GCB's WWE

[TSG]

Great show GCB. Let me hit the points here, I might pull this one off Theo style.

- I love seeing Cena back on Smackdown, the show needs a new main event player. I like the possibility of him feuding with Kane and...Punk? Stealing my feuds, now, are we? But seriously, good interaction between Cena and Punk, and the opportunities are wide open for both men.

- Rhodes and McIntyre are freshening up the tag team scene, and it is a nice way to get them both on the show, and give them some mic time and ring time. I love Rhodes on the mic and I see big things in his future.

- I like seeing Punk being dominate, he could be a huge player for years to come in WWE, and it's always good to see him get a push. I also like his interaction with Show backstage, it was pretty fun.

- Del Rio also looking good, he seems to be getting built slowly but surely, and it works for him. I like that you are putting him over not only as a smug heel, but a great in-ring wrestler, as he always gets solid ring time and is the guy that can make you tap out, not just pin you. I really like that, and it's interesting to see.

- Christian and Matt Hardy interaction looking good, it will be interesting and I could easily see one of them turning heel. I am excited to see them wrestle again, they are always good for a pretty great match, and I am game for it.

- I don't like Swagger looking kind of weak against Show, but Show seems to be the #1 contender at this point, and it is definitely important to make him look strong heading towards Vengeance.

- JBL cutting the promo, and sounding good as always. Cannot wait to see him on NXT, seeing him every week will be a treat. Can't wait to see the other mentor, didn't think he would be revealed this early, but it works for me. I don't get why he keeps referring to them as rookies when they will be already established WWE stars, but minor details are just that, can't wait to see the 8 stars that have to fight for their career.

- Cena and Kane putting on a great match, and I would definitely like to see more of them. Not much more to comment on since the match was sort of a review, but it worked. The DQ makes Kane look strong and Cena look good, and it's clear that Orton isn't easily forgiving Cena. Their problems may not be over yet, and we will see where they go from here. It is a very interesting feud that might be done a lot, but I don't really care as they are always interesting with each other.

Overall a great show, and I can't wait until RAW and Smackdown the next week. The build to Vengeance is already looking good, and we're only one week into it. Just a couple of random notes and I'll be done, but great show as always, loving it GCB.

- You kept referring to Survivor Series as last night, when it was Sunday and Smackdown is Friday. It's probably just a slip of the mid but thought I would point it out. They happen.

- The new graphics are sick, and I don't think anyone can complain about those or disagree with them. For someone who isn't the most experienced with graphics, they are sick. Heck, they would be great for someone who was experienced with making graphics.

- I love the chemistry with Michael Cole and Mick Foley. They work well with each other and they were a great choice to work with each other on commentary.

 

[The Best]

Sign Guy already did the in-depth stuff, so I'll try to keep it as general as I can.

-So apparently Cena is staying face, I thought he was turning, but I guess that I just figured it out, and good job clarifying that here in this show.

-I like how you're setting up McIntyre and Rhodes vs. Santino and Kosloz here, and how the contenders have 2 straight singles competition wins over them, good job, and I would love to see more of these 4.

- Good; easy squash match win for Punk, and then followed by a nice little short segment with big show, I see a possible program between these two, and maybe even including the world champion kane with him, and that would be nice.

- Nice win for ADR here, and I like him as the Intercontinental Champion, and it will be great to see what he can do with that title around his waist.

- Kane has a nice little interview segment about his brother, The Undertaker, which I liked, and then Christian and Matt Hardy clearing out some beef which is good as well.

- Just as sign guy said, I really don't like Swagger being jobbed, even to the Big Show, just because he's such a good; young talent, just something in me says that he shouldn't be jobbed.

-JBL cuts an excellent promo, and NXT is definitely going to be fun.

-Main event time, as Cena and Kane put on a good little match before Kane gets DQ'ed, and then Randy Orton comes in and returns the favor for John Cena, even though these two are on different brands, they're still not finished with each other.

Overall Grade: Overall, great show as always, and I like how Vengeance is shaping up. My overall grade would be a B+ as the only thing that I really didn't like was Swagger being jobbed, but it's your show, and it's the best fed here, so it's all your call.

 

[#1Peep]

Peep's Smackdown Review​

On the road to Vengeance, this should be good Butty. Graphics looking good! Only way to start the show really - with Smackdown's newest star, John Cena. Nice promo to set everything right - Cena's first agenda is the WHC, hope you take that title off of Kane soon. Great explanation from Punk here, Teddy turns him down slightly, I don't think that is going to deter CM however. Long makes a great main event, Cena vs. Kane, don't see that ending clean. Drew and Cody look strong again as Cody goes over Kozy. I know Henry has beef with Dashing Dreams but is he still teaming with Bourne? Not a big fan of Henry, don't know how this feud is oing to play out at all after DashIntyre's title shot next week, maybe you could get a new set of challengers in time for Vengeance? I know Bourne wasn't dominated completely but he did a little weak against Punk. Punk should look strong but Bourne looked a little crappy, especially after his IC match on the previous Sunday. Maybe he fits back into feud with Rhodes and Drew Mac? Punk and Show both have great arugments - maybe a fatal four way at the PPV - Cena included?

Kofi and Del Rio both looked great in that 11 minute match - Del Rio only winning on interference. Rumble is oh so close - should be a doozy. Great work here. Great promo from Kane and I can sense 'Taker returning soon. Matt/ Christian feud to continue - not so sure about this but we will see where you go. Show looks strong here, alongside Punk, but wonder what Swagger does next? JBL on to promote NXT, I like how you are introducing the other mentor on RAW, build it up between him (or her) and JBL before the season even starts. Cena and Kane couldn't get one over the other until the final moments, both men looking strong, until Orton interferes? Looks like this isn't finish just yet - wonder if you are going to keep doing these attacks or this will be the last one for a while seeing as how Orton got his payback. I see you building this up - maybe some battling in the Rumble and then onto 'Mania. Overall, awesome show GCB, you are setting up Vengeance nicely with the World Title picture (take it off Kane!), and hope you get some nice undercrd feuds going - especially with Del Rio as your IC champ. Once again, great show.. oh and nice graphics!

 

[Mr. HD]

I didn't forget about you GCB. I'm gonna start at Survivor Series because I hear it was a pretty kickass show. But seeing how long it is, It'll be a while until I give you a review. I'll try and give you one tonight, but if not, look out for one during the week.

 

[JamJam]

GCB, awesome show once again. It's great seeing Cena back in Smackdown. It gives you another main event player to play with. His promo in the beginning was awesome. Having him and Punk in a promo war was amazing as well. Punk and Big Show segment was great too, I can see Punk just antagonizing Show in real life. I could see a Punk/Show feud coming up because of the results in Survivor Series.

Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, an interesting tag team. I don't think WWE could've booked them better than this. But honestly, I'd rather see both of them as singles competitors. Rhodes works great alone and McIntyre can make a name for himself since he's nicknamed "The Chosen One". But as a tag team, they're pretty good. I don't know about Mark Henry going for the titles though, might wanna get a new team in there, Usos probably?

I like the matchup of Del Rio vs. Kingston. I love how you made Kofi a main eventer. He's pretty believable and amazing in the ring. Having Del Rio go over him is great too since you're building up Del Rio. Hopefully we see him chasing the World Heavyweight Championship soon.

Having Punk dominate Bourne like that kinda isn't working for me. Bourne is a little better than that. Also, Big Show going over Swagger in a squash match is understandable but he could've done better.

Seeing JBL cutting a promo was spectacular. Him working on NXT is a brilliant idea. I'm looking forward to this NXT season. Also, revealing the other mentor for NXT on Raw is brilliant as well. You have a knack for doing some really good buildups.

John Cena vs. Kane was pretty entertaining. Both competitors looked strong and it was genius for Orton to interrupt making Cena credible in his first Smackdown match and leaving Kane looking like a good champion.

Overall, I really like your thread GCB. I just recently read over it from the beginning as I've seen it has gotten a lot of views. One of the most famous threads on here. Your shows are great as usual and I'll be reading your future shows.

 

[GCB]

MONDAY NIGHT RAW!
PREVIEW

*** WWE CHAMPIONSHIP NUMBER 1 CONTENDER ANNOUNCEMENT ***

RAW General Manager Shawn Michaels is set to make an announcement tonight regarding the WWE Championship match at Vengeance. Who will Wade Barrett be defending his gold against? Will Randy Orton be given another opportunity to regain the title after Ezekiel Jackson denied him last Monday on RAW? Or will somebody else be given the chance to challenge for the title? HBK reveals all tonight!

*** NXT MENTOR NUMBER 2 ANNOUNCED! ***

We all now know that John Bradshaw Layfield will be mentoring four of the eight men who will be looking to retain their jobs with the WWE on the next season of NXT. However, the other four men will have another legendary mentor who will be revealed tonight – but who will it be? JBL is scheduled to appear in Richmond, Virginia tonight so we will see the first confrontation between the two mentors!

*** DIBIASE’S CHANCE TO PROVE HIMSELF ***

After setting his sights on the United States Championship of Daniel Bryan, Ted DiBiase gets a chance tonight to prove that he is deserving of a chance to win the gold as he faces Bryan one on one. If DiBiase can prove he is a legitimate threat to Bryan, HBK is expected to announce a United States Championship match between the pair at Vengeance. A golden chance for DiBiase to get his career back on track as he looks to add gold to the Million Dollar Championship that already adorns his shoulder!

*** HAWKINS AND RYDER TO REFORM TAG TEAM ***

With their Tag Team Championship match with Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes on the horizon this Friday on SMACKDOWN, the Tag Team Champions, Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella, have a warm up match tonight on RAW. Their opponents will be the newly reformed team of Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins – last seen protecting Edge on SMACKDOWN a couple of years ago. With both men having moved on since then, can they rediscover their tag team form tonight as they look to get an eye-catching win over the champions?

*** CONFIRMED ***

Ted DiBiase vs. Daniel Bryan

Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins

*** JOIN US FOR MONDAY NIGHT RAW – LIVE FROM RICHMOND, VIRGINIA! ***​

 

[GCB]

MONDAY NIGHT RAW!
Live from Richmond, Virginia

[YOUTUBE]lqKMAPEK3Sk[/YOUTUBE]

*** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO ***​

The cameras fly around the arena in Richmond as the WWE Universe cheer excitedly ahead of another Monday Night Raw with just three weeks to go before the final PPV of 2010 – Vengeance. The cameras focus on the announce table where JR and Jerry Lawler are sat waiting to begin their commentary for the evening ...

JIM ROSS: Welcome everyone to Monday Night RAW with myself, Jim Ross, and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler where it is sure to be another action packed night ...

JERRY LAWLER: And, sure, there is no John Cena tonight but RAW keeps on rolling baby!

JIM ROSS: In a major announcement only moments ago, we discovered that John Cena has been banned from attending RAW tonight after Randy Orton’s invasion of SMACKDOWN on Friday night!

JERRY LAWLER: And our General Manager, Shawn Michaels, is also set to reveal who the next challenger for Wade Barrett’s WWE Championship will be. Will it be Randy Orton, JR?

JIM ROSS: I’m sure Randy Orton would want that but what will HBK decide?

JERRY LAWLER: And we will be finding out the identity of the second legendary mentor for the upcoming season of NXT: Endangered! Who will join JBL on NXT?

*** VOICES ***

The WWE Universe erupt at the sound of Orton’s music and cheer him to the rafters as he slowly appears on the stage and makes his way down towards the ring ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome ... RANDY ORTON!

Orton steps into the ring and poses in the corner with his penetrating eyes showing a rage burning inside them ... Orton is still majorly unhappy despite his invasion of SMACKDOWN last week ... He takes a microphone and the music is faded out ...

RANDY ORTON: Last week was one of the worst weeks of my life ... On Sunday at the Survivor Series, I lost my WWE Championship ...

Boos echo around the arena ...

RANDY ORTON: ... when I wasn’t even pinned. I didn’t tap out and I wasn’t knocked out. The man that our General Manager picked for my team was pinned by Justin Gabriel ... and Wade Barrett was given my title?

More boos from the crowd who realise how unfair this is ...

RANDY ORTON: Now I’m not the only one, I’m sure, that realises that this is a load of B.S. Wade Barrett now has the WWE Championship around his waist ... and he never won it.

Cheers of agreement for Orton are followed by an ‘RKO’ chant ...

RANDY ORTON: So, last Monday here on RAW, I was handed a title rematch. A chance to regain my WWE Title. Right before it, John Cena wants to distract me with a phony apology ... which I refused to accept. And then? Ezekiel Jackson decides that he wants to get into my business again and costs me the 3 count when I had Wade Barrett beaten.

Orton takes a moment to take a deep breath clearly angry at the treatment he has received ...

RANDY ORTON: And then, after the match, John Cena arrives to hit me with an Attitude Adjustment. He scuttles off the SMACKDOWN and thinks that he has left me in the past. Wrong, Cena, very wrong.

The crowd cheer Orton again as he carries on ...

RANDY ORTON: Friday night, I visited SMACKDOWN and I made sure that John Cena knew that I wasn’t happy with him. I hit him with an RKO ... and it felt good. John Cena, there is more of that whenever you want it. I have not finished with you!

A ‘Cena sucks’ chant begins but it is half-hearted with many of the crowd still not sure that Cena has turned heel after his comments on SMACKDOWN ...

RANDY ORTON: So, tonight, John Cena has been banned from appearing on RAW? I think that decision is utter crap but it does give me chance to address one other person. Ezekiel Jackson.

Boos ring out around the arena ...

RANDY ORTON: A man who feigned injury at Survivor Series and then turned up to try and cost me my title? A man who interfered in my WWE Championship rematch last week and cost me again? You know what I think?

The camera zooms in on Orton who looks incensed ...

RANDY ORTON: I think Ezekiel Jackson needs a punt in the skull!

The crowd roar with approval and Orton turns to the titantron ...

RANDY ORTON: So, Jackson, get yourself out here and be a real man. Let me show you what happens when people make me angry ...

Orton throws the microphone down and waits for Ezekiel Jackson to make his entrance ... Time passes and there is no sign of Ezekiel Jackson. Orton waits a little longer and then smirks in annoyance before picking up the microphone again ...

RANDY ORTON: Just as I though ... Coward!

The crowd cheer as Orton shakes his head before ...

*** SEXY BOY ***

The crowd react positively for the popular RAW General Manager but Orton doesn’t look so impressed to see him as he heads for the ring. HBK’s fireworks hit as he kneels on the ramp and Orton stares into his eyes as he heads into the ring ...

RANDY ORTON: I didn’t ask for you to come out here, Shawn ...

Michaels looks over at Orton with mock disbelief before lifting his microphone and responding ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Hey, Randy, I’m the General Manager of RAW. I can come out here whenever I want to, man!

Orton’s eyes narrow as he looks at the General Manager ...

RANDY ORTON: Don’t forget, Shawn ... It was you who put John Cena on Team Orton at Survivor Series. I am holding you semi-responsible for what happened that night ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Randy, Randy, Randy. It is my job to make RAW as entertaining as possible. I forced you to team with Cena and you couldn’t get the job done ...

A mixed reaction from the WWE Universe ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: But you will get an opportunity to put it right ...

Orton smiles and nods his head in approval ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: You will have the opportunity to earn yourself a shot at Wade Barrett and the WWE Championship at Vengeance ...

RANDY ORTON: Opportunity to earn ... ?

SHAWN MICHAELS: That’s correct. Tonight, Randy Orton, you will face the man you just called out ... Ezekiel Jackson ...

The crowd cheer as Orton again nods in approval ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: And if you win, you will qualify for next week’s Number 1 contender match!

Orton stares into the eyes of HBK who doesn’t blink ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: There will be two more qualifying matches tonight, Randy, and the three winners will face each other next Monday ... along with one other person who I will reveal next week ...

The crowd are interested now ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: The winner of next week’s Fatal Four Way match will go on to face Wade Barrett for the WWE Championship at Vengeance in three weeks time. That seem OK, Randy?

Orton swivels his head around on his neck, squirming, trying to fight an urge ...

RANDY ORTON: It’s only the fact that you are the General Manager, a man that I respect ... that is stopping me from hitting you with an RKO right now. Tonight, I will defeat Ezekiel Jackson ... and then I will beat the other three men ... and go on to regain my WWE Championship at Vengeance ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: I hope you can do it, man ...

HBK offers his hand out to Orton ... but the Viper ignores it and walks past HBK with a shove to the shoulder as ‘Voices’ replays in the arena again ...

JIM ROSS: Tonight’s main event will see Randy Orton face one of his many nemesis’ at the moment in Ezekiel Jackson to earn a place in the Fatal Four Way Number 1 contender match next week!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with the first match of the evening ...

*** I COME FROM MONEY ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: This match is set for one fall ... Introducing first, weighing 235 pounds from West Palm Beach, California ... TED DIBIASE!

As DiBiase heads out for the ring, JR and King discuss last week’s victory for Ted over R-Truth that ended with him being given the chance to earn a United States Championship match at Vengeance ... if he can prove himself against the champion, Daniel Bryan, tonight ...

*** RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: His opponent, weighing 192 pounds, from Aberdeen, Washington ... the United States Champion ... DANIEL BRYAN!

Bryan, with the United States Title proudly around his waist, heads for the ring waving to the WWE Universe who cheer him as he makes his way down the ramp. Rolling into the ring, Bryan removes his coat and then his title belt which he holds up in front of his opponent to remind him that he is the champion right now ...

DANIEL BRYAN vs. TED DIBIASE

Bryan starts out quickly and mat-wrestles DiBiase down to the mat.
Bryan almost locks in the Le Bell Lock on several occasions but DiBiase escapes each time.
DiBiase finally escapes and hits a kick to the gut that slows Bryan down.
A standing drop kick gives DiBiase control of the match.
DiBiase hits several big moves – a gutbuster, a spinebuster and a DDT but Bryan kicks out each time.
As DiBiase goes for Dream Street, Bryan counters into a snapmare.
Bryan follows up with a drop kick from the top rope but fails with the pinfall.
Another attempt at the Le Bell Lock from Bryan but DiBiase gets to the ropes.
The match spills out of the ring and this suits DiBiase better as he slams Bryan into the ring post head first.
DiBiase gets Bryan back into the ring and locks in the Cobra Clutch but Bryan fights out.
Bryan hits a dropkick to DiBiase as he heads back into the ring.
Le Bell Lock from Daniel Bryan, this time it is locked in.
DiBiase somehow holds on and reaches the rope with his foot. So close for Daniel Bryan!
Daniel Bryan is frustrated and he misses with a kick towards DiBiase’s head while he is on his knees.
DREAM STREET FROM DIBIASE!

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Ted DiBiase (9:29)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... TED DIBIASE!

DiBiase rolls out of the ring looking proud of himself and backs away up the ramp with a satisfied smile on his face. Bryan looks over at him disappointed and DiBiase points over towards the United States Title in the hands of the referee and calls out ‘That’s going to be mine!’ before turning and heading out of the arena ...

JERRY LAWLER: Impressive performance there from Ted DiBiase, JR, he showed he was US Champion material there I think!

JIM ROSS: Daniel Bryan just couldn’t get the Le Bell Lock in place and, in the end, he paid for that. We could well see DiBiase going after Bryan’s United States Championship in the near future now!

The camera switches backstage where Sheamus, in fine form recently, is waiting with Matt Striker in the interview pit ...

MATT STRIKER: Please welcome my guest at this time ... SHEAMUS!

Boos ring out around the arena for Sheamus after his ‘questionable’ tactics that have defeated Triple H on two occasions recently. As the camera zooms out to show Hornswoggle by his side, the crowd boo further ...

MATT STRIKER: Sheamus, we’ve heard that tonight you will be given an opportunity to qualify for next week’s Number 1 contender match as you go one on one with John Morrison ... Are you confident of winning tonight?

SHEAMUS: Am I confident of winning? Hell, you must be dumber than you look, Striker. In the past few weeks, I have beaten the great Triple H not once but twice in matches designed to suit him. I have banished Triple H from this company for a second time. Do you really think that John Morrison stands a chance against me?

Matt Striker mumbles something indistinguishable about Morrison which seems to fire Sheamus up further ...

SHEAMUS: You’re kidding me, Striker? You’re just like every other one of these American morons who thinks that the big, bad Irish man is going to get taught a lesson? I am the most dangerous man in the WWE right now. I have destroyed Triple H in an Ambulance Match, I have beaten him in a ‘3 Stages of Hell’ match and I have driven him out of the business for a second time, this time maybe permanently. John Morrison is a high flying freak show and he has no business in the ring with me. What do you say, little fella?

Hornswoggle screams out and makes random noises that get the message across that he believes Sheamus is going to defeat Morrison tonight ...

SHEAMUS: Hunter’s best friend is the General Manager of RAW, the same General Manager that told me that I would not get another shot at the WWE Championship in 2010. Despite that, Shawn Michaels knows that I deserve my chance and I deserve it now. That is how much I am feared right now, Striker. Tonight, I’ll prove it to you all when I beat Morrison to a bloody pulp ... Come on, little fella. Let’s go ...

Sheamus and Hornswoggle storm away from Striker with Hornswoggle muttering insults at the interviewer as RAW heads into a commercial ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

MONDAY NIGHT RAW!
(continued)​

RAW returns with RAW’s ‘newest’ tag team in the ring, the newly reformed tag team of Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins ...

*** OH RADIO ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following Tag Team contest is set for one fall. In the ring, at a combined weight of 450 pounds ... ZACK RYDER AND CURT HAWKINS!

As they are introduced, both Hawkins and Ryder play up to the crowd to mild heat as they prepare for their match tonight ...

JIM ROSS: I saw these guys, King, a couple of years back when they were running around with Edge of SMACKDOWN. Don’t be fooled by their ‘goofiness’ though, they work well together as a team ...

JERRY LAWLER: What is wrong with Zack Ryder’s trunks though. One leg is covered, one isn’t! And what is with the headband?

JIM ROSS: A massive chance for Ryder and Hawkins to catch the eye of the WWE Universe tonight as they go one on one with the Tag Team Champions!

*** LA VITORIA E MIA ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Their opponents, they are the WWE Tag Team Champions ... SANTINO MARELLA AND VLADIMIR KOZLOV!

Out come the Tag Team Champions with their titles held high above their heads as they walk down the ramp, Kozlov focused on the match tonight, Santino is his usual playful mood ...

JERRY LAWLER: Speaking of goofy!

JIM ROSS: The Tag Team Champions have a huge match this Friday on SMACKDOWN as they defend their Tag Team Championships against the former champions of Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes!

CURT HAWKINS & ZACK RYDER vs. SANTINO MARELLA & VLADIMIR KOZLOV

Santino and Curt Hawkins start the match off and Santino gets the upper hand over Hawkins.
A distraction from Zack Ryder allows Hawkins to get the better of Santino and he hits several slams to the Italian.
Hawkins fails to put away Santino and tags in Ryder instead.
Ryder is full of talk but he hits a swinging neckbreaker that seems to have Santino down.
Santino refuses to lose though and he makes a desperately needed tag to Kozlov.
Kozlov enters the ring at 100 miles an hour as he hits his trapped headbutts to Ryder.
Hawkins comes in illegally and Kozlov hits the headbutts to him as well.
Ryder comes off the top rope to try and half Kozlov but another headbutt takes him down.
Hawkins saves Ryder by breaking Kozlov’s pinfall attempt.
Santino returns to the ring and throws Hawkins out of the ring. Kozlov tags him in.
Could it be time for the Cobra?
Santino sets up for the Cobra just as Curt Hawkins pulls Kozlov off the ring apron.
On the outside, Hawkins drives Kozlov into the announce table and then hits a drop kick that sends Kozlov into the barricades.
Santino hits the Cobra to Zack Ryder though and goes for a pin.
Hawkins rescues Ryder again and he hits a DDT to the Italian before the ref forces him out.
Ryder and Santino get to their feet slowly but Santino takes charge again.
Santino goes for the Cobra a second time but this time Ryder ducks it ...
ROUGH RYDER from Zack Ryder to Santino Marella.
Ryder makes the tag to Curt Hawkins who climbs the ropes.
HEAT SEEKING ELBOW from Curt Hawkins to Santino Marella ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins (5:36)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here are your winners ... ZACK RYDER AND CURT HAWKINS!

As Hawkins and Ryder celebrate up the ramp, Drew and Cody stand tall over the fallen Russian giant, Vladimir Kozlov and they signal that they are going to be the new Tag Team Champions again this Friday night ... Santino gets back into the ring and heads over towards his partner but Drew McIntyre lifts his boot and hits Santino hard in the side of the jaw to send him down to the mat beside his partner instead. Cody grabs the title belts from the referee and hands one to Drew before they raise them in the air to the jeers and boos of the crowd ... Finally, Drew and Cody place the titles down over the waists of their opponents this Friday before leaving the ring looking smug ...

The camera switches to a jubilant Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins backstage who are still pumped after their victory moments ago ...

ZACK RYDER: Did you see that, bro? We just beat the Tag Team Champions on our RAW debuts!

CURT HAWKINS: Man, that ‘Rough Ryder’ was perfect, flattened that Russian freak for me ...

ZACK RYDER: Are you kidding me, bro? Of course it did! And then that ‘Heat Seeking Elbow’ of yours ... BAM! 1 ... 2 ... 3!

CURT HAWKINS: Just a matter of time, Zack, we will be the new Tag Team Champions!

ZACK RYDER: Woo, woo, woo! You know it!

The camera switches to a split screen showing The Miz and Alex Riley on one side and the Great Khali on the other side as they prepare for their match coming up ...

JIM ROSS: Next up, King, it’s going to be the Great Khali and the Miz in the first match to determine the Number 1 contender match next week. Will it be the Miz who wins a place in that match?

JERRY LAWLER: I hope not, JR, I hope Khali splats Miz like a pancake in the ring!

JIM ROSS: Or will it be the Indian Sensation, the Great Khali, who teaches the Awesome One a lesson? That’s next!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with the next match of the evening ...

*** AWESOME – I CAME TO PLAY ***

The crowd get to their feet to boo as the Miz heads out looking confident with his sidekick Alex Riley beside him carrying the ‘Money in the Bank’ briefcase with him ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: This match is set for one fall and is the first match to determine the Number 1 contenders match for next week on RAW ... Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Alex Riley, from Cleveland, Ohio ... THE MIZ!

Miz and Riley hit the ring and show off in the ring to the chagrin of the WWE Universe who boo and jeer the pair. However, Miz and Riley shrug it off and Riley tries to demand respect for his buddy. Miz holds the briefcase high for all to see ...

JERRY LAWLER: The ironic thing is, JR, is that Miz is already the Number 1 contender whenever he decides he wants to be!

JIM ROSS: Carrying the briefcase means that Miz can have a title shot whenever and wherever he chooses ... And no man has ever cashed in Money in the Bank and failed to win the title! That is face, King!

JERRY LAWLER: So then, Miz should just go away happy that he is already the Number 1 contender!

JIM ROSS: Unless he wants to prove that he really does deserve it first, King?

JERRY LAWLER: You don’t know the Miz very well, JR, do you?

*** LAND OF FIVE RIVERS ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: His opponent, from India, weighing 420 pounds ... THE GREAT KHALI!

JIM ROSS: Now here is a man who we haven’t seen on WWE TV for a while!

JERRY LAWLER: Let’s hope he makes a successful comeback and squashes the Miz!

