Post by Rico on May 18, 2008 21:18:52 GMT -6
Dark Match Result:
Prior to tonight's Judgment Day pay-per-view, Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes defeated Santino Marella & Carlito to retain the WWE World Tag Team Titles in a dark match. Thanks to our good friend Derek Severt for calling in the match result.
Opening Segment:
We are live from the Quest Center in Omaha, Nebraska! The pyros explode and the official theme song of Judgment Day plays throughout the arena. Jim Ross gives us the official welcome and lets us know that four championships will be decided. JR hands it over to Jerry Lawler and JBL's music plays on the loudspeakers.
JBL vs. John Cena
John 'Bradshaw' Layfield is out first. His limousine pulls out to ringside and he gets out with his trademark cowboy hat and towel around his neck. Lots of heat on JBL as usual. We cut to Lawler and Ross who discuss the forthcoming bout. John Cena's music hits as he receives a huge pop from the live crowd. Cena is wearing his Nintendo inspired 'You Can't See Me' t-shirt. He gives his salute and makes his way to ringside. Raw referee Marty Elias is the official for the match. He calls for the bell as Cena and Bradshaw lockup. Loud Cena chants throughout as Cena pushes JBL in a counter. Elias calls for a break. A stare down endures. Cena applies a headlock on JBL. Bradshaw counters by pushing Cena into the ropes, the referee calls for the break. JBL applies a side headlock of his own. He gets Cena on one knee. JBL goes off the ropes, Cena bends over but gets an elbow. Cena counters with a drop toe hold and goes for a submission maneuver. Rope break as JBL goes to the outside and pulls Cena down from the apron. JBL throws Cena through the turnbuckles into the steel ring post.
Bradshaw gets out of the ring and works over Cena who is still in the ring. JBL gets back in to work on the left arm of Cena. JBL uses right hands to his advantage. JBL takes Cena down to the mat with authority. JBL locks a submission maneuver on the left arm of John Cena on the mat. The crowd cheers Cena back to his feet. He tries to break the hold. JBL kicks him in the midsection. Bradshaw brings him back to the mat and puts Cena's left arm in a mat submission hold. Marty Elias checks for submission. Cena reverses the hold on JBL and gets an early two count. Cena uses brute force to get the break. Cena tries to regroup but is kicked in the head by Bradshaw. JBL gets him to his feet and gives him some right hands. He follows with boots. Bradshaw gets the first near fall. Another right hand from JBL in the corner onto Cena. John Cena starts to counter with stiff right hands. Cena goes upstairs and down on Bradshaw. Cena uses his right arm and left shoulder to finally take Bradshaw down to the mat. Cena is selling his left arm but he goes to the top rope. He misses on a huge leg drop on JBL on the mat.
Cena is dazed as JBL regroups to his feet. JBL kicks Cena in the midsection. He works over the former WWE Champion. JBL works on Cena who is basically sitting on the apron. JBL tries to get a suplex on Cena, Cena blocks. Cena goes for a suplex off the apron onto JBL, JBL counters. Eventually JBL breaks it and takes Cena down on the mat. JBL is in the ring waiting on Cena or setting him up. JBL knocks Cena to the outside. Marty Elias starts the count out and Bradshaw works over Cena on the outside. Bradshaw roles him back in the ring. Bradshaw gets a two count, he follows with two stiff kicks. Another near fall for JBL. JBL applies a bear hug on Cena in the middle of the ring. Both men are on their feet. Elias checks Cena for submission. Again, Cena is selling his left arm. JBL brings Cena to the mat with the bear hug still applied. Elias checks again for submission. Big shot from JBL onto Cena with his elbow, then another right on the spine of Cena. JBL goes from a bear hug to a body scissors submission hold on Cena in the ring. Referee Marty Elias checks for submission again. Cena tries to counter but JBL violently slaps Cena in his 'injured' left shoulder.
The crowd tries to cheer Cena back to life. He is able to get to his feet with the body scissors by JBL applied. JBL locks in a full nelson, bringing Cena back down to the mat. Referee Elias checks Cena. Cena is able to use strength and power to break the full nelson, he went for the FU but he couldn't lock it. JBL sends him to the mat and connects another stiff boot to Cena's face. JBL locks the body scissor submission back on Cena on the mat. Marty Elias checks Cena once again. Cena is able to break the hold on the mat again as he uses his strength to pick JBL up. He connects what looks to be a half of a powerbomb (I guess that's what you can call it?). The referee starts the double countout. JBL to his feet first, Cena follows. There is an exchange of right hands. Cena goes for a splash on JBL in the corner, but nobody is home. JBL delivers a knockout kick to Cena. He follows with four elbows to Cean on the mat. JBL taunts Cena who is laying down on the mat. JBL sets Cena up in the center and gives him a clothesline from hell. Cena is down on the mat, JBL above him, taunting. JBL stomps away on the former WWE Champion. JBL goes to whip Cena into the ropes but Cena hits the FU out of nowhere and gets the three count.
Winner - John Cena
After John Cena defeated JBL, the camera shows Raw General Manager William Regal sitting in a luxury sweet in the arena. We go to Michael Cole and Mick Foley.
Richard Reacts: I didn't like it. The match was very slow paced, almost to the point where I thought that someone could be legitimately injured. JBL absolutely dominated with slow paced submission maneuvers only for Cena to hit the FU out of nowhere. Not only did the finish make JBL look weak but it didn't make sense because they had Cena sell his shoulder the whole match. A very poor way to open the event.
The Dirt Sheet segment airs with WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz and John Morrison after we hear from Adamle and Tazz from ECW. The segment is quick and pointless but courtesy of WWE.com.
Richard Reacts: Pretty random for a PPV if you ask me...
John Morrison & The Miz vs. CM Punk & Kane
The upcoming match is for the WWE Tag Team Championships with The Miz and John Morrison defending against ECW Champion Kane and MITB winner CM Punk. Morrison is out first followed by The Miz. CM Punk comes out as the first of the two challengers. ECW Champion Kane is the last participant to ringside. Tony Chimmel does the formal introductions inside the ring since this match is for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Scott Armstrong is the referee, he calls for the bell. CM Punk and The Miz starts things out. Punk hits a suplex on The Miz, lots of fast paced action to start things out. Punk tags in Kane. They double team The Miz. Kane lifts The Miz on his back and sends him to the mat. He whips Miz into the turnbuckles. Miz counters, backs Kane into the corner and tags in John Morrison. Morrison goes to work on Kane but is whipped off the ropes and into a powerslam. Kane gets a quick cover and a tag to Punk. Kane hits a backbreaker on Morrison as Punk jumps in to take on one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions. Punk locks a submission hold on Morrison in the ropes. After the hold is broke, Punk gets a quick two count on Morrison with his feet up.
