Thursday, May 9, 2013
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After some matches with the Ministry, I agreed to become a full-fledged member with the Nightshift costume. All was well as we were a dominant tag team.
I then experienced first-hand the tougher and more saddening side of what it's like to be a performer. Behind the scenes, wrestlers are people and they have struggles much like they portray with their on-screen characters. Paper Cut (I.R.S), associate of Mr. Benjamins (Ted DiBiase Sr.), passed away and a tribute show was to be held in his honor.
Sandman Tito (Bruno Sammartino) and Sally Stride (Trish Stratus) joined in from Maple Leaf Grappling for an inter-promotional contest. Tito felt my wrath and was downed for a while.
Here we took on Les Miserable (The Miz) and Apple Pie (Jack Swagger), who was Miserable's guest partner from Super Lucha Libre. I was able to connect with a double Rock Bottom on the two in the win.
Tom watched on as I double-chokeslammed Miss Match (Miss Elizabeth) and Les Miserable. Sometimes he'll interfere and help out, which I can appreciate after being a singles guy until as of late.
We had several battles with Les Miserable, Cody Massacre (Randy Savage), and Miss Match. Most times Miss Match would accompany Miserable or Massacre to the ring or compete with one of them. I pulled off a double brainbuster on them in this particular match.
Lance was thankful when I accepted a second match one night. The roster will be in shambles at times and I figured putting in some extra work will get me on the boss's good side.
Les Miserable has been down on his luck lately. In our recent encounters, we've always beaten him, and now he's lost his U.S. title to vet Slow Mo (Big Show).
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
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While in the midst of my tenure with Rising Sun, All-American Wrestling's Lance Monaco (Vince McMahon) poached me with a $8000 advance and creative control. It was an offer from the #1 company around - I couldn't refuse.
For my first show, I teamed with star Slam Dunk (C.M. Punk). That was a dream come true for me as I idolized him when I was younger.
Backstage, Nightshift (Undertaker) inspired me to speak my mind in front of the fans. It was controversial as I criticized Hardback being AAW's World Champion instead of myself.
Nightshift would later court me to join his stable along with his manager Tom Stone (Paul Bearer). We were going to be unstoppable.
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2013 had come to an end, and my first year as a pro wrestler was through. I was almost even record-wise - that's gonna need to be upped in 2014.
Updates also come during title changes. I sometimes find these kind especially intriguing because it gives me an idea of what my competition is looking like if/when I decide to jump ship.
(Just like real life, eh? "Hardback" is Ryback and "Jimi Sierra" is Cena - who, as you could expect, was the default World Champ of AAW.)
I was dropped to the lowest of lows in Wrestling School but upon my return with RSP, I was quickly winning big PPV matches. My future here seemed to be better than at Strong Style.
I was able to team up with Japanese legends such as Flying Feline (Tiger Mask) here.
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Some of the oddballs I'm surrounded by in Wrestling School. This is the dump of pro wrestling, and in a way, seeing all these jobbers who got demoted like me inspires me to rise back up to the majors.
("Shallow Paul" is Hornswoggle, just so you know. Not sure about the other guy.)
Several fights after we disbanded our team, Cracker challenged me one last time to a backstage brawl to settle our feud. I beat him down and that chapter of my wrestling career was done with.
From time to time, us wrestlers like to share our thoughts on the Twitterverse. I'll check my phone for updates occasionally in case there's anything interesting.
For a short spell of time, I made my money in Wrestling School. Soon enough, my next opportunity came, this time from the Japan federation. I changed my shirt so I could somewhat fit in at Rising Sun. I wondered if maybe things would be different and being in Japan would heed more favorable results for myself.
Antoine Chinoki (Antonio Inoki), Rising Sun's booker, was quick to throw me into the fire with some of his best. One of my first matchups was a huge 4-on-4 tag battle.
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I wasn't the only prospect trying to make a name for himself and get signed to a contract by the big federations. Some promotions are already scooping up talent to boost their roster.
Some time passed and I was winning some and losing some. Unfortunately, one of those losses was the the Lightweight Championship to Todd Snorting (Scott Norton). That might have been the breaking point and I had a falling out with Cracker. We embarked on a rivalry and we intended to make peace at one point but apparently the way I said something rubbed him the wrong way. (damn you, touch screen!)
