Smackdown 10th November, 2006
    Submitted by Rudi Pavani on Friday, November 10, 2006 at 9:44 PM EST



    Hi everyone once again from the Land Down Under to every wrestling follower, or even not followers but interested in my rantings. This is Rudi (rudip1@pacific.net.au) with another recap of Smackdown. It's been a bit of a down week so far for wrestling WWE style in general for the PPV Cyber Sunday and the flagship show RAW. Having caught both of these I was disappointed to say the least but hey, we're at Smackdown and lets see how this show shines today! Just on a side note tune in next week for some different news but for now.... On with the show!

    Quick recap from last week:
    Rey makes a speech about coming back after his knee operation.
    Chavo beats down on Rey who is saved by Benoit and both aren't seen again for the whole show.
    The Tag Team Champions beat the only other real tag team on the show..........again.
    The Brothers of Destruction (Kane & Undertaker) reunite to conquer over Kennedy & MVP
    Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms beats Jimmy Wang Yang with help from Sylvan.
    Jimmy Wang Yang has a new girl, Amy
    Tatanka stares down Lashley with the whole warrior nation behind him.
    Vito and Layla lose to The Miz and Kristal
    Boogeyman eats worms and drools them over Kristal
    Boogeyman sucks!
    Miz runs away, again
    Batista has a role and that is to stand guard over Booker and Sharmell
    Sharmell we find is overly conscious of others nearby when she needs a bathroom
    Batista and Finlay both love to fight

    We begin the show with a view of the crowd from Columbus Ohio cheering. They turn to boos as Tony Chimel in the ring introduces the 2006 King of the Ring winner, King Booker accompanied by Queen Sharmell who can now call himself Champion of Champions following Cyber Sunday. Booker & Sharmell on stage pose as we have a shower of fireworks and then they make there way slowly to the ring as we see that 67% percent of viewers voted for his title to be put on the line. We get stills of the matchup but I won't go into those as people would have already read the reviews or seen the PPV.

    Three minutes later and Booker is actually ready to speak. What will he say as he waits for the crowd heat to die down? He thanks his loyal subjects and asks them to please rise and pay homage to him, the king. On Cyber Sunday he marched in a king and emerged a hero, a legend, the Champion of Champions. He defeated the rogue, Cena and that giant ogre, Big Show. He defeated them like he has done to Rey Mysterio, Lashley, Finlay and Batista. He uses the analogy of Alexander the Great who when he had conquered the known world and had nothing more to conquer, he wept. Booker now wants to stand there in the ring, weeping.

    Teddy Long comes onto stage with a couple of photographers and makes his way down to the ring with Booker smiling. Teddy thought he'd come to the ring before Booker started shedding tears and fill the arena of water. He wanted to say on behalf of all the Smackdown fans congratulations on becoming the Champion of Champions. Before Teddy can continue King Booker thanks everyone to a chorus of boos. The reason Teddy asked Booker to come down to the ring dressed in his wrestling attire was that he has these photographers who he wants to take photos of Booker looking exactly how he did when he won at Cyber Sunday. Long puts himself between Booker and Sharmell for a moment so he can be in some of the shots. When enough shots are taken Long asks the crowd to give it up for King Booker to which of course they respond with a chorus of boos.

    Long was about to exit the ring but has a change of mind. What's in his head? He says that Booker had a lot of people gunning for him, that his back was against the wall. Last week there was one man, a man that came out to protect him and the title belt and he owes that man a big favour. Booker is not looking impressed at where this is going. Long says that man was Batista as the crowd gives a roar! Booker cuts in and says that he owes noone any favours, that he needed no protection, he is the King, the Champion of Champions. Teddy agrees that Booker is that, but that he is the General Manager of Smackdown and he asked Batista for that favour and he more than earned that favour. To Booker's big disgust and the crowd's delight Batista gets to have a chance at the title against Booker at Survivor Series! Booker says it ain't going to happen. Teddy asks him why he is so upset. He is giving Batista a chance at the title, not necessarily at Booker! (nice one) Booker says if he's not there that there isn't a match. Teddy says that at Survivor Series Booker may still be Champion of Champion but he may not be World Champion. Right now, announces Teddy to the total disgust again of Booker the title is going on the line! The crowd goes nuts as Teddy asks for a referee to come to the ring. Booker is trying to tell Teddy he can't do this or he'll sue his ass! Teddy is the manager, he can do what he wants and the opponent for Booker right now? Bobby Lashley! Lashley comes onto stage, we get his pyros and he makes his way down to the ring as JBL is yelling out that Teddy is racist, he's never liked Booker! Lashley makes his way down and enters the ring. Rudi's Rant - This opening segment lasted all of 11 minutes and you know something? I kinda liked it. People can say what they want about this gimmick but Booker and Sharmell play it up big time and the crowd hate them but they get a reaction. What more can one ask for? Booker's mic skills as the King are to die for and Sharmell has the best facial expressions one could ask for! Teddy Long is a gem on the mic as well and his interactions with Booker are excellent! A nice start to the show compared to what happened at the start of Raw!

