Take up thy wrestling boots and walk #145 - The new ECW Champion, WWE's bad fortune and YBTB XIV
Submitted by Pt2 on Friday, May 4, 2007 at 8:10 PM EST





Welcome once again to the column that good god almighty, is broken in half, Take Up Thy Wrestling Boots and Walk. I’m the man who asks will somebody stop the damn match, Pt2, back once again from the temporal distortion of the week to discuss all things concerning the milk of the gods that is professional wrestling.

Backlash was apparently, a resounding success, and I for one have to throw out congratulations to the WWE for one tremendous decision. They made Vince McMahon the ECW champion. I’ve been critical of the WWE in the past, but I have to take my hat off, what an absolutely SUPERB decision!

Let’s be honest, Vince is hardcore – there’s no one more hardcore than Vince. Look at the ECW roster, there is no one more symbolic of Vince McMahon, no one who has paid more dues for that brand, than VKM. I remember watching an ECW show back in the day, where Vince McMahon got the shit caned out of him by the Sandman, and just kept getting up and taking more, and more. I don’t think any punk like, Tommy Dreamer, can say that they’ve done that, can they? Where were you, Tommy Dreamer, when Vince McMahon was making ECW what it is today?

Then there’s Sabu – who people say is the most insane wrestler in the world. I say, how can Sabu be a worthy ECW Champion when he was sitting at a desk calling matches while Vince McMahon was travelling the world, scarring his body, and acquiring a reputation as a complete hardcore legend? When it comes to Extreme, and suicidal/homicidal tendencies, Sabu has nothing on the genetic jackhammer.

And then there’s RVD, many people’s pick for the Champion. I say no – after all, RVD was nothing but a bit player in the old ECW. He never contributed a damn thing, just turned up, phoned it in and appeared on the card. But while RVD was coasting it and picking up Paul Heyman’s money, Vince McMahon was saving his promotion, by being the top draw and the longest reigning ECW TV Champion in history.

I think I’ve proved conclusively that using historical evidence, Vince McMahon is the right choice for ECW Champion, based purely on the amount he’s done for the company – and he was absolutely right to mock those wannabe’s. After all, what they hell have they ever done for ECW. VKM is obviously the most important on screen talent in all of wrestling, and is surely deserving of being only the third person in history to hold the WWE and ECW titles, after RVD (layabout), and the Big Show. Honestly, and after all he’s given us, when he takes some little thing back, and the expense of people whose contribution is minimal, people have the gall to say it makes for bad programming. I really don’t know what will ever make them happy.



What, I’m not fooling anyone? OK, I think I’ve made my feelings on that point quite clear. I suppose I’d better move on now, huh?

This year, the WWE must be about the most unlucky company in the history of 2007 unlucky companies. They’ve been putting out consistent quality programming, building up angles, and beginning things that can carry on and continue that quality, and they keep getting hit with things beyond their control. I imagine the plan was for D-X to continue their run, and I figure HHH was going to be crucial to their plans for this year, and what happens? He gets injured right in the middle of the run with Orton and Edge.

But no matter! They’ll recover, and create a new angle, between Orton, Edge, Michaels, and the Champion John Cena. They recover, and build it up really strongly going into Backlash, and voila! Orton goes crazy in a hotel room and they have to discipline him.

As if Backlash didn’t have enough eyes on it, after setting up the Undertaker for one final, lengthy title run, low and behold he goes and severely injures his Bicep, forcing him to drop the title. Of course, this is a double whammy – not only was he slap in the middle of a feud with Batista, but he was also bringing the best work out of the man who is likely to be his replacement – an indicator that without him, there is a good chance that the shows will suffer.

Seriously, the amount they have had to overcome in a matter of 4 months is uncanny. The fact that the shows are usually of at least a decent standard shows exactly how well they are doing to deal with the loss of 2 of their top tier talent – lets’ be honest, not like there are many guys to fill in. Look at the list of genuine main event wrestlers:

HHH
Shawn Michaels
John Cena
Edge
Randy Orton
Undertaker
Batista
King Booker
Bobby Lashley

Of those, 25% are out injured, long term. Bobby Lashley is also carrying a knock the rotator cuff. You could argue that I am being generous by including Booker T as a legitimate main eventer, since he seems to drift between the top tier and the top of the midcard. In short, their marquee talent is depleted, through no fault of their own, and keeps being depleted – and yet, Wrestlemania got very positive reviews, and Backlash got some very positive reviews. The WWE seem to be doing a very good job of rolling with the punches so far in 2007 – hopefully they’ll continue to do a good job when they aren’t so handicapped.


