WWE 2012 - A New Direction

Its the early hours of April 2nd 2012


The biggest event of the year Wrestlemania 28 has not long finished and the dust is beginning to settle.


Triple H won the war for power against Vince McMahon when Kevin Nash turned on Mcmahon and John Laurinaitus


Undertaker bid farewell to the wrestling world with his streak intact after defeating Mark Henry


Alberto Del Rio captured the World Heavyweight title at Elimination Chamber then went to a controverial tie with CM Punk in the match to unify his title with Punks WWE championship


There was championship match victories for AJ Styles, Cody Rhodes and the team of Mason Ryan & Skip Sheffield and John Morrison claimed the Money In The Bank contract.


And an epic main event match up between John Cena and The Rock ended with a win for Cena after a long fought battle and the crowd gave Cena a standing ovation and a respectful handshake from The Brahma Bull


As for the rival promotion TNA, the Carter family pulled out all financial backing due to the mistreatment of their daughter, thus many of their stars flocked to the WWE


WRESTLEMANIA 29

John Cena def. The Rock

Triple H def. Vince Mcmahon, John Laurinatius & Kevin Nash in a handicap match to win control of the WWE

CM Punk vs Alberto Del Rio in the WWE World Title Unification ended in a draw

The Undertaker def. Mark Henry

AJ Styles def. Jack Swagger(c), The Prophet Elijah & Samoa Joe to win the United States title

Cody Rhodes(c) def. Alex Riley to retain the Intercontinental title

Mason Ryan & Skip Sheffield(c) def. AirBoom(Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne) to retain the WWE Tag Team titles

John Morrison def. Wade Barrett, The Miz, Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Drew Mcintyre, Rob Van Dam, Sheamus, Mr Kennedy and Bully Ray to win the Money in the Bank ladder match

Randy Orton def. Chris Jericho

Dark Matches:

Gregory Helms(c) def. Sin Cara to retain Cruiserweight title

Beth Phoenix(c) def. Mickie James to retain Womens title



As of end of Vengeance PPV, 24th June 2012

RAW

'The Monster' Abyss(H)
WWE United States Champion 'The Phenomenal' AJ Styles(F)
Brian Kendrick (F)
Bully Ray(H)
Camacho (H)
Charlie Haas(H)
'Captain Charisma' Christian(H)
'Straightedge' CM Punk(F)
Curt Hawkins (H)
WWE Tag Team Champion David Hart Smith(F)
'A-List' David Otunga(H)
'The Showoff' Dolph Ziggler(H)
Evan Bourne(F)
'The Guyanese Goliath' Ezekiel Jackson(F)
Hunico (H)
'All American American' Jack Swagger(H)
Jey Uso (F)
Jimmy Uso(F)
Kazarian(F)
Kofi Kingston(H)
Michael Mcgillicutty(F)(Inactive hasnt appeared for 30 days)
The Prophet Elijah(H)
R-Truth(H)
'Man Beast' Rhyno(H)
'Whole F'n Show' Rob Van Dam(F)
Santino Marella(F)
'The Celtic Warrior' Sheamus(F)
Shelton Benjamin(H)
Tyler Reks (H)
WWE Tag Team Champion Tyson Kidd(F)






SMACKDOWN

'The Mexican Aristocrat' Alberto Del Rio(H)
Alex Riley(H)
Alex Shelley(F)
'The Worlds Largest Athlete' Big Show(F)
Chris Sabin(F)
'Dashing' Cody Rhodes(H)
'American Dragon' Daniel Bryan(F)
Desmond Wolfe(F) (Back at FCW, return unknown)
'The Chosen One' Drew Mcintyre(F)
Epico(H)
WWE Intercontinental Champion, WWE Television Champion & WWE Cruiserweight Champion 'Supernatural' Gregory Helms(H)
'Tennessee Cowboy' James Storm(H)
WWE Unified World Champion 'The Shaman of Sexy' 'The Guru of Greatness' John Morrison(H)
'The Teacher' Matt Striker (H)
'African Air' Justin Gabriel(F)'The Awesome One' The Miz(H)
Primo(H)
'The Viper' Randy Orton(F) (Currently suspended -till 27th June 2012)
Robert Roode(H)
'Samoan Submission Machine' Samoa Joe(F)
'The International Sensation' Sin Cara(F)
'Mr Money' Ted Dibiase(H)
Wade Barrett(H)
William Regal(H)
Yoshi Tatsu(F)
'Long Island Iced Z' Zack Ryder(F)



California Beach Boys (Brian Kendrick & Kazarian)
Beer Money Inc. (Robert Roode & James Storm)
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) w/Tamina
Tyler Reks & Curt Hawkins
Puerto Rican Nightmares (Epico & Primo) w/Rosa Mendes
The Empire (Drew McIntyre & Doug Williams)
Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) w/Velvet Sky
Hunico & Camacho
Truth Preachers (R-Truth & The Prophet Elijah)
WWE Tag Team Champions - The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd) w/Natalya
Rob Van Dam & Rhyno
International Air (Yoshi Tatsu & Sin Cara)
Worlds Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas)




AJ Lee (F)
'The Glamazon' Beth Phoenix (H)
Eve Torres (F)
Katie Burchill (H)
Kelly Kelly (F)
Layla El (H) (Valet of Wade Barrett)
Maryse Oullett (H)
Melina Perez (H)
'Hardcore Country' Mickie James (F)
WWE Womens Champion Natalya (F) (Valet of The Hart Dynasty)
Rosa Mendes (H) (Valet of Puerto Rican Nightmares)
Tamina (F) (Valet of The Usos)
Tara (F)
Velvet Sky (F) (Valet of Motor City Machine Guns)
Vickie Guerrero (H) (Valet of Dolph Ziggler)







