Smackdown 26th January, 2006
Submitted by Rudi Pavani on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 7:25 AM EST





G'day there and welcome to another week of Smackdown leading up to Royal Rumble this Sunday! My name is Rudi (rudip1@pacific.net.au) and I hope that the show continues to impress as it has done so over the past few weeks. RAW has been inconsistent with some fairly ordinary wrestling and has only been saved by big spots with Cena, and the RKO vs. Shawn Michaels (DX). Smackdown however has been quite consistent from start to end with some great matches coming from the very thin roster with only the introduction of Deuce/Domino to beef it up. The storylines seem to be fairly consistent though so lets get to it and see what happens! Right at the end will be very basic predictions from me for the Rumble and I hope I get my percentage of picking winners up this weekend. On with the show now!

Quick recap from last week
Mr. Kennedy celebrates his win in the Beat the Clock Sprint tournament before Teddy Long reminds him of his interference in the Undertaker match.
A match is created between the two with the stipulation that if Undertaker wins the championship match at the Royal Rumble will be a Triple Threat Match.
Matt Hardy beats Joey Mercury but is then blindsided by Nitro who makes an appearance and is given the Snapshot to the concrete floor.
Vickie calls Kristal into her dressing room for a conversation without a camera or microphone present.
MVP/Regal/Taylor defeat Vito/London/Kendrick
Chris Benoit defeats Chavo Guerrero in a no disqualification match to retain the United States Championship title.
Deuce and Domino with Cherry are introduced and wipe out a pair of jobbers in their first match.
Kane defeats The Miz in pretty much a squash match.
Kennedy defeats Undertaker after he is disqualified due to interference by Batista who spears Kennedy in the ring after Kennedy slapped him at the commentary table.


We begin the show with a video recap of the Beat to the Sprint with Mr. Kennedy winning the chance to fight against Batista for the World Heavyweight Title at Royal Rumble and then the match last week where Mr. Kennedy wrestled Undertaker and Batista interfered after being whacked by Mr. Kennedy.

The opening credits and the show proper, coming to us from Mobile, Alabama begins with Batista gets the crowd cheering as he makes his way onto stage. We get his pyros and he makes his way to the ring where he mounts the ropes and poses to the crowd. We've got a match straight up as his opponent for tonight Gregory Helms makes his way onto stage and mouths off on the mic about himself being the longest title holder in Smackdown history. Batista calls him into the ring as Helms says to Batista he's pretty much going to lose as the Royal Rumble and it's not about the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog!

Match 1: Batista vs. Gregory Helms in a non title fight
Both wrestlers stand face to face as the bell rings to start the match. Batista is still wearing his championship belt. Helms has his off and flaunts it in the face of Batista who just pushes it out of the hands of Helms, then to the delight of the crowd picks him up and dumps him in the corner before offloading with a number of shoulder blocks before removing his belt! Helms is ready for Batista though and comes at him with right hands before launching himself off the ropes only to be met by a boot to the face! A clotheslines dumps Helms over the top rope and Batista poses to the crowd whilst watching Helms for a while before exiting the ring to go after him. He picks him up but Helms gouges at his eyes then enters the ring before dropping the leg to the back of the head as Batista tries to enter the ring. A Batista chant starts up as Helms takes the advantage in the corner but Batista just pushes him away. He's taken out by a dropkick to the legs though as he goes after Helms and Helms again with the advantage with knees to the head, a leg drop and then more blows to the head. An attempted cover by Helms and another, and then another, then more offense by Helms who seems put off by the boos of the crowd.

Helms goes to come off the ropes again but out of nowhere Batista just picks him up and drops him with a spinebuster! A spear by Batista as he shakes the top rope before giving him the thumbs down! Batista picks him up and Helms tries to fight out of it but is just taken out with a Batista Bomb regardless and the cover is made and this one is over!
Batista defeated Gregory Helms in 3 minutes.
Rudi's rating - **
Rudi's rant - In the lead up to the Royal Rumble it's going to be more of getting the plots over than the wrestling tonight though I would have liked a bit more time with this match. The two stars is for the shortness of the match though I liked Gregory Helms here in that he showed a lot of aggression and no fear of what was before him. They don't do enough with Helms and he's the longest title holder on Smackdown because they haven't built up a cruiserweight division to challenge him. Batista? He came off strong as he should in a match like this but I think they were just giving him some TV wrestling time leading up to the Rumble.