Thanks for reading up to here, but now I’m going to have an old segment make a return. We haven’t had one of these in some time, but I can finally present to you a new contest for the YBTB Championship!

There have been some changes since the last contest has been held here at LOP. People compete in YBTB contests more often, away from the main page, and so there is plenty of contests that you won’t have seen – we also have a new champion, so I suppose I should introduce him to you, eh?

His name is Mike “Tazzman” Dussault. He comes from Edmonton, Alberta, and as such is the first person from outside the USA to hold the YBTB Championship. He made a name for himself amongst his fellow bookers, by putting together the longest undefeated streak in YBTB history prior to winning the Championship. His record to date is 16 victories, 3 defeats and 2 draws. His record is impressive, but’s he never competed on the main page before – he’ll naturally be curious to see how his style plays with the different judges.

His opponent for this contest has actually featured on the main page of LOP before – his name is Rob Michaels, and he competed in the YBTB Rumble (that can be found in my column archive) using an alias. He hails from Monterey, California, and is one of the longest running active YBTB contenders. In that time he has stacked up a win loss record of 9 victories, 7 defeats and 2 draws, and is currently ranked 5th in the world – of the four ranked above him, 2 are former YBTB Champions, and one is the current Champion.

Now that I’ve introduced the competitors, allow me to remind you of the identity of our judges: We’re very grateful for the adjudication of two of LOP’s greatest columnists – Boss Foxx, the author of the Boss Report, and former YBTB Champion and author of the Northern Star, Xanman. The panel is made up by your token Brit, me. That’s Pt2, if you zoned out during my intro.

I think we’d best get straight on with it, hadn’t you? Traditional YBTB Rules apply for this contest, 2/3 wins.

Scenario 1: Book a King of the Ring Championship match, that is a rematch between Batista and the Undertaker. Use only the Smackdown! Roster and a maximum of eight shows.

Rob Michaels: SD 1:

In the aftermath of Backlash, in which both men were counted for a 10 count, Teddy Long says orders from Mr. McMahon are to declare the title vacant. Both Taker and Batista protest this decision, but Teddy says his hands are tied. He says that the winner of this year’s King of he Ring Tournament will be the new champ. Also, Batista and Undertaker are both in the tournament. That night, qualifying matches are held to determine 4 of the other competitors: Finlay, Kennedy, Kane, and MVP.

SD 2:
2 more qualifying matches happen, bringing Benoit and Mark Henry into the mix. After the bracket is revealed, Batista suggests to Taker that they help each other to ensure that at KOTR, it’s the 2 of them in the finals. Taker doesn’t answer, so Batista just tells him to think about it.

SD 3:
Round 1 of the KOTR tournament. Undertaker defeats Mark Henry when Batista hits Henry with the ring bell behind Taker’s back. Kennedy defeats Kane to advance. Later, Undertaker sees the replay of his match and looks upset as his eyes roll into his head. He goes looking for Batista but is informed that Batista has left already.

SD 4:
Benoit defeats Finlay to advance. Undertaker catches up with Batista backstage and slides his thumb across his throat towards Batista. Later, during Batista’s match with MVP, the lights go out as MVP is preparing to use the Playmaker on Batista. Batista uses the distraction to reverse the move into a Batista Bomb! After the match, Batista sees Undertaker standing on the entrance ramp and gives thumbs up, but Taker just glares and walks away.

SD 5:
Undertaker vs. Kennedy in a close match that Kennedy loses thanks to Batista tripping up Kennedy as he goes for a Kenton Bomb. Batista yells you’re welcome to Taker as he walks from ringside. Later on, as Batista faces Benoit, Undertaker comes down to ringside to watch. As Batista goes for a Batista Bomb, the lights go out and when they come back on, Batista is tapping to the crossface! Taker holds a thumb up, but then turns it over towards Batista!

