT CENA SHOVES HIM AWAY AND ESCAPES!

A loud groan of disappointment echoes around the arena as Cena hightails out of the ring and is surrounded by the security again and they shepherd him out of the danger area as he stares at the ring at Orton in shock. The Viper is foaming at the mouth as he is angered that he didn’t manage to lay Cena out with the RKO but, as King points out, it is probably in his best interests that he didn’t manage to hit it – what would the punishments have been? Orton stares out at Cena as he retreats from the stage and out of the arena as the winner of the ‘RAW Rumble’ but with a scare from Randy Orton who has shown that he intends to eliminate Cena this Sunday and win the Rumble himself ...

The camera switches to a commotion backstage as Shawn Michaels and WWE officials try to separate Daniel Bryan and Ted DiBiase who are still trading blows after their elimination from the ‘RAW Rumble’ match. Eventually, they are separated and held back and the US Champion, Justin Gabriel, appears alongside HBK.

SHAWN MICHAELS
You know what, guys? It is time for all this to end. You two want a shot at the US Championship, then you can fight in a sanctioned match this Sunday and the winner will get the shot at Justin Gabriel’s US Championship down the road.

Gabriel nods his head in approval as Bryan and DiBiase calm down a little as they wait to hear more from HBK ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
This Sunday, whilst Justin Gabriel enters the Royal Rumble match, it will be Daniel Bryan ... one on one with Ted DiBiase ... and it will be a Ladder Match!

Loud cheers from the crowd in the arena as they show enthusiasm for HBK’s decision ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
The winner will face Justin Gabriel for the US Championship sometime in the future. The loser will be out of the title picture for the foreseeable future. Now get your asses out of here, both of you!

HBK looks annoyed tonight – the disorder caused by Cole bringing Cena to the arena tonight appears to have spread to the RAW roster as well! The camera focuses on him as he watches DiBiase and Bryan as they are led away and RAW heads into another commercial ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA 27 BEGINS ... THIS SUNDAY!
Who will win the Royal Rumble and advance to WrestleMania 27?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK *** ​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

RAW returns with the face of Kurt Angle on screen as he waits alongside Josh Mathews. He is dressed ready for action in tonight’s main event ...

JOSH MATHEWS
Kurt, here we are, time for tonight’s main event. Tonight, you team up with the man you have been facing for the past two weeks, Triple H, to try and help him eliminate Nexus from his WWE Championship match this Sunday. Your thoughts?

Angle looks pumped up and he answers with enthusiasm ...

KURT ANGLE
For the past two weeks, Josh, as you rightly point out, I have faced Triple H to try and earn myself a place in the WWE Championship match this Sunday at the Rumble. However, last week, I came up short and I lost the match to Hunter – there is no shame in that! I’m disappointed that I won’t get chance to finally take the WWE Championship away from that unworthy Wade Barrett but I know that I can play my part tonight by helping Hunter to have Nexus barred from ringside this Sunday. For weeks now, Barrett has held onto that title due to assistance from those Nexus goons, it is time for that to stop!

Cheers for the words of Angle as he bounces up and down in preparation for the match, keeping himself warm ...

JOSH MATHEWS
Instead of challenging for the WWE Championship, Kurt, you will, in six days time, enter the Royal Rumble instead. Do you think you can win that match and go to WrestleMania?

Kurt smiles at the thought of winning the Rumble ...

KURT ANGLE
When I came back to the WWE, I wanted to do two things, Josh. I wanted to be WWE Champion once again by beating Wade Barrett, a man who I do not respect in any way. I also wanted to main event WrestleMania once again. Can you remember WrestleMania 19, Josh? I can, it was one of the greatest nights of my life. Even though I lost to Brock Lesnar, it was one of the greatest main events in WrestleMania history and I am proud to have competed in it. Now, I want to headline WrestleMania 27 and this time, this time, I want to win it. I’m not challenging for the WWE Championship this Sunday so I need to find another way to reach the main event – I’ve never won the Royal Rumble, Josh. I’ve accomplished a lot in this business but I’ve never been the man to win the Rumble. I’ve come close, as Hunter knows, I’ve been eliminated last. But I’ve never won it and my new dream, my new goal here in the WWE? Banish Nexus from ringside this Sunday, win the Rumble and go to WrestleMania where I will face Triple H one more time, one on one, to prove that I can beat him, to once again become the WWE Champion. It will happen, Josh, you can believe that! It’s true ...

Kurt looks into the camera ...

KURT ANGLE
It’s DAMN true!

Cheers from the crowd as Mathews thanks Angle and the camera returns to the ringside area where it is time for tonight’s main event ...

*** WE ARE ONE ***

NEXUS

All five members of Nexus head out into the arena dressed in their black and yellow t-shirts despite the fact that only three of them are scheduled to take part in this match. Ezekiel Jackson, Skip Sheffield, David Otunga and Heath Slater lead the way down the ramp before splitting into two, lining either side of the ramp where Wade Barrett, the WWE Champion, walks with the title belt around his waist. He punches the air and then leads Nexus to the ring where they all enter the ring and swarm around awaiting the arrival of their opponents ...

Suddenly, there is an interruption from the titantron. The RAW General Manager is there and he still looks annoyed ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
It appears that tonight is a night for testing my patience, Wade. First we had Cole bringing Cena into the arena, then we had Orton ignoring direct orders once more ... now we have you bringing four other members of Nexus to the ring.

Barrett holds his hands out as if to ask what he has done wrong ...

SHAWN MICHAELS
This is a 2 on 3 Handicap match, Wade. THREE! I don’t care which three of you take part in this match but two of your guys need to disappear – fast! I’m not in the mood for games, Wade, get two of them out of here immediately or there will be no need for the main event – I will bar Nexus from ringside for good, I will fire their asses and leave you on your own for good.

Loud cheers from the Kentucky crowd, they like that idea. However, looking mutinous, Barrett realises that he had better do what he is told here and he motions to Slater and Otunga to leave the ring. The pair of them don’t look happy over this situation and they try to argue with Wade that they should be competing in the match. Barrett points to the WWE Championship, then to himself and he is clearly reminding them who is in charge of the Nexus. He reiterates his order for the pair of them to leave and they reluctantly exit the ring muttering to each other – they are clearly unimpressed with Barrett’s decision. A little dissension in the ranks of Nexus maybe? Slater and Otunga disappear backstage once again and this leaves Sheffield, Jackson and Barrett in the ring – still a pretty formidable line up regardless of who they are facing!

*** MEDAL ***

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 240 pounds
KURT ANGLE

A pumped up Kurt Angle heads out and his red, white and blue pyro explodes as he makes his way towards the ring where the menacing Nexus team stand in the ring waiting for him. He stands at the foot of the ramp and bounces from foot to foot waiting to enter the ring ...

*** TIME TO PLAY THE GAME ***

Greenwich, Connecticut | 260 pounds
TRIPLE H

Angle is waiting for his partner and who can blame him? Out comes the Number 1 contender for the WWE Championship and he shakes hands with Angle at the bottom of the ramp before they rush the ring and scatter Nexus out of the way. Hunter stands at the ropes and sprays water into the air before his music fades and he regroups in the corner with Angle and they discuss strategy for the start of the match ...

MAIN EVENT | 2 vs. 3 HANDICAP MATCH
KURT ANGLE & TRIPLE H vs. NEXUS (EZEKIEL JACKSON, SKIP SHEFFIELD & WADE BARRETT)

Skip Sheffield decides to start for Nexus and he attacks Kurt Angle in the corner while his back is turned and the bell is rung to start the match. As the referee gets Triple H, Ezekiel Jackson and Wade Barrett out onto the apron in the corners, Sheffield drags Angle around the ring and rams him head first into the turnbuckles until he is berated by the official and forced to stop. However, Skip has complete control of Angle early and he now uses legal moves to retain control: an overhead belly to belly suplex that Angle would be proud of crashes the Olympian down onto the mat. Skip tags in Jackson and the pair of them stomp at Angle for as long as they can get away with before Skip is forced out of the ring. Jackson whips Angle into the corner of the ring and then rushes over to the corner and hits a shoulder block in the corner that reduces Angle to his knees. However, Jackson isn’t done and he lifts Angle to his feet before driving his shoulder repeatedly into the gut of Angle over and over before he taunts Triple H who can only stand and watch right now.

Angles staggers to his feet and he is met again by another Jackson shoulder block that leaves him crashed out on the mat. Laughing, Jackson drops a big elbow onto Angle and makes the first cover of the match ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** ANGLE KICKS OUT **

Jackson drags Angle up and lifts him up for a hard, heavy scoop slam that shakes the ring. He follows this up with two more before receiving orders from the Nexus leader, Barrett, to tag him in. Jeers echo around the arena as Wade Barrett steps into the ring and stands over Angle whilst looking at his opponent this Sunday, Triple H, in the corner. Cockily, Barrett reaches down to grab Angle’s head to lift him but Angle has recovered a little and rolls Barrett up ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** BARRETT KICKS OUT **

Rattled, Barrett jumps to his feet quickly and aims a heavy right boot into the chest of Angle as he sits up and this sends his head and back crashing back down onto the mat. Barrett is a little embarrassed by Angle there and he focuses now on the Olympic Hero and he starts hitting heavy right hands to the face of Angle as he lays back on the mat trying to cover up. The referee tries to pull Barrett away but he continues to pound at the head of Angle ... BAM! Triple H enters and aims a kick to Barrett that breaks the barrage of punches. As the ref ushers Triple H out though, it allows Ezekiel Jackson and Skip Sheffield to come in and double team Angle illegally as they choke him on the mat whilst the other kicks him repeatedly in the gut. Hunter tries to get at them to stop it but the referee holds him back and he eventually realises that he needs to step out of the ring. Jackson and Sheffield make themselves scarce but Angle is writhing on the mat as Barrett gets back to his feet smiling. He taunts Triple H a little before dragging Angle off the mat and popping him off into the ropes ... Spinning Backbreaker over the knee, Angle’s lower back lands hard on the point of Barrett’s knee. Barrett makes the cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** WEAK KICK OUT FROM ANGLE **

With Nexus in complete control here, Barrett tags Skip Sheffield back in and they double team Angle in the corner with heavy punches. As the referee objects, Skip pulls back a little and then rushes into Angle with a hard hitting clothesline that rocks Angle’s jaw in the corner. Skip quickly tags in Jackson now and he heads towards Angle to hit another scoop slam before aiming some arrogant kicks to the head of Angle who is in real trouble here. Nexus continue to isolate Kurt and their tactics of using quick tags allows them to continue to beat down on Angle whilst Triple H helplessly looks on. Jackson is in the ring and he appears to be the one who is going to be allowed to finish this off and he lifts up Angle ... TORTURE RACK! EZEKIEL JACKSON LOCKS KURT ANGLE IN THE TORTURE RACK! The referee orders Triple H to stay where he is, he cannot make a save here, it is up to Angle to battle through the pain. Jackson cinches it in further and he pulls down harder on Angle’s neck, a neck that has been broken in the past remember, causing the Olympian to scream in pain. However, he refuses to tap out and manages to wriggle his legs clear and slips down behind Jackson quickly. Jackson looks shocked for a second but he spots that Angle has fallen into the Nexus corner so he rushes over looking for a heavy clothesline ... Angle ducks and Jackson connects with Barrett instead! Barrett falls to the floor as Skip checks on the leader of Nexus and Jackson looks on in despair. This allows Angle to crawl over the ring towards Triple H, inching his way slowly, closer ... Barrett spots this and points it out to his team-mates. Jackson flies over and, just as Kurt is set to tag in Triple H, he rams into Hunter and sends him flying into the barricades instead. The groans of the crowd are clear and Jackson drags Kurt up and forces him back first into the corner where he lays his boots to Angle once more. Behind him though, Triple H slides into the ring, he has had enough of Jackson! He spins the Guyanan round and he pounds him with right hands before hitting a Spinebuster! The referee objects but he ignores him and catches Skip Sheffield coming towards him instead – Spinebuster! Hunter kicks Skip in the gut as he staggers to his feet ... PEDIGREE! TRIPLE H HITS THE PEDIGREE TO SKIP SHEFFIELD! Hunter raises his arms in salute to the fans, he is pumped up and ready for Sunday ... BAM! Big Boot! Wade Barrett, the WWE Champion, lays out Triple H with an unexpected, hard right boot instead! Triple H rolls out of the ring and Barrett motions for the title belt around his waist as the crowd boo him.

