[indistinct transmission]
[gentle electronic music playing]
[low growling]
[dramatic music playing]
Last week, I said we're gonna come to Raw tonight and shake things up.
And by God, that's what we're gonna do.
Tonight will be the first ever draft lottery in WWE history.
You, Mr. Heyman, will choose from the entire Raw roster in your bet.
No one is exempt.
[Heyman] Paul Heyman's SmackDown hereby welcomes
René Duprée,
Mark Jindrak,
"Mr. Thursday Night" Rob Van Dam.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Theodore R. Long.
I am very proud and privileged to welcome to the Smack…
[Bischoff] Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's the matter, Paul?
SmackDown and Paul Heyman get Spike Dudley.
[Cena] Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo!
You the general manager…
but I'm making the next pick.
This ain't a real pick. It's not a real pick.
No, it's a real pick. That's your pick!
Stick with it.
You sure you want me to read this out loud?
Yes. I want you to read it out loud.
Would you please?
Triple H.
-[crowd cheering] -[man 1] Triple H!
[man 2] Are you kidding me?
[Bischoff] That pick was not a legal pick.
I mean, Paul Heyman didn't even make the pick.
John Cena made the pick.
Once a pick has been chosen and announced, it's official.
No one is exempt.
Well, for my next…
I can't believe this.
I mean, Vince McMahon said, "Everyone,"
that means everyone is eligible.
-I pick… -Who is it?
-Say it already. -[Bischoff] Paul Heyman.
-[crowd cheering] -[Ross] Oh my God.
Heyman, for Raw's last pick, has been drafted to Raw.
I would never sell my soul
to a piece of slime like you.
Eric Bischoff, screw you.
-I quit! -[crowd cheering]
♪ It's been a long time ♪
["I Want It All" playing]
♪ Uh, uh! Yeah, yeah, yeah, c'mon ♪
♪ Uh ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ I've worked too hard for this ♪
♪ Ay yo, it's my life My time, My rights ♪
♪ My rhymes, My grime My struggle, hustle ♪
♪ Sweat and my blood too ♪
♪ My predator smells fear ♪
♪ And I smell a lot ♪
♪ My competitors fled scared ♪
♪ 'Cause they smelt I was hot ♪
♪ I want it all ♪
♪ In excess, the sex ♪
♪ And much success Stress sucks ♪
♪ I want it all, no less So, come on ♪
[popping explosions]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] A new day has dawned on SmackDown.
Three days after an historic draft lottery
that shook up the sports entertainment world,
we are in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Michael Cole alongside Tazz at ringside.
[Tazz] I'll tell you, Cole, I'm fired up.
This is more like a brand-new SmackDown.
Kickin' it off hard, baby.
-[Motörhead's "King of Kings" plays] -Whoa!
♪ Time to play the game ♪
[Tazz] Time to play the game!
[Cole] The crown jewel of the draft lottery for SmackDown,
Triple H.
What a steal Monday night.
[Tazz] Absolutely, no doubt, my friend.
Kicking it off SmackDown style with Triple H.
[Cole] And Evolution no longer
when Triple H has evolved to SmackDown.
[Tazz] I mean, Triple H, exclusive property,
formerly of Raw, now on SmackDown.
[Cole] An eight-time champ…
Well, wait a minute. That's not Triple H.
-[Tazz] I know that. -[Cole] That's Kurt Angle.
-But what's Kurt Angle doing? -[Tazz] Well, Kurt wasn't traded.
-That's great. -[Cole] Well, that is great news.
Kurt obviously not traded or drafted but…
[Tazz] Why is Kurt walking out here to Triple H's music?
[Cole] That's a great question, partner. I'm sure we're gonna find out why.
[Tazz] I don't know, maybe there's a production problem.
I don't know, but I spoke to Triple H earlier today,
and I tell you, The Game is pumped and primed and ready to be here.
I'm just shocked that Angle's out here.
[Cole] Oh, I am glad to say, like you mentioned earlier,
that Kurt Angle is still a part of SmackDown.
Kurt Angle not involved in the draft, and obviously not traded…
[Tazz] Well, Cole, who has been traded? Do you hear any inside scoops?
[Cole] I don't know. We're gonna find out tonight.
[Tazz] All right, all right.
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
You suck! You suck!
I know that you all expected Triple H to come out here about now.
[crowd shouting]
And I'll explain that in a minute.
But first, there is a pressing issue that needs to be discussed.
Who will be the new General Manager of SmackDown?
[crowd shouting]
Paul Heyman's unexpected departure has left a significant void.
[crowd shouting]
And it is my pleasure to announce that a new general manager
has been named and is here tonight.
[crowd cheering]
This person is someone with class.
This person is someone that you're all familiar with.
This person has a last name that is synonymous with wrestling.
[Tazz] It's got to be Stephanie McMahon. Got to be.
And is not in it for the money or fame,
but is willing to give up their personal goals
for the sake of the greater good.
And I am proud to say that the new general manager of SmackDown
is…
me, Kurt Angle.
-[Cole] What? Kurt Angle? -[Tazz] Whoa!
Wow.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Kurt Angle is the new general manager?
[Tazz] Blockbuster news.
-I'm shocked! -[Cole] I can't believe this.
[Tazz] I thought for sure it was gonna be Stephanie McMahon. That's what I thought.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
Oh, it's true.
I have made the ultimate sacrifice.
I have put my wrestling career on hold.
I have set aside my personal goals of becoming WWE Champion again.
Did I do it for me?
Obviously not.
I've done it for all of you, the SmackDown fans.
[crowd booing]
Because I believe that I can make a difference…
And I will fight for what I believe in.
And unlike my predecessor,
I will not back down to anyone.
I will not be physically intimated by anyone.
That's why when Triple H came to me earlier tonight,
came right up to me, face-to-face,
and demanded a rematch with Eddie Guerrero
right here tonight on SmackDown for the WWE Championship…
[crowd cheering]
…I looked into his eyes and I said, "No."
[crowd booing]
Triple H will not be facing Eddie Guerrero for the title tonight.
As a matter of fact,
Triple H will not be on SmackDown, period.
-[Cole] What is Kurt Angle talking about? -[Tazz] Didn't you hear what he just said?
[Cole] Oh, I heard it.
Because in my first act as the new general manager,
I traded Triple H back over to Raw.
-[Cole] What… Traded him? -[Tazz] No.
-[Cole] Traded him to Raw? -[Tazz] No. Bad move, Kurt. No. Bad move.
[Cole] Kurt Angle traded Triple H back to Raw.
[Tazz splutters] Who'd he trade him for? Maybe this isn't bad.
See, I'm not in it…
Listen, listen up, folks. I'm not in it to win any popularity contest.
I'm in it for one reason and one reason only,
to take SmackDown to newer and greater heights.
[crowd cheering]
And I believe that the trade I made,
the Superstars that I acquired for Triple H, from Raw,
will do just that.
See, the first two Superstars that I got,
that I acquired for the trade with Triple H,
happen to be a part of the most successful tag team
in the history of this business.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Dudley Boyz.
[Cole] The Dudleys?
-[Tazz] Whoa! -[Cole] Coming to SmackDown?
[Tazz] That's all good. Whoa!
[Cole] The Dudleys are 17-time Tag Team Champions.
[Tazz] Not a bad trade, Cole. That's cool, man.
[Cole] Bubba Ray and D-Von.
The Dudley Boyz will be wrestling later on tonight
and I'm sure it'll be very brutal.
But The Dudley Boyz aren't the only Superstars
I acquired for the trade with Triple H.
As a matter of fact, the next Superstar, I believe,
will be the most dominant Superstar in SmackDown for years to come.
He's a man that would like to come out here and say a few words.
He is a five-time WCW Champion.
[Tazz] No.
Ladies and gentlemen…
Booker T.
♪ Can you dig it? ♪
-[Cole] Booker T part of SmackDown? -[Tazz] Can you dig it, baby?
[Cole] The new general manager wheeling and dealing.
[Tazz] There's the Book Man. Ha-ha!
[Cole] Three for one. Triple H traded back to Raw,
but look who we got in return, The Dudleys and Booker T.
[Tazz] That's a great trade, man.
I'll take the Book Man any day, along with The Dudleys. It's all good.
[Cole] Booker T in the prime of his career.
He's been a main event star, proven.
[Tazz] Well, Cole, I'm predicting Kurt Angle's
gonna be a great general manager. Wow!
[Cole] Not off to a bad start in my book. I got to agree with you, partner.
-You're not kidding. -♪ Can you dig it? ♪
Book Man, up in the house. Wow, man.
[Cole] I never thought I'd see Booker T on SmackDown.
[Tazz] Well, he looks good in that ring, though.
[Cole] And we're gonna see The Dudley Boyz in action later on tonight.
Well, this is shaping up to be some night.
And we're gonna get to see the Spinaroonie maybe.
Do the Spinaroonie, Book.
[crowd chanting] Booker T! Booker T! Booker T!
Booker T! Booker T! Booker T!
Yo, look, man.
I'ma just get right down to it.
I wish I could come out here and tell you I was excited,
and happy, and overjoyed to be here.
We're happy to have you.
But the fact of the matter is, I'm not.
-[Cole] What? Oh… -[crowd jeering]
You see, in the last 72 hours, my life have been turned upside down.
I didn't have nothing to do with it, I didn't have one say in it.
And I don't like it.
But what I did like…
was wrestling on Raw.
-[crowd cheering] -I respect that.
See, no disrespect to none of these fans in here,
but the Raw fans, they appreciated Booker T.
They respected everything I did.
[crowd cheering]
And no disrespect to you, Kurt,
but compared to Raw, SmackDown is the Minor Leagues.
-[Cole] Oh, come on. -[Tazz] Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, Book.
[crowd booing]
You know, I walk around the back, I see all the Superstars back there,
a bunch of great talent,
a bunch of good hands, guys with great futures,
great bodies, but guess what?
I'm better than each and every one of them.
[crowd exclaiming]
I'm better than your champion, Eddie Guerrero.
[crowd booing]
I'm hotter than John Cena.
[crowd booing]
And I'm bigger than The Big Show.
[crowd booing]
-[Angle] Well… -Hell, I'm better than The Undertaker.
-[crowd booing] -[Tazz] Whoa, whoa.
Look, man, what I'm really trying to say is,
what I'm really trying to say is, I don't wanna be here.
[no audible dialogue]
…the hell outta here.
Whoa, whoa, hold on, Booker. Hold on, Book.
Listen, I know you're upset, okay?
But come on, Book, wake up and smell the coffee.
The Minor Leagues? No, not SmackDown.