General Manager - 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels


Raw Broadcast - Michael Cole & Tazz



Smackdown Broadcast - Booker T & Josh Matthews
Ring Announcers - Justin Roberts and Lilian Garcia
Backstage Interviewer - Christy Hemme




WWE Unified World Champion - John Morrison (1)
Won Title - At Backlash, April 29th 2012
Previous - Sheamus (1)

WWE Intercontinental Champion - Gregory Helms (1)
Won Title - At Vengeance, June 24th 2012
Previous - Justin Gabriel (1)

WWE United States Champion - VACANT
Won Title - At Vengeance, June 24th 2012
Previous - AJ Styles (2)

WWE Tag Team Champions - The Hart Dynasty (1)
Won title - At Backlash, April 29th 2012
Previous - Mason Ryan & Skip Sheffield (1)

WWE Television Champion - Gregory Helms (1)
Won Title - At Smackdown, June 29th 2012
Previous -Zack Ryder (2)

WWE Cruiserweight Champion - Gregory Helms (4)
Won Title - At Elimination Chamber, February 19th 2012
Previous - N/A title was vacant

WWE Womens Champion - Natalya
Won Title - At Raw, June 11th 2012 2012
Previous - Beth Phoenix

WWE Money In The Bank Holder - John Morrison (Already cashed)
Won Title: Wrestlemania, April 1st 2012

Hi, welcome to the section and best of luck with your project.

One question that immediately springs to mind looking at your Wrestlemania, is where did the TNA guys come from, you haven't mentioned that once in your backstory. Also what about Daniel Bryan and what did he do with the MITB contract?

WWE RAW PREVIEW

WWE RAW COMES LIVE FROM THE BANK ATLANTIC CENTER IN SUNRISE, FLORIDA



1 DAY REMOVED FROM THE GREATEST WRESTLEMANIA OF ALL TIME WHAT WILL THE NEW REGIME OF TRIPLE H PRODUCE AS THE VICTORIOUS CEREBRAL ASSASSIN DEBUTS IN HIS NEW ROLE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE WWE


WHAT WILL THE HEIRARCHY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE CONTROVERSIAL ENDING OF THE WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION BOUT WHERE RAWS CM PUNK AND SMACKDOWNS ALBERTO DEL RIO FOUGHT TO A DRAW DECISION. BOTH SUPERSTARS WILL CLAIM THE TITLE AS THEIR OWN BUT WHAT WILL THE POWERS THAT BE DECIDE


ALSO WHAT WILL JOHN MORRISONS NEW PLANS BE FOR THE YEAR AHEAD AS HE CONTEMPLATES HIS USE OF THE MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE HE CLAMED IN A BREATHTAKING LADDER MATCH AT WRESTLEMANIA


ALSO WITH WINS FOR AJ STYLES AND DEFEATS FOR JACK SWAGGER, AIRBOURNE AND CHRIS JERICHO RAW PROMISES TO BE ONE HELL OF A RIDE


TUNE IN TO FIND OUT

Live from The Bank Atlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida

The Raw video plays

The pyros go off and we are brought to the announce table with Michael Cole.

Michael Cole: Good evening everybody and welcome to monday night raw live from The Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. I'm Michael Cole and joining me to commentate on tonights action is the suplex machine Tazz

Tazz: Thanks Cole and its great to be here on a historic night for the WWE

Michael Cole: Indeed it is Tazz, after last nights groundbreaking wrestlemania who knows what tonight will give us

Tazz: Word from the back is we're getting a new general manager to oversee both Raw and Smackdown

Michael Cole: Hope we get someone big

Tazz: Anything is better than John Laurinatius Cole

Michael Cole: John had his moments


As they begin to banter on Justin Roberts is in the ring

Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentleman, here is your new WWE general manager


'IM JUST A SEXY BOY.......'

The crowd erupt as Shawn Michaels makes his way out to the ring

Tazz: Oh my god Cole, its H-B-K

Michael Cole: For crying out loud i said someone big

Tazz: HBK is big Cole, one of the biggest supertars to ever grace the ring


HBK gets in the ring, laps in the applause before taking the mic

HBK: Helloooooooo Flooorrriiiidaaaa!!!!!


Crowd go wild for the callout

HBK: Its great to be back in the WWE. And first thing i'm going to do is..........


Alberto Del Rios music plays and his fancy car rolls into the arena to a chorus of boos

Del Rio: The first thing you are going to do is announce Albertoooo Del Rioooo as the unified champion of the world and strip that cheating C-M Punk of his world title


Crowd disagree as Del Rio enters the ring slowly

Del Rio: It is my destiny to be the world champion and my destiny was stolen from me last night by that idiot and I suggest that you correct your mistake now!


Del Rio gets up in HBKs face

HBK: Woah woah woah Albertoooo, I make the decisions around here, not you so what you need to do right now is back off buster


Crowd cheer but Del Rio gets annoyed

Del Rio: Or what mister


Del Rio starts to poke HBK in the chest. HBK looks at the crowd as he steps away from Del Rio and HBK superkicks Del Rio off his feet


The crowd cheer as Del Rio lies down on the canvas.

HBK: Now where was I ?????


CM Punks music then hits to a huge pop and he makes his way down to ringside.