    Match 1: King Booker, World Heavyweight Champion vs. Bobby Lashley in a title match up
    The match begins with Booker in the corner complaining to the referee about how he doesn't want to do this, that he's not ready. He's met by a shoulder block to the midsection from Lashley in the corner! He lands a number more before dragging Booker out and body slamming him. He goes for the cover but only for a two count. Booker tries to beg off Lashley but is picked up and dragged to the corner and has his head slammed in the turnbuckle. Lashley then lands a number of boots to the midsection of Booker. The crowd are chanting for Lashley as Booker is kicked down to the canvas. Lashley moves back into Booker but is met by a thumb to the eye and then a chop and a right arm to the head before he's whipped into the ropes. Booker goes to give him a high elbow but it's blocked and Lashley clotheslines him! A hook to the leg and another two count on Booker. Lashley has Booker on the canvas face down with his elbow in the back of his shoulder and grinding it in, wearing him down. Booker manages to get to his feet and work Lashley to the ropes where a clean break up doesn't happen as Booker drives his shoulder into the midsection of Lashley. Booker is with the advantage as he lands a number of right arms to the back of the head of Lashley. Booker puts Lashley up against the ropes and give him a big chop against the chest. Booker tries to whip Lashley across the ring but it's reversed. Lashley however is off balance and Booker off the ropes kicks the chest of Lashley. Booker can't take the advantage as to a huge cheer from the crowd Lashley manages to charge Booker and clothesline him over the top ropes and onto the floor below! Lashley stands in the ring with his arms outstretched egging on the crowd as we go to...

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and Lashley has Booker on the canvas in a headlock wearing him down. Booker finally manages to get to his feet and break the hold by planting a knee into the chest of Lashley. Booker forces Lashley into the corner and lands a number of knees to the midsection and head of Lashley as Sharmell cheers him on from the outside of the ring. Booker drags Lashley out into the middle of the ring but out of nowhere Lashley picks him up and slams him in the corner and delivers some shoulder blocks to the midsection and a kick to the midsection before following up with a snapmare and the crowd are cheering for Lashley! We almost have a three count as Lashley goes for the cover. Lashley measures Booker as he gets to his feet then gives a kick to the midsection then picks up and delivers a suplex on Booker but not before holding him up upside down for quite a number of seconds. The crowd are loving this! Lashley measures up Booker again but he's not getting to his feet in a hurry so Lashley goes and picks him up from the canvas as the crowd has started up another huge Bobby chant. Booker was foxing though as Lashley gets a thumb to the eye. Booker with elbows to the head whips Lashley into the corner but is met by an elbow of his own as he follows him in. Lashley lines Booker up for a spear but at the last moment Booker moves out of the way and Lashley crashes shoulder first into the steel ring post!

    Booker exits the ring and grabs the legs of Lashley and crotches him against the ring post as Sharmell was distracting the referee! That's gotta hurt! Booker, back in the ring, lands some boots into the chest of Lashley and drags him by the leg to the middle of the ring. Booker with both legs of Lashley in his hands delivers a leg drop into the thigh and stomach area of Lashley. He gives him another. Booker picks Lashley up and chops him against the ropes. He give him some more and some right hands knocking Lashley back down to the canvas and the corner. Booker prances around the ring and connects with a kick to the jaw as Lashley makes it to his feet. Booker goes for the cover but only for a two count. A side slam on Lashley by Booker and another two count and then Booker goes to work on the arm of Lashley in a rest hold as the crowd starts up yet another Bobby chant as Lashley buoyed on by the support gets to his feet. Lashley with some hits on Booker manages to break the hold and he bounces into the ropes but comes out and straight into a kick to the jaw from Booker again.

