Last week, the Raw brand saw a new WWE champion crowned when Edge cashed in his victory in the ‘Money in the Bank’ match from Wrestlemania. Last week, Batista suffered an injury and there has been talk that we will see a new World Champion as well. What will happen when Chris Benoit and Booker T (played this week by Randy Orton) meet in the rubber match of the best of seven series for the United States title? Will we see the Undertaker on this week’s show? What will happen between Bradshaw and the Boogeyman? What about between Jillian Hall and Bradshaw?
Make sure to check out Daryl Vandenberg’s Smackdown Report as well here.
We are live on tape from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Tazz and Michael ‘Big Five’ Cole.
We begin tonight’s show with Batista coming to the ring with Teddy Long. As he comes to the ring, Michael Cole talks about what has been happening to Batista over the last few weeks. He talks about the rumors of Batista getting injured last weekend. He gets on the mic and says that he has been keeping something to himself until he made a decision. On Sunday night, he was injured in a match against Mark Henry. Batista says that he has worked through injured before, but this is a severe injury that he cannot work through. He will need to have surgery that will sideline him indefinitely. When he won the title, a good friend named Paul told him to enjoy the ride. Batista says that he has enjoyed the ride. It was a thrill to come through the curtain every night. He was proud to represent the people and proud to represent the company. It was his pride, privilege, and pleasure to follow the greats like Ric Flair, Harley Race, Triple H, and Dusty Rhodes. It was his privilege and honor to entertain the fans. He tells the fans that he loves them. He always wanted to be the type of champion to come out and defend his title against any opponent, no matter how big or small they were. Whether it was the Big Show or Eddie Guerrero. As a great champion, he must do the right thing. He says that he has no choice but to surrender the World Heavyweight Championship. Batista hands the belt to Teddy Long. Batista tells Teddy that ‘to be the man, you got to beat the man’. He says that he knows what Teddy is going to do with the title, but he has a message for the next man to hold the title. He will become the World Heavyweight Champion again. Batista hugs Teddy Long and he leaves the ring and then he goes around to thank the fans and he also hugs Tazz, Michael Cole, and other ringside officials. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Batista surrendering the World Title to Teddy Long.
We see footage of Batista walking in the back during commercial. Ricky Steamboat tells him that it was a hard way to give up the title, but he knows that Batista will be back. Batista also sees Bobby Lashley and Animal. He continues to walk and some of the officials wish him luck. Arn Anderson tells Batista that he is just getting started and he will see him soon. He stops by Rey Mysterio and they shake hands and hug. Batista tells Rey that the belt would look good around his waist.
Teddy Long is in the ring and he says that Batista was right. The legacy of the championship must go on and it will continue tonight. Tonight’s main event will be a battle royal. He guarantees that the last man standing in the ring will be crowned the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Tazz and Cole suggest that since two titles will be decided tonight, it will be the biggest episode of Smackdown ever.
We go to a video package that recaps the first six matches of the United States Title best of seven series, which is currently tied at three victories each. We also see the footage of Booker T being confronted by Orlando Jordan as well as Randy Orton telling Booker that he owes him.
Teddy Long is walking in the back and Randy Orton stops him. He says that nobody knows about the legacy of the title as much as him because he is the youngest World Champion. Randy says that he will prove it tonight when he wins again. He will win the battle royal as long as Teddy postpones match number seven so he can have all of his energy for the battle royal. Teddy says that he will not do that. Teddy says that they will have only one match tonight. It is the match that was already announced. Randy says that it should be Booker in there, but Teddy tells Randy that Randy agreed to the obligation.
Sharmell comes out to introduce her husband, Booker T. They come out and we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the participants in the United States Title match to come to the ring.
