Post by wolvenbear on Sept 2, 2021 23:30:02 GMT -5
(RVD's music hits and he comes out to a massive pop from the crowd, doing his signature thumb intro.)
JR: And I cannot think of a better way to start Smackdown than with the number one contender.
Tenay: Assuming he even makes it to Wrestlemania.
JR: He has beaten all challengers for his contendership. Tomorrow is another day of course, but, for now, Rob Van Dam is Mister Main Event.
(Rob slides into the ring and grabs a mic.)
RVD: I can't lie, I'm a little disappointed to be in Green Bay and not get to see the Packers...but there is no place I would rather be than in front of you amazing people tonight. (crowd erupts)
Tenay: Cheap peanuts to the crowd.
Jr: Shut up, Tenay.
RVD: Now, this may come as a surprise to those of you watching...but I won a really big match a few months ago that says I'm a little bit of a big deal.Some of you might have missed it. After all, Hulk Hogan is claiming he is the main event. Edge is now claiming he is the main event. Scott Steiner says he gets that spot. I think I even heard a valet in the parking lot claiming that he is going to be the head line of Wrestlemania. But there's one little guy that everyone is overlooking. There was a guy who won the biggest Royale Rumble in history...a guy named Rob...Van...Dam. (The crowd chants with him.) Anyone can lay claim to my win. Anyone can claim that they are the man who will be in the main event at mania. But to do so, they have to beat me. And, as we have seen for the past two months...that isn't happening. You are looking at the man who will main event Wrestlemania. We are just a little over a month away from seeing Champ Van Dam.
Tenay: Big boasts from Rob Van Dam.
JR: A man who has faced challenge after challenge and has always come out ahead. There is no reason to doubt him now.
RVD: My being pushed to the back caused everyone to forget Rob Van Dam is the Whole Dam Show at Wrestlemania. It is time that we remember that the most important....
(Before he can finish, Steiner's music hits. He comes down to the ring, and, without warning, destroys RVD, tossing him out of the ring. He grabs a mic.)
Steiner: Foley. Get your fat ass out here. I told you you had til Smackdown to fix this. Here we are. What have you “fixed”, fat man?
(Foley's music hits. He storms out.)
Foley: You have the gall to demand anything? You put my champ in the hospital?You assault my number one contender? You insult my weight....which I work very hard on....and expect me to give you anything? I tell you what I'll give you. I have a pink...
Steiner: You'll fire me? I'm not Randy Orton. If you fire me, Foley, let me tell you what will happen. I will track down your stars, one by one. I will cripple everyone who works for FWA. I see my first victim right here at ringside. Hell of a wrestlemania you'll have when the Royale Rumble winner has a broken back and a crushed skull. I will make you regret your decision every day as I end FWA one star at a time.You will know that each hospitalization, every career ending injury is your fault. (waiving a tire iron) You got the balls, Mick? I bet you'll blink long before me.
(Foley stands silently for several seconds until the Elite's music hits. Triple H storms out and snatches the mic out of Foley's hand.)
Triple H: You. Will Not. Fire. This piece of trash. Until we are done with him. Main event. We want Steiner.
Foley: Fine. At Main Event, we will let the Elite have their way with Scott Steiner. Now...
(Before Foley can finish, Billy and Chuck rush the ring to attack Steiner. He battles both off. Hunter takes his sledge from Austin and storms to the ring. Gunn catches Steiner in a full nelson, but, when HHH goes for the head blow, Steiner moves and Billy takes the hit. After suplexing everyone, Steiner sets up HHH for the Pedigree.)
JR: He has had enough of the Elite. He is going to destroy Triple H with his own move.
(Before he can hit it, RVD is on the top rope with a chair. He hits a Van Terminator to the back of Steiner's head. This allows HHH to recover, and hit the Pedigree on Steiner. The two men look uneasily at each other.)
Tenay: RVD put his nose in business where it did not belong.
JR: Steiner attacked RVD! If anyone brought RVD into this, it's Scott Steiner.
Tenay: Of course you'd defend this unprovoked assault.
JR: You are impossible.
(We fade to commercial.)
(We come back to Rhyno in the ring. )
Rhyno: On Monday, Commissioner Mick caved into the demands of the nWo to make a match for Main Event. I will face Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. Everyone is saying it is a dream match. But, to be real, I cannot think of an opponent less deserving of a title shot. But, for Mick, and for the fans at home, I agreed. With one stipulation. Tonight, I choose my opponents. I put the belt on the line against 5 men who I feel are consistently overlooked in FWA, all of who deserve a shot.
Intercontinental Championship
Rhyno (c) v Evan Bourne v Farooq v Matt Morgan v Scotty 2 Hotty v Eddie Guerrero
(As is fitting of a match Rhyno made, all six men start the match at once. Farooq and Eddie lock up in one corner. Evan Bourne and Scotty team up against Matt Morgan, who keeps swatting the two little men aside like flies as they try to lift him in tandem. Grabbing Scotty by the neck, Morgan tosses him from the ring, and lifts Evan for a sidewalk slam. When he goes to check the time, Rhyno starts raining blows. They brawl to the outside, which lets Bourne recover. He climbs to the top and hits a Shooting Star Press on both men to take them out. Left in the ring, Farooq tries to lift Eddie for the Dominator early, but Eddie grabs the ropes. Raking his eyes, Eddie forces the bigger man to drop him. He goes for the Three Amigos, but Scotty grabs his leg from the outside. This distraction allows Farooq to clothesline him out of the ring, where he lands on Scotty.)
JR: This has been pure madness so far.
Tenay: We literally have bodies everywhere.
(Having dropped his competitors, Morgan slides back in to face off against Farooq. After a few words exchanged, they start trading blows. Morgan taunts Farooq, telling him to really hit him. Bounding off the ropes, Farooq clotheslines him to no effect. Again, the same result with Morgan laughing. He demands another, but Farooq ducks and chop blocks him.)
JR: Matt Morgan is a oak tree of a man, but Farooq just chopped him down.
Tenay: If you can't face the man on his feet, take him to the ground. Everyone is the same size on their backs.