    Booker picks up Lashley and delivers a big right hand which staggers Lashley who comes back with his own. They go toe to toe until Lashley gains the advantage and gets Booker in a headlock. Booker picks Lashley up by the leg and drops Lashley knee first into his own. He then puts a step over toe hold onto Lashley who is in pain with the injured knee. Lashley manages to wrap his arms around the head of Booker and roll him up in a small package but only for the two count. Booker retaliates with a clothesline! The crowd boos heavily as Sharmell screeches out King Booooooooker as Lashley is lying face down on the canvas with Booker standing over him. Booker picks up Lashley and forces him against the ropes again with a number of chops. Lashley fights back though with a number of right arms to the head of Booker before coming from the ropes and taking Booker down with a shoulder block. Lashley comes off the ropes again, jumps over Booker and then comes off the ropes again. Booker attempts to leapfrog him but is grabbed mid air and given a big power slam by Lashley!! We almost get the three count here with Booker just managing to kick out! Lashley gives Booker a number of right arms again before whipping Booker into the ropes and taking him down with an elbow. Booker up on his feet is taken down by a clothesline. Booker up again is given a kick to the midsection doubling him up and Lashley comes off the ropes again with a blow to the back of the head of Booker knocking him to the canvas as the crowd goes nuts!

    Lashley goads the crowd on as Booker gets to his feet. Lashley slams the head of Booker into the turnbuckle. Lashley tries to whip Booker into the opposite corner but Booker manages to stop himself and try to leap over Lashley as he charges in but is caught once again in midair. Booker manages to slide out of that but is caught by Lashley who plants a spinebuster on him and goes for the cover! Another near fall and the crowd are loving this! Sharmell mounts the apron and distracts the referee. Lashley goes over to remonstrate as well but this gives time for Booker to catch his breath and Lashley is caught with a thumb to the eye. Booker now with knees to the head of Lashley as he gets him against the ropes. The referee breaks it up and remonstrates with Booker and Sharmell from the floor looks to land a low blow on Lashley but he catches her arm before she can do any damage. Lashley turns to confront her but is hit from behind by Booker. Booker grabs Lashley and rolls him up and holding the tights gets the pin on Lashley and this one is over! King Booker defeated Bobby Lashley and retains his World Heavyweight Championship in 13 minutes. (Rudi's rating ***) Rudi's rant - I can't say I've seen Lashley at the top of my head wrestle a one on one match this long and he did a good job at it. An excellent way to start the matches tonight and it had a lot of to and fro between them. Booker looks set to wrestle Batista at Survivor Series and Lashley after a couple of weeks where he played a mid-card role was elevated back up to a title match up! Where was Tatanka? You'd think that if there is to be a feud between Lashley & Tatanka then there would have been an appearance but none at all. This is the letdown with the show the same as last week after the Rey Mysterio beating down and Benoit saving the day that the writers seem to not have the continuity quite right each week but that is my opinion and y'all may disagree.

    After the match Booker picks Lashley up and delivers a kick to the midsection setting up Lashley for a scissor kick off the ropes. Lashley moves at the last minute and takes Booker down with a big clothesline much to the crowd's delight and Booker is out of there as he rolls out the ring! Booker and Sharmell make their way to the back as Lashley is let in the ring looking upset at losing as he stares down Booker. Nice picture of Lashley in the ring staring down at Booker which is also shown on the Trinatron screen on stage as Booker & Sharmell are backing up the rampway.

    We get a promo for the show's main event match between Batista and Finlay and a video recap of the events leading up to the match. We see where Finlay interfered in the title match up between Batista and Booker and where he opened up Batista with his shillelagh as we go to...

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and Teddy Long is in his office and MVP barges right in with something on his mind. He forgot to knock says Teddy. MVP knocks literally against the head of Teddy. Teddy says he was just about to sit down and what the DVD, See No Evil, starring Kane. Shameless DVD plug follows before MVP says that there were scenes last week that the crowd shouldn't have seen. Bad enough he was up against the Brothers of Destruction, but Teddy overstepped his authority by abusing clauses in MVP's contract, such as restarting the match not once with no countout but twice with no disqualification. MVP has been in street fights easier than the match he had. Street fights says Teddy? He has something on his mind again. MVP wants to be in singles competition which was what he was signed up for? Teddy says he'll set him up next week, in a singles match, in a street fight and his opponent? Kane! MVP cusses himself as the crowd cheers.Rudi's rant - Shameless plug for Kane's movie on DVD here but hopefully it won't be huge plugs like Eric Bischoff and his book on Raw or DX touting their merchandise. On a side note, if Teddy Long is the manager of Smackdown what is he doing about to watch a DVD 35 minutes into the show. Shouldn't he be ummmm, managing?

    Backstage and Chavo and Vickie Guerrero are talking when Chavo quietens up as the camera pans and we see Benoit standing behind Vickie. Benoit wants to know what is up with them two, what's going on. What happened to the sweet Vickie Guerrero that Benoit once knew as she scoffs at that comment. Benoit takes them to task about the comments Rey trying to take the Guerrero legacy. Chavo says that's the way things were before Benoit interrupts again in saying that he knows something is up, that it has something to do with Eddie's estate as Vickie gets to pointing into the chest of Benoit and tells Benoit what he needs to worry about is losing the title because at Survivor Series Chavo is going to be the new champion as both Vickie and Chavo walk off leaving Benoit standing there. Rudi's rant - Eddie's estate? That is an interesting concept. I had other more scary creepy Vince McMahon inspired storylines running around in my head but it may be interesting to see where this goes. Hopefully it will result in the leaving in peace Eddie's name and Chavo having a title match and a feud with Benoit that will actually focus on his wrestling more than anything else.

