Smackdown 17th November, 2006
Submitted by Rudi Pavani on Friday, November 17, 2006 at 10:36 PM EST





G'day again to another riveting review of Smackdown from me, Rudi (rudip1@pacific.net.au) The show this week comes from the 'Old Dart', England where the WWE stars have been on tour. There was news this week about the stars having their championship belts given extra checks by security! Dangerous items they are! We also heard during the week of Ashley suffering what was referred to as an 'implant injury'. Now, without putting any humour into this, any injury is unfortunate and Ashley has had her fair share of them this year. I just want to wish her the best and that if it involves any time away from her role as manager of London/Kendrick and/or wrestling that she is back quickly and without any discomfort. Ummm, lets get back to business and on with the show!

Quick recap from last week:
King Booker celebrates his becoming Champion of Champions at Cyber Sunday
Long congratulates him by having pictures taken then unleashing Lashley onto Booker for a title match which Lashley loses with Sharmell interference.
MVP comments on having street fights easier than his tag team effort against Undertaker/Kane. Well, he has one in England against Kane!
Benoit confronts Chavo/Vickie and we have a United States Championship match at Survivor Series
Hardy and Yang and his new girl Amy beat Helms and Sylvan
Kennedy teaches Undertaker some mic skills, in a physical way leaving a bloodied Undertaker and Kennedy back as a mean man on a mic!
Benoit takes care of K C James without too much of an effort.
Boogeyman beats a man who has no idea how to wear a pair of wrestling shorts. Boogeyman spits worms. Joy, bliss.
Kristal pays out on Miz for leaving her to catch the worms last week and Miz challenges Boogeyman to a match this week
Batista gets the better of Finlay even with interference from Lil' Bastard

We get the opening credits to begin the show today. We then get pyros and views of the screaming crowd and the show comes to you from Manchester in England! The stage is decked out with a London cab and a London phone box and there are 15,000 fans watching. Straight into a promo on the street fight between Kane and MVP and of Batista/Lashley vs. King Booker/Finlay.

Back live and the music of The Boogeyman hits and he's the opening act for the show. In the ring we see The Miz already in there with a very scared looking Kristal behind him and at least Miz signals him to come down to the ring. JBL comments on how would the Boogeyman get through customs and does he walk around the streets of London eating worms. Boogeyman finally makes it to the ring and Kristal cowers in a corner with Miz watching over her.

Match 1: The Miz vs. Boogeyman
Miz is talking to a very scared looking Kristal as Boogeyman approaches and Miz straight away with a kick to the midsection. Miz shows some offence with punches that Boogeyman doesn't sell then delivers a knee to the gut and works him into the corner and drives his head into the turnbuckle. He does it again but Boogeyman just reaches out and grabs Miz around the throat with both hands. Boogeyman works Miz to the middle of the ring and with his hands still around his throat works him down to one knee. Miz can't break out of the hold and Kristal finally rushes in and jumps on the back of the Boogeyman to help him! Boogeyman lets go finally of Miz and deals with Kristal by throwing her to the canvas where she clutches at her knee. Miz attacks Boogeyman from behind taking advantage of the distraction. Miz works on the back of Boogeyman then comes off the ropes and takes him down with a clothesline. Miz with the boot into Boogeyman as Boogeyman in reaching into his pocket and just as Miz comes at him again Boogey throws a handful of worms into his face. *sigh* Miz falls out of the ring onto the floor and Boogeyman grabs Kristal by the leg and drags her to the middle of the ring. I think you can make up your description of what happens next. Just watch the past few weeks of Smackdown I'm not even sure if there was a winner here and I don't really care! (Rudi's rating 0)Rudi's rant - Now, last week I said that if these two wrestlers were actually to wrestle a match I would describe it and comment on it. It started off with promise with Miz actually trying to wrestle but it turned quickly into a farce. Once again, this total domination style role of Boogeyman over Kristal and the worms in the face etc just doesn't cut it! It's not wrestling and it's certainly not sports entertainment. I don't know how many kids enjoy watching Boogeyman but this whole gimmick so far has been farcical. I wonder if there is a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Worms and against the blatant exploitation of women! Miz reenters the ring and tries to console Kristal as Boogeyman heads back up the stage.

