Okay, the other thread is big, long, and intimidating. Basically, what you need to know is that in September 2003, Ernie Rowe somehow became the guy in charge of the WWE Creative Team. So in terms of this diary, forget everything you know that has happened in the WWE from Summerslam 2003 and on.

And you should also know that Rowe helped WWE win a countersuit against the World Wildlife Fund, and the company has gone back to being the World Wrestling Federation. It was a time of great happiness.

The last diary ended with WrestleMania 23. This new one is going to start in August 2007, about five months later. Quite a bit has gone on between diaries.

John Cena returned to the Smackdown brand in April. Rhyno, the reigning WWF Champion, was a newly turned face who was battling Don Callis and his evil stable consisting of AJ Styles, Matt Stryker, Low Ki, and Rodney Mack. Since Rhyno had no friends among the faces, Rhyno needed back-up and called in his old pal, John Cena. In July, Smackdown brought back the Great American Bash pay-per-view, where Cena showed his true colors by turning on Rhyno and declaring that he wanted a shot at the WWF Championship.

Rey Mysterio came back from his injury, but has sort of been lost in the shuffle in his first months back. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to catch the United States and Cruiserweight titles.

Simon Diamond beat Paul London for the United States title at a house show on April Fool's Day. This was meant to cause a rattle in the IWC, since many fans thought it was a joke.

Kid Kash and Johnny Stamboli both went down with injuries during this time. Neither man is expected to return to WWF television. Alex Arion also tore his triceps, but he should be back by the time this diary begins.

AJ Styles suffered a minor hand injury in late May, but only missed the weekend house shows and an episode of Smackdown.

Matt Hardy and Tommy Dreamer were both released from their contracts after many months of low morale. Developmental workers Mike Kruel and Jason Lee were also released.

Paul Heyman had to step back from managing Bryan Danielson due to a triceps injury.

Samoa Joe made his Smackdown debut on May 3rd. He beat Sonjay Dutt in a squash match. Joe has quickly risen up the ranks on Smackdown, winning the King of the Ring tournament in June and facing Kurt Angle at the Great American Bash in July.

Other tidbits:

Charlie Haas jumped over to Raw shortly before WrestleMania. He formed a heel/face tag team with Frank Shamrock. They captured the World Tag Team Championship on the Raw before King of the Ring.

Steve Corino headed over to Smackdown after being exhiled from Raw. He got lost in the shuffle on Smackdown, but did befriend Shelton Benjamin, who was also lost after his tag partner left for Raw.

Chris Jericho became a part timer on Raw, taking Corino's spot at WrestleMania. However, Jericho's responsibilities in Japan caught up with him and he had to back out of his pay-per-appearance contract.

As a result of Jericho leaving Raw, Corino used a claus in his contract allowing him to have his old spot back. He brought Shelton Benjamin to Raw with him.

Funaki was moved to Raw.

Doug and Danny Basham moved to Raw after their Smackdown contract expired.

Danny Doring was released from his contract.

On the last episode of Smackdown, Don Callis fired Orlando Jordan.

Title changes:

Simon Diamond won the U.S. title from Paul London on 4/1.

Low Ki and newcomer Christopher Idol beat Chad Collyer and Paul London to win the WWF Tag Team Championship on the August 1st edition of Smackdown. Low Ki was a substitute for Ace Steel, Idol's usual partner.

John Jeter won the Intercontinental Championship from Adam Hastey at Backlash.

Lance Storm won the Intercontinental Championship from Jeter two weeks after Backlash, on an episode of Raw. Storm's former partner, Justin Credible, realized that his career had stalled since betraying Storm. Credible wanted to make things up to Storm, so he arranged himself to be the referee of the title match. Credible screwed Jeter out of the title, despite Storm not wanting him to.

CM Punk beat Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship at the King of the Ring, cashing in on his Money in the Bank title shot.

Chris Benoit won the World title back from CM Punk at Fully Loaded.

Jamie Noble won the U.S. title from Simon Diamond at the Great American Bash.

You STILL haven't signed him. GOD DAMMIT ROWE, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE FOR THE PEOPLE!

In the break between diaries, Backlash, Judgment Day, King of the Ring, Fully Loaded, and Great American Bash were held on pay-per-view. Here are the results:

Backlash
April 22nd 2007

Heat: Lance Storm beat Rob Conway

Hurricane, Shannon Moore, and Billy Kidman beat Kid Romeo, Test, and Chris Chetti in a tables match

Christian beat Julio Dinero

CM Punk beat Brian Kendrick

Women's Champion Jazz beat Trish Stratus

Charlie Haas beat Frank Shamrock

John Jeter beat Adam Hastey to win the Intercontinental Championship

Bryan Danielson beat Shawn Michaels

World Champion Chris Benoit beat Randy Orton

Judgment Day
May 20th 2007

Heat: Samoa Joe beat J.R. Ryder

Kurt Angle wrestled Low Ki to a 30 minute draw

Jay and Mark Briscoe beat Steve Corino and Shelton Benjamin

U.S. Champion Simon Diamond beat Johnny Stamboli

John Cena beat Rodney Mack

Cruiserweight Champion JC Ice beat Kazarian, Scoot Andrews, and Jamie Noble

WWF Tag Team Champions Chad Collyer and Paul London beat AJ Styles and Matt Stryker

WWF Champion Rhyno beat Sean O'Haire (with Trent Acid)

King of the Ring
June 17th 2007

Heat: Christopher Idol beat Kazarian

Shawn Michaels, Brian Kendrick, and Julio Dinero beat Randy Orton, Bryan Danielson, and Christian

KOTR Semifinal: John Jeter beat Lance Storm

KOTR Semifinal: Samoa Joe beat Jamie Noble

World Tag Team Champions Frank Shamrock and Charlie Haas beat Adam Hastey and Austin Lee, Kid Romeo and Chris Chetti, and Hurricane and Shannon Moore

U.S. Champion Simon Diamond beat John Cena, and Rey Mysterio

WWF Champion Rhyno beat Low Ki, AJ Styles, and Kurt Angle

KOTR Finals: Samoa Joe beat John Jeter

CM Punk beat Chris Benoit to win the World Championship

Fully Loaded
July 15th 2007

Heat: Julio Dinero beat BJ Whitmer

Women's Champion Jazz beat Erica Porter

Brian Kendrick beat Christian

Rob Conway and Randy Orton beat Doug and Danny Basham

World Tag Team Champions Charlie Haas and Frank Shamrock beat Shelton Benjamin and Steve Corino

Bryan Danielson beat Shawn Michaels

Intercontinental Champion Lance Storm beat Justin Credible, and John Jeter

Kid Romeo and Chris Chetti beat Hurricane and Shannon Moore

Chris Benoit beat CM Punk to win the World title

Great American Bash
July 29th 2007

Heat: Jimmy Rave and Nova beat Rodney Mack and Reno

John Cena beat Matt Stryker

Ryan Wing won a 10 man battle royal

Jamie Noble beat Simon Diamond to win the U.S. title.

Cruiserweight Champion JC Ice beat Rey Mysterio

WWF Tag Team Champions Paul London and Chad Collyer beat Christopher Idol and Low Ki

Samoa Joe beat Kurt Angle

Sean O'Haire, Trent Acid, and Scoot Andrews beat Kazarian, Orlando Jordan, and J.R. Ryder

WWF Champion Rhyno beat AJ Styles

:lol:

This is really going to piss you off... I actually had Kane under contract for a good chunk of the time the diary was in retirement. He showed up here and there, wrestled some one shot matches, even squashed Kid Romeo (I considered making him the Hardcore champ at one point).

Perhaps Kane will be back sooner than later.

Oh, and I'm about to edit in the results to Fully Loaded and Great American Bash.

Official Rosters

Raw

Main Eventers:
Bryan Danielson
Chris Benoit (World Heavyweight Champion)
CM Punk
Randy Orton

Upper Midcarders:
Adam Hastey
Austin Lee
Brian Kendrick
John Jeter
Lance Storm (Intercontinental Champion)
Steve Corino

Midcarders:
Billy Kidman
Charlie Haas (World Tag Team Champion)
Chris Chetti
Danny Basham
Doug Basham
Frank Shamrock (World Tag Team Champion)
Hurricane
Julio Dinero
Justin Credible
Kid Romeo (Hardcore Champion)
Rob Conway
Shannon Moore
Shelton Benjamin
Test

Lower Midcarders:
BJ Whitmer
Colt Cabana
Funaki
Jay Lethal
Jeremy Lopez
Ozzy Benton
Seth Knight

Women Roster:
Alexis Laree
Daffney
Chrissy Wolf
Erica Porter
Gail Kim
Jazz (Women's Champion)
Lita
Lucy Carter
Molly Holly
Taylor Matheny
Trish Stratus
Victoria

Non-wrestlers/Other:
Eric Bischoff (absent)
Shawn Michaels (Raw GM)
Paul Heyman (injured)

Smackdown

Main Eventers:
AJ Styles
Chad Collyer
Kurt Angle
Rhyno (WWF Champion)

Upper Midcarders:
J.R. Ryder
Jamie Noble (United States Champion)
John Cena
Low Ki (WWF Tag Team Champion)
Orlando Jordan (recently "fired" by Don Callis)
Paul London
Rey Mysterio
Samoa Joe
Sean O'Haire

Midcarders:
Ace Steel
Chris Candido
Christopher Idol (WWF Tag Team Champion)
Jay Briscoe
JC Ice (Cruiserweight Champion)
Jimmy Rave
Kazarian
Mark Briscoe
Matt Stryker
Nova
Rodney Mack
Ryan Wing
Scoot Andrews
Simon Diamond
Trent Acid
Ultimo Dragon

Lower Midcarders:
Alex Arion
Bill DeMott
Chris Hero
Men's Teioh
Nunzio
Paul Birchill (soon to debut)
Quenaan Creed
Reno
Roderick Strong
Sedrick Strong
Shashka Corbett
Sonjay Dutt
Steve Bradley

Nonwrestlers/Other:
Don Callis (Smackdown GM)

GRR! I'm fantasy booking 1995 when I feel like it. Tell me your favorite wrestlers from then so I can job them out to Well Dunn.

