Yes, sir. We promised you a great main event here tonight.
-Freddie Blassie, the Maker of Champions. -Andre the Giant!
-WrestleMania. -[Hogan] Hulkamania is running wild.
-Rest in… -[Ross] My God, what a night!
-Rock! -[The Rock] If you smell!
[Vince] You're fired!
-Give me a hell yeah! -[crowd] Hell yeah!
-It's not over. -The world is watching.
[dramatic musical sting]
[announcer] They gave it all at WrestleMania.
At Backlash, fought until neither one could stand.
Tonight, they take it one step further.
Inside an unforgiving steel cage,
The Undertaker, Batista, a Steel Cage Match
for World Heavyweight Championship, tonight.
[dramatic musical wind-up]
["Rise Up" by Drowning Pool playing]
♪ And I wont be denied ♪
♪ All I've got left is my pride ♪
♪ And I will rise up ♪
♪ Breaking out, break you down ♪
♪ Break the rules, break new ground ♪
♪ Had your chance, now it's gone ♪
♪ A new day, a new dawn ♪
[popping explosions]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd shouting]
[Cole] Friday Night SmackDown
is in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
on one of the most important nights in this show's history.
Surrounding the ring here in the Mellon Arena,
a 15-foot-high steel cage, which tonight, John,
will contain two combatants for the World Heavyweight Championship.
[JBL] Michael, there is nothing in all of sports entertainment
more exciting and barbaric than a Steel Cage Match.
Tonight, The Deadman, The Animal,
fight for the World Championship in this prison.
["I'm Coming" by Silkk the Shocker playing]
♪ One, two, you hear the clock tickin'? ♪
♪ Tick-tock, you about to stop livin' ♪
♪ Tick-tock, I want you to remember me… ♪
[Cole] Hello again, everybody, and welcome to Friday Night SmackDown.
I'm Michael Cole, joined by John "Bradshaw" Layfield at ringside.
Kicking things off with the, uh, well, very cocky yet confident MVP.
[popping explosions]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring, from Miami, Florida,
weighing in at 248 pounds,
Montel Vontavious Porter,
MVP!
[Cole] MVP has had his problems with Chris Benoit in the past,
but he has an opportunity come Judgment Day,
a week from Sunday, to win that United States Championship.
-My name is Finlay and I love to fight. -More about that in just a few moments.
["Lambeg" playing]
[announcer] His partner, from Belfast, Northern Ireland,
weighing in at 233 pounds, Finlay.
[Cole] This is gonna be a rather unique tag team tonight
of MVP and the veteran, Finlay.
[JBL] I don't know why you call it unique.
We have two of the best fighters
on our roster on one team.
This is what I call exciting, Michael.
["Whatever" by Our Lady Peace playing]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Making his way to the ring, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 234 pounds,
he is the WWE United States Champion,
Chris Benoit.
[Cole] And Chris Benoit will defend his championship
a week from Sunday at Judgment Day.
Announced on wwe.com earlier this week,
it will be Benoit versus MVP
in a Best 2-Out-of-3 Falls Match for the United States Title.
[JBL] The saga delivers.
This is like Gatti-Ward turned up ten times.
Chris Benoit and MVP, every time they've been in the ring together,
have put together classics.
They're gonna do it again at Judgment Day.
["Live For The Moment" by Monster Magnet playing]
[announcer] And his partner, from Cameron, North Carolina,
weighing in at 236 pounds,
he is one half of the World Tag Team Champions,
Matt Hardy.
[Cole] Looking forward to seeing Matt Hardy,
uh, in action tonight teaming with Chris Benoit.
[JBL] Matt Hardy has what I believe, arguably,
was the best night of his career last Friday night on SmackDown.
He won one off of Mr. Kennedy right in the middle of the ring.
All his championships aside,
that was the best I have ever seen Matt Hardy look.
[Cole] And although that was a great night for Matt Hardy last week,
it has been a terrible week for Mr. Kennedy.
This past weekend, Mr. Kennedy injured his arm
in the live events this past Saturday.
Then, on Raw this past Monday night, Mr. Kennedy was goaded
into that Money in the Bank match to put the Money in the Bank
on the line against Edge, injured arm and all.
He lost the matchup to Edge, he lost Money in the Bank,
and he watched his dreams go up in smoke.
A bit too much bravado perhaps.
[JBL] Sometimes it's a matter just to win by attrition.
Sometimes you win by just being able to show up each week,
which in this brutal business can be tough.
[Cole] Finlay backing Chris Benoit into the corner.
And talk about physical, these two men, two of the most physical that SmackDown
and the entire WWE has to offer.
Finlay went with that glancing forearm.
These guys know each other well.
They've fought each other in Europe, Japan, and now here in the WWE.
It is like a carbon copy.
You wanna know what Finlay looks like fighting himself?
Right there in front of him, Chris Benoit.
[JBL] And MVP and Chris Benoit, these two men will meet a week from Sunday
in the Best 2-Out-of-3 Falls matchup for United States Championship.
[Cole] And John, it was last week here on SmackDown
that MVP defeated Kane in the Number One Contenders Match
for the United States Title,
albeit with some help from William Regal and brass knuckles.
Albeit it with some help from William Regal.
It is what it is though, Michael.
-MVP has delivered every time-- -[Cole] Oh! Oh, look at this!
Benoit goin' for the crossface early on in the matchup,
trying to get MVP to tap out
and wisely makes it to the bottom rope, forcing the break.
One thing MVP has learned and that is what Benoit does.
As good as Benoit is,
MVP has been the best I have ever seen at countering Chris Benoit.
[Cole] And Matt Hardy in off the tag.
Matt Hardy, one half of the World Tag Team Champions
with his brother Jeff Hardy.
However, tonight, Matt Hardy is teaming with Benoit.
Drops the elbow, cover, hooks the leg. Kickout before a count of one.
Matt Hardy is really, really, John, taking the next step towards Superstardom
here in, uh, World Wrestling Entertainment.
[JBL] I'm tellin' ya, last Friday on SmackDown, Michael,
I have never seen Matt Hardy,
who has won many championships in this company,
I have never seen him look better.
[Cole] The ever aggressive wolverine, Chris Benoit.
Chris Benoit owns two victories over MVP at WrestleMania and Backlash.
Although MVP owns a non-title victory over Benoit.
[JBL] You know what I love about a 2-Out-of-3 Match
is these two guys have fought tooth and nail,
pillar and post, every time they've fought,
2-Out-of-3 Match, Michael,
we are going to see who is the better man.
[Cole] And you saw referee Charles Robinson doing his job,
becoming aggressive, separating the two men.
And look at it! Nice suplex by Chris Benoit.
And Finlay breaks up the possible three count
off the Northern Lights.
Benoit doing what he needs to do, along with his partner, to isolate MVP.
[JBL] And I wanna say, Michael, you've watched our show
for as long as SmackDown has been around.
Our show, SmackDown, has never been better.
What you're seeing is just terrific wrestling on our show.
[Cole] Neckbreaker, cover. Hook of the leg, shoulders down.
And a kickout at two by MVP.
[JBL] You can't find this anywhere else.
It's why we're the crown jewel in the CW Network.
[Cole] I wanna go back to a point you made earlier,
as you see, uh, MVP tag in Finlay.
And here is the, uh, fighting Irishman, the veteran Finlay.
Point you made earlier is that MVP's been having problems,
uh, defeating Benoit in, uh, one fall matchups,
2-Out-of-3 gonna be extremely difficult.
As you see Benoit come in off the tag.
[JBL] Yeah, but it's not like that MVP is a landslide victory,
[indistinct] Chris Benoit.
Chris Benoit has had his moves countered. He's been tested.
-He's been taken to the limit… -[Cole] Oh!
[JBL] …and what you're gonna see is 2-out-of-3 falls--
[Cole] Look out! Right in front of us, baseball slide.
Finlay ducked out of the way.
Benoit snap suplex.
[crowd cheering]
Chris Benoit looks…
Hey! There he is!
There he is! It's Hornswoggle.
Hornswoggle trying to get Finlay and MVP back in the game.
[Cole] Oh, and we are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
Benoit off the suplex, kickout by Finlay.
But Benoit and Matt Hardy, John,
have really been dominating the team of Finlay and MVP thus far tonight.
[grunts]
Hardy, off the tag, delivering those elbows to the back of the neck.
-[grunting] -[yelling]
[Cole] Oh, and Matt Hardy with a clothesline.
And look at the bulldog!
Cover, hook of the leg. Finlay's in trouble. And a kickout.
[JBL] I think Finlay could be the first tanned Irishman I've ever seen.
-[grunts] -Come on!
-[Cole] Well, if you call that tan. -Come on!
[Cole] Side headlock, wrenched in by Matt Hardy.
