Smackdown 3rd November, 2006
Submitted by Rudi Pavani on Friday, November 3, 2006 at 10:10 PM EST





Here we go y'all and another week for Smackdown! :) My name is Rudi and g'day to everyone out there and thanks for the kind words, the ideas and the feedback on my column. Keep it all coming. :) rudip1@pacific.net.au is my email and I'm happy to reply to anyone who sends me an email. Whilst I’m here again, get well Nicole! :) After watching Raw this week and being quite disappointed by how it went I'm going to say that perhaps this week Smackdown is the flagship WWE wrestling show on TV! I've had a nasty cold most of the week so if I'm all over the place please forgive me, but for now I won't keep you all waiting then, let us get right into the action!

Quick recap from last week:

Batista turned down Heyman to join ECW
Tatanka became the referees' and Lashley's worst nightmare
MVP introduced Kane to a chair & helped Kennedy get the win over him
Teddy Long announced the 'Brothers of Destruction' for this week
The Miz was not used in a match, again.
Kristal won a Diva Trick or Treat Battle Royal and then ate worms
Boogeyman paid a visit and please see above
Helms beat Hardy.... again
London and Kendrick showed personality
Chris Benoit had a deodorant problem by the way Vickie & Chavo Guerrero ignored him
Dave Taylor sadly injured his knee badly in his tag team match and is out for 4 months
Cena got into the face of Batista and lit a fire under his butt about his passion of wrestling or lack thereof since he's been back
Cena & Batista beat up on Booker and Big Show

Today's show actually begins with the opening credits, no previews, no opening segments. Straight into it, that's different. The show comes from Milwaukee Wisconsin and we get an idea of a couple of the matches on today’s show being the Brothers of Destruction, Undertaker and Kane vs. Mr. Kennedy and MVP and Rey Mysterio making an appearance on the show to make an announcement. WWE.com during the week teased that he may be retiring so we know he's not retiring but what is on his mind?

The music of Rey hits and if my mind isn't playing tricks it's a new music intro? as he makes his way onto stage and then slowly to the ring with some stops along the way and with a ridiculously large crutch under one arm as he awkwardly limps. Maybe they just didn't have any his size this week in the props room? Rey is dressed in street attire and soaks up the atmosphere as he walks down the rampway. At ringside he tosses his crutch in the ring and uses the ropes to pull himself in under the bottom ropes and takes a mic from ringside. He raises his arm holding the crutch to the heavens and the crowd pops madly. Two weeks ago in Los Angeles Rey says this happened to him as we go to video footage of his I Quit match where he is caught up in the lighting scaffold and Chavo is beating into him with a steel chair and Rey finally says I quit. Back to the ring and Rey adjusts his mask and lots very forlorn in the ring standing there. Rey says I suppose things like that happen in his line of business but as a result of the match he now requires surgery on his left knee but today he wanted to come out and speak to the crowd from the bottom oh his heart before he goes into surgery. The crowd loves that he is out there talking to them.

No excuses from Rey, he's going to be straight up with the crowd. Rey quit that match because of the pain he was feeling in his knee. Rey quit with the hope that he can come back and fight Chavo again. The crowd likes that as well. He wants the crowd to know that he did not quit on each and every one of them which gets another big pop from the crowd. It's the fans that have never 'quitted' on Rey. The fans helped Rey win the 2006 Royal Rumble. It's the fans that made Rey realise that dreams can come true when he went on to win the World title at Wrestlemania. When this is all over, when Rey comes back from surgery, 'we, together, are going to climb that mountain, again, all the way to the top!' The crowd has been popping for every sentence from Rey and just as he's about to continue the music of Chavo hits and both he and Vickie Guerrero carrying a broken steel chair make their way down to the ring with a chorus of boos.

Chavo with mic in hand stares down Rey and says hey to Rey and that he and Vickie had heard him talking out in the ring and came down to ask him a favour. He wants Rey to say it again as the crowd fires up with a big Chavo sucks chant. Rey interrupts and asks Chavo if that is what he wants him to say? Chavo says Rey knows what he wants him to say, he wants him to say 'I quit' because out of the mouth of Rey it sounds like music to the ears of Chavo. Rey isn't saying anything by the looks of it but that's okay says Chavo. Perhaps Rey can do him another favour? Chavo points to the chair that Vickie is holding and it's the same chair that was used in the match 2 weeks ago and the chair recognises Rey Chavo says. Chavo wants to know if Rey would autograph the chair for him instead? Chavo points to a spot on the chair he wants autographed, the spot that repeatedly hit Rey with and broke the chair. What's he got to lose Chavo says? He's already lost the world title, he lost the I quit match to him, he's a cripple. Rey asks him who he's calling a cripple to which Chavo replies 'If the shoe fits....' Chavo wants Rey to really autograph the chair and his patience is wearing thin by the sound of his voice. Chavo once again says it's okay to Rey, and he'll autograph the chair instead. Chavo writes I Quit on the chair itself and shows it to Rey. The crowd so do not like Chavo at the moment. Chavo asks Rey what is wrong, it's not his autograph? It looks like it to Chavo, they were the words that Rey uttered 2 weeks ago.

