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[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by loopydate At No Way Out, we will see a ten-man tag team match pitting five ECW originals against the "class" of World Wrestling Entertainment. Tonight, those ten men go at it in a battle royal! The match starts off on a strong note with Sylvan Grenier eliminating his La Resistance partner Rob Conway. William Regal takes exception to his partners turning on each other... and eliminates Grenier. He then takes out Dupree, which makes hit 5-on-2 in favor of the ECW Originals... and they haven't even eliminated anybody yet! RVD takes out Tommy Dreamer, and the crowd scratches their head at the nonsensical booking happening in this match. Regal again takes out one of his own partners when he eliminates Test, making it 4-on-1. For being classy, he sure isn't very smart. Lance Storm eliminates Spike Dudley, only to get bundled out by Nova, and now Regal's odds are looking better. It's Nova vs. Regal vs. Van Dam! It turns into a pretty good wrestling match. Regal dumps Nova out, but RVD uses his martial arts skills and a DDT to wear him down enough to hit the Five-Star Frogsplash and eliminate him to win the match.

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 9, 2004 - MONDAY NIGHT RAW

With just twenty days to go until No Way Out, the EWR gods have decided to bless me with a dud show. Huzzah!

The night opens with a tag team match pitting the Sin City Swingers against Batista and the Boss Man. Decent match that actually gets Boss Man a little bit over (!) as he manages to get in a decent amount of offense. In the end, Batista hits a low blow on Rico and rolls him up for the cheap win. After the match, the Swingers get revenge and take their opponents out.

The crowd is way into the next match pitting halves of the biggest tag-team rivalry in WWE against each other. It's Bubba Ray Dudley against Christian! For the second week in a row, Christian puts on a hell of a match against a Dudley, and this time he again takes the cheap way out. Chris Jericho hits Bubba from behind with a chair allowing Christian to hit the Unprettier for the win. After the match, D-Von Dudley comes to the ring to make the save.

In an undisclosed location (the Hurri-Cave), Hurricane - the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Title - cuts a promo about his rival Matt Hardy. He knows where this is going to end up, and so does everyone else. But before they can make it to the 19th anniversary, they're going to need to last that long without destroying each other completely. If Matt was smart tonight, he'd stay in the back ().

Damn me for putting good matches on early! The crowd was still pumped from the Bubba/Christian match that they shat on Spike and Lance Storm versus Test and Regal. Crap crap crap. Plus, it's a dud show, so the rating is preposterously low. Ah, well, Storm hits Regal with a Superkick for the win.

A pretty decent D-Von Dudley vs. Matt Hardy match also gets the dud treatment. The crowd is into it, but the game isn't. Christian hits D-Von with a chair (shades of the earlier match) to allow Matt to set up the Twist of Fate for the win. After the match, Hurricane tears down the aisle with a chair of his own to chase off Christian and Hardy.

Backstage, Shawn Michaels cuts a promo on The Rock. These two were never friends. The Heartbreak Kid doesn't have any friends. And, apparently, he doesn't have any fans anymore, either. He thought that the carefree, degenerate, show-stopping Shawn Michaels was what the fans wanted, but after the reception he's received since superkicking Rocky last month, he has two words for the fans. And the first one gets bleeped out.

Ugh, I hate writing up reviews on dud shows. Nova hits the Kryptonite Krunch on Sylvain Grenier giving him, Tommy Dreamer, and RVD the win over La Res.

There's actually a ref bump in the Victoria/Molly Holly title match, but it doesn't really go anywhere other than the fact that it's cool that Molly hit an enzuigiri. Victoria retains with the Black Widow.

Backstage, The Rock cuts a promo on Shawn Michaels and how he's the antithesis of everything HBK is. Where Shawn Michaels doesn't give a damn about the people, The Rock is the People's Champion. And while Shawn Michaels may be the Showstopper, even he can't lay claim to being the most electrifying man in sports entertainment today if you smell what The Rock is cookin'.

Up next, it's Hurricane versus Chris Jericho, and one can only bet that after the way the night has gone, Bubba Ray Dudley and Matt Hardy can't be far behind. These two put on the match of the night (not surprisingly), and also not surprisingly, Jericho eats a Bubba Cutter, which allows Hurricane to pick up the pieces and the win. After the match, Matt Hardy hits the ring with a chair and drives off his rivals. Hmm... What could this be leading to?

The main event of the evening pits The Rock and Booker T against Shawn Michaels and Kane, a preview of two of the matches at No Way Out. Decent match that ends with HBK using the champ's tights to pin The Rock. After the match, Rock and Booker get their revenge, laying HBK and Kane out as the show goes off the air.

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 16, 2004 - MONDAY NIGHT RAW

With less than two weeks to go until No Way Out and only four until WrestleMania XX, a big six-man match has been announced for NWO. Hurricane will team with the World Tag Team Champion Dudley Boyz to take on Vitamin C and the Intercontinental Champion Matt Hardy Version 1.0!

The night kicks off with two of the participants in that match, Bubba Ray Dudley and Hardy going one-on-one! Matt starts off with a dropkick, but Bubba responds with a slam and a spear, only to get tripped. Hardy hits a flying elbow and a super Frankensteiner for two. Back heel kick off the second rope gets two more. He goes for a piledriver, but Bubba backdrops out of it and clamps on a full nelson. Matt trips Bubba to get out of it, and Bubba landed hard. While the referee checks on Hardy, Chris Jericho hits the ring! He clamps on the Walls of Jericho, then slides to the floor, allowing Matt to pick up the cheap three-count. After the match, Jericho returns to the ring to soften Bubba up for NWO, but Hurricane hits the ring with a chair and drives the heels off.

In just two weeks, the ECW Originals will be facing off with the "class" of World Wrestling Entertainment in a ten-man tag, but tonight it's one-on-one action between Nova and William Regal. Regal hits a suplex, but Nova fights back with a back heel kick and a suplex variation. He goes for a sleeper, but Regal turns it into a jawbreaker. Regal hits another pair of suplexes for two. Delayed brainbuster gets two more. Nova snaps off a rana for two. Regal manages to catch Nova by surprise with the Power of the Punch for the win.

Last week, Batista cheated to pin his rival Rico in a tag-team match, but tonight he faces off against Mister Monday Night, Rob Van Dam! Bats starts off with a big punch and a powerslam for a quick two. RVD hits a brutal chop and a DDT for two more. A suplex gets two. Dropkick to the knee, but Bats fights back with a piledriver for two. Bats hits a discus punch for two. Neckbreaker and a kick, but RVD takes to the air with a flying elbow and a seated senton before landing the Five-Star Frogsplash for the win! After the match, Rico hits the ring and lays Batista out with a spinning leg lariat.

Rico grabs a microphone and cuts a promo on Batista. Batista awoke a sleeping giant when he called Rico out last month, and he's going to continue to pay for it until the moment Batista learns some respect.

Mickie James has been on a roll since making her WWE debut last month, while Molly Holly has struggled, losing a bid to regain her Women's Title from Victoria last week. They start off exchanging brawling moves until Molly nails a Shining Wizard out of nowhere! She goes for a legdrop, but Mickie rolls out of the way to hit a missile dropkick for two. Another kick for two. Molly hits a high kick for two, but Mickie backdrops her and hits a tornado DDT for the win!

Earlier on, William Regal pinned Nova, so now Lance Storm will try to even the score between ECW and the La Res/Regal/Test team as he takes on Test. Storm starts off with a big kick, but Test hits an elbow and a punch to the side of the head before hitting a spinebuster. Storm hits a legsweep and a rana for two, then a face crusher for a long two before Test reverses a hammerlock with an elbow to the face. Bulldog gets a long two, but Storm hits a Superkick out of nowhere for the win.

The six-man preview continues as D-Von Dudley takes on Chris Jericho. Y2J hits a back suplex and a superkick for two. D-Von hits some amateur shots and a veritcal suplex for two, then gets two more on a spinebuster. D-Von slams Jericho, but Y2J fights back with a super Frankensteiner for two. Running knee to the face gets two more, then a kick to the face and more strikes. D-Von hits a punch and a discus punch, and the referee tries to get some separation. In the confusion, Bubba Ray Dudley hits the ring and nails Jericho with the Bubba Cutter! D-Von goes for the cover and gets the win! After the match, Christian hits the ring, and the Dudleyz head for the hills, having stolen a singles victory from Vitamin C!

The Rock is backstage, getting ready for a match with Kane tonight, but he cuts a promo on Shawn Michaels. The WrestleMania XX main event could have gone down in history as a clash of two of the greatest wrestlers of this or any generation, each trying to outlast the other and dazzle the millions... and millions of WWE fans worldwide. But Michaels had to go and make it personal. So The Rock says screw the history books, screw the rule books, screw the textbooks, screw the cookbooks, and screw the audiobooks, because in less than a month, The Rock is going to personally check Shawn Michaels into the SmackDown! Hotel if you smell what The Rock is cookin'.

The final match in our six-man series pits Christian against the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Title, Hurricane. Christian starts off with a headbutt, a suplex, a thrust kick, and a butterfly suplex, but Hurricane turns a sleeper into a jawbreaker, then hits a flying neckbreaker and a spear for two. Christian hits a powerbomb for two, then another powerbomb variation for two more. Hurricane fights back with a big chop, but Hurricane hits a gutbuster, continuing to work the body. The referee pulls Christian aside to keep him from doing more damage, but that just gives Matt Hardy a chance to hit his rival with the Twist of Fate! Christian picks up the cheap win, but D-Von Dudley hits the ring to make the save, driving the heels off.

Booker T has developed a bit of an attitude problem, and he doesn't put a lot of effort into his match with Shawn Michaels, which makes it pretty terrible. HBK finishes him off quickly with Sweet Chin Music.

In the main event World Champion The Rock takes on the Big Red Machine Kane. Kane hits a slam to start the match, but Rock hits a backbreaker and a spear before landing a quick Rock Bottom. Out of nowhere, Shawn Michaels hits the ring again for Sweet Chin Music! The ref sees it and calls for the bell as HBK stands over the champ. Kane takes offense to HBK costing him the match and chokeslams him as the show goes off the air.

Next week, it's the last RAW before No Way Out, and in the main event, The Rock will team with Hurricane to take on Shawn Michaels and Matt Hardy! Plus, eight-man tag action pitting Booker T, Rico, and the Dudley Boyz against Kane, Batista, and Vitamin C. Plus, all of the participants in the NWO ten-man tag will be in action and much more as we build to the last pay-per-view before WrestleMania XX - the 19th anniversary of WrestleMania!

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 23, 2004 - MONDAY NIGHT RAW

It's the last edition of RAW before No Way Out, and the arena is electric! Which is good, because WWE uses a lot of computers and cameras and monitors and stuff which wouldn't be very effective if it wasn't.

The night begins with Spike Dudley taking on Test. Spike manages to hit a vertical suplex and a sort of powerslam for two, but Test responds with a big right hand and a kick for two. Massive clothesline gets two more. Test slams Spike, but Spike responds with a bulldog for two. Spinebuster for two more. Spike gets in some punches until Test slams him down and hits a discus punch to set up the Test Drive for the win.

Backstage, Hurricane is preparing for tonight's tag-team main event as well as Sunday's six-man tag, but he knows that it's only a matter of time before he crosses paths one-on-one with Matt Hardy. And he also knows it's only a matter of time before he finally gets to remove that villain's most prized possession - the Intercontinental Title!

La Resistance come to the ring next for a tag match against ECW's Rob Van Dam and Nova. La Res double-team Nova for the early going until Nova manages to thump Dupree to hot-tag RVD. RVD goes to work on Dupree until both men make tags and La Res capitalize with a double-team finisher to cover Nova.

Ric Flair is our next promoer, on behalf of the animal Batista. And Batista is happy that Rico is finally starting to show some fire. It was looking like it was going to be too easy for him to just destroy Rico at No Way Out, just like he's done to everyone else. But now that Rico's turned his career around, Batista's going to take too much joy in ending it once and for all.

Up next, the ten-man tag preview matches continue as Lance Storm hopes to end ECW's losing streak as he takes on Rob Conway. They trade kicks to start until Conway hits a shining wizard. Storm blocks an avalanche with a boot to the face, then a hard back suplex and a superkick for two. Whippersnapper gets two more. Conway hits a back heel kick for two, but Storm again lands a superkick for the win to end a very good match.

Rico responds to Ric Flair's comments earlier. You're damn right Rico's turned his career around. He makes no apologies for the life he's led or the decisions he's made, and he's definitely not going to make any apologies for what he does to Batista at No Way Out!

Tommy Dreamer and William Regal are out next, and Regal starts off with a vertical suplex and a reverse DDT for two. Tommy hits a headbutt and a running knee for two. Lifting DDT for a long two. Spinning neckbreaker from Tommy, but Regal hits a delayed suplex. Regal hits a jumping powerbomb for a very long two. Snap suplex, belly-to-belly, but a blown legdrop gives Tommy an opportunity. Neckbreaker, DVD, and the Dreamer Driver finishes Regal off. After the match, Regal grabs knucks out of his tights and levels Tommy with the Power of the Punch!

Shawn Michaels hopes that it's been worth it. The Rock has been clutching at that World Title for almost six months now, but it's all going to come to an end at WrestleMania in three weeks. But first, he's going to relish the opportunity to team with the future of the industry to soften Rocky up before the big night. Rock has been through a lot during this title reign, so he hopes he's cherished every moment of it, because in three weeks, it all comes to an end.

Up next is an eight-man tag match pitting Booker T, Rico, and the Dudleyz against Kane, Batista, and Vitamin C. D-VOn starts off with a kick and a neckbreaker on Batista, then tags in Rico, who hits a high dropkick. Chris Jericho tags in, but takes a spinning kick from Rico. Tag to Bubba for a double suplex, then Bubba slams Y2J for two. Booker tags in and slams Jericho, then hits a spear. Tag to D-Von, who hits a spinebuster for two. Jericho tags in Kane, who takes out D-Von with a clothesline and a spear for two. Tag to Christian for a double back elbow. Christian hits the stroke for a long two. Rico tags in and blocks a kick before hitting a flying axe handle. Tag to Booker, who hits a bulldog. He goes for a backdrop, but Christian kicks him in the face and tags in Kane. Double clothesline from the heels gets two. Kane clamps on a sleeper, but Book turns it into a jawbreaker. Big-time backbreaker sets up the Houston Hangover and Booker picks up the win for his team!

Oh, it has definitely been worth it. Over the past six months, The Rock has had a chance to wrestle in front of sell-out arenas. He's had a chance to share the ring with some great wrestlers. He's met millions... and millions of fans, and they've all told him one thing. As the People's Champion, it is The Rock's civic duty to walk into WrestleMania and kick Shawn Michaels' candy ass all over the grandest stage of 'em all!

It's time now for our huge tag-team main event pitting The Rock and Hurricane against Shawn Michaels and Matt Hardy version 1.0. Matt starts off with a spin kick and a flying axehandle on Hurricane for two. Tag to HBK for a double suplex. HBK hits a hard back suplex, but Hurricane hits a superkick for two. Tag to The Rock, who clamps on a full nelson, then slams him down. HBK lands a punch, then a flying elbow before tagging in Hardy. Hardy chops Rock, who tags in Hurricane, who eats a dropkick. Matt goes for the pin, but has his feet on the ropes, and the ref doesn't see it! Matt picks up the cheap win, but all four men brawl to the back as RAW goes off the air!

[loopydate]

MARCH 1, 2004 - MONDAY NIGHT RAW

The Road To WrestleMania is entering the home stretch! In just thirteen days, the biggest spectacle in our industry will emanate live on pay-per-view, and tonight we will feature the signing of the contract for the World Title match between the champion The Rock and the winner of the 2004 Royal Rumble, Shawn Michaels!

The night opens up with a fatal fourway - Rosey vs. Chris Nowinski vs. Mark Henry vs. Mark Jindrak. Jindrak starts off with a right hand and a back elbow on Nowinski. Nowinski tags in Henry, who nails a forearm, a slam, and a clothesline. Henry goes for a backdrop, but Jindrak kicks him in his face and tags in Rosey. Rosey hits a bulldog and a punch, but gets powerslammed and Henry hits a spinebuster. Tag to Jindrak, who hits a backdrop and a lifting DDT to set up Splash Mountain for the win.

Up next, it's a triple-threat tag team match featuring the WWE Divas that also doubles as a #1 contender match. The Women's Champion Victoria teams with Lita against the teams of Mickie James and Trish Stratus and Gail Kim and Jazz. If Lita and Victoria win, Lita gets the title shot. If one of the other teams win, Victoria must defend the belt in a triple threat against the winners. Mickie hits an armdrag on Gail, then a chop before tagging in Lita, who hits a flying elbow for two. Gail trips Lita and tags in Jazz, and they hit a follow-up clothesline in the corner. Lita tags in Victoria, who headbutts Jazz, then hits a powerslam. Jazz tags in Trish, who gets suplexed by the champ. They fight into the corner, where Trish hits Stratusfaction for the win to earn a title shot for her and Mickie next week!