(Farooq grounds and pounds him, letting Eddie, Bourne and Rhyno get back in. We have a five way brawl for several minutes. Morgan hits the Carbon footprint on Rhyno, but Farooq runs at him, taking both of them over the top rope to the floor. Eddie tries for the three amigos again, but Bourne reverses, suplexing Eddie over the top. Sizing up all three men, he throws himself over the ropes in a corkscrew plancha, dropping everyone. The crowd goes insane. As all men are down, Scotty slides into the ring. Looking at the downed Rhyno, he throws out one arm, and then the other. As the crowd chants, he starts his dance, and leaps around the ring. With each hop, the crowd yells. W. O. R. M.)
JR: He's doing it! Scotty 2 Hotty is going for the worm. There is no one else in the ring.
Tenay: It would shock the world tonight if Scotty won the Intercontinental Championship.
(Scotty finishes the move, and goes for the pin. Bourne gets to the top rope and hits a 450 splash right before the ref can count the three. He gets to his feet and goes for Scotty, but Morgan slides back in and Carbon Footprints him so hard he backflips out of his boots.)
JR: Good lord, we often say he kicked a man out of his shoes, but tonight you actually see it.
(Rhyno rolls to safety as Morgan focuses on Scotty. He lifts him, checks the time and hits the big sidewalk slam. Picking both little men up, he hits dual Hellivators at the same time. Before he can capitalize, Farooq slides in behind him. Struggling, he lifts the monster for a Dominator, right on top of his two victims. All three men crumple out of the ring. Eddie takes advantage to hit the Three Amigos, this time successfully, on Farooq. He climbs to the top rope.
JR: Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to see Eddie Guerrero become the intercontinental champion. What a way to start Smackdown.
Tenay: Wait, JR. JTG has slid over the barricade.
(The Cryme Tyme member grabs Eddie's leg, stopping the Frog Splash. The two
brawl and he drops JTG to the floor. The distraction allows Rhyno to get back in, and, as Eddie goes for the Frog Splash again, Rhyno gores him out of it midair. He covers.)
JR: Oh my god. Oh my god. That is the most vicious Gore we have ever seen.
Tenay: And he gets the 1, 2, 3. Rhyno retains his title.
(In a show of sportsmanship, Rhyno lifts Eddie to his feet. He raises his hand as Hart's nWo theme hits. He comes out and stares Rhyno down.)
Hart: All 5 of these guys, they don't even come close to me. You impressed no one but yourself tonight “champ”. Enjoy the last 5 days of your reign.
(We cut to the back where Hurricane enters Edge's locker room.)
Hurricane: I just want to say, after everything. I want to let bygones by bygones. I respect you as a man, and I want to thank you for the rematch.
Edge: (glaring at his hand for several long seconds, then snarling) Get. Out.
Hurricane: I came here, man to man, to show you respect. And you throw it back in my face? Whatupwi...
Edge: If you finish that phrase, I WILL hurt you. Leave, before I make you leave. Don't make me do something we both regret.
Jeff Hardy v Alpha Male
Tenay: A month ago, we were teased with this match. Tonight it finally happens.
JR: After beating Godfather on Raw, Hardy has earned a shot against the Alpha Male. If he wins, he gets a US Title shot at Main Event.
(Hardy is the first man in. As Alpha Male tries to get in, he uses the ropes to rack him. Before he can recover, Hardy hits the Twist of Fate. Pulling him out of the ropes, Hardy goes for the pin, but Brown kicks out before two. Though he hits several high flying moves, Hardy still can't get the pin. When he tries for the double leg drop on Brown's split thighs, the Alpha Male catches his legs. Rolling him back, the Alpha Male clotheslines him into a roll and then catches him into a belly to belly. Pounding away, he jerks Hardy to his feet and whips his into the corner. Hardy runs up the post for the whisper in the wind, but is caught and power-slammed out of it. After being manhandled for several more minutes, Hardy tries to surprise Brown with another Twist, but is pushed into the ropes and bounds back into a Pounce for the pin.)
Tenay: Hardy came within a heartbeat of beating the Alpha Male, but he showed once again, why he is the ultimate predator in the Serengeti.
JR: And to add injury to insult, the Pride is out here to destroy Hardy.
(As MVP and Lashley hold up Hardy, Godfather comes running out. He chases off the pride, only to get a Twist of Fate from an ungrateful Hardy.)
JR: What the hell was that? Hardy just rewarded Godfather's save with violence.
Tenay: I guess it means that the feud between these two men is far from over.
(Commercial)
Rey Mysterio and Sylvester Turkay v Kurt Angle and Psychosis
(We start with Turkay and Psychosis. The two men tie up, but Turkay quickly over powers the smaller man. No matter what Psychosis tries, Turkay catches him and counters it. After several minutes, Turkay gets sloppy, tossing Psychosis to where Angle can tag. He comes in and avoids Turkay as long as he can, until he pushes him back and forces a tag from Mysterio. Tossing him in, Angle dismantles him. Rey is able to reverse briefly with some high flying moves, but eventually Angle catches him in one, turning it into a suplex. He hits numerous Olympic Slams and goes for Turkay's submission while Psychosis holds him, preventing him from interfering. While Sylvester tries to get in without success, Rey taps.)
Tenay: After dominating the match from the word go, Turkay suffera disappointing loss. Being forced to watch while his partner was destroyed has to be heartbreaking.
JR: Let's not forget Rey, who actually suffered that beating.
(After the match is over, Angle refuses to let go. He keeps wrenchingon Rey even as the ref calls for the bell. Turkay smashes Psychosis and slides into the ring, only to have Angle flee. Staring Angle down, he drags Psychosis into the ring and hits an Olympic Slam followed by an Angle Lock. Psychosis screams in agony and taps. Angle glares daggers at Turkay as he heads up the ramp.)
JR: Anything you can do, I can do better.
Tenay: But will Sylvester Turkay regret getting into a game of one-upsmanship with Kurt Angle?
(We cut backstage to the Highlight Reel set.)
Jericho: Welcome, Jerichoholics, to the Highlight Reel. Tonight, I am joined by my guests, the self proclaimed “Million Dollar Maven” and John Cena. And, while I am a perfectly capable host, I must admit that I have neither the charm, nor the loveliness of my cohost for the night, Miss Leticia Cline. Because Jericho loves ratings, and because Mick Foley demanded it, I asked her to join me tonight. Our guests tonight have a short but bruuuuutal history. Cena pushed Maven down the stairs because he knew he couldn't beat him in one on one combat, as proved at Bound For Glory...
Cena: That's a load of horse...
