Rowe's WWF Diary, WWF in 2006

Oh snap, I forgot you played way past this... Sounds cool still. Is Mike Rotundo active wrestler?! SIGN HIM BITCH!

He probably is. Even if I did sign him, he wouldn't show up in my diary until around january :P

Great shows man, it was a good idea to repost all of these. Nice work.

Thanks, dude! I had a lot of fun posting these shows the first time and it's good for me to go back and remember everything I did. There are a few parts of these shows that kind of annoy me on a personal level because I see room for feuds and such that I never ended up doing.

Overall though, these shows are superior to the original versions because I'm taking out the copy and pasted EWR match results. By the time I'm done reposting the entire thing, it will be far superior to the version seen at TSM.

WWF Smackdown!
August 3, 2006

Clips from Rhyno's beatdown on Paul London from last week play and the show starts!

Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us to Smackdown! Chris Kanyon and Sean O'Haire are already in the ring, and they look pissed. Some unfamiliar music plays, and out come the Briscoe Boys!

Kanyon and O'Haire vs Jay and Mark Briscoe

Match Background: M.Briscoe is making his debut at this show.

The Match: The crowd is not familiar with the Briscoe Boys, but by the end of the match they are marking out for them! This is a fast-paced match with both sides making frequent tags. O'Haire gets tossed from the apron and the Briscoes double team Kanyon for the victory. After the match, Kanyon and O'Haire clothesline the brothers in the ring and send them flying over the top rope.

My Opinion: Absolutely solid match. A few minor things brought it down, so I'm tacking on a **** rating.

Tazz: What a huge upset by Jay Briscoe and his brother, Mark!

Cole: But look at what those two big bullies are doing!

Tazz: They're just reminding the Briscoe Boys that their win was a fluke.

Cole: But what makes you think that was any fluke! That was an awesome debut match for a tag team whom I believe could be the future of Smackdown!

Winners: The Briscoe Boys

The Sanders Administration for Rhyno's Success (SARS) Interview

Mike Sanders, WWF Champion Rhyno, U.S. Champion Rodney Mack, Reno, Chuck Palumbo, and Bill DeMott make their way to the ring. Believe it or not but Rhyno is smiling!

Rhyno: Did you all see SMACKDOWN last week? Did you see me GORE Paul London?!? That's how things go here on Smackdown, the WWF Champion runs the show and no two-bit nothing is going to take ANYTHING away from me.

Mack: You're damn right, Rhyno. No one disrespects the WWF Champion. And no one disrespects the United States champion either. I'm in a fighting mood tonight, but I am not on the card. In which case, I will be in Reno and Chuck's corner for their tag match tonight against Johnny Stamboli and Chad Collyer. And since I'm in such a good mood, and because I have such faith in my teammate's abilities, if Collyer and Stamboli win tonight... I'll give them of them a shot at my U.S. title at Summerslam!

Cole: Such arrogance from the U.S. Champion.

Rhyno: You're a good man, Rodney. Better than me, but see if I give a flying crap. You might be a fighting champion, but I'm not. I'm not on the card tonight and that is just FINE with me. This title is not going anywhere!

They are cut off by Paul London's music.

Rhyno: WHAT DO YOU WANT!

London (on the ramp): So, Rhyno, you are not a fighting champion?

Rhyno: You got that RIGHT!

London: So, a good translation of that would be... you're chicken?

Rhyno: NO! It means that... I make the people PAY to see me defend my title. They can wait for Summerslam, when I DESTROY whoever the unlucky number one contender might be. And if there is no number one contender, then I guess I just get the month off.

London: So you wouldn't be interested in wresting me... tonight?

Rhyno: HELL NO! You're beneath me.

London: Or maybe you are just chicken!

Rhyno: No... I'm not afraid of anyone! Just because you beat me in that six man tag.. or floored me at Fully Loaded... DOES NOT MAKE ME AFRAID OF YOU!

London: Okay, then fight me tonight! It doesn't even have to be for the title. Just prove that you're half the man you say you are.

Rhyno: YOU'RE ON!

Commercial break.

Cruiserweight Championship: Frankie Kazarian © vs Ultimo Dragon vs Kid Kash

Match Background: This will be a triangle bout. This match is for the WWF Cruiserweight title. Frankie Kazarian has been WWF Cruiserweight champion since 16 July 2006.

The Match: This is a quick, yet energetic title match. Dragon and Kazarian team up against Kid Kash at first and beat him up so badly he needs to be removed from the match. Dragon and Kazarian then lock up and put on a good technical display until Kazarian hits the Wave of the Future and pins Ultimo Dragon.

My Opinion: Some blown spots really drag this match down a notch, so its ***1/2 for you.

Cole: Kazarian does it again!

Tazz: Amazing accomplishment by this young Frankie Kazarian. He just beat two veterans to retain his title.

Winner and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: Frankie Kazarian

A new face on Smackdown.

We come back from commerical and some unfamiliar music plays. Tazz and Cole are in shock as ERIK WATTS makes his entrance.

Cole: It's Erik Watts! What is he doing here?

Tazz: What an incredible shock! NWA-TNA was just bought out by the WWF four days ago, and here we are with Erik Watts on Smackdown!

Watts: First off, I'd like to thank Shane McMahon for allowing me to be here tonight. It hasn't been an easy week to be Erik Watts. A company that I put a lot of hard work into for the better part of three years is no more. But what is done is done. I have come to Smackdown because I have noticed some ill practices performed by my old rival, Don Callis! I've noticed that a few talented WWF Superstars have had some trouble with Callis and his clients, so I'm here to present an open offer to anyone on the roster who hate Don Callis. Anyone who would be interested in my managerial services need only ask. I ask the boys in the back to take this offer to heart. You may one day find that in order to defeat Callis and his men, you need to have a backup weapon. And men, I am that weapon. Oh, and Rob Van Dam... good luck!

Cole: Oh my, you can bet that wherever Don Callis is right now, he isn't happy!

Tazz: Who does this loser think he is?

AJ Styles vs Sonjay Dutt

Styles grabs the mic.

Styles: Erik Watts? Hmm, that name doesn't ring a bell... oh yeah! He's from THAT company. The one that felt I wasn't worthy of carrying the company on my shoulders. The same company that could hardly afford to pay me or Don Callis, so we got our asses over to WWF as soon as we could! And as far as RVD goes, I beat your ass THREE times in championship matches! Just because the WWF title isn't on the line this time does not change a thing. You are retiring out of choice now, but by the time I am through with you, you will have no choice but to quit!

The Match: Styles is aggrivated, so he is ultra stiff with Dutt. For several minutes, Styles just unleashes unopposed offense on Dutt, who eventually makes a mini-comeback, hitting a drop-kick and hurranrana on Styles. Styles stops Dutt's momentum dead in his tracks and puts him away with the Styles Clash. After th match, Styles flees the ringside area, afraid that someone will run in and attack him.

My Opinion: Oh, look out...almost ***, but not quite. **3/4.

Cole: Styles got out of there pretty fast.

Tazz: He's pissed a lot of people off, Cole. He knows that he's an open target out there.

Winner: AJ Styles

Matt Hardy Interview

Josh Matthews is with Matt Hardy Version One.

Josh: You are set to face the WWF Tag Team Champions tonight. AJ Styles just wrestled, so who is your partner tonight?

Hardy: That's the best you've got, Josh? I mean, seriously, who pays you to come up with such rediculous questions! I think anyone could do your job better than you! No offense, man, but you suck! Well, I was going to have Low Ki team up with me tonight, but it seems that he's found something better to do. So I just got off the phone with Don Callis and he told me that Matt Stryker is on his way to the arena.

Josh: Stryker is back?

Hardy: Yout bet he is. Tonight he will play the role of my newest Mattitude follower, and we shall pick up a victory over the best tag team there is. (Haas and Benjamin walk by and hear this, they look disgusted).

Reno and Chuck Palumbo vs Chad Collyer and Johnny Stamboli

Match Background: If Stamboli and Collyer win this match, they both get a U.S. title shot at Summerslam. Last week, Reno disguised himself as airport security to keep Collyer from reaching the arena on time.