JIM ROSS: Khali has been out since August after he was assaulted by Wade Barrett and the Nexus! The Great Khali would definitely like a chance to compete for Wade Barrett’s WWE Championship if possible!

Khali steps over the top rope and waves at the crowd as the Miz looks on with a look of fear in his eyes as he tries to fathom out how he might be able to stop this man and get the win tonight ...

THE GREAT KHALI vs. THE MIZ

Miz spends the early part of the match trying to stay out of reach of Khali.
As Khali is unable to catch Miz, he lumbers after him outside the ring in a chase.
As Khali re-enters the ring, Miz connects with a kick to the side of the head that staggers Khali.
Miz jumps on Khali’s back and swings punches at the side of his head but Khali tosses him down to the mat.
Khali goes after Miz but a kick to the knee takes Khali down a bit.
Miz again looks to keep the giant down but he cannot hold him.
Khali gets back up to his knees and Miz grabs him from behind to try and set up the Skull Crushing Finale ...
Khali hits elbows to the stomach of Miz and then hits a huge headbutt that sends Miz down to the mat.
Alex Riley jumps up on the apron to distract Khali and is rewarded with a huge chop from the Indian.
With Riley down on the mat, Miz decides to leave the ring in desperation.
Khali follows Miz up the ramp as the referee begins his 10 count ...
Miz taunts Khali until the Indian swings for him, Miz avoids it at the last second.
A dropkick to the knee of Khali takes him down to his knees again.
SKULL CRUSHING FINALE on the ramp!
Miz turns and rushes back to the ring as fast as he can and gets back just in time at 9 ...

* 10 *
GREAT KHALI HAS BEEN COUNTED OUT!​

WINNER: The Miz (Countout - 5:32)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner as a result of a countout ... THE MIZ!

Khali attempts to get back into the ring to chase after Miz and Riley but they are too quick for him and they escape up the ramp and onto the stage. Miz looks down towards the Great Khali in the ring who looks annoyed that he has been robbed of a chance to win the WWE Championship at Vengeance ...

JIM ROSS: The Miz books his place in next week’s Number 1 contender match!

JERRY LAWLER: Does that guy ever just win a match fair? Why can’t Riley be banned from ringside for once?

JIM ROSS: Khali fell straight into the Miz’ plan, King, he should have realised what was coming ...

The cameras switch to a determined looking Justin Gabriel who is heading down a corridor backstage ...

JIM ROSS: The man who ‘won’ the WWE Championship for Wade Barrett at Survivor Series is coming out here next to speak to the WWE Universe! Find out what he has to say next!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

RAW returns with Justin Gabriel stood in the ring wearing jeans and a cool t-shirt and with a microphone in his hand. He is completely devoid of any Nexus merchandise ... He raises the microphone and speaks out to the WWE Universe ...

JUSTIN GABRIEL: I have an announcement that I would like to make tonight ... For the last few weeks, I have become increasingly disillusioned with my role in the faction known as the Nexus ... I have been feeling for weeks, more and more with every passing moment, that what the Nexus stands for is all wrong.

Gabriel thinks hard before continuing ...

JUSTIN GABRIEL: Back in the summer, the Nexus made a huge impact in the WWE as we invaded Monday Night RAW to make an impact. A bunch of guys with an axe to grind ... A bunch of guys with nothing to lose ... We looked to go after the biggest and the best, we wanted to make believers out of the WWE locker room and the WWE Universe ...

Gabriel looks up at the WWE Universe who acknowledge him a little ...

JUSTIN GABRIEL: But then the values of Nexus changed, the aim of the group changed. Instead of being a bunch of guys looking to make an impact ... it became a bunch of guys helping one guy make an impact. I get it, Wade Barrett won NXT Season 1, he deserved to be our leader. But we never agreed that we would all help Wade Barrett become WWE Champion. And if the other guys did that, I know that I didn’t ...

Gabriel turns towards the titantron ...

JUSTIN GABRIEL: In the past few weeks, I have faced John Cena, one of the best in the WWE, on three occasions. Each week, I felt I was progressing, I felt I was improving. I came so close to defeating John Cena on RAW. And then at Survivor Series, I managed it at last. I pinned John Cena’s shoulders to the mat ... 1 ... 2 ... 3!

Gabriel points at the titantron where the 450 splash that he delivered to Cena at the Survivor Series is being shown ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: That is the moment that it hit me hard. Nobody noticed that I had finally accomplished something that I have been trying to do for the past few weeks. Nobody noticed that Justin Gabriel had just secured the biggest victory of his career. All anybody could talk about was that Wade Barrett was the new WWE Champion ... I’m sick of it so I am out here right now ... to inform Wade Barrett and the Nexus ...

*** WE ARE ONE ***

Out walk the group known as the Nexus with the WWE Champion Wade Barrett leading them out with his shiny WWE Title positioned over his shoulder ... Behind him are Skip Sheffield, Heath Slater, David Otunga and, wearing a Nexus t-shirt, Ezekiel Jackson ...

WADE BARRETT: Let me stop you now, Gabriel, before you say something that you later regret. Let me remind you that RAW began last week with the Nexus and myself out here thanking you for your efforts at Survivor Series. Let me remind you that we all agreed that the Nexus needed the WWE Championship to be taken seriously and that we all agreed that I should be the man to win it. Gabriel, we are a dominant team and we will dominate the WWE for years to come. So stop ... Think about what you are saying ... We now have a new member of the Nexus team in ‘Big Zeke’ who will defeat Randy Orton tonight ... He may get a shot at the WWE Championship and if that happens, I would be willing to defend it against him ... As long as the Nexus retains the WWE Championship, I will be happy.

Ezekiel Jackson looks surprised by this revelation but Barrett continues ...

WADE BARRETT: Wade Barrett being the WWE Champion is what we should all be proud of right now. We have achieved our goal. We have gone after the biggest and the best ... Cena, Undertaker, Randy Orton, CM Punk ... and we have won the title. So, don’t do anything hasty right now, Gabriel ... don’t do anything that you will later regret ...

JUSTIN GABRIEL: Wade, I hear you. Maybe you are right. Maybe the Nexus has achieved its goal. But if it has ... That is not a goal I want to achieve. I want to win championships of my own. So, tonight, I am here to inform you that ...

WADE BARRETT: ... I am warning you one more time, Gabriel. Do not do anything that you will later regret.

JUSTIN GABRIEL: ... that ... that I am quitting the Nexus!

The WWE Universe cheer the decision of Justin Gabriel but Barrett smirks and then raises his hand and beckons the other members of Nexus forward. He points to the ring and says ‘You know what to do, boys!’ and Skip Sheffield, David Otunga, Heath Slater and Ezekiel Jackson head towards the ring. Gabriel looks to defend himself and he knocks down Slater and then Otunga as they head into the ring. However, Jackson is too strong and he ploughs into him and knocks him into the corner where Skip Sheffield hits a devastating clothesline that a certain JBL would be very proud of ...

WADE BARRETT: I did warn you, Gabriel!

Heath Slater gets to his feet and he delivers ‘Sweetness’ – a jumping Russian Leg Sweep – to Gabriel before Otunga drags him back up and hits a thrust spinebuster known as the ‘Verdict’ that leaves the South African sprawled on the mat. Next, Jackson lifts Gabriel up and hits the ‘Book of Ezekiel’ before Barrett follows into the ring. Barrett allows the other members of Nexus to place Gabriel on his shoulders before he slams him down with his ‘Wastelands’ finishing manoeuvre. ‘We are One’ blares out around the arena once more as the Nexus head out of the ring and up the ramp with Gabriel flat on his back in the middle of the ring after the beating he has just taken ...

The cameras switch backstage again where JBL is arriving in his flash limo. As the car slowly pulls into the parking lot, we see WWE’s owner Chip Butty head over to the limo to greet his NXT Season 3 mentor. Butty shakes hands with JBL who is clearly enjoying being back in the WWE judging by the smile on his face ... The pair of them walk off as we head into another commercial break ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

MONDAY NIGHT RAW!
(continued)

*** LONGHORN ***

John Bradshaw Layfield – also known as JBL – heads out to the ring waving his cowboy hat around and smiling inanely to show off his perfect white teeth. Dressed in a business suit, JBL shakes hands with members of the WWE Universe as he approaches the ring. Once in the ring, he salutes the crowd who give him a decent reception despite his murky past in the WWE ...

JBL: Richmond, Virginia ... You are truly blessed! You are blessed because you are in the presence of me, John Bradshaw Layfield, a multi-millionaire and a wrestling god! You can, for a few short minutes, forget all about your meaningless lives, your struggles to pay the rent and the grocery bill, you can find time to look up at me in this ring and realise that here is a man who has been successful in every thing he has done. I am here for you to aspire to ... I am here to show you that life can be good ... very good in fact.

The WWE Universe are now booing JBL as he belittles them ...

JBL: And in a few short weeks, four WWE superstars will be looking up to the great JBL as well. It will be NXT Season 3 and four wrestlers will attempt to follow in my footsteps. True, they need to save their jobs first of all ... But when they are safe in the WWE, they can be inspired, they can follow their dreams with the knowledge and the wisdom from the great JBL in their minds ... But there are four more wrestlers who won’t be so lucky. There are four more men who will be mentored in the NXT competition by another so-called legend of the WWE. These four men will not get the advice and the inspiration they so desperately crave ... because they will not be mentored by me, the great JBL, the longest reigning champion in SMACKDOWN history.

More boos and jeers for JBL as the crowd in Richmond begin to grow impatient ... ready to find out who the second mentor is ...

JBL: The week after Vengeance, NXT will begin ... And at WrestleMania 27, one of the chosen few, one of Team JBL will be victorious ... Because I am a mentor who gets results ... and the other mentor ... whoever they may be ... will never ever be in the same league as JBL ...

Spoiler

[YOUTUBE]ZcIYOgcCcnM[/YOUTUBE]​

The crowd explodes as the arena lights flash and the spotlights on the cameras pop and then, striding out as only he can, comes the ‘Great One’ of the WWE, the ‘most electrifying man in sports entertainment,’ the one and the only Rock ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the second ‘WWE Legend’ mentor for NXT Season 3 ... THE ROCK!

Screams and cheers continue around the arena as The Rock heads down the ramp and into the ring. As Rock climbs into the ring, he glances at JBL who looks unhappy to see him, before heading for the corner to raise his arm and sniff the air ... Can you smell it? Eventually, Rock is handed a microphone and he stands in the ring facing JBL ready to talk as only he can ... A loud ‘Rocky! Rocky!’ chant begins in the arena and the smile appears on the face of the Rock as the crowd chant his name. JBL shakes his head and says something to the Rock that shocks him back into focus ... Rock shakes his head with a smile ... He drops the microphone ...

ROCK BOTTOM TO JBL!​

Rock stands over JBL as the crowd cheer and raises his hand ... The crowd are willing him on now and Rock seems eager to please as he sets up for the ‘Peoples Elbow’ now instead. He performs his moves, hits both ropes and then drops the elbow into the chest of JBL who doubles up in pain as Rock straightens his sunglasses and picks up his microphone ...

THE ROCK: Finally ... ... The Rock ... has come back ... to the WWE!

The crowd explode once more as Rock drops the microphone and his music hits in the arena again. Rock acknowledges the crowd again before leaving the ring to a standing ovation ... The Rock has returned to the WWE and he will mentor four WWE superstars on NXT Season 3!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

*** WRITTEN IN MY FACE ***

Sheamus walks confidently out onto the stage with a determined look on his face as he has the opportunity to move closer to securing a WWE Championship opportunity at Vengeance in three weeks time. Besides him, the little Hornswoggle runs to keep up carrying the dreaded steel pipe that he has twice used to clobber Triple H in recent times ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: This match is set for one fall. Approaching the ring, from Dublin, Ireland, accompanied by Hornswoggle ... SHEAMUS!

Sheamus enters the ring and beats his chest to the boos of the WWE Universe in attendance tonight but he simply smirks and ignores their taunts. He whispers something into the ear of Hornswoggle who nods in excitement and then slips out of the ring and dives under the ring before the entrance of Sheamus’ opponent ...

JERRY LAWLER: Isn’t it time for somebody to do something about Hornswoggle? He’s not going to remain in hiding underneath the ring during this match is he?

JIM ROSS: One thing is certain, King, John Morrison needs to keep this match inside the ring as much as he can to avoid the little troll hiding under the ring ...

*** AIN’T NO MAKE BELIEVE ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California ... weighing 224 pounds ... JOHN MORRISON!

Morrison heads out to the ring in his usual ‘slo-mo’ style with his fur coat and sunglasses glittering in the red lights of the RAW arena. He slows down again as he approaches the ring and checks for Hornswoggle as he makes his way up the ring steps and into the ring ...

JIM ROSS: Both of these men have been seriously impressive in recent weeks, King, both look to have a bright future in the WWE!

JERRY LAWLER: John Morrison, especially, is a future WWE Champion in my opinion!

Morrison jumps out of the ring to hand his sunglasses over to a young man at ringside which delights the kid. As he turns to re-enter the ring though, he crumples in pain on the ring apron ... What has happened?

JIM ROSS: Wait a minute! John Morrison, King, what’s the matter with him?

JERRY LAWLER: I don’t know, JR, but I could hazard a guess!

JIM ROSS: Morrison is clutching his left knee, King.

JERRY LAWLER: Is there a steel pipe nearby?

As the referee tends to the injured Morrison, he angrily looks down at the outside of the ring. Turning to Sheamus, the referee orders him back to his corner whilst demanding to know the whereabouts of Hornswoggle. Sheamus innocently holds his hands up but it is clear that he knows exactly what the plan was for Hornswoggle tonight ...

JIM ROSS: Will John Morrison be able to continue with this match, King?

JERRY LAWLER: He looks as if he is going to give it a go, JR, let’s see how he gets on!

JOHN MORRISON vs. SHEAMUS

Despite a limp, Morrison agrees to start the match. The bell is rung and we are on the way.
Sheamus immediately flies over at Morrison looking for a big clothesline but Morrison ducks.
Morrison hits some offense as he connects with punches and kicks with his stronger leg.
However, eventually, Sheamus manages to catch his leg and shoves him over before working on the injured leg.
With Morrison visibly hurt, Sheamus steps back for the Brogue Kick but misses and allows Morrison back into the match.
Morrison hits a dropkick that causes him as much pain as it does to Sheamus.
He follows this up with a springboard moonsault that gets him a 2-count on Sheamus.
Morrison continues to defy his injury and hits a standing shooting star press.
A running knee strike to Sheamus looks to have the Irish man defeated but he kicks out at the last second.
Sheamus gets in a cheap shot to the knee of Morrison and takes over.
Several high impact moves follow: a backbreaker, a gutbuster and short arm clotheslines.
However, Morrison will not lie down and he manages to kick out at 2 every time.
Sheamus decides that enough is enough and he sets for the High Cross.
However, Morrison counters it superbly into a hurricanrana and gets another 2 count.
With Sheamus down near the ropes, Morrison spots his chance to hit Starship Pain ...
As he sets for it, Hornswoggle appears again and he stands on the ring steps.
Morrison is distracted and he exits the ring to chase Hornswoggle despite the protestations of the referee.
Hornswoggle runs round the ring and then into the ring where Morrison follows ...
BROGUE KICK FROM SHEAMUS!
Hornswoggle slides back under the ring with Morrison down and out.
Sheamus lifts Morrison up again and sets him up for the second time ...
HIGH CROSS FROM SHEAMUS TO JOHN MORRISON!

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Sheamus (11:54)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... SHEAMUS!

As the referee holds Sheamus’ hand up high, Hornswoggle re-appears in the ring and he celebrates with his Irish friend. The referee looks down on Hornswoggle and attempts to speak to him but the little troll ignores him and continues to stay close to Sheamus. They leave the ring and the referee before heading up the ramp content that next week, Sheamus will face The Miz, a mystery opponent and the winner of tonight’s main event for a shot at the WWE Champion at Vengeance ...

The camera switches backstage where Matt Striker is chasing after Shawn Michaels as he heads for his office with a frown on his face. Striker catches him up and looks to speak to the RAW General Manager ...

MATT STRIKER: Can I have a quick word, Shawn?

SHAWN MICHAELS: Sure thing, Matt. What can I do for you?

MATT STRIKER: Shawn, I was wondering what the situation is with the superstar you suspended at the Survivor Series, Edge ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Edge is suspended until the night of the Vengeance pay-per-view where he will return to the WWE ...

MATT STRIKER: Have you spoken to him since Survivor Series?

SHAWN MICHAELS: I have nothing to say to Edge right now, Matt. He double crossed his RAW team, he double crossed his brand and cost us one of our biggest and best superstars in John Cena ... He has done nothing but complain about me, whether I have been anonymous or otherwise, and it is time that he learnt his lesson ...

MATT STRIKER: And when he returns at Vengeance?

SHAWN MICHAELS: I have no doubt that when he returns at Vengeance, he will have something to say, he usually does. But there will be further retribution for Edge when he does return, Matt. Not only will he have to face me, he will have to face his RAW team-mates who he let down at Survivor Series. Edge’s return will be far more unpleasant for him than his four week suspension is right now.

MATT STRIKER: Are you planning to further punish Edge when he returns?

HBK thinks carefully for a moment before replying ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Let’s just say ... that I ... won’t be looking on him favourably, shall we?

HBK smiles at Matt Striker, pats him on the shoulder and continues on his way as RAW heads into the final commercial break before the main event ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with the Nexus locker room where Wade Barrett is stood with the newest member of the Nexus, Ezekiel Jackson. In the background are Heath Slater, David Otunga and Skip Sheffield but they are staring at the conversation happening before them ...

WADE BARRETT: Zeke, tonight is the most important match in your career so far. I allowed you a place in the Nexus and tonight, I need you to begin repaying my faith in you by defeating Randy Orton. I do not want to defend this ...

Barrett holds up the WWE Championship ...

WADE BARRETT: ... against Orton at Vengeance. Is that clear?

EZEKIEL JACKSON: That is clear, Wade. You can rely on me. Tonight, in my first match as a member of the Nexus, I will damage Randy Orton until he is defeated and beaten. He will be in no fit state to challenge for your title at Vengeance, Wade ...

WADE BARRETT: That’s good, Zeke. Make sure of it. Off you go, guys ...

The camera returns to the arena ...

*** VOICES ***

Out strides an intense looking Randy Orton who seems intent on earning himself another shot at the WWE Championship at Vengeance ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: This match is set for one fall. On his way to the ring, weighing 245 pounds ... from St. Louis, Missouri ... RANDY ORTON!

The WWE Universe cheer loud for Orton who enters the ring and addresses them in the corner with his ‘Destiny’ pose before turning and staring up the ramp again ready for revenge on Ezekiel Jackson ...

JERRY LAWLER: I would not like to be Ezekiel Jackson right now, JR!

JIM ROSS: Orton looks ready to destroy him tonight!

*** WE ARE ONE ***

Followed by Otunga, Slater and Sheffield, Ezekiel Jackson heads towards the ring with a Nexus t-shirt pulled tight over his bulging arms and chest ...

JERRY LAWLER: Wait a minute, what are they all out here for?

JIM ROSS: It looks like Randy Orton has more than just Ezekiel Jackson to worry about tonight ...

Jackson steps into the ring and the other three members of Nexus spread out around the ring giving Orton issues to contend with on all sides ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: His opponent, from Guyana, South America ... weighing 309 pounds ... EZEKIEL JACKSON!

EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. RANDY ORTON

Randy Orton starts out fast as he pummels the face of Ezekiel Jackson in the corner.
Orton takes Jackson down with a running power slam before starting to stomp on the limbs of Guyanan.
With Jackson in pain in the ring, the other Nexus members try to distract Orton but he doesn’t get involved.
Orton hits a belly-to-belly suplex to Jackson and then starts to prepare for the RKO ...
As Orton looks to spring, David Otunga manages to catch his foot and prevents Orton getting to Jackson ...
Jackson manages to hit a thunderous clothesline that crashes Orton down to the mat.
Ezekiel Jackson lifts Orton up and delays before hitting a vertical suplex that gets a 2-count.
Orton is struggling now as Jackson has control. A 2-handed Powerbomb from Jackson looks to have him beat.
Orton kicks out at 2 somehow and Jackson is frustrated.
He begins to hit powerslam after powerslam after powerslam to Randy Orton as he sets up for his big finish ...
With Orton limp, Jackson lifts him onto his shoulders for the Torture Rack.
Orton refuses to tap out though and eventually he manages to wriggle free.
Jackson goes back after Orton ... RKO!
RANDY ORTON HITS THE RKO TO EZEKIEL JACKSON!
David Otunga heads into the ring and he is met with an RKO as well.
In comes Heath Slater ... and he is hit with an RKO as well!
Skip Sheffield pauses on the ring apron and thinks better of getting into the ring ...
As he turns to get back down, Orton rushes over and pummels him hard in the skull.
Orton drags Sheffield head first through the ropes for his patented hanging DDT.
With all the outside members of Nexus down, Ezekiel Jackson gets to his feet and hits a ferocious clothesline to Orton.
With Orton down, it seems as if Jackson has regained control as he sets up for the Book of Ezekiel.
However, Orton counters with elbows and as Jackson turns round, Orton lifts him into the Olympic Slam.
Orton drops to his knees waiting for Jackson to get up ...
With the rest of Nexus out of the way, Orton can prepare and wait ...
RKO TO EZEKIEL JACKSON!

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Randy Orton (8:36)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... RANDY ORTON!

The crowd explode with joy as Orton celebrates his victory over Ezekiel Jackson who is on his back in the centre of the ring ...

JIM ROSS: So, next week’s Number 1 contender Fatal Four Way match is set ... It will be The Miz, Randy Orton, Sheamus and a mystery man to battle for the right to face Wade Barrett for the WWE Championship at Vengeance!

JERRY LAWLER: And speaking of Wade Barrett ...

The WWE Champion walks out to the top of the ramp with the WWE Championship over his shoulder. Orton locks eyes on Barrett from the ring and he smirks at him knowingly ... But Barrett shakes his head at Orton and clearly states ‘This title is staying right here, Orton, where it belongs!’ before turning and walking away ... The camera zooms in on Orton as RAW is over for another week ...

********** END OF SHOW **********​

 

[Theo Mays]

Bearded Review

-Solid opening promo. Nothing much to say here.

-I believe I mention how much I enjoy your booking of Dibiase. Ted certainly has the potential and you are making him a mainstay in the midcard and a strong overall presence on the roster, so kudos to that.

-Sheamus is still bad mouthing Triple H, something tells me this isn't over yet.

-Nice little tag team match and good to see Hawkins and Ryder put to use here. Clearly Dashingly Sinister is going to remain the top contenders, but with the Major Broskis getting the W it puts them in the running down the road.

-Not sure why Miz needs to be in a number one contender match, as he has the briefcase, but it is something different. Still getting a win over Khali is a big deal and it furthers Miz for his inevitable championship run.

-Love the Gabriel promo. Him splitting from Nexus makes sense as he probably has the most potential other than Barrett and I look forward to seeing where he goes from here.

-Holy shit, Rock is back. Hot damn. A little unrealistic as who would have thought Rock would come back to be a mentor on NXT, but you can definitely make it work. Only issue here was Rock said one line and we all know Rocky loves to talk. I imagine we'll be seeing him next week.

-Sad to Morrison lose, but at least he didn't look weak in the process. Sheamus continues to look like a badass, nice.

-Figured Orton would win and it gets him one step closer for revenge on Barrett.

-Loving the whole fatal four way to determine Barrett's opponent and if I had to venture a guess it will either be Gabriel or Triple H taking that last spot. Though I'm probably wrong haha.

-Overall the show was good as usual. Only real gripe I had was Rock getting one line. Something as monumental as Rock's return would garner more than just a "Finally..." from the Great One.

 

[The Best]

Here's a review GCB, but first, I would like to say that you make this so easy to read with all of the graphics, and such, so really, really good job with that.

I like the idea of a fatal 4 way match for the number 1 contender-ship, but my one question is that why would Miz be in it if he has MITB? It just doesn't make sense to me, because technically he can cash in that briefcase before the fatal 4 way match even starts. Another thing that I didn't really like was even though he came out and gave JBL a Rock Bottom, he still only said one line, which is not something that he would do. Besides that, I'm excited to see him mentor a "rookie," and that was a very brave choice of a mentor, so good job with going through with that.

Now, let's get the negatives out, and go to the positives, and as I said, it was very readable, which is always a huge positive. I enjoy the Sheamus character a lot, and I see that Sheamus vs. HHH isn't exactly done yet, which is good, because their match at Survivor Series was excellent. Justin Gabriel quitting Nexus was executed greatly, and Gabriel as a singles competitor is just great, and maybe he could be that 4th person next week?

Overall Grade: B: I really liked the show, but it wasn't your best. There were a good amount of up sides, but I did mention the two parts that I wasn't a huge fan of. It was still a great show, as you have the best fed, so I have to grade you a bit harder. Overall though, good job starting to build storylines for Vengeance, and I'll be reading Smackdown when you post it.

 

[GCB]

In response to the comments re: The Rock and using just the one line. The show was already very promo heavy without ten minutes of Rocky as well. The Rock came down, made his point and he'll be back on RAW soon to verbally lay the smacketh down on JBL's candy ass ... As for the Miz' place in the #1 contender match - why does MITB mean he can't be in that match? Miz has the briefcase to cash in whenever he likes but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be involved in the main event until the day he cashes in! What you can probably be sure of is that Miz will not win the title whilst he has MITB but I can see that the Miz - cocky so and so that he is - would love to have the briefcase and a title shot at the same time. When Miz cashes in, I want him to be a believable WWE Champion - if he does win it of course - and he needs building up to face the likes of Orton and Sheamus. He won't be believable if he's scrabbling around with Daniel Bryan etc ...

 

[GCB]

FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!
PREVIEW

*** TEDDY LONG HAS A HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT ***

SMACKDOWN General Manager Teddy Long has indicated that he will be opening the show with a huge announcement this week on SMACKDOWN. Nothing is know about the announcement although Long himself has informed WWE.com that it is an evening not to be missed and that this will be one of the greatest SMACKDOWN shows in history. What will this huge announcement be and how will it impact on the show tonight? Find out tonight on SMACKDOWN!

*** TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE LINE! ***

After their victory at Survivor Series last month, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov are the new WWE Tag Team Champions. However, tonight is the night that the former champions, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes get their rematch. After the interference of Mark Henry in their match at Survivor Series, Rhodes and McIntyre have been lobbying hard for Henry to be barred from ringside during the match. Will they get their wish? And will they be able to regain their Tag Team Championships?

*** CENA BACK ON SMACKDOWN! ***

After his ‘second debut’ on SMACKDOWN was ruined last week by the appearance of the Viper Randy Orton, John Cena is said to be seething over the actions of his former RAW team-mate. Cena’s loss at Survivor Series and subsequent actions on RAW meant that Randy Orton lost his WWE Championship to Wade Barrett and Orton took revenge on Cena’s first night on SMACKDOWN by crashing the World Title belt of Kane into the back of Cena. How will Cena respond tonight and will he have a message for the former WWE Champion?