-We're the Major Leagues, buddy. -[crowd cheering]
But I'll agree with you on one thing…
You are a bigger Superstar than all of the guys on SmackDown,
I will agree with you on that.
That's why I traded for you in the first place.
[crowd booing]
And I will agree with you on something else,
the Raw fans, they did and they do appreciate you.
You see, if there's one weakness that the SmackDown…
the SmackDown show has…
it's that the SmackDown fans don't appreciate great talent, okay?
Trust me, I know. They don't appreciate great athletes.
You're looking at one right here, and I know.
But, Booker, I'm telling you right now,
you stick to your guns,
you're gonna like it here, and we're gonna change all that.
As a matter of fact, ladies and gentlemen,
I want you to give a warm welcome to the hottest,
most dominant Superstar in SmackDown today,
Mr. Booker T.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Well, not quite a warm welcome.
[Tazz] He's just got to get comfortable here, Cole.
Give the man a chance. Give him a chance.
[Cole] Hey, you know what, I don't know how it was on Raw,
but I'll tell you one thing, here on SmackDown,
you've got to earn the respect of not only your peers
but of the SmackDown fans.
[Tazz] Well, I'm sure Booker realizes that,
Booker has been around, this is not his first picnic.
Booker knows the deal. Booker was probably comfortable on Raw…
But he didn't win any friends around here, that's for sure,
by saying some of the things that Booker said.
[Cole] Well, you know, these fans will appreciate Booker T
if he can earn their respect.
And someone who's gonna plan to earn some respect
is coming up next.
It's SmackDown's draftee,
Rob Van Dam versus Charlie Haas,
who is new to singles competition.
Rob Van Dam debuts next on SmackDown.
[heavy rock music playing]
[regal martial music playing]
[announcer] Good evening, Newcastle.
WWE live, baby.
It was really great to meet Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty in person.
I loved every second of it.
[heavy rock music playing]
[Guerrero] Good evening, Sheffield.
Have you guys seen all the mamacitas out here, huh?
-Somebody got to take a picture for me. -[laughter]
We just went and met John Cena and Eddie Guerrero
at, um, signing sessions with them and it was absolutely amazing.
I like this place.
Ah, some mamacitas here. All right.
[bagpipers playing]
Kilts are not skirts.
I'll be proud to walk out tonight in Aberdeen wearing a kilt.
[crowd chanting]
[crowd cheering]
[Mysterio] Coming over here and being able to perform for the fans
in the UK, it's awesome.
You can see the people leave happy off their seats.
They go home with something to talk about.
It's great to meet my heroes, brilliant to just finally meet my heroes.
[Cole] You know what, I hope Booker T was watching that because
that's how SmackDown fans appreciate their Superstars.
But here comes high-profile SmackDown draftee, RVD.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Approaching the ring, from Battle Creek, Michigan,
weighing in at 230 pounds,
Rob Van Dam.
[Cole] Well, unlike Booker T, RVD told us earlier today
that he's absolutely elated to be a part of SmackDown.
["One of a Kind" playing]
Dude, I am so stoked to be part of SmackDown.
Get used to calling me Mr. Thursday Night.
And you can count on me taking SmackDown to new heights
because everybody knows, nobody gets any higher than RVD.
Tell you what, that's got a pretty cool ring to it,
that Mr. Thursday Night. I'm feeling that. I like that.
[Cole] RVD from nearby Battle Creek, Michigan.
[Tazz] Uh-oh.
[announcer] And from Edmond, Oklahoma,
weighing in at 240 pounds,
Charlie Haas.
[Cole] Here's another Superstar who must learn life as a singles competitor.
On Raw Monday night,
The World's Greatest Tag Team was split up.
Well, Paul, Raw is pleased to announce the acquisition
of a fine young charismatic athlete.
Welcome Shelton Benjamin.
So Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin have been split apart.
We both talked to Charlie Haas earlier today, he told us
he is looking forward in the challenge of competing singly here on SmackDown.
[Tazz] Yeah, I definitely-- I think it's safe to say Charlie Haas
is gonna take the singles ranks by storm here,
but those RVD chants are pretty loud.
[Cole] Do you think these fans appreciate RVD?
[Tazz] Oh, yeah. RVD getting a nice welcome here.
[indistinct conversation]
This is my house!
[Cole] Yeah, hear, Charlie Haas just said, "This is my house,"
referring to Rob Van Dam's first match here on SmackDown
after being drafted from Raw.
[crowd] Rob Van Dam!
[Tazz] But if Haas [indistinct] Rob Van Dam.
[Cole] It sort of sounds like RVD's house, doesn't it?
A side headlock now for Charlie Haas as we start this matchup.
[Cole] If his house is this big, he's got a big house.
[Cole] I'll tell you, Kurt Angle, the new general manager of SmackDown,
started off like the Knicks' Isiah Thomas here tonight, wheeling and dealing.
Nice fireman's carry takedown by Charlie Haas.
[Tazz] But I'll tell you, Cole, I can't get over Booker T
who was getting a little bit out of line there.
-Minor Leagues? Come on. -[Cole] A little out of line?
[Tazz] I don't know about that. Yeah, that wasn't, uh…
I mean, better than The Undertaker?
[Cole] Better than Eddie Guerrero? Better than John Cena?
Better than The Big Show? Give me a break!
And Kurt Angle out here saying Booker T may be better than those guys. I think…
Well, look at Charlie Haas, Rob Van Dam into the ropes.
I think Kurt Angle was just trying to protect the trade that he made.
[Tazz] This match right here is heating up, that's twice now
Haas has pushed Van Dam and-- Oh, nice.
Another one by Van Dam here.
[Cole] Right hands by Rob Van Dam. Highly unorthodox style of RVD.
You know RVD well, you've been in the ring with him.
[Cole] Yes, I have, many, many times. Van Dam, that unorthodox style,
with that extensive martial arts background,
tremendous flexibility.
[crowd cheering]
Van Dam, a lot of people don't realize,
extremely, extremely tough dude, I'm telling you. Very tough.
[Cole] I talked to you earlier today,
you're very high in this pick of Rob Van Dam by SmackDown.
[Tazz] I think that this is a great, a great chance
for SmackDown and Rob Van Dam here, and the SmackDown fans.
[Cole] Oh, what a slam by Charlie Haas.
[Tazz] Charlie Haas, though…
Charlie Haas did not become All-American at Seton Hall in the sport of wrestling
in a tag team match. He did it by himself. Oh!
You're saying Charlie Haas will not have a problem
adjusting to singles competition?
[Tazz] I don't think so.
This match right here, they're going hold for hold Van Dam and Haas,
back and forth.
[Cole] Rob Van Dam, that arm bar on Charlie Haas
as he continues to torque the pressure.
We mentioned all the wheeling and dealing Kurt Angle has done.
Check wwe.com for all the other trades
that have been made by our new general manager.
[Tazz] Not for nothing, RVD this past Monday on Raw,
went into Raw one half of the World Tag Team Champions,
but then they lost, Booker T and Van Dam did the Tag Team Titles.
Well, Booker T lost, not Van Dam.
[Cole] But like you said, it's an individual competition now.
-Rob Van Dam… -[Tazz] Whoa!
[Cole] …knocked off the top rope, head bounces off the barricade.
-[Tazz] Well… -[Cole] And Charlie…
Lookit, Rob Van Dam may have injured that knee.
[Tazz] That's that high-risk style of Van Dam. You got to be careful.
That's why they call it high-risk.
[Cole] Charlie Haas quickly on the attack.
[Tazz] Smart by Charlie Haas,
knows you got to get the man in the ring to get the win.
-There's the cover. -Cover, hook of the outside leg.
And a kickout. This would be big win for Charlie Haas,
as we take another look.
[Tazz] Right here, Haas had the wherewithal,
and that's legal, to chop Van Dam off that top rope,
and then get him back in the ring and try to get a pin cover.
[Cole] And Charlie Haas realizing that left knee was injured
as Rob Van Dam came off the top rope.
Going to work on RVD.
[Tazz] And Haas will pinpoint that knee. He knows--
Wow, look at that. He knows--
Now using the longer rope here, Van Dam, that is.
Using the bottom rope and the middle rope. Come on, ref, get him out of there.
-Come on, get off! One, two, three! -[Cole] Referee Brian Hebner…
As Rob Van Dam continues to be tied up in the ropes.
[Tazz] You've gotta help Van Dam.
You got to get him out of there.
[Cole] RVD in a world of trouble. Finally!
But the damage may have been done to that knee.
[Tazz] You're not kidding. You could tear a ligament, a cartilage in there.
Now, the submission hold is…
Looks like a modified half-crab, smart by Charlie Haas.
Haas to work on that knee.
[Cole] Rob Van Dam's left knee has been torqued here by Charlie Haas.
You see the agony in the eyes and the face of RVD.
[Tazz] It looks like Rob Van Dam's debut appearance here on SmackDown
is not gonna be pretty. He's in trouble here.
[Cole] RVD, he uses those kicks as good as his hands.
-[Tazz] Was that a low blow there or what? -[Cole] I don't think so.
-I think it was on the abdomen. -South of the border?
Lower abdomen, right?
[Cole] Charlie Haas, once again, on the attack, Rob Van Dam's left knee.
It's all contorted there in a…
[Tazz] Well, again, like I said, Van Dam has got tremendous flexibility.
You'd never know how Van-- how much Van Dam is…
[Cole] Oh, wow, look at that!
Missed the enzuigiri but countered with a shot to the chin.
[Cole] Again, that martial arts background of Van Dam, that unorthodox style.
[Cole] Tremendous talent, great career thus far.
Rob Van Dam looking to…
looking to bring it to even bigger heights here on SmackDown.
Here, Charlie Haas, right in the mush.
Look at this, boom, right in the face.
I've been on the other end of that, it's not fun, I'm telling you.
Well, you know, Charlie Haas is probably the better pure wrestler here,
but he's having a hard time
having to deal with that style, the crazy style of Van Dam. There it is!
[Cole] There is another look at the unorthodox style, RVD,
leg drop across the chest.
[Tazz] A spinning leg drop.
Now Van Dam's got something in mind.
[Cole] Shaking off the cobwebs in the leg.
[Tazz] Rolling thunder!
[Cole] Rolling thunder connects to the sternum.
That's the first Rolling Thunder we've seen him do on SmackDown.
[Cole] Hook of the leg. He's got him-- No! Charlie Haas just got the shoulder up.
-Hell of a matchup. -[Tazz] How close was that?
Wow. And this… You're right, this is a great matchup.
[Cole] This is the excitement RVD is gonna bring to SmackDown.