Okay, deep breath.... Backstage we have King Booker with Queen Sharmell and Sharmell is doing her usual "All hail King Booker" shtick and Booker is lapping it up. Finlay enters and tells her to shut up which doesn't go down well with Booker. Sharmell tries to start again and Finlay tells her to shut up more forcefully. Finlay tells Booker whether he likes it or not that he's his tag team partner tonight. Booker's not only that, he's Champion of Champions, King of England which gets a rousing chorus of boos from the crowd, he's King of the world! Booker tells Finlay to look after Lashley and he'll take care of Batista. Finlay says it sounds like a good idea, slaps Booker on the back and walks off leaving Sharmell to start up again and Booker to lap it all up again.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we see some views of Manchester before going back to Cole and JBL where JBL comments that he's been out on the 'piss' which is an English saying for out drinking. They then move to discuss Rey Mysterio and we get a video recap of Rey beating . Rey is in the beaten by Chavo and Rey is sitting in the surgery talking about it and his knee injury. We get comments from the doctor and footage of the knee surgery itself and Rey commenting he wouldn't wish it upon his worst enemy. Rudi's rant - I wonder if Rey had his mask on during surgery. A nice little segway with graphic footage of the surgery and I'm sure everyone out there wishes Rey a speedy recovery and he's back in the ring as soon as possible

Back to the crowd and it goes crazy as the music of Benoit hits and he makes his way down to the ring. The music of Tatanka hits and he makes his way down slowly to the ring with nowhere near as much as a crowd reaction and sporting a different face paint to how he looked the week after his heel turn. He no longer looks Stingesque, but more like Zorro now. The two wrestlers face off at each other as the bells rings to start the match.

Match 2: Chris Benoit vs. Tatanka
The two lock up in the middle of the ring and Benoit is forced into the corner. The clean break is not made as Tatanka kicks into the midsection of Benoit. He repeats the dose a number of times before planting a chop to the chest of Benoit. Benoit retaliates with one of his own sending Tatanka reeling and then with a number more much to the delight of the crowd as he works Tatanka into the opposite corner where he takes to him with right hands. He whips Tatanka into the opposite corner and comes in with more chops but Tatanka takes advantage with a rake to the eyes. Tatanka with a kick to the midsection and then a short arm clothesline to take Benoit down. Tatanka with a two count and then a chin lock on Benoit. The crowd chants for Benoit as he finally makes his way to his feet. He breaks out of the hold and delivers a German suplex on Tatanka. He can't do another as Tatanka grabs the shirt of the referee and then reaches for the ropes. Benoit works on the back of Tatanka against the ropes and the referee steps in between them to force Benoit away which allows Tatanka to take him down with a right hand. Tatanka takes to Benoit on the mat with a number of stomps and then a choke hold. Tatanka sends Benoit through the second ropes onto the floor and then follows him out as commentary is made about whether this is the vengeful spirit warrior coming out in him.

Tatanka rams Benoit into the steel steps shoulder first and then throws him back into the ring where he stomps him again. Tatanka with a backbreaker on Benoit before kneeling over him and laying right hands into the side of his head. The crowd are now into this match trying to fire up Benoit as Tatanka picks him up and whips him across the ring into the opposite corner with a force that drops Benoit straight down to the canvas like he's been shot! Tatanka works on Benoit with the boot again and then tries to pick him up from the canvas but Benoit pushes him down and tries to apply the Sharpshooter on him which he doesn't manage as Tatanka finally kicks him away. Tatanka grabs Benoit by the legs and Benoit tries to break away in a futile attempt with punches to the head before Tatanka turns him over applying the Boston crab. Benoit, much to crowds delight finally crawls close enough to grab the bottom rope. Tatanka finally breaks the hold and picks up Benoit. He tries to bodyslam Benoit but he slides out behind him and delivers with 3 German suplexes and the crowd are loving this! Benoit takes in the cheering of the crowd as Tatanka makes his way to his feet then takes him down with a number of chops to the chest.

Benoit with knees to the head as Tatanka makes his way to his feet. Benoit tries to whip him into the corner but it's reversed and Benoit is slammed in there and staggers out to an attempted bear hug from Tatanka which is broken by hits to the head. Benoit takes the legs of Tatanka dropping him to the canvas and the crowd goes nuts as he finally manages to apply the Sharpshooter and Tatanka is forced to tap out! Benoit defeated Tatanka in 8 minutes. (Rudi's rating **) Rudi's rant - What to make of this match? The crowd loved Benoit and he was able to make a match of it allowing for the limited moves by Tatanka. Tatanka? I'm not sure if England was the place for him to showcase his first heel turn match and against Benoit there was no chance of him winning so now we have a new heel jobber instead of a face jobber? There was also a lack of continuity on the part of WWE as Tatanka should really have been facing Lashley.