:lol:

I was a big fan of that Glen Jacobs guy, whatever happened to him?

...

(throws flaming toilet paper at Rowe)

Wait...

(forces Rowe to watch See No Evil 56 times)

Raw
August 6th 2007

-The crowd cheers, the fireworks explode, and Mike Tenay and Al Snow are thrilled to welcome us to another exciting edition of Monday Night Raw! They review last week’s Raw, where Chris Benoit found himself facing CM Punk and Bryan Danielson in a handicap match, because they beat up Benoit’s scheduled partner, Brian Kendrick. Benoit lost the handicap match, though it was only after Randy Orton interfered. Tonight, Punk and Danielson will team up again to face Chris Benoit and a mystery partner, whose identity is being kept secret for his own protection.

Technically Superior (Charlie Haas and Frank Shamrock) vs Shelton Benjamin and Steve Corino

Match Background: Technically Superior are the reigning World Tag Team champions, and have been since 11 June 2007. The titles are not on the line in this one. Shamrock and Haas won the titles from Adam Hastey and Austin Lee back in June and the Punk Rockers have failed to regain the belts since.

The Match: Frank Shamrock and Shelton Benjamin start the match off and thrill the crowd with their athletic style of hard hitting wrestling. Shamrock dominates initially, using his brute force, but the agile Shelton Benjamin fights back and traps his opponent in several variations of a reverse chin lock. Haas, who is a natural heel despite teaming with the fan favorite, Shamrock, enters the ring to stop the submission hold. Shelton tags in Steve Corino, who is merciless with his hard right hands to the temple of Frank Shamrock. Corino hits Shamrock so hard that he even begins to bleed a little. Finally, Shamrock tags in Haas, who cleans house on Corino and Benjamin. Haas positions Steve Corino for the Haas of Pain, but the referee misses Corino tapping out due to some antics from Shelton Benjamin. Adam Hastey of the Punk Rockers rushes the ring and cracks a baseball bat across Charlie Haas and exits before Frank Shamrock can catch him. Corino covers Haas and the referee counts 1….2…..3! Adam Hastey cost Technically Superior the match! **1/2 for some solid action, though the finish hurt it.
Winners at 7:30: Steve Corino and Shelton Benjamin

That crafty old HBK…

The Raw General Manager, Shawn Michaels, is walking through the backstage area, pausing briefly to shake Seth Knight’s hand. HBK turns a corner and finds that CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Randy Orton have been waiting for him.

Danielson: Okay, Shawn. We’re sick of your games. Who is Benoit’s partner tonight?

HBK: I’m not telling you.

Punk: Come on now, Shawn! How are Bryan and I going to prepare for our match if we don’t even know who we will be facing!

HBK: After that stunt you three pulled last week, beating up Brian Kendrick, I don’t have to tell you a damn thing.

Orton: You are making a mistake, Shawn. You do not want to make us mad. You see, the three of us have united to make sure that Raw changes for the better. We will not let you push us around any longer.

HBK: Oh, I see how it is. You three think you are going to be the new “super stable” here on Raw? You want to be the next Evolution? Maybe even the next D-X or nWo? That’s not going to happen, I have worked too hard to make Raw the show where superstars get fair treatment. You three think you are going to play mind games with me? Think again. If I know one thing about the three of you, it is that you are all incredibly selfish. You will not last as a unit. And to make sure of that… how about you (points to Bryan Danielson) and you (points to Randy Orton) wrestle each other at Summerslam… and the winner gets a World title shot the next night on Raw.

The room gets tense as Orton and Danielson are starring each other down.

HBK: Thank you for proving my point. Oh, and Randy, don’t be late for your match. It’s up next.

Randy Orton (with Bryan Danielson and CM Punk) vs Funaki

Match Background: Funaki recently joined the Raw brand earlier this summer after his Smackdown contract expired. Orton recently found out he is facing Bryan Danielson at Summerslam.

The Match: Orton aggressively takes the fight to Funaki. Orton grounds the smaller grappler with closed fists to the back of Funaki’s next. Orton goes for his side headlock and wears his opponent down. Funaki fights out of the head lock and mounts a small comeback. Funaki gets a dropkick and a springboard off the ropes in on Orton, before CM Punk grabs him by the ankles from ringside. The distraction is enough for Orton to hit the RKO on Funaki and get the 1….2….3! This was pretty much a squash, ½*.
Winner at 2:31: Randy Orton

Captain Charisma fights again.

Christian is backstage, about to be interviewed by Todd Grisham. Todd asks him what Christian plans to do, now that he and Test are no longer associated with Kid Romeo and Chris Chetti. Christian explains that tonight he is going to stop worrying about others and for now on he is about himself and no one else. Christian says that tonight he will take the Intercontinental Championship. Suddenly, Justin Credible walks in and tells Christian he has a good feeling that Storm will retain the title. Christian pushes Credible against the wall and threatens Credible, warning him to stay out of his match.

Intercontinental Championship: Lance Storm © vs Christian (with Test)

Match Background: This match is for the WWF Intercontinental title. Lance Storm has been WWF Intercontinental champion since 07 May 2007. For the past several months, Storm has been plagued by unwanted help from Justin Credible. Credible woke up one day and realized that his career had been suffering ever since he turned on Storm and he desperately wants to reform the Impact Players.

The Match: Just as the match is about to begin, both Storm and Christian are annoyed to see that Justin Credible has come out on the stage with a steel chair. They both protest his presence to the referee. Credible unfolds the chair and has a seat on the stage, so the referee decides to ignore him. Storm hands his IC title to the timekeeper, and Christian takes this opportunity to jump him. Christian hits some punches and chokes Storm on the bottom rope. Christian stomps away at Storm, but Storm reverses an attempt at a leg lock and tosses Christian over the ropes and lands on Test. We head to a commercial break. After the break, we find that Christian took the advantage during the commercials. Christian has Storm in a sleeper and the life is fading from him. Storm fights out of it after a few minutes and hits a spinning DDT on Christian. Storm goes for the cover and gets 1….2….NO! Christian is on his feet again and tries to hit some stiff punches on Storm, more than likely interested in hitting the Unprettier. Storm tosses Christian over the ropes again and pursues his opponent. Storm whips Christian into the ring steps. The referee checks on Christian, turning his back to Storm. Test takes this opportunity to catch Storm off guard with the big boot. Test throws Christian back into the ring. Christian takes forever limping in and makes a cover attempt. It gets 1…..2…..2.999! Storm kicks out! Christian is outraged. Test tosses a steel cage to Christian. Christian turns around and Storm super kicks the chair into his face! The referee lets it go and counts as Storm covers Christian for the 1….2…..3! Lance Storm retains the title! This was a good television match, ***1/2.
Winner at 12:35 and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Lance Storm

After the match, Justin Credible takes his steel chair and attacks both Test and Christian with it. Storm watches in disgust and heads up the ramp. Credible grabs the microphone and asks Storm if he would be his partner in a match against Christian and Test at Summerslam. Storm responds by giving Credible the bird and leaving.

Has-been?

Backstage, John Jeter is hanging out with his girlfriend, Trish Stratus. They are having a lively conversation when they stop because Test is helping a bloody Christian walk by.

Christian: What the hell are you two looking at?

Jeter: A has-been.

Christian: Excuse me!

Jeter: Oh, you’re right, I apologize. I meant to say a “never-was.”

Christian lunges onto Jeter and Test has to pull Christian off to keep Jeter from hurting Christian any further.

The Punk Rockers (with Chrissy Wolf)vs Hurricane and Shannon Moore

Match Background: Helms and Moore are one of the most experienced teams in the promotion. Earlier, Adam Hastey cost Frank Shamrock and Charlie Haas their match against Steve Corino and Shelton Benjamin. Chrissy Wolf is the manager of the Punk Rockers, she debuted around WrestleMania time.

The Match: This is the usual great match between the Punk Rockers and Moore/Hurricane. The Punk Rockers use their dastardly heel tactics to keep Shannon Moore isolated in their corner and in need of a hot tag. Hurricane finally gets the tag, and cleans house on Hastey and Lee. Hurricane’s momentum is stopped when Chrissy Wolf distracts the referee, allowing Austin Lee to hit a vicious low blow on Hurricane. The Punk Rockers look like they are going to steal a win, when Charlie Haas comes rushing down the ramp and jumps into the ring. Haas hits a T-Bone suplex on Lee, and leaves. Wolf is horrified as she watches helplessly as Hurricane pins Austin Lee for the victory.
Winners at 7:04: Hurricane and Shannon Moore

Those evil divas.

The WWF Women’s Champion, Jazz, and Molly Holly are walking down a hallway. Jazz orders Molly to destroy Erica Porter in their match. Molly agrees when she bumps into an unfamiliar blonde face. This unknown diva smiles and introduces herself but Molly just looks stunned. “Do you even know who I am?” demands Jazz. The two evil divas shove their way past the newcomer and head to the ring.

Molly Holly (with Jazz) vs Erica Porter

Match Background: Erica Porter was the most recent challenger to Jazz’s Women’s Championship. Jazz is hoping that Molly will bury Erica for good in this match.

The Match: Molly and Porter tie up and go through the motions of a formulaic women’s match. Porter hits some good offense on Molly, including a powerful DDT and even attempts a superplex. Molly reverses that move and sends Porter crashing down to the mat. Molly hits the Molly-Go-Round for the 1,2,3. The match was nothing special, ½*
Winner at 3:39: Molly Holly

After the match, Jazz and Molly proceed to beat down Erica Porter. This summons the blonde newcomer to run out and make the save. The unknown diva tosses Molly over the top ropes and hits Jazz with a great looking back breaker. Jazz escapes as well.

The main event:
CM Punk and Bryan Danielson come out to the ring for their match against Chris Benoit and his mystery partner. Benoit comes out, looking kind of bruised after the beating he took last week. Finally, his partner is introduced as the man that Don Callis just fired on the last episode of Smackdown: Orlando Jordan! Even better, he has brought Stacy Keibler with him!