Post match and Batista is rubbing his eyes as he grabs his belt, stares down Helms then rubs his eyes again as we get a replay of the win before he slaps his chest for the crowd.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we have Cole and JBL promoting the Over the Top Rope Challenge match tonight before the music of Benoit hits and he makes his way to the ring for his match. He shows his belt to the crowd as we get a replay of Benoit winning the Rumble in 2004 against Big Show from the No. 1 position. The music of Miz hits and he comes out looking a bit less scared this week form his past two weeks. He enters the ring as Benoit just looks at him and this match is ready to go.

Match 2: Chris Benoit vs. The Miz in a non title match
Both wrestler circle the ring before locking up and Miz being forced into the corner where he hangs outside of the ropes as Benoit tries to accost him before backing off. Another lock up and an arm drag by Benoit. Another lock up and Miz knocks Benoit off of his feet with a sweep of the leg. Benoit gets back onto one leg with Miz holding the other and just kicks Miz away with his free leg breaking the hold. Miz comes at him but is taken down with an arm drag again before being chopped by Benoit. Miz is hanging out of the ropes again as Benoit points to his head in that "I've got you covered" before they lock up against and Miz again is pushed into the corner. Benoit this time with the knee and again before some blows to the skull and then a whip across the ring and taking him down with a shoulder block before dropping the elbow to the chest. An attempted cover by Benoit who is then met by some blows as he goes to pick Miz from the canvas. Miz whips Benoit across the ring but is taken down by a shoulder block by Benoit again!

Benoit now with a backbreaker and an attempted pin before they lock up with some amateur moves with Miz getting the advantage by lunging through the ropes having Benoit catch his throat against the top rope. Miz with a neck breaker and an attempted pin before working on the head of Benoit and another attempt at a pin. A Benoit chant breaks out in the crowd as Miz gets Benoit in the corner with a headbutt before choking him. A side slam by Miz and another attempted pin before working on the neck of Benoit again. A body slam by Miz and another attempt at cover before working on the neck and head of Benoit again. To the cheers of the crowd Benoit breaks the hold by ramming Miz into the corner. Some big chops by Benoit who takes the advantage now before another whip across the ring and another shoulder block! German suplexes now by Benoit 3 of them before he exits the ring, climbs the ropes and gives him the flying headbutt from the top rope! He goes for the cover but Miz just manages to get his foot on the ropes! The crowd jeer Miz as Benoit tries to drag him back to the centre of the ring with Miz holding the bottom ropes. Benoit drops the elbow but can't do any more as Miz rakes him across the eyes! Miz can't take the advantage though as out of nowhere as he goes after Benoit he's swept off his feet and Benoit locks in the Crippler Crossface. Miz tries to break out but it's not happening and he taps out and this one is over!
Christ Benoit defeated The Miz in 6 minutes.
Rudi's rating - ** 3/4
Rudi's rant - Another match just to show the strength of Benoit for the Royal Rumble but I'd like to see these two wrestle a longer match. Yes, there are those who just hate The Miz but he's not that bad and tries more than some of the other newer wrestlers around who rely more on gimmicks rather than talent. Take Boogeyman for example! At least Miz actually doesn't look too bad in the ring and Benoit of course could wrestle anyone and make a good event out of it. He's certainly still one of the best wrestlers around and I'd love to see them give him more chances with a title push this year for the Heavyweight Championship!

Post match and Benoit celebrates his win before staring down The Miz and we go backstage to Deuce and Domino with Cherry walking through backstage. A backstage worker tells them their car is ready before taking a mouthful of abuse form Domino who says noone is allowed to touch their car. They slap the clipboard out of his hand and continue their way towards the ring as we go to...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and yay, it's Maryse welcoming us back to Smackdown with a glass of champagne in hand, speaking French and a fuzzy lens which made me first of think my eyes were playing tricks on me! Bad WWE!