[Tazz] Great athleticism from these two. Look at this rolling monkey flip.
-Held him. Very smart. He got him! -Charlie Haas has got him.
He's using the ropes, and Brian Hebner
is wise to the cheating tactics of Charlie Haas.
[Tazz] Got caught with his hand in the cookie jar right there.
[Cole] Charlie Haas still on the attack.
-Rob Van Dam could be in trouble. -[Tazz] Whoa, whoa, whoa.
-[Cole] Lands on his feet. -[Tazz] Nice counter. Oop!
-[grunting] -[Cole] Shoulders to the midsection.
-[Tazz] Look at this, Van Dam. -[Cole] Oh, what a kick to the head!
[Tazz] I don't think Van Dam expected Haas to use his feet.
[Cole] Lookit, Charlie Haas…
Charlie Haas removing that protective turnbuckle padding.
That is a steel turnbuckle that's been exposed.
[Tazz] Haas got bad intentions on his mind.
Van Dam has no clue what just happened.
-[Cole] Look at this, roll-up. -Small package.
-[Cole] Hooks the leg. Oh! -[Tazz] No! No! No!
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Rob Van Dam steals one!
["One of a Kind" playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Rob Van Dam.
[Tazz] Charlie Haas is angry, big-time irate. I don't blame him.
[Cole] Hey, Charlie Haas, what do you mean you don't blame him?
He took way too much time taking the turnbuckle cover off.
Rob Van Dam capitalized.
RVD with his first victory
in his first appearance on SmackDown.
Well, we're three days, remember, from the draft lottery
which changed SmackDown as we know it.
Former General Manager Paul Heyman,
he had the first pick in the draft lottery.
[laughing]
One of the premier groups on Raw
has been broken up.
Ladies and gentlemen, Paul Heyman's SmackDown
hereby welcomes René Duprée.
[hushed chatter]
[Cole] Coming up next on SmackDown,
it is the debut of the so-called French Phenom.
René Duprée in action, next.
[Cole] We are back on SmackDown.
But it looked like SmackDown at the end of Raw this past Monday night.
SmackDown Superstars showing their colors,
coming out in droves to take on the Raw locker room.
[Tazz] SmackDown just took it to the Raw Superstars.
And then "Stone Cold" Steve Austin came out, waved on the troops,
but nevertheless, the SmackDown Superstars wearing the bright blue proud, baby.
-Look at this. -[Cole] How proud were you?
You were right down there in the middle of it.
That was one of the proudest things I've ever been a part of.
It was insane. I will never forget it.
One of the most proudest moments I've ever been a part of.
You know, Tazz, if you think about it,
SmackDown really dominated Raw this past Monday night.
The last match, the main event, was Eddie Guerrero
versus then SmackDown superstar Triple H for the WWE Championship.
SmackDown is now the home of Rob Van Dam. Great cruiserweight action.
The Undertaker, The Big Show, WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero.
And how about the United States Champion John Cena?
And to for nothing, Cole, we got to mention,
how proud are we of our loyal SmackDown fans, man.
Showing support for us here on SmackDown.
[Cole] And also, how about the great Raw fans?
We thank them for their hospitality this past Monday night.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
In the ring, from Allentown, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 215 pounds,
Billy Kidman.
[Cole] Well, the talented Billy Kidman's gonna get his first look
at the first SmackDown draftee,
the so-called French Phenom.
[announcer] And from Paris, France, weighing in at 263 pounds,
René Duprée.
[Tazz] I love white dogs. Look at that dog.
[Cole] Well, René Duprée, extremely talented.
[Tazz] I like this guy already.
[Cole] But he knows how talented he is.
[Cole] Oh no. There's been a lot of hype over this kid.
I mean, he's not a kid. He's a young lion, he's a young athlete.
[Cole] Well, he's 20 years old. He's one of the…
He is the youngest champion…
Tag Team Champion in WWE history.
[Tazz] Cole, I'm not-- I'm not too sure. Maybe the dog is just as arrogant as René.
-[Cole] You think? -[Tazz] Yeah, look at that dog.
[Cole] Well, you hit the nail on the head. René Duprée is arrogant.
[Tazz] Look at the dog's tail.
Get a shot of the tail sticking up in the air.
[Cole] Looks like he got him shaved for his SmackDown debut.
That's a "foo-foo" tail.
Kind of like your old haircut you used to have.
-[Cole] That's nice. -[Tazz laughs]
[Cole] So René Duprée, the SmackDown debut tonight,
against Billy Kidman.
[Tazz] You know, French poodle, French wine, French kiss,
it's all about René, Cole.
He's proud. The man's proud of where he's from.
[Cole] And if you don't believe it's all about René Duprée,
just ask him, he'll tell you.
[Tazz] The kid is loaded with confidence, Cole.
There's nothing wrong with that.
And I'll tell you what, if Brooklyn had a flag,
I'd wave it out here on SmackDown, for God's sake.
[Cole] Well, René Duprée says he has something to prove tonight.
Doesn't feel like he was sent off from Raw in the way that he planned…
But I'll tell you, this kid is in phenomenal shape.
-Tremendous physique. -Tremendous physique, no doubt.
[bell rings]
His body fat got to be super low, in great condition.
The thing about René Duprée that's so impressive is potential.
His potential is unlimited, man. He's a young guy.
[Cole] He's gonna have a tough test here tonight with Billy Kidman,
former Cruiserweight Champion.
And there is the arrogant René Duprée.
Kidman not happy with his actions early on in the matchup.
Lockup center of the ring. Oh!
-Kidman whipped off the ropes. -[Tazz] Whoa!
[Cole] Went for the big hip toss, Kidman countered.
-Billy Kidman, up over the top. -[Tazz] Oh, look at this.
-High-risk district. -[Cole] Right hands!
And, Mr. Duprée, welcome to Billy Kidman's offensive arsenal.
[Tazz] Yeah, you got to watch Kidman. He's quick. He's quick.
Look at this, deep arm drag. Nice arm drag by Kidman.
[Cole] Remember, René Duprée's been competing on Raw for a while now.
-There's no cruiserweight… -[Tazz] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Cole] Oh, look at Billy Kidman. No cruiserweights on Raw.
As René Duprée countered, and Billy Kidman's in trouble.
It would take Duprée a little bit of time here to adjust
to the cruiserweight style of a Billy Kidman.
[Tazz] Well, I don't think so, Cole.
I don't think it'll take time for René to adjust.
He's beating the holy high hell out of Billy Kidman right now.
[Cole] Kidman whipped into the corner with authority!
[Tazz] Wow! I'll tell you, this guy, René Duprée, for such a young guy,
just-- he just-- he has his act together.
He's got his stuff together.
[Cole] If only he would check his ego at the door.
-Billy Kidman, right hands. -[Tazz] Why?
-Why does he have to check his ego? -[Cole] Big back body drop.
René Duprée in control of Billy Kidman.
-Hey, there's the French Tickler. -[Tazz] I love the Fre--
"I'm a French guy, I'm a French man." I love that dance.
[Cole] Right hand by Duprée, cover. Shoulders down, and a kickout.
[Tazz] René Duprée upset right now at referee Charles Robinson.
With a close-- Almost a three-count.
And now René Duprée with that bear hug.
That's a strong dude, man.
The French are strong, you know.
-[Cole] How do you know? -[Tazz] I know a lot of French guys.
[Cole] Yeah, I'm sure you do.
-"USA" chants filling the Van Andel Arena. -Oh!
-And look at that. -[Tazz] Oh man.
[Cole] Billy Kidman with the jawbreaker.
[Tazz] Right on that perfectly structured jaw of Duprée.
[Cole] And a boot to the face. And Duprée catches another one.
Billy Kidman starting to build momentum. Flying elbow off the second rope.
Billy Kidman feeling it. Enzuigiri to the back of the head,
and Kidman trying to knock off Duprée here.
-Hook of the leg, cover. Kickout. -[crowd cheering]
[Tazz] Van Dam was successful earlier here on SmackDown in his debut.
Can Duprée do the same thing?
Billy Kidman's trying to prevent Duprée from getting the victory.
-Uh-oh. Whoa, whoa, whoa! -[Cole] Wow, what a slam,
-As quick as that. Cover. -[Tazz] Got him.
[Cole] Shoulders down, and Kidman rolls the shoulder out.
[Tazz] Perfectly-timed powerslam out of the corner by René Duprée,
very impressive.
[Cole] Only 20 years old. He had his first professional match
when he was just 14 years old, this René Duprée.
-[Tazz] Oh! -[Cole] What a dropkick!
[Tazz] Duprée just a victim of the best dropkick in the game by Billy Kidman.
Tremendous dropkick!
[Cole] And René Duprée may be the victim of a…
[Tazz] Well, yeah, you know what's coming, Cole.
[Cole] Look at this. Billy Kidman up to the top rope.
[indistinct excited chattering]
-[Tazz] No, no, no, no, whoa! -[Cole] Kidman off the dropkick.
-[Tazz] Wow! -[Cole] Hung up on the top rope by Duprée.
[Tazz] Duprée must've scouted Kidman.
Kidman's in no man's land. He's in trouble here.
[Cole] Kidman was going for that Shooting Star Press.
[Tazz] What's this? What's this?
[Cole] On the shoulders of René Duprée, Kidman.
-[Tazz] Oh! -[Cole] A modified sitout powerbomb!
-Hook of the leg. -One, two, three.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Duprée picks up the win.
[announcer] Here's your winner, René Duprée.
[Tazz] This guy's got it, Cole. Look at him.
[Cole] Hey, I'll admit, he is very impressive.
[Tazz] The "it" factor, my friend, this kid's got it, I'm telling you.
[Cole] René Duprée, drafted first in the lottery
on Raw Monday night by SmackDown,
very impressive in his debut.
-[Tazz] He's a… -[Cole] Wait a minute!
[Tazz] The hell?
["Basic Thuganomics" by John Cena & Tha Trademarc playing]
[Tazz] The Doctor's in the house, Cole.
[Cole] The United States Champion is in the house, John Cena.
But what brings John Cena out here now?
[Tazz] Who knows? Cena does what he wants,
when he wants, and how he wants, and he sure says what he wants.
[Cole] Big Show was the victim of John Cena at WrestleMania
when Cena won the United States Championship.
And you're right, Cena does anything he wants,
whenever he wants.
[Tazz] That's John Cena's MO.
United States Champion.
Sure, John Cena's got a big mouth, but he backs it up, man.
-René's not too impressed. -Chill, chill, chill, chill, chill, chill.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena! Cena!