Jericho: It is not your turn, John. Because of his underhanded tactics, the rematch against not just the better man, but the heir to Ted DiBiase's Legacy, Million Dollar Maven has been postponed. Any normal man would have refused to face Cena again, but Maven has proven himself a true man in rushing back to the ring ahead of doctor's orders, to face Cena at Main Event next Wednesday. I think I speak for the entire FWA universe when I say we are all impressed by your bravery and sportsmanship, Maven. Now, if my lovely cohost would like to continue?
Cena: This is some bull...
Jericho: Ms. Cline has been nothing but polite to you, John. You will return the favor and wait your turn. (Cena exaggeratedly throws his hands up in surrender.) Leticia?
Cline: Maven, as Chris has said, you did not have to fight John Cena on Wednesday. But you pushed for it, demanded it. Why?
Maven: While I understand why everyone blames John...
Cena: You certainly did.
Maven: There isn't actually any evidence John attacked me. I didn't see my attacker. There were no witnesses. No footage. I do not feel it is fair to punish John, to punish the fans, and to deny the match everyone wants to see, just because he is the most likely choice. Despite what happened, this should end in the ring.
Cena: That's nice. Even as he takes the high road, he still attacks me.
Jericho: Shut up. You will get your turn.
Cline: But why not recover? Why not wait until you are medically cleared?
Maven: It may be unwise, but the competitor in me demands it. I have a match, and I can't let little things like an accident keep me from performing. The FWA audience deserves more than me crying on the sidelines.
Jericho: Truly inspiring.
Cena: Complete Crap.
Maven: I understand your frustration John. Being accused of something just because it makes sense and you are the most likely suspect must feel bad when there is no real proof. It's not fair. I do not blame you. And, I will even go further. If you did do it, I forgive you. Let's burn the house down Wednesday.
(Maven puts out his hand. Cena looks at it a moment before taking it, and pulling him into an FU. As he hits, Cena targets the bad leg and locks in the STFU. Maven screams in agony and taps. Jericho tries to interfere and gets an FU right on top of Maven. As Cena stands, Leticia approaches.)
Cline: Um, John Cena. Would you like to say anything in response?
Cena: I'd like to think my actions speak for themselves. But, I'll add this. What I did to Maven tonight is nothing compared to what he has coming next Wednesday. (hits a 5 knuckle shuffle before leaving)
(We cut back to the ring, where Sabin is already standing, with Alex Shelley outside.)
Sabin: As X Division Champion, I have vowed to make the X Division something to be proud of again. This requires more than one big match at Bound For Glory. Week in, week out, this belt needs to be front and center in FWA. I issue an open challenge...
(Before he can even finish, Kyo Dai's music hits, and Tajiri comes stalking out, his new masked valet in tow. )
Sabin: Now this open challenge is not for the belt. But it means something to be given an opportunity against the champ. I accept your challenge, Tajiri.
JR: What cowardly BS. He issued an open challenge...
Tenay: But he never finished talking, JR. This is still a huge moment for Tajiri.
JR: Let's call this what it is. Sabin got scared, and modified his challenge.
Chris Sabin v Tajiri
(Sabin jumps Tajiri as soon as he gets into the ring. He tries to grapple, but Tajiri elbows out and starts delivering vicious kicks. He whips Sabin into the ropes, then runs and hits his springboard elbow on the returning Sabin. Tajiri continues to hammer away on him, as he struggles to his feet. Catching a leg, he launches Tajiri with a Dragon Whip/suplex combo. He rushes after, but Tajiri reverses it into a Tarantula. When he releases before disqualification, Shelley hops to the apron, distracting him. This lets Sabin pick up a struggling Tajiri for the Cradle Shock. Before he can hit, however, Tajiri's valet has lowered her mask, catching Shelley off guard. He moves in and gets a mist for his troubles. This distracts Sabin, allowing Tajiri to drop behind. While the ref is focused on the outside action, Tajiri hits the mist and a vicious death kick to the head for a pin.)
JR: And Sabin dodged a bullet. Had he kept to his challenge, Tajiri would be the champ. That's a mar to an otherwise great match.
Tenay: He never put the belt on the line, JR.
JR: That is bull puckey and you know it.
(Commercial)
Next Wednesday, on Main Event, we have the following card:
WWF Championship
Scott Hall (c) v Samoa Joe
Intercontinental Championship
Rhyno (c) v Bret Hart
Edge v Hollywood Hulk Hogan
Scott Steiner v Elite Member
More Matches TBA
(We come back to Ken Kennedy storming into Foley's office.)
Foley: Hi, Ken. Are you enjoying your night off?
Kennedy: I know you think you're cute. God knows why a 700 pound lard ass missing an ear and a dozen teeth thinks that, but whatever. You said I had a shot to get Orton's contract back.
Foley: And I gave it to you.
Kennedy: You gave me a bullcrap match where I had no chance of winning. I want a real match.
Foley: I'm all ear. You know, just one. Since you had to bring up the fact that one got ripped off. You make me a deal that outweighs my hatred for you, and we'll make the match. You come back on Monday, and we will see if it meets my approval. If it does, there will be no modifications. You will go into Main Event knowing what you're up against.
(Cutting back to the ring, we see Flair about to address the FWA. Before he can say a word, Goldberg's music hits. He comes out, stares Flair down and whispers to the ref. The bell rings.)
Goldberg v Ric Flair
(As soon as the bell rings, Goldberg hits a massive spear. He goes for the jackhammer, but Flair knees him in the head, drops behind and turns it into a neckbreaker. After several ground attacks, he tries to go for the figure four, but Goldberg powers out and stands. He powerbombs Flair into the turnbuckle. He pounds at Flair, until he dodges a clothesline with a roll and chop blocks. He tries to suplex Goldberg, but is reversed, and planted straight onto his face. While he is stunned, Berg hits another spear, and then a jackknife for the win.)
Tenay: That was short and brutal. Goldberg once again destroyed an amazing competitor.
JR: That's certainly one way to look at it. Even with a surprise attack, it took Goldberg nearly ten minutes to defeat Flair.
Tenay: But defeat him he did.
Goldberg: (grabbing a mic) I have destroyed the New Bloods. I decimated the “Phenom”. I just broke Flair, the dirtiest player in the game, and Monday, I will break the Hardcore Champion, Kane. No one has had as impressive of a streak of wins as that. And when I defeat either Samoa Joe or Scott Hall at No Way Out, there will be no question who belongs in the main event at Wrestlemania.
