Smackdown 23rd March, 2007
Submitted by Rudi Pavani on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 7:28 PM EST





G'day to all the loyal wrestling fans out there! My name is Rudi (rudip1@pacific.net.au) and we're only 9 days away from Wrestlemania 23. How many of you are going to pay for privilege to watch it? I'd be interested to know. I can honestly say that I'm undecided about whether to purchase it or not. I will give some predictions next week but out of the Smackdown stars? Undertaker vs. Batista hasn't excited me much at all so far. They'd really want to pull out a great match to keep my interest. Unless big things are done this week or next week it could be a fizzer. I think perhaps it was pushed way too early. Benoit vs. MVP? I'm actually excited about this a little. Benoit can make any wrestling match interesting and MVP has improved so it could be really good. The ladder match with Kennedy, Matt Hardy, Finlay and Booker from Smackdown? This could be really interesting too and I'd like to see how they build it up on the next week. Ashley vs. Melina? I'm so not sure that this match will work with an angle and the talk is a Lumberjill match. I'd rather see them just put on a great match with lots of intensity. We're missing London/Kendrick still from a match and Chavo as the Cruiserweight Champion isn't wrestling either so far so unless they build up matches this week for these belts they're just going to be further devalued. Let us see what the show brings us tonight and hope for the best......

Quick recap from last week:
Miz interviews Batista and plays a prank with the gong going off and a no show by Undertaker. Batista laughs, takes the joke, then destroys Miz.
Matt Hardy beats Mr. Kennedy cleanly in a great match. Mr. Kennedy in a post match interview laughs it off and says Wrestlemania is what it’s all about.
MVP beats El Grande Latte, supposedly from Honduras in a squash match. Post match MVP challenges Benoit to defend his title at Wrestlemania. Benoit comes out, they tussle and MVP gets out of there.
MnM with Melina beat London/Kendrick with Ashley in another good match.
Lil’ Bastard celebrates St. Patrick’s day by terrorizing Sharmell by offering her a beer and asking for a kiss.
Kane destroys Daivari and drags him backstage with a chain around his neck.
Undertaker beats Booker by disqualification after interference by Finlay.
Finlay is launched over the Announce table by Undertaker and into Batista who was guest commentator for the match.


The show comes to us from Cleveland Ohio this week and we begin with the opening credits for the show. Been some time since we've seen those actually. And what do we begin the show with? We get the music of Vince McMahon and he struts to the ring as only Vince McMahon can do. Suffice to say that in the ring Vince McMahon rants at the crowd about Wrestlemania and the Billionaires match for which Umaga will fight on his behalf against Lashley who will fight for Donald Trump. An asshole chant in the crowd as we get a recap of RAW from Monday where Eugene has his hair shaved by McMahon after being crushed by Umaga. McMahon rants and raves at the crowd before making a match for Smackdown where Bobby Lashley will face not only Mr. Kennedy but Randy Orton as well in a Tables match! Both Kennedy and Orton are in the ring as McMahon notes they've both let him down but he wants them to win tonight! Rudi's rant - Ugh! What a bad opening, 11 minutes of nothing and lots of heat from the crowd yes against McMahon but moreso for the insults he gave them than the actual excellence of the promo. This feud has taken over all three shows pretty much and I'm over it to be honest. Who cares about a shaved head. It's been done to death....

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and our first match is London/Kendrick vs. MnM in a title match. London and Kendrick are first to the ring accompanied as always by Ashley. They're wearing new masks which looks pretty cool actually. Before we see Ashley rip them off we get the music of MnM and they make their way to the ring, camera people in tow taking pictures. Melina goes through her entrance, the belts are shown and we've got a start.