Cena! Cena!
Welcome to SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
This is where The Franchise play.
That's Tazz, he a thug.
-What's up? -And that's Michael Cole. He's gay.
-[laughter] -Yeah, you like that?
Now, there's some things you need to know. I'm here to keep you prepared, bro.
Don't leave your watch or your wallet anywhere near Eddie Guerrero.
Fool pickpocketed me like five times.
He still owes me 50 bucks. He's still got my ID.
Here's the most important thing, but you'll remember, this one's easy.
Don't go nowhere near a bathroom after Big Show or Rikishi.
They be dropping them bowl winders.
They got that funk like something up and died in here.
And get your eyes off my equipment.
I don't care how bad you want some.
This chain ain't for yanking and don't touch my Magic Johnson.
[crowd cheering]
Those French folk got their own thing, you know?
Ain't gonna judge, but that's you.
You do you, I'll do me. You know what I'm saying?
I'd introduce you to these fans,
but it's obvious that they want none of you.
[crowd booing]
It's because they know that France sucks.
[crowd cheering]
Plus they throwin' up the W.
[crowd cheering]
Could be a good time for you to leave.
Don't let the door hit you when it shuts.
Oh, I got something you can do, man.
-[man 1] Hit him! Hit him! Get him. -[man 2] Suck on these nuts!
Choke on these nuts.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Well, welcome to SmackDown, Mr. Duprée.
[Tazz] You're not gonna see anyone as outspoken as John Cena on Raw.
I can tell you that, my friend.
[Cole] Hey, what do we say each and every week?
It's a whole different world here.
[Tazz] We're SmackDown, baby. We get in your face.
[Cole] But nonetheless, you've got to be impressed
with René Duprée in the ring here tonight.
[Tazz] I'm impressed.
[Cole] Beautiful Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
A brand-new SmackDown tonight.
The Dudley Boyz and Booker T are with us after a huge trade
made by our new SmackDown general manager, Kurt Angle.
But last week on SmackDown, little did we know,
it was the beginning of the end of our old general manager, Paul Heyman.
And what a rough week it's been for Mr. Heyman.
[Tazz] You're not kidding, anytime you look into the eyes
of The Undertaker, and that's what Heyman did last week.
That's bad. Look at this.
Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio helping out.
And then check this out.
[Cole] And Monday night, Paul Heyman was drafted by Raw,
and then Paul Heyman quit.
But we have great news, ladies and gentlemen,
that man, The Undertaker, will remain here on SmackDown.
[Tazz] That is good news. That's great news.
The Deadman still a part of SmackDown.
Rikishi and Scotty, what are your thoughts on Paul Heyman quitting
and Kurt Angle becoming the new SmackDown general manager?
Well, you see, Josh, you know what that means to The Big Kish,
and my man, The Worm?
That means it opens up doors of opportunity for us.
-You see… -What's up, players? Hey. Theodore Long.
-Yeah, I know who you are, man. -Representing the SD,
the land of equal opportunity, SmackDown.
Now, you feel me? Now, you see, SmackDown selected me, player,
because they knew it needed some flavor.
Oh, really?
And the other thing, player, is that I'm here
because I'm looking for that one great man,
or even better, one great team.
-Well, yeah. -That's us.
Now, look at you two, WWE Tag Team Champions.
-You know it. -We are.
You know, that says one thing.
You're good, but you're not great yet. You feel me?
-Hey, you better watch it with that. -Hey, hey, hey, hold on, player.
-I'm not here for trouble, okay? -You better watch it.
I'm here for one thing. Theodore Long is about taking people to the top.
You know, making stars,
living large, dollar, dollar bill, y'all.
-Talking my language. -All you've got to do,
you can e-mail me, you can fax me, or even better, bam,
I got some special players cards-- Hey, players only, cracker.
Hey, the number's right at the bottom. Holla at your boy.
Yeah, I'll holler at you.
-He ain't even got no ink on there. -Right.
-Funaki, how are you, man? -Hi, Spike. How are you?
Good to see you, bro.
[overlapping chatter]
-Right, right. -Orlando.
-Eddie. What's up, baby? -What's up, homes?
-How you doing? Good to see you. -Good. How you doing, man?
[indistinct chatter]
Órale, homies. Look who we have in the SmackDown locker room.
[all] RVD!
-Órale, homes. Five star. -Frog splash, baby.
-Simón, vato. Hey, congratulations, bro. -Thanks, dude.
-Very impressive win. -Eddie.
Hey, vato loco. Rey, Rey. ¿Qué pasó? ¿Cómo estás, ese?
-Me gusta la camisa. -A, mí también.
I like the shirt too, homes.
Hey, man. Just call, I'll send you one.
-I'll mail you one. In the mail, homes. -All right.
-Hey, Funaki-san, Konbanwa. Hai, hai. -Konbanwa. Hai.
How are you? Okay. Yes? Hey, konba--
Oh, I can't do that with you, homes.
-Just kidding, Spike. -How are you, man?
Welcome to SmackDown, homes, you and your bros, ese.
Good to be here.
Good to have you here. Órale, homies.
Check it out, man. It's the five-time, five-time
WCW Champion, Booker T, ese.
Book… Spinaroonie, homes!
Yeah, man. I love it, man, when you twirl around.
You come in with a sidekick, man.
Órale, homes, that's wicked.
Vato loco, chill out, ese.
I mean, you got to relax, bro. You're at SmackDown, homes.
We're like familia here, man. We watch each other's back here, bro.
-You're gonna love it. -Look, man.
I don't need nobody to watch my back. Look, man, I liked where I was.
I knew what I was gonna get each and every night.
That was the best competition.
-Look, man. -Wait, wait, what are you talking…
Look, man, that drove me to be the best champion I could be.
-Yeah. -A champion I could be proud of.
Yeah, but you wouldn't know nothing about that.
I wouldn't know nothing about that? What do you mean by that?
Let's face it, man. Eddie Guerrero, WWE Champion?
That's right, homes. I am.
Look, man, you're simply a champion of the Minor League.
-Now, back up off of me. I'm busy. -Minor League?
No, no, no. You didn't just say that, did you?
I mean, you didn't insult every WWE Superstar
that has held this title, have you? No, no. I didn't hear that, man.
You didn't insult the SmackDown fans. You didn't just do that, ese.
Man, and you didn't insult all the family I have here,
all the boys that have sweated, bled, and sacrificed
everything they have to be on the SmackDown roster,
and to be and make what this SmackDown show is all about?
You didn't just do that!
Yo, ese…
consider yourself insulted, sucker.
-Órale, homes. Insulted… -Now, what you gonna do?
-[grunting] -[shouting]
[overlapping shouts]
Get him outta here. Open the door. Open the door. Get him out.
Get him out. Get. Come on, go.
-Eddie, hey. Hey. -[speaking in Spanish]
-Tranquilo. Tranquilo. -Eddie. Hey.
What do you mean "tranquilo"? He just insulted the family, homes.
[Cole] We're back on SmackDown. Booker T, not well received here tonight
at his new home of SmackDown. Booker T rubbing folks the wrong way,
including our champion, Eddie Guerrero.
Yo, ese…
consider yourself insulted, sucker.
[Cole] Well, Booker T deserved this from Eddie Guerrero.
[Tazz] Sure, and then Eddie Guerrero, that temper just flared.
And you're right, I agree with you, Booker T crossing the line,
completely disrespecting SmackDown, in general,
to the champion, the WWE Champion, Eddie Guerrero.
[Cole] Booker T called Eddie Guerrero the Champion of the Minor Leagues.
[Tazz] Whoa!
[rumbling explosions]
["We're Coming Down" playing]
Take a little trip to Dudleyville, Cole.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Approaching the ring, from New York City,
at a combined weight of 543 pounds,
Bubba Ray and D-Von, The Dudley Boyz.
[Cole] The Dudley Boyz, part of that three-for-one deal
made by new General Manager Kurt Angle.
The Dudley Boyz's first appearance on SmackDown.
Welcome, Bubba Ray and D-Von.
[Tazz] Well, SmackDown is sponsored by Touchstone Pictures' The Alamo.
One of the greatest battles in history
is now the motion picture event of the year.
Everywhere April 9th. Rated PG-13.
[Cole] And by Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3,
this year's hottest action game.
[Tazz] And by the Reebok Classic Leather Wedge.
Available only at Foot Locker.
[Cole] I am so excited to have The Dudleys here on SmackDown.
[dramatic music playing]
[announcer] And from Columbus, Ohio, at a combined weight of 495 pounds,
Doug and Danny, The Basham Brothers.
[Cole] New General Manager Kurt Angle hasn't wasted any time
throwing The Dudley Boyz into the fire, former Tag Team Champions The Bashams
set to meet Bubba Ray and D-Von.
[Tazz] Well, when you talk about Tag Team Championships, The Dudley Boyz,
as I pointed out earlier in the show, raised the bar when it comes to tag team.
Seventeen-time Tag Team Champions, the most ever in history.
-[Cole] The only-- Hey. Look at this. -Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.
Bubba Ray and D-Von wasting little time getting involved here on SmackDown,
and this matchup is underway.
And Bubba Ray tossing Doug Basham out of the ring
and Doug back into the ring, but this matchup is underway.
Let me tell you something right now, Cole.
I know Bubba and D-Von just about better than anybody on this planet
and they are two of the toughest dudes going today.
And they don't back down from a fight. They love a good fight.
[Cole] You mentioned, 17-time Tag Team Champions,
the only team in history to hold the ECW, WCW,
and WWE Tag Team Titles.
And of course, the "we want tables" chants begin.
[Tazz] I'd like to point out, that's not just what The Dudley Boyz are made up of.
People… Whoa!
…know of them for putting people through tables,
and they're made up of so much more stuff than just breaking tables.
Believe me, The Dudley Boyz take the fight to you and hurt you.
They're about pain.
[Cole] Tag made to D-Von Dudley, going to work on Danny Basham.
I'll tell you. I don't believe some of the reasons Kurt Angle gave us tonight
for wanting to become general manager of SmackDown,
but I do have to agree with Kurt Angle on one thing.
He made a hell of a deal when he got The Dudleys and Booker-T for Triple H,
three-for-one, in that big trade.
[Tazz] Oh, I'm not complaining. I think… kudos.
I think Kurt Angle is gonna be a great general manager.
He made some great moves today.
But now, Doug Basham is all over D-Von here.
[Cole] Also, later tonight, Cruiserweight Title match.
Incoming Spike Dudley gets a shot at Chavo Guerrero.
That's coming up on SmackDown.
[Tazz] Flying elbow, full body slam by D-Von, cover.