As Benoit's hand is raised to the adoring crowd and his music is playing out of nowhere Chavo Guerrero takes him down from behind! Chavo unleashes a number of kicks to the head and then works on Benoit with the right hand and the crowd do not like this! Chavo screams at Benoit to stay out of his business! Chavo takes Benoit down with a short arm clotheslines and then stands over him yelling at him again and slapping at his face. The crowd are going ballistic at Chavo as he picks Benoit up and rams him shoulder first into the steel ring post! Chavo exits the ring and grabs a chair then reenters and takes out the back of the knee of Benoit as he finally moves from the corner. Benoit rolls out of the ring to the floor in pain and Chavo has to be restrained by three officials as he stomps on the knee of Benoit screaming for him to stay out of his business. We see a video recap of the assault and then back to Chavo at the side of the ring facing down the crowd as officials are attending to Benoit.Rudi's rant - This is what Tatanka should have been doing! Chavo was excellent with his intensity and well, I suppose him and Vickie are no longer ignoring Benoit? An excellent little segment!

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and Teddy Long is walking through the backstage area where he's nice to one of the backstage people before running into Kane who is looking wistfully into the distance. The crowd go crazy at the sight of Kane as Long plugs his DVD as well as his match with MVP and that being a street fight has no disqualification etc. Kane doesn't say a word and Long just tells him to take care of business and wanders off leaving Kane staring into the distance.

We go back to Cole and JBL discussing Kane and then they go into discussing Mr. Kennedy's assault on Undertaker last week as we go into a great and intense video recap of what happened last week. The promo is given for the First Blood Match at Survivor Series before we're back and Mr. Kennedy is giving us another promo. This time last year sports entertainment was like a rudderless ship with no future. In the past year a new superstar has emerged and has shined a light over where before it was a barren wasteland. Sports entertainment finally has a savior, it has a future, and that future is Mr. Kennedy himself. In the past year he's defeated 5 world champions which has never been done before. He's broken new ground, just like the Undertaker did. When Undertaker hit the scene noone had ever seen his combination of size, power and agility. But Undertaker is no longer the ground breaker, the standard bearer in this industry. He's been surpassed, surpassed by Mr. Kennedy. It's no longer the yard of the Undertaker. It now belongs to Mr. Kennedy and he has the proof, the bloodied microphone from last week. The moment he took to Undertaker with it symbolised the changing of the guard. Last week, his hands, those of Mr. Kennedy spilled the blood of The Undertaker and he's going to do it again, and he can't think of a better place to do it than at their First Blood match at SS. It so happens that is where the career of The Undertaker began but after a decade and a half of destruction but where it will end! Rudi's rant - Another great promo by Mr. Kennedy. He still manages to put over himself and The Undertaker and does it in a way that makes people want to stop and listen to what he has to say. I'm looking forward to their Survivor Series match just on the strengths of the promos.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we're shown the outside of the stadium and Cole tells us Manchester is home of a soccer team, Manchester United known appropriately as the Red Devils, owned by an American quips in JBL before we go to a promo screen for Survivor Series.

Back to the stage and we're shown a picture of a bus stop as Paul London makes his way to the ring followed by Ashley. The crowd cheers as the music of Regal hits and he makes his way down to the ring and soaks up the adoration of the crowd. We get a Regal chant happening as the match begins!

Match 3: Paul London (with Ashley) vs. William Regal
The two lock up in the middle of the ring with Regal taking advantage with an arm bar. London with some moves manages to reverse the hold before a tumbling Regal breaks the hold and the two face up in the middle of the ring. The two lock up again and Regal applies another arm bar. London tries to break it by applying a spinning headscissors however Regal manages to push London to the canvas stopping that attempt and still applying the arm hold. London manages to grab the top rope then somersault attempting to reverse the hold but Regal with a handful of hair pulls London through the ropes and to the floor. London is kicked to the floor by Regal as he attempts to climb the apron. Regal exits the ring and picks up London and puts him back on the canvas with his head next to the steel ring post. Regal then delivers a knee from ringside to the head of London jamming his head against the ring post. Regal is back in the ring and with knees to the chest forces London into the corner. Regal continues his assault on London and then whips him hard into the opposite corner. Regal continues with knees to the head before being pushed back by the referee. London lunges at Regal when he approaches again, headbutting him in the midsection, then again, but Regal just moves behind him and unloads with a German suplex/body throw landing London face first on the canvas as Ashley looks on with concern.