RAW's General Manager Eric Bischoff is out next to announce that in two weeks at WrestleMania XX, the World Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz will defend their titles against Chris Jericho and Christian - Vitamin C. And, since this could be the last night for at least one of these men as RAW superstars (since the draft takes place the following RAW and SD), this score is going to be settled once and for all... in a Tables Match!

The champs are out next for a non-title match against the team of Kane and Boss Man. Bubba starts off with punches, a slam, and a lariat to Kane, who tags in Boss Man. BBM strikes Bubba, but misses a clothesline and gets slammed. Tag to D-Von, and they hit a double backdrop. D-Von hits a bulldog and a DDT, then tags Bubba back in for the 3D and the win.

Up next is a killer tag match that showcases just how talented Vitamin C are as they take on Lance Storm and Spike Dudley. Jericho starts off with a big kick and a neckbreaker on Spike for two. Tag to Christian for a follow-up clothesline and another two. Christian slams Spike, but Spike manages to snap of a powerslam for two. Tag to Storm, who hits a rana for a long two. Storm hits a dropkick, but eats a fist to the face and a short powerbomb. Christian tags in Jericho, who kicks Storm. Spike tags back in, but gets his leg swept, allowing Jericho to hit the Lionsault for the win after a tremendous match.

Last night at No Way Out, Hurricane picked up a pinfall over the Intercontinental Champion Matt Hardy in a six-man tag match and hopes to continue that momentum into WrestleMania. Standing in his way tonight is Ric Flair's animal Batista, who is rebounding from a loss to his rival Rico last night. He starts off with a kick and some brawling, then a pair of vertical suplexes. He starts to set up for the Batista Bomb early, but Hurricane backdrops out of it. Hurricane hits a rolling kick, then clamps on a full nelson. Batista fights back with a DDT for two, then a discus punch for a very long two. Hurricane slams Batista, but eats a kick. Batista whips Hurricane off the ropes, and Hurricane runs... right into a chair being held up by Matt Hardy! Hurricane staggers forward right into the Batista Bomb! Batista picks up the win, and Matt goes to work on his rival, but Rico hits the ring to make the save. Both of these rivalries are reaching their boiling point!

Hurricane grabs a microphone. If Matt Hardy wants to continue his villainous ways, there's only one way to settle this. The thing he cherishes most will be taken from him at WrestleMania XX and suspended from the rafters. And while the Hurricane may have superpowers and the ability to leap tall buildings and retrieve it, he's going to give Matt a fighting chance. WrestleMania XX, the Intercontinental Title, Matt Hardy and Hurricane one last time... in a Ladder Match!

Undertaker has won all eleven times he's stepped into the ring at WrestleMania, and both Bischoff and SmackDown! General Manager Stephanie McMahon have decided that to determine his opponent for the 20th installment (and 19th anniversary) of WrestleMania is for each brand to contribute one opponent. Both brands will hold battle royals for the right to face him. RAW's ring is full of ten men eager for the shot. Sylvan Grenier eliminates his La Resistance partner Rene Dupree, while Val Venis gets dumped out by Rob Conway. Nova dropkicks Test out of the ring. Booker T eliminates Rob Conway. Rob Van Dam eliminates Nova, then Tommy Dreamer. Booker T then takes out Sylvan Grenier. Then there were three - Booker T, Rob Van Dam, and William Regal. That's when the match turns into a fantastic three-way with lots of near eliminations. Regal gets bundled out by RVD, who in turn gets taken out by Booker T! Booker is going to WrestleMania!

Booker T grabs a mic and cuts a promo on Undertaker, but it's not very good. Come on, Book, I'm throwing you a bone here! Can you at least try not to choke on it?

Shawn Michaels is just thirteen days away from yet another WrestleMania title shot, but tonight he has to face off against the red-hot Rico. HBK starts off with a stiff chop, but misses a legdrop and eats a spinning kick and a facecrusher. HBK hits a clothesline and a spin kick for two, then a big kick to the face for two more. Rico fights back and goes for a piledriver, but HBK backdrops him. Rico doesn't even see Batista before Bats hangs him out to dry on the top rope, allowing HBK to hit Sweet Chin Music for the win! After the match, The Rock sprints to the ring and goes after Michaels, while Rico goes after Batista, and the heels have been cleared from the ring.

After the last break of the night, a table has been set up in the ring, and Rock and Michaels have managed to compose themselves enough to sit down for their contract signing. Both men sign their names and cut promos. As HBK is wrapping his up, Rock finally snaps and shoves the table into Michaels' midsection before laying him out with the Rock Bottom! Rock has been pushed far enough, and he's ready to finally whup Michaels' candy ass at Mania!

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 5, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

The show kicks off with cruiserweight action as Jamie Noble takes on Nunzio! These two put on a pretty good technical match that ends with Noble hitting a DDT off the top rope for the win.

Chavo Guerrero cuts a promo on Kurt Angle. Neither of us are in the arena because Stephanie McMahon is trying to keep us from tearing each other apart tonight. Well, it doesn't have to be tonight, Kurt. I've lived in the shadow of a great wrestler my whole life, but I'm going to finally prove myself at No Way Out when I beat the greatest wrestler in the world!

John Layfield has made it his mission to take out the "greenhorns" who have passed him by, and tonight he faces one of the WWE Tag Team Champions Charlie Haas. Layfield hits a kick and an elbow for two early, but Haas blocks a suplex and legsweeps Layfield before kicking him in the leg and sweeping it again, definitely setting up for the Haas of Pain later. He goes for a sleeper, but Layfield turns it into a jawbreaker, then slams him. As Haas staggers back up, Layfield explodes into him with the Clothesline From Hell for the win. After the match, Layfield continues to pummel Haas, sending a message to the whole SmackDown! roster!

Next up is a match that was custom-built to steal the show. It's Paul London versus Shannon Moore versus Ultimo Dragon versus Akio - the winner faces Eddie Guerrero next week for the Cruiserweight Title! Dragon and Akio start the match, and these two alone put on a hell of a show with a trio of near falls before Akio lands a spin kick on Dragon and tags in Moore. Moore hits a back suplex, a kick, a flying axehandle, and a springboard dropkick for a long two. Tag to London who hits a rolling kick and a springboard dropkick for two and Dragon can't have much more in the tank. Dropkick to the knee gets two more. Another two following a super Frankensteiner. Dragon finally manages to tag Akio into the match, and he hits London with a seated senton. Dropkick to the knee and a standing kick, but London lands a Whippersnapper before putting Akio away with London Calling! Great match.

Speaking of great matches, Akio's mentor, the former Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri is up next to take on the other WWE Tag Team Champion, Shelton Benjamin. These two actually manage to top the cruiserweight free-for-all that preceed it. Lots of near falls, some brawling, suplexes, high-flying... It all comes down to Tajiri telegraphing a backdrop and eating a Superkick for his troubles and Shelton picking up the win.

At No Way Out, one of the three teams participating in the triple-threat match for the Tag Team Titles will be the team of Rey Mysterio and Edge. Tonight, they team up for the first time to take on the Full-Blooded Italians. Edge starts off hot on Palumbo, then tags in Rey for a Hart Attack. Rey continues the attack until Palumbo hits a desperation DDT to tag in The Bull. The match continues with quick tags and the usual offense until Edge and Rey hit a hop-up rana on Palumbo for the win.

Just like last week's Mysterio/Kidman match, the winner of tonight's Undertaker/Big Show match gets to pick their partner for the Tag Title match at No Way Out. These two feuded for several months late last year, and they tear into each other throughout the match. At one point, they brawl to the floor and begin using the ringside area as weapons. The referee can't get them back into the ring, so he counts them both out. It's a draw! They continue fighting all the way backstage, and this means that at No Way Out, the World's Greatest Tag Team will defend their WWE Tag Team Titles against Rey Mysterio and Edge, as well as... Undertaker and Big Show?!?

Backstage, Paul Heyman is psyching Billy Kidman up. The leaner, meaner Dangerous Alliance is back on its quest to reclaim all the SmackDown! gold, and you know it's only a matter of time before you get your hands on Eddie Guerrero and take back your Cruiserweight Title. And we can definitely do something about his United States Title, too!

Last week, the Dangerous Alliance expelled two of its members, A-Train and Matt Morgan, the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Train and Morgan have rechristened themselves the Blueprint Express and team up tonight to take on their former stablemates, Big Show and the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. Pretty mediocre match that ends with Morgan whipping Lesnar off the ropes... into a Rhyno chair shot! Morgan chokeslams Lesnar for the win, then Rhyno hits the ring to set up for the Gore. But before he can hit it, Kidman hits the ring, and the Alliance chases their rivals off.

Backstage, Chris Benoit has some choice words for Sean O'Haire. Over the last month, O'Haire has made his life a living hell, prodding at his insecurities and picking apart his psyche. But Benoit knows about his own dark side. He knows what happens when he goes to that place inside himself. Is that a place Sean O'Haire really wants to be?

Tonight's main event pits a pair of old rivals against each other one more time, but with different circumstances than before. John Cena is now the #1 contender for the WWE Title and Sean O'Haire is the #1 contender for the United States Title. Their feud put both of them in the main event, and now they go at it for the first time at the top of the heap. The match is decent, but the crowd pops for everything, which makes the match that much better. The match ends with Cena getting caught from behind by Lesnar, who hits an F5 allowing O'Haire to pick up the cheap win. After the match, Benoit hits the ring to go after O'Haire, while a revived Cena goes after Lesnar. They clear the ring and stand tall as SmackDown! goes off the air.

Next week on SmackDown!, Eddie Guerrero defends the Cruiserweight Title against Paul London! Plus, a big six-man tag team match has been signed. Rhyno will team with the Blueprint Express to take on all three members of the Dangerous Alliance!

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 12, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!


The night kicks off with a four-team elimination match pitting the Basham Brothers against the FBI against Akio and Tajiri against the mismatched team of Jamie Noble and Rikishi. Not surprisingly, the faces are the first out as Rikishi gets pinned by Tajiri following a super Frankensteiner. The Bashams and FBI make quick tags to isolate Tajiri, and he eventually falls victim to a lifting DDT from Danny Basham. It's down to the Bashams and the FBI now, and both teams use quick tags and good tag team psychology, but in the end, Palumbo levels Danny with a Jungle Kick to pick up the win.

Cruiserweight action is up next as Scotty 2 Hotty takes on Nunzio. These two put on a very good match that, unfortunately, the crowd doesn't really get into. Nunzio winds up putting Scotty away with the Kiss of Death.

The cruiserweight showcase continues with a triple threat match pitting Shannon Moore against Ultimo Dragon against Carlito. Dragon and Moore take turns kicking Carlito until he fights abck with a pair of flying elbows. Moore catches him with a Whippersnapper, but he fights back and takes to the air again, only to eat a 'snapper from Dragon. Carlito is whipped, and Dragon capitalizes with the Asai DDT for the win.

John Layfield continues his quest to put himself over at the sake of the young generation of SD stars, tonight taking on Shelton Benjamin. Last week, Layfield decimated Benjamin's partner Charlie Haas. Layfield dominates the start of the match, gaining a couple of near falls, but Benjamin hits a hot shot and a piledriver. Layfield winds up fighting back, though, hitting a big slam and the Clothesline From Hell for another win. As Shelton heads back to the locker room, Layfield pounces with another CFH and some stomps before being restrained by officials.

Up next is another match guaranteed to excite the purists - Charlie Haas versus Chavo Guerrero. Haas starts off with a flying axehandle and a slam for two, but Chavo fights back with a spinning kick and aDDT for two of his own, then a top-rope DDT for two more. Big time legsweep by Chavo, but he eats Haas' boot on an avalanche attempt then gets piledriven for two. Haas hits a stunner out of the corner for two more, then a hot shot. Haas slaps Chavo down to the mat, but misses an elbow drop and eats a kick. Chavo hits a springboard dropkick, then finishes the match with a Brainbuster. Very good match.

Chavo grabs a microphone and basically re-iterates what he said last week. Chavo wants to be in the conversation as one of the top wrestlers in the world, and the best way to do that is to beat the best in the world, and he's going to do it at No Way Out.

Speaking of the bes wrestler in the world, Kurt Angle comes to the ring next for a tag-team match with his partner Chris Benoit. They're taking on the team of Rey Mysterio and Edge, who could walk out of No Way Out with the WWE Tag Team Titles. Benoit adn Edge start, and Edge takes control with a slam and a clothesline before tagging in Rey for a double clothesline. Rey sweeps Benoit's leg, but gets a boot to the face, then a reverse DDT/backbreaker combination for two. Tag to Angle, who hits the same move for a long two, then a neckbreaker. Rey blocks a suplex and sweeps the leg before tagging ni Edge. Edge punches Angle, who tags Benoit back in, but Edge levels him with a shoulder tackle. The referee is trying to maintain order and doesn't see Sean O'Haire hit the ring! O'Haire grabs Benoit and hits the Prophecy! Edge didn't see it either, but he goes for the pin anyway and picks up the win. The mind games continue!

John Cena is just over a month away from his WWE Title shot at WrestleMania, but tonight he has a tune-up match against Billy Gunn. Cena slams Gunn, but takes a headbutt and a spinebuster. Cena trips Gunn, then hits a backdrop and a piledriver for two. Cena hits a DVD for a long two, but misses a legdrop. Gunn hits a DDT for two, but Cena fights back with an FU for the win! After the match, the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar hits the ring and lays Cena out with the F5!

The Cruiserweight Title is on the line next as Eddie Guerrero takes on the man who won a fatal fourway last week to earn the shot, Paul London. London continues his meteoric rise by starting the match hot with a flying elbow and a spinning bulldog for two. Eddie kicks London in the leg, then hits a hard back suplex for two. Another suplex gets two. Eddie hits a DDT and tries to put London away early with a frogsplash, but London gets his knees up and hits a seated senton for two. Back heel kick for a loooong two. London kicks Eddie in the face, then hits a spin kick. Eddie slides out of a slam and kicks London in the face, then hits a top-rope DDT to set up the Frogsplash and the successful defense. After the match, Eddie helps the challenger to his feet, and shakes his hand, putting the young man over. This isn't the last we'll see of Paul London in the title hunt!

Up next is a big six-man grudge match pitting the remaining members of the Dangerous Alliance (Lesnar, Big Show, and Kidman) against Rhyno and former D.A. members the Blueprint Express. Kidman starts off with a high dropkick followed by one to the knees of Rhyno before tagging in Show, who hits a big clothesline and a slam for two. Tag to the champion, and they hit a double clothesline. Lesnar snap suplexes Rhyno, but misses a clothesline, which allows Rhyno to slam Brock and hot-tag A-Train. Train hits a big kick and a DDT for two. Slam, then a tag to Morgan. Morgan strikes at Lesnar, then slams him. He misses a legdrop, which lets Lesnar tag in Kidman. Kidman again goes for the knee with a dropkick, and Morgan tags in Rhyno. Rhyno slams Kidman twice, and in the confusion, Kidman's rival Eddie Guerrero hits the ring and hits a Frogsplash! Once the referee has cleared the ring, Rhyno is covering Kidman, and he gets the win! Eddie has taken Kidman's threats to heart!

In tonight's main event, the Devil's Advocate Sean O'Haire takes on the devil's former right-hand man, Undertaker! O'Haire lands a punch to start the fight, but Taker blocks a kick and headbutts him. He goes for a clothesline, but takes out the ref! He hits a spear, but there's no one to count. Taker goes for a backdrop, but O'Haire kicks him in the face and hits a spinning neckbreaker. Big-time backbreaker for two. Huge lariat gets two more. Taker hits a punch, then another spear for two. Taker goes for a clothesline, but O'Haire ducks it and hits the Prophecy! He gets ready to go for the pin, but Chris Benoit jumps him from behind and clamps on the Crippler Crossface! The referee has no choice but to call for the bell! With O'Haire down, Benoit grabs a chair from ringside and pummels O'Haire with it and leaves him a bloody mess as SmackDown! goes off the air!

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 19, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

Just ten days away from No Way Out, and a big PPV preview main-event has been booked for tonight as John Cena teams with Kurt Angle to take on Brock Lesnar and Chavo Guerrero. Plus, Edge and Rey Mysterio will team up at NWO in a triple-threat for the WWE Tag Team Titles, and tonight they have one-on-one matches with the champs, the World's Greatest Tag Team!

The show opens with Rikishi going one-on-one with The One Billy Gunn. Rikishi hits a suplex and a DDT for two. Gunn turns a sleeper into a jawbreaker, then a punch and a kick for a two-count on the big man. Big-time clothesline gets two. Billy lands a kick, but gets tripped, and Rikishi hits a powerslam for two. Discus punch from the big man gets two. Slam and a kick from Rikishi till Gunn hits a right hand and a DDT to set up for the One And Only for the win.