As Rey drops the mic Chavo says that he has another way that he can make Rey remember the match. He moves towards Rey and ducks the crutch which Rey as swung at him dropping it in the process. Chavo goes straight for the injured knee with a kick and knocks Rey down and gives him another one for good measure. He taunts Rey as he's down on the canvas pointing at his crutch and kicking Rey away as he reaches for it. He drags Rey to the centre of the ring and lands another kick to the knee before Vickie stops him and interrupts him and Chavo smiles at her. Chavo uses his foot to hold down the ankle of Rey as Vickie hands him the chair. Chavo uses the chair and slams it into the injured knee of Rey and taunts him as he writhes around in pain! Vickie now wants to hit him with the chair but just as Chavo is getting Rey into a position for it the crowd goes nuts as out from the back rushes Chris Benoit! Chavo is out of there and Vickie drops the chair and she's out of the ring as well as Benoit mounts the ropes as Vickie and Chavo make their way to the back congratulating themselves as Benoit checks on the injured Rey. Rudi's rant - A strong opening segment but with one major problem. The WWE obviously played the internet followers to thinking that Rey may retire from the ring because of his injury. That wasn't too bad except that Rey in the ring when he said he was going to be straight up with the crowd forgot to mention that most people knew he was taking time off anyway because of surgery that he had planned months prior to his knee. In that aspect it failed to have with me the impact that was had when Batista was injured legitimately in the ring and then gave up his title the week after whilst he had surgery and then time to recuperate. I wish Rey the best and hope to see him back on Smackdown. He is way over with the crowd and it would be a loss to see him on one of the other shows. On the flip side it was a nice promo cut by Chavo, laboured at times but still better than some of his other ones and Vickie as a heel manager for him is growing on me. She seems a lot more confident in the ring. Benoit running down and helping out only solidifies the fact that these two will feud in the next few weeks so that was a good progression from the episode of last week.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we get to see a repeat of Chavo beating into Rey and of what happened during the commercial break where a distraught looking Rey is in the ring being helped by an official and Chris Benoit.

After such a long opening we have a match as out to ring come the Tag Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick accompanied by Ashley. They're followed down by Idol Stevens and K C James with Michelle McCool. This match is a non title match up. As Stevens and James make their way down to the ring Cole and JBL are discussing the previous incident with Rey Mysterio with Cole suggesting that something is going on with Chavo and Benoit needs to get to the bottom of it.

Match 1: Paul London and Brian Kendrick (with Ashley) vs. Idol Stevens and K C James (with Michelle McCool)
The match begins with London and Stevens circling each other in the ring. James manages to distract London from the ropes who lunges for him which allows Stevens to rush in and land rights into the back on London and taking early control. Stevens slams London and makes the tag to James who comes in lands a right to the midsection of London as Stevens was still holding him. Stevens on the way out slaps London to the canvas. James slaps London and gives him an earful before picking him up and planting a big right to the jaw. James whips London into the ropes and attempts the back body drop on London who lands on his feet and makes the tag to Kendrick. Kendrick jumps in and the two knock down James and then Stevens who has entered the ring. London then dropkicks James as Kendrick does the same to Stevens and they've cleared the ring with the two opponents on the floor on opposite sides of the ring. They dance a quick jig before both wrestlers launch themselves over the top rope at their opponents, London doing a moonsault on James. London tosses James who is the legal man back into the ring and Kendrick from the top rope lands a crossbody on James and gets the two count.

Kendrick tries to whip himself off the ropes but catches himself short as McCool looks to strike him with her cane. James tries to sneak up on him but Kendrick blocks him and lands the right hand on James and then tries to do the same off the ropes but is blindsided by Stevens and comes off the ropes into a clothesline by James. He is whipped hard into the corner where James makes the tag to Stevens. Stevens rolls Kendrick and then plants the knee into the back of Kendrick followed by a punch to the chest as Kendrick is sitting on the canvas. Stevens tries for the cover which is broken at the count of two and then settles for a headlock on Kendrick on the canvas as London desperately tries to make the tag. London and Ashley get the crowd cheering for Kendrick who makes it to his feet only to be brought back down to his knees by headbutts from Stevens into the kidney area. Stevens picks Kendrick up and drops him back first against his knee and then another two count. Stevens makes the tag and then slingshots Kendrick into the waiting fist of James who then tries to make the cover but can't as Kendrick is holding onto the bottom rope. James drags him into the middle of the ring and makes the cover but only for the count of two again. James slams Kendrick hard into the corner and as he staggers out is picked up and dropped back first against the knee of James. A hook to the leg and another two count by James. James drags Kendrick by the hair back into his corner and makes the tag to Stevens who comes in and works on the neck of Kendrick. Kendrick finally mounts some offence and back body drops Stevens and makes the tag to London who jumps into the ring only to be shepherded out by the referee who didn't see the tag made.

It gives the chance for James to come in and both him and Stevens pick up Kendrick to give him a back drop but Kendrick rolls out of their grasp, somersaults between the both of them and manages to tag London cleanly this time! London to a big pop from the crowd jumps into the ring, ducks a lunge from Stevens and clotheslines James! He gives a back elbow to Stevens and another clothesline to James then an elbow to Stevens! He throws James out of the ring through the ropes. He slides between the legs of Steven who misses a punch at him and then takes him down with a spinning headscissors! London goes for the cover but only gets the two count! London whips Stevens into the corner and follows up with an attempted splash in the corner but Steven ducks out of the way and London hits the corner face first! Stevens tries to take the advantage by bouncing off the ropes but is met by a very nice dropkick by London! The cover is attempted again but broken by James who takes out London with a double axe handle to the back of the head.