JR: I do not think it would have sent a bigger message tonight if Goldberg defeated the World Champ. Defeating the leader of the Cure in such fashion sends a message to the entire locker room.
Tenay: What does this mean for tonight's main event?
(Commercial)
(We come back to R-Truth coming out to the ring when the Alpha Male pounces him into a wallk, and the Pride attack him. After they crush him, Brown gets in his face.)
Alpha Male: I gave you a gift, and you rejected it. I offered my hand in friendship, and you slapped it away. If you want a fight, I will give you one. At Main Event, the Pride will break you. The Pride will tear your innards from you and feat upon them. And this time, next week, the name R-Truth will be used as a caution to stupid children. Don't poke at animals. No matter how docile they may seem, they are all predators at heart. You will wake the sleeping monster inside.
Kane and Finley v Raven and Umaga
(The match starts with Kane and Raven. Though Raven tries to stay away, Kane quickly catches him and starts raining blows. Raven tries to fight back, but Kane overpowers him and tosses him around. He finally tosses Raven into his own corner and forces the tag. He pulls Umaga in and proceeds to trade punches. Finley grabs the quick tag while they are fighting. He comes in with his shelliagh and hits everyone, including Kane. Furious at his partner's attack, Kane walks off, while Finley's attack proves insufficient to stop both Raven and Umaga. Raven takes his weapon, allowing Umaga to hit the spike for the pin by Raven. Staring him down, Umaga pummels Finley mercilessly. Even as refs try to stop him, Raven lifts Finley for another spike. They point at Kane over the prone body of the fallen Finley.)
(We cut backstage to Road Warrior Hawk confronting the Gymini.)
Hawk: You say you didn't put me on the shelf. Explain. Now.
Jesse: It's simple. We didn't attack you. Someone else did.
Hawk: But you were walking around for months with our pads, saying you were the new us.
Jake: Make no mistake. You were down. We saw an opportunity. We took your pads. We took your titles. But you being blindsided, man you got to look somewhere else for who did that.
( For several tense moments, Hawk stares them down, then decides to leave.)
MAIN EVENT
nWo v Edge, RVD, and Samoa Joe
JR: We come to perhaps the most volatile main event in FWA's history.
Tenay: We have six of the biggest egos in the FWA in one ring. But, on one side, these egos are in sync, while, one the other, we have no idea what will happen. Edge and RVD especially are not on the same page.
JR: We could simply say that it is six of the biggest talents. RVD especially has never come across as egotistical. And we have no reason to believe RVD and Edge cannot work together.
Tenay: Except for the fact that Edge believes he was robbed of the Royale Rumble win. And Rob Van Dam won the Royale Rumble...
(Joe comes out first, with Edge following right behind, interrupting his intro. The two men have a tense face off in the ring. As RVD comes out, the nWo attack him from behind. As they jump him three on one, Edge watches. Joe goes rushing out to attack the men. )
Tenay: And it already breaks down.
(The nWo quickly back off RVD. We start off with Nash and Joe. Despite Nash's size, Joe quickly starts countering. Pretty soon, the two are exchanging blows. Nash backs Joe into the corner with knees and elbows, but Joe spins him around, and hits the nasty spinning kick he is famous for. Whipping him into the nWo corner, he does it again, even as Hogan tags in. Joe spins around to take out Hogan. Suplexing him all over the ring, he lifts him into the Muscle Buster. Before he can hit it, Hall grabs Hogan's leg and pulls him down. Joe takes both hall and Nash off the apron, but turns into a big boot. Hogan goes for the leg drop, but Edge dives in and spears him out of it. Hogan crawls to his corner, and Joe crawls after.)
JR: Joe has been absolutely dominant this match. Only by cheating did the nWo drop him. And even now, he's not out.
Tenay: I see a man who, even now, on the brink of defeat, refuses to tag in his partners. Dominant or not, Joe will cost his team the match with his pride.
(Hogan tags in Hall before Joe can catch him. Hall quickly stomps away at the fallen Samoan. He lifts him into an abdominal stretch and turns that into a Fallaway Slam. When that fails to get the pin, he tries for a muscle buster. Joe fights out, but turns to face the rising Hall.)
Tenay: Even now, he won't tag? This is just hubris. No one is this good.
(After several clotheslines, Hall hits Joe in the eye with a toothpick. He whips him into his corner, where the nWo take turns decimating him. He keeps kicking out. Finally, Nash tags in. He goes for the Jacknife, but Edge jumps in and spears him. He drags Joe to his corner and tags in RVD before the five. As Nash gets to his feet, RVD does a springboard diving kick. He tries for the rolling Thunder but gets knees to the back. Nash goes for the Jacknife again, but RVD rolls into a pin.)
JR: RVD shows why he won the Rumble. Why he is main eventing Wrestlemania. Even when it looks down, he manages to find a way to stay in it.
Tenay: But it isn't enough to keep Kevin Nash down. He kicks out.
(Though RVD keeps outmatching the bigger man, he trips him into his own corner. Hall tags in. He proceeds to overpower the already weakened RVD. Hall spike DDTs RVD and goes for the reverse choke, mocking Joe. When Joe rushes in, the ref stops him, letting the nWO destroy RVD. They pick him apart for a few minutes, until Edge slide in and breaks the pin. He clotheslines Hogan out and brawls with Nash to the outside. The ref misses RVD tap out, but notices him grab the ropes.)
Tenay: Oh, that's some crap. The nWo just got robbed. They had RVD tapping, in the middle of the ring.
(Hall tries to hit the Outsider's Edge on RVD, but he reverses it into a spike DDT. He tags in Joe, who goes right to work on Hall. He tries for the Outsider's Edge on Hall, but both Nash and Hogan slide in with chairs for a conchairto. We have a DQ.)
JR: Of course the nWo would ruin the main event. They can't just face people normally.
Tenay:That was a message to Edge, JR. They just used his move.
(As the nWo keep pummelling away on Joe, Edge rolls in with a chair of his own. Hogan and Nash retreat, leaving Hall alone.)
JR: These two men have such a storied history. They faced each other in one of the greatest matches in history for the first ever Intercontinental championship. And it only grew from there.
Tenay: That hatred may lead to irrational outcomes.
(Edge hits the downward spiral on the open chair. He demands that RVD and Joe hold him up for a nasty spear into the corner. Even as the other two celebrate in the ring, Edge stalks into the back.)