[crowd chanting] Hardy! Hardy! Hardy! Hardy! Hardy!
[Cole] Tag made by MVP.
[JBL] You can see what Finlay did.
Hardy had the upper hand.
He takes it to the hold that Hardy has on him, he holds him in it.
He takes him to MVP, his partner, and look at this.
With MVP keeping the referee distracted, Finlay goes to work.
[Cole] That is where Finlay is so dangerous.
And MVP…
We talked about Matt Hardy and the strides he's made,
as MVP goes into the cover. Hooks the leg, shoulders down, and a kickout.
MVP signed as a free agent on SmackDown back in September.
And since then…
Oh, walked into the side effect, and Matt Hardy countered.
Into the cover, shoulders are down, and Finlay breaks up the three count.
But MVP has been through everything since he came to SmackDown in September
including Steel Cage Matches, Street Fights,
and, of course, the Inferno Match against Kane.
Matt Hardy, cover, hook of the leg.
MVP manages to kickout at two and a half.
[JBL] And what you've seen through all of that, Michael,
is MVP improving each and every week.
It has been amazing. He's learning new moves.
He's added to his repertoire.
He is gettin' better each and every week.
He is the future of sports entertainment.
Mark my words, Michael--
[Cole] Ooh! And a right by Matt Hardy.
MVP, what's he gonna do here?
Matt Hardy in trouble.
-Usually it's Matt Hardy you see-- -That's a long way down.
[Cole] Usually you see Matt Hardy go on the offense on the top rope.
MVP, though, knocked down off the elbow.
What is Matt doin'?
Matt Hardy, high-risk maneuver, moonsault connecting.
[JBL] But he hurt his knee!
[Cole] Matt may have hurt that knee, as he struggles into the cover.
And it allows MVP to kickout.
[JBL] And you see why I never got to the top rope
and did moonsaults in my career because that's the problem.
You take high-risk, it…
Michael, you can get hurt with it.
-You can lose matches because of it. -[Cole] Oh!
[JBL] The fans may love it,
but this is the result.
[Cole] MVP into the cover,
Matt Hardy still favoring that knee, and a kickout.
But did you see how MVP went into the cover on Matt Hardy?
Twisting the knee as he pinned the shoulders.
And what is dangerous here is that Finlay, the veteran, has targeted the knee.
But watch MVP take out the back knee of Matt Hardy.
And Finlay, we know how dangerous he is when he targets a body part.
[JBL] Absolutely, and you see MVP with that crossbody right into the leg.
Not pretty. Not pretty at all.
Matt Hardy gets on the top rope.
And the one problem I've had with Matt Hardy
is he loves to please all of these great fans.
And when he does that, he takes high risk,
and this is what happens. He ends up facedown.
What's important, Michael, is winning matches.
[crowd clapping]
[Cole] Our SmackDown fans tryin' to get Matt Hardy back into the matchup.
Finlay with that half Boston crab. It will have to be broken now.
But look at how Finlay… Little separation.
Despite the fact he had to break the hold, John,
he was right back on the attack.
[JBL] And look what he did.
Three boots to the head, right back to the leg.
[Cole] Cover!
And again, the unique cover by Finlay, and look at this!
[JBL] The Indian Deathlock.
[Cole] The pressure on the bad knee of Matt Hardy.
[crowd shouting]
-MVP! -[JBL] This is smart.
Nope. Go ahead!
[Cole] Finlay with a successful tag to MVP.
The pressure continues on Matt Hardy
who, with a bad wheel, will not be effective,
because we know Matt Hardy's offense involves a lot of high-flying style.
Matt's gotta be able to move around the ring to be effective.
[JBL] But more importantly, Michael,
Matt has got to find a way to get Benoit into the ring
for his team to have a chance.
[crowd chanting] Hardy! Hardy! Hardy! Hardy!
[Cole] Matt Hardy trying to counter, trying to drag himself
to the United States Champion.
Can he get there?
MVP thwarts the attempt by Hardy to make the tag again.
Enzuigiri!
Could be the turning point if Matt Hardy can make it to Benoit.
And he does. And here comes the rabid Wolverine.
Here comes Finlay off the tag as well.
But Chris Benoit…
building momentum.
[JBL] This is what Finlay and MVP didn't want.
[Cole] You suddenly felt the tide change, didn't you?
German suplex!
[JBL] Get ready for a ride, Mr. Finlay.
In the home of the Penguins, Benoit with a hat trick!
-[grunts] -[crowd exclaims]
[JBL] Smart.
Benoit to the top rope.
Chris Benoit…
Flying headbutt, but Finlay rolled out of the way.
The veteran sensed it coming.
[JBL] That is the move in exactly the same sequence
that Benoit defeated MVP at WrestleMania.
[crowd chanting] Benoit! Benoit! Benoit! Benoit! Benoit!
[Cole] And Chris Benoit, jackknife cover, shoulders down…
-MVP got caught! He got caught! -[bell ringing]
Chris Benoit, the master, caught MVP to pick up the win.
[announcer] Here are your winners, Matt Hardy and Chris Benoit.
But a week from Sunday at Judgment Day,
Benoit's gonna have to do that not once but twice
to retain his title against MVP.
But tonight, Hardy and Benoit victorious.
MVP and Finlay cannot believe what has transpired here.
["Whatever" by Our Lady Peace playing]
Will it happen at Judgment Day?
Or will it be MVP's night a week from Sunday?
As we show you what happened in the end of the matchup.
Chris Benoit missed the headbutt as Finlay rolled out of the way.
But the ever resilient Wolverine was able to recover quickly.
Chris Benoit and Matt Hardy pick up the victory
over MVP and Finlay tonight.
With that, Chris Benoit and MVP, uh, really turning into quite the rivalry.
But not the rivalry that, uh, has been developing
between The Undertaker and Batista, who meet in a steel cage tonight.
There has been nothing in recent years
like what Batista and Undertaker have done to each other.
They're walking wounded. It looks like a mass shooting.
It's gonna get worse tonight in a steel cage.
I dare say it's the greatest rivalry in sports entertainment today,
and it all began after The Undertaker won the Royal Rumble.
[Ross] The Undertaker will decide
which champion he will face at WrestleMania XXIII.
[dramatic music playing]
[Lawler] John Cena, Bobby Lashley, Batista.
One of those three champions
may become The Undertaker's next victim at WrestleMania.
[Ross] Oh, The Undertaker!
[Lawler] Wait a minute! You can't do that! Look out!
[Lawler] My God, what a chokeslam!
[dramatic music continues]
[Cole] And tonight, they meet again.
There was no winner at Last Man Standing a couple of weeks ago.
But tonight, the better man will stand tall inside a steel cage
and that man will call himself World Champion tonight.
[gentle, dramatic music playing]
[Ross] Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to WrestleMania,
the worldwide extravaganza.
[Cole] Eighty thousand on their feet in Ford Field.
[narrator] Now, the most awe-inspiring night
in sports entertainment is an epic three-disc DVD,
WrestleMania XXXIII Ultimate Limited Edition.
[commentator] Careers are gonna be made. Legends are gonna be created.
[narrator] Relive the entire four-hour history-making event
with over five hours of extras,
including the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony,
bonus matches, and more.
[Lawler] What a night this has been!
[narrator] Celebrate the legacy.
WrestleMania XXIII Ultimate Limited Edition.
Available Tuesday, May 22nd wherever DVDs are sold.
[narrator] Next Friday, the Ozzman cometh to SmackDown.
["I Don't Wanna Stop" playing]
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness and madman of heavy metal,
slams the crazy train into SmackDown
and performs the WWE Judgment Day theme song,
"I Don't Wanna Stop."
♪ All my life I've been over the top ♪
♪ I don't know what I'm doing All I know is I don't wanna stop… ♪
[announcer] Don't miss a headbanging edition
of Friday Night SmackDown.
Next Friday at 8/7 central on the New CW.
[off-key] ♪ I'm the hottest thing… ♪
Well, Ozzy next week, Jillian this week.
I want her to stop.
[Jillian moans sensually]
♪ And when the boys see me, They turn red ♪
♪ Oh! ♪
♪ Every day I wanna run away ♪
♪ From the boys, they only wanna play ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh… ♪
["Not Enough For Me" playing]
[Cole] Well, Jillian, the self-proclaimed pop star.
[announcer] And making her way to the ring, Michelle McCool.
[Cole] And a young lady who has been irritated by Jillian's antics as of late.
[JBL] The next Mrs. Layfield, Michelle McCool.
[Cole] So, Jillian's set to go one-on-one with Michelle McCool.
You recall, Jillian was responsible for taking Ashley out of action
in a locker room attack, uh, last month.
Great news is we are going to hear from Ashley
coming up a little bit later on tonight.
