Post by VinMan on May 4, 2009 21:45:59 GMT -5
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN
(AIRDATE: JANUARY 23, 2004)
WWE logo appears on screen.
Footage from the closing moments of last week’s main event is shown.
J.R.: We are only forty-eight hours away from a history making, career changing Royal Rumble spectacular as we welcome you to Friday Night Smackdown. Hello once again I’m Jim Ross along with Jerry “The King” Lawler at ringside. King, tonight is the final stop on the way to the Rumble and oh what a night it’s going to be.
King: You’ve got that right J.R. Tonight we have a huge six man tag team main event as Irwin R. Schyster, Finlay, and the Big Show take on Edge, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, and the WWE Champion Bret “Hit Man” Hart. Plus Rob Van Dam challenges Booker T. for the United States Champion.
J.R.: Let’s not waste any more time because we are kicking things off with the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels taking on his former Rocker partner Marty Jannetty and whoever wins this one will compete this Sunday in the 60 man Royal Rumble match.
King: It’s Shawn Michaels spot to lose thanks to Brother Love sticking his nose where it didn’t belong on last week’s Brother Love Show.
SHAWN MICHAELS VS. MARTY JANNETTY
The two men lock up. Michaels backs Jannetty into the corner. Michaels moves in, but Jannetty moves and then arm drags HBK. They lock back up. Michaels winds up Jannetty’s arm and then goes behind. Jannetty reaches back and then hooks Michaels leg and takes him down. Jannetty hooks Michaels, but HBK elbows out and goes to the ropes. Jannetty uses a shoulder tackle and then goes to the ropes. Jannetty slides under and comes back with a cross body for a one count.
J.R.: Shawn Michaels quickly escapes that pinfall predicament against his long time friend and former tag team partner. Shawn Michaels does not want to lose his opportunity to compete in the Royal Rumble this Sunday.
Marty Jannetty hip locks Michaels. HBK kicks him off and then takes him down with an arm drag. Michaels chops jannetty and sends him in, but Marty reverses. HBK comes back with a side roll up for a near fall. Jannetty connects with a dropkick and nails him with another and then rams Michaels into the turnbuckle. Jannetty sends Michaels across to the corner. HBK gets a boot up and comes out of the corner, but gets caught with a back body drop. Jannetty plants a fist and then goes up to the top. Jannetty comes off with a cross body, but HBK rolls through for a near fall.
King: This is a real back and forth contest and these guys know each other so well. I honestly believe that Shawn Michaels may not make it to the Rumble. Actually J.R. why isn’t Marty Jannetty in the Rumble to begin with?
J.R.: That’s an excellent question King and one you would have to pose to the chairman of the board Mr. McMahon.
King: Maybe I’ll just send an anonymous e-mail.
Jannetty kicks Michaels and goes to the ropes, but HBK nails him with a hard elbow and then a clothesline. Michaels makes the cover, but Jannetty kicks out. Michaels delivers a suplex and then sends Marty into the turnbuckle. Michaels goes for a back suplex, but Jannetty goes up and over and leaps up onto HBK for a victory roll and gets a two count. Michaels goes for a clothesline, but Jannetty ducks and connects with a neck breaker for a near fall. Brother Love walks out onto the entrance stage.
J.R.: There’s that troublemaker Brother Love. He was the one who essentially made this match happen. Granted it is a great match to have here on Smackdown, but it wasn’t Brother Love’s place to stir up trouble between these two men.
King: That’s all Brother Love knows how to do.
Jannetty slams Michaels and goes to the top. He comes off with a big fist drop and gets a near fall. Jannetty fires away at Michaels. HBK fires back. The two go back and forth. Michaels sends Jannetty, but he reverses him. HBK comes back with a flying forearm. Michaels nips up and delivers an inverted atomic drop followed by several right hands. Michaels sends in Jannetty for a back drop. Michaels follows with a clothesline and then a scoop slam. Shawn goes to the top turnbuckle.
J.R.: This is vintage HBK.
Michaels comes off with the elbow, but Jannetty moves. Jannetty gets set for the Rocker Dropper, but Michaels counters turning it into a power bomb. Michaels has the cover, but Jannetty gets a shoulder up. HBK chops Jannetty and sends him in. Jannetty slides under HBK and then nails him with a dropkick. Jannetty lifts HBK up to the top rope. Jannetty climbs and connects with a superplex for a near fall. Jannetty kicks Michaels and pounds on him. He sends Michaels sailing out over the top, but Michaels hangs on and pulls himself back in, but Jannetty catches him and power slams him for a near fall.
King: This is one heck of a way to kick off Smackdown tonight. What a match.
Jannetty delivers a series of elbows and then bulldogs Michaels. Jannetty goes to the top. Jannetty connects with the big elbow drop and then starts stomping the mat.
J.R.: I think Marty Jannetty is looking for some Sweet Chin Music here.
Jannetty attempts the super kick, but Michaels avoids it and roll shim up for a near fall. Jannetty nails HBK and sends him to the ropes. Jannetty connects with a flying reverse elbow. Jannetty goes for the Rocker Dropper once more, but Michaels pulls away and blasts Jannetty with Sweet Chin Music. Shawn lands on Jannetty and gets the three count.
J.R.: I think the marching band just ran over Marty Jannetty and he’s out. Shawn Michaels comes back with the final blow to secure his spot in this Sunday’s huge Royal Rumble match.
Brother Love comes down to the ring and pulls Jannetty to the outside and helps him away from the ring.
Result: Shawn Michaels over Marty Jannetty by pinfall.
Gene Okerlund catches up with Shawn Michaels at ringside.
Gene: Shawn congratulations on a grueling victory over Marty Jannetty. You are now set to compete in the Royal Rumble this Sunday in Philadelphia.
HBK: Mean Gene, you know the Heartbreak Kid as good as anyone and you know that this Sunday I will do whatever it takes to wipe out fifty-nine other combatants in order to steal the show and head for the granddaddy of them all, that being the main event of WrestleMania 20 at Madison Square Garden where I will once again become Champion.
Gene: Thank you very much Shawn Michaels. HBK is ready to Rumble this Sunday.