It's the return of Midcard Mania as Paul London captains a team consisting of Ultimo Dragon, A-Train, Shannon Moore, and Scotty 2 Hotty to take on John Layfield's team of Carlito, Chris Kanyon, Chuck Palumbo, and Nunzio. Carlito, Palumbo, and Nunzio isolate Moore early until he can tag in Scotty, but Palumbo, Kanyon, Layfield, and Carlito work him over. Finally Scotty hot-tag A-Train, who hits a neckbreaker and a DDT on Carlito before tagging in Dragon for a double clothesline. Dragon hits a springboard dropkick and tags in London. Dragon and London use quick back-and-forth tags to work on Palumbo until Palumbo overpowers Dragon and tags Layfield back in. Train tags back in, and Layfield winds up hitting him with the Clothesline From Hell for the win!

Eddie Guerrero is backstage, preparing for his match later, but he has some words for Billy Kidman. He knows Kidman hasn't forgotten that Eddie was the one who took his Cruiserweight Title, and he knows that their paths will cross soon. But he also wants Kidman to know that he knows. He has a big match with Sean O'Haire at No Way Out, but he's not dumb enough to think that Kidman's going to stay out of it. Kidman is a liar, a cheat, and a thief, three things that Eddie knows a thing or two about.

It's a battle of ECW alumni next as the red-hot Rhyno takes on the Japanese Buzzsaw Tajiri. Rhyno hits a forearm, a headbutt, and a pair of back elbows until Tajiri takes to the air with a flying axehandle and a seated senton for two. Rhyno turns a backdrop attempt into a bulldog for two, then hits a shoulder slam. Tajiri reverses a hiptoss and lands some strikes, but Rhyno slams him down, then as he regains his feet, he nails him with the GOOOOOOOOORE! Very good match, and the crowd was hot for it. These guys are both on the verge of breaking through.

Up next, it's Charlie Haas against Edge in our first Tag Title match preview. Edge hits a forearm, but eats Haas' foot on an avalanche attempt. Haas smacks Edge around, then hits a suplex variation for two. Edge hits a running knee lift and a piledriver for two. Edge hits a powerbomb for a very long two, but Haas gets two on a bulldog. Edge manages to hit the Edgecutioner for the win, then they shake hands afterwards.

Sean O'Haire is out next for his match, but first he has some words for Chris Benoit. Has he gotten into Benoit's head? Last week, Benoit assaulted him after the main event with a chair and beat him so badly, he almost wasn't able to compete tonight. Have O'Haire's comments been hitting too close to home? Or is the real Chris Benoit finally starting to show himself? Chris already knows the answer, so O'Haire isn't going to tell him anything he doesn't already know.

O'Haire's partner Big Show is out next for a tag match against Eddie Guerrero and Undertaker. Eddie hits a dropkick on Show, then a huge super Frankensteiner for two. Tag to UT for a double suplex, then UT hits a flying shoulder tackle for two. UT smacks Show around, but Show blocks a kick and hits a side suplex. Tag to O'Haire, and now O'Haire hits a shoulder tackle. Bulldog from O'Haire, and UT tags in Eddie. Eddie hits a Whippersnapper for a very long two. Dropkick by Eddie, but O'Haire backdrops him out of a piledriver. O'Haire hits a piledriver of his own, then finishes him off with the Prophecy. O'Haire has picked up a clean victory over the US Champion just ten days before their title match!

Five weeks ago, as part of the Chase For The Championship, Chris Benoit and Billy Kidman eliminated each other by fighting to a time-limit draw. Tonight, they go at it again! Kidman hits a back suplex and a thump for two. Benoit hits a forearm and a butterfly suplex for two, then a double arm suplex for another long two. Benoit hits a thrust kick, but Kidman ducks a clothesline and hits a spinning bulldog for two. Springboard dropkick for a long two, then another pair of dropkicks until Benoit hits a thrust kick to the midsection to set up a top-rope back suplex. Before Benoit can crawl over to make the pin, the bell rings. They've again reached the time limit! Benoit pulls Kidman up and shakes his hand, but Kidman pulls him in and slams him to the mat! Kidman heads to the top rope and hits the Shooting Star Press!

Stephanie McMahon appears on the TitanTron and says that she's going to give these two one last shot at a clean finish. At No Way Out, it's going to be Chris Benoit against Billy Kidman, one fall, there must be a winner!

And now it's time for Rey Mysterio against Shelton Benjamin in our second Tag Title match preview. Rey starts off with a spin kick, but Shelton backdrops him and slams him. Shelton hits a big powerbomb, but Rey gets up and kicks him in the face. Another kick gets two, then a top-rope DDT for two more. Shelton slams Rey down for a long two, but Rey hits the West Coast Pop for the win! Afterwards, they shake hands. Edge and Rey Mysterio both picked up clean wins over the champions. Does this make them the favorites going into No Way Out?

Tonight's main event mashes together two of SmackDown!'s biggest rivalries as John Cena teams with Kurt Angle to take on Brock Lesnar and Chavo Guerreor. Cena and Lesnar start the match, and the champ takes control early with a suplex and a neckbreaker for two. Tag to Chavo for a double suplex for two more. Chavo hits a flying elbow, but gets speared for two. Tag to Angle, who powerbombs Chavo for two. Running knee lift from Angle, but Chavo hits a flying axehandle to create the separation to tag in Lesnar. Lesnar punches away at Angle until Cena tags back in, only to get backdropped. Cena tries for a roll-up, but Lesnar rolls through and grabs Cena's tights. The ref doesn't see it! Lesnar steals one from Cena, but they're not done fighting. All four men brawl up the ramp and to the back as SmackDown! goes off the air.

The No Way Out card is set! We've known for weeks about the huge tag-team main event pitting John Cena and RAW's The Rock against Brock Lesnar and RAW's Shawn Michaels! Plus, the SmackDown! side hosts a huge United States Title match with Eddie Guerrero against Sean O'Haire, Kurt Angle versus Chavo Guerrero, a triple threat match for the WWE Tag Team Titles pitting the World's Greatest Tag Team against Edge and Rey Mysterio and the unlikely duo of Undertaker and Big Show, and tonight we found out that Chris Benoit will once again take on Billy Kidman! So we know the card, what is going to happen next week on the last televised show before No Way Out?

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 26, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

It's the last WWE show before No Way Out, and the entire roster is hyped up. All of the NWO participants will be in action tonight, plus plenty more exciting action!

...such as the cruiserweight tag team match that kicks us off, pitting Jamie Noble and Ultimo Dragon against Akio and Carlito! Noble starts off with a dropkick on Akio, then a DDT for two. Dragon tags in, and they hit a follow-up clothesline in the corner for two. Dragon hits a dropkick, but Akio backdrops out of a piledriver attempt, then hits a super Frankensteiner for two. Carlito tags in and hits a high kick for two. Carlito hits an armdrag, but misses a legdrop, and Dragon hits a flying axehandle and tags in Noble. Novle hits a dropkick, and Akio tags in. Noble hits a flying neckbreaker, then a DDT from the top rope for the win!

Chavo Guerrero is backstage, and he says that not only is he going to pin Kurt Angle's shoulders to the mat cleanly in tonight's tag match, he's going to do the same at No Way Out and prove once and for all that he belongs at the top of the heap.

Rhyno and Blueprint Express have had their share of troubles with the Dangerous Alliance lately, but tonight they need to focus on their six-man tag match against the FBI. Rhyno punches Nunzio, then hits a backdrop before tagging in Morgan, who hits a big kick and a powerslam for two. Train tags in, and they hit a double back elbow. Train slams Nunzio, but misses a legdrop and eats a butterfly suplex. Tag to Palumbo, who punches and DDTs Train for two. Palumbo fires off a punch, then tags in Stamboli, who continues to punch Train, then slams him. Train tags Rhyno back in, who hits a back elbow. Nunzio tags back in, and hits a lariat on Rhyno. Rhyno pops back up to his feet, though, and GOOOOOOOOOORES Nunzio for the win!

You could not find two tag teams on more opposite ends of the spectrum than the World's Greatest Tag Team and the Basham Brothers. Tonight, these two teams put on a hell of a match, which hopefully will improve Danny and Doug's standing. Shelton slams Danny, then hits a big clothesline and a swinging DDT. Doug tags in and slams Shelton, but Shelton gets his foot up on an avalanche attempt and hits a belly-to-belly. Tag to Haas, and they hit a double suplex. Haas hits a piledriver on Doug then a springboard dropkick. Tag to Shelton, and they hit the Doomsday Device for the win!

Kurt Angle has been hearing Chavo Guerrero talk for a long time about how he belongs. He belongs with the big dogs. He belongs in the main event. He belongs in the WWE Title hunt. Well, the truth is, Chavo doesn't belong. He's always been the odd man out. In his tag teams, in this industry, hell even in his own family! At No Way Out, our Olympic Hero is going to teach Chavo to know his place. Oh, it's true. It's damn true!

The Cruiserweight division is on display next in a non-title fatal fourway as Eddie Guerrero takes on Rey Mysterio, Tajiri, and the up-and-coming Paul London! Tajiri starts off with a spin kick and a legsweep on London for a quick two. London tags in Mysterio, who hits a flying elbow and a suplex for two, then a neckbreaker. Tajiri tags in Eddie, who hits Rey with a rana and a flying neckbreaker. Rey dropkicks Eddie's knee, then hits a springboard dropkick. Tag to Tajiri, who kicks Eddie in the face, then hits another springboard dropkick. In the confusion, Billy Kidman hits the ring with a chair and takes out Eddie with a chair shot! Eddie is on his knees and woozy, and Tajiri hits the Kick of Death for the win!

John Cena cuts a killer promo next (100% rating!) about the tag match at No Way Out, but mostly about how WrestleMania is his time to shine. Brock Lesnar can say or do what he wants, but the fact is, when he steps in the ring with Cena, he's going in there with the prototype of a 21st century wrestler. He's big, he's strong, he's athletic, and he's hungry. And at Mania, he's also going to be a champion. Word life!

Tag team action is up next as Kurt Angle teams with Undertaker to take on CHavo Guerrero and Big Show. Angle hits a back elbow and a big suplex on Show for two. Tag to Undertaker for a double back elbow, then UT slams Show for two. Another slam, but Show blocks a kick and hits a spinebuster. Tag to Chavo for a DDT and a superkick. UT reverses a hip toss and tags in Angle, who hits a smassive spinebuster for a long two. Another slam, but Chavo gets a foot into Angle's face, then hits a super Frankensteiner, then nails a brainbuster for the win! Chavo has cleanly pinned Kurt Angle!

Both Edge and Sean O'Haire have the opportunity to walk out of No Way Out as champions, but tonight they go one-on-one in a tune-up match. Edge hits a running kneelift and a piledriver for two. He misses an elbow drop, which lets O'Haire hit a big punch and a slam for two. Lifting DDT for two. Running knee lift from O'Haire, but Edge hits a bulldog for two. Edge hits a lifting DDT of his own for two. Edge hits a back elbow, then a slam. O'Haire hits a running knee lift and a spinebuster before hitting the Prophecy for the win! fter the match, Chris Benoit hits the ring, and nails O'Haire with a chair! Once again, Benoit has assaulted O'Haire, leaving him laying!

Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are out now to respond to John Cena's promo before our big tag-team main event tonight. John Cena definitely talks a good game. And as a master of the promo, Paul Heyman has to give Cena credit where it's due. That was certainly convincing. If he didn't know any better, he'd think that Cena was absolutely ready for his shot at the big time. But he does know better. And he's seen the likes of John Cena come up before and fizzle out just as quickly as they rose. John Cena is a flash in the pan, and after Brock Lesnar destroys him at No Way Out, he's going to finish the job at WrestleMania XX.

Our tag-team main event pits the Dangerous Alliance's Brock Lesnar and Billy Kidman against Chris Benoit and John Cena. Kidman hits Benoit with a kick, then a dropkick to the knee for two. Tag to Lesnar for a double clothesline. Lesnar slams Benoit, but eats a t-bone suplex for two. Cena tags in and hits the champ with a piledriver for two. Cena slams Lesnar, but Lesnar responds with a neckbreaker. Tag to Kidman, who kicks Cena into his corner. Tag to Benoit, but Kidman DDTs him. In the confusion, Benoit gets hung out to dry on the top rope by Sean O'Haire! Kidman capitalizes with the Shooting Star Press for the win! After the match, O'Haire sets Benoit up for the Prophecy, but Eddie Guerrero charges into the ring, and he, Benoit, and Cena clear the ring. Who will be left standing at No Way Out?

[loopydate]

MARCH 4, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

Only ten days left on the Road to WrestleMania, and tonight, we can expect that card to start to fill in. Just like on RAW, tonight's show will be capped by a contract signing for the WWE Title match, plus a No Way Out rematch, and a ten-man battle royal for a shot at Undertaker!

The show kicks off with John Layfield hoping to continue his roll against Blueprint Express' Matt Morgan. Layfield hits a headlock takedown,a side suplex, and a spinebsuter for two. Layfield hits strikes, but Morgan hits an avalanche and a DDT. Layfield slams Morgan and hits the Clothesline From Hell for the win. After the match, Layfield continues the abuse, leaving Morgan laying.

Up next, it's the ten-man battle royal for the last spot in a triple threat match at WrestleMania XX. Charlie Haas is the first casualty, courtesy of A-Train. Rey Mysterio is out next thanks to Ultimo Dragon. Rhyno takes out Paul London, then Dragon. Edge eliminates Tajiri next, while Rhyno eliminates Shelton Benjamin. We are down to four - A-Train, Big Show, Edge, and Rhyno! Train manages to dump Show out, but Edge quickly seizes the opportunity to eliminate Train. Edge spears Rhyno and hits a powerbomb, but as he goes to eliminate Rhyno, Rhyno turns the tables and sends Edge to the floor! Rhyno is going to WrestleMania!

Stephanie McMahon comes out to make the match official - at WrestleMania XX it's going to be Rhyno taking on RAW's Booker T and Undertaker in a triple threat match!

The cruiserweight division gets their weekly featured match tonight as Jamie Noble teams with Shannon Moore to take on Carlito and Nunzio. Carlito hits a flying elbow and a high kick on Moore for two, then tags in Nunzio for a double suplex. Nunzio hits a legsweep for two, then a forearm to the chest. Moore hits a Whippersnapper, then tags in Noble. Noble hits a basement dropkick, then another kick, which sends Nunzio to tag Carlito, who hits a back heel kick and a shining wizard for a long two. Carlito goes for an elbow drop, but Noble moves, then hits a rana before finishing him off with the Tiger Driver!

In just ten days, the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar will defend his title against John Cena, but tonight he faces two men in a handicap match. It's Lesnar versus Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty. Lesner hits Scotty with a forearm and a backdrop, then a bulldog for two on Scotty. Clothesline on Rikishi, but Rikishi and Scotty hit a follow-up clothesline in the corner. Scotty hits a legsweep, then Rikishi hits a powerslam. They hit a Hart Attack for two, then Rikishi htis a DDT for two, but the champ keeps coming with a massive lariat on Rikishi. Scotty hits a dropkick, and they again do the followe-up clothesline spot for two. Rikishi brawls with Lesnar for a bit until Lesnar backdrops him out of a piledriver. Scotty tries for a slam, but Lesnar gets out and nails him with a lariat and the F5 for the win.

John Cena comes out onto the ramp and cuts another promo on Brock Lesnar. Brock's days as champion are numbered, and he can count them on his fingers, which Cena understands is the only way Brock can count, period.

Four nights ago, Sean O'Haire got out of No Way Out the United States Champion thanks to Billy Kidman running in and attacking Eddie Guerrero. Tonight, Eddie has cashed in his rematch clause! O'Haire starts with a headbutt, but gets punched and kicked, and Eddie hits a facecrusher for two. He misses an elbow, and O'Haire hits a knee lift and a piledriver for two. Powerbomb for two more. Eddie hits a super Frankensteiner for two. O'Haire needs attention from the referee, which allows Billy Kidman to hit the ring, take Eddie down, and hit the Shooting Star Press! O'haire goes for the pin and retains the gold for the second time in four days thanks to Kidman! After the match, Kidman hits the ring to continue the abuse, but Chris Benoit comes tearing down the aisle to chase Kidman and O'Haire off.

Benoit grabs the mic and says that he's not happy that Eddie lost one of his titles at No Way Out, but this gives Benoit an opportunity. At WrestleMania XX, Benoit's going to take the belt from Sean O'Haire, and he's going to do it... in a Last Man Standing match!

Kidman remains in the ring after the break for a match with Kurt Angle. Kidman hits a spinning kick, but Angle kicks him in the face and smacks him around for a while. Angle hits a neckbreaker for two, but Kidman hits him with a mule kick and a dropkick to the knee to set up a super Frankenstenier for two. Back heel kick off the second rope for a long two. Angle hits a punch and a bulldog for two, but gets backdropped as he tries a piledriver. Suddenly, Eddie Guerrero is in the ring with a chair! He nails Kidman with the chair, and the ref calls for the bell, disqualifying Angle. Chavo Guerrero comes to the ring to even the score.