Chris Benoit and Orlando Jordan (with Stacy Keibler) vs CM Punk and Bryan Danielson

Match Background: Chris Benoit is the reigning World Heavyweight champion, and has been since 15 July 2007. Benoit beat CM Punk for the World title at Fully Loaded. Punk wants another title shot but has not been given any hint if one is in his future or not.

The Match: The match begins with a brawl between all four men. Finally, Jordan and Danielson spill out of the ring, leaving CM Punk and Chris Benoit to exchange chops. Punk’s chest is raw after a few minutes and takes a vicious head butt from Benoit. Benoit blows his nose on Punk and looks to lock in the Crossface. Punk avoids the hold and takes Benoit down with a reverse Russian leg sweep. Punk goes for the Devil’s Lock, but Benoit is crafty enough to avoid it. Mike Tenay on commentary makes a note that Benoit and Punk have wrestled each other so much that they know exactly what the other one will do next. Punk makes a tag to Bryan Danielson, who also has a storied history against Benoit. Danielson hits some stiff shots to Benoit’s skull and a few chops of his own. Benoit comes back, hitting a painful German suplex on American Dragon. Benoit makes the tag, and Orlando Jordan makes his first moves in a Raw ring. Jordan hits some clotheslines on Danielson and sends him into the corner. Jordan monkey flips Danielson to the mat and goes for an abdominal stretch. Danielson fights out of the move and sends Jordan crashing into the turnbuckle. We take a commercial break. After the break, CM Punk has Jordan caught in a body headscissors. Jordan really wants a tag, but Punk has him trapped in the center of the ring. Jordan is able to connect some punches to the skull of CM Punk and escapes the hold. Jordan tags in Benoit, who hits a trilogy of German suplexes on Punk. Benoit signals for the diving headbutt. Benoit goes to the top turnbuckle, but Danielson shakes the ropes and Benoit hits the mat hard. Punk takes control again and tags in Danielson for the double team. Punk holds Benoit still to take a shot from Danielson, but Benoit ducks. Danielson accidentally knocked Punk in the skull. Benoit hits another German on Danielson soon after. Meanwhile, Jordan climbs to the top rope and hits a beautiful moonsault on Danielson. Benoit finishes it up with the Crippler Crossface on Danielson, who taps about after several seconds. This was a great, fresh tag team main event, ***3/4.
Winners at 16:30: Chris Benoit and Orlando Jordan

The fight is not done after the match. Randy Orton runs out and a huge three on two beat-down begins. Shawn Michaels and a limping Brian Kendrick run out to make the save. The chaos continues when Orton’s protégé, Rob Conway, comes out to attack Kendrick further. Things become even more crazy. CM Punk gets on the microphone and claims that he has big plans on inflicting pain on Benoit, Michaels, Jordan, and Kendrick. He calls out… the Punk Rockers! Adam Hastey and Austin Lee come down to the ring carrying their baseball bats, but on their way they are jumped by Frank Shamrock and Charlie Haas. Technically Superior leaves the Punks down on the ground and rush into the ring and allow Benoit and Jordan to be revived. The show ends with all the faces standing in the ring taunting as the heels angrily back up the ramp. The battle lines have been drawn!

Smackdown!
August 9th 2007

-We start with a look back at the Great American Bash when John Cena ambushed Rhyno, right after a successful WWF title defense against AJ Styles. This is followed by footage of Cena last week on Smackdown, saying that he is sick of being Rhyno’s lackey. Cena challenged Rhyno to a WWF Championship match at Summerslam, which Rhyno has accepted.

-The fireworks go off, the fans cheer, and Michael Cole is so excited to be here live on Smackdown, that it’s a wonder he doesn’t collapse from a brain aneurysm. Tazz is excited too, and we have a big show tonight. Ryan Wing will challenge JC Ice for the Cruiserweight Championship, the Briscoe Boyz will face Christopher Idol and Low Ki for the WWF Tag Team Championship, and Jamie Noble will defend the United States Championship against the two time former champ, Rodney Mack.

Good News!

Don Callis and his associates, Low Ki, Matt Stryker, and Rodney Mack come out to the arena. Callis takes a microphone and has “bad news” for everyone. Callis announces that after his loss at the Great American Bash, AJ Styles will not be here tonight. In fact, AJ Styles may not ever return! The crowd pops big time for this, save for some smarks in the front row. Callis says that this does not mean he wants to give up on his quest to rid Rhyno of the WWF Championship, because he has just signed a new client. This new client isn’t just any client, he is the number one contender: John Cena. Cena comes out to the arena to a chorus of boos and shakes hands with Callis. Cena takes the microphone and insults the size of Rhyno’s penis.

This brings out Rhyno, who charges the ring and GORES Stryker, but gets stopped by Low Ki before he can get to Cena. They begin to beat down Rhyno, when Kurt Angle runs out to make the save. However, Angle is cut off by none other than Samoa Joe, who was hiding out in the audience under a trench coat. Joe slams Angle into the steel steps and raises his arms in victory. Don Callis looks surprised to see Joe, as they have not been aligned. This does not stop Callis from making a match for the main event tonight: John Cena and Samoa Joe will team up to face Rhyno and Kurt Angle!

WWF Tag Team Championship: Christopher Idol and Low Ki © (with Ace Steel) vs Briscoe Boyz

Match Background: Briscoe Boyz are one of the most experienced teams in the promotion. This match is for the WWF Tag Team titles. Idol and Ki have been WWF Tag Team champions since 02 August 2007. Low Ki was the substitute for Ace Steel as Idol’s tag partner while Steel was on the injured list. Last week, Steel made his surprise return to cost Paul London and Chad Collyer the tag titles to Idol and Low Ki.

The Match: Jay Briscoe and the much larger Christopher Idol start the match. Idol uses his size and power advantages to crush Jay Briscoe for several minutes, before making a carefree tag to Low Ki. Low Ki hits some nasty kicks on Jay, who finally gets to his corner for a tag to Mark Briscoe. Mark cleans house on Low Ki before getting a spinning kick to the face on goes down hard. Low Ki puts Mark in a reverse chin lock, but Mark fights out of it and hits a spinning DDT on Low Ki. Low Ki tags in Idol, who charges into the ring and accidentally takes out the referee with a rogue clothesline. Ace Steel runs into the ring and hits a low blow on Mark, and Idol goes for the cover, but the referee is still out. This brings out Chad Collyer and Paul London, who storm the ring and toss Steel over the top rope. Collyer hits his spinning DVD on Low Ki to flatten him out, while London hits the London Calling on Idol. They drape Mark over Idol and leave as the referee comes to. The referee counts the pinfall and the Briscoe Boyz win their first tag team championship at 8:31! Good match, weak finish, **3/4.
Winners and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions: Jay and Mark Briscoe

Cole: Collyer and London pick up a measure of payback for being screwed out of the tag titles last week!

He ain’t no pirate.

Backstage, Josh Matthews is standing by with Paul Birchill. Birchill takes this opportunity to put himself over as the best thing to happen to pro wrestling in a long time. Birchill promises victory tonight in this match against Ultimo Dragon.

Paul Birchill vs Ultimo Dragon

Match Background: None… at all.

The Match: Ultimo Dragon uses his speed and technique to overwhelm Birchill in the early going. Dragon hits his trademark Asai moonsault at one point, laying out Birchill at ringside. Birchill recovers soon after and violently whips the Dragon into the announce table. Birchill throws Dragon back into the ring and surprisingly breaks out the Sharpshooter and forces Ultimo Dragon to tap out at 4:15. Clean, short match, **.
Winner: Paul Birchill

Tazz: I really like this Paul Birchill.

Cole: He has an impressive outing tonight, he beat a tough competitor in Ultimo Dragon.

More new faces.

We see a pre-taped segment featuring Tommy Teen putting over his client, Qenaan Creed. Teen warns the Smackdown cruiserweights, as well as the heavyweights and the legends, to take Creed seriously. He will be the next World Champion, Teen guarantees it!

United States Championship: Jamie Noble © vs Rodney Mack

Match Background: This match is for the WWF United States title. Jamie Noble has been WWF United States champion since the Great American Bash on 29 July 2007.

The Match: Jamie Noble wrestles a smart match, since he is squaring off against a much bigger star in Rodney Mack. Noble concentrates his attacks to the lower back of Rodney Mack, trying to weaken him before he can catch Noble with any power moves. Noble trips Mack into the ring ropes and hits a running lariat. Mack finally loses his temper and goes to ringside and grabs a steel chair. He returns to the ring and takes a swing and misses, but connects with his second try. The referee disqualifies Mack at 3:30. The match was nothing special, ¾*.
Winner by DQ: Jamie Noble

Tazz: Why the hell would Rodney Mack throw away his title shot by getting disqualified!

What gives?

Backstage, Samoa Joe is sitting in his locker-room, getting ready for his big match tonight. Don Callis comes in and offers him a handshake. Joe declines. Callis asks Joe what his agenda is? Joe says that he wanted to get Callis’s attention since apparently winning the King of the Ring and defeating Kurt Angle at the Great American Bash was not enough. Joe says that he should be next in line for a shot at the WWF Championship. Callis tells Joe he will “think about it.”

Cruiserweight Championship: JC Ice © (with Trent Acid) vs Ryan Wing (with Chris Hero)

Match Background: This match is for the WWF Cruiserweight title. JC Ice has been WWF Cruiserweight champion since 14 December 2006. Ryan Wing earned this shot at the title by winning a 10 man battle royal at the Great American Bash.