Match Number One: Chris Benoit versus Booker T (playing the part of Booker T will be Randy Orton) in match number seven of the Best-of-Seven Series for the United States Title
Benoit and Orton with a collar and elbow tie up and Benoit backs Orton into the ropes, but Orton brings them back into the center of the ring. Benoit backs Orton into the corner again and he makes a clean break. Benoit and Orton with another collar and elbow tie up and Orton with an arm bar, but Benoit turns it into a waist lock. Orton tries for a hammer lock, but turns it into a front face lock. Benoit with a hammer lock to Orton and then he takes Orton down to the mat. Orton with a single leg take down, but Benoit holds on to Orton’s arm with a key lock. Orton escapes into a front face lock, but Benoit backs Orton into the ropes. Benoit goes to the apron and Orton tries to suplex Benoit back into the ring, but Benoit blocks it. Benoit drops Orton on the top rope and then he stares down Booker on the floor. Booker holds his crutch like a bat and then Benoit ‘pulls and Eddie’ and holds his knee as if Booker hit him. The referee sends Booker and Sharmell to the back. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with a front face lock, but Benoit with a take down. Orton with a quick cover. Orton with a hammer lock, but Benoit with an elbow to try to get out of the hold and he succeeds. Benoit with a side head lock on Orton and then he backs Orton into the corner. Orton with a collar and elbow tie up into a single leg take down by Orton. Benoit floats over and tries for the Crippler Crossface, but Orton counters with a reverse chin lock into a sleeper. Orton with a body scissors while he holds on to Benoit’s arm. Benoit with the arm, but Orton rolls through, but he is greeted with a number of chops from Benoit. Orton with a rake of the eyes, but Benoit comes back with another chop. Orton sends Benoit’s shoulder into the ring post and Benoit goes to the floor. Benoit chops Orton on the floor, but Orton with a knee and then he rolls Benoit back into the ring. Benoit with another chop. Orton with a side head lock take down. Benoit tries for a rollup while Orton still has him in the side head lock. Benoit gets to his feet, but Orton with a shoulder tackle. Orton blocks a hip toss, but he tries for a short arm clothesline. Benoit ducks and tries to get Orton into the Crippler Crossface, but he can only get the arm bar on Benoit. Orton tries to roll through, but Benoit keeps the arm bar on Orton. Orton rolls outside the ring to regroup. Benoit pulls Orton back onto the apron and connects with two forearms to Orton. Benoit suplexes Orton back into the ring from the apron and gets a two count. Benoit with an arm bar on Orton, but Orton makes it to the ropes to get Benoit to release the hold. Benoit slams Orton’s head into the turnbuckle and then Benoit puts Orton on the top turnbuckle before he chops Orton five times. Benoit goes up and sets up for a superplex, but Orton punches Benoit in the head. Benoit holds on and he head butts Orton and Orton falls off the top turnbuckle and falls to the floor and hits the ringside barrier and goes to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Benoit goes for the Sharpshooter on Orton, but Orton fights for his survival. Orton kicks Benoit off and both men are down. Orton with three knee drops to Benoit. Benoit chops Orton from the mat, but Orton punches Benoit in the head. Orton kicks Benoit in the head and then he covers Benoit for a one count. Orton with a reverse chin lock and then gets on top of Benoit to add pressure. Orton with an arm drag to escape, but he comes off the ropes into a standing drop kick from Orton for a two count. Orton returns to the reverse chin lock on Benoit. Benoit chops Orton, but Orton responds with punches. Benoit with a running double sledge followed by a snap elbow drop. Benoit with a kick and a fisherman’s suplex and bridge for a two count. Benoit with more chops in the corner. Orton goes to another corner, but Benoit continues with more chops. Orton with a rake of the eyes. Benoit with a double leg take down and then he locks in the Sharpshooter on Orton. Benoit pulls Orton into the center of the ring, but Orton claws his way to the ropes and gets it to force Benoit to release the hold. Benoit helps Orton up and then hits him in the kidneys with a forearm. Benoit with the Hat Trick German suplex combination. Benoit goes up top for the flying head butt, but Orton moves out of the way and both men are down. Benoit chops Orton and then Irish whips him. Benoit with a double leg take down, but Orton kicks Benoit off and that knocks the ref down. Orton with a neck breaker to Benoit and he sets up for the RKO. From out of nowhere, Orlando Jordan comes out, but Orton punches Orlando. Orton tries for the RKO, but Benoit locks in the Crippler Crossface. Booker T and Sharmell come out and Booker tries to hit Benoit with the crutch, but Benoit avoids it and knocks Booker out of the ring. Orton tries for another RKO, but Benoit avoids it and puts Orton in the Crippler Crossface. Orton taps, but the referee was still out. Benoit revives the referee and then he locks Orton in the Crippler Crossface again. Booker rolls into the ring and he hits Benoit in the back with the United States Title belt. The referee recovers to see Benoit down on the mat and Orton covers Benoit for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton (Booker T is the United States Champion)
After the match, Booker celebrates in the ring and Orton tells Booker that he owes him one. They shake hands.