Wade gathers Jackson and Skip back towards him, Jackson is still the legal man. Barrett is clearly trying to get him team back focused here and he ushers Skip to the Nexus corner after the Pedigree. However, as he does this, Angle is up on his feet and he clotheslines Barrett up and over the top rope – out of the ring he goes, JR points out that Kurt will need to do that often on Sunday if he is to win the Rumble! Angle sets himself and waits for Jackson to get up ... OLYMPIC SLAM! ANGLE HITS THE OLYMPIC SLAM TO EZEKIEL JACKSON! Kurt makes the cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** BARRETT IS BACK IN TO BREAK IT UP JUST IN TIME **

Loud boos and jeers from the Kentucky crowd as Barrett denies Angle the win. Angle looks unimpressed and he spins round to go for Barrett but the WWE Champion ducks his clothesline and comes off the ropes ... BIG BOOT TO THE REFEREE! Angle ducked, Barrett nearly took the head off the referee! All hell now breaks loose as Triple H rejoins the action and goes after Wade Barrett. Hunter gets the upper hand and he goes for the Pedigree to his opponent this Sunday but Barrett wriggles clear with a well timed Back Body Drop to Hunter. The referee is still down and Barrett points to Skip Sheffield near the time keeper area. Skip grabs the WWE Championship belt and returns to the ring as Angle looks to go after the WWE Champion but Jackson stops him with a huge clothesline that takes Angle out of his boots nearly. Angle is down, Triple H is down, the referee is down and Nexus are on their feet with the WWE Championship belt – this doesn’t look good. Barrett holds the title and he signals for Skip and Jackson to lift the Number 1 contender to his feet for him. Triple H is dragged up by Skip and Jackson, Barrett pulls his arms back ready to smash Hunter in the face with the title belt ...

TRIPLE H DUCKS! BARRETT SMASHES JACKSON IN THE FACE INSTEAD!

The two legal men, Jackson and Angle, are down as Barrett looks in despair at what just happened. Triple H throws Skip Sheffield over the top rope and then turns towards Barrett – the crowd cheer as Barrett again misses with the title belt which falls loose on the mat. Hunter hits a DDT to Barrett and then stands over him and picks up the title. He raises it high and the crowd roar their approval before he throws the belt down and starts to drag Barrett up once more. Triple H positions Wade Barrett for the Pedigree, this would be huge! TRIPLE H HITS THE PEDIGREE TO THE WWE CHAMPION! BARRETT IS HIT WITH THE PEDIGREE! The WWE Universe go wild and Triple H celebrates wildly before he tries to revive Angle. The referee is slowly getting up and Triple H drags Angle to the corner where the referee can see ... Stepping through the ropes, Hunter reaches back in ... Tag from Angle! Triple H steps back into the ring and he sets up Ezekiel Jackson now ... Positioning him for the Pedigree, Hunter has Nexus beaten here ... BAM! WAIT A MINUTE!

KURT ANGLE JUST SMASHED TRIPLE H WITH THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT!

The crowd realise what is happening as Angle rolls out of the ring and watches on. Ezekiel Jackson makes the cover to Triple H, the referee is coming round still ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
EZEKIEL JACKSON & NEXUS (9:27)

The crowd are stunned but Angle smirks as ‘We Are One’ reverberates around the arena – Angle has screwed Triple H! Nexus will be allowed at ringside this Sunday at the Royal Rumble WWE Championship match. Angle backs away up the ramp with a smirk on his face, he had this planned all along! Heath Slater and David Otunga come rushing past him but Angle isn’t bothered about leaving Triple H in a five on one situation. He points to himself and shouts about winning the Rumble, about looking out for himself before he leaves the stage to intense boos and jeers.

Back in the ring, Barrett is now back to his feet, wobbling slightly, but he is looking happy – Nexus will accompany him this Sunday night! He beckons to Slater and Otunga to lift Triple H up and they obey his orders ... WASTELANDS! BARRETT PLANTS TRIPLE H WITH WASTELANDS! Nexus hand the WWE Championship back to Barrett and he places a foot on the chest of Triple H and then raises the title belt in the air ... As RAW ends, we are left with Wade Barrett standing tall over Triple H with all the other members of Nexus around him ... Could this be the scene in six nights time at the Rumble?

***** END OF SHOW *****


=================================

*** CONFIRMED ***

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – TAG TEAM TURMOIL MATCH
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos

LADDER MATCH TO DETERMINE NUMBER 1 CONTENDER FOR US CHAMPIONSHIP
Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
CM Punk (c) vs. Christian

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Wade Barrett (c) vs. Triple H

ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
Winner to get shot at the WWE or World Championship at WrestleMania 27! [/B]​

 

[JamJam]

Jam's Review​

Pretty funny letting HBK have his own opening video much like Cole. And there it is, some HBK shenanigans, which is good for TV. I've been warming up to HBK as a General Manager now and I'm glad that he opened the show. His sarcasm about Raw not being better than Smackdown was brilliant and his announced matches are pretty good, let's get to it!

The exchange between HHH/Angle was kind of odd for me for some reason. I like that you've brought back Angle but I'm pretty sure Kurt would have never come back to the WWE, he left for a reason. However, injecting him into this feud between HHH and Barrett seems pretty good. Also, I like how you have two big stars like Angle and HHH having to join forces to dethrone Barrett, that's good booking right there to make Barrett look like a dominant champion.

Intense segment here involving Orton and Cena once again. I like this feud actually. It's interesting enough that they still feud despite being on separate brands, but you're making it work. The law has been laid down by Chip Butty, who seems to showing a heel-ish side of the sorts. This adds more fuel to the fire between Orton and Cena. You've kept us interested in this feud GCB, good job.

Decent promo for the Empire. Finlay isn't much of a talker so it must've been kind of difficult to write for his character. But using William Regal mostly was smart. It's good that you've introduced each man from the group, saying where they're from and such. I'm a big fan of Finlay so hopefully they get this win.

Finally we get some assurance that Edge is going to be at the Rumble. But did it have to come at the expense of Morrison? I think the guy has loads of potential so I hope you have a plan for him. Edge coming to Smackdown would be interesting. The star power could shift to Smackdown cause right now Raw and Smackdown are pretty much balanced in star power.

Good promo here by Miz. Could he possibly win the Rumble in his hometown? I personally think the winner is going to be face since both world champions are heels. Or well Punk is a tweener. This promo was perfect and I could hear every word being said by Miz here. It's cool that you brought up his former partners and saying that they all held him back.

I was wondering when Barrett would finally say his peace and here he is. Really good exchange between HHH and Barrett. I like the points that both men have brought up concerning the WWE Championship. These two have been golden and I hope that Barrett still remains champion after the Rumble to solidify his place as a main eventer.

Kofi Kingston again plays a big role here and I love it. I'm totally buying Kofi as a main event player right now. Your build for him has been brilliant. Orton finally gets a piece of Cena during this battle royal but of course nothing happens as you have to save that for the Rumble. I think that this match pitting Bryan and Dibiase was kind of random with it being a Ladder Match. Maybe the two could have settled this in a different way.

Main event time and it's going to be Barrett, Jackson, and Sheffield vs. HHH and Angle. What a match here but since the interview time, I had a feeling that a fishy finish would happen which would most likely have Angle turn heel. And what do you know, I'm right. Kurt screws Triple H and puts him in a 5-on-1 situation. Looks to me that Barrett retains and at Wrestlemania 27, we'll be having Kurt Angle vs. Triple H. Not bad in my opinion. Although, what I said earlier may no be true as I think a FACE will win the Rumble. Orton? Kofi? Christian? Hardy? Other Hardy?

 

[GCB]

I planned to write NXT like this before GrandSword used the form for his RAW/SMACKDOWN shows on WWF 2000 so don't accuse me of copying. The Royal Rumble card is now set so I shall post prediction competition some time tonight. Up to you whether you wait for SMACKDOWN for further clues but hoping loads of you make predictions as it feels like ages since I last wrote a PPV (before Christmas - lots changed since then!)

Thanks for the feedback - I love hearing what you're all trying to work out about my BT. The more I keep you guessing and not sure, the better I'm writing it IMO. I don't want it to be predictable - I want you to be wrong when you try to predict it. The nearer we get to WM, the clearer the pictures become but I intend to have you guessing all the way through to the close of WrestleMania. Some of you are picking up on things that I meant you to pick up on, some of you are guessing some things correctly, some of the suggestions are way out and make me laugh at times! Keep guessing, folks!

Tuesday 18th January, 2011 | KFC Yum! Arena, Louisville, Kentucky

***** WILD AND YOUNG *****

*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***

NXT begins with a reminder from Matt Striker and Josh Mathews that last week the first ever NXT rankings were established:

After Dolph Ziggler’s win over Kaval – with assistance from Kaval’s so called team-mates – and Santino Marella’s interference in the #1 Ranking match that gave Vladimir Kozlov a DQ win over Khali, the eight NXT competitors could see where they ranked after three weeks in the competition and how they needed to improve – or in Kozlov’s case, maintain – their performance if they wished to win the competition. Striker announces that there will be a huge announcement later tonight regarding the first elimination on NXT and when and how it will happen. He also informs us that tonight’s main event will see #2 ranked Great Khali challenge the top rank, Vladimir Kozlov, in a rematch for the #1 ranking. This time, there will hopefully be no interference from Santino Marella and we will be able to see who the true NXT number 1 is currently ...

MATCH 1: DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
Maryse (c) vs. Layla
A rematch between the Divas Champion, Maryse, and the Diva she defeated last week to win the title, Layla. Just as the match is about to begin though, the music of Layla’s former partner, Michelle McCool hits and she heads to the ring with her bodyguard, Kharma. McCool sits at the announce table and is interested in watching the new champion, Maryse, and her former partner, Layla. Both Divas are distracted at first but they soon get into their match and have another even contest like last week. Layla looks to be getting on top and she goes for her patented neckbreaker, the Layout, but Maryse manages to grab the ropes and counters it to save her Divas Championship. Layla is stunned and almost falls into the French Kiss DDT but manages to wriggle clear and rolls Maryse up for a 2-count. Both ladies rush at each other and go for clotheslines at the same time – both are down on the mat. At this point, four weeks later than expected, McCool and Kharma finally strike. They enter the ring and grab a Diva apiece – McCool drags Layla to her feet, Kharma has Maryse. McCool sets up the ‘Wings of Love’ and drops Layla to the mat before Kharma powerbombs Maryse down to the mat as well. The referee signals for the bell ...
WINNER: NO CONTEST (Maryse retains Divas Championship)

With both Divas down and out, Michelle grabs the Divas Title belt from the referee and lays it symbolically over the body of Maryse. She laughs out loud as the crowd boo her and then takes her leave with Kharma – a clear message sent from Michelle to the Divas!

After the commercial break, JBL calls MVP to him in the locker room area. Reluctantly, MVP listens as JBL informs him that he needs to toughen up and stop feeling sorry for Kaval here on NXT. JBL says that Kaval is the runt of the pack and it is up to Team JBL to eliminate him and prove their worth to the team before they go on to dominate Team Rock. JBL tells MVP that he has organised a match tonight between fellow Team JBL members – it will be #5 rank Drew McIntyre vs. #8 rank Kaval. JBL tells MVP that he is the only member of Team JBL not in action tonight and that he knows what he needs to do.

MATCH 2
Drew McIntyre (5) vs. Kaval (8)
After McIntyre’s interference last week, Kaval slipped up against Ziggler and has ended the first rankings in last place with little chance of escaping whilst Team JBL continue to conspire against him. With JBL at ringside, McIntyre and Kaval go at it and they start out evenly matched until a distraction from JBL allows McIntyre to get on top. The Scot dominates Kaval and it appears to be a matter of time before Drew picks up the win when he sets for the Future Shock DDT. However, Kaval counters out of the finisher and he drop kicks Drew through the ropes to the outside where McIntyre collides with their mentor, JBL. JBL hits his head on the barricades and the crowd sense a chance for Kaval to get a big win and swap places with McIntyre in the rankings. He rolls Drew back into the ring as JBL signals to the backstage area – here comes MVP! Will he do as he is told? JBL orders MVP to stop Kaval as he climbs to the top rope ready for the two foot stomp. MVP is hesitant as he climbs onto the apron and Kaval looks down at him, imploring him to do the right thing. MVP thinks about it and looks around the WWE Universe. MVP finally shakes his head and jumps down to the floor to the anger of JBL and the delight of the WWE Universe! Kaval sets himself again and jumps off the top rope ... Drew McIntyre moves and Kaval twists an ankle as he lands. FUTURE SHOCK DDT! Drew makes the cover and it is over!
WINNER: DREW McINTYRE (5: McIntyre; 8: Kaval)

JBL congratulates MVP on a job well done – he appears to now be thinking that MVP delayed Kaval on the top rope on purpose to give McIntyre time to recover and avoid the stomp. MVP looks conflicted as he accepts the congratulations and he looks to Drew who is pleased with him as well. The three of them make their way back up the ramp with the boos ringing out for Drew and JBL – but what was MVP’s intention?

After the second commercial break of the night, we return with The Rock making his way out to the ring to the delight of the fans. He plays up to the crowd as usual and performs his well known catchphrases whilst calling out Team Rock members, R-Truth and Dolph Ziggler. Rock reiterates to Ziggler and Truth that they need to listen to him, he knows what he is talking about. He orders Truth to cut out the rap music, he tells him that he is wasting time and energy on his way to the ring and that if he is going to make it in the WWE, he needs a new act, a new way to entertain the fans. Truth looks displeased with Rock’s comments but attention then turns to Ziggler. Rock says that if Ziggler continues to hang around with Vickie Guerrero, his career in the WWE is going to end in the coming weeks on NXT. Rock praises Ziggler and says he has all the talent in the world but Vickie is a rather large millstone around his neck. Vickie interrupts but Rock talks her back down in her place before telling them both to take heed of his advice ... IF YA SMELL ... WHAT THE ROCK ... IS ... COOKIN’ ...