Kendrick makes it into the ring and throws James out of the ring over the top rope and then delivers a cross body from over the top rope onto the floor! London goes to come off the ropes but is tripped up by McCool and walks into a back breaker from Stevens! The cover is attempted but just broken in time by Kendrick who was being help up by James from the side of the ring! Kendrick uses Stevens as leverage as he kicks James from the apron onto the floor and using the momentum to deliver a type of spinning neckbreaker on Stevens. He then puts himself on all fours next to Stevens and London from a running start onto his back executes a moonsault and the cover is made and we have a victory as Kendrick dropkicks James off the apron again! London and Kendrick defeated Stevens and James in 5 minutes. (Rudi's rating ***) Rudi's rant - I've marked this match up to 3 stars because though it was rough in patches and not long enough showed a lot of energy and some nice spots by both Kendrick and London with some high risk stuff onto the floor. It was also just nice to see them actually have a match again and the crowd was right behind them so that was an added bonus!) London and Kendrick and Ashley celebrate in the ring with London getting a big hug from Ashley and Kendrick getting a kiss on the cheek by her which brings out the most amazed look by Kendrick you could ever see!

Backstage we see Teddy Long pacing and talking to himself until we get Queen Sharmell and King Booker in the picture. Long's been waiting for them. Long is worried that with Cyber Sunday a couple of days away he doesn't want anything to happen to Booker prior to the match as he possibly maybe defending his title and is the Smackdown representative. He has a room set up for them tonight where they can watch the show and chill and he also has a bodyguard lined up to protect them. Booker says he can handle this himself and as the champion he needs no protection. Long says the person he has lined up can hold his own just like Booker to which Sharmell interjects but Long just keeps going and has Booker and Sharmell follow him to this room as we go to a...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we have Cole and JBL discussing a match up for next week which is a Bar Room Brawl between Batista and Finlay.

Backstage again and we have Teddy Long with King Booker and Queen Sharmell in this private room. Long is telling Booker it's his job to make sure he is safe tonight and that he gets to Cyber Sunday with no complications. Booker doesn't think it will work out and Long says it will and the person he has to look after him should be there shortly as we get a knock on the door. In walks Batista to a huge pop from the crowd and Batista is looking very laid back in a black singlet. Booker is not impressed as he stands face to face with Batista and say he's not noble or heroic like he is. Booker says that Long thinks he can't look after himself tonight but he is going to make it whole to Cyber Sunday and become Champion of Champions on the night. Booker says that Cena & Big Show have never done what he has done which is to defeat Batista in a match. Booker says that as the champion he is better than him. Batista takes Booker by the scruff of the neck and slams him up against the wall. Batista reminds Booker that he only won the match because of Finlay's interference and like it or not he is going to look after him tonight and noone will get to Booker unless they go through him first. Batista lets him go and straightens up the coat of Booker who just glares at him. Rudi's rant - An interesting little segment before and after the break which makes me think that of course something is earmarked to happen or an attempt to be made to take out King Booker by either Cena or Big Show. Interesting choice of Batista to do the protecting seeing that Batista wants his champion belt back.

Backstage again and we have Kennedy and MVP together discussing their match up. MVP is laughing as Kennedy is trying to explain how difficult their match will be as for the first time in 5 years Kane and Undertaker are teaming up again. Kennedy says he has beaten both of those guys and MVP asks him does he really call them victories? Kennedy tells MVP he needs to follow the gameplan and listen to him as he's been here longer. Longer says MVP as he takes off the sunglasses? MVP says to Kennedy that doesn't he know his credentials and that he is the highest paid athlete ever on Smackdown to which Kennedy says he doesn't give a damn about his credentials. He doesn't care squat about it. Kane and Undertaker are no joke out there and MVP still needs to listen to him as he is Mr. Kenn...to which MVP interrupts and says, well he is MVP! Kennedy looks at him slaps him on the shoulder and says that they should get out then and let MVP take care of the Undertaker and wanders off leaving MVP to put the glasses back on and play cool. Rudi's rant - Another nice little segment with MVP playing the cocky heel role perfectly and Kennedy looking at him as if he was an absolute nobody. Well done!

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and into the intro of Mr. Kennedy who makes his way to the ring. Kennedy for the first time in a number of weeks gets to do his intro where the mic comes from the ceiling and he introduces himself. At one stage during it he tells the crowd to shut as he does this part by himself. The crowd have given him a nice pop however as he did come down to the ring. We then see a video recap of last week where Kennedy beat Kane after interference by MVP with a chair shot to the leg of Kane. Now we get MVP making his way to the ring after his intro. In the ring he gestures Kennedy out of the way as he does his little dance to the intro music of his. As that ends we get the music of Kane and he makes his way to the ring. MVP and Kennedy exit the ring as Kane enters it and then finally to a huge pop from the crowd we get the gong and the intro of The Undertaker as he makes his way to the ring. MVP and Kennedy look on from the outside and neither look too eager to be entering the ring. Kane and Undertaker side by side look on at their opponents as Kennedy and MVP each try to coax the other to enter the ring first. MVP finally steps up to the apron then down again to talk to Kennedy as the bell rings to start the match. 8 minutes