Goldust is in the locker-room area on a cell phone.
Goldust: We are almost up. Are you sure you are going to make it in time? Alright I’ll see you then.
J.R.: Goldust and his mystery partner will face MNM in tag team action still to come tonight!
-Commercial Break-
This Tuesday Night the EXTREME returns. An all new era of ECW begins. New Superstars, new rules, new mayhem, and new bruises. Tune in for the rebirth of ECW starting this Tuesday only on the Sci-Fi Channel.
A big SUV pulls up into the parking garage and out steps Ken Shamrock. Shamrock finds someone to point him towards Vince McMahon’s office and he heads off.
J.R.: Wow King, Ken Shamrock is here at Smackdown. I wonder what he’s doing here?
King: I don’t know J.R. We’ve seen him in recent weeks sitting at ringside during Monday Night Raw paying especially close attention to the World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle, but I don’t know what brings him to Smackdown. Apparently he’s looking for the boss though.
HARDCORE HOLLY VS. BATISTA
Holly punches away at Batista. He goes to the ropes, but Batista flattens him with a clothesline. Batista scoops up Holly, but he slips behind and sends him in and nails him with a dropkick.
J.R.: There’s that beautiful Bob Holly dropkick on the Animal Batista. Now can Holly capitalize?
Holly makes the cover, but Batista kicks out. Holly applies the headlock. Batista pushes him to the ropes and catches him with a spine buster. Batista pounds on Holly. Holly fires back with chops. Holly kicks Batista in the corner.
King: This Batista is going to be a major threat in this Sunday’s Royal Rumble match don’t you think J.R.?
J.R.: Absolutely King. I don’t know if Batista has the endurance to outlast fifty-nine other men, but he damn sure has the power to eliminate them.
Holly drapes Batista over the ropes and gives him a low kick. Holly sets up for the Alabama Slamma, but he Batista blocks it and turns it into the Batista Bomb. Batsta covers Holly for a three count.
J.R.: Batista makes short work of Hardcore Holly in this contest. Batista has some all important momentum heading into the big Royal Rumble match this Sunday.
A gong sound is heard and the lights go out. The lights come back on and Batista is looking around.
J.R.: I think paranoia is getting to the Animal. Ever since Batista defeated the Undertaker in a Buried Alive match back in October, Batista has been looking over his shoulder ever since.
Result: Batista defeats Hardcore Holly by pinfall.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Rewind: Goldust has his problems with MNM.
MNM VS. GOLDUST & MYSTERY PARTNER
Mercury, Nitro, and Melina come to the ring first. Goldust then comes down the aisle. Goldust waits for his partner to be introduced.
“American Dream….”
J.R.: it’s the Dream!! The American Dream Dusty Rhodes has come to Minneapolis.
King: I can’t believe it. This is the strangest father and son team I’ve ever seen.
J.R.: These two common men, if you will sure beat two royal pains in the a$$ any day of the week.
King: No comment.
Goldust and Joey Mercury face off in the ring. Goldust hooks on a side headlock. Mercury sends hi in. Goldust knocks him to the mat and goes to the ropes. Mercury drops down and then leap frogs over, but Goldust nails him. Goldust rams Mercury to the buckle and then again. He nails him with a hard shot and then slams him. Goldust drops an elbow and makes the cover, but Mercury kicks out.
J.R.: It’s great to see the legendary Dusty Rhodes here tonight on Smackdown to help even the odds against MNM.
Goldust pounds on Mercury and sends him in. Goldust nails him with an elbow and then hip locks him over. Mercury gets to his feet, but is in the wrong corner and nearly gets a Dusty Rhodes elbow, but backs away. Goldust clotheslines Mercury and covers him, but Nitro makes the save. Goldust goes for a suplex, but Nitro pulls down his partner and Mercury hit’s the neck breaker. Mercury tags in Nitro who kicks and stomps on Goldust. Nitro kicks Goldust in the face and gives him a back suplex for a two count.
King: MNM have taken control from Goldust. I think he needs to tag the Dream.
J.R.: Dusty is the fresh man and his son needs to get to their corner. Melina seems happy however at her teams progress.
King: I would like for her to progress her way right over here.
Nitro delivers a side Russian leg sweep and then drills Goldust with a forearm shot for a near fall. Nitro delivers a suplex and then goes to the second turnbuckle. Nitro drops an elbow, but Goldust rolls away. Nitro gets to his corner and tags Mercury back in. Goldust heads for his corner, but Mercury cuts him off. Mercury drills Goldust into a neutral corner and kicks him. Mercury then charges in, but Goldust gets a foot up. Goldust delivers a flapjack and then tags out to Dusty Rhodes.
J.R.: And here comes the American Dream!
Dusty punches away at Mercury. He sends him in and delivers a big back body drop. Dusty clotheslines Mercury. He gives him another and goes for Nitro, but he drops down off the apron. Dusty scoops up Mercury and spins him around before slamming him to the mat. Dusty drops an elbow and has the cover, but Nitro makes the save. Goldust comes in and clotheslines Nitro out. Goldust follows him out. Rhodes mounts Mercury in the corner and punches away. Melina jumps up on the ring apron and tries to strike Dusty. Dusty grabs her arm and gives her a kiss. Mercury tries to nail Dusty, but he moves and then drills Mercury with a bionic elbow knocking him down. Dusty then bounces off the ropes and drops another bionic elbow and makes the cover and gets the victory.
J.R.: The American Dream has come to Smackdown and he secures a victory for himself and Goldust in this tag team contest.
King: He also secured a kiss from Melina. Maybe next time I’ll volunteer to team with Goldust.
Outside the ring Nitro sends Goldust into the ring post. Nitro jumps back into the ring and drills Dusty into the mat. Mercury is up and the two double team on Dusty Rhodes. MNM hit’s the Snap Shot on Dusty. Goldust grabs a chair and gets back in the ring, but MNM take off.
J.R.: What a dastardly and cowardly attack by MNM on the legendary American Dream. The Dream won the match fair and square and now he’s been left lying by those two degenerates. You can bet this one is far from over.