[Cole] Hook of the leg, and a kickout by Doug Basham.
But let's not take anything away from these young Basham Brothers.
[Tazz] No, no, no doubt about it. Doug and Danny Basham,
former Tag Team Champions, extremely triple-tough individuals.
And that's why this is… it's a great tag team match already.
[Cole] Wow, what a neckbreaker by Bubba.
-[Tazz] Might have him here. -Cover. Hooks the side leg…
Kickout by Doug Basham.
[Tazz] Again, shows the toughness of Doug Basham.
Bubba got… Oh, there's a crossface, another crossface.
[Cole] You know, not only are they--
are they the winningest tag team in the history of sports entertainment,
but perhaps are the most physical tag team in history.
[Tazz] Bubba and D-Von are all about physicality.
And anytime they can get it done,
they will fight a man and punch him in the mouth.
[Cole] And they'll double-team you as well.
Nobody does it better, as the old song goes.
-Cover. Turn around, ref. -Hook of the leg,
but referee Jimmy Korderas busy getting Bubba Ray out of the ring, doing his job.
And a switch made, no tag was ever made.
-[Tazz] Well, an illegal switch. -Danny Basham is the fresh man.
-[Tazz] Exactly. Whoa, whoa, whoa! -Suplex to D-Von Dudley.
Think about The Bashams. If you're The Bashams,
and you can knock off The Dudley Boyz here tonight
in The Dudleys' debut on SmackDown, what does that do for The Basham Brothers?
[Tazz] It really boosts your confidence. What about Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty,
the WWE Tag Team Champions?
You know they're glued to a monitor backstage, watching this match.
[Cole] Yeah, what are they thinking now that The Dudleys are here on SmackDown?
Wow, what a double-team by The Bashams!
[Tazz] Now, Doug Basham getting a cover here.
[Cole] Hooks the inside leg, shoulders down. Kickout by D-Von.
I'll tell you, The Dudleys are just straight ahead, smash mouth, all power.
[Tazz] Well, that's their style, man. That is The Dudley Boy's style.
And now, surprising here, Doug Basham with an abdominal stretch.
Don't see Doug do this often.
[Cole] The Bashams are unique.
They do some different things each time they're in the ring.
-Look at this. -Little tomfoolery, a little cheating.
[Cole] Well, referee Jimmy Korderas, he's in perfect position
but doesn't see the double-team, so to speak.
[Tazz] Well, you know… you know, Cole,
everybody in that trade seems happy to be happy here
with the exception of Booker T.
Look at this cheating. With the exception of Booker T.
[Cole] Oh, Booker T, give me a break.
Going around spouting off his mouth saying that SmackDown is the Minor Leagues?
[Tazz] What about getting in Eddie Guerrero's face?
Show a little respect for the WWE Champion.
Booker just dissing Eddie.
[Cole] Danny Basham in off the tag, delivers the elbow to the sternum.
'-Here's the cover on D-Von. One, two. -Kick out! Kick out!
[Cole] Didn't hook the leg. May have cost him.
[Tazz] On a debut here on SmackDown, D-Von getting beat now.
One, two…
[Tazz] Doug lining up D-Von with Danny's help.
[Cole] The Bashams doing a tremendous job
isolating D-Von from Bubba. Whipped across the ring.
Oh, and what a shoulder knockdown to the gut!
[Tazz] Yeah, D-Von put all his weight into that leap with his feet,
and Bubba knows that D-Von needs to get his butt over there
and tag in his brother.
[Cole] And the crowd realizes it as well. D-Von trying to make it to his corner.
Will D-Von get there? He does. And here comes the bruiser,
Bubba Ray Dudley.
[Tazz] Bubba throwing haymakers here. Bubba's very quick for a big man.
[Cole] Big clothesline. And a big back body drop.
Check out the elevation, and check out the clothesline.
-[Tazz] Bring it up. Bubba now… Ba-bam! -[Cole] Neckbreaker.
[Tazz] Second neckbreaker of the match. There's a cover.
-That could do it, hook of the leg. -Watch the feet!
And just kicking out.
I don't think the referee realized
Bubba's feet were under the bottom rope there,
but Basham had the wherewithal to kick out.
[Cole] Ho-ho-ho-ho!
[Tazz] I guess he didn't need that skin on his chest anyway.
[Cole] Doug Basham whipped across the ring.
This has been a physical battle.
[Tazz] You're not kidding. Look at that.
[Cole] Sidewalk slam, hooks the inside leg.
And Danny Basham saves the matchup.
[Tazz] If Danny don't make that save, Bubba gets the win over Doug.
[Cole] And Danny Basham hammering away on Bubba Ray Dudley.
The referee's got to get The Bashams out of the ring.
He's gotta get one of The Bashams out of the ring here.
-[Tazz] Yeah, he does. -Danny Basham is not legal.
[Tazz] This is a… Oh! Lot of boot there.
[Cole] Danny Basham paid for it. And there he goes.
[Tazz] Well, anyway, one Basham's out.
[Cole] And from behind, Danny Basham, clubbing blow to the back of the head.
[Tazz] Duck on the reversal. Another left jab, another left.
[Cole] Left jabs by Bubba Ray Dudley.
-[Tazz] A little flip, flop, fly, Doug. -[Cole] Bubba Ray…
-There's the slam! -[crowd cheering]
Here it comes.
[Tazz] Here comes Whassup, baby.
-Whassup? -Whassup?
[Cole] Will it be?
D-Von connects with the Whassup.
[crowd cheering]
[Tazz] And Danny's not happy about it.
[Cole] And don't-- Oh! 3D!
-[Tazz] Gotta be it. -[Cole] Got him!
The Dudley Boyz, what a debut!
[announcer] Here are your winners, The Dudley Boyz.
[Tazz] One of the most impactful maneuvers in the industry today.
3D, patented by Bubba and D-Von Dudley.
What a big win over The Bashams.
[Cole] You don't need glasses to see that 3D.
And Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty, the Tag Team Champions
and the rest of the tag teams on SmackDown better beware of The Dudleys.
[Tazz] Welcome, Dudleys. Great to have you here, baby.
Good job.
[crowd cheering]
["We're Coming Down" playing]
[banging]
[man chanting] Angle sucks! Angle sucks!
What you gonna do about what happened, man?
Eddie Guerrero just jumped me, man.
Unprovoked. Look, man, I ain't about to be respected like that, bro.
Look, man, SmackDown… Man, I hate SmackDown.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on, Book. Hold on a second. Okay?
Under the guidance of Kurt Angle, SmackDown is about respect.
I can't tell.
Hey, Eddie Guerrero might not be respecting you right now…
but he will by the end of the night.
-What you mean, man? -Listen,
I faced Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania.
I beat him to a pulp, yet he cheated to win.
But then he had to go over to Europe for a full week.
Wrestled night after night, grueling schedule…
only to come back to Raw last Monday night
and wrestle Triple H for his WWE Championship.
-Now, what that got to do with me? -So by the end of the night,
you may not be respecting Eddie Guerrero…
but Eddie Guerrero will be respecting the new WWE Champion.
What you saying, man?
Whether Eddie likes it or not,
Eddie Guerrero is gonna have to defend the WWE Championship tonight
against the five-time WCW Champion, Booker T.
Now, can you dig that?
Yeah. Yeah, I can dig that.
[Cole] Booker T and Eddie for the WWE Title tonight.
[sighs]
[funky, mellow music playing]
[crowd buzzing]
[Cole] Well, here comes the Cruiserweight Champion,
Chavo Guerrero, set to defend the title.
-[Tazz] My man. -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
Making his way to the ring, being accompanied by Chavo Guerrero Sr.,
from El Paso, Texas, weighing in at 213 pounds,
the Cruiserweight Champion, Chavo Guerrero.
[Cole] Hey, look who's still hangin' around.
The Dudleys Boyz awaiting the arrival of their brother Spike
who's gonna battle Chavo tonight.
[Tazz] Yeah, Chavo Sr. not happy about Bubba and D-Von.
-[Cole] Oh, that's too bad. -Don't think The Dudleys belong out here.
This is not right.
[Cole] Oh, Chavo Sr. can't cheat to help his son win
'cause The Dudley Boyz may get involved.
Too bad, Chavo Sr.
[Tazz] How do you know that Chavo Sr. is gonna cheat?
-[Cole] Because he does it every week. -[Tazz] Oh, stop.
[Cole] Clean your sunglasses once in a while.
[announcer] And the challenger, weighing in at 150 pounds,
Spike Dudley.
[Cole] Spike Dudley makes his SmackDown debut tonight,
and he takes on Chavo Guerrero for the Cruiserweight Title.
[Tazz] Imagine that, first time in town here on SmackDown
and old Spike becomes Cruiserweight Champ.
If anybody can do it, it's the Spikester, I'm telling you.
[Cole] Yeah, with Bubba Ray and D-Von looking on, I'll tell you,
Kurt Angle, first night on the job as general manager of SmackDown,
not only does he give us the Cruiserweight Championship match here tonight,
but as we heard moments ago,
Eddie Guerrero must defend the WWE Title against Booker T.
[Tazz] Rocketbuster news.
Booker and Guerrero go at it tonight for the WWE Title.
[Cole] Well, right now, Cruiserweight Championship is on the line.
Chavo Guerrero and Spike Dudley.
And little Spike Dudley at 150 pounds, relentless,
and could call himself champion after tonight.
[Tazz] Well, Spike, pound for pound,
possibly one of the toughest guys in the game today.
Spike can get it done.
I'm telling you, Chavo too. Chavo's Cruiserweight Champion.
Yeah, getting the advice from his dad. That's great.
[Cole] Well, Spike Dudley says no advice to this one.
And the champion and challenger exchanging blows center of the ring.
[Tazz] Now, Spike with a right hand, another right hand. Look at this.
[Cole] Right hands to the side of the head of Chavo Guerrero.
Champion could find himself in trouble.
It's hard to defend against the scrappy style of Spike Dudley.
[Tazz] Well, Spike Dudley, also-- Look at this, going for a vertical.
[splutters] Going for the Dudley Dog here.
[Cole] And if he'd hit that-- But Chavo with a great counter.
[Tazz] I was just gonna say, Spike is so used to facing heavyweights.
[Cole] Hey, hey, hey, get away from there, Mr. Chavo Sr.,
if you know what's good for you.
[Tazz] The Dudley Boyz are watching Spike's back.
It's a family affair out here. The Guerreros, The Dudleys.
We are family. ♪ We are family ♪
[Cole] Did you hear Bubba Ray Dudley asking Chavo Sr.,
"Coming over here? Are you crazy?"