Match 2: Mr. Kennedy and MVP vs. Kane and Undertaker
MVP tells Kennedy to lead by example and get into the ring and Kennedy makes his way into the ring and will face up against Kane. Kennedy sizes Kane up and then all of a sudden moves back and tags MVP and exits the ring and MVP looks at him in shock before slowly entering the ring. Kennedy on the apron tells MVP to go earn his money. MVP shadow boxes around the ring with an occasional kick at the leg of Kane. He gives a number of kicks then turns to Kennedy and tells him that is how it is done. He turns back to give Kane a right hand but it's blocked and Kane gives him a right hand to the face knocking him to the floor and the crowd is wild. Kane picks him up and slams his head into the turnbuckle then delivers two huge right hands on MVP. Kane whips him across the ropes and gives MVP a big back body drop. Kane kicks MVP in the spine and then picks him up and back into the corner where he chokes him before giving him another right hand. He whips MVP into the opposite corner then follows up but receives a back elbow to the face for his trouble. This allows MVP to make the quick tag to Kennedy who comes in with kicks and punches on Kane. He tries to Irish whip Kane but it's reversed and Kane still holding onto the arm of Kennedy kicks him in the midsection then off the ropes with a kick to the temple! Kennedy walks into a big clotheslines by Kane who makes the tag to Undertaker who comes into the ring to a huge pop from the crowd again!

Kennedy falls back into his corner to get away and makes the reluctant tag to MVP before rolling out of the ring. MVP slowly enters the ring and dances around the ring trying to not get in too close to Undertaker. MVP traps himself in the corner and ducks out under an attempted right hand by Undertaker and gives him one of his own which is non sold by Undertaker in any way. MVP looks scared and just runs and makes the tag to Kennedy as he is exiting the ring over the top rope. Kennedy dances around the same as MVP did and ducks under another attempt by Undertaker to land a right hand. Kennedy immediately goes on the offensive with right hands and kicks until separated by the referee which allows MVP to assault Undertaker from the apron of the ring. Kane tries to enter the ring but is stopped by the referee who has his back turned as Undertaker is double teamed in the opposite corner. Undertaker unleashes however a right hand on MVP knocking him to the apron and one on Kennedy before sending him flying with a kick to the face. Undertaker grabs MVP on the apron and throws him in the ring.

Kane enters the ring now and with Undertaker with Kennedy and Kane with MVP they are both whipped off the ropes and given big right feet to the jaw! Undertaker and Kane in unison then clothesline both Kennedy and MVP over the top rope and onto the canvas! Kennedy and MVP decide they've had enough of this match as they slowly make their way up the ramp to boos from the crowd as they're counted out! Kane and Undertaker in the ring don't look too impressed by the result as they watch their opponents back up the rampway.

All of a sudden the music of Teddy Long hits and he makes him way onto stage. He asks Kennedy and MVP where the hell they thing they're going as they both pretty much point backstage. Longs says he didn't make this huge match up for both of them to walk out through the middle of it! Teddy Long orders them back to the ring as he is ordering the match itself to be restarted and there will be no countouts as the crowd goes wild! Long wanders off stage as we go to a...4 minutes

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and on stage MVP and Mr. Kennedy are psyching each other up for the match which has been restarted. Both are asking each other if they're ready and then as a team they run down towards the ring. As they both are about to slide into the ring Kennedy stops and backs out and MVP is left standing in the ring by himself as he looks around to see where Mr. Kennedy has disappeared to. He is taken down straight away by a kick to the head by Undertaker. Undertaker exits the ring leaving MVP to Kane who picks him up and delivers a scoop slam. Kane tags out to Undertaker who comes in slams MVP and then again as we cut to Kane at ringside who is actually smiling and asking for the tag to be made which to which Undertaker obliges. Kane enters and slams MVP twice and they're both trying to outdo each other with their moves and the crowd are lapping this up! Kane picks up MVP again and powerslams him and goes for the cover which is broken up by Kennedy who punches into the back of Kane who no sells it at all. Kennedy bids a hasty retreat back to the apron as Kane slams the head of MVP into the turnbuckle!

Kane gives MVP a right uppercut then whips his across the ropes but drops his head and gets a kick to the midsection by MVP. That only seems to straighten Kane up and MVP is taken down by a big clotheslines as MVP makes the charge in. Kane tags in Undertaker who enters and gives MVP a kick to the midsection whilst Kane is still holding onto him. Undertaker slams the head of MVP into the turnbuckle then gives him a high elbow! He gets a right hand to the head dropping him to the canvas. Undertaker takes the arm of MVP and softens it up before heading to the corner and climbing the ropes walks the tightrope and then drops a big punch onto the shoulder of MVP somersaulting him over as the crowd is shown on its feet cheering him on!! Undertaker knocks Kennedy off the apron with a big right hand! A tag is made and with Undertaker still holding onto MVP, Kane enters and gives his a right hand to the bread basket! Kane whips MVP hard into the corner and when he staggers out he walks right into a big side slam. Kane climbs the ropes and unleashes a jumping clothesline from the top rope on MVP before going for the cover again which is again broken by Kennedy. Kennedy is out of there quickly as Undertaker steps into the ring. Undertaker follows Kennedy out of the ring and begins to follow him around. Kennedy runs around the opposite side of the ring and then slides in and from behind gives Kane a low blow which is seen by the referee who calls for the bell and it looks like the match is over! 4 minutes

Kennedy rolls out of the ring again as Undertaker enters and MVP has also rolled out of the ring and Kennedy as he's backing up along the rampway shrugs his shoulders as if he's sorry that really happened. Teddy Long once again walks out from backstage to the cheers of the crowd and Kennedy turning to meet him with a body language of 'oh no, what now?" Teddy Long reorders the match to get started again much to the crowd's delight and this time it's not only a no countout match but also a no disqualification match!

