Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
In the arena:
The fireworks went off in the arena to kick off the show from Minneapolis and Michael Cole and Tazz kicked it off on commentary. Tonight, Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle will face Chavo Guerrero, Sr. and Chavo Guerrero, Jr.!
Non Title Match
Referee: Brian Hebner
Chuck Palumbo vs. Rey Mysterio (c)
The music of Rey Mysterio hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring as the Cruiserweight Champion for a one on one match against Chuck Palumbo, accompanied to the ring by Johnny Stamboli and Nunzio.
Rey Mysterio went off the ropes and nailed Chuck Palumbo in the chest with a clubbing blow and then he did it once again but Palumbo went off the ropes and plowed through Rey Mysterio with a hard shoulder block as if Rey Mysterio was nothing.
Chuck Palumbo put Rey Mysterio in a single leg Boston crab, otherwise known as a half crab in an attempt to get Mysterio to tap out but Mysterio was able to crawl to the rope to break the hold.
Rey Mysterio hooked Chuck Palumbo in a victory roll, pinning him for a two count and after Rey kicked out, you could hear Nunzio yelling "stay on him, stay on him!"
Rey Mysterio picked up the upset win over Chuck Palumbo with a roll up pin for the three count.
Winner, the Cruiserweight Champion, Rey Mysterio
The Aftermath:
Johnny Stamboli quickly got in the ring and attacked Rey Mysterio and then he and Palumbo double teamed Rey Mysterio as Nunzio directed traffic. The music of Jamie Noble hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring and took a look at what was going on in the ring and Noble handed Nunzio an envelope and it seems as though Jamie Noble paid the FBI off to take out Rey Mysterio and this Sunday night at the Royal Rumble, Jamie Noble meets Rey Mysterio for the Cruiserweight Championship! Jamie Noble grabbed the Championship belt, saying that this Sunday, the belt is coming home and he'll be the new Cruiserweight Champion!
Backstage:
Last week, Paul Heyman was forced to get his mouth washed out with soap after he added a stipulation to the match between John Cena and Rhyno. If Cena won, he would be able to wash Paul Heyman's mouth out with soap and he did just that. Josh Matthews was shown standing by with Paul Heyman and Josh said that with all due respect, how did he feel after Smackdown! last week? Paul said there is no more respect. There's no more respect for authority, the English language or the General Manager and it's all thanks to Chris Benoit. And that all changes tonight because tonight is the start of a whole new Smackdown!. Paul looks at the leadership of Vince McMahon who took this industry out of dirty bingo halls into brand new arenas. John Cena and Chris Benoit have ruined Smackdown!. They appeal to the lowest common denominator and Paul is going to upgrade the demographic. An All American Network presentation under the leadership of Paul Heyman. This industry was founded on the morals of the United States of America, the same morals and values that Chris Benoit and John Cena violate with their thuggery, hip hop and rap. And tonight, Paul Heyman is going to change that because tonight, Chris Benoit will compete in that ring against the team of Rhyno, Matt Morgan and The Big Show, the United States Heavyweight Champion and Brock Lesnar, the WWE Champion! And Paul Heyman is going to be there ringside to watch these four men decimate John Cena and Chris Benoit and show the world that the very last person you ever want to mess with is Paul Heyman.
Backstage:
Chavo, Jr. and Chavo, Sr. were both shown in the backstage area and Kurt Angle was shown standing nearby. Kurt walked up, saying he hopes they are proud of themselves. Chavo, Sr. told Kurt to stay out of their business. This is Guerrero business. Kurt told Chavo, Sr. that he lied to him by telling him he's going to apologize to Eddie, so Kurt told him to listen. Kurt asked them if they have any sense of family values? Chavo, Jr. said that he heard this all week long. He has no idea what it's like to work your ass off and be held down by a member of your own family. Kurt said the hell he doesn't. Try growing up with four older brothers, all bigger and stronger than you and better athletes. All wanting to be the star of the family. What did he do? Kurt Angle won a Gold fricken Medal for his country. So save the sob story because they had the chance to make this right and they blew it. Since they didn't learn their lesson by now, Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero are going to make sure they learn it in the ring, tonight!
Referee: Jim Korderas
Tajiri vs. Billy Kidman
Tajiri's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring for a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match and he's up against Billy Kidman!
Kidman and Tajiri tied it up in the center of the ring and Tajiri put Kidman in a hammer lock and Kidman knocked Tajiri down to the mat at the start of the match.
Billy Kidman knocked Tajiri down to the mat and then he dragged him to the corner and went for the shooting star press but Tajiri rolled out of the way.
After getting back to his feet, Tajiri nailed Billy Kidman with the kick of death and then he pinned him, hooking the tights to pick up the win.