Back to the real world and Deuce and Domino accompanied by Cherry are coming out again for their match to still no real reaction from the crowd. I'll write more on this later but we have jobbers with names this week that they're fighting and already in the ring. We get Cherry's pretty nifty entrance over the top rope and we're ready for action.

Match 3: Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) vs. Adam Evans and Jay Robinson (I think, as announced by Cole)
The match begins with Deuce locking up. Deuce throws his opponent down and then as they go to lock up again kicks him in the midsection. Deuce then slams the head of Robinson into the canvas before making the tag. A bit of double teaming before Domino slaps him around. Domino throws Robinson to his corner demanding a tag be made for better opposition. Evans comes in and throws a blow at Domino who ducks then retaliates with a knee to the face. Domino throws him out of the ring where he is beaten then thrown back into the ring by Deuce. Another tag and Deuce comes in to continue the assault and Deuce is launched into him with a slingshot by Domino. Evans ducks a short arm clothesline by Deuce but is met by a boot to the face in return! The tag is made and Domino comes in, takes out Robinson then continues to beat up on Evans. Another tag and Deuce is done for as Domino comes in and Evans is sat up to receive the boot in the face finisher by Domino who makes the cover and this one is over.
Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) defeated Adam Evans and Jay Robinson in 3 minutes.
Rudi's rating - * 1/2
Rudi's rant - Memo to Mr. McMahon. I understand that you're a busy man and sometimes not on top of details but please hire me as a consultant to Smackdown to show how maybe a new team should be introduced to the crowd. I know you read LOP, it's by far the best wrestling website around! What would be best for this team who has had no real crowd reaction at all is to have for example the champions come out or even prospective opposition like Regal and Taylor to sit at commentary, give some insight into the team, perhaps mouth off at them, anything to give them some heat or attachment with the crowd! They look good, they seem to be able to wrestle, don't bury them before they've had a chance to shine! As to the jobbers? Give Deuce and Domino at least Funaki and Scotty 2 Hotty to beat up on!

Post match Deuce and Domino celebrate their win with Cherry as we go backstage to MVP and Teddy Long face to face. MVP is in a match against Kane later and he doesn't want to fight Kane tonight. He got burned at Armageddon and he doesn't want to fight. Long can't make him wrestle Kane but if he doesn't he can't compete in the six man over the top match later or the Royal Rumble itself as he wanders off.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and King Booker is on his way into the ring for his match with Lil' Bastard seen poking up from under the apron. Queen Sharmell is on commentary as Finlay makes his way to the ring and as always is told off by the referee for bringing his shillelagh and when he puts it down the referee calls for the bell.

Match 4: King Booker vs. Fit Finlay
The match begins with Booker and Finlay circling each other before they lock up with Finlay being poked in the eye much to the bemused look by Booker. It looks as if it was an accident as Finlay backs off checking his eye before they lock up and Booker gets him to the canvas before laying blows onto him. Booker is on the advantage until Finlay pokes Booker in the eye before he's pushed over and Finlay works on his head and shoulders. Booker finally gets Finlay into the corner and regains the advantage with some blows before giving him a heel kick to the side of the head. An attempted pin but to no avail as then Booker is knocked over by Finlay as he tries to get him. Finlay goes to work on the knee of Booker with a knee hold. Booker can't break out and Finlay continues to work on it, dragging Booker's foot over the ropes and jumping on it before doing the same in the corner but kicking it. Another take down by Finlay and he continues the punishment in a match that has no crowd involvement at all.