SD 6:
Batista protests that he was cheated out of his spot, but TRL refuses to give him another shot. He says it’ll be Undertaker vs. Chris Benoit for the belt and KOTR throne. He also gives Batista the night off. Later, Taker and Benoit shake hands after a staredown.

SD 7:
Kristal runs into Teddy’s office hysterical. She says something’s happened to Benoit. We see Benoit in his locker room unconscious and bleeding. Batista says he doesn’t think Benoit’s going to make it to KOTR, so he got Mr. McMahon to put him in Benoit’s place.

KOTR:
Undertaker and Batista fight a brutal match that sees Undertaker victorious with a tombstone. He then ties Batista’s legs together with a rope. After the coronation ceremony, he drags Batista backstage by the rope.

Mike Dussault: Smackdown 1:

-Teddy’s in his office. Booker comes in demanding a title shot against the Undertaker. Teddy asks why Booker deserves a title shot. Before he can answer, Finlay comes in saying he wants a shot, followed closely by Benoit, MVP, Mysterio and Batista. Teddy says he’ll take everyone’s argument under consideration, but for tonight, there will be a 6-man tag. Booker/Finlay/MVP versus Benoit/Mysterio/Batista.
-Batista pins Booker after a miscue by Finlay.

SD 2:
-Kennedy tells Teddy he wants a title shot. Teddy tells him to use his MITB. Kennedy says he shouldn’t have to, because he’s the fastest rising star on Smackdown. Teddy says he’ll think about it.
-Undertaker versus Kane, non-title. Chavo/Helms distract Undertaker, allowing Kane to hit a chokeslam for the win. The two cruiserweights say they’ve been held back because of their size, and they also want title opportunities.
-Batista defeats Booker.

SD 3:
-Batista says he has proven his dominance the last two weeks and deserves a title shot. This brings out MVP/Kennedy/Benoit/Mysterio/Kane/Finlay/Booker. Teddy says he has a solution to this problem. For the first time ever, the King Of The Ring tournament will be for the Heavyweight Title. Teddy says the title will be on the line in every match the Champion’s in. If Undertaker takes on Kennedy in the first round, and loses, Kennedy’s the new Champ. Then if Kennedy takes on Benoit in round two, and loses, Benoit’s Champ, and so on. Teddy announces that qualifying matches will be held, except for the Undertaker who’s automatically in the tournament.

SD 4:
-Chavo/Helms say they want in the tournament. Teddy includes them in the qualifiers. London/Kendrick say they also want in. Teddy agrees.
-Matches are selected randomly, starting next week.

SD 5:
-Batista defeats Chavo to qualify.
-Kennedy uses the MITB briefcase to beat Kane.
-Benoit makes Helms tap.

SD 6:
-London pins Kendrick after a high-flying match.
-Booker beats Finlay with the Shelaighli.
-MVP pins Mysterio.
-The 6 losers are put into a 6-man over the top battle royal for the final spot.

SD 7:
-Kane defeats Chavo/Helms/Kendrick/Finlay/Mysterio to qualify.

KOTR:
-Matches are determined by number draw. 1.MVP 2.Benoit 3.Batista 4.Kennedy 5.Booker 6.London 7.Kane 8.Undertaker.
First Round:
-Benoit makes MVP tap.
-Batista defeats Kennedy. Kennedy yells, saying it’s not over.
-Booker defeats London.
-Undertaker defeats Kane.
Second Round:
-Batista powers out of Benoit’s many submission attempts, and wins.
-Undertaker defeats Booker, who tries to cheat to win many times.
Final Round:
-Kennedy comes to sit at ringside, saying he’s checking out the competition for future consideration. Back and fourth match with both men hitting various power moves. Both men are down. Kennedy says the beautiful thing about MITB is that you can cash it in at anytime, like right now. Kennedy gets in the ring as the Undertaker sits up. Kennedy keeps going out the opposite side of the ring, grabs the MITB briefcase, and leaves through the crowd. Batista gets up, and the Undertaker hits the tombstone for the win.


Xan says: I absolute abhor the entire concept of the championship being decided in a KOTR tournament.

Pt2 says: I agree. Although the option is there to make the Championship match the final of the KOTR, it doesn’t mean you have to go down that route. A Simple World Title match at that PPV would suffice. I’m not convinced on the idea, and you’ve both gone down the same road.