Match 1: Paul London and Brian Kendrick (Champions) (with Ashley) vs. MnM (with Melina) in a Tag Team Championship Title match
First off we get London up against Mercury. A lock up with London forced into the ropes and a push by Mercury who's then pushed back and London takes to him with a number of blows. Nitro rushes in and knocks down London but in turn is knocked down by Kendrick who has entered the ring. Mercury is taken down by both London and Kendrick together before Kendrick exits the ring. London with an attempted pin then whips Mercury into the rope where he's pulled up by Nitro on the apron grabbing him around the waist. As London goes to dropkick him, Nitro shoves Mercury out of the way and London hits nothing by air. It's Mercury now making the tag and Nitro is in and takes to London as Melina screams. Mercury in now and a double team with Nitro and Mercury dropping London against the top rope stomach first. Nitro in control as there is an attempt as at a chant as Ashley tries to start things up. London tries to tag but is held back by Mercury until he moves around him and rolls him up for an attempted pin. Mercury pushes London off but the momentum allows London to make the tag with Kendrick and he enters over the top rope. Down with Mercury and then down with Nitro who has entered the ring! Kendrick with a drop kick on Mercury and then a kick to the chest of Nitro! Kendrick takes them both down and Nitro is out of the ring now as Kendrick takes down Mercury with a heel kick to the jaw!

An attempted pin by Kendrick and then he tries a bulldog type move which leaves him legs up in the opposite corner with Nitro trying to stop him but he manages to push him off the apron and onto the floor! This allows Mercury however to take Kendrick down in a wicked looking inverted bulldog type move! He makes the cover and it's almost a three count! Melina whinges to the referee as Mercury tries to beat into Kendrick who blocks his punches. Mercury pushes Kendrick into the ropes and as he comes out they connect heads! ouch! The momentum carries Kendrick over to his corner and me makes the tag to London who flies over the top rope and into a dropkick onto a stunned Mercury in the middle of the ring! An attempted pin is broken by a desperate Nitro jumping into the ring. Nitro whips London into the ropes, it's reversed though and London telegraphs the back body drop too early and is met by a kick in the face by Nitro! London staggers into the waiting arms of Mercury who picks him up and turns around in preparation for a Snapshot but what he doesn't see is Kendrick dive into the ring and take Nitro out to the floor below! London manages to break out and roll up Mercury but we only get a two count. It's London now who tries to take Mercury from the second rope but Mercury stops that and climbs the rope himself and tries to suplex London into the ring. London stops that and knocks Mercury into the ring back first. As London tries to climb to the top rope Melina grabs his leg and stops him until Ashley rushes around and grabs Melina and slams her head into the apron! This allows London to get to the top rope and land a crossbody on Mercury and he makes the cover and we have a result!
Paul London and Brian Kendrick (with Ashley) defeated M'n'M (with Melina) to retain their Tag Team Championship Belts in 6 minutes
Rudi's rating - ** 3/4
Rudi's rant - Some nice action in this match and I wonder if this will be another Wrestlemania match? They deserve more time to actually get something going like a feud but there isn't much time left for this to happen sadly. London and Kendrick deserve so much more in the way of good opponents and yet, still no Regal/Taylor who'd they feuded with nicely I think and now Deuce n' Domino are nowhere to be seen except for losing in dark matches. What's the story WWE?
Post match and London and Kendrick are out the ring as MnM is left inside the ring looking peeved at the loss. They celebrate up the rampway as Ashley points at Melina and they mouth off at each other.

We go backstage now and its Kristal who is about to interview Kane who approaches her and stands over her, leaning into her with his chest. Kristal says Kane sent a message to Khali last week after he destroyed Daivari and dragged him to a deep, dark area. Everyone calls him sick, twisted and demented as we go to a still pictures of apparently Daivari whose back is covered with sores and welts from where he was dragged up the rampway with a chain around his neck. Kristal wants to know what Kane is going to do and he puts his hand on her shoulder and drags up the hook used in the movie See No Evil to near the face of scared looking Kristal! The crowd cheers as Kane laughs maniacally as Kristal runs away and Kane is left laughing at the hook as we go to a commercial break. Rudi's rant - Nice little promo with Kane looking suitably psychotic

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and yay! It's Maryse welcoming us back before we go to front of house and the music of Chavo Guerrero is playing and he makes his way to the ring for a non title match against Jimmy Wang Yang. Chavo comes out to a number of boos from the crowd actually. In the ring he eggs on the crowd before the music of Jimmy hits and he makes his way to the ring to not much of a reaction from the crowd sadly.

