Breaking News: WWE Release Ashley Massaro Posted by Andy Steven on 07/09/2008 at 07:43 PM
The following is from WWE.com:
Ashley Massaro released Written: July 9, 2008
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Ashley Massaro as of July 09, 2008. WWE wishes Ashley the best in all future endeavors.
SmackDown wrestler Brian Kendrick may be getting a bodyguard, reports prowrestling.NET. Kendrick worked a dark match with Funaki prior to last night's SmackDown/ECW taping and brought out a bodyguard. His name is Rycklon Stephens and he is currently under a developmental contract working for Florida Championship Wrestling. Stephens may be the most muscular guy in the entire company as he is billed at 305 pounds.
Finlay def. WWE Tag Team Champion The Miz Braden Walker def. Armando Estrada Evan Bourne def. Nunzio ECW Champion Mark Henry vs. Tommy Dreamer (double count-out)
BATON ROUGE, La. WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas made a special, Extreme appearance on Tuesday night as a guest ring announcer on ECW on Sci Fi during a non-title match between Tommy Dreamer and ECW Champion Mark Henry. While Atlas exchanged words with Henry earlier in the evening, and Dreamer offered Atlas a chance to be in the ECW Originals corner, Atlas proved to be more than a guest ring announcer on Tuesday night.
Dreamer, who was seeking revenge on Henry for beating Colin Delaney, causing the Original to lose a chance at the ECW Title, was crushed by the Worlds Strongest Champion, thanks to help from Atlas. After Delaney attempted to trip Henry, Atlas tossed the youngster into the announce table, distracting Dreamer. The ECW Champ took advantage of the situation, delivering a Worlds Strongest Slam to Dreamer. WWE Hall of Famer Atlas celebrated in the ECW ring with the Extreme Champion. With a Hall of Famer in his corner, who will stop the Worlds Strongest Champ? (WATCH)
Also on Tuesday night, as WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison boasted about their in and out of the ring talents, they were interrupted by Finlay & Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle blasted the WWE Tag Team Champs with a water pistol, and his father attacked them with a shillelagh, much to our Baton Rouge fans delight. Their disruption turned into a match, thanks to ECW General Manager Theodore Long. Finlay continued his winning streak, defeating The Miz, thanks to the help of his sons distraction. Will the father and son duo continue their hot streak or will the WWE Tag Team Champions prevail in this heated rivalry?
Still seething after his loss to Ricky Ortiz last week on ECW, former GM Armando Estrada demanded a rematch against the newcomer. But new GM Long had another thing on his mind ECWs New Superstar Initiative. Long forced the contract-less Estrada to face ECWs newest Superstar, Braden Walker. Once again, Estrada was defeated by another new Extreme Superstar. Will Estrada ever be able to prove himself in the Land of the Extreme? How will successful newcomer Walker affect Tuesday nights? (WATCH)
Finally, Evan Bourne, another ECW Superstar looking to make a name for himself, picked up a win. Bourne faced Nunzio on Tuesday night, and the young high-flyer proved he wasnt bothered by a recent loss to Mike Knox. Bourne, who says he defies the odds by defying gravity, rekindled his confidence after defeating Nunzio with a soaring shooting star. Whats next for this newcomer in the Land of the Extreme?
Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms has a cryptic clock posted on his Myspace account. The caption of the clock reads "It's almost time!" This could be an indication that Helms is nearing a return to the ring. For those unaware, Helms has been out of action with a neck injury for over a year. You can visit the Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/gshelms
Mickie Knuckles - Moose in TNA - underwent successful knee surgery today, reports PWInsider.com. Despite the operation taking longer than expected due to the muscle mass in her leg, doctors successfully placed a titanium rod in to hold the bones in place while it heals.
Knuckles suffered a broken femur bone in her right leg after jumping off a balcony at a local IWA show and despite it being a risky move, reports say that TNA still wants to sign her once she recovers. Her expected time for recovery and rehabilitation is six months, but she should be able to leave the hospital with the support of crutches within the next few days.
Despite being in quite a bit of pain, Knuckles is said to be in high spirits.