JR: And I cannot think of a better way to start Smackdown than with the number one contender.
Tenay: Assuming he even makes it to Wrestlemania.
JR: He has beaten all challengers for his contendership. Tomorrow is another day of course, but, for now, Rob Van Dam is Mister Main Event.
(Rob slides into the ring and grabs a mic.)
RVD: I can't lie, I'm a little disappointed to be in Green Bay and not get to see the Packers...but there is no place I would rather be than in front of you amazing people tonight. (crowd erupts)
Tenay: Cheap peanuts to the crowd.
Jr: Shut up, Tenay.
RVD: Now, this may come as a surprise to those of you watching...but I won a really big match a few months ago that says I'm a little bit of a big deal.Some of you might have missed it. After all, Hulk Hogan is claiming he is the main event. Edge is now claiming he is the main event. Scott Steiner says he gets that spot. I think I even heard a valet in the parking lot claiming that he is going to be the head line of Wrestlemania. But there's one little guy that everyone is overlooking. There was a guy who won the biggest Royale Rumble in history...a guy named Rob...Van...Dam. (The crowd chants with him.) Anyone can lay claim to my win. Anyone can claim that they are the man who will be in the main event at mania. But to do so, they have to beat me. And, as we have seen for the past two months...that isn't happening. You are looking at the man who will main event Wrestlemania. We are just a little over a month away from seeing Champ Van Dam.
Tenay: Big boasts from Rob Van Dam.
JR: A man who has faced challenge after challenge and has always come out ahead. There is no reason to doubt him now.
RVD: My being pushed to the back caused everyone to forget Rob Van Dam is the Whole Dam Show at Wrestlemania. It is time that we remember that the most important....
(Before he can finish, Steiner's music hits. He comes down to the ring, and, without warning, destroys RVD, tossing him out of the ring. He grabs a mic.)
Steiner: Foley. Get your fat ass out here. I told you you had til Smackdown to fix this. Here we are. What have you “fixed”, fat man?
(Foley's music hits. He storms out.)
Foley: You have the gall to demand anything? You put my champ in the hospital?You assault my number one contender? You insult my weight....which I work very hard on....and expect me to give you anything? I tell you what I'll give you. I have a pink...
Steiner: You'll fire me? I'm not Randy Orton. If you fire me, Foley, let me tell you what will happen. I will track down your stars, one by one. I will cripple everyone who works for FWA. I see my first victim right here at ringside. Hell of a wrestlemania you'll have when the Royale Rumble winner has a broken back and a crushed skull. I will make you regret your decision every day as I end FWA one star at a time.You will know that each hospitalization, every career ending injury is your fault. (waiving a tire iron) You got the balls, Mick? I bet you'll blink long before me.
(Foley stands silently for several seconds until the Elite's music hits. Triple H storms out and snatches the mic out of Foley's hand.)
Triple H: You. Will Not. Fire. This piece of trash. Until we are done with him. Main event. We want Steiner.
Foley: Fine. At Main Event, we will let the Elite have their way with Scott Steiner. Now...
(Before Foley can finish, Billy and Chuck rush the ring to attack Steiner. He battles both off. Hunter takes his sledge from Austin and storms to the ring. Gunn catches Steiner in a full nelson, but, when HHH goes for the head blow, Steiner moves and Billy takes the hit. After suplexing everyone, Steiner sets up HHH for the Pedigree.)
JR: He has had enough of the Elite. He is going to destroy Triple H with his own move.
(Before he can hit it, RVD is on the top rope with a chair. He hits a Van Terminator to the back of Steiner's head. This allows HHH to recover, and hit the Pedigree on Steiner. The two men look uneasily at each other.)
Tenay: RVD put his nose in business where it did not belong.
JR: Steiner attacked RVD! If anyone brought RVD into this, it's Scott Steiner.
Tenay: Of course you'd defend this unprovoked assault.
JR: You are impossible.
(We fade to commercial.)
(We come back to Rhyno in the ring. )
Rhyno: On Monday, Commissioner Mick caved into the demands of the nWo to make a match for Main Event. I will face Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. Everyone is saying it is a dream match. But, to be real, I cannot think of an opponent less deserving of a title shot. But, for Mick, and for the fans at home, I agreed. With one stipulation. Tonight, I choose my opponents. I put the belt on the line against 5 men who I feel are consistently overlooked in FWA, all of who deserve a shot.
Intercontinental Championship
Rhyno (c) v Evan Bourne v Farooq v Matt Morgan v Scotty 2 Hotty v Eddie Guerrero
(As is fitting of a match Rhyno made, all six men start the match at once. Farooq and Eddie lock up in one corner. Evan Bourne and Scotty team up against Matt Morgan, who keeps swatting the two little men aside like flies as they try to lift him in tandem. Grabbing Scotty by the neck, Morgan tosses him from the ring, and lifts Evan for a sidewalk slam. When he goes to check the time, Rhyno starts raining blows. They brawl to the outside, which lets Bourne recover. He climbs to the top and hits a Shooting Star Press on both men to take them out. Left in the ring, Farooq tries to lift Eddie for the Dominator early, but Eddie grabs the ropes. Raking his eyes, Eddie forces the bigger man to drop him. He goes for the Three Amigos, but Scotty grabs his leg from the outside. This distraction allows Farooq to clothesline him out of the ring, where he lands on Scotty.)
JR: This has been pure madness so far.
Tenay: We literally have bodies everywhere.
(Having dropped his competitors, Morgan slides back in to face off against Farooq. After a few words exchanged, they start trading blows. Morgan taunts Farooq, telling him to really hit him. Bounding off the ropes, Farooq clotheslines him to no effect. Again, the same result with Morgan laughing. He demands another, but Farooq ducks and chop blocks him.)
JR: Matt Morgan is a oak tree of a man, but Farooq just chopped him down.
Tenay: If you can't face the man on his feet, take him to the ground. Everyone is the same size on their backs.
(Farooq grounds and pounds him, letting Eddie, Bourne and Rhyno get back in. We have a five way brawl for several minutes. Morgan hits the Carbon footprint on Rhyno, but Farooq runs at him, taking both of them over the top rope to the floor. Eddie tries for the three amigos again, but Bourne reverses, suplexing Eddie over the top. Sizing up all three men, he throws himself over the ropes in a corkscrew plancha, dropping everyone. The crowd goes insane. As all men are down, Scotty slides into the ring. Looking at the downed Rhyno, he throws out one arm, and then the other. As the crowd chants, he starts his dance, and leaps around the ring. With each hop, the crowd yells. W. O. R. M.)