Big interview about Ashley and, uh, when she plans to return to SmackDown.
Saw her earlier on, she looks great,
as you see Jillian with a slap to Michelle.
[Cole] And Michelle taking Jillian down.
Michelle, of course, the former schoolteacher…
history teacher from Florida.
You see Jillian taking it to Michelle now.
Michelle a participant in the first ever WWE Diva Search.
And now, living her dream, as she likes to tell it.
Although, this is turning into a nightmare so far in this matchup.
[fan wolf whistles]
[crowd buzzing]
Face-first, and that's an understatement.
Terrible would be a better word for it.
[JBL] From Gory Guerrero straight here to Pittsburgh, the old Camel Clutch.
[Cole] Jillian makes it to the ropes and forces the break.
Here's the cover. Look at Jillian using the rope for leverage.
And Mickie Henson, the referee…
catches her red-handed.
Now, Jillian, I believe, is using WWE as a stepping stone to her,
uh, pop singing career.
Britney Spears, her idol, her favorite singer.
Jillian actually saying she cried
when Britney broke down and had her head shaved.
Jillian likes her handiwork here.
Too bad Jillian doesn't sing like Britney.
-Jillian-- Oh! -[JBL laughs] Man, I love to watch…
[Cole] Cartwheel into an elbow drop and a kickout at two.
Jillian a bit frustrated that she didn't pick up the three count.
Screaming at the top of her lungs.
One, two--
[Cole] Jillian trying to wear down Michelle McCool
on a night, ladies and gentlemen,
where a 15-foot-high steel cage hangs above the ring
where The Undertaker and Batista will attempt to settle their differences
with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line, tonight.
[JBL] These two guys have almost destroyed each other, Michael.
We're putting them in a steel cage.
We may see the end of this great rivalry tonight.
[Cole] Oh, look at this! Michelle McCool rolls up Jillian. And a kickout at two.
Almost stole one there!
[JBL] You know, I used to wear black tights like,
uh, Michelle McCool did.
[Cole] You did in your APA days. You actually fit into them then.
And what a… Another right by Michelle.
Oh! And a-- Michelle battling back with the rights
Look at her taking it to Jillian.
-[JBL] She's the next Mrs. Layfield. -[Cole] Who, Jillian?
[JBL] No, Michelle McCool. Either one!
[Cole] I thought Maryse was.
[JBL] Well, she's good.
They all are. She's gonna be my French maid.
-[Cole] Nice snap suplex. -[JBL] I'm Mormon.
[Cole] You're Mormon, yeah, just like Mitt Romney.
And lookit. Here we…
Jackknife cover by Michelle, and a kickout.
I tell you, Michelle looks impressive here tonight.
[JBL laughs] She looks hot.
[Cole] Well, that too.
Telegraphed that one, however, and…
Belly-to-belly throw by Michelle.
Hooks both legs, shoulders down. Kickout at two again.
[shouts]
[JBL] We're having quite the match here.
[Cole] We really are.
Jillian, uh, takes Michelle down headfirst.
[JBL] Not that that's surprising.
[Cole] Great athletic ability again by Jillian.
But normally they're so good-looking, I just look at 'em.
[Cole] Jillian talking trash, screaming at Michelle.
The wannabe pop princess, Jillian, walked into a, uh…
a… Ooh, a backbreaker.
Knee driven to the spine, hook of the leg, there's two.
Did she get her? Yes!
-[bell ringing] -Michelle knocks off Jillian.
[announcer] Here's your winner, Michelle McCool.
[JBL] The next Mrs. Layfield!
[Cole] How impressive did Michelle look tonight?
[JBL laughs] I've never seen her look better.
That could be the sexiest woman in the entire world.
["Not Enough For Me" playing]
[Cole] Well, ladies and gentlemen, Michelle picks up the victory tonight
as we roll along toward Judgment Day a week from this Sunday.
And how about a big thank you
to none other than the legendary Ozzy Osbourne
for "I Don't Wanna Stop," the official Judgment Day theme song.
♪ All my life, I'm gonna go till I drop ♪
[Cole] You're a big Ozzy fan.
[JBL] I like Ozzy.
Feels so good, Kristal.
Right there, baby girl.
Honey, have you hired an assistant yet?
Well, Kristal, it's been a nightmare looking for an assistant.
I mean, everybody I talk to, uh, some are overqualified,
some are underqualified,
and, baby girl, some of 'em just don't get it.
You know, um, I have an interesting idea.
-What's that? -You know, there's a friend of mine.
And well, she, uh… she had a rather interesting…
[knocking at door]
Excuse me, Kristal. Come in!
Here he is right here.
Teddy Long!
-How you doin', Mr. Long? -Festus. The Daltons.
-Yes, sir. -All right, welcome to SmackDown.
What took you players so long to get here?
We had to drive all the way from West Virginia
in our ol' pick-'em-up truck
just to get right here to see about puttin' fisticuffs on the SmackDown.
-That's right. -Excuse me.
-Fisticuffs? -That's right.
You mean, wrestlin' here on SmackDown.
That's what I mean. I mean wrestle.
Well, I want you two to know that, now, I'm familiar with your in-ring experience
and SmackDown needs more Superstars like you two.
Well, hey.
How 'bout you let us get up in that ring and wrestle tonight?
-Wrestle tonight? -Yeah.
-Here tonight. -I'll tell you something.
Wait, wait, wait, wait now. Don't y'all go jumpin' the gun.
Now, I'm still busy interviewing people to be my assistant here on SmackDown.
But I tell you what,
if you two can make it to Baltimore next week
in that, uh, what'd you call that you come up here in?
Pick-'em-up truck.
Pick-'em-up truck! Then I'll tell you what,
I'll put The Daltons in a match next week on Friday Night SmackDown.
-You feelin' that? How 'bout that? -I feel it.
-Thank you very much, Mr. Long. -All right. All right.
-Thank you, Teddy. -We do appreciate you.
-All right. -How 'bout them Dalton Boys?
[laughs]
How 'bout them Dalton Boys?
[laughs] All right, Kristal, I'm gonna tell you something, baby girl.
Them some good old boys there now.
Real good.
-Where were we? -We were right here, baby.
You know, about hiring you an assistant.
Yeah.
Why don't you hire Vickie Guerrero?
Vickie Guerrero? Come on, baby girl.
Now, you know the reputation of the Guerreros.
You don't trust 'em, okay?
They lie. They cheat.
Well, just hear me out.
You know, Vickie and I are really close. In fact, uh, we're best friends.
And she's been through a lot. I mean, she's a single mother now.
She's got three girls.
And…
Teddy…
she lost the one person that she loves more than anything
in the whole entire world, and…
to tell you the truth, if I lost you, I really don't know what I would do.
[sighs]
Kristal…
I love you more than anything in the world.
And if I lost you, I-I don't know what I would do.
Tell you what,
why don't you tell Vickie Guerrero to come to SmackDown next week.
-[crowd booing] -You're gonna give her a job?
No, I'm not gonna give her a job.
I'm gonna give her an interview. How 'bout that?
[sighs] Teddy…
-I love you so much. -And I love you too, Kristal.
-Thank you. -No, thank you.
[Cole] Tonight, the biggest main event in SmackDown history.
[JBL] Undertaker pure on fire, spinebuster.
Cena goin' for the ride!
[dramatic music playing]
[Batista] I'm not intimidated by anyone.
When, where.
Payback's a [muted].
[echoes]
[JBL] What the hell?
Batista said, "Payback's a [muted]."
I guess the hell it is.
Undertaker's defenseless.
He's defenseless!
Batista has sent word to The Undertaker.
[Batista] I'm not intimidated.
[echoes]
[Cole] And the rivalry intensifies in the Steel City tonight.
Two blue collar stars
look to establish dominance inside a steel cage.
The World Heavyweight Championship to be decided tonight.
[announcer] WWE Magazine presents the Raw Rebound.
[Mr. Kennedy] The countdown continues.
I am sick of people like you coming on my show.
Three hundred and twenty-eight days…
-Counting down the days… -Too bad!
…until WrestleMania.
[Mr. Kennedy] There will be a new champion.
I treated that like a World Championship.
I defended it.
Why don't you defend it against me, huh?
-No. No. Why would I do it? -Why not? Oh.
If you're scared, say you're scared.
Mr. Kennedy's afraid.
Shut up!
I'm gonna give you a shot at this briefcase.
You got it.
There will be a new champion at WrestleMania XXIV
and his name will be Mister…
[Ross] Oh, wait a minute.
Edge assaulting Mr. Kennedy.
[eerie music box music playing]
[Lawler] First, he goads Kennedy into this match,
and then he jumps him before the match starts.
[Mr. Kennedy groans]
[Ross] Nothing the referee can do because the match hasn't started.
Edge… Look, he's usin' that motor.
