Plague and I caught this show at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine. It was a small arena, which didn't even sell out, or come close to that matter. However, the fans in attendance were very mark-ish and really appreciated the show.
Tony Chimel defeated the microphone around the 45 second mark. The microphone refused to work, so Chimel threw it to the ground and picked up a new one.
Mike Mizanin came out and informed us that the Undertaker would not be in appearing tonight, which pissed the crowd off. The Miz told us to settle down, because we'd be getting Batista instead!
Bobby Lashley defeated Finlay to retain the U.S. Championship. William Regal interferred throughout, earning some big time heat from the crowd. After the match, Finlay pulled his lepracaun out from under the ring, but he attacked Regal instead.
Jillian Hall beat Krystal in a surprisingly decent little match. Jillian really impressed me and Krystal managed to keep up.
Sylvester Terkay beat Gunner Scott in another match that surprised me. I figured it was going to be a squash match to put Gunner over, but it was a really competitive, though rest heavy, bout. Terkay should show up on television any day now.
Tatanka beat Mr. Kennedy in another rest heavy, but good match. Prior to the match, Kennedy did his routine on the microphone and ragged on the hicks of Portland, ME. A portion of smarks in the front section really cheered Kennedy on.
Vito beat Funaki in what turned into a comedy match. Funaki rolled up Vito, revealing that Vito was wearing a thong. We had many prolonged chances to view Vito's ass, which I'm sure made my girlfriend more than a little uncomfortable.
Paul London and Brian Kendrick beat Kid Kash and Jamie Noble to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship in the match of the night. Paul London was the face in peril for what felt like ages and it drew massive heat from the crowd. Seriously, the crowd was far more into this bout than I would have guessed. Kash and Noble are apparently the "Pitbulls" now and kept on barking throughout the match.
The Great Khali squashed Matt Hardy in about two minutes. I was hoping that since Undertaker was going to be a no show, we'd be spared of Khali as well. I threw a temper tantrum when Khali came out, which caused my girlfriend to laugh so hard her sides hurt. Looking back, I had fun giving Khali shit during this match.
Gregory Helms defeated Super Crazy to retain the Cruiserweight Championship. The match was nothing too special, but Super Crazy was very over with the crowd. After the match, a "Super Crazy" chant broke out, which seemed to catch him off guard.
Rey Mysterio and Batista defeated Mark Henry and King Booker. Mysterio hit the 619 on Henry, who then walked right into a Spinebuster by Batista. Mysterio then put Henry away with the frog splash. This was a fun match, though seemed short compared to how long it took Booker to get into the ring and such. Still, I was happy to be there for Batista's first match back.
Overall, it was a really fun show, the wrestling quality was good, and the appreciative crowd added to the atmosphere. It was well worth the trip and the price of admission.
I really hate what they've done with Kash and Noble. I mean, they're both southerners. make them a redneck team.
Eh, I guess i don't mind the "Pitbulls" gimmick too much, since they seem to be doing a fine job running with it. The gimmick did come totally out of the blue though.
"All Hail King Booker! All Hail King Booker!"
Five minutes pass.
"All Hail King Booker! All Hail King Booker!"
The "All hail King Booker" segment was tedious as hell. It made me happy to see Batista though, so I guess that was the point.