Needless to say, after that, my Strong Style career went into a tailspin.
When my contract had expired, I was looking to move in a new direction with a different company. At the beginning, I was doing good, but towards the end I struggled. I had to go back to Wrestling School in hopes that another promotion would see something in me and offer me a second chance. Not only was going back to my roots after making it in the big leagues as a champion kind of embarrassing, but the costume I was forced to wear just added insult to injury. At least I could use my real name again, I suppose.
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The young part of my stint in SSW was successful. Just a handful of matches in and I was already wearing the Lightweight Title around my waist. Things were looking bright and I wanted to insure my first reign was a lengthy one.
I had been on my own to this point - where Cracker (Dan Severn) approached me and decided he would take me under his wing. It was the first time in the wrestling business that I had been someone's protege. He would protect me at ringside, and as long as I kept the title, I was cool with him being by my side and being under his tutelage.
Of course through reading the wrestling magazine I could learn details about some other companies and what's happened elsewhere. That is quite the strange tag team, I have to say.
(In case you're wondering, "Butkus Lang" is Brodus Clay, and "Essa"/"Junior Carrera" are Los Guerreros. You can probably tell which is which.)
I was defending my title well while under Cracker's guidance, despite some tough opposition. What superstar could stop this rising star and his veteran manager?
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I started things off in Wrestling School where I learned my way through the game. It wasn't long before I got my first offer from a big-time promotion - and also experienced the strange thinking that comes from the minds of most bookers.
So I was now known as "Safe Hands" and my pro wrestling career began. Strong Style Wrestling had brought me in early on and my results were mixed. I had run-ins with Frank Incensed (Scott Steiner), Ryan Schneider (Rick Steiner), Boar Miller (Bob Sapp), and Chi Guy (indie C.M. Punk), among others. I should have won more matches (one against Incensed started off with powerbomb or piledriver on top of something and a camera - which made an explosion!) but eventually I was rewarded with a title shot.
I was to face Lightweight Champ Chi Guy and was victorious. It was a surprise title shot after I had came off a loss if I recall. Luckily the wrestling gods were on my side and I had collected my first piece of gold.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Here's the card for our next episode of Saturday Night Heat!
Hunter Hearst Helmsley w/Damien Sandow def. Cody Rhodes: Mr. Sandow has taken in the rookie Helmsley as his apprentice, after being impressed with his work in both nXt and at Over the Limit. The two share the goal of apparently "enlightening the unwashed masses", and their bond has not sat right with Sandow's friend Cody Rhodes. Damien has blamed Rhodes for sending their team on a downward spiral in the Tag Turmoil series and it would appear their partnership is over.
The self-named savior Sandow saw this match as the first for the new tag team that is Helmsley and himself, while the second-generation superstar Rhodes saw this as an opportunity to rub a victory into his ex-friend's face. It would also benefit Cody to win his first match back in the singles scene to get himself up the rankings.
It was a resounding defeat for Cody Rhodes, while the young Helmsley continues his win streak. What's in store for this new tag team as well as the former Intercontinental Champion is anyone's guess. But I don't think Cody will let the image of him bloodied and being pinned on the mat, while his partner (who betrayed him) watched on, slip away. Rhodes' revenge likely begins soon.
Rocky Maivia and "The Phenom" Mark Calaway def. Ryder/Riley Revolution: The upstart team of Calaway and Rocky ousted the Broskis and surprisingly worked well together. Maivia pinned Alex Riley after a spinebuster followed by his shoulderbreaker finisher, while "the Phenom" prevented Zack Ryder from interfering.
BITW That Ever Lived vs The Hardys: The champs were taken to the limit by the Hardy Brothers, who could be in line for a title shot later on with this impressive performance. We saw Chris Jericho get back dropped through the announce table and Austin Aries get busted open, then Matt Hardy hit his signature Side Effect on "the Greatest Man That Ever Lived". Even though it seemed like the former multi-time tag team champions had the advantage over the current title holders for the majority of the match, Y2J was able to narrowly escape with the win via a small package on the elder Hardy.
