Outback Booker, Sharmell and Benoit are yelling at Teddy about the match tonight. Booker says he’s injured and should be awarded the title because he’s ahead in the series. Benoit doesn’t like that idea and brings up the fact that he made Booker tap at Armageddon. Sharmell says Armageddon was a fluke. Teddy says the only truth is that Booker can’t wrestle tonight. Teddy says he could award the match to Benoit tonight by forfeit. No one likes that idea. Benoit wants to win the title by wrestling, not forfeit. Booker comes up with the idea of a substitute.
Teddy isn’t sure of that. He doesn’t think Booker should get the title off someone else’s win. Benoit says it’s find and Booker can choose who he wants to sub for him because he will win the match.
Teddy goes along with the idea.
Smackdown! Opening music.
JBL comes out in his limo with longhorns. Jillian Hall is with him as he comes to the ring.
Recap of the match between JBL and Matt Hardy at Armageddon. Matt getting hung up in the ropes was pretty nasty looking.
JBL takes a mic and corrects Mike Cole. He says it wasn’t a match at Armageddon, because JBL doesn’t have matches anymore. JBL makes statements. Tonight he makes another statement. The opponent does not matter. He is JBL and the statement is - “you get in my face, you get destroyed. Now welcome to MY show!”
Matt Hardy comes out holding the back of his neck. He’s moving slow and stretching his neck. JBL is standing in the ring looking cocky.
Matt takes his shirt off and throws it in JBL’s fac and then quickly attacks him throwing punches and forearms. Matt bounces JBL’s face off a top turn buckle and then continues with punches and forearms. An Irish Whip by Matt is reversed and Matt runs into JBL’s Big Boot. JBL then kicks Matt int the back while he’s sitting on the mat. Matt gets up and staggers into a corner.
JBL punches Matt and brings him to the same corner Matt bounced JBL’s face off from and does the same to Matt there. JBL knees Matt in the gut then a kick to the head. JBL hits a Neck Buster on Matt leaving him flat on the mat. JBL hits another Neck Breaker on Matt and then brings him to a corner. After a knee to the gut JBL hits Matt with a hard Shoulder Block.
JBL drops two elbows onto a prone Matt. He then stomps on Matt’s head. Matt gets to his feet and swings wildly. JBL catches him up into a Suplex. JBL tries to choke Matt with the top rope but the ref breaks it up. JBL then hits a Clothesline in a corner followed by a Back Slam.
Matt finally fights back with a boot to the face followed by a knee. JBL removes a top turnbuckle cover, but Matt stops himself before hitting it and pushes JBL into it. While JBL is down Matt hits a Leg Drop. Matt goes fo the Twist Of Fate but JBL reverses it. JBL picks Matt up as if for a Fallaway Slam, but puts Matt across a corner.
Then, The Boogeyman’s music hits. JBL hits the Fallaway Slam on Matt. JBL leaves the ring to face The Boogeyman whose mouth is full of worms. JBL pulls Jillian Hall in front of him just as The Boogeyman spits his worms. They land directly in JIllian’s ample cleavage.
JBL suddenly gets protective of Jillian and pulls her over the barrier into the audience. The bell rings and Matt is named the winner of the match by count out. JBL and Jillian leave through the crowd. The Boogeyman goes back up the ramp.
- Winner: Matt Hardy via count out
Outback Sharmell asks who Booker who will substitute for him. Orlando shows up and tells Sharmell she looks beautiful and wants to be Booker’s substitute against Benoit. Sharmell asks how many times he tapped to Benoit and how long it took. They told Orlando there is no way he could sub for Booker. Orlando says he will remember this and walks off.
- Commercial
The Mexicools come out on their Juan Deers. It’s only Psychosis and Super Crazy - They left Mr. Ego outback I guess. The Dicks- Chad and James - come out to face them . They are gross and pathetic - worse than Billy and Chuck were.
Psychosis starts with Chad and then go back and forth very quickly. Neither really gets control. Crazy gets tagged in and immediately gets hits over the head a couple times by Chad. James tags in and hits an high elbow. Crazy gets tossed almost completely out, but Skins The Cat on the first rope. Crazy then hits a flying kick to James’ face and drags him to the corner. Psychosis tags in and they double tam James. Each wraps one of James’ legs around on of their own and they roll flipping James over and slamming his back hard to the mat (amazing move). Psychosis climbs but Chad pushes him off. Psychosis gets hung up on the top rope. James covers him for two.