Todd Grisham interviews William Regal, Mason Ryan and Finlay once more before their debut here as a team in the WWE on NXT. Regal again refuses to identify who will be competing for the British Empire but does invite the NXT crowd to join with a rousing rendition of ‘God Save The Queen’ with them. The crowd, obviously, refuse and they jeer the British anthem instead to the annoyance of Regal and his team. Their match with the Hart Dynasty is up next ...

MATCH 3: TAG TEAM MATCH
Hart Dynasty w/Natalya vs. William Regal & Mason Ryan w/Finlay
Once in the ring, the British Empire reveal that Regal and Ryan will be competing for them with Finlay on the outside. As well as being the debut for their team, Striker also reminds us that this match is important as it determines which of these teams starts earlier and which starts later in this Sunday’s Tag Team Turmoil match at the Royal Rumble PPV. Regal and David Hart Smith start out and after an early flurry of offence from Smith, Regal takes control and uses his full range of suplexes and submission holds to grind Smith down, then Tyson Kidd. However, the Harts fight back and they appear to be on the road to victory when they lock Regal in the Sharpshooter – a distraction from Finlay allows Regal to escape and make the tag to Ryan though. In comes the young Welshman and he cleans house, dominating Kidd and Smith until he lifts Kidd high and smashes him down with a huge powerbomb. Mason Ryan makes the cover ... it’s over!
WINNER: WILLIAM REGAL & MASON RYAN

We now know that the Hart Dynasty, the Usos and the Tag Team Champions Ryder and Hawkins will be involved in Tag Team Turmoil early whereas the British Empire, Bourne and Henry and Cryme Tyme will join the match towards the latter stages which should increase their chances of victory. After an impressive debut win tonight, it’d be a brave man who bet against Regal and Ryan winning the titles for the British Empire and Queen Elizabeth II this Sunday ...

After the final commercial, Matt Striker is in the ring ready to announce something ‘huge’ he claims ... This Sunday at the Royal Rumble PPV, all eight participants in the NXT competition will compete in an 8-man Battle Royale with the winner immune from elimination for not just the first elimination – which will be in Week 6 – but the second elimination as well. Striker informs us that this match will be held at the Rumble PPV this Sunday night and that the prize is a huge incentive for all eight men to guarantee their place in NXT beyond the Elimination Chamber PPV and heading towards WrestleMania 27 and the grand NXT finale.

MATCH 4
Great Khali (2) vs. Vladimir Kozlov (1)
The two big men clash in the main event of NXT and Striker hopes that this time we will see a clean end to the contest after Kozlov won via DQ last week when Santino attacked him. Mathews reminds us of Santino’s reasons for the attack after Kozlov beat him to prove he was a monster again for Team JBL – can you blame Santino? The match between Kozlov and Khali is predictably awkward and both men struggle to get any pace into the match. However, the crowd are into the match as they back Khali to defeat the Russian and earn the Number 1 rank. Headbutts from Kozlov to Khali though seem to be taking this match away from the Punjabi Playboy and Kozlov prepares for a Diving Headbutt from the top rope to end it. Suddenly, here comes Santino again! He shoves Kozlov from the top rope down to the mat – out of sight of the referee this time - and this gives Khali time to recover and hit the Khali Chop. With Kozlov stunned, Khali wraps his giant hands around the throat of Kozlov ... PUNJABI PLUNGE! Khali makes the cover ... 1 ... 2 ... 3!
WINNER: GREAT KHALI (1: Khali; 2: Kozlov)

Khali’s win – thanks in no small part to Santino – moves him into Rank #1 in the Week 4 NXT rankings as he swaps places with Kozlov to move top. The Russian is furious as he stares up the ramp and see Santino smiling at him with a look of happiness across his face after he took revenge on his former partner. NXT ends with the latest NXT rankings on the titantron ...

... before Striker reminds us to tune into the Royal Rumble to see which of the NXT competitors will be able to win the double immunity from elimination!

***** END OF SHOW *****


=================================

*** CONFIRMED ***

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – TAG TEAM TURMOIL MATCH
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos

LADDER MATCH TO DETERMINE NUMBER 1 CONTENDER FOR US CHAMPIONSHIP
Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase

NXT BATTLE ROYALE – WINNER TO BE IMMUNE FROM FIRST TWO ELIMINATIONS
Chavo Guerrero vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Great Khali vs. Kaval vs. MVP vs. R-Truth vs. Vladimir Kozlov

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
CM Punk (c) vs. Christian

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Wade Barrett (c) vs. Triple H

ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
Winner to get shot at the WWE or World Championship at WrestleMania 27!​

 

[GCB]

ROYAL RUMBLE 2011: PREDICTIONS​

Here are the scores after the Vengeance PPV.

1st: Peep (11)
2nd: Prophet aka Kid Horror (10)
3rd: therock2011 (9)
4th: Mr. HD (8)
5th: Global Icon, Terry Gyimah (7)
7th: JAM (6)
8th: All That Jazz (5)
9th: Sign Guy, Theo, The Best (4)
12th: Michael [Awesome] (2)

Please post your Royal Rumble predictions:

NXT Battle Royale: Chavo Guerrero vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Great Khali vs. Kaval vs. MVP vs. R-Truth vs. Vladimir Kozlov
1st choice:
2nd choice:
3rd choice:

Ladder Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase

Tag Team Turmoil: Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos
1st choice:
2nd choice:

WWE Championship: Wade Barrett vs. Triple H

World Championship: CM Punk vs. Christian

Royal Rumble Match:
1st choice:
2nd choice:
3rd choice:
4th choice:
5th choice:

Good luck, chaps.

 

[IHW]

NXT Battle Royale: Chavo Guerrero vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Great Khali vs. Kaval vs. MVP vs. R-Truth vs. Vladimir Kozlov
1st choice: Khali
2nd choice:Chavo
3rd choice: Kozlov

Ladder Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase
Bryan

Tag Team Turmoil: Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos
1st choice: Hawkins and Ryder
2nd choice: British Empire

WWE Championship: Wade Barrett vs. Triple H
HHH

World Championship: CM Punk vs. Christian
Punk

Royal Rumble Match:
-Not sure if these guys will be in it, but here are my options-
1st choice: Jeff Hardy
2nd choice: Randy Orton
3rd choice: John Cena
4th choice:The Miz
5th choice: Matt Hardy

 

[JamJam]

Jam's Review​

Looks like things in the Divas Division are getting hot on NXT! I think NXT is the perfect place for the division to be in at the moment. Not only are you using NXT to rejuvenate a superstar but you give the divas their time that they need without “waisting” that time on Raw or Smackdown.

This storyline with Kaval and JBL really has me guessing. I'm thinking that Kaval isn't voted off FIRST but how can that happen? Nonetheless, giving these guys some storylines and some matches are good. Well, that's the whole point anyway. Maybe you have Kaval win a challenge and it makes him switch teams?

Big announcement by Striker here. Maybe the person who wins this battle royal for NXT is the eventual winner? That's my thinking. But anyway, good NXT show. You've advanced storylines and kept me entertained which is what you wanna do each time you post a show. You're doing THREE shows so kudos to you for having a lot of ideas for each show.

And hmm, predictions huh. I'll wait til Smackdown

 

[GCB]

*** PREVIEW ***

RANDY ORTON TO APPEAR ON SMACKDOWN!

After RAW on Monday, you’d think that Michael Cole and Shawn Michaels would be doing whatever they could to ensure that John Cena and Randy Orton were never under the same roof in the WWE again. However, despite all the problems on Monday, Orton is scheduled to appear tonight on Friday Night SMACKDOWN where he could well come into contact with John Cena again – just two days before the Royal Rumble. After Cena’s win in the ‘RAW Rumble,’ he is sure to be considered one of the favourites for the victory in the Rumble but the presence of Orton on SMACKDOWN could lead to problems for Cena tonight.

WILL CHRISTIAN’S DREAM COME TRUE IN TWO DAYS TIME?

After almost fifteen years in the wrestling business, the majority of it with the WWE, Christian finally gets his big chance to wrestle with the World Heavyweight Champion this Sunday when he faces CM Punk looking to win the big title for the first time ever. Christian has had some close efforts in the past but this surely represents his best chance yet – one on one, crowd favourite and against a distracted CM Punk who appears to have his eyes on WrestleMania when there could be larger problems in store in the close future. Tonight, Punk and Christian are scheduled to appear in a main event tag team match – who will get the upper hand heading into Cleveland this Sunday?

BURIED ALIVE!

After months and months of issues, Undertaker challenged his brother, Kane, to a Buried Alive match on SMACKDOWN this week just two days ahead of the Rumble. Although Kane has not officially accepted, he is unlikely to back down from the challenge and we will see two of SMACKDOWN’s best meet in a devastating, brutal match. Will either of them be able to walk out of the arena by the end of the night? And how will the match impact on them as they prepare for the Rumble this Sunday?

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS IN ACTION!

Michael Cole has confirmed that he is allowing the Tag Team Champions, the Major Broskis, the chance to select their own opponents tonight as they look for a morale boosting win ahead of the Tag Team Turmoil match at the Rumble. After they were beaten by Evan Bourne and Mark Henry on a recent edition of NXT, Ryder and Hawkins found themselves demoted to the early starters in the Turmoil match and they face an uphill task to retain their titles on Sunday. Can they get back on track tonight?

***CONFIRMED ***

Cody Rhodes vs. Kofi Kingston

Michelle McCool vs. Natalya

Buried Alive Match: Undertaker vs. Kane

***** JOIN US FOR FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN LIVE THIS FRIDAY! ***** ​

 

[GCB]

Friday 21st January, 2011 | KFC Yum! Arena, Louisville, Kentucky

MICHAEL COLE
Can I have your attention, please?

Cole appears on the titantron and the heat is instant from the crowd although it appears that the SMACKDOWN General Manager is now addressing the crowd live rather than via a recording as he has done in previous weeks ...

MICHAEL COLE
You may have misheard me, I said ... Can I have your attention ... PLEASE?!

Louder boos and jeers for Cole now and a ‘You Suck!’ chant begins in the arena which causes Cole to look flustered and annoyed ...

MICHAEL COLE
And people wonder why I recorded this greeting before? Louisville, Kentucky, you are disgracing and embarrassing yourselves, now be quiet and take heed of what I have to announce!

Cole misjudges things and completely gets it wrong as he tries to get the crowd to quieten down and listen to him ...

MICHAEL COLE
I can wait all night for you. The show will not start until you listen to me.

More jeers for Cole as he stands with his arms folded waiting for a hush. As the noise level drops, Cole tries to begin ...

MICHAEL COLE
Thank you! Now, I would like ...

More jeers and heat for Cole, the crowd really do not like him here in Lousiville ... Cole leans out of shot to speak to the sound technicians who are recording him ... Although he is not clear, we hear snippets of what he is saying ...

MICHAEL COLE
... turn them down ... morons ... people at home want to hear ... turn me up ... mute them ...

Cole straightens up and smiles as he prepares to start but now the jeers of the Louisville crowd have been turned down significantly so that they cannot be heard as well at home live on SMACKDOWN. Despite the vigorous attempts of the crowd in attendance, Cole can now address the WWE Universe who are viewing SMACKDOWN on their TV sets at home ...

MICHAEL COLE
WWE Universe, around the world, welcome to Friday Night SMACKDOWN – which is, as always of course, live and exclusively. Now that these morons here in Kentucky have been quietened down, let me share with you some thoughts about the state of play here on SMACKDOWN!

The jeers and boos of the crowd are just audible but not loud enough for Cole to be interrupted no more ...

MICHAEL COLE
Many of you will have tuned in tonight fearing the worst. I know that what you want to see this Sunday at the Royal Rumble is a fit and healthy SMACKDOWN roster ready to challenge in the Royal Rumble. What you want to see is one of Michael Cole’s loyal SMACKDOWN army win the Royal Rumble and prove that SMACKDOWN is now the Number 1 show in the WWE. What you want to see is every single one of SMACKDOWN’s biggest stars battling in the Rumble, proving their loyalty to me and ensuring that the whole world knows that I, Michael Cole, am the greatest General Manager that the WWE has ever seen!

Cole smiles to the camera and shows off his pearly white teeth, he clearly thinks that this is all about him ...

MICHAEL COLE
Now it is my duty to provide you with a vintage night of action here on SMACKDOWN but it is also my duty to ensure that the SMACKDOWN roster can challenge at the Rumble. Therefore, I have made two big decisions. First of all, the proposal from the Undertaker last week that he should face Kane tonight in a Buried Alive match? I am cancelling that match ...

Despite being turned down, the boos of disappointment in the arena come through clearly at that decision ...

MICHAEL COLE
... Down a little more, Joe, please.

Cole signals to the sound guys to turn the crowd down even further ...

MICHAEL COLE
If Undertaker and Kane are allowed to beat the living daylights out of each other tonight, SMACKDOWN’s chances of victory in the Royal Rumble are severely affected and I cannot allow that to happen. However, I do understand that Undertaker needs a match to prepare himself so he will face ... someone who is in no danger of winning the Rumble ... erm, oh yeah! Undertaker will go one on one with ... Matt Hardy!

Cole laughs to himself, he is pleased with that decision!

