WWE Royal Rumble 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that wanted Jay White in The Bullet Club! What a shocker we have for you tonight as I review WWE’s Royal Rumble 2007, the first of the big four for 2007. The card includes Batista defending his world heavyweight championship against Mr. Kennedy fresh off a feud with Undertaker, we also have John Cena defending his WWE championship against Umaga and even the ECW Championship will be defended as Bobby Lashley battles Test. You cannot forget the royal rumble match with the winner going to Wrestlemania to challenge for his respective brand’s pay per view. Royal Rumbles rarely disappoint but could 2007 be different? Let’s find out!

Opening Promo

A subdued package if I am honest, they hype the rumble and the main event matches but it just does not have that grandioso feel to it for me.

The Hardy Boyz vs MNM W/ Melina

Look at this, another match between these teams. We have seen them touch at Survivor Series, December to Dismember, Armageddon and now the Royal Rumble. Talk about getting the most out of a match, happy to see The Hardys together and I am glad that Mercury was used to the best of his abilities but something new would be nice.

Nitro and Matt begin the match, tag to Mercury as Nitro jumped Matt. Munted punches by Mercury, Matt is meant to have a dislocated jaw per storyline assault from MNM. Tag to Nitro, shots to the jaw. Matt fights back, forearms to the face of Nitro. Nitro smacks the gut of Matt, tag to Mercury. Mercury misses a right hand, clubbing blows by Matt. Tag to Jeff, slingshot dropkick for two. Mercury backs Jeff to the corner, tag to Nitro. Right hands by Nitro, inverted atomic drop and leg drop to the groin by Jeff for two. Fist drop/splash combination by The Hardys, neckbreaker by Matt for two. Nitro gains control, tag to Mercury.

Tag to Nitro, uppercuts and a middle rope choke. Boot from the apron by Mercury, Nitro covers for two. Cravate lock by Nitro, knees to the jaw by Nitro. Tag to Mercury, big slaps by Mercury. Reverse chinlock by Mercury, Matt fights back before a hairpull from Mercury. Mercury misses a middle rope splash, tag to Jeff. Jeff nails forearms and a sit-out suplex on Nitro for two, whisper in the wind from Jeff. Mercury saves Nitro, Matt pummels Mercury with a back suplex. Double suplex on Nitro, Omega splash by The Hardys but Jeff is smacked in the ribs with knees by Nitro, Matt connects with the leg drop but Jeff is the legal man. Tag to Mercury, stomp to the ribs. Two for Mercury, Mercury brings Jeff to the corner. Right hands before a tag to Nitro, running knee by Nitro.

Leg drop by Mercury for two, waistlock from Mercury. Jeff tries a cradle for two, Mercury pounds away on Jeff. Double gutbuster by MNM, Matt saves Jeff. Kicks by Nitro, rear naked choke by Nitro. Jeff escapes but Nitro grabs a front chancery, Jeff back drops Nitro off but Mercury distracts the referee and the referee misses the tag. MNM double team Jeff, face rake using the ropes. Jeff nails Nitro with a reverse mule kick, tag to Matt. Back drop to Nitro, elbow to Mercury. Corner clothesline and bulldog combination for two on Nitro, middle rope elbow to the back of the head of Nitro for two. Jeff stops Nitro from nailing snapshot, Poetry in Motion on Mercury. Nitro dodges poetry in motion, roll-up on Matt for two. Side Effect on Nitro, Twist of Fate on Nitro. Mercury tackles Matt to the floor but Jeff tags in and nails a Swanton Bomb for the win.

Good opening match from these two, they have been facing off for months so I am glad to see the rivalry finally come to an end although it was rather one-sided with The Hardys beating the crap out of MNM on every occasion. However, I did enjoy the series and it was the best match out of all that they had, good start to the show.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz over MNM via Swanton Bomb!

(ECW World Championship Match) Bobby Lashley © vs Test

Oh why does the lord wish pain on my soul? After the awful ECW pay per view, we have Test challenging Bobby Lashley. Lashley was the champion after defeating Big Show in that chamber match that we shall not speak of again, Lashley has his first challenger in Test.

Lock-up, Test has Lashley in the corner. Slap by Test, takedown from Lashley. Test reaches for the ropes and we have the escape, Test sends Lashley into the ropes. Test chokes Lashley using the middle rope, elbows and foot choke from Test. Lashley catches Test for an exploder suplex, stalling vertical suplex by Lashley. Test rolls to the floor, Lashley is caught open on the apron. Test sends Lashley into the ringpost, armlock from Test. Lashley escapes before Test goes back to the arm, Lashley back drops Test. Corner spear by Lashley, Lashley botches a military press but covers well showing his arm is hurt. Big Boot by Test for two, Test screams and harasses the referee. Lashley escapes a tko attempt, clothesline by Lashley. Test rolls to the floor, says fuck it and gets counted out.

What kind of logic is that? The heel challenger decides he does not want the championship and loses by countout? What kind of bizarre booking is that? What the hell were they trying to accomplish? Why would Test ever have an opportunity at the championship again? Why did Lashley lay out Test at the end? How does this help Lashley? This was pointless, a waste of ten minutes but when you think of how they used ECW, it almost seems fitting. DUD!

Winner: Bobby Lashley over Test via Count-Out!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Batista © vs Mr. Kennedy

Batista became champion after finally beating King Booker after a series of average matches, Kennedy had a victory over Batista via DQ. Kennedy was a rising star on Smackdown, coming off a feud with The Undertaker and the wheels were in motion for Taker vs Batista at Mania but this should still be a good match considering the two personalities inside of the ring.

Lock-up, Batista throws down Kennedy multiple times. Batista has Kennedy in the corner, Kennedy smacks around Batista after a clean break. Elbows by Kennedy, boot by Batista. Suplex for two, Batista rams Kennedy into the barricade. Kennedy comes back by sending Batista foot first into the steel steps, Batista is hobbling. Shoulder thrusts by Batista in the corner, Kennedy dropkicks the knee of Batista. Lots of leg work from Kennedy, Indian deathlock from Kennedy. Kennedy uses the ropes for leverage, the referee catches Kennedy.

Knee trembler from Kennedy for two, Boston crab by Kennedy. Batista kicks off Kennedy, small package for two. Running powerslam is blocked by Kennedy, chop block by the challenger. Batista nails a desperate spinebuster, right hands by Batista. Kennedy nails the knee, a kick to the face wakes up Batista. Clotheslines, corner clothesline and a slam. Rolling firemen’s carry, Batista calls for the end. Kennedy pushes Batista into the referee, low blow and neckbreaker but there is no referee. Short DDT by Kennedy for two, boot from the corner by Kennedy. Kennedy dives into a clothesline, Batista Bomb on one leg and that’s all she wrote.