CM Punk: Welcome back the heartbreak kid. Now I for one loved what you just did Shawn to our destined friend but he had a point. The title situation needs to be sorted. He thinks he won. I know I won. What do you say GM


HBK takes a moment to think as the crowd continually chant Punks name

HBK: Well what I will do is do whats best for the WWE


EXCUSE MEEEEE!!!!!!!!! and Vickie Guerreros music blasts as she makes her way to the ring flanked by her entourage, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger and the crowd let out a torrent of abuse towards Vickie

Vickie: Excuse me while I interupt your cosey little party but the only injustice last night was that neither or even both of my astounding athletes were in that unification title match and I for one think its about time they had their shot.


Dolph and Jack enter ahead of Vickie and Punk puts his guard up ready.

Vickie: So forget CM Punk. Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger are the future of this company and the rightful new champ. They are what the WWE needs


Crowd boo continuously as CM Punk grabs the mic

Punk: Dolph or Jack. The guy who spends more time getting ready than Vickie or the guy whose face is more diverting than Vickies.


Crowd cheer and laugh as the pair get incensed

Punk: I think the WWE will pass. Neither even picked up a win last night. So boys take your mother and go home.


With that Vickie slaps Punk and tries again but he grabs the hand and Swagger gets in a cheap shot followed by Ziggler and the pair start to beat down on Punk as Vickie shouts in HBKs face. Punk tries to battle back but to no avail when Mr Kennedy hits the ring with a chair in hand and cracks one over Zigglers head and then nails Swagger with it too. Kennedy then stalks Vickie and the crowd cheer as he goes to hit her but Del Rio recovers and goes after Kennedy who cracks him with the chair instead and Vickie scarpers under the ropes as Del Rio runs dazed into Punk who hits him with the Go To Sleep. HBK gets back on the mic

HBK: Right no more messing about, tonight starts the road to Backlash: The night of champions. 32 men 4 weeks 1 Unified world champion. And tonight we will see Mr Kennedy up against Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger going one on one with CM Punk!!!!!!


Crowd cheer announcement as all 4 men argue back and for.

Tazz: Wow what an announcement from HBK

Cole: What is Kennedy even doing out here, he had no right to swing that chair.

Tazz: He had as much right as Ziggler and Swagger had double teaming Punk


- - - - - - - - A RAW WRESTLEMANIA REVENGE TOUR VIDEO PLAYS - - - - - -
- - -

RVDs music plays as we come back and the ring announcer notifies us that the next match is from the WWE world title tournament

Tazz: Heres a friend of mine I love to watch in the ring

Cole: Van Dam is past it

Tazz: RVD performs week in week out and never fails to deliver

Bully Rays music then hits and he argues with the crowd down to the ring before placing his metal chain under the ringpost

Match 1 I Singles I Unified World Title Tournament Round 1

Rob Van Dam vs. Bully Ray

SUMMARY: A back and for match ends controversially as RVD gets the upperhand and accidentally blinds the referee giving Bully Ray the chance to smack RVD with his chain and get the pinfall.

Result: Bully Ray def. Rob Van Dam by pinfall (6:34) to advance

- - - - - - - C O M M E R C I A L - -- - - - -


As we come back from the break Santino Marella is backstage with Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly trying to impress them. He picks up a water pistol and starts squirting water around when a sudden halt is seen the camera flashes to a soaked angry Brodus Clay who grabs a startled Santino by the scruff

Brodus Clay: In the ring, now!!!!!!!

Santino: Oh, oh ok, please dont hurt me???


Santino petrified as Brodus releases him slinks to the floor a a terrified Kelly and Eve look on

- - - - A video plays hyping the WWE RAW Wrestlemania Revenge Tour - - - -

As we come back Santino Marella is in the ring waiting with a fearful look on his face

Brodus Clays music plays and the titan makes his way down to the ring menacingly sneering in all directions

Clay gets in the ring, Santino begs him not to hurt him but Clay immediately shoves Santino down, Clay tells Santino to fight back, Santino smacks Clay with a forehand but Clay doesnt flinch, Santino then pokes Clay in the eye and Clay falls back blinded and Santino lines up the Cobra, runs at Clay who flattens Santino with a huge forearm. Clay sends Santino into the corner and hits him with bodysplash. Clay picks Santino up, runs with him into the corner and smashes Santinos back into the turnbuckle quickly following up with a fallaway slam. Clay then sets up a powerbomb, lifts Santino up and chucks him up into the sky hitting a midair spear on Santino on his way down. Clay just looks at Santinos motionless body for a second before leaving the ring to a chorus of boos.

Tazz: I cant believe what ive just seen Cole


EMTs rush down to the ring to see to Santino

Cole: Well thats what happens when you **** off Brodus Clay Tazz, you get hurt

Tazz: Well lets hope Santino isn't too hurt, and standing by backstage is Scott Stanford with the NEW United States champion

Scott Stanford: Thanks Tazz and yes I am with the NEW United States champion A ----J------- Styles


Styles comes into the picture to a huge cheer from the crowd

Scott Stanford: AJ last night you captured the United States title in a fatal 4 way match, what are your thoughts on your future as US champ or do you see your future a a higher champion, the world champion perhaps

AJ Styles: Scott, everybody dreams of being the WWE champion. And im no different, wih the backing of my fans and my own belief in my abilities then its certainly a possibility that I could be wearing the big gold in the near future, the skys the limit for me

???????: Yeah right AJ!!!!