Roddy Piper is walking in the back and he almost runs into Jillian Hall. Bradshaw tells Roddy that there are some big things happening tonight. There is a new United States Champion, and Bradshaw is going to win the title again. Bradshaw tells Roddy that he should have him on Piper’s Pit instead of the Boogeyman. Bradshaw says that there is someone more deserving to be his guest. Piper wonders how he can interview himself. Bradshaw reminds Roddy that he was the longest reigning champion in Smackdown history. He asks Piper how many times he has been world champion. Piper says that Bradshaw will be his guest on Piper’s Pit. We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package of the City of El Paso presenting Eddie Guerrero’s family with the Star of the Mountain Award.
It is time for Piper’s Pit and Roddy Piper comes to the ring. Piper says that the first Piper’s Pit was in Philadelphia 22 years ago. Piper says that they should all be friends by now. It is time to make some more history. The JBLimo comes out and Bradshaw and Jillian Hall emerge and walk to the ring. Piper tells Bradshaw it is a really neat trick if he lets him announce his name before coming to the ring. Piper gives Bradshaw a mic. Bradshaw says that there has been 22 years of Piper’s Pit and finally the greatest icon is on his show. Just like when Batista came into the ring and gave up his championship because of an injury. During Bradshaw’s reign, the longest in Smackdown history, not once did he take a day off despite the broken bones because his mommy wrote a note. Bradshaw is not going to let his fans down. There appears to be a shortage of men on Smackdown. Bradshaw cuts off Piper and says that ratings will go through the roof, just like the pay per view buy rates, and stock price. Bradshaw says that he will steal the show again. It will be JBL’s championship reign, part 2. Bradshaw says that a battle royal is his type of match. Jillian Hall has already set up the victory plane for Bradshaw since it will be time to return to normalcy. Piper can be heard snoring in the ring. Bradshaw tells us that he is a wrestling god. Piper asks Jillian ‘what is dying on the side of her face’. Roddy tells Jillian that there is medicine to take care of that. Bradshaw tells Roddy that he will not disrespect Jillian Hall. Piper tells Bradshaw to shut up. He tells Bradshaw that he is as stupid as she looks. Piper brings out The Boogeyman. The Boogeyman crawls out while Piper and Bradshaw argue. He breaks his clock over his head as he shimmies to the ring with his Papa Shango Smoking Stick. Bradshaw pushes Jillian into the Boogeyman and she is unable to move. He looks at the ‘danish’ on Jillian’s face and he licks it before eating it. Jillian runs to the back while The Boogeyman plays with his snack. Piper starts ‘praying’ in the corner while The Boogeyman continues to shimmy in the ring.
Mark Henry is in the locker room with MNM and Melina says that they have finished what they started by taking care of Batista. Tonight is only the beginning because the odds are in their favor. One of them will come out with the World Title. Melina wants more gold. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Fit Finlay video package where he talks about how he watched his father fight and the pride he has about his father’s reputation. We find out that Fit Finlay will return next week.
We have an earlier tonight moment of Batista handing over the title belt to Teddy Long.
Eighteen men are in the ring for the battle royal and we go to commercial.
The participants already in the ring for the battle royal are: William Regal, Paul Burchill, Bobby Lashley, Matt Hardy, Vito, Nunzio, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Road Warrior Animal, Joey ‘Peanut’ Mercury, Johnny ‘Plain’ Nitro, Mark Henry, Bradshaw, Sylvan, Simon Dean, Orlando Jordan, Psicosis, and Super Crazy.
We are back and Rey Mysterio comes to the ring as the nineteenth man in the match. The final man in the battle royal is Kurt Angle (with Khosrow Daivari). Bradshaw yells at Angle while he comes to the ring.
Match Number Two: Battle Royal to determine the new World Champion
Bradshaw and Angle go at it and then Angle with a German suplex to Bradshaw and then he clotheslines Bradshaw over the top rope to eliminate him. Angle eliminates Vito and then everyone goes after Angle. Regal with a European uppercut to Nunzio. Hardy London, Rey, and Simon try to eliminate Angle, but Angle rolls back into the ring from the apron. Regal with a knee to Nunzio. Mercury and Nitro try to eliminate Psicosis, but Super Crazy makes the save. Angle tries to eliminate Rey, but Rey holds on to the rope. Angle with a European uppercut to Hardy followed by punches. Nitro makes the save for Mercury. Rey tries to eliminate Orlando, but Orlando rolls back in. Hardy tries to throw Angle over the top rope, but Angle holds on to the ropes. Animal and Mark Henry stare each other down and then exchange punches. Mark Henry sends Animal over the top rope to the floor with a clothesline and we go to commercial.
