Post by RWA on Dec 31, 2007 15:09:14 GMT -5
WWE Year in Review Part One:
We kick off the year with John Cena as WWE champion, Lashley holding the ECW championship and Batista as the World Heavyweight champion. Coming off a successful PPV in December of 2006, Armageddon, the WWE were heading straight towards the grandest stage in sports entertainment – Wrestlemania 23. However there were three major stops along the way, and the first was New Years Revolution. The night kicked off with an incredible Intercontinental Championship Steel Cage match with the victor being whoever escapes first. Both men put on a classic but it was the champion Hardy that walked out the steel cage, whereas his opponent Johnny Nitro was hung on top of the cage door a little worst for where. John Cena also became the first man to beat The Samoan Bulldozer Umaga with a rollup. He was however unable to FU The 400lbs monster as he can so easily do to the like of the Big Show and the Great Kahli. But the big story of the night was that DX was over, as Triple H tore his quadriceps tendon resulting in a surprising finish to the eagerly anticipated match up. Shawn Michaels grabbed the chair and made quick work of Rated RKO. Triple H, although he could hardly stand, managed to Pedigree Edge onto the announcers table and then Michaels proceeded to deliver an elbow from the top rope hurtling down onto Randy Orton.
They were then on their way to the annual Royal Rumble. It was January 28th and 30 men were about to have the opportunity to headline Wrestlemania in the royal rumble match. The Hardy boys kicked things off facing then Johnny Nitro and Mercury, who had been disfigures the month before because of the Hardies in a ladder match, who were joined by Melina. The Hardies managed to pick out a victory and the historic PPV continued as Bobby Lashley regained his ECW world title against Test. Then the loud mouth rising star known as Mr Kennedy got his first World Title shot against Batista, however things didn’t go his way as the animal picked up the victory. The Monday night edition off Raw before the PPV Umaga had destroyed the WWE champion John Cena to try and get an advantage in his Last Man Standing WWE title match, fortunately for the champ he was able to lock in the STFU, with help from the metal turnbuckle, and even after a hellacious beating come out on top and regain his championship. It was then time for the 30 man over the top rope Royal Rumble match. With stars from Raw, Smackdown, and for the firs time ever ECW there were many fresh faces in the ring. It eventually got down to just 4 – Edge, Orton, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, one of those men would headline the biggest spectacle in the sport. Rated RKO had everything under control until both men were eliminated within seconds of each other which left both The Undertaker and Michaels lying motionless in the ring. One sit-up and nip-up later the fight was on to crown the winner. The Undertaker managed to hit a chokeslam but Michaels also connected with a Sweet Chin Music. Whoever got the next big move was going to win. Shawn went to kick Takers head off but got caught and The Deadman flung him over the top rope to guarantee himself a World Title match against any champion at Mania. For the first time the number 30 entrant had won, and for the first time The Undertaker had won the Royal Rumble. Taker wanted the belt, but which one?
In the weeks leading up to No Way Out The Deadman had made it clear he wanted Batista and his World Heavyweight Title. And after Shawn Michaels beat both Randy Orton and Edge to solidify his main event match against Cena he was wanting that WWE Title more then ever. It was the last stop before Wrestlemania 23, No Way Out, on Febuary 18th and the fans were looking forward to seeing The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels in the same ring together again. It was set for both opponents for Wrestlemania to team up and face each other. Earlier in the nigh Chavo returned and captured another Cruiserweight Championship as well as a 6-man tag match that was hard to follow. But the main event was all set – Shawn Michaels + John Cena vs Batista + The Undertaker. It was a phenomenal match with Taker and Batista working together and coming out on top in the closing stages off the match but it would be Cena and Shawn that would leave winners as batista delivered a thunderous spinebuster to his arch rival The Undertaker, and extracted some revenge for the chokeslam he received weeks before.
The countdown was on for the showcase of the immortals. Where Legends are born. Where dreams come true. And where the WWE superstars prove that they are the best sports performers, entertainers and athletes in the world as they put on the greatest spectacle in the sport for the chance to live forever. It was to be John Cena to put his WWE title on the line against Shawn Michaels, The Deadman’s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania going up against the World Champion that had never been beaten for the title Batista, and what was possibly the most advertised match in wrestling history – The Battle of the Billionaires – Bobby Lashely (Donald Trump) vs Umaga (Vince McMahon) with referee Stone Cold Steve Austin promising that one man would leave Detroit bald, Wrestlemania was upon us. April 1st 2007 will go down in history as one of the best Wrestlemania’s that could ever take place, at Ford Field in front of over 80,000 fans it was quite the event. Although many doubted it leading up to mania with limited matches and the fact that the Great Kahli would be competing, but never the less the MITB and the two huge title matches made the night historic. For the first time we saw an 8 man Money in the Bank match which had Ken Kennedy grabbing the briefcase. Although the highlight was Jeff Hardy plunging himself off a 20ft ladder onto Edge who was laid on a ladder on the outside and having it break in half, it may of stolen the show.