MICHAEL COLE
As if he is likely to win the Rumble, right? Secondly, as you will be aware, RAW superstar Randy Orton is here on SMACKDOWN tonight. The subject of Mr. Orton’s mental stability of late has been questioned but I have allowed Orton to appear on SMACKDOWN tonight on two conditions. He will not physically involve himself with anybody tonight unless it is during his match. Also, for the protection of SMACKDOWN superstar John Cena, I have allowed Mr. Cena to take the night off to prepare himself for Sunday ...

More boos from the arena can be distantly heard ...

MICHAEL COLE
Randy Orton will abide by the no physical contact rule as well – if he does not, he will be handed the Number 1 spot in Sunday’s Royal Rumble match.

Cole again laughs to himself after these announcements ...

MICHAEL COLE
You’re probably wondering what tonight’s main event will be then? Well, it will feature the afore mentioned Randy Orton as he teams with the Number 1 contender for the World Championship ... Christian ...

Cole shakes his head at the thought of Christian as Number 1 contender ...

MICHAEL COLE
And they will face the pairing of two of the greatest champions in WWE history! The World Champion CM Punk ... and the Intercontinental Champion and SMACKDOWN’s fastest rising star ... Alberto Del Rio!

Cole fixes the screen with a smile as we digest the idea of a main event of Orton and Christian against Del Rio and CM Punk tonight on SMACKDOWN.

MICHAEL COLE
Turn the volume back up, Joe ...

The sound of the crowd in the arena is turned back up and the Louisville crowd jeer Cole once more but he isn’t bothered now ... He shushes the crowd and then speaks once more ...

MICHAEL COLE
ENJOY THE SHOW, LOUISVILLE!

***** KNOW YOUR ENEMY *****

*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***
*** PYRO ***

Todd Grisham and Mick Foley welcome the WWE Universe to SMACKDOWN and they discuss the announcements made by the General Manager, Michael Cole – no Undertaker vs. Kane in a Buried Alive match, Cole wants to keep his top stars fresh and fit heading into the Rumble. Instead it will be Undertaker vs. Matt Hardy as well as a main event of Orton and Christian against Del Rio and Punk with no John Cena tonight, he is taking the night off.

*** SMOKE AND MIRRORS ***

Marietta, Georgia | 223 pounds
CODY RHODES

The ‘Dashing’ one heads out and he appears determined to get a big win as he prepares to participate in this Sunday’s Rumble match. Grisham says that this is what makes the Rumble special – anybody can win, even a young guy like Cody Rhodes who is just starting out on his journey to the top. Foley agrees with this but he predicts that Rhodes will not be victorious this Sunday ...

*** S. O. S. ***

Ghana, West Africa | 212 pounds
KOFI KINGSTON

However, says Foley, this man could win the Rumble and headline WrestleMania 27! Kofi bounds out into the arena with his pyro exploding and he bounces towards the ring ready for another important match ahead of Sunday. Grisham reminds us of the problems Kofi has been having with Show and replays the Knockout Punch from SMACKDOWN last week in the parking lot as well as their confrontations in the ‘RAW Rumble’ this past Monday night. Will Kofi have any problems tonight with Big Show?

MATCH 1 | SINGLES MATCH
CODY RHODES vs. KOFI KINGSTON

An even start to the match as Cody and Kofi trade holds but it is eventually Kofi who gets on top in the contest as he begins to control the tempo. Cody has a brief flurry of offence and this leads to an attempted Beautiful Disaster kick from the Dashing One but Kofi ducks underneath it and hits a standing dropkick to regain control. This is followed by the Boom Drop before an attempted SOS from Kofi; Cody counters though and goes for Cross-Rhodes instead but Kofi counters out of this and hits Trouble in Paradise instead! BOOM! Kofi makes the cover!

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
KOFI KINGSTON (4:38)

Delight in the arena as Kofi Kingston gets another dominant victory as he continues to roll on towards the Rumble. The crowd in the arena are right behind Kofi as he celebrates the win and he salutes them with the ‘Boom! Boom! Boom!’ in the corner ... He looks all around but there is no sign of Big Show which must mean he is safe from trouble tonight. Kofi shrugs his shoulders and he heads up the ramp as SMACKDOWN heads into its first commercial of the evening.

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA 27 BEGINS ... THIS SUNDAY!
Who will win the Royal Rumble and advance to WrestleMania 27?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

*** NEW FOUNDATION ***

Calgary, Alberta, Canada
NATALYA

SMACKDOWN returns with the daughter of former WWE superstar Jim ‘Anvil’ Neidhart in the ring, the niece of Hall of Famer Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart. Foley expresses his delight that he will get to see Natalya in action tonight and his admiration for all members of her illustrious family ...

*** NOT ENOUGH FOR ME ***

Palatka, Florida | with Kharma
MICHELLE McCOOL

Accompanied by her bodyguard, the behemoth Kharma, Michelle heads out into the arena to boos but smiles a sweet smile as she heads for the ring. She points out the spot where she wants Kharma to stand and then slides into the ring to display her sexy moves as Grisham shoots to a replay of NXT on Tuesday – he informs us that McCool and Kharma finally made their presence felt as they interrupted the Divas Championship rematch between Maryse and Layla. Their attack on the two Divas is shown as well as Michelle standing tall over both ladies ... The camera returns to the ring and McCool is smiling as she points to Natalya’s fate in this match ...

MATCH 2 | SINGLES MATCH
MICHELLE McCOOL vs. NATALYA

Quick paced match where Natalya gives as good as she gets to McCool and appears to be getting the upper hand when she hits a suplex to McCool that leaves her crashed out on the mat. As the crowd get behind Natalya, she throws her arms up in the air and calls for more support before she goes for the Sharpshooter on the former Divas Champion. As Natalya steps through, Kharma menacingly steps up onto the apron and the Canadian Diva is forced to pause for a second whilst she watches the gigantic Kharma on the apron. The referee demands that Kharma gets down and Natalya goes to lock in the Sharpshooter but the delay has given Michelle chance to recover and she fights out of the hold. As Natalya then hits the ropes looking for a big clothesline, Kharma catches her foot and trips her and this causes the distraction that allows McCool to smash her in the side of the head with a huge boot ... McCool makes the cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
MICHELLE McCOOL (3:12)

Michelle celebrates her victory over Natalya by slumping in the corner and holding her hand up in the air although she looks annoyed with almost being placed in the Sharpshooter. Into the ring climbs Kharma and the referee tells them to leave Natalya be but they ignore him – Kharma shoves the referee out of the way and out of the ring. Kharma drags Natalya to her knees and then feeds her to McCool who smashes her in the side of the head with a stiff kick. Natalya is again dragged up by Kharma and fed to McCool – this time, she sets up and hits the Wings of Love before the intimidating pair take their leave and exit the ring. Natalya is spark out in the ring as McCool and Kharma leave, they’ve made their presence felt once again.

The camera switches backstage to the interview area where Matt Striker is waiting ...

MATT STRIKER
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time ... KOFI KINGSTON!

A grinning Kofi comes into shot and he looks delighted after his earlier win over Cody Rhodes in the first match of the evening ...

MATT STRIKER
Kofi, thanks for your time. Tonight, you beat Cody Rhodes, you’re on a tremendous roll. Are you confident that you can go out on Sunday and win the Royal Rumble?

Kofi grins further before answering ...

KOFI KINGSTON
Matt, you can never be too confident about heading into the Rumble. I hear all these guys shouting the odds, telling the WWE Universe that they will eliminate twenty nine other guys, they will dominate the ring and win the Royal Rumble. I’m not naive enough to think that I can do that, Matt. Am I confident that I will do well in the Rumble? Yeah, too right I am. Am I confident that I can win? I know I can win, I know I have a chance but that is a promise I cannot make. I’ll go out there, I’ll give it my best shot and who knows? With a little luck, a kind draw when I choose my number, maybe, just maybe, I can win the Royal Rumble!

Striker shakes hands with Kofi and appears to appreciate an honest answer for a change. However, a commotion breaks as Kofi is suddenly grabbed from behind ... It’s the Miz! Miz locks his arms and legs round Kofi, he falls forward ... SKULL CRUSHING FINALE ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR! Loud boos and jeers echo around the arena as Miz straightens up and stands over Kofi with a look of annoyance in his eyes. He looks into the camera and then clicks his fingers at Striker to hand him the microphone which he does ...

THE MIZ
You see, that is why Kofi Kingston will not win the Royal Rumble. He lacks confidence in himself, he doubts himself, he knows that there are people in the Rumble that he ... can’t ... beat. People like me, for example. I am the most must-see WWE superstar of all time, I am heading to the Rumble this Sunday in my home town of Cleveland, Ohio ... and I guarantee that I will win the Rumble, I will be going to WrestleMania and I will win the WWE or the World Championship in the main event.

Miz looks down at Kofi who is stirring a little and he smirks ...

THE MIZ
Kofi says that if he gets lucky, he could win the Rumble? I say that if Kofi gets lucky, he won’t be in the ring at the same time as me. Because, if he is, he will get more of what he just received, he will be tossed over the top rope and out of the ring, he will be nothing but a statistic on my road to ultimate glory ... because I’m the Miz ...

The crowd boo as Miz’ voice drops to a barely audible whisper again ...

THE MIZ
... and I’m ... awesome.

Miz looks down on Kofi again who is trying to get to his knees. With a smirk, Miz walks over to the left and grabs his Money in the Bank briefcase and he positions himself a few steps away from Kofi as he slowly gets to his feet. Miz is poised, ready to strike with the briefcase, Kofi staggers to his feet and Miz goes to smash him in the skull ... BAM! WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION! BIG SHOW SAVES KOFI! Miz is knocked cold and the WWE Universe cheer their appreciation, has Big Show come to his senses? Kofi looks at Show with a strange look in his eye but Show extends a hand to his former friend ... Kofi hesitates but then reaches out to shake the hand of Show and the WWE Universe cheer for a split second ... BAM! BIG SHOW KNOCKS KOFI COLD AS WELL! With both Kofi and Miz laid out cold at his feet, Big Show picks up the discarded microphone and looks at the camera as WWE officials pour out to tend to the unconscious stars on the floor ...

BIG SHOW
Luck will play no part in it. Home advantage will play no part in it. The winner of the Royal Rumble?

Show fumes as the camera zooms in on his face ...

BIG SHOW
ME!

Jeers from the crowd again for Show as he throws the mike aside and heads out of shot as SMACKDOWN heads into a second commercial ...

ATLANTA, GA
72 DAYS TO GO!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN returns with the Tag Team Champions sat in a backstage area with their Tag Team Championships draped over their shoulders. However, they have worried, concerned looks on their faces and they do not look in the best of moods ...

ZACK RYDER
Bro, this is serious now. We’re just two days from the Rumble, we’ve got to get a win tonight and get some momentum back ... and quick!

CURT HAWKINS
You’re right, Zack, man. We’ve got to find somebody who we can face tonight and it needs to be somebody ... it needs to be somebody like ...

Into shot walk Evan Bourne and Mark Henry, one of the team’s challenging for the Tag Team Championships this Sunday in Tag Team Turmoil and a team that last week on NXT defeated the champions to place them in an earlier spot in the match – making it much more difficult to retain their titles.

MARK HENRY
Can we help you out, boys? After all, we were the ones who beat you last week ... Maybe we could face you again tonight and show you that we real serious about gettin’ dem Tag Team belts?

Hawkins looks a little worried about the prospect of facing the World’s Strongest Man and Evan Bourne but Ryder jumps in quickly and accepts ...

ZACK RYDER
Sure thing, Mark. You’re just the guys we need to face tonight to get ourselves back on track!

Bourne and Henry smile and they turn to leave ...

EVAN BOURNE
Well, I guess we’ll see you out there then, Bros!

Bourne and Henry disappear as Ryder looks on with a pleased look in his eyes. His partner, however, doesn’t look so impressed. He turns to Ryder in dismay ...

CURT HAWKINS
Bro, what are you thinking? We don’t wanna’ go out there tonight and face that freak, he could seriously injure one of us!

ZACK RYDER
Relax, bro, relax. They’re perfect. We need a win tonight that will make all the other teams sit up and take notice of us. We can beat them, we can get back on track tonight, bro, trust me!

Hawkins doesn’t look convinced but he accepts Ryder’s idea ... reluctantly!

CURT HAWKINS
I guess you’re right, bro!

ZACK RYDER
Oh, I’m right! You know it!

Ryder grins at his partner and readjusts his Tag Team Championship as the cameras switch back to the ring where the ring is empty apart from the referee for the next match and ring announcer, Tony Chimel ...

*** LIVE FOR THE MOMENT ***

Cameron, North Carolina | 235 pounds
MATT HARDY

An apprehensive Matt Hardy heads out to the ring with a look of concern in his eyes – anybody would if they were facing Undertaker wouldn’t they? Hardy salutes the fans and heads for the ring but Foley expresses concern for him – things just aren’t going right for him, Michael Cole seems dead against him and he seems to be getting further away from achieving his dream not closer to it. Grisham reminds Foley that back in October, Hardy threatened to walk away from the WWE for good if he didn’t feel he could get the job done and he asks Mick if he thinks it might be on Hardy’s mind again. Foley doesn’t answer but the silence speaks volumes ...