Morrison is able to counter and get the tag to The Miz. Miz applies a submission hold on Punk in the middle of the ring on the mat. The crowd cheers Punk back to his feet. Miz backs him down but Punk connects a big kick. Punk tags in Kane. Kane hits a huge back body drop on The Miz. Kane goes off the top rope onto Miz. Scoop slam attempt by Kane but Morrison is able to tag himself in. Morrison hits a neck breaker on Kane and gets on top of him. He connects with several right hands. Morrison makes another tag. Quick tag back to Morrison back to The Miz. They are using team work to make this look as believable as they can with Kane. Miz uses several right hands to wear down the Big Red Machine. Kane finally lands a stomp on Miz, both end up getting tags. Punk hits a nice drop kick then a spinning heel kick. Punk gets a powerslam on Morrison and a two count. Punk mounts some more offense with his kicks followed by a two count. Punk goes over the top ropes onto The Miz. He nails a cross-body on Morrison for another two count. Punk picks Morrison up for GTS, Miz gets in the ring. Punk sends him to the outside. Morrison tries to capitalize but Punk goes for GTS again. The Miz trips him. Kane choke slams The Miz on the outside. Punk looks on from the outside, he turns around to eat Morrison's finisher as he is able to get the three count.
Winners - John Morrison & The Miz to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships
Richard Reacts: Good match that would have probably been better suited as the opener. Punk looked outstanding and they booked it just as I predicted. Miz and Morrison are good together and it's too early to take the straps off of them. Nice fast paced action and they did it in a way that did not make Kane look weak.
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
They show a video package detailing this bizarre program. Lilian announces the match is set for one fall but does not indicate that this is for the Intercontinental Championship which is something that was never really clarified by WWE. Jericho is out first. The bell rings and Michaels and Jericho stare each other down. Jack Doan is your referee. Jericho goes right after the leg of Shawn Michaels but HBK does not allow him to get the opening control. Back to a lockup. Michaels comes out of the lockup with a side headlock on Jericho. He takes Jericho down to the mat with the submission maneuver. Loud chants for Michaels. Jericho gets back to his feet with the side headlock still applied. Jericho counters out but Michaels flips him over for a cover. Jericho gets a cover, another cover from HBK. A few more similar exchanges. Very good back and forth fast paced action. Michaels applies the Figure Four leglock early. Jack Doan checks for submission. JR keeps saying that you can never predict what Shawn Michaels is going to do. JR seems like he is trying to put HBK over as a heel or at least that's how I am interrupting it.
Michaels slaps Jericho. Jericho flies off the handle as they finally lock back up. Michaels reapplies a side headlock. Jericho counters out with right hands to the face of Michaels. Jericho whips Michaels into the ropes. Michaels counters with a hold on Jericho's arm. Arm bar takeover by Michaels onto Jericho followed by an arm breaker. Michaels continues to work on the shoulder of Chris Jericho. Jericho whips Michaels so hard into the ropes it hangs him upside down in the corner. Jericho follows with right hands. Jericho sets Michaels up on the top turnbuckle. HBK hits an elbow on Jericho, sending him down to the mat. Jericho counters, sending HBK to a sit down position on the top turnbuckle. Jericho looks for a suplex but HBK battles out, sending Jericho to the mat. HBK off the top with an elbow drop, Jericho gets his knees up to block it. HBK sells the block as Jericho gets up slowly. Jericho works over Michaels. Jericho continues his assault by working on the ribs on Shawn Michaels. Suplex from Jericho onto Michaels. Jericho kicks Michaels in the midsection and locks in an arm bar submission on Michaels in the middle of the ring.
Jericho wrenches back on the abdominal stretch which is now applied on Michaels. Michaels tries to counter but Jericho counters and gets a two count on HBK. Jericho hits HBK with a right hand in the corner. Jericho whips HBK hard into the turnbuckles. Finally HBK is able to mount some offense by using Jericho's own momentum against him. HBK hits some chops but Jericho counters and applies the Walls of Jericho. Referee Jack Doan checks for submission but HBK is able to get to the ropes. Jericho breaks the hold and assaults HBK who roles onto the apron. Jericho tries some acrobatics but eats Sweet Chin Music on the apron off to the outside. Doan starts to countout Jericho. Michaels goes outside and gets him. He roles him back in. Michaels pulls Jericho to the center of the ring and goes for the cover. Two count! Jericho remains down in the middle of the ring. HBK goes off the top rope with an elbow onto Jericho. HBK is selling his ribs as he is slow to follow up. HBK finally tunes up the band, calling for Sweet Chin Music. Jericho gets up and falls back down. The crowd boos.
HBK tunes up the band some more, Jericho gets up and falls back to his knees before Shawn can hit the superkick. Michaels does it again but goes for the superkick this time. Jericho hits a Code Breaker with a counter, both men are down in the middle of the ring. Doan starts the double countout. Not surprisingly (given that Jericho kicked out of Sweet Chin Music) Michaels kicks out of the cover. Jericho goes back to work on HBK. Out of nowhere HBK locks a cross-face on Jericho in the middle of the ring. Doan checks for submission. The crowd is hot and Jericho looks like he might tap but he gets to the ropes. Great sequence and the crowd reaction showed it. Michaels gets up, still selling his ribs. He takes down Jericho, goes for the cross-face again. Jericho counters and drops HBK on the ropes. Jericho works on Michaels, setting him up in the center of the ring. Lion Sault, HBK blocks with his knees. Jericho counters with a Walls of Jericho attempt. HBK is able to get a roll up out of nowhere for the three count.
Winner - Shawn Michaels
After the match, Michaels' music plays and the referee raises his hand. Michaels goes to get out of the ring but Jericho stares him down. Michaels gets back in the ring. Jericho extends his hand, Michaels shakes it. No heel turn. HBK's music resumes as he goes to the back with Jericho in the ring.
Richard Reacts: That match was a lot of fun. Jericho and Michaels both worked hard and as much as JR tried to sell HBK as the heel no real turn was made during the match. Great sequence where HBK had the cross-face on Jericho only for Jericho to make it to the ropes just as it looked as he was about to tap. This will be hard to follow but I think everyone expected more greatness between these two.
We're backstage with Todd Grisham and WWE Women's Champion Mickie James. Grisham asks Mickie about her triple-threat match for the WWE Women's Championship. Grisham asks Mickie about going out with John Cena last Monday after Raw. JBL comes into the segment and chases off Mickie. JBL says if you want to ask her a question about John Cena, why don't you ask him a question about John Cena. Grisham says, well, Cena just beat you so what are you going to do in the weeks and months to come to seek revenge. JBL tells Grisham that he has never been in a fight because he beat Cena for 20 minutes that Cena is in the training room right now. Bradshaw warns Grisham if he ever asks him a stupid question like that again that it will be his first and last fight.
Beth Phoenix vs. Melina vs. Mickie James
The forthcoming match is a triple threat match and is for the WWE Women's Championship. The Glamazon Beth Phoenix is out first. We go to a video from Raw last week with Melina confronting Beth about leaving her on Raw. Lilian gives the formal introductions in the ring because the match is for the WWE Women's Championship. Chad Patton is your referee. The bell rings but Beth Phoenix tells Melina to get out of her ring. Melina assaults Beth. Mickie nearly gets the win off the distraction via pinfall. Mickie James ends up getting thrown to the outside. Beth hits a stiff clothesline on the outside. Phoenix gets in the ring to go after Melina. She is feisty and goes after The Glamazon. Mickie gets back in the ring and gets a roll-up cradle on Beth who was trying to mount offense on Melina. Mickie gets on the back of Beth Phoenix, taking her down the mat in what appears to be a modified sleeper hold. Melina pulls Mickie off of Beth.