Solid championship match, Kennedy worked the leg throughout the whole match and Batista sold the match very well. Another good match in the books for Kennedy, you could see why the company was so high on the character and the persona. Kennedy had a charisma, the fans wanted the championship reign but based on this performance, they would not have to wait long before Kennedy’s day. Well, until fate interfered and screwed all that up but this may be Kennedy’s finest moment inside of a WWE ring.

Winner: Batista over Kennedy via Batista Bomb!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena © vs Umaga (Last Man Standing Match)

John Cena had beaten Umaga at New Year’s Revolution, it was a shock to me as I expected that Umaga would become wreckless and get disqualified which would lead to this match. I was wrong as Umaga was rolled-up by Cena, Umaga is back for revenge and Cena is not 100%. Cena’s ribs are taped up, Cena is walking gingerly while Umaga cannot wait for the bell to ring. We saw very good selling in the last championship match, can Cena match Batista’s performance?

Cena pummels Umaga before Umaga goes to the ribs, Cena is on the defence now. Cena is hurled into the steel steps, headbutt by Umaga. More rib punches, shoulder thrusts by Umaga. Clothesline by Umaga, Umaga brings steel steps into the ring. Cena hotshots Umaga, Cena picks up the steel steps and hurls them at Umaga’s head. The referee begins counting, Umaga is up at six. Cena is on the attack, Umaga is in the ring. Spinning heel kick by Umaga, bearhug by Umaga. Belly to belly suplex by Umaga, Umaga has steel steps in the ring once more. Umaga has the steps in the corner, Cena is placed against the steel steps. Umaga motions for the running hip attack, Cena dodges the attack. Umaga is clocked with the steel steps, Cena tries a crossbody but Umaga counters for a massive side slam.

Umaga hip drops Cena, Cena blocks the third drop with his knees, throwback onto the steel steps. Spinning side slam onto the steel steps, Five Knuckle Shuffle by Cena. Cena tries an FU but Umaga is too heavy, Cena’s back cannot carry the weight and Cena cracks himself off the steel steps. Cena is bleeding, right hands by Umaga. Foot choke by Umaga, right hands by Umaga. Cena wants more, Cena is still standing. Right hands by Cena, Samoan drop by Umaga. Cena blocks the Samoan spike but cannot block the headbutt, Cena is in the tree of woe. Cena avoids a headbutt and nails an awesome Kobashi style leg drop on Umaga.

Umaga is sent into the ringpost, Cena knocks down Estrada. Cena has a TV monitor, Umaga is walloped with the monitor. Cena and Umaga brawl on the floor, Umaga smacks Cena off the steel steps. Cena is laid on the announce table, Umaga takes a run and leaps at Cena. Cena dodges at the last second, Umaga stands at nine. Estrada unhooks the top turnbuckle, Estrada wants Umaga to use the turnbuckle and its steel rod. Cena counters for an FU, right hand to Estrada, Umaga is smacked with the steel rod and Cena applies an STFU using the rope to choke out Umaga.

Great championship match, Cena showed so much fire in this match. I would have liked to seen more rib work and more selling from Cena himself but taking that out of the criticism, the match is a tonne of fun. Lots of moving around, the next spot builds and is bigger and better than the next with table bumps, fun with the steel steps and a hard fought battle on the part of Cena. Umaga plays the monster so well inside of the ring, it was a very fitting championship match for a big event like the royal rumble.

Winner: John Cena over Umaga via Not Answering The Count!

30 Man Royal Rumble Match

You know how it works by now, if you are still reading and don’t know how a rumble works, you must be insane. Thirty men with one opportunity to go to Wrestlemania and headline for the championship of their respective brand. Rules are simple: two men enter with entrants coming into the ring at timed intervals, eliminations occur over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. I will split this into sections so it is easy for all of you to follow.

Entrants 1 to 5

Flair is in at number one, Finlay at number two. Shoulder block by Finlay, right hands by Finlay. Chops by Flair, back drop by Finlay. Number three is Kenny Dykstra, Flair chops Kenny. The heels gang up on Flair, double stomps in the corner. Number four is Matt Hardy, Side Effect on Kenny. Number five is Edge, Edge sprints down and Spears Flair and Finlay. Matt dodges, Twist of Fate on Edge. Flair rolls out and grabs a chair. Edge tosses out Flair and Kenny in quick succession.

Kenny/Flair Have Been Eliminated!

Entrants 6 to 10

Number six is Dreamer, Dreamer low dropkicks Edge before Finlay takes down Dreamer. Matt almost eliminates Edge, number seven is Sabu. Sabu pulls out a table, Sabu DDTs Dreamer. Number eight is Gregory Helms, Helms restarts his feud with Matt. Stomps by Helms, Sabu almost throws out Finlay but Finlay hangs onto the bottom rope. Dreamer and Edge square off in the corner, Sabu blocks being tossed by Finlay. Number nine is Shelton Benjamin, Benjamin almost tosses Dreamer. Same deal with Matt, Finlay and Benjamin tease tossing one another. Number ten is Kane, things are going to change very quickly. Boot for Dreamer, right hands for anybody who is in Kane’s way. Powerslam for Helms, Chokeslam for Edge. Dreamer is tossed to the floor, Kane Chokeslams Sabu through the table for the elimination.

Sabu/Dreamer Have Been Eliminated!

Entrants 11 to 15

Number eleven is CM Punk, Punk rushes Edge. Finlay and Punk brawl, number twelve is King Booker. Booker tosses Helms within seconds.

Helms Has Been Eliminated!

Punk and Booker try to eliminate one another, number thirteen is Super Crazy. Number fourteen is Jeff Hardy, The Hardys double team those in their way. The Hardys run into Kane, Poetry in Motion on Kane. Number fifteen is The Sandman, things are going to get extreme. Kendo stick shots for anyone in the way, Booker has enough of that jazz and tosses Sandman in seconds.

The Sandman Has Been Eliminated!

Entrants 16 to 20

Entrant number sixteen is Randy Orton, right hands to Super Crazy, Rated RKO toss Super Crazy. Rated RKO team up again and out go The Hardy Boyz.

The Hardy Boyz Have Been Eliminated!

Number seventeen is Chris Benoit, chops for everyone. German suplexes for Finlay, Benjamin has Punk on the apron. Punk survives barely, more German suplexes as Benoit kills everyone. Number eighteen is RVD, kicks galore as RVD pummels everything in sight. King Booker is tossed out by Kane, Booker is distraught. Booker re-enters and Scissor Kicks Kane before eliminating Kane.

Kane/King Booker Have Been Eliminated!

Number eighteen is Viscera, RVD punches Finlay. Number twenty is Nitro, Viscera smacks Punk in the corner. Rated RKO double team Nitro, Benoit stomps Benjamin.