Regal tries for the pin but London breaks out of it. Regal applies a full nelson type hold and then bodily throws London against the ropes face first. Regal then delivers another knee to the back of the head of London. Regal picks London up the hair and then gives him a suplex type maneuver, whilst still holding which drops the shoulders of London on the canvas and Regal pushes himself up into an attempted Bridge pin which is just broken out of by London. Regal then gives London a leg drop to the back of the head! Another attempted pin. Regal grabs London's arms from behind stretching them out. London manages to break out of the hold finally with a standing drop kick! London manages from the ropes to get some offence in with kicks to the midsection of Regal as he approaches. London staggers Regal with a standing kick to the jaw followed by a back kick which drops Regal to the canvas and the crowd are appreciating what London is doing! London attempts the pin but only for a two count and then takes Regal up against the ropes where he unleashes with some right hands. London attempts to whip Regal across the ring. It's reversed by Regal who ducks as London launches himself at him! London crashes to the canvas and then slides out from the bottom rope with the momentum straight onto Ashley flattening her in the process as he lands literally on her chest and head! That has got to hurt! Regal takes advantage of this by exiting the ring and tossing London back in as he looks to attend to Ashley.

Regal enters the ring and makes a sign to the crowd and goes after London who manages to give Regal a back body drop. Kendrick is shown outside of the ring attending to Ashley on the floor. In the ring London tries to whip Regal into the corner but it's reversed again. Regal is met by an elbow as he charges in and London jumps to the middle rope. His attention is taken away though by a hurt Ashley on the outside of the ring being attended to by Kendrick which allows Regal to charge in and toss London across the ring. From the ropes he then delivers a big high knee to the throat of London dropping him to the canvas and then with the knee against the throat gets the pin! William Regal defeated Paul London (with Ashley) in 5 minutes. (Rudi's rating ***) Rudi's rant - I wonder if this is where Ashley's injury occurred. The move where London landed on her looked fairly solid. Commentary was made about Regal's teaming up with Dave Taylor which was nice though the injury to Dave Taylor wasn't mentioned. Regal was made to look strong in this match and London literally had none of his high flying moves at all. I suppose Regal had to look strong in England? After the match Regal celebrates his ring then exits and makes his way up the ramp giving a side glance to Ashley on the floor as he walks past. Kendrick helps Ashley to her feet and she enters in the ring and crawls over to check on London who is feeling his loss badly. Kendrick is shown on the floor looking distressed before he too enters the ring to check on London.Rudi's rant - Unless I'm mistaken this is the start of a love triangle between Kendrick and London and Ashley and to have this team broken up because of this angle would be a shame.We're shown a video recap of the last 30 seconds of the match before going to JBL and Cole at commentary.

They talk about Regal having made a statement again tonight before they turn the discussion to Lashley who on ECW this past Tuesday (not shown here until Saturday) made his own statement about the Elimination Chamber match for the ECW PPV. We go into a recap of ECW and we see Lashley taking care of Hardcore Holly before spearing Big Show and signing the contract. We then go backstage to Teddy Long who is looking over some papers in his office. A knock on the door and Lashley enters to a huge cheer from the crowd. Long congratulates him on his move to ECW and he can see him as the ECW Champion. Lashley thanks Long for the opportunities he's been given. Long says the door to Smackdown is always open if he wants to come back before wishing him well for his match later on as we go back to the crowd who is shown cheering on the show. Rudi's rant - Ummmm, I'm going to be sad for not being able to report on the matches of Lashley with his move. I've always thought he needed to show more intensity in the ring and maybe this move will allow him to do so. It's another loss to an already thin Smackdown roster and well, I wonder who will replace him. The WWE has some options like Monty Brown who just signed this week and of who I know nothing about. I'd like to see someone come over from ECW though like C M Punk. Maybe it's time they see how he would be with one of the higher rating brands?

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we're shown people queuing up for Wrestlemania tickets and with snippets of interviews from people waiting in the rain for them. Back to Cole and JBL promoting Wrestlemania.

We go the music of Kane as he makes his way to ring to a big cheer from the crowd. Kane rams around the ring as we get the music of MVP as he makes his way to the ring to not a big reaction though there are a couple of people who are actually clapping for him. MVP has on new ring gear minus the sequins and he slowly enters the ring and this one is ready to go!

Match 4: Kane vs. MVP in a Street Fight
The two face up in the ring. Kane lunges at MVP who ducks and then unloads with right arms against Kane in the corner. He tries to whip Kane across the ring but it's reversed and MVP is met by the boot of Kane as he comes off the ropes. Kane whips him across the ropes and delivers a back body drop to MVP. Kane then with a clothesline to MVP before taking to him with boots as MVP rolls onto the apron. Kane picks him up from the apron but MVP drops to the floor, hanging Kane on the top rope. MVP goes for the chair and brings it into the ring but it's kicked out of his hands by Kane. MVP decides it's time to exit the ring but Kane meets him around the side. MVP can't get back in the ring quick enough before he's grabbed by Kane who gives him a big right hand then goes after MVP as he staggers up the rampway. Kane slams the head of MVP into the barricades. Kane slams the head of MVP into the bus stop sending it flying. Next is a right hand from Kane knocking MVP up against the phone booth up on stage. He then slams the head of MVP into the phone booth before opening the door of it just as MVP mounts some offence with an elbow to the midsection and some right hands. MVP tosses Kane into the phone booth and shuts the door on him. MVP is mouthing off at Kane who just slams the door open with his hands, breaking through the glass on the cabinet, but the door just slams into MVP dropping him to the floor!