*** PUNK AND BIG SHOW ARGUE OVER TITLE SHOT ***

Big Show captained Team SMACKDOWN to victory at Survivor Series; CM Punk was the man who actually outlasted the rest and secured the victory for Team SMACKDOWN at Survivor Series. Both men are claiming to be the Number 1 contender for Kane’s World Heavyweight Championship but it was promised to Big Show by Teddy Long before the Survivor Series event. Punk is demanding the chance to face Kane instead of Big Show but how will Teddy Long and the Big Show react tonight? Who will face Kane at Vengeance?

*** CONFIRMED ***

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP:
Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov (C) vs. Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes

*** JOIN US FOR FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN ***​

 

[Mr. HD]

Here's my long awaited Survivor Series review. I'm Sorry it took SOOOO long. You can read it in the Spoiler Tags below. And the next two shows can be reviewed right after.

Spoiler

Really digged The Intro, got me a little excited for the show. Reminded me a litte of the Clouds with Thunder & Lighting for the WWF vs Alliance SS 2001 Promo.

Team RAW vs Team SmackDown

Starting off with a Traditional Survivor Series Match? Good Touch. What better way to start off the show?

Anywho, Big Show comes in and decks Miz with right hand. So much for the hype of the new RAW Team Member. Edge is in a big hole early. Team SmackDown has the lead here.

Great Back and Forth Action between Kofi and Dibiase.

Now we got chaos in Philly! Action all over the place! Truth eliminates Swagger amidst all the action going on. Another fresh man has been eliminated to even up the score between RAW & SmackDown.

Edge now comes in and spears Chavo right out of the match. And now, Team RAW has the lead and its time for a little Captain vs Captain Action. Big Show has the early advantage, but Edge takes it back with a little effort. Looks like it'll take a lot to eliminate The Big Show.

CM Punk comes as the fresh man and takes care of R-Truth to once again give Team SmackDown the lead again.

Edge now with a HUGE Spear and Big Show is Gone! The SmackDown Captain is gone and Team RAW looks to have a Big Time advantage. But wait? We have Trouble with Team RAW. Edge & Morrison argue and Dibiase get eliminated. Edge then spears his own teammate! That traitor Edge is walking out on his own team.

Morrison won't go down without a fight as he surprises Kofi with a roll up and eliminates him. It's down to Punk & Morrison. After the great back and forth action between these young studs, Morrison has no choice, but to tap out to the Anaconda Vice! Punk wins as SmackDown beat RAW!

Wonder who Teddy Long is gonna choose...

HBK looks pissed and suspends Edge for four weeks! Wow, that should be something to look forward to. Have a feeling, he won't be gone for the full four weeks...

Tag Team Championship Match
Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (c) vs Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov

A lot of great action as The Champs look to have to advantage early in this match. They seem to be a very well timed tag team. Santino needs to make a tag here as The Champs are tearing him up. Finally, a tag to Kozlov and he comes in and cleans house! After some domination, Cody Rhodes finally takes him down with the Beautiful Disaster! Kozlov won't go down that easily.

After some more action, Rhodes drops Santino with the Cross Rhodes and it's over! Wait, Santino's foot is on the ropes. A lot of mixed reactions here.

The match is back on and here comes trouble. The World's Strongest Man Mark Henry! With the ref out of commission, he comes in and lays out The Tag Team Champions! Santino hits the Cobra on Cody Rhodes and we've got NEW Tag Team Champions!

Strong promo here by Orton. Can't wait to see what happens in the 10 Man Tag Team Match.

Intercontinental Championship
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs Evan Bourne

This should be a good one and here we go. Del Rio looks like he's playing around with Bourne. And I like the whole little guy standing up the bully thing you got in the early going of this match. Bourne looks like he's got the advantage and Ricardo gets involved and grabs his foot. Now, Del Rio is on the attack, working on Evan Bourne's arm. Just when Bourne thinks he can take advantage, he takes one too many high risk opportunities and pays for it. Back in the ring, Air Bourne on the way, but Del Rio gets his knees up! Man, that has to be PAINFUL! Del Rio gets that cross armbreaker and Bourne has no choice but to tap out.

Pretty good Promo from Barrett. Expected a little more intensity, but it's still a good buildup to what should be a good main event.

3 Stages of Hell
Triple H vs Sheamus

1st Fall: Wrestling Match

Sheamus has The Game in his hands early on here. He looks to have him on the ropes. Triple H is back on the lead and now that he has that advantage, he's gonna punish Sheamus here. Both go power for power here and Sheamus on a limp leg takes out Triple H with the Brogue Kick. Sheamus decidedly gets the advantage back and starts to over power The Game. Triple H comes back and gets Sheamus in crossface. Sheamus is struggling to get out as Triple H cranks on the pressure. After some more action, Triple H pedigrees Sheamus on the outside! But he's not done. He brings Sheamus back in the ring and pedigrees him again and this time its academic as Triple H wins the first fall.


2nd Fall: Tables Match

Triple H waits no time and goes for the sledgehammer. He shows No Mercy and drives it in the gut of Sheamus. Man, that was sickening... Triple H looks to put this match away early, but Sheamus won't go down and he gets himself back in the match. Sheamus now gets a chair and wails on Triple H. The Celtic Warrior now is beating Triple H all over this arena. After a few moments on the stage area, both men are tired and in agony as they battle back to the ring. The table is gone and now a pipe? I sense some foul play in the form of a little green leprechaun. Sheamus hits the High Cross on The Game right through the table as he wins the second fall!

3rd Fall: Steel Cage (Escape Only)

We're even at one a piece and now we move onto the steel Cage where the only way to win is to escape. With The Game down, Sheamus makes the first attempt to get out the Cage. Triple H isn't letting him get out that easily and smashes the chair right over his back! Both men are down and Sheamus finds his second wind and hits a powerbomb! He gets ready to get out the Cage until Triple traps him in the Figure Four. He taps in pain, but there's no submissions in this one. Sheamus is able to reach the sledgehammer and take Triple H out! Triple H manages to deliver the pedigree to Sheamus on the chair! He tries to escape the Cage and gets hit with a pipe! It's Hornswoggle! I knew it! Sheamus crawls over The Game and out the door to win the match!

Great Match! Team RAW vs Team SmackDown had match of the night, but this match just stole the show! I would've loved seeing Triple H win and put and end to this feud, but I guess not. I see a Last Man Standing Match in the near future to really put this feud to bed.

Divas Championship
Layla (c) vs Michelle McCool

These two women argue in the ring and Layla gets put on her ass and here we go. Layla comes back and slaps Michelle in the face. Michelle comes back and now she takes the advantage after a clothesline. She continues er assault, but Layla refuses to stay down. Layla finally get herself back in the Game with a rollup pin, but Michelle isn't going out that easily. She hits a spear and Michelle still won't go down. Back and forth action until Michelle connects with the Faithbreaker, but Layla manages to kick out. Michelle gets hit with Layout and Michelle has been beaten! Layla wins and Michelle is gone from SmackDown!

A surprise visit from JBL? This new NXT must be big if JBL returned on a ppv to hype it up! Also, I loved the heat JBL got for dissing the town's sport's teams.

World Championship Ladder Match
Kane (c) vs Christian vs Matt Hardy

Great start to the match and once you thought Kane was down, here he comes back into the match with a Vengeance. Kane looks like he's gonna get the Ladder first, but not if the challengers have anything to say about it. Hardy & Christian battle it out and they both go down as well! Good action. Seems fast pace to me. Matt Hardy drops Kane with a HUGE Legdrop and now we have two Ladders coming into play. Great action by Christian and Hardy. Matt Hardy came to play and he takes out Christian and Kane and the fans are cheering him on! Matt has a hand on the belt until Christian sends him crashing down to the mat below. Kane is back in and delivers double chokeslams to both challengers! Looks like Kane is going to get the job done until ***GONG***. Uh-oh, it's the Deadman. Loving the Undertaker tease here getting Kane all freaked out. Last ditch effort from the challengers, but Kane isn't having it as he takes out Christian and destroys Matt Hardy with another chokeslam and a Tombstone! This one is over!

This was a good example of a match that wasn't too long, but not too short either. A good paced Ladder Match with a tease from The Deadman. I sense a good Kane/'Taker feud.


Oh boy, here we go, time for the Main Event.

WWE Championship
Team Orton vs Team Nexus

Orton looking strong in the early going owning three of the Nexus members early. I would expect Gabriel to be the guy to get the best of Orton here. Cena comes in and dominates for a short while, but The Nexus are able to control him. I like the little story going on here. Orton is depending on his team not to lose. The Hart Dynasty comes in and get their bit of action. Nice to see the mid card talent getting some shine. And just like that, David Hart Smith looks like the potential sheep to be worked on in this match. He manages to hot tag in Orton. He comes right in and hits the RKO! Now we have bedlam and anarchy in Philly as there's action all over the place! Great spot as Sheffield throws Smith off the stage through a table! Back to the ring and Cena has Gabriel in the STF and he's tapping, but Cena isn't the legal man, Orton is! Ezekial Jackson makes his way down to the ring and attacks the wrong person! He blindsides Cena! Orton comes in and quickly takes care of him with an RKO! Gabriel thinks he has it won after the 450, but Orton gets out of the way and BAM RKO! Barrett pulls Orton off and stops the count! Cena is the only guy for Orton to tag in as everybody else is out. Cena comes in and starts fighting The Nexus as Orton is put through the announce table on the outside! Cena has another member of Nexus tapping, but Sheffield isn't the legal man. Again, Cena is getting screwed! Orton is back up and takes out the remaining Nexus members as its down to Gabriel and Cena in the ring. Gabriel hits the 450 splash on Cena and nobody is there to make the save because Ezekial Jackson took them all out: Orton & The Hart Dynasty! Gabriel pins Cena and Wade Barrett has captured the WWE Championship!

Overall it was an amazing show! Show seemed slow at points, but then again which show isn't right? The Main Event had me interested from beginning to end. Team Orton tried to fight the odds, but to no avail.

By the ending, I see this going one of three ways. A three way feud for the title between Cena, Barrett, & Orton, A feud between Cena & Orton, or a feud within The Nexus. They battled hard, but Wade didn't get the pin, Gabriel did. It'll be about respect. Can't wait to see how this turns out!

I've had time to catch up on the other shows. Let's move onto RAW. Of course I want to cover all the shows, so they'll all be in the spoiler tags to preserve space.



RAW after Survivor Series

Spoiler

Wade Barrett kicks off with RAW with a decent promo just like any Champion should.

But wait, here comes HBK. This should be good.

WHOA! Wade Barrett and Randy Orton for the WWE Championship! A HUGE Main Event already announced for RAW! And Nexus will be banned from ringside!

Dibiase vs Truth. A good match. Dibiase beats Truth convincingly and looks to move up the RAW ranks.

McIntyre vs Santino. Surprised by the McIntyre win though. I figured since Santino & Kozlov won the tag titles, they'd get a nice win on RAW, but I guess with the challengers winning, it shows us that this feud is far from over.

Morrison vs Riley tonight? Should be interesting.

The Sheamus promo was fine. Could've been done backstage, but fine nonetheless. He's determined to let people know that put Triple H out of action...again.

Cena squashes Heath, but here comes Orton out to the ring. Let's see where this goes. Cena sounds a little too whiny for my liking, but comes off as normal Cena.

Morrison takes out Riley in a short, but good match. I do see a Miz/Morrison feud on the horizon.

Time for the Main Event for the WWE Championship. Let's see who comes out in this one. This was a good Main Event match for the title. I mean technically, Ezekial Jackson didn't join The Nexus. He wasn't out there with them in the beginning of the show. This feud between Barrett & Orton is not over. Not by a long shot.

Just as Orton was getting double teamed, here comes John Cena to bail him out! Jackson and Barrett leave the ring and head to the back as Cena tries again to get Orton to forgive him.

But wait! Cena drops Orton with the AA! What?!! A heel turn for Cena? But here comes Teddy Long and it looks Cena will be heading to SmackDown!

This was a great follow up show to Survivor Series. When I read Cena dropping Orton, I thought to myself that the Title picture just got more and more interesting, but he won't be on RAW anymore. I don't know why, but I don't see Cena on SmackDown for too long, but I guess we'll see what happens. Great RAW and we'll see what Cena does on SmackDown.

SmackDown!

Spoiler

The Cena promo to open SmackDown was one on of the best. No Nexus, or Orton. A lot of possibilities can come out of this. Would love to see Cena go after Kane. With Undertaker old and decrepit, this show needs a Big Time Player to get in some ratings.

Of course, just as I say that, here he comes CM Punk. Nice back and forth between Cena and Punk. Since Big Show and Kane is set for Vengeance, maybe we'll see a Cena/Punk feud? Would love to see that go into effect. Now, we got Punk vs Bourne and Cena takes on Kane in the Main Event. Already, it's shaping up to be a good show.

Cody Rhodes prevails against the Moscow Mauler due to some outside interference and it looks like this issue between both teams haven't been settled yet.

Henry comes in though, and scares away the former Tag Team Champions. Maybe Henry should find a partner so he doesn't have to go it alone.

And out comes Teddy Long again and we've got a Tag Team Championship Match set for next week on SmackDown!

I wasn't expecting a squash of Evan Bourne. Figured he'd put up more of a fight, but it does make Punk look dominant in his quest for the World Title.

Up next we got Del Rio and Kofi in a Non-Title Contest. I remember that you booked Kofi well when we challenged Kane for the World Title. This could be the match he needs to get back in the title picture. But not on this night. Del Rio gets the win and looks to make a big impact as we near closer and closer to the Royal Rumble.

The Kane was promo was...interesting. He showed the fear in his voice when The Undertaker was mentioned, but still played it cool. I don't buy it, but I think I know where this is going...

As far as Christian and Matt Hardy are concerned, they need to get their priorities checked out. They both are friends one minute, and now want to have a match with each other to prove just who IS the better man.

Big Show gets another W on his shoulder as we move closer to Vengeance.

JBL is back with another NXT promo. This must be a big project you're working on.

Kane vs John Cena. Cena's first match back on SmackDown and it's against the World Champion. Cena looks like he's going to have Kane beaten until....Randy Orton attacks him! Still mad about being attacked on RAW eh? He drops Cena with an RKO! Luckily, the officials detain Orton until he can do some serious damage.

The Main point of this show was Cena back on SmackDown, but I was NOT expecting Orton to come out and attack Cena. I mean, I was, but I wasn't if that makes any sense. I was expecting a CM Punk attack. So, of course Cena is the highlight of this show and I'm interesting in seeing how this Orton/Cena things plays out now that they're on separate brands.

RAW

Spoiler

Man, did I LOVE this Orton promo to kick off the show. I can sense that bit of "Legend Killer" Orton still in his voice in bits of that promo.

HBK comes out and makes Orton and Ezekial Jackson for later on tonight. And we have a Fatal 4 Way #1 Contenders Match set for next week on RAW to see who will take on Wade at Vengeance. Sounds good to me. Though, I wonder who that mystery man will be. I have a pretty good idea of who it is already...

Dibiase will contend for the US Title at Vengeance, but let's see how he does here tonight against the Champ. Dibiase got the win tonight in a competitive match. We'll see just what happens when they face off at Vengeance. I hope you make this feud really special.

Sheamus goes on again about destroying Triple H at Survivor Series. I can't wait for The Game to come back and silence this fool. Anyways, Morrison vs Sheamus later on tonight!

A bit confused with this next one. Santino & Kozlov have a Tag Title Match on SmackDown against McIntyre and Rhodes. Confused as to why they wouldn't get a win so close to a big title rematch?

Khali vs Miz in the first Qualifying Match! Whoa, this is something. I saw it, but couldn't believe it. Miz drops Khali with the SCF on the stage and sprints back to the stage for the countout. Good finish. I mean, how else was Miz gonna win right?

I simply fell in Love with the promo Justin Gabriel cut. I knew something like this was going to happen. Gabriel quitting the Nexus. It's sort of like Orton and Evolution, but in reverse if you get my drift. I wanna see where you take Gabriel from here.

IT'S THE ROCK!!! Not to take away from his great return, I would've loved to hear a little something more from The Rock other than Finally... Don't mean to sound rude, just calling it how I see it. I mean, it IS The Rock.

Sheamus win didn't surprise me here. After his win against Triple H, the sky's the limit for this guy. But can he win the Number One contenders match?

Edge returning at Vengeance? Oh boy. Can't wait to hear what he's going to have to say.

Time for the Main Event! Randy Orton vs Ezekial Jackson!

Short match, not too drawn out and did exactly what it had to do. Make Orton look dominant. He beat Jackson and RKO'd all members of The Nexus in the process! So we have Orton vs Miz vs Sheamus vs ???? Next Week. I think Next Week is shaping up to be something special.

Another great show. Only complaint is The Rock. Figured he'd have a little more to say after a HUGE return like this.

Highlight was definitely Justin Gabriel leaving The Nexus. Man, that's a twist I kinda saw coming, but not in the way you did it. Props for that. I can't wait to see just where Gabriel goes from here.

Alrighty, GCB. All caught up on your shows. Again, sorry it took so long. I'll be keeping in touch and watching out for SmackDown to see what Cena has to say and for RAW to see who will be #1 Contender! Keep up the great work man!

 

[GCB]

FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!
Live from Chapel Hill, North Carolina

[YOUTUBE]RQPvWEWTpbU[/YOUTUBE]

*** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO ***​

The SMACKDOWN theme continues to ring out around the arena as the cameras pan round the arena and the various signs being held up by the WWE Universe. Michael Cole and Mick Foley are on the commentary as usual tonight and they begin to hype up tonight’s SMACKDOWN show ...

MICHAEL COLE: Two weeks away from the final pay-per-view of 2010, Vengence, SMACKDOWN rolls into North Carolina with a huge announcement due from the General Manager, Teddy Long ...

MICK FOLEY: There have been rumours swirling all day long about the GM’s announcement, Michael, but nobody seems to have any idea what it will be!

MICHAEL COLE: There’ve been lots of guesses but Mick Foley is right, nobody really knows ...

*** MACMILITANT ***

​

MICHAEL COLE: But maybe we’re about to find out?

MICK FOLEY: Oh yeah, SMACKDOWN is rolling, baby!

The smartly dressed General Manager of SMACKDOWN heads for the ring with a smile on his face and greeting the fans at ringside with a handshake or two. He gets into the ring and does a little jig before his music fades and Long is ready to address the WWE Universe with his huge announcement ...

TEDDY LONG: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night SMACKDOWN, playas!

The crowd cheer for Teddy Long’s first comments before quietening down to hear his announcement ...

TEDDY LONG: Now there have been rumours swirling all day about me having some big news for tonight’s edition of SMACKDOWN ... And that is true. I do have a huge announcement to make.

More cheers from the WWE Universe ...

TEDDY LONG: So, I’ll not keep you in suspense any longer, playas. Tonight’s Friday Night SMACKDOWN is going to be all about the gold! Every major WWE championship currently on SMACKDOWN will be defended tonight!

The crowd go wild for the announcement which guarantees them a number of championship matches tonight and the chance to see title belts changing hands ...

TEDDY LONG: You already knew that the Tag Team Titles of Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov would be defended against SMACKDOWN’s Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes tonight ... But what other matches will you see?

Long smiles as the WWE Universe cheer him and urge him to let them know ...

TEDDY LONG: Well, playas, Layla will be defending the Divas Championship tonight ... against the sultry and sexy Alicia Fox ...

Slight pop from the WWE Universe ...

TEDDY LONG: There will be a rematch from Survivor Series as Alberto Del Rio defends the Intercontinental Championship ... against Evan ‘Air’ Bourne!

Loud cheers for the decision to give Evan Bourne another shot at the Intercontinental Title of Del Rio ...

TEDDY LONG: And that brings me on to the World Heavyweight Championship ...

*** THIS FIRE BURNS ***

CM Punk wanders out onto the stage and heads down towards the ring with a suspicious look in his eyes ...

TEDDY LONG: Great timing, playa ...

CM PUNK: Is it, Teddy? Let me guess, you’re going to give Big Show a shot at Kane’s title, tonight, here live on SMACKDOWN, playas ...

Punk climbs into the ring and stands opposite the SMACKDOWN General Manager with a look of annoyance on his face ...

CM PUNK: At Survivor Series, Teddy, I carried the SMACKDOWN team to victory, it was me who gave you the chance to draft John Cena over here. And what thanks do I get? Nothing. The Big Show, that joke of a SMACKDOWN team captain, gets the title shot whilst I ... CM Punk ... the greatest wrestler in the world ... I get to sit in the back and watch, right?

TEDDY LONG: Now, Punk, patience is a virtue, playa. If you give me a chance, I’ll tell you what is going to go down tonight.

CM PUNK: Go ahead then ...

TEDDY LONG: You’re right, tonight, we will see a World Heavyweight Championship match between the World Champion, Kane ... and the World’s Largest Athlete, the captain of Team SMACKDOWN, the Big Show ...

Cheers from the WWE Universe ... but CM Punk looks unimpressed ...

CM PUNK: What a surprise! Kane and the Big Show ...

TEDDY LONG: Like I said before, Punk, patience is a virtue. Whoever wins that match tonight, be it Kane or the Big Show, will defend it again tonight immediately ...

Punk gets a twisted smile on his face ...

TEDDY LONG: You see, playa, I hear ya. I don’t agree with how you claim it but you’re right, you did win the Survivor Series match for SMACKDOWN. You do deserve a shot at the World Championship ...

CM PUNK: So I get to face the winner?

TEDDY LONG: Not exactly. You might get to face the winner, playa. You see, you will have a match in a minute ... and if you win that match, you will face the World Heavyweight Champion, whether that be Kane or the Big Show, in the final match of tonight’s SMACKDOWN ... for the World Heavyweight Championship!

CM PUNK: Teddy, I don’t see why I should have to earn a shot at the title tonight first ... I won the match at Survivor Series ...

TEDDY LONG: And while that may be true, playa, there is one other man who performed admirably at Survivor Series for Team SMACKDOWN as well. Another man who has been fighting hard for a chance to become the World Heavyweight Champion for months now. Tonight, CM Punk, right now in fact, you will face ... this man!

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

Kofi Kingston comes bounding out onto the stage and hits the ‘Boom! Boom! Boom!’ as the pyro explodes around him ...

MICHAEL COLE: What a huge announcement from Teddy Long! Four championships on the line tonight, five championship matches! And we start with CM Punk and Kofi Kingston fighting just to be in one of those championship matches!

MICK FOLEY: Amazing decision from our General Manager ... Holla!

MICHAEL COLE: And that match is next ... on Friday Night SMACKDOWN!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

SMACKDOWN returns with CM Punk and Kofi Kingston in the ring with a referee and the ring announcer, Tony Chimel, both men ready for action ...

TONY CHIMEL: This match is set for one fall and will determine the Number 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship in our final match of the night ... Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, weighing 222 pounds ... CM PUNK!

Loud boos around the arena as Punk is introduced but it doesn’t faze the Straight Edge superstar as he concentrates on his opponent across the ring ...

TONY CHIMEL: His opponent, from Ghana, West Africa ... weighing 221 pounds ... KOFI KINGSTON!

Loud cheers for Kofi Kingston as Chimel exits the ring to allow the match to begin ...

CM PUNK vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Punk and Kofi circle each other for a moment before locking up in the centre of the ring, both very well matched strength wise and size wise. Punk breaks the lock up by launching a kick to the thigh of Kofi and he follows this up with several more well placed Muay Thai kicks that push Kofi Kingston back towards the corner of the ring. Punk whips the Ghanaian to the opposite corner and charges over looking for his patented high knee but Kofi catches him coming in and tosses him away to the side. Kofi springboards from the middle corner rope to hit a Tornado DDT to Punk whose head bounces hard off the mat. Kofi goes for the first cover of the evening ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* CM Punk kicks out *​

As Punk gets to his feet, Kofi drops back and allows him to get up before hitting a drop kick to the chest of the Straight Edge superstar that sends him staggering back through the middle ropes and down to the outside ... As Punk stumbles back up to his feet outside the ring, Kofi sets off to the ropes and flies back across the ring where he dives through the ropes out towards Punk. The Suicide Dive catches Punk flush and drives him back into the barricades where both men lay in a crumpled heap for a moment before Kofi gets to his feet pumped up and determined to earn the title match later that evening. He slides back into the ring as the referee continues to count out CM Punk ...

* 6 *
* 7 *
* 8 *
* 9 *
* Punk rolls back into the ring just in time *​

Punk props himself up in the corner and this allows Kofi to regain control as he jumps onto his shoulders and drives his fist into the head of Punk over and over. However, Punk is clever and he grabs Kofi whilst he is on his shoulders and lifts him up before dropping him down with a powerbomb. Kofi’s back and shoulders hit the mat and Punk follows down to hold on for the pinfall ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kofi kicks out *​

Both men take a few seconds to get back to their feet but it is Punk now with the advantage as he lifts Kofi up for a powerslam. He drives Kofi down dangerously onto the back of his shoulders with the Falcon Suplex before covering the African for a second time ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kofi manages to escape again *​

Punk is unperturbed by these kickouts and he shoots Kofi off into the ropes once more before catching him coming back and hitting a beautiful Backbreaker over his own knee that leaves Kofi writhing in pain on the mat. Another cover from CM Punk ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kofi counters the pin *​

Kofi rolls Punk over onto his shoulders and looks to hold him down instead ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Punk kicks out *​

Punk looks annoyed as he gets up and he runs over to Kofi and hits a stiff boot to the chest of his opponent that sends him back down to the mat before he can get back up. He drags Kofi up and shoots him off into the corner hard before heading back over to hit a clothesline ... However, Kofi catches him coming in with a big boot to the jaw and Punk is stunned which allows Kofi to hit a second Tornado DDT from the corner. Kofi goes for the pinfall eager to get the match finished and won ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Punk grabs the bottom rope *​

Kofi Kingston climbs to the top rope as Punk gets back to his feet and goes for a Diving Crossbody ... Kofi gets really high but fails to hit the target as Punk avoids the contact and Kofi hits the mat with a crash and the crowd groan for their favourite. Punk drags Kofi up by the hair and tosses him through the ropes to the outside before following him outside. Punk looks around dastardly and he decides that the best thing to do would be to whip Kofi back first into the steel ring steps which leaves Kofi sat down and dazed as Punk smirks to himself and the fans at ringside and SMACKDOWN heads into a commercial break ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

SMACKDOWN returns with CM Punk still on the offensive and in control of the match now. Michael Cole introduces a replay of Punk hitting the double underarm backbreaker over the barricades instead of his knee. Punk is stood in the ring smirking whilst Kofi struggles back towards the ring and the referee counts him out ...

* 4 *
* 5 *
* 6 *
* 7 *
* Kofi rolls back in at 8 *​

Punk waits for Kofi to start to get to his feet in the corner before hitting the shining wizard kick to the head of Kofi who is flattened on the mat once again. CM Punk, sensing that he has the title shot won, hooks the leg and goes for the pin again ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kofi kicks out again *​

CM Punk stands up smirking and he signals that it is time for Kofi to go to sleep by holding his hands beside his head ... The crowd jeer and boo Punk but he isn’t bothered and he drags Kofi up to his feet and lifts him up onto his shoulders ... The crowd yell for Kofi to escape and he realises what is happening just in time as Punk looks to hit the GTS. Kofi manages to escape behind Punk and he hits the ropes looking to catch Punk by surprise but Punk is wise to it and catches Kofi in a powerslam off the ropes. Another pinfall ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kofi kicks out again *​

As Kofi staggers up into the corner, CM Punk sees another chance and rushes over towards him. This time, Punk hits the high knee to Kofi’s jaw before holding on and delivering a superb bulldog that plants Kofi back down on the mat and in real trouble. Punk thinks about the pinfall again but then appears to have a change of heart as he goes for the Anaconda Vice submission hold ... Kofi tries to fight out of it but Punk manages to lock the submission hold in and it appears that Kofi’s race is run! Will Kofi Kingston tap out? Kofi struggles and scratches and claws his way towards the ropes but appears to be losing the will to fight out ... somehow, he manages to find one last bit of energy and he makes the bottom rope to the delight of the WWE Universe. Punk jumps straight to his feet and releases the hold – suspiciously – and it becomes clear that he intends to hit the GTS this time. He lifts Kofi up but Kofi fights out of it and pushes Punk away before hitting a drop kick that takes him down. Both men are down and Kofi has chance to make a recovery now ...