The Match: Collyer is eager to get his hands on Reno and he does. Collyer suplexes and tosses Reno all over the ring, much to the delight of the crowd. Collyer is sort of like the merging of Kurt Angle and Dean Malenko and become the undisputed top babyface on Smackdown! Reno tags in Palumbo, who also gets tossed around by Collyer, until he makes a tag to Stamboli. From here the action gets tense and Palumbo tags Reno back in. Suddenly, a swarm of police rush into the arena and Reno goes rushing over the guard rail. Apparently, he is still wanted for posing as airport security. Palumbo escapes the madness and the SARS team loses by count-out.

My Opinion: Let me practice my math. 13 quarter stars equal a ***1\4 rating, right? Yeah, it does. That's what you get.

Tazz: Has Reno been avoiding the police since last week?

Cole: It appears so, either way Stamboli and Collyer are going to Summerslam for a U.S. Title shot!

Winners by count-out: Johnny Stamboli and Chad Collyer

Non-title match: WWF Tag Team Champions The Basham Brothers vs Matt Hardy Version 1.0 and Matt Stryker

Match Background: Basham Brothers are one of the most experienced teams in the promotion. Basham Brothers are the reigning WWF Tag Team champions, and have been since 16 July 2006.

The Match: Matt Stryker does not exactly get a hero's return ovation from the audience, who gives him a decent level of heat. The Bashams overpower Hardy and Stryker throughout the match, as they make more frequent tags than their opponents. Stryker wrestles the first half of the match before tagging in Hardy for the remainder. Hardy is unable to get a Twist of Fate on Danny Basham, so he simply rolls him up and grabs the tights. 1...2....3!

My Opinion: Almost got a **** match, but was lacking in certain areas, so i'm knocking off a quarter of a star. Yes, there is such a thing as a quarter star. ***3/4.

Cole: Hardy and Stryker have stolen a win! They have (Low Ki appears out of no where and grabs Cole's headset).

Low Ki: There is no honor in this company! What the hell did Stamboli and Collyer do to get a U.S. title shot? NOTHING! I demand that I am included into that match up. I was robbed of my U.S. Championship in the first place and I never got my rematch! It is only fair and it is the honorable thing to do!

Tazz: Well spoken by a mistreated man.

Winners: Matt Hardy and Matt Stryker

Summerslam Hype

Tazz and Michael Cole announce that the theme song for Summerslam is the new single from the band, Powerman 5000 (it's 2006, surely they'll have something new around then). They run down the list of matches, and announce that officials in the back have signed Rodney Mack vs Low Ki vs Chad Collyer vs Johnny Stamboli vs Summerslam.

They also take a look at the history between AJ Styles and Rob Van Dam. This includes clips from their matches from Wrestlemania XXI, Judgement Day 05, and Summerslam 05.

Non-title Match: WWF Champion Rhyno vs Paul London

Match Background: Rhyno is the reigning WWF World champion, and has been since 16 July 2006. Paul London pinned Rhyno in a six man tag match two weeks ago. Last week Rhyno beat down London after his match with Bill DeMott.

The Match: London and Rhyno have a great television main event match! Rhyno uses his power while London uses his speed and the two different styles mesh together surprisingly well. Towards the end London walks into a side slam. Pinfall attempt: ONE...TWO...NO! Rhyno misses a clothesline, but connects with another. Rhyno waits for London to get back to his feet and goes for a Gore! London dodges it, and Rhyno goes running into the ring post. London capitilizes by jumping to the top rope and nails Rhyno with the London Calling!!! He goes for the cover and 1...2...3!

Cole: PAUL LONDON HAS PINNED RHYNO AGAIN!

Tazz: OH MY GOD!

My Opinion: Almost got a **** match, but was lacking in certain areas, so i'm knocking off a quarter of a star. Yes, there is such a thing as a quarter star. ***3/4.

London slides out the ring. Rhyno is just coming to and he realizes what happened. London is making the the title gesture to his waist. Rhyno grabs a mic.

Rhyno: YOU THINK YOU ARE SUCH A TOUGH GUY! THAT WAS A FLUKE! I AM SO SURE THAT WAS A FLUKE THAT I'M GOING TO CHALLENGE YOU TO ANOTHER MATCH! YOU AND ME, PAUL. AT SUMMERSLAM! FOR MY WWF CHAMPIONSHIP!

London grins and gives Rhyno a thumbs up. Rhyno throws a temper tantrum as Smackdown goes off the air.

Winner: Paul London

WWF Raw!
August 7th, 2006

The pyro for Raw goes off and Al Snow welcomes us to Raw. He announces that Jim Ross is taking some time off from broadcasting to relieve his hefty work-load. Some unfamiliar music plays, and out comes MIKE TENAY! He waves to the crowd and takes his spot right by Al Snow.

Snow: What a shocker! Welcome to Raw!

Tenay: Thank you, I cannot begin to tell you how good it is to be here tonight. It’s been a very emotional week for my family and me. I just want to thank all the fans and the boys in the back for their support.

Snow: It’s great to have you here, Mike. Now on with the show!

Shawn Michaels Has Words to Say!

HBK makes his way to the ring. He stops to high-five Mike Tenay and he dances his way into the ring.

HBK: So far, I must say being the General Manager of Raw has been a blast. By not being an active competitor gives me a great opportunity to interact with the WWF superstars in a such a way that I have really never been able to. They are no longer my opponents, but more so my friends. However, I am still in charge and I still must enforce my rules! For starters, last night on Heat, Justin Credible got himself involved in a match between his tag partner, Lance Storm, and Christian. His interference failed and Storm lost the match, so the consequence for this action will be less severe. Credible will still get his Intercontinental Championship shot tonight… but now Lance Storm will be the special guest referee! For Justin’s sake, let’s all hope that Storm isn’t TOO pissed about the loss. Furthermore, I must add on to my New Rule. I want all the superstars in the back to listen closely to this one, especially Austin Lee. No harm is to come to referees anymore. Period. Any sort of physical violence towards referees from this point on, will result in direct discipline from myself. If a referee is “accidentally” knocked down during a match, I will use my discretion as to whether or not there was any malicious intent behind it. I hope I have made myself clear.

Tenay: HBK continues to deliver on his promises to reform Raw!

Snow: He sure is, but you can imagine that the young degenerate, Austin Lee, is none too happy about this addition to the New Rule.

Women’s Championship: Trish Stratus © vs Taylor Matheny

Match Background: This match is for the WWF Womens title. Trish Stratus has been WWF Womens champion since 27 June 2006. Stratus is also scheduled to defend the title against Victoria at Summerslam.

The Match: After several good recent Heat matches, Taylor returns to Raw for a chance to reclaim her Women's title! The match goes smoothly and the crowd is hot for both women (who are fan favorites). However, around the six minute mark Victoria slides in with a chair and blasts both women with it. She then lifts up Trish's Women's title and holds it over her head as if she had just won it herself.

My Opinion: *** for a good match, but a little too short.

Tenay: Victoria has cost both women of the win, and Matheny of the title!

Snow: You can only imagine that Shawn Michaels is not going to be happy about this!

Winner: No contest due to outside interference.

The Lodi and Ozzy Show

Lodi is sitting in the dressing room, reading the newest issue of WWF Magazine (with Chris Benoit on the cover) when Ozzy Benton comes up to him.

Ozzy: Hey man… about last week, I’m sorry that I got so made when you came to check on me.

Lodi: Oh, honey, don’t worry about it!

Ozzy: Dude, don’t call me that! Anyways, it’s just nice to have a tag partner who gives a damn, and I overreacted.

Lodi: Oh, sweetie, you know I’ll be here for you no matter what!

Ozzy: Don’t call me that!

Lodi: But Sweet-cheeks, what am I to call you?

Ozzy: Argh! Just call me “Ozzy” like everyone else does!

Lodi: But you’re special to me, you… (Ozzy grabs Lodi by the throat).