Angle is incensed at Guerrero. He doesn't understand how Chavo could beat him at No Way Out. But it doesn't matter, because he talked to Stephanie McMahon, and at WrestleMania XX, they're going to finish this for good in a Submission Match!

It's contract signing time again, this time for the John Cena/Brock Lesnar title match at WrestleMania! Both men have their say, then sign their names before Lesnar goes after Cena and hits the F5. Just like on RAW, the champ is standing tall as we go off the air.

[loopydate]

FEBRUARY 29, 2004 - NO WAY OUT

The last Pay-Per-View before WrestleMania XX kicks off with a pre-show match pitting Booker T against Kane, two men looking to right what are widely considered careers on the decline.

Booker T vs. Kane

Booker slams Kane. Big clothesline on Kane. 1 - 2 - kick out. Kane reverses a Booker T hammerlock. Big backdrop on Booker, executed well. Kane hits a right hand. Kane with a spinning neckbreaker on Booker. Booker powers out of a headlock. Massive backbreaker, Kane got planted. Kane can barely stand. Here it comes - Book End. 1....2...3, it's finished.

Overall Rating: 63%
Crowd Reaction: 58%
Match Quality: 68%

The PPV proper begins with a ten-man tag featuring the superstars of RAW, with Rob Van Dam's team of ECW alumni taking on William Regal's fivesome of the "class" of WWE.

Lance Storm, Nova, Rob Van Dam, Spike Dudley, and Tommy Dreamer vs. La Resistance, Test, and William Regal

Storm hits a massive spinning kick to the jaw. Grenier takes a flying neckbreaker from Lance Storm. Storm tags out to Spike Dudley. Weak headbutt on Grenier by Spike. Spike tags out to Tommy Dreamer. Big piledriver on Grenier. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. Tag to Spike Dudley. Lame kick from Spike. Tag to Rob Conway. Spike Dudley hits Conway with some amateur blows. Tag to Nova. Spike \ Nova whip Conway into the corner. Spike Dudley whips Nova in for a hard clothesline to follow-up. Conway takes a rana from Nova. 1 - 2 - kick out. Tag between Nova and Rob Van Dam. RVD hits a dropkick on Rob Conway. Spinning bulldog in the corner, Conway is down. Tag between Rob Van Dam and Lance Storm. Vicious kick to the teeth from Lance Storm. 1 - 2 - almost a 3. Conway blocks a kick from Lance Storm. Tag to Rene Dupree. Rene Dupree hits a right hand on Lance Storm. Powerslam from Rene Dupree on Storm. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. Dupree tags out to Test. Dupree \ Test whip Storm into the ropes and hit a double backdrop. 1 - 2 - no 3 though. Test DDTs Spike Dudley. 1 - 2 - almost a 3. Tag between Test and William Regal. Regal drives a thrust kick into the chest of Spike. Spike walks into a jaw breaker. Regal tags out to Test. Test \ Regal whip Spike into the ropes and hit a double backdrop. Spike counters a backdrop with a kick to the face. Test takes a vertical suplex. Tag to Rob Van Dam. Spinning kicky move by RVD on Test. Test fights out of a grapple. Tag to Rene Dupree. Test scoops up RVD. Dupree bounces off the ropes and hits a flying Hart Attack clothesline. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. RVD counters a sleeper hold by turning it into a jaw breaker. Flying move by Rob Van Dam...no idea what the name of that move is, so let's call it a Lighting Smash Of Impending Danger. Rob Van Dam floors Rene Dupree...and climbs the turnbuckles. Through the air, Five Star Frog Splash! 1....2....3.

Overall Rating: 70%
Crowd Reaction: 66%
Match Quality: 74%

One of the most brutal rivalries over the last couple of months has been that between Rico and the animal Batista. Batista accused Rico of "just collecting a paycheck" and vowed to take him out of WWE, but Rico has turned his career around and looks poised to jump into the upper echelon of the WWE roster.

Big kick on Batista by Rico. Batista ducks a clothesline attempt. Weak headbutt on Rico by Batista. Rico reverses an irish whip...and Batista runs into the referee. Hah, die referee scum! Batista DDTs Rico. Hooks the leg, but the referee is still out. Batista misses a clothesline. Legsweep. There's probably a Japanese name for that....like Golden Dragon Nuclear Spike....that'll do, i'll call it that from now on. Rico crushes Batista with a running butt smash...nothing says 'killer move' like driving your ass into someone else's face. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. DDT from the top rope by Rico....holy crap, that was sweet. 1 - 2 - kick out before the 3. Batista, like so many teenage boys, uses a right hand. Except in this case, it's for a punch. Batista DDTs Rico. 1 - 2 - 2.999 Rico powers out of a Batista headlock. Batista is in trouble. Here it comes - Spinning Leg Lariat. 1....2...3, it's finished. Rico is still in the ring celebrating. Batista pushes the referee away. Batista spins Rico around. Batista hits the Batista Bomb!

Overall Rating: 80%
Crowd Reaction: 85%
Match Quality: 69%

The World's Greatest Tag Team have been on a roll lately, with both Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas breaking through into the top part of the SmackDown! card. Since winning the gold, they've been unbeatable, but tonight they face two tag teams made up of top-tier stars looking to knock them off their perch.

WWE Tag Team Title Triple Threat Match - World's Greatest Tag Team (c) vs. Edge & Rey Mysterio vs. Big Show & Undertaker

Big forearm by Shelton Benjamin, and it's BONZO GONZO....or something like that. Big clothesline on Show. Tag between Shelton Benjamin and Edge. Big backdrop on Show, executed well. 1 - 2 - no 3 though. Big Show, like so many teenage boys, uses a right hand. Except in this case, it's for a punch. Tag between Big Show and Undertaker. Undertaker and Show whip Edge into the ropes and hit a double backdrop. Tag between Edge and Rey Mysterio. Dropkick connects...Undertaker goes down like a skanky hooker. Weird kick by Rey on Undertaker. Tag to Charlie Haas. Rey uses a basement dropkick to the knee. Charlie Haas takes the advantage with a punch to the face. Rey Mysterio gets knocked to the ground by Haas. Here it comes...Haas Of Pain! Rey Mysterio taps!

Overall Rating: 79%
Crowd Reaction: 82%
Match Quality: 75%

RAW's midcard has been dominated for weeks by the rivalry between Hurricane and Matt Hardy for Hardy's Intercontinental Title as well as the one between the Dudley Boyz and Vitamin C, hoping to take the Dudleyz' World Tag Team Titles. Tonight, both rivalries come to a head with a six-man tag-team war!

Dudley Boyz & Hurricane vs. Matt Hardy Version 1.0 & Vitamin C

Spinny weird kick from Hurricane. Matt takes a flying neckbreaker from Hurricane. Hurricane tags out to D-Von Dudley. Matt Hardy Version 1.0 takes a right hand to the temple from D-Von. D-Von Dudley hits a bulldog off the ropes. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. Tag to Bubba Ray Dudley. Dudley Boyz whip Matt into the corner. D-Von Dudley whips Bubba Ray Dudley in for a hard clothesline to follow-up. Running knee lift from Bubba Ray Dudley. Matt blocks a kick from Bubba Ray Dudley. Flying elbow from Matt Hardy Version 1.0. Matt tags out to Chris Jericho. Second rope flying axe handle, Bubba goes down. Slingshot flying butt move by Jericho, crushing the chest of Bubba. 1 - 2 - 2.999 Second rope flying axe handle, Bubba goes down. Tag between Chris Jericho and Christian. Bubba Ray Dudley walks into a stiff lariat clothesline from Christian. Christian drives a thrust kick into the chest of Bubba. Bubba blocks a kick from Christian. Tag between Bubba Ray Dudley and Hurricane. Running knee lift from Hurricane. Christian tags out to Matt Hardy Version 1.0. Standing kicky thing by Matt Hardy Version 1.0 on Hurricane. Hurricane counters a sleeper hold by turning it into a jaw breaker. Matt Hardy Version 1.0 can barely stand. Here it comes - Eye Of The Hurricane. 1....2...3, it's finished.

Overall Rating: 78%
Crowd Reaction: 79%
Match Quality: 79%

Twice in the last month, Chris Benoit and Billy Kidman have fought to a time-limit draw. Both men are aching to make that next step into the main-event scene of SmackDown!, and tonight they hope to do so at the expense of each other!

Chris Benoit vs. Billy Kidman

Kidman eats a suplex like a fat man eating a waffle. Man i could use a waffle right about now. Variation of the powerbomb by Chris Benoit, it probably has a cool name...but i don't know it. Let's call it a Moon Lion Driver, or some other weird ass name. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. Chris Benoit gets taken down out of nowhere. Benoit walks into a high dropkick from Billy Kidman. Legsweep. There's probably a Japanese name for that....like Golden Dragon Nuclear Spike....that'll do, i'll call it that from now on. 1 - 2 - kick out. DDT from the top rope by Billy Kidman....holy crap, that was sweet. 1 - 2 - almost a 3. Kidman uses a basement dropkick to the knee. Billy Kidman misses a clothesline. Reverse DDT into a backbreaker by Chris Benoit. 1 - 2 - no 3 though. Weird neckbreaker thing out of the corner from Chris Benoit...that was so brutal it should be outlawed. 1 - 2 - 2.999 Vertical suplex by Chris Benoit. Billy Kidman was really high...i can relate to that. Back suplex on Kidman. Kidman pushes out of a Chris Benoit hold. DDT by Billy Kidman. Cool looking suplex on Benoit. Chris Benoit gets knocked to the ground by Kidman, who is already climbing the turnbuckle. Through the air, Shooting Star Press! Eddie Guerrero quickly comes running down the aisle and into the ring! Billy Kidman turns around. Eddie Guerrero slams Kidman down. Eddie Guerrero climbs to the top rope and hits the Frog Splash! The referee calls for the DQ because of the interference of Eddie! Benoit \ Eddie are beating down on Billy Kidman! The music of Sean O'Haire hits, and he comes running down the aisle into the ring. Benoit and Eddie bail out of the ring, leaving Billy Kidman down in the ring. Sean O'Haire may have saved Billy Kidman from a brutal beating.

Overall Rating: 73%
Crowd Reaction: 72%
Match Quality: 75%

Chavo Guerrero has vowed for weeks that he belongs in the conversation as one of the top stars in World Wrestling Entertainment, and he has set his sights on the greatest wrestler in the world, Kurt Angle. If Chavo can pick up a clean win over the Olympic Gold Medalist, there can be no denying his spot.

Kurt Angle vs. Chavo Guerrero

Vertical suplex by Kurt Angle. Chavo Guerrero was really high...i can relate to that. Slam on Chavo. 1 - 2 - kick out. Chavo Guerrero fights out of a grapple. Kick from Chavo Guerrero...to the leg! Oh the humanity! Hard back suplex on Angle. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. DDT from the top rope by Chavo Guerrero....holy crap, that was sweet. 1 - 2 - almost a 3. DDT by Chavo Guerrero. Angle reverses a Chavo Guerrero hammerlock. Face-first slam from Angle on Chavo. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. Kurt Angle scores with a killer spinebuster. That HAD to hurt. 1 - 2 - almost a 3. Back elbow connects, Chavo staggers backward. Angle hits a right hand. Angle drops an elbow...but misses...HAH. DDT by Chavo Guerrero. Springboard dropkick from Chavo Guerrero...that looked pretty cool. Chavo Guerrero drives Kurt Angle into the corner. Swinging DDT, forget about it. 1....2...3!

Overall Rating: 84%
Crowd Reaction: 90%
Match Quality: 73%

Sean O'Haire defeated his rival Chris Benoit a few weeks ago to earn a shot tonight at Eddie Guerrero's United States Title. Both men have other rivalries on their minds, but they'll have to bring their focus to each other tonight, because the title is on the line!

United States Title Match - Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. Sean O'Haire

Eddie gets slammed. Sean O'Haire fires off some right and left hands. Thrown slam by Sean O'Haire. Back elbow connects, Eddie staggers backward. Sean O'Haire misses a big legdrop and lands ASS-FIRST on the mat. Kick by Eddie Guerrero...to the facial regions. Break that nose! Yeah! O'Haire takes a rana from Eddie Guerrero. 1 - 2 - no 3 though. Sean O'Haire, like so many teenage boys, uses a right hand. Except in this case, it's for a punch. O'Haire hits a piledriver on Eddie Guerrero. 1 - 2 - shoulder up. Spear! Eddie is down. 1 - 2 - 2.999 Eddie Guerrero takes the advantage with a punch to the face. Spinny weird kick from Eddie Guerrero. Eddie walks into a trip. O'Haire slams Eddie Guerrero down. Billy Kidman comes running down the aisle with a chair! O'Haire whips Eddie Guerrero into the ropes. Kidman jumps onto the apron with the chair! Collision between Kidman, Eddie, and the chair! Eddie Guerrero staggers back into a roll up! 1...2...3! It's over! O'Haire and Kidman are beating the hell out of Eddie Guerrero! Chris Benoit sprints down the aisle and slides into the ring! He goes toe-to-toe with Sean O'Haire, exchanging punches, while Eddie Guerrero comes back, sending Kidman out of the ring with a clothesline. Benoit \ Eddie have cleared the ring, driving off O'Haire and Kidman!

Overall Rating: 82%
Crowd Reaction: 87%
Match Quality: 72%

And now it's time for the main event! At WrestleMania XX in just two weeks, John Cena and Shawn Michaels will hope to wrest the top titles in the industry from Brock Lesnar and The Rock, respectively. Tonight, the two Mania main events clash in a tag-team match-up for the ages!

John Cena and The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar and Shawn Michaels

Chop hits Lesnar...that was stiffer than a 14 year old at a stripper convention. Rude Awakening on Brock Lesnar by Cena. 1 - 2 - kick out. Cena tags out to The Rock. John Cena scoops up Lesnar. Rock bounces off the ropes and hits a flying Hart Attack clothesline. 1 - 2 - kick out. Big backdrop on Lesnar, executed well. Lesnar counters an arm wringer with an elbow to the side of the head. The Rock gets nailed with a suplex. 1 - 2 - kick out. Tag to Shawn Michaels. Spinning bulldog in the corner, Rock is down. 1 - 2 - kick out before the 3. HBK uses a basement dropkick to the knee. The Rock ducks a Shawn Michaels clothesline. Running knee lift from The Rock. Rock tags out to John Cena. Cena slams Shawn Michaels. HBK tags out to Brock Lesnar. Big backdrop on Lesnar, executed well. Brock Lesnar is in trouble. F-U! 1....2....3. Cena \ Rock remain in the ring, celebrating their victory.

Overall Rating: 90%
Crowd Reaction: 94%
Match Quality: 82%

[loopydate]

World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms for the release of RAW Superstar Stacy Keibler and developmental talent Matt Cappotelli. We wish both superstars the best in their future endeavors.

[loopydate]

Thanks for actually reading these, Vito. I feel like I'm spamming this thread sometimes, since you and I are really the only ones who ever post here.

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by loopydate Thanks for actually reading these, Vito. I feel like I'm spamming this thread sometimes, since you and I are really the only ones who ever post here.

Yeah. I read them, really liking this game...looking forward to seeing WrestleMania and the draft.

Hopefully I can pick up one of my games soon...probably once I finish up school but I dunno.

[Impact!]

I've been reading them Loopy

[loopydate]

MARCH 14, 2004 - WRESTLEMANIA XX

It's the show 20 years in the making! Six title matches, eight huge feuds coming to an end, plus The Streak is on the line!

The night opens up with Undertaker defending his 11-match WrestleMania winning streak against RAW's Booker T and SmackDown!'s Rhyno, each of whom won a battle royal to earn their spot in this match.

Triple Threat Match - Booker T vs. Rhyno vs. Undertaker

Rhyno hits a right hand. Undertaker slams Rhyno. Booker T reverses a hip toss. Spinebuster by Booker T. Booker T hits a bulldog off the ropes. Hooks the leg for a two count. Massive lariat, apparently Undertaker has been watching The Best Of Stan Hansen again. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. Undertaker misses a clothesline. Booker hits a stump piledriver on Undertaker. Spear! Booker is down and hurt. Booker T can barely stand. Gore! 1....2....3. **1\2 rating. Perfectly Acceptable Wrestling.

Overall Rating: 68%
Crowd Reaction: 68%
Match Quality: 69%

One of the most personal rivalries in recent months has been between Rico and Batista. Both men have attacked each other verbally and physically, and the only way they can finally bury the hatchet is with a Hardcore Match where anything goes!