As both men get to their feet slowly, Kofi manages to grab Punk and he shoots him off towards the ropes. Punk ducks as Kofi looks to hit a clothesline but Kofi readjusts and lifts Punk up high as he comes back. As Punk drops, Kofi twists and hits the Swiss Death ... crashing Punk’s jaw down onto Kofi’s shoulder. The crowd roar for the move and Kofi goes to cover Punk for the win ... but Punk manages to wisely roll out of the ring to the outside instead. Kofi uses the ropes to propel himself over the top and hits a Plancha to Punk on the outside before heading back into the ring and allowing the referee to count Punk out ...

* 5 *
* 6 *
* 7 *
* 8 *
* Punk is back in the ring just in time at 9 *​

Kofi sets himself in the corner and begins clapping his hands together and the WWE Universe are now on their feet in anticipation. As Punk whirls around to face him, Kofi spins around and goes for the Trouble in Paradise finisher but Punk manages to duck and avoids the contact. Punk tries to counter and lifts Kofi up onto his shoulders for the GTS ... but Kofi again fights out and avoids it. Punk is confused and turns round ... TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Kofi Kingston catches CM Punk perfectly with the Trouble in Paradise ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Punk kicks out! *​

The WWE Universe urge Kofi on with a ‘Let’s go, Kofi!’ chant that echoes around the arena. It inspires Kofi to press on and he hits the Boom Drop on CM Punk before heading for the top ropes in the corner of the ring. The crowd cheer him on enthusiastically and Kofi jumps on before hitting a picture perfect missile dropkick from the top rope. Punk is down and maybe out as Kofi goes for the cover once more ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Punk gets the shoulder out and is hanging on *​

Kofi steps back and prepares as Punk struggles back up in real trouble. As he does, Kofi grabs Punk once more and sets up for the SOS ... Can he hit it? Yes, SOS! Kofi Kingston hits the SOS on CM Punk, has he done enough?

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Punk kicks out again! *​

Kofi Kingston cannot believe it but the referee indicates that even though his hand grazed the mat for the three, Punk kicked out just in the nick of time. Kofi nods his head in understanding and looks determined to win the match. He heads for the top rope again and the crowd are encouraging him, right behind him ... Kofi goes for the highest Diving Crossbody you’ll ever see now ... but Punk drops down and avoids it and Kofi crashes down hard onto the mat instead. Punk is quick as a hiccup and he locks in the Anaconda Vice for the second time tonight ... Kofi struggles but Punk has been weakened and his resistance is less this time. Kofi manages to get to the ropes and the referee orders Punk to break the hold but he refuses, holding on for the maximum amount of time allowed. Punk argues with the referee now and allows Kofi time to recover ...

As Punk turns around, Kofi is ready and he goes for the Trouble in Paradise for the second time but again Punk manages to avoid the contact. More Muay Thai kicks from CM Punk send Kofi down to one knee and Punk crashes his foot round into the head of Kofi. Kofi staggers to the corner and uses the ropes to pull himself up. Punk follows but Kofi pushes him away and lifts himself to the middle rope ... Punk is too quick though and he follows Kofi up before hitting the Frankensteiner from the middle rope and leaving Kofi helpless in the centre of the ring. Punk drags Kofi up once more and sets up to hit the GTS ... He lifts Kofi onto his shoulders ... GO TO SLEEP! CM Punk hits the GTS on Kofi Kingston ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: CM Punk (13:39)

TONY CHIMEL: Here is your winner ... CM PUNK!

As the crowd boo and applaud in equal measures, CM Punk rolls out of the ring leaving Kofi Kingston holding his head in disappointment ... He was so close to kicking out of the GTS there! Punk smirks as he backs away up the ramp ...

MICHAEL COLE: A hard fought battle between two of SMACKDOWN’s young stars, the future of the brand ... But tonight, CM Punk just about wins it and will go on to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship tonight!

MICK FOLEY: Oh my, Michael Cole, CM Punk vs. Kane or CM Punk vs. Big Show for the title. What an amazing night this is going to be!

The camera switches to Teddy Long’s office where Teddy Long has his back to the camera as he speaks on the telephone. Behind him stands the Big Red Monster, Kane, with the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist but looking majorly unhappy ... Long turns round and sees him before dropping his mobile phone in shock ...

KANE: Teddy Long, you have just made the biggest mistake of your life.

TEDDY LONG: What? Oh ... Kane ... Look ... I’m err ... Kane ... Please ...

KANE: Save it, Teddy, I don’t want to hear your excuses. I am the World Champion and I am not happy with you. First of all, you punish me at Survivor Series by making me defend my World Heavyweight Championship in a Triple Threat Ladder Match ... then you make me face John Cena last week on SMACKDOWN ... and this week, I have to defend my title twice? Against Big Show and then CM Punk?

TEDDY LONG: I’m just ... err trying to ... entertain the erm ... WWE Universe ...

KANE: I don’t care about the WWE Universe, Teddy Long, all I care about is this ...

Kane lifts his World Championship high above Long’s head ...

KANE: ... and if I lose it tonight ... there will be hell to pay for you, Teddy Long. Hell to pay.

Kane turns around and walks out of the office leaving Long looking terrified ...

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my god, what a mistake Teddy Long might have made tonight!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

SMACKDOWN returns with a replay from last Monday’s RAW ...

*** LONGHORN ***

John Bradshaw Layfield – also known as JBL – heads out to the ring waving his cowboy hat around and smiling inanely to show off his perfect white teeth. Dressed in a business suit, JBL shakes hands with members of the WWE Universe as he approaches the ring. Once in the ring, he salutes the crowd who give him a decent reception despite his murky past in the WWE ...

JBL: Richmond, Virginia ... You are truly blessed! You are blessed because you are in the presence of me, John Bradshaw Layfield, a multi-millionaire and a wrestling god! You can, for a few short minutes, forget all about your meaningless lives, your struggles to pay the rent and the grocery bill, you can find time to look up at me in this ring and realise that here is a man who has been successful in every thing he has done. I am here for you to aspire to ... I am here to show you that life can be good ... very good in fact.

The WWE Universe are now booing JBL as he belittles them ...

JBL: And in a few short weeks, four WWE superstars will be looking up to the great JBL as well. It will be NXT Season 3 and four wrestlers will attempt to follow in my footsteps. True, they need to save their jobs first of all ... But when they are safe in the WWE, they can be inspired, they can follow their dreams with the knowledge and the wisdom from the great JBL in their minds ... But there are four more wrestlers who won’t be so lucky. There are four more men who will be mentored in the NXT competition by another so-called legend of the WWE. These four men will not get the advice and the inspiration they so desperately crave ... because they will not be mentored by me, the great JBL, the longest reigning champion in SMACKDOWN history.

More boos and jeers for JBL as the crowd in Richmond begin to grow impatient ... ready to find out who the second mentor is ...

JBL: The week after Vengeance, NXT will begin ... And at WrestleMania 27, one of the chosen few, one of Team JBL will be victorious ... Because I am a mentor who gets results ... and the other mentor ... whoever they may be ... will never ever be in the same league as JBL ...

[YOUTUBE]ZcIYOgcCcnM[/YOUTUBE]​

The crowd explodes as the arena lights flash and the spotlights on the cameras pop and then, striding out as only he can, comes the ‘Great One’ of the WWE, the ‘most electrifying man in sports entertainment,’ the one and the only Rock ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the second ‘WWE Legend’ mentor for NXT Season 3 ... THE ROCK!

Screams and cheers continue around the arena as The Rock heads down the ramp and into the ring. As Rock climbs into the ring, he glances at JBL who looks unhappy to see him, before heading for the corner to raise his arm and sniff the air ... Can you smell it? Eventually, Rock is handed a microphone and he stands in the ring facing JBL ready to talk as only he can ... A loud ‘Rocky! Rocky!’ chant begins in the arena and the smile appears on the face of the Rock as the crowd chant his name. JBL shakes his head and says something to the Rock that shocks him back into focus ... Rock shakes his head with a smile ... He drops the microphone ...

ROCK BOTTOM TO JBL!​

Rock stands over JBL as the crowd cheer and raises his hand ... The crowd are willing him on now and Rock seems eager to please as he sets up for the ‘Peoples Elbow’ now instead. He performs his moves, hits both ropes and then drops the elbow into the chest of JBL who doubles up in pain as Rock straightens his sunglasses and picks up his microphone ...

THE ROCK: Finally ... ... The Rock ... has come back ... to the WWE!

The crowd explode once more as Rock drops the microphone and his music hits in the arena again. Rock acknowledges the crowd again before leaving the ring to a standing ovation ... The Rock has returned to the WWE and he will mentor four WWE superstars on NXT Season 3!

MICHAEL COLE: NXT Season 3 starts in the first week of 2011, Mick, and with the Wrestling God, JBL and the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment, The Rock as the mentors ... my, that could be interesting!

MICK FOLEY: It’ll be more than interesting, Michael, eight WWE superstars who have lost their way, their last chance to save their WWE careers ... and after the Rock Bottom and the People’s Elbow on Monday night, I don’t expect JBL will be playing fairly in the coming weeks!

MICHAEL COLE: No doubt about it, JBL will be desperate to win now! And we’ve been told that this Monday on RAW, both JBL and The Rock will be live in Greensborough, North Carolina to be introduced to their first team members.

MICK FOLEY: Guaranteed fireworks on Monday night then, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: Also on Monday Night RAW this week, Wade Barrett will find out his opponent for Vengeance. Will Randy Orton earn the chance to challenge for the title? Or will Sheamus show he is ready to be champion again? Maybe the mystery superstar that HBK has put in the match can get the win? Or will my pick, the awesome Miz, show that he doesn’t need Money in the Bank to get the WWE Championship around his waist?

*** DESTINY ***

MICHAEL COLE: And speaking of champions, here comes the Intercontinental Champion!

A car horn is heard and at the side of the stage appears a shiny convertible Merecedes with the Intercontinental Champion, Alberto Del Rio, driving ... Sat beside him in the passenger seat is his personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, and as Del Rio leaves the car, with the title belt in his hand, Rodriguez begins his introduction ...

RICARDO RODRIGUEZ: Las damas y caballeros, es mi gran honor de introducir a usted aquí, un hombre de gran realeza, un hombre con una inteligencia superior, él es el Campeón Intercontinental, él es ... ALBERTO DEL RRRRRRRIIIIIIOOOOOO!

Gold sparks fall from above as Del Rio poses on the ramp with the Intercontinental Championship around his waist ... He smiles wide and then heads for the ring with his usual confidence where he is handed a microphone ...

ALBERTO DEL RIO: My name ... My name is Alberto Del Rio ... but you already know that! You also know that I am the Intercontinental Champion ... and at Survivor Series two weeks ago, I defended my title against that little pendejo, Evan Bourne. I easily beat him but tonight, Teddy Long thinks we need another match so I can show that I am el major hombre once again ...

*** BOURNE TO WIN ***

TONY CHIMEL: This match is set for one fall and is for the Intercontinental Championship! Introducing the challenger, from St. Louis, Missouri, weighing 183 pounds ... EVAN ‘AIR’ BOURNE!

Bourne comes out with a huge smile on his face whilst Del Rio looks annoyed about being interrupted by the challenger for his title. Bourne races down to the ring as usual when Del Rio attacks him immediately ... The referee clears the ring and rings the bell to get the match started ...

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: ALBERTO DEL RIO (C) vs. EVAN BOURNE

Del Rio hits forearms viciously over and over into the side of Bourne’s head and then stands up and leaves him crumpled on the mat still wearing his entrance attire. Del Rio smirks at the boos and jeers he is receiving before heading over to Bourne once more and hitting a scoop slam to the small superstar. Another scoop slam follows as Alberto displays his early dominance and then he mocks the WWE Universe by holding his hands out wide and making a money, money, money gesture before laughing out loud. Del Rio mocks Bourne struggling up from the early assault he has received but he is taking far too much time and Bourne suddenly hits a drop kick to the knee of Del Rio. Ripping his shirt off, Bourne looks to hit a series of kicks to the shoulders and chest of Del Rio but he swats him away before hitting a clothesline to Bourne in temper. Del Rio did not appreciate being made to look silly there by Evan Bourne ...

Bourne staggers to the corner and this allows Del Rio to hit his trademark Enzuguri to the side of his temple before he grabs Bourne round the waist and hits a perfect German Suplex. Holding onto Bourne’s waist for the pinfall, Del Rio looks to end the match ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Bourne kicks out *​

Del Rio drags Bourne up to his feet and shoots him off into the ropes before lifting him high and crashing him down into a hard hitting spinebuster. With Bourne down once more, Del Rio goes for the cover but Bourne immediately counter the pinfall into one of his own, rolling Del Rio back onto his shoulders ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Del Rio powers out *​

Bourne takes control for a moment with a standing drop kick that staggers Del Rio back into the ropes and then takes him down with a series of kicks and punches. With Del Rio down on his back, Bourne hits a standing moonsault and then covers Del Rio for the pin. Can he win the Intercontinental Championship here?

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Del Rio kicks out *​

Alberto Del Rio sensibly exits the ring and gets out of the way of Bourne but the little man follows him out of the ring to continue the assault. The referee orders both men to get back into the ring and Bourne obeys but Del Rio refuses and argues with the referee. As Bourne gestures to Del Rio to get back into the ring, the Mexican leaps up onto the ring apron and argues with his challenger as well. Bourne looks to drag him back into the ring but Del Rio is smart and he grabs Bourne’s arm and drops it down over the top rope, snapping it on the rope to leave Bourne writhing in pain on the mat. Del Rio smells blood and he gets back into the ring and drags Bourne up by the arm before hitting a double knee arm breaker. Del Rio is clearly setting Bourne up for his Cross Arm Breaker finisher as he stomps hard on the upper arm and elbow ... Bourne is in pain and Del Rio senses a chance. He tries to lock in the Cross Arm Breaker on the mat but Bourne is quick and dodges the bullet by rolling away quickly. As Del Rio goes after him, Bourne leaps up and hits an Enzuguri of his own to the Mexican and to the delight of the WWE Universe who are urging him on.

With Del Rio down near the corner, there is only one thing now on Evan Bourne’s mind and he begins to climb the ropes ready to go for his big finisher! The crowd are cheering and shouting as Bourne sails off the top rope, up and over ... AIR BOURNE? No, Del Rio gets the knees up and Bourne crash lands over the Mexican’s knees. Del Rio gets to his feet and hits another scoop powerslam but looks a bit frustrated now that Bourne has hit a little offence. Del Rio speaks to Ricardo Rodriguez and allows Bourne, yet again, time to recover ... As Bourne gets up though, Del Rio approaches him from behind and hits a jumping back suplex that crashes Bourne down to the mat. Del Rio goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Bourne kicks out! *​

Evan Bourne is showing plenty of heart but Del Rio seems to be inches away from catching him and winning the match. Bourne again escapes the Cross Arm Breaker as Del Rio tries to lock it in and he heads for the ropes looking for a big move to try and win the title. As he does though, Ricardo catches his leg and Bourne is tripped up. Annoyed, Bourne remonstrates with Rodriguez before aiming a kick through the ropes at Del Rio’s sidekick. Catching him on the back of his head, Rodriguez hits the deck to the crowd and Bourne’s delight. Bourne turns round though and Del Rio grabs him. ROLLING CROSS ARM BREAKER! Del Rio has Bourne locked up in the Cross Arm Breaker ... Will Evan Bourne tap out?

* TAP *
* TAP *
* TAP *​

WINNER: Alberto Del Rio (Submission – 5:37)

TONY CHIMEL: Here is your winner ... and still Intercontinental Champion ... ALBERT DEL RIO!

Despite the bell and the announcement, Del Rio refuses to let go of the hold and keeps Evan Bourne locked in the Cross Arm Breaker ... Evan is screaming out in pain and the referee gives Del Rio a 5-count to release Bourne or be disqualified ... At 4 and a half, Del Rio releases Bourne and jumps up all smiles ... He is handed a microphone by Ricardo and he proceeds to address the WWE Universe once again ...

ALBERTO DEL RIO: My name is Alberto Del Rio ... and I am still the Intercontinental Champion ... but you already knew that!

The crowd boo and jeer as Del Rio wags his finger at them ...

ALBERTO DEL RIO: Now I am tired of facing el idiota like this. I want un verdadero desafío, a real challenge for my Intercontinental Championship ... So I am challenging the SMACKDOWN locker room ... If anybody thinks that they can beat me, come out here and let the world know ...

Del Rio drops the microphone and goes after Bourne once more ... He locks in the Cross Arm Breaker and Bourne taps out once more in a great deal of pain ... Del Rio refuses to break the hold and seems intent on sending a message out to the locker room that he is to be feared ...

MICK FOLEY: This is ridiculous, Michael, Del Rio isn’t proving anything with this ...

MICHAEL COLE: Are you kidding me, Mick? He is showing everybody in the WWE that they should be wary of getting into the ring with him. Do you see how many people there are out here to challenge him right now?

Del Rio pulls and pulls at Bourne who is now in danger of passing out with the pain when all of a sudden, a challenger is revealed ...

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

The crowd cheer as Mark Henry makes his way towards the ring looking angry with the treatment of his friend, Evan Bourne. He charges into the ring and Alberto Del Rio releases Bourne and slides out of the ring and rushes away up the ramp as the World’s Strongest Man checks in on his friend. With Bourne in a great deal of pain, Henry picks up Del Rio’s microphone and addresses the champion ...

MARK HENRY: If you want a challenger for your title, Del Rio, how about you pick on somebody bigger than you? Somebody like ... the World’s Strongest Man?

The crowd cheer but Del Rio stands on the stage smirking and shaking his head. Ricardo hands him his title back and the Mexican holds it up high as he stares into the ring at Mark Henry and shakes his finger at him. Henry resumes looking after Bourne as the EMT’s arrive at ringside ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!
(continued)​

SMACKDOWN returns with Mark Henry and the EMT’s helping Evan Bourne out of the arena on a stretcher ...

MICHAEL COLE: Mark Henry looks furious, Mick ...

MICK FOLEY: No doubt, I think that Del Rio just made a huge mistake, Cole.

MICHAEL COLE: Will Del Rio accept Mark Henry’s challenge for the Intercontinental Championship?

The cameras switch to Teddy Long’s office where Christian is facing the SMACKDOWN General Manager ...

TEDDY LONG: I’m sorry, playa, but you had your chance at Survivor Series and you didn’t get it done. There are so many top superstars here on SMACKDOWN now that I had to make some decisions that weren’t popular ...

CHRISTIAN: I appreciate that, Teddy, but at Survivor Series, I was this close ...

Christian shows how close he was with his finger and thumb ...

CHRISTIAN: ... to taking the belt and being the new World Champion. I deserve another chance at winning the title, Teddy.

TEDDY LONG: I’ll tell you what, playa, here’s what I’m gonna’ do. If you can prove to me over the next few weeks that you are worthy of a title shot ...

Shouts from off camera are heard to interrupt Teddy Long and Christian looks up annoyed ... Matt Hardy appears in the office alongside Long and Christian ...

MATT HARDY: Teddy, Christian is right. He was so close to winning the World Championship at Survivor Series ... but he seems to be forgetting something. I was closer. If anybody deserves another shot at the title, Teddy, it is me.

CHRISTIAN: Matt, I’m getting fed up of this, man. You were only in the World Championship match at Survivor Series because Kane didn’t let me finish you off on SMACKDOWN. I know that you’ve been here a long time, just like me, but Matt, I’m the one that deserves the title. Not you. You’re just ... you’re just not good enough!

A loud, audible ‘Ooh!’ goes around the arena as Matt stares into Christian’s eyes ...

MATT HARDY: With all due respect, Christian, you’re wrong. I am going to win the World Heavyweight Championship, that is a fact. I came back to the WWE so that I could achieve my life goal and nobody, not even you, is going to stop me.

CHRISTIAN: Is that a fact?

Both men start to square up to each other but Teddy Long gets between them and prevents an incident ...

TEDDY LONG: Gentlemen, no, please, not in my office and not on my show. If you want a shot at the title, you are going to have to prove to me that you deserve it. Starting next week on SMACKDOWN, I am challenging you both to prove to me that you are World Heavyweight Champion material. If you do, I will give you a title shot.

Christian and Matt Hardy look into each other’s eyes once more and then a look of understanding appears between them ...

MATT HARDY: That sounds good to me, Teddy. Christian ...

Hardy holds his hand out to Christian ...

MATT HARDY: May the best man win.

Christian takes Matt’s hand and shakes it ...

CHRISTIAN: May the best man win.

The camera returns to the ringside area ...

*** NASTY GIRL ***

TONY CHIMEL: This match is set for one fall and is for the Divas Championship. Introducing first, from London, England ... LAYLA!

Layla, back with her old theme song since her split from Michelle McCool, heads out for the ring with a smile on her face and to a positive reception for once. She waves and smiles at the WWE Universe and then holds her Divas Championship high for all to see ...

*** SHAKE YO’TAIL ***

TONY CHIMEL: Her opponent and challenger, from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida ... ALICIA FOX!

Alicia Fox heads out shaking her ass so the feathers shake as she heads for the ring with a look of determination on her face. She gets into the ring and stares at Layla before shaking her head in disgust at the change in Layla since leaving Michelle McCool ...

MICHAEL COLE: A great chance for Alicia Fox to take the Divas Title here tonight, Mick ...

MICK FOLEY: It sure is but I’d like to see Layla keep the title for a little while yet, Cole, she did well to retain it at Survivor Series against her former best friend Michelle McCool.

MICHAEL COLE: Michelle McCool, now a member of the RAW roster after that loss, with Layla over here defending the title on SMACKDOWN for now.

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP: LAYLA (C) vs. ALICIA FOX

An even contest where both Divas give it their all. Alicia Fox takes charge early in the match as she drives Layla down to the mat with a spear-like move and slams the back of the champion’s head down onto the mat over and over. Fox continues to dominate as she kicks and slaps Layla around before heading for the top rope. A diving crossbody from Alicia gets her a 2 count and a near fall in her pursuit of the title but it appears to be a wake up call for the champion as she catches Alicia coming in and rolls her up for a 2 count. Layla hits a clothesline on the challenger and follows this up with a snapmare before drop kicking a sat up Alicia Fox ... Another 2 count for Layla. Both ladies now get into a cat-fight as they roll around fighting on the mat but Alicia manages to get the upper hand and shoots Layla into the ropes before hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that looks to have Layla down and beaten. Alicia goes for the cover and gets another 2 count ... She steps back waiting for Layla to get to her feet ... As Layla gets up, Fox goes for the Scissors Kick as she seeks to win the title but Layla sees it coming and dodges. Layla grabs hold of Alicia Fox and sets up for the neckbreaker ... LAYOUT! Layla hits the Layout on Alicia Fox!

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Layla (3:54)

TONY CHIMEL: Here is your winner ... and still Divas Champion ... LAYLA!

Alicia Fox heads out of the ring looking disappointed as the lovely Layla celebrates another successful defence of her Divas Championship by holding it up high for the WWE Universe to see ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

SMACKDOWN returns with the music of the Tag Team Champions playing ...

*** LA VITORIA E MIA ***

TONY CHIMEL: The following contest is set for one fall and it is for the WWE Tag Team Championship! Introducing first, weighing in at a combined total of 529 pounds ... they are the WWE Tag Team Champions ... SANTINO MARELLA & VLADIMIR KOZLOV!

Santino and Kozlov hold their Tag Team Championship belts up high for the SMACKDOWN crowd to see before the music changes and their challengers head for the ring ...

*** SMOKE AND MIRRORS ***

TONY CHIMEL: The challengers, weighing a combined total of 479 pounds ... DREW McINTYRE & ‘DASHING’ CODY RHODES!

The challengers head for the ring looking confident and ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes is carrying an envelope in his hand as they head down the ramp. As they enter the ring, Rhodes hands the envelope to the referee and then prepares for the match. The referee reads the letter and then speaks to Tony Chimel ...

TONY CHIMEL: : Ladies and Gentlemen, I have just been informed by the referee that – by orders of the RAW General Manager, Shawn Michaels ... and the SMACKDOWN General Manager, Teddy Long – if any other WWE superstar interferes in this match, they will automatically be suspended from the WWE!

MICHAEL COLE: That is a great call from the General Managers ... The only reason that Drew and Cody lost the titles in the first place was due to that idiot, Mark Henry, showing up and distracting them!

MICK FOLEY: After the actions of a certain Mr. Del Rio earlier tonight, I think Mark Henry will be more interested in the health and well being of his friend than this title match ...

MICHAEL COLE: Well, Mick, I am very interested in this match and I fully expect Drew and Cody to regain their titles tonight!

MICK FOLEY: You should never ever underestimate the team of Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov, Cole, they have proven time and time again that they are a great tag team!