Result: Goldust and Dusty Rhodes over MNM when Dusty pins Mercury.
A promo is shown. A big check mark is shown and several lovely women are shown on the screen in quick flashes. Then a man with a Mohawk type hair style is shown. He speaks. “You know I’m a real chick magnet and while I could easily live a life just being that, I know I have another purpose. That purpose is to give the rest of the WWE Superstars a reality check. I’m the Miz and I’m coming to the WWE!”
-Commercial Break-
Paul Heyman walks to the ring.
J.R.: Welcome back to Smackdown. The illustrious leader of ECW is headed to the ring.
Heyman: Ladies and gentlemen this Sunday the wrestling world is going to change. The entire landscape of the WWE will change. Based on the random drawing by the participants in the Royal Rumble match this Sunday, we will know many of the Superstars who will be competing in ECW. Subsequently those Superstars who are not participating in the Rumble match will be involved in a second random drawing Monday prior to going live on Raw. So by the time ECW goes live for it’s first extreme broadcast we will know the make up of the ECW brand. Right now however I would like to welcome the man who will be handling backstage and ringside correspondence among other duties for the new ECW. He is an ECW Original. His name is…Tazz!
J.R.: Here comes one of the original Superstars of Extreme. Tazz is back!
Tazz comes out dressed in a suit and steps into the ring. He shakes hands with Paul. He waves to the capacity crowd. Tazz then heads out of the ring along with Paul Heyman.
“Booyaka…Booyaka..619!” The music of Rey Mysteiro plays and the fans erupt.
J.R.: Here comes one of the most spectacular performers in WWE history. Here comes Rey Mysterio. Rey is about to join us at ringside for our United States Championship match.
King: Welcome Rey. Thanks for joining us.
Rey: Always a pleasure King and J.R. I am looking forward to seeing RVD take the U.S. Title from Booker T.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
BOOKER T. © VS. ROB VAN DAM[/u]
Booker and RVD hook up. Van Dam arm drags him over and Booker back away. They lock up again. Van Dam takes Booker down again and this time Booker slides out of the ring.
J.R.: Booker T. does not like how the pace of this match has started in favor of challenger Rob Van Dam. Booker is regrouping here as his wife Sharmell looks on.
Rey: Booker is just afraid of some competition. That’s why he refuses to put the title on the line against me and that is why he is already backing away from Rob Van Dam.
J.R.: Booker won’t be able to back away from the competition on Sunday when he joins you Rey and Rob Van Dam in that sixty man Royal Rumble match.
Booker cautiously returns to the ring. They lock up once more. Booker kicks Van Dam and goes to the ropes. Van Dam delivers another arm drag and then nails Booker with a dropkick. Van Dam hit’s a spinning leg drop and covers Booker for a near fall. Van Dam forearms Booker into the corner. He sends hi in, but Booker reverses. RVD leaps off the turnbuckle with a cross body for a near fall. Van Dam kicks Booker and runs him into the corner. RVD delivers a monkey flip and then quickly leaps up to the top rope. Booker rolls away.
King: It looked like Van Dam was going for the quick win here and Booker was firmly aware of whereabouts and got out of there before it was too late.
RVD jumps back down to the canvas. Booker applies the headlock. Van Dam sends him in, but Booker holds on with a handful of hair. Booker takes Van Dam down to the mat. Van Dam rolls back for a one count. Booker tightens his grip. Both men are back to their feet. Booker knees RVD and then slams him down. Booker drops a knee and drops a second one. Booker makes the cover for a two count. Booker chops Van Dam and sends him in. Van Dam ducks under a clothesline, but gets caught in a power slam on the way back for a near fall. Booker pounds away and drills RVD with clubbing blows to the back and neck. Booker sets a back suplex, but Van Dam goes up and over and goes to the ropes. Booker connects with a heel kick and then a front face suplex for a near fall. Booker rams Van Dam into the turnbuckle and lifts him up on top. Booker delivers a super back suplex and gets a near fall.
J.R.: Booker T. is really taking it to the challenge right now. After slowing down the pace, the United States Champion has RVD where he wants him.
Booker whips RVD to the corner. Booker follows in, but Van Dam dropkicks him down in the leg. RVD rolls up Booker, but he kicks out. Van Dam nails Booker and sends him in, but he reverses it. Van Dam flips back over Booker and then slides under. Van Dam pulls the legs out from under Booker and turns him over and then hit’s a standing moonsault and gets a near fall.
Rey: I know RVD can do it. This is the kind of arsenal that will put Booker T. away.
King: Rey you aren’t very impartial.
Rey: Well it’s simple King. Booker doesn’t want to face me, but I know RVD will accept my challenge.
RVD kicks Booker in the corner. Booker slumps down. RVD turns back and dropkicks Booker in the face. RVD drags Booker out of the corner and then delivers a split legged moonsault, but Booker gets his knees up. Booker goes for the Book End, but Van Dam elbows out and goes to the ropes. Booker kicks Van Dam. He sets him up for the scissors kick, but Van Dam moves. Van Dam tries to kick Booker, but he catches his foot. RVD nails him with a reverse kick and then drills him with Rolling Thunder. Van Dam makes the cover, but Booker gets a foot on the rope. Van Dam snap mares Booker over and then dropkicks him low. Van Dam slams Booker and goes to the top. Van Dam comes off with the 5 Star Frog Splash, but Booker moves. Booker hooks the Book End and plants Van Dam. Booker pins Rob Van and keeps him down for a count of three.
J.R.: Booker avoided the big finish by Rob Van Dam and capitalized with his Book End and he remains the U.S. Champion.
Rey Mysterio jumps into the ring, but Booker leaves with Sharmell.
Result: Booker T. pins Rob Van Dam.
J.R.: Well King, the Royal Rumble is upon us this Sunday live from the sold out Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s going to be an epic night for the entire WWE.
King: That’s right J.R. Philadelphia is home to the extreme which is certainly apropos since ECW returns at the Rumble.
J.R.: In forty-eight hours the WWE Championship will be on the line as the Excellence of Execution himself Bret “Hit Man” Hart defends against Brock Lesnar. Can Hart retain the title or will the Minneapolis native take control of the most prized possession in sports entertainment?