As the night carried on MVP stood up and gained respect from thousands as he took Benoit to the limits but was unable to come out on top. Then Kane was able to body slam The Great Kahli, in an effort to resurrect the famous slam heard around the world 20 years before hand. Then for the battle of the billionaires, although Trump came out looking quite sour and swearing to the camera he put in a good show as he willed on ‘Bobby’ and even took out Vince during the match. An entertaining match between the two mammoths with a couple of bumps here and there, and then Stone Cold getting physical and the return of Shane McMahon to Wrestlemania carried on the excitement. Lashley got the pin and we we got to see a bald billionaire in Vince McMahon. He squealed away in the barbers chair sounding like Cartman from South Park and had his hair completely shaved off. This shows what this man will do to himself for the entertainment of the fans. Vince sulked away from his creation as he has done at each Wrestlemania he has been part of (think about it guys) and Donald Trump was treated to a Stone Cold Stunner which he could of sold better but a half asses one is better than nothing right. Although the World Title match was done quite early in the night, it didn’t disappoint. Both men put on a groundbreaking performance which was heart pounding right from bell to bell. We saw The Undertaker capture the WWE World Title for the fifth time in another Wrestlemania moment. He may not need the title, but if he wants it – he will get it. The official main event was John Cena and Shawn Michaels squaring off for the WWE Title in another classic. Many heart stopping moments where they were just seconds away from victory. But the end came when John Cena locked in the STFU for the second time and forced Shawn to tap. Cena wanted to shake his hand but Shawn refused as Cena had at the start. Now don’t ask me why John Cena can get a submisiion victory over both Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania because I do not know, and you all think Triple H is up Vince’s ass (aswell as Steph’s). I also give props to the ref which took a hellauve kick to the face. So that concluded Wrestlemania and the new wrestling year began.
We now entered the weeks leading up to Backlash and Batista made it clear he wanted a rematch for the title, and at Backlash he would receive it but in the form of a Last Man Standing match. Shawn Michaels was also on the hunt for a title rematch which he got at Backlash, but he and John would be joined by Randy Orton and Edge in a Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Title. We would also see the demise of the ECW World title and the brand itself as Mr McMahon challenged for the ECW World Championship along with his partners Shane and Umaga. So on April 29th the stage was set, and the Backlash begun. The Hardies pulled out a great match with Cade and Murdoch and were able to retain the Tag titles they had won in a battle royal on RAW where Shawn Michaels eliminated fellow champion John Cena to lose the belts. Then the ECW championship changed hands as Umaga did a number on Lashely and Vince went for the cover and won, although Lashely kicked out the first time when he wasn’t suppose to so he got 450lbs on him from the top rope again. Then for the LMS World Title match, both men gave it their all again but the end came where Batista speared Taker off the stage into a big wooden box and part of the stage fell on top of them (very dramatic) so the contest was a draw which kicked started possibly the rivalry of the year between these two men. It was then time for the four men to battle for the WWE title match in one my favorite 4 way matches. If it was an elimination match it could of easily headlines Mania as it did in the year 2000. A great match with a great finish, and not Cena winning I mean, but having Cena been Superkicked he fell on top of Randy Orton for the 3 count and he once again retained the title belt.