You see Bubba Ray and… Referee's counting.
[Tazz] The referee needs to get The Dudleys away from Spike.
I understand they're trying to support their--
They got to get them away.
[Cole] Look at this, cover by Chavo. Hook of the leg. Kickout by Spike.
The Dudleys didn't do anything to aid Spike.
They're playing cheerleaders.
[Tazz] Stop talking. The point I was trying to make before you interrupted me
was that Spike is used to being on Raw where he faces heavyweights.
Now, he's in the home of the cruiserweights
where he belongs, and Spike could dominate here.
[Cole] But doesn't Spike have to adjust his style?
[Tazz] Uh, yeah, he does. Yeah.
[Cole] So, it's gonna be a transition for Spike as well.
And look at Chavo Guerrero working on the midsection of Spike Dudley,
a unique abdominal stretch here.
Yeah, absolutely. But Cole, you know,
Spike makes the transition in one night here,
and becomes Cruiserweight Champion,
he has a successful transition, wouldn't you say, Cole?
[Cole] Oh, I like Spike Dudley.
I'd rather have him as champion than Chavo Guerrero.
Hit Spike with an elbow to the side of the head.
-[Tazz] I like Chavo. -[Cole] Spike with another elbow.
Chavo went for the right hand. Spike with a right of his own.
-[Tazz] Oh man. -[Cole] Spike Dudley hammering away.
[Tazz] Spike and I were former Tag Team Champions.
If he'd been throwing punches like that, we never would've lost the titles.
[Cole] Oh, wow, inverted atomic drop
And a clothesline. Cover.
Could be a new champion… But Chavo kicks out.
[Tazz] That was close. Definitely close.
[Cole] Spike Dudley all fired up here tonight.
[Tazz] Reversal-- Whoa, headfirst into the guts.
-Small package! -[Cole] We may have a new champ.
-And Chavo just kicked out. -[Tazz] Oh, how close was that?
[D-Von] Get down! Watch him, man!
[Tazz] Spike's relentless. The relentless… Whoa!
[Cole] Spike lands on the apron. Blocks the right hand, another right.
-Spike Dudley going up to the top rope. -[Tazz] Watch your back, Chavo.
[Cole] Spike suffered a right hand.
[Tazz] Spike got dinged in the head right there.
[Cole] Chavo the champion, shot to the rib cage.
[Tazz] Oh, Spike is in trouble now,
getting the tall whupped out of him on that second turnbuckle.
[Cole] Spike's in all kinds of trouble. Chavo Guerrero, the champion…
[Tazz] What's Chavo gonna do here?
[Cole] Looked like he was going for a superplex
but Spike Dudley with the right hands. Look at that!
-Right into the gut. Here's the cover. -[Tazz] New champ.
[Cole] Hook of the leg. He's got it. No.
Chavo just rolled out. And Bubba Ray and D-Von can't believe it.
[Tazz] How the heck is Chavo kicking out of that?
All Spike's body weight feet-first… [grunts]
-[Cole] Oh! -[crowd exclaims]
[Tazz] What a matchup here, cruiserweight action, baby.
Cruiserweight Champ, Spike Dudley
[Cole] Chavo Guerrero, look at this. Going for the Gory Bomb perhaps.
-[Tazz] Got him set up! -[Cole] Look at this. Sunset flip.
-[Tazz] New champ. -[Cole] Cover! And Chavo just kicked out.
What a counter to the Gory Bomb by Spike Dudley.
[Tazz] Beautiful counter. Textbook, baby. Wow.
[Cole] Chavo Sr. with a look of concern on his face.
[Tazz] How quick Spike turned it into a sunset flip there
was really impressive.
-[Cole] Oh, off the top turnbuckle, Chavo… -[Tazz] Chavo's in trouble here, Cole.
-[Cole] Spike Dudley! -[Tazz] Missed a missile dropkick.
[Cole] And Chavo looks for the opening.
Spike Dudley up on the shoulders. What a backbreaker.
[Tazz] Oh my God, you are not kidding.
[Cole] Hook of the leg, shoulders down. Chavo retains the Cruiserweight Title.
[announcer] Here's your winner and still Cruiserweight Champion,
Chavo Guerrero.
[Tazz] Outstanding matchup, great outing right there by Spike.
But Chavo leaves Grand Rapids and SmackDown
with the Cruiserweight Title.
[Cole] I'll tell you one thing. Spike Dudley has nothing
to be ashamed about here at his debut night on SmackDown.
[Tazz] Hey, you come right in here, and you get in the ring
with the Cruiserweight Champion like Spike Dudley did, you go toe-to-toe,
that's impressive.
[Cole] The veteran, Chavo Guerrero,
moved out of the way and then took advantage.
[Tazz] Yes, he did. Chavo right here, that modified backbreaker.
Look at the impact.
Shockwaves through your spine right there, my friend.
[Cole] Chavo Guerrero retains the Cruiserweight Championship.
-But ladies and gentlemen… -[Tazz] Yeah. Hold your horses, baby.
[Cole] …because still to come tonight on SmackDown,
Eddie Guerrero defends the WWE Championship
against SmackDown's newest member, Booker T.
It's Eddie and Booker T tonight on SmackDown.
[mellow music playing]
[narrator] Want to get high?
-[gasps] -Go ahead.
Smack your TV.
-Oh, and look at this! -[Tazz] Big-time impact.
-[Cole] Talk about explosive. -[Tazz] Phenomenal athleticism.
[narrator] WWE SmackDown on UPN.
[Tazz] Don't blink, this kid can move, man.
Wow, what a shot!
[Cole] There is no denying. This kid's a hell of an athlete.
I'll tell you, tonight is a night to smack your TV.
You're not kidding. Big, big match. Tell them the match.
New General Manager Kurt Angle
has made Eddie Guerrero defend the WWE Title tonight
against SmackDown's newest member, Booker T.
Thanks to the trade, we get someone the caliber of Booker T,
and helpfully Booker will enjoy his match with Eddie Guerrero.
Let's see if Eddie Guerrero, the WWE Champion,
can take it to you, Booker.
You know, but I wanna talk about last week on SmackDown
and the disgusting actions of Bradshaw
toward his former friend, his longtime partner, Faarooq.
The APA as we know it, Cole, is no more.
It's a horrible deal. It's a-- it's a horrible situation.
Two former great friends are no more.
Yeah. Horrible situation, 'cause one turned his back on the other.
Let's take you back to this past Thursday night on SmackDown.
Former General Manager Paul Heyman had just been punked out
in the ring by John Cena, and wasn't happy about it.
I mean, it just doesn't have…
Hey, hey. [laughs]
Hey man, that's too bad about what happened to you, man.
You know, they didn't have to dog you out like that, man. You know?
You're about to have a chance at the WWE Tag Team Championships, right?
-Yeah. -Well, for your sakes,
I hope you win the Championships.
-We're gonna do that. -Yeah.
Because if you and your partner don't win the WWE Tag Team Championships…
Psst!
…then you're fired!
-What? Oh, wait. Hey, hey, come on. -Oh man. That's…
-[Cole] Rikishi backing up. -[Tazz] Oh.
[Cole] 350 pounds to Faarooq. Wait a minute!
Bradshaw went for the Clothesline From Hell.
And missed it, walked into a big boot by Rikishi.
-This might be it. One, two… -[Cole] Here's the cover.
Hook of the leg. It's over!
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, is this the last call for The APA?
-Say the word "fired"! Say it. -Say it, punk.
I didn't say I was firing The APA.
-I said I was firing you, Faarooq. -[both] What?
Oh man. Oh… What about y'all? Wait.
As for you, you need to think about your own future, Mr. Bradshaw.
I think you should know, I think very highly of you.
You're a respected financial analyst
who's had a major book published,
and who's now on Fox News.
We don't need this. Let's get out of here, bro. Come.
[tense music playing]
Hold on. What? Wait, hold on, man.
Don't tell me, after all these years?
Well, I'll be damned.
[Bradshaw] I can't just walk away.
Man, I got way too much going on.
Man, I got a book. Man, I'm a freaking one-man conglomerate.
I can't just walk away from this 'cause you said something stupid.
Come on!
Come on, Ron.
Can't we still be friends at least?
[Cole] You know, then the audacity of Bradshaw
to ask Faarooq if they could still be friends.
[Tazz] But what's this?
What is this?
-[Cole] Well, it's… -[Tazz] Wow!
[Cole] It's obviously Bradshaw.
[Tazz] Wow. Looking a little different.
[Cole] Well, you know what, I still can't believe
Bradshaw turned his back on his longtime friend.
Faarooq was like a brother. They were closer than brothers, Tazz.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, John "Bradshaw" Layfield.
[Cole] John "Bradshaw" Layfield?
[Tazz] Well, I'll tell you, I like the ten-gallon. I do like that.
[Cole] Well, it's a unique look.
[Tazz] Well, Bradshaw a very successful financial analyst,
for those who don't know. I like the new Bradshaw.
["Longhorn" playing]
[crowd booing]
If you'll listen, I'll explain to you what happened last week.
Because I really feel
that I was horribly, horribly misunderstood.
[crowd jeering]
Oh, come on.
If you'll just listen to me, you'll understand
and you'll appreciate the fact that what I did was the right thing.
[crowd booing]
You see, Ron Simmons, you don't understand.
He's my best friend, he always has been.
We drank more beer and we've been up more roads
than most of you people can ever imagine.
So when Paul Heyman quit Monday night on Raw,
I knew this was my chance.
I knew this was my chance to get Ron's job back.
I knew this was my chance
to make sure that The APA
stayed in business.
[crowd cheering]
But I'm not gonna do that.
[crowd booing]
Listen, I'm explaining! Please.
I've got a lot more than just wrestling going on.
I appreciate everything that Ron Simmons has done for me.
I appreciate years and years of friendship.
But I've got a portfolio that has beat the stock market
seven out of the last seven years.
That is phenomenal.
[crowd jeering]
I've got a financial book by Simon & Schuster out,
and I'm writing another book right now on keeping America strong.
I've got a radio show that starts May 1st.
We're gonna talk about politics. We're gonna talk about finances.
You people are gonna love this radio show.
[crowd booing]
I have become the top financial analyst on network TV.
Fox News loves to have me on.
I could not, I simply could not
walk away from all that I've got.
[crowd booing]
You people, get off your high horse.
You people would have done the exact same thing that I did,
given the opportunity.
[crowd booing]
If you had been in my shoes, which you're not…
you people would have done the same thing.
You see, it's time that you people quit listening
to your little Sunday school fairy tales.