Beth gets knocked silly and Melina goes to work on Mickie. It doesn't take long for Mickie to counter. She goes to the top but Melina knocks her off. Good crowd reaction. Melina sets Mickie up on the top but Beth puts her on her own shoulder. She hits the electric chair. Mickie goes off the top and hits a cross-body into a pin onto Beth for a two count. Mickie nails a huge dropkick on The Glamazon. Melina goes to work on Mickie in the corner. Back to her feet, Beth comes over and gets BOTH Mickie and Melina on her back. Beth hits a double back breaker on both of them. Amazing strength. Beth ends back up in the background and Mickie is able to hit her finisher on Melina for the three count.
Winner - Mickie James to retain the WWE Women's Championship
Richard Reacts: Fine match with an incredible display of strength by Beth Phoenix by putting both Melina and Mickie James on her back. JR called it the Diva Moment of the Year in the replay. Beth's chase on Mickie is far from over. They could have done a change there but I should have expected otherwise with it being a triple-threat match.
We're backstage with Shawn Michaels. Batista walks in and says that he told him if he was lying about his injury that he was going to hurt him. He says that he is going to dictate the time and the place but he is going to hurt him. AT&T Mobile poll asks who do fans think is going to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tonight. The Undertaker wins 85% to 15%, the match is up next.
Edge vs. The Undertaker
The following match is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Edge comes out first, The Undertaker's spectacular entrance is next. Michael Cole notes that The Undertaker has only beat Edge twice - once at WrestleMania and once at Backlash both times in which he used the Gogoplata (which is still not being named). Justin Roberts gets the formal introductions since this match is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Charles Robinson is your referee as he calls for the bell. Undertaker is all business as he squares off against Edge. Undertaker pushes Edge down to the mat, Edge goes to the outside to quickly regroup. Edge connects some right hands on Undertaker. They do not have much affect as he puts Edge in the corner and hits right hands of his own. Undertaker chokes Edge and uses the ropes for leverage. Charles Robinson calls for a break at five. Undertaker gets Edge to the outside. He slams Edge's shoulder into the steel ring post. Undertaker puts Edge back into the ring. Undertaker works Edge over in the corner.
Undertaker 'rope walks' with Edge but Edge counters perfectly knocking Undertaker off the ropes. Edge stomps away at Undertaker, causing him to retreat to the outside. Edge uses right hands from the apron onto Undertaker on the outside. Undertaker throws him off the apron onto the crowd control barrier. Undertaker works Edge over on the outside connecting a big head butt. Undertaker clears his count and goes back to work on Edge. Edge throws Undertaker into the steel ring steps. Edge gets back in the ring. Edge goes off the ropes and hits a baseball slide on Undertaker who is on the outside. Undertaker falls down on the outside. Edge roles Taker back in. Edge heatbutts The Undertaker in the corner. Undertaker counters with headbutts of his own. Undertaker whips Edge into the turnbuckles, Edge counters. Edge goes right for the cover for a two count. Edge stomps Undertaker in the midsection. Edge uses several right hands but Undertaker counters with his own right hands. Edge finally gains the advantage with a kick to the ankle of Undertaker. Edge is on the outside, working on Undertaker in the ring. Edge pulls Undertaker into the turnbuckles, wrapping his legs around the steel ring post. Edge gets back in the ring, lands several right hands.
Undertaker counters but Edge is able to build a counter of his own. Undertaker goes for the banned choke as Edge goes for the cover. Edge climbs to the top, attempts to 'rope walk' with Undertaker. Taker counters, sending Edge to the mat. Undertaker looks to build momentum with right hands. Edge gives rights of his own. Undertaker goes off the ropes onto Edge. He follows with a splash times two in two separate corners. Undertaker tosses Edge into the corner and gets a two count. Undertaker 'rope walks' with Edge, he connects. Undertaker goes for the Tombstone but here come Ryder and Hawkins. They distract Taker, he drops Edge. The Edgeheads distract Charles Robinson as Edge exposes the turnbuckle by removing the cover. Undertaker counters and goes for the Last Ride but Edge counters with a DDT. Edge gets a near fall at 2 1/2. Edge goes for the spear but Undertaker side steps it. Undertaker goes for the Last Ride, he gets a modified version in the corner on Edge. Undertaker gets a two count.
Undertaker picks up Edge, looks to go for the Tombstone. Edge counters Undertaker into the corner of the ring where the turnbuckle is exposed. Edge nails several rights on Undertaker, Taker hits Edge with Snake Eyes in the exposed turnbuckle. Charles Robinson starts the double countout. Undertaker goes off the ropes right into a Spear from Edge. He gets a two count. The crowd is heavily behind The Undertaker but Edge is in control. Undertaker starts to fight back, it's a slug fest with both men on their feet exchanging right hands. They have the crowd as Undertaker grabs Edge by the throat. Edge counters but Undertaker ends up hitting the chokeslam after another attempt. 2 1/2 count. Undertaker kicks Edge to the outside. Undertaker clotheslines Edge over the crowd control barrier. Charles Robinson goes outside to check on them, then back in the start the double countout.
Now it's a race back to the ring, they fight all the way back, basically crawling. Robinson is at 9 but Undertaker is in. Edge is counted out at 10.
Winner via countout & new World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker
As Undertaker is being announced, Vickie Guerrero interrupts. From a wheel chair on the ramp with Hawkins and Ryder on the ramp she tries to quiet the crowd.
Vickie finally says that it is common knowledge - she is interrupted by a tremendous amount of heat. This is great, she is the most hated person that I have seen in WWE in a LONG time. You should hear the heat she is getting! She says that it is common knowledge that a title cannot be won via DQ or countout therefore the World Heavyweight Title remains vacant. She tells The Undertaker he is not the new Champion. Taker looks on with the belt in his hands. Undertaker pulls Edge back in the ring from over the top rope. He hits the Tombstone as Vickie begs him not to do it. Vickie stands up and calls Taker an SOB (which is blurted out).
The Edgeheads pull Edge out of the ring. Undertaker is left in the ring with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt.
Richard Reacts: Another good match between Undertaker and Edge although it looks like this may not be the blow-off match as expected. I think Edge vs. Undertaker is stale but they have got a tremendous amount of heat on Vickie Guerrero which is a good thing.
We go to what looks to be a taped promo of Randy Orton talking himself up for tonight's Steel Cage Match. Orton tells Triple H that he knows when he was in Evolution that he didn't teach him anything because he knew that this day would come. Orton says that today is truly Judgment Day and he will reclaim his title and The Age of Orton.