Winner - Tajiri
Backstage:
The Big Show and Brock Lesnar were shown backstage and Big Show told Brock that he has to stop shadowing him. He's onto him. Brock said he's not onto anything. He wants to discuss their match tonight. Big Show said the real issue is that for the past week, Brock has followed Big Show everywhere. He got that restraining order to protect himself from Hardcore Holly, not Brock. But that's the thing, Brock is all over Big Show. He needs time by himself to think about his match tonight and at the Royal Rumble. Big Show said that he is going to win the Royal Rumble and when he does, he's coming for the WWE Title at Wrestlemania. Brock asked Big Show if he actually thinks he likes following his big ass around here? Brock gained 15 pounds following him around. The only reason he's following him around is to protect him from Hardcore Holly. Big Show claimed he has the police but Brock said what if they can't protect him? Big Show told Brock that Holly is going to be a little bit more dangerous now that Brock broke Holly's neck. He has nothing to lose. What if Hardcore Holly breaks Brock Lesnar's neck? What does that mean to Big Show? Nothing. It just means he has a different opponent at Wrestlemania for the WWE Title. Somebody other than Brock Lesnar. Big Show then went into his locker room with the police officers and Brock remained in the hallway, seemingly scared of Hardcore Holly.
Referee: Nick Patrick
Shannon Moore vs. A-Train
A-Train's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring. After he got in the ring, Dawn Marie came out and she said that Paul Heyman is an equal opportunity employer. So, the winner of the next match will be entered into the Royal Rumble match. It will be A-Train, 6 foot 7, 350 pounds vs. a man who has defeated him in the past. 5 foot 7, 190 pounds, Shannon Moore!
A-Train went for a clothesline on Shannon Moore and Shannon ducked under it and gave A-Train a number of right hands until A-Train shoved Shannon down to the mat.
A-Train lifted Shannon Moore up and launched him into the turnbuckle and then pinned him but only got a two count as Shannon got his foot on the ropes.
The Cat's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the staging area and danced, distracting A-Train. Shannon then rolled A-Train up from behind and pinned him for a two count. A-Train then knocked Shannon to the outside of the ring and then swung him into the steel steps like a baseball bat.
Back in the ring, A-Train gave Shannon Moore the derailer and then pinned him for the three count to get into the Royal Rumble.
Winner - A-Train
Notes:
During the match, Michael Cole noted that The Cat is in the Royal Rumble.
Backstage:
Paul Heyman was shown with Rhyno, Matt Morgan and Brock Lesnar and Paul was pumping up Matt and Rhyno and then he decided to ask where The Big Show is? Brock said that's a good question. The last time he saw him, he was in the locker room hanging out with his cop buddies. Paul said that's good. He's getting pumped up for the match and that match is next!
Handicap Match
Referee: Brian Hebner
Chris Benoit and John Cena vs. Rhyno, The Big Show, Matt Morgan and Brock Lesnar
A number of WWE workers brought out a lifeguard's chair and they sat it at ringside and then John Cena's music hit and he made his way out to the ring for the two on four match, scheduled for one fall and it's going to be John Cena and Chris Benoit against The Big Show, Matt Morgan, Rhyno and Brock Lesnar! Prior to the match, John Cena worked the mic, taking some shots at Paul Heyman. Paul Heyman accompanied Brock Lesnar out to the ring and he sat down in the lifeguard's chair to get a bird's eye view of the match. When it was time for The Big Show to come out to the arena, he never came out and we took a look at the backstage area where The Big Show was trapped in his locker room. Brock Lesnar was infuriated and he argued with Paul Heyman and it looks like we now have a three on two handicap match!
Brock Lesnar started it off in the ring against Chris Benoit and Chris went to lock it up with Brock Lesnar but Brock bailed out of the ring. Brock eventually got back in the ring and he was ready to face off with Chris Benoit but he quickly turned around and tagged Matt Morgan into the match. Benoit and Morgan locked it up in the center of the ring and Benoit backed Morgan into the corner and gave him a series of knife edge chops.
Chris Benoit gave Brock Lesnar a series of German suplexes and Brock eventually got out of it and Rhyno got in the ring to Gore Benoit but he missed and hit Brock.
Matt Morgan got in the ring and went for a slam on Chris Benoit but Chris Benoit put him in a waist lock and gave him two German suplexes.
Brock went for the F5 on Chris Benoit but Benoit countered it into the Crossface and Rhyno got in the ring to break it up. Rhyno gave Chris Benoit a spinebuster and then he got out of the ring and stood on the apron, waiting for a tag.
After Lesnar tagged out of the match, he grabbed his Championship belt and started to leave until Hardcore Holly attacked Lesnar from behind and beat the crap out of him and put him in a full nelson. A number of WWE officials came out to break up the fight and as officials held onto Holly, Lesnar gave him a cheap shot and then ran to the back.
Later on in the match, Rhyno nailed Chris Benoit with the Gore and then he pinned him but only got a two count as John Cena broke up the pin.
John Cena planted Rhyno with the FU and then he pinned him for the three count to pick up the win for his team!