Christian appears out of the sideview and gets on the mic

Christian : The only real belief around here is that you will never be the WWE champion, and MY PEEPS know it, you know it and you need to stop blowing a trumpet that isn't there, you will never be as great as I am

AJ Styles: Is that right, thats why everytime we've faced off i've kicked your ass

Christian: Well I will personally eliminate you from this tournament, it would be an honour

AJ Styles: I look forward to it


Christian scaulks away from view as AJ goes back to Scott Stanford but Christian runs from behind and attacks AJ, pummeling him into the ground, Christian picks AJ up and chucks him through a metal caged door. Christian then runs off as AJ lies in a heap

Tazz: Interesting segment there Cole and another sneaky attack

Cole: It wasnt sneaky when Shawn Michaels was doing it

Tazz: HBK was being provoked unlike Christian


Beer Moneys music hits and Robert Roode and James Storm make their way to the ring to a mixed reaction

Worlds Greatest tag teams music plays and Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin make their way to the ring to a decent cheer

Match 2 I Tag Team

Beer Money vs Worlds Greatest Tag Team

Summary: A decent tag bout with several spots ends when Beer Money hit the DUI on Haas and Storm covers as Roode knocks Benjamin down and Beer Money pick up the win

Result: Beer Money def. Worlds Greatest Tag Team by pinfall (7:12)

- - - - - C O M M E R C I AL - - -
- -

As we come back we are shown Shawn Michaels office and as we head inside we see Vickie Guerrero and her entourage arguing with HBK

Vickie Guerrero: You cant be serious Shawn, its bad enough that they were both screwed last night now they
have to win 5 matches to win the wwe title

HBK: Now dont go barking orders at me Vickie, I'm giving them their chance just like anyone else


Vickie scowls at HBK

HBK: And I can just as easily take that chance away if I want

Vickie Guerrero: Excuse me!!!!!!


Swagger and Ziggler then quickly take Vickie out of the office and HBK goes back to his computer.

A video package plays hyping Backlash PPV

Excuse Me blasts through the arena as Dolph Ziggler makes his way down to the ring accompanied by Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger

Cole: Vickie Guerrero is right, Ziggler and Swagger shouldn't have to qualify to be world champion, they should be installed already

Tazz: And that wouldn't be fair on the others Cole, what have Ziggler and Swagger done to deserve being WWE champion

Cole: A lot more than you Tazz, theyve both been champion before which means they know how to wear the gold

Tazz: It also shows they know how to lose it too


MR Kennedys music hits to a huge cheer and he makes his way down to the ring

Cole: Kennedy had no right being out here earlier on tonight, the guys so up himself

Tazz: He had as much right as Ziggler and Swagger had Cole


Match 3 I Singles I WWE Unified World Title Tournament Round 1

Dolph Ziggler vs Mr Kennedy

Summary: Kennedy hits
the Mic Check and covers but Vickie places Zigglers foot on the bottom rope. Vickie then gets up on the apron distracting the referee, Swagger appears to distract Kennedy and Ziggler hits a low blow followed by the pin for the victory

Result: Dolph Ziggler def Mr Kennedy by pinfall (9:13) to advance

Cole: Well done Ziggler, you sure showed him

Tazz: Yeah showed him how to cheat

Cole: A wins a win Tazz, even you should know that


- - - - C O M M E R C I A L - - - -

As we come back to the locker room The Prophet Elijah is prancing around preparing for his match as Scott Stanford tries to muscle in for an interview

Scott Stanford: Tonight Prophet you take on old adversary Samoa Joe in the world title tournament what are your thoughts

Prophet: Im your new champ baby, nothing gunna stop me

Scott Stanford: Thats a bold statement

Prophet: Oh yeah gunna go all the way man, Prophet on his way to the top, with the lord on my side I shall not, no, cannot fail



Prophet then scurries off

A video hyping up Money in the Bank winner John Morrison plays

As we come back Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne and R-Truth are all in the ring as Christan makes his way down to the ring to a huge round of booing

Tazz: I cant believe the nerve of Christian earlier tonight


A video is shown of Christian attacking AJ Styles backstage

Cole: Well AJ shouldnt have said some of the stuff he did


The countdown starts and Chris Jerichos music plays and he gets a mixed reaction from the Florida crowd

Match 4 I Six Man Tag Team

Sheamus,Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs Chris Jericho, Christian & R-Truth

Summary: An eventful 6 man tag sees AJ Styles come out from the back and chase Christian away, with the number stacked against Jericho cowardly abandons his tag partner. Truth then recieves Trouble in Paradise, a Brogue Kick and a Shhoting Star Press as the trio pick up an eventually comfortable victory.

Result: Sheamus, Kofi & Bourne def Jericho, Christian & Truth by pinfall (7:56)

Backstage AJ is pummeling Christian who manages to get in a poke to the eye and runs into a dark corridor, AJ follows but is pushed back out by a debuting Abyss who has AJ bythe throat, Abyss hits a Black Hole Slam through a table on Styles and Christian reappears hugging the brute and they depart together and referees and security rush to help Styles

Back in HBKs office the new GM looks disappointed at what he just saw just as Mr Kennedy aggressively bursts in

Mr Kennedy: What the hell was that bullcrap Shawn, I thought you are supposed to be the guy in charge round here and those two numbskulls are getting away with screwing me out of my title chance

HBK: Woah hold your horses Ken, I dont think I personally could have stopped what happened earlier, i'm just one guy, but what I can do is book a match for next week, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger teaming up to take on CM Punk and Mr Kennedy

Mr Kennedy: Yeah well thats next week, what about tonight

HBK: Well for tonight I think you should take the rest of the night off


Kennedy just looks angrily at HBK

Mr Kennedy: Dont make an enemy out of me Shawn, i warn you


Kennedy then storms out slamming the door behind as HBK shakes his head

Prophets music plays and he makes his way to the ring to a small jeer

A big 'Joes gunna kill you' chant starts up and The Prophet Elijah gets irate shouting at the crowd

Samoa Joes music plays and he makes his way down to the ring slowly with the crowd still chanting

Match 5 I Singles I WWE Unified World Title Tournament Round 1

Samoa Joe vs The Prophet Elijah

Summary: Prophet tries to hit Joe with the double knee in the corner, Joe avoids and locks on the Coquina Clutch and Prophet immediately gives in and taps

Result: Samoa Joe def. The Prophet Elijah by submission (5:47) to advance

Cole: An impressive victory for Samoa Joe

Tazz: Yeah maybe The Prophet Elijah will learn to keep his mouth shut now


- - - - C O M M E R C I A L - - - -

Backstage Scott Stanford stands by with former World Champion CM Punk

Scott Stanford: C M Punk, tonight you go one on one with Jack Swagger, are you afraid your match may be jeopardised the same way Mr Kennedy was earlier.