Jason Powell of Prowrestling.net is reporting that TNA has released James Mitchell from the company. Mitchell who is the former manager of Abyss hasn't been on TNA TV since the Against All Odds PPV back in February.
Rey Mysterio def. Santino Marella WWE Womens Champion Mickie James & Kelly Kelly def. Jillian & Layla World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk def. Snitsky Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston def. Charlie Haas Batista def. John Cena, Kane and JBL in a Fatal Four Way
NEW ORLEANS - Raw this Monday opened with a special message from Stephanie McMahon, who expressed a desire for everyone on Raw to work together in the absence of the WWE Chairman. In spite of several unexpected occurrences, such as a lighting accident and a fan who managed to make his way into the backstage area, the show moved forward, with two new matches set for The Great American Bash, including a World Heavyweight Title Match between current champion CM Punk and his challenger, Batista.
Blind Fury The rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho had reached a fever pitch of late after Y2J smashed HBKs head into the JeriTron-6000, severely injuring Michaels eye. The two have continued to have confrontations in recent weeks, with the rivalry culminating on this weeks Raw as the brands second Great American Bash Match was established. The Showstopper accepted Jerichos challenge to face him in two weeks, even though he only has one good eye. Michaels went on to tell Jericho that even though he has had a fantastic career and won every title hes ever gone after, he will never be HBK. (WATCH)
Snitsky gets Punkd At the beginning of Monday nights show, World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk endured a tirade and a slap from SmackDowns Vickie Guerrero for having won the World Title from Edge. The Straightedge Superstar went on to have another altercation in the locker room area, this time with Snitsky. The Straightedge Superstar went on to suggest that the two face in the ring that very night. Punk defeated the yellow-toothed monster in a non-title match, proving exactly why he deserves to hold the World Championship around his waist.
Mysterios Raw Debut Another new member of the Monday night roster, Rey Mysterio, had his very first match as a Raw Superstar. Last week, the Master of the 619 was interrupted by Santino Marella, who went on to insult and degrade Mysterio. When the Ultimate Underdog had enough, he leapt into action, shutting up the Italian Superstar. This week, Mysterio continued to show Marella that he isnt an athlete that you should underestimate as he defeated his opponent handily. (WATCH)
Kofi Tastes the Curb Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston also experienced a win on Monday night by defeating Charlie Haas in a non-title match. Though the Jamaican Superstar tasted victory, he didnt have a chance to enjoy it before Paul Burchill rushed into the ring, performing his vicious Curb Stomp on the Intercontinental Champion.
Chain Gang Carjack Before they faced off in a Fatal Four Way Match, John Cena and JBL had an added altercation, involving the self-made millionaires limo. Cena, with some help from Cryme Tyme, worked over JBLs private automobile with crowbars and baseball bats, before the Longhorn Loudmouth stomped off to prepare for their match. (WATCH)
Raws New Divas Before the incident with JBLs limo, Cena relaxed near the locker room area with WWE Womens Champion Mickie James, as Mickie prepared for a Divas tag match. The two were soon approached by Mickies partner for the night: Kelly Kelly. Mickie explained that the former ECW Diva had just joined the Raw roster, after which the two went to go face Jillian & Layla in the ring. Though Mickie & Kelly are a new team, they showed that they know how to work together, picking up a win over their competitors.
The Animal Unleashed Monday night ended with a long, brutal Fatal Four Way Match between John Cena, Batista, Kane and JBL. In spite of such fierce competition, The Animal won the match by pinning Kane, who went on a bizarre rampage outside the ring, assaulting WWE Production crew and announcers alike. (WATCH) Read more
Michelle McCool def. Cherry, Kelly Kelly, Victoria and Maryse (Golden Dreams Match) Jesse & Festus def. Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder Jeff Hardy def. WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison Umaga def. Funaki United States Champion Matt Hardy def. Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin (Fatal 4th of July Four Way Match for the United States Championship)
TULSA, Okla. Distraught over losing the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk on Raw (WATCH), Edge snapped on SmackDown, calling off his wedding plans to SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. The news was too much to bear for the GM, who broke down in a screaming, crying fit. (WATCH)
But the Rated-R Superstars lover wasnt the only one who suffered his wrath. After Jesse & Festus defeated Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder in a tag match, the Ultimate Opportunist launched a brutal attack on Festus, first spearing him to the canvas then knocking him out with a vicious steel chair attack. (WATCH)
Friday night was the culmination of the former champions brooding frustrations over the lack of support from our fans, and Hawkins, Ryder, and the love of his life, Vickie, after losing his title.