The heat had dyed down a little heading into May and we were approaching Judgment Day. But unfortunately for one red hot superstar that day came earlier than expected as The Undertaker was injured. The rivalry between him and Batista had just escaladed but now it was at a halt. So on an addition of Smackdown Batista once again fought for the world title against The Phenom in a steel cage match. It ended with both superstars feet hitting the floor at the exact same time, gotta love taped tv. So Taker regained the title, but the night was still fresh as non other than Mark Henry would make an impact by taking out The Deadman in the centre of the ring, the colossal monster was blamed for injuring Taker shortly after. And as if that wasn’t enough Edge, who had beaten Mr. Kennedy on Raw to capture the money in the bank briefcase, was on his way to the ring – and he was cashing in the contract. Edge nailed Taker with a spear to claim his first World title victory. Judgment Day was set for the May 20th 2007. Edge would put the belt on the line against Tista and was able to pull out his first victory against tista for the Worlds Title. We also saw the demise of wrestling icon Shawn Michaels as Randy Orton not only beat the heart break kid put kicked his head right off his shoulders apparently ending the showstopper. Lashely was in his Backlash rematch and beat Shane O’ Mac within 3 minutes to become ECW world champion until Vince clearly stated that since Shane wasn’t the champion Bobby was not the champ. We were then to see if john Cena could tackle the odds stacked up against him and as usual he did by beating The Great Kahli for the WWE championship with the STFU, however The Great Kahli’s feet hit the rope and were underneath the ropes when he tapped so the match should of continued. This was one of the more dreary PPVs of the year, however it did feature MVP stepping up again and becoming United States Champion.
As we hit June fans are eagerly anticipating ECW One night Stand. However that was not to be, as it had been canceled. Instead it was going to be WWE One Night Stand which would see each match contested under a gimmick. Lashely was determined to get his ECW World Title back from Vince McMahon and at ONS he would have the chance in a street fight. Batista also got a rematch against Edge but this time it would be inside the steel cage. Also getting a return title match was the Great Kahli as he would square off with Cena in a Last Man Standing match. With Rob Van Damm on his way out of the company he was put into a stretcher match with the legend killer Randy Orton. In what was one of the best stretcher matches, although there has not been many at all, RVD picked up a surprising victory but after the match he was taking apart by Orton and knocked ‘unconscious’.
The Hardies then put the world tag team titles on the line against Cade and Murdoch in a ladder match which saw Matt and Jeff grabbing the title belts for the win. We were then ready for the ECW title match which saw Shane and Umaga helping out Vince but it would be Lashely who would get the upper hand when he pinned Mr McMahon to get his ECW Title back. Then Edge was able to retain the World Title against Batista in a steel cage match which ended with Edge going over the top and Batista trying to crawl out of the door. In the last match John Cena battled Kahli all over the arena until he managed to FU him off a crane base to the fall for the 3 count and to regain the WWE title.
Thats the first half of the year done,
We kick off the year with John Cena as WWE champion, Lashley holding the ECW championship and Batista as the World Heavyweight champion. Coming off a successful PPV in December of 2006, Armageddon, the WWE were heading straight towards the grandest stage in sports entertainment – Wrestlemania 23. However there were three major stops along the way, and the first was New Years Revolution. The night kicked off with an incredible Intercontinental Championship Steel Cage match with the victor being whoever escapes first. Both men put on a classic but it was the champion Hardy that walked out the steel cage, whereas his opponent Johnny Nitro was hung on top of the cage door a little worst for where. John Cena also became the first man to beat The Samoan Bulldozer Umaga with a rollup. He was however unable to FU The 400lbs monster as he can so easily do to the like of the Big Show and the Great Kahli. But the big story of the night was that DX was over, as Triple H tore his quadriceps tendon resulting in a surprising finish to the eagerly anticipated match up. Shawn Michaels grabbed the chair and made quick work of Rated RKO. Triple H, although he could hardly stand, managed to Pedigree Edge onto the announcers table and then Michaels proceeded to deliver an elbow from the top rope hurtling down onto Randy Orton.
They were then on their way to the annual Royal Rumble. It was January 28th and 30 men were about to have the opportunity to headline Wrestlemania in the royal rumble match. The Hardy boys kicked things off facing then Johnny Nitro and Mercury, who had been disfigures the month before because of the Hardies in a ladder match, who were joined by Melina. The Hardies managed to pick out a victory and the historic PPV continued as Bobby Lashley regained his ECW world title against Test. Then the loud mouth rising star known as Mr Kennedy got his first World Title shot against Batista, however things didn’t go his way as the animal picked up the victory. The Monday night edition off Raw before the PPV Umaga had destroyed the WWE champion John Cena to try and get an advantage in his Last Man Standing WWE title match, fortunately for the champ he was able to lock in the STFU, with help from the metal turnbuckle, and even after a hellacious beating come out on top and regain his championship. It was then time for the 30 man over the top rope Royal Rumble match. With stars from Raw, Smackdown, and for the firs time ever ECW there were many fresh faces in the ring. It eventually got down to just 4 – Edge, Orton, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, one of those men would headline the biggest spectacle in the sport. Rated RKO had everything under control until both men were eliminated within seconds of each other which left both The Undertaker and Michaels lying motionless in the ring. One sit-up and nip-up later the fight was on to crown the winner. The Undertaker managed to hit a chokeslam but Michaels also connected with a Sweet Chin Music. Whoever got the next big move was going to win. Shawn went to kick Takers head off but got caught and The Deadman flung him over the top rope to guarantee himself a World Title match against any champion at Mania. For the first time the number 30 entrant had won, and for the first time The Undertaker had won the Royal Rumble. Taker wanted the belt, but which one?