King: Kurt Angle will also have his hands full at the Rumble when he defends the World Heavyweight Title in a triple threat match against the Nature Boy Ric Flair and Y2J Chris Jericho. The odds are against the Olympic gold medalist when he faces off with the two of the very best.
J.R.: The Intercontinental Championship will also be up for grabs when Captain Charisma Christian defends against Muhammad Hassan. With Daivari as referee even the Peeps may not be enough to help Christian survive with the gold in his hand.
King: D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley have a reservation at a table for two when they face Tommy Dreamer and Terry Funk in a tag team tables match. Someone’s going to get served this Sunday.
J.R.: Then it all comes down to the 60 Man Royal Rumble Match. It’s every man for himself when 60 Superstars battle it out to obtain a Championship opportunity in the main event of WrestleMania 20. Participating in this year’s extravaganza are Rene Dupree, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, King Kong Bundy, Gregory Helms, Sandman, Dean Malenko, Sabu, Irwin R. Schyster, Rey Mysterio, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, B. Brian Blair and Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell of the Killer Bees, Rhyno, Razor Ramon, “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters, Rowdy Roddy Pipre, Trevor Murdoch, Lance Cade, Cruiserweight Champion Paul London, Tito Santana, Diesel, Matt Hardy, “The Alpha Male” Monty Brown, the Immortal Hulk Hogan, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, the Rated R Superstar Edge, The Game Triple H, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, the World’s Strongest Man Mark Henry, Goldberg, Finlay, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Rob Van Dam, Sycho Sid, CM Punk, Randy Orton, the Mountie, Rick “The Model” Martel, John Bradshaw Layfield, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero, Goldust, John Cena, Carlito, U.S. Champion Booker T., the Big Show, Batista, and the Texas Rattlesnake Stone Cold Steve Austin. Only five participants have yet to be named and we will all find out who those men are this Sunday on pay-per-view.
King: Well we may have to wait for Sunday to see the Royal Rumble, but we don’t have to wait that long for our Smackdown main event. It’s a huge six man tag team match and it’s next!
-Commercial Break-
WWE Slam of the Week: Bret Hart defeats Finlay last week on Smackdown.
J.R.: Welcome back to Smackdown. Let’s get straight to our main event.
BRET HART, JIM NEIDHART, & EDGE VS. FINLAY, BIG SHOW, & IRWIN R. SCHYSTER
Hart and Finlay lock up. Hart takes Finlay down and pounds away. Finlay gets back up and pushes Bret into the corner. Finlay goes for a short arm clothesline, but Hart ducks and connects with a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Hart delivers a suplex and then drops a leg for a near fall. Hart tags in the Anvil. Neidhart comes in and tackles Finlay.
J.R.: Bret Hart was victorious over Finlay last week on Smackdown in a title defense. What everyone has been asking though is where has Brock Lesnar been? Has he been in seclusion preparing for his title opportunity this Sunday? Normally the number one contender for the WWE Title does not disappear heading into a huge match.
King: Well no one can get an answer from Ted DiBiase and so I guess we’ll find out this Sunday when Lesnar shows up to face the Hit Man.
Neidhart pounds on Finlay and scoops him up, but Finlay elbows out. Finlay dropkicks the Anvil and tags in IRS. IRS misses an elbow drop and the Anvil tosses him across the ring. Neidhart delivers a shoulder block and then slams Schyster. The Anvil makes the cover, but IRS kicks out. Neidhart tags in Edge. Edge dropkicks IRS and sends him in, but he reverses it. Edge hit’s a sunset flip for a near fall. IRS nails Edge with a boot and then applies a reverse chin lock. Edge elbows out and goes to the ropes. IRS buries the knee and then delivers a gut wrench suplex. IRS tags in the Big Show.
J.R.: Here comes the largest athlete in the world. Big Show has to be the odds on favorite to dominate the Royal Rumble match this Sunday.
Big Show head butts Edge and then chops him across the chest. Show delivers a side slam and gets a near fall. Show lifts Edge all the way over head, but Edge slips behind and goes fo rthe Edge-o-matic, but Show blocks it and backs Edge into the corner. Edge hangs on and comes off the top rope with a dropkick. Edge makes the cover, but Show kicks out with authority. Edge tags the Anvil back in. Edge slingshots Neidhart into the ring nailsing Show. The Anvil gets a one count on Show. Neidhart tackles Show and uses numerous clotheslines, but Show comes right back with a big boot. Show steps on the Anvil and tags Finlay in. Finlay nails Neidhart and goes for the Celtic Cross, but the Anvil gets out. Neidhart gives Finlay a scoop slam.
King: Both men look like they need to take a breather.
Finlay tags in Schyster. Neidhart tags in Bret. Bret punches away at IRS. He sends him in and nails him with a fist to the mid section and then delivers a bulldog. Hart uses a back breaker and comes off the middle turnbuckle with an elbow for a near fall. Hart nails Finlay with a dropkick, but then Big Show grabs a hold of Hart. Edge comes in and spears the Big Show who falls off the apron onto Finlay. Hart delivers an inverted atomic drop on IRS and then nails him with a clothesline. Hart connects with another. Hart then applies the Sharp Shooter. Big Show reaches in and pulls IRS to the ropes. Show tags himself into the ring. Hart kicks away at Show’s leg. Show goes for a choke slam, but Hart turns it into a DDT. Hart then goes for the Sharp Shooter on Big Show. He manages to hook it on.
J.R.: That is simply an amazing sight and an amazing display by the WWE Champion.
Big Show tries to fight out of the hold, but he doesn’t and Show finally taps out.
King: I can’t believe this. Big Show has tapped out to the Sharp Shooter. Wow!
J.R.: Bret Hart has made the Big Show tap out and that could be a sign of what is to come this Sunday at the Royal Rumble when Bret Hart defends the WWE Title against Brock Lesnar. Ladies and gentlemen, the Royal Rumble is this Sunday. We hope you will join us for what could be an extreme makeover for the WWE. Good night everyone!
FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN
(AIRDATE: JANUARY 23, 2004)
WWE logo appears on screen.
Footage from the closing moments of last week’s main event is shown.
J.R.: We are only forty-eight hours away from a history making, career changing Royal Rumble spectacular as we welcome you to Friday Night Smackdown. Hello once again I’m Jim Ross along with Jerry “The King” Lawler at ringside. King, tonight is the final stop on the way to the Rumble and oh what a night it’s going to be.
King: You’ve got that right J.R. Tonight we have a huge six man tag team main event as Irwin R. Schyster, Finlay, and the Big Show take on Edge, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, and the WWE Champion Bret “Hit Man” Hart. Plus Rob Van Dam challenges Booker T. for the United States Champion.
J.R.: Let’s not waste any more time because we are kicking things off with the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels taking on his former Rocker partner Marty Jannetty and whoever wins this one will compete this Sunday in the 60 man Royal Rumble match.
King: It’s Shawn Michaels spot to lose thanks to Brother Love sticking his nose where it didn’t belong on last week’s Brother Love Show.
SHAWN MICHAELS VS. MARTY JANNETTY
The two men lock up. Michaels backs Jannetty into the corner. Michaels moves in, but Jannetty moves and then arm drags HBK. They lock back up. Michaels winds up Jannetty’s arm and then goes behind. Jannetty reaches back and then hooks Michaels leg and takes him down. Jannetty hooks Michaels, but HBK elbows out and goes to the ropes. Jannetty uses a shoulder tackle and then goes to the ropes. Jannetty slides under and comes back with a cross body for a one count.
J.R.: Shawn Michaels quickly escapes that pinfall predicament against his long time friend and former tag team partner. Shawn Michaels does not want to lose his opportunity to compete in the Royal Rumble this Sunday.
Marty Jannetty hip locks Michaels. HBK kicks him off and then takes him down with an arm drag. Michaels chops jannetty and sends him in, but Marty reverses. HBK comes back with a side roll up for a near fall. Jannetty connects with a dropkick and nails him with another and then rams Michaels into the turnbuckle. Jannetty sends Michaels across to the corner. HBK gets a boot up and comes out of the corner, but gets caught with a back body drop. Jannetty plants a fist and then goes up to the top. Jannetty comes off with a cross body, but HBK rolls through for a near fall.
King: This is a real back and forth contest and these guys know each other so well. I honestly believe that Shawn Michaels may not make it to the Rumble. Actually J.R. why isn’t Marty Jannetty in the Rumble to begin with?
J.R.: That’s an excellent question King and one you would have to pose to the chairman of the board Mr. McMahon.
King: Maybe I’ll just send an anonymous e-mail.
Jannetty kicks Michaels and goes to the ropes, but HBK nails him with a hard elbow and then a clothesline. Michaels makes the cover, but Jannetty kicks out. Michaels delivers a suplex and then sends Marty into the turnbuckle. Michaels goes for a back suplex, but Jannetty goes up and over and leaps up onto HBK for a victory roll and gets a two count. Michaels goes for a clothesline, but Jannetty ducks and connects with a neck breaker for a near fall. Brother Love walks out onto the entrance stage.
J.R.: There’s that troublemaker Brother Love. He was the one who essentially made this match happen. Granted it is a great match to have here on Smackdown, but it wasn’t Brother Love’s place to stir up trouble between these two men.
King: That’s all Brother Love knows how to do.
Jannetty slams Michaels and goes to the top. He comes off with a big fist drop and gets a near fall. Jannetty fires away at Michaels. HBK fires back. The two go back and forth. Michaels sends Jannetty, but he reverses him. HBK comes back with a flying forearm. Michaels nips up and delivers an inverted atomic drop followed by several right hands. Michaels sends in Jannetty for a back drop. Michaels follows with a clothesline and then a scoop slam. Shawn goes to the top turnbuckle.
J.R.: This is vintage HBK.
Michaels comes off with the elbow, but Jannetty moves. Jannetty gets set for the Rocker Dropper, but Michaels counters turning it into a power bomb. Michaels has the cover, but Jannetty gets a shoulder up. HBK chops Jannetty and sends him in. Jannetty slides under HBK and then nails him with a dropkick. Jannetty lifts HBK up to the top rope. Jannetty climbs and connects with a superplex for a near fall. Jannetty kicks Michaels and pounds on him. He sends Michaels sailing out over the top, but Michaels hangs on and pulls himself back in, but Jannetty catches him and power slams him for a near fall.
King: This is one heck of a way to kick off Smackdown tonight. What a match.
Jannetty delivers a series of elbows and then bulldogs Michaels. Jannetty goes to the top. Jannetty connects with the big elbow drop and then starts stomping the mat.
J.R.: I think Marty Jannetty is looking for some Sweet Chin Music here.
Jannetty attempts the super kick, but Michaels avoids it and roll shim up for a near fall. Jannetty nails HBK and sends him to the ropes. Jannetty connects with a flying reverse elbow. Jannetty goes for the Rocker Dropper once more, but Michaels pulls away and blasts Jannetty with Sweet Chin Music. Shawn lands on Jannetty and gets the three count.
J.R.: I think the marching band just ran over Marty Jannetty and he’s out. Shawn Michaels comes back with the final blow to secure his spot in this Sunday’s huge Royal Rumble match.
Brother Love comes down to the ring and pulls Jannetty to the outside and helps him away from the ring.
Result: Shawn Michaels over Marty Jannetty by pinfall.
Gene Okerlund catches up with Shawn Michaels at ringside.
Gene: Shawn congratulations on a grueling victory over Marty Jannetty. You are now set to compete in the Royal Rumble this Sunday in Philadelphia.
HBK: Mean Gene, you know the Heartbreak Kid as good as anyone and you know that this Sunday I will do whatever it takes to wipe out fifty-nine other combatants in order to steal the show and head for the granddaddy of them all, that being the main event of WrestleMania 20 at Madison Square Garden where I will once again become Champion.
Gene: Thank you very much Shawn Michaels. HBK is ready to Rumble this Sunday.