Match 2: Chavo Guerrero (Cruiserweight Champion) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang in a non title match up
We begin the match with both wrestlers engaging in some mat based moves before Chavo backs Yang into the corner. He looks to break clean but then lashes out with a back elbow into the jaw of Yang. He tries to whip Yang across the ring but it's reversed before he reverses it again and sends Yang back into the original corner. He approaches but is chopped by Yang. Yang now whips Chavo into the corner but is met by a boot to the face as he rushes in. An attempted clothesline from Chavo is ducked under by Yang who hops onto the ropes and then takes down Chavo with a drop kick off of them! A whip across the ring is reversed by Chavo who tries a hip toss on Yang. Yang lessens the impact of it and kicks Chavo in the midsection before knocking him down with a back heel kick, then kicks him out the ring. He then with a baseball slide knocks Chavo into the announce table! He picks Chavo up and then rolls him back into the ring and mounts the top rope and waits for Chavo to get to his feet.

When Chavo does, Yang leaps off with an attempted crossbody but is met by a dropkick from Chavo midair! Chavo now takes advantage and beats into Yang and takes him down with a side slam then a big uppercut and an attempted cover before going to work on the arm and shoulder of Yang. Chavo trash talks Yang as he finally gets to his feet. Yang stomps on the boot of Chavo and then again to break the hold and then comes off the ropes only to be met with another dropkick from Chavo! Another attempted cover and Chavo then takes to Yang again with a surfboard move as the crowd starts up a Chavo sucks chant as Yang manages to get to his feet again and break the hold. No advantage though as Chavo just takes him down with a mean looking clothesline! Chavo bounces Yang off the top rope midsection first then works again on the arm of Yang as the crowd starts up a clap for Yang who breaks out with an arm drag. To a nice pop from the crowd Chavo is taken down by Yang who drops the jaw of Chavo onto the top of his skull staggering him! Yang staggers into the corner and Chavo charges in only to be met by an elbow to the head! A spinning headscissors from Yang onto Chavo and then a big back body drop! A clothesline from Yang and then another and then an attempted whip into the ropes. It's reversed by Chavo but he meets with a boot to the face as he charges in after Yang.

Chavo ducks under an attempted spinning heel kick by Yang as he rushes out. Yang turns around and meets with a kick to the midsection! Chavo picks up Yang and attempts the Three Amigos to jeers from the crowd and an argument between Cole and JBL who differ in whether it's disrespectful to the Guerrero family that he does this move. He can't manage the third one as Yang slides out from behind him however. Chavo breaks away from Yang and mounts the ropes and attempts a moonsault on Yang but misses as Yang rushes forward. Yang mounts the ropes himself and does the same and connects on Chavo, makes the cover and this one is over!
Jimmy Wang Yang defeated Chavo Guerrero in a non title match in 5 minutes.
Rudi's rating - ***
Rudi's rant - The match got better crowd wise as it went longer though 5 minutes isn't enough for a match that involves Yang in it I think. Another Wrestlemania match perhaps? Chavo did steal the title away from Yang once he had it won at No Way Out, but if this feud needs to work then WWE do need to build the match up more. Nothing too special in this match but some nice high moves and the dropkick from Chavo to Yang midair looked a very good spot!
Post match and Yang celebrates his win in the ring and makes the sign to Chavo of having the belt around his waist. Chavo complains that his tights were pulled for the pin as we get a replay of the last few seconds and Chavo exits the ring holding the belt.

We then get JBL and Michael Cole discussing the passing away in the past week of Arnold Skaaland. They discuss the man as a great wrestler and a tribute to the WWE before we get a nice little video package that chronicles his wrestling life. We get comments by McMahon, J.R and others including Mean Gene Oakland. Rest in Peace Arnold....

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and the music of MVP hits and he makes his way to the ring. He's going to be wrestling another supposed champion now which MVP himself introduces. He introduces the supposed Liechtenstein Heavyweight Champion, Cedric Von Haussen as we get some nice Alpine music and Cedric comes out in what could be called as a britches and jacket outfit with the feathered alpine cap. In the ring MVP goes to shake his hand and just takes him down with big clothesline!