Steen Challenge
Kevin Steen vs ? w/El Generico
WWE T.V. Title Match - Backstage Brawl
Daniel Bryan (c) vs Kane
Sunday, February 17, 2013
We'll finally get a #1 contender to Randy Orton's World Heavyweight Championship and the Tag Turmoil series continues! All that and more on this edition of Smackdown.
Rocky Maivia def. JBL: Maivia surprised many in beating the rough Texan via a Camel Clutch submission in his Smackdown debut. He did his main damage on a reversal into a Samoan Drop plus his finisher - the shoulderbreaker. I wish him luck in his ventures on the blue brand.
Submission Match
Wade Barrett def. Jack Swagger: It's 1 to 1 between these two U.S. title hopefuls, and both agreed it'd only be right to settle it in a third match. A stipulation was added in to spice things up.
It took some time but it was Swagger who started locking in some holds on Barrett, after he had worn him down with a gutwrench bomb. You could tell he was working the leg for the eventual Patriot Act submission. The tides turned quickly and Barrett made Swagger tap out to a Camel Clutch.
With a few wins over Swagger consecutively, it looks like Barrett is now firmly the #1 contender to Antonio Cesaro's United States Championship.
Smackdown MITB Best-of-7 Series, Match #2 - 2/3 Falls Submission Match
Dolph Ziggler def. John Cena (c): Dolph evened the score tonight, but it was an affair that certainly looked like it could have gone either way, at least to start. The Showoff almost knocked Cena's chin off with a Superkick then Cena sent himself and Ziggler through a barricade. Once the focus was on submissions, Dolph flipped the match fully into his favor. Cena gave in twice, the deciding lock being a Camel Clutch that put him away. We'll see the third of 7 battles shortly, but the question is, which stipulation?
Best-of-7 Score
Cena - 1
Ziggler - 1
Fatal Four-Way, Tag Turmoil Series
Batista (Evolution) def. Big Show (ShowMiz), Sin Cara (Mucha Lucha), and Joe Hennig (Hennig/Dallas): Evolution has moved to the top of the leaderboards in the Tag Turmoil Series, with yet another victory by one of their representatives. It was mostly Batista vs the World's Largest Athlete while Sin Cara and Hennig were brawling elsewhere. Batista finished off the giant with a huge Batista Bomb and got the three count.
Tag Turmoil Standings
Evolution - 3
Hennig/Dallas - 2
Mucha Lucha - 1
New Age Outlaws - 1
others tied - 0
WHC #1C Tournament Finals, 2/3 Falls Match
Kurt Angle def. Samoa Joe: This match was everything a wrestling fan could ask for. Brutal action all over the arena, near-falls, technical grappling, and so on. There were German Suplexes aplenty from the only Olympic Gold Medalist in the WWE, some in the ring that sent Joe flying while there was also a trio on the outside that set up an amazing Angle Slam through an announce table. Angle obtained the lead after a Flashback on the beaten-down Samoa Joe. Kurt kept up the assault with a neckbreaker, belly-to-belly suplex, and his signature series of Germans, but that only got him a 2 count. The former TNA World Champion finished the job with a second Olympic Slam to keep down the Samoan Submission Machine.
He advances to No Way Out for a shot at World Champion Randy Orton, who has retained the belt at two straight pay-per-views.
June, Week 2
Main Event's card has been announced a little early. Here's what we're looking at on Tuesday:
WWE TV Title Match
Daniel Bryan (w/Kane) def. Primo (c) (w/Epico): Daniel Bryan is your new TV Title holder. He was quoted as saying he'll "use this to propel [me] back up the ranks,". It would seem he's agreed to defend it against former tag partner Kane soon.
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Best in the World That Ever Lived (c) def. World's Greatest Tag Team: Benjamin and Haas have cashed in their rematch clause after losing the titles last week. The second match was just as good as the first, with the champs successfully defending the belts after winning them recently. I for one would love to see a third battle to end the trilogy, but it looks like after two straight losses the former champions will have to work their way back up the ladder.