Entrants 21 to 25

Number twenty-one is Kevin Thorn, RVD dropkicks Nitro into Viscera. Multiple clotheslines but Viscera will not go down. Number twenty-two is Hardcore Holly, the ring is filling up with plenty of superstars. Everyone ganging up on Viscera, number twenty-three is Shawn Michaels. Lou Thesz Press on Finlay, clothesline and Finlay is eliminated. Sweet Chin Music which allows everyone to toss Viscera over the top rope. Benjamin is elevated to the floor by HBK.

Benjamin/Viscera/Finlay Have Been Eliminated!

Number twenty-four is Chris Masters, Rated RKO attack Michaels. Benoit sends Nitro tumbling to the floor, Masters works on Punk in the corner.

Nitro Has Been Eliminated!

Number twenty five is Chavo Guerrero, Benoit pulls out Kevin Thorn with nobody watching.

Thorn Has Been Eliminated!

Entrants 26 to 30

Twenty-six is MVP, MVP goes after Benoit. Masters and RVD do battle, Masters tries a back suplex but RVD leaps out of the suplex and dropkicks Masters out of the rumble.

Masters Has Been Eliminated!

Orton and Punk are battling close to the ringpost, Punk survives elimination. Carlito is number twenty-seven, Rated RKO pummel Carlito. Number twenty-eight is The Great Khali, Khali beats up everyone with superior power. Number twenty-nine is Miz, Holly is tossed to the floor as is Benoit and Miz and RVD. Punk is tossed out too, Carlito is slapped out. Khali throws Chavo out too, Khali poses dominantly.

Benoit/Holly/Miz/RVD/Chavo/Carlito/Punk Have Been Eliminated!

Khali Slam on Michaels, number thirty is The Undertaker. Taker and Khali brawl, right hands by The Deadman. Brain chops by Khali, Taker staggers but does not go down. More brawling, Khali eats haymakers from Taker. Khali is against the ropes, Khali is clotheslined out of the match. Old School on MVP, Taker tosses MVP.

MVP/Great Khali Have Been Eliminated!

Orton clatters Taker with a steel chair, Edge thought about spearing Orton. Orton caught Edge, Orton is not happy. RKO on Michaels, Michaels falls to the floor. Orton and Edge have words, Rated RKO pummel Undertaker. Taker will not stay down though, more blows reign down on Taker. Corner clotheslines by Taker who is mounting a comeback, chokeslam is blocked via gut kick. Double clothesline by Taker, snake eyes on Edge. Massive boot, Edge Spears Taker who wanted a chokeslam on Orton. Chair to the head of Taker, Edge wants a conchairto. Michaels saves Taker by throwing out Orton and nailing Edge with Sweet Chin Music. We are down to two, Michaels and Taker.

Rated RKO Have Been Eliminated!

Taker sits up, Michaels kips-up. A stare-down for the ages, right hands by HBK. Taker shoves off Michaels to survive, right hands by Taker in the corner. Michaels hangs on by the skin of his teeth, chops by HBK. Michaels does his flip in the corner, Taker headbutts Michaels. Taker misses a boot, both men almost spill out, huge forearm by Michaels. Taker blocks with an elbow, right hands by Taker. Neckbreaker by HBK, slugfest between the two. Boot by Taker, Taker lifts Michaels to the apron. Michaels is resilient as ever, HBK is on the top rope.

Taker wants to toss HBK to the floor, Michaels is not staying down. Taker hits the mat with a thud, Michaels pulls his all into his elbow drop. Michaels wants sweet chin music, Taker blocks that for a Chokeslam. Undertaker eats a Sweet Chin Music as the tombstone is countered, Michaels measures for one more kick. Michaels misses as Taker dumps Michaels to the floor, Taker is going to Wrestlemania!

Winner: Undertaker over Everyone Else via Survival!

I might be alone in this opinion but I really found this rumble rather boring, there were no surprises which are some of the most fun parts of these kind of matches but there were also no memorable moments throughout the match. Rumbles allow for interactions that are not normally possible due to brand restrictions but I felt that there was nothing here, it was just everyone fighting and not doing a lot when it came to making the match fun.

However, that finishing stretch with the battle between Taker and Michaels was great, so much tension and so much drama. Just the two of them battling out made the match so important, they tore the house down in the time that they shared alone in that ring. Taker and Michaels were easily the stars of the match, they came into the match late though which means I sat through a whole lot of nothing just to get that nugget of gold at the end and as good as the match was, I cannot say the rumble itself was overly entertaining or exciting.

That was WWE’s Royal Rumble 2007, a mostly good pay per view from the WWE. It is very hard to make a Royal Rumble boring, it is the second biggest show in the WWE calendar. They want to deliver, it is the road to Wrestlemania. This show delivered, I only felt let down by bizarre booking in the ECW championship match and the rather boring Royal Rumble. The opening tag match was fast-paced with The Hardys doing what they do best, Jeff has been a sensation and such a shot of electricity and fresh air since his return from TNA, The Hardys are money and the fans still love them after all this time.

The Raw & Smackdown championship matches were really good stuff, Kennedy is such an unlikable heel even with all his charisma, Kennedy works the leg throughout the match, Batista sells and works for that finish and when it comes, it is impactful as Batista drives Kennedy through the mat. Even better when it comes to Cena vs Umaga, Umaga works the ribs and dominates while Cena battles from underneath, Cena and Umaga have a super fun match with all the steel steps shenanigans and announce table stuff before we have Cena resorting to choking out the monster just to win, I think it would have been so much more impactful had Cena not beaten Umaga by pin-fall at the prior pay per view, you could have even got another month out of this by having Cena finally pin Umaga but what’s done is done, no need to dwell on it.

My only gripes were that awful ECW title match and the rumble itself. The rumble did not feel like the rumbles we have come to known, no real titanic battles or points of interest. A lot of people you could have done without, I know they wanted to represent ECW but beyond RVD and Punk, every ECW roster member in the match was bounced around like a joke. They were just filler, things felt big when HBK and Taker came in but that was well into the twenties of the match. The match had been on a long time before that and the ECW championship finish made no sense to me, no idea why the challenger would walk away from a championship match. Bizarre and pointless, Lashley beat up Test afterwards so why could Lashley not just pin Test? Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

 

WWE New Year's Revolution 2007 Review

Hello and welcome to another coma-inducing edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that wants a Switchblade decimation of Tanahashi! WWE’s New Years Revolution 2007, the WWE’s introduction to the year 2007. Headlined by the unstoppable Umaga against the ace of WWE, one John Cena. Other big matches on the card include Rated RKO battling D-Generation X while Carlito faces Chris Masters and the Intercontinental Championship is defended inside of a steel cage. Seems like a balls to the walls beginning to 2007 for the pay per view which is nice considering this pay per view has typically been a one match show.