CM Punk: Well Scott, its plainly obvious to see that the wicked witch and her goblins are going to do everything they can to see me out of this tournament

Scott Stanford: Any ideas on how to counter this

CM Punk: Honestly Scott, Im just going to go out there and give the fans what they want, my all and hopefuly that will be good enough


A video plays hyping the RAW Roster

Back in the ring Tara is in the ring to a cheer from the crowd

Beth Phoenix music plays and she makes her way to the ring accompanied by Natalya and the crowd boo the duo

Tazz: Not a fan favourite are Beth and Natalya

Cole: Everybody hates a winner Tazz. jealousy fills this Florida crowd

Match 6 I Womens Singles I Non-Title

Beth Phoenix vs Tara

Summary: A great effort from Tara but Beth is to strong and hits the Glam Slam for the victory

Result: Beth Phoenix def. Tara by pinfall (3:59)

Tazz: Great effort by Tara

Cole: Efforts dont win matches, pinfalls do


Backstage and Christian grabs the mic off Scott Stanford

Christian: You see AJ, I told you you werent in my league and I proved it, you want to mess with Captain Charisma, the multi talented athlete that I am, my backup showed you the path to the hospital and a warning for the future, you get in our way and you will get hurt


- - - -C O M M E R C I A L - - - -


We come back and Jack Swaggers music plays and he is accompanied by Vickie Guerrero

Tazz: Jack Swagger already had a big say in the end of one match tonight, lets see what he can do for himself in a one on one situation

Cole: Oh shut up Tazz, Jack Swagger is nearly half your age and held more titles than you ever have, of course he can get the job done

Tazz: CM Punk aint no pushover Cole


CM Punks music hits to a huge ovation and he makes his way down to the ring

Tazz: Well its obvious who the home crowd support
Main Event I Singles I WWE Unified World Title Tournament Round 1

CM Punk vs Jack Swagger

Summary: Punk gets the best of Swagger and hits the GTS on Swagger but the flailing leg of Swagger knocks the referee down and Punk has him covered and Vickie runs in and hits Punk, Punk grabs hold of her and the crowd are cheering but Ziggler runs down and hits Punk with the ZigZag and runs back to the back. Swagger celebrates as he goes to cover Punk as Vickie tries to resuscitate the referee. Kennedy then flies out of the crowd to the delight of the fans and hits a Mic Check on Swagger, flips Vickie the finger and Punk rolls over onto Swagger as the recovering referee counts the pinfall.

Result: CM Punk def. Jack Swagger by pinfall (12:29) to advance

Punk celebrates in the ring as Vickie screams her head off as we go off the air

- - - - - S H O W - - -- - E N D - - - - -



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WWE RAW QUICK RESULTS

Bully Ray def. Rob Van Dam in World Title Tournament Qualifier

Beer Money def. Worlds Greatest Tag Team

Dolph Ziggler def. Mr Kennedy in World Title Tournament Qualifier

Sheamus, Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne def. R-Truth, Christian & Chris Jericho

Samoa Joe def. The Prophet Eljah in World Title Tournament Qualifier

Beth Phoenix def. Tara

CM Punk def. Jack Swagger in World Title Tournament Qualifier

WWE.COM exclusive

Latest News


After Shawn Michaels announcement the WWE can reveal further details for the participants for the WWE Unified World Title tournament.


They have also confirmed that the semi finals and final will take place when WWE presents Backlash : Night of Champions on PPV April 29th


Each of these 3 matches will be under certain stipulations with the current vibe being that the final will be a ladder match


Also at the Backlash PPV, the WWE are thinking of bringing in another title to be defended over both brands. Its thought the WWE will possibly let the fans have an input into the new title before deciding on which idea will be used


Its also being rumoured that Triple H is in talk wth many other promotion ranging from Pro Wrestling Noah to SHIMMER to AAA of Mexico in regards to acquiring some showcase talent for a limited period, more on that when we hear.


Here are the brackets for the first round of the WWE Unified World Title tournament.(Winners in bold)

RAW

CM PUNK defeated JACK SWAGGER

BULLY RAY defeated ROB VAN DAM

SAMOA JOE defeated THE PROPHET ELIJAH

DOLPH ZIGGLER defeated MR KENNEDY

AJ STYLES v ABYSS

KOFI KINGSTON v CHRISTIAN

SHEAMUS v R-TRUTH

EVAN BOURNE v CHRIS JERICHO

SMACKDOWN

ALBERTO DEL RIO v JUSTIN GABRIEL

MARK HENRY v JEFF HARDY

THE MIZ v THE BIG SHOW

MATT MORGAN v JOHN MORRISON

WADE BARRETT v JOHN CENA

DANIEL BRYAN v ALEX RILEY

CODY RHODES v DREW MCINTYRE

RANDY ORTON v TED DIBIASE

WWE NXT TAG TEAM

Major announcement from WWE

NXT Tag Team has been cancelled

Due to the fall in ratings series after series of NXT the WWE have decided to abolish NXT once and for all