Ozzy: SHUT UP AND LISTEN! I know what you are all about but that’s NOT me! I have some freaking self respect for myself and for my gender! You make me sick and I’m in this partnership only because I want to get somewhere in this company. Cut the crap, now, or I will make you pay. (He let’s go of Lodi).

Lodi (genuinely hurt): Okay… Ozzy.

Brian Kendrick vs Christian (with Test)

Match Background: Brian Kendrick recently came to Raw. Christian has been feuding with Raven for the past several weeks.

The Match: It is worth pointing out that Christian and Test had seemingly broken up their alliance the past couple of weeks, but tonight suggests otherwise. Kendrick and Christian have the good type of match you would expect them to have, though Christian is still sore from working with Masato Tanaka. Christian reverses the Sliced Bread #2 from Kendrick and hits him with the Unprettier for the win. As Christian is leaving, Raven appears at the top of the stage once again. This time Christian is ready and sends Test after him. Test goes for a big boot but Raven catches it and pushes Test off the stage onto a table. Raven then jumps Christian and unleashes a series of punches onto him.

Tenay: It’s RAVEN! He’s giving the CLB exactly what he deserves!

Snow: Christian’s antics kept Raven away from Raw last week, but Raven is back and more brutal than ever!

My Opinion: Slightly above average match. Only gets a **3\4 rating from me.

Winner: Christian

New Generation of Degenerates

Todd Grisham is standing by backstage with Austin Lee.

Todd: Lee, earlier Raw GM Shawn Michaels announced that he will not tolerate any more physical abuse towards referees. You singled you out specifically, why do… (lee cuts him off).

Lee: Look, I know exactly why I was singled out! I attack referees more than the average guy does. But you know what? It’s because I’m sick of being held down! I’m sick of everyone in this stupid company. I’m sick of Shawn Michaels, I’m sick of all the guys in the locker room, and I’m sick of you, Todd Grisham. (Suddenly Coach is jumped from behind.)

Tenay: It’s Adam Hastey, the last X Champion from TNA!

Lee: Haha, Michaels said we couldn’t hurt the referees anymore, but he didn’t say JACK about beating up spineless announcers. I’d like to reintroduce all of you to Adam Hastey, a good friend of mine and a soul-less son of a bitch. We own Raw now, but more so we own Shawn Michaels. When we are through with him, he is going to rue the day he ever inspired us all those years ago to disobey authority when he started D-Generation X. We are the new generation of degenerates and we aren’t going to take crap from anyone, especially washed up, former degenerates like Shawn Michaels!

Snow: The irony of this is sickening!

Tenay: Seeing Adam Hastey here in the WWF is just plain surreal! He was the last X Division champion of the NWA! I cannot believe this!

Intercontinental Championship: Tommy Dreamer © vs Justin Credible

Match Background: This will be a special guest referee bout. Lance Storm will be the referee for this match. This match is for the WWF Intercontinental title. Tommy Dreamer has been WWF Intercontinental champion since 20 February 2006. HBK made Storm the guest referee in response to Justin Credible cheating on Storm’s behalf on Sunday Night Heat.

The Match: Credible and Dreamer have a really boring brawl of a match, while Storm calls the match fairly and does not let Credible become too agrressive. After six minutes, Dreamer picks up the advantage. Here it comes - Dreamer Driver. 1....2...3, it's finished. Tommy Dreamer is still in the ring celebrating. Justin Credible gets in Lance Storm’s face! He’s demanding to know why Storm “cost him the match.” Storm just makes an annoyed face and leaves while Credible continues to whine.

My Opinion: ** rating is all it gets from me.

Tenay: Storm called it down the middle, you have to admire that.

Snow: True, but what could this do to the Impact Players?

Winner and STILL IC Champion: Tommy Dreamer

Old Allies Come Together

The camera opens to a dark corner of the parking lot. Raven steps out of the shadows.

Raven: Christian, your antics have ceased to amuse me. As funny as I think you are, I have had enough of this pointless game of cat and mouse that we have been playing. This is going to end, and it will end at Summerslam. (CM Punk, Julio Dinero, and Alexis Laree suddenly appear out of the shadows behind Raven).

Raven: At Summerslam, I want you, Test, and a partner of your choosing in a six man tag against all of us. Should you choose to accept it, spectacular. Should you decline, than this war we have been raging will continue on. I promise you, it will not be pretty. Quote the Raven…

Evolution is in the house!

Triple H, Steven Richards, and Victoria come out to the ring. They pose and HHH grabs a mic.

HHH: You know, it’s funny how so much can change but so much can stay exactly the same. Four years ago, Randy Orton was no one. Aside from his last name, he was totally unrecognizable. Then I did what no one else would, and I took the little guy under my wing. Then what happened to me a year later? The little bastard turned on me! He spit on the good name of Triple H and he spit on the good name of Evolution! Years have gone by, and he’s the same little punk that he was when he was in Evolution. The difference is, he is now the enemy of Triple H. And that, my friend, is something that no one wants to be.

HBK’s music plays and he comes back out on the ramp.

HBK: Yeah, Hunter. You’re right. The lack of change is really funny. It’s funny how those two little hooligans, Adam Hastey and Austin Lee, think they are going to punk me out. What is also funny, is how no matter what I do, your goons don’t seem to get that interfering in matches is no longer acceptable! I saw what Victoria did earlier tonight in the Women’s title match. As a result, I am stripping Victoria of her number one contender position! (Victoria throws a temper tantrum, Richards tries to console her). Next week, in this very ring, Victoria will have the opportunity to regain the number one Contendership if she can pin… Taylor Matheny! (Crowd pops huge).

HHH: Yeah, that’s funny too, Shawn. We should come up there and beat your ass this moment.

HBK: Before you do, realize that I just booked a match for you and Richards… right now! You are going to face the guy who pinned you at Bad Blood… Masato Tanaka! (HHH is pissed). And you will also face the newest member of the Raw roster… Billy Kidman! Good luck, assholes!

Masato Tanaka and Billy Kidman vs Triple H and Stevie Richards

Match Background: Tanaka and HHH had a feud in June, where Tanaka got the fluke pin over HHH at Bad Blood. This is Billy Kidman’s first night on Raw.

The Match: HHH and Stevie are outraged. Tanaka and HHH tear into each other, and while both are past their prime, they can still deliver the goods when it comes to brawling. The match becomes a lot more fun when Kidman and Richards are in the ring together. Billy Kidman floors Stevie Richards...and climbs the turnbuckles. Through the air, Shooting Star Press! 1....2....3. HHH and Stevie remain in the ring. Stevie Richards does not look happy at losing. Triple H goes to leave, but gets pulled back in by Stevie. Tensions seem to be rising between these two. Victoria comes back in, and tries to cool them both down.

My Opinion: Smack dab in the middle of the star spectrum for an average match. **1\2.

Tenay: What a shocking upset from Billy Kidman!

Snow: And look at Triple H! If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he wanted to kill Stevie Richards just now.

Winners: Masato Tanaka and Billy Kidman

Simon Diamond and Chris Benoit vs Randy Orton and CM Punk

Match Background: Chris Benoit is the reigning World Heavyweight champion, and has been since 27 June 2006.

Snow: Simon and Benoit appear to still be in good spirits with one another.

The Match: Benoit and Diamond work well as a team and take an early advantage over Punk and Orton. That changes as after the commercial break half-way through the match, Punk is taking it to Benoit. Punk and Orton tag in and out a few times and have fun beating up the World Champion. Finally, Benoit tags in Diamond and he tosses Orton over the top rope and concentrates on CM Punk. Orton tries to rush the ring to make a save, but the referee is sick of tag partners interfering and holds him back. Benoit rolls into the ring and low blows CM Punk, leaving him vulnerable to a Simonizer! Diamond covers Punk and 1...2....3!

My Opinion: Let me practice my math. 13 quarter stars equal a ***1\4 rating, right? Yeah, it does. That's what you get.

Snow: Evolution won the battle, but I think Orton and Punk won the war, at least for this evening!