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: SANTINO MARELLA & VLADIMIR KOZLOV (C) vs. CODY RHODES & DREW McINTYRE

Drew McIntyre and Vladimir Kozlov are in the ring to start the match and the pair of them lock up whilst Cody Rhodes and Santino Marella wait on the apron for the tag from their partners when needed. Kozlov uses the Fireman’s Carry to take Drew down to the mat where he places a knee in the Scotsman’s back and uses a facelock to pull back against it. With Drew struggling against the knee of Kozlov, Santino cheers on his partner but Drew scrambles back to his feet and Kozlov is forced to take some action. A Belly to Belly Suplex is hit on McIntyre and the crowd cheer. Drew is disorientated and Kozlov traps his arms and hits the headbutts over and over to McIntyre’s chest before allowing him to drop to the mat clutching his chest in pain. Kozlov tags in Santino Marella who uses a spin kick to trip McIntyre as he gets back up ... Cover from Santino Marella ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Drew kicks out *​

Santino locks McIntyre up for a Side Russian Leg Sweep but decides to hit an STO by dropping the Scot forward onto his face instead. With the momentum on his side, Santino hits the ropes and saluting looks to drop the headbutt on McIntyre. However, he misses as Drew moves out of the way and makes the tag to Cody Rhodes. A Russian Leg Sweep from Cody takes down Santino and he then follows up with a front facelock which is lifted into a suplex to the Italian. Cody goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Santino kicks out *​

Cody Rhodes tags Drew McIntyre back into the match and then holds Santino up so the Scotsman can deliver stinging slaps to the face of the Italian. The referee orders Cody out of the ring as Drew continues to slap Santino until suddenly Marella snaps and slaps Drew back hard. A kick to the gut from Drew stops Santino and he hits a snap suplex to quieten the crowd back down. In control, Drew hits the Scot Drop leg sweep and crashes Santino down face first into the mat before going for the cover and hooking the leg ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Santino escapes again *​

Drew tags in Cody Rhodes once more, quick tags from the challengers as they look to wear down Santino Marella and secure themselves the Tag Team Championships for the second time. Cody hits a Silverspoon DDT, quickly dropping Santino onto the mat, before making a cover of his own ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Santino just manages to kick out *​

Cody Rhodes drags Santino back to his feet and glares at the Russian Kozlov on the apron as if daring him to come in and interfere. Rhodes lifts Santino up onto his shoulders ready to hit the Alabama Slam but Rhodes is distracted by Kozlov threatening to come in and Santino wriggles down his back and rolls him up for a surprise pinfall ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Cody Rhodes kicks out *​

Annoyed, Cody springs off the ropes looking for the Beautiful Disaster kick but Santino ducks it and pounces on a stumbling Rhodes with a heavy right hand ... With Rhodes confused, Santino hits a Superkick which has the WWE Universe cheering loud. However, Santino cannot capitalise and he falls down instead of making the cover. The Italian decides to head to his corner instead and he tags in Kozlov who comes in like a ball of fire. A Big Boot to Cody Rhodes sends him crashing down to the floor in the corner where Drew McIntyre tags himself in ... As he rushes over to Kozlov, he is hit with an arm drag and Kozlov locks in the Arm Bar that causes Drew to cry out in pain. Fighting up, Drew manages to get to his feet and breaks the hold but Kozlov shoots him into the ropes ... Fallaway Slam by Vladimir Kozlov! Goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* McIntyre just kicks out in time *​

As both men get back up, Drew pushes Santino off the apron and down to the floor in temper but Kozlov is having none of it. He locks Drew in a headlock and then hits the Northern Lights Suplex whilst holding on for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Cody rushes over and breaks the pin in time *​

The referee orders Cody out of the ring and Kozlov goes after him ... The referee stops Kozlov who turns his focus back on McIntyre in the corner of the ring supporting himself on the ropes. Kozlov rushes over but Drew gets a Big Boot up into the face of the Russian and sends him down to the mat. Drew tags in Cody Rhodes again who waits, ready to strike ... As Kozlov gets to his feet, Rhodes springboards off the middle rope ... BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cody Rhodes has laid out the big Russian and goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kozlov gets his foot on the rope! *​

Cody Rhodes looks set to tantrum in the ring, he thought he had regained the Tag Titles there! He focuses again and sets up Kozlov for the Cross Rhodes finisher instead, the crowd booing and jeering ... Kozlov refuses to be hit though and he fights out of the move before getting a tag to Santino in the corner. He rushes over and ducks the fist of Cody Rhodes before hitting a clothesline of his own to take down Cody. The tag is made to Drew McIntyre who shoots Santino into the ropes and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that leaves Santino wincing and groaning on the mat. Drew drags him up and it is time for his big finishing move ... FUTURE SHOCK DDT FROM DREW MCINTYRE! It’s over, surely, it’s over now!

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kozlov drags Santino out of the pinfall to the delight of the crowd *​

Drew McIntyre goes out of the ring and begins brawling with Vladimir outside the ring but he is trapped for a second time with the big Russian headbutts that leave him gasping for breath and on his knees at ringside. Kozlov rolls him back into the ring as Santino gets to his feet ... Santino looks around and the crowd go wild as they read his mind ... Santino begins to set up for the devastating Cobra ... Can he hit it? Yes! COBRA TO DREW MCINTYRE! Kozlov drags Cody Rhodes off the ring apron before he can interfere and Santino goes for the pinfall

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6:29)

TONY CHIMEL: Here are your winners and still Tag Team Champions ... SANTINO MARELLA & VLADIMIR KOZLOV!

Santino and Kozlov are handed the title belts back and they trumpet celebrate their way around the ring for a moment before heading back up the ramp with huge smiles on their faces ... The WWE Universe cheers them out of the arena before attention is turned back to the ring where an argument has broken out between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. It appears to be Cody who is unhappy with the performance of his partner, Drew, and is telling him so whilst Drew tries to defend himself. Both men are staring at each other and in the end it is Cody who pushes Drew in the chest before storming out of the ring and up the ramp clearly angry at his partner ...

MICK FOLEY: I wouldn’t say that Drew was solely to blame for that loss, Cole ...

MICHAEL COLE: Who had his shoulders pinned down to the mat, Mick? Drew McIntyre. Cody Rhodes has been carrying him for weeks now and I think he is dead right to tell Drew that he is at fault here. I hope that it provokes a reaction from McIntyre so they can get back to being the dominant team that they should be!

MICK FOLEY: Cody Rhodes might want to hope he gets a positive reaction because he might get something worse if he isn’t careful!

The camera switches to a shot of John Cena walking with a purpose down a corridor backstage ... He is heading for the ring and looks set to deliver something big to the WWE Universe ...

MICHAEL COLE: Up next, John Cena has an important message for the WWE Universe and for Randy Orton!

MICK FOLEY: This should be very interesting!

MICHAEL COLE: Last week, Orton appeared on SMACKDOWN and attacked Cena on his first night back on the blue brand. Find out what is on Cena’s mind ... NEXT!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

*** MY TIME IS NOW ***

TONY CHIMEL: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome ... JOHN CEEEEENA!

Cena walks out from the backstage area in his usual bright red t-shirt and performs the salute on the stage. He heads down for the ring looking annoyed and not his usual jovial self – this is backed up when he fails to salute the fans in the ring and simply grabs a microphone to speak ...

JOHN CENA: Last week on SMACKDOWN, I was making my second debut on the show that I like to call home.

A cheer from the crowd greets this comment ...

JOHN CENA: I was in a match with the World Heavyweight Champion, Kane, a chance to prove that I deserved a shot at the World Championship ... And I won the match, I did. But take a look at how I won it ...

... Kane tries to set Cena up for the powerbomb but Cena wriggles clear and he lifts Kane onto his shoulders ... here we go! Attitude Adjustment from Cena to the World Heavyweight Champion! Cena drops down and locks in the STF to Kane ... Will the World Champion tap out to the SMACKDOWN newcomer? Kane is struggling now, can he hold on? Can he reach the ropes? The referee is urging Kane to give it up and he looks as if he is about to oblige when suddenly someone clobbers Cena from behind with the World Championship belt ... The referee signals for the bell, Kane has been disqualified ...

WINNER: John Cena (12:19 – DQ)

The camera focuses on an irate Randy Orton who is stood over Cena who is clutching his back after Orton hit him there with the belt ... Kane picks up the title and decides to leave the ring with a smirk on his face. As he does, Orton doesn’t notice and continues to look down on Cena ... He backs away a little and waits as Cena gets up slowly holding his lower back ... Cena turns towards Orton ... RKO! RANDY ORTON HITS THE RKO TO JOHN CENA!

The crowd are mixed over this replay from last week and there are boos and cheers audible in the arena tonight ... Cena looks thoroughly annoyed at what he has just seen.

JOHN CENA: Moving back to SMACKDOWN was supposed to be a clean slate, a fresh start. I was leaving behind all the issues I had with Randy Orton to return to SMACKDOWN to become World Champion and take my first steps on the road to WrestleMania 27. But what happened? Randy Orton couldn’t let it end there, he had to listen to the ‘Voices’ in his head ...

Cena is getting visibly irate over the situation ...

JOHN CENA: Well, if Randy Orton wants to come to my show and attack me ... then I guess I’ll have to return to RAW to see him, won’t I?

The crowd gasp in anticipation of Cena returning to RAW ...

JOHN CENA: Tonight, I was supposed to be the fourth man in the World Championship matches. I was meant to face Punk and then go on to face Big Show or Kane for the title. But I couldn’t ... The doctor refused to allow me to wrestle here tonight after the shot I took in the back from Orton last week. The RKO made things worse and I have been forced to sit and watch tonight, unable to compete ... Randy Orton, you have cost me a shot at the World Championship tonight and I am not happy about it.

The crowd remain split over the issue ...

JOHN CENA: Now I know that this Monday night on RAW, there is a four man Number 1 contenders match. The winner of it will go on to face Wade Barrett for the WWE Championship ... and it seems to me that if Randy Orton can cost me a shot at the World Championship, then I should cost Randy Orton a shot at the WWE Championship ...

Boos echo around the arena at this announcement ...

JOHN CENA: You don’t like that? I’m afraid that a man has to do what a man has to do, North Carolina ... So, Randy Orton, I will see you at RAW on Monday night ... You’d better be ready because I ain’t messing around. And that is a fact.

Cena throws the microphone down and storms out of the ring as his music plays once more and the WWE Universe don’t seem to know what to think. Is their hero heading for RAW to pick a fight with their other hero?

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!
(continued)​

TONY CHIMEL: This match is set for one fall and it is for the World Heavyweight Championship!

*** MAN ON FIRE ***

Kane heads out into the arena with the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist ... He looks unhappy about having to defend the title not just once, but twice if he wishes to walk out of North Carolina as the champion tonight ... The crowd are jeering him as he stands in the ring and slams his hands down to ignite the ringposts and send red fire spearing into the air ...

MICHAEL COLE: Teddy Long has forced Kane to defend his title tonight against first the Big Show and then, if he wins that one, against CM Punk later tonight!

MICK FOLEY: And Kane is not happy about it, Michael Cole, he promised retribution against Long if he loses his title tonight!

MICHAEL COLE: Can Kane pull off a miracle tonight and retain his title against two of the most formidable men in the WWE right now?

*** CRANK IT UP ***

The crowd cheer as Big Show makes his way to the ring looking confident of victory tonight ... He is waving and smiling as he approaches the ring but a stare from an unimpressed Kane wipes the smile from Show’s face and he locks eyes with the Big Red Monster. Into the ring steps Big Show and Kane immediately hits him with a Big Boot to the side of the temple to take him down to the boos and jeers of the crowd ...

MICHAEL COLE: What a clever move from the World Champion, Mick!

MICK FOLEY: Clever? Making the Big Show mad? If you say so, Michael ...

The referee manages to persuade Big Show to wait in the corner until the bell rings despite the maniacal laugh of Kane from the opposite corner ... Tony Chimel nervously stands in between the two of them and makes his announcements ...

TONY CHIMEL: This match is set for one fall and is for the World Heavyweight Championship. Introducing first, the challenger ... from Tampa, Florida ... weighing 485 pounds ... THE BIG SHOW!

Big Show raises a hand in acknowledgement of the cheers but he is focused on the World Champion across the ring ...

TONY CHIMEL: His opponent, weighing 323 pounds ... he is the World Heavyweight Champion ... KANE!

The ring announcers heads out of the ring quickly as the referee speaks to both men and then signals for the bell ...

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: KANE (C) vs. BIG SHOW

With Big Show a little dazed from the boot to the head moments ago, Kane goes straight on the offensive as he hits his trademark uppercut choke thrusts, forcing Big Show back into the corner with each thrust ... Big Show tries to push Kane away but Kane is not to be deterred and he continues to hit Show in the throat before wheeling away and rushing in for a clubbing clothesline. Multiple clotheslines in the corner follow as Kane looks to put Big Show away quickly here ... He allows Show to come out of the corner, staggering, while he waits to strike. Kane rushes in for another clothesline to take Show down ... but Show catches him and counters into a Sidewalk Slam. Great move from the World’s Largest Athlete! Cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kane powers out *​

As they get to their feet, Kane reacts quickest with a drop kick to Big Show that sends him crashing back down to the mat. Kane heads for the top turnbuckle and when Show gets up, the Big Red Machine hits a powerful diving clothesline that takes down Show once again. Kane with his first cover of the match ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Big Show tosses Kane off him with ease *​

Kane stands in the corner as Big Show gets to his feet wearily. It has been a tough few minutes for Big Show who has taken almost constant pounding from Kane ... He turns to face Kane just in time to see a black boot which hits him square on the jaw. Kane has hit Show with a huge boot to the face ... Is that enough?

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Big Show powers out again *​

Kane calculates and decides to exit the ring where he taunts Big Show to follow him. Angrily, Show does exactly what the World Champion wants him to do and he follows. Charging at Kane, the champion moves suddenly and Show runs straight into the steel ring steps crashing his knee hard into them. Clutching his knee in pain, Big Show rolls on the floor whilst Kane smirks in delight. An injury, a bullseye, a weak point ... Kane stomps away on Show’s injured knee for a moment before heading back into the ring and allowing the referee to count out the Big Show ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *
* 4 *
* 5 *
* 6 *
* 7 *
* 8 *
* Show rolls in at 9 *​

Kane looks exasperated but he retains focus and stalks Big Show in the corner of the ring. Rolling outside, Kane drags the injured knee and leg to the steel ring post and despite the protestations of the referee, he proceeds to smash the side of the knee of Big Show into the post. The referee threatens to disqualify Kane but he just laughs it off ... he is the champion, a DQ loss would suit him fine ... Kane re-enters the ring and the referee tries to tell him off but Kane ignores him and drags Big Show’s leg up and rests it on the ropes. Stomping the knee over and over and over again, Kane is trying to severely injure Show’s knee and he follows this up with a chop block as Show hobbles up. Cover from Kane ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Big Show kicks out *​

Kane laughs at Show’s resilience and prepares to cause more pain and suffering to the challenger. However, as he tries to target the knee again, Show shoves him hard and Kane ends up outside the ring looking angry. He storms back into the ring after Big Show but he is met with a brutal Bearhug and Show tries to squeeze the life out of the champion to the delight of the WWE Universe. When Kane is weakened, Big Show lifts him up before hitting the Fallaway Slam to Kane and sending him flying out of the ring behind him. This allows Big Show time to recover as the crowd urge him on ...

* 6 *
* 7 *
* Kane is back in the ring at 8 *​

Big Show is ready for Kane now though and he hits the slaps to the chest of Kane that reverberate around the arena ... He grabs Kane and lifts his leg up, driving it down onto the chest of the champion as he hits the Showstopper move. With his leg trapping Kane on the mat, the referee makes the count ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kane escapes at the last second! *​

With Kane near the corner, Big Show spots an opportunity for huge move. Positioning Kane in the corner, he climbs to the second rope ready to hit a springboard splash down on the World Champion! Nearly 500 pounds of Big Show about to drop on Kane! Show slowly climbs to the middle rope and prepares before going for the Big Splash ... Kane moves at the last moment and Show’s knee drives onto the mat once more. Rolling around in pain, Show is unaware of Kane standing behind him ... As Show gets slowly to his feet, Kane is hiding and waiting for Show to turn ... Kane grabs Show by the throat and prepares ... a superhuman strength from Kane ... CHOKESLAM! CHOKESLAM TO THE BIG SHOW!

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Big Show kicks out! *​

Kane is furious and the referee has to jump through the ropes and out of the ring in fear of Kane’s reaction ... Kane cannot believe that Big Show kicked out of the Choke Slam and he looks out of his mind with rage now. Big Show gets up and Kane goes to hit a scoop slam ... but he can’t lift Big Show again. Kane settles for a drop kick to Big Show instead which staggers him back into the ropes; another Big Boot takes him down to the mat. Kane goes for the pinfall again ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Big Show will not give up! *​

Kane is losing his mind here as he seeks to retain the title and he heads for the top rope again ... He looks to hit the diving clothesline from the top rope once more but this time, Big Show catches Kane by the throat ... CHOKESLAM BY BIG SHOW TO KANE! New champion, new champion ... Big Show’s knee is giving him so much pain, he hobbles over slowly to make the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Noooooooooooooooooo! *​

Kane has kicked out of the chokeslam as well! Big Show hits a shoulder block to Kane and sends him flying out of the ring while he has time to think. Show knows that he must pin Kane or make him tap out so he follows him outside and stalks him. However, Kane is ready and he grabs Show by the head and slams him head first into the announce table ... then head first into the steel steps instead. With Show down on the floor, Kane drags his foot onto the steel steps and hits an elbow drop to the injured knee ... A vicious move from the World Champion! Big Show screams in pain and gets to his feet quickly but he is clutching at the knee as he rolls into the ring quickly ... Kane follows him and beckons for him to get to his feet as he prepares to hit a second, surely fatal this time, choke slam ... As Show gets up, Kane locks in the choke hold ready to hit the big move ... BIG SHOW SWINGS HIS FIST AND KNOCKS KANE COLD! Big Show with the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Big Show (8:05)

TONY CHIMEL: Here is your winner ... and the new World Heavyweight Champion ... THE BIG SHOW!

The referee hands the World Heavyweight Championship belt to the Big Show who holds it aloft from his knees after an exhausting match ... Big Show tries to get to his feet but his knee is weakened and he falls back down ... he tries again and this time he manages to get to his feet hobbling with the World Title in his grasp ... Kane rushes over and drop kicks his knee again. Big Show crashes down and Kane grabs a steel chair from the outside and enters the ring. Show looks up and tries to block Kane’s first shot but it smashes him on the back and he falls to the mat. With his knee exposed, Kane smashes the chair onto it over and over and over before throwing the chair down angrily ... The boos and jeers ring out around the arena as Kane steps over the top rope and begins to head out of the arena no longer the World Heavyweight Champion ...

MICHAEL COLE: If I were Teddy Long, I would be getting in my car and getting the hell out of here right now ...

MICK FOLEY: But Big Show has another match to take part in!

Kane disappears backstage and a hush falls over the arena. Big Show is down and clutching his knee in pain with the World Championship belt on the mat beside him ... The referee and an EMT is tending to him but Big Show is clearly in pain despite becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion.

*** THIS FIRE BURNS ***

MICHAEL COLE: Big Show’s second opponent is here and ready to take the title by the looks of it ...

CM Punk approaches the ring with a smirk on his face ... He jumps into the ring and the Big Show, wincing in pain, turns to face him. Punk smiles at him and signals a belt around his waist before pointing to the World Championship on the floor. Show forces himself to his feet with the aid of the ropes and the referee before hobbling towards Punk looking furious ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

SMACKDOWN returns with a smiling CM Punk ready for action and a worse for wear Big Show assuring a referee that he is ready for action ... However, just as the referee is about to signal for the bell, a disturbance is shown on the titantron ...

Kane is dragging Teddy Long along the backstage corridors with his tie with Long struggling but unable to escape. Kane drags him across a parking lot and throws him into the side of a rental car. Kane looks furious and he grabs Long by the throat before speaking to him ...

KANE: I warned you, Teddy Long, I warned you. You are going to regret your actions tonight, just like that brainless oath, the Big Show.

Kane throws open the back door of the car and throws Long roughly into the back. Kane is maniacal as he gets into the front of the car and turns on the ignition ...

KANE: Enjoy the ride, Teddy ...

Kane laughs as he closes the door and then the car speeds off out of the parking lot before the cameras return to the ring ... The referee looks confused for a moment but then CM Punk reminds him that he needs to ring the bell ...

MICK FOLEY: This match can’t continue, Cole, there isn’t a General Manager here!

MICHAEL COLE: What? Teddy Long made this match, CM Punk against the new World Champion, the Big Show. It’s got to go ahead whatever is happening backstage!

The referee signals for the bell and the second World Championship match of the night is on the way ...

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: BIG SHOW (C) vs. CM PUNK

Big Show is hobbling around on one leg virtually and CM Punk is openly mocking him. Show has a boxing stance and swings his huge right hand at Punk who is just too quick for him. One near miss reminds Punk that he is one wrong move away from blowing this golden opportunity so he hits the Muay Thai kicks to the legs and waist of Show who crumbles as soon as his knee is touched ... With Big Show down on the mat, Punk signals immediately that it is time for him to Go To Sleep ... Surely CM Punk cannot get Big Show up on his shoulders for the GTS?! Big Show shoves Punk away and then catches the challenger for his newly won World Championship and hits the Alley Oop! Punk hits the mat face first and Big Show has bought himself a little time although the move took a lot out of him too!

Show hobbles over and drags Punk to the corner and positions him for the Big Splash in the corner. With Punk in the perfect spot, Big Show slowly climbs to the middle rope as the WWE Universe cheer him and urge him on. However, Punk is playing possum, he jumps up with Show on the middle rope and drives his forearm into the injured knee of the new World Champion ... With Show in pain on the middle rope, Punk continues to pound at the knee and Big Show turns round and sits on the top turnbuckle ... He tries to push Punk away but Punk returns with a High Knee to the jaw ... Show is in ga-ga land on the top turnbuckle and Punk looks set to hit something big. He grabs Show by the head and drags him forward ... Suddenly Punk pulls Big Show off the ropes and drives his knee hard into the face of the Big Show! GO TO SLEEP OFF THE ROPES! CM Punk goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: CM Punk (1:48)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... and the new World Heavyweight Champion ... CM PUNK!

EMTs enter the ring once more to tend to the injured Big Show who is laying motionless on the floor now but the referee hands the World Title belt, once belonging to Kane and the Big Show already tonight, to the new owner, CM Punk. Punk climbs up the ropes in the corner and holds the title high for all to see to jeers and boos and intense heat from the WWE Universe ...

MICHAEL COLE: New champion, new champion, new champion, Mick!

MICK FOLEY: There was no way Big Show could defend himself, Cole.

MICHAEL COLE: What a night here on SMACKDOWN, two new World Champions crowned, one former World Champion on a rampage against the SMACKDOWN General Manager, John Cena threatening revenge on Randy Orton on Monday Night RAW ...

MICK FOLEY: One of the most incident packed Friday Night SMACKDOWN’s of all time, Cole ...

MICHAEL COLE: And a new World Heavyweight Champion ... CM PUNK! Good night all ...

SMACKDOWN fades out with CM Punk stood in the ring with the World Heavyweight Championship belt held high whilst Big Show is helped onto a stretcher behind him ...

********** END OF SHOW **********​

 

[Avitus25]

Avitus25’s GCB Smackdown Review
--- You’ve been hyping Long’s announcement so I expected him to start the show off, hoping it’s something big now! All the titles on the line? Makes me think there’s going to be at least one change, this could be interesting! Tag Titles… I can see Marella & Kozlov retaining… Divas title, I can see Layla keeping, maybe starting a feud with someone tonight? Intercontinental Title… I’m interested to see, I think this could go either way… World Heavyweight Title? Great idea! I’d quite like to see Punk leave with the title, and I’m going to guess that Big Show will win the title, then Punk will win the match immediately afterwards. Definitely hyped for the show now!

--- Punk v Kofi, this should be a good match. I like how you’re pushing Kofi in your BT, but I don’t think he’s going for the title tonight, still he had a good showing at the start of the match definitely. Some innovative stuff going on here, like the Double Underarm Backbreaker onto the barricade, great idea. Fantastic match up. Really good, both men looked really good here, glad to see Punk get the win. I expect him to leave as Champion now.

--- Makes sense that Teddy would be scared of Kane, and you showed that well, I’m interested to see if Kane’ll lose now. I think it could make for quite an interesting storyline. I think this might have slightly given away the result for later though?

--- Your NXT series is really intriguing, I’m looking forward to seeing who the team members are on RAW!

--- Del Rio v Bourne… I’m expecting Del Rio to retain, especially with the early attack before the match, it gives Bourne a reason to lose, makes him look stronger. I’m surprised the match ended as quickly as it did, but then I guess there’s a limit with all the other matches planned to how long they can go. Nice little match though. Bourne looked good in defeat though. I’m interested to see who Del Rio faces off with next. Mark Henry v Del Rio could be interesting, a new dynamic for Del Rio, we’ve not really seen him against anyone bigger. I really like how you’re using Henry here, hope he gets some kind of title run in the future.

--- I can see one of these two men (Christian & Hardy) turning heel at some point in the future, I can see they’d have some good matches. I like the dynamic here, and I’m interested to see how the next few weeks will go for these guys.

--- Layla v Alicia Fox, not a bad little match, pleased to see Layla retain the title, I’m hoping she’ll be put into some kind of proper program over the next few weeks…

--- Tag Match – interference is banned, makes sense. I can still see McIntyre and Rhodes losing, maybe they’re going to split up soon? Nice match here, following the traditional tag match structure, which works, I like that you’re pushing Marella as a lot more serious than in the WWE. Glad to see the Champions retain, I’m interested to see where both teams go from here… I expected a bit of confrontation here. I think Cody would make a better face though, it looks like you’re grooming McIntyre to become the face. I’m interested to see how you do that…

--- I like Cena’s promo. Cena mentioning that he should’ve been in the tournament sets up a nice feud with Punk if Punk wins the title. I’m not sure whether I can see Cena turning fully heel, or both men carrying on as faces, it’ll be interesting to see where this goes, I think Cena v Orton at Wrestlemania is looking more and more likely as things go on though. Or maybe even a bit before that? I think this feud is hot enough to save til Wrestlemania though.

--- Right, the World Title matches, this is going to be brilliant. The way Show’s leg is being worked over, I’d expect him to pull out the win, and then lose as a result of the leg injury… Surprised to see Big Show go over Kane in such a short amount of time though… I’d have thought the match would’ve gone at least 10-15 minutes. Good match still, hope Kane bounces back and gets his momentum quickly! Ahh, like he has done here! WOW Kane’s really going for Teddy. Can I sense a new GM coming?

--- Loved the GTS spot in the World Title match. I’ve thought about using that spot myself in the past, and it’s a really clever way of doing it. LOVE that Punk is the champion. Interested to see what happens over the next few weeks. You’ve made a huge amount of Main Event stars on Smackdown, and I can’t quite think who’se going to be Punk’s next challenger. I’d assume Show’ll be out for a while after this, and that there’ll be some kind of World Title feud on in the mean time. Kingston maybe? Christian? Hardy? Interested to see where you go.

--- One thing I do love is the way all your feuds are interwoven really well, and all thread really well. So you’ve got Christian/Hardy, Kane/Big Show, Big Show/Punk, Kofi/Kane all crossing over in the past few weeks, and it’s just a really detailed, interwoven effect, makes the show really interesting. I love it!

--- Fantastic show. You promised a good one and really delivered. A few of the matches were a little short, and I think there was definitely opportunity for them to be a little longer, but you’ve set up a nice set of feuds headed into the next PPV, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next! One of the best shows I’ve seen!​

 

[JamJam]

Wow starting Smackdown right are we GCB? All titles to be defended huh? Interesting. And damn! Love seeing Kofi Kingston get a shot here. He's my favorite character of yours in your entire BT. You managed to make him real interesting. This is what WWE is missing, Kofi could've been this big main event player but in reality, he isn't. Really glad seeing him get a shot. Also pretty good promo from Punk, the complainer. Punk vs. Kofi!

Punk vs. Kofi! NOOOO! I was sure Kofi was gonna win this actually. Damn, sad to see Kofi lose this one. Great match though, really really good. MOTY for Smackdown! Kicking out of Kofi's two finishers, wow. Punk is impressive. After the match, Kane cuts a promo. Don't know about Teddy Long being scared, but hell, who wouldn't be scared of Kane. Man, Kane has been a really great champion. I'm lovin' Smackdown more than Raw honestly.

Del Rio vs. Bourne. Obvious that Bourne would lose but still with Evan Bourne, the match was still pretty entertaining. Del Rio obviously needs a new challenger. He challenges the Smackdown locker room and none other than Mark Henry, Bourne's partner comes out. Henry vs. Del Rio? This is different, will be very interesting indeed.

Christian vs. Matt Hardy. This is a very interesting feud. The two were both considered the lesser of their tag teams with their partners, Edge & Jeff being more successful. Hope this becomes a big feud. Christian vs. Hardy, wow! Someone has to turn heel though, hoping it's Christian. He just plays the cocky guy really well. Hardy, well not a big fan of him, but he gets a good backing as a face that I can remember of.