[Lawler] Watch it!
[Ross] Kennedy almost out on his feet here, King.
[Lawler] All hell has broken loose here on Monday Night Raw.
[Ross] And this match hasn't even started.
-Come on! -Hey! Hey!
Back it up in the corner. Now, come on!
You keep it back, huh?
[boy] You suck!
You don't have to do this. Do you wanna continue?
You wanna do this, Kennedy? What do you say?
Ring the damn bell. Ring it.
Come on. Are you sure?
Ring the bell!
Ring the bell.
[bell ringing]
[Ross] Oh, a spear by Edge.
[Lawler] No! [splutters]
[Ross] Oh, wait a minute! It's over.
Edge has won the Money in the Bank.
Oh!
What a cheap shot by the ultimate opportunist,
Edge, Mr. Money in the Bank.
An absolutely horrible week for Mr. Kennedy.
The injury this past weekend, and of course, goaded
into putting Money in the Bank on the line by Edge on Raw.
But the big news is that Edge is now Mr. Money in the Bank himself.
He understands how important it is to be opportunistic.
Now, Edge holds all the cards again.
A terrible few days for Mr. Kennedy.
But things really looking up for another SmackDown Superstar.
Ladies and gentlemen, joining us now SmackDown Diva, Ashley Massaro.
Thanks, Michael.
[Cole] And, Ashley, I'll tell you, you look great.
But I got to know how you're feeling.
I mean, you were on top of the world,
and then you were attacked by Jillian back in the locker room area,
breaking a bone in your foot and loosening a screw
that was, uh, in your ankle from a…
from a previous injury.
Well, I'm-- Actually, I'm feeling a lot better now.
So, um, I'm just excited to get back to SmackDown.
I mean, I feel like it's been months
instead of just a few weeks I've been gone.
I'm really anxious to get back in the ring.
Ashley, how does-- how does somebody like you bounce back?
Well, basically, I just try to stay positive
and, um, music actually is a big motivator
in my life and, uh, it plays a big part.
So, well, what song, I guess, would be your number one motivator?
I guess anything by Rage Against the Machine
has always been a real big motivator for me.
But I mean, at this stage, all that aside,
my biggest motivation is to get back in the ring
to beat the hell out of Jillian Hall.
[Cole] You know, Ashley, with that being said,
two of your best friends in this entire business,
Paul London and Brian Kendrick, you were their manager for a long time.
And what must it have been like sitting at home recovering from your injury
and watching what London and Kendrick went through with Deuce 'n Domino
when Paul London crashed and burned, injured his ribs,
and then went on to lose the Tag Team Titles?
[bell ringing]
[Ashley] Well, yeah, it was extremely disappointing to watch.
But Paul and Brian are an extremely talented Tag Team,
and they're going to be back on top of the scene in no time.
Trust me.
And as far as I'm concerned, they've been super supportive,
and they've been encouraging me to get out there
and, you know, make it on my own.
So, that's exactly what I'm going to do.
Well, thanks, Ashley.
We cannot wait to see you back out here on SmackDown.
Thanks for the interview, Michael.
[Cole] Ashley Massaro, the Playboy cover girl,
I cannot wait to see her back in the ring.
[JBL] I can't wait to see her, period.
[Cole] And speaking of London and Kendrick,
here come the former Tag Team Champions.
["New Rockers" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
In the ring, from Austin, Texas, weighing in at 187 pounds,
Paul London!
[Cole] Well, London and Kendrick claim, when London is 100%,
they will demand their rematch for the Tag Team Titles.
We will find out how close London is to 100%.
He's in action tonight.
And ladies and gentlemen, tonight's SmackDown is sponsored by KFC.
KFC chicken now has the same great taste with zero grams of trans fat per serving.
You got to be excited.
And by Spider-Man 3 the game, available now.
And by Vonage, a better way to phone for less.
[JBL] I love yard bird. I'll eat it any way you can get it.
The best is fried.
A bucket of chicken and a Diet Coke.
["I'm All About Cool" playing]
[announcer] And from the other side of the tracks,
weighing in at 235 pounds,
is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions,
Domino.
[Cole] So, it's Domino one-on-one with Paul London tonight.
But there, John, you look at the new Tag Team Champions,
Deuce 'n Domino, of course, with Deuce's girlfriend,
Domino's sister, Cherry.
[JBL] A dynamic I don't think Sigmund Freud could deal with.
[Cole] What are you talking about?
[JBL] It's Deuce's sister, it's the other guy's girlfriend.
[Cole] Right. No, it's Deuce's girlfriend, Domino's sister.
[JBL] Right.
[Cole] But they are the Tag Team Champions.
And you have to be impressed with what Deuce 'n Domino
have been able to do over their first few months here on SmackDown.
[JBL] I've been very impressed with them.
Not sure why they wear the leather jackets and slicked back hair,
but the guys are a great tag team.
[Cole] I like those roller skates.
[JBL] I prefer high heels.
♪ I'm all about cool ♪
[Cole] So, Paul London, who a few weeks ago suffered bruised ribs
when he attempted a moonsault off the apron,
crashed to the floor below, ultimately cost London and Kendrick
the Tag Team Titles that they had held for almost a year.
And, uh, I guess you live by the sword, you die by the sword,
to use the old cliché in the case of London and Kendrick.
[JBL] Just like Matt Hardy earlier.
They were a car crash waiting to happen.
Those high-risk maneuvers are great to watch.
They're fun to watch.
They're one of the things that puts these fans in seats.
But it is something that can come back to bite you,
and that's what happened to Paul London, and it cost him the championship.
[Cole] So, it's London one-on-one with Domino.
Over the past couple of weeks, as London was recovering from injury
Brian, who went 1-1, I should say,
in one-on-one matchups with Deuce and Domino.
So, again, the importance tonight, John, of this match is Paul London
needs to prove he's healthy so London and Kendrick at one point
can exercise their Tag Team Title rematch.
Paul London taking it to Domino,
but there's the power of the bigger Domino.
Paul London, very aggressive in the early going.
Referee doing a great job separating both men,
but Domino took advantage with that kick to the injured ribs.
Quickness of London.
Up over the top goes London, and there's a dropkick.
And Domino needs to take a breather.
[JBL] Looked like an old Curt Hennig, the leap frog dropkick.
[Cole] Up over the top pole, London off the apron.
Moonsault, but this time he lands on his feet,
and perhaps Paul London pulled that moonsault off there for confidence
more than anything else.
[JBL] If he'd have done that for the Tag Team Championships,
they might still have them.
[Cole] And again, John, when you suffer an injury like London did,
I mean, what does that do for your confidence?
[JBL] Well, it hurts your psyche.
Well, you see right there, he goes for another high-risk maneuver
and he missed it.
Those-those ropes they get…
As the night goes on, guys are sweating in that ring.
Those ropes get slippery. That's the problem.
You live by the sword and you die by the sword,
and it's cost Paul London again.
[Cole] Off the snapmare, knee to the chest, cover,
and a kickout at one.
But more often than not, over that nearly yearlong reign
as Tag Team champions, those high-risk maneuvers
benefited London and Kendrick.
[JBL] They-- Absolutely. They had a fantastic reign as champions.
But Michael, we've said it all along, they're a car crash waiting to happen.
That's one of the appeals of these guys.
That's one of the fun of turning them on because you never know
what's going to happen.
But what is important is winning matches.
[grunts]
[Cole] Well, you cannot deny the success that London and Kendrick
have had over the past year here on SmackDown.
[JBL] Not denying anything.
[Cole] Domino from the second rope, Paul London with the counter.
Domino saw it coming a mile away.
But Paul London, unique counter roll through, shoulders down.
He may have him, and a kickout at two.
Paul London, go behind, roll up again, shoulders down again.
There's a two count and a kickout.
Paul London seems to have Domino a bit off balance
in the early going of the matchup.
Going for the backslide.
But the strength and power perhaps of Domino allowing him to counter.
[JBL] And you see London, who's missed a couple of maneuvers, Michael.
You ask if he's 100%…
-[Cole] Oh! -[JBL] This has answered it.
[Cole] Well, when you miss some time with a injury as well,
you become a bit rusty as it comes to being in the ring.
[JBL] Absolutely.
[crowd] Let's go, London!
[Cole] Paul London, double boot to the chin.
London with a big clothesline.
Trying to build momentum. Knocking Domino down.
[JBL] Building momentum and showing flashes
of why he was Tag Team Champion…
-[Cole] Wow! -[JBL] …for almost 12 months.
[Cole] The headscissors by London.
Dropkick to the side of the head.
[JBL] But mind you this, the one factor that has helped Deuce 'n Domino…
[Cole] Hey! Deuce on the apron.
[JBL] …has been the art of distraction.