Tenay: Yes, but look at Diamond and Benoit! They were a precise unit tonight, even after the announcement that they would be opponents at Summerslam! If this keeps up, then I would be very scared about Randy Orton’s chances of winning the World Heavyweight title!

Winners: Chris Benoit and Simon Diamond

Benoit and Diamond pose in the ring to end the show.

WWF Smackdown!
August 10th, 2006

Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us to another exciting episode of WWF Smackdown as the pyro explodes.

Cruiserweight Championship: Frankie Kazarian © vs AJ Styles

Match Background: This match is for the WWF Cruiserweight title. Frankie Kazarian has been WWF Cruiserweight champion since 16 July 2006.

The Match: Styles and Kazarian lock up and put on a really good (and long) match. There is a commercial within the action, and Kazarian holds his own against the former WWF Champ. Styles accidently runs into the referee, knocking him out. He goes for a Styles Clash on Kazarian! Rob Van Dam quickly comes running down the aisle and into the ring! AJ Styles turns around. Rob Van Dam spins Styles around. Rob Van Dam hits the Five Star Slam! The referee comes to and sees RVD attacking Styles and calls for the DQ! Rob Van Dam has a chair. AJ Styles stands up...and gets floored by a shot to the head. Another two shots smack down across his back, leaving him unmoving on the canvas. RVD sets the chair up, then picks up AJ Styles. He gets whipped into the ropes...and then drop toe holded, sending him face first into the chair! Rob Van Dam has left Styles down and bloodied in the ring after a brutal assault!

My Opinion: A ***3/4 rating! Yay!

Tazz: RVD is reminding AJ Styles just exactly who he is!

Cole: Styles was about to cheat his way to the Cruiserweight Championship before Van Dam got involved! Now he’s left Styles a bloody mess!

Winner by DQ: AJ Styles

RVD in the back.

We come back from the commercial, and we see RVD in the backstage area. Josh Matthews runs up to him and asks RVD about the attack on AJ Styles.

RVD: August 20, 2006 is going to be one of the biggest nights in my career, man! I’m retiring, whether or not I beat AJ Styles! But, it would be way cool for me to finally pin that jack-ass one on one. Then, my career would be complete. You know something else, dude? I don’t think AJ is going to let me! I don’t think his manager, Don Callis, is going to let me. So that’s why I have taken a kind offer to heart. (Erik Watts appears).

Watts: That’s right. AJ Styles and Don Callis have dedicated their careers to hurting other people. That ends at Summerslam. There will be a fair fight between RVD and AJ Styles, because I am going to see to it. As far as Don Callis goes, I dare him to take a shot at me.

RVD: Damn right. I’m going to make sure that even after I retire on August 20, 2006, not a single person will ever forget the name of Rob… Van…Dam!

SARS in the ring.

The Sanders Administration for Rhyno’s Success makes their way to the ring. The only missing member is Reno, who we last saw running from the police last week on Smackdown.

Sanders (angry): There seems to be some confusion within the ranks of SARS. You see, gentlemen, we are the Sanders Administration for RHYNO’S SUCCESS! This means that we dedicate our lives to seeing that Rhyno remains WWF Champion and that Rhyno does not ever have off weeks. To do this, we cannot afford “off weeks” ourselves. Last week, PAUL LONDON PINNED RHYNO! What do you call that? Success? NO! I call that failure.

(Sanders gets into Bill DeMott’s face).

Sanders: Bill, where were you last week during Rhyno’s match with Paul London? (DeMott shrugs). BILL, WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHILE RHYNO WAS GETTING PINNED BY PAUL FREAKING LONDON! (Rhyno is becoming irritated at the constant reminder of his loss).

DeMott: I was at the police station, trying to get bail for Reno.

Sanders: Well, HOW NICE! Since when did we become the Sanders Administration for RENO’S success?!? I don’t recall! Reno is of little concern to us when Rhyno is in the ring.

(Sanders turns his attention to Chuck Palumbo)

Sanders: And you! Where were you! Wait, don’t answer me! I’m sick of your excuses. As for Rodney Mack… you’re a busy man. You are United States champion, you were too busy worrying about your upcoming title defense to be fully able to prevent Rhyno’s loss. (Palumbo and DeMott appear irritated by this). Anyways, I pulled my weight around in the back, and tonight we’ve got ourselves a little handicap match. Rhyno, Rodney, and Chuck get to face the team of Paul London… Chad Collyer… and no one else! This is a week of redemption, gentlemen! Rhyno will redeem himself by beating the hell out of that punk, London. And Chuck, you will help in this beating, to redeem yourself for being so worthless last week! London and Collyer think they can take our titles away from us at Summerslam, and they are dead wrong.

(The group poses, as we cut to commercial).

Jay and Mark Briscoe vs Psychosis and Men's Teioh

Match Background: Last week the Briscoe Boys made their debut and upset Sean O’Haire and Chris Kanyon.

The Match: Whoa, when did Smackdown become Velocity? This is a great opportunity for these underutilized talents and they take full advantage of the opportunity. The Briscoes dominate the entire match, but I wouldn't call it a squash. Psychosis and Men's Teioh get their own shots in as well, but eventually Psychosis falls to a back suplex neckbreaker! Jay pins Psychosis and the crowd gives this young team a good pop!

My Opinion: A ***1\2 rating for a great match. Keep on trucking...you'll get there.

Cole: Another awesome win for this young duo!

Tazz: The Briscoe Boys are impressive yet again.

Winners: The Briscoe Boys

Johnny Stamboli vs Low Ki

Match Background: These two are going to be opponents in the fatal four-way match at Summerslam for the United States championship.

The Match: This match was so stiff, it was almost painful to watch. Low Ki does his trademark "ground opponent and then kick the back of their head repeatedly" spot, leaving Stamboli in a stupor. The Bull isn't done, and lands a belly to back suicideplex! Low Ki is dumbfounded and Stamboli rolls him up. Low Ki reverses the roll-up, grabs Stamboli's tights and pins him! After the match, they continue to brawl, with Stamboli hitting the Fuhgettaboutit and leaving Low Ki down on the mat.

My Opinion: Consider yourself lucky, a ***1\4 is hard to get and it was earned every step of the way. Let's see if you can do better now.

Tazz: Oh my! Low Ki steals a win from Stamboli, but the Bull isn’t going to take it sitting down!

Cole: They are tearing each other apart!

Winner: Low Ki

The Heroes…

Chad Collyer enters his dressing room, and Paul London is sitting there.

Collyer: Hey man, ready for tonight?

London: As ready as I’m ever going to be.

Collyer: I hear you on that one. This isn’t going to be easy, but I think we can do it. You’ve pinned Rhyno twice!

London: Thanks, man… Hey, I was wondering…

Collyer: Yes?

London: When you won the WWF Championship at Wrestlemania… what was it like?

Collyer: It was the single greatest feeling I have ever felt. I had never felt more pride or honor than I did at that very moment. It made everything I’ve ever done in my career worth it.

London: Wow… maybe I’ll know what you mean at Summerslam.

Collyer: I have a feeling you will. You’ve earned this, Paul. Don’t forget that.

WWF Tag Team Championship: Basham Brothers © vs Matt Hardy and Matt Stryker

Match Background: Basham Brothers are one of the most experienced teams in the promotion. Hardy and Stryker are teaming up as Mattitude 2.0 for the first time tonight. This match is for the WWF Tag Team titles. Basham Brothers have been WWF Tag Team champions since 16 July 2006. Last week, Stryker and Hardy beat the Bashams in a non-title match-up.

The Match: This match is absolutely insane! Everyone is feeling it tonight, including Matt Hardy. Stryker shows no signs of ring-rust and completely dominates over Danny Basham. Doug enters the match and humbles Stryker a bit, but Hardy is still more than capable. Hardy delivers a Russian leg-sweept to Doug Basham. Mattitude 2.0 have Danny Basham to themselves. Matt-attack!! 1....2....3! It's over. Haas and Benjamin just hit the ring with chairs! Stereo chair shots put down Basham Brothers! Hardy tries to attack, but gets beaten to the floor with punches and kicks. Matt Stryker has a brief offensive flurry, but gets nailed with a boot to the gut...and hit with the Doomsday Device! Haas and Benjamin have laid everyone out!