Ohh Diva matches. Lol. It was good for what it was worth. It's just really hard trying to get a division going good again after all that has happened with it, which is nothing. Layla as the champion is pretty good though. She's not all that bad in the ring. For some reason, Alicia Fox looks pretty good in that graphic, haha. But yeah, Layla wasn't going to lose this match so the divas match was typical. Still got a great show going though.

Tag Team titles. GCB, the tag division is pretty awesome in your BT. Forming Rhodes & McIntyre again was a good idea. Santino & Kozlov to me, they're actually tolerable as a tag team. I wouldn't break them up any time soon. Kozlov is doing great in a tag team. He was pushed as a major heel and had a singles career but that all went south. Santino saved him from being future endeavored if you asked me.

Cena promo. Wasn't the greatest, but it did its job. Cena going over to Raw to cost Orton his match? Hmm, I wouldn't have moved Cena if this was going to happen. But you know, it's pretty good. They're both attacking each other on their own shows. Maybe Orton & Cena both become champions and at Wrestlemania 27, unify the WHC and WWE Championships? Sounds good. I know, I know, another Cena/Orton match but it could be different this time.

Kane vs. Big Show. Wow! Big Show becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion. But at a costly price for sure. His knee is pretty bad. To make things worse, Kane attacks him again after and Big Show has to be taken out in a stretcher. How about his match with CM Punk? Oh damn, Teddy Long is in trouble with Kane. Kane kidnaps the GM and stuffs him in a car? That's some Attitude Era action going on. Punk becomes the new WHC, damn it. Show was too injured to compete, but the match had to happen. I really don't know who Punk's opponent would be right now. Hoping you continue to make Kofi look strong and eventually give him the strap. So CM Punk is the new World Heavyweight Champion, Yay....Let's see how next week goes!

 

[#1Peep]

Peep's RAW Review

Time to hit you with a double review GCB, looking forward to the shows as usual and can't wait till the road to Vengeance! Nice opening commentary from JR and King, setting down the what's what for tonights show. Right way to start the show with Orton and he came off perfectly - slow, methodical and pissed. Looking forward to seeing his next feud/opponent. Good decision to keep the number one contender position fresh and I see either Orton or the mystery man heading to Vengeance. We have seen Bryan vs. Ted before for the US title in real life, here is to hopeing you can spice it up, neither man being particularly strong on the stick. Will be a solid match at the PPV anyway, not too hot on the writing style here, prefer more (if recapping) if you describe the kind of match then maybe write out the finish in full. You could be playing off the fact that Bryan cannot synch in the Lebell Lock, his only finishing move at this point, thus making it very difficult come Vengeance for DBD. Great promo from Sheamus, making him look more dangerous than ever, but if he wins - does he get a title shot? Will HBK overule his pervious decision.

Loving seeing Hawkins and Ryder back together, you could make them a real stars in your thread. Their gimmicks can either clash or be identical, hope you go with the former. Was totally expecting to see Koztino pull out the victory but this puts another team in the mix for the titles after DashIntyre's shot is up. And Drew and Cody stand tall, well done on making the tag division somewhat important again. Intersting dev. with the Miz possibly becoming the number one contender, and he needs to be mixing it up and gaining victories like this one over Khali in order to be seen as a possible WWE champion in the future. Simple yet moving promo from Gabriel, he put down everything he needed to see and looking forward to see him rise up the ranks. Barrett is probably my fav. promo guy on your show, really made him your own. Although I like the idea of Gabriel joining forces with perhaps Orton to battle Nexus, it leaves the yellow ranks a little weakened, skill wise. Zeke moved in but you already have a more talented musclehead in Skip, hopeing you add an extra member to replace Justin. Excited for who faces Barrett, as well as who battles the Nexus next.

THE ROCK?! I really liked this move for Rock to just plant JBL with the Rock Bottom and say those famous ten words, BUT only if he has a big, big promo spot next week, with JBL only getting in a bit near the end. Next match, Morrison still looked strong despite the loss and Sheamus keeps his roll going, love to see some new adversary's for these two, another two guys you are keen on. Got me interested in Edge and HBK's little rivalry when the Rated R Superstar comes back after the PPV. Wasn't a big fan of this main event honestly, made the Nexus look a little weak as Orton took 'em all out them still got the pinfall. Nice to see you add some moves to Jackson's repertoire like the two handed chokebomb and the torture rack, as a secondary move. Another great show Butty, nothing that was boring - all great stuff. Looking forward to next week also.

Peep's Smackdown Review

It's now time for the blue brand, got some great stuff going on here also - the WHC picture has me very interested indeed, let's get this show on the road. Teddy's announcement is a doozy, every title is going to be defended, not so sure about the WHC though. Punk's nagging gets him into a match, but not before a match against Kofi, good choice as if a man wants to leave the WHC, he is going to have to win two matches. Really exciting match, with Kofi and Punk looking awesome - wonder where you go with Kingston now. Don't evny Teddy if Kane loses. NXT - wonder who the first men will be! A IC title match is up next and I don't see Alberto dropping the strap here tonight. Del Rio looked awesome in that match and the more defences he gets under his belt, the better he will look. Not too keen on Henry vs. Del Rio, don't make it happen on PPV!!! Love this 'rivalry' between Christian and Hardy and liked their interaction in T.Lo's office, maybe they could form a team and go for the tag stra[s or ind respective partners and feud over the belts. Layla makes easy work of Fox and not too intersted in the Divas honestly. Koztino looking good by defending their gold in an entertaining match and it looks like your are breaking up Cody and Drew - smart move.

Great promo from Cena and it looks like his feud with Orton is just getting started, don't expect Cena to interfere as it would be too obvious but he will get his payback soon enough I'm sure. Loving this side of Cena, he is the posterboy for a reason and the sooner crappy jokes are gone from the leader of the Cenation, the better. AWESOME match here GCB, Show finishes off Kane after some nearfalls with the KO punch and a bad leg to boot. Another attack to Show, these two will probably keep the fire going between them. Punk will make easy work of this surely... Eh. Not too keen on another 'demon' kidnaps the GM story but we will see where you go GCB. Show tried to put up a fight but after that cool spot with the GTS off the tope rope, we have another new champion. So glad you got the belt off Kane, and then Show and the best men for the role got it in the end - Punk. I have a feeling Show and Kane will invoke their rematches at the next PPV in a triple threat, not too hyped about that. Another excellent show Butty, hope you add some more matches to Vengeance next week but I hope Show and Kane aren't on there with the WHC. Great job for the week!

 

[GCB]

MONDAY NIGHT RAW!
PREVIEW

*** FOUR MAN ELIMINATION MATCH TO DETERMINE #1 CONTENDER ***

After ‘winning’ the WWE Championship at Survivor Series, Wade Barrett is anticipating who will be his next challenger for the title at Vengeance in two weeks. With former WWE Champion, Randy Orton, in the 4-man elimination match this week, he could be forced to defend against the Viper who is desperate to regain the gold after the dubious circumstances surrounding his loss in the first place. However, Orton will have to defeat three other men if he is to earn that title shot. First up is the man who currently holds the Money in the Bank contract, The Miz. The ‘Awesome’ one would love to be the man holding the briefcase and the title belt. Also in the match is the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, who has been unstoppable recently with Triple H sidelined as a result. Can he earn a title shot? Or will it be the mystery man that was given a place in the match by the General Manager, HBK? Find out on Monday Night RAW this week!

*** JOHN CENA THREATENS TO BE AT RAW THIS WEEK ***

Former RAW superstar John Cena threatened to appear on Monday Night RAW this week as well when he spoke on Friday Night SMACKDOWN. With Randy Orton scheduled to face Sheamus, Miz and the Mystery Opponent for a shot at the WWE Championship, will Cena make an appearance and will he distract Orton on this huge night for the Viper? Tension between Cena and Orton has been building in recent weeks after Cena was pinned at Survivor Series which resulted in Wade Barrett winning the WWE Championship. After the pair traded Attitude Adjustments and RKO’s to deny each other their respective titles, Cena claims that he owes Randy Orton. What will Cena do if he appears on RAW this week?

*** THE ROCK TO SPEAK LIVE ON RAW! ***

After his big return last week, NXT Legend Mentor The Rock will be live on RAW this week with some words for the WWE Universe. With NXT now just three weeks away, The Rock and his fellow mentor, JBL, are due to begin finding out which eight WWE superstars will be battling for their WWE careers on the show. Who will be the first two superstars announced for NXT this week? And will JBL have any retribution in store for the Great One after his Rock Bottom last week?

*** US TITLE MATCH TO BE CONFIRMED ***

General Manager Shawn Michaels has confirmed that the United States Champion Daniel Bryan will be defending the title at Vengeance and that he will formally announce the challenger for Bryan’s title this week on RAW. Most people expect that man to be Ted DiBiase after his non-title win over Daniel Bryan last week on RAW. DiBiase faces former Nexus member Justin Gabriel on RAW this week as he looks to build momentum ahead of Vengeance.

*** CONFIRMED ***

Justin Gabriel vs. Ted DiBiase

John Morrison vs. William Regal

WWE TITLE #1 CONTENDER ELIMINATION MATCH
The Miz vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. ??????

*** JOIN US FOR MONDAY NIGHT RAW! ***

WWE 2010 SLAMMY AWARDS: NEXT MONDAY LIVE ON RAW!​

 

[GCB]

MONDAY NIGHT RAW!
Live from Greensborough, North Carolina

[YOUTUBE]lqKMAPEK3Sk[/YOUTUBE]

*** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO *** PYRO ***​

The crowd in Greensborough are going wild for the start of tonight’s Monday Night RAW where there is a degree of anticipation in the air ...

JIM ROSS: Greensborough, North Carolina is the next destination of Monday Night RAW as we head towards Vengeance in just two weeks time. We welcome you, my broadcast colleague Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and myself, Jim Ross, and King, what a show we have in store tonight!

JERRY LAWLER: Too right, JR, tonight we find out who Wade Barrett will defend the WWE Championship against at Vengeance, John Cena has promised to be here to confront the Viper, Randy Orton, and finally ... The Rock is back on Monday Night RAW as he prepares for NXT Season 3!

JIM ROSS: It promises to be an action packed night here on Monday Night RAW!

*** WE ARE ONE ***

Boos ring out around the arena as the WWE Champion Wade Barrett heads out on stage backed by his Nexus army of Skip Sheffield, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater and David Otunga. Barrett cockily heads towards the ring with the WWE Championship belt fastened around his waist and the black and yellow Nexus logo emblazoned across his chest and the rest of Nexus follow like sheep as the crowd boo and jeer ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the ring, accompanied by members of the Nexus, from Manchester, England ... He is the WWE Champion ... WADE BARRETT!

Barrett slides under the bottom rope and into the ring where he hits a knockout punch before raising the WWE Title high in the sky as the jeers rain down ... Barrett smirks and collects a microphone whilst the Nexus line up behind him in support ...

WADE BARRETT: Now, if I can have some order please, Greensborough, your WWE Champion has a few things he wants to get off his chest ...

This does the exact opposite of quietening down the crowd as the ring is barraged with heat and jeers for the WWE Champion ...

WADE BARRETT: Settle yourselves down, I have important things to speak about unlike all of you sat here tonight ...

More boos and jeers for the WWE Champion ...

WADE BARRETT: Now, for the past two weeks, I have had this WWE Championship around my waist. And boy, have a lot of things changed since then! Your hero, John Cena, has been forced out of RAW at the very idea of Wade Barrett as the WWE Champion ...

Intense heat now and a chant of ‘You Suck!’ from the Greensborough crowd ...

WADE BARRETT: Calm yourselves down, this, right here, this says that if there is one thing I don’t do, it is suck.

Barrett holds the title belt aloft once more to the annoyance of the crowd ...

WADE BARRETT: I have defended my WWE Championship against Randy Orton for the last time ... He is too preoccupied with getting some kind of revenge against Cena to get himself another chance at winning this ...

The watching Nexus members smile and nod their heads at Barrett’s words ...

WADE BARRETT: And tonight, I will find out which other superstar I will be facing at Vengeance. And do you know what? I don’t care who that man is. If Randy Orton wins tonight, I don’t care. I have beaten Randy Orton on four occasions in the last two months ...

Loud boos at the idea that Orton lost the title to Barrett because he beat him ...

WADE BARRETT: And if I have to beat him again, that is exactly what I will do. The Miz might win a chance to challenge me for the title tonight. I don’t care. He is a fluke, a nobody who managed to win Money in the Bank and now thinks he is a superstar. Well, Miz, superstars don’t hide behind Alex Riley, I can tell you that much.

The irony of Barrett criticising Miz over Riley when he has four Nexus guys stood behind him right now is not lost on the WWE Universe at ringside ...

WADE BARRETT: Then, there is Sheamus. And guess what? I don’t care. Sheamus, the Celtic Warrior, the first ever Irish born WWE Champion. And the key word there is?

Barrett looks around for an answer ...

WADE BARRETT: Irish! Ireland. The place where people instantly think of a potato famine. There was no potato famine in Ireland, the idiots simply forgot where they’d planted them. There is no way that an English WWE Champion could ever lose his title to an Irishman. England has never played second fiddle to Ireland in the past and it won’t happen at Vengeance either.

A loud ‘a**hole’ chant begins as Barrett continues to make insults ...

WADE BARRETT: And if there are two things Wade Barrett hates more than the Irish, then here they are: Texans ... and cowards. The RAW General Manager is from Texas and I am continually astounded by his ineptitude when running RAW. He has qualifying matches for the right to face me at Vengeance ... and then allows one of his friends to get a free pass? Laughable, Shawn, laughable. Which brings me to the mystery man in the WWE Championship Number 1 contenders match later tonight ...

The crowd are excited to find out who HBK has handed a place in the match to ...

WADE BARRETT: What a coward he must be! Hiding behind Shawn Michaels, refusing to allow his opponents to know who he is ... Coward. Whoever the mystery man is, I dare him to come to the ring right now and get in my face ...

Barrett turns to the titantron and stage and waits for a response ... nothing happens ...

... still nothing ...

... Barrett smiles and turns to the rest of Nexus. He nods his head to them ...

WADE BARRETT: Like I said ... Coward. So that is what I have to face at Vengeance? Randy Orton the loser? Miz the fluke? Sheamus the Irishman? Or the mystery coward? Forgive me if I don’t lose sleep over it, Mr. General Manager.

A chant of ‘HBK!’ begins as the crowd urge the General Manager to come out and shut Barrett up but nothing happens ...

WADE BARRETT: So tonight I will find out who I will be facing at Vengeance. But before that I have a match. So, Greensborough, settle back and enjoy a wrestling clinic from Wade Barrett. Sit down and watch your WWE Champion doing what he does best ... Because tonight, and at Vengeance, I will win. And as 2011 starts, I will be the WWE Champion ... whether you like it or not.

*** LAND OF FIVE RIVERS ***

The crowd cheer as Wade Barrett’s opponent tonight, the Great Khali, heads out from backstage with his younger brother, Runjin Singh, dancing around him. Khali and Singh dance and wave as they head towards the ring but Khali stops looking jovial as they reach the ring. Seeing Nexus stood in the ring staring at him, he stops Runjin and orders him to head back to the locker room ... clearly worried over his safety with Nexus nearby.

JUSTIN ROBERTS: This match is set for one fall. Introducing, from India, weighing 420 pounds ... THE GREAT KHALI!

Khali steps over the ropes into the ring and the referee orders the Nexus members out of the ring as Barrett stands staring at him. Khali is distracted by the presence of Skip Sheffield as he is ushered out of the ring but Barrett is focused and hands the WWE Championship over to the referee ready for action ...

NON TITLE MATCH: WADE BARRETT vs. GREAT KHALI

Khali and Barrett stare at each other in the middle of the ring, Barrett looking up which doesn’t happen that often. Barrett is talking trash as usual but Khali just smiles – he probably can’t understand it anyway – until he is distracted all of a sudden by Skip Sheffield jumping on the ring apron. The referee ushers Skip down but the distraction is enough and Barrett hits a stiff kick to the gut of Khali and follows this with a number of heavy right hands that he brought to the WWE from his bare-knuckle fighting days. Khali is staggering but he doesn’t fall and then he violently shoves Barrett down in temper to the cheers of the crowd. Barrett looks worried as Khali advances on him but a quick boot to the gut again gives him chance to take control. Grabbing Khali’s huge head and dragging it down a little, Barrett hits a headbutt that Khali hardly appears to feel ... Barrett gets a very worried look in his eyes as Khali raises his hand to chop him down and wisely Barrett slides out of the ring to the outside. As the referee counts, Barrett orders his Nexus men to position themselves on each of the four sides of the ring. With Khali again distracted by Slater who he grabs hold of and starts to squeeze in a Vice Grip over the top rope, Barrett slides into the ring and rushes over to Khali to catch him with a huge big boot that staggers the Indian. Clutching the rope to hold himself up, Barrett hits a second big boot to the head of Khali and this time he falls through the ropes and to the outside. Barrett drags the referee’s attention away and Nexus go to work on Khali ... Khali chops Otunga in the head and sends him crashing down but Skip Sheffield and Ezekiel Jackson manage to hit their powerful clotheslines to him and send him down to his knees on the mat outside as RAW heads into a commercial break ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

As RAW returns, Khali is laid on the mat clutching the side of his head. Replays show that after the referee was finished being distracted by Barrett, Nexus had allowed Khali to get back into the ring where Wade Barrett hit a third big boot to the side of the head as he got back into the ring. Barrett is smirking and talking down to the Indian megastar as he stands over him. Stomping Khali in the face as he talks trash, the crowd boo in disgust at Barrett’s dirty tactics. He summons for Otunga to pass him the WWE Championship belt and it seems as if Barrett is not interested in picking up the win here ... until he simply stands over Khali and holds the title up high. The crowd boo Barrett like crazy and he tosses the belt back out of the ring and goes for another stomp to the head. However, Khali catches his foot and he uses it to throw Barrett down to the mat. As they get to their feet, Barrett tries to connect with his knees to the head of Khali but he swots him away again and then suddenly ... CHOP TO THE HEAD OF THE WWE CHAMPION! Khali has flattened Barrett, this looks over! Khali drops to his knees to make the cover but Skip Sheffield and Ezekiel Jackson are dragging the WWE Champion under the ropes and out of the ring. The referee is not happy and he demands that Wade gets back into the ring. However, Wade is more than happy to take his time and the referee begins to count him out ... Wade ignores the count as it goes up ...

* 7 *
* 8 *
* Barrett slides back into the ring at 9! *​

Barrett ushers to Khali to come at him and Khali obliges in his own clumsy way. A kick to the gut stops him and a punch to the face slows him further ... Barrett hits the rope behind Khali and hits a chop block to the back of Khali’s knee. With Khali on his knee, Barrett grabs him and hits a devastating DDT to the big man. He goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Khali kicks out! *​

The WWE Champion looks shocked and annoyed now and he wants to get the match finished and over with. He stands back and allows Khali to his feet – is that wise? As Khali comes lumbering over, Barrett half lifts him up and hits a flapjack that leaves Khali choking himself on the top rope. Khali struggles a little as he gets back to his feet uneasy and Barrett hits another kick to the gut that leaves him gasping for breath. Barrett takes a deep breath of his own and with all his might he manages to lift Khali up onto his shoulders (with a little help from Khali’s hand being on the rope) ... Can he do it? Yes! WASTELANDS TO THE GREAT KHALI! Barrett with the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Wade Barrett (6:29)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... WADE BARRETT!

JIM ROSS: King, you might not like the way he goes about his business but that Wastelands move there from Wade Barrett took super-human strength!

JERRY LAWLER: JR, nobody disputes the talent of Wade Barrett! That was impressive!

Wade Barrett stands over Great Khali with a smirk on his face as the referee raises his hand and then hands back his WWE Championship belt. Barrett looks down at Khali and holds his belt high before leaving the ring on his own ... That is because the other members of Nexus have slid into the ring and are advancing on Khali as he begins to get back to his feet ... The referee tries to intervene but Ezekiel Jackson threatens him and he gets out of the ring as well ... As Khali gets to his feet, Heath Slater suddenly attacks and hits the ‘E-Minor’, the inverted DDT that crashes Khali down on his back. Laughing, Nexus prepare for their next assault as Skip Sheffield and Ezekiel Jackson back away into opposite corners of the ring. As Khali gets up a second time, both big men hit him with a clothesline from different directions to take him down once more ... David Otunga has a microphone and he stands over Khali as well ...

DAVID OTUNGA: You see, Khali, you and the rest of the RAW locker room need to understand that there isn’t nobody that can stop the Nexus. You’re either Nexus ... or you’re against us!

The crowd boo as Nexus’ music hits and the four remaining members of the team follow their leader out of the arena as well leaving Khali on the mat and dazed ...

JIM ROSS: Whether you like them or not, King, you can’t deny that Wade Barrett was impressive tonight and the Nexus are ... well, intimidating!

JERRY LAWLER: Somewhere down the line, JR, the Nexus will meet its match. Problem is ... it might be a long line!

JIM ROSS: Over to our broadcast colleague, Matt Striker ...

The camera switches backstage where we see Matt Striker stood in the interview pit ...

MATT STRIKER: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time ... RANDY ORTON!

The crowd roar as the Viper comes into shot with an intense look on his face as usual.

MATT STRIKER: Randy, tonight you have a chance to earn a shot at Wade Barrett and the WWE Championship at Vengeance in two weeks time. The problem is that you have to face Miz, Sheamus and a mystery opponent in order to earn that chance. Can you win the match and go on to face Barrett at Vengeance?

RANDY ORTON: You know what, Striker, you’re right. It’s going to be tough tonight. I’ve got to face three other men, one of whom I don’t even know. Yet again, our General Manager has put me in an unfair situation. And I don’t agree with Wade Barrett on many things but I agree with him on one. This mystery man ... is a coward. I don’t know who he is and when he is going to reveal himself but I want it on record that I don’t respect his way of working. But I am confident in myself, I can hit the RKO on anybody at any given moment ... and tonight, I will get a shot at the WWE Championship of Wade Barrett.

The crowd cheer this statement as Orton sets his goal to face Barrett at Vengeance ...

MATT STRIKER: And Randy, what about the comments of John Cena last Friday night, he told the world that ...

RANDY ORTON: I know what he told the world, Striker, I heard him. He says he is going to be here tonight, well, I want to remind John Cena of something. Hustle, loyalty, respect. The code that John Cena lives by. If John Cena has an issue with me – and let’s face it, I have an issue with him right now – then be a man, Cena. Prove that those words are not hollow. Prove that hustle, loyalty and respect still mean something to you. Tell me the time and the place and I’ll be there. But don’t sneak attack me, Cena. Don’t dare try and cost me a place in that match later tonight ... It might be the biggest mistake of your life.

A mixed reaction to the strong words of Orton as he turns and leaves Matt Striker behind ...

JERRY LAWLER: Wow!

JIM ROSS: Well, there has been no sign of either John Cena or our mystery man so far where we have people on the entrances ready to let us know the moment they hear or see anything. As soon as we know, you’ll find out!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

*** RADIO ***

RAW returns with Zack Ryder and his partner Curt Hawkins in the ring. Ryder is holding a microphone in his hand and is waiting to speak ...

ZACK RYDER: We just wanted to come out here tonight and introduce ourselves to the WWE Universe ... in case you have forgotten who we are. I am the ‘Long Island Iced Z’ Zack Ryder and this here is my partner, my good buddy, Curt Hawkins. Last week on RAW, we returned to RAW as a tag team and proved that we are still a formidable tag team ... even more so than on SMACKDOWN two years ago when we were protecting the World Champion, Edge.

Mild jeers for the pair at the mention of their time with Edge ...

ZACK RYDER: Last week, we beat the WWE Tag Team Champions on our first appearance on RAW for like forever. Yet do we get a title match? No, we don’t. Thanks a lot, H – B – K ... Are you serious bro? So, this week we are here to prove that that win was no fluke. We are the Major Broskis ...

The crowd groan at the goofy name but Hawkins is impressed with Ryder’s claim ...

ZACK RYDER: ... and we are going to win the Tag Team Championships very soon. Woo woo woo ... You know it!

*** NEW FOUNDATION ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Natalya ... weighing a combined weight of 449 pounds ... Tyson Kidd ... David Hart-Smith ... THE HART DYNASTY!

Accompanied by Natalya, the Hart Dynasty head for the ring in their usual upbeat fashion with the pink lights in the arena flashing as they head for the ring. Both men are looking confident and ready to put the newcomers in their places and further their own claims for the Tag Team Championship as they do ...

HART DYNASTY vs. MAJOR BROSKIS

An even, well paced match between the two tag teams who are both now seeking the path to Tag Team Championship glory. The Hart Dynasty have the edge as we near the end of the match and they attempt to hit the ‘Hart Attack’ double team move on Zack Ryder to the delight of the fans. David Hart Smith holds Ryder in place as Tyson Kidd hits the ropes to go for the clothesline. However, Curt Hawkins trips Kidd’s foot as he hits the ropes and he stumbles down face first causing Hart-Smith to turn and look round for his partner. Ryder takes his chance and begins to fight back against the other legal man in David Hart Smith before hitting the big boot after making the L.I. sign to his opponent. Hawkins has dragged Kidd out of the ring and thrown him back first into the barricade as Ryder stands back and prepares ... As Hart gets to his feet, Ryder runs over and hits the ROUGH RYDER! A tag is made by Ryder to Curt Hawkins despite the boos of the crowd. Hawkins climbs the ropes and he measures before flying off the top rope. HEAT SEEKING ELBOW TO DAVID HART SMITH FROM CURT HAWKINS! Hawkins hooks the leg ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: Major Broskis (5:38)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here are your winners ... THE MAJOR BROSKIS!

Natalya slides into the ring to check on David Hart Smith and they are joined by a groggy Tyson Kidd as the three of them look out of the ring shocked at the Major Broskis. Ryder and Hawkins are high fiving and jumping in the aisle as they make their way back up the ramp and out of the arena ...

JIM ROSS: Huge victory there! Another impressive win for Ryder and Hawkins, King ...

JERRY LAWLER: They remind me of a team from a few years back, JR, you might remember them ... Too Cool!

JIM ROSS: And I wonder why you’ve remembered them?!

JERRY LAWLER: When they arrived in the WWE, everybody thought they were two fools, two idiots but they kept at it, kept going, kept picking up the wins and eventually, the fans accepted them ... I see a lot of promise in Ryder and Hawkins!

JIM ROSS: Whereas all I see are two idiots trying to act cool, King! But I will admit that that was an impressive win there for the Major Broskis!

The camera switches backstage where the General Manager, HBK, is waiting with Matt Striker ... As soon as the WWE Universe catch sight of him, they pop and HBK grins as Striker proceeds ...

MATT STRIKER: HBK, the WWE Universe are desperate to know ... Who is the mystery man in the Four Man Elimination Match later tonight?

SHAWN MICHAELS: I’m sure they do, Matt, but I’m gonna’ keep ‘em all waiting ... at least for a little while longer anyway! You see, this man is definitely not a coward – whatever Randy Orton and Wade Barrett claim. He hasn’t shown himself yet under my orders ...

MATT STRIKER: And why is that?