Golden opportunity But if its gold that can set Edges mind straight, he might not have to wait long. At the start of SmackDown after WWE Champion Triple H and Montel Vontavious Porter poked fun at Edges loss and pending nuptials on MVPs VIP Lounge Vickie interrupted to announce Triple H would defend the WWE Championship against Edge at Great American Bash. (WATCH) Considering the Ultimate Opportunist called off the wedding, will the GM change her mind about the pay-per-view match-up? Great American Bash preview
Golden dreams It isnt just Edge whos dreaming of gold. SmackDowns Divas have eagerly awaited a chance to compete for the new Divas Championship. With a red-headed Natayla looking on from the announce table, Michelle McCool defeated Cherry, Kelly Kelly, Victoria and Maryse in a Golden Dreams Match. The victory earned the All-American Girl a match with Natalya for the Divas Championship. (WATCH)
Flying onto SmackDown The 2008 WWE Draft brought big changes to SmackDown, including Hall of Famer Jim Ross arrival on the blue brand and long-time announcer Michael Cole saying his final goodbye to fans as he heads to Raw. Making his SmackDown debut, after being drafted from Raw, was Jeff Hardy, who fought WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison in a valiant back-and-forth battle. After avoiding a Moonlight Drive from the Shaman of Sexy, the Legend Thriller delivered a facebuster-powerbomb, followed up by a Swanton Bomb and the pinfall. (WATCH)
Samoan spike In his second appearance on SmackDown after the WWE Draft, Umaga defeated Funaki in convincing fashion. From start to finish, the 340-plus-pound Samoan Bulldozer dominated his challenger, finishing him off with a Samoan Spike.
Fatal 4th of July Four Way In celebration of Independence Day, the United States Championship was contested in a Fatal 4th of July Four Way. United States Champion Matt Hardy took on Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin. All four combatants waged war in a free-for-all for the title. In the end, Hardy delivered a Twist of Fate to Shelton Benjamin who landed on top of Chavo. Capitalizing on the chain of events, Hardy climbed on Chavo to get the pinfall and retain his gold.
On the eve of Americas Independence Day things were not looking so hot for Americas self proclaimed hero, the Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle. The night kicked off with AJ Styles coming to the ring with Kurts wife Karen, and calling him out.
Styles challenge was not answered by Kurt though, instead Team 3D, Brother Ray and Brother Devon came to the ring and told AJ that Kurt hadnt made it to the arena yet because he was out on some hot dates. From there Brother Ray went to on to say that Karen was the problem and that she was nothing but a b**** and a w****. AJ had heard enough and attacked both Brother Ray and Brother Devon. In the end though, the numbers game was too much and AJ was once again left lying in the ring. That is until Rhino came out and made the save. From there Rhino challenged Team 3D along with Kurt Angle to a match at Victory Road. It was to be Team 3D and Kurt Angle versus Rhino, AJ Styles, and Christian Cage. Without hesitation Brother Devon accepted the challenge. The match was made with the fans getting to choose to the stipulation.
Up next we were shown footage from Kurts first blind date. He had met the first date at the gym which from the looks of the lady, it was the first time she had ever seen the inside of one. The lady was a beast to put it nicely. Suffice to say Kurt was not pleased.
Back at the iMPACT! Zone, LAX was addressing the fans and Beer Money, Robert Roode and James Storm via a live satellite feed from Houston, Texas where they were on a PR tour for the upcoming Pay-Per-View. Mid sentence Hector was interrupted as out came Storm, Jackie, and Roode for their match with the Motor City Machine Guns. The match didnt go as Beer Money had promised because after a back and forth match they ended up losing. This came at the hands of Jackie getting up on the ring apron to spit beer in Chris Sabins face but missing and instead spraying Storm in the face. In an effort to take out their anger, Beer Money did something that has become common practice for them, they handcuffed their opponents, the Motor City Machine Guns to the ring ropes and began whipping them with belts. Both the refs and security that came down took the brunt of their frustrations as well. Even announcer Don West got a few whips from the belts. Finally, Jim Cornette came down to the ring and put an end to the mayhem. He then said that Beer Money would face the two most disgruntled and upset wrestlers that he could find in the back later on that night.