My Opinion: Absolutely solid match. A few minor things brought it down, so I'm tacking on a **** rating.

Cole: Hardy and Stryker are the new tag champs, but the World’s Greatest Tag Haas and Benjamin are beating them down!

Tazz: They were disrespected last week in that interview Stryker and Hardy had! They are just getting revenge this week, I admire that.

Winners and NEW WWF Tag Team Champions: Matt Hardy and Matt Stryker

Orlando Jordan is backstage.

Josh Matthews runs up to catch Orlando Jordan. He asks Jordan what he’s been up to since his profile has been low as of late.

Jordan: I’ve done a lot here on Smackdown. I’ve picked up some big wins over some big names and I’ve had my own share of rivalries. I guess you could say that I feel sort of unfulfilled though. I need more excitement, I need more risks. (Suddenly, Nunzio appears out of no where).

Nunzio: Is it risks you want? Maybe you should talk to me and my associates.

Josh: Nunzio! We haven’t seen you in weeks!

Nunzio: Oh, wow! Great observation, Sherlock! Well, I’m back and I’m badder than ever.

Jordan: What’s this talk about risks?

Nunzio: You know, take a chance. You and I have nothing against each other. Why don’t we team up?

Jordan (laughing): That is the lamest thing I’ve ever heard of!

Nunzio (angry): You think I’m kidding?

Jordan: I think you’re a moron.

Nunzio: Well, I think you’re an under-achiever!

(The two of them go nose to nose).

Jordan: Is that so?

Nunzio: Yeah! In fact, I’d go as far to say you suck!

Jordan: I’m not a violent person, you know. For the sake of keeping my good name, I’m going to pretend you just did not say that.

Nunzio: Oh yeah? Don't be so sure that you're name is that good!

Jordan: It's a hell of a lot better than your's.

Nunzio: Oh yeah? Well, with that sort of attitude, you could find yourself in a world of hurt.

Jordan: We’ll just have to wait and see… shrimp.

COMMERCIAL!

As we come back from commercial, Michael Cole announces that the WWF Tag Team Championship will be on the line at Summerslam! The new champions Matt Stryker and Matt Hardy are going to face the Basham Brothers and Haas and Benjamin in a triple-threat tag team match.

Paul London and Chad Collyer vs Rhyno, Rodney Mack, and Chuck Palumbo

Match Background: This will be a 3 on 2 handicap bout. Rhyno is the reigning WWF World champion, and has been since 16 July 2006. Rodney Mack is the reigning WWF United States champion, and has been since 16 July 2006.

The Match: Chad Collyer charges into the corner, but EATS BOOT and staggers backward. Fallaway slam by Rodney Mack puts down Chad Collyer. Collyer backdrops Rodney Mack out of a piledriver attempt. That took a lot out of Chad Collyer. Springboard dropkick from Chad Collyer. Nicely done. Tag to Rhyno. STIFF high kick on Rhyno by Chad Collyer. Beautiful spinning arm drag out of the corner by Collyer. There's a two count on the pin. Rhyno counters an arm wringer with an elbow to the side of the head. Rhyno tags out to Chuck Palumbo. Palumbo \ Rhyno whip Collyer into the ropes and hit a double backdrop. Chuck Palumbo connects with rights and lefts and Chad Collyer is down! Chad Collyer charges into the corner, but EATS BOOT and staggers backward. Covers for a quick two count. Collyer walks into a side slam. Think about how much talent it takes to side slam someone. Nash can do it. Cover, ONE...TWO...NO! I honestly thought that match was going to end right then and there. DEATH VALLEY DRIVAH~! by Chuck Palumbo just KILLS Chad Collyer! Pinfall attempt: ONE...TWO...NO! I would have bought that as the finish! Tag between Chuck Palumbo and Rhyno. Rhyno \ Palumbo whip Collyer into the ropes and hit a double clothesline. Hooks the leg for a two count. Rhyno hits some punches. How generic. Chad Collyer fights out of a grapple. Superkick by Chad Collyer practically knocks out all of Rhyno's teeth! Tag between Chad Collyer and Paul London. London \ Collyer whip Rhyno into the ropes and hit a double back elbow. Spinning bulldog in the corner and Rhyno is down! Covers for a quick two count. Tag between Rhyno and Rodney Mack. London just WAFFLES Mack with a STIFF chop that hurt ME to watch! Mack takes a NICE hurrancarana from Paul London. Cover, ONE...TWO...NO! I honestly thought that match was going to end right then and there. Mack reverses a Paul London hammerlock. Tag to Chuck Palumbo. Mack \ Palumbo whip London into the ropes and hit a double backdrop. Chuck Palumbo with a spinning neckbreaker on London. There's a two count on the pin. Tag to Rhyno. London walks into a side slam. Impaler DDT by Rhyno just SPIKES Paul London down! London kicks Rhyno in the gut to reverse the momentum. Back heel kick off the second rope, Rhyno goes down. Cover, ONE...TWO...NO! I honestly thought that match was going to end right then and there. Rhyno powers out of a headlock. Ring-shaking body slam on London. Rhyno floors London near the ropes and makes the pin. Rhyno is using the ropes for leverage! The referee hasn't seen it: 1....2....3!!

My Opinion: A badly blown spot prevents me from giving out more snowflakes. ***3/4

Tazz: There! Rhyno just pinned Paul London! Last week was a fluke!

Cole: What the hell are you talking about! Rhyno just cheated his way to that victory! You saw it, I saw it, all of our great fans across the world saw it!

Tazz: Whatever, Cole. If you ask me, we’re going to be seeing something very similar to this at Summerslam!

Winners: Rhyno, Rodney Mack, and Chuck Palumbo

The show ends with SARS posing on the entrance ramp. Collyer is attending to London in the ring, and he looks pissed.

WWF Raw
August 14, 2006

Mike Tenay and Al Snow welcome us to another exciting edition of Raw! They pimp the upcoming Summerslam event and Tenay announces that World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit will be facing the Intercontinental Champion, Tommy Dreamer, in a non-title contest later tonight. But first…

Stevie Richards (with Triple H and Victoria) vs Billy Kidman

Match Background: Billy Kidman made his Raw debut last week and scored an upset over Evolution (along with Masato Tanaka).

The Match: This is your average Heat match. Richards beats up Kidman for what feels like hours before Kidman mounts a comeback and hits the Shooting Star Press on Richards. Kidman covers Richards and gets the 1...2...3! After the match, Triple H rushes the ring and pedigrees Kidman, leaving him flattened out.

My Opinion: I'm capable of giving out high star ratings...but only for matches that really deserve it. This one didn't. **1/4.

Snow: Triple H scores a nasty attack on Kidman!

Tenay: That was uncalled for! It’s not Billy Kidman’s fault if Evolution can’t beat him in a match.

Snow: They can sure beat him outside of a match though. Shawn Michael’s new rule only protects superstars from the numbers game while a sanctioned match is taking place!

Winner: Billy Kidman

Trish Stratus Speaks

The coach is with Trish Stratus. He asks her about her situation with Victoria.

Trish: Victoria? Victoria who? Oh, that Victoria! The same Victoria who whined and moaned and bitched her way into the number one Contendership position. In all honesty, I want Victoria in the ring as much as she wants me! She’s attacked me on countless occasions! So far I’ve been able to avoid lowering myself to her levels by attacking her from behind, but I am seriously tempted tonight! I just wish the best of luck to Taylor Matheny tonight. I hope she beats Victoria in that ring and I hope I can face her at Summerslam.

Tenay: A great display of integrity from the Womens Champion.

Non-title match: Hardcore Champion Frank Shamrock vs Christian

Match Background: This will be a hardcore bout. Frank Shamrock is the reigning WWF Hardcore champion, and has been since 27 June 2006.