Wade Barrett def. Jack Swagger w/ Antonio Cesaro as Guest Referee: "The Prince" Wade Barrett requested a friendly rematch against Jack Swagger after losing to him on Smackdown. With Swagger's consent, our RAW/SD GM made the match and added Antonio Cesaro as the ref so he could scout potential competition for the U.S. Title - mainly the #1 contender Swagger. The Swiss Sensation called this fight down the middle, and it was quite entertaining. Both men speared the other through a barricade and avoided countouts, then in the end Barrett hit a sitout spinebuster and pinned the #1 contender. Perhaps the former Intercontinental Champion has now jumped ahead Swagger to face Cesaro.
Fatal Four-Way, Tag Turmoil Series
Drew McIntyre (Evolution) def. Cody Rhodes (Rhodes Scholars), Christian (E&C), and Road Dogg (New Age Outlaws): Evolution picks a second win in a row, much like Hennig and Dallas, so the standings now show a 2-2 tie at the top. McIntyre grabbed the win after a sickening Future Shock that planted Christian through the commentary table.
Afterwards, both the Sinister Scotsman and Ted DiBiase Sr. threw the battered Road Dogg out of the ring and celebrated Evolution's victory. They're in control and Bobby Roode, Batista, or Ted Jr. are up next when the series resumes.
Tag Turmoil Standings
Hennig/Dallas - 2
Evolution - 2
Mucha Lucha - 1
New Age Outlaws - 1
others tied - 0
The Hardys def. El Generico (and Kevin Steen): Rivals and No Way Out opponents were to team up to add a twist to their feud, and they were pitted against the Hardy brothers, who had made a brief reunion. However, Steen no-showed, so it was essentially a handicap match. The Generic Luchador was up to the challenge but was no match for the Hardys who were still flowing well as a team even after years apart. Jeff landed a crossbody into the ring from the apron and made the pin.
Generico certainly has to have some anger inside him after the IC champion didn't show, but what will be the consequences of Steen doing so?
We're on the road to No Way Out here on the second RAW of the month.
WWE Title #1C Tourney, Semi-Finals
Shawn Michaels def. Kevin Steen and Ryback: This interesting mish-mash of personalities resulted in a brawl which saw HBK and the Anti-Christ mostly team up on the monster Ryback. This came back on Steen as Michaels hit Sweet Chin Music on Ryback and stole the pinfall. HBK escaped with the win but Steen has other things on his mind that are more important. Meanwhile, the Heartbreak Kid has a duel set for the near future against Evolution members Triple H or Ric Flair, with the winner heading on to No Way Out to face WWE Champion C.M. Punk.
WWE Title #1C Tourney, Semi-Finals
Triple H (w/ Drew McIntyre) def. Ric Flair (w/Batista): After the RAW/Smackdown GM granted Triple H entry into the World title opportunity voting, he was made to fight his Evolution partner Ric Flair in what is the near closing to this tournament. Shockingly, these two were actually willing to fight each other and put on a good match. Triple H rebounded from his loss to Randy Orton on Friday night and he moves on. I'm sure Naitch had no problem losing to his student.
All that's left in this tournament is past DX teammates HHH and HBK facing off for the chance to get a WWE title shot at No Way Out.
El Generico def. Bully Ray: With Steen participating in the WWE title #1 contendership tourney, he chose a competitor for his No Way Out opponent to square off against.
Generico gave the fans a show with his high-flying maneuvers, soaring all over the ring with his attacks on Bully. The crowd ate it up, especially a Brainbuster onto the announce table and a Bully Cutter onto Generico who springboarded out of the ring. Generico overcame the multiple-time Tag Team champion in a match I'm sure our IC champion was surely paying attention to.
Fatal Four-Way, Tag Turmoil Series
Bobby Roode (Evolution) def. Rey Mysterio (Mucha Lucha), Bo Dallas (Dallas/Hennig), and The Miz (ShowMiz): Roode and the other members of Evolution were allowed to be in a second consecutive match because they have just made their way into the series.
After some exciting four-way action, Bobby Roode got Evolution on the board by forcing rookie Bo Dallas to tap out to the arm-trap crossface, therefore ending Hennig & Dallas' two-match win streak.