We are back and during the commercial Simon Dean was eliminated by Paul Burchill and William Regal. Orlando Jordan punches Angle, but Angle fights back. Mark Henry throws Matt Hardy over the top rope, but he holds on and rolls back in. Mercury and Nitro eliminate Nunzio. Angle ducks a punch from Orlando and he hits a German suplex and then Angle throws Orlando over the top rope to the floor. Angle with a series of European uppercuts to William Regal before throwing Regal over the top rope to the floor to eliminate Regal. Angle then with on overhead belly-to-belly suplex that sends Burchill over the top rope to the floor. Henry punches Hardy and then Henry with a knee to Angle’s back and Angle goes through the ropes to the floor. Mark Henry goes outside after Angle and Henry runs Angle’s back into the apron. Bobby Lashley catches Paul London and throws him over the top rope to the floor. Mark Henry rearranges the announce table. Lashley eliminates Psicosis as well. Angle punches Mark Henry outside the ring followed by a European uppercut. Angle tries for a German suplex into the announce table, but Henry runs Angle’s back into the apron. Henry presses Angle over his head and then drops Angle onto the announce table. Mercury tries to throw Angle over the top rope, but Rey holds on. Nitro and Mercury continue to try to eliminate Rey, but they fail. Henry and Lashley stare each other down. Lashley tries to knock down Henry with shoulder tackles, but Henry does not go down. Henry tries to suplex Lashley, but Bobby blocks it. Bobby tries to suplex Henry, but Henry blocks it. Henry drops Lashley on the top rope and then kicks him in the ribs causing Lashley to let go of the ropes and Lashley is eliminated. Henry throws Brian Kendrick over the top rope to eliminate him. We go to commercial.
We are back and Matt tries to eliminate Mercury, but Joey holds on to the ropes. Rey tries to eliminate Nitro. Hardy throws Sylvan over the top rope, but he holds on to the ropes on the apron. Hardy with a Twist of Fate that eliminates Sylvan. Hardy tries for a Twist of Fate on Henry, but Henry throws Hardy to the floor. Nitro and Mercury try to eliminate Rey, but Rey holds on to the ropes and he eliminates Nitro with a head scissors and Melina shrieks. Rey with a slingshot head scissors that eliminates Mercury. Rey is backed into the corner while Mark Henry prepares to attack. Rey avoids Henry, but he is back into the corner and escapes. Rey kicks Henry in the leg and then hits a drop kick to Henry’s back. Rey with another drop kick and Henry falls into the ropes. Rey with a 619 to Henry. Rey with a 619 to Henry’s abdomen that staggers the big man. Rey climbs on Henry’s back and tries to bring Henry over the top rope. Rey gets to the apron and Henry hits Rey. Rey with a shoulder from the apron and he tries for a springboard move, but Henry holds on and throws Rey to the floor. Kurt Angle gets up and the straps are off as he returns to the ring. Angle punches Henry in the head followed by a European uppercut. Angle runs into Henry, but Angle goes down. Henry gets Angle up, but Angle escapes and Angle hits the Angle slam on Mark Henry and both men are down. Henry with a running charge into the corner and Melina shrieks very loudly. Henry with another running splash into the corner. Henry puts Angle on the top turnbuckle. Angle with a triangle choke on Henry, but Henry is able to hit a power bomb to get out of the hold and both men are down. Angle punches Henry, but Henry responds with a punch of his own. Angle ducks under a clothesline and Angle hits a German suplex and both men are down again. Angle with a front face lock and Henry picks up Angle and puts Angle on the apron. Angle holds on to the front face lock and Angle tries to pull Henry over the top rope. Henry gets Angle up and puts him on the top turnbuckle again. Angle punches Henry and he puts Henry in the triangle choke again. Both men go over the top rope, but Angle holds on while Henry hits the floor first.
Winner: Kurt Angle (New World Champion)
After the match, Kurt Angle celebrates in the ring as confetti flies in the air and pyro goes off and we go to credits.