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and we get to see Matt Hardy make his way to the ring to a nice pop from the crowd. His partner in the match Jimmy Wang Yang comes out to a nice pop from the crowd and he's accompanied again by Amy. We get an inset promo from Yang introducing Amy who just loves rednecks she says. *rolling eyes* Yang likes curves. Yang is Amy's boy and Amy is Yang's girl. Oh brother. Anyway, in the ring Amy and Jimmy Wang Yang are both up on the ropes getting pops from the crowd. We then get the music of Gregory Helms as he makes his way to the ring accompanied by his tag team partner Sylvan.

    Match 2: Matt Hardy and Jimmy Wang Yang (with Amy) vs. Gregory Helms and Sylvan
    The match begins with Yang and Helm in the ring and JBL commenting as I did on why Teddy would be watching a DVD during Smackdown! Sylvan distracts the referee and whilst Yang's attention is taken up with that, Helms charges him and takes him down with a right hand to the head and with a number of kicks to the midsection. A big right hand by Helms on Yang. Helms whips Yang into the ropes and attempts a hip toss on Yang who reserves it somewhat and manages to land a kick into the chest of Helms. Yang then lands a kick to the back of Helms sending him flying into his corner where the tag is made to Sylvan. Sylvan rushes in and attempts to clothesline Yang who ducks under it and grabs Sylvan in a spinning head scissors. Yang leaps to his feet, yeehahs the crowd and gives Sylvan a chop against the throat. Yang goes to whip Sylvan against the ropes but it's reversed. As Yang hits the ropes Helms from the floor tries to trip him up but Yang manages to break out of the trip and lands a dropkick on Helms through the ropes! Yang turns around and is taken down by a huge clothesline which spins him full circle from Sylvan who was waiting for him.

    Sylvan with the elbow drop into Yang and then stands over him landing a number of right fists into his head. Sylvan slams Yang back first into the corner. A big right hand flattens Yang and the tag is made to Helms. With Sylvan holding Yang, Helms lands the boot into the midsection. Helms chokes Yang against the second ropes. A nice suplex by Helms on Yang and then with arms outstretched laps up the boos from the crowd taunting them. A kick to the midsection of Yang. Helms with his hands around the neck of Yang drops him back first onto this knee and goes for the pin but only for the two count. Helms now with a neck hold on Yang. Yang manages to get to his feet and breaks the hold with elbows to the stomach of Helms. He bounces off the ropes but is met by an elbow from Helms who charges him. Helms then charges at Hardy on the apron knocking him down to the floor. Hardy rushes the ring but is met by the referee who tries to get him to leave the ring. This allows Sylvan to enter and together both he and Helms drive boots into the back of Yang. The referee only notices the tail end and admonishes Sylvan who is given the tag from Helms. He reenters the ring and kicks into the midsection of Yang as he's being held by Helms. Sylvan lands a number of knees into the gut of Yang before landing a suplex on him and Hardy hasn't legally made it into the ring yet! The crowd are trying to inspire Yang. Sylvan picks Yang up and gives him a backbreaker and goes for the pin but only for a one count.

    Yang tries to make a comeback with chops against Sylvan who comes back with a big right hand against him knocking him back into the opposition corner. Sylvan works on Yang with punches to the body and kicks before making a cocky tag to Helms. In the ring Helms takes Yang and slams his head into the turnbuckle. He then lands a couple of kicks to the midsection before attempting an Irish whip. Yang ducks a clothesline and lands a big chop on Helms in desperation, but is taken down by a right arm to the back of the head by Helms. Helms tosses Yang over and then clamps a scissor lock onto him from behind. Yang manages to get a foot on the ropes and the hold is broken as the crowd and Amy try to encourage Yang to fight back. Helms whips Yang viciously into the corner and makes the tag to Sylvan who comes in and plants the boot into the back of the head of Yang. An elbow to the back of the head follows. Then a right hand which knocks Yang into the ropes but he comes back with a hit at Sylvan. Sylvan gains advantage again and whips Helms into the ropes and takes him down with a nice dropkick! Sylvan taunts the crowd whilst Yang staggers to his feet and then picks him up and drops him with a modified backdrop/sideslam and goes for the pin but only for a near fall. Sylvan drops the knee into the chest of Yang. Sylvan then mounts the second rope and waits for Yang to get to his feet. He taunts the crowd before leaping at Yang only to be met by a desperation spinning heel kick from Yang and both men are on the canvas! At the count of 5 from the referee both wrestlers manage to just make a tag and it's Hardy's turn finally!