Up next we see footage from Kurts second date. If you thought the first date was bad, this one was even worse. Lets just say this date had a little something extra and not in a good way .she or should we say he was a man. Kurt was once again not pleased.
Back in the arena Roxxi and Moose were squaring off in the second ever Bimbo Brawl. In a match that saw both ladies take a ton of punishment it was Moose that picked up the win when she split Roxxi open after DDTing her on to a street sign in the middle of the ring.
In the back we see Kevin Nash being asked by Cornette to face Beer Money later that night. Nash agrees to do so and then asks who his opponent will be. Cornette is hesitant but tells him it will be the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Samoa Joe. Nash says he sees this as an opportunity.
Joe didnt take the news as well when he was told Nash would be his partner. In the end Cornette told him he didnt have a choice and thus the main event was set for later in the night.
It was time for Angles last blind date. At first it seemed like this one would turn out ok until it came out that the woman had a spastic colon. Kurt promised he was going to get Brother Ray for setting him up on three terrible blind dates.
In the second round of the World X Cup it was Alex Kozlov accompanied by Davari taking on Ray Bucanero of Team Mexico. Kozlov started off strong and got an early near fall. In the end though, it was Team Mexico that got the victory and two more points when Bucanero hit a senton bomb from the tope rope.
Kurt had finally arrived at the arena and came out to the ring. He immediately called out Brother Ray. Both Brother Ray and Brother Devon come out immediately Brother Ray tries to calm Kurt down. He tells them all about the match that Brother Devon had agreed to for them. He also apologized for the dates and said he had lost his black book and thus he had to use Brother Devons black book and that is where those ladies had come from.
Brother Ray said he would make it up to Kurt and called out a very pretty blond lady to the ring. It was going well until she told Kurt that one of her traits was that she was very loyal. Kurt got angry saying no lady was loyal and they all cheated just like his wife Karen. It looked like Kurt was going to get physical, he then apologized saying he would never strike a woman but he knew someone who would. Out came the beautiful people. They attacked the woman in the ring and put a brown bag over her head.
It was about this time that Karen came out and slapped Kurt in the face and knocked down both Angelina Love and Velvet Sky. They got back to their feet and all start to surround Karen when out comes AJ, ODB, Gail Kim, and Rhino. All eight of them begin going at it all hell has broken loose in the ring.
After a commercial break and everyone in the ring had been broken up Jeremy Borash is in the back with Booker T in his plush locker room. Booker says he thinks its great that Joe is so focused on Nash because that way Joe has not been concentrating on him. He promises that he will win the title from Joe in his home town of Houston at Victory Road.
Another portion of Rough Cut with Matt Morgan airs and he is talking about how he got into wrestling.
In the next round of the World X Cup it is Curry Man of Team TNA taking on Team Japans Milano. In a back and forth match it was Team Japan that picked up the win after a low blow.
In the back Lauren is interviewing Storm and Roode who say they arent afraid of Nash or Joe. James Storm also shows off his new Beer Money home made t-shirts.
In a much anticipated match Taylor is facing Raisha Saeed for a chance to face Awesome King next week for not only the 25,000 dollars but also the Knockouts Title. After a back and forth match that included interference from Kong on more than one occasion, it was Taylor that got the win with a German Suplex. Next week she would have her rematch with Kong.
In the main event of the night, it was Beer Money going against Joe and Nash. It was clear that both Joe and Nash were having trouble co existing each trying to upstage the other. Although, this was coming more from Joe, especially when he blind tagged himself into the match. It was a back and forth match. Nash tried to get the tag in at one point and got a one arm salute from Joe. In the end Joe hit a muscle buster for the win. One thing is for sure this night did not go well at all for Beer Money as they lost both their matches. Momentum is clearly on the side of LAX heading into their title match at Victory Road.