Kane with a right hand now as he picks up MVP and forces him into the phone booth. Kane rocks the booth and tips it on its side and MVP slowly crawls out the top of the booth which has lost its roof. Kane stalks MVP and ignores the referees who try to wave him off. Kane picks up MVP and carries him down the rampway and tosses him back into the ring. MVP rolls across the ring and as Kane enters and approaches MVP manages to ram the chair from earlier into his midsection. He does it again and then uses it against the back of Kane! It's Kane's turn to exit the ring and MVP to follow but MVP is met by a kick to the midsection from Kane. Kane with a big right hand staggers MVP against the apron. MVP is bleeding from the forehead as Kane slams him against the steel steps. Kane chokes MVP with the boot before picking him and dragging him around the outside of the ring where he slams his head into the announcers table. Kane then to the crowd's delight launches MVP across the table right into JBL who doesn't look like he appreciated that one! Kane with another right hand staggers MVP back towards the ring. Kane then slams the head of MVP against the steel ring post! Kane picks MVP up again but he manages some offence this time with big right hands and the boot against Kane. Kane takes advantage against though by ramming the back of MVP against the apron. Another right hand by Kane against MVP who tries to elbow Kane in the midsection but once again is taken down by a big right hand. Kane picks up MVP and bounces him off the steel steps! Kane throws MVP back into the ring and follows him in and unloads with a boot to the head. He picks up and drops the chair in the middle of the ring. He picks up MVP looking at slamming him in onto the chair but MVP slides out from behind, raking the eyes in the process and then kicking into the midsection of Kane. MVP DDT's Kane into the chair and then gets the near fall.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and MVP still has the advantage. He has Kane in the corner and he lunges in and unloads with a big right boot to the head of Kane! MVP now with knees to the head of Kane. He then kicks into the back of the leg of Kane before taking him down with a clothesline. MVP drops the elbow into the head of Kane and goes for the cover but only for a two count. MVP exits the ring and grabs the ring bell. He brings it in and tries to hit Kane with it but it caught by Kane who wraps his hand around his throat. MVP breaks it by hitting the arm of Kane with the bell before using the bell against the face of Kane dropping him flat to the canvas! MVP gains his wind and is taken by total shock as Kane sits up in the ring! The crowd love that one! Kane gets to his feet and MVP tries to gain the advantage again but Kane with hands around the throat of MVP literally throws him into the corner. Kane unleashes onto MVP and then takes him down to the canvas with another big boot! Kane whips him into the corner and follows in with a clothesline! Kane gets the crowd cheering before unloading with another clothesline into the corner! Kane with a side slam against MVP before exiting the ring and climbing the ropes and unloading with a clothesline against MVP! The crowd go crazy as Kane slowly raises his hand for the chokeslam and stalks MVP as he's laying on the canvas. Kane has second thoughts and exits the ring and grabs the steel steps and tosses them into the ring over the top rope landing them right next to MVP!

Kane picks them up but is hit in the back by Kennedy who has rushed down to the ring! Kennedy goes to hit Kane with a foreign object but is caught by Kane. Kane's attention is taken by Kennedy and he is taken down to his knees by MVP who delivers a low blow! Kennedy and MVP pick up the steel steps in the ring and ram them into Kane when he gets to his feet! MVP goes for the cover and we have our winner! MVP defeated Kane in a Street fight in 13 minutes. (Rudi's rating *** 1/2) Rudi's rant - MVP showed some offence and he bladed too so that's a start. Kane had the majority of the offense and the power moves and marks have to be given for the using of the phone booth, the bus stop and the launching of MVP into JBL over the table. The crowd were into this as well which makes it a match worth having.After the match MVP lays into Kane with Kennedy standing over them until suddenly! We hear the gong and Undertaker makes his way to the ring quicker than normal and in his wrestling attire as Kennedy looks up the rampway. MVP has exited the ring and Kennedy decides to do the same as Undertaker enters. Undertaker stares them down then looks at Kane before staring down Kennedy and MVP again. Out of nowhere Kennedy decides that throwing MVP into the ring is a good idea to distract Undertaker so he does so! MVP is caught between Undertaker and now Kane who has suddenly sat up! MVP is given a right hand by Undertaker and then by Kane against the throat. Undertaker and Kane take turns at right hands against MVP before Undertaker grabs the throat of MVP as the crowd go crazy! Kane does the same and with a nod between them Undertaker and Kane deliver a chokeslam on MVP as Kennedy is shown backing up the rampway. Kane stands over MVP and Kennedy makes a show of coming down to the ring to face Undertaker who is staring him down. Kennedy turns around and heads backstage.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we're given a view from inside an English pub with a beer being poured before another Survivor Series promo and then it's back to the action as the crowd goes crazy as Matt Hardy makes his way to he ring for his match. We then get the music of Helms as he makes his way down the ring and we have another match between these two! Helms in on the ropes showing off his belt to the crowd and is mouthing off at Hardy who is close by. As the referee tries to get Hardy to move away Helms from the middle ropes out of nowhere offloads with a drop kick into Hardy sending him flying.