James drags Psychosis to his corner and tags in Chad. Chad drops an elbow and then another followed by a knee. James tags in and hold his feet up in the corner, poised. Chad flings Psychosis into James’ waiting feet. James drops and elbow and gets a two count. Psychosis gets caught in a headlock and hit with a number of Clotheslines in a corner. Psychosis gets away and tags in Crazy who is fired up.
Crazy runs in, ricochets of the second rope and Dropkicks Chad from the apron. He then Dropkicks James and flings him into a corner followed up by a very quick Clothesline. Chad is climbing up from the floor when Crazy runs from the other side of the ring and Dropkicks him through the ropes bouncing Chad off the Juan Deer. James tries to Scoop Slam Crazy who lands behind James and gives him a Scoop Slam of his own.
Crazy climbs and Chad tries to gets involved, but Crazy fights him off. Crazy jumps at James and rolls through into a cover getting two because Chad breaks it up with a kick to the back of Crazy’s head. They try to double team Crazy but Psychosis rushes the ring and tosses one of them to the outside. Psychosis follows. Crazy is still across the shoulders of the other Dick - James I think. Crazy reverses it into a Crucifix and a cover, but Crazy only got two.
James rushes Crazy who throws him up into the air, straight into Psychosis’ Flying Dropkick from the top turn buckle. Crazy follows it up with a Moosualt from the top. Crazy covers James? for the win.
- Winners: The Mexicools
Outback Booker goes up to Orton in a locker room. Booker say he knows Orton’s hurt too since facing ‘Taker in Hell In The Cell. He asks Orton to take his place against Benoit. Orton asks why he should help Booker. Booker says that Orton is supposed to be the future of this business, The Legend Killer, but he got beat down by ‘Taker. Does Orton want to go out of 2005 by being beaten by ‘Taker? He could go out there and beat Benoit for Booker. Yes, Booker would get the title, but Orton would get the glory of the win.
Orton likes that idea and says he will do this for Booker.
- Commercial
Outback MNM are talking about Melina’s press conference. Recap video of Melina seducing Batista and then getting spurned. Then video of the match where Batista and Rey Rey won the Tag Titles.
‘Reporters’ are surrounding the ring as Melina comes out. There is a guy in a suit following her out - her lawyer? She looks soooo upset, Boo-Hoo.
She gets in the ring behind a podium. She says, all broken up, that this subject matter - “Boos” from the crowd - is of an adult nature. More “Boos”. She says this isn’t easy for her. She’s stretching it out. “Batista” chants from the crowd. She keeps conferring with the lawyer. She says as a role model for young women she has to summon the courage to do what’s right. Not just for her, but for all the women who have been in her position.
She says she was the victim of a sexual predator. A man we all know as Batista. She admits to innocent flirtation with Batista, but it turned into something abhorred (which she mispronounced). She told him to stop, and he didn’t. She pulls out a tissue and wipes her eyes.
He used his power and influence as World Champion to pressure her into sexual relations. The crowd is giving her huge heat. The crowd keeps chanting “Batista, Batista”. His public image is of a suave, sophisticated individual. But she saw a side we don’t know about. He’s a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. This time he’s gone too far. Her body is a temple and he has no right to do what he did to her. Every time she closes her eyes she is haunted by the image of his smirk. She is scarred. The “Batista’ chants get louder.
She refuses to be a victim any longer. She doesn’t want this to happen to anyone else. She has filed paperwork and is suing David Batista. Suing him for sexual harassment. She breaks down again and leaves with her ‘lawyer’. The crowd is shouting nasty remarks at her. I have not seen or heard that much heat in a long time - impressive.
- Commercial
Sharmell comes out with a mic. She introduces her man and the next US Champ - Booker T.
Booker comes out. He and his wife make their way to the announce table.
Benoit comes out looking surly, as he has lately. Orton comes out looking rather cranky. This is match number 5.
They lock up and dance around the ring. Orton finally gets Benoit in a Side Headlock. Orton hits a Shoulder Block and then Benoit goes for the Crossface. Orton struggles with it and finally gets away. Orton rolls from the ring.
- Commercial (Why do they put commercials during matches on a taped show!?!?! Makes no sense - Everyone knows it’s taped!)