After the Orton promo airs, MVP's music hits and he comes to ringside. MVP, in the ring says, let me get this straight the marquee says Judgment Day - a major WWE PPV - but somehow he was left off the card. MVP says that he is still the highest paid SmackDown superstar and like it or not he is the longest reigning US Champion. He says that him being left off the card is not only stupidity but just bad business. He calls out anyone that wants to come out and face him.
No one comes out at first but Matt Hardy's music hits and he comes out in street clothes. MVP tells Hardy to bring his a$$ down there and his title too. Hardy says that he has already proven that he is better than he is but there is someone else here tonight that he's better than you. Jeff Hardy's music hits and he comes to ringside.
MVP vs. Jeff Hardy
Michael Cole plugs the match as a brand vs. brand showdown. It appears that Big Show vs. Mark Henry is off. Referee is Mickie Henson as he calls for the bell.
Jeff goes to work on MVP as Mick Foley mentions Jeff Hardy's house burning down. MVP and Hardy circle one another, MVP works to get control on Hardy. The match is going much slower than you would expect as Hardy locked in a hammerlock. Eventually MVP is sent to the outside. MVP ends up getting Hardy to the outside after Hardy cannot connect on a kick. MVP gets a two count on Hardy back in the ring. MVP puts an arm bar submission on Jeff Hardy. Hardy backs him down with elbows. MVP counters, sending him to the mat. MVP kicks Hardy in the chest. Scoop slam from MVP onto Hardy. MVP locks in another submission hold on the mat. Hardy counters on MVP but Hardy cannot mount any offense. MVP stomps away at Hardy. Arm drag DDT from MVP onto Jeff Hardy. The crowd does not seem into the match as MVP continues his assault. MVP kicks Hardy in his shoulder and picks him up about his head and drops him on the mat. MVP follows with a kick, sending Hardy to the outside.
MVP goes to the outside momentarily then roles Hardy back in the ring. He gets a near fall. MVP works on the left arm of Jeff Hardy. Hardy gets back to his feet, MVP ends up bouncing Hardy's head off his knee. MVP goes for the Play Maker but Hardy counters. Hardy gets back to his feet, him and MVP exchange right hands. Hardy hits a clothesline on MVP in the corner. Hardy goes off the top with a Swanton, nobody home! MVP looks to put Hardy away but Jeff counters and ends up hitting Whisper in the Wind. Hardy gets the three count.
Winner - Jeff Hardy
Richard Reacts: The match just kind of happened. It wasn't terrible but it was nothing memorable. I could have done without it but evidentially it was added when Mark Henry vs. Big Show (which was announced through WWE Mobile I believe) was dropped.
We go to footage of Sylvester Stallone talking about Rambo on DVD.
Randy Orton vs. Triple H
The following match is a steel cage match and is for the WWE Championship. Orton comes out first to the new music that he debuted on Raw.
The WWE Champion Triple H is out next with the belt around his waist and a bottle of water in his hand. Lilian Garcia gives the formal match introductions from outside of the steel cage. Mike Chioda is the referee officiating. The bell rings and our main event is underway. As soon as the bell rings, Orton makes an attempt to get out before the steel door is even closed. Triple H lunges at him at stops him. Marty Elias (I believe) closes the cage door on the outside after Orton slams it on Triple H's head. Lots of fast paced action to start things out. Orton tries to slam Hunter's head off the steel but he ends up getting his head slammed. Orton tries to get out but Triple H counters. Orton counters again with a right hand.
Hunter gets a swinging neckbreaker on the challenger followed by a two count. Triple H follows up with right hands and drops a knee into the forehead of Randy Orton. Orton uses the cage to his advantage. There is some blood coming out of the mouth of Orton. He works over Triple H on the apron in the steel cage. Orton slams Hunter's head off the steel cage but Hunter counters. Orton ends up giving him a boot to the head. DDT from Orton onto Triple H. Orton goes for the cover, he gets a near fall. Orton chokes Hunter and pounds away with right hands. The crowd boos Orton as he wipes the blood off his lip. Orton picks Hunter up and gives him a stiff right. Another cover for Orton.
Triple H kicks out and Orton locks a submission hold around the neck of the Champion. Hunter backs Orton down with right hands, countering. Orton counters and is able to hit a powerslam on Hunter off the ropes into another near fall. Triple H is down on the mat with Orton stomping on him. Orton stomps on the ankle of Triple H and then the thigh. We see General Manager William Regal looking on. Orton drops a right knee on Hunter, he gets a two count. Hunter kicks out and Orton gets another. Orton continues to mount offense until Hunter is able to counter with a couple of chop blocks. Triple H locks in the Figure Four leglock on Orton. Chioda checks Orton several times for submission - he resists as Triple H wrenches back on the hold. Finally Orton is able to make it to the ropes. Mike Chioda must be confused because he started counting to five. Orton goes for the RKO but Hunter blocks it. Orton is able to get the upper hand. Orton crawls to the door and gets half way out before Hunter can come over and grab him.
Hunter pulls him back but Orton does it again. Then Orton brings a chair into the ring. Triple H counters Orton's chair shot attempt with a kick. Orton finally drops the chair after some Triple H right hands. Face buster on Orton from Hunter. Two count. Triple H picks up the chair in the ring but Orton stops him from using it with a low blow. There are no DQs in a steel cage match so the action continues. Orton connects on Hunter with the chair. Orton hits a DDT on Triple H on the steel chair. Orton now stops and stalks The Game like a viper. Orton goes for the RKO on Hunter on the chair. Triple H counters and hits a drop toehold on Orton onto the steel chair. Triple H gets an arm over Orton for a two count.
Orton starts to climb the cage after countering on Triple H. Triple H grabs Orton's trunks, exposing his backside to the point where they went to a different camera shot. Triple H throws Orton back down to the mat hard. Triple H gets to the top but Orton gets back to the top rope quickly. Orton and Triple H fight it out on the top rope with Hunter eventually falling back to the mat. Orton is on the top rope and makes the leap to the top of the cage. Here comes Hunter, he pulls Orton slowly back into the structure. Triple H sets Orton up for the Pedigree off the top rope. Orton blocks it and ends up knocking Triple H back to the mat. Hunter is down and Orton is climbing down the other side of the cage. Hunter climbs to the top of the cage and pulls him back in again. Orton sends Triple H back to the mat, he's going to try and escape again. Triple H gets up off the cage again and delivers a low blow on Orton who is sitting on the top turnbuckle.
Both men are fatigued but Triple H is able to hit a spinebuster on Orton. Triple H sets the steel chair in the center of the ring. He goes for a Pedigree on the char but Orton counters, dropping Hunter onto the chair. Orton goes for his knockout kick but Triple H hits a chair shot followed by a Pedigree. One, two, three and Hunter is still your WWE Champion.
Winner - Triple H to retain the WWE Championship
Richard Reacts: That was a decent cage match but I have a problem with cage matches that do not include color. I fully expected one of them to blade, but it didn't happen. There were some crazy escape spots where one mistake could have caused Orton to be seriously injured. In one spot in particular, Orton was all the way on the other side, hanging by a Triple H headlock which was enough to raise my blood pressure.