The Match: Rey Mysterio joins Cole and Tazz at the commentary booth for this match, claiming he wants to keep a close eye on JC Ice. Ice and Wing put on a hell of a match, one that needs a commercial break in the middle. Acid tries to interfere at one point, but Chris Hero stops him. Back in the ring, Wing and Ice are trading submission holds and reversals, and Ice has even busted Wing open by dropping him head first onto the turnbuckles. Since Wing is the masochist and all, this just fires up Wing. Wing sets up Ice in the tree of woe and hits a nasty drop-kick to the gut of the champion. Ice is in trouble and almost gets pinned. Finally, Scoot Andrews runs in and takes Chris Hero out with a chair, allowing Trent Acid to hop up on the apron to distract the referee. Rey Mysterio hops up and uses the ring post to hit a modified 619 on Acid. The damage has been done though, as Ice hit a low blow on Wing and rolled him up. The referee turns around just in time to make the cover, giving Ice the win at 16:54! This was a great match, but the overbooked finish hurt it a bit, ***3/4.
Winner and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: JC Ice


His Time is Now

Josh Matthews is standing by with the number one contender, John Cena. He asks Cena how he feels about teaming up with Samoa Joe. Cena says that Joe has not yet proven himself in his eyes, and he does not know if he can trust him or not. Cena says that he knows that Joe wants a shot at Rhyno too, and makes a warning: if he even thinks Joe might betray him during the match, he will gladly give Joe an F-U too.

Rhyno and Kurt Angle vs John Cena and Samoa Joe

Match Background: Rhyno is the reigning WWF World champion, and has been since 16 July 2006. This match was set up earlier when Rhyno and Kurt Angle attacked Don Callis and his clients. Samoa Joe came to the aide of Callis, resulting in this match being made.

The Match: Rhyno insists on starting the match off, since Cena is the legal man for the other team. Cena plays a mind game by immediately tagging in Samoa Joe. Joe seems annoyed by this too. Joe and Rhyno tie up and Joe pushes Rhyno to the mat, which surprises the champion. Rhyno comes back by shoving Joe to the mat himself. This fires up Joe and they begin to trade punches. Rhyno whips Joe into the turnbuckles and goes for a running shoulder thrust, but Joe moves out of the way. Joe plants Rhyno in the corner and washes his boot on Rhyno’s face. Joe makes the tag to Cena, who is more than happy to wrestle a weakened Rhyno. Cena hits a series of clotheslines and the five knuckle shuffle, which pisses the crowd off. Rhyno makes the tag to Angle, who puts Cena through a wrestling clinic. Angle goes for the ankle lock on Cena, who escapes and tags Joe back in. Joe and Angle lock up, which leads to Angle hitting an amazing overhead belly to belly suplex! Joe hits the mat hard and is soon the victim of the ankle lock! Joe manages to flip Angle over him and makes the tag to John Cena. Cena puts Angle in the STFU, but Rhyno runs in to break the hold. Angle gets a tag to Rhyno, and he takes control of Cena. Meanwhile, a frustrated Joe decides to pull his arch-enemy, Kurt Angle, off the apron and they brawl up the ramp, leaving Joe and Cena by themselves in the ring. Rhyno goes for the GORE, but Cena moves out of the way and Rhyno hits the turnbuckles hard. This leaves him as an easy target for the F-U! Cena hits the move and makes the cover for the 1….2….3! Holy crap, John Cena just picked up a clean victory over the WWF Champion at 15:10! This match was awesome, ****1/4!
Winners: John Cena and Samoa Joe

After the match, John Cena grabs the WWF Championship and poses with it, as the crowd throws garbage in the ring.

Raw
August 13th 2007

The fans cheer, the fireworks explode, and Mike Tenay and Al Snow welcome us to another thrilling edition of Monday Night Raw! This is the last stop before Summerslam, and with only one Raw match announced for the pay-per-view, GM Shawn Michaels has his work cut out for him. Also, tonight’s main event will be CM Punk taking on the newly arrived Orlando Jordan.

The Summerslam main event.

CM Punk comes out to the arena and talks about how he deserves his rematch against Chris Benoit for the World title. He makes a challenge to Benoit for a match at Summerslam. This only brings out Adam Hastey and Austin Lee, who agree that Punk deserves that match, but they also should get a match against Frank Shamrock and Charlie Haas for the World Tag Team Championship.

Chris Benoit, Frank Shamrock, and Charlie Haas come out on the stage and claim that they do not see how the heels should get another shot at either championship. They have had plenty of opportunities these past few months and there are other more deserving contenders waiting on the wings. Shawn Michaels comes out and declares that CM Punk, Adam Hastey, and Austin Lee will wrestle Benoit, Haas, and Shamrock at Summerslam. If the champions win, the challengers will not be eligible for any title shots for 12 months. If the challengers win, they can get their rematches next month at Unforgiven. HBK then announces Adam Hastey vs Charlie Haas for after the commercial break.

Adam Hastey (with CM Punk and Austin Lee) vs Charlie Haas (with Chris Benoit and Frank Shamrock)

Match Background: Charlie Haas is one half of the World Tag Team champions.

The match: The match starts off quickly with lots of grappling and reversals. Lee and Punk keep attempting to interfere, but Benoit and Shamrock intimidate them from even trying it. Hastey gets a blind low blow on Haas and almost gets the victory with a near fall. Haas fights back after several minutes and hits a T-Bone suplex. Hastey is in a daze, so Haas locks him into the Haas of Pain for the victory at 4:14. Clean match, but short **.
Winner: Charlie Haas

After the match, a six man brawl breaks out. Mike Tenay wonders were Rob Conway, Randy Orton, and Bryan Danielson are and why they aren’t coming out to help CM Punk. Benoit ends up trapping Punk in the Crossface to end the segment.

The new diva.

Todd Grisham is standing backstage with Erica Porter and the new diva who saved her from Jazz, Gail Kim, and Molly last week. The new diva introduces herself as Lucy Carter and says it has been her dream to work in the WWF. Grisham says he recognizes her from some past appearances on Sunday Night Heat, and Carter says that was her and it was her performances in those matches that has earned her a Raw contract. Jazz, Molly, and Gail bust in and try to intimidate Porter and Carter. It doesn’t work, as Carter is so confident that she challenges the three evil divas to a 3 on 2 handicap match! Porter does not seem too thrilled with that idea.

Erica Porter and Lucy Carter vs Jazz, Molly Holly, and Gail Kim

Match Background: Jazz is the reigning WWF Womens champion, and has been since 19 March 2007. The newly debuted (and apparently naïve) Lucy Carter asked for this match.

The Match: Lucy and Jazz start the match off. Jazz aggressively pounds on Lucy, though her arrogance gets the better of her. Jazz misses an elbow drop and Lucy comes back with some spin kicks and hits a nice looking hurrancanrana on Jazz. Jazz makes a tag to Gail Kim, who is taken down repeatedly by Lucy. Lucy tags in Erica, who uses her great strength to toss Gail all over the ring. Angry, Gail tags in Molly, who smacks Porter across the face. Angry, Porter slaps her back. They both lunge on each other and the referee needs to separate them. Molly throws a temper tantrum and while the ref is attending to her, Jazz takes a steel chair and cracks Porter with it. Gail attacks Lucy to keep her from entering the ring while Molly covers Erica for the win at 3:30. Not a bad debut, *3/4.
Winners: Jazz, Molly Holly, and Gail Kim

After the match, Shawn Michaels comes out and makes Erica Porter and Lucy Carter vs Gail Kim and Molly Holly for Summerslam. He makes the stipulation that Jazz is banned from ringside.

Orlando Jordan: Raw superstar.

Todd Grisham is standing by backstage, with Orlando Jordan and Stacy. Todd welcomes Orlando to Raw and asks him how he feels about his match tonight against CM Punk. Jordan jokes around that Punk shouldn’t be too difficult after what Chris Benoit did to him earlier tonight, when suddenly BJ Whitmer walks by. Orlando and BJ lock eyes before BJ continues on his way. Stacy and Todd both look confused, and Orlando says “it’s nothing.” He vows to make a big impact tonight and pick up a victory over CM Punk.

We cut to another backstage area where CM Punk is aching from the attack from Benoit. He is yelling at Bryan Danielson, Randy Orton, and Rob Conway for not coming to his rescue. Conway explains that Danielson and Orton were having a fight due to their being forced to wrestle at Summerslam and that he was too busy making sure they didn’t strike each other. Punk curses the life of Shawn Michaels and reminds his allies that they have a match up next against Lance Storm and John Jeter.

Randy Orton and Bryan Danielson (with Rob Conway) vs John Jeter and Lance Storm

Match Background: Lance Storm is the reigning WWF Intercontinental champion, and has been since 07 May 2007. Before the match begins, we see a graphic advertising John Jeter vs Christian at Summerslam. The winner gets a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Shawn Michaels ordered last week that Bryan Danielson and Randy Orton have a #1 Contenders match at Summerslam as well, testing their unity as a faction.

The Match: Randy Orton just WALKS into a stiff lariat clothesline from Storm. A Gut buster connects on Orton and hits hard. Hooks the leg for a two count. Storm tags out to John Jeter. Storm and Jeter whip Orton into the corner. Lance Storm whips John Jeter in for a hard clothesline to follow-up. Covers for a quick two count. Spin kick by John Jeter to the face sends the opponent FLYING across the ring. Randy Orton once again takes the advantage after blocking a few punches and connecting with some forearms. Randy Orton hits a bulldog off the ropes. There's a two count on the pin. Orton tags out to Bryan Danielson. Spinning bulldog in the corner and Jeter is down! Pinfall attempt: ONE...TWO...NO! Jeter takes a flying neckbreaker from Bryan Danielson. Jeter flips out of a Bryan Danielson bodyslam attempt. Danielson takes a flying neckbreaker from John Jeter. Jeter tags out to Lance Storm. Storm drives a HARD forearm into the chest of Danielson. Tag to Randy Orton. Big dropkick by Lance Storm, who got a ton of air on the move. Orton grabs Lance Storm for Bryan Danielson, who swings...but Storm ducks, and ends up nailing Orton instead! Randy Orton is in trouble. Super Kick!!! That shook the ring. 1....2....3 for the win at 17:45! Great television match, ****.
Winners: John Jeter and Lance Storm

After the match, Orton and Danielson argue over the loss. Conway tries to get them to settle down, but Danielson shoves him to the mat. Conway gets back up and tries again, but this time Orton shoves him down. Conway, keeping his distance this time, reminds them that they are supposed to be partners and that they should shake hands. Danielson and Orton reluctantly do.