JR: He's doing it! Scotty 2 Hotty is going for the worm. There is no one else in the ring.
Tenay: It would shock the world tonight if Scotty won the Intercontinental Championship.
(Scotty finishes the move, and goes for the pin. Bourne gets to the top rope and hits a 450 splash right before the ref can count the three. He gets to his feet and goes for Scotty, but Morgan slides back in and Carbon Footprints him so hard he backflips out of his boots.)
JR: Good lord, we often say he kicked a man out of his shoes, but tonight you actually see it.
(Rhyno rolls to safety as Morgan focuses on Scotty. He lifts him, checks the time and hits the big sidewalk slam. Picking both little men up, he hits dual Hellivators at the same time. Before he can capitalize, Farooq slides in behind him. Struggling, he lifts the monster for a Dominator, right on top of his two victims. All three men crumple out of the ring. Eddie takes advantage to hit the Three Amigos, this time successfully, on Farooq. He climbs to the top rope.
JR: Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to see Eddie Guerrero become the intercontinental champion. What a way to start Smackdown.
Tenay: Wait, JR. JTG has slid over the barricade.
(The Cryme Tyme member grabs Eddie's leg, stopping the Frog Splash. The two
brawl and he drops JTG to the floor. The distraction allows Rhyno to get back in, and, as Eddie goes for the Frog Splash again, Rhyno gores him out of it midair. He covers.)
JR: Oh my god. Oh my god. That is the most vicious Gore we have ever seen.
Tenay: And he gets the 1, 2, 3. Rhyno retains his title.
(In a show of sportsmanship, Rhyno lifts Eddie to his feet. He raises his hand as Hart's nWo theme hits. He comes out and stares Rhyno down.)
Hart: All 5 of these guys, they don't even come close to me. You impressed no one but yourself tonight “champ”. Enjoy the last 5 days of your reign.
(We cut to the back where Hurricane enters Edge's locker room.)
Hurricane: I just want to say, after everything. I want to let bygones by bygones. I respect you as a man, and I want to thank you for the rematch.
Edge: (glaring at his hand for several long seconds, then snarling) Get. Out.
Hurricane: I came here, man to man, to show you respect. And you throw it back in my face? Whatupwi...
Edge: If you finish that phrase, I WILL hurt you. Leave, before I make you leave. Don't make me do something we both regret.
Jeff Hardy v Alpha Male
Tenay: A month ago, we were teased with this match. Tonight it finally happens.
JR: After beating Godfather on Raw, Hardy has earned a shot against the Alpha Male. If he wins, he gets a US Title shot at Main Event.
(Hardy is the first man in. As Alpha Male tries to get in, he uses the ropes to rack him. Before he can recover, Hardy hits the Twist of Fate. Pulling him out of the ropes, Hardy goes for the pin, but Brown kicks out before two. Though he hits several high flying moves, Hardy still can't get the pin. When he tries for the double leg drop on Brown's split thighs, the Alpha Male catches his legs. Rolling him back, the Alpha Male clotheslines him into a roll and then catches him into a belly to belly. Pounding away, he jerks Hardy to his feet and whips his into the corner. Hardy runs up the post for the whisper in the wind, but is caught and power-slammed out of it. After being manhandled for several more minutes, Hardy tries to surprise Brown with another Twist, but is pushed into the ropes and bounds back into a Pounce for the pin.)
Tenay: Hardy came within a heartbeat of beating the Alpha Male, but he showed once again, why he is the ultimate predator in the Serengeti.
JR: And to add injury to insult, the Pride is out here to destroy Hardy.
(As MVP and Lashley hold up Hardy, Godfather comes running out. He chases off the pride, only to get a Twist of Fate from an ungrateful Hardy.)
JR: What the hell was that? Hardy just rewarded Godfather's save with violence.
Tenay: I guess it means that the feud between these two men is far from over.
(Commercial)
Rey Mysterio and Sylvester Turkay v Kurt Angle and Psychosis
(We start with Turkay and Psychosis. The two men tie up, but Turkay quickly over powers the smaller man. No matter what Psychosis tries, Turkay catches him and counters it. After several minutes, Turkay gets sloppy, tossing Psychosis to where Angle can tag. He comes in and avoids Turkay as long as he can, until he pushes him back and forces a tag from Mysterio. Tossing him in, Angle dismantles him. Rey is able to reverse briefly with some high flying moves, but eventually Angle catches him in one, turning it into a suplex. He hits numerous Olympic Slams and goes for Turkay's submission while Psychosis holds him, preventing him from interfering. While Sylvester tries to get in without success, Rey taps.)
Tenay: After dominating the match from the word go, Turkay suffera disappointing loss. Being forced to watch while his partner was destroyed has to be heartbreaking.
JR: Let's not forget Rey, who actually suffered that beating.
(After the match is over, Angle refuses to let go. He keeps wrenchingon Rey even as the ref calls for the bell. Turkay smashes Psychosis and slides into the ring, only to have Angle flee. Staring Angle down, he drags Psychosis into the ring and hits an Olympic Slam followed by an Angle Lock. Psychosis screams in agony and taps. Angle glares daggers at Turkay as he heads up the ramp.)
JR: Anything you can do, I can do better.
Tenay: But will Sylvester Turkay regret getting into a game of one-upsmanship with Kurt Angle?
(We cut backstage to the Highlight Reel set.)
Jericho: Welcome, Jerichoholics, to the Highlight Reel. Tonight, I am joined by my guests, the self proclaimed “Million Dollar Maven” and John Cena. And, while I am a perfectly capable host, I must admit that I have neither the charm, nor the loveliness of my cohost for the night, Miss Leticia Cline. Because Jericho loves ratings, and because Mick Foley demanded it, I asked her to join me tonight. Our guests tonight have a short but bruuuuutal history. Cena pushed Maven down the stairs because he knew he couldn't beat him in one on one combat, as proved at Bound For Glory...
Cena: That's a load of horse...