Prior to tonight's Judgment Day pay-per-view, Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes defeated Santino Marella & Carlito to retain the WWE World Tag Team Titles in a dark match. Thanks to our good friend Derek Severt for calling in the match result.
Opening Segment:
We are live from the Quest Center in Omaha, Nebraska! The pyros explode and the official theme song of Judgment Day plays throughout the arena. Jim Ross gives us the official welcome and lets us know that four championships will be decided. JR hands it over to Jerry Lawler and JBL's music plays on the loudspeakers.
JBL vs. John Cena
John 'Bradshaw' Layfield is out first. His limousine pulls out to ringside and he gets out with his trademark cowboy hat and towel around his neck. Lots of heat on JBL as usual. We cut to Lawler and Ross who discuss the forthcoming bout. John Cena's music hits as he receives a huge pop from the live crowd. Cena is wearing his Nintendo inspired 'You Can't See Me' t-shirt. He gives his salute and makes his way to ringside. Raw referee Marty Elias is the official for the match. He calls for the bell as Cena and Bradshaw lockup. Loud Cena chants throughout as Cena pushes JBL in a counter. Elias calls for a break. A stare down endures. Cena applies a headlock on JBL. Bradshaw counters by pushing Cena into the ropes, the referee calls for the break. JBL applies a side headlock of his own. He gets Cena on one knee. JBL goes off the ropes, Cena bends over but gets an elbow. Cena counters with a drop toe hold and goes for a submission maneuver. Rope break as JBL goes to the outside and pulls Cena down from the apron. JBL throws Cena through the turnbuckles into the steel ring post.
Bradshaw gets out of the ring and works over Cena who is still in the ring. JBL gets back in to work on the left arm of Cena. JBL uses right hands to his advantage. JBL takes Cena down to the mat with authority. JBL locks a submission maneuver on the left arm of John Cena on the mat. The crowd cheers Cena back to his feet. He tries to break the hold. JBL kicks him in the midsection. Bradshaw brings him back to the mat and puts Cena's left arm in a mat submission hold. Marty Elias checks for submission. Cena reverses the hold on JBL and gets an early two count. Cena uses brute force to get the break. Cena tries to regroup but is kicked in the head by Bradshaw. JBL gets him to his feet and gives him some right hands. He follows with boots. Bradshaw gets the first near fall. Another right hand from JBL in the corner onto Cena. John Cena starts to counter with stiff right hands. Cena goes upstairs and down on Bradshaw. Cena uses his right arm and left shoulder to finally take Bradshaw down to the mat. Cena is selling his left arm but he goes to the top rope. He misses on a huge leg drop on JBL on the mat.
Cena is dazed as JBL regroups to his feet. JBL kicks Cena in the midsection. He works over the former WWE Champion. JBL works on Cena who is basically sitting on the apron. JBL tries to get a suplex on Cena, Cena blocks. Cena goes for a suplex off the apron onto JBL, JBL counters. Eventually JBL breaks it and takes Cena down on the mat. JBL is in the ring waiting on Cena or setting him up. JBL knocks Cena to the outside. Marty Elias starts the count out and Bradshaw works over Cena on the outside. Bradshaw roles him back in the ring. Bradshaw gets a two count, he follows with two stiff kicks. Another near fall for JBL. JBL applies a bear hug on Cena in the middle of the ring. Both men are on their feet. Elias checks Cena for submission. Again, Cena is selling his left arm. JBL brings Cena to the mat with the bear hug still applied. Elias checks again for submission. Big shot from JBL onto Cena with his elbow, then another right on the spine of Cena. JBL goes from a bear hug to a body scissors submission hold on Cena in the ring. Referee Marty Elias checks for submission again. Cena tries to counter but JBL violently slaps Cena in his 'injured' left shoulder.
The crowd tries to cheer Cena back to life. He is able to get to his feet with the body scissors by JBL applied. JBL locks in a full nelson, bringing Cena back down to the mat. Referee Elias checks Cena. Cena is able to use strength and power to break the full nelson, he went for the FU but he couldn't lock it. JBL sends him to the mat and connects another stiff boot to Cena's face. JBL locks the body scissor submission back on Cena on the mat. Marty Elias checks Cena once again. Cena is able to break the hold on the mat again as he uses his strength to pick JBL up. He connects what looks to be a half of a powerbomb (I guess that's what you can call it?). The referee starts the double countout. JBL to his feet first, Cena follows. There is an exchange of right hands. Cena goes for a splash on JBL in the corner, but nobody is home. JBL delivers a knockout kick to Cena. He follows with four elbows to Cean on the mat. JBL taunts Cena who is laying down on the mat. JBL sets Cena up in the center and gives him a clothesline from hell. Cena is down on the mat, JBL above him, taunting. JBL stomps away on the former WWE Champion. JBL goes to whip Cena into the ropes but Cena hits the FU out of nowhere and gets the three count.
Winner - John Cena
After John Cena defeated JBL, the camera shows Raw General Manager William Regal sitting in a luxury sweet in the arena. We go to Michael Cole and Mick Foley.
Richard Reacts: I didn't like it. The match was very slow paced, almost to the point where I thought that someone could be legitimately injured. JBL absolutely dominated with slow paced submission maneuvers only for Cena to hit the FU out of nowhere. Not only did the finish make JBL look weak but it didn't make sense because they had Cena sell his shoulder the whole match. A very poor way to open the event.
The Dirt Sheet segment airs with WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz and John Morrison after we hear from Adamle and Tazz from ECW. The segment is quick and pointless but courtesy of WWE.com.
Richard Reacts: Pretty random for a PPV if you ask me...
John Morrison & The Miz vs. CM Punk & Kane
The upcoming match is for the WWE Tag Team Championships with The Miz and John Morrison defending against ECW Champion Kane and MITB winner CM Punk. Morrison is out first followed by The Miz. CM Punk comes out as the first of the two challengers. ECW Champion Kane is the last participant to ringside. Tony Chimmel does the formal introductions inside the ring since this match is for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Scott Armstrong is the referee, he calls for the bell. CM Punk and The Miz starts things out. Punk hits a suplex on The Miz, lots of fast paced action to start things out. Punk tags in Kane. They double team The Miz. Kane lifts The Miz on his back and sends him to the mat. He whips Miz into the turnbuckles. Miz counters, backs Kane into the corner and tags in John Morrison. Morrison goes to work on Kane but is whipped off the ropes and into a powerslam. Kane gets a quick cover and a tag to Punk. Kane hits a backbreaker on Morrison as Punk jumps in to take on one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions. Punk locks a submission hold on Morrison in the ropes. After the hold is broke, Punk gets a quick two count on Morrison with his feet up.