The Peep Show

Christian is backstage and he announces that next week on Raw, he will hold the first ever “The Peep Show” which will be his version of Piper’s Pit. Christian promises that he will defeat John Jeter at Summerslam and says he has a big surprise in store for Jeter.

Hardcore Championship: Kid Romeo © (with Chris Chetti) vs Billy Kidman

Match Background: This will be a hardcore bout. This match is for the WWF Hardcore title. Kid Romeo has been WWF Hardcore champion since 28 January 2007.

The Match: This is a fun garbage brawl. Romeo cracks Kidman over the head with a garbage lid and Irish whips him into a garbage can propped up in the turnbuckles. Kidman comes back by nailing Romeo with some kendo stick shots. Chetti trips Kidman, allowing Romeo to get his momentum back. Chetti tosses a shopping cart into the ring. Romeo goes to Irish whip Kidman into the cart, but Kidman reverses it and Romeo crashes into the metal with a thud! Kidman goes for the cover and it’s only a near fall. Kidman places a chair on top of Romeo and climbs to the top rope for the Shooting Star Press. Fortunately, Romeo moves out of the way and positions Kidman for the Last Kiss! Romeo hits the move and covers Kidman for the victory at 6:03. Damn fun match, **1/2.
Winner at STILL Hardcore Champion: Kid Romeo

CM Punk vs Orlando Jordan (with Stacy)

Match Background: Orlando Jordan debuted on Raw last week as Chris Benoit’s mystery partner. CM Punk is heading into Summerslam for a six man tag that if he wins will earn him a World title shot at Unforgiven.

The Match: A Gut buster connects on Punk and hits hard. Tiger bomb by Orlando Jordan. There's a two count on the pin. CM Punk comes up with a right hand out of nowhere. CM Punk kicks the leg, knocks Jordan down, and goes to work on it. Hard impact Russian Leg Sweep by Punk. Pin, but Jordan is out just before the three count. Flying elbow from CM Punk connects. Jordan ducks a wild right hand. Reverse DDT on Punk. Hooks the leg for a two count. Belly to belly off the top rope! Pinfall attempt: ONE...TWO...NO! Back body drop by Punk gets a bit of a pop from the crowd. Some stiff chop lights up Punk who covers up to try and stop the agonizing pain! Jordan goes for a splash but Punk puts the knees up. Neck breaker on Orlando Jordan by Punk. Remember when that was a legit finish? Power drive elbow by CM Punk. The referee watches as the two wrestlers go to the outside and start brawling around ringside. He completes a ten count, and they are still outside, having ignored the count. This match is over via double count out at 15:03. Good match, weak finish, make this ***3/4.
No contest.

After the match, Chris Benoit comes running down and puts Punk back into the Crippler Crossface. The Punk Rockers run in with baseball bats, but Benoit escapes before he can get hit with them. Mike Tenay and Al Snow speculate that CM Punk is in no shape for Summerslam and look optimistic that Benoit will reign supreme.

August 16th 2007

Hey, I just got back from the Smackdown tapings and I had a blast! My seats were great and I got to meet Paul London and Christopher Idol after the show! They were both awesome, real class acts!

Anyways, onto the show:

Dark match:

Funaki beat some local jobber. We were surprised since Funaki is a Raw star now, but the crowd was hot for him.

Velocity tapings:

Nova beat some jobber, I think it was Chance Beckett from OVW.

Chris Candido beat a masked jobber (someone said it was Matt Bentley under a mask).

Ryan Wing and Chris Hero beat Trent Acid and Scoot Andrews by DQ.

Smackdown:

Kurt Angle came out and called out Low Ki. Samoa Joe came out instead and they got into a three way brawl. Don Callis came out and made a match for them at Summerslam, where the winner gets a "title shot." He did not specify which title it would be, but it was enough to get the three of them happy. Callis also made a three way tag match for after the break.

Samoa Joe and Paul Birchill won the three way tag match beating Kurt Angle and Jimmy Rave, and Low Ki and Matt Stryker. Joe made Rave tap out to the rear naked choke. Afterwards, Kurt Angle blindsided Joe and put him in the ankle lock, but Low Ki put an end to it.

Chad Collyer cut a promo, promising to destroy Ace Steel. Don Callis informed Collyer that he and Paul London would get another shot at the tag titles at Summerslam, but so would Ace Steel and Christopher Idol.

Chad Collyer beat Ace Steel in an AWESOME match. Collyer sold well for Steel, really making him look like a star. Collyer won with a spinning DVD after Idol's interference backfired. There didn't seem to be any hard feelings between Idol and Steel.

Backstage, Idol and Steel run into the Briscoe Boyz and they have a heated staredown. Idol wishes them luck in their match later tonight against the Strong Brothers.

Rey Mysterio squashed Men's Teoh. Mysterio was mad over! After the match, Mysterio got on the microphone and challenged JC Ice to a rematch for the Cruiserweight title at Summerslam. The lights went out in the arena and Ice appeared on the stage holding one of Rey's masks. Ice lit the mask on fire and left, which Mysterio assumed meant "yes."

John Cena beat J.R. Ryder in a boring match. Cena hit all his typical spots and cut a rap against Rhyno, saying he'd win the WWF Championship at Summerslam.

Backstage, Don Callis was on his cell phone, arguing with someone who we assume is AJ Styles. Callis was defending his decisions to support John Cena and Samoa Joe.

WWF Tag Team Champions Jay and Mark Briscoe beat Roderick and Sedrick Strong in a short, but clean non-title match. I'm really excited to see what a possible feud between these two teams would look like.

Main event: Rhyno defended the WWF Championship against Sean O'Haire of the Acid Cult. Trent Acid and Scoot Andrews kept interfering, but Rhyno picked up the victory with a gore! After the match, Cena stormed the ring and put Rhyno in the STFU. No one came to Rhyno's aid, and the Acid Cult made sure the referees didn't interupt. Cena posed with the WWF title and the crowd let him have it with some boos!

Great show, I can't wait for Smackdown to come back!

Biggest Cheers:
1) Rhyno (by far!)
2) Rey Mysterio
3) Chad Collyer

Biggest Heat:
1) John Cena
2) Sean O'Haire
3) Samoa Joe

Updated Summerslam card:

WWF Championship:
Rhyno © vs John Cena

Six man tag:
Chris Benoit, Frank Shamrock, and Charlie Haas vs CM Punk, Adam Hastey, and Austin Lee

#1 Contender for Intercontinental Championship:
Christian vs John Jeter

Cruiserweight Championship:
JC Ice © vs Rey Mysterio

Winner gets a "title shot":
Samoa Joe vs Kurt Angle vs Low Ki

Bryan Danielson vs Randy Orton

WWF Tag Team Championship:
Jay and Mark Briscoe © vs Chad Collyer and Paul London vs Christopher Idol and Ace Steel

Molly Holly and Gail Kim vs Lucy Carter and Erica Porter

Does this mean we get to see....the GORE!?

Hell yes B)

Basically, we already know who's going to win at SummerSlam.

No necessarily. Rhyno has been the champion for 13 months, Cena may actually have his number.


We shall see :D

*waves his Rey Rey banner

Rhyno is going to retain, and you know it.

Keep updating this thing man, this has been a great read so far.

Low Ki / Samoa Joe / Kurt Angle, that'd be a great match.

Thanks for the feedback :) Now that I'm officially on spring break, I've decided to write Summerslam sometime this week instead of going to Cancun.

That's dedication man, I give ya props.

Summerslam
August 19th 2007

Sunday Night Heat:

Jonathan Coachman and Josh Matthews share hosting duties of Heat, airing live in the arena lobby. This special edition of Heat recaps:
-The Rhyno/Cena feud.
-The Benoit/Punk feud.
-The Angle/Joe/Low Ki situation.
-The absence of AJ Styles.
-Interview with Lance Storm, the reigning Intercontinental Champion.

Jay Lethal and Seth Knight vs Funaki and Billy Kidman

Match Background: This is the special pre-pay-per-view Heat match, used to get the crowd going and hopefully convince some last minute pay-per-view orders. These are the bottom card Raw superstars.

The Match: Kidman and Knight start the match off. Kidman dominates with his stronger offense, but Knight gets some key shots in. Knight tags in Lethal, who hits a series of suplexes, dazing Kidman. Kidman tries to make a tag, but Lethal traps Kidman and locks him into a Half Boston Crab. Knight rushes in to knock Funaki off the apron, but Funaki counters with a modified neck breaker, and breaks up Lethal’s submission hold. Kidman finally tags in Funaki, who cleans house on Lethal and Knight. Funaki dodges a flying crossbody attempt from Seth Knight and rolls him up to get the 1….2….3! Funaki picks up the victory at 4:00! This was a good opener, would have been a worthy pay-per-view match with some more time. **3/4.
Winners: Funaki and Billy Kidman

With that out of the way, Michael Cole and Tazz take their seats at ringside and introduce a video package hyping Summerslam. It is set to the hot new single from Godsmack.

SUMMERSLAM BEGINS!

They pyro explodes, the fans cheer, and we are introduced to our announcer teams. Michael Cole and Tazz will be calling the Smackdown matches, while Mike Tenay and Al Snow will be calling the Raw bouts.

Lucy Carter and Erica Porter vs Gail Kim and Molly Holly

Match Background: Months ago, the team of Jazz, Molly Holly, and Gail Kim grew sick of what they perceived as the Raw divas being held back. To get their message across, they have terrorized the women’s division, complete with Jazz stealing the Women’s Championship from Trish Stratus back in the spring. Now they have found themselves being challenged by two young divas, Erica Porter and Lucy Carter. Jazz has been banned from ringside for this bout.