Finlay as a step over toe hold type maneuver and continues to work on the leg of Booker until he's finally kicked away. Finlay goes for the leg again but Booker with right arms against the head of Finlay regains control again. It's Booker now with an Irish Whip reversed but Finlay then walks straight into a kick to the jaw followed by a body slam and an elbow drop! Booker goes to whip Finlay into the corner but it's reversed and Booker runs into it face first and bounces off straight into a Finlay who was charging in at him. Finlay connects into the back of Booker and both wrestlers are dazed and on the canvas! The referee begins a count as Lil' Bastard starts chasing Queen Sharmell around the ring to the best reaction of the crowd in the past few minutes. Sharmell thinks she's lost him but from under the ring Lil' Bastard knocks her off her feet before trying to drag her under. Booker manages to get out of the ring and grabs Lil' Bastard before Finlay gets out of the ring and grabs him away from Booker and starts beating into him. The referee comes out to separate them but is pushed away by Finlay in the face. Finlay and Booker wrestle up the rampway as the referee rings for the bell!
King Booker and Fit Finlay fought to a non contest in 6 minutes.
Rudi's rating - *
Rudi's rant - Where did they pull this match from? It's filler time for the Royal Rumble yes but this match has had no build up between these two wrestlers. It was just a boring match, no excitement at all from the crowd until the introduction of Lil' Bastard into it. Just a bad match with no real skills shown by either wrestler.

Post match both continue to wrestle until referees break them up and keep them separated as both wrestlers mouth off at each other.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and MnM with Melina make their way to the ring with Melina as we get a replay of Joey Mercury being beaten by Matt Hardy before being beaten and given a Snapshot on the concrete floor after the run in by Nitro. We're then given the music of London and Kendrick as they charge the ring followed by Ashley.

Match 5: MnM and Melina vs. Paul London, Brian Kendrick and Ashley
We start off with Nitro against London in the ring with Nitro being taken down by London with a leg sweep. A shoulder block from the ropes by London and an attempted pin already for only a one count. London makes the tag to Kendrick and they double team Nitro with a double elbow to the face and an attempted pin again. Another tag and London comes in over the top rope with an elbow to the arm of Nitro as he's being held by Kendrick. An arm bar and a tag and it's repeated by Kendrick and Nitro hasn't had any offense at all in this match so far. Another tag and this time London over the top rope jumps onto the arm of Nitro! An attempted pin by London to no avail. A headlock by London is broken by Nitro whipping him into the ropes. He misses a clothesline as London ducks under it then comes from the opposite ropes with a crossbody! Another attempted pin as Mercury comes into the ring and ducks straight out as London goes after him but it doesn't give a chance for Nitro to recover as he's then met with a kick to the midsection by London.

A whip across the ring by London is met with Nitro grabbing the ropes and stopping the momentum. As London charges him Nitro picks him and throws him out of the ring but as far as the apron only as London holds on. He beats off Nitro and then kicks Mercury in the face as Mercury from the floor grabs at his legs! London looks to launch himself over the top rope at Nitro but is kicked in the back by Melina and he crashes to the canvas as Kendrick tries to rush into the ring. Ashley goes around the ring to remonstrate with Melina but is stopped from getting close by Mercury. Nitro attempts the pin on London before tagging Mercury in and they whip London into the ropes then launch him across the ring with a double back body drop! An attempted pin by Mercury who then tags Nitro. Together they whip London hard into the corner, London somersaulting as he hits the corner ropes! Nitro goes for the attempted cover and then goes to work pulling back on the neck of London as Ashley tries to get a crowd chant happening. London attempts a comeback by punching into the face of Nitro but as he goes against the ropes is kicked in the back by Mercury stalling that move as Nitro makes the tag.

Another double team by Nitro and Mercury as they attempt another double back body drop but this time London lands on his feet and makes the hot tag to Kendrick! Down goes Nitro! Down goes Mercury! A dropkick on Nitro and a blow to the face of Mercury with Kendrick coming off the ropes and he's cleaning house! Another dropkick on Nitro, one on Mercury, then a heel kick on Nitro knocks him down to the canvas and then the same to the face of Mercury! Kendrick goes for the cover but it's broken by Nitro who beats up on Kendrick. Nitro grabs Kendrick from behind allowing Mercury to land some blows but when Mercury comes off the ropes at him is met with the kick to the face! Kendrick with a back elbow breaks the hold Nitro has on him. A dropkick sends Nitro out of the ring where Mercury has rolled to. Kendrick looks to dive onto MnM outside of the ring but is stopped in his tracks by Melina who has entered the ring and stands in his way! Ashley however comes in and spears Melina and the two fight as Kendrick does manage to go over the top rope and take out MnM and the crowd are into this match finally! The two women continue their catfight before Melina kicks Ashley in the face knocking her out of the ring and follows after her. Mercury has reentered and Kendrick is mounting the ropes and leaps at him but Mercury ducks under the crossbody attempt. Kendrick however tries to sunset flip him but Mercury manages to stop the move but is taken down by a dropkick from London who appears out of nowhere! Kendrick goes for the cover but it's broken by Melina who has entered the ring again. She rakes the eyes of Kendrick and as the referees goes to kick her out of the ring Nitro reenters the ring and together him and Mercury land the Snapshot on Kendrick! Mercury makes the cover as Nitro sneaks out of the ring and this one is over!
MnM with Melina defeated Paul London, Brian Kendrick and Ashley in 6 minutes.
Rudi's rating - ***
Rudi's rant - A nice match this with minimal interference by Melina and Ashley. Though London and Kendrick were beaten I don't think it cheapens them that much as they lost to what is supposedly a stronger team. I'd so love to see a decent tag division together with a number of these teams but I suppose that's just wishful thinking?