Hardcore Match - Rico vs. Batista

Lame kick from Batista. Batista uses a big bag of popcorn to floor Rico. Batista with a badly-executed spinning neckbreaker on Rico. Weak bodyslam on Rico by Batista. Rico fights out of a grapple. Batista takes a thrown chair to the face. Rico crushes Batista with a big legdrop. Hooks the leg for a two count. Batista comes up with a right hand out of nowhere. Powerslam from Batista on Rico. Hooks the leg for a two count. Batista turns Rico inside-out with a clothesline. Pin, but Rico is out just before the three count. Rico counters an arm wringer with an elbow to the side of the head. Rico scores with a back heel kick on Batista. Batista fights out of a grapple. Batista strikes Rico. Rico can barely stand. Batista Bomb! 1....2....3. Almost a *** rating, but there were some bits that dragged, so **3\4 instead.

Overall Rating: 78%
Crowd Reaction: 82%
Match Quality: 70%

Christian and Chris Jericho began teaming two months ago in an attempt to wrest the World Tag Team Titles away from the Dudley Boyz, who have had the belts since September. Tonight, the feud will end - one way or the other - in the Dudleyz' specialty, the Tables Match!

Tables Match for the World Tag Team Titles - Dudley Boyz (c) vs. Vitamin C

Hard impact russian legsweep by Christian. If you're going to get impact, 'hard' is probably a good way to go. D-Von walks into a face crusher variation. Vitamin C whip Bubba into the ropes and hit a double clothesline. Christian goes to slam D-Von through a table, but he manages to escape. Chris Jericho misses a clothesline. Weak bodyslam on Christian by D-Von. D-Von Dudley pulls Christian onto the table for a piledriver, but he uses a backdrop to survive. Brutal powerbomb on Jericho. D-Von climbs onto the table with Christian and uses a powerslam to break the table for the win! *** rating for a good bout.

Overall Rating: 86%
Crowd Reaction: 90%
Match Quality: 77%

Matt Hardy and Hurricane have been tearing up the RAW midcard for months with their exciting one-on-one encounters and since Hardy won the Intercontinental Title at Armageddon, Hurricane has made it his mission to win that belt. Tonight, it's hanging from the rafters as the hated rivals end their feud with a Ladder Match!

Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title - Hurricane vs. Matt Hardy Version 1.0 (c)

Dropkick from the middle of the ladder by Matt. Flying cross body off the top rope! I'll give a 0.8 on the Steamboat scale for that effort. Hurricane pushes out of a Matt Hardy Version 1.0 hold. Spinning back kick from Hurricane. Hurricane hits a dropkick on Matt Hardy Version 1.0. HBK-style splash from the top of the ladder! Flying shoulder tackle by Hurricane sends Matt to the mat. Matt Hardy Version 1.0 powers out of a Hurricane headlock. Super frankensteiner on Hurricane, who hit hard. Tiger suplex on Hurricane, right from out of the Misawa playbook. Matt Hardy Version 1.0 hits a rolling kick on Hurricane. Matt hits a face jam on Hurricane onto the ladder. Hurricane powers out of a headlock. Matt takes a flying neckbreaker from Hurricane. Death valley driver by Hurricane, Matt Hardy Version 1.0 is down and hurt. They both begin to climb the ladder. Once they reach the top, an exchange of punches starts! Hurricane grabs Matt...and sends him crashing to the canvas! Hurricane grabs the prize for the victory. Hurricane extends his hand to Matt...and it is accepted! They shake! Almost a ***** match...but it was missing something, so it only gets a ****1\2.

Overall Rating: 93%
Crowd Reaction: 89%
Match Quality: 97%

Ever since Eddie Guerrero won the Cruiserweight Title from Billy Kidman, Kidman has been a man possessed trying to take it back. After costing Guerrero the United States Title to Sean O'Haire at No Way Out, Eddie has taken what began as a professional rivalry persona. Tonight, Eddie is putting the title on the line against Kidman one last time.

Cruiserweight Title Match - Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. Billy Kidman

Eddie Guerrero hits a rolling kick on Kidman. Flying cross body off the top rope! I'll give a 0.8 on the Steamboat scale for that effort. Hooks the leg for a two count. Eddie Guerrero misses a clothesline. Standing leg lariat by Billy Kidman on Eddie. Second rope flying axe handle, Eddie goes down. There's a two count on the pin. Diamond Dust from Billy Kidman, Eddie is out. Hooks the leg for a close fall. Billy Kidman hits a rolling kick on Eddie. Kidman drops an elbow...but misses. Fate can be so cruel. Eddie crushes Kidman with a big legdrop. Hooks the leg for a two count. Vicious kick to the teeth from Eddie Guerrero. Pin, but Kidman is out just before the three count. Hard back suplex on Kidman. Anyone remember when that was Shawn Michaels's finisher? Standing leg lariat by Eddie Guerrero on Kidman. Billy Kidman pulls a mule kick out of nowhere. Eddie takes a flying neckbreaker from Billy Kidman. Tiger suplex on Eddie, right from out of the Misawa playbook. Eddie Guerrero gets knocked to the ground by Kidman, who is already climbing the turnbuckle. Off the top - Shooting Star Press, forget about it. 1....2...3! *** rating, as it was good, but nothing too special.

Overall Rating: 79%
Crowd Reaction: 81%
Match Quality: 87%

For months, Chavo Guerrero has said that he's going to prove that he belongs in the upper echelon of World Wrestling Entertainment, and he took a big step when he beat Kurt Angle last month at No Way Out. Angle is looking to get his win back tonight in a Submission Match.

Submission Match - Kurt Angle vs. Chavo Guerrero

Chavo gets caught with a belly to belly suplex from Angle. Fallaway slam by Kurt Angle. Big backdrop on Chavo, executed well. Chavo Guerrero reverses a hip toss. Flying reverse elbow by Chavo Guerrero. Kurt Angle avoids a Chavo Guerrero avalanche. Ring-shaking slam on Chavo. Kurt Angle scores with a killer spinebuster. Kurt Angle gets taken down out of nowhere. Chavo Guerrero strikes Angle. Chavo walks into a trip. Running knee lift from Kurt Angle. Kurt Angle has Chavo Guerrero down...and locks in the Angle Lock for the submission victory! Almost a *** rating, but there were some bits that dragged, so **3\4 instead.

Overall Rating: 80%
Crowd Reaction: 84%
Match Quality: 72%

Sean O'Haire has gotten to Chris Benoit. He's been inside his head for months, and Benoit looks to eb on the verge of a mental breakdown. Tonight, the rivals will go at it one last time in a Last Man Standing match!

Last Man Standing Match for the United States Title - Chris Benoit vs. Sean O'Haire (c)

Benoit gets slammed. Chair shot. Big backdrop on Benoit, executed well. Big clothesline on Benoit. O'Haire walks into a trip. Gutwrench powerbomb through a table on O'Haire. Tiger bomb by Chris Benoit, executed perfectly. The referee counts: 2....3...4....but O'Haire stands up. O'Haire kicks Chris Benoit in the gut to reverse the momentum. Massive backbreaker, Benoit got planted. Early reports indicate that the back was *not* actually broken, so the move's name should actually be backhurter. The referee is counting: 5....6....Chris Benoit is back up. Sean O'Haire scores with a big spinebuster. The referee gets to a seven count....and Chris Benoit gets back up. Benoit counters an arm wringer with an elbow to the side of the head. O'Haire takes a back suplex. Sean O'Haire powers out of a Chris Benoit headlock. Back elbow connects, Benoit staggers backward. Chris Benoit can barely stand. Prophecy! The referee counts to 10, this match is over! I'll give this a ***1\4 rating.

Overall Rating: 87%
Crowd Reaction: 91%
Match Quality: 78%

After winning the Royal Rumble, Shawn Michaels turned his back on the people, which angered the People's Champion, the World Champion The Rock. Tonight, these two men will battle it out in a match that Michaels made famous eight years ago - an Iron Man Match!

Iron Man Match for the World Title - The Rock (c) vs. Shawn Michaels

FIRST FALL: Big backdrop on HBK, executed well. Spear by The Rock. Cover for a two count. HBK drops out the back of a The Rock bodyslam attempt. Stiff high kick on Rock by Shawn Michaels who has evidently been watching some old AJPW tapes recently. Flying elbow from Shawn Michaels. There's a two count on the pin. DDT from the top rope by Shawn Michaels. That looked brutal. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. Legsweep out of Nowhere. Where is Nowhere, and why do moves keep coming out of there? Does it have a factory? Rock reverses a Shawn Michaels hammerlock. Massive backbreaker, HBK got planted. Early reports indicate that the back was *not* actually broken, so the move's name should actually be backhurter. Hooks the leg for a two count. Lifting DDT by The Rock, looked good. Cover, but there's a last second kick-out. Back elbow connects, HBK staggers backward. Stiff chop lights up HBK. HBK blocks a kick from The Rock. HBK hits a dropkick on The Rock. DDT from the top rope by Shawn Michaels. That looked brutal. Cover gets three. Shawn Michaels pinned Rock. SECOND FALL: Shawn Michaels hits some punches. Shawn Michaels strikes Rock. Big backdrop on Rock, executed well. Legsweep out of Nowhere. Where is Nowhere, and why do moves keep coming out of there? Does it have a factory? Rock powers out of a headlock. The Rock with a spinning neckbreaker on HBK. Spear by The Rock. There's a two count on the pin. HBK counters a sleeper hold by turning it into a jaw breaker. Vicious lightning kick by HBK on Rock. Cover for a two count. Death valley driver by Shawn Michaels, The Rock got planted. Pin, but Rock is out just before the three count. HBK only gets knees on a splash. Full nelson slam on HBK. Cover gets three. The Rock pinned HBK. THIRD FALL: HBK hits a wicked chop that echoes through the building. The Rock avoids a Shawn Michaels avalanche. Rock bodyslams Shawn Michaels. The referee bumps after catching a wild right hand and is down. The Rock scores with a big spinebuster. Pinfall attempt, but the ref is conveniently laid out. Shawn Michaels elbows The Rock in the face to break a hammerlock. Rock takes a flying neckbreaker from Shawn Michaels. HBK crushes Rock with a running senton. Hooks the leg for a two count. Death valley driver by Shawn Michaels, The Rock got planted. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. The Rock powers out of a Shawn Michaels headlock. Rock hits a stump piledriver on Shawn Michaels. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. Shawn Michaels elbows The Rock in the face to break a hammerlock. The Rock can barely stand. Here it comes - Sweet Chin Music. 1....2...3, it's finished. END OF BOUT. The Rock offers a handshake to HBK...and he accepts it! **1\2 rating for a decent contest.

Overall Rating: 80%
Crowd Reaction: 89%
Match Quality: 62%

And it's now time for our main event, one of the most anticipated in recent memory. John Cena earned this shot by winning an all-night gauntlet in January, and since then the two men have not wasted an opportunity to tear the other apart. Tonight, Cena finally gets his shot at the WWE Title against Brock Lesnar, a man who has been unstoppable since winning the belt over six months ago!

WWE Title Match - John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (c)

Cena hits a right hand. John Cena fires off some right and left hands. Big backdrop on Lesnar, executed well. Fallaway slam by John Cena. Brock Lesnar takes the advantage after a i-block-your-punch-you-don't-block-mine routine. Flying shoulder tackle by Lesnar sends Cena to the mat. Massive backbreaker, Cena got planted. Early reports indicate that the back was *not* actually broken, so the move's name should actually be backhurter. Hooks the leg for a two count. Cena backdrops Brock Lesnar out of a piledriver attempt. Nice piledriver on Lesnar. There's a two count on the pin. Massive lariat, apparently Cena has been watching The Best Of Stan Hansen again. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. Lesnar counters a backdrop attempt with a kick to the face. Cena takes a headbutt from Brock Lesnar. John Cena comes up with a right hand out of nowhere. Back elbow connects, Lesnar staggers backward. Brock Lesnar can barely stand. Here it comes - F-U. 1....2...3, it's finished. John Cena remains in the ring, celebrating the victory. This one gets a ***1\4 rating, it was a good bout.

Overall Rating: 93%
Crowd Reaction: 100%
Match Quality: 79%

[Evil Vito]

Nice show loopy. Cena as champ BEFORE he became Super Cena.

[loopydate]

I've pretty much figured out how I'm dividing the rosters, but I haven't quite figured out all the matches to do it yet. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the draft shows up. Definitely going to be some major changes on both brands.

[Evil Vito]

Yeah, I definitely think that when I get back into EWR, it will be my tri-branded WWE game.

I just took a look at the roster and I presently have 169 guys under contract Loads of people ready come out of development...gonna have to cut some people that want out of OVW/FCW but clearly aren't ready yet.

I'll also re-post the rosters for my WWE, WCW, and ECW brands once I get around to it.

[Evil Vito]

Really glad to see O'Haire getting the chance to shine on Raw.

Let's see then...The Dudley Boyz and The Hurricane to SmackDown are pretty much givens to even up the rosters. I could see The Rock headed to SmackDown as well. John Layfield and/or Rhyno to Raw maybe?

I'm not sure...eager to see where this is headed.

[Evil Vito]

Nice swerve ending there with the splitting up of all four teams.

[Evil Vito]

Natural Born Thrillers!!! *marks out*

[jaycool2k]

http://laststandwrestling.fwrestling.com/

Myself and a friend are going to start up a new E-Fed, i'm still young at heart, so if you have a few hours of nothing to do, and like a good roleplay. Come have a look.

[The Mackem]

Haven't seen that name in a long time.

[loopydate]

APRIL 1, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!
April 2004 kicks off with a bang, as we creep closer and closer to Backlash. Tonight, a huge tag-team main event has been signed, pitting WWE Champion John Cena and The Rock against Brock Lesnar and Matt Hardy Version 1.0! Plus, the Cruiserweight Title Series continues with two more matches and much more!

We kick off the night with the return of Funaki! Indeed! He teams with Matt Morgan against Akio and Mark Henry. Akio chops Funaki, then hits a legsweep for two. Tag to Henry for a follow-up clothesline in the corner for two. Henry powerslams Funaki, but Funaki answers with a superkick for two. Tag to Morgan for a double axehandle that gets two. Big kick, but Henry ducks a clothesline and hits one of his own. Tag to Akio, who strikes Morgan. Tag to Funaki, but Akio hits him with a flying axe handle off the second rope to set up Hang Time for the win.

Up next is an eight-man tag team match pitting Intercontinental Champion Hurricane's team of cruiserweights (Paul London, Scotty 2 Hotty, and Ultimo Dragon) against John Layfield and a trio of SD newcomers (Batista, Boss Man, and Test). London hits Test with a leg lariat, then a dropkick. Tag to Dragon, who hits a wicked chop. Test tags in Layfield, and Dragon hits him with a dropkick. Tag to Scotty for a double backdrop. Scotty hits a running senton for two. Tag to Hurricane for a dorpkick and a flying cross body. Tag to London, who hits a springboard dropkick for two. London tries an avalanche, but Layfield gets his boot up, and tags in Batista. Spinning neckbreaker from the animal, then a powerslam for two. Tag to Boss Man for a double clothesline for two. Boss Man hits a spinebuster for two, but takes a flying axe handle off the second rope. Tag to Hurricane, who hits a flying reverse elbow. Tag to Batista for a double suplex. Batista hits a massive clothesline to set up a Batista Bomb for the win. Batista has pinned the Intercontinental Champion!

Matt Hardy is backstage, and he cuts a promo about his upcoming title match against John Cena. He talks about how for his entire career, Matt has always been considered second-rate. He was the Marty Jannetty to his brother's Shawn Michaels, the Jim Neidhart to Jeff's Bret Hart. But SmackDown! presents a new opportunity. A chance for the world to see that Matt Hardy is and always was the best Hardy, and absolutely deserving of your adoration. And keeping with this new opportunity, this is the beginning of a new era. We are all witnessing the launch of Matt Hardy Version 2.0!

Up next is a triple-threat tag team match for a shot at the Dudley Boyz next week. It's the Basham Brothers against Jamie Noble and Shannon Moore against the brand-new team of Billy Gunn and Chris Kanyon, the Metro Connection. Danny hits Noble with a running knee lift, then a slam. Tag to Doug, who hits a fallaway slam, then a piledriver. Danny tags back in for a double elbow for two. Noble tags in Moore, who hits a flying neckbreaker for two. Danny tags in Kanyon, who fires off some punches until Moore tags Doug back in. Kanyon hits a full nelson slam, then tags in Gunn for a side suplex for two. Doug tags Moore back in, who hits a running senton for two. Gunn tags in Kanyon, who hits a spinebuster, then I'm Betta Than You for the win! The Metro Connection have earned a shot next week!

It's old-school ECW style cruiserweight action next as Nova takes on Nunzio. Nunzio hits a butterfly suplex then a tigerbomb for two. They trade punches, then Nova hits a spinning back kick and a back suplex for two. Nova hits a powerdrive elbow for two, then a rolling kick. Nunzio dodges an avalanche and hits a Doctor Bomb for two. Enzuigiri for two. Nunzio hits a high angle back suplex, then a tiger suplex. Nova hits a back suplex of his own, then a kick to the teeth to set up the Spin Doctor for the win.