Both MVP and Mr. Kennedy look shocked but can't show that for too long as they're met up the rampway by both Kane and Undertaker who take them down! Kennedy is slammed into the barricades by Undertaker! MVP is slammed into the Smackdown set up on the stage! Kennedy is whipped into the steel steps by Undertaker! Kennedy's head is slammed into the steel steps! MVP has his head slammed into the barricades! Kennedy with his back up against the barricades is given a huge chop by Undertaker! MVP is given a big uppercut by Kane on the outside of the ring! Kennedy is sent flying into the barricades next to the Announcer's desk! Kane picks up MVP and slams him face first into the barricades! Undertaker throws Kennedy over the bell table! Kane takes MVP by the scruff of the neck and brings him around to where Undertaker is and slams him into the Announcer’s table! Mr. Kennedy is dropped face first by Undertaker into the Announcer's table! Kane and Undertaker pick up both Kennedy and MVP and throw them back into the ring.

Kane throws MVP into the corner and charges in with a big clothesline! Mr. Kennedy is in the opposite corner and Kane does the same to him! Kane eggs on Undertaker who gives Kennedy a huge clothesline in the corner and then the same to MVP in the opposite corner! Kane is smiling as he unleashes a big clothesline on Kennedy and then another one to MVP! Undertaker follows up with a big boot to the head of Kennedy knocking him out of the ring and then goes back to his corner leaving Kane to deal with MVP. Kane floors MVP with an uppercut. Kane gives MVP a body slams and then looks to come off the ropes but Kennedy grabs them and pulls them down forcing Kane over the top rope with the momentum and down to the floor. Kennedy then launches himself from the apron and gives Kane a double axe handle from the apron. Kennedy then retreats as Undertaker comes around and follows him around the ring. Kane manages to slide in under the bottom rope only to be met by MVP and a kick to the head and then a number of hits and kicks to his upper body. MVP tags in Kennedy who by now has made it back to his own corner. He comes in and unleashes on Kane. He then gives Kane a standing dropkick into the corner! He brings Kane back to his own corner and slams his head against the turnbuckle and makes the tag to MVP.

MVP unleashes with some right hands on Kane and then bounces from the ropes but only into a power slam by Kane! Kane manages to make the tag to Undertaker whilst MVP does the same to Kennedy who walks straight into a clothesline! Undertaker takes down MVP with a right hand and whips Kennedy off the ropes and picks him up and gives him a side slam! Undertaker with a headbutt drives Kennedy into the corner! He whips him into the opposite corner and follows up with a clothesline. Undertaker picks up Kennedy and gives him 'snake eyes' into the turnbuckle and as he staggers around walks into a big boot from Kane who has entered the ring! Kane and Undertaker talk to each other and Kane with a huge smile on his face exits the ring rolling over the top rope backwards. Undertaker throws Kennedy back first on the canvas and comes off the ropes with a big leg drop! He goes for the cover but it's broken up by MVP with a hit to the back of the head which Undertaker no sells at all. MVP backs away as he is stalked by Undertaker and walks back first into Kane who has reentered the ring!

MVP is taken down by an uppercut from Kane. Whilst this happens Kennedy has managed to get to his knees and unloads with a low blow on Undertaker! MVP rolls out of the ring and is followed by Kane. Kennedy bounces off the ropes and gives Undertaker a spinning neck breaker! MVP is back in the ring followed by Kane who catches him by the throat. Kennedy comes to his assistance and is in turn grabbed by the throat and perhaps we'll have a double chokeslam? No, as both Kennedy and MVP kick Kane in the midsection and then proceed to give him a double DDT! Kennedy goes for the cover with MVP adding his weight to the pin but Kane kicks out at 2. Undertaker sits up and MVP and Kennedy are in shock and the crowd hasn't stopped cheering once throughout this whole match! Kennedy and MVP turn to get away and Kane sits up and they're trapped! Kennedy walks into a big right hand by Undertaker! MVP into one by Kane! Kennedy with another one by Undertaker! Kane and Undertaker each pick up their opponent and in unison whip them across the ring and grab them by the throat! The crowd goes berserk as Kane and Undertaker both deliver chokeslams at the same time! MVP rolls out of the ring as Undertaker runs his hand across the throat. Kane goes and rests in the corner. Undertaker stalks Kennedy who gets to his feet slowly. Kennedy staggers around and right into the arms of Undertaker who picks him and delivers the Tombstone Piledriver! He makes the cover and we have a winner! 8 minutes Kane and Undertaker are both in the ring. Kane leans over the ropes laughing at MVP who is flat on his back on the floor. Undertaker gets down on one knee and we get the ultraviolet lights happening whilst Kane stands behind him and sets off the ring pyros!

Kane and The Undertaker defeated Mr. Kennedy and MVP finally in 16 minutes total inclusive of the restarts by Teddy Long. (Rudi's rating **** 1/2) Rudi's rant - I'm up for any comments on my rating here. Where do I start? All up including ring intros and the Teddy Long restarts this almost took up 30 minutes of Smackdown time and I'm marking it this highly because of the sheer crowd entertainment throughout it all. It wasn't the prettiest of matches at times but the joining up again of Kane and Undertaker was awesome and then though Kennedy and MVP didn't mount much of an offense at all, from their pre match talk to the countout and the disqualification and the comedic spots between them it made for a hugely entertaining time and I'll have to watch this one again. Kane seemed to really enjoy himself in this match as you could see by the smile on his face at certain times. I would have preferred MVP being the new kid on the block to take the piledriver instead of Mr. Kennedy as a downside if any to the match is that he comes out of it not looking as strong again. It was a big ask of MVP early on in his WWE career to take on a match like this but I thought he did okay and though he needs to work a lot on his wrestling the cocky gimmick with the fear factor was well suited for a match like this. WWE should consider rather than 3 minute matches having matches that last a while and this one was certainly main event status.