Opening Promo

Yeah not really feeling this promo for one reason: It is very similar to the case of The Mcmahons vs DX. DX had funs of games, the heels got serious and now DX are serious. Rinse and repeat, Cena and Umaga looks like a war though. I fear for Umaga though, that unbeaten run looks awful shaky when it comes to surviving against the one and only John Cena.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) Johnny Nitro W/ Melina vs Jeff Hardy © (Steel Cage Match)

We have had tag team matches between the two, we have seen ladder matches and now the feud will end inside of a steel cage. Jeff Hardy came back with a tonne of momentum, showing the popularity that Hardy commanded rocketing The Charismatic Enigma straight to the intercontinental championship. Pin-fall/submission and escape the cage are the ways to win, they lock-up with Nitro clubbing Hardy in the back. Uppercut and stomps by the challenger, forearms to the ribs. Hardy fights back with right hands of his own, stomps in the corner. Hard Irish whip and more stomps by Hardy, Melina cheers on Nitro.

Ten punches by Hardy, slingshot dropkick by the champion for two. Sit-out facebuster by Nitro for two, Hardy fights out of a hold for a sit-out suplex. Two for Hardy, Hardy misses a corner clothesline which leads to a springboard enzuigiri by Nitro for two. Nitro tries escaping, Hardy yanks down Nitro. Neckbreaker by Hardy, Hardy heads for the door but Nitro drags back in Hardy. Corkscrew mule kick by Hardy, Hardy begins climbing the cage. Nitro dropkicks Hardy down, Hardy is in between the ropes and the cage. Hotshot by Nitro, Nitro squishes Hardy against the cage. Huge knee to the ribs by Nitro, Nitro and Hardy end up on the top rope, Hardy dropkicks Nitro off the cage wall. Both men fall to the mat, Nitro whips Hardy to the corner. Hardy begins climbing up the cage, Nitro gives chase and delivers a big back superplex.

Elbows by Nitro, Hardy catapults Nitro into the cage wall. Hardy begins climbing, Nitro smacks Hardy. They stand on the top rope, Russian legsweep by Hardy. They brawl to the corner of the cage, Nitro is on the very top of the cage. Sunset flip powerbomb by Nitro, Nitro makes it to the top of the cage once more. Hardy is in pursuit, Hardy leaves Nitro in the tree of woe on the cage. Nitro eventually frees himself, Melina stops Hardy climbing the cage with her belt. Nitro missile dropkicks Hardy, Nitro tries a crossbody from the top but Hardy slams Nitro. Swanton Bomb by Hardy, Nitro places his foot on the ropes at two and a half. Clotheslines by Hardy, back drop by the champion. Nitro boots Hardy and begins climbing the cage.

Hardy grabs Nitro’s foot, Hardy is climbing with Nitro. The two are battling on top of the cage, Nitro has almost escaped but Hardy drags back in Nitro. Hardy tries a super twist of fate but Nitro shoves off Hardy. Nitro is climbing, Hardy is crawling to the door. Melina is blocking the door, Nitro is above the door. Hardy dropkicks the door which leads to Nitro crotching himself on the door, Hardy crawls out to victory.

Very similar to the ending of X-Pac vs Chris Jericho at No Mercy 2000, it was a fun spotfest in parts with Hardy and Nitro showing off the crazy bumps that the two were known for taking. If you are looking for a fun cage match, this is for you, you won’t find a hate-filled war which sucks for a blow-off to the feud but it has been enjoyable.

Winner: Jeff Hardy over Johnny Nitro via Escape!

Rated RKO Promo

Edge and Orton plan to take out DX, DX are old and should not be dominating Raw. It is the year of Randy Orton and Edge! Good stuff from the two, wish they were allowed to do more on the Raw brand.

(Tag Team Turmoil Match) The Highlanders vs The World’s Greatest Tag Team vs Cryme Tyme vs Jim Duggan & Super Crazy vs Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

Two teams start, Haas and Rory begin. Headbutt by Rory, tag to Robbie. Double suplex, tag to Rory. Drop toehold and elbow, hard Irish whip by Rory. Benjamin helps Haas dodge a corner splash, clothesline by Haas. Leapfrog back splash by Benjamin, two for Benjamin. Tag to Haas, backbreaker by Haas for two. Knee to the back by Haas, tag to Benjamin. Knee by Benjamin, reverse chinlock by Benjamin. Rory escapes, small package for two. Backslide does not work, Benjamin takes down Rory. Rory escapes and tags Robbie, scoop slams and dropkicks. Benjamin is knocked to the floor, back suplex on Haas. Robbie is on the top rope, Benjamin rakes the eyes of Robbie. Top rope superplex by Benjamin and The Highlanders are gone.

The Highlanders Have Been Eliminated!

Super Crazy and Duggan are out, Duggan smacks Benjamin all over the place. Clothesline by Duggan, Haas nails Duggan from the apron. Knee lift by Benjamin, tag to Haas. Duggan begins to shake off Haas, three-point stance clothesline on Duggan. Tag to Super Crazy, dropkick to Haas. Wheelbarrow snapmare into a low dropkick, standing moonsault. Benjamin nails a cheap shot on Super Crazy, German Suplex by Haas for the elimination.

Super Crazy & Duggan Have Been Eliminated!

Cade & Murdoch sprint to the ring, they maul The World’s Greatest Tag Team. Benjamin begins to fight back, they are now playing babyfaces which is funny. Huge boot by Murdoch, mounted punches to Benjamin. Knee to the back by Murdoch, neck crank from Murdoch. Tag to Cade, big elbows for two. Tag to Murdoch, Benjamin counters a suplex for a neckbreaker. Haas gets the hot-tag, boots and dropkicks follow. Exploder on Cade, missile dropkick on Murdoch. Cade and Benjamin begin brawling, flapjack by Haas on Murdoch. Cade drops a huge elbow on the face of Haas, Cade rugby tackles Benjamin which leads to the elimination as Haas cannot kick out after the massive elbow drop.

The World’s Greatest Tag Team Have Been Eliminated!

Cryme Tyme are here, Shad roughs up Cade before a tag to JTG. Cade knees JTG, tag to Murdoch. Backslide by JTG, blind tag by Cade. High & Low combination by Cade & Murdoch, Murdoch roughs up JTG on the floor. Two for Cade, Murdoch tags in with a massive elbow. Choke by Murdoch, Murdoch chokes JTG with the tag rope. Massive right by Cade, tag to Murdoch. Small package by JTG, referee is with Cade. Murdoch pulls JTG to his corner, tag to Cade. Scoop slam by Murdoch, JTG blocks an axe handle with a boot.

Tag to Shad does not happen, Cade knocks Shad off the apron. JTG escapes a double suplex to tag Shad, Shad pummels Cade & Murdoch. Corner clotheslines, Murdoch clubs Shad from behind. JTG stops the high & low, G-9 by Cryme Tyme on Cade for the win.

Not a great match by any means, the crowd was very quiet throughout the match. Also weird to see The World’s Greatest Tag Team play heels for the first two matches and then we were just meant to flip-flop and like the duo against Cade & Murdoch? Nah, that was never going to work. Raw tag division and Smackdown division are both pretty weak at the time.