Goldust is in the locker-room area on a cell phone.
Goldust: We are almost up. Are you sure you are going to make it in time? Alright I’ll see you then.
J.R.: Goldust and his mystery partner will face MNM in tag team action still to come tonight!
-Commercial Break-
This Tuesday Night the EXTREME returns. An all new era of ECW begins. New Superstars, new rules, new mayhem, and new bruises. Tune in for the rebirth of ECW starting this Tuesday only on the Sci-Fi Channel.
A big SUV pulls up into the parking garage and out steps Ken Shamrock. Shamrock finds someone to point him towards Vince McMahon’s office and he heads off.
J.R.: Wow King, Ken Shamrock is here at Smackdown. I wonder what he’s doing here?
King: I don’t know J.R. We’ve seen him in recent weeks sitting at ringside during Monday Night Raw paying especially close attention to the World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle, but I don’t know what brings him to Smackdown. Apparently he’s looking for the boss though.
HARDCORE HOLLY VS. BATISTA
Holly punches away at Batista. He goes to the ropes, but Batista flattens him with a clothesline. Batista scoops up Holly, but he slips behind and sends him in and nails him with a dropkick.
J.R.: There’s that beautiful Bob Holly dropkick on the Animal Batista. Now can Holly capitalize?
Holly makes the cover, but Batista kicks out. Holly applies the headlock. Batista pushes him to the ropes and catches him with a spine buster. Batista pounds on Holly. Holly fires back with chops. Holly kicks Batista in the corner.
King: This Batista is going to be a major threat in this Sunday’s Royal Rumble match don’t you think J.R.?
J.R.: Absolutely King. I don’t know if Batista has the endurance to outlast fifty-nine other men, but he damn sure has the power to eliminate them.
Holly drapes Batista over the ropes and gives him a low kick. Holly sets up for the Alabama Slamma, but he Batista blocks it and turns it into the Batista Bomb. Batsta covers Holly for a three count.
J.R.: Batista makes short work of Hardcore Holly in this contest. Batista has some all important momentum heading into the big Royal Rumble match this Sunday.
A gong sound is heard and the lights go out. The lights come back on and Batista is looking around.
J.R.: I think paranoia is getting to the Animal. Ever since Batista defeated the Undertaker in a Buried Alive match back in October, Batista has been looking over his shoulder ever since.
Result: Batista defeats Hardcore Holly by pinfall.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Rewind: Goldust has his problems with MNM.
MNM VS. GOLDUST & MYSTERY PARTNER
Mercury, Nitro, and Melina come to the ring first. Goldust then comes down the aisle. Goldust waits for his partner to be introduced.
“American Dream….”
J.R.: it’s the Dream!! The American Dream Dusty Rhodes has come to Minneapolis.
King: I can’t believe it. This is the strangest father and son team I’ve ever seen.
J.R.: These two common men, if you will sure beat two royal pains in the a$$ any day of the week.
King: No comment.
Goldust and Joey Mercury face off in the ring. Goldust hooks on a side headlock. Mercury sends hi in. Goldust knocks him to the mat and goes to the ropes. Mercury drops down and then leap frogs over, but Goldust nails him. Goldust rams Mercury to the buckle and then again. He nails him with a hard shot and then slams him. Goldust drops an elbow and makes the cover, but Mercury kicks out.
J.R.: It’s great to see the legendary Dusty Rhodes here tonight on Smackdown to help even the odds against MNM.
Goldust pounds on Mercury and sends him in. Goldust nails him with an elbow and then hip locks him over. Mercury gets to his feet, but is in the wrong corner and nearly gets a Dusty Rhodes elbow, but backs away. Goldust clotheslines Mercury and covers him, but Nitro makes the save. Goldust goes for a suplex, but Nitro pulls down his partner and Mercury hit’s the neck breaker. Mercury tags in Nitro who kicks and stomps on Goldust. Nitro kicks Goldust in the face and gives him a back suplex for a two count.
King: MNM have taken control from Goldust. I think he needs to tag the Dream.
J.R.: Dusty is the fresh man and his son needs to get to their corner. Melina seems happy however at her teams progress.
King: I would like for her to progress her way right over here.
Nitro delivers a side Russian leg sweep and then drills Goldust with a forearm shot for a near fall. Nitro delivers a suplex and then goes to the second turnbuckle. Nitro drops an elbow, but Goldust rolls away. Nitro gets to his corner and tags Mercury back in. Goldust heads for his corner, but Mercury cuts him off. Mercury drills Goldust into a neutral corner and kicks him. Mercury then charges in, but Goldust gets a foot up. Goldust delivers a flapjack and then tags out to Dusty Rhodes.
J.R.: And here comes the American Dream!
Dusty punches away at Mercury. He sends him in and delivers a big back body drop. Dusty clotheslines Mercury. He gives him another and goes for Nitro, but he drops down off the apron. Dusty scoops up Mercury and spins him around before slamming him to the mat. Dusty drops an elbow and has the cover, but Nitro makes the save. Goldust comes in and clotheslines Nitro out. Goldust follows him out. Rhodes mounts Mercury in the corner and punches away. Melina jumps up on the ring apron and tries to strike Dusty. Dusty grabs her arm and gives her a kiss. Mercury tries to nail Dusty, but he moves and then drills Mercury with a bionic elbow knocking him down. Dusty then bounces off the ropes and drops another bionic elbow and makes the cover and gets the victory.
J.R.: The American Dream has come to Smackdown and he secures a victory for himself and Goldust in this tag team contest.
King: He also secured a kiss from Melina. Maybe next time I’ll volunteer to team with Goldust.
Outside the ring Nitro sends Goldust into the ring post. Nitro jumps back into the ring and drills Dusty into the mat. Mercury is up and the two double team on Dusty Rhodes. MNM hit’s the Snap Shot on Dusty. Goldust grabs a chair and gets back in the ring, but MNM take off.
J.R.: What a dastardly and cowardly attack by MNM on the legendary American Dream. The Dream won the match fair and square and now he’s been left lying by those two degenerates. You can bet this one is far from over.