Morrison is able to counter and get the tag to The Miz. Miz applies a submission hold on Punk in the middle of the ring on the mat. The crowd cheers Punk back to his feet. Miz backs him down but Punk connects a big kick. Punk tags in Kane. Kane hits a huge back body drop on The Miz. Kane goes off the top rope onto Miz. Scoop slam attempt by Kane but Morrison is able to tag himself in. Morrison hits a neck breaker on Kane and gets on top of him. He connects with several right hands. Morrison makes another tag. Quick tag back to Morrison back to The Miz. They are using team work to make this look as believable as they can with Kane. Miz uses several right hands to wear down the Big Red Machine. Kane finally lands a stomp on Miz, both end up getting tags. Punk hits a nice drop kick then a spinning heel kick. Punk gets a powerslam on Morrison and a two count. Punk mounts some more offense with his kicks followed by a two count. Punk goes over the top ropes onto The Miz. He nails a cross-body on Morrison for another two count. Punk picks Morrison up for GTS, Miz gets in the ring. Punk sends him to the outside. Morrison tries to capitalize but Punk goes for GTS again. The Miz trips him. Kane choke slams The Miz on the outside. Punk looks on from the outside, he turns around to eat Morrison's finisher as he is able to get the three count.
Winners - John Morrison & The Miz to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships
Richard Reacts: Good match that would have probably been better suited as the opener. Punk looked outstanding and they booked it just as I predicted. Miz and Morrison are good together and it's too early to take the straps off of them. Nice fast paced action and they did it in a way that did not make Kane look weak.
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
They show a video package detailing this bizarre program. Lilian announces the match is set for one fall but does not indicate that this is for the Intercontinental Championship which is something that was never really clarified by WWE. Jericho is out first. The bell rings and Michaels and Jericho stare each other down. Jack Doan is your referee. Jericho goes right after the leg of Shawn Michaels but HBK does not allow him to get the opening control. Back to a lockup. Michaels comes out of the lockup with a side headlock on Jericho. He takes Jericho down to the mat with the submission maneuver. Loud chants for Michaels. Jericho gets back to his feet with the side headlock still applied. Jericho counters out but Michaels flips him over for a cover. Jericho gets a cover, another cover from HBK. A few more similar exchanges. Very good back and forth fast paced action. Michaels applies the Figure Four leglock early. Jack Doan checks for submission. JR keeps saying that you can never predict what Shawn Michaels is going to do. JR seems like he is trying to put HBK over as a heel or at least that's how I am interrupting it.
Michaels slaps Jericho. Jericho flies off the handle as they finally lock back up. Michaels reapplies a side headlock. Jericho counters out with right hands to the face of Michaels. Jericho whips Michaels into the ropes. Michaels counters with a hold on Jericho's arm. Arm bar takeover by Michaels onto Jericho followed by an arm breaker. Michaels continues to work on the shoulder of Chris Jericho. Jericho whips Michaels so hard into the ropes it hangs him upside down in the corner. Jericho follows with right hands. Jericho sets Michaels up on the top turnbuckle. HBK hits an elbow on Jericho, sending him down to the mat. Jericho counters, sending HBK to a sit down position on the top turnbuckle. Jericho looks for a suplex but HBK battles out, sending Jericho to the mat. HBK off the top with an elbow drop, Jericho gets his knees up to block it. HBK sells the block as Jericho gets up slowly. Jericho works over Michaels. Jericho continues his assault by working on the ribs on Shawn Michaels. Suplex from Jericho onto Michaels. Jericho kicks Michaels in the midsection and locks in an arm bar submission on Michaels in the middle of the ring.
Jericho wrenches back on the abdominal stretch which is now applied on Michaels. Michaels tries to counter but Jericho counters and gets a two count on HBK. Jericho hits HBK with a right hand in the corner. Jericho whips HBK hard into the turnbuckles. Finally HBK is able to mount some offense by using Jericho's own momentum against him. HBK hits some chops but Jericho counters and applies the Walls of Jericho. Referee Jack Doan checks for submission but HBK is able to get to the ropes. Jericho breaks the hold and assaults HBK who roles onto the apron. Jericho tries some acrobatics but eats Sweet Chin Music on the apron off to the outside. Doan starts to countout Jericho. Michaels goes outside and gets him. He roles him back in. Michaels pulls Jericho to the center of the ring and goes for the cover. Two count! Jericho remains down in the middle of the ring. HBK goes off the top rope with an elbow onto Jericho. HBK is selling his ribs as he is slow to follow up. HBK finally tunes up the band, calling for Sweet Chin Music. Jericho gets up and falls back down. The crowd boos.
HBK tunes up the band some more, Jericho gets up and falls back to his knees before Shawn can hit the superkick. Michaels does it again but goes for the superkick this time. Jericho hits a Code Breaker with a counter, both men are down in the middle of the ring. Doan starts the double countout. Not surprisingly (given that Jericho kicked out of Sweet Chin Music) Michaels kicks out of the cover. Jericho goes back to work on HBK. Out of nowhere HBK locks a cross-face on Jericho in the middle of the ring. Doan checks for submission. The crowd is hot and Jericho looks like he might tap but he gets to the ropes. Great sequence and the crowd reaction showed it. Michaels gets up, still selling his ribs. He takes down Jericho, goes for the cross-face again. Jericho counters and drops HBK on the ropes. Jericho works on Michaels, setting him up in the center of the ring. Lion Sault, HBK blocks with his knees. Jericho counters with a Walls of Jericho attempt. HBK is able to get a roll up out of nowhere for the three count.
Winner - Shawn Michaels
After the match, Michaels' music plays and the referee raises his hand. Michaels goes to get out of the ring but Jericho stares him down. Michaels gets back in the ring. Jericho extends his hand, Michaels shakes it. No heel turn. HBK's music resumes as he goes to the back with Jericho in the ring.
Richard Reacts: That match was a lot of fun. Jericho and Michaels both worked hard and as much as JR tried to sell HBK as the heel no real turn was made during the match. Great sequence where HBK had the cross-face on Jericho only for Jericho to make it to the ropes just as it looked as he was about to tap. This will be hard to follow but I think everyone expected more greatness between these two.
We're backstage with Todd Grisham and WWE Women's Champion Mickie James. Grisham asks Mickie about her triple-threat match for the WWE Women's Championship. Grisham asks Mickie about going out with John Cena last Monday after Raw. JBL comes into the segment and chases off Mickie. JBL says if you want to ask her a question about John Cena, why don't you ask him a question about John Cena. Grisham says, well, Cena just beat you so what are you going to do in the weeks and months to come to seek revenge. JBL tells Grisham that he has never been in a fight because he beat Cena for 20 minutes that Cena is in the training room right now. Bradshaw warns Grisham if he ever asks him a stupid question like that again that it will be his first and last fight.
Beth Phoenix vs. Melina vs. Mickie James
The forthcoming match is a triple threat match and is for the WWE Women's Championship. The Glamazon Beth Phoenix is out first. We go to a video from Raw last week with Melina confronting Beth about leaving her on Raw. Lilian gives the formal introductions in the ring because the match is for the WWE Women's Championship. Chad Patton is your referee. The bell rings but Beth Phoenix tells Melina to get out of her ring. Melina assaults Beth. Mickie nearly gets the win off the distraction via pinfall. Mickie James ends up getting thrown to the outside. Beth hits a stiff clothesline on the outside. Phoenix gets in the ring to go after Melina. She is feisty and goes after The Glamazon. Mickie gets back in the ring and gets a roll-up cradle on Beth who was trying to mount offense on Melina. Mickie gets on the back of Beth Phoenix, taking her down the mat in what appears to be a modified sleeper hold. Melina pulls Mickie off of Beth.