[Cole] Oh, a spinkick to the jaw.
Cherry looking on, concerned, and look at Brian Kendrick,
again as Deuce went for the distraction.
Look at that. Kick to the face.
Moonsault into the cover, and Paul London picks up the win.
[announcer] Here's your winner, Paul London.
[Cole] Well, John, it looks like Paul London may be ready to go,
and we could be soon in for a Tag Team Title rematch.
[JBL] That's what we should see, Michael.
You also see though that Paul London had a lot of rust to work out of his game.
It takes something like this, stepping out there.
You can't get in shape for a stair stepper or elliptical.
Can't get in shape for sports entertainment professional wrestling
any other way except being in the ring.
Paul London took a big step today back to the Tag Team Championship.
[Cole] Well, when Paul London is on, John, he is on.
A dropkick to the face, and watch this unique maneuver.
A little help from his tag team partner.
Paul London picks up the win.
Two, three!
Ladies and gentlemen, we are rapidly approaching the collision
inside the steel cage for the World Championship.
The Undertaker versus Batista, a rivalry which gathered steam
days before their confrontation at WrestleMania.
The line of security separating these two foes.
[Long] WrestleMania is not tonight,
so I suggest that you two let cooler heads prevail.
[Cole] Batista has broken the line of security.
Batista going after The Undertaker.
[dramatic music playing]
And here comes The Undertaker!
And these two men cannot be contained in the same ring.
All hell has broken loose.
And tonight, one of the biggest nights in the careers of both men
and in SmackDown history.
Inside a steel cage, history will be made tonight.
The Undertaker and Batista face-to-face
with the World Championship on the line tonight.
♪ A new day, a new dawn ♪
[ominous dramatic music playing]
[music fades]
[eerie male voice] Snitsky…
[announcer] And now, the WWE Slam of the Week
is brought to you by Just For Men.
Stay in the game with Just For Men hair color.
[Cole] These two men, Kane and MVP,
are battling for an opportunity at the United States Championship.
And Kane is about to put MVP--
Hey, William Regal and Dave Taylor. Look at the referee.
And a left hand, a cheap left by Regal.
[JBL] With brass knuckles!
[Cole] He had brass knuckles. The Playmaker!
MVP steals the number one contendership for the United States Title.
Well, William Regal cost this man, Kane, an opportunity to battle Benoit
at Judgment Day for the United States Title.
[JBL] And believe me, Kane doesn't need any help to get into a bad mood.
["Slow Chemical" by Finger Eleven playing]
[bell ringing]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Approaching the ring, weighing in at 323 pounds, Kane.
[Cole] And a scowl on the face of the evil Big Red Machine.
♪ I am The Boogeyman And I'm coming to get you ♪
["The Horror" playing]
[devilish laughter]
[Cole] Hey-hey! It's Little Boogey.
[JBL] How many minis do we have around here?
[Cole] Little Boogeyman. That's right, we saw Hornswoggle earlier.
-[JBL] You know, his nickname is Horny. -[Cole] Whose?
[JBL] Hornswoggle. That's what they call him in, uh, Ireland.
[devilish laughter]
It's not as if The Boogeyman had to get any freakier.
[Cole] Well, Kane and The Boogeyman
do indeed make the most unlikely Tag Team in SmackDown history.
And when you throw Little Boogeyman in the mix…
[coughs] That… [coughs] That smoke…
That stuff is putrid.
[JBL] I'm not sure "unlikely" is the adjective I'd use.
[Cole] The worm-eating, worm-consuming, smoke-spraying Boogeyman.
[JBL] Thank God I smoke cigars.
My lungs aren't quite as pure as yours.
[Cole coughs] Oh my.
It's hard to even see.
How would you describe what that smells like?
[JBL] How would you describe having to be an opponent
and come out here and face this?
[dramatic theme music playing]
[announcer] Making his way to the ring, from England,
weighing in at 240 pounds, Dave Taylor.
[Cole] Well, William Regal, uh, has had some run-ins with Kane
and Boogeyman over the past few weeks.
In fact, at a live event this weekend, you'll see the lip there of William Regal,
received over two dozen stitches after a run-in with The Boogeyman.
[JBL] The doctor told me he stitched it up so much
he had actually lost count
at how many stitches he had in his face because of The Boogeyman.
[Cole] Well, this matchup here tonight is a one-on-one encounter.
The Big Red Machine Kane going one-on-one
with the rough and tough Dave Taylor, as you see that,
well, the wound caused at the hands of Boogeyman this past weekend.
But how wise was it, John, for William Regal to get involved
in the Number One Contenders Match last week between Kane and MVP
and actually strike Kane with the brass knuckles?
[JBL] It wasn't. Period.
It was dumb. I would leave Kane completely alone.
[Cole] Although earlier on in the night last week,
Regal and Taylor were trying to, uh, beat the hell out of Little Boogeyman
before Kane came to the ring.
Not quite sure if it was to, uh, Little Boogeyman's rescue
or just to get his hands on Regal and Taylor
who he's had run-ins over the past few weeks.
And there is the strength of The Big Red Machine.
Look at that freak, that eerie freak, The Boogeyman.
How the hell do you describe him?
The man eats worms. He floats around in smoke.
He bangs clocks against his head.
He runs around with a little, uh, Little Boogeyman.
[JBL] And he foams at the mouth.
-[Cole] Uh-oh. Oh! -[referee] Bring it in, gentlemen.
[Cole] And Kane has had about enough of William Regal.
You know, Regal's brave when he, uh, had those brass knuckles last week.
[JBL] Regal's brave all the time. I don't know what you're talking about.
But how about Dave Taylor?
You know, his grandfather was in the 1932 Olympics
and he's looking down somewhere at his grandson having to face Kane
and a thing called The Boogeyman with the Little Boogeyman.
[Cole] Listen, the 1932 Olympics didn't have any Big Red Machine.
It didn't have any Boogeyman.
It didn't have any Little Boogeyman. As Regal gets involved.
Referee distracted by Dave Taylor.
[JBL] Neither did the 1936 Olympics.
Or the 1940, '44, '48, '52, '56, '60, none of them did.
[Cole] And again, Regal causing a distraction in Kane.
Taylor on the attack.
Regal got just under Kane's skin enough
to allow Dave Taylor to get the upper hand.
There's nothing quite normal about Kane or The Boogeyman.
And Dave Taylor wearing down that arm of Kane.
Taylor and Regal have been very, very, uh, cognizant of the fact
that they've weakened the shoulders and arms of Kane over the past few weeks,
trying to take the chokeslam out of Kane's repertoire.
[JBL] It's a great strategy.
[groaning]
[Cole] What an uppercut, as you watch The Boogeyman
going through his gyrations at ringside,
and Little Boogie, who can barely see over the apron.
Oh! Look at Kane.
And Taylor whipped across the ring.
Kane, 300 pounds.
[grunting]
Three-hundred-pounder Kane delivers the sidewalk slam.
Dave Taylor in trouble.
And this isn't good.
[JBL] This should be illegal, a man this big going to the top rope.
[Cole] Taylor… Lookit! Little Boogeyman.
And Boogie with a clothesline.
Kane to the top rope.
Taking Taylor out.
[JBL] I think I'm watching something Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote.
[Cole] Neither Boogie nor Regal were legal.
So, the referee didn't have to get involved
as the action took place outside the ring.
Here's the cover. Hook of the leg and he got him.
Kane picked up the victory.
["Slow Chemical" by Finger Eleven playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Kane.
[Cole] No, this isn't Animal Planet, it's Friday Night SmackDown,
and Kane just picked up the victory.
What's the matter?
[JBL] I am shocked.
Speechless.
[flames roaring]
[Cole] Hey, Kane scared the hell out of Little Boogie
and he's laughing about it.
Let's take you to the, uh, the end of the matchup.
Remember, Regal nor Little Boogeyman or Boogeyman
were legal in the matchup because they're outside the ring.
So, the referee didn't have to get involved
and it allowed Kane to pick up the victory.
[JBL] And it's not like Kane needs any help.
One, two, three.
[Cole] Well, the Kane…
"Big Red Machine" Kane
victorious here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[JBL] This is your picture-perfect family portrait.
[Cole] And Kane's brother, The Undertaker, hopes to have the same luck tonight,
much like the luck The Undertaker had
when he went one-on-one with Batista at WrestleMania.
-[bell tolling] -[Cole] Over 80,000 fans on their feet
as The Phenom enters to do battle.
[dramatic music playing]
Undertaker measuring the champion,
flying through the air, taking out the World Champion.
[JBL] The Undertaker wants his fifth title reign,
and he's willing to do anything to get it.
[Cole] Batista realizing
that he could cement his legend at WrestleMania
if he can stop the streak.
The Animal.
A running powerslam through the announce table.