Orton has control. He gets Benoit in a Side Headlock on the mat. Benoit works his way to his feet. Benoit hits a Forearm followed by a bunch of Chops. Orton is reeling until he drops Benoit face first onto the second turn buckle. Benoit hits more Chops, but gets tossed into a corner. Benoit moves before Orton can hit him. Benoit gets an Armbar on Orton and turns it into a Hammerlock.
Benoit goes for a cover, but gets two. Benoit hits a Headlock Takeover returning Orton to the mat. Benoit keeps the Headlock on until Orton can get his legs around Benoit’s neck. He keeps Benoit on the mat that way. Benoit gets the Headlock back on. Orton gets to his feet and sends Benoit over the top rope.
Orton goes out after him and Benoit fights back with Chops. Orton hits an Uppercut and slams Benoit’s face on the announce table. Orton Suplexes Benoit’s back onto the barrier. Back in the ring orton gets a two count. Orton locks on a Headlock, but his nose is bleeding a little. Booker is Orton’s little cheerleader tonight.
Orton goes for another cover, but Benoit kicks out after two. Orton reapplies the Headlock, but Benoit fights out and hits a bunch of Chops. Benoit hits two Germans and tries for the Crossface. He has it almost locked in but Orton is still squirming. Orton gets to the ropes. Orton rolls from the ring. Benoit (being an idiot) does his Suicide Dive onto Orton on the outside. (Didn’t he learn from SummerSlam when he faced Orton that he shouldn’t do that?!?!)
- Commercial
Orton has an Armbar on Benoit and tosses him into the ring post. Orton then tosses him shoulder first into the ring post again. Orton stomps Benoit and reapplies the Armbar. Benoit gets to his feet and gets away from Orton. Benoit kicks Orton on the back of the head. Benoit gets a two count. Benoit stomps Orton but then gets caught in a Neckbreaker. Orton gets two before Benoit kicks out. Orton climbs for the Crossbody, but Benoit ducks. Benoit hits a German followed by his best friend’s Three Amigos. Benoit climbs and flies, but Orton moves in time.
Benoit goes for the Sharpshooter, but Orton turns it into a Drop Toehold. Benoit hits the second turnbuckle. Benoit locks on the Cripple Crossface. Orton was about to tap out when Sharmell rushes the ring and hits Benoit over the head with one of Booker’s crutches.
Booker is talking about how a fan rushes the ring and interfered. It wasn’t until Benoit was announced as the winner did Booker ‘realize’ it was his wife in the ring.
Orton then hits Benoit with the RKO before he leaves the ring. Booker is pissed that he didn’t win the title.
- Winner: Chris Benoit via DQ - Sharmell’s interference
- Commercial
Funaki is on a platform by the stage. He announces Kid Kash. He was about to call Kid the new Cruiserweight Chap. Kid whispered in his ear and Funaki called him the best ever Cruiserweight Champ.
Kid says the reason people are booing is because he beat a nobody. He wanted to know what a Juvetude was. So he looked it up and found out it means a Mexican salamander. Who wants a salamander as a champ. He asks if everyone here is foreign. He then calls Funaki Mr. Sushi. He then tells Funaki that this is as close as Funaki is going to get to the title. He then punches Funaki and hits a Brain Buster on him on the stage. Chants of, “You suck” start as the camera zooms in on Kid Kash.
Promo for Fit Finlay coming back. (I’m quite excited about this. I know he does a great job training the girls and they all love him dearly - but I wanna see him back in the ring!)
- Commercial
Outback Josh says he will soon be talking to Batista about Melina.
Silvan is in the ring saying he’s not happy to not be someplace wonderful for the New Year. Instead he has to look at us ugly Americans.
Lashley comes out to face Silvan. (Gosh he’s big!)
Silvan attacks quickly and tries to get the upper hand. It doesn’t last as Silvan gets tossed in a corner and slams his shoulder into Silvan a couple times. Asb Silvan is whipped into the ropes he grabs on and rolls out. When Silvan enters he gets hit with a Belly To Belly. Silvan immediately rolls from the ring again. Silvan starts leaving the ring area screaming that Lashley hit his face. Silvan gets counted out and Lashley wins.