    Hardy blocks an attempted right hand from Helms and takes him down with a number of his own as the crowd go wild! Hardy then with a clothesline! Hardy attempts to whip Helms across the ring but it's reversed though Hardy as he runs into the ropes manages to knock Sylvan down the floor! Helms comes at Hardy but misses a right hand which allows Hardy to grab Helms and deliver a Side Effect! Sylvan rushes the ring but is stopped by a number of right hands from Hardy. Hardy whips Sylvan into the corner and charges in with a clothesline! Hardy with the bulldog on Sylvan catching Helms along the way landing a Side Effect at the same time!!! The crowd loved that one! A big right hand on Helms putting him in the corner. Hardy lifts Helms and straddles him on the top ropes in the corner. Sylvan grabs Hardy down as he mounts the ropes and tries to drag him across the ring but it's reversed by Hardy who tosses Sylvan through the ropes onto the floor. Yang back in the ring launches himself over the top rope in a twisting move onto Sylvan on the floor! Hardy goes back at Helms and executes a Twist of Fate from the top rope!! The cover is made and we have our winners as the crowd erupts! Matt Hardy and Jimmy Wang Yang (with Amy) defeated Gregory Helms and Sylvan in 7 minutes. (Rudi's rating ***) Rudi's rant - Another excellent match and given a few minutes to develop. Yang played the face in peril for most of the match allowing Hardy to take the accolades from the crowd with the hot tag. These four wrestlers have been pitted against each other repeatedly in singles matches Helms/Hardy and Yang/Sylvan over a few weeks and it was nice to see the feuds just refreshed a little by putting them in a tag team match. We even got Yang introducing Amy though that should've been done last week but that is only a minor criticism. I look forward to see what next week brings with these competitors now. After the match Yang and Amy enter the ring to celebrate with Hardy whilst Helms is still on his back in the middle of the ring. We get a replay of the bulldog/side effect move and then the Twist of Fate on Helms from the top rope.

    Backstage we see Mr. Kennedy looking all business as he walks with a purpose through the backstage area.

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and we get another video buildup of the main event match between Batista and Finlay.

    We are then brought back to the front of house as we get the intro of Mr. Kennedy as he makes his way towards the ring. Kennedy is looking very unhappy. Kennedy stalks the middle of the ring before he reaches up and the mic comes down from the ceiling and the spotlight is on Kennedy. We're looking at the future of sports entertainment mouths Kennedy wasting no time. We're looking at Mr..........Kennedy...........! and then the mounting of the middle rope and to the boos from the crowd... Kennedy.........! 16 years ago Undertaker made his debut at Survivor Series Kennedy says. Since 1990 and the Thanksgiving edition that year of Survivor Series, Undertaker has created a path of destruction. Impressive says Kennedy. But what is more impressive? Me. Mr. Kennedy. Why? Never before in the history of WWE has there been a superstar who has defeated four world champions. Kennedy thinks that he has become bigger than Smackdown himself and some may agree to that comment. Kennedy wanted to prove on it to expand on it by going to ECW, by going to RAW but it couldn't happen because of one man that got in his way, and that is Undertaker to which the crowd give a pop at the sound of his name. Kennedy is here to tell us though that to the Deadman, he just refuses to sit by and watch him ruin his legacy before it has a chance to get off the ground! This is why Kennedy wants Undertaker to come out to the ring right now. Kennedy wants Undertaker to come out to the ring right now and answer his challenge. At the 1990 Survivor Series, the career of Undertaker began. In 2006 at Survivor Series we can mark the word of Kennedy here, that the career of Undertaker will end! Kennedy stands in the ring calling out the Deadman, taunting him that he is supposed to be the one with no fear. If he is everything that he says that he is, he'll come down to the ring. Kennedy calls out Deadman again in a haunting horror movie type voice and then all of a sudden.....