In its place will be From The Vault, a program showing many classic matches from the last 25 years of WWE television and including some greats from ECW and WCW too

This weeks installment : TLC 1 from Summerslam 2000 and TLC 2 from Wrestlemania XVII and interviews with all 6 participants and their thoughts on how it felt to be a part of it

St Pete Times Forum Center, Tampa, Florida

Recap videos of Wrestlemania and Raw play

The Smackdown video plays

Pyros go off and we are brought to the commentators table

Michael Cole: Good evening ladies and gentleman and welcome to friday night smackdown, live from Tampa Florida. Im Michael Cole and Im joined by my co colleagues for the evening Booker T and Josh Matthews

Booker T: Hey wassup everybody cant wait for tonights show, gunna be a crackerjacker

Michael Cole: A what?

Josh Matthews: A good night i think Cole

Booker T: Damn straight

**R E A L E Z A**

Alberto Del Rio drives his way down to the arena amongst a barrage of boos. He doesnt look happy one bit. He grabs a microphone and awaits quiet before speaking

Alberto Del Rio: For those of you who dont realise, I am Alberto Del Rio, the rightful W...W....E champion.

Crowd jeer

Del Rio: But thanks to Aitch Beeeeeee Kayyyyyyy, I no longer have what is righfully my destiny.

Crowd cheer and Del Rio gets wound up

Del Rio: Cheer all you want, Im better than each and every one of yoooooou. And im not leaving till I have what was taken from me.

**V O I C E S**

Crowd erupt as 'The Viper' Randy Orton appears on the ramp

Randy Orton: Alberto, you disapoint me. A real champion fights his way to the gold. I dont think theres any need to inflict more torture on these fans by staying in the ring. If you dont feel like movng, then im sure I can help you out

Orton starts making his way down to the ring

Orton: You see theres one thing I cant stand, and thats cowards. Alberto, you are a coward.

Orton drops the microphone and runs into the ring but Del Rio cuts him off with a forearm over the back and Del Rio starts laying the boot in on Orton. Del Rio grabs Orton for the Armbar but Orton counters with a reverse fireman carry taking Del Rio down to the canvas. Orton stalks Del Rio, Orton goes for the RKO but Del Rio senses it ad rolls away under the bottom rope and Del Rio shouts at Orton as he makes his way toward the entrance ramp.

**S E X Y - B O Y**

HBK makes his way onto the ramp to the dismay of Del Rio but to the delight of the crowd

HBK: You know what Randy, I totally agree with you. The WWE is no place for cowards. So Alberto, tonight you will go one on one with Randy Orton, and that match will be right now

Del Rio shouts angrily at HBK as Orton sneaks up behind him and chucks him in the ring to start the match

Singles Match

Randy Orton v Alberto Del Rio

Summary: A real battle takes place to open the show and Orton hits a huge dropkick on Del Rio followed by an inverted headlock backbreaker.Orton again sets up for the RKO but Del Rio pushes him off and hits a lowblow and the ref calls for the bell.

Result: Randy Orton def Alberto Del Rio by DQ (5:58)

After the bell rings Del Rio continues to attack Orton and locks in the Armbar and Orton immediately taps but Del Rio wont release the hold. Del Rio eventually lets go but only to go retrieve a chair from ringside.Orton crawls into the corner and Del Rio follows him waiting with the chair, Orton clambers to his feet and turns round into Del Rios swinging chair but Orton ducks the shot and hits the RKO. Orton slinks back up the ramp holding his arm and shoulder.

- - - - C O M M E R C I A L - - - -

We come back to a slow camera moving in on interviewer Christy Hemme

Christy Hemme: Ladie and gentleman, I am standing by with the South African superstar, Justin Gabriel. Justin tonight you get a once in a lifetime opportunity to challenge Cody Rhodes for the intercontinental championship.

Justin Gabriel: Yes Christy I sure do and I am so excited to get the chance to win my first singles gold here in the WWE. I feel that tonight, is my night, tonight I bring home the gold.

Gabriel walks off towards the ring as we see a clip of Cody Rhodes watching the interview shaking his head side to side.

** T H E - R I S I N G**

Crowd cheer as Justin Gabriel makes his way down to the ring

Michael Cole: The audacity of Justin Gabriel, what makes him think he can defeat the amazing Cody Rhodes

Booker T: Its 50/50 Cole and I like Gabriel, tremendous athlete

** S M O K E - A N D - M I R R O R S**

Cody Rhodes makes his way down to the ring to a bunch of jeers, he stares at Gabriel, shakes his head then grabs a microphone.

Cody Rhodes: Let me take a moment to introduce myself, Im Cody Rhodes, the dashing, the glorious, the coveted Cody Rhodes. Who may I ask are you??

Rhodes puts the microphone to Gabriels face and before Gabriel can answer pulls it away to huge jeers, which he milks

Rhodes: I will tell you who you are, you are nobody, a waster, a terrible excuse for a man, a cruiserweight jobber at best, and after this match you will be 'just another afterthought'

Rhodes hands his microphone and title to the referee

Singles Match for the Intercontinental Championship

Cody Rhodes(c) v Justin Gabriel

Summary: An enthralling gutsy performance from Gabriel sees him hit a slingshot suicide senton, but Rhodes starts to domnate and Rhodes exposes the turnbuckle, whips Gabriel into the corner but Gabriel stops himself from hitting the exposed turnbuckle only to run into the CrossRhodes but Gabriel counters with an STO. Gabriel climbs the turnbuckle and hits the 450 splash to cover Rhodes for the 3 count. Gabriel is the new champ.

