Monday, August 22nd, 2005. WWE SmackDown! presented a live event in my very own hometown of Richmond, Virginia, while, I might add, the Raw crew was off in Hampton putting on a live show. Now, I have been to many wrestling events live. More than I can count to be honest, but this was the first WWE event I had ever had the opportunity to go to. WWE comes to Virginia very sparingly because of our wrestling regulations (damn you, board!) so it’s a big thing. Every time they come though, I either have no money or have some other obligation like a family event or school or something. This time, however, I had the money, I had the means, and I had the motive. I would get to see my favorite superstar of all time, Undertaker, go live one-on-one against Randy Orton. I would also get to see three of my other favorite wrestlers live in Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, and Eddie Guerrero. As soon as I heard of them coming to Richmond, I had my girlfriend Laura buy the tickets the morning they went on sale with my credit card (I had to work that morning) and we had our seats: 5th row back on the floor from the ring.
Being pumped the day of the 22nd was an understatement. Laura and I ate an early dinner at our favorite restaurant and then high-tailed it over to the event. It started at 7, but we got there some time around 5. In one of the lulls of the night, they didn’t let people in until around 6:30, so we stood in the line to get in for about an hour as my girlfriend got seriously dehydrated. When the doors finally opened, we walked in and found our seats which were excellent, but, the set was not.
No Titan Tron, no entrance way, no nothing except for the ring and cheap metal barriers. This was an immediate turn off for the night, but I tried not to let it ruin the night. Laura and I went over to the mass riot of a merchandise stand and she bought a Rey Mysterio shirt while I bought a program (hoping I could get some autographs afterwards). Of course, everything was over priced, but what do you expect? That’s the same with any sport in any arena. Anyway, we bought our stuff and took our seats next to an alcoholic father and the night began!
Booker T Vs. Ken Kennedy
Before the match, Kennedy got on the mike and did basically what we all saw him do Thursday night. I dig Kennedy. I think he’s going to fit in nicely. This was a typical match, nothing special, but it did help Kennedy grow a lot. Sharmell is starting to look very bland to me. Overall, the match was all right, but from someone like Booker, I expected more. Finish came when Booker hit the Scissors Kick and it was a wonderful way to pump up my hometown as they popped like monkeys for bananas.
Winner: Booker T
Star Wrestler: Ken Kennedy
I really enjoyed Kennedy. The way he swaggered in the match was cool and his rapport with the fans was cool too.
After the match, Teddy Long came out in all his playa glory. He talked about how he traded two divas (wouldn’t say who) for Stacy and Christy and they will compete tonight in a tag team bikini match with Jillian Hall and Melina. Great. Just what I paid ninety bucks for (combined price of Laura’s and my tickets). He then announced that we would see Taker take on Orton. Well, duh, I already knew that! Finally, he said we would see Benoit go against Christian and Orlando Jordan in a Triple Threat. Hell, yes! That’s what I wanted to hear. Long goes back and then we go to the next match.
William Regal Vs. Hardcore Holly
Regal came out to boos all around. I think I was the only one around marking for him though. Holly then came out and the crowd went ape shit. Why? Who knows? I hate Holly. Such a generic face with nothing going for him except a stiff chop. The guy has no respect for the business and just loves being a veteran because it means beating sense into rookies who already have it. This match was great. Holly kept chopping Regal till Regal’s chest was nice and purple, and after each chop, Regal would swagger around looking like he just pissed himself. It was great and I’m so glad Regal is heel again. Anyway, this match was loads of fun and I just loved Regal. It was great seeing him live and the best part of the match saw the crowd begging Holly for one more chop and Regal trying his best to quiet them down. It was off the wall hilarious. Finish came when Holly went for the Alabama Slam and Paul Burchill came out and distracted the ref and Holly. Regal snagged the knux and laid out Holly for the win.
Winner: William Regal
Star Wrestler: William Regal
Seeing Regal swagger was well worth the price of admission. His heel work here was some of the best post-2000 work he’s done.