It's time you start listening to a guy like Prince Machiavelli
who will tell you that there is no wrong and there is no right in society,
that people do things because they want something back.
There is simple cause and effect.
You see, I understand that.
That is why people like me are people that run businesses.
People like me are people that run industries.
People like me are people that run governments.
[crowd booing]
I… The only thing I sold was stock about two weeks ago
before terrorism scared the market and I made a hell of a lot money,
so you can stop the "you sold out" chants right now.
[crowd chanting] You sold out! You sold out! You sold out!
I have always been smarter, I have always been better,
and I have always worked harder than anybody else around me.
[crowd booing]
That is why I have always been considered an impact player.
My picture hangs in my old high school.
My picture hangs in my old college.
Look it up, it's a matter of history. I don't have to pad my résumé.
Normal people are astounded by my résumé
because normal people never let their dreams
get beyond their front door because they are scared of failure.
[crowd booing]
I have never been scared of failure,
and I have never failed.
I have succeeded in everything but one thing, and that is wrestling.
Because I thought it was more important to have a good time,
to drink beer, to play cards, to visit our troops.
Well, I wanna tell you something, that's good and fine,
but that ain't got me jack.
So something's fixing to happen around here.
You're fixing to see an impact.
And if you know anything about history, you know this.
What I say I do, and what I do, I do very, very well.
So get ready for the impact that's coming.
Buckle your seats, boys and girls,
business is about to pick up.
["Longhorn" playing]
[Cole] Well, as far as I'm concerned, Bradshaw has already made an impact.
-You're not kidding. -Little full of himself, isn't he?
[Tazz mumbles indistinctly]
Bradshaw definitely does not have a confidence problem, Cole.
But I like the new Bradshaw, I'm telling you.
I think he looks sharp, and he's accomplished so much.
He's got so many other commitments.
I mean, you know, kind of turned his back on everybody,
on Faarooq and all, but…
He came out and bragged about himself.
[Tazz] But he has a reason though, Cole. He did.
[Cole] Nonetheless, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next…
-[Tazz] Oh, yeah! -[Cole] …the WWE Title is on the line.
The fighting champion, Eddie Guerrero,
against SmackDown's newest member, Booker T.
Eddie versus Booker T, it is next on SmackDown.
[Cole] We are live back on SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
We all heard what you said out there, Booker.
You think you're a bigger star than anybody we got on SmackDown?
And you don't wanna be here, do you?
Well, guess what. We don't want you here.
Oh, yeah, and by the way…
when Eddie Guerrero gets finished with you tonight,
there's a whole list of SmackDown Superstars
that are gonna rip you apart.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] But first, Booker T has to concentrate
on his title match with Eddie Guerrero next.
-As for Eddie Guerrero… -Oh man.
…what is the condition of the champion after this physical battle with Triple H
this past Monday on Raw?
[Tazz] And as you see here, "The Cerebral Assassin" Triple H
working on the back, the lower and the middle back of Eddie Guerrero
for a long portion of this match.
Got to wonder the condition of Guerrero.
[Cole] And that was after Eddie Guerrero's match at WrestleMania,
and after a grueling tour in the United Kingdom for the champion.
["Can You Dig It?" playing]
[Tazz] Here comes the Book Man.
♪ Can you dig it? ♪
Booker didn't make a lot of friends backstage, that's for sure.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
and it is for the WWE Championship.
Introducing first, the challenger from Houston, Texas,
weighing in at 256 pounds, Booker T.
[Cole] Booker T did not make many friends on his initial night here on SmackDown,
but if Booker T can win the WWE Title tonight,
I don't think Booker T is gonna care.
[Tazz] Well, not for nothing.
Booker T has been extremely successful his whole career.
You don't become five-time, you know,
Heavyweight Champion overnight, you know what I'm saying?
[Cole] Well, Booker T is gonna have to prove himself on SmackDown.
[announcer] And from El Paso, Texas, weighing in at 228 pounds,
he is the WWE Champion,
Eddie Guerrero.
-[Tazz] Look at that. -[Cole] Here is the man, in my mind,
who's already proven himself.
The WWE Champion, Eddie Guerrero.
[Tazz] Well, Eddie Guerrero beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title.
Eddie Guerrero beat Kurt Angle at WrestleMania.
Kurt Angle-- I'm sorry.
Eddie Guerrero, as you pointed out, a brutal tour of the UK.
Last week, from Boston on SmackDown, went toe-to-toe with Rey Mysterio
in an outstanding contest.
[Cole] And Triple H this past Monday on Raw, tonight Booker T.
And the question is this,
will Eddie Guerrero still be WWE Champion
when an all-new SmackDown heads to Columbus, Ohio
next week at the Nationwide Arena?
[Tazz] Well, that remains to be seen.
And we just went over the list of wins that, right there,
the WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero, has obtained.
But can Eddie Guerrero beat Booker T?
[Cole] Booker T set for action, chip on his shoulder
after losing the World Tag Team Titles on Raw this past Monday night.
Booker T wants some gold back around his waist,
and it would be that WWE Title.
It's Booker versus Eddie for the title, next.
-[bell rings] -[Cole] We are back on SmackDown.
Eddie Guerrero, the champion, Booker T, the challenger,
as the "Eddie" chants ring through the Van Andel Arena
in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
[Tazz] Well, Eddie Guerrero had no idea
he was gonna be defending his title here tonight
when he arrived at the arena,
just like on Raw this past Monday when he faced Triple H.
[Cole] Hey, for that matter,
he didn't know he was gonna defend it last Thursday night
against Rey Mysterio in that Gauntlet either.
[Tazz] Comes with the territory, you wanna be the champion,
you gotta be ready to face anyone at any time,
and Eddie doesn't complain. He'll face all comers.
[Cole] And Booker T backing Eddie Guerrero into the corner.
And Booker T with a clean break.
[Tazz] Well, both athletes jockeying for position,
feeling each other out a little bit.
[Cole] Well, Eddie Guerrero has got to… Look at that, nice arm drag by Booker T,
and an arm drag by Eddie Guerrero.
[Tazz] Got to figure, Eddie Guerrero's definitely quicker than Booker T.
Booker's not slow by any means, though.
[Cole] Not at all. And Eddie Guerrero's all fired up
after Booker T called him the Champion of the Minor Leagues
earlier on tonight,
claiming there was better competition on Raw.
Nice drop toehold by Eddie Guerrero.
[Tazz] Well, if there's a Minor League anywhere in WWE,
it's not SmackDown, it's Monday Night Raw, my friend.
[Cole] And you have to believe…
And Eddie Guerrero backed into the corner.
Quite frankly, neither one of the brands are Minor Leagues.
[Tazz] Well, okay. Let's see what Booker's gonna do here.
-Maybe Eddie… Watch yourself, Eddie. -[Cole] Oh, and a right hand.
Didn't expect that one right there, did you?
[Tazz] I don't know. I mean… No, I guess I didn't.
[Cole] Oh, and chop by Booker T.
This matchup made by the new general manager of SmackDown, Kurt Angle.
And you know Kurt Angle's disdain for Eddie Guerrero.
Kurt Angle had to be chomping at the bit to put Eddie in this matchup.
Here's the cover. Title on the line, and a kickout by Eddie Guerrero.
[Tazz] I agree with you, I mean, Kurt Angle's holding a grudge for sure,
I'm guessing, against Eddie Guerrero.
[Cole] Oh man! Ow.
[Tazz] What a… what a chop.
-[Cole] Payback. -[Tazz] I mean, Eddie, as you pointed out,
definitely fired up.
Eddie's got that Latino temper,
that adrenaline's flowing through his body.
Look at his eyes, look at the face on Eddie.
[indistinct chatter]
[Tazz] He's got that jaw locked up in that modified rear chinlock.
[Cole] You know, Booker T came here tonight,
his first appearance on SmackDown,
it's one thing to wanna mark your territory,
to call yourself the baddest guy on the planet,
but it's another thing to disrespect not only the Superstars
but all the SmackDown fans.
And that's what Booker T did here tonight.
[Tazz] I-I-- He did it intentionally. I don't disagree with you, Cole.
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero whipped across the ring.
-And what a clothesline! -[Tazz] Lot of impact. Cover again.
[Cole] Cover on the champion, and Eddie Guerrero kicks out.
But he may be knocked for a loop, the champion.
[Tazz] Well, Booker's smart. That's Booker's experience.
He hits a high-impact move, and quickly goes for a pin cover.
And now returning the favor back to Eddie
with that rear chinlock [indistinct].
[Cole] And Booker T working on the fact that Triple H
picked apart Monday on Raw.
[Tazz] That's right. Good point.
A knee to the small of the back by Booker on Eddie Guerrero,
right in the spinal cord. Eddie wiggling out of that.
[Cole] Eddie trying to wiggle out of it. Booker T continues the pressure.
Here's the champion. Reversal. Into the suplex.
[Tazz] Real quick reversal, the speed of Guerrero.
-Uh-oh. Where's Eddie going? -[Cole] Eddie Guerrero.
Over the top rope, Hilo to the sternum.
-Cover. -[Tazz] [indistinct].
[Cole] He may have it. And Booker T kicks out.
[Tazz] Notice how Eddie cradled the head. Not just your basic cover.
Trying to get the win over Booker there.
[Cole] How difficult is it for the champion to not--
He just found out about this match like 30 minutes ago,
and he doesn't even really know his challenger, Booker T,
at least over the past couple years. They have met in the past.
That's a good point, Cole. But I'm telling you,
in my opinion, about Eddie Guerrero,
Eddie Guerrero's a great WWE Champion for a lot of reasons.
Not just his physical skills and gifts, but his brain, he uses his brain in there.
And Eddie knows what he's doing there, I'm telling you.
[Cole] And what a night we've had here on SmackDown.
The new General Manger Kurt Angle with two title matches,
the blockbuster trade, Booker T and The Dudley Boyz coming to SmackDown.
I remember Bradshaw saying he was gonna have some sort of impact.
[Tazz] Yeah. Oh! There's your impact right there, the knee.
Again, the whole thigh and knee of Booker into the stomach.
[Cole] It has been some week in the WWE, hasn't it?
[Tazz] It seems like every week is some week in the WWE,
that's what happens here.
[Cole] Oh! And Eddie Guerrero, boot to the face.
That's a lot of boot.
[Cole] The champion trying to get back into this thing.
Booker T, reversal. Eddie whipped off the ropes.
Look at this. Eddie goes for a ride!
[Tazz] Nice show of strength and power by Booker T there.
Eddie Guerrero had to be about seven and a half, eight feet in the air.