Result: Justin Gabriel def. Cody Rhodes by pinfall (7:37) to become the NEW intercontinental champion

The crowd are going wild as Justin Gabriel celebrates his huge victory

Booker T: Haha Cody Rhodes just got served

Michael Cole: This aint right, Gabriel cheated

Josh Matthews: There was nothing wrong there Cole

Booker T: If anything it was Rhodes who needed to cheat

Cole: I dont think so Booker, that pad was faulty anyway

- - - R A W - R E C A P - V I D E O - P L A Y S - - -

As we come back Christy Hemme is in the locker room standing next to Gregory Helms

Hemme: Gregory Helms, you requested an interview for tonight, can I please ask why?

Gregory Helms: You can ask away, my reasons are simple. Im one of the greatest wrestlers to ever be in the WWE. I am the longest reigning cruiserweight champion in history. I defeated over 10 other superstars on my return to win the cruiserweight title yet again, but as usual I am an exclusion. I am completely ignored in the World title tournament and the WWE heirarchy are once again failing to recognise my talent. For years I was left trapped in a terrible superhero gimmick, a persona that is beneath me. So tonight I will reatin my title, unlike Cody Rhodes and I will win my match by pinfall, unlike Randy Orton, for im the supernatural, Gregory Helms.And my time is coming

- - - - B A C K L A S H - V I D E O - - - -

As we come back Yoshi Tatsu is in the ring

**I T S - T I M E**

Gregory Helms makes his way down to the ring

Singles Match for the Cruiserweight championship

Gregory Helms(c) v Yoshi Tatsu

Summary: Helms picks apart Tatsu before Tatsu gains some momentum but Helms moves out of the way of an aerial attack and hits The Nightmare on Helms street for the win

Result: Gregory Helms def Yoshi Tatsu by pinfall (4:26) to retain

After the match Helms stands over the fallen Tatsu and raises his title in the air

Cole: Very impressive from the cruiserweight champion

Booker: I must admit, Helms talks a lot but he just backed that stuff right up

Matthews: And he continues his undefeated streak since returning

Backstage now and Christy Hemme is standing by with Wade Barrett

Hemme: Wade Barrett, last sunday evening at Wrestlemania you were unsuccessful in the Money in the Bank match as John Morrison emerged victorious. And tonight you face John Cena, who was successful in his titanic battle with The Rock. Are you afraid you may make an early exit

Wade Barrett: Afraid? Afraid! Not at all. Im well aware of John Cenas escapades on sunday, but he defeated one man, a washed up one at that. Where as I Wade Barrett narrowly, and I mean narrowly lost out to several of todays best superstars, the odds couldnt have been more stacked against me. But with the Barrett Barrage all of last sundays mistakes shall be rectified when Wade Barrett eliminates John Cena from the Unified World title tournament. In fact, I, Wade Barrett promise to the WWE Universe that John Cena wont even walk out of this arena tonight, celebrations cut short I might say

John Cena: Is that right

Huge cheer as the man in question appears

John Cena: Last sunday John Cena and The Rock made history. The star who defined an era against the star who is defining an era. The most electrifying man to ever appear in a WWE ring against me. And we tore Miami down to the ground. Ive never been in a more demanding match in all my life, and I wouldnt trade it for the world.

Barrett: Well if its demanding your after then wait till tonight, because you will certainly get it

Cena: Why wait till tonight, lets do it now

Cena attacks Barrett and starts to pound him on the floor when Skip Sheffield comes out of nowhereand levels Cena. Skip grabs hold of Barrett and they dart off but Cena ensues only for Mason Ryan, the other half of the tag team champions to spear him right into the steel shutters. Barrett then levels Cena with a steel chair. Barrett wraps the chair round Cenas ankle and orders Ryan and Sheffield. The tag champs then lift up a steel girder together and slam it over the trapped ankle of Cena. Cena yelps out in agony. Barrett then gets in his face

Barrett: You see like I said John. Its hard to win against the numbers. Hahaha

Barrett and his crew then walk away as referees and security run to Cena

Cole: Oh my that doesnt look good

Booker: No it dont man, cant believe he just did that

Matthews: I really hope John Cena is ok

- - - C O M M E R C I A L - - -

** S A Y - I T - M Y - F A C E**

Alex Riley makes his way down to the ring to a small pop

**F L I G H T - O F - T H E - V A L K Y R I E S**

Daniel Bryan makes his way down to the ring to a huge cheer

WWE Unified World Title Tournament First Round Match

Alex Riley v Daniel Bryan

Summary: Riley hits Bryan with Youre Dismissed and covers only for Bryans foot tobe on the rope. Riley fumes and picks up Bryan who springs the Lebell lock on Riley immediately taps out.

Result: Daniel Bryan def Alex Riley by submission (5:47) to qualify

Booker: Wow great ring presence from Daniel Bryan

Cole: Cant believe that terrible excuse of an athlete won, he belongs in the hospital with John Cena

Matthews: How can you say that

Backstage John Cena is being put into an ambulance as HBK arrives on the scene

HBK: Whats the damage

Paramedic shakes his head

HBK: That bad

Paramedic nods

HBK: Damn it!!!!!!

HBK recieves a message and grins, then starts dialling

- - - V I D E O - H Y P I N G - M O T O R - C I T Y - M A C H I N E - G U N S - - -

**M O T O R C I T Y**

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley, the Motor City Machine Guns, make their way down to the ring to a huge cheer.