Boss Foxx says: Rob kept it simple for the most part with a proven booking strategy. Vacate the title and build suspense towards the finals. The teasing of alliance between Batista and Undertaker could play off well, with Batista being the heel between the two. The final match looks like it could pay off well too with involvement from Kennedy.

Mike's scenario came off convoluted and too busy with the title being constantly defended through out the tournaments. That kind of thing would distract from the overall appeal of the tournament, I think, and would be something I'd expect to see from TNA ... not WWE.

SCORES (AFTER 1 SCENARIO)

Xanman: Mike 27%, Rob 25%
Pt2: Mike 55%, Rob 50%
Boss Foxx: Rob 70%, Mike 60%

Some low scores there, especially from Xanman, and the mixture of the KOTR final with the Championship match seems to have gone down badly with the judges. However, Mike takes the lead on the first scenario by a narrow margin. An encouraging score from Boss Foxx for Rob, at the end.

Scenario 2: Book Mr. Kennedy's cashing in of money in the bank: you may use only ONE WWE roster (the choice is yours), and it must be completed by April 2008.

Rob:

RAW 1:
The night after Backlash, Cena cuts a promo about still being the champ. As Cena begins to exit, his music is replaced by the theme of Mr. Kennedy! Kennedy says he’s cashing in his money in the bank. Kennedy tells him not to fret though; he’s not going to beat him tonight. He’s going to wait 3 weeks and beat him on Pay Per View, because he’s not wasting his big night on free TV. He says if people want to see him beat Cena, they can pay for it with their own money in he bank. Kennedy says he’s already beaten Undertaker before and he’s beaten everyone else worth beating on Smackdown. So he’s come to RAW to take down the man that no one else has for almost a year, and that’s John Cena. Also, to “prepare” Cena for their match, Kennedy asked Coach to book a match tonight, Cena vs. Edge, No DQ, non-title of course.

Edge defeats Cena when Kennedy interferes and blasts Cena with numerous shots from the briefcase. Kennedy grabs the WWE Championship from the timekeeper and tries it on before laying it on top of Cena.

RAW 2:
Maria interviews Cena. Cena says he’s had his ass kicked before, and he’s sure he will again, but come Judgment Day, he’s still going to walk out the champ. He says that since Kennedy did him a “favor” last week, he asked Coach to book a warm-up match for Kennedy this week, no DQ against HBK.

During HBK vs. Kennedy, Cena runs out to help Michaels, but Michaels is still pissed at Cena and tells Cena he can beat Kennedy himself. Cena leaves, and the match continues, but eventually Edge runs out and helps Kennedy, allowing Kennedy to beat Michaels.

RAW 3:
JR and King remind us that on ECW, Mr. McMahon announced the addition of Michaels vs. Edge to Judgment Day in light of what happened last week. Edge and Kennedy hit the ring, and Edge explains his actions. It seems that Kennedy has promised Edge the first title shot if he beats Cena this Sunday, and Edge says he’s got no problem helping a fellow Money In The Bank winner take out Cena and Michaels, as he hates them both anyway. This prompts a brawl, as Michaels and then Cena come charging down. Coach makes a tag match for later on.

Cena pins Edge to get the win for his team as RAW goes off the air.

JUDGMENT DAY:
Cena and Kennedy go for nearly a half hour, with lots of near falls. Kennedy kicks out of an FU, but Cena kicks out after a Kenton Bomb as well. Kennedy pulls the ref in front of Cena, who’s going for a shoulder block, and the ref is down. Kennedy goes outside and grabs a chair, but the ref comes to in time to see Kennedy use it on Cena. Cena wins by DQ and Kennedy is livid!

Mike:
Smackdown(Sep.21)
-Kennedy reminds us about MITB, and puts all WWE champions on notice. He says no one’s safe. Undertaker, Cena, Lashley, Benoit, or Umaga, no one. Benoit says he’s ready, anytime, anyplace. Kennedy says he’d love to beat Benoit just to shut him up, but he’s not using his MITB just yet. Teddy makes a Non-Title Match.
-Benoit hits 10 German’s before MVP comes down to distract Benoit. Kennedy levels Benoit with the briefcase resulting in a DQ. Kennedy and MVP shake hands and leave.