Match 3: MVP vs. Cedric Von Haussen
MVP takes to Cedric with a number of kicks to the head and a big bodyslam before coming off the ropes with a big elbow. He goes for the cover but picks him up and then slams him into the corner before charging in with the big boot to the head! He drags poor Cedric out of the corner, connects with his signature finishing move, The Playmaker which is like a rolling DDT with the leg around the back of the neck and this match is done!
MVP defeated Cedric Von Haussen in 1 minute.
Rudi's rating - * for the match itself and *** for the gimmick!
Rudi's rant - These past two weeks with MVP dragging out supposed champions of countries such as Liechtenstein and Honduras last week has been quite funny as they're not the biggest Indy wrestlers around by any means and MVP is just using them as squash material. MVP is trying to show that he is worthy of the U.S. Title and this angle actually works really well. I'm so open to feedback on this one though! Let's just hope he doesn't drag out a supposed Australian champion!
Post match and MVP celebrates his win by grabbing the mic and announces his first Wrestlemania and his first title! MVP addresses Chris Benoit and wants him to know when he loses his title at Wrestlemania, he'll go down in history as the first individual to lose his title to MVP. It'll be good for Benoit too as he'll be shown in highlight reels all over and when MVP is inducted into the Hall of Fame, his loss will be remembered as the first one to get MVP on the path to greatness. MVP leaves the ring and strolls up the rampway looking pretty happy with himself.

We go backstage and Randy Orton and Mr. Kennedy are eyeing off a table and discussing tactics for what they're going to do with Lashley on the table as we go to...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and more video shots of celebrities discussing whose hair they want to see shaved off at Wrestlemania, be it Donald or Vince. Back to action as we get the music of Mr. Kennedy and he makes his way down to the ring. We're then given the music of Randy Orton and he makes his way down to the ring. In the ring Randy shows the physique to the crowd before we get the music of Lashley and to a nice pop from the crowd he makes his way out onto stage, gets his pyros and then makes his way to the ring. He stares down Kennedy and Orton before he hops up onto the apron and sets off his ring pyros before entering the ring. In the ring he looks guarded as the referee rings for the bell.

Match 4: Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley in a Handicap Tables Match
We begin with Lashley fighting off both Orton and Kennedy . Snap suplex on Kennedy before Orton finally gets some control. They whip Lashley into the ropes but on the way out he kicks Kennedy in the midsection then throws Orton out of the ring before going to work on Kennedy. A big back body drop on Kennedy and some strong offense on him. The crowd are liking this as Lashley continues to take down Kennedy with blows to the head. Kennedy tries a fightback with Lashley against the ropes and then with kicks to the back of his leg but Lashley pushes Kennedy away and into a corner. Lashley approaches the ropes though and from the floor Orton trips him up and drags Lashley to the floor! Lashley doesn't like that and takes Orton down with a clothesline onto the floor. Reentering the ring he ducks a kick from Kennedy before picking him up and slamming him into the corner. He turns and sees Orton coming at him and takes him down with a belly to belly suplex! He then throws him into the corner and to a huge cheer from the crowd looks ready to speak Orton in the corner! At the last minute as Lashley charges him, Kennedy grabs Orton's arm and drags him out of the way and Lashley is left to ram shoulder first and very loudly into the steel ring post! Ouch!

It's Kennedy now who works on the arm of Lashley before Orton rams him shoulder first into the steel ring post again before taking to his as we get a big Bobby chant. Orton holds onto Lashley as Kennedy off the ropes connects with a boot to the head as the crowd start to jeer heavily as McMahon walks out from backstage and towards the ring! In the ring Orton is giving Lashley his version of the Garvin Stomp as Kennedy is holding him down. A knee to the back of the head from Orton before he rolls out of the ring and grabs a table from under the ring and sets it up as Kennedy continues to work on Lashley. Lashley fights back but is stopped by Orton who comes into help Kennedy. Orton drags Lashley over to the table and slams his head against it before dragging Lashley onto it. Kennedy exits the ring and mounts the ropes as he's talking to McMahon and doesn't notice that Lashley has beaten Orton away from the table and that he's coming for him. Lashley can't do anything as he's doubleteamed again. It's Kennedy now exiting the ring as we get another Bobby chat as he grabs another table and McMahon looks on happily. Kennedy in the ring sets up the table at an angle as Lashley tries to fight back against Orton.