Post match and MnM exit the ring celebrating their ring as once again we're left with Kendrick on the canvas with Ashley in the ring yelling at Melina as we get a replay of the last minute of the match as then London is in the ring as well checking up on Kendrick.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and Mr. Kennedy is making his way to the ring as we get another recap yet of his win during the Beat the Clock Sprint. We get a recap of his match with Undertaker last week with the interference by Batista. Back to the ring and Mr. Kennedy calls down the mic and raves about his win last week where he won and at Royal Rumble he's going to beat Batista as well. He is the fastest rising superstar in the history of WWE as he pauses as the crowd tells him he sucks before Kennedy repeats his claim of beating 6 world champions already. Kennedy is the bees knees according to himself and it's going to be his crowning achievement at the Rumble where he announces his win but he can't quite finish as Batista comes out and walks straight into the ring. He's got a mic too. Batista asks him if he wants to slap him again. Batista slaps himself. Kennedy is holding his mic ready to take a shot as all of a sudden we get the gong and the lights go out! Another gong and Undertaker is in the ring behind Mr. Kennedy! Undertaker looks to kick Kennedy who ducks out of the way and Undertaker takes out Batista instead! Kennedy is up the rampway as Undertaker follows him halfway up the ramp as we get a replay of the kick on Batista who then is there standing in the ring staring down at Undertaker staring down at Kennedy! Rudi's rant - Thank God the Kennedy promo was interrupted by Batista as it was sounding too predictable this week and then the addition of Undertaker into it and the accidental kick to Batista continues to build up that probable feud leading up to Wrestlemania some 60+ odd days away!

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and another replay of what happened just a few minutes ago as we then get another video promo of Maryse welcoming us back to Smackdown.

We're given another promo with Vladimir Koslov being interviewed by Cole as Koslov hasn't decided where to fight again.

Backstage Long is on the phone as there is a knock on the door and Kristal enters looking very scantily dress and asks Teddy how she's looking. Teddy admires how she is looking as Kristal then just happily wanders off leaving Long musing. Another knock on the door and Vickie enters. She had just came by to talk to Long but comments on how he has probably been busy and she'll talk to him later and wanders off. Rudi's rant - I'm not sure where any of this is going or if there is any relevance at all. Kristal seems to be working up to some plot involving Teddy Long and Vickie? Once again we don't know why she needs to talk to Teddy Long but she's been wearing the neck brace a bit too long now to make any worth of it. What's going to happen? I'm sure we'll find out!

Back to Cole and JBL now as JBL comments how hot she is looking as Cole discusses Kane in the Royal Rumble and we get a video recap of Kane knocking out a record number of 11 wrestlers in a previous Royal Rumble as we go to another...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and Kane is making his way into the ring and sets off the ringpost pyros. JBL is ranting about MVP being involved in this match as we get a close up of Kane laughing as the music of MVP hits and he comes out with Kane staring and laughing down at him. MVP pauses then decides he has no choice and makes his way to ringside, walks around the ring, takes off his necklace, shakes his head and slowly enters the ring.