Backstage we're back in the room with Booker, Sharmell and their appointed bodyguard for the episode, Batista. Batista asks if they're alright. Booker doesn't like it. The room is hot and stuffy and small and he's stuck in there with Batista and he needs to get a drink of water. As he goes to leave the room Batista says he wouldn't do that if he were him. When Booker asks why Batista tells him to what is very badly done sound wise and I could barely make it out here that there was a rumour that ECW wrestlers were actually meant to be out and laying in wait for him. Booker decides against a drink and sits back on the couch and I apologise if I don't have what was said quite right but the sound quality was awful.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we're shown the outside of the Bradley Centre where Smackdown is being filmed. Another promo for the Batista and Finlay match of next week and then we are brought back to front of house where Gregory Helms makes his way down to the ring for his match up to as usual not much of a reaction at all from the crowd. He is in the ring and we get the music of his opponent Jimmy Wang Yang who comes out on stage to a bigger cheer. He points out to the back and out comes 'Amy' who was a competitor in the Diva Search who may be a new manager maybe? A friend? This is the first time she has been out with him but she is dressed in a pair of Daisy Dukes, ala Dukes of Hazzard. They make their way to the ring, slapping hands with the crowd along the rampway as they come down as we get an inset promo from Yang where he says that he's going to whip Helm's behind and two step his way to Cruiserweight Title match up.

Match 3: Gregory Helms vs. Jimmy Wang Yang in a non title matchup
The match begins with Helms and Yang locking up in the middle of the ring and Yang with an arm drag on Helms before jumping to his feet. Yang is bouncing around the ring and Helms has got a wry grin on his face at the level of opponent he has. Another lock up and Helms gets Yang in a headlock. Yang gets out of it by whipping Helms into the ropes but gets knocked down by a shoulder block. Helms comes off the ropes again as Yang drops to the canvas and Helms somersaults over him, comes at Yang with a clothesline that he ducks under, and then gets Helms in a spinning headscissors and a nicely executed dropkick and Helms rolls out of the ring and to the floor to catch his breath. Yang launches himself over the ropes and onto literally the head of Helms with a cross body press and that could have been dangerous. Helms is holding his head as Yang picks him up and throws him back into the ring. Yang with the attempted cover but only to the count of one. Yang give Helms a chop against the ropes and then tries an Irish whip which is reversed by Helms who picks up Yang and delivers a face buster type move across the top rope!

Helms comes and totally somersaults Yang with a clothesline! Amy on the outside is looking concerned as Helms lands a right boot into the back of Yang followed by another kick to the back and one to the chest and an attempted cover broken out of at 1. The crowd is giving Helms heat as he drapes Yang's neck over the second rope and sits on him choking him as he is giving lip to the crowd. A nice suplex by Helms and he is in control of this match so far. Another attempted cover and then Helms gets Yang in a neck hold. Yang manages to get to his feet then drops to the canvas cracking the jaw of Helms across the top of his head. Yang with a chop and Helms comes back with a knee to the chest but Yang gains temporary advantage by whipping Helms into the corner and then following him in but is met by an elbow from Helms. Yang manages one of his own as Helms charges at him and then a clothesline as well. He gives him another and then a kick to the midsection doubling him up and gives Helms a DDT! Helms kicks out at the count of two. Yang tries a give Helms a back drop which is blocked. Helms gets behind Yang and gives him one but Yang does a full somersault and lands on his feet and when Helms turns around is met by a spinning heel kick! It's almost a 3 count but Helms manages to kick out in the nick of time.

Yang slams the head of Helms into the turnbuckle and then mounts the ropes to execute a moonsault which he does successfully but the referee's attention is taken by Sylvan who has come out and is on the apron of the ring! Yang would have gotten the pin there! Yang sees Sylvan on the apron and knocks him to the floor with a right arm. This gives Helms the chance to roll up Yang and with a handful of tights get the pin and justice has not been served in this match! Gregory Helms defeated Jimmy Wang Yang in 3 minutes. (Rudi's rating **) Rudi's rant - This match was just too short which is why the lower rating. I can see some good matches between these two in a feud for the title given time but due to the length of the previous match this maybe was not given a chance it needed or it is just a beginning to set up a feud. The appearance of Amy was a little bit awkward too as there has been no build up at all of Yang over the past couple of weeks and no storyline to why she may be there. Post match Sylvan charges back in and takes down Yang with a clothesline and goes to work on him with right arms and kicks. Helms goes to do the same but Hardy rushes the ring and Helms is taken down by a clothesline as he goes to tackle him! Hardy to a huge cheer from the crowd takes down Sylvan and then works on Helms, whilst Yang has the chance to take down Sylvan. Hardy and Yang are left in the ring with Yang making signs of taking the belt from Helms and I daresay we have a tag team match for next week set up.