Tag Turmoil Standings
Hennig/Dallas - 2
Mucha Lucha - 1
New Age Outlaws - 1
Evolution - 1
others tied - 0
WWE Championship
C.M. Punk (c) and "The Phenom" Mark Calaway fought to a no contest: The winner of the latest season of nXt as well as the nXt Championship is cashing in his contracted title shot that comes with those accomplishments. Punk must pay for the screwjobs in his title defenses recently. One has to wonder if Punk's Nexus cronies or an outsider will have some hand in this bout due to the shoddiness of the champ's matches as of late.
As expected, the Nexus made their presence felt in the match. It was immediately thrown out and drawn up as having no winner. The youngster Calaway held his own against Punk and Co. and with nothing to lose he tried to fight them off. They got the better of him until..
is 'cookin...
IT'S THE GREAT ONE! THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION IS HERE ON RAW! THE BRAHMA BULL! THE JABRONI-BEATING, PIE-EATING, TRAILBLAZING, EYEBROW-RAISING, HEART-STOPPIN, ELBOW-DROPPIN, DEATH-DEFYING, ELECTRIFYING, HAVE NO FEAR, CRYSTAL-CLEAR, FIGHTING FAST, WHOOPIN CANDY ***, PEOPLE'S CHAMP, THE ROCK!
Rocky slides in in grand fashion and he decides to layeth the smacketh down upon the Shield and Punk. The crowd is going insane for their favorite as he puts the Nexus in their place. Even Calaway, though you couldn't tell from his expression (or lack thereof), was probably stunned.
The Rock sends Nexus out of the People's Ring, making a huge statement in the process. He's arrived on Raw, he's had enough of their crap and if there's anyone to stop their onslaught it's the People's Champion.
What will come of this situation next? We hope to get a word with the Rock on next week's RAW.
We have some debuting Superstars making their first WWE appearance and some extra action here on the first Heat of June.
Ryder/Riley Revolution (Zack Ryder/Alex Riley) def. Prime Time Players (Young/O'Neil): Decent tag action here. A new pairing in Alex Riley and Zack Ryder joined forces and both them and the Prime Time Players were aiming to make an impression in the tag division. It was a Rough Ryder mid-match on Titus by Long Island Iced Z that lead to a pin by his partner Alex Riley later on.
Steen Challenge: Kevin Steen def. Davey Richards: Once again, the IC champ issued a challenge to anyone in the back. Next to accept the challenge was American Wolf Davey Richards, a rival of Steen's in the recent past. Two former Ring of Honor World Champions clashed in this somewhat lengthy match. Steen ultimately won after powerbombing a bloodied Richards. He continues to look impressive for his upcoming title defense against El Generico.
Rocky Maivia def. James Storm: The young Maivia was doing well down in developmental before receiving this match on Heat. He made a good impression in his debut, beating the former TNA Heavyweight Champion with his finishing moves - the Shoulderbreaker and flying crossbody. Whether the blue-chipper from Miami will be an impact player on one of the main brands remains to be seen, but so far, he's off to a nice start.
Fatal Four-Way, Tag Team Turmoil Series
Joe Hennig (Hennig/Dallas) def. Jey Uso (The Usos), Edge (Edge & Christian), and Ted DiBiase (Evolution): Ted DiBiase was the only newcomer to the series on behalf of Evolution, but he wasn't the winner. Instead, it was Joe Hennig who got the second point and the lead with the second straight win for his team after losing on his first try earlier on.
Tag Turmoil Standings
Hennig/Dallas - 2
Mucha Lucha - 1
New Age Outlaws - 1
others tied - 0
"The Phenom" Mark Calaway def. Alberto Del Rio: The nXt World Champion could not be stopped in the minors and so he received a call-up to the bigs tonight. Dubbed "the Phenom", Mark Calaway reminds many of the Undertaker with his impressive size and unflinching resistance to pain. Del Rio fought to the end and nearly defeated the rookie but fell victim to a Chokeslam.
United States Championship, #1 Contender's Match
Jack Swagger def. Wade Barrett: Countries collided in this opening match to Smackdown. It was the All-American American who got the pinfall win, most of his damage being done with a gutwrench powerbomb through the announce table. Barrett was a bit sad at the loss but he exited and allowed Swagger to celebrate the win with the fans.