The Match: Lucy and Gail start the match off. The action starts off with a lively pace, as Gail Kim tries really hard to earn her “female Rey Mysterio” nick name. Lucy counters Gail’s dazzling offense with a swinging neckbreaker and goes for a cover in the early going. Gail effortlessly kicks out and takes her rage out by targeting the back of Lucy Carter. Gail stretches Lucy over her knee, hoping to pick up a submission victory. The stronger Erica Porter barges into the ring and lands a big boot to Gail’s face, breaking the hold. Erica hits a DDT on Gail, threatening the referee to consider disqualifying her. Lucy goes for the cover, but Gail gets a shoulder up. Gail rakes the eyes of Lucy and makes the much needed tag to Molly. Molly whips Lucy into the corner and stomps her down to the mat. Molly goes to ringside and slams Lucy’s leg into the steel ring post. Molly returns and puts Lucy in a sleeper, but Lucy fights out of it in time to tag in Erica. Erica overpowers Molly, hitting a scoop slam and a big elbow drop. Erica goes for a cover, but Molly gets a shoulder up. Erica hits a belly to belly suplex and heads to the top rope when suddenly a woman in a trench coat (who is most obviously Jazz) runs in and pushes Erica off the top. Lucy dives off the apron onto Jazz, and pulls off the trench coat. Meanwhile, Molly covers Erica for the victory at 5:56. The match was solid, though the crowd was disappointedly dead for it. **1/4.
Winners: Molly Holly and Gail Kim

After the match, Lucy and Jazz keep brawling until Gail and Molly join in on triple teaming Lucy. The evil divas pose triumphantly.

Cruiserweight Championship: JC Ice © (with Trent Acid, Sean O’Haire, and Scoot Andrews) vs Rey Mysterio

Match Background: This match is for the WWF Cruiserweight title. JC Ice has been WWF Cruiserweight champion since 14 December 2006. Rey Mysterio challenged Ice for the title last month at the Great American Bash, but Ice stole the victory with some help from Acid Cult member Scoot Andrews. Rey challenged Ice to a rematch this past week on Smackdown, and Ice responded by burning one of Rey’s masks right on the Smackdown stage.

The Match: JC Ice makes a flashy entrance, as a sinister looking horse drawn carriage escorts him to ringside. A druid opens the door of the carriage, and JC Ice comes out along with Trent Acid, Sean O’Haire, and Scoot Andrews. The Acid Cult makes it into the ring and wait for their victim. Mysterio’s music plays, but Mysterio surprises them by running in through the audience and jumping Ice from behind. Mysterio starts off aggressively, violently whipping Ice into the turnbuckles. Rey charges and monkey flips Ice to the mat. The Acid Cult protest loudly from ringside. Rey hits a drop kick to the forehead of Ice and heads to the apron. Rey slingshots off the ropes, but Ice catches Rey in mid-air and plants him with a powerbomb! Ice goes for a cover, but Rey kicks out. Ice whips Rey into the ropes, but Rey jumps onto the turnbuckle and flips around in mid-air to land on JC Ice! Rey turns this into a cover attempt, which gets a 2.9999 from the referee. Ice slumps around in a daze and is soon the victim to a hurrancanrana from Mysterio. Ice falls onto the ropes, in a perfect position for the 619! Rey hits the 619 perfectly and positions himself for the West Coast Pop. Unfortunately, Sean O’Haire grabs Rey by the feet and pulls him off the apron. Rey’s head hits the steel steps with a sickening thud. The referee is outraged and orders the Acid Cult to leave the arena. The damage may have already been done, as Ice pulls Rey into the ring and goes for the cover. Rey somehow got a shoulder up! Ice is outraged and positions Rey for the Ice Age (Ice’s new finisher, a modified brainbuster DDT). Ice goes for the Ice Age, but Rey counters in mid-air and hits a swinging DDT. Rey limps up to the apron and goes for the West Coast pop. Ice recovered long enough and hits a drop-kick on Rey while he was flying through the air. Ice gets a shoulder on Rey, and the referee has no choice but to count 1….2…..3! Ice retains the title at 9:45! Holy crap, this is the closest thing to a clean victory JC Ice has ever got! The action was nonstop with no dead areas or rest spots, ****1/4!
Winner and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: JC Ice

Randy Orton (with Rob Conway) vs Bryan Danielson

Match Background: The group consisting of Randy Orton, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Rob Conway have been working together under a “Rat Pack” sort of gimmick. Raw GM Shawn Michaels has become fed up with them, and used the logic that since they are all selfish and the bottom line is their own career advancement, he would put Orton and Danielson against one another for a World title shot. The winner of this match gets to face the World Champion tomorrow night on Raw.

The Match: Based on the crowd reactions, Randy Orton is the de facto face in this match (since both men are hated heels). They tie up and Danielson backs Orton into the turnbuckle. The referee counts to four, and Danielson breaks the hold. They tie up again, this time with Orton backing Danielson into a turnbuckle. Orton pushes his luck with the referee and breaks the hold at the count of four and a half. Danielson slaps Orton across the face. Orton takes a few seconds to let this sink in, and returns the favor with a slap of his own. This sparks a brawl between the two men. Orton unloads Danielson over the top rope to ringside and pursues his prey. Danielson hits an uppercut on Orton and drops him onto the steel barricade. Orton stumbles around and drop toe holds Danielson into the ring steps. Orton tosses Danielson back into the ring and makes a cover attempt. Danielson kicks out, and soon catches Orton in the Cattle Mutilation! Orton thrashes around in the hold for several seconds before making it into the ropes. Danielson is forced to break the hold, and is surprised by a sudden RKO from Orton. Orton goes for the cover and its 1…..2……3! Orton gets a clean victory at 11:14, whadya know? This was a pretty good match, and it was fun to see the crowd choose a fan favorite out of the two, ***.
Winner: Randy Orton


WWF Tag Team Championship: Jay and Mark Briscoe © vs Chad Collyer and Paul London vs Christopher Idol and Ace Steel

Match Background: This will be a triangle bout. Briscoe Boyz are one of the most experienced teams in the promotion. This match is for the WWF Tag Team titles. Briscoe Boyz have been WWF Tag Team champions since 09 August 2007. London and Collyer had a dominant five month reign with the WWF tag titles, holding them from No Way Out until two weeks ago on Smackdown. They lost the belts to Christopher Idol and Low Ki (who was substituting the at the time injured Ace Steel). A week later, the Briscoe Boyz upset Idol and Low Ki to win their first tag titles!

The Match: Christopher Idol is the only heavyweight in this match, and he starts things off against Chad Collyer. Idol no sells a punch from Collyer, and puts him down quickly with a big boot. The former WWF Champion is back on his feet in no time and targets Idol’s knee with a standing drop kick. Idol hits the mat hard, and Collyer tries to put him into the Texas Cloverleaf. Idol resists the hold and hits a spinebuster on Collyer. Idol goes for the cover, but Paul London springs off the ropes and breaks it up. London hits an enziguri on Idol and returns to the apron. Idol tags in Ace Steel, who hits some quick kicks on the weakened Collyer. Collyer catches Steel with a surprise roll-up, but Steel kicks out. Collyer tags in London, which annoys the Briscoe Boyz, who haven’t even been tagged into their title defense yet. London and Steel go through a dazzling series of take downs and reversals, though they botch a drop kick into the turnbuckle corner spot. The crowd only chants “You fucked up” for a few seconds before they return to being awed at London’s high-flying offense. Steel is desperate and tags in Jay Briscoe, though not by choice. A frustrated Jay Briscoe aggressively attacks London, hitting a sick belly to back suplex. Jay stomps away at London, who makes the tag to Chad Collyer. Collyer puts Jay in his place with a snap suplex and puts Jay into side headlock. Mark Briscoe breaks up the hold. Jay soon gets a tag to Mark, who cleans house on Chad Collyer, knocking him down with a series of clothesline. Collyer, who seems insulted by Mark’s offense, makes the tag to big Christopher Idol. Idol impatiently attacks Mark, who surprises him with a cut-throat suplex! Mark makes the cover on Idol and gets the 1…2….3! No one tried to break up the pinfall, because they all thought Idol would kick out. The Briscoe Boyz celebrate their victory at 13:03 as the other two teams look on miserably. The match was really good, with a few dead spots, and one ugly botch. Still, it gets ***3/4.
Winners and STILL WWF Tag Team Champions: Jay and Mark Briscoe

Christian (with Test) vs John Jeter (with Trish Stratus)

Match Background: Just as the match is about to begin, the music of Justin Credible hits the speakers. Credible comes out wearing his referee uniform and makes it clear that he is here to be the official for the match. Credible has been desperately trying to suck up to his former tag partner, the Intercontinental Champion Lance Storm. Credible thinks the reason his career has stalled has been because he turned on Storm last summer. Christian and Jeter are annoyed by Credible’s presence, but they start the match off anyway. The action starts off slow, with Christian and Jeter both jockeying for position. Christian gets a headlock in on Jeter, but Jeter pushes Christian into the ropes and hits a side tackle. Jeter goes for a cover, but only gets a 2. Christian pops back up and tries to hit the Unprettier, but Jeter counters and hits a German suplex. Christian escapes to ringside, where Test whispers some advice to Captain Charisma. Christian seems to have a new game plan, and returns to the ring. Jeter circles around the ring, when Christian unveils his plan. He offers a cash bribe to Credible, right there in front of everyone. Jeter laughs at this… until Credible smiles and hits a super kick on Jeter! Christian goes for the cover, and Credible makes a fast count. Jeter barely gets his shoulder up before three! The match turns into a handicap match, as Credible and Christian hits a double suplex. Christian makes another counter, Credible does the same fast count, and Jeter somehow gets his shoulder up just in time again. Frustrated, Test enters the ring with a couple of chairs and hands one to Christian. They have Jeter set up for the con-chair-to. Jeter ducks and the chairs collide in mid-air. Jeter hits his patented flying spin kick on Test, but Christian grabs the chair and cracks it over Jeter’s head! Christian makes the cover, and Credible starts counting. However, Lance Storm runs in and pulls Credible out of the ring. Storm and Credible start brawling up the entrance ramp. A real referee comes running down to the ring (no doubt by the order of Shawn Michaels) and takes over officiating. Jeter is still weakened, and takes the Unprettier from Christian. Christian goes for the cover again, but Trish Stratus distracts the referee. Suddenly, Victoria runs in through the audience and pulls Trish off the apron. (“What the hell, we haven’t seen Victoria in months!” screams Mike Tenay) Victoria hits the Widow’s Peak on Trish. Back in the ring, the referee turns around and makes the count. 1…2….3 and Christian has finally beaten John Jeter at 16:31! Victoria enters the ring with an evil smile on her face and raises Christian’s arm in victory. This match was an overbooked mess… but it worked, ***3/4!
Winner: Christian

Samoa Joe vs Kurt Angle vs Low Ki

Match Background: The winner of this match will get a “title shot.” Smackdown GM Don Callis has not specified which title the winner will challenge for. Samoa Joe is undefeated, and beat Kurt Angle last month at the Great American Bash. Angle and Low Ki wrestled each other at WrestleMania and Judgment Day and have bad blood leading back from when Low Ki betrayed Angle at No Way Out, costing him a chance to headline WrestleMania.