Backstage we see Batista standing guard over Booker and Sharmell and Sharmell keeps telling Booker she need to go to powder her nose and Booker can't understand what she is wanting to do as he says that her nose is powdered and she looks great already. Sharmell continues to use the same line until Booker realises that she needs to go to the bathroom. Booker doesn't really want to be left alone though by the looks of it and Sharmell solves the argument by sitting back down and crossing her legs as Booker tries to apologise.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we see The Miz coming out to the ring with Kristal and they're in a mixed team match up for the show. Miz is holding Kristal's arm raised as they come down to the ring and we get a recap from last week where Kristal won the Diva Trick or Treat Battle Royal. Back to the real world and Miz and Kristal are in the ring when the music of Vito hits and he makes his way down to the ring with his partner for this match up, Leyla with Miz and Kristal laughing at Vito's dress. In the ring Vito dances around and gets the crowd fired up for himself and Leyla.

Match 4: The Miz and Kristal vs. Vito and Leyla
We begin with Kristal and Leyla in the ring. They lock up and Leyla takes the quick advantage by picking Kristal up and giving her a body slam. Leyla follows up with a clothesline and then another. Kristal makes the tag to Miz and he gets in the ring waving Leyla away in disdain as she makes the tag to Vito. Vito enters and prances around the ring flouncing his dress at Miz who shies away in a corner in disgust. The referee tries to intervene to have Vito back off which gives Miz the chance for a thumb to the eyes. Miz with an arm to the back and a kick to the midsection of Vito. Miz unloads with a big left hand to the head of Vito and then another followed up with a hoorah to the crowd. He whips Vito across the ring who ducks the attempted clothesline by Miz and comes off the ropes himself with a flying arm to the head of Miz. Vito quickly follows up with a clothesline. He gives Miz a back elbow to the head. Miz is then given a back body drop. Vito plays to the crowd and then tries to get Miz with his submission move of putting the dress over the head but Miz manages to break out and make the tag to Leyla and the crowd are cheering madly for Vito. Vito tries to catch Kristal with the dress and backs her into his corner where Leyla is able to give her a right hand. Vito makes the tag and Leyla comes in with a right hand to the back of Kristal. Leyla tries to whip Kristal across to the opposite corner but it's reversed by Kristal. Leyla hits the corner face first and as she falls back Kristal rolls her up and with a hand pulling the tights gets the three count and this one is already over! The Miz and Kristal defeated Vito and Leyla in 2 minutes. (Rudi's rating *) Rudi's rant - A very quick match and it didn't really showcase anything. There was no buildup at all to the match and in my humble opinion only a beginning of something awful about to happen.

The Miz and Kristal celebrate in the ring and then all of a sudden we hear the music of The Boogeyman and Miz and Kristal look on in absolute horror as Boogeyman comes out on stage and makes his way to the ring. Miz and Kristal try to escape the ring but are thrown back in by Vito and Leyla.

Rudi's rant - Let me just say something here. The idea of Boogeyman, the use of the worms, and then the various repeats of him dribbling them over Kristal does not appeal one bit. If you are more interested in it then please read my review of last week where I took the time to describe the next couple of minutes. Nothing this week was any different. For WWE to use Boogeyman is a joke if the guy was recently let go because of his non ability to put in the hard yards when it comes to the wrestling side of things. Sure the gimmick is very theatrical and it was okay for Halloween but the use this week and the possibility of a feud with Miz only lessens the ability of Miz as a wrestler and of Kristal as a Diva. I'd rather see Khali wrestle than waste minutes of Smackdown watching this dribble. Comments welcome.

Backstage, Booker is complaining to Sharmell about the fact a 'hit' has been put on him. Batista says he will step outside for a moment and Booker objects as Long has put him in charge of looking after him. Batista says he will be just outside and steps out the door. Booker is looking particularly concerned about the fact that he is a marked man. Batista outside in the corridor gets a bottle of water. He notices a ladder and then with a lot of yelling proceeds to kick the ladder over and some other bits and pieces in an effort to scare King Booker who is against the door holding it shut. Finally he opens the door and Sharmell screams and Booker looks to take him out with the Championship belt. Booker checks to make sure Batista is okay and then says to him that he has to get him and Sharmell of there and they go to get their things with Batista cooling taking a drink of water and laughing at his ruse.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and Jamie Noble is in the ring ready for his match up against Lashley. We get a recap last week of Tatanka going ballistic at both the referee and then Lashley. Back to the ring and the music of Lashley hits and he makes his way out to the ring with his pyro and Lashley doesn't look happy at all. As Lashley mounts the ropes to acknowledge the crowd, the music of Tatanka hits and he makes his way onto stage not wearing his feather head piece at all but a face painted half white and half black. The bells rings to begin the match.

Match 5: Jamie Noble vs. Bobby Lashley
Jamie Noble tries to take advantage of Lashley's distraction by trying to kick him the midsection. Lashley blocks the kick and picks Noble up and walks across the ring before just throwing him his shoulders across the ring. Lashley continues to look at Tatanka who just stands on stage looking on. Lashley picks Noble up and whips him into the corner and Noble staggers out at the force of it where Lashley grabs him and does the same again. Noble staggers out and Lashley grabs him and throws him across the ring again with a belly to belly suplex. Lashley continues to keep an eye on Tatanka and when he goes to get Noble again is caught by a thumb to the eye. Noble tries a number of right arms to the head of Lashley but Lashley just picks him up and rams him into the corner and then gives him a number of shoulder blocks. Lashley tries to whip Noble across the ring but it's reversed by Noble and reversed again by Lashley who puts him in the corner. As he charges however, Noble raises the knees and catches Lashley in the face. Noble climbs the ropes and lands a cross body on Lashley who rolls through with the move and picks Noble up in his arms. The crowd are cheering on as Lashley bumps Noble up on to his shoulder and gives him a running power slam! Lashley makes the cover and this one is already over as well! Bobby Lashley defeated Jamie Noble in just under 2 minutes. (Rudi's rating 1/2 *) Rudi's rant - A very quick squash match and not much too it at all except to highlight the new look Tatanka. Lashley stares down at Tatanka who makes his way down the rampway mic in hand.