Winners: Cryme Tyme over Everyone Else via G-9!

Kenny Dykstra vs Ric Flair

Dykstra broke out of the pack, Dykstra was meant to be the star of The Spirit Squad. Thank God that terrible gimmick ended, Dykstra wants to prove that he is the man by taking out Flair. Shoulder block, strut and woo by Dykstra, side headlock by Flair. Shoulder block by Flair, dropkick by Dykstra for two. Fist drop by Dykstra, Flair chops back at Dykstra. Back drop by Flair, chop and down goes Dykstra. More chops, back elbow by Flair and Dykstra is chopped to the floor. Dykstra suplexes Flair on the floor, two for Dykstra. Suplex in the ring for two, elbow to the back for two. Boston crab by Dykstra, Flair makes it to the ropes after an agonizing amount of time. Chops by Flair, Dykstra out-strikes Flair. Dykstra tries the figure four which leads to a small package by Flair for two.

Flair chops down Dykstra once more, more right hands to the face. Flair and Dykstra battle it out before Flair eye rakes Dykstra and chop blocks Dykstra multiple times. Knee drop by Flair, Figure Four from Flair. Dykstra is almost pinned, Dykstra reaches the ropes. Flair nails rights and lefts, Flair shoves down the referee who was in the way. Low blow by Dykstra and inside cradle for the win.

I liked this match, it may not have been a lot inside of the ring but the story of cocky arrogant ass taking on veteran in Flair. Hoping that Dykstra can continue to grow inside of the ring, here’s hoping though.

Winner: Kenny Dykstra over Ric Flair via Shenanigans!

(WWE Women’s Championship Match) Victoria vs Mickie James ©

Victoria is scratching people off her list and I can say that I am a very happy man as the women lost Trish and Lita in the span of three months which means they needed a top star in Mickie and someone to solidify her and when you have no real wrestlers on your Raw diva roster, you turn to a real women’s wrestler in Victoria. This should be as good as it gets for the time, they lock-up with Victoria shoving down Mickie. Front chancery by Victoria, Mickie escapes using a monkey flip. Arm-wringer by Mickie, Victoria counters for a side headlock. Shoulder block by Victoria, drop toehold by Mickie. Armdrags by Mickie, nice dropkick for two. Victoria blocks the headscissors out of the corner, huge head kick by Victoria. Mickie falls to the floor, holding her head.

Baseball slide, small package by Mickie for two. Victoria kicks Mickie in the head, middle rope choke by Victoria. Top rope choke by Victoria, more kicks by Victoria. Massive hair-toss by Victoria, two for Victoria. Victoria misses a middle rope moonsault, clotheslines by Mickie. Jabs by Mickie, huge shotei from Mickie for two. Mickie nails her headscissors from the corner, Victoria rolls to the apron. Victoria is bumped to the floor, Melina is here. Mickie smacks Melina in the face, Melina stops Mickie’s DDT. Maria and Candice attack Melina, Victoria’s powerslam is countered into The MickieDT.

Solid women’s wrestling match, Victoria beating the crap out of Divas is always a joy to watch while Mickie James can actually work which adds so much to the match (Funny isn’t it?). That could be the best women’s match in the WWE for the year and it is only January but I believe it is a while before we see Melina blossom in the ring or the arrival of Beth Phoenix. Solid work you too, Victoria is so underappreciated it is scary!

Winner: Mickie James over Victoria via MickieDT!

(WWE World Tag Team Championship Match) Rated RKO © vs D-Generation X

They two their best to set up how serious all of this is but I seen it during the summer with The Mcmahons, I have seen it before. However, the two all they can in the video package to make you believe that DX are much more mad than they were when they sadistically tore apart The Mcmahons inside of the steel cage. Triple H back drops Edge on the ramp, Michaels sends Orton into the steel steps. Triple H stomps and chokes Edge, corner clothesline by Triple H. HBK is in, chops by Michaels. Edge dodges a corner spear, Michaels hits the ringpost hard. Orton’s legal, hard Irish whip. Michaels boots away Orton, snapmare and stomp by Michaels. Tag to Triple H, right hand by The Game. Orton eats elbows across the apron, apron leg drop by HBK.

Orton is bleeding, tag to Michaels. HBK bites Orton’s head, tag to Triple H. Edge cheap shots The Game from the apron, Triple H batters both before a chop block from Edge sends Triple H down. Tag to Edge, Edge stomps all over the leg. Triple H tags out after escaping Edge’s clutches, Michaels pummels Edge. Orton is knocked off the apron, inverted atomic drop and scoop slam to Edge. Huge elbow drop on Edge, Orton clotheslines Michaels. Triple H clotheslines Orton to the floor, Edge is elevated over the top. Plancha by Michaels, Michaels tries to re-enter the ring but Orton distracts HBK which leads to a Spear from Edge. Orton clobbers Michaels with the championship, Triple H comes to beat up Orton.

Michaels is bleeding, Edge gets in a few shots before tagging Orton. Orton nails a backbreaker for two, tag to Edge. Stomps by Edge, mounted punches to the face of HBK. Tag to Orton, Orton clubs the shit out of HBK. Orton poses on Michaels, more right hands by Orton. Edge nails a backbreaker and Triple H has seen enough, Triple H smacks Orton and Edge. Edge regains control with a surfboard like stretch, Michaels fights out of the hold. Boot puts an end to Michaels’ flurry, tag to Orton. Orton wants an RKO, Michaels shoves off Orton. Tag to Triple H, clotheslines all around. High knee, right hands to Orton. Facebuster to Edge, Edge is clotheslined to the floor. Spinebuster to Orton and Triple H’s quad is gone.

Spinebuster on Edge for two, the referee makes that dreaded “X” symbol. Orton saves Edge from a Pedigree, RKO on Triple H. Michaels nails Orton with Sweet Chin Music, Edge covers The Game for two. Triple H avoids the spear from Edge, Pedigree on Edge. They edit out Orton botching it with the chair, Edge kicks out at two. Michaels nails a suicide dive on Orton, Michaels decks the referee and wipes out Rated RKO with the chair. Triple H Pedigrees Edge on the table, Michaels elbows Orton through the other table as the match is ruled a no-contest.

Until the end, I thought it lacked a lot of the intensity that was pushed in the video package. Michaels is a God damn selling machine, the man evokes levels of sympathy that hit me on a level that rivals the likes of Ricky Steamboat and Kenta Kobashi. The man is just made for selling beatings, Michaels is the hook of the match and Michaels got me good. Michaels takes it upon himself to save the match at the end with quick thinking while the ending was quite brutal from HBK too. Also, props to Triple H for finishing the match on one leg, the man is an animal despite what you may think of his position in wrestling.

No-Contest!