Result: Goldust and Dusty Rhodes over MNM when Dusty pins Mercury.
A promo is shown. A big check mark is shown and several lovely women are shown on the screen in quick flashes. Then a man with a Mohawk type hair style is shown. He speaks. “You know I’m a real chick magnet and while I could easily live a life just being that, I know I have another purpose. That purpose is to give the rest of the WWE Superstars a reality check. I’m the Miz and I’m coming to the WWE!”
-Commercial Break-
Paul Heyman walks to the ring.
J.R.: Welcome back to Smackdown. The illustrious leader of ECW is headed to the ring.
Heyman: Ladies and gentlemen this Sunday the wrestling world is going to change. The entire landscape of the WWE will change. Based on the random drawing by the participants in the Royal Rumble match this Sunday, we will know many of the Superstars who will be competing in ECW. Subsequently those Superstars who are not participating in the Rumble match will be involved in a second random drawing Monday prior to going live on Raw. So by the time ECW goes live for it’s first extreme broadcast we will know the make up of the ECW brand. Right now however I would like to welcome the man who will be handling backstage and ringside correspondence among other duties for the new ECW. He is an ECW Original. His name is…Tazz!
J.R.: Here comes one of the original Superstars of Extreme. Tazz is back!
Tazz comes out dressed in a suit and steps into the ring. He shakes hands with Paul. He waves to the capacity crowd. Tazz then heads out of the ring along with Paul Heyman.
“Booyaka…Booyaka..619!” The music of Rey Mysteiro plays and the fans erupt.
J.R.: Here comes one of the most spectacular performers in WWE history. Here comes Rey Mysterio. Rey is about to join us at ringside for our United States Championship match.
King: Welcome Rey. Thanks for joining us.
Rey: Always a pleasure King and J.R. I am looking forward to seeing RVD take the U.S. Title from Booker T.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
BOOKER T. © VS. ROB VAN DAM[/u]
Booker and RVD hook up. Van Dam arm drags him over and Booker back away. They lock up again. Van Dam takes Booker down again and this time Booker slides out of the ring.
J.R.: Booker T. does not like how the pace of this match has started in favor of challenger Rob Van Dam. Booker is regrouping here as his wife Sharmell looks on.
Rey: Booker is just afraid of some competition. That’s why he refuses to put the title on the line against me and that is why he is already backing away from Rob Van Dam.
J.R.: Booker won’t be able to back away from the competition on Sunday when he joins you Rey and Rob Van Dam in that sixty man Royal Rumble match.
Booker cautiously returns to the ring. They lock up once more. Booker kicks Van Dam and goes to the ropes. Van Dam delivers another arm drag and then nails Booker with a dropkick. Van Dam hit’s a spinning leg drop and covers Booker for a near fall. Van Dam forearms Booker into the corner. He sends hi in, but Booker reverses. RVD leaps off the turnbuckle with a cross body for a near fall. Van Dam kicks Booker and runs him into the corner. RVD delivers a monkey flip and then quickly leaps up to the top rope. Booker rolls away.
King: It looked like Van Dam was going for the quick win here and Booker was firmly aware of whereabouts and got out of there before it was too late.
RVD jumps back down to the canvas. Booker applies the headlock. Van Dam sends him in, but Booker holds on with a handful of hair. Booker takes Van Dam down to the mat. Van Dam rolls back for a one count. Booker tightens his grip. Both men are back to their feet. Booker knees RVD and then slams him down. Booker drops a knee and drops a second one. Booker makes the cover for a two count. Booker chops Van Dam and sends him in. Van Dam ducks under a clothesline, but gets caught in a power slam on the way back for a near fall. Booker pounds away and drills RVD with clubbing blows to the back and neck. Booker sets a back suplex, but Van Dam goes up and over and goes to the ropes. Booker connects with a heel kick and then a front face suplex for a near fall. Booker rams Van Dam into the turnbuckle and lifts him up on top. Booker delivers a super back suplex and gets a near fall.
J.R.: Booker T. is really taking it to the challenge right now. After slowing down the pace, the United States Champion has RVD where he wants him.
Booker whips RVD to the corner. Booker follows in, but Van Dam dropkicks him down in the leg. RVD rolls up Booker, but he kicks out. Van Dam nails Booker and sends him in, but he reverses it. Van Dam flips back over Booker and then slides under. Van Dam pulls the legs out from under Booker and turns him over and then hit’s a standing moonsault and gets a near fall.
Rey: I know RVD can do it. This is the kind of arsenal that will put Booker T. away.
King: Rey you aren’t very impartial.
Rey: Well it’s simple King. Booker doesn’t want to face me, but I know RVD will accept my challenge.
RVD kicks Booker in the corner. Booker slumps down. RVD turns back and dropkicks Booker in the face. RVD drags Booker out of the corner and then delivers a split legged moonsault, but Booker gets his knees up. Booker goes for the Book End, but Van Dam elbows out and goes to the ropes. Booker kicks Van Dam. He sets him up for the scissors kick, but Van Dam moves. Van Dam tries to kick Booker, but he catches his foot. RVD nails him with a reverse kick and then drills him with Rolling Thunder. Van Dam makes the cover, but Booker gets a foot on the rope. Van Dam snap mares Booker over and then dropkicks him low. Van Dam slams Booker and goes to the top. Van Dam comes off with the 5 Star Frog Splash, but Booker moves. Booker hooks the Book End and plants Van Dam. Booker pins Rob Van and keeps him down for a count of three.
J.R.: Booker avoided the big finish by Rob Van Dam and capitalized with his Book End and he remains the U.S. Champion.
Rey Mysterio jumps into the ring, but Booker leaves with Sharmell.
Result: Booker T. pins Rob Van Dam.
J.R.: Well King, the Royal Rumble is upon us this Sunday live from the sold out Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s going to be an epic night for the entire WWE.
King: That’s right J.R. Philadelphia is home to the extreme which is certainly apropos since ECW returns at the Rumble.
J.R.: In forty-eight hours the WWE Championship will be on the line as the Excellence of Execution himself Bret “Hit Man” Hart defends against Brock Lesnar. Can Hart retain the title or will the Minneapolis native take control of the most prized possession in sports entertainment?