Match 5: Matt Hardy vs. Gregory Helms
The referee rings for the bell to start the match as Helms, still in his coat takes to Hardy on the canvas with an assault of right and left hands. Helms continues with boots against Hardy and then takes off his coat which he throws over Hardy before choking him with his boot against the ropes as the crowd starts up a big Hardy chant! Helms picks Hardy up and puts him the corner where he unloads with more right hands and shoulder blocks. He takes the arm of Hardy, twists it and then takes him down in an arm drag before dropping the elbow into his throat. Helms continues this assault on Hardy with a knee to the back as the referee is checking on him before choking Hardy over the bottom rope whilst standing on his back! Helms gets the boos from the crowd as he pretends to listen for a Hardy chant before dragging Hardy back into the middle of the ring by the legs and stomping him in the midsection. Helms with a front face lock on Hardy continues to work on him but Hardy to the huge cheers of the crowd finally manages to get to his feet with their urging. Hardy breaks out of it with hits to the midsection but Helms stops that with a knee to the midsection himself. Helms comes off the ropes but Hardy out of nowhere takes him down with a clothesline!

Hardy goes to work on Helms beating him into the corner. He whips him into the opposite corner then follows it up with a clothesline and a bulldog out of the corner! An attempted cover but only for a two count. Hardy tries to body slam Helms who slides out of the back of it and then rolls up Hardy for an attempted pin holding the tights but only gets a two count! Hardy whips Helms into the corner and then follows it in again but Helms slips out of the way of the last moment leaving Hardy to hit the corner face first. Helms rolls up Hardy again and goes for the pin using the ropes as leverage but the referee spots it this time and stops the count. Helms goes to remonstrate with the referee with his back to Hardy which gives him the opportunity to take advantage. He kicks Helms in the midsection then attempts the Twist of Fate on him. Helms reverses the move and unloads with a swinging neck breaker himself. An attempted near fall by Helms on Hardy.

Helms is frustrated with the referee and remonstrates with him again. Hardy is on his knees before Helms notices and attempts the Shining Wizard on him. Hardy ducks that move and manages to unload with a Side effect on Helms instead! He follows it up with a kick to the midsection. We get a Twist of Fate, Hardy goes for the cover and this one is over much to the crowd's delight again! Matt Hardy defeated Gregory Helms in 4 minutes. (Rudi's rating **) Rudi's rant - Another okay match from these two but I'm starting to get sick and tired of seeing them week in, week out. Helms started out in a more aggressive manner but the match quickly moved into the same routine. It certainly shows just how thin the Smackdown roster actually is sadly. After the match Hardy takes in the cheering of the crowd and acknowledges them in a big way.

Backstage we see MVP being worked on by a Doctor who is checking on his shoulder. Teddy Long walks in and asks the doc how he's doing. The doc says a little banged up but he'll be fine. Long wants a word with MVP alone and in front of all the cameras and says he knows he's a little shaken up by the match but he has a match lined up for him next week already. It's another match, against Kane! MVP sits up in pain at hearing that one. He's in more pain when he hears that it's going to be a steel cage match! Long wanders off.