Can you believe the rollercoaster ride in this match?
[JBL] Last ride!
[Cole] And Batista kicked out.
Batista going for the Batista Bomb.
The streak is over!
And Undertaker rolled a shoulder up.
Look at this.
Tombstone Piledriver.
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[bell ringing]
[Cole] We have a new World Champion.
[dramatic, triumphant music playing]
15-0 at WrestleMania.
[JBL] I said The Deadman was coming to WrestleMania
and he's walking out like he walked in, undefeated.
[Cole] Yet, Batista claims tonight he will win back his championship.
The roughneck town of Pittsburgh should feel right at home with this one.
Steel Cage, World Championship,
Undertaker versus Batista, and it's next.
We're in the Steel City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tonight.
And tonight it's all about the Steel Cage, Undertaker versus Batista,
coming up next, with the World Championship on the line.
Some special guests here tonight, John, members of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.
[JBL] Growing up a Cowboy fan, I learned to not like these guys,
but they are very good.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
the next chapter in the great Undertaker and Batista rivalry.
The last chapter had no finality, the Last Man Standing Match at Backlash.
[announcer] The following contest is the Last Man Standing Match
and it is for the World Heavyweight Championship.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cole] How do you keep either one of these men down for a full ten count?
No!
Oh my Lord.
A count of nine, The Animal's up.
The Animal's up.
And Batista has made the ten count.
Batista, from out of nowhere, with an unbelievable spear.
The Batista Bomb from the corner.
Think he was in at nine.
He goes back to his feet at nine and a half.
Going for the Tombstone Piledriver.
Forget about it.
Again, he makes it back to his feet.
What the hell is he going to do here?
-A spear! -[JBL] Oh my God.
[Cole] A spear.
[echoes]
[thunderous crashing]
[creaking, crashing]
Get some EMTs out here!
[dramatic music playing]
[JBL] This count doesn't even matter.
We have seen two guys take each other as far as they can go.
[Cole] And there is the 15-foot-high steel structure
that will keep the combatants in the ring tonight.
And the question is, who will survive?
Will it be The Undertaker?
Or will it be Batista with the World Heavyweight Championship
on the line?
John, let's take a look at the comparisons between the champion, The Undertaker,
and the challenger, Batista.
[JBL] The tale of the tape, Michael. Two huge men
with basically between them every honor, every tribute,
every title you can hold in sports entertainment.
And tonight, they're locked in a steel cage.
We will have a winner and a loser tonight.
[bell rings]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest
is the Steel Cage Match
and it is for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, this match can be won by pinfall,
submission, or escaping the cage,
and having both feet touch the arena floor.
["I Walk Alone" by Saliva playing]
[crowd roaring]
♪ Yeah ♪
[Cole] And there is The Animal.
The former World Champion who last week on SmackDown said
that he and The Undertaker went past the limit at Backlash,
that nothing was resolved, that it was all worth it,
and that tonight he will regain his championship.
[JBL] Michael, I've been to the Super Bowl, the World Cup,
the NBA Championship, you name it, I've been there.
But I have never felt electricity like I felt as that steel cage
came down from that roof here in Pittsburgh
knowing that these two huge athletes…
[popping explosions]
…are about to get it on for a World Championship.
[announcer] Making his way to the ring, the challenger, from Washington, DC,
weighing in at 290 pounds,
Batista.
[Cole] The Animal, as intense as they come…
focusing entirely on the steel cage
that will be his prison tonight.
[JBL] Once that door closes and these two competitors are inside,
it's go time, Michael.
There's nothing like a Steel Cage Match in sports entertainment.
[Cole] The hamstring, the right leg heavily taped.
Just one of the many battle scars from Batista's battle
with The Undertaker over the past few weeks.
Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
Batista looks to regain the World Championship
versus The Undertaker inside a steel cage.
[announcer] Think you could handle the most dominant Diva?
Then take this dangerous beauty home and find out.
You can't beat The Deadman, but this will make you a phenom.
No one fights harder than the champ,
but wearing this will give you American made muscle.
Get the gear the Superstars wear, only at wweshop.com.
[Cole] Back on SmackDown, The Animal,
the challenger, Batista, pacing, awaiting the champion.
[crowd cheering]
[bell tolling]
[crowd cheering]
["Rest in Peace" playing]
[announcer] And from Death Valley, weighing in at 305 pounds,
he is the World Heavyweight Champion,
The Undertaker.
[Cole] I literally have goosebumps.
I am giddy with excitement as we get set for the renewal
of what I believe is the greatest rivalry
in sports entertainment today, The Undertaker and Batista.
[JBL] The world has been captivated by this rivalry
between Undertaker and Batista.
Pittsburgh is abuzz with what is happening here.
And tonight, Michael,
we could see the culmination of one of the greatest rivalries in the history
of this sport in a steel cage.
[Cole] It is a big-fight atmosphere.
It is a big-fight feel as the 15-foot-high steel cage
surrounds the ring,
The Animal inside staring at The Undertaker on the outside
as The Phenom carries the gold to the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[bell tolling]
[thunder rumbling]
[JBL] Michael, at Backlash,
these two guys almost destroyed each other.
They fought all over a building.
They hit each other with everything that wasn't tied down.
Well, this time, tonight, they are in a steel cage
where there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
All that is between them and a date with destiny is their opponent.
[Cole] It began back in January when The Undertaker won the Royal Rumble.
It reached a fever pitch at WrestleMania when Undertaker won the championship.
These two men went through…
went through physical abuse at Backlash
that has never been seen before,
and tonight, they put their bodies on the line again inside a steel cage.
[JBL] Michael, these two guys smell like smoke
because they've been through fire.
And look how symbolic that is,
The Undertaker slammin' the door behind him.
We are about to see one hell of a championship fight.
[crowd cheering]
-[bell rings] -[Cole] The referee calls for the bell.
And we are underway.
Undertaker versus Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship
inside a steel cage.
And the rules, again, you win the matchup by pinfall, submission,
or escape from the cage where both feet must touch the floor.
John, let's talk strategy first for the champion in the cage,
The Undertaker.
[JBL] The Undertaker has been in this position many, many times.
The thing you have to do, Michael, the cage has to be your friend.
[Cole] What about for the challenger, Batista?
[JBL] For the challenger, he's gonna have to weather the storm.
The Undertaker's gonna come and he's gonna come often,
and he's not gonna give you room to breathe.
You have to use your power.
That is what got Batista to the dance.
That is what can get Batista that World Championship back.
[Cole] We talked about Batista's battle scars,
that bad hamstring, that bad leg.
What about The Undertaker's battle scars, John?
The injured biceps which affected him at Backlash.
Cover by The Undertaker, kickout at two.
[JBL] Look at it, The Undertaker doesn't hurt the leg
and it could be 'cause that right arm of his is hurt.
We noticed it at Backlash.
We noticed that every punch he threw, he was flinching.
[Cole] But the boot has nothing to do with the biceps
and it was effective there.
And the champion now going to work on the injured leg of Batista.
A kick directly to the back of the hamstring.
[JBL] Michael, this isn't about being hurt.
This isn't about being well.
To win a Steel Cage Match, especially when the World Championship
is on the line, and I've been there,
it is simply about guts, heart, and pride.
[Cole] The Undertaker said that, "At Backlash, I took your soul, Batista."
"I took your health."
"And the right to be champion makes men do irrational things."
And there's the strength of the 300-pound champion.
Undertaker flinching a bit.
Went to drop the elbow with a bad arm.
Undertaker said he will show Batista no remorse, no mercy,
and that tonight, Batista will step into the devil's playground.
Batista off the clothesline, cover, shoulders down, and a kickout.
Remember, you can win the matchup by pinfall.
[JBL] By pinfall, submission, or getting out of the cage.
But Michael, trust me. That cage…
-Oh, here we go! -[JBL] …is gonna come into play.
[Cole] Batista may have been going for the Batista Bomb,
and Undertaker went directly for the injured leg.
[JBL] That cage is gonna come into play.
Before they do, they're gonna make sure they're on even ground.
You see Undertaker goin' after that leg.
You're going to see Batista goin' after that arm.
[Cole] Oh! And dropping the elbow directly into the knee.
And much like we saw at Backlash, John,
that injured leg takes the power game away from the challenger, Batista.
[JBL] Yeah, but how even do you have to be?
That injured right hand takes away the best pure striker in the…
in the history of this game, most powerful weapon.
[Cole] Moments ago, you saw Batista get to the ropes,
but the referee cannot call for a break inside a steel cage.
Again, the only rules are pinfall, submission, or escape.
[JBL] The referee there is to count three.
He is to note a submission, or he is to see
who gets out of the cage first.
[Cole] Undertaker placing the near 300-pound Batista on the top rope.