*** GRAVEYARD SYMPHONY ***

Death Valley | 299 pounds
THE UNDERTAKER

The bone-chilling entrance of the Deadman brings the WWE Universe to their feet and they revel in the spectacular nature of it – an entrance seen all too infrequently of late due to the actions of the Big Red Monster, Kane. However, Taker slowly makes his way to the ring tonight – not for the planned Buried Alive match with his brother – but to get into shape ahead of the Rumble this Sunday. Grisham points out to Foley that the Undertaker has only ever won the Rumble once – in 2007 – and even then he needed to enter at Number 30 to do so. Foley says that whatever number Undertaker draws this Sunday, he is a definite contender to win the match and head for the main event of WrestleMania – and we all know how good he is there!

MATCH 3 | SINGLES MATCH
MATT HARDY vs. THE UNDERTAKER

Hardy and Taker go at it from the very first bell as Matt looks to prove that he belongs in matches like this at the very top of SMACKDOWN. The match is even in the early stages as Hardy looks to take Undertaker down and he manages this on several occasions but cannot get the big move that would take his opponent down. Hardy attempts to go for a Twist of Fate but Undertaker responds by grabbing Hardy by the throat and choking him before lifting him high ... CHOKE SLAM! UNDERTAKER HITS THE CHOKE SLAM! Undertaker makes the cover to Hardy ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** HARDY KICKS OUT! **

Undertaker looks around in shock that Hardy just kicked out – he can’t believe it as he looks down on the determined Hardy. Undertaker shakes his head and drags Hardy to his feet and begins to wear down his opponent with his usual array of moves, Snake Eyes, clothesline, big boots and the Old School. However, Hardy refuses to quit and he keeps kicking out of any pinning combination that Undertaker puts him into. Taker signals for the Tombstone Piledriver and it appears that Hardy’s time is now up but he manages to wriggle clear of it and hits the Side Effect to Undertaker instead. Hardy quickly scampers up the ropes and stands on the top turnbuckle before hitting the Hardy Leg Drop that crushes the chest of the Deadman. A 2-count follows but Hardy stands back and sets himself ... Hardy waits for Taker to get to his feet and he goes for the Twist of Fate but Taker shoves him away roughly and hits four big right hands and then scoops Hardy up for the Tombstone again. However, Hardy again counters as he escapes from Taker down his back and as Taker spins round ... TWIST OF FATE! HARDY HITS THE TWIST OF FATE! It’s over! Hardy hooks both of Undertaker’s legs and makes the pinfall ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** UNDERTAKER KICKS OUT! **

Hardy can’t believe it this time and he holds his head in his hands as looks down on the body of the Undertaker. He considers what he needs to do next and gets a look of determination in his eyes, he needs to do even more and he grabs Taker to drag him up. Hardy drags Taker to his knees but once again his opponent responds as he grabs Hardy by the throat and shoves him back to the corner. Hardy fights as hard as he can but he cannot trade right hands with Undertaker, a silly move from Hardy, Taker takes control as he knocks Hardy down to his knees once more. Undertaker looks to have had enough of this and he yet again scoops Hardy up for the Tombstone and this time Hardy does not counter but ...

... Kane is here! The Big Red Monster makes his way down to the ring and he jumps onto the apron to distract Undertaker who drops Hardy down. Kane comes through the ropes and looks to clobber Undertaker but the Deadman ducks ... CHOKE SLAM! UNDERTAKER CHOKE SLAMS KANE! Kane rolls out of the ring as Taker watches him go but as he turns around, Hardy is ready and goes for the Twist of Fate again ... HELL’S GATE! TAKER LOCKS IN HELL’S GATE FROM NOWHERE! Hardy is fighting hard to get to the ropes but he is dead centre of the ring and struggling here ... Can he make it?

** TAP **
** TAP **
** TAP **

WINNER
THE UNDERTAKER (10:10)

The match ends after a thrilling fight between Hardy and Undertaker that had the crowd transfixed for over ten minutes – an amazing SMACKDOWN match. Kane is sat on the floor at ringside staring in shock after he was nailed with the Choke Slam by his brother during the match. Kane is furious and he re-enters the ring where Undertaker is getting gingerly to his feet and attacks his brother from behind. Kane pummels Taker with heavy right hands and staggers him into the corner before going for a heavy clothesline in the corner ... Taker ducks! With Kane off balance, Taker scoops him up for a Tombstone! Can Taker hit it? Kane is fresher though and he wriggles free and scampers out of the ring to safety in the ramp. For the first time, Kane appears to be showing signs of fear and Undertaker further proves his dominance ... he raises his hands and the arena falls into darkness apart from two bolts of lightning that crash down onto the stage with a huge explosion. Kane staggers up the ramp in fear as the lights return and Taker steps over the top rope and begins to stalk the Big Red Monster out of the arena as we head into another commercial ...​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

When SMACKDOWN returns, a melancholy looking Matt Hardy remains in the ring after his defeat to Undertaker moments ago. He is looking down at his feet with a microphone in his hand, he looks dejected and upset. As a ‘Hardy! Hardy!’ chant begins, Matt looks up with forlorn eyes and he ushers the crowd to stop.

MATT HARDY
Please, please, I don’t deserve the chants. For months now, my career has been going nowhere, I am slipping away into mediocrity. I make big claims that I am going to one day win the World Championship – but I can’t defeat Christian to earn the chance. I make claims that I deserve the chance to prove myself as a top contender here on SMACKDOWN – but I can’t beat the likes of the Undertaker.

Matt is incredibly upset with himself – unjustly after a superb match with Undertaker that could have gone either way – but he appears to be wallowing in self pity here.

MATT HARDY
People, in two months time, after WrestleMania 27 is finished, Matt Hardy is out of contract with the WWE. For over fourteen years, I have been here, I have been battling my way up the ranks of the Tag Team division ...

Cheers for mentions of this phase in his career ...

MATT HARDY
I’ve been involved in hellacious matches like TLC, I’ve been involved in deeply personal storylines here in the WWE. I’ve kept going, I’ve always believed in myself – whether I’ve been forcing you to like me or forcing you to hate me – and I’ve never doubted that I’ll reach my goal one day. Until recently.

Hardy looks uncomfortable but this appears to be what he has to do ...

MATT HARDY
I always said that if I ever doubted myself, that was the time when I would leave. Maybe that is what I should do? I’m stuck here on SMACKDOWN, I’m further away from being World Champion than ever, I’ve got a boss who doesn’t believe in me ... So ...

There are words of encouragement being shouted up to Hardy but they don’t appear to be helping the veteran ...

MATT HARDY
So ... this Sunday, what is the point? If I’m going to leave after WrestleMania, maybe I need to ... you know, just get it out of the way ... maybe I just need to ...

[YOUTUBE]PwvaCwy51zw[/YOUTUBE]

Hardy is interrupted as the arena flashes purple ... JEFF HARDY IS BACK ON SMACKDOWN! The crowd go wild as Matt’s brother returns to the WWE and raises his hands ‘Hardy style’ before running to the ring and joining his brother. Matt watches as Jeff bounds around the ring and takes in the adulation of the fans before he signals for his music to be faded. Jeff has a microphone and he is ready to speak to Matt when a huge ‘Hardy! Hardy!’ chant goes up ...

JEFF HARDY
Hold it right there, sir! I can’t believe what I am hearing!

The fans cheer the words of the returning hero, they are ready to hear Jeff sort Matt’s mood out ...

JEFF HARDY
Now, I was going to wait until the Royal Rumble this Sunday to make my return, Matt, but I heard you pouring out your heart and I thought, you know, I gotta’ go speak to my bro. So, here I am, Matt. Here to talk some sense into you, man!

More cheers as Matt smiles for the first time tonight at the words of his younger brother ...

JEFF HARDY
I want you to think back, Matt, think back before the TLC matches, before the WWE, before the Hardy Boys, I want you to think back to way back when we were both little boys growing up in Cameron, North Carolina ...

Matt thinks back as Jeff waits for a second ...

JEFF HARDY
Matt, tell me, what was our dream? When we were just two little boys, what was our dream? Was our dream to win the WWE or the World Championship? Was our dream to win the Royal Rumble?

Matt shakes his head and Jeff smiles ...

JEFF HARDY
You’re right, Matt, it wasn’t ... Tell the world, Matt, tell the world what our dream was!

MATT HARDY
To be WWE superstars ...

JEFF HARDY
To be WWE superstars, Matt! That’s right! All we ever wanted to be was WWE superstars, all we ever dreamed about was being WWE superstars, all we wanted to do was live our dream ... together.

Another ‘Hardy!’ chant goes up and Matt seems to have perked up a little ...

JEFF HARDY
So, Matt, I want you to forget all about the World Championship, I want you to forget all about the Royal Rumble and whether or not you can win it ... I want you to get back to that little boy, aged ten, who only dreamed of being a WWE superstar. And this Sunday, Matt ...

Jeff grabs his brother by the side of the head and pulls him closer ...

JEFF HARDY
... this Sunday, to hell with winning, to hell with titles ... let’s just go out there and rock it Hardy style one more time, baby!

Jeff looks to his brother expectantly and the crowd cheer for the thought of a return for Team Extreme this Sunday at the Rumble ... Matt thinks for a moment ...

MATT HARDY
You’re on, Jeff, let’s do it!

Big cheers echo around the arena as the Hardy Boys hug and then they celebrate their reforming by saluting the fans in their usual way – it appears that the fun times are set to return for Matt Hardy instead!

The camera switches backstage and we see Randy Orton walking into the arena with an intense look on his face. He is walking down the corridors looking for his locker room when he is stopped by Josh Mathews who asks him if he can have a quick word. Orton stops and appears willing to speak to the interviewer ...

JOSH MATHEWS
Thanks for the time, Randy. I just wondered if I could get your reaction to the news that John Cena is not here tonight and has been given the night off to prepare for the Royal Rumble?

Orton smirks before answering ...

RANDY ORTON
It’s not secret, Josh, that John Cena is a coward. Whilst he might have pulled the wool over many fans eyes for an awful long time, it has been common knowledge in the locker room for a while. Cena pulls the strings here in the WWE and does what he needs to do to get the favours and the breaks. I heard his comments last week and they were a real load of bulls**t, Josh. John Cena has always known who to suck up to and it’s helped his career massively. One guy that Cena could never fool though, one guy who never took in his lies ... was me. I never trusted Cena, I didn’t trust him at Survivor Series but I was forced to team with him – and look what he did.

Orton fumes over the memory of Cena losing his WWE Championship ...

RANDY ORTON
You see, the powers that be in the WWE now are tougher on Cena and he doesn’t like that. That’s why he has changed his attitude, they see through his crap – just like I do. However, they don’t appreciate just how much I want to punt him in the skull ...

Loud cheers from the WWE Universe for this idea ...

RANDY ORTON
They threaten me with fines, suspensions and difficult situations but they don’t realise that none of these things is important to me. I am a man and John Cena has made me angry. And when I get the chance, when I get hold of John Cena ... he is going to pay for it with an R ... K ... What the hell do you want?

Into shot walks the Intercontinental Champion, Alberto Del Rio, a man who has been making a big splash of late since his debut four months ago ... He stands face to face with Orton and he smirks at him ...

ALBERTO DEL RIO
Randy Orton ... I just wanted to introduce myself to ju’ Orton ... My name ...

Jeers as Del Rio begins his now famous catchphrase ...

ALBERTO DEL RIO
... My name is Alberto Delll Rrrriio! But ju’ ... ju’ already know that! What ju’ don’t know, Randy, is that I am the man whose destiny it is to be the winner of the Royal Rumble ‘dis Sunday. Now I hear ju’ speaking about John Cena but, ju’ know, ju’ aren’t impressing me, perro. In the past weeks and months, ju’ have lost to Sheamus, Cena, Miz ... Nobody fears ju’ Randy ...

Del Rio winks in the face of Orton who is remaining calm – despite the throbbing temple that kind of gives him away a little ...

RANDY ORTON
Let me tell you, Alberto, what you are! You are the man that, if he doesn’t shut the hell up and get out of my way, is heading for an RKO and a punt to the skull right now. I’d like to know how you plan on winning the Royal Rumble if I put you in a hospital bed?

Del Rio smirks again but he moves aside and allows Orton to pass. The Viper, watching Del Rio like a hawk as he passes, narrows his eyes as if to warn Del Rio to leave him well alone. As Orton continues to walk, Grisham reminds us that tonight, Del Rio gets his chance to prove himself against Orton in the tag team main event match – Orton and Christian vs. Punk and Del Rio. Orton turns into a locker room and there – stood in his path – is the other man he faces tonight ... World Champion, CM Punk!

CM PUNK
Well, well, well, if it isn’t Randall Keith Orton from Monday Night RAW!

Orton tosses his bag into the corner and turns to face Punk with an infuriated face now. Punk though has the air of someone who knows he is safe from assault ...

CM PUNK
As the World Champion here on SMACKDOWN, Randy, I thought it my duty to welcome you here to SMACKDOWN tonight. Now, I realise that later tonight, we are facing each other but I felt it was the right thing ... to do, if you get what I mean?

Orton smirks and he gets right into the face of the World Champion – to be fair to Punk, he stands his ground ...

RANDY ORTON
What is it with you lot here on SMACKDOWN? You’ve got Cena pushing his luck way too far, Michael Cole crying out for an RKO, Alberto Del Rio wanting a punt to the skull ... And now you, CM Punk, the World Champion. Trying to make a name for himself off the back of Randy Orton?

Punk laughs – he clearly feels he doesn’t need to make a name for himself here tonight.