Snow: Apparently Christian asked for this match after the announcement last week that he’s facing Raven, Julio, and CM Punk at Summerslam. He wants to make sure he’s going to be able to withstand their onslaught by challenging the Hardcore Champion to a non-title match.

The Match: Christian seems to be in over his head at first, as Shamrock absolutely destroys him. Shamrock almost goes too far when he goes for a chair, but the referee screams at him, reminding Shamrock that this is not a hardcore match. Shamrock locks on a guillotine choke onto Christian, who escapes it and hits the Unprettier out of nowhere. 1...2...3!

My Opinion: Oh, look out...almost ***, but not quite. **3/4.

Tenay: An impressive victory by the CLB!

Snow: But look who’s on the stage!

Winner: Christian

The Gathering have words.

Raven (clapping): Now that is more like it! You just took out a genuine warrior, Christian, and my hat is off to you. However, you are going to have to try harder than that at Summerslam. I have known Julio and Punk for a long time and I have never seen them so focused. I hope you and Test are going to be ready for us… and I hope your third partner is up for the challenge as well.

Christian: You’re damn right that Test and I are going to be ready! And we have our third partner! He’s an old acquaintance of your’s Raven. He’s anxious to get his hands on you as well.

Raven: I welcome his challenge! I have never faced an opponent who I would ever back down from if asked to face again. Quote the Raven, and nevermore!

Randy Orton vs Steve Corino

Before the match, Orton grabs a mic.

Orton: For a long time now, I have believed that I have what it takes to be a world champion. I’ve come close in the past, but came up short. But this Sunday… at Summerslam… I have a good feeling. This is going to be my time. I’m going to walk into Summerslam the challenger, and I’m going to leave with my name added to the record books. I, Randy Orton, will be the World Heavyweight Champion!

Match Background: Randy Orton will be participating in the Raw main event at Summerslam, against Chris Benoit and Simon Diamond for the World Heavyweight Championship. Corino is coming off of a losing streak to Tommy Dreamer.

The Match: Corino comes out looking less than focued. Corino has been on a losing streak of sorts and he desperately wants to shatter that image. His frustration makes him an easy target for Orton, who after holding Corino in an armbar for four minutes, hits the RKO on Corino and pins him. 1...2...3!

Chris Benoit comes walking down the aisle with a chair, and gets into the ring! The two men stand and glare at each other. Finally, Benoit strikes Orton with the chair! Benoit climbs to the top rope and gets ready for a diving head-butt, but Orton moves out of the way. As Benoit recovers, Orton grabs the chair and nails Benoit over the head with it. Orton talks smack and leaves.

Tenay: A decisive victory by the third generation superstar!

Snow: Orton didn’t miss a beat tonight! He won his match and fought off the World Champion!

My Opinion: A ***3/4 rating! Yay!

Winner: Randy Orton

Taylor Matheny vs Victoria (with Stevie Richards)

Match Background: The winner of this match will face Trish Stratus at Summerslam.

The Match: The most surprising thing in this match is the lack of cheating from Victoria. Of course Richards dares not interfere in the match, worried about what Shawn Michaels would do. Taylor and Victoria are pretty evenly matched and both pick up a series of exciting nearfalls before Victoria hits the Widow's Peak on Taylor and picks up a clean victory!

My Opinion: Let me practice my math. 13 quarter stars equal a ***1\4 rating, right? Yeah, it does. That's what you get.

Tenay: Victoria has become the number one contender for the Womens Championship again!

Snow: You can be sure that Trish Stratus will be ready for Victoria though.

Winner: Victoria

Mind Games

The old theme to D-Generation X blasts through the arena, and the crowd goes nuts… until they realize that it’s Austin Lee and Adam Hastey. They make their way to the ring and do the same crotch chops as the “X” pyro goes off behind them. They are handed a microphone.

Lee: Hey, anyone remember that? That was cool, right? How can you not love a duo of young guns like myself and Adam who disobey authority! I mean, we just flat-out rock!

Hastey: That’s right, Austin. Only it would seem that our General Manager, Shawn Michaels, would fully disagree. However, what kind of GM is Shawn Michaels? I’ll tell you what he is, Michaels is a hypocrite!

Lee: That’s right! Do we really need a hypocrite running the show on Raw? Do we need someone who put so much emphasis on disobeying authority and breaking the rules in his prime telling us that we need to behave now that he is the one in charge!

Hastey: Now “The Man” is not here tonight! Why? Who knows! He’s probably on some sort of sissy religious retreat. But next week, Austin and I are going to beat the hell out of Shawn Michaels! We’re not going to waste our time trying to be sneaky about it, we’re just telling it like it is. Shawn Michaels will dance his goofy ass into this ring, and then we shall proceed to beat the crap out of him!

Lee: Hope you don’t miss this party, Shawn! You are the guest of honor!

Tenay: These two punks make me sick! They are not only questioning the authority of HBK, but they are making a mockery out of HBK’s legacy!

Lance Storm (with Justin Credible) vs Ozzy Benton (with Lodi)

Match Background: The Impact Players are facing Ozzy Benton and Lodi on Sunday Night Heat, before Summerslam.

The Match: Ozzy Benton has a clear size advantage over Lance Storm, but it doesn't seem to matter much to Storm. This short match is mostly Storm reversing every big power move that Benton tries on Storm. Storm hits a superkick and pins Benton with a fair amount of ease. Lodi enters the ring and tries to attack Storm, but ends up being superkicked as well. Storm and Credible leave, while Lodi starts crying and trying to revive Benton. Benton, suddenly awake, is outraged and powerbombs Lodi to the mat.

My Opinion: I'll give it a *1\2 rating. Consider getting more stars to be the adventure of a lifetime. Get started.

Tenay: Ozzy just took his anger out on his tag partner once again!

Snow: Looks as if there is trouble in paradise!

Tenay: Oh, would you stop it!

Winner: Lance Storm

The Coach with Spanky

Jonathan Coachman is with Brian Kendrick in the back. He plays Q&A with him.

Coach: Who was your favorite little rascal?

Kendrick: I would have to say Spanky. That kid influenced me in more ways than one.

Coach: What was the last movie that made you cry?

Kendrick: Probably “Ready To Rumble.” The part where DDP falls through three stories of cage made me cry for weeks.

Coach: What is your favorite color?

Kendrick: Oh, that’s a hard one… and a toss up between flamingo pink and neon green.

Coach: What would you like to accomplish on Raw?

Kendrick: I want to be the World Heavyweight Champion.

Coach: What?!? You are kidding?

Kendrick: No… I don’t see what is so funny about that concept.

Coach: Well, good luck with THAT.

Kendrick: Oh, you just wait and see… I will be the World Champion. Maybe not tonight and maybe not tomorrow… but someday. You just wait and see.

Non-title match: World Champion Chris Benoit vs IC Champion Tommy Dreamer

Match Background: Chris Benoit is the reigning World Heavyweight champion, and has been since 27 June 2006. Tommy Dreamer is the reigning WWF Intercontinental champion, and has been since 20 February 2006.

The Match: This is a really decent match between two guys with big cult followings. Dreamer is in control of Benoit for a little while before Benoit reverses Dreamer's momentum. Chris Benoit floors Tommy Dreamer. Here it comes...Crippler Crossface! Tommy Dreamer taps! Benoit spits on Dreamer as he lays in the ring.

My Opinion: Oh, look out...almost ***, but not quite. **3/4.

Tenay: What a sickening display of sportsmanship, or lack of, from the World Champion!

Snow: He beat Dreamer cleanly, but spitting on him! There is no place in the WWF for that sort of conduct.

Winner: Chris Benoit

Simon’s Music Plays

Benoit stands in the ring, surprised by the entrance of Simon Diamond. Diamond climbs into the ring with a microphone.