In the weeks leading up to No Way Out The Deadman had made it clear he wanted Batista and his World Heavyweight Title. And after Shawn Michaels beat both Randy Orton and Edge to solidify his main event match against Cena he was wanting that WWE Title more then ever. It was the last stop before Wrestlemania 23, No Way Out, on Febuary 18th and the fans were looking forward to seeing The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels in the same ring together again. It was set for both opponents for Wrestlemania to team up and face each other. Earlier in the nigh Chavo returned and captured another Cruiserweight Championship as well as a 6-man tag match that was hard to follow. But the main event was all set – Shawn Michaels + John Cena vs Batista + The Undertaker. It was a phenomenal match with Taker and Batista working together and coming out on top in the closing stages off the match but it would be Cena and Shawn that would leave winners as batista delivered a thunderous spinebuster to his arch rival The Undertaker, and extracted some revenge for the chokeslam he received weeks before.
The countdown was on for the showcase of the immortals. Where Legends are born. Where dreams come true. And where the WWE superstars prove that they are the best sports performers, entertainers and athletes in the world as they put on the greatest spectacle in the sport for the chance to live forever. It was to be John Cena to put his WWE title on the line against Shawn Michaels, The Deadman’s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania going up against the World Champion that had never been beaten for the title Batista, and what was possibly the most advertised match in wrestling history – The Battle of the Billionaires – Bobby Lashely (Donald Trump) vs Umaga (Vince McMahon) with referee Stone Cold Steve Austin promising that one man would leave Detroit bald, Wrestlemania was upon us. April 1st 2007 will go down in history as one of the best Wrestlemania’s that could ever take place, at Ford Field in front of over 80,000 fans it was quite the event. Although many doubted it leading up to mania with limited matches and the fact that the Great Kahli would be competing, but never the less the MITB and the two huge title matches made the night historic. For the first time we saw an 8 man Money in the Bank match which had Ken Kennedy grabbing the briefcase. Although the highlight was Jeff Hardy plunging himself off a 20ft ladder onto Edge who was laid on a ladder on the outside and having it break in half, it may of stolen the show.
As the night carried on MVP stood up and gained respect from thousands as he took Benoit to the limits but was unable to come out on top. Then Kane was able to body slam The Great Kahli, in an effort to resurrect the famous slam heard around the world 20 years before hand. Then for the battle of the billionaires, although Trump came out looking quite sour and swearing to the camera he put in a good show as he willed on ‘Bobby’ and even took out Vince during the match. An entertaining match between the two mammoths with a couple of bumps here and there, and then Stone Cold getting physical and the return of Shane McMahon to Wrestlemania carried on the excitement. Lashley got the pin and we we got to see a bald billionaire in Vince McMahon. He squealed away in the barbers chair sounding like Cartman from South Park and had his hair completely shaved off. This shows what this man will do to himself for the entertainment of the fans. Vince sulked away from his creation as he has done at each Wrestlemania he has been part of (think about it guys) and Donald Trump was treated to a Stone Cold Stunner which he could of sold better but a half asses one is better than nothing right. Although the World Title match was done quite early in the night, it didn’t disappoint. Both men put on a groundbreaking performance which was heart pounding right from bell to bell. We saw The Undertaker capture the WWE World Title for the fifth time in another Wrestlemania moment. He may not need the title, but if he wants it – he will get it. The official main event was John Cena and Shawn Michaels squaring off for the WWE Title in another classic. Many heart stopping moments where they were just seconds away from victory. But the end came when John Cena locked in the STFU for the second time and forced Shawn to tap. Cena wanted to shake his hand but Shawn refused as Cena had at the start. Now don’t ask me why John Cena can get a submisiion victory over both Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania because I do not know, and you all think Triple H is up Vince’s ass (aswell as Steph’s). I also give props to the ref which took a hellauve kick to the face. So that concluded Wrestlemania and the new wrestling year began.