CM PUNK
Wrong, Randy, wrong. I just wanted to get in your face tonight before you head to the Royal Rumble. You see, I realise that you could win the Rumble on Sunday night and then you might choose to head over to SMACKDOWN and challenge me for the World Championship. I realise that you might have that plan in mind because you want to get to the place where John Cena is ...

Punk chews his gum a little before continuing ...

CM PUNK
I don’t care for you, I don’t care for John Cena. But I do care about this ...

Punk holds up the World Title for Orton to see ...

CM PUNK
And I want to warn you that if you do win the Rumble, if you do come to SMACKDOWN, Orton ... Be prepared to be handed the beating of a lifetime at WrestleMania 27. I am the only ‘Straight Edge’ World Champion in history, Randy ... That makes me better than you. Remember that ... OK?

Orton smirks once more ...

RANDY ORTON
Punk, I don’t need to be on SMACKDOWN to get to John Cena. If I want to get to Cena, I’ll just show up here whenever I want to. And you’re right, I plan on winning the Royal Rumble this Sunday ... but I plan on destroying John Cena even more first. So, you can stop worrying about your precious World Championship, I won’t be coming after it. However, you might want to concern yourself over your match this Sunday, Punk. I just get a feeling that ... well, you won’t have that title after Sunday. You see, Christian is one tough guy and I get the feeling that he is ready to be the World Champion. Good luck with that, Punk.

Punk looks a little affronted by Orton’s comments about Christian, he expected some more fired up comments from Orton clearly. Frowning slightly, Punk turns and exits the locker room to leave Orton alone in the locker room at last as SMACKDOWN heads into another break ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***
[YOUTUBE]YYsedsnkHpk[/YOUTUBE]
“WRITTEN IN THE STARS”
(Tinie Tempah featuring Eric Turner)
Official theme song of WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta, GA!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN returns with Evan Bourne and Mark Henry making their way into the ring for their match tonight ...

*** BOURNE TO WIN ***

595 pounds
EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY

Grisham reminds us that Henry and Bourne were challenged tonight by the Tag Team Champions who are looking to get back on track two days before they have to defend their Tag Team Titles in the Turmoil match. Henry and Bourne look confident and they signal that they are going to be the new champions as the crowd give them a warm welcome ...

*** RADIO ***

Long Island, New York | 450 pounds | Tag Team Champions
MAJOR BROSKIS

Foley suggests that this is one of the most important matches in the careers of the Tag Champs as they look to get a win that will take them to the Royal Rumble in a better frame of mind. We are reminded that, a couple of weeks ago on NXT, Bourne and Henry defeated the Broskis to earn a later entry into the Turmoil match. However, the Broskis will be forced to enter the match as one of the first three teams which makes their quest to defend their titles even more difficult. A look of determination accompanies Ryder and Hawkins as they head for the ring but Ryder is trying to gee up his partner as they look for a big win tonight.

MATCH 4 | TAG MATCH
EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY vs. MAJOR BROSKIS

Even back and forth contest as Evan Bourne and the Broskis trade high flying and fast paced action with the Broskis getting on top and grounding Bourne in their corner. However, Bourne manages to escape in the end and he rolls across the ring to make a tag to the muscle of the team, Mark Henry. As the World’s Strongest Man enters the ring, the entire mood of the match changes as he ploughs through the Tag Team Champions with shoulder blocks and big right hands before Zack Ryder is lifted high in the air in a Military Press and thrown out of the ring. Curt Hawkins looks to catch Henry off guard but he is caught and Henry counters ... WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Henry makes the cover to Hawkins but the referee doesn’t count as Curt is not the legal man right now, Ryder is. Frustration for Henry and he slams the mat in anger, as he turns around, Broski Boot! Ryder nearly takes Henry’s head off in the centre of the ring with a stiff kick to the side of his head and then he sets himself ... Ryder goes for the Rough Ryder but Henry ducks underneath it and he makes a tag to Evan Bourne who has recovered in the corner. As the referee tries to get Henry out of the ring, Hawkins catches Bourne unaware with a shot to the face and this allows Ryder to hit a standing drop kick to take Bourne down once again. The Broskis manage to dominate on Bourne once again as a groggy Mark Henry recovers in the corner after the Broski Boot. Ryder is back in the ring and he once again tries to hit the Rough Ryder, this time to Bourne, but Evan manages to counter by ducking under it and then hitting a Hurricanrana to buy himself some time.

Both Ryder and Bourne are down and crawling to their corner – Bourne desperately needs the tag. As Evan reaches out to make the tag, Ryder decides his need to stop Henry entering is greater than tagging in Curt Hawkins and he rushes over and crashes into Henry sending him falling off the apron where he crashes hard into the barricades and falls to the ground with a thud. The referee tells off Ryder who pleads innocence as Bourne struggles to his feet in the centre of the ring without a partner to tag right now. The ref is distracted though and he fails to see Curt Hawkins creeping in behind Bourne ... LOW BLOW! Down drops Evan Bourne as Curt quickly rolls out of the ring to the annoyance of the crowd ... ROUGH RYDER! ROUGH RYDER TO EVAN BOURNE! Ryder makes the cover ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNER
MAJOR BROSKIS (6:46)

The Tag champions slide quickly out of the ring and retreat as Henry comes back into the ring looking furious before checking on his partner, Bourne. The referee follows the champions and he clearly missed the low blow from Curt Hawkins that allowed the champions to pick up the controversial win. However, the Broskis appear to be indifferent to the controversy and just delighted that they managed to get a win heading towards the Rumble. They hold their title belts high in the air and walk backwards up the ramp. However, as they do, behind them appear another of their opposing teams on Sunday – the British Empire.

The Broskis do not notice the Empire until they walk backwards and collide with them. Turning round quickly, Ryder and Hawkins retreat a step from the Empire and look shocked to see them there. Regal, Ryan and Finlay do nothing but continue to stand in the Broski’s way staring at their Tag Title belts. Eventually, the Empire move aside and the Broskis move past them with a look of concern on their faces as they exit the arena ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN vs. RAW 2011!
In stores now!
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

*** CLOSE YOUR EYES ***

Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 227 pounds
CHRISTIAN

A fantastic reception for the Number 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship of CM Punk as he heads out ready for his final address before challenging for the title this Sunday. Christian has a huge smile on his face and he looks around the arena looking for his ‘Peeps’ while on stage and then heads for the ring. He is wearing his wrestling gear ready for the main event to come but he first wishes to address the WWE Universe and he grabs a microphone ready to do so ...

CHRISTIAN
To all my Peeps around the world, I have one thing to say ... We are two nights away, just two short nights, before I finally achieve my dream ... and become the new World Heavyweight Champion!

Huge cheers for this announcement from Christian and he smiles as he looks around the arena ...

CHRISTIAN
I’ve been here in the WWE for almost 13 years now and I have never won the WWE or the World Heavyweight Championship. When I debuted here with my ‘brother’ ...

Christian signals inverted commas as he says the word ‘brother’ ...

CHRISTIAN
... Edge in 1999, I was just thankful to have a job doing something that I loved. Together with Edge, I won the Tag Team Championship on seven different occasions, we won the WrestleMania 16 Triangle Ladder Match, we won the first ever TLC match at Summerslam 2000 and we won the second TLC match at WrestleMania 17 – it was truly one of the greatest times in my life and I will be forever thankful for those days.

Applause and cheers for Christian as he reminisces over his days in the ‘Edge and Christian’ team ...

CHRISTIAN
Unfortunately, I made the ‘mistake’ of turning my back on Edge in 2001 ...

Cheers for Christian splitting from Edge who is obviously not a favourite of the WWE Universe nowadays ...

CHRISTIAN
... yeah? You remember that? Can you remember my theme tune?

Smiles from Christian as he prepares to sing it ...

CHRISTIAN
Christian! Christian! At last ... you’re on your own!

Huge cheers for Christian’s out of tune singing! Christian laughs out loud ...

CHRISTIAN
You people are crazy if you like my singing! Back to the story, if you don’t mind ... I won Intercontinental Titles, European Titles, Light Heavyweight Titles, I even won the Tag Team Titles again with people like Lance Storm ... and Chris Jericho ... I even won the ECW Championship, I held the ECW Championship longer than anybody else ever did ...

Loud cheers for all Christian’s accomplishments ...

CHRISTIAN
But I’ve never won the big one, I’ve never managed to get my hands on one of the big titles here in the WWE. I’ve come close, I’ve come oh so close ... but not yet, never yet, have I managed to win one. But this Sunday, I finally have the opportunity that I’ve been working for, for so, so long!

More cheers for Christian ...

CHRISTIAN
This Sunday ... Christian and the World Heavyweight Champion ... CM Punk ... one on one ... for the World Championship.

A look of determination and seriousness passes over the face of Christian as he contemplates the chance to win his first World Championship. He walks round a little as the WWE Universe show their support with a ‘Christian! Christian!’ chant that echoes around the arena, the support of the crowd is with the charismatic superstar ...

CHRISTIAN
But you know, it is only a shot at the title. Right now, it’s a title opportunity and it means nothing unless I can head into Cleveland, Ohio, do my thing and find a way to pin CM Punk’s shoulders to the mat ... 1 ... 2 ... 3! Until I hear those words from Tony Chimel over there ... “Here is your winner ... and NEW World Heavyweight Champion ... CHRISTIAN!” ...

Loud cheers for this statement ...

CHRISTIAN
... Until I hear those words from Chimel’s mouth, it means ... nothing. This Sunday, it is my dream, it is my shot, my opportunity to win the big one ... but it means nothing unless I win. If I don’t win, if I can’t beat CM Punk, it is nothing but a nightmare ...

Christian thinks hard about the match he has with Punk on Sunday ...

CHRISTIAN
I’ve dreamed of becoming the World Champion since I was a little boy growing up in Ontario and now, this Sunday, I will be this ...

Christian holds his thumb and his forefinger up close together to show how close ...

CHRISTIAN
... this close to fulfilling my dream. I’ve sat by and watched other people win the titles – I’ve seen Edge win it over and over, I’ve seen Jeff Hardy win it over and over, Chris Jericho, guys that I have competed with around the world but I’ve never ever been the man to hold the gold ... until this Sunday.

Cheers for Christian’s confident attitude ...

CHRISTIAN
This Sunday, I fulfil my dream, it comes true in Cleveland and I’ll be damned if CM Punk is going to be able to stop me. I don’t care what he does, it’ll make no difference. However hard he hits me, I’ll hit him even harder. However clever he wrestles, I’ll wrestle cleverer. However long it takes, however many times I have to kick out of the GTS, however many times I have to fight my way to the ropes in the Anaconda Vice, I have worked too long, I have worked too hard, I have waited too long for this chance and CM Punk ...

There is a passion in Christian’s voice that is driving this promo and the crowd are fully behind him as he continues to speak his mind ...

CHRISTIAN
... well, CM Punk, I don’t care if you’re looking past me to WrestleMania, I don’t care if you’re taking me 110% serious, I will not give up and I will fight harder than anybody has ever fought before, I will win the title and I will make my dream ... come ... true!

Huge cheers for Christian’s words as he climbs the turnbuckle and he looks out at the WWE Universe who are showing their support for Christian as he heads for the Rumble and his date with destiny. All of a sudden ...

*** CULT OF PERSONALITY ***

Chicago, Illinois | 222 pounds | World Heavyweight Champion
CM PUNK

Christian drops back down to the mat and turns to face the stage where the World Heavyweight Champion, title belt around his waist, CM Punk heads out onto the stage ahead of tonight’s main event. Punk stands centre stage and he stares down to the ring where his challenger is stood staring right back. Eyes locked together, both men refuse to budge although CM Punk slowly unbuckles the World Championship from his waist and then raises it high in the air. It appears that Punk has listened to every word from Christian and he is showing that he is ready for Sunday’s match ...

*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA 27 BEGINS ... THIS SUNDAY!
Who will win the Royal Rumble and advance to WrestleMania 27?
*** COMMERCIAL BREAK ***

SMACKDOWN returns with Todd Grisham and Mick Foley ready to run down the card for Sunday’s Royal Rumble match. They begin by showing RAW’s main event, the WWE Championship match between Wade Barrett and Triple H ...

Foley suggests that Kurt Angle’s actions on Monday night and the subsequent failure of Triple H to banish Nexus from the Royal Rumble PPV could come back to haunt him as he goes one on one with the leader of the Nexus this Sunday. Next up, Grisham brings up the NXT Battle Royale where one of the eight NXT competitors will earn themselves immunity from the first two eliminations in NXT ...

Foley predicts that there isn’t anybody else in NXT that can match up to the strength and power of the Punjabi Playboy, Great Khali, and that the Indian is his odds-on favourite to win the Battle Royale this Sunday. Next up, the match card for the US Championship Number 1 contender match is shown ...

Grisham reminds us that Justin Gabriel defeated former champion Daniel Bryan and Ted DiBiase at Vengeance to win his first title here in the WWE and that – whilst Gabriel participates in the Rumble match on Sunday – Bryan and DiBiase will face each other looking to earn the right to face Gabriel in the future for the title. Foley predicts that the former champion Bryan will have the upper hand in using the ladder and that he cannot wait to see Gabriel defend against Daniel Bryan in the future.