Jericho: It is not your turn, John. Because of his underhanded tactics, the rematch against not just the better man, but the heir to Ted DiBiase's Legacy, Million Dollar Maven has been postponed. Any normal man would have refused to face Cena again, but Maven has proven himself a true man in rushing back to the ring ahead of doctor's orders, to face Cena at Main Event next Wednesday. I think I speak for the entire FWA universe when I say we are all impressed by your bravery and sportsmanship, Maven. Now, if my lovely cohost would like to continue?
Cena: This is some bull...
Jericho: Ms. Cline has been nothing but polite to you, John. You will return the favor and wait your turn. (Cena exaggeratedly throws his hands up in surrender.) Leticia?
Cline: Maven, as Chris has said, you did not have to fight John Cena on Wednesday. But you pushed for it, demanded it. Why?
Maven: While I understand why everyone blames John...
Cena: You certainly did.
Maven: There isn't actually any evidence John attacked me. I didn't see my attacker. There were no witnesses. No footage. I do not feel it is fair to punish John, to punish the fans, and to deny the match everyone wants to see, just because he is the most likely choice. Despite what happened, this should end in the ring.
Cena: That's nice. Even as he takes the high road, he still attacks me.
Jericho: Shut up. You will get your turn.
Cline: But why not recover? Why not wait until you are medically cleared?
Maven: It may be unwise, but the competitor in me demands it. I have a match, and I can't let little things like an accident keep me from performing. The FWA audience deserves more than me crying on the sidelines.
Jericho: Truly inspiring.
Cena: Complete Crap.
Maven: I understand your frustration John. Being accused of something just because it makes sense and you are the most likely suspect must feel bad when there is no real proof. It's not fair. I do not blame you. And, I will even go further. If you did do it, I forgive you. Let's burn the house down Wednesday.
(Maven puts out his hand. Cena looks at it a moment before taking it, and pulling him into an FU. As he hits, Cena targets the bad leg and locks in the STFU. Maven screams in agony and taps. Jericho tries to interfere and gets an FU right on top of Maven. As Cena stands, Leticia approaches.)
Cline: Um, John Cena. Would you like to say anything in response?
Cena: I'd like to think my actions speak for themselves. But, I'll add this. What I did to Maven tonight is nothing compared to what he has coming next Wednesday. (hits a 5 knuckle shuffle before leaving)
(We cut back to the ring, where Sabin is already standing, with Alex Shelley outside.)
Sabin: As X Division Champion, I have vowed to make the X Division something to be proud of again. This requires more than one big match at Bound For Glory. Week in, week out, this belt needs to be front and center in FWA. I issue an open challenge...
(Before he can even finish, Kyo Dai's music hits, and Tajiri comes stalking out, his new masked valet in tow. )
Sabin: Now this open challenge is not for the belt. But it means something to be given an opportunity against the champ. I accept your challenge, Tajiri.
JR: What cowardly BS. He issued an open challenge...
Tenay: But he never finished talking, JR. This is still a huge moment for Tajiri.
JR: Let's call this what it is. Sabin got scared, and modified his challenge.
Chris Sabin v Tajiri
(Sabin jumps Tajiri as soon as he gets into the ring. He tries to grapple, but Tajiri elbows out and starts delivering vicious kicks. He whips Sabin into the ropes, then runs and hits his springboard elbow on the returning Sabin. Tajiri continues to hammer away on him, as he struggles to his feet. Catching a leg, he launches Tajiri with a Dragon Whip/suplex combo. He rushes after, but Tajiri reverses it into a Tarantula. When he releases before disqualification, Shelley hops to the apron, distracting him. This lets Sabin pick up a struggling Tajiri for the Cradle Shock. Before he can hit, however, Tajiri's valet has lowered her mask, catching Shelley off guard. He moves in and gets a mist for his troubles. This distracts Sabin, allowing Tajiri to drop behind. While the ref is focused on the outside action, Tajiri hits the mist and a vicious death kick to the head for a pin.)
JR: And Sabin dodged a bullet. Had he kept to his challenge, Tajiri would be the champ. That's a mar to an otherwise great match.
Tenay: He never put the belt on the line, JR.
JR: That is bull puckey and you know it.
(Commercial)
Next Wednesday, on Main Event, we have the following card:
WWF Championship
Scott Hall (c) v Samoa Joe
Intercontinental Championship
Rhyno (c) v Bret Hart
Edge v Hollywood Hulk Hogan
Scott Steiner v Elite Member
More Matches TBA
(We come back to Ken Kennedy storming into Foley's office.)
Foley: Hi, Ken. Are you enjoying your night off?
Kennedy: I know you think you're cute. God knows why a 700 pound lard ass missing an ear and a dozen teeth thinks that, but whatever. You said I had a shot to get Orton's contract back.
Foley: And I gave it to you.
Kennedy: You gave me a bullcrap match where I had no chance of winning. I want a real match.
Foley: I'm all ear. You know, just one. Since you had to bring up the fact that one got ripped off. You make me a deal that outweighs my hatred for you, and we'll make the match. You come back on Monday, and we will see if it meets my approval. If it does, there will be no modifications. You will go into Main Event knowing what you're up against.
(Cutting back to the ring, we see Flair about to address the FWA. Before he can say a word, Goldberg's music hits. He comes out, stares Flair down and whispers to the ref. The bell rings.)
Goldberg v Ric Flair
(As soon as the bell rings, Goldberg hits a massive spear. He goes for the jackhammer, but Flair knees him in the head, drops behind and turns it into a neckbreaker. After several ground attacks, he tries to go for the figure four, but Goldberg powers out and stands. He powerbombs Flair into the turnbuckle. He pounds at Flair, until he dodges a clothesline with a roll and chop blocks. He tries to suplex Goldberg, but is reversed, and planted straight onto his face. While he is stunned, Berg hits another spear, and then a jackknife for the win.)
Tenay: That was short and brutal. Goldberg once again destroyed an amazing competitor.
JR: That's certainly one way to look at it. Even with a surprise attack, it took Goldberg nearly ten minutes to defeat Flair.
Tenay: But defeat him he did.
Goldberg: (grabbing a mic) I have destroyed the New Bloods. I decimated the “Phenom”. I just broke Flair, the dirtiest player in the game, and Monday, I will break the Hardcore Champion, Kane. No one has had as impressive of a streak of wins as that. And when I defeat either Samoa Joe or Scott Hall at No Way Out, there will be no question who belongs in the main event at Wrestlemania.