Back in the ring, even after picking up the win Joe and Nash are having words with each other. Suddenly they are interrupted when Sting of all peoples music began playing! Was he back? YES! Sting was up in the rafters looking down as iMPACT! went off the air.
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of Trevor Murdoch as of July 03, 2008. WWE wishes Trevor the best in all future endeavors
Ashley Massaro posted a blog early this morning on her official MySpace website. She stated that she will have to ask WWE for an early release due to her seven-year old daughter being sick. Below is her complete blog:
some unfortunate news...this is the hardest decision i have ever had to make
I have some thing to tell you guys and I wanted u 2 be the first 2 hear it...I tried very hard out of the respect I have for her privacy and not wanting her 2 be exposed in any negative light but I have a 7yr old daughter and I just found out 2day that she not well and I can't be on the road with WWE when my own flesh and blood needs me...I am a single parent trying 2 juggle taking care of my child and working my butt off for her and now at this point when she is sick and needs me home I have 2 make the decision 2 bow out of wwe for a while and take care of my daughter...I wish I could do both and that there were more ways 2 get everything done but with the severity of the situation I'm going 2 have 2 ask for an early release for now...I may be back if she gets better...please keep her in your prayers...I love the wwe...I love all the talent that works there and most of all I love all the fans...thanks for always being so supportive...so this is me taking a bow and stepping out of the lime light right now to take care of my family...stick with me guys cause I will be back somewhere some how when this is all over...thanks for all your love and support and I'm sorry 2 be the bearer of bad news...thanks and good night my punks...stick with me ill see you soon Xoxo Dirty Dirty
Background Info & Details On ECWs Newest Star Posted by Andy Steven on 07/02/2008 at 02:53 AM
Atlas Ortiz (Richard Young) made his official WWE television debut on this weeks edition of ECW on Sci Fi. He is from Phoenix, Arizona and was born on May 12, 1975.
Atlas Ortiz made his wrestling debut in WWEs former developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling back in January 2007 as Atlas Da Bone. He was billed as one of the most charismatic superstars during his time in OVW. Atlas Ortiz has more recently been working in WWEs current developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, also as Atlas Da Bone.
Atlas Ortiz also has a big background in football, including paying for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, a stint in Vince McMahons XFL and the CFL as well as several stints in the AFL.
United States Champion Matt Hardy, Finlay & Hornswoggle def. WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison & Chavo Guerrero Atlas Ortiz def. Armando Estrada ECW Champion Mark Henry def. Colin Delaney (non-title)
TULSA, Okla. - After bringing the ECW Championship back home to the Land of the Extreme proving triumphant in an epic Triple Threat Match with Kane and Big Show at Night of Champions ECW Champion Mark Henry celebrated with a crushing victory over the courageous Colin Delaney. (WATCH)
Earlier in the evening, Tommy Dreamer with Delaney in tow interrupted Henry and questioned whether the Worlds Strongest Man actually knew what it meant to hold the coveted extreme title. After challenging Henry, the unimpressed new champion proclaimed that if young Delaney could beat him, he would give Dreamer his opportunity. Unfortunately for the ECW Original, although Delaney possessed the heart and soul of ECW, he could not overcome such enormous odds.
As part of his New Superstar Initiative, ECW General Manager Theodore Long introduced Atlas Ortiz, the latest addition to the ECW roster. The newcomer made a notable first impression, scoring a victory over former ECW GM Armando Estrada in his debut match.
In a fast and furious Six-Man Tag Team Match, United States Champion Matt Hardy teamed with fellow ECW draftees Finlay & Hornswoggle to defeat WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison & their partner Chavo Guerrero. After Hardy delivered the Twist of Fate to Morrison, and Hornswoggle dropped the Tadpole Splash on Guerrero, Finlay finished off the self-proclaimed Mexican Warrior with an authoritative Celtic Cross.