Backstage again and Booker is strolling with Sharmell and saying how nice it is to be in Manchester England. He gives Sharmell a little kiss on the lips and as the camera pans out we see Batista standing right behind him. Booker realises somewhere is there and he slowly turns around and is taken aback at how close Batista is as he jerks his head back and the crown goes flying. Booker asks Batista who the hell he thinks he is. Booker tells Batista he didn't need his protection a couple of weeks ago and that he wangled his way into a title bout. At Cyber Sunday he became Champion of Champions, yet Batista gets the glory by getting to face him for his championship. Survivor Series won't make a difference as over and over and over again he has defeated Batista and be it here in lovely Manchester or at SS it will always be the same. Batista says tonight he's going to beat him up and at SS he's going to take his title back, and by the way, he's dropped his crown, and at that Batista wanders off and we go to...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and King Booker slowly makes his way to the ring with Sharmell at his side in an entrance almost as long as that of Undertaker! During the entrance we get to see all the match ups happening at SS. To a nice reaction from the crowd Finlay makes his way down to the ring as well as Cole comments as to how he will get along with his tag partner tonight.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial again and Booker and Finlay are in the ring together as the music o Lashley hits and he makes his way out towards the ring with a nice pop from the crowd. Lashley doesn't mount the apron but prowls around the ring and then we get the music of Batista who comes out to a huge pop from the crowd! He beats his chest to the crowd Eddie Guerrero style goes through the actions with the pyros and makes his way down to ringside where he hugs Lashley and then they both enter the ring together. Booker and Batista stand face to face staring each other down and they're joined in the middle of the ring by Lashley and Finlay who stare each other down as well. The referee separates them and Batista is shown looking around taking in the huge Batista chant which has started. The referee clears the ring and we're ready to go!

Match 6: King Booker and Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley and Batista
The match begins with Finlay and Batista sizing each other up before they lock up in the middle of the ring. To the total disgust of Finlay, Batista just throws him to the canvas! They look to be going into a competition of strength with the arms but Finlay just kicks Batista in the midsection . He gets him in a headlock but Batista breaks it by whipping Finlay into the ropes and then taking him down with a shoulder block. Batista staggers Finlay with right arms and then whips him into the ropes. He drops his head too early though and Finlay off the ropes kicks him in the chest. Finlay comes at Batista but is picked up and given an inverted atomic drop. Batista then slingshots Finlay into the ropes and back onto his knees. Batista elbows Finlay into the corner and unloads with shoulder blocks as JBL and Cole talk about that slingshot move and how Batista is slowly building up his repertoire. Batista whips Finlay across the ring and then tries to follow up but is met by a boot to the face! Finlay comes after Batista but is picked up by him and given a side slam of sorts! Batista goes for the cover but only for a two count.

Finlay rolls away and makes the tag to Booker who stares down at Batista as he enters the ring. They face up before locking up in the middle of the ring and Booker takes the advantage with a knee to the midsection. Booker works on Batista in the corner with a number of chops which brings Batista down to his haunches almost. He whips Batista across the ring into the corner and follows up but is met by a clothesline as Batista explodes out of the corner! A suplex by Batista and the crowd are cheering him on! An attempted cover but only for a two count and Batista makes the tag to Lashley who gets a big cheer from this crowd. Both of them whip Booker into the ropes and take him down with a double shoulder block. Lashley looks to belly to belly suplex Booker but it's blocked by Booker who breaks out of the move, gets Lashley in an arm bar and pokes him in the eyes before making the tag to Finlay. Finlay comes in and elbows Lashley into the corner. Finlay tries to whip Lashley across the ring. It's reversed and Finlay hits the corner hard and staggers out and is picked up by Lashley who military presses him! He then throws him onto Booker who has made his way back into the ring to a huge pop from the crowd. Lashley calls Batista into the ring and together to a huge pop from the crowd lift Finlay up into a vertical suplex. They wave to the crowd before finishing the move. Finlay is then clotheslined out of the ring by the both of them and Booker checks on him as we go to...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and Finlay is speared into the corner by Lashley who unloads on Finlay with right arms. The referee pushes the new Extremist away as Finlay rolls out of the ring and to the floor. Lashley comes off the ropes and slides out at Finlay who lifts the apron mantle catching Lashley in it and then goes to work on him with right hands and the boot before Batista comes around to help him. Finlay is back in the ring and goes to work on the head of Lashley with the boot as he crawls back into the ring. He takes down Lashley with a short clothesline before taking a cheap shot at Batista on the apron who tries to enter the ring. This allows Finlay to ram Lashley shoulder first into the steel post as the referee is busy with Batista getting him out of the ring. Finlay makes the tag to Booker then whips Lashley across the ring and he's taken down by a high kick from Booker who is the legal man in the ring. Booker prances around the ring waiting for Lashley to get to his knees and then takes him down with a kick to the jaw before going for an attempted cover. Booker picks him up and then takes him down again with a standing kick. Another attempted cover but only for a two count. Booker applies a chin lock as the crowd starts up a big Bobby chant. Lashley manages to get to his feet and break out of the hold before the two go toe to toe with Lashley finally taking the advantage. He whips Booker against the ropes but collect each other as he comes off the ropes and both men are down.