He didn't get to for too long, though. Triple H and Evolution made their first entrance on Smackdown, walking down and beating down the new #1 contender to the U.S. Title, to the fans' dismay.
Boos and jeers were heard throughout the arena, but The Game paid no mind to them. Behind him were his fellow Evolution mates Batista and Ric Flair, in addition to who would seem to be new members in Ted DiBiase Jr., Drew McIntyre, Bobby Roode, and the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase Sr.
HHH began to address this new cast of characters alongside him in this year's reincarnation of Evolution:
"June 5th, 2013 will be a day that will go down in WWE history. It marks the rebirth of Evolution, a dominant force that took over the whole brand of RAW over 10 years ago. At one point, we held every title that could be attained on one brand. But the first version didn't last too long, mostly due to the mistakes of rookies like Dave Batista and Randy Orton - they tried to take my spot, and in a way, they did for awhile - but now I'm about to be the top dog again.
We've grown a lot since then, Dave and myself. Dave understands his new role is to protect me in my title pursuits and he knows that I'm willing to repay him for that. If he does what he's told this time around, there's nothing stopping him from winning more championships and leading Evolution back to the top. If I ever see myself in a war, I'll bring out my biggest gun and blow them all away.
Next, Ric Flair, 16-time Heavyweight Champion of the World, the Nature Boy, the greatest professional wrestler of all time, a living legend. WOO! Ric would love nothing more than to help the man he mentored to greatness - myself - the total package, back to where I belong. What better to put on his already Hall of Fame resume than that he helped his student beat his own record for amount of World Heavyweight Championship reigns. And when I feel like I'm done, both myself as well as Ric and Dave can pass on our knowledge to these young prospects we have right here.
Ted DiBiase Jr., alongside his dad, the WWE Hall of Famer, the Million Dollar Man, the business is in his blood. A former multiple-time WWE Tag Team Champion, former United States champion, a second-generation Superstar. He's got all the gifts a man can be given - raw, raw genetic talent. With our guidance he can become one of the top stars of the future.
Bobby Roode, a former TNA Heavyweight Champion, 5-time TNA Tag Team Champion, he was a star in TNA and we plan on moving him up the ranks to the point where he might take my place whenever I feel like hanging up my boots.
Drew McIntyre, the "Chosen One" - a former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion. He's the last coal who is to be squeezed into the next diamond. His demeanor and attitude are of my liking, they should fit well into Evolution's plans.
You top off that group of talent with a mind made for this business, the greatest ring general of all time. You get the best that there is. You get The Game, your next World Heavyweight Champion.
Like I told you last time, in this industry - just like in life - everything evolves. And what you see in this ring before you is the greatest example of Evolution you will ever see. Evolution always continues, even if it looks like it's been stopped. You see, in life, everything happens for a reason. That's just the natural process of evolution. And if you don't have what it takes, you will be left behind. So if you wake up one day, and you’re lying in a hospital bed, and you’re all beat up and you’re wondering to yourself what in the hell happened, then there is just one answer for you. Evolution has just passed you by."
WHC #1C Tourney, Semi-Finals - 2/3 Falls
Kurt Angle def. Christian: An opportunity for two former World champions to face Randy Orton for the blue brand's main title at No Way Out was on the line in the semi-finals of this almost month-long tournament. After some solid back and forth action, the first fall went to Kurt Angle, who connected with Christian's own Killswitch after Captain Charisma had done the same to him earlier. Christian capitalized after dodging an elbow from the top turnbuckle onto the announce table that Angle attempted, scoring with a second Unprettier to make it 1-1. Angle recovered back in the ring and hit an Angle Slam to get the victory. He'll challenge Samoa Joe in the finals soon enough.
Fatal Four-Way, Tag Team Turmoil Series
Bo Dallas (Hennig & Dallas) def. Billy Gunn (New Age Outlaws), Big Show (ShowMiz), and Damien Sandow (Rhodes Scholars): Nothing too interesting happened in this one. Big Show knocked out Mr. *** with a W.M.D. while Bo Dallas got the pin on Sandow. It's the second straight loss for Rhodes Scholars, while 22 year-old Bo Dallas grabs a win in his debut match.