CM Punk def. Edge to become the new World Heavyweight Champion WWE Women's Champion Mickie James def. Jillian World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase def. Darren Wade & Steve Anthony Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston def. Chris Jericho (disqualification) World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk def. JBL (World Heavyweight Championship Match)
OKLAHOMA CITY Mondays Raw saw the largest crowd ever for a WWE live event in Oklahoma City, with 11,560 fans in attendance to witness Jim Ross farewell to Raw. Though the packed show began without the brand holding a World Championship, it was a different case by the time the night ended. In the course of the evening, CM Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to compete against Edge and win the Rated-R Superstars World Heavyweight Championship, bringing the title back to Raw for the first time in years. (WATCH)
Y2Jaded Another recent draftee who found himself wearing gold on Monday night was new Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston. The Jamaican Superstar was forced to defend his title against the man he won it from the night before, Chris Jericho. Y2J came to the ring bitter at the Night of Champions turn-out, blaming his loss on Shawn Michaels for interfering in the match, and challenging HBK to a contest at The Great American Bash in just three weeks. The match ended with Jericho being disqualified for pulling on Kingstons tights during a pin, leaving the Intercontinental Championship securely around the Jamaican Superstars waist. Furious at his second loss to Kingston in two nights, Y2J assaulted the Intercontinental Champion after their match, going for the eyes just as he has against HBK in recent weeks. (WATCH)
A Private Matter Though the night was packed with action and fallout from Night of Champions, it began on a down note. As promised, Shane McMahon addressed the WWE Universe in regards to the accident that fell Mr. McMahon at the end of last weeks Raw. Shane opted to keep the WWE Chairmans condition private, but did urge the Raw Superstars and all WWE employees to pull together during this period of uncertainty. Read the full story... (WATCH)
Shutting up Santino Having just joined the Raw Roster as part of the 2008 Draft, Rey Mysterio greeted the Raw audience and told them how excited he was to be on Monday nights. Before he could say much else, however, Santino Marella came to the ring and interrupted the Master of the 619. The Italian Superstar spoke down to the Ultimate Underdog, insulting the former World Champion and not allowing him a word in edgewise. Mysterio bided his time, and then gave the audience exactly what they wanted: Attacking Marella and shutting him up with the 619. (WATCH)
Young Turks At Night of Champions, Cody Rhodes shocked the world by betraying his partner and mentor, Hardcore Holly, teaming with Ted DiBiase to defeat the veteran and become the new World Tag Team Champions. On Monday night, the two competed in their second match as a team against Darren Wade & Steve Anthony. After winning the match with a particularly strong showing, Cody explained his betrayal the night before, saying that he approached DiBiase about forming a partnership, since he was tired of carrying Hardcore Holly in the ring. DiBiase added that most other young people dont have the spine that they do, declaring their new partnership simply priceless.
A Sad Song for Jillian Fresh off her Night of Champions victory over Katie Lea Burchill, WWE Womens Champion squared off against Jillian in a non-title match. The Womens Champion showed why she deserves to have gold around her waist, pinning Jillian for the win after hitting the songstress with a Mick Kick.
Big Red Mistake The night before, Kane had lost his ECW Championship to Mark Henry, so he probably wasnt the best person to show aggression toward on Monday night. Jamie Noble, however, was hoping to impress Katie Lea Burchill by issuing a warning to the biggest, baddest guy around, who happened to be the Big Red Machine. Kane didnt take kindly to Nobles threats, and chased him to ring, where he physically punished the recent Raw draftee.
Straightedge Champion As mentioned earlier, CM Punk made good use of his Money in the Bank briefcase on Monday night, winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge. Proving that he was no paper champion, the Straightedge Superstar went on to successfully defend his new title against JBL. To get all the details on CM Punks triumphant win, and his first World Title defense, read the full story
D-Lo Brown made his return to World Wrestling Entertainment tonight in a dark match prior to WWE Monday Night Raw at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. D-Lo Brown defeated Charlie Haas after a frog splash.
WWE announced that D-Lo Brown had been signed to a contract on June 5, 2008.