JR: I do not think it would have sent a bigger message tonight if Goldberg defeated the World Champ. Defeating the leader of the Cure in such fashion sends a message to the entire locker room.
Tenay: What does this mean for tonight's main event?
(Commercial)
(We come back to R-Truth coming out to the ring when the Alpha Male pounces him into a wallk, and the Pride attack him. After they crush him, Brown gets in his face.)
Alpha Male: I gave you a gift, and you rejected it. I offered my hand in friendship, and you slapped it away. If you want a fight, I will give you one. At Main Event, the Pride will break you. The Pride will tear your innards from you and feat upon them. And this time, next week, the name R-Truth will be used as a caution to stupid children. Don't poke at animals. No matter how docile they may seem, they are all predators at heart. You will wake the sleeping monster inside.
Kane and Finley v Raven and Umaga
(The match starts with Kane and Raven. Though Raven tries to stay away, Kane quickly catches him and starts raining blows. Raven tries to fight back, but Kane overpowers him and tosses him around. He finally tosses Raven into his own corner and forces the tag. He pulls Umaga in and proceeds to trade punches. Finley grabs the quick tag while they are fighting. He comes in with his shelliagh and hits everyone, including Kane. Furious at his partner's attack, Kane walks off, while Finley's attack proves insufficient to stop both Raven and Umaga. Raven takes his weapon, allowing Umaga to hit the spike for the pin by Raven. Staring him down, Umaga pummels Finley mercilessly. Even as refs try to stop him, Raven lifts Finley for another spike. They point at Kane over the prone body of the fallen Finley.)
(We cut backstage to Road Warrior Hawk confronting the Gymini.)
Hawk: You say you didn't put me on the shelf. Explain. Now.
Jesse: It's simple. We didn't attack you. Someone else did.
Hawk: But you were walking around for months with our pads, saying you were the new us.
Jake: Make no mistake. You were down. We saw an opportunity. We took your pads. We took your titles. But you being blindsided, man you got to look somewhere else for who did that.
( For several tense moments, Hawk stares them down, then decides to leave.)
MAIN EVENT
nWo v Edge, RVD, and Samoa Joe
JR: We come to perhaps the most volatile main event in FWA's history.
Tenay: We have six of the biggest egos in the FWA in one ring. But, on one side, these egos are in sync, while, one the other, we have no idea what will happen. Edge and RVD especially are not on the same page.
JR: We could simply say that it is six of the biggest talents. RVD especially has never come across as egotistical. And we have no reason to believe RVD and Edge cannot work together.
Tenay: Except for the fact that Edge believes he was robbed of the Royale Rumble win. And Rob Van Dam won the Royale Rumble...
(Joe comes out first, with Edge following right behind, interrupting his intro. The two men have a tense face off in the ring. As RVD comes out, the nWo attack him from behind. As they jump him three on one, Edge watches. Joe goes rushing out to attack the men. )
Tenay: And it already breaks down.
(The nWo quickly back off RVD. We start off with Nash and Joe. Despite Nash's size, Joe quickly starts countering. Pretty soon, the two are exchanging blows. Nash backs Joe into the corner with knees and elbows, but Joe spins him around, and hits the nasty spinning kick he is famous for. Whipping him into the nWo corner, he does it again, even as Hogan tags in. Joe spins around to take out Hogan. Suplexing him all over the ring, he lifts him into the Muscle Buster. Before he can hit it, Hall grabs Hogan's leg and pulls him down. Joe takes both hall and Nash off the apron, but turns into a big boot. Hogan goes for the leg drop, but Edge dives in and spears him out of it. Hogan crawls to his corner, and Joe crawls after.)
JR: Joe has been absolutely dominant this match. Only by cheating did the nWo drop him. And even now, he's not out.
Tenay: I see a man who, even now, on the brink of defeat, refuses to tag in his partners. Dominant or not, Joe will cost his team the match with his pride.
(Hogan tags in Hall before Joe can catch him. Hall quickly stomps away at the fallen Samoan. He lifts him into an abdominal stretch and turns that into a Fallaway Slam. When that fails to get the pin, he tries for a muscle buster. Joe fights out, but turns to face the rising Hall.)
Tenay: Even now, he won't tag? This is just hubris. No one is this good.
(After several clotheslines, Hall hits Joe in the eye with a toothpick. He whips him into his corner, where the nWo take turns decimating him. He keeps kicking out. Finally, Nash tags in. He goes for the Jacknife, but Edge jumps in and spears him. He drags Joe to his corner and tags in RVD before the five. As Nash gets to his feet, RVD does a springboard diving kick. He tries for the rolling Thunder but gets knees to the back. Nash goes for the Jacknife again, but RVD rolls into a pin.)
JR: RVD shows why he won the Rumble. Why he is main eventing Wrestlemania. Even when it looks down, he manages to find a way to stay in it.
Tenay: But it isn't enough to keep Kevin Nash down. He kicks out.
(Though RVD keeps outmatching the bigger man, he trips him into his own corner. Hall tags in. He proceeds to overpower the already weakened RVD. Hall spike DDTs RVD and goes for the reverse choke, mocking Joe. When Joe rushes in, the ref stops him, letting the nWO destroy RVD. They pick him apart for a few minutes, until Edge slide in and breaks the pin. He clotheslines Hogan out and brawls with Nash to the outside. The ref misses RVD tap out, but notices him grab the ropes.)
Tenay: Oh, that's some crap. The nWo just got robbed. They had RVD tapping, in the middle of the ring.
(Hall tries to hit the Outsider's Edge on RVD, but he reverses it into a spike DDT. He tags in Joe, who goes right to work on Hall. He tries for the Outsider's Edge on Hall, but both Nash and Hogan slide in with chairs for a conchairto. We have a DQ.)
JR: Of course the nWo would ruin the main event. They can't just face people normally.
Tenay:That was a message to Edge, JR. They just used his move.
(As the nWo keep pummelling away on Joe, Edge rolls in with a chair of his own. Hogan and Nash retreat, leaving Hall alone.)
JR: These two men have such a storied history. They faced each other in one of the greatest matches in history for the first ever Intercontinental championship. And it only grew from there.
Tenay: That hatred may lead to irrational outcomes.
(Edge hits the downward spiral on the open chair. He demands that RVD and Joe hold him up for a nasty spear into the corner. Even as the other two celebrate in the ring, Edge stalks into the back.)