The Match: The three men make their ways to the ring and a three way stare down follows. Finally, the tension becomes too much and Low Ki chops Angle across the chest. Joe takes the opportunity to hit a big boot on Low Ki. Low Ki exits the ring to recover, and Angle tries to hit the Angle Slam on Joe. Joe blocks the move and chops Angle violently across the chest. Angle stumbles around in pain and walks into another devastating chop. Angle fires back with a chop of his own. Meanwhile, Low Ki has climbed to a top turnbuckle and hits a double drop kick on both Joe and Angle. Low Ki quickly puts Joe in a triangle choke, but Joe gets into the ropes. Angle gets back up and hits a German suplex on Low Ki. Angle goes for the Ankle Lock, but Low Ki flips him over and hits a vicious back breaker. Joe is back on his feet and tackles Low Ki into the corner. Joe washes Low Ki’s face with his boot. Joe bounces off the ropes and hits a running boot into Low Ki’s face. Low Ki falls out of the ring again. Angle sneaks up on Joe and hits a big time German Suplex. Angle keeps a grasp on Joe, and hits three more consecutive Germans. Joe is down, and Angle decides to live dangerously. Angle climbs to the top rope and goes for a moonsault! Joe moves out of the way, and Angle hits the mat hard. Low Ki reenters the ring and makes a cover attempt on Angle. Joe pulls Low Ki off and chops him hard in the chest. Low Ki fires back with his own chop. They start exchanging chops until Angle gets back to his feet and joins in. The three of them keep up the chopping until finally Low Ki hits a spinning kick to the temple of Samoa Joe. Joe stumbles down to his knee. Low Ki bounces off the ropes and hits a drop kick to Joe’s forehead. Angle immediately catches Low K with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Low Ki hits the mat head first in a truly disgusting spot! Angle traps Low Ki in the Ankle Lock and right before Low Ki can tap out, Joe busts up the move. Joe thrashes Angle into the turnbuckle and strikes Angle in the face with his knee. Joe sets up Angle for the Muscle Buster! Angle escapes the hold and hits another big German suplex on Joe. Angle goes for the Ankle Lock and traps Joe! Joe is trapped in the middle of the ring. Low Ki hops on Joe and puts him in the triangle choke while still in the Ankle Lock! The crowd is going nuts as it seems that Joe might finally lose a match. However, the referee threatens to disqualify Low Ki and Angle, and they both let go of their hold. Low Ki hits a spinning kick to Angle’s head and goes for the cover. Angle kicks out, so Low Ki climbs to the top rope. Angle follows him and hits a big superplex! They are both laid out though. Samoa Joe angrily gets back to his feet and grabs Low Ki. Joe sets him up for the Muscle Buster and hits it perfectly! Angle gets back up but Joe tosses him over the ropes with ease. Joe puts Low Ki into the rear naked choke, and Low Ki has no choice but to tap out! Samoa Joe picks up the submission victory at 20:11! This match was unbelievable, the action was everywhere! ****3/4!
Winner: Samoa Joe

Chris Benoit, Frank Shamrock, and Charlie Haas vs CM Punk, Adam Hastey, and Austin Lee

Match Background: Technically Superior are the reigning World Tag Team champions, and have been since 11 June 2007. Chris Benoit is the reigning World Heavyweight champion, and has been since 15 July 2007. Benoit and Punk have traded victories for the World Championship over the past couple of months. Punk beat Benoit for the title at the King of the Ring in June, and then Benoit won the title back at Fully Loaded in July. Haas and Shamrock beat Hastey and Lee to win the tag titles back in June as well, and the punks have been unable to get the championships back since. Shawn Michaels made this match as a result: if the champions win, they do not have to defend their belts against their opponents in this match again. If Punk, Hastey, and Lee win, they all get title shots.

The Match: Chris Benoit insists on starting the match off against CM Punk. This could be a mistake, as Punk hits a lariat on Benoit in the early going, and knocks him down with a sick DDT. Punk chokes Benoit on the bottom rope, but the ref puts a stop to that. Benoit comes back with some chops on Punk, and whips him into the ropes. Benoit gets the big back body drop on CM Punk, and tries to get in the Crippler Crossface. CM Punk quickly makes it into the ropes. Satisfied for now, Benoit tags in Charlie Haas. Haas stomps away at the leg of CM Punk, and tries to position him for the Haas of Pain. Instead, Punk hits a blind low blow and tags in Adam Hastey. Hastey charges Haas with a tackle to the back of his knee. It looks like Haas may have blown his knee out, and Hastey smells blood. Hastey puts Haas in a leg lock and twists it in a disgusting fashion. Haas reaches out for a tag, and barely gets one to Frank Shamrock. Shamrock cleans house on Hastey, hitting some very nice looking arm drags and power slams in the process. Hastey wants none of this and tags in Austin Lee. Lee is floored immediately by Shamrock, and becomes the victim of the Guillotine Choke. Lee fights out of the hold, but is then the victim of a Full Nelson slam! Shamrock goes for the cover, but CM Punk breaks it up. Meanwhile, Adam Hastey has grabbed a baseball bat from under the ring. The referee sees it and orders him to drop it. However, Shamrock inadvertently whips Lee into the referee, who hits the mat hard. Hastey enters the ring with the bat and has a stand off with Shamrock. Hastey takes a swing at Shamrock that is so hard that if it had connected, it surely would have taken Shamrock’s head off. Shamrock tags in Benoit, who angrily grabs the bat from Hastey and slams it into his gut. However, CM Punk storms the ring and hits a DDT on Benoit. Punk grabs the bat and nails the fallen Beniot several times. Haas tries to make the save, but gets hit in the head with the bat for his troubles. Meanwhile Austin Lee is battling Shamrock at ringside. In the ring, Punk sets up Benoit for the Pepsi Plunge and hits it. The referee wakes up in time to see Punk covering Benoit and counts 1………2………..3! Punk picks up the victory at 15:59! CM Punk and the Punk Rockers get their rematches! This was another gem, ****.
Winners: CM Punk, Adam Hastey, and Austin Lee


WWF Championship: Rhyno © vs John Cena

Match Background: This match is for the WWF World title. Rhyno has been WWF World champion since 16 July 2006. There will be NO disqualifications! In 2005, John Cena and Rhyno reigned as the World Tag Team Champions for close to ten months. Since then, they went their separate ways (Cena left the company for ROH and Rhyno was traded to Smackdown). Rhyno won the WWF Championship, and thanks to his manager (and then GM) Mike Sanders, Rhyno dominated Smackdown using politics. Life was good for Rhyno, until Sanders was forced to leave Smackdown. Don Callis became the new GM and he targeted Rhyno, thinking that his client, AJ Styles, was a much better pick to be the WWF Champion. Since Rhyno had been such a villain, he had no allies or supporters from the ranks of babyfaces on Smackdown…so he needed to call for help. Rhyno brought his old friend, John Cena, back to Smackdown to back him up in his war against Don Callis. Rhyno was successful in defending the WWF title against AJ Styles at WrestleMania, and again at the Great American Bash. However, after Rhyno won the match, Cena came out to celebrate with him. It was then that Cena betrayed Rhyno and hit a vicious F-U on the champion! Cena made it clear that he wanted his chance at glory. Cena wants nothing more than to be WWF Champion and he gladly threw his friendship with Rhyno away so that he could have it. Don Callis has decided to support Cena in his quest for the WWF Championship, a move that has undoubtedly annoyed AJ Styles, who has been taking a vacation out of spite.

The Match: John Cena arrogantly makes his way to the ring. Meanwhile at the commentator’s desk, Don Callis has positioned himself with Michael Cole and Tazz. Callis puts Cena over as the “next WWF Champion.” Cole asks Callis how AJ Styles feels about this, and Callis didn’t have a proper response. Rhyno enters the arena to a deafening pop and runs into the ring to trade blows with Cena. Rhyno and Cena brawl, but it becomes apparent that Rhyno has the upper hand. Rhyno tosses Cena over the ropes, where Cena awkwardly lands on the mat. Rhyno pursues Cena and whips him into the barricade. Rhyno then hits a deadly GORE on Cena, a gore so powerful that the barricade breaks and the two men go falling into the audience area. Cena is in a daze, and Rhyno leads him up some stairs. Cena finally comes back with some strikes of his own, and pushes Rhyno down the steps! Rhyno rolls down until he lands on the concrete floor. Cena pursues him and tosses Rhyno back into the ringside area. Cena grabs a steel chair and cracks it over Rhyno’s head, busting him open. Rhyno is now in a daze, as Cena begins to clear off the Spanish Announce Table. Cena lifts up Rhyno onto his shoulders and hits an F-U on Rhyno through the table! The table breaks and Rhyno is laid out on the mat. Cena looks to be triumphant, until he struggles lifting Rhyno back into the ring. This takes a few minutes, so by the time Cena gets into the cover position, Rhyno kicks out at the two count. Cena grabs another steel chair and brings it to the ring. He is about to hit Rhyno in the head again, when Rhyno dodges and the chair bounces off the ropes and cracks Cena in the skull. Cena, hanging onto the chair, stumbles around in a daze. Rhyno then GORES the chair into Cena, who falls back into the turnbuckles. This hurt Rhyno just as much as it did Cena. Cena is busted open now too. The two bloody men get back to their feet and trade some punches, when suddenly AJ Styles comes running down the entrance ramp. Styles climbs to the top rope and goes for a flying crossbody on Rhyno! Rhyno moves out of the way, and Styles hits the move on Cena by accident. Styles looks furious and ends up being hit with a GORE by Rhyno. Styles rolls out of the ring while Rhyno hits another GORE on Cena. Rhyno goes for the cover and it gets 1….2.....3! Rhyno retains the title at 25:11! Cena is out cold, Styles is throwing a temper tantrum at ringside, and Don Callis is just sitting at the announce table… looking too pissed off for words. This was an awesome brawl, hurt a little by the finish, but ****1/4 still.
Winner and STILL WWF Champion: Rhyno

The show ends with Rhyno clutching the WWF Championship, rubbing it in the face of AJ Styles.