Lashley takes him down then fends off Kennedy who has noticed Orton was in trouble. It's Lashley now with Kennedy and Orton in the corners as he clotheslines Randy in the corner and Kennedy with shoulder blocks! He gets the crowd cheering for him as he picks up Orton over his shoulders but Kennedy rushes in and takes out the leg of Lashley with a baseball slide! Kennedy beats viciously into Lashley and then Orton does so as Kennedy sets up the table against the corner. Lashley fights back however against Orton as McMahon doesn't look happy at the change of events! Lashley picks up Kennedy as he goes after him and then literally throws him into the table in the corner and Kennedy is out of this match! He goes and picks up Orton and then to a huge cheer from the crowd powerslams Orton through the other table and it's over!
Bobby Lashley defeated Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton in a Handicap Tables Match in 7 minutes
Rudi's rating - ** 3/4
Rudi's rant - Lashley is being made to look the monster here in easily taking down Kennedy and Orton in this match. Not big on action really but as Wrestlemania build up not too bad for Lashley but Kennedy and Orton are made to look weak heading into their Ladder match at Wrestlemania. Orton has not won more than a match this year so far and Kennedy has lost some matches as well. Lashley vs. Umaga at Wrestlemania? Could be brutal if they do it right....
Post match and Lashley celebrates his win as an angry looking McMahon looks on and trash talks him. Lashley takes in the adulation of the crowd as McMahon yells at him. In the ring Lashley grabs his belt as McMahon backs up the rampway and then exits as Lashley leaves the ring himself.

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we see the outside of the arena before we get a close up of some of the Cleveland Browns having fun in the front row of the audience before backstage where Kristal is introducing a new guest, Batista who appears to a cheer from the crowd. We get a video recap of last week where Finlay was thrown into Batista who was commentating. That looked really good actually on replay! Batista shakes his head and says he was a little angry at what happened. It's about getting even. Batista says they'll get along just fine during the match later on.... During the match....

The music of Benoit hits and we're back to the ring and Benoit is making his way out to the ring. In the ring Benoit eagerly looks on for his opponent as we go to...

Commercial break...

Match 5: Chris Benoit (U.S. Champion) vs. Gregory Helms in a non-title match up
Back from commercial and the match is underway with Benoit in the corner as a clean break is made between both wrestlers. Helms takes the advantage and takes to Benoit with a number of blows before being taken away by the referee. That was not good for Helms as he's just pummeled with chops as he reapproaches Benoit. It's Benoit now whipping him across the ring and then a big back body drop before a snap suplex and an attempted cover before taking to the head of Helms with knees. Benoit slams him in the corner and drops a number of knees on him. A body slam and then a headbutt to the chest from the rope as Helms rolls out onto the apron. Benoit goes straight after him but as he leans over the rope to get him, Helms grabs him and drops Benoit on the top rope, his neck bearing the brunt of that move! It's not Helms on the offensive as he tries to suplex Benoit but he just can't do it and it's reversed by Benoit giving him a snap suplex! Benoit goes after Helms but in a desperation move, Helms grabs the front of his tights and yanks him through the ropes and onto the floor below! Helms looks down at Benoit and when he gets to his feet launches himself over the top rope taking him down with a crossbody! Helms throws him back into the ring and goes for the cover but Benoit grabs the ropes stopping it. Helms uses the ropes to choke him, then slingshots him neck first into the ropes. It's Helms now working on Benoit around the neck until Benoit manages to break out and take to Helms before Helms with an eye gouge regains control and then does it again. Benoit doesn't like this and goes off at Helms in the corner with chops before another rake to the eyes and then a neckbreaker gets him back in control!

An attempted body slam by Helms is slid out of by Benoit who then tries for a German suplex. Helms blocks it but Benoit swings him around and takes him down with a front snap suplex turned bridge and almost a three count! Benoit now manages to connect with his patented three German suplexes and Helms is not looking the best as Benoit does the throat slash gesture before mounting the ropes and dropping the headbutt. It's Benoit now with the Crippler Crossface and Helms holds out for a little bit but finally has to tap out!
Chris Benoit defeated Gregory Helms in a non title match up in 6 minutes.
Rudi's rating *** 1/4
Rudi's rant - Once again Benoit puts on a good match, this time against Helms. I like Helms and the aggressive nature he shows. He does it really well and these two if ever allowed to feud could put on some tough looking matches! Benoit is looking strong for his Wrestlemania match
Post match and Benoit holds the Crossface for a bit longer before being given his belt by the referee as he stands over Helms.