Six-man tag action is up next as all three Dudley Boyz take on Carlito and new RAW superstars Christian and Chris Nowinski. Christian hits Spike with a back suplex, then another from a higher angle. Tag to Nowinski, who hits strikes and a clothesline for two before tagging in Carlito for a double clothesline. Carlito chops Spike, but Spike responds with a strike of his own, then tags in Bubba, who backdrops and powerbombs Carlito for two. Back elbow from Bubba, then a tag to D-Von, who hits strikes and a slam. Carlito tags Christian back in, who kicks D-Von in the chest. Tag to Spike, who hits a right hand and a double axehandle. Then, out of nowhere, he pulls of a Dudley Dogg for the win!

The Cruiserweight Title Series continues next as the 0-1 Chavo Guerrero takes on Rey Mysterio in Mysterio's first Series match. Rey hits a high dropkick, then a strike, then a rolling kick and a flying axe handle off the second rope to continue his assault. Chavo hits a dropkick to the knee, then a spinning bulldog for two. Rey hits a right hand and a superkick for two. Kick to the face for two more. Rey goes for a piledriver, but Chavo backdrops him and hits strikes, but Rey counters a sleeper into a jawbreaker, then a flying elbow to set up the West Coast Pop for the win. After the match, Chavo again shakes hands with the victor. Has Chavo turned over a new leaf?

Our next Series match pits Eddie Guerrero (who last week beat Chavo to go up 1-0) against Tajiri (who lost to Christian and is now 0-1). Eddie strikes Tajiri, but Tajiri gets up a boot on an avalanche attempt and hits a wicket chop and a back heel kick off the second rope for two. Tajiri misses a legdrop and gets his leg swept. Eddie hits a super Frankensteiner for two. Tornado DDT for two. Tajiri hits a spinning bulldog for a long two, but Eddie fights back and is headed for the top rope, but Billy Kidman hits the ring! The man who beat Eddie for the Cruiserweight Title (only to have it stripped due to backstage issues), tosses Eddie off the top rope and hits him with a Shooting Star Press! The referee has called for the bell, and Tajiri and Kidman continue to pummel him. Suddenly, Chavo Guerrero comes racing down the aisle and chases them off, saving his uncle. Los Guerreros have reunited!

Kidman has his first match back since being suspended after WrestleMania as he takes on Rico. Kidman hits a back suplex and a spinning bulldog for two. Rico kicks Kidman's leg, then sweeps it for two. Rico hits a back heel kick off the second rope for two, then a spin kick to the face, but Kidman gets a foot up on an avalanche attempt. Kidman goes up top and hits a flying cross body for two. Powerdrive elbow for two. Spin kick to the face, then strikes, but Rico hits a DDT and a kick to the teeth to set up a spinning leg lariat for the win.

Backstage, Los Guerreros are caught on camera joking around and having a good time. It's good to see these two back together, and we can only imagine what this is going to mean for the World Tag Team Title picture! Not to mention, what happens if one of them wins the Cruiserweight Title Series?

And now for our main event of the evening! Cena and Lesnar start the match, and the crowd is going nuts after the match they put on at WrestleMania XX. Cena hits a neckbreaker and a piledriver for two, then tags in The Rock for a double backdrop. Rock hits a back elbow for two. Rock slams Lesnar and sets up for the People's Elbow, but Lesnar rolls out of the way. Northern Lights Bomb from Lesnar, then a tag to Hardy, who hits a rolling kick and a spinning bulldog. Rock comes up with a punch, then tags in Cena, who piledrives and powerbombs his Backlash opponent for two. Cena continues to punish Matt until Matt backdrops out of a piledriver attempt and hits a flying crossbody to set up the Twist of Fate! Matt Hardy has pinned the WWE Champion! After the match, the four men continue to brawl up the ramp and out of sight as SmackDown! goes off the air!

[loopydate]

APRIL 8, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

Two big title matches signed for tonight, plus we'll hear from the participants in the WWE Title match at Backlash, as well as The Rock and Brock Lesnar, all leading to a Rock/Matt Hardy main event!

But first, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley have been unstoppable since winning the World Tag Team titles in September, and tonight they defend their belts against the new team of Billy Gunn and Chris Kanyon, the Metro Connection! The champs isolate Kanyon early until the Innovator of Offense manages to pull off a full nelson slam on Bubba to tag in Gunn. Both teams utilize quick tags to keep the fresh man in the match. D-Von sends Kanyon into the corner, then charges in after him, but the referee gets pulled into D-Von's path and eats a clothesline. He DQs the Metro Connection, who start to walk off until the champs chase them down and fight them all the way up the ramp and backstage.

The Champ is here! WWE Champion John Cena cuts a promo about Matt Hardy Version 2.0. Matt may have upgraded his system, but Thuganomics is the virus that's going to make him crash at Backlash. Word Life!

The Cruiserweight Division is on display next as former champion Billy Kidman takes on the red-hot Paul London. Lots of kicks and strikes early until London hits Kidman with his own Kidman Bomb for two. Both men then take to the air with cross bodies, tornado DDTs, and bulldogs. London tries to set Kidman up for a piledriver, but Kidman backdrops out of it and hits the Shooting Star Press for the win.

More cruiser action next as Rico takes on Tajiri. Tajiri dominates the start of the match with hard-hitting offense until Rico fights back with martial arts moves of his own. These two put on a stiff kick and chop contest with some punishing aerial maneuvers thrown in for good measure. In the end, Tajiri reverses a hip toss into a back suplex and takes Rico out with the Kick of Death for the win.

Up next, it's Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman, and Heyman's doing the talking. If The Rock wants to blame Heyman for costing him a shot at John Cena at Backlash, that's just fine. But it won't be Heyman that's looking across the ring at him in three weeks. It's going to be the most dominant force in professional wrestling, the next, the last, the only Big Thing Brock Lesnar!

Our second title match of the night pits the Intercontinental Champion Hurricane against the man who pinned him in an eight-man tag match last week, Ric Flair's animal Batista! Back-and-forth action to start until Hurricane manages to pull of a spinebuster, only to miss a legdrop to put Batista on offense. He controls most of the rest of the match until Hurricane snaps off a super Frankensteiner. But before he can capitalize, Ric Flair is up on the apron! Hurricane turns and falls victim to a blindside attack and the Batista Bomb! We have a new champion! After the match, Batista shakes hands with Flair. This has all gone according to plan.

Now it's time to hear from Cena's Backlash challenger. Matt Hardy Version 2.0 isn't afraid of the Thuganomics virus. Matt Hardy Version 2.0 isn't afraid of anything! He's scaled ladders, he's shattered tables, he's been obliterated by chairs, but he just keeps coming. Version 2.0 is crash-proof, and he'll prove it at Backlash.

Up next, it's Chavo Guerrero's third appearance in the Cruiserweight Title Series as he takes on Christian. Chavo has lost both matches and is essentially out of the running for the belt, but he can play spoiler to Christian's shot at the gold by picking up a win tonight. Lots of counter wrestling to start until Christian catches Chavo with a stun gun and his diving reverse DDT for two. Chavo manages to put up a valiant fight, but he falls victim to the Unprettier. Christian climbs to 2-0 and is sitting pretty heading into his match next week against Eddie Guerrero.

Speaking of Guerrero, his third match in the series is up next against Rey Mysterio. Eddie is also 2-0 in the Series and looking to essentially clinch a spot in the title match at Backlash with a win against his best friend Rey Mysterio. Rey takes to the air early, but makes a fundamental mistake trying to outwrestle Guerrero, and he pays for it. Eddie dominates for several minutes until Rey can again get some momentum going before he eats a high kick from Eddie. Rey manages to pull off a minor upset by trapping Eddie long enough to hit the West Coast Pop for the win! Now Rey is 2-0 and Eddie has dropped to 2-1! His match next week with Christian has become a must-win!

The Rock is the last star of our promo parade, cutting a short but sweet promo about Lesnar. The Rock knows that Paul Heyman isn't going to be across the ring from him at Backlash. And he knows what Lesnar is capable of. But that's not going to stop The Rock from checking Lesnar's monkey ass into the SmackDown! Hotel and whipping his candy ass all over The People's Ring!

Our main event of the evening pits The Rock against Matt Hardy Version 2.0! The match has barely started before the referee takes a bump. Rock hits Hardy with a spear, but there's no one to count. They continue to put on a hot match with no referee until Rock misses The People's Elbow. Suddenly, Lesnar is in the ring with a chair and lays out Rock! As the ref regains consciousness, Hardy hits the Twist of Fate for the win! After the match, John Cena hits the ring to go after Hardy, while Rock and Lesnar battle it out as SmackDown! goes off the air!

Next week, the Cruiserweight Title series continues as Eddie Guerrero takes on Christian and Rey Mysterio faces Tajiri. Plus, Hurricane is exercising his rematch clause to take on Batista for the Intercontinental Title! All that, plus more build-up to the two massive SmackDown! main events at Backlash, and you don't want to miss next week's show!

[loopydate]

APRIL 15, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

Last week's World Tag Team Title match between the Dudley Boyz and the Metro Connection ended with the champions retaining their gold via DQ. But, unsatisfied with the result, we kick off tonight with D-Von Dudley taking on Chris Kanyon! Lots of brawling in this one, and it's pretty much beneath both men, which is a disappointment. Kanyon picks up the win with I'm Betta Than You.

Right on the heels of that match, Kanyon's partner Billy Gunn takes on Bubba Ray Dudley. Bubba uses his strength early, but Billy fights back with quickness and superior technical acumen. Bubba fights back with big power moves (piledriver, powerbomb, fallaway slam, etc.), but Gunn picks up the win with the One and Only.

Backstage, new Intercontinental Champion Batista is warming up for his rematch against Hurricane when his manager, Ric Flair enters. Batista wants to know where Flair's been all day, and Flair confesses that he's been in meetings with the McMahon family. Batista likes where this is going. Does this mean title shots? Main event matches? Flair tells him he wishes it was that kind of good news. But he's been giving it a lot of thought, and he's decided that he's done with wrestling. In two weeks, when SmackDown! goes to Charlotte, he's officially retiring. He's been hanging on until he could find someone that he really believed in to carry on the Nature Boy's legacy, and he found it in Dave Batista. So good luck tonight, champ, because you've got big shoes to fill.

A shaken Batista heads to the ring for the match, and it looks like Flair's announcement has gotten to him until the bell rings and he goes right after Hurricane. But Hurricane uses his emotions against him and goes to work with some moves of his own until he eats a massive kick from the champion. Batista hits his spinebuster for a long two, then more power moves to set up the Batista Bomb for the win and the successful title defense.

Just ten days away from his big match with Brock Lesnar, The Rock faces a very tough challenge in the form of John Layfield. Layfield gets in a fair amount of offense, definitely making himself look like a credible threat, but Rock is just too much as he hits the Rock Bottom. But before he can go for the cover, Lesnar hits the ring and nails Rock with an F5! The official calls for the bell, but Lesnar continues the punishment, leaving Rock laying and needing assistance to return to the locker room.

Lesnar's match is up next as he takes on Rico. Rico gets some early offense in until Lesnar capitalizes on his power advantage with some high-impact moves. Lesnar actually lands a pretty sweet dropkick at one point, but trading kicks with Rico was a mistake. Eventually, though, Lesnar is just too strong for Rico and puts him away with the F5. After the match, The Rock returns to the ring for some revenge, hitting Lesnar with the Rock Bottom!

The Cruiserweight Title Series is up next as Rey Mysterio takes on Tajiri. These two put on an awesome match filled with back and forth action. Kicks, shining wizards, flying elbows, superkicks, and top-rope DDTs are flying everywhere as these two put on a clinic that ends with Mysterio catching Tajiri with the West Coast Pop for the win! Rey Mysterio now controls his own destiny. Win next week against Christian, and he's in the title match at Backlash!

Or, possibly, the next match could determine Mysterio's opponent. Chavo Guerrero and Tajiri have been eliminated from contention due to their 0-3 records, but the 2-1 Eddie Guerrero and 2-0 Christian are both still in the running. If Christian wins, he and Mysterio are guaranteed spots in the title match. If Eddie wins, he climbs to 3-1, which puts him in the title match if Rey also can beat Christian next week. Or possibly, if Eddie beats Christian tonight and Christian beats Rey next week, all three men will be 3-1, each with a win and a loss against one of the others, negating the tie-breaker and resulting in Stephanie McMahon needing to make a decision about the finals. Sound complicated? Well, it is.

So, anyway, Eddie Guerrero and Christian are up next, with all that nonsense hovering in the backs of their minds. Eddie starts off hot with a rolling kick and a flying cross body, but Christian fights back, and we've got a match on our hands! Christian uses suplexes to his advantage while Eddie uses his aerial offense. In the end, Christian whips Eddie off the ropes, but Tajiri has snuck down to ringside with a chair, and he slams it into Eddie's back, allowing Christian to capitalize with the Unprettier! After the match, Tajiri nails Eddie with the Kick of Death! As Eddie tries to drag himself up to his feet, Tajiri hits another! Referees and officials pour into the ring to try and separate them, but they keep their distance as Tajiri has them all scared. He lands a third Kick of Death on Eddie, then walks off as medics attend to Eddie, who isn't moving.

Stephanie McMahon appears on the TitanTron and makes it official. Next week's Rey Mysterio/Christian match doesn't need to happen, as the two will instead meet at Backlash for the vacant Cruiserweight Title!

Chavo Guerrero was warming up backstage and missed the entire segment, so it isn't until he hits the ring for his match with Matt Hardy Version 2.0 that he realizes what's happened. Hardy takes the brunt of his anger, as Chavo starts off with a big DDT and a legdrop. From there, the #1 contender to the WWE Title mounts some offense, and this turns into a four-star-rated match! They trade Tiger suplexes and high-flying tackles and axehandles until Matt finally catches Chavo with the Twist of Fate for the win. After the match, he turns around... right into a chair shot from John Cena! The champ has sent a message to Hardy! A bloodied Hardy is helped to the back.

Cena remains in the ring for tonight's main event against Billy Kidman. Kidman looks good in the match, but it's mostly all Cena, with the champ putting him away with the FU. After the match, Matt Hardy, forehead taped, comes to the ring, and lays out the champ with the Twist of Fate as SmackDown! goes off the air!

[loopydate]

APRIL 22, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

It's the last show before Backlash, and every superstar on the SmackDown! roster will be involved tonight!

An easy way to do that is to start things off with a twenty-man battle royal! The winner will earn an Intercontinental Title match next week on SmackDown! Doug Basham is the first man out, courtesy of John Layfield, followed by Ultimo Dragon eliminating Matt Morgan. Mark Henry is the next to go, thanks to Akio, then Shannon Moore eliminates Test and Danny Basham back-to-back. Paul London is the next victim, eliminated by Hurricane, while Nunzio takes out Jamie Noble. Shannon Moore continues to put on a good show, as he takes out Funaki. Nunzio eliminates Nova next, then Scotty 2 Hotty takes out Boss Man. Hurricane makes another elimination, taking out Carlito, followed by Nova taking out Chris Nowinski. Spike Dudley takes out Akio, only to get bundled out by Ultimo Dragon. Shannon Moore's run comes to an end, courtesy of Scotty 2 Hotty, but Nova capitalizes and dumps him out. We are down to the final four: Hurricane, John Layfield, Nova, and Ultimo Dragon! One of these men will go on to an Intercontinental Title match next week. Well, it won't be Nova, as Ultimo Dragon takes care of him, only to get taken out by Layfield. Hurricane turns right into a Clothesline From Hell, and John Layfield has earned a title shot next week!

Backstage, a limousine pulls up. We see a foot step out, then the camera tilts up to reveal... RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff?!?!? He heads off toward the arena as everyone is left wondering what he's doing here.

The ongoing rivalry between the Dudley Boyz and the Metro Connection continues next as D-Von Dudley takes on Billy Gunn. Gunn spends most of the match striking D-Von, while D-Von hits pretty sloppy power moves. In the end, Billy hits the Fameasser for the win to go 2-0 in singles matches against the champs.

Backstage, Christian cuts a brief promo about his Cruiserweight Title match this Sunday at Backlash against Rey Mysterio. Rey and Christian both tore through the Cruiserweight Title Series, to the point where they didn't even bother booking this week's match between them. Tonight, they'll be on opposite sides of the six-man main event, but in six days, Christian's walking out with the gold, 'cause that's how I roll.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell... Well it's a dud show! Yep, our woes continue as Bubba Ray Dudley takes on Chris Kanyon. Blah blah blah, fight fight fight. Kanyon hits I'm Betta Than You for the win.

Ric Flair cuts a promo on John Layfield about how - after Batista gets past Rico tonight - he's going to absolutely destroy Layfield in their Intercontinental Title match next week. The crowd is loving Flair, essentially turning him face one week before his retirement.