SD(Sep.28)
-Kennedy tells MVP that if MVP helps him, he’ll get the first title shot. MVP agrees.
-London/Kendrick versus Deuce/Domino. Kennedy/MVP interfere and start beating on London/Kendrick. Kennedy says he has a partner now, and that NO ONE is safe.

SD(Oct.5)
-Undertaker defeats Booker and poses for the crowd when he’s ambushed by MVP/Kennedy. Benoit/London/Kendrick make the save. Teddy announces a Triple Threat Tag match at No Mercy. MVP/Kennedy versus London/Kendrick versus Benoit/Undertaker.

No Mercy(Oct.7)
-Undertaker pins London via Tombstone. MVP/Kennedy beat down Undertaker. Kennedy says he’s made his choice, Undertaker versus Kennedy at Survivor Series.

SD(Oct.12)
-Undertaker isn’t there due to injuries suffered at No Mercy. Kennedy calls Taker a coward.
-MVP’s talking to Kennedy. MVP says he can’t wait for Kennedy to beat Undertaker so that he can have his long overdue title shot. Kennedy smiles, and says yeah sure. MVP asks what that was about, but Kennedy denies any implications.

SD(Nov.16)
-MVP refers to himself as the next Heavyweight Champion. Benoit says MVP’s an idiot if he thinks Kennedy will be true to his word. Benoit says Kennedy’s using MVP to get the title, and then he’ll screw him. MVP says Benoit’s just jealous.
-MVP questions Kennedy about what Benoit said. Kennedy denies everything.
-MVP versus Undertaker. The ref’s down. Kennedy goes to hit MVP with the briefcase. MVP turns around, Kennedy stops and hands him the case, telling MVP to use it on Taker. MVP tries, but gets a chokeslam instead, as Taker pins MVP.

SD(Nov.23)
-MVP confronts Kennedy. Kennedy says he tweaked his knee getting out of the ring, and was unable to help. MVP continues to get mad. Kennedy says since MVP’s so untrusting, maybe he won’t give him a title shot. The two argue until Teddy steps in and makes a match. If MVP wins, he gets a title shot if Kennedy becomes Champ.
-Kennedy defeats MVP by using the ropes. Kennedy says since he’s such a nice guy, he’ll give MVP another shot, only if he helps Kennedy beat Undertaker. MVP reluctantly agrees.

Survivor Series(Nov.25)
-MVP hits Taker with the briefcase. Kennedy hits the Kenton Bomb to become new Heavyweight Champion. MVP/Kennedy celebrate until Kennedy levels MVP with the belt. MVP gets up only to receive a tombstone from a furious Undertaker. Taker turns to Kennedy motioning for the Title. Kennedy laughs and holds his title up. Taker raises his arms as lightning hits the Titantron, and the letters R–I–P appear on the screen.


Boss Foxx says: Mike's booking came off pretty sloppy and all over the map. A triple threat tag at No Mercy? I don't buy it, and it does nothing for the MITB storyline, as near as I can tell. The final match with Kennedy winning plays off well though, so it's not a total failure.

Xan says: Rob’s angle is very well done. At first I didn't like the DQ ending or Cena keeping the title, but I thought about it further and realized that the angle as presented opens up lots of possibilites; assuming Kennedy remains on RAW. I've felt since Mania that Kennedy would wait until Mania--as he stated this week--to defend it, and this one does seem a trifle soon, but I can't really penalize you for that.

Pt2 says: I actually like them both here to some degree – but I’m not certain about Kennedy using MVP in Mike’s scenario. It almost implies that MVP would be an almost sympathetic character since he is quite obviously being manipulated, but I’m not sure how that would play out. While I still like the angle, I think that gives the edge to Rob.

SCORES (AFTER 2 SCENARIOS)

Xan: Rob 88%, Mike 32%
Boss: Rob 80%, Mike 60%
Pt2: Rob 77%, Mike 65%

A further low score for Mike from Xanman – and a resounding success here for Rob, winning the 2nd scenario on all three cards. The scores are now level, but Rob has pulled out a massive 91 point advantage – in the event of a tie in the next scenario, Rob would surely become the champion on points difference.

So here we go; the deciding scenario.