Lashley manages to get his act together first and goes for the pin which is broken by Finlay who has come into the ring. Batista enters as well but is held back by the referee. As the referee is dealing with Batista, Booker picks up Lashley and throws him out of the ring. Finlay is looking under the ring and out the side of the ring comes the Lil' Bastard who gets a huge cheer from the crowd. Finlay picks him up and throws him onto Lashley before he scurries under the ring again. Booker counts to 6 with the referee before Lashley finally rolls back into the ring to be met by the boot of Booker time and time again and then the right hands. Booker makes the tag to Finlay who comes in with a kick to the ribs of Lashley. Finlay unloads with a couple of big forearm jolts against Lashley who decides he's had enough! He picks up Finlay and scoop slams him! He then comes off the ropes and drops the elbow onto him. Lashley can't make the tag though as he's taken down by a sliding drop kick from Finlay. Now it's Finlay with the chin lock. Batista starts up a clap with the crowd egging Lashley on. Lashley gets to his feet and breaks the hold and then throws Finlay into the ropes but he's bet by a clothesline! The tag is made and it's Booker's turn to dole out the punishment. He whips Lashley into the ropes and follows up with an elbow. He measures Lashley up and takes him down with a very neat standing dropkick! Another attempted cover and then another chinlock by Booker. Once again Lashley makes it to his feet with the cheers of the crowd. He can't quite break the hold as Booker takes to him with high knees to the chest. Booker whips Lashley across the ring into the corner but it's reversed! Booker in the corner tries to leap over Lashley but is caught by him. Booker slides out of it and pushes Lashley into the ropes but is taken down by a spear as Lashley comes from them! Both men slowly struggle to their feet but Lashley is the first to do so and the tag is made!

The crowd go ballistic as Batista enters the ring. He takes down Booker with a right hand and then Finlay and then repeats the dosages on the both of them. He whips Booker into the corner and comes in and delivers a clothesline! He comes out of that and does the same to Finlay! He whips Finlay into Booker in the corner and a back body drop is waiting for Finlay as he staggers out of that corner. Batista to huge cheers clotheslines Finlay over the top ropes and then goes to work on Booker. Booker pokes him in the eye though and whips him across the ring. Batista ducks the attempted clothesline and comes off the opposite ropes taking Booker down with a spear! Batista shakes the ropes and gives Booker the thumbs down! The crows are hot for this! Batista locks Booker into position for a Batista Bomb but is taken down by a clothesline from Finlay who has come into the ring again. He in turn is taken down by a spear from Lashley! Lashley is taken down by a kick to the jaw from Booker!

Booker takes to Batista and puts him down along the bottom rope. The referee is distracted by Booker as Sharmell uses the sceptre to clock Batista in the head with it! Booker goes for the pin but to the crowd's delight and Sharmell's total dismay Batista kicks out! Booker kicks Batista in the midsection and measures him up for his scissors kick. Batista meets him though as he comes off the ropes and takes Batista down with a spinebuster and goes for the pin and it's all over! Batista and Bobby Lashley defeated King Booker and Finlay in 16 minutes. (Rudi's rating ***) Rudi's rant - An interesting finish to the match and a little bit rushed. I've given it a good rating moreso for the length of the match than anything else. Batista didn't have much of role in the match with Lashley being the face in peril for the majority of it. Finlay from a few weeks ago suddenly seems to have lost that main event status he held. He's been made to look weak by Batista two weeks in a row now. Lashley? Not a good way to start a career as an Extremist. He wasn't made to look too strong in this match and Booker? Well, Booker pretty much the same week in week out. After the match the crowd celebrates as Batista and Lashley have their arms raised in the middle of the ring as they hug briefly before they play to the crowd. We get a replay of the final 30 seconds or so of the match as the show goes off air with Batista making signs of the belt across his waist.

Okay, another week over. I've got my own little announcement to make next week but for now I'm giving this show a 6 1/2 out of 10. The crowd a good 8 out of 10 because the British really do enjoy the limited wrestling they get and the commentary? An 8 out of 10 for that. I didn't mind it today at all. The show itself? I won't say much more about the first match as y'all know my thoughts on that. We've lost Lashley which is a shame though he should be given the chance to grow as a wrestler and maybe ECW will give him that chance. Benoit was good again tonight and the run in by Chavo was excellent. The streetfight was fun to a degree with the props used and we were given the chance to build up the Kennedy/Undertaker feud more. It was good to see Regal back and sad to see what may be the start of the end with London/Kendrick. To be honest they haven't had a decent tag team to fight against though in the past few weeks. Still, a better show than RAW from Monday! Let's see what happens next week with the final matches leading up to Survivor Series. Have a great week everyone!









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