Tatanka says he is sure that Lashley and the fans want an explanation as to what happened last week. Tatanka doesn't owe Lashley anything! It's Tatanka and his people that are owed an explanation. Tatanka has suffered many grave injustices over the past few weeks just like his people have over the past hundreds of years and still as of today. Tatanka is sick of it! To make his destiny right again Tatanka has called upon the spirits of his forefathers and they have awakened a new warrior, a vengeful one inside of Tatanka. To Bobby, if he or anyone else wants to stand in the way of what Tatanka is rightfully taking back then Lashley would not only be at war with Tatanka but with a whole nation of warriors. Lashley invites Tatanka down to the ring but he just stands there as we go to a commercial break. Rudi's rant - Ummm, I'm not sure where to go with this one. I like the new look of Tatanka and think that a heel turn was needed to actually get a reaction to the size that Tatanka is as he was not getting much attention as a face by the fans but I'm not sure that taking the 'race' direction that the WWE is going here is the right way as it can only turn into a WWE disaster as has happened countless times before. In saying this I hope that Tatanka actually is able to show any wrestling abilities he may have. As to Lashley? If Tatanka is not made to look like a monster heel then it's a step down for Lashley in this feud who only recently was fighting the likes of Finlay and King Booker and even Batista in main event matchups. Maybe they are taking the time to build him up as a stronger wrestler and not putting the belt on him too early which could backfire as it did with Randy Orton.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we see King Booker and Queen Sharmell making their way through the parking lot accompanied by Batista. They reach the limousine and Booker just stands there and tells Batista to open the door please. Batista is here to protect him and not to open doors. Booker opens the door and Sharmell enters. As Booker goes to get in the car Batista says 'you're welcome' as Booker just stares at him. All of a sudden from nowhere a number of guys appear and Batista tackles them. Some are wearing ECW t-shirts. Batista tells Booker to get into the car and go as he takes care of four of them. Batista is left in the car park as the limousine speeds off. Long runs out to Batista and thanks him for looking after Booker and Batista says the Championship will be his very soon. Batista says he is going to take care of something personal though now, why wait until next week and makes his way back into the stadium leaving Teddy Long standing there.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and the music of Batista hits as he comes out to a huge roar from the crowd. he goes through the pyros and makes his way into the ring and he is looking very pumped! He grabs a mic and stands as the crowd starts up a Batista chant and soaks it up. Batista says that watching Booker's ass all night was business. This is personal. He demands Finlay come out to the ring! He says that if Finlay loves to fight he wants him to come out to prove it! He rips off his singlet and once again tells Finlay to come out or he'll come out the back to get him. The music of Finlay hits and he walks halfway down to the ring and stops, shillelagh in hand. He points at Batista and then to the boos of the crowd starts to walk back up the rampway and pauses on stage for a moment and heads through the curtains as Batista jumps out the ring and runs up the rampway after him. As Batista goes to go through the curtains Finlay comes out and tackles him! They both go at each other down the rampway as officials come from everywhere to break them up. Batista breaks away from those holding him and rushes Finlay and takes him down! The officials break them up again. Finlay breaks free and goes after Batista and it's on again! The officials again drag off Batista as Finlay kicks at him. Batista tackles him again! The officials keep them separated as the music hits to end the show............

Okay, there we have it and a bit of a surprise ending there when through the show they'd touted the match up between Batista and Finlay for next week. What to grade this show? I just don't know. Outside of the match with Kane and The Undertaker teaming up the other matches were short and only used to fill up the show. The running skit of Batista looking after Booker and Sharmell fell kind of flat on me because Batista was obviously not mic'd up and he was hard to understand. The talk from Rey and then subsequent attack from Chavo and Vickie and the save by Benoit was great except it was ruined by not having one mention after that at all for the rest of the show. Tatanka's heel turn was completed but the WWE are maybe going up the wrong path with this. Jimmy Wang Yang had a new friend, Amy but without any buildup at all about why she was there except for the Daisy Dukes. There was no Maryse again. Was she just a flash in the pan? It was nice to see Sylvan out there again and Hardy made an appearance and perhaps we'll see a bit of feud there against them with Yang and Helms thrown in the mix as well. Jamie Noble was just Lashley fodder and London and Kendrick had a match with the only other tag team left on Smackdown after the Pitbulls splitting up due to the letting go of Kash due to disciplinary problems and the unfortunate incident with Dave Taylor last week where he injured his knee. Perhaps they'll put London/Kendrick up against Undertaker/Kane? MVP played the cowardly heel again really well but Mr. Kennedy though was made to look fairly weak though his mic work and facial expressions are gold. And Boogeyman? I think I said enough earlier. Bad news there!

I'm giving this show a 5 out of 10 because of the problems. The commentary was not as good as last week with JBL off on a number of rants hence only a 6 out of 10. The overall feel of the show was worth 8 out of 10 though as the crowd lapped it all up and were vocal all throughout the show. Have a great week everyone and remember, if you drink and drive you’re a bloody idiot! Bye for now









*NEW GALLERY* John Cena Partying with 8 Other Women!!

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