Match 6: Kane vs. MVP
The match begins with Kane stalking MVP who ducks under a blow. MVP tries to plead to Kane's better sense about his sore back but Kane laughs and stalks him again. MVP ducks another blow but is caught by Kane in the process who lands a punch into the burnt back of MVP. A kick to the same place and then a slam of the head to the turnbuckle before ramming his knee into the back of MVP against the corner! Kane is pushed off by the referee and as he comes back in is met by a flurry of punches by MVP. Kane no sells them before taking out MVP with an uppercut. He then grinds his elbow into the back of MVP before picking him up and putting him into the corner again where he offloads with back elbows and then a big uppercut. More work on the back by Kane who then drops a big knee into his back as MVP screams in agony. Kane puts MVP into the corner again trying to undo the top of MVP but is knocked back with some punches. MVP can't continue the assault however as Kane just picks him up and slams him back first into the corner again!

Kane pulls down the top of MVP revealing the bandages and continues to work on his back as Cole notes seeping from the bandages. MVP is getting a beating here as he whips him hard against the corner. A body slam by MVP has him writhing in pain as he exits the ring and tries to walk up the rampway before Kane grabs him and pushes him back into the ring. MVP pleads for Kane to back off before being kicked in the face! Kane repeats the dose and picks up MVP as he staggers out of the corner but can't do anything as MVP rakes the eyes and pushes Kane face first into the corner! MVP now with a big boot into the face of Kane before going to work with a number of blows to the face of Kane as he covers up. MVP chokes him, stomps on his back, stands on his head then dropkicks Kane out of the ring. MVP follows but is met by a big right hand to the face. Kane tries to slam MVP into the steel steps but it's reversed by MVP who throws Kane there! MVP slides in the ring then out again and takes to Kane with a right elbow as Kane reenters the ring. Kane meets him though with a right hand a kick to the gut and a number of other right hands. A whip across the ring and Kane gives MVP a huge back body drop before clotheslining MVP in the corner as he staggers there.

Kane backs off then delivers another one before giving MVP a sideslam. Kane exits the ring now and climbs the ropes and takes MVP out with a blow to the face from the ropes. Kane calls for the chokeslam but MVP makes it to the apron. Kane dropkicks MVP into the barricades. To a big roar from the crowd Kane exits the ring and grabs MVP in a chokeslam position at the announcers table as JBL and Cole back away. MVP with elbows however stops it and then slams the head of Kane into the table. He grabs a slams and slams Kane with it and the referee calls for the bell!
Kane defeated MVP by disqualification in 8 minutes.
Rudi's rating - ***
Rudi's rant - Not much offence here by MVP at all but Kane working methodically on him made this a good match. MVP has been selling the burns to his back for a few weeks and Kane showed great aggression here by targeting the back of MVP. No doubt about it though but MVP is starting to settle in more here. More work to go yes but he's trying and that's all one can ask for!

Post match and MVP hits Kane with the chair again as Kane reenters the ring. Another blow to the skull flattens Kane in the ring as MVP goes under the ring and grabs out the conveniently placed gasoline container. MVP with his back to Kane looks to open it before Kane sits up! MVP looks to hit Kane with the container but is taken down with a kick to the face! MVP is out of there as Kane stares at MVP shaking his head then throws the container away.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we're shown the outside of the arena as we then get a replay of Umaga's splash on Cena through the table from Monday and then we get a rundown of the matches set for the Rumble. Back to Cole and JBL and Cole reminds us that in the past 6 Rumbles, the winner of the Rumble has gone on to win the Championship Title. We get Kane and Benoit coming to the ring as we head to yet another...

Commercial Break...

Back from commercial and Booker is making his way into the ring as we see Finlay and The Miz already in the ring. MVP is circling the ring but Kane exits and follows him forcing MVP into the ring where he runs into Benoit! He turns around but straight into a right hand from Kane who had followed him into the ring and this one is on!

Match 7: Over the Top Challenge with Kane, Chris Benoit, Finlay, The Miz, MVP and King Booker
Kane works on Finlay and the Miz and MVP as Benoit is taking it Booker before Booker rams him shoulder first into the steel ring post. Kane seems to be in charge of the things here as he takes it to MVP before The Miz comes in to help. Booker and Finlay work on Benoit and Benoit rolls out the bottom of the ropes onto the floor where Booker follows him out and goes after him. Lil' Bastard gives Finlay the shillelagh and he uses it on the back of Kane. Finlay then just pushes Kane over the top rope and Kane is out at the 2 minute mark!