Tag Turmoil Standings
Mucha Lucha - 1
Hennig/Dallas - 1
New Age Outlaws - 1
others tied - 0
Smackdown MITB Best-of-7 Series, Match #1 - Table Match
John Cena def. Dolph Ziggler (c): The first of 7 matches to decide the Money in the Bank holder was held tonight. A table match was named as the stipulation, which most of the matches will come with. Cena was aggressive in trying to put Ziggler through some tables, missing with a leg drop through the table then going for an Overcastle off the turnbuckle but not hitting the mark. There was plenty of fails with tables being broken and it was Ziggler who began to get the advantage. He did a superplex onto a table that didn't completely connect then followed it up with a Fameasser and the Zig-Zag. He bloodied the 12-time WWE Champion and Cena continued to feel Dolph's wrath via yet another Fameasser and an X-Factor. Cena began to comeback, hitting a series of gutwrench and belly-to-belly suplexes, as well as multiple FUs. In the end, The Chain Gang Commander returned the crimson mask and put the Showoff through a table with a fisherman suplex.
Best-of-7 Score
Cena - 1
Ziggler - 0
This rivalry has become even more heated now that the Smackdown MITB briefcase is at stake. Cena's out for revenge, Ziggler wants respect, and we've only just begun this series.
SD Active Match, World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton (c) vs HHH, Sheamus, or Daniel Bryan
The Game took it upon himself to volunteer to be in the voting in his first night back on Smackdown after his earlier announcement. The arrogant Evolution leader was granted that request by our GM, to some's surprise. Fellow past World Heavyweight champs Sheamus and Daniel Bryan were also in the running for a battle in our main event. The scores came on the titantron as the fans watched in anticipation:
40%
24%
36%The votes were in favor of yet another mentor vs. student match between former Evolution mates. We cut to the back with Matt Striker interviewing Randy Orton, who walks in with the championship on his shoulder.
"Randy, this match coming up right now is for your World Heavyweight Championship, against the man who brought you into the business and groomed you for success. Are you ready to defend your title once again against somebody you weren't even prepared to face?"
"Matt, let me correct you on something. Triple H didn't groom me for anything, I made myself a success. Sure, he and Ric Flair mentored me and taught me about the business, but it was their fault I didn't rise to the top at first. You see, the reason Evolution failed is because Triple H is a self-centered, narcissistic, ego-maniac. Evolution wasn't about Triple H and Ric and Batista and myself..it was about only Triple H and his obsession with the World Heavyweight Championship. When Dave won it and I won it, he was jealous of us. He couldn't handle the fact that someone took over his spot at the top, took his spot on the throne. And because of that obsession he held us down.. he abused us for his own agenda and when we found success it was almost as if his plan failed. And once Roode, DiBiase, McIntyre.. once they realize that they are only a pawn to Triple H's plan, they'll break themselves away from him like I did and they'll be successful. Triple H stands no chance against me tonight - I'm as dominant as I've ever been and there is nothing stopping the Age of Orton. Evolution will be a failure here on Smackdown like he will be when he faces me tonight."
Orton walks away determined to put away the Game as Matt sends us back to the ring for our main event.
The two men gave each other a beating, mostly on the outside of the ring. It was Orton who overcame his elder, cinching the win with an RKO that busted open HHH.
The World champion was respectful enough to offer a handshake, which Triple H refused. Orton stands tall as the top Superstar on Smackdown and it's obvious Hunter wasn't too pleased with his debut on Friday Nights.
The Legend Killer awaits a challenger for No Way Out, which TNA alumni will it be - Samoa Joe or Kurt Angle? We'll find out next week on Smackdown.
Fatal Four-Way, Tag Turmoil Series
Road Dogg (New Age Outlaws) def. Jimmy Uso (The Usos), Christian (Edge & Christian), and Sin Cara (Mucha Lucha): The action was fast in this elimination match, no-DQs. It spilled to the outside and Jimmy Uso removed Sin Cara early on, only to be sent home by Christian via an Edge-o-matic. Road Dogg dismissed Captain Charisma to win in his 2013 singles match debut. Road Dogg gains a point for the Outlaws and Billy Gunn is now eligible for the next match-up.