We now entered the weeks leading up to Backlash and Batista made it clear he wanted a rematch for the title, and at Backlash he would receive it but in the form of a Last Man Standing match. Shawn Michaels was also on the hunt for a title rematch which he got at Backlash, but he and John would be joined by Randy Orton and Edge in a Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Title. We would also see the demise of the ECW World title and the brand itself as Mr McMahon challenged for the ECW World Championship along with his partners Shane and Umaga. So on April 29th the stage was set, and the Backlash begun. The Hardies pulled out a great match with Cade and Murdoch and were able to retain the Tag titles they had won in a battle royal on RAW where Shawn Michaels eliminated fellow champion John Cena to lose the belts. Then the ECW championship changed hands as Umaga did a number on Lashely and Vince went for the cover and won, although Lashely kicked out the first time when he wasn’t suppose to so he got 450lbs on him from the top rope again. Then for the LMS World Title match, both men gave it their all again but the end came where Batista speared Taker off the stage into a big wooden box and part of the stage fell on top of them (very dramatic) so the contest was a draw which kicked started possibly the rivalry of the year between these two men. It was then time for the four men to battle for the WWE title match in one my favorite 4 way matches. If it was an elimination match it could of easily headlines Mania as it did in the year 2000. A great match with a great finish, and not Cena winning I mean, but having Cena been Superkicked he fell on top of Randy Orton for the 3 count and he once again retained the title belt.
The heat had dyed down a little heading into May and we were approaching Judgment Day. But unfortunately for one red hot superstar that day came earlier than expected as The Undertaker was injured. The rivalry between him and Batista had just escaladed but now it was at a halt. So on an addition of Smackdown Batista once again fought for the world title against The Phenom in a steel cage match. It ended with both superstars feet hitting the floor at the exact same time, gotta love taped tv. So Taker regained the title, but the night was still fresh as non other than Mark Henry would make an impact by taking out The Deadman in the centre of the ring, the colossal monster was blamed for injuring Taker shortly after. And as if that wasn’t enough Edge, who had beaten Mr. Kennedy on Raw to capture the money in the bank briefcase, was on his way to the ring – and he was cashing in the contract. Edge nailed Taker with a spear to claim his first World title victory. Judgment Day was set for the May 20th 2007. Edge would put the belt on the line against Tista and was able to pull out his first victory against tista for the Worlds Title. We also saw the demise of wrestling icon Shawn Michaels as Randy Orton not only beat the heart break kid put kicked his head right off his shoulders apparently ending the showstopper. Lashely was in his Backlash rematch and beat Shane O’ Mac within 3 minutes to become ECW world champion until Vince clearly stated that since Shane wasn’t the champion Bobby was not the champ. We were then to see if john Cena could tackle the odds stacked up against him and as usual he did by beating The Great Kahli for the WWE championship with the STFU, however The Great Kahli’s feet hit the rope and were underneath the ropes when he tapped so the match should of continued. This was one of the more dreary PPVs of the year, however it did feature MVP stepping up again and becoming United States Champion.
As we hit June fans are eagerly anticipating ECW One night Stand. However that was not to be, as it had been canceled. Instead it was going to be WWE One Night Stand which would see each match contested under a gimmick. Lashely was determined to get his ECW World Title back from Vince McMahon and at ONS he would have the chance in a street fight. Batista also got a rematch against Edge but this time it would be inside the steel cage. Also getting a return title match was the Great Kahli as he would square off with Cena in a Last Man Standing match. With Rob Van Damm on his way out of the company he was put into a stretcher match with the legend killer Randy Orton. In what was one of the best stretcher matches, although there has not been many at all, RVD picked up a surprising victory but after the match he was taking apart by Orton and knocked ‘unconscious’.
The Hardies then put the world tag team titles on the line against Cade and Murdoch in a ladder match which saw Matt and Jeff grabbing the title belts for the win. We were then ready for the ECW title match which saw Shane and Umaga helping out Vince but it would be Lashely who would get the upper hand when he pinned Mr McMahon to get his ECW Title back. Then Edge was able to retain the World Title against Batista in a steel cage match which ended with Edge going over the top and Batista trying to crawl out of the door. In the last match John Cena battled Kahli all over the arena until he managed to FU him off a crane base to the fall for the 3 count and to regain the WWE title.
Thats the first half of the year done,
very, very cool