Last week, Tajiri absolutely destroyed Eddie Guerrero with a brutal series of Kicks of Death. Tonight, Eddie's nephew Chavo looks for revenge! These two wind up putting on an excellent wrestling match with both men getting in a lot of offense. 84% crowd rating, 87% match rating, but the dud show drags it down to a 76% overall. Just when Chavo looks ready to put Tajiri away, Billy Kidman hits the ring with a chair, hitting Chavo with it, allowing Tajiri to roll him up for the win. After the match, they go to work on Chavo with the chair until a badly beat-up Eddie Guerrero makes his way to the ring to chase them off and save his nephew.

Eddie asks for (and receives) the ringside microphone and issues a challenge for a tag match at Backlash - Los Guerreros versus Billy Kidman and Tajiri!

Now it's time for our Intercontinental Title match as Batista defends the belt against his former rival Rico. The winner must defend the gold next week against John Layfield. Just like the series of matches they put on leading up to WrestleMania, this one goes back and forth several times before Batista finally manages to put his opponent away with the Batista Bomb to retain the gold. After the match, he continues the punishment, pummeling Rico before walking off with the gold.

"I'm ba-ack! And better than ever..." Eric Bischoff makes his way to the ring, carrying the World Heavyweight Title. Fans are well aware of the recent backstage controversy surrounding that title and Shawn Michaels walking away after RAW. He enters the ring and grabs the microphone. "As I'm sure everyone has heard by now, RAW's World Champion has decided to take his ball and go home. And if that sounds familiar... well, that's because it is. This World Title has become an albatross. Triple H was our World Champion until he dropped it to The Rock. And he was never the same, and eventually he walked away from WWE. The Rock dropped the World Title to Michaels at WrestleMania XX, then jumped ship to SmackDown! And now Michaels himself has decided that he cares more about his own ego than he does about this title. So I am begging for a new outcome at Backlash. I am pleading for a champion who wants this belt and isn't going to turn into a freaking crybaby. So tonight, I am announcing that at Backlash, Kurt Angle still gets his shot at the World Title. And his opponent will be... Chris Jericho!" Bischoff walks off with the gold, and a new main event for Backlash!

And now for our main event, pitting WWE Champion John Cena, The Rock, and Rey Mysterio against their Backlash opponents Matt Hardy Version 2.0, Brock Lesnar, and Christian. Lots of quick tags all around, with there being a couple of direct Backlash previews (oddly enough, Cena and Hardy are never in the ring at the same time). Rock and Christian carry most of the match, but in the end, Rock puts Lesnar away with the Rock Bottom and the faces stand tall as SmackDown! goes off the air.

[loopydate]

APRIL 29, 2004 - SMACKDOWN!

The arena in Charlotte explodes as SmackDown! kicks off. Tonight, in front of his hometown fans, the legendary "Nature Boy" Ric Flair will officially announce his retirement. On top of that historic moment, three titles will be on the line, and the Chairman of the Board Vince McMahon is here for an announcement about the main event for Judgment Day!

The night kicks off with Flair's protege Batista hitting the ring for an Intercontinental Title defense against John Layfield, who won a battle royal last week to earn this shot. Batista controls the early going with strikes. Layfield gets in a seris of slams, but Batista is just too strong and athletic for Layfield, and one Batista Bomb later he walks away still the champion.

The Cruiserweight Division is on display next with an exciting four-way exhibition match pitting Chavo Guerrero against Paul London, Rico, and Ultimo Dragon! Tremendous action that involves mat wrestling and a ton of aerial acrobatics. The end comes with Rico and Chavo in the ring after Rico was tagged in by Dragon, and the referee trying to maintain order, missing Billy Kidman hitting the ring to hang Chavo out across the top rope. As Kidman turns around, he runs into a spinning leg lariat from Rico, who picks up the win.

"No chance! 'Cause that's what you've got..." Vince McMahon makes his way down the aisle with his usual swagger, although there's an unusual expression on his face. "Last week, at an untelevised show, my daughter the SmackDown! General Manager Stephanie McMahon severely injured her bicep and is undergoing surgery almost as we speak. As such, she's had to temporarily relinquish her status as the head of SmackDown!, a position I will be filling until she returns. That's why I'm out here tonight, to steer SmackDown! toward Judgment Day and beyond. In just over two weeks on pay-per-view, the WWE Title will be defended... in a fatal fourway match! John Cena will defend his title against his rival Matt Hardy Version 2.0, as well as arguably the two biggest stars in the industry today - The Rock and Brock Lesnar! The winner of that match will walk away WWE Champion, and the other three..." A broad smile crosses his face. "Will be entered into my latest act of brilliance. It has been three years since World Wrestling Entertainment last crowned a King of the Ring, but starting the night after Judgment Day on RAW, we will begin the 2004 King of the Ring tournament... with a twist. This year's winner will not only receive the ceremonial crown, robe, and scepter, but he will receive something much more valuable. The 2004 King of the Ring will receive a briefcase containing a contract for a shot at any title of their choosing, a contract they can cash in at an opportunity of their choosing any time until next year's King of the Ring is crowned! It's a little insurance... Money in the Bank, if you will!" As Vince walks off, Michael Cole, Tazz, and all the WWE fans are left in complete disbelief.

Our second title match is up next as the World Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz defend their titles against a team who has been a thorn in their sides for weeks - the Metro Connection! The Metros double-team Bubba early until D-Von can tag in. The heels eventually again regain the advantage, showing remarkable continuity for such a new team. In the end, Kanyon winds up catching Bubba Ray with a low blow that the referee misses, allowing him to roll Bubba up for the win. We have new champions! After the match, the Dudleyz chase the heels off, but Metro Connection have ended the eight-month long reign of the Dudley Boyz as World Tag Team Champions!

The rivalry pitting Los Guerreros against Billy Kidman and Tajiri has produced some incredible matches over the last several weeks, and the latest chapter is written tonight as Eddie Guerrero takes on the Japanese buzzsaw Tajiri. These two put on an absolute clinic that has the crowd on their feet almost from start to finish. For the second straight match, the referee misses a low blow, allowing Tajiri to roll up Guerrero for the cheap pinfall. After the match, the two rivals brawl all the way up the ramp and backstage.

The cameras follow them past the Gorilla position, and as they fight their way toward Catering, an army of officials and referees separate them. An incensed Eddie challenges Tajiri to a rematch at Judgment Day, a match the Buzzsaw accepts!

Two of the biggest acquisitions made by SmackDown! during March's Draft were additions to the Cruiserweight Division in the form of Hurricane and Christian. Tonight, these two stars on the rise go head-to-head! For the second straight match, aerial offense and technical expertise bring the house down, but this one has a clean ending, with Christian catching Hurricane with the Unprettier for the win.

The Cruiserweight Title is on the line tonight in our final title match as Rey Mysterio faces former champion Billy Kidman. These two put on the match of the night and one of the best of the year. The former tag-team partners know each other's every move, and it shows as reversals abound. Kidman looked to have the title won after a superkick, but his Shooting Star Press catches Rey's knees, allowing Rey to hit the West Coast Pop for the victory.

"Thus Spoke Zarathustra" hits the speakers, and the crowd comes absolutely unglued as the greatest wrestler in the history of the industry, the Nature Boy Ric Flair comes to the ring. It takes several minutes for the crowd to quiet down long enough for him to begin his farewell address. He can't even speak, because he's so overcome with emotion. Fortunately, the production crew quickly gets a video montage of Flair's greatest moments on the TitanTron. This just chokes up Flair even more, and the crowd is loving this moment. Just as Flair is about to speak, Batista hits the ring and takes the microphone. "Ric, I think I speak for everyone in this arena when I say 'Thank you.' Thank you for showing two generations of wrestling fans how this business is supposed to be. And thank you for all your guidance. I wouldn't be in the position I'm in now if it weren't for you leading me down the road to success, showing me how to style and profile like you. So that's why..." Inexplicably, Batista kicks Flair in the midsection and nails him with a brutal Batista Bomb! What the hell, Tazz?!?!?!? He grabs the mic again. "That's why I have to put you out of your misery! You showed me that this business is about more than just coming out here and collecting a paycheck. It's about seeing opportunity and taking it! And with you still floating around here and soaking up these people's adoration, all it does is close doors for the rest of us who are trying to be you. If you come out here and walk off with your head high, who benefits from that except you? Ric, you taught me what it meant to be the Nature Boy, and from here on out, you'd better believe that Dave Batista... WOOOOOOOOO!" He breaks into an awkward version of Flair's strut, then clamps on the Figure-Four Leglock! Flair is in absolute agony. Batista continues the pressure until officials, security, and a handful of workers from the back come out to pry Batista off of Flair. Flair is an absolute wreck, and Batista is a wild man.

When we come back from break, they've finally cleared the ring for the first half of our double main event. It's two of the participants in Judgment Day's main event - The Rock vs. Matt Hardy! Hardy goes after the People's Champion early with martial arts kicks and high flying, but The Rock's power gives him ontrol that he maintains through most of the match. Matt manages to fight back with more aerial offense, but The Rock manages to put him away with the Rock Bottom for the win.

And now for the main event, it's a rematch from WrestleMania XX pitting WWE Champion John Cena against the man he beat for that title, Brock Lesnar! These two put on a match that is very near the equal of their Mania epic, but it ends the same, with Cena picking up the duke with the F-U!

[Impeccable]

Stand by folks...my original fed creation is incoming...all characters original...no real lifers!

[Evil Vito]

LOL the Metro Connection. I love it. Gives Kanyon something to do too.

[loopydate]

APRIL 25, 2004 - BACKLASH

Five titles will be on the line tonight, and we're guaranteed at least two new champions as both the vacant World and Cruiserweight Titles will be on the line!

The night kicks off with a match a month in the making. Rhyno won a triple-threat match at WrestleMania XX, ending Undertaker's undefeated WM streak. Since then, Undertaker's new Ministry has taken every opportunity to attack Rhyno, culminating in tonight's one-on-one opener.

Rhyno vs. Kane

Kane bodyslams Rhyno. Rhyno blocks a kick from Kane. Rhyno hits a bulldog off the ropes. Rhyno scores with a standing spinebuster. Lance Cade comes running down the aisle with a chair! Kane and Rhyno continue fighting, unaware of the intrusion. Lance Cade slides in and prepares to swing the chair...but Rhyno moves! Cade accidentally blasts Kane with a chair to the head! Rhyno throws Cade out of the ring! Kane is in trouble. Gore!!! That shook the ring. 1....2....3!! Lance Cade remains in the ring. Kane pushes the referee away. Kane spins Cade around. Kane hits the Choke Slam! This gets a **3\4 rating. Perfectly Acceptable Wrestling.

Overall Rating: 72%
Crowd Reaction: 70%
Match Quality: 74%

The Ministry's other main targets have been Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, the World's Greatest Tag Team, and their WWE Tag Team Titles. Ever since WGTT came to Rhyno's aid a few weeks back, Undertaker and Big Show have been gunning for the gold. Tonight, they get their shot.

WWE Tag Team Titles - World's Greatest Tag Team (c) vs. Undertaker and Show

Charlie Haas takes a right hand to the temple from Undertaker. Undertaker with a badly-executed spinning neckbreaker on Haas. Hooks the leg for a two count. Undertaker tags out to Big Show. Undertaker and Show hook up Haas, then hit a double suplex. There's a two count on the pin. Haas takes a weak clothesline. Haas ducks a wild right hand. Flying reverse elbow by Charlie Haas. Hooks the leg for a two count. Tag between Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. Spear by Shelton Benjamin. Cover, but there's a last second kick-out. Shelton Benjamin snap suplexes Show...with authority! ('With authority', trademark G.Monsoon 1986.) Shelton Benjamin misses a clothesline. Weak slam from Show. Tag between Big Show and Undertaker. Weak headbutt on Shelton by Undertaker. Tag to Charlie Haas. Haas gets squashed in the corner with a clothesline. Charlie Haas is in big trouble...Double Choke Slam!! 1....2....3! *** rating, as it was good, but nothing too special.

Overall Rating: 80%
Crowd Reaction: 82%
Match Quality: 78%

In both men's RAW debuts after WrestleMania, Chris Benoit got himself disqualified against Edge. Benoit's temper has continually gotten the better of him, but Edge has gone blow-for-blow with him throughout the month, leading up to our next contest.

Edge vs. Chris Benoit

Back suplex on Edge, which is a backdrop to you NOAH fans. Chris Benoit uses move #193 (arm-BAR). Big dropkick by Chris Benoit, who got good elevation. Edge gets caught with a short powerbomb from Benoit. Edge avoids a Chris Benoit avalanche. Bodyslam by Edge. Spear by Edge. Cover for a two count. Chris Benoit comes up with a right hand out of nowhere. Edge walks into a killer lariat. Hooks the leg for a two count. Back suplex off the top rope, Edge landed hard. Hooks the leg for a close fall. Edge counters a backdrop attempt with a kick to the face. Benoit receives some punishment. Chris Benoit takes the advantage after a i-block-your-punch-you-don't-block-mine routine. Hard impact russian legsweep by Benoit. If you're going to get impact, 'hard' is probably a good way to go. Edge gets knocked to the ground by Benoit, who is already climbing the turnbuckle. Through the air, Swandive Headbutt! 1....2....3. **1\2 rating for a decent contest.

Overall Rating: 78%
Crowd Reaction: 83%
Match Quality: 68%

The reunited Los Guerreros have had their hands full in recent weeks with Eddie's former rival Billy Kidman and his new tag team partner Tajiri. Two weeks ago on SmackDown!, Tajiri injured Eddie to the point where his participation at Backlash seemed in doubt, but Eddie made the save just three days ago to issue the challenge for tonight's tag-team grudge match.

Los Guerreros vs. Billy Kidman & Tajiri

Hard back suplex on Chavo. Anyone remember when that was Shawn Michaels's finisher? Super kick by Billy Kidman. Cover for a two count. Kidman tags out to Tajiri. Tajiri \ Kidman whip Chavo into the ropes and hit a double backdrop. Tajiri uses a basement dropkick to the knee. Hooks the leg for a two count. Tajiri strikes Chavo. Tajiri drops an elbow...but misses. Fate can be so cruel. Diamond Dust from Chavo Guerrero, Tajiri is out. Chavo tags out to Eddie Guerrero. Second rope flying axe handle, Tajiri goes down. Eddie crushes Tajiri with a running senton. Eddie only gets knees on a splash. Tag to Billy Kidman. Kidman crushes Eddie with a running senton. Tiger suplex on Eddie, right from out of the Misawa playbook. Pin, but Eddie is out just before the three count. Dropkick connects, Eddie goes down. Eddie counters an avalanche with a raised foot to the face. Flying cross body off the top rope! I'll give a 0.8 on the Steamboat scale for that effort. Billy Kidman is all alone...Brainbuster!! 1....2....3! That was good. **** rating.

Overall Rating: 88%
Crowd Reaction: 85%
Match Quality: 91%

Five weeks ago, Rob Van Dam won a twenty-man battle royal to earn a shot at Sean O'Haire's United States Title and - since that win - has had his hands full with O'Haire and the reunited Natural Born Thrillers. RVD has picked up back-to-back wins in multi-man matches over O'Haire. Can he continue his success tonight and walk out with the United States Title?

United States Title - Rob Van Dam vs. Sean O'Haire (c)

Stiff chop lights up RVD. RVD gets slammed. Back elbow connects, RVD staggers backward. Rude Awakening on Rob Van Dam by O'Haire. O'Haire walks into a trip. Driven DDT by Rob Van Dam. The ring shook violently, instantly making it better at selling than some of the current roster. Vicious lightning kick by RVD on O'Haire. Cover for a two count. Rob Van Dam gets taken down out of nowhere. Full nelson slam on RVD. Cover for a two count. Lifting DDT by Sean O'Haire, looked good. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. O'Haire drops an elbow...but misses. Fate can be so cruel. Dropkick connects, O'Haire goes down. O'Haire blocks the suplex attempt. Sean O'Haire with a spinning neckbreaker on RVD. Rob Van Dam is in trouble. Here it comes - Prophecy. 1....2...3, it's finished. I'm knocking off half a star for some blown spots, so that's a ***1\2 rating.

Overall Rating: 83%
Crowd Reaction: 78%
Match Quality: 88%

Billy Kidman won the Cruiserweight Title at WrestleMania from Eddie Guerrero, but was stripped by Stephanie McMahon for continuing bad behavior. A five-man series was arranged to determine a new champion, and Rey Mysterio and Christian dominated to earn the shot.

Cruiserweight Title - Rey Mysterio vs. Christian

Hard impact russian legsweep by Christian. If you're going to get impact, 'hard' is probably a good way to go. Christian hits a bulldog off the ropes. There's a two count on the pin. Rey counters a sleeper hold by turning it into a jaw breaker. Standing leg lariat by Rey Mysterio on Christian. Rey Mysterio hits a rolling kick on Christian. Cover for a two count. Diamond Dust from Rey Mysterio, Christian is out. Pinfall attempt gets a 2.9999. Driven DDT by Rey Mysterio. The ring shook violently, instantly making it better at selling than some of the current roster. Christian kicks Rey Mysterio in the gut to reverse the momentum. Vicious back suplex! Rey Mysterio got nailed. Cover for a two count. Belly to belly off the top rope, Rey got folded up big time. Pin : 1 - 2 - 2.9999999. Vertical suplex by Christian. Christian uses move #193 (arm-BAR). Christian only gets knees on a splash. Rey uses a basement dropkick to the knee. Diamond Dust from Rey Mysterio, Christian is out. Christian is in trouble. West Coast Pop! 1....2....3. Rey Mysterio is still in the ring celebrating. Christian pushes the referee away. Christian spins Rey around. Christian hits the Unprettier! I can't decide whether it's a *** or a ***1\2 match...let's go for a ***1\4 rating to make it fair.