Beth gets knocked silly and Melina goes to work on Mickie. It doesn't take long for Mickie to counter. She goes to the top but Melina knocks her off. Good crowd reaction. Melina sets Mickie up on the top but Beth puts her on her own shoulder. She hits the electric chair. Mickie goes off the top and hits a cross-body into a pin onto Beth for a two count. Mickie nails a huge dropkick on The Glamazon. Melina goes to work on Mickie in the corner. Back to her feet, Beth comes over and gets BOTH Mickie and Melina on her back. Beth hits a double back breaker on both of them. Amazing strength. Beth ends back up in the background and Mickie is able to hit her finisher on Melina for the three count.
Winner - Mickie James to retain the WWE Women's Championship
Richard Reacts: Fine match with an incredible display of strength by Beth Phoenix by putting both Melina and Mickie James on her back. JR called it the Diva Moment of the Year in the replay. Beth's chase on Mickie is far from over. They could have done a change there but I should have expected otherwise with it being a triple-threat match.
We're backstage with Shawn Michaels. Batista walks in and says that he told him if he was lying about his injury that he was going to hurt him. He says that he is going to dictate the time and the place but he is going to hurt him. AT&T Mobile poll asks who do fans think is going to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tonight. The Undertaker wins 85% to 15%, the match is up next.
Edge vs. The Undertaker
The following match is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Edge comes out first, The Undertaker's spectacular entrance is next. Michael Cole notes that The Undertaker has only beat Edge twice - once at WrestleMania and once at Backlash both times in which he used the Gogoplata (which is still not being named). Justin Roberts gets the formal introductions since this match is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Charles Robinson is your referee as he calls for the bell. Undertaker is all business as he squares off against Edge. Undertaker pushes Edge down to the mat, Edge goes to the outside to quickly regroup. Edge connects some right hands on Undertaker. They do not have much affect as he puts Edge in the corner and hits right hands of his own. Undertaker chokes Edge and uses the ropes for leverage. Charles Robinson calls for a break at five. Undertaker gets Edge to the outside. He slams Edge's shoulder into the steel ring post. Undertaker puts Edge back into the ring. Undertaker works Edge over in the corner.
Undertaker 'rope walks' with Edge but Edge counters perfectly knocking Undertaker off the ropes. Edge stomps away at Undertaker, causing him to retreat to the outside. Edge uses right hands from the apron onto Undertaker on the outside. Undertaker throws him off the apron onto the crowd control barrier. Undertaker works Edge over on the outside connecting a big head butt. Undertaker clears his count and goes back to work on Edge. Edge throws Undertaker into the steel ring steps. Edge gets back in the ring. Edge goes off the ropes and hits a baseball slide on Undertaker who is on the outside. Undertaker falls down on the outside. Edge roles Taker back in. Edge heatbutts The Undertaker in the corner. Undertaker counters with headbutts of his own. Undertaker whips Edge into the turnbuckles, Edge counters. Edge goes right for the cover for a two count. Edge stomps Undertaker in the midsection. Edge uses several right hands but Undertaker counters with his own right hands. Edge finally gains the advantage with a kick to the ankle of Undertaker. Edge is on the outside, working on Undertaker in the ring. Edge pulls Undertaker into the turnbuckles, wrapping his legs around the steel ring post. Edge gets back in the ring, lands several right hands.
Undertaker counters but Edge is able to build a counter of his own. Undertaker goes for the banned choke as Edge goes for the cover. Edge climbs to the top, attempts to 'rope walk' with Undertaker. Taker counters, sending Edge to the mat. Undertaker looks to build momentum with right hands. Edge gives rights of his own. Undertaker goes off the ropes onto Edge. He follows with a splash times two in two separate corners. Undertaker tosses Edge into the corner and gets a two count. Undertaker 'rope walks' with Edge, he connects. Undertaker goes for the Tombstone but here come Ryder and Hawkins. They distract Taker, he drops Edge. The Edgeheads distract Charles Robinson as Edge exposes the turnbuckle by removing the cover. Undertaker counters and goes for the Last Ride but Edge counters with a DDT. Edge gets a near fall at 2 1/2. Edge goes for the spear but Undertaker side steps it. Undertaker goes for the Last Ride, he gets a modified version in the corner on Edge. Undertaker gets a two count.
Undertaker picks up Edge, looks to go for the Tombstone. Edge counters Undertaker into the corner of the ring where the turnbuckle is exposed. Edge nails several rights on Undertaker, Taker hits Edge with Snake Eyes in the exposed turnbuckle. Charles Robinson starts the double countout. Undertaker goes off the ropes right into a Spear from Edge. He gets a two count. The crowd is heavily behind The Undertaker but Edge is in control. Undertaker starts to fight back, it's a slug fest with both men on their feet exchanging right hands. They have the crowd as Undertaker grabs Edge by the throat. Edge counters but Undertaker ends up hitting the chokeslam after another attempt. 2 1/2 count. Undertaker kicks Edge to the outside. Undertaker clotheslines Edge over the crowd control barrier. Charles Robinson goes outside to check on them, then back in the start the double countout.
Now it's a race back to the ring, they fight all the way back, basically crawling. Robinson is at 9 but Undertaker is in. Edge is counted out at 10.
Winner via countout & new World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker
As Undertaker is being announced, Vickie Guerrero interrupts. From a wheel chair on the ramp with Hawkins and Ryder on the ramp she tries to quiet the crowd.
Vickie finally says that it is common knowledge - she is interrupted by a tremendous amount of heat. This is great, she is the most hated person that I have seen in WWE in a LONG time. You should hear the heat she is getting! She says that it is common knowledge that a title cannot be won via DQ or countout therefore the World Heavyweight Title remains vacant. She tells The Undertaker he is not the new Champion. Taker looks on with the belt in his hands. Undertaker pulls Edge back in the ring from over the top rope. He hits the Tombstone as Vickie begs him not to do it. Vickie stands up and calls Taker an SOB (which is blurted out).
The Edgeheads pull Edge out of the ring. Undertaker is left in the ring with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt.
Richard Reacts: Another good match between Undertaker and Edge although it looks like this may not be the blow-off match as expected. I think Edge vs. Undertaker is stale but they have got a tremendous amount of heat on Vickie Guerrero which is a good thing.
We go to what looks to be a taped promo of Randy Orton talking himself up for tonight's Steel Cage Match. Orton tells Triple H that he knows when he was in Evolution that he didn't teach him anything because he knew that this day would come. Orton says that today is truly Judgment Day and he will reclaim his title and The Age of Orton.
After the Orton promo airs, MVP's music hits and he comes to ringside. MVP, in the ring says, let me get this straight the marquee says Judgment Day - a major WWE PPV - but somehow he was left off the card. MVP says that he is still the highest paid SmackDown superstar and like it or not he is the longest reigning US Champion. He says that him being left off the card is not only stupidity but just bad business. He calls out anyone that wants to come out and face him.