Carlito W/ Torrie Wilson vs Chris Masters

It is the rebirth of Masters, it has been a long ass time since we have see Masters on pay per view. Carlito was fast-tracking his way to the intercontinental championship before the return of Jeff Hardy blew all that up in smoke for Carlito. First flirting with Trish and now we have Carlito with Torrie, Masters locked The Masterlock on Torrie for God knows what reason and this led to Carlito making the save.

Lock-up, takedown by Carlito who pounds on Masters. Stomps and right hands, middle rope bulldog for two. Masters bulldogs Carlito with ease, Masters shows Torrie his muscles. Scoop slam by Masters, massive kick to the ribs. Carlito escapes a back suplex for a dropkick, Masters elevates Carlito to the apron. Carlito springboards for a beautiful moonsault for two, both men tease the masterlock.

Half-nelson by Masters, more right hands by Masters. Hair-drag by Masters, backbreaker by Masters for two. Make it another backbreaker, Masters uses the move to stretch Carlito. Carlito fights back before a huge lariat, two for Masters. Carlito battles back, springboard elbow by Carlito. Running knee lift and clothesline, complete shot for two. Masters reverses a bulldog and roll-up for a win, Masters attacks Carlito after the match. Masterlock to Carlito.

Well, that was garbage and I mean that in the nicest way possible. Masters, the heel won clean in like slow motion? I cannot believe that happened, I mean it was like they were rehearsing as Masters watched Carlito do all the work and reverse the roll-up. It was boring, poor Masters had not progressed one step since they fought almost a year ago as their team was torn apart. Carlito should not be losing here, Carlito has potential please do not waste it when you have such a good thing.

Winner: Chris Masters over Carlito via Roll-Up!

(WWE Championship Match) Umaga W/ Armando Estrada vs John Cena ©

The Samoan Bulldozer is undefeated for nine months, Triple H, Ric Flair, Kane and Shawn Michaels are some of the names that Umaga has run through. Cena stands in Umaga’s way, Cena is the only man who could stop the monster’s reign. Cena punches Umaga to no effect, Umaga continues to charge at Cena regardless of Cena’s barrage of punches. Cena sidesteps Umaga, Umaga tosses Cena to the floor from the apron. Cena meets the steel steps, Umaga roughs up Cena in the ring. Stomp, Cena is wobbling around the ring. Samoan drop by Umaga, Cena is bumped from the apron to the announce table. Cena tries a sunset flip from the apron, Umaga misses a hip attack. Cena tries the scoop slam but Umaga is far too heavy and Umaga almost steals the win.

Leg drop by Umaga, massive kick by Umaga. Cena fights back and tries a crossbody, massive slam by Umaga. Cena places a foot on the ropes, shoulder block by Umaga. Cena ducks a shoulder block, throwback by Cena. Umaga shakes it off for a spinning heel kick, Umaga squishes and toys with Cena. Cena avoids a banzai drop using his knees, Cena attempts an FU but Umaga is too much to carry. Cena is thrown to the floor, more clubbing blows by Umaga. Cena fires up but eats an elbow to the face, Umaga misses a middle rope headbutt.

Cena begins to come to his senses, slugfest between the two. Cena batters Umaga, clothesline does not knock the monster. Spike to the ribs of Cena, Umaga misses a corner splash. Spinning side slam by Cena, Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena’s back does not allow The FU, belly to belly suplex by Umaga. Umaga leaves Cena in the tree of woe, diving headbutt by Umaga. Umaga sets up for his hip attack, Cena kicks away Umaga. Roll-up and Cena manages to pin Umaga.

This was quite a good match, excellent job of making Umaga seem like an unstoppable force, Umaga dominated large portions of the match and all in entertaining fashion I might add, I do not think Samoans know what it is like to have a bad match, those bastards. Umaga batters Cena and Cena has to use a roll-up for the win, I may have preferred Umaga hitting his back of an exposed ringpost or something to really protect Umaga and perhaps a bit more of Umaga looking like the match was over and it was Umaga’s arrogance that cost him but this was still a fine match.

Winner: John Cena over Umaga via Roll-Up!

That was WWE’s New Year’s Revolution 2007, a solid pay per view from the Raw brand. The previous two had been one match shows with the elimination chamber taking centre stage but this pay per view had cage matches, a nice brawl between DX and Rated RKO and a great little title match between Cena and Umaga. It had nothing super memorable like the elimination chamber matches of the years gone by but this was an enjoyable two-hour plus pay per view of wrestling that was a breeze to review. So, thumbs-up from me, thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!

WWE Armageddon 2006 Review

Hello and welcome to another funk-tastic edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that buries wrestler more than Triple H! Starting off 2018 by finishing 2006, it’s WWE’s Armageddon 2006 which features three huge matches. We have Cena and Batista, the two brand champions taking on King Booker and Finlay, we also have a Last Ride match between Mr. Kennedy and The Undertaker while MVP has his first program with Kane in an Inferno Match. Looks like they are trying to end the year in a big way although I must question why there is no championship and we have a tag team match as the main event? Well, the time is now so let’s start reviewing in 2018!

(Inferno Match) MVP vs Kane

Simple rules for a simple match, light your opponent on fire. MVP was introduced at No Mercy making a big impact by costing The Undertaker his match against Kennedy at Survivor Series which was lame if I am honest with you, Kennedy continuing to look like a joke with The Undertaker. However, that is for later, right now MVP faces Kane. Kane was sent to Smackdown after losing a loser leaves the brand match against Umaga. Kane boots and uppercuts MVP, MVP tries running away but Kane uppercuts and back drops MVP. Clothesline to the back of the head, Kane tries pushing MVP towards the fire. Kane slams MVP to the mat, Kane places MVP on the top rope. Kane is shoved off, crossbody by MVP. Player’s Boot by MVP, clothesline floors Kane.

Kane sits up, MVP kicks at Kane’s leg. Big boot by Kane, Chokeslam connects for Kane. Kane exposes a turnbuckle, Kane grabs the pad and sets it on fire. MVP low blows Kane and tosses the pad away, knees to the face and a neckbreaker by MVP. MVP dropkicks Kane towards the fire, Kane dodges a dropkick. Clothesline by Kane, rights and lefts by Kane. Corner clothesline by Kane, make it two.

Sidewalk slam by Kane, the flames shoot up once more. Kane stands over MVP, right hand by Kane. MVP tries jumping to the floor, Kane shoves MVP into the announce table. Kane nails a massive diving clothesline to the floor, MVP almost shoves Kane into the flames. Both men tease winning, big boot by Kane. Kane grabs MVP, more right hands. Kane sends MVP back first into the fire and Kane is the winner of the match.

Well, it was alright. There was not a lot going on, MVP tried to run away while Kane did not want his toy to escape his hell. A lot of punching followed, nothing special at the end of the day. At least the fans enjoyed MVP burning, it was justified in their minds.