Overall Rating: 88%
Crowd Reaction: 93%
Match Quality: 78%

Our next match is for the vacant World Heavyweight Title. Kurt Angle was set to face off against Shawn Michaels for the belt before Michaels walked off after last week's RAW. On SmackDown!, Eric Bischoff announced that Michaels' replacement in the match would be Chris Jericho! It's Angle versus Jericho for the World Heavyweight Title!

World Heavyweight Title - Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho

Angle hits a right hand. Chanelling the spirit of Misawa, Kurt Angle uses a forearm to the face. Running knee lift from Kurt Angle. Bodyslam by Angle. Jericho backdrops Kurt Angle out of a piledriver attempt. Jericho hits a dropkick on Kurt Angle. Super kick by Chris Jericho. There's a two count on the pin. Chris Jericho misses a big legdrop after stalling too long. Massive backbreaker, Jericho got nailed. Hooks the leg for a two count. Lifting DDT by Kurt Angle, executed well. Cover, but there's a last second kick-out. Jericho reverses a Kurt Angle hammerlock. Jericho hits a massive spinning kick to the jaw. Angle counters a sleeper hold by turning it into a jaw breaker. Big clothesline on Jericho. Kurt Angle floors Chris Jericho. Chris Jericho gets locked in the Angle Lock! Submission victory! Kurt Angle climbs each turnbuckle in turn, working the crowd as he celebrates his victory A **** rating for a good contest.

Overall Rating: 89%
Crowd Reaction: 90%
Match Quality: 88%

Matt Hardy Version 2.0 shocked the world last month when he beat The Rock and Brock Lesnar in a triple threat match to earn a shot at John Cena's WWE Title. The two have feuded since then, but tonight Hardy finally gets his one-on-one shot.

WWE Title - John Cena (c) vs. Matt Hardy Version 2.0

Matt takes a headbutt from John Cena. Cena hits a right hand. Running knee lift from John Cena. John Cena with a spinning neckbreaker on Matt. Matt Hardy Version 2.0 avoids a John Cena avalanche. Cena takes a flying neckbreaker from Matt Hardy Version 2.0. Cena takes a hurrancarana from Matt Hardy Version 2.0. Hooks the leg for a two count. Cena pushes out of a Matt Hardy Version 2.0 hold. Matt walks into a spike slam. Cover for a two count. Death valley driver by John Cena, Matt Hardy Version 2.0 got planted. Cover, but there's a last second kick-out. Matt Hardy Version 2.0 powers out of a John Cena headlock. Kick from Matt Hardy Version 2.0 to the leg. Cena pushes out of a Matt Hardy Version 2.0 hold. Cena slams Matt Hardy Version 2.0 down. Matt Hardy Version 2.0 is in trouble. Here it comes - F-U. 1....2...3, it's finished. I'll give this a ***1\4 rating.

Overall Rating: 87%
Crowd Reaction: 92%
Match Quality: 78%

Tonight's main event isn't for any title, but it is a battle between the two biggest stars in the industry. The Rock blamed Brock Lesnar's manager Paul Heyman for costing him the shot at Cena's title tonight, and since then Rock and Brock have gone at it several times. Tonight, though, they're main eventing Backlash!

The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar

Lesnar hits a right hand. Rock blocks a kick from Brock Lesnar. The Rock fires off some right and left hands. Brock Lesnar charges, Rock moves, and the referee is conveniently placed to get knocked out. The Rock scores with a big spinebuster. Pinfall attempt, but the ref is conveniently laid out. The Rock gets taken down out of nowhere. Hard impact russian legsweep by Lesnar. If you're going to get impact, 'hard' is probably a good way to go. Big piledriver on Rock. There's a two count on the pin. Brock Lesnar scores with a big spinebuster. Pinfall attempt gets a 2.9999. Rock blocks a punch. Nice piledriver on Lesnar. Cover, but there's a last second kick-out. Brock Lesnar ducks a clothesline attempt. The Rock is in trouble. F5!!! That shook the ring. 1....2....3!! This one gets a ***1\4 rating, it was a good bout.

Overall Rating: 93%
Crowd Reaction: 100%
Match Quality: 79%

[loopydate]

Yeah, I moved most of the tag wrestlers to RAW, so I was hoping to get some midcard guys over by making up some SD tag teams, and the whole Metro thing seemed like it could be fun.

[Impeccable]

Great move Loopy!

[Evil Vito]

With school now over, I have some free time, and I feel like playing some EWR, getting back into my WWE game.

I re-drafted the rosters into WWE, ECW, and WCW and I treat them as three separate companies. I don't have the rosters intermingle except in rare circumstances like a KOTR final, Rumble, MITB, Draft, etc.

I'll post my rosters in the next post.

[Evil Vito]

WWE Roster (as of 5/19/08)

Al Snow: Face
Batista: Heel
Beth Phoenix: Heel
Bobby Lashley: Face
D’Lo Brown: Face
Elijah Burke: Heel (WWE Tag Team Champion)
Eugene: Face
Jeff Hardy: Face
John Bradshaw Layfield: Heel (Announcer)
Marcus Cor Von: Heel (WWE Tag Team Champion)
Matt Hardy: Face
Melina: Heel
Michael Cole: Announcer
Mickie James: Face (WWE Women's Champion)
Molly Holly: Heel
Mr. Kennedy: Tweener
MVP: Heel (WWE Champion)
Robbie McAllister: Face
Rory McAllister: Face
Santino Marella: Heel
Shawn Michaels: Heel (WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Steve Blackman: Face
Steve Corino: Heel
Stevie McMahon: Heel
Stone Cold Steve Austin: Face (Enforcer)
Theodore Long: Face (Manager)
Triple H: Face
Victoria: Heel
Vince McMahon: Heel (GM)


ECW Roster (as of 5/19/08)

Balls Mahoney: Face
Carlito: Heel
CM Punk: Face (ECW Champion)
Cody Rhodes: Face
Deuce: Heel (ECW Tag Team Champion)
Domino: Heel (ECW Tag Team Champion)
Edge: Heel
Funaki: Face
Hardcore Holly: Face
Joey Styles: Announcer
Kane: Face
Lance Cade: Heel
Matt Striker: Heel
Mick Foley: Face (Enforcer)
Paul Burchill: Face
Paul Heyman: Heel (GM)
Randy Orton: Heel
Rob Van Dam: Face (ECW Television Champion)
Shelton Benjamin: Heel
Sir Charles Palumbo: Heel
Tazz: Announcer
The Sandman: Face
Tommy Dreamer: Face
Trevor Murdoch: Heel
Umaga: Tweener
Val Venis: Heel


WCW Roster (as of 5/19/08)

Ace Steel: Face (WCW United States Champion)
Booker T: Face
Brian Kendrick: Face
Cassidy James: Face
Chavo Guerrero: Heel
Chris Jericho: Face (WCW Champion)
Colt Cabana: Heel
Dave Taylor: Heel (WCW Tag Team Champion)
Eric Bischoff: Heel (GM)
Finlay: Face
Gregory Helms: Heel
Jim Ross: Announcer
Jimmy Wang Yang: Face
John Cena: Heel
John Morrison: Heel
Johnny Jeter: Face
Kasey James: Face
Kenny Dykstra: Heel
Kevin Thorn: Tweener
Mike Mizanin: Heel
Nunzio: Face
Paul London: Face
Rey Mysterio: Face (WCW Cruiserweight Champion)
Ric Flair: Face (Enforcer)
Shane McMahon: Heel (Announcer)
Shannon Moore: Heel
Super Crazy: Face
The Undertaker: Face
William Regal: Heel (WCW Tag Team Champion)

[Evil Vito]

Starting things off...I have a whopping 83 workers in development (thanks largely due to me sending down most of the divas when I started and also buying out a small indy promotion at one point). 19 of them are finished improving and are ready to be called up. I have plans for several of them, but am waiting for the right time to bring them in. However, some of them I just have no immediate plans for and/or they aren't talented enough to warrant sticking around.

Therefore, I would like to wish Charles Evans, Chet the Jett, Derrick Neikirk, Jacob Duncan, Josh Prohibition, Keith Walker, Krissy Vaine, and Russell Simpson the best in their future endeavors.

[Evil Vito]

WWE Raw - May 19, 2008

Our show opens up with Vince McMahon backstage, who announces that he plans on dealing with Triple H. He thinks he has the right to be a thorn in the McMahons' side for months at a time? He thinks he can demand a title match at WWE Vengeance in six weeks? Well, he's going to need to earn that right Vince's way. Triple H will be competing in a series of grueling matches throughout the next several weeks, and if he slips up on any of them...his opportunity to face MVP will be GONE! And it all starts tonight, when in tonight's main event, Triple H will face Mr. Kennedy.

Continuing with the McMahon family, the delusional Stevie McMahon was in the ring. He plans on earning back his dad's respect, and he is doing that by issuing an open challenge to anyone in the locker room, right now! He'll show you, you'll see!

The challenge was answered by the fun-loving Eugene! He caught McMahon off guard with his silly antics, being sure to mock the mannerisms of several WWE greats. Stevie lands a bulldog off the ropes, but Eugene narrowly kicks out. Eugene follows it up with a big Swinging Neckbreaker for the win! Eugene runs around the ring celebrating whilst Stevie McMahon pounds the mat in frustration.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels delivered an interview from his home in San Antonio, TX. He says that Jeff Hardy needs to move on and find somebody else to take up an issue with, because he is done with him. The crowd booed viciously, because they want to see Jeff Hardy get his rematch for the Intercontinental Title.

Mickie James defends her WWE Women's Championship next against Melina. Melina brings it to the champion, getting several near falls. However, showing the heart of a champion, Mickie is able to overcome it and win following a Mickie-DT! Mickie extends her hand to Melina after, and surprisingly, Melina accepts it! This might not be the last time these two face off.

The vicious Batista is out next. His victim is poor D'Lo Brown. D'Lo doesn't get much offense in before Batista ends it with the Batista Bomb. It would be wise to not mess with this Animal.

Matt Hardy is backstage. He says he is standing up for his brother. If Shawn Michaels won't give Jeff an Intercontinental Title match, maybe he'll have the balls to accept Matt's challenge for next week!

One week after cleanly pinning one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions Marcus Cor Von in the middle of the ring, Bobby Lashley tries to replicate those results against the other half, Elijah Burke. Burke tries to cheat his way to victory on several different occasions, but each time, Lashley's manager Theodore Long has been right there to bring it to the ref's attention. Burke is getting clearly frustrated, which doesn't help. Lashley lifts Burke for the Dominator, but Cor Von comes out of nowhere and lands a Pounce! The referee calls for the bell! Lashley might have won the match, but the Tag Champions make a statement by assaulting Lashley after the bell.

Jeff Hardy is out next, hoping to pick up a win to show Shawn Michaels that he is still looking for his title re-match. His opponent is no walk in the park, "The King of Old School" Steve Corino. Some high spots in this one including a top rope DDT from Hardy and a stalling brainbuster from Corino. Hardy whips Corino into the corner, and leaps up for a splash. Corino falls to the mat in pain, in perfect position for the Swanton Bomb! Jeff Hardy wins and stays on the right path.

WWE Champion Montel Vontavious Porter cuts a promo backstage saying that Triple H is out of his league. He beat Triple H at Backlash to retain his Money in the Bank briefcase, and then cashed it in the very next night during the Draft. He fails to see why Triple H feels he is worthy of a title opportunity, and he assures The Game that he won't get through these next several weeks, and it will be game over.

Our main event was very intense, with Mr. Kennedy and Triple H slugging the shit out of each other in the early going. Plenty of near falls got the crowd into this one, Triple H being just one second away from losing his title opportunity with each nearfall. Kennedy whips Triple H into the turnbuckle, conveniently while the ref is there. MVP sees this and rushes out of the back, WWE Title in hand. Kennedy holds Triple H back...MVP charges...and of course, Triple H ducks and Kennedy is blasted in the face with the title belt. MVP hightails it, the ref recovers, and Triple H plants Kennedy with a Pedigree to stay on his quest. Triple H celebrates while MVP retreats up the ramp, dumbfounded, to end the show.

---

What do Vince McMahon and MVP have in store for Triple H on next week's Raw? Will Bobby Lashley seek some retribution on the WWE Tag Team Champions? And just announced on WWE.com, Shawn Michaels has ACCEPTED Matt Hardy's challenge! Can Matt win the gold and bring it back to the Hardy family? Tune in next week!

[Evil Vito]

ECW Hardcore TV - May 20, 2008

We kicked the night off with action from the get-go with Carlito looking to take out his frustrations on losing his ECW Championship match on Sunday on Funaki. Certainly a great athletic contest to start us off, got the crowd into it...and ECW's Number One Announcer brought his A game. Unfortunately it wasn't enough for him, as Carlito wins with a Backstabber.

Carlito grabs a mic and heeds a warning to the ECW locker room. A new wave will soon be making it's way to ECW...and it will be cool. What does Carlito mean by this?

Our next contest was certainly much less athletic, and for lack of a better word, a squash. Kane roughs up the man from Nutley, New Jersey...Balls Mahoney. Big Chokeslam and that's all she wrote. Kane ignites the pyro after to celebrate his victory, the locker room would be wise to watch out.

ECW Enforcer Mick Foley is backstage...and he says we have a great main event tonight for the wonderful fans in *insert city name and cheap pop here*. It'll be a golden man event tag team match...pitting the new ECW Tag Team Champions Deuce 'n Domino against new ECW Television Champion Rob Van Dam and ECW champion CM Punk!

Tag team action was next on the bill as two teams who lost to Deuce 'n Domino on Sunday went head to head, hoping to get back into the thick of the tag team ranks. Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman went up against the odd couple team of Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly. Pretty standard tag match, Holly and Rhodes lose on an opponent miscommunication that leads to Holly eating a Dreamer DDT to grab the win for his team. Rhodes and Holly bicker afterwards, much like they did on Sunday night.

When we come back from commercial, we see Holly and Rhodes walking backstage, still arguing. Shit-stirrer Paul Heyman informs the two that because they can't seem to get on the same page, he's booking them one on one against each other, next week! Heyman walks off laughing, Holly and Rhodes can't believe it.

Next we see Shelton Benjamin warming up for his match backstage. Why? Could it be because I already have my big name ECW guys booked for two segments and I don't want the crowd to get tired of them? I think yes! Shelton faces off against the swashbuckling Paul Burchill NEXT!

Benjamin and Burchill put on a pretty nifty contest, the crowd was into it and they seem to have close enough styles. It's a back and forth affair early on before Shelton takes the lead. Benjamin seemingly channels the spirit of Tazz, hitting Burchill with a flurry of suplexes before finishing up with a T-Bone Suplex for an impressive victory!

Deuce 'n Domino are interviewed backstage on getting the chance to face off against two other champions. They say that this is their chance to really put their names on the map, and that they forsee Punk and RVD both winding up with cracked mouths in the very near future. OHHHHH!!!

Our golden main event was a really entertaining contest (everything scoring in the 80s). Deuce 'n Domino show why they are the tag team champions by isolating CM Punk (who gets to play Ricky Morton in this match), making fast tags in and out while not allowing Punk to tag in the Television Champion. However, Punk inevitably breaks free and tags in RVD. RVD comes in like a house of fire, knocks around the opponents...Punk recovers and handles Domino outside, RVD lays out Deuce with a kick in the middle of the ring, and then...SPEAR! Edge came from out of nowhere and Speared RVD! The referee calls for the bell! Punk jumps back in to save his partner, but Randy Orton comes in and RKO's him! Deuce 'n Domino make the correct move and hightail it while Orton and Edge stand tall. What is this about?

Edge and Orton soak in the heat for a bit before they both leave the ring. They kick the announcers, timekeeper, and ring announcer out and grab their chairs. Punk and RVD both end up on the receiving ends of separate one-man Conchairtos. What is this all about? A Rated RKO reunion?

---

How will Edge and Randy Orton justify their actions? Will Rob Van Dam and CM Punk be in any condition to be there next week? Plus, Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes are forced to compete against one another. Be sure to catch ECW next week!

[loopydate]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 Next we see Shelton Benjamin warming up for his match backstage. Why? Could it be because I already have my big name ECW guys booked for two segments and I don't want the crowd to get tired of them? I think yes! Shelton faces off against the swashbuckling Paul Burchill NEXT!