Scenario 3: WWE officials have decided to host Summerslam 2007 at the new Wembley Stadium, commemorating the 15th anniversary of Summerslam 1992. To promote the event, the WWE have secured the services of Prince William of England for eight weeks. You may use the members of either roster to book those 8 weeks, finishing with Summerslam 2007, but Prince William cannot be involved in any physicality throughout the angle.

NOTE: In this scenario, the outlawed physicality is anything that Royal Family security would not allow. Therefore, the Prince may strike others, but cannot become involved in brawls, or be attacked.

Rob: Week 1:
RAW- Vince McMahon teases us with a HUGE announcement but says we’ll have to wait until Friday Night Smackdown!

Smackdown-
Later, Vince and Teddy Long hit the ring, and announce Prince William of England will be traveling with the WWE! Vince says he also has an announcement to make to the WWE Superstars, and that’s that there will be absolutely NO physicality with the Prince. With that, TRL appoints William Regal and Dave Taylor as the Prince’s bodyguards and guides. Prince William comes out and greets the fans, saying he’s looking forward to the big tour, and especially to Summerslam.

Week 2:
RAW-
Eugene approaches the Prince and begins singing 1999 by Prince. Regal and Taylor tell him that’s a different Prince, but Prince William sings along with Eugene and even does a dance! Regal and Taylor look on in shock.

ECW-
William asks Regal what “House of Hardcore” means. Kelly Kelly and Layla come up and start rubbing on the Prince, and offer to show him what “Hardcore” is all about, but Regal and Taylor drag him away, reminding the divas that Mr. McMahon said no physicality! Taylor motions for Kelly to call him.

Smackdown-
The Prince says this week he wants to just relax and watch from the skybox. Boogeyman appears in Prince William’s popcorn and everyone runs out of the skybox screaming.

Week 3:
RAW-
Cryme Tyme steal William’s watch, prompting a match between JTG and Regal. Regal wins the match and takes back William’s watch.

Week 5:
Smackdown-
TRL asks Taylor where the Prince has been. Taylor says that the Prince has been busy catching up with old friends. Michelle McCool walks up looking satisfied and says the Prince wants more champagne.

Week 6:
RAW-
Prince William exits a locker room buttoning up his shirt to meet Taylor who’s standing guard outside. Candice and Maria poke their heads out and thank the Prince for a good time. William smiles. Suddenly, Regal comes out of a room and is also buttoning up his shirt. Mae Young and Moolah poke their heads out and thank him for a good time. William and Taylor look at Regal who just shrugs at the camera.

Smackdown-
MVP says he’s tired of the Prince crowding in on his TV time. He tells William to go back to England. Regal and Taylor shoo MVP away.

Week 7:
RAW-
Vince McMahon appoints Prince William as the special referee in the WWE Intercontinental vs. US Title Match at Summerslam between MVP and Santino Marella.

Smackdown-
MVP trash-talks Santino, and then Prince William, prompting Regal to challenge MVP and a partner against Regal and Taylor. MVP chooses Mark Henry and lets Henry do all the work before tagging in and claiming the pin.

Week 8:
Summerslam-
MVP controls most of the match, but Santino keeps kicking out. In frustration, MVP goes after Prince William, but Regal’s at ringside and clocks MVP with brass knucks! Santino rolls up MVP and Santino has unified the belts!


Mike:
RAW
-A limo pulls up with the license plate reading “PRNCWIL”
-McMahon and Coach are in their office. A knock at the door renders them motionless. Vince yells at Coach to answer the door. Vince’s eyes enlarge as he greats their guest, Prince William. William says he’s here to discuss holding SummerSlam at the new Wembley Stadium. Vince makes William the special ring announcer for the main-event so he can get a front row view.
-Cena defeats HBK in the main-event.

ECW
-William wants to see the Extreme side of wrestling. Cor Von tells William to stay in the back, so nothing will happen to the PRINCESS. Lashley steps in, the two exchange words, and the match is made.
-Lashley defeats Marcus.

Smackdown
-Teddy says they’ll be in the presence of royalty tonight. King Booker comes out and says Royalty has just graced their presence. Teddy says that’s not what he meant, and says Prince William will be attending Smackdown.
-William’s backstage talking to Ashley. Booker says he’s REAL Royalty. The Prince laughs and makes fun of Bookers fake accent. Booker says maybe the King should put the Prince in his place. Regal gets in Bookers face saying he can’t disrespect the royal family like that. Booker says nothing good has ever come out of England. William slaps Booker in the face. Booker goes to retaliate, but Regal intercepts him and the two brawl.