**E N D - O F - D A Y S**

Wade Barrett, Mason Ryan and Skip Sheffield make their way down to the ring

Singles Match

Chris Sabin v Mason Ryan

Summary: Sabin dropkicks Ryan to the outside, hits a plancha onto Ryan, Sheffield and Barrett. Barrett gets up on the apron. Sheffield clobbers Shelley outside with the title. Sabin goes through the rope but gets clobbered with the title aswell and falls into a huge Uplifting Spear from Ryan. Ryan covers for the pin.

Result: Mason Ryan def Chris Sabin by pinfall (6:07)

Cole: Great victory for Ryan, tag champs looking powerful

Matthews: Great victory, they cheated!!!!

Booker: This trio dont do anything by the rules

- - - C O M M E R C I A L - - -

Backstage and Hemme is standing by with the winner of this years Money in the Bank, John Morrison.

Hemme: John, you overcame the odds on the biggest stage of them all to capture the briefcase and your opportunity at WWE world title gold. What the fans want to know is what your plans for the future are.

Morrison flicks his hair and takes the microphone.

John Morrison: My plans are simple, I took the briefcase on as you say the greatest show on earth. I earned this. But still want the recognition of earning my title. So I wont be using this briefcase. Im going to win the title the right way. By beating 5 other superstars in 5 different matches and by being the best of the best.

???????: R E A L L Y ! ! ! !

The Miz appears into the picture

Miz: Really! Really! Reaaaaallllllyyyyy! John, John, John, why hold the keys if you wont unlock the gate. If you really have to be so righteous about everything then hand me the briefcase, for old times sake, give it to someone like me who knows how to use one, or is the fact being that you know that even using the case your lame pathetic always lacking besides me ass wont get the job done, just like Daniel Bryan.

Morrison grins

Morrison: But last night Mike, you didnt get the job done, I did

Miz: Yeah you did, i can admit that, but when it comes to winning the real prizes, I have and I will, because Im the Miz and Im aaaawwwwweeeeeesoooooooommmmmeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Miz leaves as Morrison glares at him

**A W E S O M E : I - C A M E - T O - P L A Y**

The Miz makes his way down to the ring to boos

Matthews: Miz not very popular here in Florida

Cole: That doesnt matter, The Miz is awesome and you know it

**C R A N K - I T - U P**

The Big Show makes his way to the ring to a cheer

WWE Unified World Title Tournament First Round Match

The Miz v The Big Show

Summary: Long drawn out match sees the referee knocked out by Miz pushing him in the way of Shows big splash. Another referee appears and Miz ducks Shows knockout punch which clocks the referee. Miz hits a low blow followed by Skull Crushing Finale and the original referee recovers just in time to count the pinfall as Miz uses the ropes for leverage.

Result: The Miz def The Big Show by pinfall (9:50) to qualify

Booker: Miz with a cheaphot

Cole: But he got the job done, thats all that matters

Backstage now and Wade Barrett and the tag team champions ae leaving the arena until HBK runs up to stop them

HBK: Woah woah woah Wade, where do you you think youre going

Barrett: Home to party Mr Michaels, you see we have had a very productive night and my opponent is ceasing to participate

HBK: Well in one sense you are right, John Cena has ceased to participate, but your new opponent has been on the blower and is itching to get going and as the newest addition to Smackdown I just couldnt say no

Barrett: You cant do this

HBK: I already have

Barrett and the champs start walking towards the arena

HBK: Wait

The trio stop

HBK: One more thing, you two are barred from ringside, and if you interfere I will strip you of your tag team titles, bye now

HBK waves the tag champs away as Barrett fumes

- - - W W E - U K - T O U R - V I D E O - - -

**E N D - O F - D A Y S**

Wade Barrett makes his way down to the ring to a chorus of boos

Cole: Who does Shawn Michaels think he is, Barrett was on his way home

Booker: Hes the boss, thats who he is, and you do the crime you do the time

Matthews: I wonder who it could be

**M E N A C I N G**

A hooded figure comes through the curtain as the crowd go wild. He pulls the hood down

Booker: Its Wolfe, Desmond Wolfe

Cole: Who

Booker: Desmond Wolfe brother

Cole: What a load of codswallop, the impressive Wade Barrett recalled from going home to face a nobody

WWE Unified World Title Tournament First Round Match

Wade Barrett v Desmond Wolfe

Summary: Wolfe gets the upperhand with a flurry of punches to Barrett, Wolfe goes for a running lariat but Wade lifts him into Wasteland but is countered and Wolfe sends him into the corner. Clothesline by Wolfe. Wolfe lifts Wade onto the turnbuckle and hits the Hanging Cutter. Layla comes running down to ringside and gets on the apron and Wolfe looks worried at seeing her. The referee tries to get her to leave and Matt Morgan appears out of nowhere and hits the Carbon Footprint on Wolfe, pulls Barrett on Wolfe and exits through the crowd. Layla then leaves to the back and the referee counts the pin.

Result: Wade Barrett def Desmond Wolfe by pinfall (11:39) to qualify

After the match a confused and dizzy Wade Barrettcelebrates up the ramp as Wolfe looks on holding his head.

- END of SHOW -

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Smackdown Quick Results

Randy Orton def Alberto Del Rio

Justin Gabriel def Cody Rhodes(c) to win Intercontinental title

Gregory Helms(c) def Yoshi Tatsu to retain Cruiserweight title

Daniel Bryan def Alex Riley in World title qualifier

Mason Ryan def Chris Sabin

The Miz def The Big Show in World title qualifier

Wade Barrett def Desmond Wolfe in World title qualifier

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