SHAWN MICHAELS: Come on, Matt, you know how it works. Suspense and wonder, excitement and enjoyment. I’m the General Manager here on RAW and it is my job to keep everybody entertained. When this guys heads out later tonight, there is going to be entertainment, that’s for sure ...

MATT STRIKER: And speaking of big moments in the WWE, next week’s RAW is a special one?

SHAWN MICHAELS: It sure is, Matt, next Monday night is the annual Slammy Awards here on RAW and it will be a special 3-hour show featuring the best of RAW and SMACKDOWN! It’s going to be grrreat!

HBK turns and walks away as Matt Striker smiles and RAW heads into another break ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with the United States Champion making his way to ringside ...

*** RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome ... the United States Champion ... DANIEL BRYAN!

Bryan is not dressed for action but is carrying the United States Title over his shoulder as he makes his way around the ring, high fiving members of the WWE Universe at ringside and heading for the announce table where he joins King and JR ...

JIM ROSS: What a pleasure this is, Daniel Bryan joining us here on commentary!

JERRY LAWLER: Hi there, Daniel Bryan! What are you doing here at ringside?

DANIEL BRYAN: Hi King! Hi, JR, pleasure as always. I’m here to take a look at the man who – hands up – beat me last week, Ted DiBiase. I’m likely to face him for the US Championship soon and he beat me so I’d better find a weakness or two hadn’t I?

*** I COME FROM MONEY ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: This match is set for one fall. Introducing first, from West Palm Beach, Florida, weighing 235 pounds ... TED DIBIASE!

DiBiase heads confidently down to the ring and enters the ring to look over at the US Champion who is sat at the announce table. DiBiase points to Bryan’s US Championship belt which is perched on top of the table and then signals that he is going to be wearing it very soon ...

DANIEL BRYAN: Sure, DiBiase is confident but you know, I don’t know if he is taking me seriously enough. One win doesn’t mean he has the better of Daniel Bryan!

*** POWER ***

[YOUTUBE]liGs3uYJA4c[/YOUTUBE]

JUSTIN ROBERTS: And his opponent, from Cape Town, South Africa, weighing 220 pounds ... JUSTIN GABRIEL!

The man who quit the Nexus last week live on RAW comes out to a good reception from the WWE Universe. It seems that the commentating team are equally happy about Gabriel’s recent change of attitude ...

JIM ROSS: Well, King, tonight Ted DiBiase better have his mind on this young man, Justin Gabriel ... He has shown us recently what a talent he can be!

JERRY LAWLER: Definitely, JR, even as a member of Nexus, I was impressed with this young man but he last week announced that he was leaving the group and now he is moving onwards and maybe upwards ...

DANIEL BRYAN: I wrestled Justin a lot during NXT Season 1 guys and he is a risk taker, someone you can never count out of a match ... JR, you’re dead right, Ted needs to focus on Gabriel tonight!

JIM ROSS: True, in recent weeks, Justin Gabriel has come close to a clean one on one victory over John Cena and then he was the man that pinned Cena and won the title for Wade Barrett!

JERRY LAWLER: I’m sure he regrets that now but it is time for Gabriel to focus on his own career and winning his own titles now!

JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. TED DIBIASE

A high quality match between two young stars of the WWE, very even with both men on top at various points. As the match enters the closing stages, Gabriel has DiBiase down on the mat near the corner and the crowd are coming alive for the prospect of the 450 splash as Gabriel climbs the ropes. However, DiBiase is playing possum and as Gabriel rotates in the air, he moves and Gabriel crashes down hard on the mat to groans from the WWE Universe. DiBiase immediately goes in the attack with hard stomps to the injured gut area before pummelling Gabriel hard in the face at the risk of a DQ. Ted goes to the top rope himself before jumping off and hitting Gabriel hard in the chest with a dropkick ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Gabriel kicks out just in time! *​

The crowd are loving the fight being shown by Justin Gabriel and they cheer him on. However, DiBiase is in no mood to relinquish control as he shoots Gabriel off into the ropes before catching him with a sit out spinebuster on his return ... DiBiase holds the pinfall with Gabriel flat on his back ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* No! Gabriel kicks out! *​

As Gabriel gets to his knees, DiBiase locks in a reverse headlock and milks the moment for a second or two as he looks directly at the US Champion, Daniel Bryan. Eventually, DiBiase drops back and hits the DDT to Gabriel, driving the South African’s face into the mat hard ... Another pinfall attempt from Ted DiBiase ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Gabriel rolls the shoulder! *​

DiBiase looks a tiny bit frustrated now and he steps back, glancing over to Bryan who is watching intently before stalking Justin Gabriel as he gets back to his feet. What is DiBiase planning to do here? He acts and locks in the Million Dollar Dream that forces Gabriel to come to his senses quicker and fight back. However, DiBiase has the hold locked in and Gabriel begins to fade a little. He reaches for the ropes but can’t quite get there as DiBiase tries to take it down to the floor ... Gabriel manages to roll the pair of them straight to the ropes though and the referee demands a break to the annoyance of DiBiase. He argues with the referee over the break and then stares into the eyes of Daniel Bryan at ringside.

DANIEL BRYAN: Why don’t you concentrate on the match, you fool?

DiBiase dares Daniel Bryan to come and say it to his face to which Bryan stands up and removes his headset slowly. DiBiase steps back and dares him to get in the ring whilst Bryan stands and stares at his potential challenger ... Suddenly, DiBiase is rolled up quickly by Justin Gabriel who catches him by surprise ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* DiBiase just recovers in time to kick out *​

The crowd thought they were going to see a quick Gabriel victory there and they groan in disappointment. However, Gabriel ducks a vicious clothesline from DiBiase and then kicks him in the gut to slow him down. A high spin kick sends DiBiase crashing down to the mat and Gabriel goes for the pin ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Kick out by DiBiase! *​

DiBiase gets to his feet quickly and hits a dropkick to stun Gabriel again. Again, DiBiase wastes time talking trash to Bryan and underestimating his opponent ... he sets up for his finishing move, Dream Street, but Gabriel counters once more and hits a jaw shattering Superkick to the son of the Million Dollar Man. With DiBiase down and out, Gabriel climbs the ropes once more ... Can he hit it this time? The crowd go wild, Gabriel dives forward and rotates 450 degrees ... THE 450 SPLASH CONNECTS WITH TED DIBIASE! Gabriel thinks about covering DiBiase but then holds back and drags him to the centre of the ring ... FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK FROM JUSTIN GABRIEL! We saw this a few weeks back from Gabriel ... Will DiBiase tap out? Bryan laughs to himself as DiBiase struggles and tries to escape but he can’t do it ...

* TAP *
* TAP *
* TAP *​

WINNER: Justin Gabriel (7:27)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... JUSTIN GABRIEL!

Gabriel stands in the corner of the ring on the middle ropes and holds his hand high to salute the support and cheers he is now receiving from the WWE Universe ...

JIM ROSS: A fantastic win for the South African Justin Gabriel, King!

JERRY LAWLER: We said that DiBiase’s mind needed to be on Gabriel and there was the proof! A great ... Hang on, wait a minute!

In the ring, DiBiase has attacked Justin Gabriel from behind as he got down from the ropes. DiBiase is looking frustrated and he begins to hit clubbing forearms to the back and shoulders of Gabriel as he takes out that frustration on the man who beat him. As Gabriel covers up, Daniel Bryan throws his headset down and slides into the ring where he rushes over at DiBiase. Bryan connects with a forearm of his own and then a kick to the ribs of DiBiase who drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring ... Daniel Bryan helps Justin Gabriel to his feet and the pair of them stand there glaring at DiBiase who now has a microphone in his hand as he backs away to the stage area ...

TED DIBIASE: There you go again, Daniel Bryan, sticking your nose in where it wasn’t needed and making huge mistakes. That was nothing to do with you!

Bryan also has a microphone now as well ...

DANIEL BRYAN: Attacking somebody from behind, Ted? You think that I’m just going to stand there and watch you do that to someone just because they beat you?

DiBiase looks angry at Bryan commenting on his loss ...

DANIEL BRYAN: You need to take a look at yourself, Ted, you lost that match because you weren’t focused. You lost that match because you couldn’t keep your eyes away from the US Title. You ... tapped ... out! Maybe you need to get your priorities in order?

TED DIBIASE: Daniel Bryan, I beat you last week. I beat you and now I am entitled to a shot at the United States Championship. Whether you like it or not, I will be the next United States Champion.

DANIEL BRYAN: Like I said, Teddy, you need to get your priorities in order. United States Champions don’t lose focus in their matches, they win matches. They don’t tap out to rookies! Tonight, your focus was on me and you lost ...

Gabriel shoots Bryan a look of annoyance and grabs the microphone from him ...

JUSTIN GABRIEL: Daniel, thank you for your help just then but let me get something straight here. Ted DiBiase just lost to me, not because he wasn’t focused ... He lost to me, not because I am a rookie, but because I am the better man!

Daniel Bryan holds his hands up to Gabriel and shows that he meant no offence before Gabriel accepts this and the pair shake hands ...

TED DIBIASE: Look at that, isn’t that nice? Well, I don’t play fair, I take what I am entitled to and that is what I am going to do tonight. I’m going to see our General Manager and I am going to demand my United States Title shot at Vengeance ...

Ted drops the microphone and he heads up the last few steps of the ramp and through the exit backstage ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with an intense Ted DiBiase storming around backstage calling out for the General Manager Shawn Michaels. He tries several areas but is unable to find HBK until he spots him speaking with the man who just beat DiBiase – Justin Gabriel – and the US Champion, Daniel Bryan ... DiBiase storms over towards them ...

TED DIBIASE: Hey, Michaels, I need a word with you.

SHAWN MICHAELS: Do you now? Well, first of all, you would do well to remember that I am the General Manager around here and I expect a little bit of respect, Teddy. Less of the ... Michaels!

TED DIBIASE: Yeah, yeah, sorry. I was wondering, Shawn, when am I facing Daniel Bryan for the US Championship? I beat him last week, I am owed a shot at the US Title.

SHAWN MICHAELS: You know, I have been thinking about that. I think he is right, Daniel, he did beat you last week and that means that he deserves a shot at your title ...

DANIEL BRYAN: That works for me, Shawn. I’m ready to face him anytime ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: So, at Vengeance, Daniel Bryan will defend the US Championship against Ted DiBiase ... But there is something else that is puzzling me a little, Ted. You want a title shot because you beat the champion, yes?

TED DIBIASE: That’s how it works, isn’t it? Beat the champion, get a shot at the title? That’s how it has always been, Shawn, right back to when you and my father were wrestling back in the 1980’s ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Well, maybe, yeah. For a start, your father was a hell of a better wrestler than you are but that’s beside the point. You think that a win over the champion gives you the right to go for the title ... and I agree with you. But I also think that beating the Number 1 contender is quite an achievement too.

DiBiase looks over at Justin Gabriel who has been stood watching in amusement for the past few moments ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Now, if Justin Gabriel can beat you, Ted, does that mean he deserves to take your title shot? Surely that is the way it works?

DiBiase looks agitated and angry at the comments of the General Manager but he composes himself ...

TED DIBIASE: Gabriel’s victory tonight was a fluke, I wasn’t focused. I’d beat him 99 times out of 100 usually ... At Vengeance, I deserve to face Daniel Bryan for the US Championship.

SHAWN MICHAELS: I’m just kidding ya, Teddy, you’ll get a shot at the title at Vengeance ... US Champion Daniel Bryan ... against Ted DiBiase ...

A smile creeps across DiBiase’s face as he turns to face Bryan ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: ... against Justin Gabriel ... in a Triple Threat!

Michaels smiles at all three men and then walks away chuckling to himself as DiBiase and Bryan both turn to look at the South African, Gabriel. He is looking shocked but pleased with the way things have turned out as DiBiase decides to storm after HBK to continue the argument ... The cameras return to ringside ...

JERRY LAWLER: What a great idea from our General Manager, JR, Daniel Bryan, Ted DiBiase and Justin Gabriel, Triple Threat for the US Championship at Vengeance in two weeks!

JIM ROSS: What an opportunity for Justin Gabriel, King, he can’t have been expecting a title shot that quickly after leaving Nexus!

JERRY LAWLER: Maybe not, JR, but Gabriel has been mightily impressive of late, even as a member of Nexus. Clearly, he has made a positive impact on our General Manager!

*** WE ARE ONE ***

Nexus – without the WWE Champion, Wade Barrett amongst them – head for the ring with all except Skip Sheffield looking set for action ...

JIM ROSS: Speaking of Justin Gabriel, here come his former team-mates, the Nexus, with his replacement Ezekiel Jackson in their ranks ...

JERRY LAWLER: As if they weren’t already intimidating enough, JR, they go out and bring in a 300 plus pounds muscle machine in to join them!

Skip Sheffield waits outside the ring but David Otunga, Heath Slater and Ezekiel Jackson slide into the ring and hit the Nexus fist salute as they prepare for action tonight ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: The following contest is set for one fall and is a six-man tag team match ... In the ring, representing the Nexus, at a combined weight of 821 pounds ... DAVID OTUNGA ... HEATH SLATER ... and EZEKIEL JACKSON!

*** LA VITTORIA E MIA ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Their opponents ... Introducing first, at a combined weight of 529 pounds, the WWE Tag Team Champions ... VLADIMIR KOZLOV ... and SANTINO MARELLA!

With the Tag Team Championship belts, fresh from a successful defence on SMACKDOWN last Friday, around their waists, Santino and Kozlov make their way down towards the ring looking happy and smiling ... They pause at the bottom of the ramp and stare at the Nexus before turning back to the titantron ...

*** WHAT’S UP? ***

There is a small pop for the arrival of R-Truth as he dances and raps his way down to the ring ... He holds the microphone to Santino Marella who joins in with a tuneless ‘Whats uppa?’ before heading into the ring with his team ...

R-TRUTH: Greensborough, North Carolina ... What’s up?!!

As the crowd roar back at R-Truth, Skip Sheffield suddenly clotheslines him hard and unexpectedly and sends Truth crashing through the ropes to the outside. Cue serious jeers and boos from the WWE Universe and anger on the part of Santino and Kozlov who have to be held back by the official who orders Skip to leave the ring and the arena ...

JIM ROSS: There was no need for that, King, what was Skip Sheffield thinking of?

JERRY LAWLER: Typical Nexus tactics, JR ...

NEXUS (DAVID OTUNGA, EZEKIEL JACKSON & HEATH SLATER) vs. R-TRUTH, SANTINO MARELLA & VLADIMIR KOZLOV

The match starts off with Santino Marella and Heath Slater in the ring and – to his annoyance – Heath Slater cannot get the better of Santino who thwarts him comically at every turn early. In the end, Slater demands that Santino makes a tag to Truth who then comes in counters several of Slater’s moves which leads to the ‘One Man Rock Band’ tagging in Otunga. The ‘A-List’ isn’t happy about Heath getting shown up and he beats on Truth for a while before Truth manages to hit a corkscrew lariat to take him down as well. A tag to Kozlov allows the big Russian to come in and administer some pain to David Otunga with some trapping headbutts that cause Slater to be tagged back in. More trapping headbutts from Kozlov to Heath Slater follow before the tag is made to Santino Marella who comes in and signals for the Cobra. The crowd love it and they cheer as Santino sets the move up; however, Heath Slater spots it coming at the last second and he falls down to escape. He backs away from Santino and manages to reach back and tag in Ezekiel Jackson. The mood of Santino changes as the big man enters the ring and he looks to get the advantage with some kicks to the legs of the muscled Jackson. However, this does not affect him and Jackson catches Santino and starts to pummel him over and over in the corner. A tag from Santino to Truth allows the rapper to try and get the better of Jackson instead but he fails as Jackson starts to hit his big clotheslines and heavy hitting offense. Slater and Otunga take their chance to pull Kozlov off the mat behind the referee’s back and they slam him hard and back first into the steel ring steps as Jackson starts to hit the big, heavy powerslams on R-Truth in the centre of the ring. Eventually, Truth is lifted in the Torture Rack after four big powerslams ... Santino tries to rescue Truth but Jackson manages to hit a big boot to Santino whilst he continues to ‘torture’ Truth on his shoulders until ...

* TAP *
* TAP *
* TAP! *​

WINNER: Otunga, Jackson and Slater (3:48)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here are your winners ... NEXUS!

JIM ROSS: The Nexus show their dominance again, King, but how different would it have been if Skip Sheffield hadn’t attacked Truth before the first bell?

JERRY LAWLER: I don’t know, JR, Ezekiel Jackson looked mightily impressive there to me. I’m not sure even a fully fit R-Truth could have stopped him.

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

*** IF YA’ SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’ ***

The crowd come unstuck as the legend that is The Rock heads out onto the stage and smells the air ... With the crowd on their feet and cheering, Rock heads for the ring with a look of determination on his face, his eyes shielded by his sunglasses ... Rock looks delighted to be back on WWE TV ... He strides up the ring steps and into the ring where thousands of flashlights pop as he performs his pose in the corner, his arm held high, his eyebrow arched ... He repeats this in the opposite corner of the ring whilst the crowd go wild with delight to see Rock live in Greensborough and back in the WWE where he belongs ...

JERRY LAWLER: JR ... The Rock ... He’s back!

JIM ROSS: What an ovation for the 9 time WWE Champion!

A loud ‘Rocky!’ chant begins as the music fades and Rock stands centre of the ring with a microphone in his hand ... Rock milks the ovation for a while, listening to the people chant his name and facing each side of the ring to take in the atmosphere ... Finally, Rock seems ready to speak ...

THE ROCK: Can you feel it?

The WWE Universe greet these words as if Rock has just won the WWE Championship for a tenth time! It takes an age for the crowd to settle ...

THE ROCK: Can you smell it?

Again, the reaction of the crowd is crazy as Rock gets into his stride again ...

THE ROCK: Can you see it?

Another ‘Rocky!’ chant goes up and that familiar smile spreads over the face of Rock ...

THE ROCK: For seven years ... seven long years ... Seven years of movies, talk shows, Hollywood ... seven years of ‘Be Cool’ ... ‘Gridiron Gang’ ... ‘The Game Plan’ ... ‘Planet 51’ ... ‘Fast Five’ ...

Dramatic pause from the Rock as he looks around the arena ...

THE ROCK: ... ‘The Tooth Fairy’ ...

Rock chuckles as some of the crowd give fake boos for this role ...

THE ROCK: ... Seven years of film sets, co-stars, fast cars and fairy costumes ... Seven years ...

The anticipation is building in the arena ...

THE ROCK: ... but ... finally ... No, Finally ... No, no, no ... FINALLY ... The Rock ... has come back ... to Greensborough!

The crowd go wild for Rock who continues ...

THE ROCK: ... And Finally, The Rock has come back ... to the WWE!

Another ‘Rocky’ chant goes up and the crowd are ecstatic to see their hero back in the WWE ring ...

THE ROCK: I have been out of the ring for too long, for too long ... I’ve been all around the world, I have become ... the most electrifying man in ALL of entertainment ...

Another loud pop for the Rock ...

THE ROCK: ... but I never forgot ... I never forgot where my home was ... I never forgot the place where it all started for The Rock ... and I made myself a promise ... that I would be back, that I would return to the WWE, that I would be back in this ring to whip some candy ass ... all the way down ‘Know Your Role Boulevard’ ... right down ‘Jabroni Drive’ ... and check in at the ‘SMACKDOWN Hotel’ ...

The crowd continue to cheer and chant for The Rock ... (How many ways can I repeat that sentence?!!!)

THE ROCK: So The Rock says this ... The WWE needs a legend ... the WWE needs somebody to mentor on NXT ... Chip Butty asks the Rock to come back, mentor the WWE superstars who have lost their way as only The Rock can ... whippin’ ass, laying the smack down on their candy asses and showing them the way ... The Rock is going to drag four monkey asses and make them believers ... Make them believe that they can bring it ...

More cheers and chants from the WWE Universe ...

THE ROCK: The Rock is going to show them how he became ...

Deep breath from the Rock ...

THE ROCK: ... the ‘Jabroni beating, pie eating, trail blazing, eyebrow raising, the best in the present, the future and the past’ ... and if they don’t like it, they can kiss the people’s ass!

’Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!’ ...

THE ROCK: Because, even if I have been gone for seven years ... The Rock is still the People’s Champion! The Rock is still the most electrifying man in Sports Entertainment! The Rock will forever be the Great One! And the Rock will ensure that one of his stars becomes a man and brings it to the WWE ... The Rock will teach his men all he knows, he will lead by example ... If ya smelllllllllllllllllllll-la-la-la-allllll ... WHAT THE ROCK ... IS ...

Rock straightens himself up, removes his sunglasses, raises his eyebrow ready to deliver his famous last words ...

*** LONGHORN ***

Boos ring out around the arena and Rock turns to look at the stage in disbelief where a limosine is pulling into the arena ... Out steps the other NXT Season 3 mentor, JBL, who Rock hit the ‘Rock Bottom’ to last week on his return ... JBL waves his hat around as he approaches the ring with a self satisfied smirk on his face ... He walks up the ring steps and locks eyes with the Rock who is eying him with a sense of amazement ...

JBL: Rock, hold it there. You come out here with all your fancy catchphrases, all your fancy names and monikers ... But there is only one ‘Wrestling God’ out here isn’t there?

The crowd boo as Rock sizes JBL up ...

JBL: You see, for too long, these people have cheered for the wrong people ... They cheer for people like Randy Orton ... John Cena ... John Morrison ... and they cheer for people like you, Rock. People who have walked out on them for seven years. You walk out on them for seven years and then you come back and repeat a few catchphrases ... and like the seals that they are, they all clap along and everything is good with the world again.

JBL is making quite a valid point ...

JBL: What they should be doing is listening to the people who know best, people like the great JBL, the Wrestling God! I am a success in everything that I do, I am a successful businessman as well as a great wrestler. Now I’ll give you credit, Rock, you were good in the ring – ten years ago – but your movies have been ... well, they have been awful, Rock.

Rock looks annoyed with JBL’s comments ...

JBL: Unlike me, you left the WWE and your success it finished. And now, you’re back here for NXT Season 3 and unlike me, you’re back here as a failure with something to prove. There is a problem though ... you won’t beat me. One of my WWE superstars will win NXT Season 3, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Boos and jeers as Rock looks to respond ...

THE ROCK: Bradshaw? Is that you? Where’s Faarooq?

JBL: I got rid of ...

THE ROCK: IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE FAAROOQ IS!

The crowd roar as Rock puts JBL down ...

THE ROCK: It goes like this, JBL, you are just a jabroni that never got near the level of The Rock. So you held a World Title once, well woopy-doo ... I held nine WWE Championships during my time here. I headlined WrestleMania after WrestleMania after WrestleMania and at WrestleMania 27 in April, Team Bring It will be victorious in NXT Season 3. So you just turn around and don’t you ever ... and the Rock means ever ... interrupt the Great One ... again!

Another put-down from the Rock and more cheers from the WWE Universe ...

JBL: Rock ... Don’t you go thinking that you can make threats to me. You can’t. I won’t forget that Rock Bottom from last week. In fact, I ought to come over there right now ...

THE ROCK: Oh, JBL, trust me, I wish you would come here right now ... so I can take that cowboy hat, polish it up real nice, turn that sombitch sideways and stick it straight up your candy ...

JBL suddenly takes a cheap shot at Rock and knocks him off his feet with a vicious and unexpected right hand ... Rock is livid as JBL makes a quick exit from the ring and is backing away up the ramp as Rock recovers ... JBL reaches the top of the ramp when the NXT theme song begins ...

*** WILD AND YOUNG ***

MATT STRIKER: Guys, guys, calm down please. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Matt Striker and, along with Josh Matthews, I will be the host and announcer of NXT Season 3!

JBL stares at Striker as he leaves the Rock in the ring ...

MATT STRIKER: Hold up, JBL, hold up, I have an announcement. I have to inform you both of the first superstar that will be joining you on NXT. Both of these men have something to prove and they need to step it up on NXT or run the risk of being fired ...

JBL demands to know who his first WWE superstar will be ...

MATT STRIKER: Calm down, JBL, here he is. The first man to be joining Team JBL for the third season of NXT will be ...

*** EXPLODING HELMETS ***

MATT STRIKER: ... the winner of NXT Season 2 ... KAVAL!

Kaval gets a nice pop from the crowd as he walks out and acknowledges the cheers of the WWE Universe. However, he is met with a less than welcoming look from his new mentor, JBL, who looks at Kaval as if he is disgusted by him ...

MATT STRIKER: So Team JBL has Kaval, who will Team Rock have as their first member? The first member of Team Rock on NXT Season 3 will be ...

*** I AM PERFECTION ***

MATT STRIKER: ... DOLPH ZIGGLER!

Ziggler comes out looking annoyed at the fact he is being forced to fight for his WWE career and walks straight past Striker and straight for the ring ... His new mentor, The Rock, is looking over at him curiously ... Ziggler gets into the ring and points his finger at Rock and then to himself and it is clear that Ziggler believes he is too good for NXT Season 3 ... He talks trash to Rock and suddenly he says something that makes Rock’s eyes bulge ... Rock grabs him and hits the Rock Bottom on Dolph Ziggler this week! The Rock’s music begins and he leaves the ring with Ziggler laid out on the mat ...

JIM ROSS: Oh my god, King, what a bad start to that relationship!

JERRY LAWLER: I don’t think that either of the two legendary mentors are that happy with their first superstars! JBL clearly doesn’t think much of Kaval and Rock just hit the Rock Bottom to Dolph Ziggler!

JIM ROSS: It looks as if NXT Season 3 is going to be very interesting, King!

The Rock leaves the arena to massive cheers from the WWE Universe as RAW fades into another commercial break ...

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

After being driven away by former World Champion Kane last week, Teddy Long returns to SMACKDOWN this Friday with big decisions to make!

Who will be challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship of CM Punk at Vengeance?

JOIN US ON FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN THIS FRIDAY!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with the theme music of William Regal playing ...

*** VILLAIN ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first, from Blackpool, England, weighing 240 pounds ... WILLIAM REGAL!

Regal is in the ring and looking round the arena with a menacing look on his face to mild heat from the crowd ... This turns to loud cheers though when his opponent appears ...

*** THIS AIN’T NO MAKE BELIEVE ***

x: His opponent, from Los Angeles, California, weighing 224 pounds ... JOHN MORRISON!

Morrison, who has been in red hot form recently, heads out for the ring in ‘slo-mo’ on the TV with his long coat on and his shades shielding his eyes. The WWE Universe cheer him as he heads down towards the ring and hands his sunglasses over to a lucky fan at ringside before heading into the ring ...

JIM ROSS: This man is John Morrison, King, he is the ‘Monday Night Delight’ and he has been in great form recently ...

JERRY LAWLER: John Morrison almost won the Survivor Series elimination match for RAW despite all the problems that Edge and Miz created. He is the future of this business in my opinion, JR, and I see him winning the WWE Championship very soon!

JIM ROSS: I wouldn’t disagree with you, King, he is that good!