Simon: Surprised to see me, Chris? I bet you and all the morons in the audience are just dying to know what I’m doing here as well. I’m here to tell you two things. Number one, Shawn Michaels sent a memo announcing that our triple threat match at Summerslam is now an elimination match! I discussed this with Triple H and he advised that we double team Randy Orton during the match, and then I lay down for you. (Benoit nods approvingly). You like that idea, eh? Well, guess what: I DON’T! (Benoit becomes very serious). I know we are teammates and I know that we look out for each other… but it’s MY turn! I have been in Evolution since I came to WWF and where has it taken me? I spent many years interfering in matches on behalf of Triple H, Batista, even that asshole Randy Orton, and even your matches. Did anyone have my back? One person did. That was Ken Shamrock, and he’s suspended until Monday. These past few weeks have shown me a lot, Chris. Without my support in Evolution, I realized just how worthless being in this group has been. So with that in mind, I quit! You are going to have to deal with me any way you can at Summerslam, Chris! Because I am coming for your title, and I want it bad!

With that, Benoit slaps Simon across the face. Simon then slaps Benoit back. Then they start brawling. Randy Orton comes running down the ramp with a chair. He hits Benoit over the head with the chair AGAIN and then nails Simon Diamond with the RKO! Both men are down, until Orton turns around to see Triple H running in from the audience. Triple H goes for the pedigree, but Orton counters it and lifts up HHH.

Tenay: MY GOD, Randy isn’t going to do what I think he’s going to do!

Tenay’s fears are justified when Orton delivers a TOMBSTONE piledriver to Triple H!

Snow: ARGH! We haven’t seen a tombstone in the WWF in years! What an unexpected move from Randy Orton!

Tenay: Chris Benoit’s World Title is in serious jeopardy!

Orton plays to the crowd to a huge pop and then makes his exit to end the show.

Who's Ozzy Benton?

As far as I know, he is just a fictional wrestler that EWR generated from my training camp. He's not all that talented, but he is charismatic, so I keep him around.

Ah, gotcha.

WWF Smackdown
August 17, 2006

Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us to the final Smackdown before Summerslam! They announce that tonight’s main event is a six man tag featuring the team of AJ Styles, Matt Stryker, and Low Ki vs Rob Van Dam, Erik Watts, and Johnny Stamboli. They remind us that Low Ki and Stamboli are both in the fatal four way for the U.S. title at Summerslam. The first match is set!

Orlando Jordan vs Men's Teioh

The Match: Hey, look, Men's Teioh is on Smackdown again! Hope he doesn't get squashed like a bug... oops, he does. Jordan dominates the entire matchup, though Men's Teioh does manage to reverse lots of fancy moves. Orlando Jordan floors Men's Teioh...and climbs the turnbuckles. Through the air, Moonsault! 1....2....3. Nunzio comes running down the aisle, and gets into the ring! Nunzio drops Jordan to the canvas. Nunzio quickly locks on the Sicillian Crab! Orlando Jordan has been left down on the canvas. Nunzio stands up and poses and then stomps on Jordan a few times for good measure.

Cole: What the hell is Nunzio doing?!? This attack was completely uncalled for!

Tazz: Jordan disrespected Nunzio last week in that interview. If someone did that to me, I’d whip their ass too.

My Opinion: Great match. Most people would give it **** or more, but I guess I'm a harsh grader. ***3/4 for you.

Winner: Orlando Jordan.

A focused duo.

Josh Matthews is standing in the back with AJ Styles and his manager, Don Callis. Josh asks them how they feel about RVD aligning with Erik Watts.

Callis: It is no secret how I feel about Erik Watts. The man is a disgrace to our sport. His very presence here on Smackdown makes me sick to my stomach! And what’s this they say that RVD can beat Styles in a fair fight? That’s just absurd! RVD couldn’t beat AJ Styles last year, when RVD was in his prime. He has no chance now!

Styles: He knows this too. That is why he has Watts. He’s going to have Watts interfere on his behalf for sure. Don will be in my corner for the match on Summerslam. I’ll be damned if I go down in history as the man who lost to a retiring cripple!

Callis: But Summerslam is still four days away. In the mean time, we have tonight’s match to worry about. Three of my clients step in to face the cowardly duo of Erik Watts and RVD and… (Low Ki forces his way in).

Low Ki: Johnny Stamboli! You have no right to challenge for the United States championship. You have done nothing in your career to receive such a spot. You have no honor! I will expose you for the weakling that you are tonight, and then once again at Summerslam!

Cuts to commercial.

Shelton Benjamin vs Matt Hardy Version 1.0 vs Danny Basham

Match Background: This will be a triangle bout. Each man is part of a tag team that is facing each other in a triple threat tag match at Summerslam. Matt Hardy is currently one half of the tag team champions, winning the belts with Matt Stryker last week on Smackdown!

The Match: This is a fun match, as Danny Basham does not allow Hardy or Benjamin to double team him. It turns into an "every man for himself" affair. Towards the end, everyone hits their finisher. Hardy gives Basham a Twist of Fate and is soon after the victim of a Stinger Splash in the corner by Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin goes to cover Hardy, but it's broken up by Basham, who is seconds later kicked in the groin and rolled up by Matt Hardy!

Cole: Matt Hardy just cheated to pin Basham!

Tazz: This could be a real indicator of what is going to happen at Summerslam!

Cole: Don’t rule out Haas and Benjamin though. They don’t like the Bashams or Hardy and Stryker! The triple threat tag match could go anywhere!

My Opinion: Let me practice my math. 13 quarter stars equal a ***1\4 rating, right? Yeah, it does. That's what you get.

Winner: Matt Hardy

Rhyno and Sanders are feeling Good.

The SARS entrance theme plays and Rhyno and Mike Sanders make their way to the ring. Rhyno is clutching his WWF Championship belt a little tighter than normal, which Michael Cole is sure to point out.

Sanders: This Sunday at Summerslam, Rhyno will defend his WWF Championship against the undeserving Paul London. Sure, London has gotten lucky a couple of times in the past few weeks, but that was all fluke. I bet London is in the back feeling pretty damn proud of himself. Well, soak it up while you can, Paul! This Sunday is going to be your wake-up call! You are going to realize once and for all that you are out of your league. You cannot compete on the same level of Rhyno, or any other member of SARS for that matter!

Rhyno: PAUL! I am about to face Taka Michinoku! I do not want to see your worthless ass out here for a second during my match! I’m feeling good tonight, so I’m going to make you a little proposition. If you know what’s good for you, stay out of my match! If you do, I won’t gore your ass during your match with Kid Kash later tonight. It’s your call, Paul. Don’t make this any freaking harder on yourself than it already is! Mike was right, Paul. You are OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE! But I’m going to be nice, you weakling. At Summerslam, I will make FAST work out of you and then you won’t ever have to face me again! I will leave you alone FOREVER!! Because when I gore you to the floor at Summerslam, you are going to be laying there, looking up at me as I hold my WWF Championship over my head! And when this happens, you will KNOW that you do not belong in any main event! You will KNOW your place in this company! Better yet, you will know not to MESS with those who are BETTER than you! It is a hard learned lesson, bitch. And it is about freaking time you learned that.

Non-title match: WWF Champion Rhyno vs Taka Michinoku

Match Background: Rhyno is the reigning WWF World champion, and has been since 16 July 2006.

The Match: This is a surprisingly competitive match, as Taka manages to hit his Michinoku driver onto Rhyno before it is all said and done. Of course Rhyno kicks out of Taka's finish, which does not seem quite right. Rhyno eventually takes the clear advantage and devastates Taka with a series of stiff punches. Michinoku can barely stand. Here it comes - Gore. 1....2...3, it's finished. TAKA Michinoku leaves and walks back down the aisle. Wait...Rhyno comes running as well, and TAKA gets dropped with a clothesline, followed by a load of stomps. He is left lying in the aisle.

My Opinion: Slightly above average match. Only gets a **3\4 rating from me.

Cole: Rhyno just destroyed Taka!

Tazz: He’s sending Paul London another message, Cole! He’s just showing us a taste of things to come! My prediction is that London goes down as fast at Taka just did!

Cole: That’s nonsense! London has already beaten Rhyno twice! I think Rhyno is just trying to convince himself that he can even beat London!