WWE Women's Championship: Mickie James def. Katie Lea Burchill US Championship: Matt Hardy def. Chavo Guerrero Surprise Intercontinental Championship: Kofi Kingston def. Chris Jericho (NEW CHAMP!!) WWE Tag Team Championship: Miz & Morrison def. Finlay & Hornswoggle World Tag Team Championship: Ted DiBiase, Jr. & Cody Rhodes (!!) def. Hardcore Holly (& Cody Rhodes!?) (NEW CHAMPS!!) ECW Championship: Mark Henry def. Kane & Big Show World Heavyweight Championship: Edge def. Batista WWE Championship: Triple H def. John Cena
ECW Champion Kane & Big Show def. Mark Henry & Montel Vontavious Porter Finlay & Hornswoggle def. Hawkins & Ryder World Heavyweight Champion Edge def. United States Champion Matt Hardy Natalya, Victoria & Maryse def. Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly & Cherry Vladimir Kozlov def. Domino Batista vs. Umaga (No Contest)
HOUSTON SmackDown hit the stage with a new look and a new sound after the 2008 WWE Draft sent the likes of WWE Champion Triple H and Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross to the blue brand. Still, the night featured a familiar sight: Batista hoisting the World Heavyweight Championship in front of the WWE Universe.
Arguably the Draft pick who made the most waves on Mondays edition of Raw, Triple H kicked off the evening with a formal introduction. It didnt take long for World Heavyweight Champion Edge to stir up some trouble, perhaps already playing mind games with The Game. It took even less time for Batista to rush to ringside and spear the title holder after The King of Kings cast him from the squared circle. The Animal grabbed Edges gold and raised it alongside SmackDowns newest Superstar.
That image would be similar after the main event match between Batista and Umaga. The contest wouldnt reach a conclusion before Edge, Chavo Guerrero, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder all joined in to tame the Animal.
Triple H returned Batistas favor from earlier that night, climbing into the ring and knocking the Samoan Bulldozer from the top of the turnbuckle for an earth-shattering fall. Between The Game and Batista, the squared circle was cleared out in a matter of seconds, leaving the WWE Champion and the hopeful World Heavyweight Champion to celebrate.
Edges night wasnt completely unsuccessful, however. The Ultimate Opportunist took on new ECW Superstar United States Champion Matt Hardy in a non-title Champion vs. Champion bout. Making good on his nickname, Edge seized the opportunity when Hardy was distracted. The United States Champion was left immobile after a devastating spear, allowing Hardy only to wait for the inevitable pin.
Hawkins & Ryder were also involved earlier in the evening. The duo took on the father-son pair of Finlay & Hornswoggle. The Irishmen proved to be too much for the Rated-R enthusiasts, as Hornswoggle capitalized and pinned Hawkins for the win. WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison came to ringside, but it wasnt to congratulate the pair on their win. The two tag teams will go to battle at Night of Champions, Finlay & Hornswoggle hoping to find gold at the end of the rainbow and Miz & Morrison hoping to protect theirs.
The WWE Universe got another Night of Champions preview when ECW Champion Kane & Big Show faced Mark Henry & Montel Vontavious Porter in tag team action. The three giants involved are all set to fight for the ECW Title in a Triple Threat Match at the pay-per-view, but its not hard to tell they are chomping at the bit. At the conclusion of the contest, MVP tried walking back to the locker room after struggling in the ring. Henry wouldnt have any of it, though, and he took his partner and tossed him back into the squared circle. The Ballin Superstar became the victim of a vicious chokeslam and a pin, courtesy of the Big Red Machine.
Six other competitors wanting a title taste fought it out on Friday night, as well. Maryse, Victoria & Natalya shined against Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly & Cherry. SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero has yet to make a decision about who will take on Natalya in the first ever Diva Championship Match. If Friday served as advantageous for anyone, Maryse offered up a fine performance on her way to pinning Cherry to earn her team the victory.
Rounding out the night, Vladimir Kozlov continued his dominating career, making an example of Domino in one-on-one action.
Make sure to catch Sundays action to find out if Batista will soon hold the World Heavyweight Champion. Watch Night of Champions, Sunday at 8/7 CT, only on pay-per-view.
Ik ben Boon Kenneth, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Sting.
Ik ben een man en woon in Dworp (Belgie) en mijn beroep is .
Ik ben geboren op 05/06/1989 en ben nu dus 35 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
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