Big right hand by the man
who is perhaps the best pure striker in the history of sports entertainment.
You have to wonder how he can strike with an injured arm.
Batista with his… right to the ribs.
Batista battling out of a predicament on the top rope.
Another right hand, dropping Undertaker to the mat below.
The challenger to the top rope.
[crowd booing]
Batista measuring his man.
Flying off the top rope with a shoulder tackle.
Toward the cover.
World Championship is on the line. And a kickout at two and a half.
Batista has taken control.
The World Heavyweight Title hanging in the balance.
And Batista limping toward the door, calling for the referee
to open up the steel cage.
Batista looking to escape the matchup.
And Undertaker right to the injured leg.
Undertaker thwarts an escape.
Will he retain the title?
[announcer] Next Friday, the Ozzman cometh to SmackDown.
["I Don't Wanna Stop" playing]
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness and madman of heavy metal,
slams the crazy train into SmackDown
and performs the WWE Judgment Day theme song,
"I Don't Wanna Stop."
♪ All my life I've been over the top I don't know what I'm doing ♪
♪ All I know is I don't wanna stop… ♪
[announcer] Don't miss a headbanging edition
of Friday Night SmackDown
next Friday at 8/7 Central on the new CW.
[Cole] Back on SmackDown, the champion, The Undertaker, trying to escape,
but the challenger pulls him back in.
[grunting]
Undertaker with the left hands.
His non-injured arm.
[JBL] This, Michael, is where steel cages start getting dangerous.
-[grunting] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Both men have been through battles over the past couple of months,
showing the scars, the wounds.
[JBL] I think what they're both starting to realize,
as you see in The Undertaker's eyes,
it's not gonna be that easy to get out of the cage.
You are going to have to almost destroy your opponent,
which they have done in the past two months,
to get out of this cage.
[Cole] Drop toehold as Batista unloads on The Undertaker.
Both of these men putting their bodies on the line
with the World Heavyweight Championship up for grabs.
The rules of the Steel Cage matchup, you win via pinfall,
submission, or escape from the cage, either over the top or through the door,
but both feet must hit the floor.
Has the matchup started the way that you, uh, thought it would, John?
[JBL] Absolutely. It is a feeling-out of each other.
It is a feeling-out of the cage.
But, Michael, mark my words,
that steel cage is going to come into play tonight.
[Cole] Completely legal by Batista.
Again, no rules.
Batista calling for the referee to open the door.
At least, I believed he was. But The Animal went back on the attack.
[JBL] He's realizing the same thing that Undertaker has realized.
You are going to have to do a lot more than that to their opponent
to get out of this cage.
[Cole] So, the Steel Cage Match is basically about survival.
[JBL] Absolutely. You win by attrition.
That is what you do.
That is why the steel cage is one of the most exciting matches
in all of sports entertainment, 'cause people know when you get in this,
you're gonna see who is the better man.
[Cole] And it can't get any more exciting
than with the World Championship on the line.
The momentum's beginning to shift.
The challenger, Batista, trying to climb to the top rope,
looking to get out of the cage,
looking to win the championship here tonight on SmackDown.
[JBL] These fans are getting to their feet.
They realize they're about to see something special.
[Cole] Undertaker realizing his championship may be hanging by a thread.
And then, again, the attack on the injured leg.
[groaning]
[crowd exclaiming]
[Cole] And this is what being World Champion means
to both of these Superstars.
[JBL] And that is not exactly
how you want to come down off that cage, Michael.
[Cole] And it allows The Undertaker an opening,
and we know what the legendary Undertaker can do when he has the upper hand.
[JBL] Undertaker is one of the best finishers in this game.
When he gets a guy down, he knows how to beat him.
[Cole] Undertaker bounces off the rope.
Big boot driving Batista's skull off that metal, that steel.
[JBL] And it doesn't forgive, Michael.
It doesn't bend. It barely moves.
And this is where it becomes dangerous,
where you can use that cage as a weapon, much like The Undertaker did here.
[crowd exclaiming]
[JBL] This is where The Undertaker leans on his knowledge of a cage match.
He understands where he is at all times.
He understands to win a match like that, that cage has got to be your friend.
[Cole] Batista rights and lefts, unloading on the champion.
[crowd shouting]
The Animal driving The Undertaker back.
[grunting]
[Cole] Both men knocked down, center of the ring.
And if there was ever a turning point in a Steel Cage matchup,
it could be here.
It could be the opportunity for someone to escape the cage.
Who will be World Champion? This epic battle continues inside a cage.
[crowd shouting]
We are back on SmackDown.
World Heavyweight Title hanging in the balance.
Batista into the cover, on the champion, The Undertaker, who kicks out at two.
Watch the boot as we came back from commercial break.
The impact by Batista to the champion.
[JBL] This is wanting to win a championship.
These guys have been to absolute hell and back.
And now we are seeing the culmination of what could be the greatest rivalry
in sports entertainment for the last decade.
[Cole] Inside a 15-foot-high steel cage, The Undertaker, the champion,
Batista, the challenger.
You win the matchup by pinfall, submission, or escape
over the top or through the door, where both feet must hit the floor.
Batista with a right, and Undertaker looks a bit punch-drunk, John.
Undertaker does not look to be himself at this juncture of the matchup.
And a big clothesline by The Animal, and Batista in firm control.
To the cover.
Shoulders down. For the title. And a kickout by The Phenom.
[JBL] And you see right now
they're focusing more upon each other, Michael.
They tested earlier if they had a chance to get out of the cage.
They found out that to get out of the cage,
they're going to have to debilitate their opponent
and they realized that has to be done in the middle of the ring.
[Cole] And there's a right hand by Undertaker.
Went right back to the knee.
They tried to take each other out at Backlash.
They couldn't do it 'cause neither man made the ten count,
so there was no winner,
which is why we're here tonight inside a steel cage on SmackDown.
Backing Batista into the corner.
"The Phenom" The Undertaker,
again, to work on the injured leg of Batista.
Three hundred pounds.
Like a freight train.
[JBL] Undertaker's feeling it.
This is where The Deadman is the absolute most dangerous.
The five-time World Champion, Undertaker
is in complete control right now.
[Cole] Snake Eyes!
Boot!
Right to the face.
[Cole] And The Phenom, survival tactics at full force.
Measuring Batista.
-Fixing for the chokeslam. -[JBL] If he hits it, we're done.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Undertaker, chokeslam, planting Batista!
[JBL] Ball game.
[Cole] The Phenom looking to retain the World Championship.
-Crawls to the cover. Shoulders down. -One, two…
[Cole] There's two. He got it! No.
[crowd roaring]
And this battle will continue.
[JBL] Here we go, Michael.
[Cole] But maybe not for long.
The Undertaker claims, "Put this one in the books."
[JBL] The Undertaker head says,
"You better find a fat lady and tell her to sing."
[Cole] Calling for a Tombstone Piledriver
that felled Batista at WrestleMania, but The Animal countered,
and Undertaker headfirst, face-first, skull-first off the steel.
[JBL] That was a great counter.
[Cole] Indeed a great counter, John, and a counter that I believe,
yes, did bust open The Undertaker.
The challenger, Batista, may have the upper hand,
may be closing in on the title.
[announcer] Next week, an unstoppable force
has taken over Raw.
[Ross] 7'3", 420 pounds.
[announcer] Will this giant's path of destruction lead to gold?
[Ross] Are we looking at the future?
Is the Great Khali our next WWE Champion?
[announcer] Next week, live on Raw.
[JBL] Right for that busted head.
[Cole] Oh, flesh no match for steel.
And The Animal does it as he plants The Undertaker!
We're gonna crown a new champion!
There's two! He got it!
No, The Undertaker, at two and a half, rolled out.
[JBL] This is where Batista needs to get out of the ring.
You got The Undertaker dazed, confused.
How many years has it been since you've seen that happen?
[Cole] Batista with the right hands to the open wound
that is gushing by "The Phenom" The Undertaker.
And Batista may be taking your advice, heeding your advice, John.
Gonna climb to the top of the cage, looking to escape.
Looking to win the World Championship, using The Undertaker.
I thought for a moment…
[crowd cheering]
Uh-oh.
-Uh-oh. -[JBL] Bad position.
[Cole] Uh-oh. Oh!
Out of desperation, perhaps, The Undertaker manages to get a shoulder
over his fallen victim.
At two and a half, Batista kicks out again.
[JBL] We are seeing one hell of a trilogy.
What these guys did at WrestleMania, at Backlash,
we are seeing it carried forward
[Cole] Undertaker gonna go to the door.
Undertaker's gonna escape! The door is open!
The champion's gonna retain the title!
Undertaker crawling out of the cage.
Both feet have to hit the floor. Batista in pursuit.
His championship dreams…
are holding on by a thread, by a boot of The Undertaker.