[Cole] Booker starting to feel it a little bit, I think.
-[Tazz] Yeah, yeah, yeah, watch out here. -[Cole] Booker T!
A big kick to the side of the head.
[Tazz] Great extension with that long leg.
-[Cole] Here's the cover. Shoulders down. -[Tazz] Here we go. Oh!
[Cole] And Eddie just kicked out, so close for Booker T.
[Tazz] You are not kidding. Booker staying right on Eddie.
-Reversal. Oh! -[Cole] Big reversal.
Dropkick to the chin.
Right on the button.
[Tazz] Maybe go for a cover here, Eddie. You got him.
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero's got to follow up here.
[Tazz] That's what I'm saying, you got to stay on him here.
[Cole] Booker T to his feet. Eddie Guerrero, look at this.
-[Tazz] Whoa, whoa, whoa! -[Cole] Eddie hung up on the top rope.
And that was the veteran instinct of the five-time WCW Champion, Booker T.
[Tazz] Eddie landed right out in front of us here, gut-first on the top rope.
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero's Championship's in trouble.
Guerrero versus Booker T for the title continues next.
[woman] Come on, Eddie!
[Cole] We are back on SmackDown,
Eddie Guerrero, the champion, Booker T, the challenger.
WWE Title on the line, and throughout the entire break,
Eddie Guerrero's back suffering punishment at the hands of the challenger.
[Tazz] That's right. Well, I'll tell you what,
Booker T might be changing his mind about being on SmackDown
if Booker can win the title right here.
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero back to his feet.
We got to show you what happened during the break.
-Let's watch this. -[Tazz] Look at this. Boom!
Right over. Probably headfirst,
it looked like, possibly on the concrete there.
[Cole] Right on that back again. Eddie with the counter!
Desperation, belly-to-back.
[Tazz] Belly-to-back suplex nailed hard there.
Desperation is the right word.
And Booker T landing on the back of his head.
[Cole] This could be the turning point of the match.
Can the champion Eddie Guerrero take advantage?
[Tazz] I'll tell you what, Cole.
I'm thinking Booker's got more respect for Eddie than earlier tonight.
Sleeper hold. Center of the ring.
Booker T has it locked in, center of the ring.
-How much more can the champion take? -[Tazz] I don't know, Cole.
I don't think much more, Eddie is fading away here, man.
[Cole] Eddie trying to… Desperately reaching for the hair,
anything he can do to hang on to the title.
[Tazz] You know how Eddie is, he never quits.
There's no quit in the WWE Champion.
[Cole] But the champion is sinking fast.
Booker T has the champion in a sleeper hold.
Eddie Guerrero's eyes beginning to close.
[Tazz] Well, the referee might stop this thing.
-He might stop this match here. Uh-oh! -[Cole] Shoulders down, cover.
-[Tazz] Look at this. -[Cole] Eddie just kicked out.
[Tazz] And again, how quick, relentless back to that sleeper hold by Booker T.
Very smart by Booker, like the man or not.
[Cole] The champion back to one knee.
Eddie Guerrero needs to get back.
-[Tazz] To a vertical base. -[Cole] Eddie back now to both feet,
back to the vertical base, right hands to the gut.
[Tazz] What about Booker T? Boasting he's better than John Cena,
Big Show, and then The Undertaker. Which… Oh!
[Cole] Wow! What a counter by Eddie.
[Tazz] Booker even said he's better than Eddie Guerrero.
[Cole] Well, Eddie Guerrero trying to prove Booker wrong here tonight.
The champion, Eddie Guerrero, going up to the apron.
-[Tazz] Uh-oh. Uh-oh. -[Cole] What's Eddie gonna do?
[Tazz] Uh-oh, Eddie's… Eddie feeling froggy maybe.
[Cole] But Booker T quickly to his feet. Another right hand. Eddie Guerrero…
-[Tazz] Uh-oh, what's this? What's this? -…with a desperation move, may have to--
Superplex! From the second rope!
[Tazz] Eddie might be done if Booker can top Eddie.
If Book can get a cover, we're gonna have a new champion, Cole,
right here on SmackDown.
[Cole] Booker T. Hooks the leg. He may have this.
And Eddie Guerrero kicked out.
[Tazz] What a match. How the heck did Eddie Guerrero kick out of that?
[Cole] I'll tell you, the guts of the champion Eddie Guerrero.
Booker T continues the pressure with a sidewalk slam.
-[Tazz] The cover. -[Cole] Hook of the leg again. Cover.
-And the champion kicks out again. -[Tazz] Again, back to the hold.
That's it. Wrestling 101, man.
Smart by Booker T. Near fall after near fall after near fall.
That's what championship match should be and are made of.
[Cole] I cannot remember the last time I've seen Booker T
this aggressive as he is tonight against Eddie.
[Tazz] Booker T, well, I'll tell you what, when you come from Raw,
and you come to SmackDown, you got to pick your game up, Cole,
because we're in your face here on SmackDown.
Come on. You let me know. You wanna stop?
[Tazz] Again, that hold, he's just snatched on the neck of Eddie Guerrero.
[Cole] Referee Nick Patrick asking Eddie, "Do you wanna stop?"
Eddie Guerrero's not gonna give in here. Booker T's gonna have to knock him out
before Eddie Guerrero's gonna give up in this matchup.
[Tazz] Well, Booker turned that hold from the rear choke
into kind of a side choke here.
[Cole] The champion back to his feet again.
Booker T continues the pressure.
Eddie Guerrero, the champion, trying to somehow battle out of this,
right hands to the gut.
[Tazz] The challenger keeping hold of him, now the champion breaking out of the hold.
[Cole] And again, a knee to the midsection
as Booker T grounds Eddie again.
Booker T seems like he's one step ahead of Eddie Guerrero.
You know, whether these fans here like it or not,
Booker T looking very impressive here tonight.
[Cole] It's been a methodical, a planned attack,
an assault on Eddie.
Booker T taking his time.
-This is obviously… -[Tazz] Come on, ref.
-What are you doing here? -[Cole] Referee Nick Patrick
finally forcing Booker T to break the hold,
but Booker T pulling out all the stops here as he continues his assault.
[Tazz] Yeah, Booker T doing everything in his power to wear out…
-[Cole] Oh! -[Tazz] Oh! …Eddie Guerrero.
Throwing those chops and wearing down Guerrero.
[grunting]
-[Cole] A right hand. -Look at this. Look.
[Cole] And a chop again.
[Tazz] Tell you what,
this Booker T looks hellbent on leaving this arena with the WWE Title.
[Cole] But Eddie ducks underneath, and a chop of his own,
and here comes Latino Heat.
[Tazz] Someone's getting fired up, Cole.
[Cole] Latino Heat reaching a fever pitch.
-[Tazz] Here comes Eddie, baby. -[Cole] Booker T off the turnbuckle.
-Clothesline by Eddie Guerrero. -[Tazz] Eddie's picking up.
[Cole] Eddie is firing it up.
[Tazz] Eddie is all over Booker right now.
-[Cole] Booker T, reversal. -[Tazz] Whoa, whoa, whoa.
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero, look at this. Headscissors, what a counter!
Here comes the champion.
[Tazz] Hard head Latino temper. Here comes Latino Heat, baby.
[Cole] Oh. What a kick by Eddie Guerrero.
-[Tazz] That vertical. Counter. -[Cole] Went for it, Booker T.
-Book End. Book End. Book End. -[Tazz] Wow!
He could take it. Booker could do it here, Cole.
[Cole] Booker T hooks the leg.
[Tazz] New champ. He did it, it's over, baby!
-[Cole] And Eddie Guerrero kicked out. -[Tazz] Wow.
-[Cole] Oh my. Eddie Guerrero. -[Tazz] Oh man.
What in the world does Booker have to do to beat Guerrero?
[Cole] Booker T's probably asking himself that.
[Tazz] But Booker, to his credit, keeps the offense on Guerrero.
-[Cole] Booker T up over the top. -[Tazz] Oh, and he got him.
[Cole] Rolls him through. Shoulders down. And a kickout by Eddie.
-Booker T. Oh! -[Tazz] Man.
[Cole] And a kick to the side of the face.
[Tazz] Goodnight, Irene. Man, that's got to be it.
[Cole] The champion may be knocked out.
-Here's the cover. Hook of the leg! -[Tazz] One, two, thr…
-[Tazz] Wow! -[Cole] Eddie got the shoulder up.
[Tazz] How did… How did he do that?
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero continues to somehow kick out.
-[Tazz] What a match. -[crowd cheering]
How bad does this man wanna be champion?
[Cole] But Booker T is sensing, sensing that the end may be near.
[Tazz] Measure him up. He's measuring him up.
[Cole] A kick to Eddie's midsection.
[Tazz] Heads up, heads up, scissor kick.
[Cole] Goes for the scissor kick. Eddie ducked out of the way.
-Look at this. -[Tazz] He's got it.
-[Cole] Suplex. -[Tazz] Going for those triple verticals.
[Cole] If Eddie hits the hat trick, it could be over.
-[Tazz] Boom! -[Cole] There's two.
[Tazz] The Three Amigos, man. The three verticals.
-Number three. -[Cole] Eddie connects with the third.
-Come on, Eddie. -[crowd cheering]
Firing up Latino Heat. He's feeling it.
[Tazz] Oh, yeah. Eddie Guerrero's burning up.
-The WWE Champion headed to the top. -[Cole] Going to the top rope.
-Here comes Eddie. -[Tazz] Do the froggy.
[Cole] Frog splash connects.
-Wait a minute. Who the hell is that? -[Cole] Who the hell?
-[Tazz] What? -[bell ringing]
[Cole] It's Bradshaw!
-What the hell is he doing? -[Tazz] Bradshaw?
[crowd booing]
What?
-[Tazz spluttering] -[bell dinging]
[Cole] And a kick to the side of the skull.
[Tazz] What a straight kick to the face.
[Cole] Eddie Guerrero is… Looked like he was gonna beat Booker T
when, from out of nowhere, Bradshaw ambushed him.
-[Tazz] Watch out. Heads up! -[Cole] Clothesline From Hell.
[Tazz] Oh my God.
What impact with that Clothesline From Hell.
[Cole] Bradshaw, what the hell are you doing?
[Tazz] Talk about impact. Wow!
Wow!
Bradshaw said he was gonna make impact, Cole, and he just did.
Wow!
[Cole] John "Bradshaw" Layfield promised to make an impact.
-[Tazz] Man! -[Cole] Did that man, Bradshaw,
ever make an impact tonight.
[crowd booing] pact tonight.