Grisham reminds us that we earlier saw the Tag Team Champions get a ‘major’ win over two of their challengers this Sunday, the Broskis Ryder and Hawkins will have to overcome all the odds and five other teams to retain their Tag Titles. Foley says that Chip Butty wants to find the WWE’s best tag team, a team to lead the tag division forward into the future and what better way to do it than this? Grisham next hypes up the actual Royal Rumble match where 30 men will be competing for the chance to headline WrestleMania 27 ...

Foley suggests that there are so many high profile contenders, so many of the 30 men will be amongst the favourites to win it and that it is impossible to identify one man who will be in the WrestleMania main event. Grisham asks Foley for a pick and he eventually plumps for Randy Orton if he can focus and not be too consumed with destroying John Cena ... Finally, the World Championship match card is shown ...

Foley suggests that tonight’s main event could be an excellent chance for Christian or CM Punk to gain some momentum ahead of Sunday’s big title match. Grisham reminds us that the main event is coming next as the cameras switch back to the ring where Christian is still in the ring ready and CM Punk is stood at the foot of the ramp. ​

 

[GCB]

(continued)

*** REALEZA ***

San Luis Potosi, Mexico | 239 pounds | Intercontinental Champion
ALBERTO DEL RIO
(w/Ricardo Rodriguez)

His personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, introduces him as Del Rio heads out driving in yet another fancy car, this time an Audi worth over $200000. Del Rio waves his white scarf around as the gold rain falls behind him and the Mexican heads down the ramp to join CM Punk. Punk shakes the hand of Del Rio and they then step into the ring where Christian, to his credit, stands his ground. Punk and Del Rio attempt to intimidate Christian but as they advance towards him a little, Christian’s partner shows up and he isn’t in a very good mood tonight!

*** VOICES ***

St. Louis, Missouri | 245 pounds
RANDY ORTON

A fired up and determined Randy Orton heads for the ring, the RAW superstar a guest here tonight on SMACKDOWN, desperate to get his hands on John Cena but finding himself in a match partnering Christian tonight as they team up against the World Champion CM Punk and the Intercontinental Champion Alberto Del Rio. Orton steps into the ring and joins Christian in the corner and Grisham and Foley remind us of what is at stake for Orton at the Rumble and his murky past with John Cena before the match can begin ...

MAIN EVENT | TAG TEAM MATCH
ALBERTO DEL RIO & CM PUNK vs. CHRISTIAN & RANDY ORTON

All four men give a great account of themselves in a superb match that goes back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Del Rio proves that he belongs in the kind of company he is now keeping here despite only being in the WWE for a matter of months and he provides the first big move of the match when he locks in the CROSS ARM BREAKER to Randy Orton to the delight of Punk who urges him to get the tap out – he hasn’t had to face up to Christian at this point. Orton isn’t a quitter though and he manages to slide over to the ropes where he can force the break. Del Rio holds on though and the referee counts him for the disqualification but Christian decides not to wait and he rushes in and drags Del Rio off his partner for the night. Christian batters the back and shoulders of Del Rio as Orton recovers but this allows Punk to sneak up behind the challenger for his title this Sunday and he dropkicks Christian in the back to stop his attack on Del Rio. Christian rolls out of the ring and he is followed by Punk and the two battle on the outside, trading punches, Christian getting the better of it. However, as Christian looks to whip Punk into the ring apron, Punk reverse and sends Christian crashing hard into the ring steps instead and this leaves the Number 1 contender down on the floor.

Del Rio and Orton resume their fight in the ring and Orton begins to get the better of things. He traps Del Rio in the ropes and drags him through ready for a DDT but the numbers game comes into play. With Christian down on the outside, Punk can come in uninterrupted and he strikes Orton to prevent the hanging DDT to Del Rio. As the referee ushers out Punk, Del Rio strikes with kicks to the arms and then an Enzuguri that leaves Orton groggy without the option of a tag. A tag is made to CM Punk who comes in to go after Orton and continue the domination and control of his team. He achieves this initially as he hits the high knee in the corner combined with the running bulldog and he gets a 2-count before setting for the GTS. However, Orton manages to counter out of it and sends Punk into the ropes ... Running scoop slam! Orton gets a breath of new life and he waits for Punk before hitting a belly to belly slam. Del Rio starts to jump in but Orton meets him coming through the ropes and hits Del Rio with a stiff kick before dragging him through the ropes again ... Hanging DDT to Del Rio! The Mexican’s head bounces off the mat and the crowd cheer as Orton starts to hit his stride. Punk throws a clothesline but Orton ducks ... Olympic Slam! Orton hits the Olympic Slam and he is completely in the zone now! He steps back away from Punk ... waiting, coiling up, ready to strike ... Orton is ready to hit the RKO when there is a commotion behind him ...

Cena comes through the crowd and slides into the ring behind Orton who is still waiting for the RKO to CM Punk here. He is unaware of Cena, like everybody else Orton believes that Cena has been given the night off and is not here tonight! Punk gets to his feet and Orton looks to hit the RKO ... Punk shoves Orton away straight into the arms of Cena who lifts him up ... Here comes the Attitude Adjustment! Orton wriggles clear of Cena though, slides down his back ... RKO! ORTON HITS AN RKO TO CENA! The crowd go wild as Orton hits the RKO to Cena who attacked him, there can be no repercussions for Orton here! The referee rolls Cena out of the ring and Orton is distracted as Punk and Del Rio attack him from behind. The World Champion and the Intercontinental Champion are pounding Orton in the back but he manages to fight back, Orton is trading blows with both men. Punk whips Orton to the ropes but he fails to hit the move he is looking for as Orton leaps over him ... High knee to an unsuspecting Del Rio! Orton is fighting hard here and he has knocked Del Rio for a loop. He ducks Punk’s clothesline ... RKO TO CM PUNK! Orton is on fire here ... RKO TO ALBERTO DEL RIO! Orton has Del Rio and Punk beat here but as he looks to see who is the legal man here, Cena slides back into the ring and he clotheslines Orton over the top rope.

Orton and Cena clash in the rampway and they trade blows, a bitter fight between the pair of them. Security ushers the two of them out of the arena and split their fight as the referee signals that as Orton went over the top rope, Christian made the tag and he appears to want to avoid the disqualification here if he can. As Punk gets to his feet from the RKO, Christian catches him unaware ... KILLSWITCH! CHRISTIAN HITS THE KILLSWITCH TO THE WORLD CHAMPION! Christian drops down and hooks the leg ...

** 1 **
** 2 **
** 3 **

WINNERS
CHRISTIAN & RANDY ORTON (8:51)

Del Rio and Punk look shocked on the outside as they realise what just happened – Christian celebrates as he looks down on the pair of champions from inside the ring. Punk looks concerned as he contemplates what will happen on Sunday if Christian is able to hit the Killswitch on him and make the pinfall. Christian grabs the World Championship belt from the timekeeper and he taunts Punk by standing in the ring and looking at it – Punk demands the belt back but he decides against going back in the ring to collect it. Christian tosses the belt over the top rope and down to Punk who catches it but he looks ruffled as Christian has made it clear – he intends to achieve his dream this Sunday and become the World Champion!

***** END OF SHOW *****


=================================

*** CONFIRMED ***

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – TAG TEAM TURMOIL MATCH
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos

LADDER MATCH TO DETERMINE NUMBER 1 CONTENDER FOR US CHAMPIONSHIP
Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase

NXT BATTLE ROYALE – WINNER TO BE IMMUNE FROM FIRST TWO ELIMINATIONS
Chavo Guerrero vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Great Khali vs. Kaval vs. MVP vs. R-Truth vs. Vladimir Kozlov

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
CM Punk (c) vs. Christian

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Wade Barrett (c) vs. Triple H

ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
Winner to get shot at the WWE or World Championship at WrestleMania 27!​

 

[GCB]

*** GCB’s WWE ***
*** POWER 25 ***

Just over three months into GCB’s WWE, it is time to look at who the most powerful guys in the WWE are right now heading into the Royal Rumble. With all members of the WWE roster given points for appearances, matches, wins, PPV matches and title reigns, the most powerful 25 superstars over the past few months have been identified below.

25: Vladimir Kozlov
A reign with Santino Marella as Tag Team Champion and a recent rejuvenation of his singles career on NXT sees the Moscow Mauler make the Power 25. A change in attitude from the Russian has seen him focus on his singles career – under jeopardy as part of the rules of the NXT competition – and he has ditched former partner, Marella, in favour of following the orders of JBL. It remains to be seen whether Kozlov’s new attitude will save his career but, if it does, it should help propel him up the Power 25 after WrestleMania 27.

24: Ezekiel Jackson
The Guyanan, Jackson, recently became the newest member of Nexus at the Survivor Series when he turned on Team Orton and played a huge role in Wade Barrett winning the WWE Championship. Since then, Jackson has gone from strength to strength as he has become Nexus leader Barrett’s ‘go-to’ guy when he needs something doing. Jackson has gone on a role of late and his rise to prominence shows no sign of slowing down now.

23: Ted DiBiase
Recent involvement in the United States Championship picture has elevated DiBiase to 23rd on the list and he could improve on that in the coming weeks as he chases the title. A Ladder Match with Daniel Bryan this Sunday at the Royal Rumble PPV could lead to a future US Championship match with Justin Gabriel, a sure fire way to leap up the Power 25 rankings. After a near miss at Vengeance, DiBiase has been impressive of late and many are predicting that he could be the next US Champion.

22: Alex Riley
After he shot to prominence over the summer as the new rookie of The Miz on NXT, the ‘Varsity Villain’ has recently parted company with Miz and is now seeking to go it alone. Riley’s association with Miz has allowed him to secure a place in the Power 25 and he will be hoping to establish himself as a major, independent player over the coming weeks – maybe an impressive Rumble performance could help him achieve that?

21: Evan Bourne
Tag Team Championship and Intercontinental Championship opportunities have handed Bourne chance to achieve a bigger role in the WWE of late but he failed in his bid to win either of those titles – or else he could have found himself even higher up the Power 25 rankings. The high-flier from Missouri has a bright future ahead of him but he needs to keep involving himself in these high profile feuds if he is to remain in the top 25.

20: Mark Henry
Bourne’s tag team partner for the past few months has been the ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Mark Henry and their recent past has been almost parallel. Henry challenged for the Tag Team Titles with Bourne and has also challenged Alberto Del Rio for the Intercontinental Title but came up short. Like his partner, Henry needs to ensure he continues to perform to a high standard over the coming weeks as WrestleMania approaches.

19: Matt Hardy
Hardy’s past few months has been checkered to say the least – from taking a month long sabbatical in October to challenging for the World Championship in November, Hardy’s mood is fluctuating wildly. Failure to defeat Kane at Survivor Series and Christian at Vengeance has led to Hardy falling out of the World Title picture but he was rejuvenated in the last SMACKDOWN before the Rumble when his younger brother, Jeff, returned to the WWE to pep him up. Hardy heads into the Rumble this Sunday desperate to win the match and earn himself a WrestleMania main event spot – he is many people’s wildcard to win. Can he finally live up to his dream?

18: Drew McIntyre
It’s been a tough couple of months for Drew McIntyre after he lost the Tag Team Championships and then went on a losing run. After his partner, Cody Rhodes, blamed him for losing the titles, Drew vowed to participate in and win NXT to get back on track – a high risk strategy considering that five of the eight guys on NXT will be fired from the WWE. It has been a mediocre start from the Scot to NXT as he currently lies in fifth place – a position that would see him fired – but he will be hoping to buck up his ideas in the coming weeks as WrestleMania approaches.

17: Cody Rhodes
McIntyre is desperate to get back on track to prove to Cody Rhodes that he can live with the big fish on SMACKDOWN. However, Rhodes appears not to care anymore and looks to be focusing now on his singles career. A run as a Tag Team Champion means that Rhodes holds a place in the Power 25 but he needs to get some big wins over the coming weeks to continue to hold his place – a defeat to Matt Hardy in the recent Number 1 contender match for the Intercontinental Title didn’t help. Can Rhodes live up to his potential as we head towards WrestleMania?

16: Daniel Bryan
The former United States Champion has made a positive start to life in the WWE – but he is desperate for more in the coming weeks and months. A high profile feud with The Miz over the US Championship after his time in NXT gave Bryan a good start but he recently lost the title to Justin Gabriel and, as yet, has not won the title back. He will be hoping to defeat Ted DiBiase at the Rumble and earn himself a shot at Gabriel’s title in the near future as he looks to break into the top ten of the Power 25.

15: Edge
Although Edge is likely to be disappointed with 15th in the Power 25, a month out suspended and numerous losing efforts caused by his ‘problems’ with the RAW General Manager Shawn Michaels mean that it is actually a good position for the Rated R Superstar to find himself in. As he approaches WrestleMania, Edge will hope to get back to what he does best – winning titles – and this should ensure that he moves back in to the Power 10 quickly.

14: John Morrison
For the past few years, John Morrison has teetered on the edge of fulfilling his potential but has never managed to make the final jump into the upper echelons of RAW. This was evident once again recently when Morrison faced - and lost to – his former partner, Miz, in a match that was seen as the chance for both to make that jump into the ‘big leagues’ of the WWE. An impressive Royal Rumble performance would get Morrison back in position to make the move up the ranks though and he will be desperate to prove that 2011 is the year of John Morrison beginning to realise his huge potential.