King: Kurt Angle will also have his hands full at the Rumble when he defends the World Heavyweight Title in a triple threat match against the Nature Boy Ric Flair and Y2J Chris Jericho. The odds are against the Olympic gold medalist when he faces off with the two of the very best.
J.R.: The Intercontinental Championship will also be up for grabs when Captain Charisma Christian defends against Muhammad Hassan. With Daivari as referee even the Peeps may not be enough to help Christian survive with the gold in his hand.
King: D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley have a reservation at a table for two when they face Tommy Dreamer and Terry Funk in a tag team tables match. Someone’s going to get served this Sunday.
J.R.: Then it all comes down to the 60 Man Royal Rumble Match. It’s every man for himself when 60 Superstars battle it out to obtain a Championship opportunity in the main event of WrestleMania 20. Participating in this year’s extravaganza are Rene Dupree, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, King Kong Bundy, Gregory Helms, Sandman, Dean Malenko, Sabu, Irwin R. Schyster, Rey Mysterio, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, B. Brian Blair and Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell of the Killer Bees, Rhyno, Razor Ramon, “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters, Rowdy Roddy Pipre, Trevor Murdoch, Lance Cade, Cruiserweight Champion Paul London, Tito Santana, Diesel, Matt Hardy, “The Alpha Male” Monty Brown, the Immortal Hulk Hogan, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, the Rated R Superstar Edge, The Game Triple H, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, the World’s Strongest Man Mark Henry, Goldberg, Finlay, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, Rob Van Dam, Sycho Sid, CM Punk, Randy Orton, the Mountie, Rick “The Model” Martel, John Bradshaw Layfield, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero, Goldust, John Cena, Carlito, U.S. Champion Booker T., the Big Show, Batista, and the Texas Rattlesnake Stone Cold Steve Austin. Only five participants have yet to be named and we will all find out who those men are this Sunday on pay-per-view.
King: Well we may have to wait for Sunday to see the Royal Rumble, but we don’t have to wait that long for our Smackdown main event. It’s a huge six man tag team match and it’s next!
-Commercial Break-
WWE Slam of the Week: Bret Hart defeats Finlay last week on Smackdown.
J.R.: Welcome back to Smackdown. Let’s get straight to our main event.
BRET HART, JIM NEIDHART, & EDGE VS. FINLAY, BIG SHOW, & IRWIN R. SCHYSTER
Hart and Finlay lock up. Hart takes Finlay down and pounds away. Finlay gets back up and pushes Bret into the corner. Finlay goes for a short arm clothesline, but Hart ducks and connects with a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Hart delivers a suplex and then drops a leg for a near fall. Hart tags in the Anvil. Neidhart comes in and tackles Finlay.
J.R.: Bret Hart was victorious over Finlay last week on Smackdown in a title defense. What everyone has been asking though is where has Brock Lesnar been? Has he been in seclusion preparing for his title opportunity this Sunday? Normally the number one contender for the WWE Title does not disappear heading into a huge match.
King: Well no one can get an answer from Ted DiBiase and so I guess we’ll find out this Sunday when Lesnar shows up to face the Hit Man.
Neidhart pounds on Finlay and scoops him up, but Finlay elbows out. Finlay dropkicks the Anvil and tags in IRS. IRS misses an elbow drop and the Anvil tosses him across the ring. Neidhart delivers a shoulder block and then slams Schyster. The Anvil makes the cover, but IRS kicks out. Neidhart tags in Edge. Edge dropkicks IRS and sends him in, but he reverses it. Edge hit’s a sunset flip for a near fall. IRS nails Edge with a boot and then applies a reverse chin lock. Edge elbows out and goes to the ropes. IRS buries the knee and then delivers a gut wrench suplex. IRS tags in the Big Show.
J.R.: Here comes the largest athlete in the world. Big Show has to be the odds on favorite to dominate the Royal Rumble match this Sunday.
Big Show head butts Edge and then chops him across the chest. Show delivers a side slam and gets a near fall. Show lifts Edge all the way over head, but Edge slips behind and goes fo rthe Edge-o-matic, but Show blocks it and backs Edge into the corner. Edge hangs on and comes off the top rope with a dropkick. Edge makes the cover, but Show kicks out with authority. Edge tags the Anvil back in. Edge slingshots Neidhart into the ring nailsing Show. The Anvil gets a one count on Show. Neidhart tackles Show and uses numerous clotheslines, but Show comes right back with a big boot. Show steps on the Anvil and tags Finlay in. Finlay nails Neidhart and goes for the Celtic Cross, but the Anvil gets out. Neidhart gives Finlay a scoop slam.
King: Both men look like they need to take a breather.
Finlay tags in Schyster. Neidhart tags in Bret. Bret punches away at IRS. He sends him in and nails him with a fist to the mid section and then delivers a bulldog. Hart uses a back breaker and comes off the middle turnbuckle with an elbow for a near fall. Hart nails Finlay with a dropkick, but then Big Show grabs a hold of Hart. Edge comes in and spears the Big Show who falls off the apron onto Finlay. Hart delivers an inverted atomic drop on IRS and then nails him with a clothesline. Hart connects with another. Hart then applies the Sharp Shooter. Big Show reaches in and pulls IRS to the ropes. Show tags himself into the ring. Hart kicks away at Show’s leg. Show goes for a choke slam, but Hart turns it into a DDT. Hart then goes for the Sharp Shooter on Big Show. He manages to hook it on.
J.R.: That is simply an amazing sight and an amazing display by the WWE Champion.
Big Show tries to fight out of the hold, but he doesn’t and Show finally taps out.
King: I can’t believe this. Big Show has tapped out to the Sharp Shooter. Wow!
J.R.: Bret Hart has made the Big Show tap out and that could be a sign of what is to come this Sunday at the Royal Rumble when Bret Hart defends the WWE Title against Brock Lesnar. Ladies and gentlemen, the Royal Rumble is this Sunday. We hope you will join us for what could be an extreme makeover for the WWE. Good night everyone!