And Batista managed to keep The Phenom in the cage,
and the door has been snapped shut yet again.
[crowd chanting]
Ladies and gentlemen, this is what being World Champion is about.
[JBL] This is where you find out what you got in your soul,
what you got in your heart.
I told you, it's about the heart and it's about desire.
[Cole] Oh my. What the hell is Undertaker doing?
On the top rope.
He's got Batista's throat in his massive hand.
Undertaker looking to the mat below.
Evil intentions, perhaps for The Phenom, and Batista realized it.
[crowd booing]
[JBL] The problem, Michael,
punches that knock you out are punches you don't see,
and with that blood in Undertaker's eyes,
he's not seeing that right hand of Batista.
[Cole] Both men perilously perched on the top rope.
The first man to fall may be the first man to lose,
and Undertaker to the mat and gives Batista a distinct advantage
to try to climb over the cage!
The Animal, his senses are regaining of his championship.
[JBL] If he gets out, we've got a new champion.
[Cole] Undertaker sits up.
[crowd cheering]
But will it be too late?
The Phenom to the top rope.
Batista, Batista!
[JBL] Somebody's gonna get down first.
[Cole] Undertaker up and out as well.
Batista crawling over, Undertaker crawling over.
Who's gonna be champion?
Undertaker dropping down, Batista dropping down.
-Both men! -[bell ringing]
[crowd shouting]
What the…
I…
[JBL] What's the ruling?
[Cole] Well…
[JBL] We got referees in perfect position.
What's the ruling?
How'd you see it down there?
I seen him at the floor at the same time he dropped there.
'Cause from where I was, it looked…
[Cole] Well, the question is, who is the World Champion?
[indistinct conversation]
Hold on. Hold on.
[indistinct conversation]
Guys, somebody in the truck,
please get us a replay on one of these monitors.
We got to get a replay on one of these monitors.
[Cole] And here it is.
[crowd buzzing]
Well, let's watch it again, uh, in slo-mo.
[JBL] Guys, this is a World Championship.
-You've got to make a call. -Hang on, John. Hang on.
Can we see the replay just one more time, guys?
One more time. The referees need to see this replay.
Let's watch how close this actually is.
Undertaker and Batista, who hits first?
[crowd chanting] Undertaker!
[clapping rhythmically]
Undertaker!
[clapping rhythmically]
Undertaker!
[clapping rhythmically]
[man] Batista!
[overlapping shouting]
The decision, both men's feet hit the floor at the same time.
This match is considered a draw.
In the event of a tie, as we all know, the champion retains his title,
so still your champion, The Undertaker.
-Okay. -All right?
Ladies and gentlemen, the referees have concluded
that both men's feet touched the floor at the same time.
Therefore, this match is a draw.
[crowd booing]
Now, in all cases, a tie goes to the champion,
therefore still the World Heavyweight Champion,
The Undertaker!
[Cole] Well, there you have it, John,
and, I mean, honestly I think I got to agree with the officials
after watching replay after replay, but it's a damn shame,
the matchup, where both of these men put their bodies on the line, ended that way.
And The Under-- Hey!
Mark Henry, The World's Strongest Man, assaulting the champion!
Right hands off the skull of the champion.
Mark Henry said he was gonna return and make an impact.
[JBL] He's The World's Strongest Man.
What are you gonna do about it?
[Cole] And Henry is targeting the open wound of The Undertaker.
And the champion…
[JBL] Whatever was left of The Undertaker is being destroyed right now.
[Cole] Undertaker is helpless.
Undertaker driven spine-first to the post,
has absolutely no clue, John, where he is.
[JBL] Completely defenseless.
He's got that hurt arm, he's got that busted-up head.
Undertaker is a sitting duck right now for The World's Strongest Man.
[Cole] Mark Henry put the locker room on notice…
and what a way to do that by taking out the champion.
[JBL] Remember, Mark Henry put out Benoit, Mysterio, Batista.
He's about to add one more champion to his list.
[Cole] This is unfair.
This is unfair.
The Undertaker has been decimated after a Steel Cage Match,
and he is being destroyed by Mark Henry,
who has no business being out here.
[crowd booing, shouting]
This is ridiculous. This is a travesty.
The Undertaker is motionless.
[crowd booing]
-Come on. Keep it moving. -[fan] Man, you suck!
You suck!
[JBL] He said he wanted to make an impact, Michael,
and he said there wasn't anything anybody could do about it.
-[Cole] Whoa, whoa! -["Metalingus" by Alter Bridge playing]
-It… No. -[JBL] You've got to be kidding me.
-[JBL] No! -[Cole] No.
-[JBL] No. Come on, Edge.
No. Not this way.
No, damn it!
No!
I'm cashing in! I'm cashing in!
[Cole] No.
Cashing that in. Cashing it in.
[crowd roaring]
Cashing in!
[Cole] I can't…
Come here.
Edge is cashing in his Money in the Bank title match here tonight.
Therefore, this is an official world title match, okay?
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been informed
that Edge is cashing in
his Money in the Bank Championship Match,
so therefore this is an official championship match
for the World Heavyweight Championship!
[Cole] This is not happening. Please tell me this is not happening.
[JBL] It's brilliant.
It's brilliant, Michael.
-[bell ringing] -[Cole] The referee is disgusted.
-I'm disgusted. Here's the cover. -One, two…
Hook of the leg, and Undertaker kicked out.
Come on, Taker!
Come on, Undertaker!
Cover again, and again the champion kicks out.
[JBL] But how much does Undertaker have left?
-[Cole] The referee had no choice. -[JBL] He's spent.
[Cole] The referee had no choice but to make this match official.
Edge has cashed in the Money in the Bank
he won on Raw Monday night, and Undertaker…
-[JBL] You're kidding me. -[Cole] The beaten Undertaker.
Undertaker tried to sit up.
He couldn't quite do it.
After the assault by Mark Henry, the battle in the steel cage,
but perhaps Edge is second-guessing himself here.
What does he have to do to keep The Phenom down?
[JBL] Edge is a shark that smells blood in the water, Michael.
He's become World Champion like this before.
And I don't care how many times The Undertaker sits up,
he's got nothing left.
[Cole] Undertaker can't even pull himself up by the ropes.
He is a beaten, defenseless, helpless champion, and that piranha--
[JBL] As much as you don't like him, Michael,
this is a brilliant, brilliant move by Edge.
[Cole] That sick piranha.
That piranha Edge is measuring The Undertaker.
[JBL] He's a piranha that could be our next World Champion.
[Cole] Spear!
-The cover. Not this way! -One, two…
-Not this way! -…three!
-[bell rings] -[Cole] Damn it!
["Metalingus" by Alter Bridge playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner
and the new World Heavyweight Champion,
"The Rated-R Superstar" Edge!
[Cole] I am absolutely sick.
I am disgusted.
The ultimate opportunist has done it again.
[JBL] This is the second time he's won a World Championship like this, Michael.
And I don't care how disgusted you are.
Sometimes, you win by attrition, but what is important is you win.
Right there, Michael, is our new World Champion, Edge.
[Cole] I can't… I'm still trying to get it all straight in my mind.
I mean, it's shocking.
It is startling.
-Edge is-- -I earned this! This is mine!
[Cole] Yeah, it is yours.
-It is yours, Edge. -[JBL] You're damn right it is.
[Cole] Just a surreal couple of minutes developing here.
It began with The World's Strongest Man.
Watch the right hand, watch the sweat fly from the bloody skull of The Undertaker.
Undertaker had gone through a grueling match
inside a steel cage for over 30 minutes with "The Animal" Batista,
before being assaulted by the 400-pound World's Strongest Man.
And then Edge cashing in the Money in the Bank.
And it almost didn't seem fair.
But Edge had every right to do this, and the referee was powerless to stop it.
And Edge became the new World Champion,
but not without a fight by "The Phenom" The Undertaker.
But the spear by the vulture,
and Edge picks up the one, two, three.
Edge, a history-making event on SmackDown tonight.
Edge steals the title in the Steel City tonight!
[JBL] You can't call it theft, Michael, when he did it legally.
A drastic change.
That right there is the face of a man
who loves being champion.
[Cole] The shocked champion, former champion, I should say.
I can't even get it straight in my head after what has transpired here tonight.
[crowd cheering and booing]
And it's not over yet.
Edge with the Money in the Bank briefcase off the skull.
[crowd buzzing]
What the hell did that prove?
It wasn't enough you came out here
and took advantage of a beaten champion?
[JBL] That's an exclamation point, Michael.
All hail our new champion.
The Undertaker, as great as he is, was just bested by Edge.
[Cole] Edge has changed the landscape of SmackDown like no one in history.
[crowd booing] changed the landscape of SmackDown like no one in history.