JOHN MORRISON vs. WILLIAM REGAL

A series of European uppercuts and stiff kicks allow William Regal to take the early advantage as he looks use all his experience to gain a win for the veterans here. With Regal on the offensive, Morrison is hit with a half nelson suplex that leaves him down and struggling. A bow and arrow submission hold is locked in and Regal drives his knee into the back of Morrison as he looks to force the youngster to tap out. Morrison resists and begins to fight out of it, getting back to his feet as Regal continues to hold his arms out. Morrison looks to springboard off the ropes with a big kick to the head but Regal ducks it and catches Morrison, locks him up and strikes his knees into the chest of Morrison driving the air out of him. With Morrison down, Regal goes for a cover ... 1 ... 2 ... Morrison kicks out! Regal drops a knee on Morrison’s throat area before continuing to choke him with his knee. The referee protests but Regal looks at him innocently until the 4 count and then he gets up. Regal tries to lock Morrison into the German suplex but Morrison counters and refuses to budge. A second attempt is also countered by Morrison before he escapes Regal’s waist hold. Catching Regal off guard, Morrison springboards off the ropes for a second time and this time connects with a flying Chuck Kick that crashes Regal down to the mat. Regal rolls out of the ring and gathers himself but suddenly Morrison flies through the air with a corkscrew plancha that crashes Regal down and into the barricades. Morrison takes in the adulation of the crowd and climbs back onto the apron before hitting an Asai Moonsault onto Regal again and sending the ringside crowd wild. Morrison tosses Regal back into the ring and hits him with a standing shooting star press in the middle of the ring. Cover from Morrison ... 1 ... 2 ... Regal kicks out! However, Morrison is on a roll now and he hits the ropes before catching Regal perfectly with a calf kick to the side of the head. Regal is down near the corner of the ring and is in perfect position here ... STARSHIP PAIN FROM MORRISON! Morrison goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

WINNER: John Morrison (4:57)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner ... JOHN MORRISON!

JIM ROSS: Another impressive performance from Morrison, King ...

JERRY LAWLER: Hang on a minute, JR, let me go and speak to him in the ring!

King grabs a microphone and heads into the ring where he beckons John Morrison over to him for a quick interview. Morrison is happy to oblige and he meets King with a handshake before King begins ...

JERRY LAWLER: Another impressive performance, John, you are on fire right now. You got your eye on that WWE Championship?

JOHN MORRISON: Thanks, King, that’s kind of you to say so. I can’t deny it either, man, that WWE Championship is what I want. I’ve got a couple of things I want to sort out first but in just a few weeks time, it’ll be time for the Royal Rumble in Cleveland, Ohio and that is where I am intending on making my move.

JERRY LAWLER: So we’re going to see you main event WrestleMania 27?

JOHN MORRISON: That’s the plan, King. You people haven’t seen nothing yet, I am going to win the Royal Rumble, face the WWE Champion at WrestleMania and win the WWE Championship. And when I do, I will defend that championship against all comers. Just wait and see!

Morrison and King shake hands but then ...

*** AWESOME – I CAME TO PLAY ***

The crowd jeer as Alex Riley leads out his mentor, The Miz, who is carrying both a microphone and the ‘Money in the Bank’ briefcase as he walks out with a puzzled look on his face ... The music fades as Miz stands on the stage ready for action in the main event ...

THE MIZ: Really?

The crowd jeer Miz as he looks directly at Morrison in the ring ...

THE MIZ: Really? Really? REALLY?

Miz shakes his head and then smirks to himself ...

THE MIZ: John, John, let me let you into a little secret shall I? You won’t be winning the Royal Rumble. You won’t be going to WrestleMania to be in the RAW main event. And you won’t be winning the WWE Championship. Shall I tell you why?

Morrison stares out at Miz as he advances on the ring ...

THE MIZ: One word ... Janetty!

Morrison shakes his head at Miz and challenges him to get in the ring ... Miz stands on the ring steps ...

THE MIZ: All these people know it, they can see it each and every week. Miz and Morrison, the new Michaels and Janetty. One star, one failure. Me ... and you.

Riley slides into the ring first and is then followed by Miz – strength in numbers ...

THE MIZ: You’re just not good enough, John. And besides, do you really think that I would just stand back and let you win the Royal Rumble ... in my home town ... in Cleveland, Ohio? I think not.

Miz is stood in front of Morrison who is looking angry at Miz’ comments ...

THE MIZ: There is only one person who will be WWE Champion at WrestleMania 27 and that man is ... ME! I have this ...

Miz holds the briefcase up in the air ...

THE MIZ: ... but John, this is now my insurance policy. Because in the main event match tonight ... not some filler match against William Regal by the way ... in tonight’s main event, I will defeat three other men and earn a shot at the WWE Championship at Vengeance. I will be the WWE Champion, John, not you. Because you ... are ... Janetty ...

Morrison is set to explode but Miz steps back and officials enter the ring to prevent anything happening ...

THE MIZ: You are Janetty, Morrison ... and I am the Miz ... and I’m ... AWWWWWWWEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSOOOOMMMMMMMME!

Loud boos for Miz as Morrison is shepherded away looking angry ... The officials continue to usher him away as Miz prepares for the main event ...

JIM ROSS: Unflattering words from the Miz to John Morrison there, King ...

JERRY LAWLER: More hot air more like ...

JIM ROSS: ... but the Miz is right about one thing, he is the main event to determine the challenger for the WWE Championship of Wade Barrett at Vengeance ... and that match is next!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

 

[GCB]

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

RAW returns with Miz and Alex Riley in the ring ahead of the main event ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: The following contest is a four man Elimination Match ... the winner will receive a WWE Championship match at Vengeance against the WWE Champion. Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Alex Riley, from Cleveland, Ohio, weighing 231 pounds ... THE MIZ!

Miz holds his hands up and looks confident as he discusses something with Alex Riley despite the boos he is receiving from the crowd in North Carolina ...

*** WRITTEN IN MY FACE ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: From Dublin, Ireland, weighing 272 pounds ... SHEAMUS!

Sheamus beats his chest and yells as Hornswoggle accompanies him down the ramp towards the ring. As they approach the ring, Sheamus points underneath the ring to Hornswoggle and the little Irishman slides under the ring apron and out of view.

JIM ROSS: Well, at least we know he is there tonight, King!

JERRY LAWLER: I don’t trust Sheamus and Hornswoggle one little bit, JR, Sheamus has two straight wins over Triple H because of that little troll ...

*** VOICES ***

JUSTIN ROBERTS: From St. Louis, Missouri, weighing 245 pounds ... The ‘Viper’ ... RANDY ORTON!

The crowd are going crazy for the arrival of the former WWE Champion, Randy Orton. He saunters out and down the ramp slowly and deliberately whilst Sheamus and The Miz begin to argue and point in the ring. Orton smirks and rolls his eyes before heading into the ring and climbing the ropes. He poses for the WWE Universe and the flashlights pop in their thousands ... Orton drops down and begins to respond to the verbal jibes heading his way from Miz and Sheamus ...

JIM ROSS: And the fourth man, King, we don’t yet know!

JERRY LAWLER: Who is it? Come on, get him out here!

JIM ROSS: Who will it be? Who has the General Manager chosen to be in this match without a qualifying match?

The arena waits with baited breath as the music of Randy Orton fades away ... Everybody turns their eyes to the titantron and looks up expectantly ...

*** SEXY BOY ***

Loud cheers greet the arrival of the General Manager with many appearing to think that HBK is the final man in the match ... including King!

JERRY LAWLER: HBK?!!!

Shawn Michaels heads out onto the stage dressed in a suit and tie and it becomes clear that he is not here to wrestle, he is here to introduce ... He holds his hand up and his music fades out ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: For a second, you thought it was me didn’t ya?

Chuckles of laughter in the arena ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Now let me explain myself. Last week, Miz, Sheamus and Randy Orton were forced to earn their spot in this evening’s main event Number 1 contender match. Some of you may have been wondering why the final man in the main event didn’t have to qualify. Well, I promised him a spot in this match in order to sign him to Monday Night RAW. A few weeks ago, myself and Teddy Long became aware of a major name who wanted to join WWE and we have been offering this man deals left, right and centre. This man is a huge name and I have an enormous amount of respect for him. I have wrestled him on occasions, great matches that stole the shows. I decided that I could offer him a WWE return on RAW and put him straight into the title picture ...

The anticipation in the arena is bubbling ... People are clearly speculating over which man is a new WWE superstar and is in with a shot at earning a WWE Championship match ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: Now, let me assure you all, I wouldn’t offer just anybody this chance. This man is deserving of this chance and he will ...

*** WE ARE ONE ***

Dressed in smart trousers and an open collared shirt, the WWE Champion struts out with the title belt over his shoulder. He stops beside the Showstopper, HBK, fixes him a look before continuing towards the ring and then to the announce table ... He pulls up a seat beside Jerry ‘King’ Lawler and puts on a headset ...

JIM ROSS: Welcome to the announce table, Mr. Barrett. Good to have you here with us for this big match.

WADE BARRETT: Keep quiet, JR, the WWE Champion is here to run his eye over the potential opponents for the WWE Championship at Vengeance. I don’t need you interrupting my thoughts ... Come on, Michaels, get the fourth loser out here ... What are you looking at, Orton?

Randy Orton is staring over the ropes and down at the WWE Champion with his eyes clearly on the gold shimmering WWE Title belt that is now placed on the announce table by Barrett ... Shawn Michaels decides to continue ...

SHAWN MICHAELS: As I was saying, I am sure that you will agree with me that this man deserves a shot at the WWE Championship – if he can win tonight. So without further ado, here he is!

Shawn waves to the crowd and then heads off the stage and backstage as the crowd, the announcers and the wrestlers in the ring await the final man in the match tonight ...

...

...

...

...

WADE BARRETT: Oh, come on, get him out here!

Spoiler

[YOUTUBE]C3F4JIO8pXE[/YOUTUBE]

*** MEDAL ***

The crowd roar in excitement as the one and only Kurt Angle comes out onto the stage with his arms held out beside him and his gold medal around his neck, his red, white and blue singlet already pulled down to the waist to show he means business ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ... KURT ANGLE!

Angle begins to walk down the ramp towards the ring as Miz, Orton and Sheamus all look on in astonishment. Neither one of them look happy to see the 1996 Olympic gold medallist as he jogs up the steel ring steps, slides through the ropes and twirls around in the ring as the cheers rain down on the returning American hero ...

JIM ROSS: Oh my word, King! This man definitely needs no introduction and definitely does deserve a shot at the WWE Championship on his first night back in the company!

JERRY LAWLER: Kurt Angle is back, JR!

Angle’s music fades out as he removes his gold medals and hands them over to the referee for safe keeping. He begins to jump up and down, clearly excited to be back in the WWE ring!

WADE BARRETT: Who exactly is this chump? An American hero?

JERRY LAWLER: Come off it, Wade, you know who this man is!

WADE BARRETT: Yeah, I do know who he is. He is a washed up has-been, that is what he is. Just look at him. A coward of a man who wouldn’t reveal himself and he turns out to be a man fifteen years past his sell by date!

JIM ROSS: Well, that’s not quite true but we’ll see I guess!

NUMBER 1 CONTENDER ELIMINATION MATCH: KURT ANGLE vs. THE MIZ vs. RANDY ORTON vs. SHEAMUS

A loud chant of ‘USA! USA!’ welcomes Kurt Angle back as the referee rings the bell and the four men – one in each corner of the ring – begin to eye each other, sensing each other out, ready for action. It is Miz who breaks first and he rushes across at Kurt Angle and starts landing forearms to the head of the Olympian. With Randy Orton distracted by Miz and Angle, Sheamus hits a well placed clothesline to him and the four have split into two groups in opposite corners of the ring. Miz continues to pummel away at Kurt Angle in one corner as Sheamus puts the boots to the mid section of Randy Orton in the other. Miz takes a few steps back and allows Angle to get back to his feet before running at him and trying to hit a clothesline with his legs through the ropes ... however, Angle avoids the contact and Miz collides with the ropes and buckles in the corner. At the same time, Orton ducks an attempted Brogue Kick from Sheamus and then catches the Irish wrestler with a backbreaker across his own back that leaves Sheamus rolling around and out of the ring. With Miz disorientated, Angle pounces with a belly to belly suplex and Miz is tossed across the ring. He too rolls out of the ring and Angle and Orton turn to face each other ... The crowd cheer as two of their favourites square up to each other, eyes locked, intensity clear ...

Both men are waiting for the other one to make a move and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Some words are passing between Angle and Orton but they are holding back for now ... Suddenly, Miz and Sheamus are back in the ring and they try to rush them but both Angle and Orton duck. Coming off the ropes, Angle hits a belly to belly suplex again to Miz on the run whilst Orton hits a standing drop kick to Sheamus. The crowd cheer and shout for Orton and Angle ... but then Orton takes out Angle with a clothesline as well as the match really gets going. Another clothesline to Angle is followed by stomps to the knee as Orton looks to get rid of the newcomer quickly. However, Sheamus isn’t happy with him and he attacks Orton from behind and sends him shoulder first into the steel ring post through the ropes. With Orton draped over the middle rope, Sheamus drags his upper body up through the ropes and then hits chest thumps to Orton with the rope holding him in place. Sheamus allows Orton time to get back to his feet and hits the War Sword double axehandle to send Orton crashing down to the mat before he turns on Kurt Angle as well. A powerslam to the returning Angle leaves him wincing in pain on the mat whilst Miz re-enters the ring and goes after the fallen Orton. Both Miz and Sheamus now have control over their two opponents and they are making them hurt as they hit a barrage of punishment to try and take them out of the match. Sheamus is really going to town on Angle but he is suddenly countered with a sleeper hold by Kurt who locks it in and takes Sheamus down to the mat. Unfortunately, Miz hits a stiff kick to the side of Angle’s head and he falls down to the mat again with just Miz now on his feet.

Sheamus rolls to the outside leaving Miz to go after Kurt Angle in the ring. Miz hits the knee in the back of Angle before hitting a neckbreaker and goes for the first cover of the match.

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Angle kicks out *​

Miz is not to be put off though and he continues to work on Angle as he catches him as he gets up. With Angle on his knees, Miz hits a DDT and then milks the reaction of the crowd whilst disrespectfully kicking at Angle and declaring him to not be fit for the WWE anymore. Miz begins to stalk Angle and sets himself for the Skull Crushing Finale as Angle struggles to his feet ... With Riley applauding like a trained seal at ringside, Miz locks Angle up and then hits it, driving Angle’s face down into the mat. SKULL CRUSHING FINALE! It looks like Kurt Angle’s dream return is to turn into a bitter nightmare as Miz goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Angle kicks out again! *​

Miz cannot believe it and he complains long and hard to the referee before he realises that Randy Orton is back in the ring. Orton goes after Miz who tries to hit a discus punch but Orton ducks and catches Miz with a belly to belly suplex of his own proving that Angle is not the only one capable of a high impact suplex in this match. Orton is building himself up and he grabs Miz as he tries to escape and drags him through the ropes for Orton’s trademark hanging DDT. Bam! Miz is driven face first into the mat and Orton goes for the pinfall ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Miz just kicks out *​

Orton gets to his feet with that look in his eye and it looks like it is RKO time for Miz. However, no sooner is he on his feet than he is suddenly laid out by Sheamus who hits a devastating Brogue Kick to the former champion. Orton’s eyes are glazed as Sheamus makes the cover, is this the end for Randy Orton?

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Orton kicks out *​

Sheamus takes a step back into the corner once more and he is planning another Brogue Kick for Orton by the looks of it. As Orton staggers up, Sheamus rushes over, foot high ... Orton ducks and the referee takes the full force of Sheamus’ foot in his face. With the referee down, there is real concern that this could take a turn for the worse and Sheamus immediately realises that this could be his chance. After hitting a clothesline to Orton, Sheamus drops down from the ring and goes under the ring where he is beckoning for something. Obviously speaking to Hornswoggle, Sheamus comes back up with a steel pipe in his hand and smiles a knowing smile. He awaits Orton getting back to his feet with the steel pipe in his hand as Miz sits back against the barricades looking on but wisely deciding to stay out of the ring at this moment. Riley is beside Miz and urges him to stay where he is as well but Orton unknowingly gets to his feet with help from the ropes as Sheamus waits ... and waits ... BAM! SHEAMUS SMASHES ORTON HARD WITH THE STEEL PIPE! The crowd are booing and jeering but Sheamus doesn’t care as he tries to revive the referee in the corner of the ring. Randy Orton is spark out and Sheamus, with the referee wearily looking, covers the Viper ... The referee is struggling to keep his head up as he starts to wriggle towards Sheamus and Randy Orton. Sheamus has had the pin on Orton for at least ten seconds but the referee is still dazed from the Brogue Kick ...

*** TIME TO PLAY THE GAME ***

The crowd go wild as Triple H appears on stage ready to fight and looking incensed at Sheamus’ recent actions. Hunter heads for the ring with the referee still down and a shocked Sheamus gets to his feet and watches Triple H heading towards him ... Sheamus backs away as Triple H approaches the ring and then – when Hunter slides into the ring – Sheamus exits and rushes round the ring looking for the escape route. Hunter picks up the steel pipe that Sheamus left in the ring and he smiles before going back out of the ring after the Irish man. Sheamus backs away up the ramp as Triple H advances towards him with the steel pipe in his hand ... whilst this is happening, the opportunistic Miz slides into the ring and makes a cover on Randy Orton and the referee has enough about him to make the count ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Orton kicks out! *​

Miz holds his head in his hands as the referee gets to his feet and shakes himself clear. Once he is up, the referee calls over the ring announcer Justin Roberts and whispers in his ear ...

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Ladies and Gentlemen, I have just been informed by the referee that Sheamus has been disqualified for the use of the steel pipe!

Sheamus looks incensed on the stage and he dares to come forward a few steps but soon changes his mind when he sees Triple H raise the steel pipe. With Triple H stalking him, Sheamus decides to run for it instead and he exits the arena as Triple H follows ...

JIM ROSS: Sheamus is gone, just Miz, Orton and Angle remain. Who will challenge Wade Barrett at Vengeance?

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********

NEXT MONDAY LIVE ON RAW!

********** COMMERCIAL BREAK **********​

JIM ROSS: Welcome back to Monday Night RAW, Sheamus has been disqualified for use of the steel pipe and now we are down to the Miz, Randy Orton and Kurt Angle as we look to determine the Number 1 contender for Wade Barrett’s title.

WADE BARRETT: I’ve got to say that I’m a little sad that Sheamus has gone, we come from the same part of the world, it would have been nice to show that the British Isles produces the best in the world at Venageance.

JERRY LAWLER: Are you saying you would have wanted to face Sheamus?

WADE BARRETT: Sheamus is probably the best of a pretty sorry bunch of contenders. I’ll happily face any of these three and I will retain my title easily ...

The Miz is now in charge as he stomps away at Kurt Angle in the middle of the ring, Randy Orton in the corner after the brutal beating he took from Sheamus before. Miz shoots Angle into the ropes and then hits a spinning side slam to the Olympian before hooking the leg and going for a cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Angle kicks out *​

Miz is still looking confident however and he kicks away at the lower back of Angle now before using his feet to push Angle out of the ring. He turns his attentions towards Orton again and hits a big boot to the side of Orton’s head as he is getting to his feet. Great move by Miz, goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Orton kicks out *​

Miz springboards off the middle rope and drops his leg across the throat and chest of Orton before locking in the Camel Clutch. He sits on Orton’s lower back and pulls him back by the chin causing tension in the back of the Viper who is groaning in pain. Miz demands that Orton taps out and demands that the referee rings the bell but Orton doesn’t tap out and refuses to give in. Orton starts to wriggle towards the ropes, dragging Miz with him, and he just makes it with his fingertips and the referee orders Miz to let go. Angle is getting back into the ring behind him but Miz notices and hits another boot to the head of Angle and sends him crashing back out of the ring. Riley continues to applaud and he then grabs Angle and slams him back first into the barricades. The referee notices this though and he demands that Riley leave the ringside area ... Riley is incensed at the decision of the referee and Miz complains bitterly too but there is no changing the referee’s mind. Riley is forced to leave the ring and has to leave Miz to fight one on one ... on one. Miz is not happy but he manages to run at Orton and hits a swinging neckbreaker that leaves Orton down on the mat again ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Orton manages to kick out *​

Frustration building a little in him, Miz composes and retreats to the corner and prepares to go for another Skull Crushing Finale, this time to Randy Orton. Miz waits and waits as Orton gets up but then locks in the Half Nelson before crashing Orton down face first to the canvas. Orton is rolled over, Miz hooks the leg ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* 3 *​

Miz jumps up in celebration as the crowd are shocked until the referee notices that Orton had his hand on the ropes. He waves off the pinfall and explains to Miz what happened but he gets no understanding. Miz is furious and kicks the ropes in temper before pushing the referee and arguing in his face ... The referee refuses to budge and Miz is forced to accept that complaining is not going to change the referee’s mind. He turns to go back after Orton ... RKO! RANDY ORTON HITS THE RKO TO THE MIZ! Orton is going to go for the cover when suddenly, Angle lifts him up and hits a belly to belly suplex throw that sends Orton flying under the rope to the outside. Angle grabs the Miz’ leg and locks in the Ankle Lock submission move! The move that Angle made famous, he twists and pulls at the lower leg and foot of the Miz until he has no choice ...

* TAP *
* TAP *
* TAP *​

JUSTIN ROBERTS: The Miz has been eliminated!

JERRY LAWLER: And we’re down to Orton and Angle, who would you want to face at Vengeance, Wade?

WADE BARRETT: Like I said earlier, I’ll face either of them. One of them has had his chance and I’ve beaten him over and over, the other is a coward who should have given it up five years ago. I don’t care which one wins.

Kurt Angle holds his arm up in celebration as Miz is forced to retreat up the ramp, hobbling on his leg and cursing the referee. Angle is met in the centre of the ring by an irate Randy Orton who isn’t happy that Angle suplexed him before he could pin the Miz moments ago. The two stare down each other and there is a buzz in the air now as these two will have to battle to determine the Number 1 contender ... However, just as they are about to start fighting ...

*** MY TIME IS NOW ***

JIM ROSS: What the hell is he doing out here?

JERRY LAWLER: He did promise to show up, JR!

JIM ROSS: But not now, dammit King, not now!

Orton and Angle turn to face John Cena as he walks down to the ring with a purpose. There is no saluting the fans, no handshakes for the WWE Universe in the aisle, just a clear focus on Randy Orton ... Cena doesn’t even acknowledge the presence of Kurt Angle in the ring, a man he had a storied rivalry with in the past on SMACKDOWN. Cena doesn’t enter the ring, he stands at the end of the ramp and watches as Orton’s attention is back on Kurt Angle although not fully now. Angle and Orton lock up and Angle manages to take down Orton with a double leg takedown before going for the ankle of the Viper. Orton escapes and locks a headlock into Angle before dragging him down across his back for a Backbreaker. A glance at Cena shows that Orton is not completely focused as he begins to stomp on the arms and legs of Angle before lifting Angle back to his feet. Orton locks Angle in and looks for a belly to belly suplex but Angle counters by locking his foot around Orton’s leg and denying him. Angle reverses and hits the suplex himself before taking a second to breathe. Whilst he does, Angle looks quizzically at John Cena and asks him why he is out here but Cena just ignores Angle ...

As Orton gets up, Angle locks his hands around his waist and hits a German Suplex to Orton that crashes him down on his back and shoulders. Rolling through, Angle hits a second German Suplex this time holding on for the pin ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Orton kicks out *​

Angle lifts Orton up and hits a back suplex before climbing the corner buckles and going to the top rope. With the crowd gasping, they realise what is coming and Angle jumps backwards for a picture perfect moonsault ... at least, it would have been had Orton not moved at the last second. Angle crashes into the mat beside Orton and both men are now struggling. Orton casts a glance over at Cena again but then goes for the Olympic Slam ... Angle jumps out of it to counter it and then looks over at Orton furiously. ‘How dare you use MY move against me?’ he shouts and Orton simply smirks. Angle hits a European uppercut and goes to work determined to give Orton a lesson now and he hits another suplex to take Orton down once more. Angle begins to stalk Orton and it is clear that he is setting up for the Angle Slam ... the crowd are mixed and divided as they wait ... Orton gets to his feet, Angle grabs him ... ANGLE SLAM TO RANDY ORTON! Kurt Angle goes for the cover ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Orton kicks out *​

Somehow, Randy Orton has managed to kick out on instinct alone, such is his desire for the WWE Championship. The camera focuses on Wade Barrett who is looking worried – so he should be regardless of who wins this match – and then on Cena who remains passive but focused at ringside. Angle is looking frustrated but knows what to do and he locks in the Ankle Lock once again, this time to Orton. Orton is writhing in pain as Angle twists his foot with everything he has and Orton’s hand is stretching out for the rope right in front of John Cena. Cena stares into the eyes of Orton as he tries to escape and somehow the sight of Cena seems to spur Orton on. Randy manages to make the bottom rope to the dismay of Kurt Angle and the delight of half the crowd. Angle drags Orton up and slams his forehead into the top turnbuckle before hitting another German suplex and holding on for the pin ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Noo! Orton kicks out! *​

Angle gets to his feet and stares down at Orton who he cannot seem to put away here. Angle goes to the top rope once more and goes for a Diving Headbutt from the top but suddenly Orton jumps up quickly and catches Kurt with a perfect RKO! MY WORD, WHAT AN RKO FROM RANDY ORTON! Orton struggles over to make the pinfall, here we go ...

* 1 *
* 2 *
* Cena pulls Orton out of the ring as Kurt Angle attempts a kick out *​

It is unclear if Kurt was going to kick out in time but Cena certainly did his best to cost Orton the title there. Cena backs away down the ramp as Orton is down on his knees unbelieving what his former team-mate from Survivor Series just did. The crowd are booing and jeering John Cena as he backs onto the stage ... Orton is in danger of being counted out now as the referee reaches 7 ...

* 8 *
* 9 *
* Orton just gets back into the ring in time *​

Orton complains to the referee about the actions of Cena but the referee justifies his decision not to disqualify Angle ... Orton turns towards Angle but the Olympian is ready now and he hits the perfect Angle Slam on Randy Orton! ANGLE SLAM! What will Kurt do now? He grabs the leg of Randy Orton and locks in the Ankle Lock once more ... Orton tries desperately to fight out but he is in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go. Angle, knowing that Orton has made it to the ropes twice to escape already, grapevines the hold and makes it desperately difficult for Orton to escape now ...

* TAP *
* TAP *
* TAP *​

WINNER: Kurt Angle (13:38)

JUSTIN ROBERTS: Here is your winner and the Number 1 contender for the WWE Championship ... KURT ANGLE!

‘Medal’ blasts out around the arena and the returning Kurt Angle is now the Number 1 contender which most people are happy about in some way ... Orton rolls out of the ring and staggers up the ramp, staring back at the stage where Cena is stood and waving his hand in front of his face ... ‘You can’t see me!’ Cena mouths at Orton and then turns and walks out of the arena to leave Orton on his knees on the ramp looking furious. He gets up and hobbles after Cena but is unlikely to catch him now ...

Meanwhile, back in the ring, Angle is celebrating with the fans and it seems like the perfect return as the crowd cheer him and chant ‘USA! USA!’ for him. However, suddenly, Wade Barrett crashes the WWE Championship belt into his back as he is stood on the middle ropes. Angle drops down in pain as his music stops and he slowly turns round ... WHACK! Barrett smashes him in the face with the title belt now instead. With the new Number 1 contender down and out in the ring, Barrett stands over him and holds the title belt up high as the jeers rain down on him and RAW fades away ...

********** END OF SHOW **********​