Miz works on Finlay as Benoit has the advantage of Booker out on the floor still. Finlay tries to throw Miz out but is taken out by a kick from MVP and he's double teamed by them. MVP and Miz can't knock Finlay out as he makes a comeback. Benoit and Booker are now back in the ring with Benoit still with the advantage as Finlay is picked up by Miz who tries to get him out of the ring to no avail. Benoit now is working on MVP and Booker is working on Miz. Finlay now is almost out of the ring with MVP hanging on for dear life. MVP can't dropkick him out either! At the 5 minute mark Miz is poked in the eyes by Finlay who then throws him over the top rope and Miz is eliminated!

Benoit goes straight after Finlay and all of a sudden we get the gong again! The lights go out and when they're on again Undertaker is in the ring! Undertaker cleans house chokeslamming Finlay before being attacked by Benoit! Benoit gets in some moves before trying to whip Undertaker across the ring. It's reversed and Benoit slams into the corner, staggers out and is picked up by Undertaker and given Snake eyes before being taken down with the big boot to the face! MVP goes after Undertaker but is taken down by a flying elbow! Booker goes for the scissors kick but Undertaker ducks out the way, grabs him and chokeslams him! He does the same to MVP as the crowd are going crazy here! At the 7 minute mark Benoit is clotheslined over the top rope by Undertaker!

Finlay is tombstoned by Undertaker! Miz has reentered the ring and lands a blow to the back of Undertaker who no sells it and turns around and stares at him. He grabs him by the throat and takes the adulation of crowd before chokeslamming him! At the 8 minute mark of this match Finlay is knocked over the top rope by Undertaker! MVP is clotheslined over the top rope at the same time! Miz is then picked up by undertaker and then given a huge powerbomb! Undertaker looks around as the fog rises and all the wrestlers are on the ground as Undertaker poses to the crowd as the show goes off the air to his music.
This was a no result in 10 minutes due to the unannounced entrance of the Undertaker.
Rudi's rating - ***
Rudi's rant - I liked this, whether it was a result or not. It gave the chance for The Miz and MVP to have a bit of action and for Benoit to take some nice moves to the Undertaker before being taken out by him. Finlay and Booker and Kane also had their strong moments but it was just a bit of entertainment to lead us into the Royal Rumble this Sunday!

This show was not the greatest but generally the leadups to the major PPV's are generally just filler shows so as to not allow for any injuries to the major stars. I can't understand the match between Booker and Finlay as it had no crowd involvement and the others were not too bad though and the 6 person tag with MnM was good value and I'd love to see more tag team action. We may get this with Deuce & Domino if they get a good push and they don't look half bad either. The mini Royal Rumble match at the end though I think could have included some of the lesser wrestlers that haven't had much air time recently like Vito and Jimmy Wang Yang disappeared though no Boogeyman continues to be a good thing! I'm giving the show a 6 out of 10 tonight, the crowd a 5 out of 10 as they didn't seem hugely into it all and JBL and Cole continue to impress this year so a 7 out of 10 for them. Next week is the fall out from the Rumble and lets see where we go! Have a safe week everyone!

Royal Rumble predictions
HardyBroz vs. MnM - I think the HardyBroz will win this round in their ongoing PPV feud!
Bobby Lashley vs. Test for the ECW Championship - Does anyone really care? I think Lashley will win this after interference by RVD.
Batista vs. Mr. Kennedy for the WWE Championship title - Batista should win this one but with a twist at the end.
Royal Rumble - I'd love to see Shawn Michaels win this for the opportunity to fight at Wrestlemania for the World Championship. Undertaker could win but I see him and Batista fighting there already so Shawn is the sentimental favourite.
John Cena vs. Umaga for the Championship title in a Last Man Standing Match. I'm going out of the blue here and voting for Umaga with Cena to take it back on the Monday!









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