He exits the ring slowly and makes his way up the rampway as we get the latest induction to the Hall of Fame, and it's the Wild Samoans, Afa and Sika as we go to a video package for them with comments by McMahon and others including their nephew, The Rock! We go back to Cole and JBL now and JBL has something to do as he puts on his head and heads backstage as Cole wonders what he's doing as we go to...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and backstage we have Teddy Long giving Kristal a red rose. Enter JBL from stage left and he calls to Long as he strides up. Kristal excuses herself and walks off as Long asks him what's up and why isn't he out front. JBL has a proposition Long can't afford to turn down. Batista has been going at Undertaker with his comments and JBL feels he needs to interview the both of them in the same ring at the same time. JBL says Long needs someone to ask the tough questions. Long makes sure JBL wants to stand between these two wrestlers and says he has a deal which JBL likes and then wanders off. We're shown backstage again Batista making his way towards the ring before he's confronted from King Booker who wants to talk to him about a couple of things. Whilst Batista is looking and dealing with Booker from out of nowhere runs Finlay and he takes out Batista from behind. The two of them beat up on Batista and throw him into some kegs before they beat up on him more as officials and referees try to pull them away to no avail as Booker continues to assault Batista leaving him looking battered and sore on the concrete floor as we go to...Rudi's rant - Unexpected and nicely done though the kegs were definitely empty the way they bounced on the floor. I wasn't expecting this and am glad they did something a bit different!

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and we get a replay of what happened before the commercial. Back to action and King Booker is making his way into the ring with Queen Sharmell. We then get the intro of Finlay and he makes his way to the ring. We are then treated to the usual long entrance of Undertaker as he slowly makes his way to the ring to a big pop from the crowd. in the ring Booker and Finlay discuss tactics as Undertaker finally enters and we're ready for action without even the music of Batista and a no appearance.

Match 6: King Booker and Finlay vs. Undertaker and Batista
We begin with Undertaker and Booker together. Undertaker throws a punch at Booker in the corner but he ducks under it and takes to Undertaker and Finlay in the same corner joins in to double team against him. Undertaker takes a bit of a beat down and then as Booker is pulled away by the referee it's Finlay who continues to beat into him. Booker comes back to the corner which is not a good move as Undertaker takes to him and then to Finlay knocking him onto the apron and then back at Booker where he mounts the rope and does an arm drag instead of Old School as Finlay was about to interfere. Undertaker kicks Finlay who has entered the ring in the midsection then grabs his arm and gives Finlay Old School with the big fist to the head before he then clotheslines Booker over the top rope and to the ground! Finlay sees this and does the same to Undertaker but Undertaker lands on his feet on the ground! Finlay has a shocked look as Undertaker just stares at him before pulling him off of his feet and dragging him to the floor! Undertaker slams Finlay into the steel ring steps then rolls back into the ring as we go...

Commercial break...

Back from commercial and Undertaker is about to do a leg drop on Finlay on the apron but out of nowhere comes Booker sending Undertaker crashing to the floor! No sign yet of Batista as Booker slams the head of Undertaker against the steel steps and goes to work on him before throwing him back into the ring and continuing the assault. It's Booker now with a heel kick to the jaw and he tags in Finlay who goes for the bum stomp and the attempted pin. It's Finlay now with some big blows before taking Undertaker down with a short arm clothesline! A tag is made to Booker who rakes the eyes of Undertaker and Booker works on the back of Undertaker against the ropes before choking him and then dragging him out and then landing some big knees to the head of Undertaker before knocking him down with a standing heel kick to which Sharmell whoops loudly! An attempted pin but a kick out as Booker makes the tag to Finlay. Finlay with shoulder blocks on Undertaker in the corner and again, and again before kicking him in the back. Finlay locks in a half Boston crab and trash talks Undertaker to jeers from the crowd before Undertaker attempts a comeback with a number of blows on Finlay before doing the same to Booker who had entered the ring. This allows Finlay to take him down with a short arm clothesline though and they're back in charge again. A tag to Booker who kicks Undertaker in the midsection doubling him. He comes off the ropes for a scissor kick but Undertaker moves out of the way and out of nowhere grabs Booker around the throat! Booker is quick in fighting back though and takes down Undertaker and grabs him in a submission neck hold. Undertaker gets to his feet as we get a bit of a Taker chant happening as Booker is taken down with a side slam in desperation by Undertaker.