Winner: Rhyno

A Past and Future Champion

Chad Collyer is backstage with Josh Matthews.

Josh: Chad Collyer, you are a former WWF Champion, yet this Sunday you will be competing for the United States championship. How do you feel about this?

Collyer: Yes, I have been to the top already, but to me, this is just another challenge that I have not yet accomplished. My good friend, Paul London, is getting his shot at immortality this Sunday, and that is cool with me. I’m going to be the first to congratulate him. As far as the United States title goes, I have not yet held it. It’s wonderful to say that I’m a “former WWF Champion” but I want to secure my place in history as well. Years from now, when I retire, I want to be able to also be known as a “former U.S. Champion” as well. Only when I have accomplished all that I can in this business, will I be truly satisfied. And as far as my competitors go… Johnny Stamboli is a hell of a guy. He’s had my back during rough times, and I respect him. Low Ki? He talks an awful lot about “honor” yet he very rarely displays any himself. And Rodney Mack? I often wonder how he can live with himself, dedicating his career to serving Mike Sanders and Rhyno. He’s the U.S. Champion, he should have some pride. But that will not matter after I’m through with him. Next week on Smackdown, I’m going to make my entrance and the graphic you see at the bottom of your screen will read “United States Champion: Chad Collyer.”

Cole: I don’t’ know if I have ever seen a competitor as focused and determined as Chad Collyer!

Tazz: And I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so delusional about their lot in life. This guy was WWF Champion and he blew it!

Cole: He did not blow it! Rhyno stole the title from him!

Tazz: So he should steal it back!

Cole: Chad Collyer doesn’t feel the need to do so! With his determination and his dedication, he knows that he will get his shot again!

Paul London vs Kid Kash

Match Background: London is the number one contender for the WWF Championship. London also neglected to interfere in Rhyno’s match earlier in the show, so if Rhyno keeps his word, this will be a fair contest.

The Match: It's matches like this that make me love Smackdown so much! London and Kash go toe to toe for several minutes before the temper of Kid Kash gets to him and throws him off his game. London dazzles the crowd with his high risk tricks and delivers a mightLondon Calling!!! 1....2....3!! It's all over. After the match, Rhyno appears in the ring even though he agreed that he wouldn't earlier. Only London is ready for him and reverses the GORE into a power slam! London has laid Rhyno out on the mat!.

Tazz: Rhyno kept his word! He didn’t interfere in the match, but he was ready to strike afterwards!

Cole: He tried to at least! Paul London was ready though, he was expecting Rhyno to attack him and Rhyno has paid the price.!

Tazz: I cannot believe this is happening! Rhyno is better than this!

My Opinion: Great match, especially with the time given. I say ****, and no more!

Cole: So, Tazz, you still think Rhyno is going to wipe the floor with London?

Tazz: Everyone has their off nights, Cole. This has just been another one for Rhyno.

Cole: Seems to me that Rhyno has been having a lot of off nights lately.

Winner: Paul London

Non-title match: Chad Collyer vs U.S. Champion Rodney Mack

Match Background: Rodney Mack is the reigning WWF United States champion, and has been since 16 July 2006. These two men will be facing each other at Summerslam in a fatal four-way match.

The Match: Chad Collyer strikes Mack. Collyer hits a dropkick on Rodney Mack and gets right back up. Mack reverses a Chad Collyer hammerlock. Mack slams Chad Collyer down and motions to the crowd. Nice piledriver on Collyer. There's a two count on the pin. Collyer blocks the suplex attempt and is able to hit the suplex instead! Collyer crushes Mack with a running senton. Covers for a quick two count. Mack walks into a face crusher variation. Has anyone's face ever really been crushed by one of those though? Cover, ONE...TWO...NO! I honestly thought that match was going to end right then and there. Rodney Mack comes up with a right hand out of nowhere. Chad Collyer hits a rolling kick on Mack. Rodney Mack is in trouble. Spinning DVD!!! That shook the ring. 1....2....3!! I don't think the fight has finished. Chad Collyer and Mack have begun brawling again! They wind up brawling all the way down the aisle and out of view.

My Opinion: Some blown spots really drag this match down a notch, so its ***1\2 for you.

Cole: These two men are destroying each other!

Tazz: Tensions are high going into Summerslam! I have no idea who is going to come out on top in that fatal four-way!

Winner: Chad Collyer

Jordan makes a challenge!

Josh Matthews runs down the hallway in the back to catch up with Orlando Jordan, who is leaving for the night. He asks Jordan how he feels about Nunzio’s ambush.

Jordan: I’m pissed off! Nunzio thinks he is so tough jumping me like that, well that’s just fine! I’m not a violent person, but I am not going to stand for this. I’m going to be at Summerslam, and I am going to go out to the ring. If Nunzio is half the man he thinks he is, he will come out and accept a singles match against me. Consider this a challenge!
Cole: Jordan just challenged Nunzio to a match at Summerslam!

Tazz: No kidding, Cole. I heard him too!

The History of Styles vs RVD.

A video package based on the history between RVD and AJ Styles plays. It covers:

Vengeance 2004: Rob Van Dam pins Shelton Benjamin to win the WWE Championship! Then it shows AJ Styles winning the U.S. title from Chris Benoit on the same show. Two weeks later, RVD is required to go to rehab, leaving Styles to be the star of Smackdown in his absence.

WrestleMania XXI: AJ Styles wins the WWF Championship from Rob Van Dam in the Smackdown Main Event after Don Callis interferes.

Judgment Day 05: Styles retains WWF Championship against RVD when Rodney Mack interferes.

Summerslam 05: Styles retains WWF Championship against RVD again, but this time… it’s a clean victory.

AJ Styles, Matt Stryker, and Low Ki vs Johnny Stamboli, Erik Watts, and Rob Van Dam

Match Background: This is Rob Van Dam’s last Smackdown ever. He is retiring at Summerslam, regardless of whether or not he beats AJ Styles. RVD recruited Erik Watts for the match to make sure that Style’s manager, Don Callis, would remain neutral in the match up.

The Match: Styles just WAFFLES RVD with a STIFF chop that hurt ME to watch! Hard back suplex on RVD. Tag between AJ Styles and Low Ki. Rob Van Dam takes a butterfly suplex from Low Ki. Rob Van Dam got absolutely creamed by a KILLER back suplex. There's a two count on the pin. Low Ki tags out to Matt Stryker. Low Ki and Stryker whip RVD into the corner. Low Ki whips Matt Stryker in for a hard clothesline to follow-up. RVD counters a sleeper with a jaw breaker and is able to get free! Big kick from RVD staggers Stryker but that's about it. RVD tags out to Johnny Stamboli. Rude Awakening neckbreaker on Matt Stryker by Stamboli. Flying spear out of the corner! Hooks the leg! ONE...TWO...NO! Stamboli slams Matt Stryker down and motions to the crowd. Tag to Erik Watts. Erik Watts hits Stryker. Stryker gets splashed in the corner. Erik Watts misses a clothesline. Tag between Matt Stryker and AJ Styles. Flying elbow from AJ Styles connects. Tag to Rob Van Dam. Styles takes a chop from RVD. Styles kicks Rob Van Dam in the gut to reverse the momentum. Rob Van Dam is in trouble. Styles Clash! 1....2....3.

My Opinion: Slightly above average match. Only gets a **3\4 rating from me. Thank God this is RVD’s last Smackdown!

Tazz: AJ Styles beats Rob Van Dam! This is exactly what is going to happen at Summerslam!

Cole: Think again, Tazz! All AJ Styles did tonight was fuel the fire in Rob Van Dam! After tonight, he’s going to be more determined than ever to make sure he ends his WWF career on a high note (no pun intended).

Winners: AJ Styles, Matt Stryker, and Low Ki.

After the match, Low Ki and Johnny Stamboli start up a brawl that sends them fighting into the audience. Erik Watts helps RVD to his feet while Don Callis raise the hands of AJ Styles and Matt Stryker in victory. The show ends with a stare-down between RVD and Styles.