13: Justin Gabriel
Six months ago, very few people were aware of the South African Justin Gabriel. Now, he is a household name in the WWE – for positive and negative reasons alike – as well as being the United States Champion, his first title in the company. After bursting onto the scene with Nexus after NXT, Gabriel played a role in helping Barrett and his team dominate the RAW brand over the summer. It was actually Gabriel who scored the winning fall at Survivor Series over Cena that won the WWE Championship for the Nexus leader. However, Gabriel has recently grown disillusioned with the Nexus and he set his sights on an individual path that led him to the United States Championship at Vengeance.

12: Big Show
It appears that Big Show is frustrated with his current status with the WWE: despite winning his first World Heavyweight Championship on a recent episode of SMACKDOWN, his reign as champion lasted for just five minutes before he was defeated by CM Punk. Show has had an interesting few months – feuding with Punk, captaining Team SMACKDOWN to victory and his short title run – but he now appears to be fed up of smiling whilst he watches others with the title. Recent issues with Kofi Kingston have shown that Big Show’s frustration is growing and he is beginning to unleash his monstrous side once again. Will Show be the one to win the Rumble and head to WrestleMania?

11: Christian
Christian is desperate to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming the WWE or World Champion and this Sunday, at the Rumble PPV, he could fulfil that dream as he challenges CM Punk for the World Title. Sitting 11th in the Power 25 right now, a title win would see Christian rocket into the top ten and there are few guys in the WWE locker room who could be described as being more deserving of being champion. Whether Christian can win on Sunday remains to be seen ... but Christian’s ‘Peeps’ will be desperate to see their man climb up the ranks and win his first big gold in the WWE at last this weekend.

10: Triple H
Much of 2010 saw Triple H sidelined through injury and this has led to him struggling to cement a top ten place in the Power 25 – however, like Christian, he challenges for a big title this Sunday and a win and a new title reign would see him leap high into the top ten. A high profile return feud with Sheamus means that Triple H has had chance to accrue the points needed to be placed higher but Sheamus appeared to have his number until Vengeance when Triple H defeated the Celtic Warrior finally and won a shot at the WWE Champion, Wade Barrett. It would be Hunter’s fourteenth title reign in the WWE and his first for over a year and a half that could lead to him main eventing WrestleMania in two months time.

9: The Miz
A United States Championship reign and a win at the ‘Money in the Bank’ PPV means that Miz is on a roll of late and he continues to gain momentum ahead of what he describes as a ‘guaranteed future title reign’ coming soon. Miz still holds the MITB contract and can cash it in whenever he desires but he appears intent on winning the title at WrestleMania in another fashion right now – by winning the Royal Rumble this Sunday in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Should he fail, expect Miz to use the MITB contract sooner rather than later – his ego suggests that he wants to head into WrestleMania as a champion rather than carrying a red briefcase!

8: Kofi Kingston
Voted as the ‘Breakout Star of 2010’ in the recent Slammy Awards, Kofi’s meteoric rise of late has stunned many of the WWE locker room and he has come incredibly close to winning his first World Championship on a couple of occasions. Kofi is incredibly popular and continues to win matches although he still seems to need that one more big win to truly cement him as a top level player on SMACKDOWN. A jealous former friend, Big Show, has given Kofi problems of late but he will hope to put these problems behind him and complete his fairytale rise up the ranks this Sunday by winning the Rumble and going on to WrestleMania 27 to win the title. It would be a popular victory, indeed.

7: Sheamus
Another young star on a roll of late has been the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus. Despite losing his WWE Championship in the Six Pack Challenge at Night of Champions, Sheamus has since been involved in several high profile matches including a narrow defeat to Randy Orton for the title at No Mercy and three show-stealing matches with Triple H on PPV since, two of which he won. His recent link with Hornswoggle has allowed him to add a new dimension to his dangerous attack and there is no doubt that Sheamus is one of the favourites to win the Royal Rumble this Sunday and go on to headline WrestleMania. He has guaranteed victory and few would argue against his credentials – a win would surely lift him into the top five of the POWER 25 as well!

6: John Cena
A lack of title opportunities has led to Cena dropping down to sixth but that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t been involved in some huge angles over the past few months. From his feud with Nexus to his heel turn and feud with Randy Orton, Cena is still one of the most talked about superstars in the WWE, arguably the most, and his new attitude is making him more discussed than ever. Cena has recently cut loose on the WWE Universe and, with SMACKDOWN General Manager Michael Cole seemingly on his side, Cena is heading to the Rumble ready to head back into the title picture. If he does win the Rumble, there is no doubt that Cena could leave WrestleMania as the WWE or World Champion and regain his spot on top of the POWER 25.

5: Alberto Del Rio
The surprise name on the POWER 25 list is the name of the Mexican Intercontinental Champion, Alberto Del Rio. However, a close look at Del Rio’s progress since his arrival proves why he is in the top five. Beaten just once in singles competition by Christian on SMACKDOWN, Del Rio has won every PPV match he has been involved in, he has won the Intercontinental Championship and he appears to be heading into the main event scene to challenge the very best on SMACKDOWN in the coming months. He has put Rey Mysterio on the shelf with his devastating finisher, the Cross Arm Breaker, and he is a name being whispered by many as a real darkhorse to win this Sunday’s Rumble match. One thing is for sure, Del Rio has massive potential to be one of the most powerful men in the WWE in the future and he could well achieve greatness over the coming months.

4: Kane
A strong World Championship reign means that Kane is entrenched in the top five as he heads to the Rumble this Sunday with his feud with his brother, the Undertaker, still rumbling and looking to get a title match at the biggest PPV of the year. Kane’s dominance of SMACKDOWN lasted for four months until he lost the title to Big Show, then CM Punk, but there is no doubting the impact he made in those months – putting Undertaker out of action in the way he did proves that. The Big Red Monster is looking to get back on track this Sunday and few would bet against him doing just that!

3: CM Punk
The World Heavyweight Champion has made huge strides in the past few months as he has moved up the Power 25 into the top three spots. Over the last couple of months, Punk has shown that he is capable of beating the very best on SMACKDOWN as he defeated Big Show, Kane and Kofi Kingston to win the World Championship for the third time in his career. He has recently vowed to head into WrestleMania 27 as the World Champion and secure his place in history by retaining on the grandest stage of them all – however, he might want to focus on his match with Christian this Sunday first. If Punk retains at the Rumble, he will make further progress towards the top spot in the Power 25 and will take one giant leap towards the WrestleMania main event that he has been dreaming of for years.

2: Randy Orton
What a few months it has been for the Viper, Randy Orton. Back in September, Orton won the Six Pack Challenge to win the WWE Championship from Sheamus and he subsequently held the title for three months until losing it in controversial circumstances to Wade Barrett – partly thanks to John Cena who was the man pinned in the Survivor Series contest. Since then, Orton has pursued Cena for revenge but has stated that he intends to win back the title soon. With his place in the Royal Rumble now assured, Orton could win a spot in the WrestleMania main event this Sunday and could well be chasing the WWE Championship as well as the top spot in the Power 25 very soon.

1: Wade Barrett
Since their arrival in the WWE back in July, the Nexus have dominated the WWE roster and their leader Wade Barrett has played a major role in ensuring that they have reached the top. After targeting John Cena on their arrival in the company, Nexus and Barrett worked their way quickly to the top of RAW and at Survivor Series, Barrett finally won the WWE Championship after several near misses. Nexus’ domination is not to everybody’s liking but there is no doubt that Barrett, backed by his team, is the most powerful superstar in the WWE right now thanks to several high profile victories and a lengthy title reign. This Sunday, Barrett will face Triple H with his WWE Championship on the line but another win will further highlight how Barrett is the man to beat here in the WWE as he heads towards WrestleMania 27. If he continues along the road as WWE Champion, there is little doubt that he will probably be the top dog in next month’s Power 25 as well!​

 

[JamJam]

Jam's Review​

WOW, what a Smackdown. Maybe Smackdown is becoming the #1 show for the WWE. All the feuds progressed in this episode of Smackdown. You do a good job of throwing people off and letting us guess what the hell will happen next, shows what kind of a booker you are GCB.

I love this Hardy reunion! It seems as though Jeff has rejuvenated his brother and I can see them making it back to the tag team division even if that division is pretty stacked at the moment. With six teams gunning for the tag team titles, I can only speculate as to who your winner would be. Should be a good one at the Rumble.

Also, your booking of Kofi Kingston continues to be really good. Never before would I think that Kofi would inject himself into the main event, but he now has that chance at the Royal Rumble. And quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if he won it, he's on fire right now! Having Miz interrupt him just gives him some air time and some momentum after that display. After we thought it was over, we get Big Show and he too now looks like a good pick to win the Rumble.

Another thing that is worth commending is your build for the World Heavyweight Championship. Having Punk as your champion has been really great. I feel as though that the World Heavyweight Title is just as important as Wade Barret's WWE Title, so good job there. The feud between Punk and Christian has been excellent and I hope that Christian wins the title at the Rumble. But for booking purposes, it'll probably be Punk retaining, which I don't mind at all.

Ha, a Power 25, good touch here GCB. Pretty sure I did this as well, but it was Power 10, I believe. Having this shows us the viewers, the impact that your roster has been making on their respective shows. I fully agree with you that Wade Barrett should be #1, but maybe Punk should be at #2. Having Orton there isn't bad either since he's been on a roll lately, taking out people and not caring about the higher powers. Good list. Could use some graphics though. Remember, just ask

Overall, The Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a helluva Pay-Per-View. I think I have some ideas as to who will be the Rumble winner and I'll post my predictions shortly. The winner just HAS to be a FACE, it just has to! Lol. But anyway, can't wait for the Royal Rumble GCB, post it soon!

 

[Mr. HD]

Looks like I got A LOT of catching up to do, but GCB, your shows are definitely amazing and inspirational, so this should be fun!

If it's ok with you, I'm just gonna give a little recap on each show and how you've built The Royal Rumble.

RAW:

For starters, I love HBK as GM. I think this is what inspired me to make Bret Hart my GM. Because he has the experience and understanding of the business. I like his little feud with Edge. I wonder if HBK is going to have "One More Match"?

I also LOVE how you've built the WWE Championship feud between Wade Barrett and Triple H. The mic work you've done with Barrett has been very good. You're really putting him in the spotlight and really showing that he can be the man. This feud can Triple H can be what really puts him over the top. But there's a little ace in the hole called Kurt Angle. Do I smell a Triple Threat at WrestleMania? Or will Miz spoil the fun? So many angles to go with this.

I like that you're placing some emphasis on the midcard, but #1 Contenders Ladder Match! WHOA! That's really saying something. I figured it'd be a Ladder Match for the US Title. But I could see a solid match being put on between Bryan and Dibiase though.

John Cena vs Randy Orton. This feud has really gotten heated. Orton can't touch Cena and it's tearing him apart. I can see you building to an Orton/Cena match at WrestleMania. The battle to see who the real top dog is in the WWE.

You built up The Rumble very well IMO. There's a strong amount of people making their case for The Rumble and I'm interested in seeing the outcome of Barrett vs Triple H. There's really so many angles to go with this.



SMACKDOWN:

Michael Cole annoys me as GM, but it's a good kind of annoying.

And I love the way you had Jeff Hardy return. At first, I found it confusing that Jeff was telling Matt to forget about winning the World Title, but I see what he was doing. He wants Matt to remember that being a WWE superstar is what he wanted to be and how he shouldn't quit. Interesting.

And The Rumble is this Sunday and everybody is making a name for themselves before The Royal Rumble this Sunday. Big Show laying out Miz and Kofi and the confrontation between Cena and Orton, and Christian's promo. Christian's promo was pretty solid. Actually had me believing that he can actually win at The Rumble. I doubt it, but it's a good buildup.



NXT:

So, the NXT format has me a tad confused. I thought that when the Top 10 were finalized, that was it. I didn't know that they could lose their spots every week if they lost a match.

I guess this is good because it makes everybody work harder so that they can keep the spots that they have. Very interesting scenario. I don't remember those rules, but I guess it's been a while since I read the rules for how NXT is formed so it's probably my own fault.

So, Khali is now #1, JBL is being a dictator as usual and Rock is being the mentor. Oh and the Divas Title picture is coming together quite nicely and we got a look at the British Empire before the Royal Rumble.

Overall, a solid show in NXT.




Well, here are my predictions:


NXT Battle Royale: Chavo Guerrero vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Great Khali vs. Kaval vs. MVP vs. R-Truth vs. Vladimir Kozlov
1st choice: Great Khali
2nd choice: MVP
3rd choice: Vladimir Kozlov

Ladder Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase
Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Tag Team Turmoil: Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) vs. British Empire vs. Cyme Tyme vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Hart Dynasty vs. Usos
1st choice: The British Empire
2nd choice: The Major Broskis

WWE Championship: Wade Barrett vs. Triple H
Prediction: Wade Barrett retains the WWE Championship

World Championship: CM Punk vs. Christian
Prediction: CM Punk retains the World Heavyweight Championship

Royal Rumble Match:
1st choice: Undertaker
2nd choice: John Cena
3rd choice: Randy Orton
4th choice: Jeff Hardy
5th choice: Edge

Good luck, chaps.