Tag Turmoil Standings
New Age Outlaws - 1
Mucha Lucha - 1
others tied - 0
Kevin Steen def. Kassius Ohno, Steen Challenge: Kevin Steen is looking to prove his dominance to No Way Out opponent El Generico, and tonight he called out anyone in the locker room to come out and face him. Fellow ROH alumni K.O. Ohno was the first to do so.
The two put on a short but sweet fight which saw Steen dispose of former ROH tag team champion Ohno with his devastating Package Piledriver.
WWE Tag Team Championship
BITW That Ever Lived (Jericho and Aries) def. World's Greatest Tag Team (Haas and Benjamin) (c): This dream match for the tag titles was quite entertaining, as expected. A lot of action both in and out of the ring + many weapons were put to use. In the end, Chris Jericho hit a vicious Codebreaker on Shelton Benjamin and his partner Aries kept Charlie Haas away. We have new WWE Tag Team Champions here on Main Event.
United States Championship, 2/3 Falls
Antonio Cesaro (c) def. Drew McIntyre w/Triple H : Mysteriously, Triple H accompanied McIntyre to the ring. What does he have in mind with the former "Chosen One"?
The Swiss Sensation went to work on the Sinister Scotsman quickly, picking up the first fall with a dejected HHH looking on. Things kept getting worse for McIntyre, as this match did not seem in his favor whatsoever. He was tightly locked in to a hammer & chin submission until he could not take any more, tapping out and giving the U.S. Champion the easy victory.
Triple H was livid after witnessing this, but helped out who would seem to be his new protege to the back.
Afterwards, Jack Swagger appeared, to the celebrating Cesaro's surprise. The All-American American and former United States champion had some words for the current champ:
"Y'know, Antonio, I've been watching your matches while I've been on the sidelines and I've been listening to what you've been saying, especially about the United States of America. And to be honest, I'm disgusted.
I love this country. It was in this country I was a an NCAA Champion - I was an All-American and set a record for most pins in a season. In this country, I won the World Heavyweight Championship, cashing in my Money in the Bank briefcase. And yeah, I know, I wasn't the most honorable champion, World Heavyweight or U.S. I should have been a prouder U.S. Champion - I was defending my country. Antonio Cesaro despises Americans, he doesn't deserve to hold the title that represents them. I should have that belt around my waist - I don't know about you, Antonio, but 'Jack Swagger, All-American United States Champion', that sounds good to me."
Before Cesaro could respond, it was Wade Barrett who was next to make his presence felt on Main Event.
"Mr. Swagger, while I respect your wrestling ability and your love for your country, I have to disagree. The Barrett Barrage has been going strong and may I remind you that I have held a title more recently than yourself - specifically the Intercontinental Title, my second reign. I feel that instead of you, who has just come back, it's myself, Wade Barrett, who should be next in line for the United States championship. While it's not my homeland, I would bring prestige back to it, in honor of the mother country of England."
Finally, our RAW and Smackdown GM was the voice of reason: "Well gentlemen, I think Cesaro will agree that a #1 contender should be decided in a one-on-one match. That will happen this Friday, winner will be next to challenge Antonio Cesaro. Good luck."
WHC #1C Tournament, Semi-Finals - 2/3 Falls
Samoa Joe def. Sheamus: Samoa Joe moves on to the finals after being victorious over the Celtic Warrior in this brutal brawl. The highlight was a Muscle Buster onto the 267 lb. Sheamus.
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Following Main Event, there were multiple announcements by our RAW and Smackdown General Manager:
- "Always" by Saliva is No Way Out 2013's theme.
- The first bout of the Best-of-7 series between John Cena and Dolph Ziggler for The Showoff's Smackdown Money in the Bank briefcase will begin on this week's Smackdown. The series will continue up to No Way Out and possible conclude at that event.
- Triple H will open up Friday's Smackdown with something important to say.. what can we expect to hear from the Cerebral Assassin?
- A WWE Legend will return on the very same show, but for what reason exactly?
- The card looks even more stacked as there will be an SDActive match in which the WWE Universe decides World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton's opponent in a title match.
- Lastly, the World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contendership tournament resumes - who will advance and move closer to a title shot at No Way Out?
What rising star will be next to make an impact? And what role will the WWE Legend have when he makes his return?
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