RAW
-Edge tells William he became a US citizen just so he wouldn’t be affiliated with England.
-William tells Vince he doesn’t feel respected. He says he’s been disrespected more in the last week, than in his entire life. He mentions Booker being at the top of that list. Vince decides to make a match. King Booker’s Court versus Prince William’s Court. A 10-man elimination tag at SummerSlam. William must find 5 wrestlers to take on Booker and his team of 5. William agrees.
-Cena wants to represent the Prince’s team. Edge walks in saying he’s part of Bookers Court.
-HBK volunteers to be on William's team.

ECW
-Booker recruits Cor Von.
-Lashley’s recruited by William.

Smackdown
-Booker recruits MVP.
-Booker asks Kennedy to join. Kennedy says no because he wants the Undertaker.
-Booker/Marcus/Edge/MVP ambush Undertaker, leaving him bloodied.
-Undertaker demands to be part of William’s team.
-Booker informs Kennedy of Undertaker’s decision. Kennedy shakes Bookers hand and completes Booker’s Court.
-Regal practically begs to join William’s team.

SummerSlam
-Regal’s shown unconscious backstage. Williams Court’s down a member.
-Both teams are in the ring. Booker says he likes the numbers. William says he’s surprised Booker can count, and introduces his fifth member, Batista.
-Only Booker and Cena remain. Cena and the ref are down. Booker goes after William. An injured Regal runs to the ring and defends him. During the altercation, Regal gives the brass knucks to William, who uses them on Booker. Cena covers Booker for the win. The rest of Williams Court come out and hold the Prince high to end SummerSlam.

Xan says: Rob, Talk about completely wasting Prince William! I mean, the whole angle was filler until the last three shows. Turning a major acquisition like the Prince into nothing but a comedy skit actor for months is irresponsible at best. And, as long as there is going to be two shows, there should be two midcard belts so to me your entire angle is completely worthless. Goose egg.
Pt2 says: I’ve never given out a zero, and I’m not going to start now – but I really can’t argue with Xan’s statements here. Prince William was turned into a comic figure and the actual angle seemed thrown together in the last two weeks. While Mike’s has some flaws (considering Regal’s cult status in Britain, leaving him in the match is surely a better option than replacing him with Batista), it is certainly the better of the two.
Boss Foxx says: Rob's scenario didn't play with me, as the whole unification thing didn't really use a celebrity like William to his full potential. The comedy segments leading through the weeks sound somewhat humorous though.

Mike's storyline with team's being formed through the weeks towards SummerSlam sounds promising, and at least gives a greater chance of people getting behind William to some degree.

FINAL SCORES
Xan: Mike 65%, Rob 0%
Boss Foxx: Mike 70%, Rob 60%
Pt2: Mike 68% Rob 35%

And with that, Mike picks up the final scenario, and pulls it out of the fire to retain the YBTB Title!

An interesting contest here – it seemed both suffered in adapting their stuff to suit the new judges and format. Mike, usually so dominant in the standard matches, never looked comfortable (picking up a top score of 70%) while Rob’s work lacked consistency. There will be some people who doubtless think that the zero given to Rob by Xan on the final scenario is a little harsh, perhaps – but remember that YBTB is about creating something that is better than the WWE writers can come up with, and obviously Xan feels that Rob’s third scenario would make him turn off his TV. Also, if you think he is a harsh marker or that he has been unfair to Rob – remember, he also gave him the highest mark of the entire contest: 88% on the previous scenario.

It’s good to have gotten YBTB back onto the main page – and we’ve had a hard fought contest with some tough scenario’s. If you think you’ve got the mettle to take on the champion, then get in touch and we’ll put you through your paces. If you want to comment on the contest or any of the earlier sections of the column, then you are welcome to contact me at takeupthywrestlingboots@gmail.com. But remember, the other judges opinions are there own, not mine!

I hope you enjoyed this one. Until next time, Take care.

Pt2









*NEW GALLERY* The AMAZING New Karen Angle Tease Photos!

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