    We get the gong! and the crowd goes wild! Kennedy stands in the ring as Undertaker comes out on stage and makes his way to the ring in true Undertaker slow motion fashion. In the ring Undertaker stares down Kennedy as he takes off his jacket and hat. As Undertaker goes to pass his hat out of the ring Kennedy charges him mic in hand but Undertaker catches him by the throat. Kennedy manages to give Undertaker a low blow and then beats into the back of his head with the mic. Time and time again Kennedy uses it against the head of Undertaker, busting him wide open. Kennedy in the face of Undertaker who is down on his knees says yells at him that noone underestimates him, no one underestimates Mrrrrrrrrrrrr but he is cut off as Undertaker grabs him by the throat again! Before Undertaker can get to his feet though Kennedy uses the microphone and beats Undertaker down to the canvas beating against the head with the microphone that hasn't been switched off so there are also the sound effects as it's used as a weapon! Kennedy stands over Undertaker and straddles him as he looks down on to the prone form and then almost in his face, finishes his intro.... Kennedy..... Kennedy drops the mic and walks away from Undertaker facing him still and leaves the ring as the crowd chants for Undertaker. As Kennedy walks slowly up the rampway Undertaker sits up and then staggers across to the ropes, bloodied and battered.Rudi's rant - This segment including intros took 12 minutes and thus deserves a rating. (Rudi's rating *** 1/2) This was what Kennedy is all about and how he should be used. The last couple of weeks he was made to look quite weak and then they drag him out for this and he delivers! I would get the PPV just on the strength of this intro alone. Why? It was strong, and it put meaning to the storyline. If only WWE could do these value segments and/or matches more often it would just bring the ratings of the show to a higher level. This first hour of Smackdown totally blew the whole episode of RAW out of the water. I can't comment on ECW as we don't get it till after Smackdown here in Australia sadly. Could Kennedy be the one to take out Undertaker at Survivor Series? Who knows. And well, technically Undertaker didn't really accept or have the chance to so we'll see what happens next week.

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and a replay of the beatdown of Undertaker by Kennedy before we're brought back to reality and the music of Benoit hits as he makes his way to the ring for his match. The crowd are giving him a great op. We then get the intro of K C James as he makes his way to the ring accompanied by Michelle McCool.

    Match 3: Chris Benoit vs. K C James (with Michelle McCool) in what I presume a non title match up
    The match begins with James and Benoit facing off each other before locking up and Benoit being forced into the corner. Benoit reverses the position and takes the advantage by planting knees into the midsection of James. He follows up with right hands to the head and then a chop to the throat of James who tries to fight back but to no avail. Benoit lands another huge chop and then whips James across the ring and charges in and connects with the knee to the midsection flipping James over. James rolls out of the ring and Benoit is stopped from going after him by the referee. Benoit means business in this match. James consults with McCool before mounting the apron. Benoit goes after him and looks to drag him into the ring but James drops to the floor managing to choke Benoit over the ropes as he does so. James enters the ring and goes after Benoit with a fist to the face. James with another one dropping Benoit to the canvas and then drops an elbow onto the chest. He goes for the cover but only gets a one count. Another right hand to Benoit staggering him into the corner. James comes in and whips Benoit into the opposite corner. Benoit slams into the corner and drops to the canvas like he's been shot!

    James with the double axe handle to the back of Benoit before flipping him over and then planting the knee into his back as he applies a chin lock. Benoit manages to break out by reaching back and hitting James to the side of the face. James hits a couple of more rights onto Benoit but is stopped from another one by a quick thinking Benoit who moves behind James and lands a suplex on him. Both men get to their feet and Benoit takes the advantage. Benoit whips James across the ring and connects with a right arm to the head. Benoit with a snap suplex on James and the attempted pin but only for a two count. Benoit then unleashes his trademark three German suplexes on James! Benoit runs the finger across the throat then mounts the ropes and to a huge cheer from the crowd drops the headbutt onto James! Benoit now with the Crippler Crossface and James is forced to submit and this one is already over! Chris Benoit defeated K C James via submission in 4 minutes. (Rudi's rating ** 1/2) Rudi's rant - A quick match and one with no storyline behind it at all. I don't know what to make of it but I've given it a higher rating if anything because of the intensity of Benoit. Where was Chavo through this match? You'd think after weeks of taunting Rey Mysterio through his matches that they'd have him doing the same here. No such luck and just another letdown by WWE creative. After the match Benoit checks his nose and shows the title belt to a cheering crowd.
    We then get a promo of like 15 second of the Boogeyman and he's coming to get us. *rolling eyes again*

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and we get Boogeyman as he makes his way to the ring for his match up against T J (I am a jobber) Dodd?

    Match 4: Boogeyman vs. T J Dodd? If one can call this a match!

    No match review worth commenting on.

    Boogeyman defeated Jobber in 1 minute. (Rudi's rating 0 stars) Rudi's rant - For the whole build up in the first hour of the show it was just brought back to a screeching halt by this disgrace. I'll tell you one thing. I will review a Boogeyman match if he fights against someone other than a jobber in what is a decent match. Otherwise it's not worth my time nor effort. Was I still dreaming when I think this guy had been sacked not more than a few weeks ago? Just utter rubbish! I wouldn't even call it Sports Entertainment let alone wrestling

    We get another video recap of the history between Batista and Finlay as we head off to a...