Winner: Kane over MVP via Burning!

(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) Paul London & Brian Kendrick © vs MNM vs Dave Taylor & William Regal vs The Hardy Boyz (Ladder Match)

Talk about milking the shit out of The Hardy Boyz, here they are again on another brand pay per view, we have four teams competing for the championships. London and Kendrick were tag team champions for a lengthy period of time but the division was weak on both brands so this match serves of a way of extending their credibility. The faces clear the ring before battling it out, it’s The Hardys vs London & Kendrick. Wheelbarrow suplex on Kendrick, the heels come in to wipe out The Hardys. Hardys and MNM are on the floor, Regal & Taylor suplex around the champions.

Hardys have ladders, Regal and Taylor kick away the ladders. Matt batters Regal & Taylor with the ladder, Poetry in Motion on Taylor. Snapshot by MNM, double superkick to Regal. Kendrick takes a ladder to the face, a ladder stands in the middle of the ring. London knocks off Jeff, Jeff returns the favour. Nitro misses a dropkick on London, Mercury kicks down the champions and whacks them with a ladder. Mercury is stopped on the ladder by team babyface, Mercury falls onto Nitro. Matt planchas onto Taylor, Matt yanks Kendrick off the ladder. Kendrick is whipped into the ladder, London meets the same treatment. Jeff misses Poetry in Motion, Matt stops Kendrick from winning. Matt is dropkicked onto a ladder leaning against the middle rope, Kendrick double stomps Matt.

MNM take down the champions, double gutbuster for London. Nitro makes a ladder see-saw thing, MNM want a double suplex to Jeff. Matt saves Jeff, Jeff leg drops the ladder into MNM’s face. Unfortunately for Mercury, this would men a shattered face. Regal & Taylor control the ring, Taylor drops Kendrick on the ladder. Taylor holds the ladder for Regal, Regal is afraid of heights. Taylor is climbing now, Kendrick attacks the two but is thrown to the floor. Matt and Jeff are back in the ring, Jeff is on a giant ladder at ringside. Nitro dropkicks the ladder and Jeff falls to the floor. Nitro smacks Regal & Taylor with the ladder, Nitro drops the ladder on Regal’s ribs. London takes Nitro off the ladder with a springboard dropkick, Kendrick and Matt race for the championship.

Matt hiptosses off Kendrick, Matt back drops London off the ladder. Both men fall to the mat, Jeff is climbing the ladder. Here comes Nitro, sunset flip powerbomb by Jeff. Matt pinballs Regal & Taylor before the number’s game catches up to Matt, Knee Trembler by Regal takes down Matt. Regal & Taylor climb ladders, Kendrick pummels Regal. London clotheslines Taylor to the floor, Kendrick drops Regal with a botched Sliced Bread off the ladder. London and Matt reach at the top of the ladder, London knocks off Matt and that’s all she wrote.

Underwhelming in a lot of ways, some of you may find that harsh but I felt it did not get going until the very end with the sunset flip powerbomb etc. The extra teams added more for sure but I thought I would get more out of the athletic freak Nitro and of course, how could you not expect crazy bumps when The Hardys are involved but this was very tame with an ending that seemed tame for these teams. It was good just not as good as I thought it could have been.

Winners: London & Kendrick over Everyone Else via Retrieval Of The Belts!

Mike The Miz Mizanin vs The Boogeyman

The Miz is undefeated bitches, The Miz as a goofball seems like gold from what little I have seen so far, clothesline by Boogeyman. Miz rolls to the floor, Boogeyman pulls Miz in by the hair. Powerslam by Boogeyman, Miz elbows Boogeyman. Boogeyman meets the ringpost, shoulder thrusts by Miz. Clothesline by Miz for two, single arm DDT for two. Boogeyman yanks Miz down, back drop by Boogeyman. Miz dives into a two-handed slam. DUD!

Winner: The Boogeyman over The Miz via Two-Handed Slam!

(WWE United States Championship Match) Chris Benoit © vs Chavo Guerrero W/ Vickie Guerrero

Chavo attacks Benoit from behind, uppercuts in the corner. Chops by Benoit, clothesline and snap suplex for two. Mounted punches by Benoit for two, chops by Benoit. Back drop by Benoit, scoop slam and sharpshooter attempt. Chavo kicks off Benoit, Benoit catapults Chavo to the floor. More rights from Benoit, knees in the corner. German suplex for Chavo, make it three. Chavo crotches Benoit on the top rope, top rope superplex by Chavo. Chavo uses the ringpost to hurt Benoit’s ribs, dropkick into the ringpost by Chavo. Benoit fires back but Chavo has it scouted with a drop toehold, Chavo uses a variation of the camel clutch to choke Benoit. Benoit tries a back suplex but Chavo floats over for a crossbody, two for Chavo.

Chavo chokes Benoit with the bottom rope, Chavo tries a right hand but Benoit counters for a crossface, Chavo reaches the ropes which ends that action. Kick to the ribs by Chavo, uppercuts to the spine by Chavo. Huge back suplex, make it two. Chavo places Benoit in the tree of woe, kicks to the chest and choke from Chavo. Chavo misses a low dropkick and smacks groin first into the ringpost. Benoit is on his feet, chops by Benoit. Chavo eye rakes Benoit and nails a suplex, Benoit counters for a German suplex. Make it eight by Benoit, Benoit covers but Chavo reaches the bottom rope with his foot. Sharpshooter by Benoit, Vickie has the championship. Benoit scares off Vickie, Chavo rolls up Benoit but Benoit rolls through for a Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring for the win.

Good stuff, solid work from two great wrestlers when they want to be, that is rather unfair. Benoit always delivers on pay per view, I would find it hard to come across a match from Benoit that I was not invested in, this was no different. Loved the way Chavo worked the back, loved the way the two battled for the win and the tease of Chavo trying to win with the tights again but Benoit had it scouted, Benoit makes Chavo tap in the best match of the night so far. Disappointed for Chavo though, the excellent feud with Mysterio and all steam from it seems to have been lost.

Winner: Chris Benoit over Chavo Guerrero via Sharpshooter!

(WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match) Gregory Helms © vs Jimmy Wang Yang

After a feud with Matt Hardy, Helms is back defending his championship. I cannot recall the last time Helms had a championship defence, I thought the division was on life support. There may be some truth to what I said considering that Yang has come out of nowhere. They lock-up, clean break from Yang in the corner. Side headlock takedown by Helms, Yang has the counter as does Helms. Stand-off, Helms is rammed into the turnbuckle. Yang tries for the moonsault, Helms rolls to the floor. Helms tricks Yang and begins stomping Yang, Yang nails a headscissors, dropkick by Yang. Suplex for two, keylock from Yang. Knees to the ribs by Yang, Yang misses a corner crossbody which leads to Helms dropkicking Yang.