Hell yeah. I didn't realize that Rhyno has been the heavyweight champion for well over a year now, impressive.

Yeah, in the original thread the first pay-per-view was Summerslam 2006, where Rhyno had only been champion for less than a month. I didn't set out looking to have Rhyno reign this long, it just really clicks for me. Having his heel manager (Mike Sanders) retire really helped increase the reign, since it gave me an opportunity to turn Rhyno face and suddenly have a new list of opponents that weren't available to him before.

That, and he has no where else to go.

And neither are the fans.

And Rhyno and Cena got ****1/4?! Just for that...Rhyno and Cena are going to go one-on-one in my game...and get about half that.












:This was really Plague's double-post of the day!:

I sense a rival promotional feud...but since you have the same wrestlers, it's going to have to be cross-dimensional.

My Cena and Rhyno aren't as talented as Rowe's, and my Rhyno is a top heel and Cena is a top face, who is an active manager.

I still think you and Rowe should fight.

In the game world, or one-on-one? Because I'd be the only one juicing at the end of the match because I'd be only one to do a blade job.

I doubt my Cena is that much (if any) better than your Cena. He didn't spend any time in OVW and his stats aren't too remarkable.

But yes, my Rhyno has come a long way in the game world.

I know Rowe knows my stats roughly, but I'll post them just so Choate can get the idea.

Rhyno:
Over 100
Brawl 81
Speed 4
Technical 1
Charisma 85
Morale usually lower than 40

John Cena:
Over 94
Brawl 71
Speed 14
Technical 27
Charisma 90
Morale 100

Raw
August 20th 2007

The music plays, the fireworks explode, and the fans are thrilled to be here at the Allstate Arena. Mike Tenay and Al Snow are our hosts for the evening and they hype up tonight’s World Championship match between Chris Benoit and Randy Orton.

Addressing the Peeps

Christian, along with Test, makes his way down the entrance ramp. Christian takes a microphone and introduces his new girlfriend, Victoria. Victoria, in full blown psycho mode, comes out to the ring and proceeds to make out with Christian. Christian then takes the mic back and puts himself over for defeating John Jeter at Summerslam, and makes it clear that he wants his Intercontinental Championship match to be at Unforgiven, since he doesn’t think the fans in attendance tonight are worthy of witnessing such a significant match. This brings out Raw GM Shawn Michaels, who puts the fans over as being the best in the world. HBK says he will grant Christian his title shot at Unforgiven, but tonight he and Test must wrestle the angry team of Lance Storm and John Jeter. That match will happen… next!

Test and Christian (with Victoria) vs John Jeter and Lance Storm (with Trish Stratus)

Match Background: Lance Storm is the reigning WWF Intercontinental champion, and has been since 07 May 2007. Christian, with help from Test and Victoria, stole a victory from John Jeter at Summerslam last night. Christian is now the number one contender for Lance Storm’s Intercontinental title.

The Match: This turns out to be a great match, as it is given a lot of time. The two divas at ringside keep threatening to get into a fight of their own, but Jeter keeps cutting them off. Meanwhile in the ring, Test and Christian do a good job of keeping Storm from making tags. Test hits some brutal offense on Storm and picks up several near falls. Christian makes a tag and hits the Unprettier on Storm, but Jeter stops him from making a cover. Meanwhile, Victoria and Trish are in a full blown fight at ringside. This distraction allows Christian to hit the Unprettier on Jeter, and pin him at 21:00. This was an awesome television match, one of the best of the year, ****1/4.
Winners: Christian and Test

After the match, Christian and Test proceed to beat down Storm and Jeter. The titantron shows Justin Credible watching on in the back.

Divas of Evil

Backstage, Women’s Champion Jazz, Gail Kim, and Molly Holly are laughing at what they did to Erica Porter and Lucy Carter at Summerslam. Jazz says that tonight they are facing the remaining fools of the women’s division and tonight they will prove their superiority once and for all.

Jazz, Gail Kim, and Molly Holly vs Taylor Matheny, Daffney, and Alexis Laree

Match Background: Jazz is the reigning WWF Womens champion, and has been since 19 March 2007. The trio of Jazz, Gail, and Molly are out to take over the women’s division, and in the process driving out the other divas. Lita recently quit the WWF out of frustration.

The Match: This wasn’t really much of a match, just added to get Jazz, Gail, and Molly over more. Taylor put up some good offense against the three evil divas, but Jazz was able to easily put Daffney away for the victory at 4:05. ½*, since it was basically an extended squash.
Winners: Jazz, Gail Kim, and Molly Holly

After the match, the evil divas shared a good old laugh, but were caught off guard when Taylor spun Jazz around to hit Complex Math and quickly escaped through the audience. Jazz swore loudly in response, catching the attention of the censors.

"Huh?"

Todd Grisham is backstage standing by with Orlando Jordan and Stacy Keibler. Todd asks Jordan for this thoughts on his match tonight against BJ Whitmer. Before Jordan can speak, BJ interrupts. He says to Jordan “I will go easy on you if you go easy on me.” BJ winks and leaves just as suddenly as he arrived. Stacy, Orlando, and Todd just stand there looking confused. Jordan then states “I’m going to kick his ass.”

Orlando Jordan (with Stacy Keibler) vs BJ Whitmer

Match Background: None, other than Whitmer’s strange behavior just now.

The Match: This is a basic little match. Both men take turns dishing out the punishment, though Jordan is clearly the crowd favorite. BJ takes Jordan down with a swinging DDT and takes a moment to blow a kiss towards Stacy. Stacy looks disgusted in return. BJ then inadvertently walks into Jordan, who dishes out the O-Zone. Jordan pins BJ for the win at 5:59. It was a pretty good match while it lasted, **1/2.
Winner: Orlando Jordan

After the match, BJ looks frustrated, but has a small grin on his face. Jordan and Stacy quickly exit.

The Punk Rockers (Adam Hastey and Austin Lee) vs Basham Brothers

Match Background: Basham Brothers are one of the most experienced teams in the promotion. The Punk Rockers are the number one contenders for the World Tag Team Championship.

The Match: Just as the match is about to begin, the tag champs Frank Shamrock and Charlie Haas make their entrance and take seats at the announce table. They are upset at how they, along with Chris Benoit, lost to the Punk Rockers and CM Punk last night at Summerslam. Meanwhile, the match is pretty short, but the Bashams are in control for 90% of the match. Finally, Adam Hastey gets a blind low blow on Doug Basham and rolls him up for the victory at 4:15. These two teams have some good chemistry, let’s hope they meet again with more time, **.
Winners: Adam Hastey and Austin Lee

After the match, Shamrock and Haas storm the ring and destroy the Punk Rockers. Haas locks Austin Lee into the Haas of Pain, while Hastey passes out to Shamrock’s guillotine choke.

Hardcore Championship: Kid Romeo © (with Chris Chetti) vs Funaki

Match Background: This will be a hardcore bout. This match is for the WWF Hardcore title. Kid Romeo has been WWF Hardcore champion since 28 January 2007.

The Match: This is a pretty good garbage match. Funaki gets some good shots on Romeo using a stop sign. Funaki gets a near fall, but Chetti pulls the referee out of the ring. Romeo comes back with some hard chair shots across the skull of Funaki. With Funaki in a daze, Romeo sets up a row of chairs and drapes Funaki across them. Romeo goes to the top rope and hits a moonsault on Funaki! Both men look dead, but Chetti enters the ring and drapes Romeo’s arm over Funaki, giving him the winning cover at 5:55. This was pretty entertaining, **3/4.
Winner and STILL Hardcore Champion: Kid Romeo

World Heavyweight Championship: Chris Benoit © vs Randy Orton (with CM Punk, Rob Conway, and Bryan Danielson)

Match Background: This match is for the World Heavyweight title. Chris Benoit has been World Heavyweight champion since 15 July 2007. Randy Orton earned this title shot with a victory over his friend, Bryan Danielson, at Summerslam last night. CM Punk has a promised World title shot for Unforgiven.

The Match: Before the match can even begin, the referee instinctively throws out CM Punk, Conway, and Danielson. They protest, but head out. This leaves Benoit alone with Orton. They proceed to have their usual great match. Orton uses his rest hold heavy offense to wear down Benoit, but Benoit aggressively comes back with chops and head butts. Benoit goes for his flying head butt, but misses. Orton hits the RKO on Benoit and makes a cover, but Benoit gets his foot on the ropes. Benoit soon comes back with his rolling German suplexes and signals another attempt to go to the top rope. Orton stops this, but crawling over and shaking the ropes, causing Benoit to fall down. Orton goes for the RKO again, but Benoit counters and soon locks Orton in the sharpshooter! After several seconds, Orton taps out at 15:03! This was a great television main event, ***3/4!
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Chris Benoit

After the match, CM Punk storms the ring and tries to put Benoit in the Devil’s Lock. Benoit reverses and goes for the Crossface. Soon enough, Danielson and Conway hit the ring, and they hold Benoit still so that CM Punk can crack a chair across Benoit’s skull. The “Rat Pack” stands in triumph over the fallen champion.