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and Miz is talking to someone backstage when he's tapped on the shoulder by one very upset looking Kristal. Kristal pays out on Miz for Boogeyman having a match when Miz was supposed to getting rid of him for her. Miz says that this show was for scouting. The crowd love this as Kristal is motoring at a million miles an hour. Miz stops Kristal from mouthing off at him and says that what happened last week was a misunderstanding. He's going to make it up to her. Miz next week is challenging Boogeyman to a match because he's not scared of the Boogeyman and he's coming to get him instead! Rudi's rant - I'll tell you what, if this match next week actually amounts to something I'll report on it. Deal? Back to ringside and Cole and JBL discuss the challenge and JBL wonders if Boogeyman will even get into England as that is where the show is being filmed next week. We then get a reminder about the Kane/MVP street fight next week as well before we go into a recap of what happened last week between Batista and Finlay.

    We get the into of Finlay as he makes his way to the ring to a negative reception from the crowd. At ringside he stands and stares at a member of the crowd for a moment who is giving him some lip. In the ring Finlay with his shillelagh stands in the ring as he calls Batista to come down to the ring as we go to a...

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and here comes Batista! The crowd go crazy as he comes out on stage sporting a new hair cut well, lack of hair actually, as he makes his way down to the ring. Finlay exits to the apron as Batista visits the ring posts to acknowledge the fans before entering the ring again, shillelagh in hand. The referee gets Finlay to drop the shillelagh in the corner and the match is on!

    Match 5: Finlay vs. Batista
    The two lock up and Batista just throws Finlay to the canvas. They lock up again and Batista just throws Finlay to the canvas again against the ropes. Batista means business and the crowd are loving this intensity. Finlay manages to kick Batista in the midsection and get him in a headlock. Batista breaks it by whipping Finlay into the ropes and taking him down with a shoulder block. Batista takes Finlay to the ropes with a hand against his throat and has some choice words to say to him before backing off at the request of the referee. This just allows Finlay to move in and give him another kick to the midsection. Finlay comes off the ropes again but is met with a boot to the midsection. Batista whips Finlay into the corner and follows up with a clothesline. Batista drops Finlay to the canvas with a couple of big right hands. Batista grabs the legs of Finlay who grabs onto the ropes. Batista just yanks at Finlay forcing him to let go of the ropes as he drops onto the canvas. A Batista kick to the midsection as Finlay was on his knees sends him through the ropes and onto the floor. Batista follows Finlay out and blocks a right hand and gives one of his own. He picks Finlay up over his shoulder and looks to ram him into the ring post. Finlay breaks out from behind and shoves Batista at the ring post instead. Batista however uses his hands to stop him from ramming into them and then just takes out Finlay with a clothesline. Batista gets back into the ring and the crowd go nuts as he plays to them.

    Commercial break...

    Back from commercial and both wrestlers are back in the ring, Batista has Finlay in a bear hug and the crowd are chanting for Batista. we see what happened during the commercial when Batista had Finlay outside the ring again and rammed his back into the side of the ring. Batista on one knee continues to squeeze the life out of Finlay who manages to break the hold on him by using right hands against the head of Batista. Batista just picks him up again and rams him back first into the corner. Batista gives Finlay some high elbows and then holding on the wrists of Finlay uses his boot ala Stacy Keibler style to choke Finlay. Batista whips Finlay into the opposite corner and catches Finlay with a big back body drop as he staggers out of it. Batista then slingshots Finlay into the ropes and catches his back with his knees as he springs back from them! An attempted cover but only for a two count. Finlay is slammed by Batista. As Batista goes to grab him again Finlay takes his tights and pulls him through the ring to the floor in an act of desperation. This gives Finlay a moment to catch his breath. He gets onto the apron and leaps at Batista but is caught in mid air. Batista sets him on his feet and takes him off of them with a boot to the head. Batista picks Finlay up and throws him back into the ring. The referee is checking on Finlay and as Batista looks to enter the ring, out from under it comes the Lil' Bastard with the shillelagh and whacks Batista in the back of the leg with it hurting him.