Winners - Chris Benoit and John Cena
The Aftermath:
Matt Morgan got in the ring and attacked Cena from behind and went for a power bomb but Chris Benoit got in the ring to make the save for Cena. After clearing the ring of Morgan and Rhyno, Cena and Benoit set their sights on Paul Heyman and they knocked him into the ring from the lifeguard's chair and then they stalked him as The Big Show came out to the ring. The Big Show got in the ring and he knocked Benoit down with a big boot and then he knocked Cena down with a clothesline. Big Show dominated Cena and Benoit, giving them both choke slams and leaving them laying and this Sunday night, The Big Show, John Cena and Chris Benoit will be three of the fifteen Smackdown! Superstars included in the 30 man over the top rope Royal Rumble! The Big Show sent a message to Benoit and Cena at the Royal Rumble by dumping them over the top rope and if he does that at the Royal Rumble this Sunday night, Benoit and Cena will be eliminated from the Rumble match!
Triple Threat Match
Referee: Jim Korderas
Bradshaw vs. Akio vs. Sakoda
The music of the APA hit in the arena and Bradshaw made his way out to the ring for a Triple Threat Royal Rumble Qualifying Match against Akio and Sakoda.
Akio got in the ring and Bradshaw went to work on him and then Sakoda got in the ring and nailed Bradshaw from behind and Bradshaw attempted to fight them off and he did just that in the early going and even though this is a triple threat match, Sakoda and Akio worked together in the early going.
Akio gave Bradshaw a kick to the face and then he knocked him down with a heel kick and Sakoda pinned Bradshaw but only got a two count as Akio broke up the pin.
Akio came off the top rope but Bradshaw caught him with the clothesline from hell on the way down and then he pinned him for the three count to pick up the win to advance to the Royal Rumble this Sunday night on pay per view!
Winner - Bradshaw
Best of Billy Gunn:
Billy Gunn brought us into the final Best of Billy Gunn segment and this is the best moment of his career to date. They showed footage and it was of the Billy and Chuck "wedding." The publicity he got out of that was incredible. He was on every news channel in America and overseas. He can do whatever he sets his mind to and this Sunday at the Rumble, he will add to his long list of accomplishments when he goes on to win the Royal Rumble and become the WWE Champion!
Royal Rumble Preview:
Smackdown! Brand -
- WWE Championship: Hardcore Holly vs. Brock Lesnar (c)
- Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble vs. Rey Mysterio (c)
- Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero
RAW Brand -
- World Title: Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (c) [Last Man Standing]
- Tag Titles: The Dudley Boyz vs. Ric Flair and Batista (c) [Table Match]
And of course the Royal Rumble Match, featuring 15 RAW and 15 Smackdown! Superstars.
Backstage:
Eddie Guerrero was shown backstage and Kurt Angle showed up, asking Eddie if he's ready. Kurt told Eddie that he knows that look. He's seen it before and he knows what he's thinking. He's thinking that tonight is the night that he gets his revenge and that he beats up Chavo so badly that he doesn't even make it to the Royal Rumble. Kurt told Eddie that tonight, they have a wrestling match and the way you get your revenge is when you win a match. Emotions are running high and Eddie's brother lied to him, his nephew betrayed him and both of them attacked him. Kurt said that Eddie's family is messed up and Eddie stood up in anger and Kurt Angle said that there's a reason why Eddie Guerrero never became the WWE Champion, it's because he let his emotions get the best of him. If he wants to beat up Chavo at the Royal Rumble, that's his business but tonight, if they're going to team up, Eddie is going to go by Kurt's rules and the simple formula is to block out all emotions and to focus and concentrate on winning. That's how he won the WWE Title and an Olympic Gold Medal. That's how he is going to win the Royal Rumble and go on to be in the main event at Wrestlemania!
Referee: Nick Patrick
Chavo Guerrero, Sr. and Chavo Guerrero, Jr. vs. Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle
Eddie Guerrero's music hit in the arena and he made his way out to the ring in his low rider for this tag team match with Kurt Angle against his brother Chavo Guerrero and his nephew, Chavo Guerrero, Jr.
Kurt Angle started it off in the ring against Chavo Guerrero, Jr. and the two locked it up and Kurt Angle took Chavo down to the mat with a textbook fireman's carry.
Chavo, Sr. was tagged into the match and he and Angle locked it up and Chavo, Sr. twisted Kurt's arm and put him in a wrist lock and Kurt Angle put Chavo, Sr. in a hammer lock and Chavo, Sr. got out of it with an elbow to the head.
Kurt Angle went to put Chavo, Jr. in the ankle lock but Chavo, Sr. broke it up and then Angle went for the Angle Slam on Chavo, Sr. but Chavo, Jr. stopped it.
Eddie Guerrero tagged himself into the match and he went to work on Chavo, Sr. and Chavo, Jr. got in the ring and Angle grabbed him and gave him a German suplex. Kurt Angle seemed to get something in his eye and he couldn't see and Eddie went to check on him and Angle gave him the Angle Slam, not knowing what he was doing. Angle rolled out of the ring in pain and the referee called for some help for Angle as he was down on the outside of the ring.
WWE officials assisted Kurt Angle to the backstage area and Chavito came off the top rope with a frog splash on Eddie Guerrero to pin him for the three count to get the win!
Winners - Chavo and Chavo Guerrero, Sr.
Credit: WrestlingAttitude.com