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I had the time to do the #1 IC Title Contender Gauntlet for Armageddon:
Single Elimination Gauntlet – Winner Gets An Intercontinental Title shot at the Royal Rumble: Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. Test vs. Val Venis vs. vs. Rodney Mack vs. Steven Richards
Match One: Steven Richards vs. Val Venis
Because of the random draw, these two men had the highest mountain to climb: as they’d have to win 5 back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back matches to become #1 Contender. Stevie totally destroys Val in the early goings. However, Val manages to kick out of the Stevie-T and begin the token face comeback. Val decimates Stevie to the point where Val wins after a measly Russian Leg Sweep to advance to Match Two.
Match Two: Val Venis vs. Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin came out after drawing the #3 slot, hoping to capitalize on the winded Venis. Oddly, it was not to be. Benjamin got in only about half the offense that Val got in, leading up to Val getting the win after another measly move, this time a plain DDT.
Match Three: Val Venis vs. Test
Val was very much exhausted after two matches, and the look on his face when Test came out as #4 was priceless. Test completely demolished Val from the get-go with his power moves. Val however fired back with offense. It got to the point where both men were equally injured and both had specials. Test wasted his by failing to connect with the Big Boot. Val took the opportunity to knock Test down, drag him to the ropes, and deliver the Money Shot to get yet another win and advance to Match Four.
Match Four: Val Venis vs. Rodney Mack
There was almost nothing left of Val Venis at this point, and Rodney Mack coming out at #5 sure didn’t help matters. Val and Rodney battled evenly the entire match, to the point where both had specials. Val showed his determination by not even submitting to the Black Out. They fought some more before Val was able to score the Money Shot and move to an IMPRESSIVE 4 straight, leaving just one more match keeping him from an Intercontinental Title shot at the Rumble.
Final Match: Val Venis vs. Matt Hardy
Val is nearly dead on his feet before Matt Hardy even enters. Once he does (along with a Matt Fact advertising the fact that he scored 1330 on his SATs), the match gets underway. We see another even match (which is surprising considering Val’s exhausted-ness). Matt Hardy eventually hits a flashback on Val from out of nowhere, busting Val’s head wide open. That is enough for Hardy to pick up the victory and earn a title shot at Royal Rumble. Although, after that performance, don’t be surprised to see Venis become a perennial contender for ANY title.
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