Undertaker gets a triangle choke hold on Booker but it's broken by Finlay who rushes in the ring. Booker manages to make the tag once Finlay has exited and Finlay comes in and continues to work on Booker. It's Finlay with a headbutt but that just enrages Undertaker who takes to Finlay with some clean blows to the head! He tries to whip Finlay across the ring but it's reversed, however to no help for Finlay who is taken down with a DDT by Undertaker as he comes off the ropes! It's a bit of a double count to 6 as Finlay manages to get to his feet and tag in Booker who is quickly beaten into a corner by Undertaker. Booker sees Finlay against the ropes still not out of the ring and charges and clothesline him before doing the same to Booker. He does the same to Finlay and then Snake Eyes on Booker and the big boot! Finlay with shillelagh in hand charges at Undertaker but is caught with a hand around the throat! He grabs Booker around the throat with the other hand and the crowd are cheering wildly at that until Finlay uses the shillelagh to hit Undertaker across the midsection, a move seen by the referee who calls for the bell!
Undertaker and (Batista who didn't appear during the match) defeated King Booker and Finlay in 11 minutes
Rudi's rating - *** 3/4
Rudi's rant - This was a good match! From before the match itself to where Finlay and Booker took out Batista to some very nice brutal looking moves during the match, this had the crowd going for pretty much all of it. Booker and Finlay work really well together and should do it more often though I loved it last year when they were also feuding against each other almost. As to Undertaker? He has allowed himself to take some big beating these past few months actually which is a surprise. I liked when he was clotheslined out of the ring and landed feet first standing upright. There is some vintage Undertaker I really enjoy!

Post match and Booker and Finlay continue to assault Undertaker down to the canvas as all of a sudden the music of Batista hits and he jogs out in his menacing run that he shows because he can't really run full stretch and takes to both Finlay and Booker before Finlay starts to gain a bit of control until Undertaker joins the fray again and they're back in control. Batista looks to give the Batista Bomb to Booker as Undertaker grabs Finlay and looks to do the same with the Last Ride as the crowd are cheering wildly. Undertaker flips Finlay over and has him high up in position when all of a sudden Batista just throws Booker into Undertaker, knocking the three of them to the canvas as the crowd being to jeer. Coles explains that this is revenge for last week where Undertaker threw Finlay into him last week. Batista exits the ring and backs up slowly trash talking at Undertaker as Undertaker manages to crawl to the ropes and stare down angrily at Batista as the show goes off the air.

Next week is the last Smackdown before Wrestlemania. Are they going to try to build up a couple of more matches for the card such as a Tag Team match or a Cruiserweight match or are they going to focus on Batista/Undertaker and then sadly the McMahon appreciation hour? What has happened to Boogeyman? Is he out looking for more worms? Do we see more cruiserweights next week? Who knows? This was not a bad show tonight in the continuation of the major storyline leading up to Wrestlemania but I didn't see much that would make me totally run out and buy the PPV. Who knows, maybe next week they'll do something out of the ordinary. I'm giving this show tonight a 6 out of 10 for some of the good parts, taken down by the opening tirade from McMahon. Lashley had some good crowd support which was nice to see and his match wasn't bad but the main one I liked was Benoit vs. Gregory Helms. The last match was better in the way it was set up with the ambush but I so hope rumours of Benoit going to RAW are unfounded. He'd be a great loss. It also looks like 9 days out of Wrestlemania that Vickie Guerrero and her scheme has been put back to maybe after the event? The crowd I'll give a 6 out of 10 and the commentary tonight an 8 out of 10 as JBL is being allowed a free rein on a few things.

Have a great week everyone and stay safe and I look forward to next week where I'll give you my predictions.

Cheers!












*NEW GALLERY* Randy Orton & Other WWE Superstars WILDIN' OUT and PARTYING!

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