No one comes out at first but Matt Hardy's music hits and he comes out in street clothes. MVP tells Hardy to bring his a$$ down there and his title too. Hardy says that he has already proven that he is better than he is but there is someone else here tonight that he's better than you. Jeff Hardy's music hits and he comes to ringside.
MVP vs. Jeff Hardy
Michael Cole plugs the match as a brand vs. brand showdown. It appears that Big Show vs. Mark Henry is off. Referee is Mickie Henson as he calls for the bell.
Jeff goes to work on MVP as Mick Foley mentions Jeff Hardy's house burning down. MVP and Hardy circle one another, MVP works to get control on Hardy. The match is going much slower than you would expect as Hardy locked in a hammerlock. Eventually MVP is sent to the outside. MVP ends up getting Hardy to the outside after Hardy cannot connect on a kick. MVP gets a two count on Hardy back in the ring. MVP puts an arm bar submission on Jeff Hardy. Hardy backs him down with elbows. MVP counters, sending him to the mat. MVP kicks Hardy in the chest. Scoop slam from MVP onto Hardy. MVP locks in another submission hold on the mat. Hardy counters on MVP but Hardy cannot mount any offense. MVP stomps away at Hardy. Arm drag DDT from MVP onto Jeff Hardy. The crowd does not seem into the match as MVP continues his assault. MVP kicks Hardy in his shoulder and picks him up about his head and drops him on the mat. MVP follows with a kick, sending Hardy to the outside.
MVP goes to the outside momentarily then roles Hardy back in the ring. He gets a near fall. MVP works on the left arm of Jeff Hardy. Hardy gets back to his feet, MVP ends up bouncing Hardy's head off his knee. MVP goes for the Play Maker but Hardy counters. Hardy gets back to his feet, him and MVP exchange right hands. Hardy hits a clothesline on MVP in the corner. Hardy goes off the top with a Swanton, nobody home! MVP looks to put Hardy away but Jeff counters and ends up hitting Whisper in the Wind. Hardy gets the three count.
Winner - Jeff Hardy
Richard Reacts: The match just kind of happened. It wasn't terrible but it was nothing memorable. I could have done without it but evidentially it was added when Mark Henry vs. Big Show (which was announced through WWE Mobile I believe) was dropped.
We go to footage of Sylvester Stallone talking about Rambo on DVD.
Randy Orton vs. Triple H
The following match is a steel cage match and is for the WWE Championship. Orton comes out first to the new music that he debuted on Raw.
The WWE Champion Triple H is out next with the belt around his waist and a bottle of water in his hand. Lilian Garcia gives the formal match introductions from outside of the steel cage. Mike Chioda is the referee officiating. The bell rings and our main event is underway. As soon as the bell rings, Orton makes an attempt to get out before the steel door is even closed. Triple H lunges at him at stops him. Marty Elias (I believe) closes the cage door on the outside after Orton slams it on Triple H's head. Lots of fast paced action to start things out. Orton tries to slam Hunter's head off the steel but he ends up getting his head slammed. Orton tries to get out but Triple H counters. Orton counters again with a right hand.
Hunter gets a swinging neckbreaker on the challenger followed by a two count. Triple H follows up with right hands and drops a knee into the forehead of Randy Orton. Orton uses the cage to his advantage. There is some blood coming out of the mouth of Orton. He works over Triple H on the apron in the steel cage. Orton slams Hunter's head off the steel cage but Hunter counters. Orton ends up giving him a boot to the head. DDT from Orton onto Triple H. Orton goes for the cover, he gets a near fall. Orton chokes Hunter and pounds away with right hands. The crowd boos Orton as he wipes the blood off his lip. Orton picks Hunter up and gives him a stiff right. Another cover for Orton.
Triple H kicks out and Orton locks a submission hold around the neck of the Champion. Hunter backs Orton down with right hands, countering. Orton counters and is able to hit a powerslam on Hunter off the ropes into another near fall. Triple H is down on the mat with Orton stomping on him. Orton stomps on the ankle of Triple H and then the thigh. We see General Manager William Regal looking on. Orton drops a right knee on Hunter, he gets a two count. Hunter kicks out and Orton gets another. Orton continues to mount offense until Hunter is able to counter with a couple of chop blocks. Triple H locks in the Figure Four leglock on Orton. Chioda checks Orton several times for submission - he resists as Triple H wrenches back on the hold. Finally Orton is able to make it to the ropes. Mike Chioda must be confused because he started counting to five. Orton goes for the RKO but Hunter blocks it. Orton is able to get the upper hand. Orton crawls to the door and gets half way out before Hunter can come over and grab him.
Hunter pulls him back but Orton does it again. Then Orton brings a chair into the ring. Triple H counters Orton's chair shot attempt with a kick. Orton finally drops the chair after some Triple H right hands. Face buster on Orton from Hunter. Two count. Triple H picks up the chair in the ring but Orton stops him from using it with a low blow. There are no DQs in a steel cage match so the action continues. Orton connects on Hunter with the chair. Orton hits a DDT on Triple H on the steel chair. Orton now stops and stalks The Game like a viper. Orton goes for the RKO on Hunter on the chair. Triple H counters and hits a drop toehold on Orton onto the steel chair. Triple H gets an arm over Orton for a two count.
Orton starts to climb the cage after countering on Triple H. Triple H grabs Orton's trunks, exposing his backside to the point where they went to a different camera shot. Triple H throws Orton back down to the mat hard. Triple H gets to the top but Orton gets back to the top rope quickly. Orton and Triple H fight it out on the top rope with Hunter eventually falling back to the mat. Orton is on the top rope and makes the leap to the top of the cage. Here comes Hunter, he pulls Orton slowly back into the structure. Triple H sets Orton up for the Pedigree off the top rope. Orton blocks it and ends up knocking Triple H back to the mat. Hunter is down and Orton is climbing down the other side of the cage. Hunter climbs to the top of the cage and pulls him back in again. Orton sends Triple H back to the mat, he's going to try and escape again. Triple H gets up off the cage again and delivers a low blow on Orton who is sitting on the top turnbuckle.
Both men are fatigued but Triple H is able to hit a spinebuster on Orton. Triple H sets the steel chair in the center of the ring. He goes for a Pedigree on the char but Orton counters, dropping Hunter onto the chair. Orton goes for his knockout kick but Triple H hits a chair shot followed by a Pedigree. One, two, three and Hunter is still your WWE Champion.
Winner - Triple H to retain the WWE Championship
Richard Reacts: That was a decent cage match but I have a problem with cage matches that do not include color. I fully expected one of them to blade, but it didn't happen. There were some crazy escape spots where one mistake could have caused Orton to be seriously injured. In one spot in particular, Orton was all the way on the other side, hanging by a Triple H headlock which was enough to raise my blood pressure.
"Professor of psychological warfare and mastermind of mindgames!"-Alexander Hunt,color commentator