- Winner: Bobby Lashley
Josh is outback with Batista. Josh asks about the allegations Melina made. Batista says Josh needs to consider the source of the allegations. He’s going to focus on his match, him and Mr. 619.
- Commercial
Recap of Melina’s press conference - yay.
MNM comes out to the ring, Melina still looks distraught. The boys are wearing new coats with LED message boards all over them. I can’t read the words though.
Rey Rey comes out next. Then, last but not least, Batista comes out to huge pop. Melina starts freaking out when Batista’s music hits. The boys are talking to Melina to keep her calm. Melina hides behind them.
Rey starts with Mercury. Nitro rushes the ring to distract Rey, but gets an elbow for it. Rey turns his attention back to Mercury and hits a bunch of punches. When Mercury tries to roll Rey up he gets a Dropkick to the face for it.
Batista tags in and works on Mercury. Mercury gets tossed in a corner, Batista hits a bunch of knees to the gut. Nitro comes in the ring and gets tossed in the corner with Mercury. Batista slams them both. They both drop the mat and Rey begs for a tag. When in Rey hits a Double Bronco Buster which Taz says Rey now wants called 1904.
Rey hits a Springboard for a two count.
- Commercial
Rey is holding Mercury as Batsita hits him. Batista hits a Back Elbow and gets a two count. Rey comes in off the top rope and gets two on Mercury himself. Nitro tags in and gets hits with a wild Spinning Head Scissors.
Rey goes for a Springboard but Nitro gets his foot up into Rey’s face sending Rey flying to the outside with a horrid landing after literally bouncing off the apron. Nitro distracts Batista and the ref while Mercury works on Rey’s knee on the second rope while standing in his corner. Rey hasn’t even made it fully back into the ring.
Nitro is working on Rey’s knee in the center of the ring. Mercury tags in and gets two on Rey. Nitro gets Rey in a submission hold that has Rey’s knee wrapped around Nitro’s neck and Rey standing on his own head. Quite the hold.
Mercury drives his elbow into Rey’s knee and then does another hold on the knee. Rey tries to get to his corner and Mercury whips him across the ring. Rey can ‘barely stand’ on that leg. Nitro tags in and keeps working on that knee. Nitro distracts the ref and Mercury attacks Rey’s knee from the outside. He then hold Rey’s knee so Nitro can jump over the top rope and land on Rey’s knee.
Batista has seen enough and goes around the ring to help Rey, sending melina running in the other direction. “Batista” chants. Batista gets sent back to his corner and Rey gets kicked in the back of the knee before getting tossed back in the ring. Nitro kicks Rey in the back of the knee again sending Rey flipping and landing on his face. Rey gets trapped in the corner by a tagged in Mercury who tags Nitro back in. They are just pounding on that knee. Both guys are in double teaming Rey. Rey dives for his corner, but both heels grab him and as they go to slam him REy reverses it giving them both DDTs. Rey gets to his corner just before either can grab his feet. Batista tags in.
Batista hits Double Clotheslines. Nitro gets hit with a Back Body Drop and Mercury gets tossed into a corner with shoulders to the gut. Nitro gets Speared and Mercury gets hit with a Spinebuster. Thumbs up, thumbs down - Batista sets Mercury up for a Powerbomb but Nitro hits Batista from behind. Nitro gets tossed over the top rope for it. Nitro is on the apron and Rey climbs. Rey hits a Head Scissors from the top onto Nitro on the apron. Both got sprawling to the floor. Batista picks up Mercury for a running Power Slam. Mercury’s feet hit the ref in the head knocking him to the mat. Batista has Mercury covered, but the ref is out. Batista gets up to get the refs attention. Mercury jumps on Batista’s back. Batista flips him over onto the mat. He throws Mercury into a corner and splashes him.
From behind Mark Henry appears. He hits Batista in the back sending his sprawling on the mat. Henry gets Batista up in a Military Press then Slams him to the mat. The ref sees none of this. Batista is flat on the mat. Melina gets Mercury to crawl to Batista and cover him. Three count and MNM are again Tag Team Champions.
Melina is holding Henry’s arm up as they back up the ramp. Batista is looking confused and pissed.
- Winners: MNM - now new Tag Champs, with help from Mark Henry
Most pop
Batista
Rey Rey
Benoit
Matt Hardy
Most heat
Melina
Booker T & Sharmell
Mark Henry
JBL