    This gives the chance once again for Finlay to recuperate and as Batista slowly tries to get back into the ring Finlay comes at him with a kick of his own half kicking Batista out of the ring but not quite as his legs are caught up in the ropes. Finlay goes to work on the knee of Batista with kicks. As the referee pushes Finlay away the Lil' Bastard comes out again and gouges at the eyes of Batista! The referee untangles the leg of Batista and begins a count on him whilst Finlay tries to get to him. Finlay kicks at the knee of Batista again just inside the ring and wraps the knee up in the ropes twisting it before being pushed away by the referee. The crowd is there with another Batista chant and Batista uses his good leg to lash out at Finlay as he approaches again. He kicks out again but Finlay slides under the ropes and onto the floor and taking the injured leg of Batista rams the knee against the edge of the apron. Finlay drags Batista to the corner and rams the knee against the ring post! He then rolls inside the ring and taunts Batista by just shoving him to the mat with his boot as he tries to stand. Batista manages to get to his feet but Finlay is straight in there at him wrapping the knee around the ropes again working on it. Finlay with boots on the knee continues to wear down Batista. Batista tries a comeback with a right hand at Finlay as he comes at him a third time. The two go toe to toe in the middle of the ring, Batista with right hands, Finlay with kicks to the leg before Batista is taken down by a drop toe hold from Finlay.

    Finlay works on the knee of Batista in the canvas continuing to wear him down. Batista is trying to get to the ropes but Finlay drags him back to the middle of the ring and continues with another submission type hold stretching the knee. The assault on the knee continues with Finlay taunting the crowd as well. Batista finally manages to kick Finlay away but he is favouring his knee and Finlay comes back and kicks his leg out from under him. Finlay has another step over toe hold on Batista but with an act of strength Batista uses his good leg to push Finlay away sending him shoulder first into the steel ring post! Batista manages to lock Finlay in the corner and delivers some shoulder blocks against him, favouring the knee all the time. He then picks him up and seats him on the top ropes where he continues his comeback against Finlay with right hands. Batista suplexes Finlay from that position but grabs at his knee as he lands and both wrestlers are on the canvas and the referee begins a double count. Both wrestlers are up at the count of 4 and Batista takes the advantage. He unleashes with right hands before whipping Finlay into the rope and taking him down with a clothesline! He whips Finlay into the corner and follows in with another clothesline!

    He picks Finlay up and the crowd are cheering madly as he delivers with a power slam and then psychs himself up! He shakes the ropes Ultimate Warrior style and then gives Finlay the thumbs down and the crowd love it! As he gets Finlay into position for a Batista Bomb, Finlay manages to hit out at the knee of Batista staggering him back into the corner. Finlay comes in after him but is met by a boot to the face. Before he can regain his senses and come in again Batista takes him down with a spear! A near fall follows. Batista with some short arm jolts against Finlay and then an Irish whip into the ropes. Batista crouches too early allowing Finlay to kick him in the midsection as he comes off the ropes. It doesn't work though to his advantage as when Finlay comes in again Batista literally picks him up with one hand around the face and takes him down with a side slam! What's this? Booker runs down to the ring and Batista pushes him off before he can climb the apron! Batista turns back to Finlay who charges him. Booker has managed to make it onto the apron as Batista steps aside and helps Finlay crash into Booker in the apron sending him flying! This gives Batista the chance to give Finlay a spinebuster! He goes for the cover and we have a winner! Batista defeated Finlay in 15 minutes. (Rudi's rating ***) Rudi's rant - This was a match of two parts mainly. We saw a very pumped up Batista with the early control until Lil' Bastard took him out with a shillelagh to the knee and then Finlay take control with working on the knee until the final couple of minutes with Batista back in control and then the run in by Booker to further that storyline. Finlay I thought sadly was made to look not that strong during this match. For a man who loves to fight it took his little helper to have him wrest control from Batista. The crowd love Batista though and this match puts him over leading up to Survivor Series where he'll face off against Booker for the belt. After the match Batista stands at the ropes and stares down Booker as they mouth off at each other about their upcoming match. We get a replay of the win and as the show ends we get Batista making signs of the belt around his waist.

    Okay, that's it for another week. What to make of this show? I'm giving it a 6 1/2 out of 10. They had the first hour right. It moved along nicely and the promos outside of the MVP one were well thought out and executed. The second hour was less successful with Boogeyman making another appearance which took away my concentration for the main event actually. There was no appearance of Chavo at all after his segment to further his feud with Benoit and perhaps cause interference during the match or give colour commentary. Tatanka and his nation of spirit warriors decided to have a week off which puts back anything that they did last week for him. We also didn't get Maryse, again, nor did we get the Tag Team Champions though admittedly with James in a singles match meant they wouldn't have had anyone to fight really on the roster. Don't get me wrong though, this show totally blew RAW out of the water this week! The crowd was excellent so an 8 1/2 out of 10 for the show. They were into every match and Lashley got a bigger push crowd wise than I've seen since I've started reviewing the show. Commentary was good too so a 7 out of 10 for that and it's nice to see JBL express his dislike of the Boogeyman! Thanks again and I look forward to reviewing the next show from Manchester in England. Keep your eyes open for a Regal appearance and Finlay as well! Bye y'all!





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