Neckbreaker on the floor by Helms, Yang is hung up in the ropes and Helms nails a hotshot. Snapmare into a leg drop, crossface from Helms. Helms steps all over Yang’s face, neckbreaker for two. Yang chops back at Helms, Yang elevates Helms to the floor. Crossbody to the floor, Helms regains control in the ring with a stungun. Choke by Helms, another crossface by Helms. Yang escapes, roll-up for two. Yang clotheslines Helms, back drops and dropkicks follow. Mule kick with Yang nailing a missile dropkick for two, Yang misses a corner spear hitting the ringpost with his shoulder. Top Rope Neckbreaker by Helms, Helms misses a diving clothesline as Yang nails a spinning heel kick for two. Helms looks for a back superplex, Yang shakes off Helms. Corkscrew Moonsault misses, Single Leg Knee Facebreaker by Helms for the win.

Solid with a lot of good heel work from Helms, Helms showed a lot to me in his series with Matt Hardy. Helms could be relied on to be a cheating little shit-stirrer, a feud with Benoit would be certainly something I would enjoy but with Yang, Helms has an antagonist within his own weight division and based on this match, they could stretch out the feud between the two.

Winner: Gregory Helms over Jimmy Wang Yang via Facebreaker!

(Last Ride Match) Mr. Kennedy vs The Undertaker

Fair to say I am not a big fan of this feud in the slightest, there has always been feuds between people and The Undertaker where the other party is made to look like a fool, that I have no issue with. Kennedy messed with the wrong motherfucker, this will be his undoing but Kennedy’s two victories over Undertaker were just awful. The first loss was by DQ as Taker snapped for no real reason and bludgeoned Kennedy, laying him out like a punk. The second match had Kennedy beat Taker thanks to MVP busting Taker open with the chair. Not even Kennedy himself got the win, Taker laid out Kennedy again at the end of this one. So, Kennedy feels no bigger a star in the eyes of the fans and this match is Taker’s revenge.

Taker corners Kennedy, Kennedy slips out to the floor. Kennedy gets caught and Taker goes in for the kill, Kennedy is bounced off the steel steps. Kennedy is hiptossed onto the Spanish announce table, Taker chokes Kennedy in the ring. Taker misses a big boot, crashing to the floor. Kennedy pounces with punches, Taker is too strong though. Taker smacks Kennedy off the ringpost, Taker drags Kennedy to the hearse. The two do battle by the hearse, Kennedy sends Taker into the back of the hearse. Taker almost loses, Taker boots his way out of the hearse. Kennedy is battered off the barricades and steel steps, boot to the head by Taker. Leg drop across the apron by The Deadman, Kennedy is placed on the top rope.

Top rope superplex, Taker carries Kennedy powerslam style to the hearse but Kennedy slips out for a rear-naked choke. Taker passes out to the hold, Kennedy closes the hearse. However, to win you must drive your opponent out of the arena. Kennedy opens the door and surprise, Taker is in the front seat. Kennedy meets the steel steps again, Taker clears the announce table. Kennedy uses a chair to damage Taker, chair to the skull. Taker stands for another chair shot, Taker sits up. Kennedy decides to run, Kennedy climbs the stage structure. They trade blows on the structure, Kennedy blocks the chokeslam and tosses Taker to the floor. Taker falls 15 feet off the stage, Kennedy puts Taker in the hearse.

Taker sits up, Kennedy is dragged to the back of the hearse. Taker pummels Kennedy against the hearse, Kennedy dodges a chair to the head. Taker has a lead pipe, Kennedy ducks that too. Chair to the head does not miss the second time, Kennedy is bleeding. Chokeslam on the hearse, Tombstone on the hearse and Taker drives away the winner.

Thus, ends the feud between Taker and Kennedy, they tried very hard I will not take that away from them with Taker showing a regenerating ability that would make a Saiyan blush but we love you Taker so we shall allow you to do as you wish. A definitive end with Taker vanquishing Kennedy, that was a fine conclusion to their feud, I just wished that the matches which led up to this blow-off would not have ended in such silly fashion.

Winner: The Undertaker over Kennedy via Last Ride!

Santa’s Lingerie Contest

Krystal, Layla, Jillian and Ashley take part in this lingerie contest. Big Dick Johnson is Santa, we are all winners as they dance and strip.

John Cena & Batista vs King Booker W/ Sharmell & Finlay

It’s not a real main event and the fans should feel cheated even though they get to see Cena, Booker and Cena start the match. Booker backs Cena into the corner, knees and right hands by Booker. Cena fires back, armdrag into an arm-wringer. Batista and Finlay are in, side headlock by Batista. Finlay escapes but eats a slap, Finlay is tripped for a catapult. Finlay is placed on the top rope, Muscle Buster by Batista for two. Finlay tags Booker, Booker chops and punches Batista. Clothesline by Batista for two, tag to Cena. Booker kicks Cena in the face for two, Cena reverses a corner whip for a bulldog. Spinning side slam, Cena calls for the five knuckle shuffle. Cena connects, Cena calls for the finish.

Booker escapes, STFU by Cena but Finlay clubs Cena in the back. Batista shoulder thrusts Finlay, Booker uses the sceptre to take down Cena. Tag to Finlay who clotheslines Cena, reverse chinlock. Cena escapes but eats a clothesline, small package by Cena gets a one count. Little Bastard misses a kick on Cena, Booker chokes Cena before Cena escapes with a DDT. Tag to Batista, spears to both. Booker kicks Finlay by mistake, spinning slam by Batista. Finlay clotheslines Batista, Cena belly to belly suplexes Finlay. Finlay clotheslines Cena on the floor, Batista is hit in the ankle with a chair by Finlay. Batista kicks off Finlay, spinebuster on Booker. Batista Bomb and this match is over.

Well, could you really call that a main event? I would be let down if that was a Smackdown main event? Hardly a thing happened, you could have done a triple threat instead of that garbage. That was just a waste of time, the fans are sent home happy but me, I am not so happy.

Winners: Cena & Batista over The King’s Court via Batista Bomb!

That was WWE’s Armageddon 2006, a pay per view which felt more like an end of the year treat than a serious pay per view to boost the numbers of the blue brand Smackdown. You had flashes of great things like Benoit vs Chavo, the last ride match and the ladder match but it all somehow ended feeling flat. The lingerie contest adds to the feel that this was a card just to make people happy and not really excite the fans. At the end of the day, if that was the goal of this pay per view, they achieved it ten-fold. If you are looking for something serious from Smackdown to end the year, do not come here as you will be let down. That’s it for 2006, a bizarre year when you think about it with all The Vince vs DX nonsense and RVD’s reign being cut short. Cena and Edge made the latter part of the year their own with their chemistry and rivalry while on Smackdown, we had a new top star in Mysterio, the return of Batista which was a welcome addition and the miracle that was King Booker’s gimmick. Thanks for reading and remember: There’s always another night!